“I’ll call a taxi and leave the car here for you.” Alistair dug into his pocket and pulled out his keys and handed them to her.
She took the keys from him. “I love you. I’ll see you when I get home, okay?”
He only nodded, leaving her standing there. She returned to the living room to give the mug of hot milk to Simone, but she’d fallen asleep in her mother’s arms, her hand resting comfortably on her bloated tummy. “I’m relieved to see her sleeping. She really needs the rest,” Olivia said to Christine.
“Thanks for everything, Liv. You’ve been such a rock I don’t know what we’d have done without you.”
Olivia smiled weakly. “She’d have done the same for me.” Her stomach lurched and suddenly her only thought was to get the washroom. She hurried out of the living room and down the hallway and shut the door. Falling to her knees, she hovered over the toilet bowl. She gripped the sides of it to steady herself and threw up.
Almost two weeks had passed since Jamal’s funeral and Alistair had yet to set foot inside the Vanier property. Olivia had never seen him no lifeless, so unmotivated. Between checking in on Simone and tending to his needs, she’d been run off her feet. She’d put in a ten hour day and was exhausted when she found Alistair in his office, posting new listings to the website. Losing Jamal had taken a lot out of him. He’d retreated into himself and she missed his talkative side and their spirited conversations. He’d been blaming himself for not being there for Jamal through his pain. Olivia could only hope he rebounded soon. She went over kissed him on the cheek.
“How was your day?” she asked him.
“Average,” he said lifelessly.
“Well mine was very tiring—as it’s been lately. Dropped in to see Simone...she’s still a mess, understandably.”
“And she should be,” Alistair said in a very even tone.
Olivia frowned at him. “She’s devastated. What more do you want from her?”
“She broke his heart...broke his spirit,” Alistair said, his voice suddenly rising. “Hell, the twins she’s carrying aren’t even his.”
“And they could have worked through that together. It’s been done before,” Olivia said.
“She hurt him bad enough she drove him to drink. Had she not done what she did, none of this would have happened. He’d still be here.”
“How can you blame his drinking and driving on her? He chose that path.”
“She pretty much drove him to suicide.”
“Look, I know she’s not your favorite person right now, but at least try to understand...” Olivia took a seat on the futon next to his desk.
“Understand?” he said, his eyes widening. “How am I supposed to understand a woman cheating on the man she’s about to marry and going through with the wedding with not even an inkling of being honest with him? Help me out here, Liv.”
“She lost control of the situation. She let it go too far then didn’t know how to come clean,” Olivia said.
“Choosing instead to start a marriage based on a lie.” Alistair’s expression changed suddenly. “Tell me something, Liv...have you ever cheated on anyone before—better yet, would you ever cheat on me? Because we can go our separate ways right now...”
“Now you’re being ridiculous.”
He pushed away from the computer and leaned back in the chair with his arms folded. “It’s an honest question, how about an honest answer?” He challenged her with his eyes.
Olivia’s eyes bore into his. “Well of course not!” She was growing more irritated with him by the moment. How dare he use Simone’s infidelities to throw accusations at her? “I’ve never cheated on anyone nor would I ever cheat on you. There. Are you happy now? Are you satisfied you got the answer you wanted?” she said, her eyes filling with tears.
She never took this shit from Theo and she sure as hell wasn’t taking this bullshit from Alistair either. Angrily, she jumped up from the futon, grabbed her purse and coat, and stormed out of the room down the hallway out of the front door, slamming it behind her.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Alistair was glad to be back into the swing of things at the Vanier property. He’d been down for almost three weeks but had finally managed to pull himself back together. Any further delays and the flip would start losing money—something they didn’t need. He’d put in four evenings that week, mostly alone since Trey was working overtime and was dealing with relationship issues of his own. He and Jazlynn’s relationship was in a holding pattern for the moment.
Alistair had tried to contact Olivia several times over the past few days, but she’d ignored his calls. It served him right he supposed. Where did he get off putting her on the spot like that, questioning her ability to be faithful to him? He loved her so much he couldn’t bear being without her. What would he ever do if he’d lost her for good? For a brief second he thought he might consider joining Jamal as he surely didn’t think he could survive without her in his life. He’d questioned Jazlynn but she didn’t have much to tell him other than the fact that her sister had been very emotional the last time she’d spoken to her, very melancholy and not herself. Alistair hoped she was okay. She was very driven and very overworked, not to mention she was extremely stubborn about taking time for herself. She needed a good vacation. He suddenly had the image of the two of them running on a beach somewhere in the tropics, enjoying the sun and the sand. They’d make love under the moonlight, basking in the euphoria of unbridled passion. He’d look into her eyes and tell her how much he loved her as he...
The alarm on his cell-phone went off, reminding him of his six o’clock showing in forty-five minutes.
