by Terra Kelly
She smiled. “Will you stay here with us during the holiday season? I don’t think I can do this without you here. You are the first person since Derek who I feel happy with.”
He smiled, grabbed her hand, and kissed her palm. “Alyssa, are you asking me to live with you?”
Alyssa stammered. “Too soon? I can figure this out on my own if that was too much to ask?”
Alex touched the side of her face. “I would love to be here for you. Lexie may get used to it though.”
“So will I.”
She leaned in and kissed his sweet lips. Just then they heard little giggles. They both looked down to see two beautiful blue eyes staring back at them. “Want to play Chutes and Ladders?”
Alex leaned up, letting Alyssa slide off his lap and stand. Alex ruffled Lexie’s hair. “We would love to, little one.”
Several games of Chutes and Ladders later and Lexie beat them both every time. They decided to make a simple dinner of grilled cheese and tomato soup. Now they were all snuggled together on the couch watching a fun movie. Alex had made popcorn; he had a special recipe he loved to make during the holiday season.
Lexie yawned and leaned up to look at Alex. “Alex, will you read me a story?”
“Of course, cutie! What are we reading tonight?”
“I don’t know, I go find one.”
“Well, I guess the princess has spoken. You better get in there. She is impatient like her Momma!”
Alex leaned over and tickled her side. “Impatient, huh?” He kissed her. “Don’t go anywhere, I have plans for you.”
Alyssa felt a flush creep up her face. “Oh, Mr. Winters, I like this demanding side to you.”
Alex just shook his head and walked down the hall to Alexandra’s room. She was on the bed trying to decide between two books. She looked up and smiled, her eyes danced with excitement. “I can’t decide, Alex!”
Alex sat down beside her. “Well, in those moments, I would just go for both.”
“Really? Two? Okay!” She snuggled under her covers. “Okay, all ready,” she declared.
Alex read both books to her, but by the second one, he was reading it to himself. He made sure she was covered up enough. Then he stood, turned off her light, and closed her door. As he walked down the hallway, his mind could only focus on one thing. A gorgeous blonde with a heart stopping smile. He rounded the corner and almost tripped over his own two feet. Alyssa was lying on the couch with only a blanket separating them. She looked up with a sexy grin. “I was hot?”
Alyssa used to be adventurous years ago. As Alex walked down the hall to read to Alexandra, Alyssa worked on reclaiming many areas of her life. First one, being adventurous. She used to love to shock people with her bold statements, and many dares. She could remember first meeting Derek because she was the one who approached him. Alyssa saw him in a crowd at a frat party and went up to ask him out. That was the first day they met and after that day they were inseparable. So she thought, reclaiming her bold ways could be fun. She stood up from the couch and stripped out of her clothes. She then draped a blanket so only her intimate spots were covered. Then she smiled and waited. Seeing Alex round the corner and almost fall was priceless. She removed the blanket and stood. “I was thinking maybe we could turn off the TV and take this to the bedroom?”
Alex regained his composure. “What TV?”
“Exactly!”
They both were still panting, beads of sweat dripping from their bodies. With their legs entangled and their faces just mere inches from each other. Alyssa leaned in and kissed the tip of his nose. “You’re wearing me out,” she said, laughing.
Alex looked stunned. “I’m wearing you out, what? I think you have that confused just a wee bit.”
They both laughed and continued to kiss and explore every inch of their bodies. About an hour later they were lying on their sides facing each other. Their heads were resting on a big fluffy pillow. Alyssa asked, “Do you miss L.A.?”
Alex thought about that question for a moment. For so long, all he wanted to be was an Executive Chef in Los Angeles. Right after he graduated from culinary school, he was a line cook at a well-known restaurant. Then he packed his bags and headed to L. A, looking for more. He looked at Alyssa, and realized now, how much happier he was. “Since I was eleven or twelve, I planned to be a chef at a top restaurant. I wanted to be like Wolfgang Puck or Bobby Flay. In my mind, you could only be a successful chef in New York City or L.A. I know now that’s wrong.”
