“Where are we? Why are we here?”
“Picking the Evs up from Sonia and Arnold’s.”
“What, they live here? They live in this massive mansion?” She’s looking up at the house in awe. Shit, what’s she going to be like when she sees my house? Just then, the front door opens, and the Evs come out with Sonia and Arnold in tow. I can see Evelina taking it easy. She would normally be running for the car, but she is just walking down the steps slowly and carefully. I jump out of the car to help her.
“Hey, poppet. Are you okay? Are you hurting or in pain anywhere?” I ask worriedly.
“Hi, Daddy. I missed you.”
I reach down to pick her up, and she wraps her arms around my neck, kisses my cheek, and hugs my neck. “Are you in pain, poppet? You were walking very slowly.” I turn to Sonia and Arnold and raise my eyebrow at them in question.
“No, I’m okay, Daddy.”
“She’s been fine, Theon. She is just taking it easy like she’s supposed to. We did a little shopping yesterday, but nothing much, then watched a movie last night. They have been as good as gold like they always are,” Sonia says as she moves past me to go to the car. Arnold does the same. I can see Alana, but I can’t see the twins as the back of the Escalade has blacked out windows. Sonia is at Alana’s door before I can move to the car to put Evelina in. She has the passenger door open, and she’s leaning in and hugging Alana. I can see the shock on Alana’s face, but then she relaxes. Arnold approaches, and he hugs her too. I go around the other side and put Evelina in the back next to Bailee. They all greet each other excitedly, and the noise in the car gets louder and louder as each of them have different conversations. Sonia and Arnold, asking how Alana and the twins are doing after yesterday. Bailee is asking how Evelina is doing after her surgery and thanking her for the beautiful card she made them. Evander has gotten into the very back with Bryan, and they are talking about games. I stand there, taking it all in. I love it. Sonia is now telling Alana that they must all come and visit one weekend, and Alana is just agreeing, saying it would be lovely but I’m not sure she is that comfortable with not really knowing them. I just stand, leaning against the front of the car with my arms folded listening to it all. We all say our goodbyes to Sonia and Arnold and hit the road again.
It’s only a few minutes to my house, and again, I watch Alana out the corner of my eye as she sees we are not leaving the Hollywood Hills but heading into them more.
“Do you live here as well, Theon?” I just nod, not looking at her. The back of the car is noisy, as I turn onto my road. There are only four houses along this road and mine is at the end. I turn into the driveway that leads to my house, and I can see Alana’s hands in her lap again, so I grab them to still them. I come to a stop at my garages. I turn to face Alana, who is looking out of the window, trying to take in the house. I think back to the first time I went to Evelyn’s house with her and how I felt, and understand how she’s feeling.
The kids start to pile out of the car. “Wow, look at this place. It’s huge. Do you live here?” I hear Bailee asking Evelina.
“Do you live here, Theon? Is this your house? It’s bigger than Sonia and Arnold’s. It’s a mansion, Theon. Oh, god, who are you? Are you famous or something, and I’m too stupid to know who you are? Is that it?” I smile at her as she turns back to look at the house. “You never answered me before when I asked what your work was?” She’s looking at me again, waiting. I take her face in my hands and kiss her gently on the lips.
“Baby, calm down. No, I’m a no one. I’m not famous. I just own a company. Why are you nervous about being here? Don’t you want to be here with me? Does this bother you that I live in a house like this? Does it change how you feel about me because I have money?” She hangs her head down, and I tilt it back up with my finger under her chin so she looks at me.
“I’m just me, Alana. I’m Theon, who you fell in love with. What I have doesn’t change how we feel, or it doesn’t for me. Does it for you, baby?”
She’s looking over my face and into my eyes. “No, you’re my Theon. I don’t know what you do or how you come to live here, but … Oh gosh, Theon, I’m sorry for my reaction. I’m just shocked, that’s all. I’ve never been in a place like this. It just scares me.”
