“I already do,” Lynwood said in the empty room.
Chapter Seven
Two Years Later
Vessa eyes scanned the glitzy décor of the ballroom. Glamour was the theme for her ‘Preferred Clientele bash in Atlanta. This would be her first presented in Atlanta. The boutiques in Philly, New York, and Chicago always looked forward to her annual parties hopefully her Atlanta clientele will also. These parties gave Vessa the opportunity to show her appreciation to her clientele.
Upon the arrival of the two hundred guests whom were warmly greeted, handed a gift bag and a name tag. That was for Vessa benefit, so when she mingled she could address the client by his or her first name.
Pleased with overall setup Vessa smiled as and mingled with her guest. She was mildly surprised by the many men who accompanied their wives or girlfriends.
This was the only reason she returned to Atlanta since her break up with Lynwood Holland. If it were not for the party, she would not have come. She was grateful for the Eric, the general manager of the Atlanta store. Everything ran smoothly, and she was thankful she never had to visit the store. Unfortunately, this trip was necessary. She had to make an appearance her clients looked forward to it.
Vessa smiled and greeted her guests as she moved through the room.
“Vessa?” A voice called out.
Vessa turned to see Ron and Izzy James, and with them a remarkably attractive older couple.
“Izzy,” Vessa said genuinely happy to see her. The two women embraced. They parted, but Izzy held on to her hand.
Vessa looked over at Ron. “Hello Ron,” she greeted.
“Vessa, how are you?” Ron asked and pulled her into his arms.
“I’m fine,” she replied smiling.
“Vessa, allow me to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Holland.”
Vessa turned to greet the couple seated at the table looking at her.
“Edie and Martin, this is Vanessa Sander,” Ron introduced.
Martin Holland stood. Hello young lady,” Martin Holland greeted taking her hand in his.
Mr. and Mrs. Holland, it's a pleasure,” Vessa replied courteously.
Please let’s sit,” Vessa invited taking a seat beside Mrs. Holland.
While Vessa talked with the Holland’s, Ron and Izzy watched interested.
“She doesn’t realize who these people are, does she?” Izzy whispered to Ron.
“I don’t think so.” Ron agreed.
Vessa talked easily with the couple. Mr. Holland smiled; there was something familiar about him. Maybe she met him somewhere. She glanced at Mrs. Holland, who was elegant with a pleasant friendly face. Mr. Holland was still quite attractive with the gray at his temples giving him a distinguished appearance. They were a pleasant couple, she liked them right away. However, where has she met Mr. Holland before?
It hit her like a ton of bricks. She knew who these people were. Vessa gasped her hand going to her chest.
She looked over at Ron and Izzy for verification. They both nodded.
She wondered if they knew about her relationship with their son. She sat there with her hand on her chest an air of uncertainty on her face.
“Are you alright dear?” Mrs. Holland asked concerned.
These incredible people were grandparents to her son. Her first instinct was to rise from the table and leave. How would they react if she told them about her son? On the other hand, she thought was it fair for her to keep the knowledge of her son from them, because she hated their son?
Vessa took a deep breath before addressing Mr. and Mrs. Holland.
“Mr. Holland,” she said softly, “I was wondering if I had met you before and for the life of me, I couldn't make the connection. Your son…, he looks like you. That’s why you were so familiar to me.”
“You know my Lynwood?” Edie Holland smiled fondly.
“I dated Lyn.., your son for a while.” Vessa informed them.
Izzy and Ron exchanged looks. Vessa continued to speak.
“We didn’t part on the best of terms.” She admitted honestly.
Edie reached over to pat her hand. Vessa smiled sadly.
The reason I’m telling you this is…,” Vessa paused exhaling a breath. “There is no easy way to say this.”
“What is it dear?” Edie coaxed.
Vessa rose looking at the confused couple.
“I can show you better than tell you, excuse me for a moment,” she said rising from the table.
Both couples exchanged confused looks.
“What’s going on?” Martin Holland asked.
