“Me, either buddy. We’ll have to make it our job to make sure Lanie never cries.” I give him a little fist bump, and he tells me I have a deal.
“Tate, I told you, they were happy tears, it's alright to have happy tears sometimes. It means something was so special you didn’t have enough room to hold all your happiness, so the extra comes out in tears.” By the tone of her voice, I can tell she has had this conversation a lot.
“Nope, Lanes. I don’t like it. Happy smiles, sad tears.” Tate says matter-of-factly.
Deciding to help Lanie out, I put my hands on his shoulders and hold him still.
“How much candy have you had today, Tate?” I look from him to Lanie, who looks guilty. I thought so.
“Only five pieces. Lanie even let me have the big ones,” he reports happily. Lanie raises her hand as if to ward me off.
“I know, I learned my lesson, trust me,” she says, making me laugh.
“Alright, bubs, you’re all set! Let's get a look at you,” she tells Tate, raising to her feet. He whirls around, arms flying wildly.
“You look like a real astronaut, Tate,” I tell him. “Now that you’re all set, should we give Lanie her costume?” Lanie snaps her attention to me.
One hand on her hip and the other pointing directly at me, she says, “Oh, no. I didn’t agree to dress up. Tonight is for the kids, Dex. Not me and not you.”
Ignoring her completely, I take Tate by the hand. “Come on, Tate. You and I can get the girls dressed, then you can help me put the finishing touches on my costume.” Winking at Lanie as I walk by, I tell her, “Your costume will be waiting on your bed. Spit-spot.”
“Well, aren’t you cheeky,” she replies with a laugh.
Tate and I are leaning against the door in my bedroom, waiting for Lanie to walk into her room where she will find a very authentic Mary Poppins costume.
“Shh,” I tell Tate, “I hear her coming up the stairs.” Her door opens and her laughter fills the halls. Good, just as I’d hoped. “Okay, buddy. Come on, you’ve got to help make my face dirty.
Meeting Lanie in the kitchen, I love how carefree she appears in her Mary Poppins costume, tending to the girls. I walk up behind her, whispering into her hair, “I’ve never found Mary Poppins so fucking sexy in my life.”
Turning to look in my eyes, she tells me, “Behave.”
“I will, but first, I want a selfie. While we are out, we will ask someone to take a picture of all five of us.” Holding my phone out in front of us, I snap at least ten pictures.
Picking out the best one of Lanie, I send it to MLM.
MLM Tactical Group
Dexter: Mary Poppins and Bert (I caption the photo.)
Julia: Smashing.
Trevor: Cheerio, mate.
Preston: You all have mental issues.
“Tate had so much fun trick-or-treating last night,” I say to Lanie, who is sitting at the kitchen island, her hair all askew looking sexy as hell.
“He really did,” she agrees. “It was so fun seeing him interacting with so many kids in the neighborhood. He has come so far, Dex.”
“Because of you, Lanie. You’ve been our angel, fixing us up, making us smile, sharing your kindness. I don’t know what we would have done if you hadn’t come to us.” I’m about to lean in for a kiss when the doorbell rings, startling Lanie.
Glancing over her shoulder, Lanie asks, “Are you expecting someone?” She looks over to the clock, “It’s pretty early.”
Smiling at her, I nod and go to answer the door. Tate comes up beside me, knowing who has arrived. He gives me a sly little smile and a fist bump. My big guy kept the surprise a secret for three whole hours, that might be a record for him. I let him open the door.
“Nanna Sylvie, you’re here!” He leaps into her arms.
“Oh, my sweet boy, I am. I’m so happy to see you.” I hear Lanie’s bare feet coming down the hallway.
“Hi, Mrs. Westbrook, it’s so lovely to see you. I didn’t know you were coming.”
“Oh, I know you didn’t, dear. That’s the point.” She winks and sweeps past her in search of the girls.
“Dex? What’s going on?” Lanie looks around as Sylvie, followed by Preston, Easton, Shepherd, Cooper, and finally, Ashton walks past her. “Do they always travel like this?” She asks, indicating the rather large family parade that just went through the house.
