New Beginnings

by Lori Maguire

  “That sounds perfect.”

  We ended up stopping at a bagel place in Bellevue. To save time, Xavier decided to get it to go so we could eat in the car. He parked on the street just a few doors down from the place. I stayed in the SUV while he ran in.

  Patiently, I waited for an obscene amount of time. How long does it take to get two bagels with cream cheese and two drinks? I was just about to turn the SUV off and head in when he emerged with a stunning woman on his arm. I froze in my seat unable to move. Xavier looked anxiously at me while she continued to talk to him.

  The woman was supermodel gorgeous. She was just a few inches shorter than him and I noted she was wearing flats. Her straight, brown hair was thick and cascaded down her back stopping midway. She moved gracefully dressed in jeans and a fashionable brown leather jacket. Even under the bulk of her clothes, you could make out her svelte figure. She looked like she was from old money. I tried to ignore the way she looked like she belonged with Xavier. They looked like a perfectly matched supermodel couple walking down a runway. She was comfortable in his presence, which told me she knew him well. Well enough to be an ex? I’d find out soon enough. They were just about to the vehicle.

  Xavier opened my door offering me his hand to help me out of the SUV. “Ella, I’d like you to meet Karen Stapleton. Karen and I went to high school together. Karen, my fiancé, Ella.”

  I held my hand out to her, but she took me by surprise by walking over and hugging me instead. “Ella, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” she said as she stepped back. She smelled of some expensive perfume, which was too flowery for my liking.

  “Thank you. It’s a pleasure to meet you as well.” I instantly felt out of place. The woman towered over me. Upon closer inspection, I noticed she had the most beautiful green eyes.

  “Congratulations. Xavier tells me you two are getting married next week. I had read about it, but just couldn’t believe that our Xavier here was ready to settle down.” She reached over and squeezed his upper arm giving him a sweet smile and a wink.

  Instantly, I fought back the red haze that tried to cloud my vision as I stared at her hand on his arm. I knew my reaction was foolish, but old habits die-hard. I even resisted the urge to open my mouth to challenge her comment of our Xavier. I was making progress.

  “Ella and I aren’t just getting married, Karen. We are expecting our first child in July.” He stepped out of her grip and wrapped his arm around my waist possessively giving me a beaming smile. I was shocked that Xavier had told someone about the baby. I tried to hide my own surprise.

  Her eyes grew wide as she glanced down at my abdomen. “Oh. Um, I had no idea. Well, congratulations. That’s wonderful news.” She stumbled over her words looking stunned. Her tone sounded as if she thought it was anything but good news.

  I grabbed his arm to check his watch. “Xavier, Hun, are you ready? We really need to get on the road,” I said politely.

  “Yes, of course. Karen, if you’ll excuse us. My brother is expecting us. Have a Merry Christmas. Give my best to your parents, please.”

  “Oh, yes, of course. You two have a Merry Christmas. Please say hello to Gabe and Tiffany for me. Ella, it was such a pleasure to meet you. I wish you two all the best,” she said sincerely. She stepped in to give Xavier a hug, which ended up being an awkward one-arm hug since his left arm remained locked around my waist. She hugged me the same way.

  We got back into the SUV. Before pulling away, Xavier handed me my bagel and a small bottle of orange juice. He set himself up with his own food before he pulled back out into the traffic. The smell of the food quickly reminded me of just how hungry I was. We were both quiet while we ate.

  “So, Karen is an ex, yes?” I finally asked when I was done eating. I watched him carefully as I asked the question.

  He gripped the steering wheel a little tighter and shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “Yes,” he finally said. He gave me a puzzled look. “How did you know?”

  “Just a guess really. You two looked way too comfortable together, which gave me the impression that you two were quite familiar with each other,” I said quietly. Thinking for a moment before I continued. “You said you two went to high school together. So, you’ve known each other a long time. When did you date?”

  He let out a sigh. “Are you sure you really want to hear this?” he asked carefully.

  “Yes. I’m generally interested.” I smiled at him trying to show him that I was really okay with hearing about her.