Ron shrugged. “Whatever it is, it must be something very important that involves Lyn.”
“What happened between Lyn and Vessa?” Edie asked the question.
“She fell in love, Lynwood didn’t,” Ron simply answered.
“He hurt her didn’t he?” Ron and Izzy’s eyes lowered.
“He did, didn’t he?” Edie replied shaking her head.
“Lynwood has to stop this foolishness. He can’t keep doing this to these women he dates.”
“Mom,” Ron said, “the women Lyn dated in the past are nothing like Vessa. When Lyn broke away, they were compensated. I would be the first to say Lyn has issues when come to the matter of the heart, and those women knew where they stood with Lyn at the onset of their acquaintance. Vessa was different it scared Lyn, he wasn’t used to the woman Vessa is.” Ron said in defense of Lyn, “she made him feel things that he didn’t want to feel, so Lyn broke it off.”
“How did they meet?” Martin Holland asked.
“In Philadelphia on business.” Ron replied. “Actually, they had not communicated again until Vessa opened her boutique here in Atlanta. Lyn was intrigued from the moment they met.”
“So what happened?” Edie insisted.
“They dated for a while, until…, Vessa fell in love, and you know Lyn,” Ron shrugged. Edie shook her head.
Vessa returned as promised. In her arms, she held a baby. Edie was the first to see Vessa making her way to the table where they waited. Vessa stopped in front of them.
Izzy and Ron’s mouth dropped open and stared at the smiling child in Vessa’s arms. Edie Holland pressed her hands to her mouth gazed at the child. Martin Holland sprung to his feet staring stunned at the baby she held in her arms.
“This is Martin Lynwood Sanders, he is eleven months old, and your grandson,” Vessa introduced.
Edie gasped and leaned on her husband. “He looks just like Lynwood did at that age,” she cried.
Still looking at the child, Martin Holland replied. “You named him after me?” He asked stunned.
Vessa smiled at him. “Actually, I knew Lynwood’s full name I just reversed it.”
“He’s beautiful,” Mr. Holland commented softly.
“May I hold him?” Edie Holland asked. Edie raised her hands to the gurgled toddler, without hesitation the child went to her. Vessa smiled fondly as the Holland’s fussed over their grandson. She looked over at Izzy and Ron.
“That day in the office, you came to tell Lyn about the baby.” Ron concluded.
Vessa nodded.
“Why now Vessa?” Ron asked.
“I didn’t expect to see Lynwood; at least I didn’t want to. I never expected to meet his parents, but meeting them and talking to them…, all I could think is how unfair it is for them not to know they had a grandson. They seem like wonderful people.” Vessa replied looking over at them with her son.
“And Lynwood?”
Vessa shrugged. I don’t know Ron; I still don't want to see him.” Vessa sighed. “I guess I have no choice now, huh?” She said grimly.
“He will want to know Vessa,” Ron commented.
“And maybe Ron he won’t care at all,” Vessa countered.
“He will Vessa, Lyn is not a bad person,” Ron replied defensively.
“So you say, really it doesn’t matter what I think, I am over Lynwood; if he wants to be in his son’s life fine, if not that’s fine too.�
�� Vessa said turning her attention her son.
“You don’t want to see Lyn?” Izzy asked sadly.
“I’d rather not,” Vessa admitted.
“How can you avoid him after he finds out about the baby?”
“I haven’t thought that far ahead.” Vessa sighed. She watched as Marty’s grandparents fawned over him, smiling she knew she did the right thing.
“He’s beautiful,” Mrs. Holland said.
“Come let’s sit,” Vessa wave a hand at the table. She felt the need to explain to these charming people her views about this situation.
Marty was giggling with his grandfather. Vessa smiled warmly at them.
Edie sat across from Vessa, smiling at her sadly.
“I take it Lynwood doesn’t know?”
Vessa shook her head. “I came to Atlanta to tell him,” Vessa paused. “After all that had happened that day I just couldn’t, I had to get as far away from Lynwood that day. I even thought to call him and tell him but…, I couldn’t.”
