He's Captured My Soul (Captured Series Book 3)

by Karen Frances

  “Alex, I don’t think my aching body could take anymore, so Michael coming straight here is fine with me.”

  “I hear you loud and clear, Mrs. Mathews. Look I better go and get some work done. Have a good morning shopping. We can go out at the weekend shopping, if you’re needing clothes, we will have to get you some dresses for these functions your dad wants us to attend.”

  “Yeah I know, we can decide on the weekend later, there’s no rush,” I tell him. “Love you.”

  “Love you too.”

  We end our call. I stretch, deciding it’s about time to get up. I won’t get anything done lying in my bed, will I? Quick shower, dress in the dreaded leggings and a jumper and head downstairs to eat, because all I seem to be at the moment is hungry. I’ve decided to take my gym gear with me to the hotel in the hope I can fit in a workout after my meeting with Kieran.

  Downstairs is unusually quiet; it’s strange not having Joan in the kitchen this morning. I put some music on along with the kettle. Considering we all only got home yesterday, Joan was busy when she went shopping, the fridge is full. I decide on fresh fruit and natural yogurt and toast. I text Kirsty.

  So we are home when do you want to meet up? x

  She replies; What about tonight. I know Michael will be here the 4 of us could go for dinner x

  Me; Alex and I are going out tonight.

  Kirsty; Tell him he’s had you all to himself for weeks. I want to see you x

  Me; Take it up with him then.x

  Kirsty; I will. Speak to you later x

  I’m sure she will manage to speak with Alex at some point today. So I can look forward to seeing her tonight. She usually knows how to get her own way.

  When I finally leave the flat, I know exactly where I’m headed. There’s a little designer shop just a short distance away from Glasgow city centre with good parking apparently. I’ll find that out when I get there.

  The shop was easy enough to find and the website was right, plenty of parking.

  “Good morning,” the shop assistant calls as I enter the shop. “If you need anything just let me know.”

  “Morning.”

  “Remember when looking at clothes just pick up your normal size,” the girl tells me.

  “Thanks.”

  The shop has a great range of clothes here. I start with looking for a few pieces for work as I walk around the shop. I could very easily spend a whole day in here trying on clothes. God, I wish Sophie was here; she would know exactly what I was looking for. Me, I just want something that doesn’t scream frumpy.

  “Would you like a hand?” she asks.

  “Yes, please.”

  “First, when are you due?”

  “In August and I’m having twins, I tell her.

  “Oh how exciting. So what are you looking for, work wear, casual or occasion?”

  “A bit of everything.”

  I spend the next hour with the sales assistant who is lovely. When I finally leave the shop, I have changed into a smart cowl neck long-sleeved plum dress that looks great with the boots I had on and a pair of tights. Smart enough for a work meeting. I load the bags into the back of my car. There are a few dresses for work along with a couple of skirts and blouses; I even got a pair of jeans that sit under my bump. They are prefect; I didn’t care much for the ones that went over my bump.

  I text Alex before driving.

  I got a few bits and pieces. When we go shopping I should include new underwear. x

  Alex; That can be arranged I love seeing you in underwear although I do prefer you naked. x

  Me; Enough see you later. x

  Alex; Can I get to see you later without the underwear?

  Me; If you play your cards right.

  Alex; You’re making it impossible for me to work.

  Me; Love you x

  The drive out to Loch Lomond seems to take forever today. By the time I arrive at the estate it’s after one, so I’m glad I didn’t set a specific time to meet with Kieran. He had wanted to meet at eleven, but I said I would be in when I was in. I don’t park at the hotel, instead I continue my drive down the estate and I’m surprised to see a team of workers down at the site that will be our home.

  I watch them from the car for a few minutes; my mind wanders to what this area will look like when it’s all finished. When it’s finished there will be three homes here: ours, the cottage and hopefully Ethan’s. The cottage will be for Murphy and Joan; I’m sure they will love it. I don’t dwell on Ethan for long because I really do hope that we will all be staying here. I know that will depend on what happens between him and Sophie.

