He's Captured My Soul (Captured Series Book 3)

by Karen Frances

  My next stop is with Kirsty, Jay and Stephen. Kirsty squeals as she hugs me tightly. I thought she was working tonight, that’s what she told me. They’ve all kept me in the dark about this. I stand with Ethan’s arm still round me talking to them all. But I can feel Alex’s eyes on me. When I look up, I see the man I’ve fallen head-over-heels for. I see the smile, as he watches me. I see the usual powerful, confident man, look slightly uneasy. Unsettled, as if there’s something bothering him.

  He walks toward me. Ethan sees him approaching and drops his arm. Alex stops behind me. I lean into his strong chest and his arms wrap around me. Holding me tight. Keeping me safe.

  “Guys, I need to make a move, I have Sally to pick up,” says Stephen. I’m so glad the two of them have gotten together, they do make a lovely couple. “But I have something for you both.” He picks up two identical-sized and wrapped gifts. We open them quickly. When I see what it is, I look to Ethan to see his reaction. Surprisingly enough, he’s good. It’s a framed picture of Ethan, Stephen, Lindsay and me, we must be about ten years old. It was taken in my parents’ garden.

  Alex nods approving. Stephen smiles. This small gesture between the two means the world to me. I know they are never going to be best friends, but at least they’re on speaking terms. Ethan starts laughing much to mine and everyone else’s surprise.

  “What’s so funny? I ask him.

  “Libby, I was just remembering the day this was taken. There was a rabbit in the garden, but Stephen caught it and was teasing you two, that it would be dinner.” Stephen starts laughing as well. The others look on in amusement.

  “It wasn’t funny. Lindsay wanted it as a pet. But you two got a big pot from Mum’s kitchen and put the poor thing in.”

  “Libby, you know we let it go?” Stephen asks. I nod. “Right, I better make a move. You all have a good night.” Stephen gives me a kiss on my cheek. “Alex.”

  “Stephen.”

  Ethan walks Stephen out.

  “I hope everyone is hungry,” Sarah says, grabbing everyone’s attention. “Dinner is served in the kitchen.”

  I turn to face Alex. “Who made dinner?” I ask.

  “My mom and yours. Sophie and I helped by staying out their way.” So he didn’t have a phone call to make today. He leans in and kisses me. I suddenly wish we were alone. Because I really want more than just a kiss. I pull back reluctantly. He smiles and shakes his head. “Those thoughts can stay in your head until later.”

  “Spoil sport.”

  “Oh I wouldn’t want to spoil your fun. Why don’t I just tell everyone I’m taking you upstairs because you can’t control yourself around me.”

  “Ha, bloody ha. You wouldn’t dare.”

  “Well, Miss Stewart, would you like to find out?” His tone changes.

  “No. I don’t.” He kisses me again quickly before taking my hand and walking to the kitchen.

  The kitchen looks and smells amazing. Sarah and my mum have been busy. Roast turkey with all the trimmings; there’s a beautiful honey and mustard ham, cheesecake, all laid out on the table. My dad is busy filling glasses with champagne for everyone. I take a glass from him. He raises his eyebrows and frowns at me.

  “What?” I ask him.

  “Would you not rather have water?”

  “No, I’m more than happy with this,” I reply, taking a sip from the glass. He only shakes his head as he walks away. It leads me to think of the conversation my mum had with me only this morning. The thought of me being pregnant, that really would be a shock.

  “Do you know what we need?” says Kirsty, taking me by surprise.

  “What’s that?”

  “A night out in the town. Drinks, fun and laughter and plenty of sexy dancing with our equally sexy men.”

  “A night out sounds perfect,” Sophie says with excitement. “But you two will need to find me a nice available sexy man.”

  I can’t help notice that as Sophie speaks, her eyes and smile are on one person only. Ethan. Oh dear. Wrong time and place. Now if I’ve noticed it, the question has to be, has anyone else? I could put money on both my mum and Alex. I swear those two could hear and see the grass grow. They always seem to know everything before anyone else.

  “Sophie, how long are you staying for?” I ask

  “Two weeks, I hope. And I’m hoping I can stay here.”