“Well, if it makes you feel any better, I know exactly how you feel. I was brought up in a trailer park with my grandma. No parents. The first time Evelyn took me to her house, which is where Sonia and Arnold still live, I was in awe. I too had never been in a house like that. Evelyn and I set up a company Toureve Development. We create computer games. It grew, and it’s now the biggest gaming creator in the US.”
I see the realization hit her. “Oh my god. I used to test the games for your company. I used to work for you. Oh god, this is unreal.”
“No, it’s not, baby, and it doesn’t have to be an issue. Please, tell me it isn’t?” She’s looking out of the window at the kids, our kids, happily talking on the steps leading to the front door. They are waiting for us, but they aren’t in any hurry.
“Baby, is this a problem? You don’t work for me now and haven’t done for many years, so I’m not your boss — unless you want me to be that is?” I wiggle my eyebrows at her when she turns to me. She laughs at my suggestion.
“No, it’s not a problem. I’m just a little shocked. I also feel a little intimidated.”
“Why?”
“Look at you and what you have. I have nothing, Theon. I come from nothing, and I feel I don’t have anything to give. I know I’m not making sense, but what do I bring to the table?”
“You and your beautiful children,” I say without hesitation. “You don’t have to bring anything else, Alana. This isn’t about who has got what. This is about us and love and family. Look at them out there. They are all amazing kids. But, baby, I know how you feel, I really do. Trailer park to this …” I point outside.
“I have no airs and graces, Alana. I’m just plain, geeky computer nerd, Theon. Who just kept himself to himself all his life until Evelyn came along and we created a company. I’m still only thirty-seven and hopefully still have a long life ahead of me, and I’m hoping to spend it with you. I know it’s too soon to be saying that, but Alana I’ve only ever loved one woman until you. When I love, I love for good. If you think this is all too much then tell me now, and I will gladly give this up for you and live a simple life.”
She dives on me, crossing over into my lap and straddling me, grabbing my head and kissing me hard. “You would actually give all this up if I said I didn’t want it? You would move into a little house for me?”
I nod yes. “Anything for you. The kids would adapt.”
“The kids would kill us if you gave this up. All of them.” She laughs loud. I can see all the kids looking at us in the car. Well, the secret’s out now.
“I love you, Theon Tourney. I love you so much, and it scares the shit out of me.”
I AM SO nervous. I have everything planned out just perfectly. I’m nothing but meticulous in everything I do.
Alana and the twins moved into my house with us about four months after the first time they came to stay. We had the best weekend — the kids loved it. We took them out for dinner that night after they played in the pool and, yes, we ended up at The Cheesecake Factory by unanimous vote. Evelina struggled with the exertion, and she didn’t moan once about not being able to go in the pool. On Sunday they all played games in the cinema room on the big screen, and me and Alana sat out by the pool and got the BBQ ready for them.
After that, they came over most weekends, much to my delight. I saw Alana as much as I could, and during school breaks, they stayed with us the entire time. Bailee and Evelina insisted on sharing a room. They didn’t stay in the pool house. Bryan took one of the spare rooms. Bailee stayed with Evelina, and Alana stayed in my room with me of course. The kids all saw Alana kissing me in the car that first day, which was a good thing as it meant we didn’t have to hide how we felt. I remember the co
nversation with the girls though as I was saying goodnight.
“Daddy, are you and Alana girlfriend and boyfriend now. You were kissing in the car, and only girlfriends and boyfriends should kiss?”
“No, it’s not just girlfriends and boyfriends, Lina. Moms and dads kiss as well,” Bailee tells her.
“Well, they are both a mommy and a daddy, but I think they are girlfriend and boyfriend now.”
“Well, poppet, I think we will just see what happens but fingers crossed, Alana is my girlfriend. What do you think about that? Are you both okay if we become girlfriend and boyfriend?” I look at each of them asking them. It’s important to me they are happy with this. They both nod vigorously and giggle with each other.
“Oh yes, Daddy, I really like Alana, and it will mean I get a mommy and a new sister and brother, and the best thing is, they are twins just like me and Vander.”
