“Hello gentleman. I don’t believe I know you. I’m Alexandra Morgan. I believe I heard you mention my name?”
Ian was in the washroom off of the lounge and had been listening to his colleagues’ conversation. The last thing he felt like doing was confronting them over their words. He was trying to figure out how to tactfully leave without things being awkward when he heard Alex’s voice.
Both men stammered through hello to Alex and then there was silence. The tall, pathetically thin, pasty white man finally broke the silence.
“I’m Alan Gathright Ms. Morgan and this is Stuart Mayes. Yes, we did mention your name. We were talking about the fact that Angela Henderson formerly of our office took over for you at Grainger’s office.”
He slanted a quick glance at his cohort who was visibly nervous, loosening his tie and shuffling his feet. The silence once again was awkward. The other middle aged, bald, stout man finally spoke.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Ms. Morgan. I’ve heard a lot about you and what a fine defense attorney you are. It’s a shame you’re not practicing any more. Are you expecting soon?”
“You tell me. From what I heard you seem to know all about my pregnancy.” Alex gave each man an icy glare.
“Uh, oh,” thought Ian. He knew that tone and Alex had obviously heard the mens’ conversation too. Although unlike him, she seemed ripe for a confrontation.
“I don’t know what you have against Ian Foster gentleman but I’ll tell you this. You would do well to listen to what he tells you. There is no finer prosecutor in this whole state, maybe in the whole country and I believe that he is ‘god almighty’ of prosecutors. If he’s criticized you, you better listen to what he has to say because you’ll become better for it.”
Alex could feel the heat rise to her face. She knew she shouldn’t allow herself to get this upset but she couldn’t let these idiots talk that way about Ian.
“I want you to know that it’ll take a lot more than an indiscreet leak to the press about my baby’s parentage to bring Ian Foster down. He deserves the impeccable reputation he has because he’s not only a good prosecutor but also a good man. You’ll find that out with your little campaign to ruin him because you’ll find it very hard to get anyone to go along with your little scheme. People like and respect Ian too much. Instead of spending time plotting against Ian and being jealous of the man you ought to take advantage of the chance you have to learn from him.”
“Ms. Morgan please...”
“Are you always so polite Mr. Mayes to women who get themselves knocked up?”
“Please Ms. Morgan you shouldn’t get so upset. We’re sorry you overheard our conversation. You’re right. We’re just angry and jealous. We were just blowing off steam. We didn’t mean any harm. Really. Please calm down.”
Stuart could see Alex was not looking well and he’d heard her pregnancy was high risk.
Alex’s breathing was ragged and she felt sweat trickle down her spine.
“I need to sit down,” she gasped.
Gathright swiftly pulled out a chair for Alex while Mayes helped her to sit. Both men looked worriedly at each other over Alex’s head. Mayes mouthed to Gathright, “Get a doctor,” and Alan silently slipped out of the room. Ian busted through the washroom door forgetting he’d wanted to escape without being noticed.
Mayes had hold of Alex’s hand and was gently encouraging her to put her head between her legs.
“Breath in slowly and out slowly Ms. Morgan. You’ll be just fine. You just need to get your breath back. Come on now. Keep it up. In slowly, out slowly.”
Ian glared at Mayes and knelt beside Alex taking her other hand and softly stroking her head.
“Alex? Are you okay baby?”
Alex raised her head and tried to form a smile.
“Ian. I’m glad you’re here. I’m not feeling so good.”
“It’s all right baby. When you get your breath we’ll get you to the hospital or Dr. Robinson’s office so she can take a look at you.”
Mayes awkwardly cleared his throat.
“Alan went to call a doctor Ian.”
“Thank you Stuart,” Ian said through clenched teeth without glancing the man’s way. “Don’t let us keep you. I’m sure you’ve got work to do.”
“Yes, I suppose I do if you’re sure you don’t need my help.”
“Oh, I’m sure Stuart. Please go.”
