"Edmund beat her?" Laura looked up from the file she had been reading. Adrian was racing his car through the streets of Denver. Police had already been sent to Priscilla's house with the court order for Trixie's custody.
"Enough that she had a miscarriage. And your sister had an abortion back when she was in design school."
Laura's mouth fell open as Adrian spoke. Adam was in the back seat of the car, snapping orders into his cell phone. "She also failed almost every course that involved actually designing. Apparently while she could understand it, she couldn't actually design anything. It was the management and financial classes that she did so well in. But back to the abortion. The doctors told her early on that carrying a baby would be risky after she had it. Some preppy kid from the design school. She went ahead later on and got pregnant. Edmund has a long history of abuse, and he beat Priscilla one night. She wasn't very far into the pregnancy, which is why your mother never knew. Priscilla didn't know until she began hemorrhaging."
"But Edmund seems so docile."
"Your sister has the same strength you do, Laura. But Priscilla also has some other qualities she got from your father." Laura looked at him sharply, wanting him to explain that comment. "The coldness you see. She decided to take charge then and had Edmund committed to a private hospital where he underwent some massive shock therapy and sedative treatments. To this day, he's so full of medication that he can't experience any kind of excitement. She gives him daily dose of medication to keep him obedient and pleasant. That's the wimp you see. He can still think for himself but he can't have any violent rages like he used to."
"And the judge gave me Trixie back because of this?"
"At this point, it is a very small chance that Edmund would ever lose his temper again, he's been medicated for so long. But he still proves a danger to Trixie's well being. Him being near Trixie is endangering her life," Adrian smiled triumphantly.
Laura was stunned. Priscilla couldn't have anymore children so she tried to get Trixie.
"Why Trixie? Why not just adopt a baby?"
"Trixie has a very large trust fund attached to her."
"But I'm the guardian. And why would Priscilla want her money? She and Edmund are very comfortable."
"They were," Adam joined the conversation, off his phone.
"They owe almost a million dollars to the IRS. Last month they filed bankruptcy. As guardian of Trixie's trust fund, they'd have money again."
Laura turned in her seat, puzzled.
"But the trust isn't that much money. It's maybe five hundred thousand. I don't remember."
Adam shook his head.
"Your brother was extremely rich Laura. The five hundred thousand number you're thinking of is the max amount that can be accessed at one time by Trixie herself. The guardian of the trust can access any amount. George set it up that way to make sure his daughter was taken care of."
Laura just shook her head. The details of the trust were so fuzzy, she had never really paid much attention.
"Where did George get that kind of money?"
"He was incredibly popular as a local artist," Adrian answered. "Considered to be the up and coming Da Vinci. Plus he made some wise investments."
Laura sat back in her seat, trying to absorb all the information.
"How long have you known all of this?" she asked quietly. Adrian's eyes met Adam's in the mirror. Adam spoke.
"We knew about the trust fund a while back."
"If you knew I had access to that much money, why did you offer to invest in my business?"
"Because we knew you wouldn't take Trixie's money. And besides, our returns have been great, from a business perspective," Adrian said quietly. Laura remained silent, her mind turning over all the new information. They were reaching Priscilla's neighborhood when the Adam's cell phone rang.
"Adam Wingfield. . .yes. . .damn! Cover the airport. Find out what flight they're on and get it stopped. Call the airport and have security lock down the damn airport if needed. Do it!" he snapped, hanging up. "They've already left the house."
Adrian was already slowing down to turn the car around and head for the airport. "They can't have too much of a lead."
Laura felt like crying. What if they didn't stop them in time? What if Priscilla got Trixie out of the country and she never saw her again? Trixie's impish laughter echoed in her head. Luke would be heartbroken. Trixie would be miserable. The house had been so empty all day. Every little noise made Laura jump, thinking Trixie was up to some prank. No footsteps running through the house. No giggling. No little hands sneaking for the cookie jar while Laura pretended she didn't see.
Laura removed Adrian's cell phone from his jacket pocket and dialed a number.