“Me too, Theon. I like you, and I want my mommy to be happy, and I would like a daddy, and I get a new sister and brother.” She looks a bit sad
“Hey, Bailee, it doesn’t mean you ever forget Caroline. She will always be your baby sister, no matter what. She will always be a part of our family.” I lean over and kiss her on the forehead then leave them. I start to close the door, and I hear Evelina.
“Bailee, I’m so sorry you lost your sister. It must be so sad. I would love to be your new sister, but not to replace Caroline. We will always talk about her just like I do about my mommy with daddy. They now have their wings in heaven, and they watch over us. Daddy says mommy is my guardian angel now, which means Caroline is now your guardian angel.” I click the door shut and stand there with my back to it looking up to the ceiling. I silently tell Evelyn I miss her and to not be upset I’m moving on. I feel so guilty sometimes — when I’m away from Alana — but when I’m with her, it’s completely different and feels natural. I love my kids so much and hearing Evelina fills me with so much pride and the fact that both girls are happy for me and Alana to be together, fills me with warmth.
“Hey, are you okay? What’s wrong?” I hear Alana’s panic. She just came out of Bryan’s room and must have seen me looking up to the ceiling. I move over to her and put my arm around her waist and pull her into me. I bury my face into her neck and breathe her in.
“I’m okay, baby. Just in awe of the kids. Come on, let’s go grab a drink and sit out by the pool, and I’ll tell you how we are now girlfriend and boyfriend because we kissed.” I wink at her as she laughs.
From then we have all been pretty much inseparable, so the only way forward was them to move in with us. Alana hesitated at first, thinking it was too soon, but I made my points, which she took in. I told her we were going to be together forever and I meant it. I did give Alana the option of us finding a new house together, but she was more than happy to live in our house.
That was three years ago. In that time, I finally persuaded Alana to let me help her with her dream of buying a flower shop.
We found a lovely shop right in the heart of Hollywood and we set about buying it. Alana refused to let me buy it for her, she’s very independent but I paid for it and we drew up an agreement that she paid me back. Like I would even think of taking her money and the agreement is a waste of paper, it’s not even legal, but she thinks it is. I know I’m terrible. We got it fitted out to a high specification. It needed to be prestigious in the neighborhood it was in, and we were hoping that once word got around, she would have some top end clients.
Having four teenagers in one house, all nearly the same age, has its challenges, but I have to say they are the best set of kids ever and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Evelina and Evander are almost fourteen, and Bailee and Bryan are almost fifteen, so it’s fun at times. Evelina has recovered remarkably from her Wilms tumor, and the cancer has never returned. She still has to be monitored every six months and will be for two more years before we get the all clear. That will be a day we all celebrate.
It’s the day of the flower shop opening. The girls have been helping me plan the day, and I’m heading to the shop with all the kids, ready for the opening. We have quite a few big-named guests coming in and lots of locals to the area. Alana has been there working non-stop getting all her floral displays just perfect. She’s hired two assistants to help her and a shop manager. I want her to have staff so she doesn’t have to spend all her time working. I want us to have time to ourselves, and family time, lots of it, along with her seeing her dream come true. She agreed with me, thankfully.
We all arrive at the shop to bedlam. Alana is in a panic because she doesn’t think she has enough time, her assistants are frantically putting all the flower garlands and ribbons everywhere, and the shop manager, Julie is helping Alana finish the displays. It looks amazing.
“Wow, baby, this place looks fantastic.”
It’s like walking into a fairy wonderland full of trees, flowers, and feathers. The walls are white with a splash of color coming from the displays Alana and Julie are working on. There is lots of sparkle about the place but elegantly done. It screams opulence, and it needs to in this area. Susan, Sonia, and Arnold are also here to support Alana. Sonia and Arnold love Alana and the kids, and they treat them as their own. I couldn’t be more grateful to them. They often have the four kids at their house for sleepovers, which gives Alana and me the much-needed alone time that I crave with her.