It was all Ian could do not to smash the guy in the face but he knew that would only make matters worse. He should have come out of the washroom sooner but he had wanted to hear the wonderful things Alex was saying about him. He’d been so surprised at her words that he hadn’t thought about what her anger was doing to her. He shouldn’t have allowed Alex to get so upset.
Alex raised her head once Mayes hurriedly left the room.
“I’m feeling much better Ian...” As she spoke a huge cramp pierced through her abdomen and she winced and tried to breathe through the pain.
“Alex? Talk to me honey. Where does it hurt?”
Once the pain subsided Alex said what Ian feared
“I’m not sure Ian but I think I’m in labor.”
“But that can’t be Alex. You’re not due for another month yet.”
Alex started to smile but the smile was interrupted by another sharp, searing pain. The pains were way too close for just the start of labor. When the pain ended Alex looked at Ian and he could see the worry in her eyes.
“Ian babies do come early so I could be in labor but my pains seem to be awful close together right now. I’m scared something’s wrong. I’ve had a back ache all morning.”
At that moment Gathright came through the door leading some paramedics carrying a stretcher.
“Thank god!” Ian thought. He backed away as the paramedics took over.
“Ian?”
“I’m here baby. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”
As the paramedics took her vitals Ian paced the floor. She was having another pain. Ian checked out the time on his watch. The pains were only three minutes apart. Alex was right. According to the pre-natal books Ian had read that wasn’t normal for the onset of labor.
The paramedics finally had Alex strapped to the stretcher and were wheeling her out through the courthouse with Ian close behind. Tom spotted Ian and rushed up to follow the commotion and speak to Ian.
“Ian what’s going on? What’s wrong with Alex?”
“I don’t know Tom. I just don’t know,” Ian stammered trying to remain calm. “It looks like she’s in labor but she’s not due for another month. I need to go with her Tom. You’ll need to cover for me the rest of the day.”
“You don’t need to worry about that Ian. You do what you have to do. The prosecutor’s office will manage.”
“Thanks Tom. I’ll let you know what’s going on as soon as I know something. Could you please get in touch with the Fairchilds? Let them know we’ll be at St. Mary’s?”
“Sure, I’ll take care of everything. Don’t worry. You just take care of Alex.” Angie Henderson walked up just as Ian was climbing into the ambulance with Alex.
“Oh my god Tom! What’s going on?”
“Looks like Ian and Alex are about to become parents.”
Alex was loaded in the ambulance and Ian crawled in beside her and grabbed her hand. Tom and Angie looked at each other and smiled and Angie said exactly what Tom was thinking.
“It is so utterly obvious to everyone but those two how much they love each other.”
Tom and Angie watched the ambulance pull away and Tom nodded in agreement.
“I know. We can only hope that things work out for those two like they should.”
***
She was so tiny. So unbelievably tiny. So beautiful just like her mother. Ian gazed lovingly upon Alex and their new little treasure. Alex had come through labor like a trooper and Ian would never forget the moment his daughter Lauren Elizabeth had come into the world. Even though Lauren was one month premature s
he was a healthy six pounds and was having none of the usual signs of a premie’s distress. He was so proud of both Alex and his baby girl.
Alex held Lauren in her arms while tears streamed slowly down her face.
“She’s so beautiful isn’t she Ian?”
Ian moved onto the side of the bed and cuddled close to Alex softly stroking her tousled hair and smiling.
“Yes, Alex. She’s the only one who even comes close to possibly being more beautiful than her mother.”
Alex giggled. “Yeah, right. I suspect I’m looking really ravishing right now.”
Ian thought so. Her golden hair sparkled and was mussed giving her that sexy, rumpled look. It was hard not to look at her and become aroused. Alex might not think so, but she was sexy as hell even after six hours of intense labor. He wanted her right then and there and his body felt as though it would burst if he couldn’t have her and soon. But he knew it wasn’t going to happen any time soon or at all if he wanted to keep his priorities in order. But what about those priorities? Looking at these two lovely ladies made him wonder if he wasn’t crazy. Maybe he needed to rethink those priorities.
