CHAPTER 42

Xander's POV

I can't seem to comprehend how much time speeds past us daily. Or maybe what I can't seem to really believe is that Akexa and I have been married for two months now.

Today makes it two months since we've been married and I'm not sure she knows that. Especially as all she can think about these days is about getting pregnant. She has been frantic in her attempts to be pregnant and while I understand her perfectly, I don't like seeing her worry.

Two days ago, I walked into the room and met her seated on a plushie, clutching one of those gest strips in her hold. The amount of time she uses that these days is alarming and I'm seriously starting to worry about her mental health.

For a few minutes, she had no idea that I had walked in. She was seated there, quietly, lost in her thoughts. And my heart kept breaking at the sight. And when she whispered, quiet into the night as though she was alone, my heart broke even more.

“What's wrong with me?” She whispered, head hanging low.

That was when I walked up to her and picked the device from her. And then I held her in my arms for the longest of moments. She didn't cry but I could feel her heart breaking. Later that night when she was asleep, I got all the devices she had bought and threw them in the trash.

She didn't ask me about them and I am going to take that as a good sign. I sigh and grab my phone from my desk. Sofia informed me that she is going to swing in and take her with her to her new boutique. Dave finally gave her his surprise.  Sofia hadn't seen it coming, mesmerized as she was by the news.

I'm happy for both of them, I really am.

And I'm also glad that Reed has started to make plans to return to New York. By Christmas, he would be fully settled here with Anastasia. Lane on the other hand hasn't left New York since he came. And I'm starting to wonder if he is thinking of settling here with Danielle.

It shouldn't bother me but the chances of me running into both of them at any time is what I don't like. Lane is already keeping his distance. He hasn't even gotten back to me but from the way Dave and the rest of my friends are hounding him, I can tell he will cave soon.

My phone's screen lit up with a text from Sophia. I click on it and it takes me to our chat. Sofia has sent me a picture of her with Alexa at an ice cream parlor. My wife's face looks bright, a childish grin on her face. Sofia must be making her laugh, taking her mind off things which is good. Very good.

I smile and text back my appreciation to Sofia. She doesn't reply even though the text ticks blue, twice. I put my phone away and try to concentrate on my work. I've made reservations at one of the best restaurants in town, one of the many I'm affiliated with, one of the many I own, and I'm taking her to dinner.

A light knock sounds on my door and when I respond, Carly pushes the door open and walks in. She is smiling as she approaches me.

“What are you smiling about?” I ask her.

“Nothing,” she shrugs. “It's just good to see you finally getting the hang of how to treat a woman right.” She says.

I frown. “What are you talking about? I've always been a gentleman.”

“And an asshole,” she coughs lightly. I glare at her and she gives me a sheepish smile. “I just came to tell you that I'm done making preparations for dinner.” She adds quickly.

“Okay,” I nod and continue working. When she hesitates and doesn't leave, I stop and turn to her. “What else?”

“Ugh, I've been waiting for you to ask. I have a date later this evening as you do. Well, not a date since you're married. The point is, can I be excused to go home earlier than I usually do?” She asked.

“Of course,” I nod. “As long as you finish all you have to do. Who are you having dinner with by the way?” I ask her.

She glares at me. “None of your business.”

She starts walking toward the door while I laugh softly. “Oh, and you have that meeting with INC in an hour.” She reminds me.

I nod since the meeting has been at the back of my mind for a while. I continue working until Carly comes to inform me that our guests are settled in the conference room where the meeting will be held. I blow out a breath as I get out of my seat.

It's about to be a long three hours.

*******

“You don't have to do this, you know?” Alexa tells me when I walk into our bedroom hours later to ask her to get ready for our dinner reservations.

“Oh, but I do. I'm still feeling so guilty that we haven't gone on our honeymoon. So, in the meantime, I'm going to make it up to you anyway I can.” I tell her.

She gives me a cheeky grin as she puts her kindle away. She had been reading before I walked into the room. “And you got me new clothes too,” she adds as she climbs down from the bed.

“I think of everything, pretty woman.” I say with a wink.

“You sure do,” she says with a shake of her head before she disappears into the closet to get ready. I sit on the bed and reach for her kindle. Since she's shown an interest in reading these past few days, I've been checking them out and sending them to an agent at a bookstore.

Best believe that the list grows every day which always amazes me. I'm already making plans to build her a home library because why the hell not? But she doesn't know that and that is just perfect for me.

