by Rikki Dyson
“My goodness, Miles. It is difficult to equate that lovely young woman with this knife wielding warrior princess. At the same time, I admire her for protecting her children. I don’t think many men understand how far some women will go to protect their children.”
“Daphne, my love, I can assure you, there are two men and one woman who now appreciate how a mother tigers protects her cubs. Shane seemed to know, but I can tell you I was not at all sure that Miranda was going to survive this ordeal unscathed. When that bloody knife (pardon the pun) appeared at Miranda’s throat I was petrified and so was Miranda.” Miles was quiet for a while, and then took a swallow of his wine and said, “I fancy at last that Miranda has learned her lesson where Mrs. McLeod is concerned.”
Daphne wondered how Miles felt about Stacey, after all this. Far some months now, he had been very attentive and had not mentioned Stacey’s name in his sleep. Things were so good between them that she didn’t want to rock the boat. Miles had been wonderful with her children and in return, the children seemed quite fond of him.
It was a cold winter night in Paris with the moon shinning on the snow-covered ground making it look blue. Miles had suggested they take a walk after dinner. Daphne had noticed Miles was nervous far some reason. She wondered if the domestic atmosphere of squiring her children around had become too much for him. If that was so, then it was best to get it out in the open now. Daphne had known she was in love with Miles for sometime now. She had news for him, but she wasn’t at all sure she should tell him.
They had walked a few blocks in silence, then Daphne said, “I’m cold, Miles. Let’s go back to the hotel.”
“I’m sorry love; I didn’t realize we had walked so far. You’re right; we should go back to the hotel. I need to talk to you.”
Daphne didn’t ask why, she was afraid she already knew why. At the hotel, Miles asked the concierge to please have a bottle of chilled Don Perignon champagne sent to their room. Daphne smiled at him and asked, “Is this going to be a special occasion?”
“Well, yes, Daphne love, I hope so, but it all depends on you.”
Miles was acting so nervous that Daphne was tempted to say it for him and put him out of his misery, but on second thought, let him stew in his own juices for a while.
After the champagne was delivered, Miles poured them both a glass of champagne and,
‘‘patted’’ his jacket pocket, with a desperate look on his face he checked his overcoat pocket. With a sigh of relief, he took small box from the pocket. As Daphne was watching him, he walked over to the small love seat, sat down beside her and said, “Sorry love, I know you think I’m daft, but I’ve never done this before.”
Miles took the ring from the box and said, “Will you marry me?” Daphne sat like a statue, she couldn’t believe her ears. Miles waiting for her answer became agitated and said, “Dominic seemed sure you would say, yes.”
“Dominic, you talked to my son about this.”
“Yes, of course, he’s the man of the family. I asked his permission. I’m an old fashion kind of bloke,” he said with a grin.
Daphne asked, “Are you sure about this, Miles? I can’t go through a broken heart again.”
“You will never have to, I promise. I love you Daphne, and I promised Dominic I would never hurt you and now I promise you, I will never hurt you. We may fuss and argue sometime, but I will never intentionally hurt you.”
“You talked to my son that was so sweet.” Daphne’s face changed and she said, “Before I say, yes, Miles, I need to ask about Stacey. I remember when you thought, you were in love with her.”
Miles took a deep breath and said, “Yes, I know I did. I’ve thought a lot about that and I think my feelings for Stacey stemmed from how we met and how she made me feel like a whole man again.”
Miles related how ill he had been and how he had met Stacey and what was said in the taxi at a time in his life when he most needed a woman’s attention in a complimentary way. “I was captivated by her youth and beauty for sometime, but I will tell you what I told Miranda,” he said smiling. “I admire Stacey exceedingly, but I’m in love with Daphne. For some months now the only place I have wanted to be is with you, and I’m crazy about your children and I think they like me. Dominic asked when will, they meet my family. I told him they would as soon as you say, yes.”
Daphne smiled and said, “I say, yes.” Miles put the ring on her finger, then pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “You say your mother wants more grandchildren. How do you think she will feel about four?” Daphne asked.
