‘We’re going to the airport,’ Brad announced, as they got into the limo.
‘Air—airport? What for?’ Tessa asked in alarm, fearing the worse, when she saw the broad grin on Brad’s face.
‘Why to fetch grandma and grandpa.’
‘Yay!’ Lyndon jumped about merrily. ‘I love you my daddy.’
‘But they were only due tomorrow,’ Tessa reminded Brad. ‘You told me so yourself,’ Tessa accused, looking flustered and nervous.
‘They’re here now,’ Brad stated.
‘I think you should drop me off at home. There are a ton of things I have to do. The menus---their bedroom---. I have to speak to Hastings----. Why didn’t you tell me?’ Tessa went white.
‘Darling calm down,’ Brad kissed her temple soothingly. ‘Everything is under control. We’re going out to dinner. Their suite has already been prepared and Hastings is a very able butler.’
‘Sweetheart please sit down.’ Tessa reached over and buckled Lyndon into his seat. She opened the limo door and stepped out.
‘Tessa where are you going?’ Brad opened his door and rushed out.
‘You lied to me,’ Tessa hissed. ‘You lied to our child.’
‘Don’t be dramatic Tessa. I did not tell Lyndon because he’d go ballistic until he saw Joseph. I did not tell you because you work yourself up unnecessarily. This way, it’s a pleasant surprise for my wife and my son,’ Brad cupped her face.
‘Who the hell do you think you are?’ Tessa slapped his hand away.
‘I am your husband,’ Brad smiled easily.
‘I don’t want you micro managing my life, damn it. You don’t keep things from me,’ Tessa yelled.
‘Could we discuss this at home and not on the street,’ Brad’s voice was quiet. Tessa recognized that dangerous tone, but she was incensed with her husband right now. She hated surprises, especially where her father was concerned.
‘Oh, now you see the need to discuss things! Did you think to discuss anything with me when you lied about when Joseph was arriving?’
‘I explained to you why I did,’ Brad answered patiently. ‘Don’t you think you’re making a mountain out of a molehill? Lyndon’s in the limo alone and your parents will be arriving shortly.’
‘I told you I need to go home.’
‘And I told you, everything is under control,’ Brad spoke gravely. ‘Now can we go to the airport?’
‘I don’t want you sitting in the back with my son and I,’ Tessa yanked the door opened, got in and slammed it again. Reluctantly Brad climbed in next to the chauffeur.
‘Where’s my daddy momma?’
Tessa pressed the switch for the glass panel separating the front from the back of the limo, so Lyndon could see his daddy. ‘Grandpa and grandma will be sitting in the back with us,’ Tessa smiled at Lyndon, so daddy is sitting in the front.’ She spoke loudly enough for Brad and the driver to hear.
‘I love you my daddy.’
‘I love you too son,’ Brad turned in his seat to give his son an audience.
‘Momma tell my daddy you love him.’
Brad looked at Tessa with a broad grin. She glared at him icily.
‘I love you,’ Tessa murmured, hesitating to meet Brad’s gaze. She was angry with him right now, but there was no question about it, she did love her awesome and amazing husband. She knew she was being irrational, and Brad just happened to be in the line of fire. Brad reached to the back, lifted Tessa’s wrist and kissed the back of hand, he continued to hold her hand in his, and Tessa could do nothing in front of her son and the driver.
As the limo came to a standstill at the airport, Tessa felt a queasy feeling in her stomach. She nervously clenched her free hand into a tight fist. Did Joseph consider her a good wife to Brad?
No doubt right now Brad did not consider me a good wife.
‘Darling?’ Brad’s gentle voice interrupted her nerve wrecking thoughts. Tessa looked up to see Brad holding the door opened for her. When had he released her hand? His eyes were tender and warm as he smiled encouragingly at his wife. Tessa inhaled a huge gulp of air into her lungs. She helped Lyndon get unbuckled and stepped out. Deliberately Tessa ignored Brad’s hand as she busied herself fussing over Lyndon.
‘Let’s go daddy, let’s go,’ Lyndon reached for his daddy’s hand and tugged his daddy forward.
‘Son,’ Brad held Lyndon back firmly and looked over his shoulder at Tessa, ‘are you leaving mummy here at the car park?’
‘Sorry momma,’ Lyndon removed his hand from his daddy’s and extended his tiny hand to his mummy. ‘Come on momma,’ he smiled, ‘my grandpa is waiting for me,’ Lyndon lifted his head towards the terminal entrance in the hope of catching a glimpse of his grandpa. Tessa smiled at Lyndon, but when she smiled at Brad, he noted it did not reach her eyes. Again Tessa, kept her distance from Brad, ensuring Lyndon walked between her and Brad. Nobody could suspect the emotional turmoil wrangling inside Tessa’s head. Her head held high, a pleasant smile on her face, her shoulders upright she strode elegantly into the arrivals terminal. She could do this blindfolded, having done it so often in her life, she proceeded to the first class lounge to await her father’s private jet.