  I leave the building site and drive back to the hotel. Fraser is outside at the entrance when I pull up in my car.

  “Good afternoon, Mrs. Mathews,” he says as I exit the car and hand him my keys. “Your holiday seems to have agreed with you.”

  “Afternoon, and thanks Fraser. Now before I go and meet with Kieran, how have things been?” I ask him. Fraser was a very good friend of my grandfather and is very loyal, so I know he will tell me.

  “Well, Mrs. Mathews, I have to be honest. Kieran has done a grand job,” he replies warmly. “And Mrs. Mathews, congratulations on your wonderful news. You know, your grandfather would be so proud of the young woman you have become.” I nod, acknowledging him. I can’t say anything because I can feel myself getting emotional at the mere mention of my granddad.

  Sally lifts her head as soon as I enter. I’m greeted with her warm smile. “Afternoon, Mrs. Mathews and congratulations.”

  “Thanks, Sally. Is Kieran in the office?”

  “No, would you like me to track him down?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “Will I have tea sent through for you?” she asks.

  “Yes, thank you.”

  I make my way to my office and I’m pleased to see that Kieran has managed to keep it clean. He can be a bit of a slob if you don’t keep going on at him. I’m always having a go at him to clean up after himself. I switch on the computer and make a start on my emails, because I never checked these while I was away. There’s a lot to get through. Most of them are the usual suppliers’ invoices. But there’s one with an email address that’s all too familiar. Jeff’s. How is it possible for him to contact me? I open it, even though I know I shouldn’t do it.

  My dearest Libby, or should I call you Mrs. Mathews. You still manage to upset me. What is it he sees in you? I now know why he is still with you, you’re having his babies. Did you think that I wouldn’t hear about it, even stuck in this place? You really don’t belong with him you belong with me. You will see that sooner rather than later. But you need to get rid of the babies, because I will not bring up his.

  I don’t read anymore—I’ve seen enough. Not a person I thought I would be hearing from again anytime soon. I’m going to have to contact my lawyer, and let him see this. Surely he can’t be allowed to do this. And as for his comments, yes they’ve shaken me a little, but I’m a lot stronger than he gives me credit for. I pick up my phone and call Alex. I don’t want to keep any secrets from him, but he is going to be angry about this regardless of what I do. Especially if I don’t tell him and he finds out later. His phone goes straight to voice mail; he must still be in a meeting or picking up Michael.

  I call my lawyer, because I don’t want to forget about it. He tells me not to worry too much about it and to send him a copy of it straight over, which I do, and he will deal with it for me. Well, he does get paid to do this sort of thing.

  Kieran enters the office with two cups in hand and a packet of biscuits in his mouth just as I’m finishing up my phone call.

  “So you come bearing gifts?” I tease him. “Is this to soften the blow?”

  “Come and blow at the same time, you have got a dirty mind, Mrs. Mathews.” I laugh, because really what else is there to do? I walked straight into that. He puts the cups down and hands me the biscuits. “You look refreshed. stand up and let me see you.”

  I sta
nd and give him a twirl, although I know he’s only wanting to see the bump.

  “You are certainly blossoming, a nice little bump now for all to see.”

  “What’s little about it? I’m going to end up massive.” I cringe as I tell him.

  “Well, in my opinion, you’re going to be one sexy hot mother-to-be. And I’m sure Alex would agree with my statement, and his opinion should be the only one that counts.” He grins. “Now if I’m not mistaken, that was your lawyer on the phone; is everything alright?”

  “Yes and no, Jeff has been in touch.” He comes round beside me and I show him the email. He takes my hand as he reads it, and mutters ‘that bastard.’

  “Are you okay? Does Alex know?”

  “Yes, I’m fine, and no I can’t get a hold of Alex. He had a meeting and was then picking Michael up from the airport. I will tell him as soon as I see him. Now let’s get me brought up to speed on what’s been happening here.”