“Alex you will always be the most beautiful woman in the world to me no matter what and right now I want you so bad it hurts.” “That was probably not the smartest thing to admit right now,” Ian thought.
Alex wasn’t surprised at his words. She had seen the desire in his eyes and the love? Yes, there was no mistake that Ian’s eyes were full of not only desire but also love. But was it love for her or his daughter? Whatever it was she knew he was happy. She had made him a very happy man by giving him a child and she was proud and happy herself to have given the man she loved such a gift.
“Ian I...I want you too. I only wish...it were possible. Can I take a rain check?” she teased.
The doctor had advised them both, much to their embarrassment, that Alex should not make love for at least six weeks after the baby was born or maybe longer if the doctor felt that Alex’s body needed the extra time to heal. Ian and Alex had not made love since the day Alex had told Ian about her pregnancy and until now they’d never even discussed it because they’d decided that the physical side of their relationship was over. Alex was sure the only reason Ian had brought it up now was because he was just as elated as she was. But she knew he would likely go home tonight and make love but it wouldn’t be to her. According to courthouse gossip, Ian’s relationship with Jennifer had been heating up. He’d never choose her child weathered body over the beautiful Jennifer’s svelte hips and gorgeous breasts. Though the way he was looking at her now...maybe...then his expression quickly changed.
“I spoke out loud when I shouldn’t have Alex. But you are so damn beautiful I...I... I need to go. Jennifer and I have dinner plans.”
Ian’s words abruptly woke Alex up from any dreams of happily-ever-after she had been having.
“Sure Ian I understand. Go on. Don’t let us keep you,” she said bitterly. “I would hate for your plans to be ruined.”
“Now Alex please. I thought we understood each other.”
“You know what Ian? I thought we understood each other too. But then you say something like you just did and then you look at me like...like... Just quit leading me on Ian! Either you want me or you don’t. I’m tired of you giving me mixed signals.”
“I’m sorry Alex. I can’t help but long for you sexually. For gods sake Alex have you forgotten what it was like with us? As much as I know it can’t be I can’t stop myself from thinking about it. Can you? I know I’ll never experience with another woman what I had with you I just...aw hell Alex I’m gonna go.”
He leaned down and gently placed a kiss on Lauren’s forehead.
“Bye little one. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Ian turned to face Alex his lips coming so close to touching her own. He started towards her as though he was about to kiss her than she saw a change in the expression on his face and he pulled back and rose to leave.
“I’ll come by tomorrow morning on my way to work. You take care of our baby Alex.”
Alex was still trembling with fury.
“I’ll take care of her don’t you worry daddy. You can go lie with your girlfriend and not worry about us. We’ll be just fine.”
Ian was shocked at the severity of her words. It was not like Alex to be so crass. He’d been stupid to bring up Jennifer.
“When you come by in the morning I don’t want to see you. You can see the baby in the nursery.”
“Now Alex...”
“I mean it Ian. I can’t take this any longer. I can’t keep seeing you because you get my hopes up that you want a real relationship with me then knock the wind right out of me again and again. If I’m ever going to move on with my life I need to start and now is a good time. A new beginning for my daughter and me. I won’t keep you from seeing Lauren Ian but I can keep you from seeing me. I think it’s for the best otherwise I’ll...” Never be happy. “Just go Ian!”
Chester and Julia knew as soon as they walked through the door they’d picked an inopportune time to visit. They could feel the tension in the air. Ian and Alex simply stared at each other not speaking. Ian awoke from his trance, greeted the Fairchilds and said his good-byes.
The dam broke when he walked out the door.
Julia hugged her close and didn’t say a word. Chester cleared his throat uncomfortable with what was happening.
“I love him so much Grandmother. I’m dying inside. He’s on his way to meet Jennifer for dinner. After what we shared today I thought...I thought things would be different. I still hoped we would be a family.”
Chester had heard enough. He stormed from the room and after Ian.
“Foster! Foster!” he yelled down the hall.
Ian stopped abruptly and turned around to find a red-faced Chester.
