Taking Chances (25 page)

She didn’t ask accusingly, but more out of curiosity. “No, I had no idea. Stu… Dad…” Clair didn’t even know what she wanted to call him yet, “told me once he left, he tried to call my mom, but she wouldn’t let him talk to me. So then he started sending me letters, hoping I would read them and it would convince me to talk to him. But then he said they were returned unopened. He kept writing, but only occasionally, before he stopped all together when I turned eighteen.” Talking about it made Clair feel disgusted all over again at what her mother had done. “When I talked to my mother this morning, she told me that she returned all my letters and kept all the money and gifts. All this time, she lied to me when I thought it was my father who didn’t care. I didn’t want to believe her, but my mom sounded different this time. She actually sounded sorry about what she had done.”

“Well, that’s good, right?” Roz asked.

Clair crossed her arms over her chest, “I don’t care how good it is. She can say she’s sorry a million times and it will never be enough. I will never forgive her for what she did to me or my father.”

“Maybe someday you’ll be able to. You only get one
mother.”

“Yeah, and you only get one daughter. I don’t see it happening.”

“Oh, okay, you’ve got a point… it’s true about the letters. I’ve seen them. I mean, I haven’t read them but he has a whole stack. He told me once that he hoped to be able to give them to you one day.”

“Wow, really? I can’t believe he saved them; I’m looking forward to reading them all. You know, he remembered so much about my childhood.
Like, all my pets’ names… I used to have a lot. The funerals we had for the fish, the tea parties, and the father-daughter dance.” Clair covered her face and burst into tears, “All this time, even though he thought I hated him, he never stopped thinking about me, and all I ever did was try to forget he existed. I went from hating him, to having my whole world change in a just a few hours. I can’t even imagine what my life will be like now. I mean, I know I have you and Alex—he’s changed my life so much already—but now with my father here, it’s like I’m starting to feel complete again.” Clair wiped her eyes and looked at Roz, “I’m the happiest I’ve been in nine years and you have no idea how thankful I am to have you all in my life.”

Roz pulled her into her arms, “I’ll always be here,
hon, whenever you need me. Of course, your father could make that more permanent if he’d hurry up and ask me to marry him. He’s such a wimp; I may have to ask him myself. But no matter what happens between Stu and me, I’ll still look at you as if you’re my daughter. I love you and you’ll always be a part of my family.”

Clair smiled and held onto her, staying in the comfort of her embrace, feeling safe and loved. She couldn’t wait until tomorrow to see Roz’s reaction to her father’s proposal. She was going to be thrilled, and Clair had no problem being her stepdaughter since she had already considered her a mother figure in her life.

The door opened and Alex came through it, holding a bag. Clair could smell the food and it made her stomach ache, “Oh, thank God… I’m starved!”

“Did you get everything taken care of, Roz?” Stu said.

“Yep… long story, I’ll tell you about it later. Are we ready to head home? We have a lot of stuff to do before the party tomorrow.”

“I know. Let’s go so these kids can eat.” Stu looked at Clair, “If you want, come over early tomorrow and we’ll talk some more?”

Clair nodded, “I’d like that. We’ll come over a couple hours before.”

“Sounds good, we’ll see you both tomorrow.” Stu said as he walked back toward the door.

Alex closed the door behind them before setting the food on the counter top in the kitchen. He wrapped his arms around Clair’s waist. “You know, I’m so proud of you and how well you handled all of this. Seeing you this happy, makes me happy,” he said, kissing her forehead.

“But this wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for you. It’s because of you that I’m this happy. Now let’s be happy together and eat!”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Alex

"Okay, I'm coming," Alex heard Clair say from the bedroom.

"Does this look appropriate enough? I don't want to look too casual," she asked, entering the living room.

Alex thought she could wear a brown sack around her body and still look sexy as ever. Her khaki skirt cut above her knees and a short-sleeved, buttoned-up shirt fitted over a low cut tank top. Seeing her smooth legs and the curve of her collarbone made Alex remember how amazing last night had been. Every night he had spent with her had been wonderful, but what they shared last night was so much more amazing. There was a whole new level of passion and intimacy than they had previously
experienced. The connection they held with each other was unbreakable, and Alex couldn't imagine anything in his life being any better than what he had now with Clair.

"Umm... hello?
Are you hearing me?" Clair said impatiently.

Alex walked over to her, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, "Perfect, you look perfect." He slid his fingers down the back of her arm and grabbed her hand. "You know, I know you're looking forward to seeing Stu again, but I'd like nothing more than to have a repeat of last night."

She smiled, squeezing his hand, "Last night was incredible. Don't tempt me, because you know how weak I am."

"You should never reveal your weaknesses," he said, leaning down, kissing her below the ear. She leaned her neck back slightly, welcoming his lips.