Miles sat with a befuddled look. Daphne could tell he was counting, then with the most idiotic look on his face, he said, “You mean... are you...we’re going... you and I... oh, my god, Daphne, when?”
“Sometime in August, if my calculations are right. I take it that this is okay with you.”
“Okay? Yes, yes, very much okay. When do we get married?” Miles asked.
Chapter-73
Life changes
In early February, Stacey and Shane received a wedding invitation to Miles Strayhorn and Daphne Tassios wedding. As Shane and Stacey entered the church, Mr. George greeted them and offered them seats with him on the groom’s side. Molly saw them and waved. Stacey waved back as they took their seats. The bride was lovely dressed in a Prada light wool beige suit. The two bridesmaids were Daphne’s daughters Christine and Diana. Dominic was Miles best man. Daphne’s parents Marcos and Olivia Dukakis from Virginia were there. Daphne looked blissfully happy as her father walked her down the aisle.
The ceremony was a gay and festive occasion. The reception was held in the private dining room at the Ritz Hotel. When Miles saw Shane and Stacey with George he came over to introduce them to Daphne. As Stacey shook hands with Daphne, she said, “Oh, I remember you from the restaurant in Menton.”
“Yes, Daphne said. “I remember you and your lovely toddlers. I hope we’ll get to know each other better and become friends.”
Stacey smiled and said, “Yes, Daphne, I’m sure we will.”
The McLeod’s, Heaths and Grants had name place cards at the same table. Stacey looked around and saw Mr. George standing alone. She nonchalantly, took one of the place cards from the table and placed it on another table, then walked over to Mr. George and put her arm through his and invited him to join them.
“That’s very kind of you Madame,” George said. “However, I’m sure I’m seated elsewhere.”
“Really,” Stacey asked. “And where would that be?”
George looked around and motioned as he said, “I believe it would be in the far corner by the door.”
Stacey walked over to the table, took the place card and tore it up, then came back to George and said, “Nope, Mr. George, there’s no place card there, but we do have a vacant place at our table, so do come with me,” she said, as she put her arm through his again and escorted him to their table.”
George laughed at her and said, “Madame, I think you may turn polite society on its ear.”
“You think?” Stacey said with a mischievous grin. “You know, I don’t give a fig about society, polite or otherwise.”
George smiled and said, “Oh, yes Madame, I know. That’s what makes you so recklessly delightful.”
At their table, Stacey introduced George to Aunt Lora, Richard, Annie and Hugh. “Hello,” Hugh said. “It’s nice to see you again, George. This is quite an occasion. It’s not everyday we see our debonair bachelor about town bite the bullet for the love of a good woman. Now it’s your turn my good man.”
George laughed and said, “Oh, I think not, the women I fancy are all spoken for. It’s just as well though, I feel sure I will be quite busy with Miles new family. The children are determined to make Britain their new home as they are quite fond of Miles.”
The folks at the table quieted down as the traditional roasting of the groom begin. Two of Miles friends spoke first. It was obvious Miles was well thought of. Miranda was the next roaster; much applause
erupted as she stepped to the podium. Her roast of Miles was suggestive, humorous and full of wit. Stacey found to her surprise that she saw the loving, playful side of Miranda. There was no doubt that she loved and admired Miles. After laughing and applauding, Stacey laid her hand on the table. She smiled as Mr. George laid his on top of hers and patted it.
Stacey said wistfully, “It’s too bad Miranda and I never had the opportunity to experience the good side of each other.”
“Yes, that’s true. Circumstance often gets in the way of good judgment. Miles and Miranda have been close friends since they were children.”
“How long have you and Miles been best friends?”
Surprised at Stacey’s intuitiveness, he said, “I have been employed by Miles for some years now.”
“That wasn’t what I asked,” Stacey said.
George frowned and asked, “What makes you think we are more than employee and employer?”
“I’m sorry Mr. George, I don’t mean to step over the line, but I sense a mysterious, but devoted friendship between you and Miles.”