  We spend over an hour going through the last few weeks, and other than a few teething problems Kieran had at the start, everything has gone well. He tells me enquiries and bookings for wedding receptions has seen an increase since my own wedding made headlines in the papers. See, there is a good side to the press. I have a list of couples to contact, to arrange viewings and go through what we offer. The list Kieran has given me is a long one. I will need to spread my calls out over a few days. I mark these in my diary for next week; that should keep me busy.

  We finish our meeting and I make my way to the kitchen; I need to see Karl and if I’m in luck he might even feed me. The biscuits were nice, but I am needing something a bit more than that to eat, some proper food.

  I find Karl in his office. “So, this is where you are hiding?”

  “Not hiding, contemplating having a break,” he tells me. Perfect.

  “Take a break with me then, and feed me. I’m hungry,” I tell him.

  He laughs as we leave the office and walk toward the canteen. The canteen is empty, well it is late on. Everyone except the chefs have most likely already had lunch. We both take some soup and bread and sit down.

  “You’re looking well, Libby. I trust you enjoyed your break?”

  “Thanks and yes. I loved St. Lucia; it was paradise. And then New York was bloody freezing, with lots of snow. So did you and Kieran get on?” I ask wanting to hear.

  “Of course we did. I’ve told you before Kieran and I get on just fine; not the team of me and you.” He laughs. I’ve missed his humour.

  “I’m glad to hear it. Now all these enquiries about weddings, can only be a good thing,” I say.

  “Yes, of course they are. But I want to go through menus with you at the start of the week. We need to have a look at costs; we are offering a premium service at the fraction of the cost some of the bigger hotels charge.”

  “I know.” I sigh knowing he’s wanting me to up the prices. “But we’re not a big hotel with a big name.”

  “Libby, but we are. We might not have thousands of rooms, but we have a big name and a massive location. You and I can both agree that we are busier since you and Alex first got together. We’ve had some great publicity and we’ve made the most of it, but since your own wedding pictures hit the papers we have been inundated with reservations for the restaurant and our functions. It’s all good at the moment, so we need to take advantage of the situation we find ourselves in. Opportunities like this don’t come around every day.”

  I know he’s right. “Okay, we will sit down first thing Monday morning and have a look at our prices and services. I do think there is room to improve on the services we offer for weddings.”

  “See, you’re not just a pretty face.”

  “No I like to think I’m a lot more than that. Now how did Valentine weekend go?” I ask.

  Karl tells me all about Valentines weekend, how well it all went. We also talk about his plans for the Mother’s Day menu, which I know is only a few short weeks away. He also tells me Dad popped in a few times, just to see how he and Kieran were coping. Karl and Kieran know that I was given the hotel as a wedding present from my dad, but none of the staff know. And at the moment I’m wanting to keep it like that, although I’m not sure if Ethan told Stephen.

  As we sit talking, my mind wanders slightly.

  “Karl, what do you think about a romantic loch tour for two?” I ask him out of the blue.

  “I wouldn’t say no to you, but given you’re recently married, maybe it’s not such a good idea.” I can’t help but laugh at him, especially when he manages to say it with a very straight face.

  “Well?”

  “Well, I think it’s something else to consider, weigh up all the costs. We have the speedboat.” I frown. “From that look I guess you’re maybe thinking about investing in something a little more luxurious?”

  “Yes, given our location we could offer romantic proposals.”

  “We can discuss it in more detail on Monday. Now should you still be here?” he asks.

  “Well, I’m planning on going to the gym for a bit before heading home. I hope Stephen isn’t too busy, so he can give me a hand with my weights.”

  “Remember, don’t overdo it. This knight is a bit busy today, to be rescuing you,” he says with a huge grin on his face.

  “I won’t. I promise.”

  I leave Karl and head to the changing rooms. I notice Alex hasn’t been in touch yet, I drop him a text.