After his showing he headed home. He was dog-tired. He longed to have Olivia there waiting for him as he came through the door covered in sawdust after a long evening at the Vanier property. She’d always had supper waiting for him, so anxious to talk of her daily corporate exploits at the firm. He’d share his how irritated he was with fickle homebuyers trying to purchase above their means and unwilling to trust his expertise. He’d been so spoiled this past two and half months he’d forgotten how lonely it could be to come home all alone. Sure he’d enjoyed his alone time when he was alone. But now that he’d experienced a love as real as the love he had for Olivia, the idea of being alone was depressing.
The smell of dinner greeted him at the door when he arrived home. His pulse quickened. Hurriedly, he fumbled into the doorway, dropping his briefcase, garment bag and keys onto the bench in the foyer. He knew Olivia couldn’t stay mad with him that long. He knew she missed him as much as she missed him. He rushed down the hall, rounding the corner and into the kitchen, a smile already plastered on his face. He was crestfallen at the sight of Marquise standing at the stove.
“Hello there, big brother,” she said. “You’ve been through a lot lately...knew you’d be hungry when you got home so I thought I’d do something extra special for you and make you dinner.”
Trying to hide his disappointment, Alistair gave her a blank stare. “You do know I don’t need a woman to take care of me, right? Just so we’re clear.”
“Bullshit,” Marquise said, going over and setting two big bowls of steaming hot chili on the table along with a plate of homemade corn muffins and butter. “You know full well that’s not true. You men may be good at giving yourself basic care, but you know shit all about really taking care of yourselves. Now sit down.”
He managed a smirk as he did what he was told and took a seat at the table. He was starving and dinner smelled wonderful. Marquise was might have been high maintenance, but she did know her way around the kitchen. It was a Davenport trait. “Lucky for you I’m too tired to argue. This was nice of you.”
Marquise took at seat at the table across from him. “You’ve been through a lot lately. Just thought I’d do a little something for you before I leave and go back to school—especially since it’ll be a long time before you’ll be seeing me again.”
Alistair swallowed a spoonful of chili.
“Come on...don’t do that. You know now much that kills Ma.”
“And she’ll just have to get used to the fact that her baby girl, ‘ain’t a girl anymore.”
They ate in silence for a few minutes.
“I was by the property with Trey yesterday...things are looking up. Almost looks like a real house,” Marquise said.
Alistair looked thoughtful. “Yeah, things really are coming together.”
“I still say it was a dumb idea though. Just saying,” Marquise said.
“And I still know real estate better than you.”
“And I’m still a little ticked off at you.”
“About the Luther incident?” Alistair could laugh about it now, but he sure wasn’t laughing then. The incident hadn’t been brought up since, until now.
“Yeah.” Marquise eyed him with a look of irritation. “That.”
“I wasn’t supposed to be happy I found Luther in my bed with my kid sister, was I?”
“Well you could have handled it little more tactfully.”
“And you could have been a little discretionary about whose bed you chose to make whoopee in—and with whom.”
“With so little going on in this town, I was bored. Luther provided some much needed amusement.”
“Then the two of you should have gotten a hotel room. But it’s over and done with now, let’s not talk about it. I’m sorry for embarrassing you in front of Liv.”
“I’m sure she got a kick out it.”
“Had you taken the time to get to know her a little better while you were here you’d have known she’s not like that at all. But you just couldn’t resist going in for the kill.”
“I wanted to see what she was made of like I do with all your women.”
“Well Liv’s no pushover.”
“I figured that much.” Marquise eyed him carefully, her brow furrowing. “She’s still ignoring your calls, isn’t she?”
Alistair nodded. “Must make you feel good.”
“Not in the least. She’s good for you. At least she’s on your level, which is more than I can say for some of your past choices.”
“Wow...what a difference a few weeks makes. You two were like oil and water only weeks ago.”
“That was then this is now,” Marquise said, tossing her hair behind her shoulders. “You love her, right?”
“Yeah,” Alistair said, sighing heavily. “I really do.”
“Then call her again,” Marquise said. “Have roses delivered to her office...grovel at her feet...let her know you’re miserable without her.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Olivia was sound asleep when her phone rang at three a.m. Rolling over, she picked her phone up off the night stand, glanced at it, and saw Simone’s number on the display. She fumbled, clicking the button to answer the call.
“She just went into labor!” Christine said excitedly. “We’re on our way to the hospital now. Can you meet us there?”
Olivia was out of the door in exactly fifteen minutes.
Janine Cecile and Jamal Kingsley Parker screeched their way into the world just under two hours later. Olivia knew naming her son Jamal was Simone’s way of keeping Jamal alive in her heart. Both babies had heads full of hair and ten fingers and toes each. While an exhausted Simone got some much needed sleep, Olivia cradled Janine in her arms, while Christine held little Jamal. She glanced down at the precious bundle of joy in her arms, convinced they would both bring Simone some much needed happiness. Simone finally awoke, groggily asking for her babies. Olivia informed her that the nurses had taken them. “They’re beautiful hun...so tiny...so precious,”
“Ten fingers and toes?” Simone asked. “I was so tired after they came, I can’t remember.” She let out a weak laugh.
Olivia nodded. “Ten perfect little toes and fingers each.”
Tears welled up in Simone’s eyes. Olivia began crying, too.