"Hello?"
"Mother?" she asked coldly.
"Laura? Where are you?"
"I'm on the way to the airport to stop Priscilla from kidnapping Trixie."
"What?!"
"That's right Mother. Priscilla got temporary custody and is taking her to Switzerland right now."
"Oh no," Sophie whispered.
"Oh yes. I hope you're happy," Laura hung up and stared out the window, tears streaming down her face. Adam and Adrian exchanged another glance. Laura apparently had more of her father in her than either realized.
* * *
Priscilla checked her watch nervously. They were starting to board the plane. Her nails dug into Trixie's wrist. The child sat quietly under the threat of never seeing Sophie, Laura or Adrian ever again.
Their row was called and Priscilla practically dragged Trixie onto the plane and into her seat. Buckling the child in, Priscilla eyed her warningly. Trixie knew better than to cause a scene.
* * *
Laura, Adam, Adrian, Randy and three police officers tore through enormous Denver airport. Hassled at customs momentarily, the group burst through and ran for the next flight to Switzerland.
* * *
"Ladies and gentleman welcome to flight. .. "
Priscilla smiled smugly. The door had just been closed. Within moments they would be in the lineup and they'd be safe. Her lawyer would file for guardianship of the trust in the morning.
Snapped out her reverie by a commotion further up the plane she realized too late what was happening. Laura was in the aisle, searching.
"ADRIN!" Trixie screeched, unbuckling her seatbelt. "Laura!"
"Trixie!" Laura hurried to them as Trixie scrambled over a stunned Priscilla and flew into Laura's arms, howling. Randy and a police officer reached them.
"Priscilla and Edmund Patterson, you're under arrest for attempted kidnapping."
"I have temporary custody of that child! It's not kidnapping!" Priscilla's face was blotchy red with fury.
"Here's the court order reverting custody to Laura, a restraining order barring you from any contact with Trixie and a warrant for your arrest!" Randy thrust the papers in front of her. People were staring at them as Laura held onto Trixie, sobbing. Adam held the pair tightly, watching. Adrian's deep intense eyes were on fire. He wanted to throttle Priscilla.
"My lawyer-"
"Will want nothing to do with you once we expose you in court." Randy snapped. "Obviously he didn't explain to you that temporary custody does not allow you to take Trixie out of the country. We also have a recorded message of a call from earlier when Trixie called Adrian Wingfield with your little plans. Plus your medical records, your husbands medical records and his police record." Randy spat. Priscilla paled. Edmund just looked sorrowful. "We know everything."
"Let's go Mrs Patterson." the officer held out his handcuffs.
* * *
Trixie slept curled next to Laura that night, her little arms wrapped tightly around Laura's neck. Adam stayed late, drifting off while on the sofa. Adrian dozed in the big chair. Neither wanted to leave the girls alone.
Around one in the morning, Adam woke to hear movement in the kitchen. Getting up he saw Laura in her peach pajamas, putting water on the stove to boil.
"How are you?" he murmured, wrapping his arms around her from behind.
"I don't know. I couldn't sleep. I kept seeing Trixie being taken away yesterday. I kept hearing her screaming." Laura leaned back against him.
"No one will take her away Laura. I'll make damn sure of that."
"What if Priscilla gets out of jail and tries again?"
"No judge in their right mind would let her near Trixie after that kidnapping stunt," he kissed the top of her head lightly. "And on that note, there's something I wanted to talk to you about."
"What's that?" she turned to him, resting her head against his shoulder.
"After we're married, I want us to adopt Trixie."
Laura thought about that for a moment. "I would have to ask her how she feels about it."
"I know. I hope at this point she's comfortable enough with me that she would like it."
"Adam," Laura pulled away and looked up into his eyes. "How did you know about Priscilla being like my father?"
Adam exhaled slowly. He had hoped this wouldn't come up.
"We did some searching on him."
"What did you find out?"
Adam remained silent. How much to tell her?
"Adam, I have a right to know. He was my father."
"Is. He's alive Laura."
