STAY THE NIGHT (The Phillips Family Book 1) (37 page)

    Her father took her in his arms and said,
“
Angelica, we're reserved with our affection, but I want to tell you that I am so proud of you, I love you and you chose a wonderful man to love.
”

    She rested her head on her father's shoulder and said,
“
Oh, Pappa, I love you so much  and if these tears overflow I'll ruin my makeup.
”

    He tilted her head up and dabbed beneath her eyes with a snowy white handkerchief.  She smiled at him and kissed his cheek.

    The traditions continued with the toasts, the dinner, more dancing, cutting the cake, tossing the garter, tossing the bouquet and more merriment late into the night.

    Two days later, tearful goodbyes were said as the contingent leaving for Norway headed back to the city with Mona and Freddie.  Birch said his goodbyes to Darja in an orgy of seduction and pleasure the night before she left.  They promised to communicate via Skype, but no other promises or words of caring were spoken between them. Freddie drove them straight to JFK airport from White Plains where hugs abound.  Dirk kissed Mona goodbye before steering his parents and Darja toward security, making sure they had the proper credentials.  Bekka clung to Freddie and cried copious tears.

   
“
Sweetheart, you're making this harder for me.
”

   
“
I'm s-s-sorry,
”
she said, sniffling and trying to contain the tears. 
“
I'm not a weepy woman, but I'm going to miss you so much.
”

   
“
Sweetheart, we'll talk every day and night and I'll be there with you in two weeks.
”

   
“
You want to watch me pee on a stick if I don't get my period.
”

    He laughed and said,
“
It's not just any old stick and yes, I do want to be there regardless of the outcome.  I love you with all my heart.  You need to go now.
”

    She kissed him again with a passion she wanted to transfer to his soul and then turned away and headed to security.

    Cray and Angelica landed in Paris the morning before the rest left New York for Europe. They made love in opulent hotels as they toured the capitals of Europe and opted for cozy accommodations in the lesser known areas of each country.  Adventurous eaters, they tried and enjoyed the native foods they encountered. 

    They flew by plane, traveled on trains and drove rental cars in areas they wanted to explore further.  Their happiness and joy proved contagious to those they met during their travels.  The highlight of Angelica's life happened when they flew to Athens and trod the same paths that the ancient philosophers probably walked.

    Cray surprised her with a cruise to the Greek Islands where at each port of call they donned sturdy walking shoes and explored the many attractions of the various islands.  The final leg of their journey and honeymoon began when they boarded a plane from Athens to Oslo to visit her family before they headed for home and back to the routine of work and teaching.

    Dirk met them at the airport and whisked them to the small town outside of Oslo where she was raised.  Angelica said,
“
Every time I talk to Mamma she strikes me as secretive, Dirk.  Tell me what's going on with the family.
”

   
“
Lots is happening, but she'll have my head if I tell you.  It will become clear when we get home.  Tell me about your travels and what you did these many weeks.
”

   
“
I'll tell you and bore you with hundreds of pictures, but first is everyone healthy and happy?
”

   
“
Yes, I assure you it is so.
”

    While the family ate dinner together, the events since they left the States unfolded.  Celena said,
“
The biggest and best news is that Bekka is two months pregnant.  Freddie's been here to visit a few times and that's when it happened.
”

    Angelica hugged Bekka and said to her mother,
“
I never expected to hear my mother rejoicing over her unwed daughter's pregnancy.
”

   
“
It's a matter of lo.....what's that word Freddie uses, Bekka?
”

   
“
Logistics, Mamma,
”
Darja said before Bekka could answer.      

    Pappa said,
“
We sold the store to your Uncle Falkor and the house is under contract.
”

    Cray smiled and said,
“
Let me be the first to welcome you to the United States of America as permanent residents.  I suppose that's where this news is leading.
”

   
“
It is,
”
Celena said,
“
Freddie is a miracle worker.  He's been in Washington D.C. and your brother Lake is helping..... what's that expression?
”

   
“
Grease the skids,
”
Darja said.

   
“
Should I be upset because Freddie is going to be your favorite son-in-law?
”
Cray asked, pretending to be hurt.