George studied Stacey for a second or two then asked, “Are you clairvoyant, Madame?”
“No, not really,” Stacey said. “I sometimes know things, but I don’t know how I know them. I’m sorry; I shouldn’t have asked personal questions. My curiosity sometimes gets the best of me and trouble follows.”
George chortled and assured Stacey she was far from being in trouble as far as he was concerned. Miles came up behind them and playfully slapped George on his shoulder, “So this is where I find you. I might have known you would be at the table where the most beautiful women are.”
Everyone at the table laughed, but Stacey turned and scolded Miles, “Your seating arrangement stinks, you had Mr. George banished to the kitchen door, so I rescued him. I would be more careful in the future, Mr. Strayhorn, good employees are hard to find.”
Very seriously, Miles put his hand over his heart and said, “Of course, Mrs. McLeod. I shall take that into careful consideration.” With a wink at the others he continued, “Thank you all for coming to our wedding. But I mustn’t tarry as I have a lovely bride to whisk away on a tropical honeymoon.” With a woebegone look he lamented, “Should I survive this, we will see you lot in a fortnight.”
On their way home, Shane asked, “What was going on with you and George?”
“Nothing much. You know Shane; I think there has been some tragedy in his life that he has buried deep inside himself.”
“If that’s true sweetheart, it might be best to leave it lie. He’s a nice man who values his privacy.”
“I wasn’t planning on invading his privacy. Don’t you think Daphne is a nice person? She seems so right for Miles. I liked her kids too.” Stacey was quiet for a few minutes then against her better judgment said, “I probably shouldn’t say this, but after Miranda’s roast, I could almost see what you saw in her.”
Shane pulled over and stopped on the side of the street and demanded, “Alright, whoever is in there come out now. What have you done with my wife? I want her back immediately.”
Stacey laughingly threw her arms around Shane and said, “As soon as we get home you can have me, all of me.”
Chapter-74
Bittersweet
Life had been moving along smoothly for the McLeod’s in their new home. The children had settled into their new rooms nicely with the playroom upstairs and a walled yard to play in. When Stacey took the children to buy new bedroom suits, the twins vetoed new twin beds. They told their mommy,
“us likes our good bed.”
Shane and Stacey had bought two cribs for the twins as infants, but they would fuss and cry if they were separated and not in the same crib. Now as youngsters, they shared a double bed and did not want to sleep alone. In the old flat, Nicky had shared the twin’s room; now in the new house Nicky’s bedroom was next door to the twins. Stacey had bought him a cute little car bed for his room. He was okay having his own room next to his sisters, but he insisted they leave the connecting door open. Stacey had an intercom in both bedrooms, so she could hear if she was needed in the night.
Today was a cold rainy day and the children were seated at the kitchen table coloring while their mother was making supper. Ordinarily, the twins got on well with one another, but today Jessie was acting up and being obstinate. She had broken her blue crayon and reached over and grabbed Jackie’s from her. Jackie said, “No, Jessie, you not nice. Give it back.”
“No, I need it.” Jessie said.
Usually, Stacey encouraged the children to settle their differences between themselves, but today Miss Jessie was on the warpath. Stacey reprimanded her, “Jessie, give Jackie her crayon back. It’s not nice to grab things from peoples, hands. If you want to borrow something, you must ask.”
Stubborn Jessie said, “No, I barwo now.”
“No ma’am, you will not. That is not the way we borrow around here. Give the crayon back to Jackie and tell her you’re sorry.”
Jessie gave her mommy a stubborn look and said, “I give back but I not soy.”
“Well that’s too bad little daughter, because that attitude will get you five minutes on the naughty step; her stubbornness had landed her there more than once.
Stacey was used to the children sticking up for each other, so there was no surprise when Jackie climbed down from the table and went to sit beside Jessie on the naughty step. She handed Jessie the blue crayon and said, “Here Jessie, you can barwo my quayon, I has more.” Jackie hugged her sister and held her hand. Nicky had been watching from the kitchen table. He climbed down from the table and joined his sisters on the step. As Jessie and Jackie hugged him, he turned and said, “Mommy mean.”