“Not always,” I laugh, “only when they come to pick up the kids, but tonight, they are all staying over, we are the ones going out.”
“What do you mean? What’s tonight?” She asks, scrunching up her nose.
“Don’t worry about it. Just pack an overnight bag, whatever you will be comfortable in, I’ve taken care of the rest.” She starts to argue but Preston cuts in.
“Don’t bother, doll, he has been working on this for weeks, trust me. We have heard about every single detail. Multiple times.” Preston hooks his arm with hers and walks her to the stairs. “I think you have about twenty minutes before you need to leave, better hurry.”
Lanie glares at us both but admits defeat. Shaking her head, she walks to her room.
MLM Tactical Group
Preston: Cutting Dexter off at the nuts on this one. Lanie is packing, my mom, brothers, and I have the kids. I’m sure we can all expect pictures and updates soon.
Julia: Is it really necessary to rain on his parade?
Trevor: Yes.
Julia: You guys are ridiculous. You did good today, Dex. Good luck.
Preston: Trev, have you lost our Jules to the dark side so soon?
Trevor: Fuck off
Julia: Fuck off
Preston: Two peas in a pod, those two.
For once, I don’t reply, I don’t need to, they said it all for me.
Two hours later, we have checked in to a hotel uptown and are heading to the spa. “I booked a couple’s massage, then you have hair, nails, and make-up after a late lunch. They know what you’ll need, Julia called and filled them in, so just enjoy the day, okay?”
“I feel like I should be nervous, should I be nervous?” She asks me.
“Never with me, sweetheart. I’ve always got you.”
MLM Tactical Group
Dexter: Lanie is getting her hair and make-up done, I’m starting to second guess this. Maybe I should just cancel and take her to dinner.
Julia: You can’t. She is spending all this time getting ready, she is starting to get excited. It’s a solid plan, just go with it.
Trevor: I agree with Jules.
Preston: Of course, you do, Trev.
Julia: Fuck off.
Trevor: Fuck off.
“Honey, I’m home,” I hear Lanie call out as the door closes behind her.
Walking out of the bedroom, I snatch her around the waist. “I love hearing those words come out of your mouth,” I say, nipping at the base of her neck. With her hair all twisted up in some fancy knot on the top of her head, I have complete access. “You look beautiful, Lanes.”
“Thank you,” she says, turning to look at me. “What the heck? Why are you in a tux?” Lanie asks, shocked.
“We have plans tonight, your dress is on the bed. I’ll wait for you out here.” She looks adorably, confused. “Come on, hurry up, we have reservations before the party.”
“Dex, what are you…” I cut her off with a kiss.
“Don’t argue, Lanie. I’ve spent a lot of time planning tonight. Please, for me, just go get dressed.” She gives me a smile that could light up the darkest sky and walks into the bedroom. I stand just outside to hear her unzip the garment bag.
“What the hell?” she screams.
“Tsk, tsk, Lanie. You’re becoming quite the potty mouth.” I quickly close the door and go grab part two of her gift.
Thirty minutes later, Lanie opens the bedroom door and I run to take my place by the mirror. I’m doing everything I can to recreate this moment from Pretty Woman for her. She walks out and almost runs into me. She is so beautiful, I drop the necklace box. “F
uck.”
“Dexter Cross, what are you doing? This is the exact dress, or at least it seems like the exact red dress Vivian wore in the movie.” I bend to pick up the jewelry box.
“Lanie, you are so fucking beautiful.” I shake my head. Hearing her call me Dexter Cross usually means I’m in for some sass, but I try to focus. “This is not the exact dress, but it was made to look exactly like it,” I tell her.
“Dex, I, why are you doing all this? And I swear to God, if that is some crazy diamond necklace you have on-loan, you can forget it. I am not wearing two houses worth of diamonds.” This makes me laugh, a full hearty belly laugh, and immediately shakes off my nerves.
“No, Lanie. This isn’t all diamonds, and it is not on loan.” I open the box, knowing she fully expects me to snap it on her fingers, but after all the injuries this beautiful woman has suffered because of me, I won’t take that chance. Instead, I hand her the box.
