by Lewis, L. K.
“I’ve spent time thinking about that too, and especially given the conversation I had with him yesterday I really have no idea what his motives are other than to punish me. I set everything in motion over here for the European division to basically run itself more smoothly and prosperously than ever before. Until the other night I hadn’t communicated with you, which was basically like cutting off one of my limbs. I’ve paid my penance for breaking the rules and there is not much more I can do to convince him I’m ready for the helm.
“What’s done is done though, and I only want to focus on moving forward with you. We found our way back to each other, so I don’t want to dwell on the past or waste any of my time on people like my father. Why don’t you sit and rest while I start packing, and in a few hours I’ll take you to dinner. I’d much rather spend my time out in public with you, then very privately back here later,” I say as I kiss my favorite spot at the base of her neck above her collar bone.
“Mmmm. You know, we don’t have to wait until later to have some private time,” Morgan says as she unwraps her hands from my neck and leads me to my bed.
Chapter 19
Morgan
In the cab on the way to the airport I stare out of the window and think about the past few days and how my life has taken such an amazing turn. I still cannot believe my New Year’s getaway has returned my love to me, and also opened my eyes about Adrian. His intentions to get me back may have been pure, but lies and manipulation are not the way to win my heart. Especially when it already belongs to someone else. It was kind of fun packing Drake’s apartment with him. He really didn’t have a lot of stuff there, because he packed so hastily to come here and he really didn’t do much besides work while he was there. I saw a little embarrassment in Drake’s face when I noticed some of my things that he brought with him. I thought it was sweet though that he wanted a piece of me with him.
We shipped the majority of Drake’s things back to the States and Drake printed our boarding passes last night, so with only one carry-on each we were able to make our way through security and head towards our gate with ease.
Drake doesn’t seem to notice when we walk right past our gate. “Uh, babe, I think we just walked past our gate.”
“No we didn’t,” Drake says as he grabs my hand and lifts it to his lips to give it a tender kiss as we keep walking.
“But the gate said JFK,” I say.
“I know,” he says, while giving me a mischievous smile and a wink.
“I’m confused. I thought we are going home.”
“We are.”
“So….what’s going on then?” I ask, absolutely loving the fact that Drake is clearly up to something.
“We have a little stop to make first,” he says.
“A little stop? We’re in the international terminal. Where are we going?”
“You’ll see,” Drake says as he lets go of my hand to wrap that arm around me and kiss the top of my head. We walk a little further until we are almost at the end of the terminal and Drake casually guides us to our gate. I read the departure sign and am overcome with joy. I stop walking and look into his face, noticing the shit eating grin he’s wearing. Clearly the man is happy with himself.
“PARIS?” I squeal so loudly that most of the heads at our gate turn to look.
“I thought we could re-create the scene at the baggage claim a few months ago where I watch you get your bag and sadly yet with hope still in your eyes grab a cab. Only this time, we’ll simply just depart from the airport carry-ons in hand and grab a cab together.”
I throw my arms around Drake, tears spilling down my cheeks, and sob into his chest. “I wanted so badly for you to be there. I searched and searched for you, Drake. It broke my heart when I couldn’t find you.”
“I was there. I’m so sorry I couldn’t go to you. It was nearly impossible not to, but Morgan, we wouldn’t be standing here right now if I had. You found me, baby. When you met me on your first day at Baylor what seems like a lifetime ago you found me. Only this time I’m not letting you go.”
“I’m not letting you go either. Whatever the future holds for us, Drake, we will figure it out together.”
****
As we leave through the departures exit Drake stops for a moment and takes a cleansing breath as he stares into my eyes. “You are the most beautiful person in the entire world. I’ve said before that I will make mistakes but I learn quickly. I’ve made mistakes with our relationship in the past and I’ve learned from every single one of them. I’m excited to step into our future together here and use what I’ve learned to be a better man for you and our baby. There’s no one else in the world I’d rather be here with than you.”
“Drake, you are the perfect man for me and our baby. You love us so much. That’s all we need,” I say as I reach a hand to his face and draw him down for a kiss. We hail a cab and make our way to our hotel.
We arrive at the Hotel Banke which is located in the opera district, and as our concierge Meredith (an American now living in Paris) points out, is within walking distance to most of the Paris attractions. She also explains that the hotel used to be an actual bank and still maintains a lot of its original architectural charm. She escorts us to the La Fayette suite and goes on to say that she has always had a love for Paris and when she and her husband honeymooned at this very hotel they fell in love with the culture and their surroundings so much that they never left. They simply hired a service to pack their apartment and ship their belongings, including their dog, and have been here ever since.
“You must be exhausted, my love. This has been a long trip for you already. Should I call down and have some tea and something to eat sent up?” Drake asks as he brushes the hair off my face and leans down to gently kiss my cheek.
“I’m okay, I’d rather take a long bath with you.”
“That sounds perfect. I’ll go fill the tub.”
