"Get it here by New Year's Eve and I'll double your price," Adam said. Adrian shut the door behind him, wondering what his brother was doing.
"Amazing what people will do for money," Adam commented, as he hung up.
"No kidding. What did you swindle now and from whom?" Adrian smirked as he sat opposite his brother.
"I am highly offended you would think of me as a 'swindler.' I prefer corporate raider," Adam smiled charmingly.
"Okay, whose corporation did you just raid? And what has to be here by New Years' Eve?"
"I raided no one," Adam smiled that maddening polite smile that drove his younger sibling crazy. "That was our friend down in Brazil. He's designing something for me."
"New coffee flavor?" Adrian teased. Adam's eyes glowed.
"Better little brother. It costs a small fortune and is about the size of your pinkie."
"That tells me a lot," Adrian said absently, staring out at the view of Denver from the high rise office.
"It's sparkly and gold and will make Laura one very happy woman."
Adrian's heart stopped cold. Turning slowly he stared at his brother.
"Diamonds, little brother. A special ring created just for her."
"Christmas was yesterday," Adrian's mouth was dry.
"I know. I plan to make Laura the next Mrs. Wingfield. Mrs. Adam Wingfield. New Years Eve."
"You want to marry her?" Adrian's mind was reeling.
"Yes. I'm completely in love with her Adrian, and I think she feels the same about me," Adam smiled warmly at the thought of Laura and Adrian noted that his brother had never seemed so relaxed and. . .happy. Human even. The cool-as-ice exterior had melted, Adrian realized, over the last few months. Melted by one beautiful, hot, redheaded woman.
"That's a big step for you."
"She's all I think about. I want to be with her all the time. She makes me feel so good."
"I see," Adrian said numbly.
"Whatever kind of wedding she wants is fine with me. I just want to grow old with her. When she laughs, I just feel warm. She smiles at me and it's the best feeling I've ever had," Adam joined Adrian at the window. "It's hard to explain."
Adrian knew exactly what Adam meant. He could see him dancing with Laura at their wedding, peach roses in her hair, an ivory dress with peach lace. . .he had dreamed it so many times. But it was just a dream.
* * *
The holiday season flew by and the bakery's business boomed. Calls for weddings were now being booked as far ahead as June. By late January the bakery had broke even, and Laura was giddy from the success. After making all dessert deliveries on New Years Eve she hurried back to the house, where Adam, Dessa, Adrian, Luke and Trixie were waiting for a big celebration.
Everyone knew Adam's plan. The ring had arrived that morning and Adam was smiling smugly.
"I thought I'd never get out of the Richmond's. The Mrs. just kept going on and on," Laura sank to the couch gratefully to snuggle with Adam. Luke and Trixie were playing a board game on the floor.
"Forget about work," Adam whispered, kissing her cheek lightly. His dark green sweater brought his eyes so beautifully. She had given it to him for Christmas. Smiling she snuggled against him on the couch.
Midnight was fast approaching when handed her a glass of champagne. The others had been drinking throughout the night but Laura didn't want to make a fool of herself.
Irate, she looked at him.
"You know I can't hold my liquor," she whispered to him. He kissed her lightly.
"Just one. Tonight is a special occasion."
"One more year," she said dryly, not looking at the glass. He kept his hand around hers on the glass and Adrian turned the tv down. Laura wondered why everyone was staring at her as Adam knelt next to her.
"What's going on?" she asked. Adam stared into her eyes. She took a sip of champagne and stared at the ring in the bottom of the glass.
"Since I met you Laura, my life has become something to look forward to. And I want you to look forward to it with me. I love you." he said quietly Laura was speechless. The only man she had ever told she loved him had vanished on her a few years ago. "I want you to be my wife Laura. I want to grow old with you, and wake up with you every morning."
Adrian forced a smile as he watched his brother confess his love. Trixie was smiling too but look perplexed.