Laura caught her breath. "Where is he?"
"Ann Arbor, Michigan. He's on his third marriage. You have two half brothers from his second marriage, and a half sister from this one."
Laura's words stuck in her throat.
"His second wife divorced him for spousal abuse and there were allegations he molested the boys. The third wife is young, about 21 I think. She was a cocktail waitress. So far there haven't been any charges of abuse. They got married last year when she turned up pregnant." he said quietly, still keeping his arms around her. "She gave birth a few months ago to a girl."
"Does he know anything about me?"
"Not that I'm aware of. He hasn't had contact with your half-brothers since the divorce, six years ago."
Laura just shook her head in disbelief.
"Why didn't you tell me before now?"
"I thought no memory of him would be better than the facts. Because I didn't want you to know what kind of a jerk he is. He did some prison time for the abuse. He's a very cold man Laura. Very hard. Like Priscilla."
Tears started to leak from her gray eyes. Her secret fantasy of her father, a kind and generous and loving man, showing up on her doorstep asking for forgiveness for abandoning her, just shattered. Her mother had made the right decision.
Adam wiped her tears and held her gently. "I would never do that to you Laura. I would never walk out on you, or our children. I want to grow old with you and raise Trixie. Maybe one day have our own children. I want the family neither of us had as children."
Laura held to him tightly, his soothing, faint accent calming her. She looked up at him and smiled.
"I bet Trixie would like being adopted by us. That way she can marry Adrian when she's older," she laughed shakily as Adam kissed her tenderly. He smiled.
"Hmm. That could be interesting. Please forgive me for not telling you about the trust or your father. The money didn't seem to matter much to you and I didn't want you to be disappointed by your father."
"He's not my father Adam. Just a man who donated sperm." she laid her head against him again as the tea kettle began to whistle.
Adam stroked her hair gently with one hand, reaching over and turning off the fire under the water. They hadn't set a wedding date but he was hoping for soon. If she would agree, he'd whisk her off to Vegas that very evening.
* * *
Laura woke the next morning to hear Adam talking to someone in the kitchen. Wandering out she froze when she saw her mother, hair disheveled, eyes red and swollen. Sophie sipped her coffee nervously and jumped to her feet when she saw Laura.
"Laura, honey I'm so sorry! I never meant for this to happen! I never thought things would go this far. I didn't know about their money problems or Priscilla not being able to have children. I didn't know!" Sophie held her daughter and burst into tears. Awkwardly Laura put her arms around her mother.
"I believe you," she said quietly.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I thought it would have been settled out of court. Priscilla -I can't believe a child of mine would do such a horrible thing!" Sophie burst into tears again. Adam put one arm round her and gently led to her seat. Laura didn't know what to say.
"Of course you didn't know," he said soothingly. "People change and drastic events make them do things out of character."
Laura smiled as she watched Adam's tender moment with her mother. For a second she thought of Adrian, how he comforted Trixie when she scraped her knee. . .and Laura.
Yes, Adam would make a good father to Trixie.
* * *
The next evening Adam took everyone out for pizza. Trixie and Luke raced around the gaming area from one activity to another. Laura, still worn out from the emotional day before, sat with Adam, his arms around her happily, munching pizza. Dessa and Adrian sat across from them, talking.
"Have you guys set a date yet?" Dessa demanded impatiently. Laura shook her head, smiling.
"No."
"How long of an engagement do you want?" Adam asked, toying with a long strand of her hair. Laura shrugged.
"Heck if I know. I've never been engaged before."
"Whenever you want. Whatever you want," Adam murmured in her ear, wishing the night would hurry so he could take her home and spend the night in her arms. Her could feel the tension in her neck from the last few days stress and knew a good massage would relax her.
"Whatever I want huh. . .so I could theme it with clowns?" she asked.
"Excuse me?" he brought his mind back to the current conversations.
"Yeah everybody dresses as clowns. Dessa and I can ride up in a little wagon, the minister can wear a big curly wig- "
Adam put one finger over her lips as he shook his head smiling. Dessa was shaking with laughter.