Clair reached up, cupping his neck, "You may know my weakness, but I have something else... will power." She pushed him away playfully. "As much I would like for you to continue, I'd really hate to miss Stu's proposal. Roz would be so disappointed if we missed it. Plus, we have all night and tomorrow before either one of us have to go back to work." She grinned and reached up, kissing him slowly and teasing him by slipping the tip of her tongue across his bottom lip before sucking it into her mouth.

She had become an expert at teasing him, especially at the wrong times, causing him to use quite a bit of restraint to resist having his way with her. He slid his fingers along her neck, looking down at her. "If you keep doing that, we're going to be very late."

She smirked and leaned in closer, her lips only a breath away from his, "I'm almost tempted... but no." Clair pulled away, trying to be serious. "No, this day is about Roz and we need to be there for her. Let's go."

They had been at Stu's house for a couple hours before the guests started arriving. Alex had volunteered to help Roz set up tables and chairs and put the food out, while Clair and Stu caught up. All of the guests were fellow co-workers from both the diner and the construction company, along with acquaintances and people Stu and Roz had befriended through the past few years. Alex spent most his time introducing Clair to all of his buddies from work and hearing all the Oh, this is Clair; This is the girl you talk about all the time comments. He also received pats on the back as if he'd done a good job picking out the right girl, which he knew he had.

Someone came up behind him, grabbing his shoulder. When he turned around, Stu said, "Can you and Marie... I mean Clair... Damn! I can't get used to that. Can you two head into the living room and just mingle around with Roz? Once everyone gets in there, I'm going to do it. If I don't pass out first," Stu said under his breath.

Once they found Roz, it was easy to get her attention. She hadn't seen Clair all morning and they were talking about the conversation she had earlier with Stu. Roz was oblivious to the growing crowd around them and after a short time, Stu came over and grabbed Roz by the hand.

"Great turnout, Stu, looks like everyone's here," Alex said.

"Yeah, it is. No pressure right? I have to make sure the party's good or no one will come back," Stu said jokingly.

Alex could tell Stu was nervous. Stu's right hand held on tightly to Roz's, while his left fit snugly in his pocket. Alex could only imagine him twirling that ring around in there, trying to reassure himself that he could do it. When Stu cleared his throat, Alex knew it was time.

"Can I get everyone's attention?" Stu asked loudly as he looked around the room. "I just wanted to thank everyone for coming. Roz and I have wanted to have a party for some time now, and we're glad we could finally get everyone together. Roz sure knows how to cook, doesn't she?"

Alex could hear the mumbles of the crowd agreeing with Stu. After all, there was a reason the diner stayed busy all the time.

"But her cooking isn't all she's good at," Stu said as he turned toward her. He stared into her face, taking her other hand with his. "You're the most caring person I know. You're always helping those in need and it's one of the reasons I fell in love with you. It's why others love you too. I remember all those times I went into your diner and ate a slice of apple pie just trying to work up the guts to ask you out. And when I finally worked up the nerve, you said no. Talk about crushing a guy's pride."

Alex laughed along with everyone else in the room, except for Roz. She stood still as a statue on the carpet, her eyes wide, realizing what was happening, but still not accepting the moment for what it was.

"It only took one burnt-up kitchen, some remodeling, and persistence to convince you to go out on one date with me. I think you agreed just so I'd leave you alone, but that first date changed my life. You made the last year and a half of my life finally mean something again." His voice choked and his eyes filled with tears, "And I know there isn't anywhere I want to go in life without you by my side."

Stu dropped Roz's left hand to retrieve the ring from his pocket. Kneeling on one knee, he looked up at her. Tears streamed down her cheeks and she covered her mouth with her hand.

"I love you, Roz. Will you marry me?"

Roz choked back a sob as she nodded. Alex watched as Stu slipped the ring on her finger before standing up. He had
never seen Stu more emotional than he'd seen in the last two days. The way he looked at her, it was obvious how much he loved her. Oblivious to the people watching, Stu pushed Roz's hair away from her face and stroked her cheek with his finger, before kissing her. Alex couldn't blame them for being so unconcerned about the people around them. He knew he'd act the same way if he were proposing to Clair. Wait, what am I saying? But he knew deep down what he was thinking. He'd never felt for anyone like he did Clair, and he couldn't see himself without her. With everything going on right now and the uncertainty of the business in Pittsburgh, Alex thought it was best to see where the road was going to take them before he considered any concrete plans for their future.

"Hey, I'm going to go get something to nibble on," Clair said, rubbing her belly. "I feel nauseous, probably because I haven't eaten yet."

She looked pale, more than usual, and Alex wondered if it Stu and Roz’s engagement were bothering her. "You okay with your dad marrying Roz? I imagine it might feel a little strange?"

"Well, it's a little weird. The idea of my dad marrying
someone else seems odd, but I think that's only because the last time I saw him, he was married to my mom.  But Roz… she’s wonderful. Roz has been more of a mother to me in the past few months then my mom has in the last nine years. I actually couldn't be happier. I can't wait to see them get married."

"So you'll go with me to the wedding then?"

"Duh! I wouldn't dare miss the chance of seeing you in a suit." Clair smiled, turning to walk away, "I'll be back in a minute," she said over her shoulder.