Laura's mind was reeling. Adam wanted to marry her. He had just told her he loved her in front of everyone. Adam Wingfield, the player, the corporate mogul. He loved her.
Adam stared at her, waiting. Laura finally found her voice.
"Ok. Yes."
Dessa, Luke and Adrian applauded but Adrian's eyes met Trixie's. The girl knew. Somehow, she knew, that this wasn't right. Laura should be accepting his proposal, not Adam's.
Adam drew her into his arms to kiss her and Laura's heart surged.
* * *
"So what about a date?"
"Oh jeez, Dessa I don't know. Probably late in the year. You're my maid of honor of course. And Luke and Trixie can be the flower girl and ring bearer."
"That'll be so cute."
"Any idea about a dress? "
"Not really. Something lacy. I've had a dream a couple times. . .and I think I know what I want. But I'll probably have to have it made."
"Guess that network will come in handy after all. Surely there are some seamstresses in there." Dessa munched on her eclair.
"Good idea."
"Have you thought about flowers?" Dessa asked eagerly.
"Yeah. Roses. Peach."
Laura didn't want to elaborate on the dream she had had. It had been recurring for weeks now. . .and only last night did the final, disturbing piece fall in to place. After making love with Adam she had fallen into a blissful, deep sleep and the dream started again. "With This Kiss" by the Nelsons was playing in the background as she danced with her new husband, but she couldn't see his face. She could see her dress, peach sparkles scattered over ivory silk, a crown of two toned peach roses in her hair, from the parent bush that Adrian had given her last fall. Dessa was there, with Luke and Trixie. As they danced she pledged her love to him forever, and as he bent to kiss her, she woke up. Until last night. As he kissed her she realized she had married Adrian. That had woken her instantly, shocked.
Sitting straight up in bed Laura exhaled slowly. Adam was asleep next to her, his arm searching for her to pull her back against him.
Swallowing she laid back down, trying to get the image out of her head.
* * *
"Oh it'll be so romantic Laura! I can't wait!" Dessa's cheeks were glowing and for a moment, Laura wished her friend was getting married.
"I think I'll call that one consultant we liked as much that handled the O'Gorman wedding."
"Wasn't she from California though?"
"I don't remember. . .I'll have to check."
"You know, an outside wedding would be gorgeous. In late summer, when everything is still blooming. I'm sorry. I'm going on and on," Dessa blushed. Laura shrugged.
"It's ok. I think I'm still in shock. I don't want a church wedding. I've never been comfortable with that. I think outside would be great."
The women chatted as they sipped their tea.
* * *
Adam frowned as he read the papers Randy had just given him.
"How did she pull this off? "
"That sister of her is real piece of work Adam. She's like a tiger and Trixie is her prey."
"Laura will be devastated. " Adam mused.
"You better get to her before they do."
* * *
Laura opened the door to find two police men standing in front of her.
"Can I help you?" she asked, puzzled.
"Laura Stevenson?"
"Yes?"
"We have a warrant to take one Nada Emily Stevenson into protective custody."
"You what?!"
"Is the child here?"
"Yes but-"
"Is Adrin here?" Trixie appeared at her side.
"You are to release the child to us. The petition was filed by one Priscilla Patterson." Dear God what was happening?
"Laura, what's going on? Why are they talking about Silly?"
"Trixie, you're going to have to go with the officers," Laura forced the words out.
"I don't want to."
"I know honey, but you have to."
"Why?" she stared at them in suspicion.
"Come with us please." A sleek gold car was racing down the street.
Adam's Lexus raced into the driveway and he was out, running to the front door with Randy. Laura's phone hadn't been answered and he knew she was home.
"Hold on one moment." Adam and Randy reached the door. Trixie tried to run to Adam but an officer grabbed her.
"Let her go!" Laura shrieked. Trixie clawed at the man screaming. Finally Adam got a hold of the girl and held her. Trixie clung to him. The officer was holding her face from where Trixie had scratched her.