  “Where else would you be staying?”

  “Well, I’m staying at your parents, tonight.”

  “Why? That doesn't make sense, when we have room for you all here.” What is Alex up to? We have more than plenty of room for the three of them. Even if Murphy and Joan were here, there would still be room for them.

  “Take it up with my brother then.”

  “Oh, I intend to,” I tell her. “So you will be here for the opening of the casino, then?”

  “That’s the plan,” Sophie tells me.

  “Okay,” Kirsty says. “What about a night on the town. What about tomorrow night?”

  “Yeah go on. But won’t we need tickets to get in?” I ask. Thinking that it’s Boxing Day and most clubs would’ve been sold out months ago. There’s not a hope in hell of us getting into a decent club tomorrow night.

  “Tickets for what?” says Alex from behind me. I jump and almost spill my drink. He really has a way of sneaking up on me.

  “Kirsty was thinking we could all go to a club tomorrow night. But I imagine it will be ticket only for most of them.”

  “Leave it with me. I’m sure I can sort something,” he tells us. Sophie and Kirsty both squeal with delight and kiss Alex on each cheek at the same time. He can only smile and shrug his shoulders. I get the feeling Sophie and Kirsty are going to get on like a house on fire. Let’s hope it’s not a blazing fire, then we would have problems. “Libby, are you going to have something to eat?”

  “Yes Alex. I will eat,” I reply as he hands me a plate.

  Dinner is perfect. Sarah and my mum have been thanked on more than one occasion. I still can’t get over the fact she’s travelled all this way to spend Christmas with us, and spent the afternoon cooking dinner. Even Ethan managed to get his dinner in peace, Sophie took charge of Lucy. And Alex has noticed how Sophie has been looking at Ethan. The look she got from him was pretty clear, she’s meant to stay clear. But if I know Sophie, this will only encourage her more. She’s very much like Kirsty in that sense.

  We’re all back in the living room now. Both Sarah and Sophie are fussing over Lucy, and to see her she is loving all this extra attention. Alex and my dad have both topped up everyone’s glasses again. I can already feel it going straight to my head. Dad has insisted on Christmas tunes, his reasoning, it’s not a party without music. Alex is standing by the bay windows, deep in thought. He looks as though, he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. I suppose I’m partly to blame for this. I know he’s been worried sick about me. I’m going to switch off from work completely whilst off for the next few days. My time, care and attention will be on him and our families.

  I start walking toward him, but Ethan stops me.

  “Elizabeth.” He holds out a hand to me. “Care to dance?” he asks, with the wink of an eye.

  “If I must.” I smile warmly at my brother as he takes the lead. This is the side of my brother that I’m glad to see slowly coming back to us. The fun side, that was there before. We twist and turn, and everyone seems amused as we laugh and joke with each other. This makes me think, of all our happier times together. One dance leads to another. I’m happy and from the look on my brother’s face, so is he. Alex’s eyes have never wandered far from me. Even when I can’t see them, I feel them on me. Alex’s eyes aren’t the only ones I feel. My mothers are upon us; my dad is standing with his arms round her. She has a lonely tear, on her beautiful face. Not a sad tear, no this is for happiness and love. But most of all, I can sense it’s for Ethan. For his happiness.

  Alex approaches my parents, they speak but I don’t hear what’s said. Then they all go int
o the kitchen.

  I don’t have to wait too long to find out what they are all up to. The lights that are on, go off.

  “Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, Ethan and Elizabeth. Happy Birthday to you.”

  The last time we shared a birthday cake was three years ago on our twenty-first. My mum is standing in front of us with the cake which just has two candles on it. My dad has the camera in hand, and is happily snapping away. Alex, I can’t put my finger on it, seems a million miles away.

  Ethan and I look at each other, a smile is shared and with that we blow out a candle each. I grab Ethan and give him a huge hug. Not a word is spoken between us, but there are so many emotions passing between us. I’m so proud of him. For all he has achieved and overcome these last few months.

  “A toast,” my father says above all the voices in the room. Everyone stops. “To my beautiful children. May each new day bring you both the happiness you truly deserve. Ethan and Elizabeth.”