“Tate and I had this made for you. He chose the heart, I chose the inscription.” I watch as she carefully lifts the pendant out of the box to examine it. “Lanie, don’t cry, you just spent all that time getting your make-up done,” I scold her, laughing.
Lanie turns the pendant over in her hand, examining every inch of the platinum and diamond heart we chose for her. The front is sparkly and beautiful, just like her. The back is what I hope will be our truth, Maria stayed.
Walking over to her, I ask, “May I?”
I take the pendant from her delicate hands, motioning for her to turn around so I can clasp it around her long neck. From my jacket pocket, I retrieve the small matching earrings. Tate and I both decided Lanie wouldn’t like anything too big. The simple posts suit her perfectly.
“Dex, this is all too much. I can’t accept all this.” She tries backing away, but I step with her, keeping our bodies close.
“You can, Lanie, and you will. Now put them on, we have a schedule to keep, would you like to know what I have planned?” I tease.
I watch her slide the stud earrings into her perfect ears as she nods yes.
“First, we are going to dinner, there will be nothing slippery on the menu,” I wink at her. “Then, we are going to a costume gala my company is sponsoring. It’s a charitable event, all proceeds going to various therapies for abused children. Eventually, we will start our own charity with the same goal, but until we have someone to head that endeavor, we will donate to various foundations with a similar purpose.” I tell her, waiting for a reaction.
This right here is what I’m not sure about. I know it is a lot for her to take in, but when she does, she gives me the most brilliant smile. “You, Mr. Cross, are certainly unexpected.”
What I don’t tell her is that I hope to name the foundation in her honor someday.
Lanie
Chapter 32
“Jules, the months are flying by so quickly, I can’t believe it’s almost Thanksgiving,” I whine. “I don’t think we have ever been apart for this long.”
“I know, Lanes. But can I be honest with you?” She asks like there is ever any other way.
“You know you can,” I tell her.
“I’ve never seen you so happy, Lanes. Mom and Dad see it too. I think Dex and North Carolina have been good for you. Before you go making any permanent plans, I hope you really think about how your life has been these last eight months,” she says.
Sighing because I know she is right, I prop my phone up on the nightstand and lie on my side so I can see her. “I know, Jules. I don’t know what to do. It’s not like he has come right out and asked me to stay, though.”
“I’m sorry, Lanes, but that is a pretty bitchy thing to say,” Jules says, shocking me. “The man has a running commentary on every nice thing he has done for the last 250 plus days, and you don’t think that’s screaming at you to stay?”
“I’m so confused, Jules. I’ve never felt like this before,” I confide.
“I know, sweetie, but do you know what the indicator was for me that you might have finally found your place?” I shake my head. “You’ve been there eight months, and not once that entire time have you been tempted to come home. Not when Bitchzilla slapped you, not when asshat threatened you at the school, and not when he roughed you up at the clubhouse. None of that has sent you running.”
“Hmm,” is all I can manage. She is right, of course, I had just never thought of it like that. “I guess I’ve never felt threatened here.”
“Or, you knew you were not going to be in serious physical danger because Dex was always there for you.” Jules counters. Unconsciously, I thumb my pendant. Maria stayed. “Just don’t make any rash decisions, okay? Thanksgiving is three weeks away, have you decided what you’re going to do?”
“I’m not sure. Tate has been begging me to stay and celebrate with him. I don’t want to let him down, but I am missing you guys so much,” it’s true, I’ve never been away from them this long before.
“Want my opinion?” Julia asks.
“Always,” I reply in my best Duh tone.
“I think that kid has had a hell of a time in his short life. I think without even realizing it, you’re both healing something in the other. I think you should do what’s going to make him happy and plan to come home for a weekend when Thanksgiving is over.”
“That’s a lot of thinking,” I joke. “Are you saying, if you were me, you’d stay...for Thanksgiving?” I add quickly.
“I would,” she says.
“I’ll think about it and let you know soon. Luvs, Jules.”
“Luvs, Lanes.”
“Lanie! Thanksgiving is next weekend, are you going to stay with me?” Tate asks, full of hope.