   
“
No.  Look at my Angelica's peaceful glow.  You do that to her and besides you're giving Dirk a job at your company.  We're so grateful for that.
”

   
“
Why haven't I heard about that?
”
Cray said. 
“
I am the owner.
”

    Celena's hands flew to her mouth in despair. 
“
Cray, please forgive me.  Mona said....
”

   
“
I'm teasing you Celena.  Mona didn't need to ask me, but she did and I gave her my blessing.  Dirk, you're going to be a busy guy and get to see a lot of the country.
”

   
“
Suits me.  Like a sailor, I'll have a girl in every port.  Don't tell Mona that.
”

   
“
Dirk,
”
Pappa said,
“
you must give your employer an honest day's work for an honest day's pay.
”

   
“
Pappa, when did I ever shirk my duty?
”

    Angelica said,
“
Darja, what are your plans?
”

   
“
Bekka needs to tell you more news and then I'll tell you mine.
”

   
“
Freddie bought three acres in a new neighborhood between Westchester and White Plains with my approval.  He walked the entire three acres with a movie camera and streamed it to me.  Isn't that sweet?
”

   
“
Boooring,
”
Darja said. 
“
It's level with trees.  What's the big deal?
”

     Bekka ignored her and continued. 
“
He took pictures of the houses and showed me the toys and swing sets around the houses, so there's lots of kids for our children to play with and make friends.  The last time he came here we decided on a house and a floor plan we both liked and they're breaking ground now.  Freddie's going to urge them to get it under roof before cold weather so they can work inside this winter.
”

   
“
Yeah, and that's not all,
”
Darja said,
“
When Bekka told him she thought she was pregnant, he wouldn't let her pee on a stick until he could be here to watch.  Gross.
”

    Angelica and Cray burst out laughing.  Bekka said,
“
He wanted to be here to celebrate the advent of our first child, Darja.  You make it sound dirty.
”

    Dirk said,
“
Yeah, Darja.  Control yourself.
”
  He smirked.

    Celena said,
“
Freddie is building another small house on their land for us.  In the meantime, we met Freddie's parents on line and they offered us their guest cottage to live in until our little house is ready.  Of course, Bekka and Freddie will live in his condo.
”

   
“
Is it my turn finally?
”
Darja said without waiting for an answer. 
“
I am now enrolled in a paralegal program approved by the ABA and when I get to America, your family, Cray, is giving me a job in a secretarial position with their law firm until I'm certified.  Your parents offered to let me stay at their house until I can afford an apartment.  Cray, I will not abuse their generosity or hospitality.
”

   
“
I never thought you would, Darja.  That leaves Dirk's living quarters.
”

   
“
Mona says I won't be home much and when I am I can bunk in her guest room.
”

   
“
Hmmm, interesting,
”
Cray said.

   
“
When does this move take place?
”
Angelica asked.

   
“
In five days.  We sold the contents of the house, too, and will start over when we get to New York.  Freddie will be here in two days and he's chartered a jet for us to fly there so we don't need to worry about the luggage we'll have.  He wants you to fly with us.
”

   
“
Honey?
”
Cray said, looking at his wife.

   
“
Suits me.  It will be more comfortable than first class on an airline.
”

    Cray smiled at Celena and Agust and said,
“
Now for the serious question.  How do you feel about leaving your homeland?
”

   
“
We will miss our friends and family who remain here, but our children own our hearts and that's where we want to be.  Your parents and now the Winthrops are making us feel so welcome and we'll make new friends.  It will be good.
”

   
“
I'm proud to call you my second set of parents,
”
Cray said.

   
“
You are family now.  It's right to be where family is,
”
Celena said.

   
“
So when's the big day?
”
Angelica said to Bekka.

   
“
September first.  We're being married on the Winthrop estate with only close friends and family there.  Mark your calendar.  I want you to be my matron of honor.
”

   
“
That gives us two weeks from the time we get there.  It's doable,
”
Angelica said. 
“
We ladies need to go dress shopping.  Shouldn't be a problem.
”

    On Cray and Angelica's first anniversary at a family gathering, Cray presented her with a signed three-month lease for a house on Cape Cod for the three months of summer.  They invited everyone to join them for a few days whenever they wanted.  Celena and Agust were happily ensconced in a lovely home on Freddie and Bekka's property and Agust worked part time at a big box store near their home.

      Freddie and Bekka attended with their three-month-old son, Frederick Andersson Winthrop and Bekka announced she was pregnant again much to their delight.  Freddie worked from home except for the occasional helicopter flight to the city to check on his brokerage firm.  They had a full-time, live-in housekeeper who doubled as a baby sitter when Bekka and her mother wanted to go somewhere together.  They'd made friends with their neighbors and their house became the hot spot for impromptu gatherings and planned parties.  Petty arguments and disagreements didn't mar their complete happiness.

    Mona's temporary reign as acting CEO proved to her the ability she had to run the company in Cray's absence.  When he worked, he relied on Mona's uncanny knack for sniffing out a company ripe for takeover and rehabilitation.  He rubber-stamped most of her ideas and had no hesitation about leaving the company in her capable hands while he and Angel spent the summer on the Cape.

    Dirk's keen observation and analytic mind when he visited newly acquired companies proved his abilities and Cray kept giving him more assignments and pay raises to compensate him for the time spent away and the money he saved the company.  When home, he stayed at Mona's.  No one asked if they shared a bed and they didn't volunteer the information.