"I abhor clowns."
"I know. But you said whatever I wanted," she shrugged with a sly smile. Adam looked to his brother for help but Adrian shook his head.
"You're on your own this time."
"Whatever you want within reason?" he tried again.
"We can have a circus for the reception." Laura's lips were twitching as she fought off a smile. "Trixie can ride on a pony and-"
Adam kissed her to shut her up. Adrian glanced over to the kids, who were engaged in a battle of fusball.
His eyes moved back to Adam, who was staring lovingly at Laura as she whispered something to him. Aching, his eyes went back to Trixie and Luke. Luke wore the same expression around Trixie that Adam had around Laura. Even though his and Dessa's relationship had pretty much fizzled they were still the best of friends and he adored Luke. Unknown to Dessa, he had set up a trust fund for Luke and Dessa. He knew her grandfather wouldn't survive much longer and this would ensure they were taken care of. If Dessa knew, she wouldn’t take it, so he had it setup in her grandfather’s name. She never need know it came from him.
* * *
"Check this out. People are starting to call for summer weddings." Dessa said excitedly, bursting into Laura's office. Laura grinned.
"I know. The boys are going to have their hands full."
"Have you thought anymore about expanding to a full catering business?" Dessa sat across from her.
"I don't know. It wouldn't be difficult really. It just seems awfully daunting. Besides, we're just coming out of the red. I don't want to go into debt more."
"Adam told you he'd fund it."
"I know but I don't like taking Adam's money."
"It's going to be your money soon enough," Dessa pointed out. Laura shrugged.
"I guess. I just don't feel right having my fiancé sink a lot of money into my project. I want to do it on my own."
"So what are you thinking?"
"I was going to go to the bank this week and see about some more loans."
"Won't Adam be mad?"
* * *
Mad wasn't the word. Adam was livid when he found out Laura had gone to talk to someone about financing the business' expansion.
"They have terrible interest rates and you'll be in debt to them for years! Why didn't you come to me? I've told you repeatedly I would pay for everything!" he was pacing the living room. Trixie was outside.
"Adam, I don't like taking your money. I wanted to do this on my own."
"Sweetheart, once we're married it will be our money and you can do whatever the bloody hell you want with it. And maybe I want to give you the money to expand!"
"Adam, it's just an option I was looking into," Laura said calmly. "I didn't sign anything."
"Well, don't," he snapped. "No business backed by me gets a loan from the bank."
"Is this a pride thing?" Laura's temper snapped. "That the great Adam Wingfield has to be a benefactor to everybody?"
"This is a business decision. I have financed the bakery, I will continue to do so. Without interest rates," he growled. Laura placed her hands on her hips.
"You can't stand the fact I went to someone else first. You want to be the hero and I went to the bank. This about your pride!" she exclaimed. Adam shook his head.
"I just don't see the point in putting yourself into more debt with a bank when I have told you I want to do it!"
Laura shook her head. "Adam, we're fighting like two little kids."
He sighed.
"I know. I hate it. I just think it was silly of you to go talk to a man at a bank whom you don't know when your fiancé is right here."
"And I think you're being unreasonable for getting so angry about it," she shrugged. Adam's clear emerald eyes narrowed. There was that cold wall that just went up. Like Priscilla. He changed tactics.
"Darling," he pulled her closer. "I just wish you had come to me first. I would have gone with you to the bank. Those people are out to rip you off."
Laura rested her head against his shoulder.
"I just don't understand why you're making such a big deal out of it. Besides, doesn't Adrian have a say in the matter?"
"We already discussed it. He's all for it." Adam stroked her hair lovingly.
"If it's that important to you we'll do it your way," Laura said. "I just don't want to have to rely on you for everything."
"Darling, once we're married we're a team. That means we rely on each other for everything. We're partners." he tilted her chin up so she could look at him.
"I've never done this before Adam. Had my own business, or someone who loved me so much. I don't know how to be partners."
"It's easy. You'll learn. I'll teach you," he kissed her lightly and Laura's head began to swim.
