by Anna Edwards
"Why did you do it at the house?"
"I wanted to punish your mother."
"Punish her? You were the one fucking around." His voice raised, and he bashed the table sending a vase tumbling over. No one made any motion to correct it.
Amy interrupted. "Pete. Why were you punishing Miranda?"
"I was jealous."
"Jealous?"
His father looked at him.
"When James was hurt, it didn't just affect his life. It changed mine and Miranda's as well. We nearly lost our son."
"Oh, so you’re going to be blaming this on me, now." James had heard enough and went to the bedroom.
"Stop it, please,” Amy said. “You need to listen to everything he has to say. I don’t like it either, but we have to hear his full story. It’s the only way all of us can make a decision."
"I’m not going to have him blame me for hiring a prostitute. I can’t listen to him saying I deserved my beating again."
"He isn't, James. He’s just trying to explain everything to you.”
But how do I handle it if what happened to me was the root of their problems?
Her tender eyes looked right into his, "If that is the case then you don't handle it alone. You will have me right here with you. And if you want them you will have your mother and father as well. You need to go back in there and listen to your dad. It’s the only way you can move forward.
James took Amy by the hand and solemnly lead her back into the lounge area. His father was holding her mother, and it was evident that she was crying.
"I’m so sorry, mum."
"No, please. I’m sorry we all have to be going through this after everything yesterday, but I need you to listen to your father. As well as Sophie and Grayson and Amy here, you two are the most important people in my life, and I don't want to lose any of you from it."
"I’ll listen," He looked to his father. "You’ve my word. I’ll listen and not interrupt this time."
Everyone took their seats again, and Amy rested her hand in James' lap.
"As I said, when James was hurt our lives were also affected," His father continued. "You will remember nothing of that first night in the hospital. You were too full of morphine, but they took forever to stabilise you. They tried to get us to leave, but Matthew growled at anyone that came near us, so we stayed. We stood silently in the corner watching as they cut your shirt from the wounds on your back. Pulling fabric out of the massive craters in which they’d become embedded. All the time your heart beat went up and down. They were worried about you having a heart attack it was so erratic. Eventually, everything settled, and they put you into a coma to let you rest. I’ll always remember the faces of the doctors and nurses; they were ashen. They’d never seen anything like it before. Matthew and I left you with your mother and Sophie, and we went looking for the guys who did that. We didn't find them, but we found Colette. She was shooting her mouth off about how you were a freak that had used her in degrading sexual ways. I’m far from proud of it, but I punched her in the face. Matthew pulled me away before I could do any real damage but it was too late; I had hit a woman."
James’ chest felt like it was caving in as he struggled to get his reply out.
"You hit her?" His father looked down at the table in shame. "You were distraught, tired I should imagine. It was not your fault. You haven't done it again have you?"
"No." His father's adamant answer came quickly. "I have not seen Colette since that day, and I have no plans ever to see her again."
"That makes two of us." James looked at Amy, who had tears in her eyes.
"As you recovered, you began to shut down more and more and started to take control of everything around you. The happy, joking son I had disappeared. Miranda became obsessed with being there for you always, and you seemed to need that. That was what the fight was about that morning. I asked Miranda if we could take a few weeks' holiday away. She had said she couldn't leave you that long; she was worried enough about leaving you just for the weekend. I wanted someone just to want me, so I called that woman. She said things to me I wanted to hear.”
"She was good at that." James snorted in response.
"James, I know I made you feel that you deserved the beating, but then I saw it. I didn't want to fight you because you didn't have the strength to do so. So, I just did as you asked. I love your mother so much. Leaving that day is my biggest regret. I was a coward. I wasn't strong enough to help you. I should have tried to bring you back to life." His father looked over to Amy, "I’m just glad that Amy has come into your life and done it for me." James looked at Amy and ran a hand over her cheek to collect a tear that was tumbling down.
"What happens now?" His mother spoke.
"What do you mean?" He looked at her confused.
"James. I want my husband back in my life. I want my son as well. Can we put all this terrible hurt behind us and try to move forward?"
"I never realised how much what happened affected everyone. I did close down to what was going on around me."
James took a moment of silence to reflect on everything that he had just heard. He looked at his father and remembered the games of football on the green that they had by their old home, fumbling lessons on how to shave and the encouragement when James brought his first property. He saw his real father for the first time in a very long while.
"I won’t have you both going into debt to purchase a new house and furnish it. I’ll give you the money to do so. You can choose the home yourself, of course, on the proviso it is in Knightsbridge. No arguments, please, as it’s purely for my selfish needs, as I want you both living as close to me as possible. We’ve lost too many years we need to make up for."
"Do you really mean that?" His mother began to sniffle.
"Yes, and until we can do that, Dad, I want you to move in my house with mum. We’re going to be a proper family, one that talks about its problems and doesn't shut themselves off to them. That is what I have learned from this beautiful girl here. And I’ll love her eternally for that." He pulled Amy closer to him as they stood. His mother and father came round the table, and they all embraced together.