  “She was a grade below me. She was a friend of Gabe’s. We double dated a couple of times, but it never went beyond high school. I believe she has gotten quite friendly with Tiffany.”

  “Oh. That’s nice.” It still didn’t explain why they seemed so comfortable with each other. Then it dawned on me. “She was your first. Wasn’t she?” I asked quietly. I’m not even sure why I asked when I really didn’t want to know the answer. But not knowing was killing me more. I really just needed to know that my instincts were right on target.

  “Yes,” he said quietly. He gave me a careful look. “You are very perceptive, sweetness.”

  Well, somebody had to be his first. I could’ve gone the rest of my life not having met her, though. I was with him now. We were getting married in a week. I needed to let it go.

  “She’s very pretty. You two looked perfect together like some kind of supermodel couple,” I said, staring out the window.

  “Ella,” Xavier said in warning. He reached over and squeezed my knee until I looked at him. “She might be pretty, but I don’t give a damn how we looked together. She’s in my past. You are my present and future.”

  “I know,” I said softly. “I’ll say this, at least your ex’s aren’t a bunch of skanks.” I stifled a yawn.

  He chuckled. “Get some rest, baby.”

  He was right. I was tired from being jolted out of bed this morning. I grabbed my pillow from the back seat, reclined my seat back a bit, and tried to get some rest.

  I woke with a jolt gasping for air. It took me a minute to realize that we were no longer moving. I jumped out of the car feeling like I was going to be sick. Of course, I would dream of Xavier having an affair with the beautiful Karen Stapleton. The images my mind conjured up of the two of them together were sickening. Bending over, I put my hands on my knees and tried to calm my stomach and get my breathing under control.

  The front door opened and Xavier was by my side within seconds. He had a hand on my back and was leaning down trying to look me in my face.

  “Ella? What is it? What’s the matter?” He sounded panicky, frantically pushing my hair out of my face.

  “I’m fine,” I choked out. “Just a bad dream.”

  “I’m sorry to have left you. You were sleeping so peacefully. I was going to unload the car first then come out and get you.”

  “That’s okay.” I waved my hand dismissively.

  “Do you want to talk about it?” He rubbed my back soothingly.

  I shook my head at him as I straightened myself up. I noticed Gabriel and Tiffany were standing in the doorway.

  “Ella, you’re white as a ghost and trembling,” Xavier said, sounding concerned. He wrapped an arm around me and led me into the house. Gabriel and Tiffany got out of the way and followed us into the living room. “Tiffany, can you please get Ella a glass of water?”

  “Of course.” She turned and rushed towards the kitchen.

  I sat down on the couch as Xavier helped me out of my coat. Gabriel stood behind the couch. Tiffany came back into the living room with a glass of water in her hand. She held it out to me.

  “Thank you,” I said gratefully before I downed half the glass.

  Xavier turned to Gabriel and Tiffany. “Could you give us a minute, please?”

  They nodded and discreetly left the room. Xavier sat next to me taking my cold hands in his big, warm ones.

  “Did your dream have anything to do with Karen?” he asked carefully.

  I flinched at the way
he said her name, which totally gave me away. Xavier crushed me to him.

  “Please don’t do this to yourself. You know that you are all that matters to me,” he said passionately.

  “I know. Honestly, I do. It’s just taking my subconscious some time to catch up. Can we just forget it? I’m okay. Really.”

  He grabbed my face and kissed me deeply. When he pulled away, his hands remained on my face holding me firmly in place. “I’ve already unloaded our bags. They are upstairs in the bedroom we stayed in last time. Tom and Renatta are about an hour out. Gabe and Tiffany have already been shopping and have dinner planned for this evening. I could really use a nap. Will you lie down with me?”

  I smiled at him and nodded. Like I would ever be able to turn down that request. He grabbed my hand and pulled me off the couch.

  “Gabe, Ella and I are going to lie down for about an hour,” he called out towards the kitchen as we made our way to the stairs. He didn’t wait for a response from Gabriel.

  It was then that I noticed the tall Christmas tree that was next to the huge stone fireplace in the living room. Some Christmas presents were already placed underneath it. It made me smile.