I note the newly added ones and grab my phone. After typing them out, I send the list to the agent. And then I put her kindle away.

Alexa takes a long time but eventually she steps out of the closet in the dress I selected for her to wear at the store. It's just exactly how I imagined she would look wearing the dress. She's perfect.

“Wow,” I mutter as I get on my feet and walk to her. She holds my gaze, eyes confident. “You look so beautiful, pretty woman.” I tell her as I pull her close to me.

“Thank you,” she says and kisses my cheeks.

Hooking her arms with mine, we walk out of the room together. When we get to the landing, I watch and listen to her instruct the staffs on the things to do. When she finish and turns to me, there is a smile on my face that makes her stop.

“What?” She asks, shyly.

“Nothing. You are amazing, that's all.” I tell her.

She blushes as she rolls her eyes before tugging my arm for me to come with her. Stanley is ready to drive us when we stepped out of the house to the car. The ride to our destination is short and quiet but when we arrive, Alexa can't help her excitement.

Since I booked the entire space for us, everywhere looks amazing and the staff are just there to cater to our needs. Alexa gasps at the decorations on the wall, the balloons amongst many other things.

“Xander…” she calls, trailing off as she takes in the place. I have to admit, it's beautiful and I can see why she is speechless.

She turns to me, her throat working with emotions, eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “You didn't have to do this,” she says.

“Of course, I had to. What do you mean? It's our anniversary.” I point out.

“Two months anniversary,” she reminds me.

I shrug. “Same difference,” I tell her.

She shakes her head and laugh, wiping away the tears that had wormed its way down her cheeks. I lean in and kiss the tears away, holding her close. There's soothing music in the background when we take our seats. Alexa presses the bell to summon the servers and they hurry out, eager to please us.

After ordering our meals, I lean back in my seat, watching the look of disbelief that is still in her eyes as she looks around the place.

“I can't believe you did this,” she says.

“Seeing is believing, pretty woman.” I say to her instead and she smiles. “How was your day?” I ask her.

“Interesting. Sofia came over just as I finished gardening and was thinking of making lunch. She insisted on taking me to an ice cream parlor so we could celebrate the opening of her new boutique. She didn't cave even when I suggested making us lunch. And Sofia always caves to food,” she says as she passes me an accessing look.

I manage to reign down the knowing smirk about to surface on my face. “What do you mean?”

She gives me a pointed look. “Oh, come on, Mr. Gold. I know you did this.”

“I didn't do anything,” I tell her, feigning disbelief.

“I know you did,” she says, shaking her head. “Anyway, we went to the ice cream parlor in town. It was really nice being outside. The ice creams were very good also.” She goes on to talk about what else she was involved in before I returned from work while I listen raptly.

“What about you? How was your day?” She asks me.

“The usual, nothing eventful. Work, meetings, the likes. The only thing that counts for a change is Carly leaving office early to go on a date.”

“Ouuu,” she says with a grin. “Who is he?”

“She won't tell. I will find out when she's ready to share.”

“Okay,” she nods. “You think you can invite her to dinner at our house on the weekend?” She asks.

“Why?”

“I like Carly. And it's not like it's the first time,” she shrugs. I nod.

“Anything you want, pretty woman.”

The servers come in with our food and we dig in. Alexa moans at the ribs she ordered and I'm glad we are the only ones here. I don't want someone hearing her like that.

“Alexa,” I call, midway into the meal. She glances up at me while I clear my throat. “Do you know why I asked Sofia to come over today?” I ask as her eyes lit up at my admission.

“Oh, I knew it! I knew you had something to do with it.” She grins. And then, she quiets down when she sees how serious I look. “I know,” she exhales.

“I'm worried, pretty woman. I understand your need to be pregnant but I don't want you losing yourself over it. The past few days have been gruesome to watch you mope around without a smile on your face. It's saddening.” I tell her.

She is quiet for a few seconds, guilt on her face. “I'm sorry. I've been horrible but I just want to—”

“And you will get to fulfill your end of the deal. I'm not complaining, neither am I worried because my inheritance is mine no matter what happens. I want you to understand that, okay? We've got time.” I tell her.

She nods. “We've got time,” she repeats.

I grin, my mind light with relief. “That's my girl!”

She stares at me surprised by the endearment. I'm not surprised anymore. I'm just wondering when she will be on the same page with me so I can tell her as I almost did a few weeks back. And I know it will come.