About that same time, Shane arrived home from work and stepped into the kitchen from the garage. Jackie and Nicky ran to him. Jessie stood up, and then sat back down. After both children were hugged and kissed, Nicky said, “Daddy, Mommy mean.”
Shane smiled at Stacey and went straight to the naughty step and sat his audacious little daughter on his lap, kissed her and asked, “What did daddy’s girl do this time to get her on the naughty step?”
As young as she was, Jessie was never one to tell a lie, “I gabbed Jackie’s quayon and not say I soy.”
“Well, sweetheart, we know it’s not nice to grab things. Wouldn’t it be better to ask to use her crayon? I’m sure your sister would be happy to loan you her crayon, if you asked.”
Jessie nodded her little head and said, “I soy, Jackie. I not do it again.”
Stacey had been leaning on the counter with her chin in her cupped hand watching all this and said, “You guys go wash up and I’ll put supper on the table.”
Shane came over to Stacey, kissed her and said, “It’s wonderful to come home to all this. I would not change it for the world. We have such interesting children. I’m amazed by the intellect of their little minds.”
A few days later, Stacey had her appointment for her Depo-Provera injection. She had not been feeling up to par for the past few weeks. Doctor Shaw had Stacey’s chart in her hand when she entered the examining room, she said, “Stacey, you missed you December injection, therefore, we’ll need to do another exam. How are you feeling?
“Fine,” Stacey said. “I didn’t realize I missed my December appointment. It was a busy month. We moved into a new place in January and I’ve been awfully busy with the decor. That’s probably why I’m a little tired lately and have a nagging minor pain in my back.”
After, the examination, Doctor Shaw wrote in Stacey’s chart. Stacey sensed something wasn’t right. “What’s wrong, Doctor Shaw? You have a worrisome look on your face.”
“It isn’t bad news Stacey. You’re pregnant. About six weeks I would say.”
Stacey was shocked, “But how, Doctor Shaw? I was on birth control.”
“You missed you December injection. These things happen some time. I’ll want to keep a close watch on you. As of now, everything looks fine. You a
re young and strong Stacey, there’s no reason not to have a healthy baby.”
Stacey said goodbye to Doctor Shaw and went to the pharmacy to get her prescriptions. While she was waiting, she went to the cafeteria for a cup of coffee. Hugh saw her and brought his coffee to her table. “Hi, Stacey, what brings you to our hallowed halls?”
“Oh, you know, for the chance of running in to you. What other reason would I have?”
Hugh loved sparring with Stacey, but today he sensed her mind was elsewhere. “Well, my girl, you’ve lucked out today, but my wife is a jealous woman.”
Stacey laughed and said, “Oh, my good man, you are such a liar and I love you. Tell Annie I’ll see her soon and kiss Matthew for me.” Hugh watched her walk away; he knew something was bothering her.
On the drive home, Stacey’s mind was racing in a dozen different directions. She was stunned when Doctor Shaw told her she was pregnant. Life was so good right now. They were a happy family with the twins and Nicky. Why wasn’t she happy they were going to have a new baby? How will we manage, we have three toddlers now.
What will Shane say? He said he loves our life the way it is. This is all my fault for not paying more attention.
When she arrived home, Aunt Lora asked, “Are you alright Stacey? You seem a little distracted.”
“No, I’m fine,” Stacey said. “When are you and Richard leaving for Tuscany?”
“Day after tomorrow, unless you need us. We can always postpone and go later.”
“No, Aunt Lora, go and have a good time. We are fine. You worry too much,” Stacey said, as she hugged her bye. The kids came running in and kissed her bye too.
When Shane came home, Stacey noticed him glancing at her every so often. After supper and the kids were in bed asleep, Shane asked, “How was your day, sweetheart? Hugh mentioned he saw you at hospital.”