  In the bedroom, the small mantel on the fireplace was draped with fresh evergreen filling the room with a wonderful pine scent. Xavier closed the door behind me then the blinds on the huge picture window. He set his alarm on his iPhone and stripped down to his boxers before he climbed into the bed. He gave me a wicked smile and patted the spot on the bed next to him.

  I raised an eyebrow at him as I stripped down to my bra and panties. “I thought you said you could use a nap?”

  “I need you more then we’ll get some rest,” he said huskily.

  Who was I to argue with that?

  Hours later, I woke to the wonderful smell of steak. Xavier’s laughter mixed with that of my friends drifted up from downstairs. I rolled out of bed and got myself dressed so I could go join them.

  I found them all in the kitchen. Gabe was grilling steaks on the indoor grill that was part of the massive, professional-looking stove. Tiffany was busy cooking on the cooktop. Tom and Renatta were standing in the kitchen. He spotted me first.

  “Here’s the sleepyhead,” Tom announced.

  Renatta peeked around the corner. “Ella!” she exclaimed as she walked over and hugged me tightly. “Xavier told me what happened this morning. How are you feeling?” she whispered in my ear.

  “I’m fine. Really,” I said trying to reassure her. “When did you guys get here?”

  “About two hours ago,” Renatta said.

  Renatta led me into the kitchen where Tom came over and hugged me before Gabe and Tiffany did. I was literally being passed around the room. Finally, I made it into Xavier’s arms. He kissed the top of my head.

  “Why did you let me sleep so late? I’ll never sleep tonight now.”

  “Oh, I’ll make sure you’re tired enough to sleep later,” he said to me loud enough for everyone to hear. The room erupted into cheers. My cheeks heated.

  “What are you cooking, Tiffany? It smells fantastic.” My mouth was watering.

  “Garlic mashed and green beans. And I believe we are now ready to eat.” Gabriel agreed with her assessment as he removed the steaks from the grill.

  We all gathered around the huge dining room table. Gabriel opened a bottle of wine. Xavier handed me a glass of sparkling cranberry juice, which I noticed he was drinking as well. I saw Renatta smiling at us from across the table.

  There were several appreciative moans as we began to eat. The steaks were cooked to medium rare perfection. They were juicy and mouthwatering with wonderful flavor. We were all praising Gabriel and Tiffany for the delicious meal.

  It dawned on me that this was the first time Tom and Renatta were meeting Gabriel and Tiffany. I was glad to see that they were all hitting it off so well. With the way they interacted with each other, you would have sworn they were all old friends. The thought made me smile.

  “What’s on the menu for tomorrow?” Tiffany asked.

  “If it’s not snowing, I thought we could go horseback riding,” Gabriel replied.

  Xavier shifted in his seat uncomfortably. Before he could protest, I opened my mouth. “I’d love to go horseback riding. I haven’t been since I was little.” Xavier glared down at me. “Come on. I’ve told you before I’m not made of glass,” I whispered through clenched teeth.

  “Well, we could also break out the snowmobiles instead,” Gabriel said.

  “Yes, I think the snowmobiles would be a better option,” Xavier said. I just rolled my eyes at him. Mr. Overprotective strikes again.

  Renatta and Tiffany got up to clear the table. I stood to help them, but Xavier grabbed my arm and pulled me back into my seat. “They’ve got it,” he said softly to me.

  Once dinner was cleaned up, the other two couples decided to get in the hot tub.

  “Don’t worry. I have a surprise for you,” Xavier said. He took my hand and led me upstairs. He handed me a pair of sweats and told me to put them on over my leggings. Making sure I had my heavy socks on, he then handed me a sweatshirt telling me to put it on over my long-sleeved t-shirt. We headed back downstairs.

  Stopping by the front door, Xavier had me put on my boots while he did the same. He wrapped my scarf around my neck and handed me my gloves. The two tartan blankets we used for our carriage ride last weekend were still sitting by the door. Xavier grabbed those on our way to the back deck.

  He stopped just at the sliding glass doors turning so he was blocking my view. “Close your eyes and no peeking,” he said. Grabbing my hand, he led me out onto the deck. “Okay, open them,” he said excitedly.