"What else can you teach me?" she murmured with a smile as he pulled her to the couch.
His hands had just slid around to untie her shirt in back when the screen door slammed.
"Adrin's here!" Trixie hollered. Swearing to himself, Adam pulled away quickly and Laura managed to fix her shirt properly before Adrian entered the room carrying Trixie. Adrian knew immediately what he had interrupted and felt a little spark of mean gladness.
"Just came by to see if I could take Trixie out for ice cream."
"Sure. She'd love that," Laura smiled at Adrian and Trixie, who was playing with his hair.
"I'm going to braid his hair," she announced. Laura raised one eyebrow. "It's long enough."
"I didn't know you could braid Trix."
"Yeah. It's easy. Ya just take the hair and start twisting it around."
Adrian winced.
"Why don't we do that after ice cream?"
"OK." she said happily.
After they left Laura curled up next to Adam on the couch.
"He sure does love her."
"Adrian always liked kids," Adam let his hand run through her hair, his favorite past time. "He used to try and babysit our sister."
"Adam?"
"Hmm?" his thoughts were already in the bedroom, wanting to finish what they had started a few minutes ago.
"Why haven't you ever told me about your sister?"
Adam exhaled slowly. "Because it's extremely painful and I don't like to think about it."
"Adam, once we're married, aren't we supposed to share everything?" she asked. He half smiled absently.
"I will tell you about Cherise some day. Just not now. Please, Laura."
"Ok." she snuggled closer to him.
* * *
"Adrin, why is Laura marrying Adam?" Trixie asked as they at munching their ice cream. As usual Trixie had gotten her triple waffle cone with a variety of clashing flavors. Adrian only took her once a week for ice cream, knowing how paranoid Laura was about Trixie's weight.
"Well, they're in love," he forced the words out.
"Adam loves her?"
"Very much."
"And Laura loves him?"
"Yep." God that hurt.
"But you love her too."
Adrian paused, his cone halfway to his mouth. "What makes you say that?"
"You look at her like Adam does, but it's different."
"Really," his dark eyes avoided her searching gray eyes.
"Yep. And she looks at you the same way."
"Trixie, why are you curious about all this?" Adrian asked. Trixie shrugged as chocolate marble ice cream dripped onto her jumper.
"I like to know what's going on. I don't think Laura and Adam should get married."
Adrian took a sip of his water.
"Well, Trix, that's not for us to say."
"I know," she sighed. "'Sides, I like Adam but I want you to be my Daddy."
Adrian forced himself to stay calm. He wished daily that Trixie was his little girl. She made him feel alive, just like Laura did.
"Adam will be a good Daddy. Just give him time."
"He doesn't read bedtime stories like you do."
Adrian chuckled.
"He's not used to children Trixie. But he loves you."
Trixie pouted for a moment then grinned, a big gap in her front teeth where she had lost another tooth.
"Can I marry you someday Adrin? When I'm older?"
Adrian laughed. "We'll see about that Trix. By then I'll be an old, old man and you'll have to take care of me."
Trixie licked her ice cream, resulting in another blop on her jumper, this one bright green.
"That's ok. It'll be fun."
"Besides, I think Luke has a crush on you."
"Luke? No, he likes Shalena. He's always pulling her hair."
Adrian just shook his head and smiled. Trixie's birthday was coming up and Laura was desperately trying to plan a party for her, themed with Harry Potter, Trixie's favorite book series.
* * *
Valentine's Day approached rapidly. Laura was interviewing for a third assistant as she had a half dozen wedding going on and several other parties in the month.
"Six weddings! How are we going to get everything delivered?" Dessa asked.
"Well, it's on Saturday, which is good. We're only open in the morning. Two morning deliveries, David and I can get those. In the afternoon, if you, David, Andreas and I all take one, we should be covered. If anyone else calls, I think we're screwed."
"Two red velvet wedding cakes that day. One marbled cake, a white-how boring- and a chocolate fudge with raspberry creme filling."