  A chorus of ‘Ethan and Elizabeth’ is heard round the room. My dads words mean the world to us both. I can feel it in the way Ethan squeezes me, and the soft kiss he places on my forehead.

  Not going to cry. Don’t want to cry. I repeat over in my head. I’m so lucky to be surrounded by my family.

  I know I really need the break from work, my emotions are all over the place. Or maybe it’s the alcohol. Alex comes over to us and takes my hand. “Can I?” he asks Ethan.

  “Of course.”

  The rooms still awfully quiet. I wait patiently on the music going back on, presuming Alex wants to dance. One look into his eyes, and I know we’re not going to dance. Something is bothering him. Something that’s leaving him speechless.

  I lift my hand to his chin, slowly running my fingers along his stubble, that I love so much. Our eyes lock. I smile, still uncertain about what he’s about to say, but knowing whatever it is, I will listen.

  “Libby, tonight is all about you and Ethan, but I’m sure Ethan won’t mind me saying, in my eyes it’s all about you. He just happens to share some of it with you. You, my dear sweet girl, mean so much to each person in this room. The strange thing about it is, you don’t even realise how special you are to us all.” He sighs. “You are brave, thoughtful, loving, intelligent, fun, even stubborn and beautiful my list could go on, as I’m sure everyone else’s could as well.”

  I repeat in my head. Not going to cry. Don’t want to cry. Even if they are happy tears.

  “Alex . . .”

  “No, Libby, hear me out.” He holds onto me with both hands on my shoulders. “I want you to know how I feel about you. You fell into my life when I least expected it. The one thing I didn’t even know was missing from my life, there you were. You’ve shown me love and belief. You’ve given me a happiness that I never felt I was entitled to. You’ve given me hope.” I hear Sarah sob at his last words. Richard comforts her. “I tell you I love you on a daily basis, but it doesn't seem enough. The words aren’t enough.”

  His words are making me dizzy. My heart beats in double time. He doesn’t need to say all this; I know how much he loves me. It’s in the way he looks at me, when he thinks I can’t see. It’s in his delicate touch, when we are alone. It’s in the chemistry that’s been sizzling between us since day one. He doesn’t need to say, because I know exactly how he feels. My feelings for him are just the same.

  “Libby, you and me we are meant to be together. I get it. I belong with you and you with me.” I smile, acknowledging his words. His fingers move slowly from my shoulders, trailing down my arms. His touch always has a way of distracting, my chain of thoughts. “You’re my reason for breathing, my life. You make me a better person. I want you, only you, but I need you as well. To make me function.” He pauses.

  “Elizabeth Ann Stewart.” Nervous. That’s what’s been wrong with him tonight. He sinks to one knee in front of me, in front of our family. I hear the gasps and sighs from everyone. This I didn’t expect. A declaration of love. He takes a box from his trouser pocket and opens it. I gasp. “I love you more than I ever thought possible. I see you in all my journeys through life and I would be honoured to have you by my side. Libby, do me the honour of being my wife.”

  My man has left me speechless. My heart is pounding. I gaze at him through my tear-filled eyes, willing them not to fall. Never in a million years did I expect this. We have only been together for such a short time, but I know he’s the only man I could ever imagine spending the rest of my life with. I love him with everything I have. I nod slowly, unable to find my voice.

  “Is that a yes?”

  “Yes, yes yes.” Everyone claps and cheers. I fall to my knees as he slowly slides the most perfect ring on my finger. It’s stunning, a beautiful square diamond set in what I can only presume is a platinum ring. I slowly take my eyes from the ring and bring them back to the man. His eyes sparkle with happiness at the three letter word that passed my lips. He wraps his arms around me, keeping me close, as his mouth finds mine. I return his kiss, forgetting about everyone else in the room. Shutting them all out. The tears I’ve been trying to keep at bay have slowly started to fall.

  “Are you happy?” he asks, pulling his lips away from mine.

  “Alex, you’ve no idea.”

  “Libby, I think I do. You have just made me the happiest man alive. I want to spend all my days and nights with you, holding you, making you smile, keeping you safe. You’re my life.”