  I’m just going into the gym I won’t be any longer than an hour here. xx

  Stephen works me hard in the gym. I am surprised with myself that I managed most of it. He did advise me not to do any running, which I know will please Alex. He wanted me to check with my midwife about that. His thoughts were the running wouldn’t be good for the babies. I had to laugh, especially given some of the weights he had me lifting. He’s going to sort out a program for me, but he wants me to let him know when I will be in the gym. Stephen is insisting someone is always with me, just in case. I suppose he’s only being cautious.

  He asks about Ethan and Sophie; I can only tell him what I know. It turns out Stephen was aware of the problems Ethan and Lindsay were having. I’m glad Ethan had someone to confide in. Stephen really likes Sophie; he thinks she’s good for him. I do as well; it would be nice if things worked out for them.

  I shower quickly and change after I finish talking to Stephen. My hair takes a little longer than I would've liked to get it dry. I check my phone as I leave, noticing that Michael has phoned me. I call him.

  “Hi, Michael.”

  “I thought Alex was meant to be picking me up?” he asks.

  “Was that not hours ago?”

  “My plane was delayed, but he knew this. He assured me he would still get me. I tried calling, but no answer and I can’t get hold of Murphy.”

  “I know he had a meeting earlier and Murphy is with Joan. I’m just leaving the hotel; I can be at the airport in twenty minutes,” I tell him.

  “Thanks, Libby. I’ll go and grab a coffee then head to the parking lot.”

  “Okay. I’ll see you in a bit.”

  I end the call and dial Alex straight away, and it goes to voicemail. I wonder if his phone has run out of battery, although it’s not like him.

  I don’t get to leave the hotel straight away. I get stopped by a few members of staff congratulating me, on both the wedding and my pregnancy. When I do finally get to leave the hotel, its twenty minutes later, the time I told Michael I would get him. I text him.

  Sorry just leaving now. Be with you soon.

  Michael; That’s fine don’t rush.

  When I finally arrive at the airport, Michael looks frozen. So glad I have the heating on in my wee car. I stop in front of him and he opens the boot and puts his case in, before climbing in the front.

  “Now you know I like this car, but where’s the other one?” he asks.

  “Alex has mine today, because Murphy has his. Have you spoken with him yet?”

  “No. I take it you�
��ve not either?”

  “No,” I answer, although I’m a little concerned now.

  “So, Kirsty tells me, we’re all going out for dinner.”

  I laugh, thinking about the conversation between her and Alex. “Alex and I were meant to be going out on our own, but Kirsty said she wanted to see me and told me she would take it up with him. So now are you staying with us or with Kirsty for your stay?”

  “I’m staying at yours, with maybe the odd night with Kirsty. I like to keep my options open, you should know me by now. So how is married life treating you, Mrs. Mathews ?”

  “It’s interesting. That’s all you’ll get from me,” I tell him, as I start the car. I switch some music on and turn up the heating. It shouldn’t be long before we get home. It’s funny it’s only been a few days since I saw Michael, but it does seem so much longer.

  The phone rings in the car, I answer pressing speaker without seeing who’s calling, hoping it’s finally Alex.

  “Hello.”

  “Mrs. Mathews?” the ladies voice at the other end asks. I look at Michael, and I’m sure the concern I see in his eyes mirrors my own.

  “Yes.”

  I have goosebumps all over my skin as I listen to what she tells me. We both hear everything that’s she’s said. I know where I need to be.

  NOT QUITE SURE HOW I managed to continue driving after that phone call, but I did and now the car is parked. Michael has his arm around me, supporting me as we walk through the hospital doors. I stop and pause, not sure I’m ready to be here again. I’m really beginning to hate this place, and hate is a strong word for me to use.

  “Libby, come on.” I hear the unease in the tone of his voice. “We need to go and find out how he is.” I nod.

  Michael goes straight to reception and gives them my details, explaining who called me. I stand looking around the emergency waiting room feeling completely numb. We should’ve stayed away longer, then I wouldn’t be here waiting to see how Alex is. We should have gone back to St. Lucia after New York, back to our own little paradise in the mountains. That’s where we’ve both been the happiest. Why did we have to come home? My work—that’s the only reason we came home. This is all my fault.