CHAPTER 20

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‘Speech! Speech! Speech!’

The incessant chorus from the GR staff competed with the knocking of cutlery against champagne flutes.  The staff were curious about Tessa’s interrupted speech and Brad’s reappearance at the podium and the whispers between the chairman and his darling wife.

Tessa laughed, dragging her eyes away from Brad’s.  Their employees were impatiently waiting for her to address them.

‘Let me tell them,’ Brad pleaded in her ear.  

Tessa returned an adoring gaze to her husband’s ecstatic face.  Her fingers lifted to rest lightly on his chest.  ‘We’re not sure yet,’ she murmured.

‘We are pregnant,’ he insisted.  ‘I see it in your radiant eyes and your glowing face.’  He dipped his head to her ear, ‘and your delectable breasts,’ his eyes were dancing.

The smile disappeared off her face.   She pulled the matching jacket of her ivory shirt dress closer over her chest.  Brad laughed throatily.  She had been so sensitive about the enlarged size of her breasts when she had been pregnant with Lyndon.  

‘You are beautiful my love, you know it,’ his eyes held sincere appraisal.  ‘I want to tell our people,’ Brad urged.

Tessa was ninety nine percent certain she was pregnant.  She thought it was wise to wait three months before making the public announcement, but right at this moment, she wanted to join Brad and shout it from the roof top, so she nodded and allowed Brad the honour.

‘Thank you,’ Brad kissed her lips.  ‘After the announcement, I’m taking you to the doctor.’

‘No,’ Tessa whispered.  ‘Not yet.  The staff wanted this day with us.  We will go later.’  Brad nodded.  They had patiently waited more than six months to fall pregnant, a few more hours before confirmation was a small concession.

Brad switched the mike on, ‘Colleagues,’ he smiled joyously.  ‘I know it’s not me you want to hear speak but my gorgeous wife,’ Brad drew Tessa closer against his chest.  ‘My beautiful wife will address you in a minute, but I have the most wonderful news to declare.’  Brad lowered his beaming face to Tessa.  His eyes were filled with so much pride.  ‘This is unofficial ladies and gentlemen,’ Brad addressed his staff.  ‘We want you all to be the first to know, we are proudly expecting our second baby.’

Tessa looked across to where Lyndon was playing with two toy cars, closely next to Bentley.  He was not interested in the adult’s event and had not heard the announcement.  She and Brad would sit him down at home and break the news to him gently.  Tessa’s attention returned to the resounding ovation.  She smiled as she looked across the sea of smiling faces.  There were tears of joy on some faces.  Tessa saw a joyful tear sliding down Keri’s face.  She mouthed the word, congratulations.

‘Darling,’ Brad handed Tessa the mike.

‘Thank you,’ she smiled at Brad.  ‘I ...I am so overwhelmed right now,’ Tessa laughed.  She reached out and slipped her hand through Brad’s as she attempted to continue.

‘You are the most amazing colleagues to work with,’ her voice broke.  Brad leaned closer.  He pressed a kiss to her temple.  ‘My husband and I appreciate you all, so much.  Bentley gave us continuous updates,’ she smiled, ‘of your well wishes during ... those trying times.  Incidentally,’ she laughed softly, ‘his email box crashed three times.  She directed an appreciative look at Bentley.  A polite smile was on his face, he was studying his shoes.  ‘This day,’ Tessa continued, ‘is just a small token of appreciation to thank every single one of you.’  Her eyes swept across the entire court yard, trying to make eye contact with as many as she could, ‘whatever your function at GR is.’  She purposefully looked at the janitors that made up a large contingent of their cleaning staff; their executive staff; the editorial team; and lastly at her husband’s inimitable P.A.  ‘From the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of my husband, thank you all.’  Tessa almost choked on the last three words. 

Brad applauded next to Tessa.  The rest of the staff rose again and joined the applause.  Brad cupped his hand to Tessa’s elbow.   Bentley brought Lyndon to Tessa.  Brad led them down to greet and exchange pleasantries with their staff. 

Tessa was thronged by the staff that did not get to see her as often as the executive staff saw her.  She looked over her shoulder.  She and Brad got separated.  She smiled as she saw her husband talking to one of the cleaning staff.  Brad had his palm on the gentleman’s shoulder.  He was murmuring something.  Brad threw his head back and laughed.  Tessa, holding Lyndon’s tiny hand, worked her way around the courtyard.  She smiled, shook some hands, embraced those with happy unchecked tears streaming down their cheeks.  She had a ready, polite, complimentary word for every person she encountered.  The staff adored Lyndon.  His hair was ruffled repeatedly.  His chubby cheeks were patted numerous times.

‘Momma?’ Lyndon lifted his arms to his mummy.  ‘Is one hour finished?’

‘Yes I’m sure it is,’ Tessa smiled and lowered her body to scoop Lyndon into her arms.

