“I feel so stupid, Alex. I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. I understand why you felt the way you did because if I saw you hugging one of your exes, I would have jumped to the same conclusions. I should have come right home and told you, but I didn’t want to upset you or ruin our evening at the club. I swear I was going to tell you that next morning.”
“You don’t need to explain anything else to me.” She leaned over and kissed my lips.
There was a knock at the door and room service had arrived. I got up and answered it and we sat and talked some more while we ate breakfast. After making love in bed and in the shower, we got dressed and headed out to explore Boston. But before heading out, I left her standing in the lobby while I had to quickly do something.
Chapter 44
Emerson
Alex and I spent a wonderful day together in Boston. We visited a couple museums, Fenway Park, the aquarium, and we did some shopping. He was spoiling me and I wasn’t complaining.
“We should get back to the hotel and change for dinner,” he spoke.
“Good idea. I’m getting hungry.”
He hooked his arm around me and kissed the side of my head. “I love you, Emerson James.”
“I love you too, Alex Parker.”
When we arrived back at the hotel, Alex opened the door and I stepped in first. I gasped as I looked around the room. Rose petals were scattered all over the floor and across the dining table where two beautifully lit candles flickered.
“What’s all this?” I smiled as I looked at him.
“I thought we could have a romantic dinner in the room tonight.”
“This is beautiful. Thank you.” I kissed him.
“You’re welcome. Now let’s sit down and eat.”
He took hold of my hand, led me to the table, and pulled out my chair.
“When did you arrange all this?” I asked.
“This morning before we left.”
“You’re such a romantic.”
“Only for you.” He winked.
I lifted the elegantly designed silver top off the tray and lying there, on a small crystal plate, was the most beautiful ring I’d ever seen in my life. I threw my hands over my mouth as I looked at Alex with tears in my eyes.
Smiling at me, he got up from his seat, took the ring from the plate, and got down on one knee, taking hold of my left hand.
“Emerson, I have never loved anyone in my lifetime until you came along and took my breath away. You have given me so much and you’ve taught me things I would have never known if I hadn’t met you. You’ve given my life meaning and purpose. I can’t ever imagine my life without you in it and I never want to. You complete me as a man and I will love you to the moon and back for the rest of my life. You’re my queen and I want to be your king. Will you marry me, Emerson?”
I was shaking and I couldn’t control the tears that were falling in front of this beautiful man. A man who had changed me and my way of life. A man who had given himself completely to me and I to him. Life without Alex wouldn’t be possible.
“Yes. Of course I’ll marry you!”
He let out a breath and placed the ring on my finger. “I love you more than life, Emerson.”
“I love you more than life, Alex.” I smiled as we both stood up and hugged each other tightly.
****
The next morning, we headed back to California. I couldn’t wait to tell Adam the good news. As we were sitting on the couch on the plane, sipping champagne, I held out my hand and looked at my stunning two-carat princess cut, diamond-encased ring.
“Do you like it?” Alex asked.
“I love it. You have amazing taste.”
“The moment I saw it, I knew it would look gorgeous on you.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t take it back after my bitch act that day.”
He chuckled. “I would never have taken it back. I love you too much, smart mouth, bitchiness and all.” He kissed my lips.
“So how about we set a date right now?” I spoke.
“Really?” He smiled. “If I could have married you in Boston, I would have.”
“Let’s go to Vegas and get married instead of going back to Cali.”
“Nah. You stripped there.”
“True.” I smirked.
“What kind of wedding do you want?” he asked as he stroked my cheek with his finger.
“I don’t care. As long as we say ‘I do,’ it doesn’t matter.”
“Haven’t you always dreamed of a beautiful wedding?”
“Yeah. I have.”
“Then a beautiful wedding is what you’re getting. No expense will be spared. How about we get married on the beach.”
“Which beach?” I asked.
“Any beach you want. We can stay in California, fly off to Hawaii or some other island. It’s up to you.”
“I would like to get married in California.” I smiled.
“I was hoping you’d say that. We’ll pick a place together. Although I don’t want to wait too long. I want you as Mrs. Alex Parker as soon as possible.”
“Who said I was taking your last name?”
He cocked his head in surprise. “You are taking my last name.”
“Says who?”
“Says me. Your fiancé.”
I leaned over and brushed my lips against his. “I just wanted to hear you say it.”
“Emerson, I swear, one day, you will be the death of me.”
I laughed. “At least you’ll die happy.”
“Very happy.” He smiled as we passionately kissed.
Chapter 45
Emerson
Six Months Later
Our wedding day. Alex and I decided to get married at Meadowood in Napa Valley. As much as we loved the beach, we picked a place that had a special meaning to us and Napa was one of those places. Besides, we both loved wine and what better place to get married than surrounded by vineyards and wineries.
I stood in front of the full-length mirror and stared at my elegant white strapless, sweetheart neckline, delicate lace and beaded mermaid-style dress. I couldn’t believe this day had finally come and I was about to become Mrs. Alex Parker.
“You look so beautiful.” Jenna smiled with a tear in her eye.
“Thank you. I’m so nervous.”