Alex looked around the room at everyone standing in small groups, talking and laughing. He spotted Stu talking with two men and decided to go over. Giving Stu a good pat on the back, he said, "Congratulations, boss," holding out his hand for him to shake.

"Thanks, Alex," he said looking around. "Where's Clair? Everything okay?"

"She’s fine, just went to get something to eat." Alex looked over at the men standing next to Stu and tried to place them, but he'd never seen them before.

"Alex, meet Benjamin and Jason, associates of mine. They've helped me gain some important contracts in the past, and they have contacts we can utilize in Pittsburgh."

Alex shook the men’s hands. He still wasn't prepared to go back to Pittsburgh, and he hadn't had the chance to talk to Stu or Clair about it.

"So, Alex," Benjamin started, "how is it working for Stu? He's not a hard-ass, is he? I hear he has quite the reputation of finishing contracts before the proposed deadline?"

Everyone laughed and Alex patted Stu on the back, "Are you kidding, hard-asses don't give marriage proposals like that." More laughter ensued before he said seriously, "He's only strict when it's needed. Stu knows when to put his foot down and get the job done. It took me a little while to understand that, but look... I'm still here," he said with a smile.

Stu chuckled, "That's right, and Alex here is the best employee I have. In fact, he's going to be heading the whole conversion up in Pittsburgh, I hope, in a couple of weeks."

"Oh that's a fantastic opportunity for you, Alex," Jason said, "If you're as good as Stu says you are, I'm sure you'll do well handling things. When you get settled in up there and are
able to take on a few new projects, give us a call. We'll schedule a meeting."

"Yes sir, that sounds great. I'm looking forward to the opportunity," Alex said. He wasn’t really looking forward to it, not now, but he wasn’t going to tell them that.

"Yeah, and I'll be up there off and on to make sure everything goes smoothly, but I doubt Alex will even need me. He's so proficient at what he does, some wonder who owns this damn company," Stu joked.

"I don't know about that," Alex laughed, "but thanks for your vote of confidence."

"Alright, Stu," Benjamin said, "We need to head off. Congratulations!  We look forward to seeing you both in a few weeks."

Alex shook their hands again, confirming that he'd see them soon. Stu walked the guys out and when Alex turned, he nearly ran into Clair who stood behind him. The smile was gone from her face and a more refined, serious expression took its place.

"So you are going back to Pittsburgh? Why didn't you tell me?"

Alex closed the gap between them. "Considering the circumstances of what happened yesterday, I didn’t think it wasn't important right now. I had every intention of telling you... even though I was dreading it."

"Oh." Clair paused. Her forehead wrinkled up, as if trying to decide what she wanted to say next. "You shouldn't feel bad for telling me, Alex. You know you can tell me anything. And this is a great opportunity for you; you should be happy."

"I know it is, and I probably would have thought so a few months ago. But if I can't be with you, it's not worth it. I need to talk to Stu about it. I don’t want to go."

"No. Don't say that. You've worked too hard to let an opportunity like this pass you by and I'm not letting you base your decision on whether I'm in the picture or not." Clair's voice shook a little as she said those words. "It's not fair to you and everything you've worked for."

"Don't talk like that, Clair, of course you'll be in the picture. If you can't, then I’m not going.”

“You have to go,” she said simply.

Alex started talking faster as he tried to get Clair to understand what he was saying. “If I do, what will happen to our relationship? How will we make this work?"

"I don't know, Alex. I've just gotten my dad back and I'll be working on repairing our relationship. It's going to take some time to get back what nine years took away and I can't just leave without giving him that opportunity. We've got a couple of weeks before you go, we'll work something out. Let’s talk about this later. Right now isn’t the place or time."

Alex nodded, but he could tell it was bothering her. The creases in her forehead always told him when she was worried, but usually they were accompanied by tears. Not this time. She was holding back, he could feel it. But he never got the chance to respond, because Roz walked up and wrapped her arms around her.

"Hey, you two, isn't this practically the best day ever?" Roz asked in a cheerful tone.

There was no mistaking the blissful happiness that was laced across her face. The smile on her spread so wide that Alex was sure her cheeks would be sore in the morning.

"It's a fantastic day," Clair said, disguising all of the worry she’d been showing seconds ago. "Now let me see that ring. I could see it sparkling from across the room."

Roz took it off her finger and handed it to her. "
Here. Look, it's like a rock. Feel how heavy it is," she said. "It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I can't believe he picked it out by himself."

Clair slipped it on her finger and it was eerie to see it fit her finger perfectly. It didn't take much for Alex to picture that being Clair's ring, and him being the one to give it to her. Her face turned somber as she held her hand out to look at it from a distance. Alex wondered if Clair was thinking the same thing he was.

"It's absolutely beautiful,’ she said, taking the ring off and handing it back to her. “The style fits you perfectly. Welcome to the family… Mom,” Clair said, putting emphasis on the “Mom”.