After The Fall

by Ariadne Wayne

  He laughed and hugged me again and off we went. I was nervous about Aaron on the long flight but my baby just took everything in his stride.

  The city was huge and Alex laughed at the look on my face taking it all in. “It will take a while to get used to but we will get there.” Didn’t help we were in Damian’s limo and while people didn’t really pay too much attention I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. This was so much to take in and so far removed from my life.

  I had no idea where we were but Damian had arranged an apartment in Manhattan not too far from his offices and I could see it would take some time to get used to it. “We’ll find a house further out babe,” said Alex, “but this will do for now.”

  The apartment was quite large and had the basics we would need. It wouldn’t take much to make it homely. Most of our things were in storage back in New Zealand but we did have some things being shipped over to make our home more comfortable.

  For now, it was nice to have somewhere to rest after the flight. We had been travelling for a whole day and night and I hadn’t been able to sleep on the plane so I was exhausted. Aaron had slept off and on during the flight and was currently fast asleep in my arms so I headed straight for the bedroom and snuggled into bed with him.

  Alex joined us after he had organised our luggage to be brought up. “Is there anything else we need to take care of?” I asked.

  “Not right now so we can get some sleep and recover from our trip before we need to do anything else. Did you check out the other rooms? Dad said he made sure there was a nursery for Aaron.”

  “Not yet, I just want to get some sleep right now. Little Mister is way ahead of us there. I would rather keep him here with me then put him down in a strange bed,” I said.

  “Of course,” he said and leaned over to kiss me. He kissed Aaron, “sleep well little man, lots of exciting things to look at tomorrow.”

  The jet lag was awful. Alex and Aaron were all right but I felt like crap for days. It took the fun out of being in the big new city but Damian took us out and he and Alex showed me around. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life and then we all went shopping so I could get some evening clothes for going out to dinner.

  I have to admit it was nice to see the sales assistants running around to get me things. I knew it was because of who I was related to rather than just because it was me but it was still a great feeling.

  Damian babysat while Alex took me out to dinner. The restaurant was amazing and everything was so expensive. The maitre’d knew him and welcomed him back after his long absence. “I used to come here quite often,” he said, “Steven always took care of me.”

  He smiled. “Anything for Mr Mercer,” he said.

  “Steven, this is my wife Natalie.”

  “Wife? Well that is fantastic. When did you get married?”

  “About a year and a half ago now, I’ve been living in New Zealand with Natalie and our son, Aaron.”

  Steven grinned. “How delightful, well it’s nice to see you back and I’ll make sure that you and Mrs Mercer are well looked after.”

  I selected the least expensive thing on the menu, the prices had shocked me to say the least and I didn’t want to look greedy. Steven just shook his head. “I would suggest this tonight Mrs Mercer.”

  Alex laughed at the look on my face when I saw the price. “Get used to it babe, this is what living here is like.”

  “This is going to take some adjustment,” I said.

  “Well you deserve the best. You worked your butt off back in New Zealand, this time I want to look after you.”

  “I love you Alex Mercer,” I said.

  “Love you too,” he said.

  Dinner was amazing and I made sure I got every bite. I didn’t want to leave anything on my plate. Afterwards we went for a walk further down the street until we got to a bar where Alex told me a lot of the Mercer employees went to.

  He was greeted like an old friend and held my hand tight as he introduced me to so many people it made my head spin. It was obvious he was popular and he wrapped his arms around me and nuzzled my neck while we stood and talked to the workers.

  “Want to make out with me on the car ride home?” he asked.

  I laughed. “Always,” I said.

  “I’ll just go to the bathroom and we’ll get out of here,” he said.

  “OK.”

  He had just gone when someone whose name escaped me came up to me. “It’s really nice to see him so happy. I was working on the executive floor when he came back from New Zealand the first time and he was miserable. I’m sure you’re responsible for the smile on his face.”

  I grinned. “Thanks, that means a lot. You know that means I’m responsible for the misery as well.”

  “I’m sure you’ve more than made up for it. Congratulations on your marriage,” he said.

  “Yes congratulations.” I would know that voice anywhere. It was Lisa with another woman in tow.

  “Lisa,” I said.

  “Natalie. It’s good to see Alex back where he belongs.”

  “I agree. It has made him so happy and I’m enjoying sharing that with him,” I said.

  The woman she was with leaned over and in a nasally tone said, “Is it true he married you because you were pregnant?”

  “Excuse me?” I said, “not that it is any of your business but no, that’s not true at all.”

  She sniggered and they walked to the bar, leaving me standing there fuming. “It’s not worth getting angry at them, Lisa is bitter as hell that Alex dumped her and that’s her PA who is attached at the hip. They’re both nasty pieces of work,” my new friend said.

  “Thanks for the advice,” I said, “I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for them.”

  Alex was by my side again and slipped his arm around me.

  “Thanks for keeping my wife entertained Derek,” he said.

  “It was my pleasure,” Derek said, “by the way Lisa and Caroline were here briefly. Enough time to be nasty to your wife.”

  “Is that true?” he asked me.

  “That woman that was with Lisa asked me if you married me because I was pregnant,” I said.

