Time Changes

Part Twenty Nine - the end

As she grabbed a wrap to cover her shoulders, she thought about her husband and what a wonderful man he’d turned out to be. Since the moment he’d arrived at her sisters seven years earlier with that beautiful ring, she’d been in awe of him. On the way from the airport he’d detoured via her parent’s house to ask her father permission to marry her. A traditional thing and something her father had been overwhelmed by. As soon as she’d accepted he’d wasted no time in buying them this house, a perfect home for their modest lifestyle, and he’d transferred his business with more ease than she’d ever imagined. He sold the house in Geneva, but kept the cabin in the mountains, that was their retreat.

She had trained as a junior doctor in a huge London teaching hospital, a traumatic and hectic time, but Peter had been infinitely patient with her, supporting her every move. She now had a part time position working with the poorest people in London, helping vaccination programs to refugee and asylum seeking populations, introducing healthcare to those who had no understanding. She found it so rewarding.

Yes her life was complete, since the arrival of their troublesome twins. Or so everyone thought.

With a groan she grabbed her bag and made for the taxi.

The hotel that Peter had chosen was the same place they’d had their wedding reception, so it was special to them. As she entered the reception she was greeted genially by the staff there, who gestured her towards the lounge.

Peter stood at the bar, a whisky in his hand, looking immaculate and completely unruffled in a dinner suit. Her heart lurched at the sight; he was such a stunning man. He’d fought all his life to control his unruly dark hair, and tonight it was sleeked back, the telling hint of grey at his temples the only real indication that he was approaching forty.

                “You look amazing!” he breathed, as she moved towards him.

                “You too.” She smiled, looking him up and down.

Peter couldn’t resist, he slid his arms around her and pulled her into an embrace, “how did I ever get this lucky?” he asked against her lips. And it was met with a giggle as a reply.

Eventually he had to pull back from her drugging kiss, the last thing he needed was to let things get out of hand, here in the middle of the hotel bar. “I’ve booked us a room here...for a treat!”

Alexis smiled appreciatively, “and you want to order room service?”

He laughed, “no, we’re going to have dinner!”

Reaching for the two drinks that rested on the bar, he led her into the restaurant.

Alexis picked at her food, she could barely touch her martini - obviously, and now Peter was looking at her suspiciously.

She offered an awkward smile, but he placed his cutlery elegantly across his plate and leaned back studying her.

                “Spill!”

Alexis felt her heart race, how could he know? What would he say? All she could muster was a swallow of anxiety.

                “You’ve not touched your drink, and Martini’s are the fuel of your life, you’ve barely touched what has to be the best steak I’ve ever tasted, and your boobs are about to fall out of your dress. Got anything to tell me?”

Despite his words, his eyes were kind, and she couldn’t believe that he could be so observant, so clued in.

                “How...” Words failed her, and tears threatened to fall such was her emotion fragility.

                “You’re pregnant?”

She shrugged, “not sure.”

Peter laughed, reaching out to take her hands, “you? A doctor? Don’t know!”

                “Don’t want to know more like.”

He laughed again, “isn’t this something we should be happy about?”

He was actually smiling, and that shocked Alexis, “you said we couldn’t have any more. After...”

Sighing he reached out to touch her cheek, “you have scared me senseless SO many times, none more so than each time you’ve got pregnant, but if it’s happened, then it’s a gift. It’s meant to be...and I love the twins. They are amazing. If there’s meant to be another one, then I’m pleased, I’m scared...worried, but happier than pleased. I promise.”

                “Really?” her face lit up for the first time that evening, and it was the greatest relief to Peter.

                “Lex, I love you, and I love the twins, more than life. If our family is about to grow then how can I be anything other than happy? Once I didn’t think I was worthy of you, didn’t think I could love you as you deserved, but now I know that my love is like a bottomless put when it comes to Elijah’s laugh or Amelia’s smile, and then there’s your boobs!” he added the last hoping to gain a laugh. It worked.

Looking down at her chest for a moment her face was quizzical when she looked back at him, “are they really bigger?”

He nodded, “but then I’m an expert!”