"The decorating is going to take a while. Two of them are really elaborate." Laura poured over the pictures. "Have David take the lace design, he's especially good at that. A fondant-not difficult. Andreas can knock that out in moments. Sugared roses and a lot of them-I can do those Friday. One's heavy on floral design-I'll take it. We can do this." Laura grinned at her best friend. The white and blue stones on her hand glittered in the light as she pushed her bangs back. Dessa wistfully wondered when she'd find someone like Adam. . .or Adrian. Dessa reached over to inspect her friend's engagement ring for the thousandth time.
The center stone was a flawless three carat, marquis cut diamond. On each side was a triangular shaped, trillium cut sapphire, each one and a half carats. The band was platinum. Adam wanted the best and got it. Each stone was flawless and perfect. It had taken so long to be made because of the demand for perfection. His Brazilian friend had hunted for the best.
"What if Adam whisks you off on Valentine's Day to get married in St Croix or something?" Dessa giggled.
"He'd better wait until my deliveries are made," Laura replied dryly, typing into her database of customers, recipes and schedules.
"Would you marry him that quickly?"
"Probably not. Right now my focus is on this business and Trixie," Laura swung around in her chair to face her friend. “I love Adam but getting married isn't on my list of priorities. It'll be fall or next summer I think."
"Fall isn't that far away," Dessa pointed out. Laura shrugged.
"Next summer then. I'm not in any big hurry. Trixie needs time to get used to the idea of having a father figure around, full time."
"Adrian is always around," Dessa hinted. Laura looked at her sternly and turned back to the computer.
"I'm not marrying Adrian."
"Do you at least know where?"
"Nope. I was kind of thinking that big rose garden downtown. Thought about the backyard but Adam has tons of associates he wants to invite and there's not enough room."
Dessa toyed with her hair. "Have you called that bridal consultant?"
"Haven't had time. Oooo, email for a new order. Birthday party. Eight years old, wants Pokemon. I'm really sick of Pokemon."
"No kidding. When is Trixie's birthday again?"
"March third. I've got most of the plans laid out for it," Laura reached for her tea. "Harry Potter theme, invite the class. Shouldn't be too difficult. The cake is going to be the toughest part."
Dessa raised one eyebrow.
"Well, I'm going to make it in the shapes of the main characters. Which leaves either about six different cakes, or I was going to combine them. Like a collage. It's going to be a real piece of work because of the detailing I'll have to do. Hagrid, Hedwig, Hermione, Ron, Harry, and maybe Dumbledore."
"That does seem extreme," Dessa thought. “Maybe if you lined the kinds in front, in their wizard robes, then Hagrid and Dumbledore behind them, with Hedwig on someone's shoulder. That way you don't have to draw the full bodies and it would simplify it. Happy Birthday Trixie you could do in the font they use for him."
"You are so brilliant." Laura was writing it down. "Can you sketch it for me maybe?"
"Sure," Dessa was pleased to be of help.
"Luke is dying to get her the best present," Dessa chuckled. Laura grinned.
"How cute. I have a feeling Trixie will grow up to be a high maintenance girlfriend."
"She's not that spoiled."
"No but she lives in that fantasy world of hers. Princesses and heroes and dragons and such. . .she sees herself as the princess. Except she usually ends up rescuing the prince." she laughed. "Slightly backwards."
Dessa shook her head.
"Maybe she'll be a political leader."
"Don't curse my niece like that, please," Laura laughed. "I think she'd be more of a lobbyist, in the face of the President all the time." Laura saved her entries and stood up, stretching. "Let's go get something to eat. I'm starved."
* * *
Valentine's Day rolled up quickly and Laura was immersed in red velvet cakes and sweetheart cookies, a light sugar cookie filled with a heavenly raspberry cherry creme and rolled in white cocoa powder. Gabrielle Criswell was having a special luncheon that required several dozen of Laura's cherry filled truffles. A sorority house at UCO was having a big bash and wanted dozens of sweetheart cookies, truffles, and chocolate covered cookies.