  His face set hard. “What the hell? I can imagine that’s what she’s been telling people. Shit Natalie, it wouldn’t matter if it was true but if I find out that’s what she’s been spreading I will be talking to her.”

  “I am not letting them spoil my evening,” I said.

  “Me either, let’s get going home and relieve Dad from his babysitting duties.”

  Derek stared at us. “Damian Mercer is babysitting?”

  I laughed. “You got it.”

  It was a 20 minute drive back to the apartment and we sat in the back of the limo, Alex’s arms around me, his hands stroking my breasts as he nuzzled my neck.

  “Mr Mercer, are you getting fresh?” I asked him.

  “Am I doing a good job Mrs Mercer?” he asked.

  “I’m sure you can do better,” I said with a grin.

  “He can’t see us you know,” he murmured, nodding his head to indicate he was talking about the driver.

  I laughed. “So what? Do you want to do me in your father’s limo?”

  He grinned. “That is exactly what I was thinking.”

  I lay on the long seat and he pushed the hem of my dress up until he could see my underwear. When I had bought my nice new gown I hadn’t skimped on the lingerie and his eyes lit up when he saw I was wearing a teddy with garter and stockings.

  “Holy crap Natalie, that’s so freaking hot,” he said.

  I giggled. “I aim to please,” I said.

  Access was easy as he slowly pulled the domes apart, revealing my pussy and I gasped as his fingers plunged into me. “You’re so ready baby,” he said.

  “I have to admit just wearing this stuff is a turn on,” I said, “it’s definitely not what I’m used to.”

  “Then this is what I want you to wear all the time from now on. Nothing but the best for my gir
l.”

  I laughed. This was very cool I had to admit but I had liked our easy going life and I doubted we would have that again, at least for now.

  His tongue was warm in the evening air that was still chilly in the limo, warming up as we drove. I shivered when he touched my legs, his hands cold against my skin and he chuckled. “Your hands are cold,” I said.

  “I’ll just warm them up on you,” he said, grinning up at me.

  I moaned as his tongue worked me over. His touch set my heart alight and my body was right there with it.

  We didn’t notice the time passing until we heard the driver’s announcement that we were just about there. “Drive around the block,” Alex said.

  “You had better be quick,” I said.

  He grinned and leaned over to kiss me while I heard the zip as he freed himself. “Remember our first time Natalie? In the back of that SUV. It was so cramped compared to this but it was so exciting.”

  I laughed and he pushed into me. “That was the night I came for the first time. Amazing what happens when you have experienced fingers touching you.”

  He kissed me and ran his tongue down my neck. Hammering into me, he entwined my fingers with his. “I love you so much. My beautiful wife,” he murmured.

  “I love you too,” I replied, “so very much.”

  I wrapped my legs around his waist, pulling him into me and it didn’t take long for him to groan as he came.

  We made ourselves respectable before we got out of the car but I blushed as I exited past the driver. “He’ll wait for Dad now,” Alex said, “and don’t worry, I’m sure he’s had to drive around a block quite a lot in his time.”

  I froze. “Your dad is going home in the limo? Shit Alex, I didn’t think of that and we’ve just had sex on the seat he’s about to sit on.”

  Alex laughed. “There’s nothing spilled. We just warmed the seat up for him that’s all.”

  I knew I was pulling a face as we entered the building and Damian smiled when we walked into the apartment. “He has slept like an angel,” he said.

  “Thank you so much for looking after Aaron,” I said.

  “Any time you two want a night out and I am available please let me know. I would be pleased to stay with my grandson any time. Though next time it would be nice to see him while he’s awake.”

  I laughed. “I understand. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go and check on my boy before I go to bed. Thanks again.”

  My boy was fast asleep and I watched him for a moment, almost wishing I could wake him up to hug him. His breathing was slow and steady and I wondered if he was dreaming as he would twitch every so often. He had a decent head of light brown hair now, just like his father and those big brown eyes broke my heart every time I looked into them. The two of them had me twisted round their little fingers and I was completely besotted with both my boys.

  This new life would take some getting used to but as long as we were all together, we would be fine.

  I walked back into the living room where Damian still stood with Alex who had a stunned look on his face. “What is it?” I said.

  “Dad has just told me some really big news,” Alex said.

  “And?”

  Damian grinned. “I should have waited until you came back into the room Natalie. What Alex is trying to say is that I am getting married and I want you to meet my wife to be.”

  “I had no idea Nat,” Alex said, scratching the back of his neck. “This is just all news to me, I didn’t even know he was seeing someone.”

  “We have been seeing each other a while and have known each other since we were in high school so now we can all be together, we’ve decided to get married.”

  “Congratulations,” I said and hugged him, kissing him on the cheek. He looked surprised at that, but pleased.

  “Thank you,” he said with a grin. “Alex will also have a stepbrother. Maryanne’s boy is seventeen and keen to meet his new family too.”

  “That will be lovely, we’ll look forward to it. Won’t we Alex?” I looked at my husband who was still standing there looking slightly uncomfortable.

  “Sure Dad, that will be great,” he said.