Tessa did not see the admiring glances their way. Men gazed open mouthed at the strikingly sexy lady in figure hugging denims. Ladies could not tear their eyes away from her handsome husband, and everybody who looked, gushed at the gorgeous little boy, holding tightly to his daddy’s hand. Brad shifted closer to Tessa, as one male passing by looked over his shoulder to cast a second appraising look at Tessa. Casually Brad draped his arm around Tessa’s waist, ‘you okay darling?’
Tessa stiffened, she wanted to dart Brad with an icy glare, but she could not make a spectacle in public. ‘Fine thank you,’ she mumbled, not even bothering to look at Brad. He kept his arm around his wife, attempting to stave off all the offensive admiring glances. Tessa recognized her husband’s jealous streak and wondered who was irking her husband, but could not be bothered to find out at this moment.
‘Grandpa!’ Tessa felt Lyndon attempting to jerk his hand out of hers. She scanned her immediate vicinity but could not see her father.
‘Sweetheart, wait until grandpa gets closer.’ Tessa looked at Lyndon and tried to follow the direction of his eyes, but still could not see Joseph. She smiled inwardly, could it be that she was merely blocking his image away?
‘There’s my grandpa momma. There he is,’ Lyndon pointed, jumping up and down repeatedly, clearly elated. Finally Tessa was able to see Joseph and her mum. He dad still looked good. Tall, well built and distinguished looking. He seemed happy, relaxed. He still had his full head of hair, he walked confidently. Tessa smiled when she saw her mom smiling. Her mom looked radiant. She looked like a mature version of Tessa.
‘Okay go ahead Lyndon, but please don’t run.’ Tessa saw her folks recognized where they waited, and then her eyes locked with Joseph’s. Involuntarily Tessa’s hand reached for Brad’s. Her hand clung to Brad’s like a vice grip. Brad sensed more than saw his wife go tense, as she stood rigidly next to him. Using his right hand he waved casually. Tessa drew strength from Brad’s comforting presence.
When Joseph saw his daughter in the waiting lounge, his eyes lit up and his face broke out into a wide grin, he waved enthusiastically. Lyndon had tried to discipline himself to walk like his mummy had instructed, but in the last few steps he sprinted into his grandpa’s waiting arms. Tessa smiled, and lowered her head. How often had she wished just once, her father could have received her so jubilantly with open arms when she had been growing up. At least Lyndon benefitted. Thank God her son had at least one set of grandparents. Tessa stirred when she felt Brad brush his lips at her temple.
‘It’s finally over they’re here,’ Brad whispered against her ear. Only then did Tessa realize she held Brad’s hand in a vice grip. She stiffened and removed her hand. Tessa had to acknowledge Brad had come to perceive his wife’s inner turmoil when it came to her meeting her father. She finally realized that the stress she subjected herself to in the last hour, was something she painfully and unnecessarily battered herself about sometimes a whole twenty four hours before her father’s arrival. Even now as an adult she still suspected she was not good enough for her parent. As a child growing up, Joseph had never told her she was beautiful. He never acknowledged her when she excelled in primary school; high school; or university. He had never praised her for her distinctions at university. As a child she had never heard her father say the words “I love you.” She had yearned for affirmation from Joseph but had never received it.
Only after her marriage to Brad, had she reconciled her relationship with her father. Joseph had apologized to her for not being the father that she had rightly deserved. He had apologized for failing her. He had apologized for not demonstrating his love to her, and had finally told his daughter he loved her, but the deep scars were long in healing and Tessa was thankful for her adoring, doting, loving husband that stood by her. She would make right with her husband, but not right now.
‘Tessa,’ her father smiled adoringly and opened one arm to receive her. He still held his grandson in the other arm.
‘Dad, hi.’ Tessa smiled as she embraced her father.
‘Darling you are looking splendid,’ her mother complimented her.
‘Mummy, how are you,’ Tessa hugged her mother tightly.
‘We are well darling. Everything is just great.’
Tessa studied her mother, she did look very happy indeed. There was a light glowing brightly in her eyes. Her mom looked blissful and alive. What had pleased Tessa was to see her mother and father holding hands. Something she’d never seen as a child.
‘Grandpa I have to show you my fish. Let’s go home quickly.’