"Ma'am you are to relinquish that child to us."
"Priscilla got temporary custody Laura. I don't know how," Adam rushed the words out. Laura felt her knees weakening.
"How could she? You said it was over!" she cried. Randy was helpless.
"I'm sorry. I thought it was. I didn't think she'd move so quickly."
Laura's eyes filled with tears. Trixie wouldn't let go of Adam.
"I will get her back Laura. I promise. I just need some time," Randy said. Laura took Trixie from Adam and held her tightly.
"You have to go with these men Trix. Priscilla is waiting for you."
"NONONONONONONONO!!!!" Trixie screamed. Laura covered her mouth gently.
"Please Trixie. I will be in a lot of trouble if you don't."
"Don't wanna go," Trixie whispered, hiccupping from crying. Adrian's Blazer pulled in. Alarmed to see the officers he ran for them.
"What's happening?" he demanded. Randy pushed him back.
"Priscilla got temporary custody."
"That-" Randy silenced him. Trixie was whimpering and crying into Laura's shoulder.
Trixie lifted her head up and both brothers felt their heart break at her expression and tear stained face. Seeing Adrian she held out her arms to him. Her nose was running with snot but he didn't care. Hugging her fiercely, he promised to see her soon.
Within moments the officers were gone. Randy insisted on going along, acting as an officer of the court. Laura was grateful to him, Trixie wouldn't be so scared. Once the car was out of sight Laura's knees buckled. Adam caught her and carried her inside to the couch. Adrian followed.
"My god Adam. How did she do it? How did she take my girl?" Laura whispered, her eyes dull. Adam held her close, stroking her hair and whispering to her. Adrian knew the two were lost in their own world and he slipped out. On his cell phone before he even got to his car he was dialing a number.
"Mac? It's Adrian Wingfield. I'm calling in that favor."
* * *
Trixie stared miserably at Priscilla as they sat down to dinner. She had been bathed by a servant and forced into a lacy purple dress. Her curls were braided tightly on each side of her hair, a hairstyle she loathed. And the shiny white shoes on her feet made her want to run through the dirt and make mud pies.
"Sit up straight Trixie," Priscilla said sweetly, but Trixie saw through the guise. A plate of food was placed in front of her. Trixie picked up her fork and started her onion hunt.
"Trixie, put your fork down. We don't start eating until we say grace."
"I'm looking for onions," Trixie snapped. "I hate onions."
"Well then you'll be a hungry little girl because there are sauteed onions in this dish and if you don't eat it, you won't get dessert."
"Don't want none of your icky dessert. I want Laura's cupcakes!"
"Trixie I will not tolerate this rudeness. You are in a civilized world now and you will behave as a young lady ought to."
"Ain't a young lady!" Trixie yelled, flinging the dish at the wall. Priscilla rose as food dripped down the wall, marking it with brown and red sauces. A servant moved quickly to clean it up before it could drip onto the white carpet.
"Go to your room young lady."
"Fine. I'll starve before I eat your ol' onions!"
Trixie slammed her door, then opened it and slammed it again. Realizing she had a new game she proceeded to open it and slam it until she saw Priscilla coming down the hall and she locked the door. In case Priscilla had a key the pint-sized girl slipped into the huge closet and hid behind some long dresses. She could hear Priscilla pounding on the door and yelling at her. Giggling she lay on the floor until she fell asleep.
"She's just acting out. It's a phase. Once she realizes this is her new home, she'll behave," Priscilla said coldly. Her husband nodded.
"Time for your medication dear."
Edmund nodded and duly swallowed the capsule as he had every day for years.
* * *
"Did you obtain this legally?" Adam asked, his clear eyes scanning over the contents of the file Adrian handed him.
"No."
"Dare I ask?"
"Somebody owed me a favor."
"This is an awfully big favor Adrian."
"It was an awfully big debt," Adrian smirked. Adam set the file down and looked up at his younger brother. Adrian stood on the other side of the desk. Adam leaned forward, his forearms resting against the desk.
