He's Captured My Soul (Captured Series Book 3) (21 page)

“What were you thinking about?” he asks, still with his hands on my back, making sure my thoughts are of only us now.

“Oh tonight. The last few days. How organised we are for the wedding. I still can’t believe how much we got done in a couple of days. Everything from the cake to dresses and everything in between.”

He turns me in his arms until I’m facing him. “Is that all, you look miles away?” he asks.

I ponder his question, trying to find the answer that will settle him. Everything in my life has moved so quickly these last few months. “It hit me today, how quickly my life is changing. Only three months ago, I was on my own and looking forward to carving out my career at hotel. All this between us, I never expected.”

“Libby . . .”

“Let me finish. There’s nothing I wouldn’t change at the moment, except the pace at which everything is happening. It’s all going so quick. I’m scared if I blink I might miss something. I’m also worried I won’t find the balance between our family life and my work life when the babies arrive. I’m scared that I might have to give up a part of myself that I’ve worked so hard to get. My career is just as important to me as yours is to you.”

“Baby, that’s not going to happen. We’re going to enjoy every minute of our wonderful life together. We will both find a balance in our lives. You’re going to work with Karl and Kieran over the next few weeks to ensure you have the right staff you need at the hotel. You won’t have to give up your career, just learn to balance both. I will need to do the same, and that includes travelling. I intend on looking over all my business interests with my dad and Michael and making some decisions over my assets. I want to be a hands-on dad as well. Even though my dad had a challenging career, he was always there for me growing up. I want to be the same for our two and any more we may have.” I splutter at the thought of having any more than these two.

“We will make it work. I promise, everything will be fine. You are looking so much better after some time off work. I know it’s only been a few days, but there is a difference in you, I see it. You’ve had no sickness, other than the other morning and we can both put that down to the alcohol. Let’s enjoy each day as it comes. Starting with spending New Years with our family. I’m looking forward to tonight; your dad took care of the guest list. Michael is happy to work tonight, allowing me time to mingle with the guests. The new manager doesn't start until next week, so I’m glad Michael is here.”

“I’m looking forward to tonight as well; you’ve worked hard to get casino ready for tonight. I presume everyone is waiting for me?” He nods as he, leans forward and kisses me on my forehead. “Well I suppose I better put my shoes on, grab my bag, then we should go.”

“Take your time, there’s no rush.”

I look into the mirror, one last time before leaving the room with Alex. Tonight is so important to him, a lot of hard work and money has gone into this project. It’s the first one to be opened, the others in the UK will all open in a few weeks time. Alex has already said he wants to be at the opening of each, well of course he should. And given that I will be going as well, I’m going to have to be selective about what I wear to each. I don’t want to give the media anything to have them speculating about our private life. I’m really keen to try and keep it just that.

I’m excited to see how the casino looks all finished. All the other times I’ve been in so far, the contractors were still in. I know Michael is already there; he left the flat a few hours ago.

Downstairs, Alex’s parents, Sophie, Murphy and Joan are all waiting in the living room, having a drink. I’m glad Murphy and Joan are joining us tonight. It wouldn’t have felt right, not celebrating with them as well. The only one not drinking tonight is Murphy, he’s on driving duty. I did say I would drive, seeing as I wouldn’t be drinking, but both Alex and Murphy were having none of it. Their reasoning was the car for tonight is too big for me to drive. We have one of my dad’s cars for tonight, save us taking two cars. Me, I was more than happy to take both cars. Kirsty and Jay made their apologies, they are spending tonight with his friends. Kirsty sounded really disappointed to be missing tonight, when I spoke with her about it.

“I knew it was perfect for you. Look Mom, what do you think?” says Sophie. “It is stunning on you. I love how you look in it. Are you happy with the dress?”

“Of course you’re right. Libby it’s perfect on you.” Sarah replies first, smiling warmly.

“Soph, I love it.” Telling her the truth. “I could get used to having my own fashion designer at my beck and call. Although you will need to branch out, into a maternity range soon. An extra-large size in maternity clothes.”

“I’m sure I can come up with a few pieces for you. But we could have, just as much fun going shopping. Although I still think it will be a few months before you need anything,” she says, handing me a glass, of what I can only presume is orange juice. It’s all I’ve drunk the last few days, that and water.