Edie reached over and patted her hand and smiled sadly.
“How long are you in Atlanta?” Mr. Holland asked.
“Another week.”
“You must come and stay with us while you are here; we have plenty room.” Edie invited.
“I have the baby’s nanny with us, I…,"
“She can stay too.” Martin Holland answered.
“Can I get back to you?” The Holland’s agreed.
Later that evening Vessa called the Holland’s accepting their invitation. The nanny decided to fly home and use the free time to visit with her family.
Vessa and Marty arrived at the Holland’s home. To Vessa's surprise, they had rooms made up for them. The room for Marty was a child’s delight. Everything a child needed filled the room.
“I didn’t mean for you to make a fuss.” Vessa said.
“Of course, we made a fuss, you’re family.” Martin Holland replied smiling, reminding her so much of Lynwood.
“Thank you,” she said smiling. If only she was part of this wonderful family. She could plainly see Mr. Holland as the father she never had.
Vessa explained she had a meeting but would return before dinner. The Holland’s sent her on her way insuring her Marty will be fine.
Kissing Marty, she left her son with his grandparents.
Martin Holland sat on the blanketed floor playing with his grandson.
Edie invited Ron and Izzy to dinner. Lynwood was due back in town and expected at any time. His usual habit was to see his parents as soon as the plane landed. Unfortunately, Vessa meeting ran late, so she wouldn’t make dinner.
PopPop and Marty were enjoying themselves when Lynwood arrived. He stood in the doorway of the den a frown on his face, watching his father on the floor frolicking with a small child. No one had noticed Lynwood’s presence. Marty crawled from his grandfather to the coffee table in the middle of the room. Marty grabbed the table pulling himself up. Edie was the first to notice Lynwood standing there. She frowned at him. The baby stared at the strange man. Marty giggled, let go of the coffee table and took an unsteady step and then another towards Lynwood.
Edie and Martin gasped. To everyone's surprise, and with arms stretched out, Marty wobbled his first steps to his father. Lynwood stared stunned at the baby coming towards him. Just as the baby reached his father, he started to fall backward. Lynwood reached out lifting the child. Holding him at arm’s length as the baby laughed and gurgled happily.
Edie rose and took the child from the stunned Lynwood.
“Did you see that PopPop, he took his first steps,” his mother cooed to the baby.
Lynwood watched his father take the laughing child lifting high praising him for his feat.
Lynwood wondered where his parents got this child they are claiming as their grandchild.
“Come in Lynwood and sit down,” his mother said sternly.
Lynwood brows lifted and did as ordered, looking strangely at his father who was making an ass of himself over this child.
“Whose baby?” Lynwood glanced at Ron and Izzy who were grinning like idiots.
Martin Holland sat with the child on his lap.
“Did you see that Lyn, he took his first step to you,” his father replied. Then returned to cooing to the baby.
“Look at that child Lynwood Holland and tell me what you see?” His mother said brusquely her eyes narrowing.
“What are you asking me, Mom?” Lynwood asked his tone gruff.
“Look at him, PopPop turn my baby to Lynwood,” Edie ordered.
Lynwood looked at the child, and then to his mother who glared at him.
“You don’t think it’s mine?” Lynwood asked incredulously.
I know this baby is yours,” his mother stated.
Lynwood quickly came to his feet. Izzy moved to stand beside him.
“Look at his eyes,” Izzy said, “whose eyes are they?”
Lyn glanced at Izzy and then back at the baby.
Lynwood stared at the child grabbing at his father's glasses. The room was silent except for the chattering baby. Lynwood took a step closer. He reached out and stroked the baby’s head. Marty looked up at his father with hazel/green eyes. Lynwood snatched his hand away, his breath escaped as if punched in the gut.
He looked at his mother. “What is his name?”
“Martin Lynwood,” his mother answered.
Lynwood reached for the child, the baby reached for him, his eyes on his face. Marty reached out to touch his father’s lips; Lynwood caught his little hand in his kissing him. He turned with the child in his arms leaving the others.
