Liz came over and said, “She ran out of here like her ass was on fire.”
I laughed. “She thinks she’s going to see Alex.” I took out my phone and called the hospital. I spoke to the charge nurse and told her Cassandra was likely going to be coming by and trying to see Alex. I told her there was a restraining order in place. She assured me that she would not be let in and security would be called. I hung up with a smile. “Can you take me one more place?” I asked Liz.
“Of course. Where to?”
“Wilshire Boulevard.” I had Liz drive me to Alex’s attorney’s office. I asked to see Noel and when the receptionist let me in, I sat the Dictaphone down on his desk and pressed “play.” His face went from confused to ecstatic when he heard Cassandra’s voice and words.
“How did you get this?”
I shrugged. “Her ego couldn’t help itself, I guess. I think she might be in for a rude awakening in a few minutes though… she’s on her way to the hospital and they’re going to be expecting her.”
He grinned. “You’re amazing.”
I raised an eyebrow and said, “Is that an apology for all the things you said about me when Alex found out I was pregnant?”
“Um… yeah, sure. You do know that I was just doing my job. I get protective of Alex. He hates the legal stuff and I’m always afraid he’ll get taken advantage of.”
I smiled. “I know you were just doing your job, protecting him. I wouldn’t have it any other way, actually. I agree with you that he trusts easily, but it’s part of what makes him so special. He needs someone like you to keep an eye out for predators. Keep it up, okay? And please, don’t let Cassie take anything that’s important to him.”
Noel looked at me with his intense blue gaze and said, “I think that Alexander has seriously re-evaluated his priorities. Nothing much seems to be important to him, other than you and Michael. He actually called from his hospital bed yesterday and told me to give her whatever she wants and get her out of your lives.”
“I don’t think that will be necessary. I think that we will be able to at least protect his assets for his son.”
He stood up and shook my hand. “You can bet I will. Michael is as important to me as Alex is… and do you want to know what else?”
“Sure.”
“You are too, Victoria. I’m sorry we got off to a rough start.”
“Me too,” I told him with a smile. Alex has good people in his corner. “Thank you.”
He picked up the Dictaphone and held it up. “No, thank you! This is exactly what we needed.”
That was the last stop in what I felt was a productive afternoon. I had nothing but high hopes for the future from this point on. I feel strongly that we had already experienced the rough patches. From here on out, it should all be smooth sailing.
Liz took me back home with a big smile on my face. I was happily anticipating Alex’s return from the hospital in the morning.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The coastline sparkled brilliantly in the morning sun. The small private area of beach was surrounded by chalky white cliffs that looked like a big ribbon, jagged and folded along the shore line and then disappearing off into the distance. Beaches of rocks stretched out on one side of the cliffs and on the other side was an area of nothing but pure white sand. The waves crashed against the rocks and sand, foaming up and then being sucked back in and underneath the aquamarine expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Off in the distance standing like a sentry against the blue sky was a tall white lighthouse. The seagulls squawked and called to each other and besides the waves that was the only sound until the harp began to softly play. The people in the starch white chairs with pretty pink bows tied on them, stood up and turned to look at the bride. I stepped out of the temporary tent that had been set up for me to get ready in and squinted into the sun. After my eyes adjusted, I could see that everyone was looking at me. I usually don’t like to be the center of this much attention but today, I was reveling in it. This is my day… mine and the two most beautiful men in the world who were standing at the altar waiting for me, waiting for our family to finally be joined together as one.
Liz was there as my matron of honor. She was wearing a light pink lace dress and she had been very excited about not having to wear shoes. And yes, I said matron. She and Gregory had sneaked off to Las Vegas a few months ago and tied the knot. I’ve never seen her so happy, and now Cook has a partner as interested in helping out the homeless as he is. Liz was using her talents with people, teaching classes and giving talks about day to day activities that are difficult for people who live on the street. She’s another reason why I feel so lucky. I couldn’t have special ordered a better friend.
James was Alex’s best man. He cried when his son asked him. He looked so proud now at his son’s side and with his grandson in his arms. We’ve all come so far and I like to think we have baby Michael to thank for most of it.
Alex’s mother was on the right and mine on the left in the first row near the altar. They were so different and yet here they were, about to become family. Alex didn’t even balk when I said I felt like I had to invite my mother. I would have felt so incredibly guilty if I hadn’t. I needn’t have worried about him though.
“Of course you do, she’s family.” I’m so darn lucky. I don’t know what I ever did to deserve him, but I will never take him for granted. I’m going to do anything and everything for the rest of my life to make him happy.