The third assistant was brought in, a shy young man by the name of Steve. Extremely tall, at six foot five, nice looking with dark hair, he had to duck entering almost all buildings. David quickly formed a crush on him which Andreas teased him unmercifully about.
Laura spent more and more time at the bakery, which disappointed Adam but gave him time to spend with Trixie. Taking clues from Adrian he went to her tea parties and when he read her bedtimes stories, tried to change voice for different characters.
"This is killing me," Adam groaned, as he gracefully flopped onto the sofa. Adrian smirked, glancing up from the novel he was reading.
"Trixie wear you out?"
"How can someone so small be so energetic? I took her to the zoo today and I swear, she never stopped moving and chattering."
"Get used it to it big brother. Part of Daddy duty," Adrian chuckled, flipping channels. Only one lamp was on, casting an eerie shadow about the room.
"You know, I hope when Laura and Trixie move in, Laura will do something about the decor in here," Adam remarked. Adrian raised one eyebrow.
"You're moving in together?"
"Not yet but once we're married. It's just so sparse in here," Adam's eyes surveyed the plain ivory walls, dark carpet. Black entertainment center, tall, gold antique lamp in the corner. Smaller lamp on the table next to the black vinyl couch.
"So hire a decorator."
"I think I'd rather let Laura pick furniture out."
Adam and Adrian had rooms full of antiques but somehow the living room had been neglected, along with the hallway. Expensive portraits lined the hallway walls but that was it. Adam's room had its sleek black furniture, with jungle accents but he was tired of it. It was leftover from his first marriage and he wanted something new for Laura. Of course his clothes were hung impeccably, and though his suits were numerous, the closets were enormous and half empty.
Adrian wanted to change the subject. He didn't want to talk about his brother's upcoming marriage. Because that made it all the more real that Laura wasn't his.
"Since I'm on the West Wing, I was thinking of giving Trixie the room at the end of the hall, with the big window seat. Do you think she'd like that? It has its own bathroom and she'll be just down the hall from Laura and I."
"Sure. Just paint it pink." Adrian tried to focus on the chapter he was reading but "down the hall from Laura and I" kept echoing through his head. The East Wing was his but it wouldn't be hearing childish laughter any time soon.
"Do you think Laura would be opposed to hiring someone to look after Trixie?"
"That's a stupid question."
"Yes, I realized that as soon as I said it. Maybe I should just let Trixie pick her own room."
"That's probably a good idea. Knowing her she'll search every room in the house until she finds the one she likes the best."
Adam sighed. "You know her a lot better than I do."
Adrian shrugged. "I see her more."
"Adrian, I was thinking. . ."
"Now I'm really scared," Adrian set the book down in his lap. No more reading today.
"Once we're married, could I persuade you to take over the international side of the business?"
"Why?" Adrian frowned. He hated going to all those meetings. Adam had been in charge for a reason; he was better at it.
"Just for a while. I want to spend time with Laura and Trixie and I feel that I'm gone so much . . .I want Trixie to know that I'm always around for her."
"I'll think about it."
"Just until Trixie gets used to me being her new father. I want her to have a stable family."
"Like I said, I'll think about it," Adrian sighed.
"I'm also thinking of talking to Laura about children."
Adrian raised one eyebrow. "As in, you want more?"
"Yes."
Adrian rubbed his forehead. His head was beginning to hurt.
"You two haven't talked about this?"
"Not in depth. And I don't mean right away. But maybe, after everyone gets used to being a family, Laura and I could have our own child."
Adrian didn't think Trixie would take real well to not being the center of Laura's attention.
"I think you better discuss all that with Laura," Adrian said finally. Adam nodded, lost in his own thoughts and visions of his and Laura's future.
* * *
Laura struggled to zip her jeans up. Her weight kept fluxating and it was driving her nuts. In her purse she found the rest of her weight loss pill and took one. Though they hadn't set a date for the wedding, Laura wanted to slim down just a little bit more.
