Chester smiled and looked to Julia knowing that his dear wife would be able to handle this one and she didn’t disappoint him.
“Dr. Robinson, if less stress and more bed rest is what Alexandra needs you can be sure that is what she’ll get. If I know Alex she loves this child too much to take any further risks. She’s been scared by what’s happened today. I really don’t think it will take much to get her to agree to slow down now. Can we see her doctor?”
“Sure. Stay as long as you like as long as you don’t say anything to upset her. I’m going to keep her overnight for observation in hopes that her blood pressure will go down but I’m sure she’ll be just fine and able to go home in the morning. She’s worried right now about work. She said she has a trial starting at 10:00 this morning?”
“I’ve already called Peter dear,” Chester said to Julia. “He said Don could cover for Alex this morning.”
As he spoke they saw Peter frantically making his way down the hall towards them.
“Chester, Julia is she okay? The baby?”
Julia held her arms out to Peter as he approached and hugged him hard.
“Relax Peter. They’re both fine. The doctor says that our Alexandra is just a little shook-up because she was very, very scared.”
Julia broke the hug and spoke somewhat harshly to Peter.
“I’m glad you’re here Peter. We need to talk to you about our granddaughter’s work schedule.”
Dr. Robinson said her good-byes and told the Fairchilds she would keep them informed should Alex’s condition change.
Peter was going out of his mind.
“What’s going on with Alex? Please tell me what’s going on!”
Chester took Peter by the arm and steered him to a seat and sat beside him.
“Peter calm down. Alex is fine. I assume you knew she was pregnant?”
Peter ran his hand through his hair and sighed.
“Yes, she told me just yesterday.” Peter noticed Chester stiffen and stopped Julia before she had the chance to ask.
“And no I’m not the baby’s father though I wish to God I was.”
Chester let out the breath he’d been holding and continued to explain to Peter what was wrong with Alex. He dearly admired and respected Peter but he was very relieved Peter wasn’t the baby’s father. He’d always imagined Alexandra and Ian would come to their senses and be married. It was obvious to Chester that they both loved each other dearly.
“Alex woke up this morning with cramps and some bleeding but the doctor says they’ll both be fine. It was nothing serious but the doctor is still concerned. She said Alexandra needs to eliminate all the stress from her life and get more rest. If she doesn’t, she may not carry this baby to term.”
“Which means,” Julia added, “That Alex will not be able to continue to carry the crazy work load she has. In fact, she shouldn’t be working at all until after the baby is born. You need to make other arrangements Peter. I will not let Alexandra’s work endanger this baby or herself.”
Peter nodded in agreement.
“Of course, of course. Julia, Chester I think you both know how much I love Alex. I’ll do anything to make sure that she and the baby are safe. She doesn’t have to worry about the firm. We’ll make do without her. It’ll be hard but we can do it. Can I see her?”
“Of course you can dear but her grandfather and I would like a moment with her first.”
Chester and Julia walked down the hall and gently knocked on Alex’s door. Chester opened the door just a smidgen and peeked around it.
“Alexandra dear? May we come in?”
Alex turned around in bed to face the door and held out her arms and smiled.
“Please. Please come in Grandpa.”
Chester rushed to the bed and took Alex in his arms. For the first time since Alex’s birth Chester felt tears well up in his eyes. He loved this little girl and wished so much that his own daughter Claire could be there for her daughter now instead of halfway around the world.
“I was so scared Grandpa. So scared,” Alex sobbed.
Chester kissed the top of her head and softly stroked her silky hair.
“I know child, I know. But everything’s fine now and you don’t need to worry. Your grandmother and I are here and Peter’s outside as well. We’re all here for you dear.”
Julia watched as her husband of forty-nine years comforted Alex. What a treasure she had found in Chester Fairchild. She only hoped that her granddaughter would find a man to love and care for her as she had, as her daughter Claire had. Alexandra was a beautiful, caring person who was truly deserving of some happiness. She had found little happiness since she had fallen in love with Ian Foster and now she was pregnant with his child. She would always be tied to Foster in some way now.
Julia held back from going to Alex. She was ashamed that Alex had needed to confide in her about the pregnancy but had not. Julia was sure Alexandra had kept the news a secret because she was afraid of her grandmother’s reaction to the news.
Alex now noticed Julia standing just inside the door.
“Grandmother I’m sorry. I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you about the baby. I know you must be very disappointed in me.”
Julia rushed to Alex’s side and took Chester’s place in her arms. The tears flowed freely from both women now. She held Alex tight for quite some time before she took Alex’s face in her hands.
“Dear child. You must know that I have never in my life been disappointed in you. I’m disappointed in myself right now. Disappointed that I wasn’t there for you when you needed me. I know you were afraid to tell me because I’ve been such an opinionated old fool. I’m the one who’s sorry Alexandra.”
Julia grabbed a tissue and dried Alex’s tears. Julia settled on the edge of the bed next to Alex, put an arm around Alex’s shoulders and held her close.
“Tell me all about it now honey.”