“Don’t be. Just think of how nervous Alex is right now.”
“True. He’s probably more nervous than I am.” I lightly laughed.
“Wow. Wow. Wow. Look at you!” Adam exclaimed as he stepped inside the room. Tears began to fill his eyes.
“God, Adam, don’t get all weepy.”
“I have something for you.”
“What is it?” I smiled.
He reached in his pocket and pulled out a silver bracelet with a small diamond heart dangling from it.
“This was Mom’s. Do you remember it?”
“Yes. She only wore it on special occasions.”
“I remember sitting in her room one night while she was getting ready to go out with Dad. It was their anniversary. She had asked me to help her put it on and she told me that she was going to pass it on to you and Emily on your wedding days. After they died, I found it when I was cleaning out her jewelry box and I saved it because I knew someday you’d want to wear it.”
A tear fell from my eye as he put it on my wrist. “It’s something old and now it’s yours.” He wiped the tear from my eye. “I couldn’t be more proud to take Dad’s place and walk you down the aisle.” More tears started to fill my eyes. “Don’t cry. Please. If I hand you over to Alex with mascara under your eyes, he’ll kill me.”
I laughed and looked up at the ceiling to prevent the tears from falling. “Thank you, Adam.”
“You’re welcome, Emerson.” He held out his arm. “It’s time. Are you ready?”
I took in a deep breath. “Yes. I am more than ready.”
The set-up outside was stunning. White chairs for 250 people were lined up on each side
of the grass. At the end of the walkway stood two stands that housed beautiful tall floral arrangements in white flowers. Beyond the small stone wall that sat in front of us was the most beautiful view of the vineyards. The music began to play as Renee walked down the aisle and took her place as my bridesmaid. Jenna followed as my maid of honor next to Parker, who carried the rings around his neck. The bridal march began and I held my breath for a moment.
“Let’s get you to your future husband.” Adam smiled as he gave my hand around his arm a gentle squeeze.
I couldn’t focus on anything but Alex as I walked with Adam down the aisle. The grin on his face told me everything. When we reached the end of the aisle, Adam took my hand and placed it in Alex’s and then he took his place by his side.
“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered.
“So are you.”
The minister spoke a few words and then Alex and I said our vows. After saying “I do” and placing the ring on each other’s fingers, we were pronounced husband and wife.
“You may kiss your beautiful bride, Alex.”
He smiled as he leaned over and our lips locked tightly, sharing our very first kiss as husband and wife. Our guests clapped and whistled as the music played and we walked up the aisle hand in hand. This was the most magical day of my life.
****
Alex
Seeing my wife in that dress was the most beautiful sight I’d ever seen. She was glowing from head to toe and she made me the happiest man alive. After our vows, our guests went inside the big white fabric tent that was lined with lights, elegantly decorated tables and fresh flowers. Emerson and I headed over by the lake where swans swam to take pictures.
“How does it feel to be Mrs. Alex Parker?” I asked.
“It feels amazing. Keep calling me that. It turns me on.” She winked.
The best part of the night was yet to come when I could take her back to the suite and make love to her for the first time as my wife. Once pictures were over, we joined our guests inside the tent, where we celebrated the night away with an elegant dinner, fine wine and cocktails, and dancing.
We didn’t have the typical first dance song that most wedding couples did. Our song was “Don’t Look back in Anger” by Oasis. When the song began to play, the video of Emily and Emerson singing began to play on the big screen I had the staff set up. I held out my hand and Emerson joined me on the dance floor where we both sang the song together and danced our first dance as husband and wife. As soon as our dance ended, it started to lightly rain. Emerson looked at me with a wide grin splayed across her face and the band began to play a slow song. I grabbed her hand and led her outside the tent. Placing my hand around her waist, and with her hand on my shoulder, we danced together in the rain.
Chapter 46
Emerson
Eight Months Later
My eyes flew open and I grabbed Alex’s arm.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“My water just broke.”
“Are you sure you just didn’t pee the bed, sweetheart?”
“Are you serious right now? I would know if I peed the bed.”
“But you thought that a couple of weeks ago and you peed the bed.”
“Get up and examine it then.” I lightly smacked his arm.
He sat up and turned on the light. Pulling the covers back, his eyes widened.
“Oh shit, that’s not pee.”
“I told you!”
I tried to get up from the bed and couldn’t. I was huge and trying to move around these days was nearly impossible. Alex took hold of my hands and helped me up. He grabbed a pair of new underwear from the drawer and held them up.
“Not to be rude, baby, but I can’t wait until you get rid of these.”
“I know, right?” I agreed with him.
He grabbed my dress from the closet and helped me get into it.
“Are you in any pain?”
“No. Not yet.”
“That’s good. Then the car ride should be smooth.”
I rolled my eyes as he grabbed my suitcase and we climbed into the car. We were about a half hour away from the hospital when the first contraction hit.
“Holy fuck me now! OH MY GOD!” I screamed as I grabbed Alex’s arm and dug my nails into him.
“Breathe, Em. In and out. In and out,” he spoke as he placed his hand on my belly.
