“Now. Talking of the hotel. Congratulations.”
“I still can’t get my head round it. I own Stewart Estate.”
“That you do. But you have to promise me something.” I nod at him. “Promise me if things take a turn for the worse, you will let me know. I won’t interfere in the running, but I will always be here to help in any way I can.”
“I promise,” I say before kissing him.
“What was that for?” he asks sounding playful.
“Just because. Do I really need a reason, to kiss my sexy husband who I might add really looks hot today.”
“Sexy and hot. I thought that was how I looked most days.” Teasing he lifts his hand to his chest. “You’ve wounded me with your words woman.”
“Not my intention to wound you with my words. A question, is this hired?” I run my free hand down the length of the kilt. “Or did you buy it?”
“So it’s the kilt, that’s done it for you today. Not my hair or my eyes, but a skirt.”
“It’s so much more than a skirt. Something really sexy about a man in a kilt. I hope you have bought it because you do suit it and all the events you go to, you would get to wear it. So answer the question.”
“Of course I bought it.” He’s blunt and straight to the point. “But can I let you in, on a secret?”
The smile on his face widens.
“Yes.”
“It’s mighty cold under this here skirt,” he whispers in my ear. I gasp. Well it would seem my husband, has followed tradition, but I’ll have to wait to find out as we pull up at the hotel. “We’re not going straight into the hotel.” Alex tells me.
He gives me the briefest of kiss, before getting out the car. My door is opened, by the driver and Alex is waiting to take my flowers and hand. As I step out, I notice Murphy is standing by Alex’s car with the door open I thought when Alex said I wasn’t going straight into hotel, he meant getting some more photos done, but instead it looks as though we are going somewhere else.
“Mrs. Mathews.” Murphy smiles. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you Murphy, where’s Joan?”
“Traveling with your family. She seems to have taken on the role of taking care of young Miss Stewart today,” he says warmly. Lucy seems to have this effect on everyone. I’m very well aware, that Joan dotes on my niece. “Are we ready to go?”
I glance between Alex and Murphy, puzzled at what’s going on.
“Where are we going?” I ask Alex.
“All will be revealed. It’s my surprise.” He helps me into the car. Alex and Murphy speak for a few minutes, before he joins me. Murphy starts the engine and we’re off. Although we don’t turn to leave the estate, instead we take the trail road and drive further into the grounds.
Alex keeps hold of my hand, gently stroking it with his fingertips. His face is giving nothing away, as I try to work out where we’re going. We’re not heading for a boat ride as we’ve drove past the jetty. That also rules out a trip in the sea-plane. To say I’m puzzled is an understatement, as we drive deeper into the estate.
We’ve driven past the stables, and heading in a direction of the estate I’ve not ventured to for years. Even the trail road is all over-grown. I now know why we changed cars, there’s no way the wedding car would’ve got down this bumpy road. I think I should have a look at re-developing this part of the estate, although not sure what I could do with it. It’s very secluded.
I watch Alex as the car comes to a stop. His expression remains unreadable. I have no idea, what he’s thinking or what we’re doing this far away from the hotel, when we should be welcoming our guests to our wedding reception.
“I imagine you’re wondering what we’re doing away down here?”
“Of course, especially when we have guests at the hotel.”
“I wanted to give you my present just now. But we will come back tomorrow when we can walk around.” I frown not understanding. “I don’t want you getting your dress dirty.”
“Alex, maybe it’s my baby brain, or maybe it’s just today, but can you just tell me what it is.”
“Look through the clearing, tell me what you see?”
I turn away from him, and focus my attention, on the clearing. Staring through, I see an old building. An outhouse I think. Then I remember there was an old derelict building, an old cottage.
“There’s an old building, a cottage or an out building,” I tell him, turning my attention back to him.
“Yes there is. There is both, along with a lot of private land and a private access road. And fantastic views of the loch.”
That makes me smile, views of the loch. “So I think you need to elaborate a little more.”