Chester felt that was his cue to sneak out so the ladies could have their long overdue talk. He also needed to make a call.
Chapter 15
Ian knew as soon as he saw Don walked through the courtroom door that something was wrong. Where was Alex? Something wasn’t right. Alex was never late and would never miss a trial unless she was sick or there was something terribly wrong. Ian approached the defense table to see what was up.
“Good morning Don. Where’s Alex this morning?”
Don cleared his throat, shifted his eyes downward. Ian could tell he was very uncomfortable.
Don was no fool. He’d heard all the talk about Alex’s relationship with Ian. He knew enough about Alex to know that if she was pregnant, Ian Foster was the father but he didn’t want to be the one to break the news about her current problems to Foster. Unfortunately, it looked like the duty was falling on his shoulders. Ian had a right to know, didn’t he?
Just as Don was about to answer Tom came hurrying through the door towards them.
“Ian you just got a phone call from Chester Fairchild. He says it’s urgent. Something about Alex. You need to call him immediately at this number.”
Ian looked at Don for an explanation.
“I don’t know all the details Ian. All I know is she’s in the hospital.”
Ian rushed from the courtroom and ran outside to place his call. There was something wrong with the baby. Why else would Chester call him? His hands shook as he dialed his cell phone.
“Hello, Chester? This is Ian Foster. What's wrong with Alex?” His voice trembled and it did not go unnoticed by Chester.
“She’s in St. Mary’s Hospital Ian. She had some cramping and some bleeding this morning but she and the baby are doing well. Her doctor wants her to stay overnight just to be on the safe side. I thought you should know.”
“Thank you for calling me Chester. Does she want to see me?”
“She didn’t really say Ian. As a matter of fact she doesn’t know I’ve made this call. Like I said. I just thought you should know.”
“Chester
would you please tell her I’ll be there as soon as I can get away from this trial? She may not want to see me but I have to see her Chester. I just have to.”
“I’ll warn you Ian. The doctor is very worried about Alex’s blood pressure. She said that we need to remove as much stress from Alex’s life as we can. I didn’t phone you so you could show up here and upset Alexandra. If your presence will upset her I’d rather you stay away.”
“Chester, Alex is pretty upset with me right now but I truly believe she wants me there now. Despite our differences. I won’t do or say anything to upset her. You can trust me.”
“I’ve trusted you more than I should have over the years Ian. I trusted you to finally come to your senses and make my little girl happy and all you’ve done is make her life miserable. I’m very disappointed in you Ian. Very disappointed. Alex is about to make you a father so I hope that you learn to treat her with the respect she deserves.”
“You can’t make me feel any worse than I already do Chester. I’ve been an ass and I know that. I’ll be there in a bit. Would you please smooth the way with Julia. I’m afraid she might not want me to see Alex.”
“You’re asking a lot from me Ian. An awful lot. I’ll tell her to expect you but I won’t stop her from speaking her mind to you.”
“That’s good enough. Thanks Chester.”
Ian returned to the courtroom just as the judge was entering for the start of the trial. Ian whispered to Tom what was going on with Alex and Tom was confident he could fill-in for Ian without a hitch. They’d been working closely together on the case so Tom knew the case as well as Ian.
Ian flew to the hospital. What if he got there and things had changed? What if she had lost their baby? What would he say? He had to quit thinking like that. Alex and the baby were going to be fine but he just had to see her to believe it.
When Ian arrived on Alex’s floor he saw Peter and Chester sitting in the waiting area. Peter. He should have expected to find Peter there. As he approached them Peter stood up and Ian saw Chester place a hand across Peter’s chest to restrain him from going after Ian. He didn’t have time to deal with Peter’s histrionics now.
“Peter...Chester.” Ian nodded at both gentlemen. “How is she?”
Peter couldn’t contain his anger.
“You son-of-a-bitch! As though you really care Foster. Don’t you realize that you’re the reason she’s in here? Of course not. You’re too damn blind to see what you’ve done to her. You...”
Chester interrupted.
“Peter that’s enough. That’s exactly what Alex doesn’t need right now.”
“I’m sorry Chester. You’re right.”
Peter glared at Ian and stomped down the hall to one of the vending machines, placed some quarters in it for a soda and gave it a huge bang when it failed to give him his soda. Julia was just leaving Alex’s room and joined Chester at his side.
Julia gave Ian the same kind of angry glare he’d received from Peter. He was definitely not feeling welcome.
“Foster, I want you to know that I’m very upset with Chester’s decision to call you but for reasons I don’t understand she wants to see you. I’ll be right outside that door and if you upset her even the slightest you’ll be out of here on your ear!”
Ian bristled at the anger in her voice.
“Julia I have no intention of upsetting Alex. You have my word.”
“Your word doesn’t comfort me at all Foster. Not one bit. Don’t be long. She needs some rest. She’s had a trying morning.”