  “Fantastic. We’ll arrange something for later in the week. I am really looking forward to you meeting them Alex, I’m sure you and Natalie will get along with them like a house on fire.”

  “Sure,” Alex said, nodding.

  When Damian had gone I pulled Alex towards me and wrapped my arms around his neck.

  “You OK?” I asked.

  “Yes,” he said, “it is just a surprise. I’ll be fine. I didn’t think Dad had much of a private life. I mean he’s dated and he’s screwed women but getting married?”

  I grinned. “Maybe he’s seen how happy we are and wants to copy us.”

  “That must be it,” he said. His shoulders relaxed and he kissed me before nuzzling my face with his nose. “Let’s go to bed Mrs Mercer and I’ll show you again just how happy I am.”

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  New Beginnings

  We walked into Damian’s apartment and saw his wife to be and stepson for the first time. Maryanne Pope looked normal, like one of my people and not one of the high flyers I had met around the place so far.

  From the little I had been told, she and her son Colton came from a small town not unlike my own. She smiled warmly at us when we entered the room and I felt at ease with her immediately.

  “Maryanne, Colton. This is my son Alex and his wife Natalie,” Damian said, taking Aaron from my arms. “This is little Aaron.”

  Her eyes lit up excitedly. “I am so happy to meet you and what a lovely baby,” she said, rushing to Damian’s side and reaching for my boy.

  “He might be a bit wary,” I said, “he’s just reached that unsure about new faces stage.”

  She smiled. “I remember that stage, Colton used to cry like crazy whenever someone different appeared. I would love to try to hold him though and I’d give him right back if he gets upset.”

  “I’m sure that will be fine,” I said.

  Aaron looked at me but went to Maryanne and grinned when she gave him a big kiss on his face and hugged him tight. “He’s lovely,” she said, “I can see what you meant Damian about his resemblance to Alex, they’re like two peas in a pod.”

  He took Aaron’s hand in his. “Yes, the two of them are very similar. I think Natalie has her hands full with both of them.”

  I laughed and felt Alex slide his arm around my waist, pulling me tight. Looking up at him he had this uncomfortable expression on his face and I quickly realised why.

  Colton was sitting staring at us. Maryanne’s boy was a real looker, tall and stacked with muscles he had one of the prettiest faces I had ever seen and Alex was reacting to him looking at me.

  “Relax baby,” I murmured, “all this is new, you have to give him time to get used to us all.”

  He leaned down and nuzzled my cheek with his nose. “He’s got his eye on you.”

  “Don’t be silly. He’s young Alex. He’s probably just unsure about meeting his new family.”

  We all got to talking and Damian and Maryanne’s story unfolded. “I fell in love with Maryanne when we were fifteen,” Damian said, “when it came time to go to college our parents had very different ideas and life wasn’t like it is today. We were in different parts of the country, and communication wasn’t always easy. There was no Facebook or Twitter or even text messaging to keep in touch so we drifted apart.”

  I sat on the edge of my seat, Damian had seemed so hard nosed the day we had met back in Auckland but with his grandson and now with his wife to be the change in personality was marked. He had a grin on his face a mile wide and his eyes twinkled as he continued his story. “We married other people and got on with our lives. Alex was born and Maryanne had Colton. Alex’s mother of course left us when Alex was five and then died a few years later of cancer. Maryanne lost her husband two years ago in a car accident. I didn’t know that when
I was thinking of her one day and looked her up. We arranged to meet up again and sparks flew.”

  She was looking at him with so much love in her eyes and I couldn’t help but smile. I made eye contact with Colton and he was smiling too, he was clearly very happy for his mother.

  “So I knew I had to make things right with you Alex. I always knew that but now we all have a reason to be together because Maryanne and I are finally getting married.”

  I grinned. “Congratulations,” I said, “I am so very pleased for the two of you.”

  Alex squeezed my hand and I knew I had done the right thing. “I agree Dad,” he said, “it’s nice to see you happy again.”

  “We need to talk about the wedding,” Maryanne said to me, “we want something small with just the family so I want you to be involved.”

  “Thank you,” I said. I would be only too pleased to help her, it would give me something to do as I didn’t like to venture too far from home yet. The city was intimidating and I wanted to spread out slowly as I worked out how to get to places and home again. Taxis were the easy option but I wanted to get to know this place myself.

  Maryanne went into the kitchen to work on dinner and I offered to help but she told me she wanted to take care of everything for the family. We sat and watched some television, there was some sporting event on that I didn’t really understand but the boys all seemed to like it and I loved that Alex was bonding with his father again.

  Aaron needed a nappy change so I excused myself and made for the nearest bedroom to sort that out. Alex followed close behind. “Is everything OK?” he asked, “I hope you aren’t feeling left out.”

  “No,” I said with a smile, “Aaron is a bit wet and I just need to change him.”

  “Diaper change Dad,” he called out over his shoulder.

  “Does it really take both of you?” Damian asked.

  “Well you never know what we might find,” Alex said with a laugh.

  In the room I put Aaron on the bed and pulled what I needed out of my bag. “What are you really doing in here Alex? You should be out with your dad. It’s nice to see you two getting on so well.”