‘Is he going anywhere?’ Joseph ruffled his grandson’s hair.
‘No he’s waiting for you in the refrigerator.’
‘Not a place I like to have a meeting Lyndon,’ Joseph laughed. Everybody laughed with Joseph.
Brad momentarily glanced at his wife. She was a little more relaxed. She smiled at Joseph and had greeted him warmly, but not as exuberantly as she had greeted her mother. She was still giving him the cold shoulder, he wondered when his wife would forgive him for the right he had done.
‘Will you let daddy carry you for a second Lyndon,’ Joseph requested. Brad immediately reached out for Lyndon, thinking Joseph was tired. He was not a young man.
‘Tessa,’ Joseph smiled reaching his hand out to her.
‘Yes daddy?’ Tessa looked up, immediately her face became taut, before she relaxed it. Brad was ready to protectively drape his arm around his wife, but when he looked at Joseph he saw the elder man was smiling and very relaxed.
‘Are you pregnant dear?’ Joseph curved his arm around his daughter’s waist.
‘What!’ Tessa exclaimed.
‘You look so radiant,’ her father chuckled. ‘Exactly like when you were pregnant with Lyndon.’
Was she still glowing from the two rounds of love making with Brad?
Her face turned a slight hue of pink. Tessa never blushed, but then this was not a conversation she engaged with her father. Tessa’s eyes locked with Brad’s, before she looked back at her father.
‘No, I’m not,’ she offered her father a half smile.
‘You look beautiful darling,’ her father complimented, ‘like you have not aged a day in the last four years.
‘Thank you daddy.’
Better late than never, I suppose.
‘Should we head straight home?’ Suddenly Brad was at his wife’s side. ‘Our dinner reservation is only in about two hours,’ Brad possessively put his arm around Tessa’s shoulder.
Oh why bother consulting me now? You are the autocratic decision maker.
Tessa glared at her husband. She knew his arm around her was for moral support, which she was extremely glad for, but he was not going to know that. He was probably wondering what Joseph was interrogating her about.
‘Yes please,’ Charlotte answered. ‘I would love a soak in the bath before dinner, after that long flight,’ she smiled.
‘Yes off course,’ Tessa agreed, looking away from Brad. ‘We have more than enough time mummy.’
Brad heeded his wife’s previous instruction. He assisted his wife and mother -in-law into the limo and took the front seat with the chauffeur. There was sufficient place for two more people in the back, but he preferred not to further risk his wife’s wrath.
‘Grandpa come,’ Lyndon tugged Joseph’s arm all the way to the kitchen. ‘Good afternoon Lauretta. This is grandpa. May I have my fish please?’
‘Good afternoon Mr. Von Biljoen,’ Lauretta greeted politely. She removed the sealed container, wiped it down and handed it to Lyndon.
‘Good afternoon Lauretta,’ Joseph responded courteously.
‘Good afternoon Lauretta. Need some help son?’ Brad entered with Charlotte in tow.
‘Yes my daddy,’ Lyndon handed the frozen container to his daddy. Brad used a steak knife, slid it easily around the rim of the lid and had it opened.
‘You see that grandpa? You see how big he is? Bigger than my hand,’ Lyndon raised his own tiny palm to prove his case.
‘I’m so proud of you Lyndon,’ Charlotte smiled. ‘Well done my boy.’
‘Thank you grandma,’ Lyndon gave his grandma an affectionate hug.
Shall we have some drinks?’ Brad engineered everybody out of Lauretta’s kitchen.
‘What will happen to my fish daddy?’
‘Shall I ask Hastings to take him back to his family?’
‘Yes daddy. Bye Fish,’ Lyndon waved his hand as if he expected a response.
As everybody exited the kitchen, Brad stayed behind to have a word with Lauretta. ‘Ensure that the fish is dealt with appropriately,’ Brad spoke in a lowered tone.
‘Yes Mr. Blakely.
‘I trust everything has been prepared as my wife would like it for her parents,’ Brad smiled.
‘Yes sir.’
‘Thank you Lauretta. When my wife is happy, I am happy,’ he winked at his housekeeper, departing from her kitchen.
‘When Tessa got home, she rushed to examine her parent’s suite, as Hastings helped with the luggage. She breathed a sigh of relief, everything was in order. A huge bouquet of flowers was decorously on the table. A bowl of delicious seasonal fruit was displayed on a side cabinet, including a bottle of her father’s favourite scotch; and bottles of the finest brandy and sherry. She checked the mini refrigerator. It was well stocked with her parent’s favourite refreshments.
Thank you Hastings.