Drake
I never feel so complete and at peace as when Morgan is in my arms. She has a calming presence about her that is so grounding. Sitting in this old claw-foot tub surrounded by aromatic bubbles with my arms wrapped around her makes everything I went through these past few months so worth it. It’s amazing how easy it was for me to leave my apartment and Zurich. Being with Morgan makes sense so I never questioned whether or not it was the right thing to do. My father may have fired me yesterday, but he will quickly learn that he needs me at Baylor. I most likely should have stayed for a few more days to tie up some loose ends, but that would have meant leaving Morgan for a few hours a day and right now that’s not something I’m willing to do. I can always fly back for a few days should the need arise.
“How should we tell your family?” I ask Morgan, pulling us both out of our serene silence.
“I’m not quite sure. I’ve been thinking about it and haven’t come up with a lot. It’ll be a little shocking I think. ‘Hi Mom, Hi Dad, you remember Drake? The one I searched the globe for? Well, while on vacation with Adrian, I ran into him and we are back together. Oh yeah! By the way, I’m four months pregnant with his baby.’ I don’t think there’s a card for that. Maybe I should contact Hallmark?” She giggles a little nervously.
“Yeah, I don’t think there is an easy way to break this kind of news. I sort of blurted it out on the phone with my dad,” I say.
“You told your dad?”
“Yeah, don’t worry though, he won’t tell your parents. I don’t think he’s going to be a boastful grandfather. He didn’t really have anything to do with me as a kid, so I doubt he’ll be interested in spending any time with our baby.”
“Oh Drake, I’m sorry, that’s awful. My parents will be thrilled once they wrap their heads around the idea. Our baby is going to be surrounded by so much love, he won’t miss out on spending time with anyone who doesn’t want time with him.”
“Him?” I ask.
“Or her, I guess it doesn’t matter really as long as they are healthy. Maybe we should just stay here and never
return like Meredith and her husband did,” Morgan says, and I actually spend a moment entertaining the idea.
“That’s an amazing idea, baby, but I just want to get you back home and start putting our roots down as a family,” I say.
“I like the sound of that, mister,” she says as a yawn escapes her mouth. Morgan lets her head rock to one side exposing her neck, so I lean down and give it a few soft kisses.
“You’re exhausted,baby, let’s get you to bed now. We have a fun day ahead of us tomorrow so I want you to get your rest,” I say. I help Morgan to stand then wrap her in a towel and carry her to bed. I watch Morgan fall asleep in what seems to be our new position with me spooning Morgan’s bare body snuggled close to my chest, my hand gently caressing her baby bump. I wait a few moments longer after I’m sure she’s sound asleep and gently kiss her shoulder before I slip out of bed to make a very important call.
“Good evening, Drake, I’ve been expecting your call,” Jim Lane says when he picks up my call on the first ring.
“Hello, Sir. If you’ve been expecting my call I can only assume you’ve spoken with my father,” I answer, hoping to hell this conversation goes as smoothly as I’m hoping it will. It’s not every day you ask a man permission to marry his daughter, especially after you’ve already knocked her up.
“Yes, Sr. called me shortly after your phone conversation the other day. He wanted to warn me that my only child, the person that means the most to me in this world, has been knocked up by a worthless, unemployable asshole.”
“Mr. Lane, if I can just say-” I try to explain myself, but am cut off by Jim.
“Drake, I told your father to go to hell. Twenty-five years of friendship doesn’t give him the right to talk about my daughter or the father of my grandchild that way.”
I sit there for a moment completely shocked and speechless that Jim has defended my honor. I don’t think anyone has ever done something like that before. After a moment I snap out of it, realizing I haven’t said anything in response. “Thank you, Sir, I appreciate that,” I manage to say.
“Not at all, and please…call me Jim. Now, I’m assuming there is a reason for your phone call,” he continues.
“Yes, Jim, there is. First of all, I’d like to personally apologize to you for what Morgan went through in my absence these last few months. In a million years, I would have never wished that heartache and despair on her and will spend the rest of my life making it up to her,” I begin.
“I appreciate that, Drake, but it isn’t me you need to apologize to, it’s Morgan.”
“I’ve apologized to her already, many times. I do owe you an apology for putting your daughter through that, and wish to also offer my heartfelt thanks for being there for her. I know Morgan has a different relationship with her mother and does everything to meet her expectations, but she always talks about the special relationship she has with you. You have been a great friend and confidant to her and I hope to be that for our child someday.
“I love your daughter, Jim, more than life itself. My absence from her these past few months was the only option I had to assure a future with Morgan, and nothing more. I want you to know that I’ve put many measures in place so I never find myself in the same position again.
“I want to marry your daughter, Jim, and I’m calling to ask your permission for Morgan’s hand in marriage. We’ve talked about marriage and children ever since we started dating and I’m so happy that we are achieving some of our dreams so early in our lives together. It just gives us longer to reach the rest of our dreams as well. I promise to take care of your daughter. I will love her and protect her, and provide for her the life she could only dream of. I promise to do that for your grandchild as well. If you give me permission to marry Morgan, not only will I give her a lifetime of happiness but protect her from as much pain and sorrow as possible as well,” I say, taking a pause to let Jim process everything I’ve said before he responds.