‘I’ll do that,’ Brad suddenly appeared, lifted Lyndon into his arms.  ‘I don’t think you should lift Lyndon anymore,’ Brad whispered in Tessa’s ears.’  Tessa nodded at Brad.  She smiled at Lyndon.

‘I think Bentley can take you home angel,’ Tessa kissed Lyndon’s cheek.

‘What time will you be home momma?’ 

Tessa looked at Brad to answer.  ‘We will have lunch with everybody here,’ Brad smiled. He calculated the time to take Tessa to the gynaecologist.  ‘We will be home just after Stacy has given you and Charlie your afternoon nap,’ Brad grinned.

‘Okay.'  Lyndon puckered his lips reaching towards his mummy.

‘Good bye darling,’ Tessa hugged her son whilst he was still in his daddy’s arms.  Brad made eye contact with Bentley who strode towards them and lifted Lyndon into his arms.

‘Momma can Charlie and I have ice cream please?’

‘You can my angel.  Please do not give your puppy ice cream.’

‘You can give him a doggie biscuit from the cupboard,’ Brad suggested.

‘Okay,’ Lyndon smiled.  ‘Bye my daddy,’ he waved as he took his leave.  Tessa waved to Lyndon.  She observed Bentley stopped where Keri was.  He murmured something.  Keri fiddled with her hair, she shook her head, Bentley departed with Lyndon.

‘Our son’s going to be fine,’ Brad’s voice interrupted Tessa’s attention.

‘I know,’ Tessa smiled up at Brad.  She laced her hands through Brad’s.  They were oblivious now to those around them, their eyes locked, their love for each other plainly evident in their expressive eyes.

‘So we’re finally pregnant,’ Tessa whispered.

‘Yes, pending confirmation, which is not really necessary,’ Brad laughed.

‘I am so, so happy darling,’ Tessa’s eyes moistened.

‘Me too, especially for you,’ Brad’s thumb gently caressed her cheek.

‘I want to kiss you,’ Tessa whispered passionately.

‘Are you aware our staff are watching?’ Brad grinned.

Tessa inhaled, she banked her desire, ‘let’s have lunch.’

‘I’ve reserved two seats where the Facilities staff are,’ Brad informed her.  ‘Is that okay?’

‘Sure,’ Tessa looked around at the seated staff. 

It was amazing how the groups bunched together.  The Finance Division were at one table.  The Editorial Team had two tables, they were a large group.  The HR team were together.  Brad had chosen seats for them with the junior admin and cleaning staff.  Her husband was such a perceptive man he knew the sensitivity of the junior staff.  Their eyes widened when Brad held out a chair for Tessa.  He did not seek the head of the table for himself.  Brad had chosen two chairs between their people. 

Tessa smiled and began conversing with everybody around the table.  Initially there was a marked silence when the chairman slid into a chair at their table.  Brad leaned back in his chair and smiled when he heard Tessa telling a naughty joke to the elderly staff member across from her.  The ice breaker worked immediately.  The reserve disappeared. 

Everybody relaxed.  Others became bold and tendered amusing stories.  Tessa listened with half an ear to the young lady on the other side of Brad.  She seemed to be passionate about swimming.  She was telling Brad about the international success of her swimming club.  Tessa knew the famous U.S. head coach of their swimming club.  She heard her husband politely make an offer of sponsorship for the teams’ corporate gear. 

        ‘Mummy I’m pregnant,’ Tessa spoke excitedly into her mobile, as the limo drove them home.  She smiled at Brad.  He was on the phone to Bertha giving her their thrilling news.

‘Oh darling congratulations,’ Tessa could hear the smiling relief in her mother’s voice.  Charlotte knew her daughter had been unduly stressing about falling pregnant.  ‘How far are you sweetheart?’

‘Three weeks mummy.’

‘Ah, you were in Paris three weeks ago,’ Charlotte laughed.

‘Yes,’ Tessa could feel her cheeks going warm thinking about exactly where their baby was conceived, but nobody beside her husband shall know about that specific geographical location. Tessa smiled, she and Brad seemed to have an air for the unconventional.  Lyndon was conceived on the dining room chair of her New York apartment.  She still owned the apartment.  Tessa was not normally sentimental, but she refused to sell it.  That was where she had fallen in love with the man who is her doting husband today.  She had no complaints.  Her prime piece of real estate was yielding her a cool return on investment.  Not that money was an object to Mrs. Bradley Blakely.

‘Mummy would like to speak to you darling,’ Tessa handed her mobile to Brad.  He in turn handed his to her to speak to Bertha.

‘Aunt Bertha,’ Tessa smiled.

‘Congratulations my child,’ Aunt Bertha smiled happily.  ‘I am so happy for you and my boy.  He is ecstatic.’