A cough came from the door behind them.
James knew who it was without looking. "Matthew?"
"Sorry to disturb you, but your sister is insisting on having Amy get ready for the wedding."
“I’ll bring her there in a minute.” He replied as he casually strode over to his father.
"Dad?"
"Son."
He held his hand out, and his father took it and shook it before pulling him into a bear hug. James looked over his father's shoulder and saw Amy standing with the biggest smile on her face; she winked at him.
“Dad, Amy doesn’t have anyone to give her away. We were going to use Grayson but I think, and I hope she agrees, it might be nicer if you accompany her down the aisle to bring her properly into our family.” Amy was nodding her head yes.
“I’d love to.”
Amy
Five hours later and she had been scrubbed, polished, made up and dressed to within an inch of her life and was standing outside the doors of the lilac salon in the Wynn. Surely they could just go to one of the drive-through chapels for the actual ceremony but no, James had managed to secure a beautiful venue for their wedding. He had even secured a judge coming to them to perform the marriage. She was dressed in a one-shouldered white A-line gown with a crystal waistband. Her tattoo had gone to the crusty stage, so it was better to hide it. She had Christian Louboutin shoes with crystals sewn into them. Her tatty hair had been styled into a sleek short style which reminded her of Charlize Theron in the recent Dior adverts. Her makeup was neutral, and in her ears, she had a borrowed pair of sapphire earring; Sophie had been so excited that she had brought them with her. Her flowers had whites and blues in it at well. She had smudged all her makeup when she had first seen herself in the mirror. She had no idea how Sophie had pulled this off in twenty-four hours, but she certainly was
an amazing soon-to-be sister-in-law.
She was suddenly so nervous, but those nerves were quickly put to ease when she heard Sonia's voice behind her.
"If Matthew expects me to go down the aisle in this chair, then he has another think coming." She turned to face her, she could see her friend had her arm in a plaster cast and had a massive lump and lots of bruising to her head. She felt so guilty that she couldn’t have done something more to help her. "It looks worse than it feels, honest."
"I’m sorry." She tried not to let the tears flow again. The makeup artist would have a fit if she had to reapply it a third time. "I should have helped you more."
"No, you should have run, like I told you to do." Sonia gave her a stern look, "But I’m glad you didn't."
Sophie and Grayson appeared at Sonia's side and helped her from her chair.
"Make sure you keep hold of me, Sophie, my legs as still very wobbly."
"I will do, and I think my surprise can help me do that?"
She raised an inquisitive eyebrow, "Surprise?"
A door to the back of the wedding salon opened and in walked Elena, dressed in the same sapphire blue as Sophie and Sonia.
Amy handed her bouquet to Sophie as she tore past her to wrapped her arms around her best friend. "How?"
"Private jet all the way. You got great parents-in-law to be."
"Miranda and Pete. They’re great, aren’t they?"
"Yep, they’ve been filling me in on some great gossip on James the entire flight."
"Everything is so perfect. I can’t believe you got everyone important to me here.”
"Oh no, you don't. No more crying. It’s time to marry my brother." Sophie spoke sternly. Elena went and helped support Sonia. Pete came to Amy’s side and held out his arm for her to take.
The bridal march struck up, the doors opened, and she got her first sight of James. He was clean shaven and his hair had been styled. He wore full morning dress with a tie that matched the bridesmaid's dresses. She couldn't help but stare at him as she walked down the aisle and Pete presented her to him. She could tell just by the look on his face that he was amazed at the sight of her. The woman he had dropped off at his sister's suite had looked a complete state but now, holding his hands before a minister was a sophisticated and elegant bride.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony if anyone knows any reason that they should not be married then speak now or forever hold your peace." The minister spoke, and James turned and glared at everyone, just daring them to say something.
As the minister spoke the vows she met James' eyes and never heard a word of the minster's voice. Everything she heard was James' velvety tones.
"I, James Thomas North, take you Amy Emma Jones to be my lawfully wedded wife. Before these witnesses, I vow to love you and care for you as long as we both shall live. I take you, with all your faults and strengths, as I offer myself to you with all my 'numerous' faults and ‘few’ strengths. I’ll help you when you need help, and turn to you when I need help. I choose you as the person with whom I’ll spend my life."
The tears did flow now and behind her; she could hear that she wasn't the only one. James momentarily let go of her hand and wiped one away. She spoke her vows back to him.
Next, they exchanged rings, he had a plain platinum band; she had a platinum band also but hers was studied with Diamonds and Sapphires. These would always be the stones that she got from him and at that very moment she couldn't be happier. He dropped her left hand after he had slid the ring on it and they both looked expectantly at the Minister.
"Amy and James, you have exchanged your vows and made your promises, and celebrated your union with the giving and receiving of rings. It is at this time that I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
The Minster stepped back, and James drew her to him, in search of her mouth to seal their union.