  “Another toast,” my dad says as he comes over to us with two glasses. We rise to our feet slowly and shakily on my part anyway. “To the happy couple. Congratulations.”

  “To Alex and Libby.”

  “So did everyone know?” I ask in a whisper.

  “No. Only your father, I asked his permission a few days ago.”

  “Oh.”

  “I had to do things right. Traditionally.” He smiles at me before adding. “But I will tell you this it won’t be a long engagement.”

  “Why ever not?”

  “Because, my dear Miss Stewart, I won’t wait patiently for you to become Mrs. Mathews. So if I were you, I would start planning straight away.”

  My parents are the first to offer us their congratulations. My poor mother has tears in her eyes again. She’s sobbing. “I can’t believe you knew about this and kept it from me,” she says to my dad.

  “Congratulations, baby girl. And as for you welcome to the family, son. Just remember my terms.” My dad’s voice is warning Alex, but the smile on his face tells me he is joking with him.

  Next it’s Ethan, and to be honest, I’m a bit scared of his reaction. This will be a painful reminder of what he’s lost, his beautiful wife. My handsome and brave brother, he shakes Alex’s hand and congratulates him, before taking in me in a warm and comforting embrace.

  “You deserve this happiness, Libby. I truly mean that, from the bottom of my heart,” he says in my ear. My tears are surely going to fall again. I feel them. I’m just an emotional wreck at the moment. No more alcohol for me tonight. “I hope to someday, have what you and Alex have. I see it all, everything there is between you. The way he looks at you, he can’t live without you and vice versa. The look of lust, desire and love, it’s there for all to see. It’s the same look, I still see on dads face when he looks at mum, even now after all these years together. ”

  “I’m sure you’ll find it again.”

  “No Libby, to find it again, would mean I had it in the first place.” I look at Ethan in surprise, at his choice of words. “What Lindsay and I had was not the same. We were young and foolish. If it weren’t for Lindsay being pregnant, I’m certain . . .” His statement shocks me.

  “Me and you need to talk,” I tell him.

  “No, Libby. Tonight is about you, as Alex said. We will talk eventually.” I roll my eyes at him. “Don’t Libby, seriously. You’ve spent too long worrying about me. No more. You two have opened my eyes. Really you have. I love you dearly and I hope you will remember this birthda
y as one of the best days of your life.”

  I always thought Ethan and Lindsay were perfect together. Yes they were young when they married. They were each other’s firsts. They first started dating in high school. Were on and off for a few years, before being serious with each other. I will have this conversation with him because I need to know and if I can help him in any way I will, as I always do.

  Sarah, Richard and Sophie are the next to offer their congratulation. Sophie still has Lucy in her arms. I get the feeling our beautiful baby has found her way into someone else’s heart, as I watch Sophie with her. It’s not going unnoticed the warmth of his smile, as Ethan watches Sophie with his baby daughter. “I am so happy for you both, welcome to our family Elizabeth,” says Sarah giving me warm hug. “So am I to expect this wedding to be this year coming?”

  I look to Alex, because I’m sure he has very firm ideas when he wants the wedding to take place. He’s already indicated to me, this won't be a long engagement.

  “Mom, there’s no doubt about that. I’m sure we can pull this together, rather quickly,” Alex tells Sarah.

  Shit! How quickly is he expecting to get married? Most people plan a wedding what, maybe up to two years in advance. I know Ethan and Lindsay planned for about a year before theirs.

  “Elizabeth, if you need me to do anything to help, while we are here, I’m more than happy too, especially seeing as my son looks set to do this as quickly as he can.”

  “Thank you Sarah. Give me a few days, to let it sink in.”

  “Why should I wait?” It’s more of a statement from Alex than a question. “Everything I want is here. I give you three months tops, to become Mrs. Mathews.”

  “But Alex . . .” He stops me before I get the chance to finish.

  “Libby, seriously that’s long enough. If it were down to me tomorrow would still not be soon enough. It doesn't matter whether it’s a big or small wedding or even the venue. Although I’m pretty sure, I already know where that will be.” His eyes meet mine. At least we are both in agreement on one thing. The Hotel.