"She's my fiancee Adrian, not yours. Trixie will be my stepdaughter eventually. Why are you doing all this?" Adam asked. Adrian ran his hand through his thick hair.
"Laura is very important to me too Adam. And Trixie. . .is the closest thing I'll ever come to having my own child. I adore that girl and she worships me. I can't stand the thought of that stuck up bitch running her life. She knows nothing about Trixie or what she likes. She makes Trixie watch PBS and the news. She doesn't understand Trixie or want to. How Trixie likes her hot chocolate warm but not too hot, with three marshmallows. The big ones, not the minis."
Adam was surprised. He didn't know that.
"Or that you have to swirl berry jam from left to right and it has to be thick layer. And it has to be a red berry. If it's too purple, she won't eat it. Her ice cream has to be layered in just the right way. Ever wonder why she wears hair in two bunches?"
"I thought it was an easy style," Adam said slowly, stunned to realize how many small details Adrian knew about the girl.
"Her father liked it. She does it in case her daddy is looking down at her. So he'll be happy. She told me that one day when we were at the park. That bitch told Trixie she needed to straightened out those 'awful wild curls' one day and Trixie went ballistic."
"We'll get her back Adrian. I promised Laura we would."
"Well, if what's in that file doesn't do it, it'll take an act of God."
* * *
Laura felt the tension ease from her body as Randy grinned at the contents of the file.
"I don't want to know what you did Adrian but we should have Trixie back by tomorrow afternoon."
"That far?" Laura asked, heart sinking.
"I'll do what I can Laura. Depends on if I can get a judge today." Randy picked up the phone and dialed.
* * *
Trixie crept down the hallway toward Priscilla and Edmund's room.
"Everything is set my dear. Tomorrow morning we'll be on our way to Switzerland with Trixie. Laura will have no chance to win her back."
Trixie's heart stopped. She couldn't hear Edmund's mumbled reply but it didn't make Priscilla happy.
"Of course not! She'll love Switzerland. And we can check her into St Michelle's School for Girls. They'll knock those horrible lies out of the child. I can't believe Laura lets her spin those tales."
Trixie hurried down the hallway. Nearby a phone rang. Trixie followed the ringing to a room she hadn't been in before but she recognized as a study. Elsewhere the phone was answered. She waited for a few minutes and carefully lifted the receiver. The call was over as she heard the dial tone. Quickly she dialed Adrian's cell phone.
"Adrian Wingfield."
"Adrin, they're going to take me away," she whispered into the phone.
"Trixie? Is that you?"
"They're taking me to Switzerland Adrin! To a girls school!" Trixie felt tears growing. Adrin would save her. He had to. He was her hero.
"They can't do that, Trixie."
"Tomorrow morning."
Adrian's heart began to race. They were going to kidnap the girl.
"Trixie you hang tight. I'm coming for you tonight."
"Adrin-" she dropped the phone as someone clamped a hand over her mouth. She could hear Adrin calling her name.
"You little fiend!" Priscilla hung the phone while Trixie fought to free herself. "And you're precious Adrin won't be here in time. We leave tonight."
"But you-you said tomorrow!" Trixie wailed.
"There's been a change in plans," Priscilla said harshly, digging her nails into Trixie's arms. Trixie began to scream and flailed her legs and arms. Priscilla almost let go and then slapped the girl across the face. Stunned, Trixie froze.
"No more of this or I'll have to give you something to calm you down, just like Edmund. Now come on." Ggripping Trixie firmly by the arm she dragged the girl to her room to pack her things.
Priscilla's heart was pounding. Their lawyer had just called. Randy Cision was bound by the law to notify their attorney of any action and thankfully their attorney had been home to call. A judge had just reversed the temporary custody order, upon reception of "new evidence."
Which meant they had to get Trixie out of the country and fast to retain legal rights of the child and her fortune.