Alyssa laid there listening to him. Alex brushed his hand down the side of her face. “I got the opportunity to work at one of Wolfgang Puck’s restaurants. Then after a year I got another fabulous opportunity and became sous chef at a local restaurant. The place seemed fine, but it was not run well, and everyone was competing against each other. I have had days where I wonder what it would’ve been like if I stayed at the first restaurant.” Alex reached for Alyssa’s hand and squeezed it. “But if I had stayed at my first job, I would never have met you.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that. Somehow worlds collide for a reason. If it wasn’t supposed to happen now, it would’ve happened sometime.”
Alex pulled her closer. “You think so, do you Ms. Benson?”
She giggled. “Yes I do.” She pulled back from him and rested her head back on the pillow. “I believe everything happens for a reason, good or bad. That is the first time I’ve voiced that. Admitting something like that after losing a spouse sounds horrible. I planned to open a restaurant in New York City. As time passed, Derek and I would giggle over that dream. We both knew trying to open a restaurant in New York City would be daunting. Then life changed, plans changed, and my dreams changed.”
“How did they change? Did you still want to open a cafe?”
“Derek was determined to make my dream come true. When Lexie first noticed the brightly colored ‘for sale’ sign, four months after moving here, I knew it was a sign from Derek. I have never regretted my decision. The only thing I regret is not talking to our family for two years. I never meant to let it go this long. Now, here we are settled and feeling happiness again. But how do I fix two years of separation?”
Alex could see the hurt in Alyssa eyes. “Just put everything on hold and go. Don’t analyze it, just do it.”
“You make it sound so easy.”
“It is easy.”
“Not if you have parents like mine, or worse, like Derek’s. They are tough and not afraid to say what’s on their mind. I’m drumming up the courage and will go soon. If not for me, for Lexie.” She snuggled into Alex. “I need to say something to you but I’m afraid.”
“You can say anything I want you to know that.” he said, kissing her sweet lips.
She sighed. “Okay, here it goes. After two years of feeling complete sadness and unsure how to come out of that never-ending whirlpool. You have come into my life and brought me back to the feeling of homeostasis. I want to smile, laugh, live again. What I’m nervous to say...” she looked down, then back into his mesmerizing eyes. “I need you, I mean, I need you here with me. When you stand next to me, or hold me, my world feels right. When you are gone at work I miss your touch, your smile, you. I think after all the years I was married to Derek and plus my time alone- I deserve to feel this happiness again.” She looked up, afraid of what his expression would show. He had a kind look in his eyes and slight grin on that gorgeous face. “When I think about going to reconcile with my parents, I see you right beside me. I hope you understand. We have had the chance to get to know each other in the last few months. I feel confident you came into my life for a reason, and if it’s okay, I don’t plan on ever letting you go.” A single tear fell from her eye. She knew she needed to tell him how she felt, it was time.
Alex was speechless for a few. How was he going to respond to that? He pulled her closer, kissed her lips, then traced a path down her neck. Then he pulled back, feeling so much emotion. He had never felt this much love for one person. “Alyssa, I have never felt what I f
eel for you. At times, it scares me because I care about you and Lexie so much. I wonder if this is normal? I know we didn’t rush anything and I am thankful for that. It’s just that I worry you are not ready or that I’m all wrong for you.” He rested his head against hers. “Then, I look into your caramel eyes and hear how you feel. Then I know this is so right. We are right and you are the one for me. I’m determined to help you deal with Derek’s death and celebrate the time you both had together.”
Alyssa stopped trying to hold back and released the flood gates. “Oh Alex, thank you for that. Thank you for everything.” She smiled and started to kiss him all over his face. They both were laughing, then what was a fun moment, turned into a heated moment.
Alex woke up first and could hear light sounds of giggling. He leaned over the side of the bed to find Lexie playing with one of the cats. He couldn’t remember if it was Blueberry or Chocolate, they both looked so much alike. Both cats were rescued from a local shelter and the best two cats. Alexandra was whispering and sharing a story. At that moment, Alex felt Alyssa lean over him and look at Lexie playing. “Good morning, sunshine!”