I did as he said and it wasn’t working. Finally, the contraction subsided. We reached the hospital and I was wheeled up to the Labor and Delivery unit.
“Do you want me to call Adam?”
“Yes. He’ll kill us both if we don’t. He said he and Renee would be here.”
Once I got into the room, a nurse named Kelly introduced herself to me and Alex. She helped me into one of those god awful hospital gowns and hooked me up to the fetal monitor. Another contraction hit and I let out a loud howl.
“Breathe, Em. In and out. In and out. In and out.” He hovered over me.
“I swear to God, Parker, if you say in and out one more time, I’m going to break your balls so you can never do this to me again!”
Kelly, the nurse, laughed. “It’s okay, Mr. Parker. I’ve heard it all. I’m going to call your doctor, Emerson. I think he’s already here at the hospital delivering another baby.”
The contraction subsided and I could finally breathe.
“Adam and Renee are on their way. I’m afraid to ask how you are.”
“I’m sorry, Alex. OH MY GOD, I HATE YOU RIGHT NOW!” I screamed as another contraction hit and I squeezed the living hell out of his hand.
Dr. Williams walked in and looked at me. “Breathe through it, Emerson. In and out.”
“Oh, he can say that to you, but I can’t,” Alex spoke.
“We aren’t discussing this now,” I spoke through gritted teeth.
Dr. Williams examined me and then told me that if I wanted an epidural, now was the time to have it.
“We agreed that she wasn’t going to have an epidural,” Alex spoke.
Another contraction was starting and I couldn’t hold back. “I want the epidural,” I panted.
“But, baby, we talked about this and you said no drugs. It wasn’t good for the baby.”
“I WANT THE DRUGS!” I yelled. “Are you the one lying here while your insides are being ripped to pieces?”
Alex took a step back. “She’ll take the epidural,” he spoke.
A few moments later, the anesthesiologist walked in and gave me the epidural. It was painful but nothing compared to the contractions I was having. Relief finally settled throughout me and I felt as if I could relax.
“Alex.” I softly stroked his arm. “I’m sorry.” I pouted.
He leaned over and kissed my forehead. “It’s okay, baby. Soon we’ll be holding our daughter in our arms.”
I smiled at him as Dr. Williams walked back in to examine me again.
“It’s time, Emerson. You are fully dilated and it’s time to start pushing. Are you ready?”
“Yes. I am more than ready to get this child out of me.”
“She didn’t really mean that,” Alex spoke to the doctor.
“Yes I did. Why are you saying that I didn’t really mean it? Did you carry this child for the last nine months? Did you feel the uncontrollable need to pee every second of the day? Did your feet swell up like balloons? Did you have constant heartburn? Were you exhausted before you even woke up in the mornings?”
“Baby, you need to be quiet now and start pushing,” he said as he grabbed my hand.
“Don’t tell me to be quiet.”
“On the count of three, Emerson,” Dr. Williams said. “One, two, three, push.”
I strained and pushed as hard as I could. After the third push, I was so exhausted that I couldn’t do it anymore. I lay back and tried to catch my breath.
“Emerson, you have to push again,” Dr. Williams spoke.
“I can’t. I just can’t do it anymore. I’m so tired.”
&nbs
p; Alex leaned over and kissed me. “Yes you can. You can do this, Em, and I’m going to help you. Now sit up and push. Do it for me, baby. I can’t wait to meet our daughter.”
I sat up as he held my hand and gave it everything I had.
“That’s it. I see her head. One more big push and she’ll be out,” Dr. Williams spoke.
“Come on, Emerson. One more time. Just one more time for us. For our daughter.”
I screamed as I pushed as hard as I could, my insides tearing apart and, suddenly, she was out and I heard her first cry.
“You did it, baby. You did it. Look at her. She’s beautiful.” Alex smiled as tears streamed down his face.
I fell back with relief as Dr. Williams laid my baby girl on me. I reached up and touched her hand as she cried her little lungs out. Alex cut the cord and Kelly took her to clean her up and weigh her. After wrapping her tightly in a blanket, she laid her in my arms.
“Hi, Lia Emily Parker.” I smiled as I kissed her tiny head.
“She has your beautiful lips.” Alex smiled as he kissed her. “I can’t wait to introduce her to the penguins.”
I looked over at him in confusion. “What?”
“You know, the penguins. From Madagascar?”
****
It had been a couple of weeks since we brought Lia home from the hospital. I was recovering quickly and Alex was the best daddy in the world. Seeing him with her always left me breathless. As much as I wanted to breast feed, it just wasn’t working out, so her pediatrician put her on formula. Alex would get up most nights and feed her because he couldn’t stand to be away from her for too long. Every whimper she made, he’d run to her side. He took a three-month leave from the office and worked from home, only attending meetings when necessary. As for Parker, he was getting used to the cries that now infiltrated his once quiet home.
We were already planning our next trip as a family. It was no longer just me traveling around the world and it was no longer just the two of us. Now, it was the three of us traveling together and we couldn’t wait to show our daughter the beauty the world had to offer. I never thought when I stepped through the doors of this house for the very first time that Alex Parker would be the man who would change my life forever.