‘Thank you Aunt Bertha.  I am so happy too.’

‘You are so wonderful for my boy,’ Tessa could sense Bertha’s tears.  ‘I thank God he found you.’ 

Tessa was amazed at Bertha’s love for Brad.  He was not her biological child, yet she loved him unconditionally and Brad had told Tessa about his days as a naughty teenager and the sometimes sleepless nights he had given Aunt Bertha.  Brad had been absolved of his teenage rebellion.  When he became an adult, Brad embraced responsibility as he pursued his career and success.  Today Brad Blakely was an upstanding, internationally recognized entrepreneur in the media industry.

‘What are you doing,’ Tessa murmured as Brad slipped her mobile and his into his pocket.

‘This,’ Brad hoisted Tessa onto his lap.  He enveloped her in his arms.  His lips sought hers in a passionate searing kiss.

‘Darling!’ Tessa chuckled against his lips, but her arms snaked around his neck as she returned his kiss.

‘You wanted a kiss in the courtyard,’ he reminded her, as his lips trailed down her throat.

‘I ... did,’ her neck arched.  She groaned softly, ‘but now we’re in the limo.  I’m sure our driver is

enj...oying the spectator value,’ she purred as Brad’s teeth gently nibbled at the pulse throbbing wildly at her neck.’

‘Let him,’ Brad’s husky voice whispered, ‘as long as he does not cause an accident.’  Tessa quickly pressed on the switch that raised the darkened glass giving them privacy.

Tessa remembered when they were courting ... could she say courting?  Brad had not really courted her.  Anyway at that stage of their relationship, he shied from any public display of affection, especially in his limo.  She remembered once, she wanted to get fresh with him in the limo and he’d politely dissuaded her.  She ended up tickling him mercilessly that one time in his limo.  Now her husband was unabashedly making love to her.  His hand was under her dress, teasing at her inner thigh.  Tessa’s legs parted, allowing him access.

‘Darling,’ the soft groan hissed through her lips.  A part of her did not want him to stop.  The sensible part of her brain reminded her they were in a moving vehicle, yet her fingers lifted his face, so she could capture his mouth.  Tessa loosened his tie.  A few buttons became undone.  Her fingers slipped through to rake over his muscular chest.

‘Darling,’ Brad’s groan pierced into her ear.  She loved hearing his responsive groan at her touch.

‘We should stop,’ Tessa tore her lips away.’

‘Should we?’ Brad teased.  He crooked his arm, sending Tessa back cradling against it.  His other hand slipped beneath her silk briefs.  He found her hot and moist.  Her pelvis bruised against his erect shaft, yet he wanted to pleasure his wife.

‘Oh Brad.  I ... can’t,’ her whisper was unconvincing.  She throbbed against his hand. 

‘Yes you can,’ Brad’s tongue dipped into her mouth, entwining with hers.  A second finger slipped into her moist heat.  A soft cry escaped her.  Her pelvis lifted expectantly.  He felt her muscles tremor against his fingers.  Her pupils dilated, her eyes like polished emerald stones.  Brad could tell she was about to explode from the way her muscles squeezed against his fingers.

‘Brad ...’ her nails pierced into his flesh.  Her inner muscles contracted violently.  He felt her explosion like shard glass.   She was lifeless and satiated in his arms.  Brad dipped his head.  His lips captured hers in a slow lingering kiss.

‘You just...’

‘Made love to you in the limo,’ Brad finished with a satisfied smirk on his face.

Tessa’s eyes filled with adoration and love, gazed into her husband’s dark smouldering eyes.  ‘What about you?’ she whispered.  Her index finger traced over his lips. 

‘Tonight.’ He smiled as he captured her finger between his lips.  His tongue teased the sensitive nerves of her finger.

‘Stop please,’ she begged, trying to retract her finger.

Brad laughed.  ‘We must prepare our son for his sibling.’

‘After I take a shower please.  You could take a shower with me,’ Tessa invited.’

‘Why thank you ma’am.  I accept.’  Tessa’s eyes lit up.  Her body was already eagerly anticipating their shower.  She needed to even the score with her husband.


‘Hey tiger,’ Brad lifted Lyndon out of his bed.

      'My daddy, you came home,’ Lyndon sleepily tugged his arms around his daddy.  ‘Hello momma,’ his eyes were still sleepy.

‘Darling we should have waited,’ Tessa urged.  She had thought Lyndon would be awake.  She and Brad had had a marathon session not once but twice in the shower.  All Tessa wanted to do was sleep for the next week.

‘You are awake, right son?’ Brad carried Lyndon back to their bedroom.

‘Yes my daddy.’  He looked wide awake now.  ‘Momma can you carry Charlie please?’ 
The fat hound was lazily stretched on Lyndon’s bed.

‘Er ... Brad.’