Tomorrow was Valentines' Day and Adam said he had something special planned. After her last delivery she would head home and change. Adrian was taking Trixie, Luke and Dessa out.
She was setting up the last wedding cake at the reception hall when her cell rang.
"Hello?"
"Helllo beautiful."
Laura smiled.
"Hi yourself."
"Laura, darling, I hate to do this but-"
"You have to leave town," Laura sighed.
"If there was any way to do it I would, but there's a crisis in Tokyo and I'm needed. I'm at the airport now."
"Ok."
"I promise I will make this up to you my love. As soon as I get back. I'm sorry Laura."
"It's all right Adam," Laura forced the words out.
"I'll call you as soon as I'm there ok?"
"Sure."
Laura hung up, her heart suddenly deflated. Slipping the phone back into its case she returned to arranging the flowers around the cake.
* * *
Adrian talked Laura into going along. Though disappointed, Dessa knew she'd never win Adrian's heart.
Trixie had just been tucked in, sound asleep, as Laura shut the door. It amazed her how quickly the child could go from active to deep sleep, when she spent many nights tossing and turning, trying to get her mind to stop whirling so she could sleep.
"Sorry about Adam," Adrian said softly.
"It happens," Laura shrugged, sitting next to him on the couch. Their knees were almost touching.
"A lot, I'm sorry to say."
"Thank you for dinner."
"You're welcome. I couldn't bear the thought of a beautiful lady home alone on Valentines' Day."
Laura blushed. "I think everyone had fun."
"I hope so. Luke is in love with Trixie."
"I know. It's pretty obvious, the way he just stares at her. . .such adoration," Adrian refrained from pointing out that's the way he looked at Laura.
"Are you and Dessa actually seeing each other?" she asked. Adrian shook his head.
"No, we're just friends. We decided on that a while back."
"If I ask her she just shrugs and says not to her knowledge."
"We're very close friends but I'm not in love with her."
Laura nodded, sipping her tea. Adrian was staring at her so intently.
The soft golden light was reflecting off her red hair, casting a warm auburn glow around her. Those luscious lips just waiting. . .
"Is there someone you haven't told me about?" Laura asked, amused. They told each other just about everything but she knew Adrian was holding something back.
"Uh-"
"Come on, tell me," she reached over and tickled him. Catching her delicate wrists he crushed her against him and into a passionate embrace.
Laura felt the world tilt as Adrian kissed her. Without thinking she had wrapped her arms around his neck and they were sinking into the couch, his hands sliding under her sweater.
"Laura," he whispered, "I love you. I always have."
Laura pulled away, her eyes wide and filled with tears.
"What are you doing?" she demanded. Adrian froze. Had he said that out loud?
"I mean it Laura. I'm in love with you," he said softly. Laura shook her head as she pushed him away.
"I'm engaged to your brother."
"Look inside yourself, you know it's true. From the moment we met, you felt it. We belong together."
"You should leave," Laura smoothed her sweater down, hands shaking, trying not to cry. Adrian was silent for a moment then rose and left without a word. Laura curled up on the couch crying. Why did Adam have to leave? How could Adrian's kiss send electric shocks down to her toes like that when she loved Adam?
Adrian stood outside against the front door. Everything had just been screwed up. How could he have said that? How could he have kissed her? What if she told Adam? He would be furious with Adrian.
* * *
Laura watched Trixie sleeping, her small body flung out across the bed. Was she making the right choice by marrying Adam? Adrian had never even shown a hit of interest in her. Well there was that one kiss around Christmas. And Trixie sure talked about him enough.
But she loved Adam. He had pursued her. The perfect gentleman. The way his features softened when he looked at her made her heart melt. He was so kind, and protective of her. And he was a fabulous lover. But that brief moment in Adrian's muscled arms, and the passion behind the kiss. . .more powerful than Adam. Damn near electrifying. The dizzying exhilaration that went through her body when he touched her.
You're engaged to his brother, Laura. Snap out of it. she thought in shame.
Running her hands through her thick hair Laura sighed. Finally she changed into her pajamas and crawled into bed.