“You miserable son-of-a-bitch!” Ian heard and then his jaw was connecting with Chester’s fist and Ian found himself laid out by the elderly gentleman. Chester was standing over him rubbing his fist and glaring as Ian sat up and stared at the old man in disbelief.
“For gods sake Chester what was that for?”
“I’ve seen my granddaughter cry her last tears over you Foster. She is heart broken and you don’t seem to care. You are a selfish bastard and I hope you spend your life as a miserable, lonely old man.”
Julia had heard the commotion and came out just in time to see Chester slowly turn and make his way back towards the room with Ian sitting on the floor. She gave Chester a warm smile as he came up beside her.
“That felt damn good Julia.”
“I’m sure it did dear. I can only hope you knocked some sense into the fool.”
Julia gently kissed Chester’s throbbing knuckles.
“Come on dear. Let’s go visit our granddaughters.”
Chapter 18
Ian visited Lauren in the hospital twice a day while they were there for the next three days but he had respected Alex’s wishes and stayed away from her. Peter had visited just as often and never missed an opportunity to pressure Alex into making up her mind about marrying him. Alex couldn’t see accepting Peter’s proposal while she was still crying herself to sleep every night over another man.
Meanwhile, Alex wasn’t the only one fretting over the state of her relationship with Ian. Ian’s every waking moments were spent thinking of Alex and his daughter. Every lonely night was spent thinking of what it would be like to have Alex snuggled next to him in his arms; to have Lauren warmly tucked away next to them in the beautiful bassinet he and Alex had bought all those months ago.
He wasn’t getting any sleep and he’d become increasingly difficult to work with according to John. John had warned him that if he expected to win the election, he’d better lighten up if he wanted his colleagues’ support.
And then there was Jennifer. She had broken off their relationship and Ian had not even cared. She told him she was tired of playing second fiddle to the mother of his child. Ian hadn’
t even tried to deny what she said. Whether he was ready to admit it or not to Alex or anyone else, he was in love with Alex and he couldn’t bear to live without her in his life. He hadn’t spoken to Alex in three months and had only seen a few glimpses of her at the courthouse. She was still working very few hours and from what he heard through the grapevine she was thriving as a mother. How is it everyone else knew more about the mother of his child than he did? He knew why. Because he was an idiot. An absolute idiot. And he was going to change that as soon as he could.
Ian was sitting at his office desk deep in thought wondering how he was going to change his relationship with Alex when Tom strolled in.
“Still moping around I see. Ya know Ian. You are an absolutely brilliant prosecutor but you are an absolute idiot when it comes to what’s important in life. I just saw Peter Grainger escorting the most incredibly beautiful mother and child at the courthouse. Strutting around as though he were the luckiest man in the world and do you know what I thought Ian? I wanted to shake him and say no Peter. You are not the luckiest man in the world because my best friend Ian is only he doesn’t know it yet because he’s an IDIOT! When are you going to get off your duff, quit moping around and go get her?! It’s obvious to everyone that knows you Ian that you are in love with Alex.”
Tom braced both hands on Ian’s desk and leaned forward and got in Ian’s face to be sure he was getting his point across.
“What the hell is your problem? I can’t believe that my best friend is such a dumb ass! Are you going to let Grainger take away what’s yours? If so you’re a fool. A blubbering fool!”
Ian couldn’t help but grin, which infuriated Tom.
“Well, if you think this is funny that just proves my point. You’re an idiot. And I am sick to death of the way you treat Alexandra. I just can’t stand by and watch you do this any more Ian. I understand more than anyone how important it is to you to advance in your career but it’s not fair for you to do so and destroy Alex along the way. Grow up Ian. I don’t like you very much anymore.”
“Take it easy Tom. I don’t think what you said is funny at all. What’s funny is I just came to those same conclusions myself before you came in. I’ve been… what was it you called me? A blubbering fool? An idiot? A dumb ass? Did I forget any? I’ve finally realized that no matter where I end up in my career it’ll never mean a damn thing without Alex and Lauren being there to share it with me.”
The Ten Year Affair Page 13