Lexie looked up and had a look of complete excitement pass across her face. “Mommy! Alex! I was waiting for you to wake up. Blueberry was waiting, too. Chocolate was hungry, so he left.”
Alex and Alyssa laughed. Alyssa looked at Blueberry, then at Lexie. “Chocolate was hungry, huh? How about you, are you hungry?”
Lexie hopped up and climbed onto the bed. She settled herself in between Alex and Alyssa. “Can we go see Aunt Anna today? I miss her.”
“Absolutely, baby girl, I miss her, too. Plus, I need to get work done in the office.”
Alex pulled Lexie onto his lap. “After work we should make your momma a special dinner. What do you think?”
Lexie squealed. “Oh yes Alex, what will we make? Momma loves dessert, too.”
“Well then I think we better make a dessert for her, too.”
Alex walked into the café carrying Lexie and holding Alyssa’s hand. They walked to the front counter where Anna was helping a customer. Alex and Alyssa settled on a barstool, Lexie was sitting on Alex’s leg. They were trying to decide what to have for breakfast. Aunt Anna bent down and looked at Lexie. “What will you be having, cutie?”
Lexie was swinging her legs back and forth. She was bent over a restaurant menu coloring little pictures. She glanced up and grinned from ear to ear. “I missed you, Aunt Anna! I hungry for cheese danid.”
Anna just smiled. “I have a special strudel today, it has pumpkin and apple mixed together. Would you like to try one?”
Alex raised his hand. “Sign me up for one of those, please.” He then smiled and bent over Lexie, while making a funny monster sound, he tickled and gave her kisses on her check. “How about you, beautiful, do you want one?”
Anna just stood there in awe. “You three look happy today. What have you been up to the last few days?”
Lexie moved up and down on Alex’s leg excited. “We made a living room fort, and it was this big.” Then she swung both her arms out and held them far apart. “And we painted and played Chutes and Ladders.”
Lexie’s eyes were filled with so much excitement. Alyssa smiled. “We did paint, what did you paint, sweet girl?”
Lexie gasped, and they all three looked at her. “Sammy Bear. Oh no, we forgot Sammy Bear Momma. Should we go get him?”
Alyssa loved how worried Lexie was for her. “Nope, baby girl, I think I will use you and Alex to help me feel better from now on. How does that sound?”
Lexie was still on Alex’s lap and leaned into Alyssa for a big bear hug. “Sound good. I love you, Momma!”
They all three ended up trying the special apple pumpkin strudel, and Alex asked for seconds. Then he went into the kitchen to start his shift. Before he headed to the back, he leaned over and gave Alyssa a kiss on the cheek. As he walked to the kitchen, she felt a pang of sadness the moment he was not close to her. She laughed to herself as she walked to her office. She knew she would have to toughen up because she needed Alex to work in the kitchen as the chef. She was just starting up her computer when she heard a light knock on her door. She had a feeling it was Anna. “Come in.”
Anna peeked her head in. “I was wondering if you have a moment to catch up?”
Alyssa stood and walked around her desk. “I always have time for you, my friend.” She leaned in and gave her a hug. “How was the café while I was away? Anything exciting happen?”
Anna smiled and went to sit down in a chair. “Not as exciting as your stories. So, you and Alex are doing okay? You three are glowing with happiness.”
“We had a lot of time to talk and get to know each other. I feel so happy when I’m with him. I was just giving myself a lecture before you knocked on the door.”
“A lecture? About what?”
“I noticed that when he is not near me I feel sad, lonely, and incomplete. And yes, I talked to him about this problem.”
Anna had a look of surprise flash across her face. “Wow, Alyssa this is huge. I mean, wow. Do you realize what this means?”
Alyssa was confused. “What it means?”
“You have found the one. After all these years and so many nights crying yourself to sleep. Alex has walked into your life for a reason.”
Alyssa had a tear fall to her cheek. “I know, Anna. It feels so right, which scares me. I need to feel happiness again after all this time, I’m ready.”
They both leaned in and hugged each other. Anna leaned back, still holding Alyssa. “Do you think you are ready to see your family now?”