“Tate, I told you not to hound her. Lanie has a family too, you know, she hasn’t seen Julia, Mimi or Pawpaw in a very long time. This has to be her decision, right?” Dex warns him.
“Okay, Dad,” he tells Dex, lowering his voice so only I can hear him, “but Dad and I are really hoping you stay,” he gives me a quick kiss and runs off to the playroom.
“Hey, sweetheart. Sorry about that. I told him we had to let you make your own decisions, we can’t hold you prisoner…although I would really like to see you in handcuffs,” Dex whispers right before he leans in for a kiss.
“Handcuffs, huh? Who knew Mr. Cross was so kinky,” I smirk. Walking to the island, I grab a bottle of water, “I already made my decision anyway.”
He chokes on his drink. Pounding on his chest, he tries to sound casual, “You did? What did you decide?”
“Well, Tate seems like he would be pretty heartbroken if I didn’t celebrate Thanksgiving with him, so I thought I’d stay.”
Dexter’s grin takes over his entire face. “That seems like a very thoughtful decision, Ms. Cross.” I look up at him right after he says it. I don’t think he even realizes the slip.
He stares at me, puzzled. “What? Do I have something on my face?”
“No, no, nothing like that. I was just thinking I should go tell Tate, he is probably a nervous wreck.”
Dexter watches me retreat, wondering what the hell just happened.
“Thanksgiving is in two days, Thanksgiving is in two days,” Tate is singing all throughout the house.
“You seem very excited,” I exaggerate my words, but he doesn’t seem to notice.
“Oh, I am, Lanie. All my favorite people are going to be here. You, Dad, Sara, Harper, Nanna Sylvie, Preston, and all his boys.” I laugh because I wouldn’t want to have to name the long list of people coming either.
“Have you never had Thanksgiving at your house before?” I ask him.
“No, not that I remember anyway, we usually go to Nanna Sylvie’s. I can’t believe we are finally going to fill our big table.” The energy this boy has is shocking.
“That’s awesome, Tate. I’m so happy for you.” I tell him.
“For us, Lanie, remember, you’re part of me too now.” He says so innocently.
“That’s right, buddy,” I reply, a little choked up.
“Come on, I’ll get the girls to the table, dinner is ready, can you go tell your dad?”
“Sure, Lanie, I’ll even wash my hands.”
“Thank goodness for that,” I reply with a smile.
A few minutes later, we are all sitting around the table. Harper to my right, Tate to my left, with Dex and Sara across from us. Tate is chattering away about his teacher and his friends, he has had a fantastic start to the year. Now that Jake no longer attends Waverley-Cay Elementary, Tate has really blossomed. Dex and I alternate bites for ourselves and nibbles for the girls. For the most part, they feed themselves now, but they wear more than they eat, requiring a little guidance occasionally.
I’m bringing a spoon to Harper’s mouth when she swats me away, raising both arms in the air, saying, “up, up.” We all laugh, they don’t have much of a vocabulary yet, but they can both say up.
I lean in to kiss her messy face when she grabs my cheeks with her filthy hands and says, “Momma, Momma up.”
I’m so shocked, I pull away instantly, scaring the poor thing. Now she is crying, “Momma,” and I look to Dex for help, but he seems as shocked as I am. Then to top things off, Sara starts crying, “Momma, up,” lifting her arms in the air, waiting for me to pick her up too.
Tate is sitting next to me, laughing.
“Ah, I’ll take them up for a bath, you two finish eating,” I tell Dex and Tate. Dex nods his head but stares at me with concern. He lifts Sara out of her highchair and puts her in my left arm.
“Hey,” he starts, pulling me away from Tate’s little ears, “Are you okay?”
“Me? Yeah, totally, I’m totally fine, why do you ask?” I sound hysterical, even to myself.
“I'll finish dinner with Tate quickly, then come up to help with the girls. You sure you’re alright?”
“Yup, just dandy, take your time,” I say as I practically run down the hall with a girl in each arm yelling, “Momma.”
Holy shit.
Cross My Heart: A Waverley-Cay Novel Page 23