Olivia arrived at the office at one o’clock just in time to meet a client and was caught off guard by the bundle of red roses lying on her desk. Even though she knew immediately who they were from, it threw her off kilter. She peaked out of her office and asked her secretary how long they had been there and was told they were delivered an hour earlier. She tore the tiny envelope open and pulled out the card.
Liv...so sorry for doubting you. Missing you terribly. Trey and I put the finishing touches on the house late last night...can you meet me there at sixish tonight? Love you with all my heart...Alistair
Although a couple of weeks had passed since seeing him last, it felt like a thousand lifetimes. She’d bravely gone about each day trying to be strong without him. Ignoring his calls had been difficult, but he’d hurt her. His questioning her devotion to him had cut her deeply. She’d needed time to think...time to sort things out. She’d stopped by the Vanier house a couple of times first thing in the morning, knowing he wouldn’t be there. She was pleased with what she saw. They were almost thirty-days past schedule but at least it was finished. They had so much to talk about...so much to plan for...namely, putting the house on the market. Although she hadn’t put much in the way of physical labor into the project, it had been mentally exhausting. Hopefully it would sell quickly so they could move on.
Hours later she arrived at the property and saw that Alistair was already there. She opened the door and walked inside where he stood waiting for her. It was like seeing him for the first time. Tall and broad-shouldered, dressed in a crisp peacock blue shirt and black dress pants, he was the perfect specimen.
“Thanks for sending me the roses,” she said, her eyes carefully meeting his. She glanced around, admiring the end result of their first flip together. “Everything looks incredible...you were right. It looks like an entirely new house.” Before she could say another word he grabbed her, took her into his arms, and kissed her passionately. She kissed him back, long and hard. The kiss seemed to go on forever, making up for lost time.
He caressed her face, his hazel-brown eyes gazing deeply into hers. “Olivia Putnam...I love you so much. You mean more to me than anything else in this entire world...”
Seeing the sincerity in his eyes caused her own to fill with tears. “I love you, too. Oh God, Alistair, I love you, too!” she responded emphatically.
“I don’t want to be without you again...ever. What I’m feeling for you in my heart right now I can barely put into words...” He paused, shaking his head and letting out a sigh. “I want you in my heart forever,” he said, suddenly dropping to his knees and reaching into his pants pocket. He pulled out plush black velvet box, cupping it in the palm of one hand, and pulling the lid open with the other.
Olivia’s breath caught in her throat. “What are you doing?” she asked with nervous anticipation, covering her mouth in surprise. Tears flowed down her cheeks as the open box revealed the sparkling wonder of an enormous princess-cut diamond engagement ring. Her knees buckled underneath her. He took a hold of her arm to steady her.
“I need you forever...will you marry me?”
The moment was surreal. Like being frozen in an infinite universe. “Yes...yes...yes I’ll marry you!” She uttered the words through quivering lips, her voice breaking with emotion as she extended a shaky hand to him. He slid the ring on her finger. She blinked back the tears in her eyes to get a closer look at it. “Oh God Alistair...it’s so beautiful...” They embraced, holding each other tightly, basking in the joy of the moment. She let go of him suddenly, taking hold of his hands and staring up into his eyes. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She had news of her own to share and could only hope it would be met with the same joy and excitement. “Okay, baby...I need to tell you something,” she said, looking at him through tear-stained eyes, uncertainty in her voice. “I’m hoping you take it well...”
Alistair’s face fell. “Please tell me you’re not changing your mind. I don’t think my heart could take it,” he said, putting his hand across his heart.
She shook her head, a tender look in her eyes
. “No...no...of course not.” She stared down at the rock on her finger just then, looking back up at him. “I’m pregnant...”
He blinked in stunned silence, his mouth dropping open. “Wow...seriously?” he said, finally.
“Uh-huh...yes,” she said, her face wrought with emotion.
His eyes glistened with tears as they met hers. “Baby, that’s so incredible.” His voice cracked. “It’s the most incredible news I’ve ever heard in my life.” The realization of it really hitting him, he suddenly threw his head back and let out a crazy laugh, his eyes wild with amazement. It was one of the few times she’d seen him looking less than his suave self. She smiled at the sight of him as she let out a sigh of relief.
“So you’re okay with it?”
She’d suspected she might be pregnant since missing her period around the time of Jamal’s funeral. A positive home pregnancy test prompted her to schedule a doctor’s appointment immediately. The doctor’s office had confirmed the result two days earlier. The Olivia of old would have been horrified to be with child. But the new Olivia was ripe for motherhood. She needed this baby as much as she needed him.
He nodded with an expression of blank surprise still on his face. “Well I’m shocked because I wasn’t expecting it. But I’m bloody ecstatic at the same time. I, Alistair Davenport am going to be a daddy!”
Two months later, an unseasonably mild, March twenty-first arrived and along with it the wedding of Olivia Putnam and Alistair Davenport. Everyone, from family and friends, partners at the firm, fellow associates had gathered to celebrate the momentous occasion.
Hearts in the City Page 21