Alyssa took in a deep breath, then let it out. “Yes and no. I am, but I need a few more weeks. We are talking about spending Thanksgiving with his family. I believe they want to come here to Boise. Since Thanksgiving was so important to Derek and I, I want to wait till after the holiday.”
Anna smiled. “I understand, sweetie. I think it is wonderful that his family will be here for the holiday. We should plan a fun dinner here at the café, since it will be closed for the day.”
Alyssa sat back in her chair. “That is a great idea, Anna!”
Alex had his phone in his back pocket, even though he knew he should’ve left it in the break room. He was prepping meat for the smoker and tending to the fire. His phone rang, but had to leave it for now. He had just injected the meat and was now knee deep in applying the rub. After spending forty-five minutes making sure the meat was prepped, he then added it to the pit. He washed up, walked to the break room, and noticed he missed a call from his mom. He called her back.
“There’s my Boy!”
Alex laughed. “Sorry I missed you earlier, I was prepping the dinner menu. How are you and Dad?”
Connie just sighed. “We’re good, but miss you. Isabel put a little bug in our ear though.”
“A bug? What do you mean?”
“She suggested that we all should visit you for Thanksgiving. Would you be okay with your brothers, Dad, and I heading that way in a few weeks?”
Alex smiled. “She mentioned that and I love the idea. I have someone I would love for you all to meet.”
Connie squealed with delight. “Oh my gosh Alex, have you already met a girl?”
“I have and she has an amazing little girl, too.”
“Really, sweetie? Oh, how lovely. What’s she like? How old is the little girl? What are their names?”
“Mom, slow down. Alyssa and Alexandra, but we call Alexandra, ‘Lexie.’ Alyssa owns the cafe where I’m working. I think it would be wonderful for her to enjoy Thanksgiving with all of us. She needs to enjoy family time.”
Connie went quiet for a moment. “Is she okay, son? Where’s Lexie’s father?”
He sighed. “I can’t go into it Mom, not now. But, yes, they’re okay. Alyssa has had a rough two years but I think she is doing better. Her smile is infectious, Mom. Hey, do you all want to video chat with us?”
“We would love that. Isabel will be over o
n Sunday to go over the Thanksgiving plans. Want to talk then?”
“That sounds wonderful. Chat soon and tell Isabel to stop planning. We have a full fridge of food, she doesn’t have to lift a finger. Will Joshua and Grant come, too?”
“Definitely! I told them they had to come.”
Alex laughed a full-belly laugh. “I’m sure they loved that. Okay, Mom, I will talk with you on Sunday. I love you.”
“Love you too, son.”
Alyssa was seeing double after four hours on the computer crunching numbers. She took a break and checked on Lexie. When she rounded the corner to head out into the kitchen, she slammed into a wall. Stepping back, she realized she had plowed right into Alex. “Oh my word, are you okay?” She laughed and walk toward him. Moving her hands up his chest. “Is anything hurt?”
“Seriously, woman, you make it hard to be comfortable in jeans.”
They both looked down to see a bulge in his jeans. Alyssa licked her lips. “You should wear chef pants, they’re more comfortable in these situations.”
“Oh, and that would look so appropriate.” He leaned in and tickled her. “You’re crazy, and I love it.”
She laughed. “I was coming out here to check on Lexie. Is she bothering you all?”
Alex brushed a strand of hair away from her face. “Not at all, she has been helping Anna bake. I think Anna missed her, too.”
“Awwww, that’s precious.”
“I believe she’s drawing now, let’s go see.” He wrapped his arm around her waist and walked to the front of the restaurant. They looked through the window on the door, little Lexie was drawing pictures, and talking to herself. “She always entertains herself, doesn’t she?”
“She always has. I wish I could’ve had a sister or brother to give her, so she would have a playmate.”
Alex turned her in his arms. “Who says you still can’t do that? You’re not too old and she would love being a big sister.”
“Well, silly, I need to make sure the father wants to have kids, too.” She looked up into his rainforest green eyes. “I thought about artificial insemination, then decided against it.”