“I don’t think it will be months, given there’s two in here.” She laughs. “You look pretty hot tonight Soph, anyone in particular you’re trying to impress?” I whisper to her.

“No. Not at all.” She blushes.

“I’m sure Ethan will agree. He won’t be able to keep his eyes off you.”

“Libby, do you think . . . no it doesn’t matter.”

“Sophie! It doesn’t matter what I or anyone else thinks; it’s your lives. I just want you to both be careful. I don't want either of you to get hurt, or Lucy.” My words seem to do the trick and settle her. It’s true, it is their lives, and I just don’t want anyone getting hurt. Even though I do think Lindsay’s parents won’t be happy with any relationship Ethan has.

“Okay, it’s time we were making a move,” says Alex. I glance at the time; of course he’s right if we want to be there on time.

Our drive into town isn’t long enough. And even though I know about the press coverage for tonight, I still have butterflies in the pit of my stomach as I exit the car. The flashing of the camera still manages to startle me, even though I should be getting used to it. I smile taking Alex’s hand. He pulls me tight to his side.

“Are you ready for this?” he asks.

I take a deep breath and answer. “Yes. Ready as I’ll ever be.”

“Very glad to hear it. Now, I think at some point tonight you and I need to make use of my office, then we only have your office at the hotel to touch base with.” He laughs as we walk toward the entrance. I feel myself blush at his words, although I know they’ve been said to take my mind of the cameras, and it’s worked. I’m now thinking about how long I will have to wait, to get him alone in the office. “I should also add, I can’t wait until we are home, when I can let your hair down, and you can shake all those curls loose.” And there he’s done it again.

The rest of our party has already walked on, except my Dad, who is hovering about. That means Mum and Ethan must already be here as well. I can only presume Dad’s waiting to hear what questions are thrown in our direction. It’s been a few days since the press statement was released about our engagement. It’s made all the papers here and in the states.
Seriously
there must be other news in the world that is print-worthy.

“Mr. Mathews. Miss Stewart, a minute please. I would like to congratulate you on your recent engagement.” Alex nods at the journalist. “Can we expect the wedding, this coming year?”

Alex looks at me. “Yes you can.” I reply much to Alex’s surprise.

“Any dates yet? Will it be here in Scotland, or in New York?”

“You will just have to wait and see.”

“Mr. Mathews, any other business in the UK that interests you?”

“At the moment, there is nothing in the pipeline. I plan to get the other casinos opened before I look at anything else.”

“What about back home in America?”

“Nothing there either. I’m concentrating on one thing and one thing only.” His eyes are on me as he says the last part. I feel myself blush again. The journalists looks between the two of us.

“Well I have to say, it’s one beautiful thing to concentrate on. Thank you both and have a very Happy New Year.”

We pose for a few more photos, before entering the casino. My Dad seems happy enough with my albeit, very brief answers.

“Well done, sweetheart. See, you can do this,” my dad says.

“Maybe. I just don’t want to have to do it on a daily basis.”

Alex keeps my hand as we enter, but talks to my dad. There is a lone piper playing the bagpipes. I stop and take in my surroundings, and I’m only in the main reception area. It looks fantastic; I can’t wait to see the rest of inside. In the main gaming area there is also a bar and restaurant, there are several small gambling rooms, for private use. There is also a large function room that can be used for all occasions. The rest of our party are leaving coats with the attendant.

Alex wanted tonight to be very traditional, with it being Hogmanay. He enlisted my help in finding a band for tonight. They are great, I’ve heard them before. I also managed to talk him out of having a full sit down dinner, so a hot buffet will be served at eleven. That means people are free to mingle and play at the tables up until then and after midnight the dancing takes place, to celebrate the New Year.

“My baby girl, you look beautiful.” My mother’s voice steals my attention.

“So do you,” I tell her. She’s looking as elegant as ever. “Where is Ethan?” Her eyes move and I follow. Did I think he would be anywhere else? No I knew exactly where he would be. There really is no separating those two, reminds me of myself and Alex. There is still no separating us two, and I hope there never will be.

“I don’t know what to do about them.”

“Mum! There’s nothing you can do. They both seem happy. I would leave them to get on with it.”