It’s time for the opening. A lot of people have gathered, which I’m really pleased about for Alana. She deserves this. She’s worked so hard the last few months. We have a big red ribbon across the front of the shop with lots of silver balloons, and Alana is going to cut it.
“I want to thank every one of you for coming to the opening today. This has been a dream of mine for some time, and if it weren’t for my wonderful boyfriend, Theon, this wouldn’t have been possible. Thank you, Theon. I now declare Caro Petals open,” she says, cutting the ribbon with a huge pair of scissors. Everyone cheers and claps and the boys holler and whoop. I have the biggest grin on my face as I move to stand next to Alana. The boys have started to move around the guests, with trays filled with glasses of champagne.
I whisper to Alana, “I just want to make a quick toast.”
She looks up at me and smiles. She looks gorgeous at my side, with her arm around my back, clinging to my shirt. I kiss her forehead, then Bryan comes over and stands next to me. Evander has a tray and hands me a glass of champagne. I feel myself shaking. I don’t like being the center of attention, yet here I am, about to do something that I hope I get the right reaction too.
“Ladies and Gentlemen. As Alana said, thank you all for coming today and making this special for her, and for us as a family. The name of the shop is a dedication to Alana’s daughter, Caroline, who we sadly lost three years ago, to cancer.” I lean down and kiss her forehead.
“Please raise your glasses and join me in wishing Alana every success with Caro Petals. To Alana.” Everyone joins in with the toast, raising their glasses, then taking a sip. While they are doing this, I nod to Evelina and Bailee who are stood at the back of the crowd out of sight, then to Evander and Bryan.
“Just one more thing, before we go inside and see the beautiful displays.” Everyone is looking at me. I put the glass I have in my hand back on the tray Evander has, as I step in front of Alana. She’s looking at me curiously. I get down on one knee in front of her, and I grab both of her hands. The look on her face is priceless. If I didn’t have hold of her hands, I know for a fact they would be covering her face.
“Alana, since you entered my life, just over three years ago, you have brought new light into my heart. Light, I never thought I would have again. I love you, Alana, and I couldn’t imagine my life without you or Bailee and Bryan. Please would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Just then, the girls come through the parting crowd, carrying a big beautiful floral display. The display is made up of roses and in the shape of a heart. In the middle, in white roses, it says, ‘Will You M
arry Me?’ Bryan then presents a blue Tiffany ring box and opens it for me so that I can take out the beautiful platinum, round, brilliant cut 4ct diamond. Alana gasps at the ring. Her hands are at her mouth, and she has tears streaming down her face.
I take her left hand from her mouth and put the ring to the tip of her finger. “Will you do as the flowers say, baby? Will you marry me and make me the happiest man alive?”
She nods. “Oh, Theon. Yes, of course, I will. I would be honored to be your wife. You make me so happy. I will marry you, my love. I love you so much.”
I’m still on one knee as I pull her down to kiss her long and hard, bending her backward. Everyone is hollering and cheering and shouting congratulations to us. Evelina is at my side.
“Dad, you need to stop kissing now. It’s getting embarrassing.”
I pull away from Alana, and we laugh. I stand up with her and hug her to me. People are passing us now to enter the shop, but congratulating us as they do. I get so many pats on the back. Sonia comes up and hugs us both. She’s crying as well.
“Congratulations, you two. I’m so happy for you both. You both deserve happiness, and I’m so thrilled that I officially get a new daughter and grandchildren.” She kisses us both then heads into the shop. It’s just me and Alana left, grinning at each other.
“Are you happy, baby?” I ask her
“Theon, you have no idea how happy you make me. This is one of the best days of my life. Definitely up there in my top three.”
“Three, huh. Well, I think I can safely say it’s up there in my top spot, with the two other best days of my life.”
THE DAY I left was the worse day of my life. Watching Theon fall apart on the floor, screaming, shouting, and slipping in my blood destroyed me. I’ve watched over him, when he was in despair, drinking and attempting to end it all. I couldn’t let that happen. I had to intervene. The babies needed him.
The Best Day of My Life Page 26