Brad whistled and instantly the lazy brat hopped off the bed and followed Brad.

‘Can you teach me to do that my daddy,’ Lyndon giggled.

‘Umm ... darling can we please have this discussion elsewhere?’ 
Tessa so did not want that puppy ...dog ... hound in her bedroom.

‘How about the living room?’ Brad looked over his shoulder.  Tessa nodded.

‘Mummy and daddy would like to talk to you son.’

‘Okay,’ Lyndon meekly sat down on the carpet.  He folded his legs in the lotus position and tapped the mat for Charlie to join him.

Brad smiled at Tessa seated next to him on the sofa.  ‘Mummy and daddy love children,’ Brad started.

‘You love me,’ Lyndon thought he should point out with a huge grin.

‘Yes,’ Brad and Tessa chorused.

‘We want to have more babies just like you,’ Brad continued.

‘Yippee!  Could I have three brothers?’

Brad and Tessa looked at each other in surprise.  This was going better than expected.

‘You don’t mind?’ Tessa exclaimed.

‘Then I will have friends to play with,’ Lyndon exclaimed.

Brad and Tessa again looked at each other, this time feeling rather guilty at their lack of perception.  Recognition reflecting in their eyes, the both of them seemed to come to the same conclusion that Lyndon needed to join a nursery school so he could interact with kids of his age.

‘I’ll look into it right away,’ Brad spoke to Tessa.

‘Son,’ Brad started again.  ‘We have some news that we are very happy about and would like to share with you.’

Lyndon clapped his hands.  ‘Tell me,’ he licked his lips excitedly.

Brad linked his fingers to Tessa’s.  ‘Mummy is pregnant.  That means we will be having another baby in about eight months time.’

‘A boy baby momma,’ Lyndon rose and climbed onto his mummy’s lap.’

Tessa smiled.  ‘We don’t know if it will be a boy or a girl, but we will love it, equally as we love you sweetheart.’

‘I will love it too momma.  Will we get another Charlie for it?’

‘Um...’

‘Would you share Charlie with your brother or sister?’ Brad came to the rescue.

‘So will you bring me three brothers or sisters?’

Tessa laughed, ‘just one, darling.’

‘Okay,’ Lyndon smiled sadly.

‘Mummy and daddy can do something tomorrow about you having friends,’ Brad offered.

‘Really?’ Lyndon’s eyes lit up.

‘Yes, it’s a promise.  How about we find a play school with lots of friends for you?’ Brad laughed softly.

‘Play school!  For me?  Oh yes my daddy.’

‘Tomorrow, we shall take a drive and look at a few okay?  Then you can choose the one you like.’

‘Yippee.’

‘Lyndon, you will have to leave puppy at home though,’ Tessa stated.

‘He must have his nap, whilst I go to play school,’ Lyndon announced with a serious tone, wagging his finger.

Brad chuckled.  Tessa bit on her lower lip.  ‘That’s settled then.  Charlie, I hope you were taking notes,’ Brad spoke and Tessa laughed good naturedly.

‘Did you have your ice cream? Tessa asked.

‘Oh I forgot to momma, but I gave Charlie two biscuits,’ he confessed guiltily.

‘Would you like mummy and daddy to take you out for a milk shake?’

‘Yes please, but my daddy does not drink milk shake.’

‘Daddy will have coffee then, Tessa smiled.

‘One more thing son,’ Brad tapped Lyndon’s shoulder.  He was still sitting on Tessa’s lap.   ‘We have to take very special care of mummy until the baby comes.’ 

‘What must I do for you momma?’ Lyndon placed his small palms on either side of Tessa’s face.

‘Mummy must not pick up anything too heavy.  That means she must be careful not to lift you up son.’

‘Okay momma,’ Lyndon smiled, sliding off her lap.

Tessa held Lyndon back.  ‘You can sit on my lap,’ she hugged her son to her chest.  ‘I just must not lift you up, if I am standing.’

‘I understand now,’ Lyndon hugged his mummy back.

‘Daddy and I love you very, very much angel.’

‘I love you momma and I love you my daddy.’

‘Good,’ Brad pressed a kiss to Lyndon’s head.  ‘You want to go for your milkshake now?’

‘Yes.  Come momma,’ Lyndon slid off and held his mummy’s hand guiding her to the car. 

Tessa rolled her eyes.   Between Brad and Lyndon she was going to be smothered in cotton wool.  She remembered the first time she was pregnant, Brad was obsessive like she had a terminal illness or something.  Tessa was certain by tomorrow morning Brad was going to be giving her pages and pages of do’s and don’ts.

That night Brad had searched the internet for nursery schools in their neighbourhood.  He showed a few to Tessa.  Together they chose three to visit.  Brad assured Tessa, Lyndon’s security would be with him at all times.  The next morning Brad spoke to the principles of the

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