“You’re probably right. They do remind me of you and Alex,” she says. “Come on let's see what this man of yours has done with this place. I have to say, I’m impressed so far and we’re only in the entrance.” I agree with her because I was just thinking the same thing.

Alex takes us on a quick tour. It has to be quick as guests are starting to arrive. The function suite looks amazing. He’s went with lots of natural colours in here, mainly creams. It means anything will go with it for all functions. Tonight we have a Scottish theme going on with sprayed heather on the tables instead of flowers and lots of tartan. Tartan runners on the table along with the ties around the chairs. No balloons or other clutter. Simple and elegant.

The private rooms have all been individually designed. Colours are light in each, but the focal point in each room is the different games table. I have to admit, the whole place looks better than I imagined. His parents ask him lots of questions as we walk through the building. Sarah is extremely proud of her son. I can tell with the sparkle in her eyes as he speaks. I’ve noticed Ethan and Sophie, hand in hand, take up the rear of our tour, not really listening to anything that’s being spoken about.

We make our way back toward the main room. It looks as though, most of the guests have arrived. A waiter approaches with a tray of drinks, champagne. Everyone takes a glass, but I decline, another waiter approaches with a tray of orange juice.

“Libby, I need to go and find Michael and then make a quick speech. Will you be okay?” Alex asks.

“Of course I’ll be fine. I’ll introduce your parents to a few people, because I’m sure my parents will go and do some networking. Go on and do your thing; I’ll be waiting for you.”

“Well.” He kisses me. “In that case, I won’t keep you waiting too long.”

“See that you don’t. I’m sure I can give you an incentive to speed things up.” He looks at me with wide eyes. “If you play your cards right, I’ll be ready for that trip to the office,” I whisper.

“Shit!”

“Go,” I tell him.

He leaves looking rather flustered, not something that happens very often to Alex, but when it does it amuses me. I turn my attention to Richard and Sarah. Murphy and Joan are already at one of the tables in the room. My parents are already mingling, and as for Sophie and Ethan, maybe they should’ve stayed at home. I’m concerned that there are friends of Lindsay’s parents here. I don't want this getting back to them, because if I’m honest, I don’t think they would be too happy. They might see it as disrespectful, so soon after their daughter’s death. But then again, they knew the couple were having problems. I shake thoughts of them from my head, because at the end of the day they’re adults and can deal with it.

I take Richard and Sarah and do a few introductions. First up is Simon the bank manager. He still apologises for Jeff even after these last few months. Turns out Richard has already met Simon. We spend some time with him before moving on. We do get stopped by various well-wishers offering me their congratulations on my engagement. The waiting staff hired for tonight are very efficient, glasses are replaced as soon as they are empty and canapés are being passed out. We spend a little time with the main contractor. Both of Alex’s parents have lots of questions for him, regarding the re-fit of the casino.

As we stand speaking, Alex’s voice echoes around the noisy room. A silence descends. I lift my head and my body turns automatically to him. He’s standing at the other end of the room, with Michael, microphone in hand. His eyes search the room, stopping when he finds what he’s looking for. Me. Our eyes connect across the room, his smile spreads quickly reaching his eyes that I can see sparkling in the distance. My breathing quickens as I stand mesmerised to the spot, watching.

“Ladies and Gentlemen. I’d like to thank you all for being here tonight . . .” His voice trails off to me as my mind wanders. Thoughts of the next few weeks, months and even years. I’ve never allowed myself to think that far in advance. And now here I’m having to think about a future that doesn't involve just me or the hotel. Alex, me and two babies, it’s been a lot to take in. Is it just moving too fast? I smile as I think of the direction my life is taking. I really couldn’t be any happier.

A round of applause breaks my chain of thoughts as Alex finishes speaking. I look at him as he walks with a purpose in my direction. He gets stopped several times. It looks as though he is being very polite as he cuts conversations off. He only has eyes on me as he gets closer to me. I’ve seen that look in his eyes a million times before. Seducing me.
I’m done for
. He has completely distracted me, as only he can, and I suddenly remember I’m standing with his parents. I give myself a shake and turn to face Sarah, who is watching me. Smiling, probably sensing the atmosphere between Alex and I.