“I think he knows,” Ron said chuckling.
“It’s only just begun,” Edie replied sadly shaking her head.
Lynwood went to his favorite room in his parent’s house. The library with all its books and warmth of the room was his solace when he grew up here and still was even after he moved out. He sat in his favorite chair, sitting his son on his knees looking at him.
He couldn’t believe this handsome boy is his son. He now could see the resemblance and instantly knew those eyes. The most beautiful eyes he has ever known. After his appalling behavior towards Vessa, he still thought of her daily and wondering if she had recovered from being hurt. Yes, he knew hurt her, but it was not his intention. Lynwood squeezed his eyes shut tightly. He will always regret that day. He didn’t expect to see her break down like that. Ron was right he was a bastard. Izzy refused to speak to him for a little while, and Ron became distant, berated him for the callous way he broke the relationship with Vessa. Telling him, she was nothing like the selfish, manipulative gold diggers he accustomed. Ron was right. Vessa was none of those things. After she admitted her love for him, his plan was by avoiding her, all she had to do was accept he wanted to end things. She was supposed to take the hint without him having to tell her; it worked with other women. As Ron said, she was nothing like them. He had forgotten she wasn’t the sophisticated woman she appeared. In truth, she was a naïve 32 year old virgin with no experience in having a casual affair.
Ron was right he was a heartless fool. He could have handled everything differently, explained he was not interested in love. It was too late now to take back his words and actions of that day. Never will he forget the look on her face when she looked at him one last time, through reddened tearful eyes. When the door closed behind her, he knew he had made the biggest mistake in his life.
Lynwood lifted the child to his chest hugging him. His heart swelled. He had a son and an heir to his throne; he was proud. He would teach him the ropes of the Holland Empire. Teach him to be a strong and honest man like his father taught him. Marty yawned and laid his head on his father’s broad shoulders. Lynwood held his son gently caressing his little back. He laid his head back and closed his eyes. Tears burned behind closed lids. Why didn’t Vessa tell him about the baby?
Lynwood heard the door to the library open. Quickly he wiped at the tears that slipped down his face.
His parents stood in front of him smiling at their son and grandson. Lynwood pressed a finger to his lips.
“Let me take him,” his mother said softly. Lynwood was reluctant to give him up. He pressed a kiss to his son’s head before giving him over to his mother. After his mother had taken the baby, she left the room; his father took a seat across from him.
“So Son what have you to say?”
“He’s beautiful Dad,” Lyn commented.
After a moment, Lynwood spoke. “Dad, I have a son, I have never felt as unsure of myself as I do now. Will I be as good a father as you have been to Ron and me? I’m happy I have a son, but scared at the same time. What if I do something wrong, what if…?”
Son,” Martin interrupted, “just love him and always be there for him. Try to understand when he does wrong and you must explain why and make him understand the consequences of those actions. When he does well praise him and make him feel good about himself and most importantly, tell him, how much you love him as much as you can, that is my advice to you as a father.”
“Thanks Dad, I’ll try to be a good father to him.”
“I don’t doubt it Lyn, but we need to discuss his mother.”
At the thought of Vessa, a sudden twinge burned in his stomach.
“Your mother is under the impress that you and Vessa parted on bad terms,” his father stated.
“Yes, we did.”
“Is that why she never got the opportunity to tell you Son, she carried my grandson?” Martin asked sternly.
“I’m not sure whether that was her purpose or not,” Lyn replied shrugging his shoulders.
“According to Mom, that was her purpose, only she didn’t know you had set her aside. Lyn I try not to involve myself in your female attachments. I have seen some of the women who would like to attach themselves to you. Could you not see that Vanessa was not one of them? I don’t condone treating women poorly,” his father finished.
“I treat all women with respect, it is when they try to attach themselves to me is when I let them know where I stand, most usually move on after an expensive parting gift.”
One Night (Found Love) Page 7