They’d done it. They were married.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
James
James pulled Amy towards him, the first cords of Arctic Monkey's; I Wanna Be Yours started to play.
"No treading on my toes alright."
"I’ll just sway from foot to foot while you do the dancing around me. If you feel like dirty dancing, I’m more than happy for you to do so."
"Dirty dancing. But James, your parents are standing here watching us." Amy gave a feigned sign of innocence. "I could never let them presume that I allowed you anywhere near me before today. No, I’m completely chaste in that regards."
"You? Chaste? You forget I have heard you screaming my name when you come all over my face."
"Well, I never. How vulgar Mr North. What are you insinuating about your bride?"
He took a tighter grip on Amy's backside and pulled her into him. She gasped continuing her play acting.
"My God. What is that in your trousers?"
"That is a present my wife will be getting very soon. If she doesn't quit trying to entice me with her virginal act."
"Not until she has had cake."
Amy stepped away and let go of his hand when the song ended. She headed towards the table that was laid out with the wedding cake. How Sophie had managed to get a three-tiered cake and in the same colours as Amy's wedding dress and the bridesmaids dresses he’d never know. How she pulled off a such a spectacular wedding in twenty-four hours was without doubt a miracle. He owed her big time and was pretty sure she’d remind him on numerous occasions.
"Now don't be letting yourself go now that you’re married."
Amy turned back to him, her face illuminated with mischief.
"The sooner we cut the cake...the sooner we can..." She winked and almost skipped in her three-inch heels to where Sophie held out a knife. He casually strode over, his hands in his pockets pretending to show indifference to her teasing.
"I think we should all have another glass of champagne for this moment." He beckoned a waiter, Amy glared at him. More champagne was brought, and toasts made. The cake was cut, and photos taken of him and Amy cutely feeding each other a piece. Sophie tugged on Amy's arm.
"Shall we head to one of the bars? Get some food and drinks?"
He stepped in between his sister and wife.
"No. Amy, I want you in our bedroom in five minutes. Don’t remove your dress but place your hands behind your back and wait for me."
"Really. Can't you wait for a few hours. We want to party."
He raised an eyebrow at his sister and looked to Grayson. He didn't need to say anything to his brother in law.
"Sophie. They’ll join us at the club later. They need time alone as husband and wife. Leave them alone or I’ll gag you."
Sophie pouted, and he laughed. Amy nodded her agreement and took her leave.
"We will come back later sis, I promise. She’s still exhausted after yesterday, and I want her to rest."
"Well, you’re definitely married now big brother. Taking a lady to your bed to sleep."
He snarled at his sister's comment as Grayson removed his tie and placed it in Sophie's mouth. Miranda just looked over at the interaction between her children and her new son in law and daughter and chuckled.
"Serves you right for teasing your brother Sophie. Now let him go and see to his new wife, maybe even create a little grandchild for me. Once Grayson has decided you’ve been punished enough, we can go throw some moves on one of the hotel's dance floors."
It was Sophie's turn to moan now and his to laugh.
"Enjoy mum's disco dancing Sophie."
He left the room and was heading for the lift when Matthew stopped him. He was wheeling Sonia along.
"Do you need me, boss?"
"For what I’m about to do, no you’re alright. Take her back to bed," he turned his attention to Sonia, "you look tired?"
"It has been a long day. My head and arm are hurting a little."
"Both of you go sleep, no offence, but you’re starting to look like hell.
"
"Isn't that what you’re supposed to look like after a holiday in Vegas?"
"No, I think that is just broke. Seriously, though, thank you for what you both did yesterday. If I had lost her...."
Matthew put both of his hands up in front of him,
"She’s family to us. She has brought us all together. She will always be protected. Now press that lift button and stop being a sap. I don't think Mrs North wants to see her husband crying, you’re supposed to be a tough man."
"That's ok, she saw me crying up close during the ceremony and still said yes so it’s all alright."
They all laughed and he pressed the call button. When they were in the lift and ascending, they all continued to joke amongst themselves, and he was glad to have them in his life. Something had happened to Matthew when he was in MI5, he’d never say what it was, but he was aware that it affected him a great deal. It had made him the man he was today and anyone that thought killing or to torture the people he needed to protect James was easy, were surely mistaken. He had seen that on more than one occasion.
When he opened the door to the bedroom he shared with his wife he saw that she was standing exactly where he had asked and in the position he requested. He dismissed the guard that was there with her, he still wasn't prepared to leave her alone for any reason and if that meant a man in his bedroom with his wife then so be it. He was eager to continue the role-play that Amy had started earlier with him. He liked the idea of pretending that she was completely and only his. Anything previous no longer mattered, all that mattered was now and their future together.
"My sweet, virtuous wife has anyone explained what will happen now?"
Amy's eyes flicked up and from under her dark lashes, he could see the instant hint of excitement at the words he had spoken.