“It’s no secret that you’ve made mistakes in the past, Drake. I’ve been privy to a lot of the bad decisions and trouble you’ve caused your father over the years. I’ve also had the privilege to see you evolve into the bright, hardworking man you are today. I appreciate how you understand Morgan’s needs for independence as well. That is not something a lot of men can honor in a woman very easily. Morgan has told me about your dreams before. I’ve seen the way she lights up when talking about you and I’ve known that in her heart you are the man for her. You both tried to hide it on the golf course that day but it’s impossible to hide true love. Why the hell do you think I sent you off to the next tee? You were about to blow it in front of your old man,” Jim says with a chuckle into the phone.
“Look, Drake, I appreciate how much you love my daughter and I know you will make an excellent father. It's not up to me whether or not you marry Morgan, it’s up to her. I will give you my blessing and offer to you that if you ever find yourself at a crossroads in life, business, or even your marriage that I’m always here to help you as well. Your dad is not a father. He never has been and I think you know that. I’ll always be there for Morgan, and my grandchild…but I’ll always be there for you too. You deserve someone in your corner. I knew your mother and how much she loved you and how proud of you she was. I just wish your father would have told you.”
“Thank you, Jim,” I barely get out, tears streaming from my eyes. “That means the world to me. Your blessing means the world to me.”
“Good. I should also warn you that Lana will not be an easy sell. I’m sorry to say she’s always been on Adrian’s side, and now you’ve gotten our daughter pregnant out of wedlock. I haven’t told her about the baby yet. I think Morgan should at least let her know about the engagement before you bring up the baby news. But you know, do what you want,” he laughs, knowing his wife will be a tough shell to crack.
“Thanks for the advice. I’m sure I’ll need it for years to come. I’m sure Morgan will want to share the good news with you as soon as we get home in a few days, so I look forward to seeing you soon.”
“You too, Son,” Jim says, and once again I lose it.
“Have a good night, thanks again,” I say and then hang up. I sit on the couch in our suite quietly sobbing as I release many years of pent up hurt and anger at the loss of both my parents really at such a young age. Jim was absolutely right, my dad has always been in my life, but he has never really been a father, which is exactly what I need. I’ve taken responsibility for my mistakes, and I’ve moved on from them and made a life for myself and now Morgan. My dad is the only one now that seems to keep me down. He is supposed to be my rock, my support, as Jim is for Morgan. I’m just so happy Jim has accepted my mistakes and offered me a place in his family.
I regroup for a bit and then splash some cold water on my face before crawling into bed with Morgan, pulling her close to me and placing my hand over her baby bump. I told Morgan that we have a fun filled day ahead of us tomorrow; I just left out the fact that it will hopefully be life changing as well.
Morgan
Drake and I sleep in and enjoy an amazing breakfast in our suite. Meredith told us yesterday that the Banke is known for their amazing breakfasts, and it definitely meets its standard. Drake watches me eat in delight, noting that my appetite has finally hit its stride.
“I think it’s safe to say that you’ve finally moved on from chick food and are now onto man meals,” he teases. Fortunately he meets me bite for bite, so I don’t feel like a cow scarfing down the mountain of food that was brought up from room service.
“So, what do you have planned for today?” I ask as I sip my hot chocolate. It has become a very good replacement for my morning coffee. Decaf just wasn’t cutting it.
“We’ve both been to Paris a few times and have seen the sights. We’ve done the Louvre, Versailles, the Opera Garnier. I thought we could just walk around city and take in the sights on our own,” Drake says before adding, “Plus we have a mountain of food to walk off. That is, unless yo
u have other ideas how we could burn off our breakfast,” he says with a wink.
“As good as that sounds, mister, I think I choose to walk. If I don’t start moving I think you’ll have to get a luggage cart to wheel me out of here,” I giggle.
“Let’s grab a quick shower then head out. We can grab a light lunch and little snacks or sweets as we go. It'll be part of the adventure. Have you had any cravings?” Drake asks.
I smile as wide and brightly as possible and then lick my lips as I look Drake up and down. “Just one,” I say as I stand from the breakfast table, grab him by the hand and lead him to the bedroom. “The walk can wait, I’m suddenly feeling hungry again.”
Drake
While Morgan was sleeping this morning, I snuck down to the concierge desk to pick Meredith’s brain as to what she enjoys doing on her days off. It’s always nice to get a local’s perspective when traveling because they can open your eyes to incredible things you would never otherwise see. She told me that when she honeymooned here, she and her husband spent a day checking out the other lesser known churches in the area. She told me how amazing it is that even now you can see the scars left by war in and out of the churches. I absolutely love the idea that even though their history may include pain and persecution, they still display their scars as a means of remembrance of what they fought for and offer peace and solitude to those seeking it. I couldn’t think of a more symbolic place to propose to Morgan than one of these churches.
****
Morgan and I have spent the day walking around Paris, stopping in little shops and patisseries. We’ve checked out a few churches and monasteries along the way and my heart swells as Morgan compares our history to that of the church we’re in. My plan has been to propose in one of these churches but so far I haven’t found the perfect one. I think I’d rather just wait until the moment is just right and when I know, I’ll ask her.