“This is my wedding gift to you. I have contractors coming in over the next few weeks to start clearing the land.”
I’m still having a little trouble with what I think he’s saying. I just want him to spell it out. “Alex please just say it.”
“I hope this is going to be home, for us all. I’ve had an architect look over the whole site, he has already started drawing up some plans. What do you think? There is also a few houses further down the access road. So we wouldn’t be here, alone and I want to speak with you about Ethan.”
I’m trying to digest his words. Staying here on the loch and so close to work. It must be a dream. But what about Ethan? As if sensing my unspoken question, he replies. “I know how close you and Ethan are. And it would be nice for all the kids, being so close. I have asked the architect for plans to include two family houses and a small cosy cottage on this site. It is more than big enough. This is my gift to you. This is your dream and I plan on making all your dreams come true. What do you think?”
“I think I love my very thoughtful husband.” I kiss him hard, because I don’t have any other words to express how I feel right now. I don’t need to ask who the cottage is for, I’m presuming Murphy and Joan. I know he wants them both to stay here in Scotland and continue working for him. I know a few things need sorting for Joan to stay, but I do hope they can.
“I can only presume, my wife is happy?”
“Yes, but I will be much happier when I can get you all to myself. It’s going to be a long day.”
“I have to agree with you. Murphy you had better take us back to the hotel.” Shit I forgot Murphy was with us, although I’m sure he’s heard much worse. “We can come tomorrow and have a proper look, with Ethan if you like.”
“Yeah that would be good. So why here?” I ask.
“Because I know how you feel about being here and when we spoke albeit briefly about somewhere to stay after the babies are born. I knew it had to be here, by the loch. Your dad brought me here, after he and I had a talk about it. I fell in love with it because I knew in my heart it would be right for you. And what’s right for you, is right for me. My heart belongs to you, and it doesn't matter where we are in the world as long as I’m with you.”
And that does it. My tears trickle slowly down my face, I managed all through the service, saying our vows, hearing the words he uttered in front of family and friends, and now here I am a blubbering mess. He takes a hanky, from his sporran. I take it without saying a word and snuggle into the comfort of his arms, as we travel back to the hotel. I hope Kirsty is waiting for me, I will need her to touch up my make-up before greeting everyone.
Kirsty and Sophie are indeed waiting for us, in the reception, along with Jack, camera in hand, Michael and Ethan. I only have to look at Ethan, and he knows something is wrong. I do try to hide it, obviously not very well as he comes rushing over.
“Libby.”
“Ethan I’m fine. Happy tears,” I tell him. “Jack can I have a few minutes please?” Jack nods. I speak with Ethan, because he wants to know where we’ve been. I give him a brief rundown, telling him we will talk in the morning, when we go down to the site. Turns out he’s already aware of the plans, and is quite excited at the prospect of us bring up our kids close together. Kirsty fixes my make-up, assuring me I look just
like I did before church. Now no more tears for the rest of the day. I hope I manage that.
Jack rounds up all family members for pictures outside by the loch and jetty. We still have the winter sunshine overhead, but we don’t have the warmth. It is bloody freezing. I hope we get through these pictures fairly quickly.
“Let’s get you inside out this cold,” Alex says as Jack finishes taking the last picture of me on my own.
Alex takes my hand, as we walk back up the stone path toward the hotel. Kieran is waiting on us at the door.
“Congratulations to my favourite couple.” He hugs us both. “Now that I have everyone seated for the meal. I just have to announce your arrival and then the speeches can start. Anything else you want?”
“No, Kieran, can’t think of anything. I presume everything is organised? Shit there is, we need a room, for an interview after the meal, may as well get this over with and then maybe they will leave us to enjoy the rest of the day.”
“Of course, honey. I will see what’s available. And yes everything is organised, it’s more than my jobs worth.” He tries to laugh.