Ian took a big breath before opening the door to Alex’s room. He didn’t know what kind of welcome to expect from her, especially after their conversation yesterday. Alex was lying on her back with her eyes shut and she appeared to be sleeping. Well, he’d just wait until she woke up. Her golden hair was slightly disheveled and he could see the dark circles under her eyes. Her face was flushed and her lips were slightly parted. She was beautiful. He approached the bed quietly and stood over her just watching her sleep. How was he suppose to live without her? Was he crazy to think he could?
Ian lifted his right hand to smooth some stray hairs away from her face. He couldn’t resist entangling his hand in her hair and gently kissed the top of her head. He felt her stir and was sorry he’d disturbed her but he just had to touch her. He always had a need to touch or caress her. Even when they were together in public. Holding her hand or an arm around her waist. A quick brush of her cheek. He smiled as he remembered her telling him to never stop touching her. That she loved his caresses outside of the bedroom as much as inside.
She stirred again.
“Ian?”
He smiled and rubbed his knuckles up and down her cheek. He reminded himself that she wanted to see him. She would not ask him to leave.
“It’s me baby. I’m here.” She finally opened her eyes.
“I’m glad you’re here Ian. I need you here.” She raised her arms and wound them around his neck and she couldn’t hold back her tears.
“I didn’t mean what I said yesterday Ian. I’m so sorry. I would never keep you from your baby Ian. You know that. I couldn’t. Please forgive me.”
Ian held her tight and reveled in the warmth of her body against his. Did he really think he could live without ever feeling her body molded to his?
“Forgive you? Alex there’s nothing to forgive you for. I know you were hurt and I deserved everything you said.”
They continued to hold each other as though they’d never let go. Alex couldn’t believe he was here after all the terrible things she had said yesterday. She had needed him to come so badly but was afraid to ask him to. She was grateful to her grandfather for his insight.
“Oh, Ian. I was so scared. If I’d lost our baby...”
“Shhhhh. Baby. Let’s not talk about it. You’re okay and our baby’s okay.”
He sat on the bed and drew back some so he could see her face and place his right hand protectively on her swollen belly yet still hold her in his arms.
“It was just a little scare and we’re going to do everything we need to so nothing like this happens again. I spoke to your grandparents and they say we need to eliminate the stress from your life and I know I’ve been a big part of that stress. But I won’t be any more Alex, I promise.”
Ian bent his head to press a feathery kiss across Alex’s lips.
“Oh this is not smart Alex. Not smart at all. But it’s what you want. What you need,” Alex thought.
Ian was a little hesitant. He didn’t want to push Alex or anger her but he’d wanted to taste those lips from the minute he’d walked in the room. Ian touched her lips softly afraid to ask for more but as he went to draw away Alex grabbed the nape of his neck with one hand and framed his cheek with the other and pulled him back down to her mouth. She urged his lips apart with her tongue. She was gloriously wet and warm and god how he’d missed what she did to him with that mouth, that tongue. As their tongues tangled and they took the kiss deeper and deeper it suddenly hit Ian. He might have lost her. He might have lost their baby. The fear finally emerged. Dear god he’d almost lost the two most important people in his life! He couldn’t fight the emotions welling up inside of him and he didn’t want to. Without realizing it his kiss was no longer gentle. He couldn’t get enough. He needed to be deeper inside her, he needed to be closer. His kiss became rougher and rougher as he tried to get closer.
“Ian? Stop Ian.” Alex tried to shove him away and get him to look at her.
“Ian what’s wrong?” Alex could tell by the urgency in Ian’s kiss that something had happened. Though she loved Ian’s kisses no matter how gentle or rough she knew something was wrong.
“Ian stop and look at me!”
Ian reluctantly raised his face to look in her eyes and she saw his tears. She framed his face with her hands then gently lifted one hand to wipe the tears from his cheeks. She didn’t understand the tears. She had never seen Ian Foster cry. She never knew he was capable of such emotion.
Ian collapsed in her arms, burying his face in her neck as his tears gently fell down his face.
“Baby you scared me so much. I’ve never been so scared in my whole life. To think that we might have lost our baby. That I could have lost you. My heart nearly stopped when I got Chester’s call. Please baby don’t scare me like this again. Please.”
Alex didn’t know what to say so she just held him close as he cried. She was so touched by the depth of his feelings. He definitely was not the bastard she had made him out to be yesterday. He was the good, caring man she knew he was. She didn’t want to give him up but unless he changed and got his priorities in the right order, she would have to give him up for the sake of their baby. She didn’t want their child being hurt by his absences the way he’d hurt her so often.
Out in the waiting area Julia was pacing and driving Chester and Peter crazy.
“He’s been in there awfully long Chester. I’m afraid he’s upsetting her. I should go check on them.”
“For gods sake Julia please do!” Chester pleaded. “You’re driving us crazy with your pacing!”
Julia cast her husband a haughty glare and her mind made up; she went to Alex’s door and peeked inside. She was startled at what she saw. Ian Foster was sobbing like a tiny baby in Alex’s arms and she was comforting him! It was just like Foster to turn the tables and make this all about him. As she was about to tell him it was time to go he spoke.
“Baby you scared me so much. To think that we might have lost our baby. That I could have lost you...”
The Ten Year Affair Page 11