Tessa found her parents having drinks in the living room, with Lyndon entertaining his grandparents. She quickly went to chat with Lauretta.
‘Mrs. Blakely, the master has informed me, you are having dinner out,’ she smiled nervously.
‘Yes,’ Tessa agreed. ‘Thank you, I am pleased with the preparation of my parent’s suite.’
‘Thank you,’ Lauretta nodded.
‘Tell Hastings, I said thank you,’ Tessa smiled. ‘You have breakfast covered?’
‘Yes ma’am.’
‘Tomorrow morning, we shall discuss the menu for the entire week,’ Tessa instructed.
‘Yes ma’am,’ Lauretta nodded again. Tessa left to join her family.
‘Would you like a glass of champagne darling?’ Brad offered.
‘Yes thank you,’ she did not feel like champagne, but she agreed anyway. Tessa sipped on her champagne, watching her son playfully use his grandfather’s chest as a racing tracking running a sports car up and down his grandfather’s chest. Brad was looking her way from across the room, she ignored him.
‘Darling could you show me to our rooms?’ Charlotte requested.
‘Sure mummy,’ Tessa placed her glass down.
‘Excuse me gentlemen, whilst I indulge in my bath,’ Charlotte’ eyes smiled lovingly. Brad and Joseph stood and nodded in acknowledgement.
‘Tessa,’ Charlotte clasped her arm into her daughter’s as they walked upstairs. ‘I don’t need to ask if you are happy, you look it,’ her mother smiled.’
‘Oh mummy, believe it,’ Tessa laughed softly. ‘I would never have thought it, but I truly am,’ Tessa replied sincerely.
‘I never thought you’d allow yourself to darling,’ Charlotte’s voice softened, ‘but when I look at you now, I feel pleased,’ Charlotte hugged her daughter.
‘Brad---is a wonderful husband mummy. I have found happiness,’ Tessa murmured.
‘Are you thinking of another baby?’ Charlotte prompted softly.
‘What is it with you and daddy?’ Tessa laughed.
‘He asked you this already?’ Charlotte was surprised.
‘Yes,’ Tessa groaned. ‘I could not believe it of my father.’
‘Well darling. It will be good for Lyndon to have a companion,’ Charlotte’s eyes became sad. ‘I tried many times to fall pregnant when things were still good between your father and I before we divorced, but it just never happened,’ she smiled.
Tessa had not known that. She had just assumed her father did not want another burden. She had assumed her mother did not want to subject another child to what Tessa had endured.
‘I’m sorry to hear that mummy.’
‘So don’t leave it too long,’ Charlotte smiled. ‘Lyndon is the perfect age to have a second baby.’
‘We are trying mummy,’ Tessa replied uncomfortably. ‘I am off the pill.’
‘Good,’ Charlotte clasped her hands to Tessa’s. ‘It will happen in good time. Now how about I take my bath,’ she hugged her daughter one last time.
‘I’m going take a shower as well,’ Tessa smiled. ‘I will meet you downstairs.’
Before her shower, Tessa opted to give Lyndon his bath as well.
‘Momma, I want to sit next to grandpa in the restaurant please.’
‘You can my angel, now promise me you will keep yourself clean,’ Tessa lifted her son into her arms.
‘Because I look handsome momma?’ Lyndon asked innocently, looking into the mirror admiring his evening trousers and designer lounge shirt.
Tessa laughed softly, ‘you are handsome, no matter what you wear,’ she hoisted him into the air above her head, to fits of giggles from Lyndon. ‘But a clean baby is an appealing baby.’
‘Lyndon is not a baby momma.’
‘Oh I apologize young man,’ Tessa bit on her lower lip. ‘Can mummy trust her young man to stay clean whilst she showers?’
‘Can I sit with daddy and grandpa until you finish showering?’
‘You may,’ Tessa smiled holding her hands out to him. ‘Come let me take you to daddy.’
‘Am I going to eat a hotdog in the restaurant momma?’ Lyndon asked, playing with his mummy’s hair, as she walked downstairs.
‘What about a juicy little steak?’ Tessa suggested.
‘Mmm---juicy,’ Lyndon grinned, as they walked into the living room.
Her husband and father were still enjoying their drinks. They seemed to be engaged in an animated conversation as well. Her father was laughing at something Brad had been relating. Brad stood up when his wife entered the living room.
‘Daddy I am going to have a juicy steak.’
‘Oh I am going to have fish son,’ mischievous eyes were directed at his wife, which were met by a glacial stare.
‘Momma, daddy is not having fish,’ Lyndon instructed, cupping his mummy’s cheeks with his tiny palms.
‘He is going to have a hotdog,’ Tessa declared,
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