Kieran leads the way, and we all follow. It has not escaped my attention that Kirsty and Michael look, extremely cosy together. I knew it. She is her own worst enemy. I have a feeling Alex, isn’t all that happy about how close they are. Although god knows why, he’s dealt fairly well with Sophie and Ethan. Or maybe it’s just he’s been too busy with the wedding and news of the babies, that he’s not given much thought to his sisters love life.
THE AFTERNOON TURNS INTO EVENING very quickly, and evening guests have arrived. Why does everything have to fly by so quickly? One minute we are just walking to the function hall now Alex and I have to make our way onto the dance floor for our first dance. I want to slow the pace down, although having said that, it will now be sooner rather than later, that I get my husband all to myself.
The interview went well, under my Dads supervision. And the journalist stuck to his word. News of our wedding, never got out to anyone else. So their newspaper will run with the exclusive wedding pictures and an interview, in tomorrow’s newspaper.
Alex leads me to the floor, my hand in his. We stop in the middle, in this beautiful decorated room. Kieran has excelled himself, the whole hotel looks amazing today. He kept to my request of simple and elegant. The room has subtle touches, of Stewart Tartan, on the tables and the chair ties. I smile as the band starts playing, Alex chose our first dance song; All of me, we danced to this in New York. I do love this song.
Alex stands gazing lovingly at me. “You are rather beautiful Mrs. Mathews. I really want to take you in my arms, and carry you off to our room.”
“That’s not going to happen anytime soon. Although I wish it was. So I think we should stop talking and dance. Everyone is waiting.”
“You do have a very valid point, as always.” He takes me in his arms, wrapping his arms tightly around me and his grin couldn’t be any wider as we start to dance around the room. I love seeing him like this, so happy. But then again he’s always like this, unless he’s worrying about me. And I suppose I’ve given him a lot to worry about recently, well no more. We move together as one, effortlessly. Twisting and turning, in time to the music. Halfway through the song Kirsty and Michael, and Sophie and Ethan join us on the floor. Their presence is felt, but I only have eyes for one person at the moment. The handsome American wearing the kilt in my arms.
I lean into his chest, seeking a little extra comfort. Or is it a little extra closeness? I think it’s both. His grip on me tightens in response. My eyes could close if I let them, but I know Alex would keep me safe. The day has been quick, but full of emotion and I don’t want to admit it to Alex, but I am feeling a bit tired. I blame these babies, they seem to be taking all my energy. I’m sure as my pregnancy progresses, the tiredness will only get worse as they grow.
We continue dancing as the music changes into the next song. “Can I have this dance?” My Dad asks. Alex releases me into the arms of my dad. I watch as he walks toward his mother and leads her to the floor. I look at my dad and I can’t describe the feelings that wash over me. Happiness and sadness. Although why the sadness, I really have no idea.
As children we come into the world, loving our parents unconditionally and as we grow older our love continues to grow. Well that’s what I think. As a little girl, I couldn’t imagine loving a man other than my dad.
“What are you thinking, sweetheart? I can see you’re mulling something over.”
“I’m just thinking how happy I am. How lucky I’ve been. I love you dad.”
“Sweetheart. I love you too. I’ve loved you since that very first moment I held your tiny body in my arms. I’ve tried to protect you and keep you safe and managed it some of the time. We all make mistakes, we’re only human. But I know that Alex will protect you and your children with all his heart. You are his world. You will always be my little girl, never ever forget that.”
So much for no more tears. My eyes well up and I know I can’t stop the tears from falling. “Hey, my girl, I don’t want you crying.”
“I can’t help it. I didn’t think today would be this emotional.”
“Libby, your mother was the same on our own wedding day,” he tells me, handing me a hanky. I catch Alex dancing with his mother, but his eyes are firmly on me watching. And I’m sure if I wasn’t in my father’s arms, he would be over in a minute to find out what was wrong, but as it is, he knows I’m in safe arms. As the song comes to an end, I’ve managed to compose myself once again and Alex and Sarah are soon at my side. I close my eyes as my dad kisses me, before returning me to Alex.