  My hand flew up to my mouth and I gasped. There was a fire blazing in the stone fireplace that was at the edge of the deck. Placed in front of that, was an oversized, round, wicker lounge chair with matching ottoman. It was easily big enough for the both of us.

  Xavier led me over to it. He sat down first and then pulled me down next to him. I snuggled into his side as he wrapped the tartan blankets around us.

  “Where did this come from?”

  “I had it delivered this week,” he said softly as he kissed the top of my head. “Hey, my girl likes to watch the snow fall. I thought we could do it together comfortably.”

  His sweet gesture brought tears to my eyes. “Thank you,” I said.

  “You’re welcome, sweetness,” he said, running his fingers gently through my hair.

  It was of course snowing. The crackle of the wood in the fire was a nice addition to the sound of the river running over the rocks.

  “Are you warm enough?” Xavier asked.

  “Absolutely.” Between being snuggled under the blankets with his warmth and the warmth of the fire I was almost getting too warm. I could have stayed like this for the rest of the weekend. I let out a contended sigh and snuggled closer into his side.

  “What was the sigh for?”

  “I was just thinking how perfect this is. I could stay here like this with you for the rest of the weekend,” I confessed.

  His silent laughter jiggled me. I looked up at him smiling. When our eyes locked, the smiles faded from our faces as that familiar electricity ran through me. I knew he was feeling it, too.

  We kissed each other desperately as if it were the last time. He shifted me so I was under him. I wrapped my fingers in his hair and held him to me. We stayed like that for several minutes. Then his hands hungrily sought the bottom of my t-shirt. Goosebumps burst across my skin as his hand found the warmth of my bare belly. He caressed my stomach gently and lovingly, his touch making me desperate for him.

  I broke away and sat up pulling my scarf off. I grabbed the bottom of my sweatshirt and pulled it up over my head letting it drop to the ground. The move caused my shirt to go half way up my body. Xavier grabbed it and pulled it up over my head.

  He quickly sat up and pulled his sweatshirt and t-shirt off, too. Pushing me back down onto the cushion, he made
sure we were well covered by the blankets before he sealed his mouth over mine once more. The warmth of his bare chest against me was fueling my fire.

  “I want you,” I mumbled against his lips. He moaned softly as I reached for the tie of his sweatpants.

  We both froze when we heard the laughter of our friends. He pulled back and looked toward the sliding glass doors. They all bailed from the hot tub and were back in the house.

  He pressed his forehead to mine as we both slowed our breathing. “What you do to me. I can’t believe we almost took it too far out here.”

  I wiggled suggestively underneath him. “Well, hotness. I hope you plan on finishing what you started whether it be out here or in there.” I gave him a wicked smile.

  He jumped off the lounge chair and scooped up our clothes faster than I could blink. Grabbing my hand, he pulled me off the chair. Making sure we were both wrapped in a blanket, he opened the sliding glass doors, and quickly ushered me into the house.

  Gabriel, Tiffany, Tom, and Renatta were all sitting in the living room wrapped in plush robes.

  “There you two are,” Gabriel said. “What did you think of the lounge chair, Ella?”

  “I think it’s perfect, and we were just about to christen it, Gabriel.” He widened his eyes at my comment.

  “Good night, all,” Xavier growled. He dropped our tshirts and sweatshirts right there on the landing of the stairs along with the blanket that was wrapped around him. Quickly, he scooped me up and headed up the stairs.

  I glanced over Xavier’s shoulder into the shocked faces of our friends and gave them a little wave. Once we were out of sight, the four of them burst out laughing.

  A horrible pain ripped through my abdomen. My arms wrapped around my body as I pulled my legs up into the fetal position. It was then that I felt the cold dampness in the bed. No! Sitting up I threw the covers back to find I was lying in a pool of blood. My heart sank. My tear-filled eyes were riveted on the bright, red stain against the white sheet. It looked gruesome and perverse. I reached for Xavier, but all I grabbed were cold, empty sheets. I called out for him, but there was no response.