“Dance with me?” I plead.
“Of course, baby.” He takes me in his arms and we dance, until the song ends in an understanding silence. His soft touch is just that. Soft, warm, gentle and loving. I know the dancing has really only just started, but I’m more than ready for some time alone with my husband. Would anyone really notice if we slipped out the room.
But it doesn't happen, I spend the next hour or so on the dance floor, with everyone from my dear brother and Michael to Simon my bank manager.
When I finally leave the dance floor, my feet are sore and I’m feeling really tired. Alex is dancing with Sophie and I’m more than happy to watch them, but first I need a seat and a drink. As if on cue, an arm is linked with mine. I turn and smile seeing Michael, smiling broadly by my side.
“What are you doing?” I ask.
“I’m under strict instructions to make sure you’re alright. So I presume you need a seat and a drink?”
“Yes, to both.”
“Come on then. You’ll have to settle for me being your knight in shining armour just now.” He smiles as he escorts me to my seat.
“You’ll do just fine.”
A waiter comes over as we sit down, with a tray of champagne. I refuse and take the water Michael pours me. Dancing is really thirsty work. I sigh.
“What’s wrong?”
“I needed that drink. I also need to lose the shoes my feet are killing me.” I laugh light heartedly.
“You also look a little tired.”
“Thanks for pointing that out, I tell him.
“Would you rather I lied to you?” I shake my head in response. “You still look fantastic though.”
“When are you heading home?” I ask him.
“My flight is tomorrow afternoon. I would’ve liked to stay a few more days, but I have a few things to attend to. But don’t worry you’ll see me in a few short weeks. You won’t get a chance to miss me for long.” I laugh at his humour. And I’m sure the reason he would love to stay, is walking in our direction. Kirsty.
She walks with confidence, toward us, I wouldn’t expect anything less from her. She smiles as her eyes dance between us.
“Finally getting to sit down, I see,” she says taking the seat beside me.
“Yes I am. Please tell me there is no one else I need to dance with, because these.” I
wiggle my feet at her. “These shoes need to go and once I take them off, there will be no putting them back on.” Kirsty and I laugh, glad she knows exactly what I mean.
“No honey I think you’ve covered everyone, although Karl has said to save a dance for him. He will join us as soon as the buffet has been served.” There’s no way my poor feet could cope with another round on that dance floor.
“Well he needs to do that, because I think I’d like to escape after that.”
“You do look a little tired, are you okay?” Kirsty asks with concern.
“I’ve just said the same thing.” Michael adds. “Shall I go and fetch Alex?”
“No leave him dancing with his sister, I’m fine guys.” Yes I’m tired, but I would much rather have time with just Alex and I. And after spending last night, away from him, I really need just him. But I’m not about to divulge this to these two. “So I know family will understand me being tired . . .”
“You have to stay for the last song of the night.” Kirsty almost whines at me.
“Kirsty I’m never going to last that long. That’s still hours away. Look around, everyone is having a great time. Cake has been cut, photographs are all finished, I’m sure I wouldn’t be missed.”
Michael excuses himself and I don’t even need to lift my head and see where he’s heading. I know he’s making his way to Alex.
“Happy?” Kirsty’s one word, hangs in the air between us.
“Of course I am. Happiest day of my life. I love him.”
“Oh Libby, I know that. It’s obvious and I can see he feels the same. He worships you. He makes you happy and that makes all us who love you, happy as well.” She takes my hands in hers, and squeezes them tightly. “Now if I can sort it, for you to escape would I be right in thinking, you won’t be too tired for your husband.” She smirks at me. Oh she’s good really bloody good. Trust Kirsty, nothing much gets past her.
“You know me well.” I shyly answer. “But if I stay here to the last dance, I will be too tired for my husband.”
We both laugh and she agrees with me that I should make my getaway. Close voices distract us from our conversation, and it would seem my immediate family are all danced out, as well for the time being.
He's Captured My Soul (Captured Series Book 3) Page 20