Alex unbuckled Sienna from the stroller and she happily buried herself in the crook of his neck. Her favorite spot. Leah’s too.
Alex held Sienna with one hand and clutched Leah’s other hand as he ushered her to the table with the candles. Bill appeared dressed as a waiter. Leah was so happy to see him that she leapt into his welcoming arms.
“I’m so sorry, Bill. I should have kept in contact.” She held the older man tightly. In many ways, Bill was like a father to her. He certainly had been kinder and more supportive than her real father ever had been.
“No worries, kid. Just make sure you do in the future. You’re family Leah, not just a former employee. Don’t be a stranger.”
Bill pulled a chair out for her and Leah sat down while Alex sat across from her with Sienna in his arms drooling all over his shirt.
Bill served them all of Leah’s favorites—calamari, shrimp fettuccine, and a sinfully delicious brownie and Oreo cheesecake. Leah was so stuffed afterwards she thought she might explode, but it was worth every calorie.
“You might have to roll me out of here in Sienna’s stroller,” she teased Alex, who had just eaten the last morsel of cheesecake. Sienna was sleeping peacefully in her stroller and Leah was tempted to join her, as all the food left her exhausted and wonderfully satiated.
“I have something else for you.”
“Alex, if I look at something else to eat, I really will burst.”
“It’s not for you to eat; it’s for you to hopefully wear.” Alex reached into his pocket and pulled out a small jewelry box. He opened it up and then showed it to Leah.
Leah tentatively reached for the sparkling blue and white diamond ring in the shape of a heart. “Alex…”
“I wanted to get your other ring back that I pawned, but then I realized I don’t want you to wear that ring. That was a reminder of the past and I want to start fresh in the future. I want this to be a new beginning for us Leah. I want you to marry the man that I’ve become who’s a much better man than the one who asked you to marry him years ago.”
“Alex, this is beautiful but it is too much.” Her last ring was so much smaller. This must have cost him at least a couple of thousand, which was more than he could afford. She didn’t need an expensive ring. She just needed him.
“It’s not nearly enough, Leah. I wish it were more. Don’t worry about the cost. I know your frugal mind is telling you it’s too much, but it’s not. I can afford this. I didn’t want to tell you this before I knew it was certain, but now it looks to be a done deal. After we visited my mother and I started painting again with her I realized how much I loved painting. The one good thing that I got out of that visit was that I rediscovered my love for art. I quit because my art seemed to be a connection to her, and I felt I had to sever all ties from her in order to heal, but I was wrong. In that moment, I felt like I could embrace that aspect of my mother’s gift to me, without having to embrace the rest. I missed it so much Leah. Later that day, I started painting again just for me. Just to feel that peacefulness again.”
Leah had not heard him speak so passionately about his art before. It was almost like he was ashamed of that talent and afraid to love it. But now he was glowing from describing his zest for it. It was like Alex finally found his calling. Leah could feel his joy in every word he spoke and she fed off his happiness and excitement.
“I was trying to do this in secret. I guess I wasn’t confident about my abilities anymore. It had been so long. Well, Mary Beth at the sober-living facility discovered them in my room and she was so enthusiastic about it. She decided to buy a few to hang up at the facility. I offered to just give them to her, but she wouldn’t accept without paying me something. Not only did she do that, she invited a friend of hers who owns a gallery to see my work and he was impressed. I thought he was just humoring the poor ex-junkie at first, but he bought several other paintings for money than I ever expected to see. He also wants me to do more work so he could feature them at his gallery. Who knows if anyone will ever buy anything, but at least it’s a chance. I can work here and get a steady pay and then paint part-time and hopefully make some additional money for us. If not, so be it, but it feels so good to paint again and I’m glad I rediscovered this simple joy. I feel alive when I create.”
Leah was so pleased for him. She hadn’t seen Alex look this happy in years. He was simply radiant.
She always thought he should be an artist but he had been insistent on being a lawyer. She worried he chose that profession to satisfy her family’s lofty expectations, but she knew it wasn’t his passion. He was too creative for a career so rigid.
He eased out of his chair and bent down on one knee in front of her. “I know I have given you every reason to say no, but I pray you will say yes. Marry me, Leah. Officially this time. I don’t think it counted when we were kids,” he teased, “although it was official in my heart. It always has been. You’re my life. You saved me from hell. You’ve given me hope when I was wallowing in misery. You’ve given me joy when all I knew was pain. Everything good in my life was gifted to me by you. There are no words to describe how much I love you. Give me a chance to spend every day of the rest of my life showing you how much I do. Will you marry me, Leah?”
A tearful Leah threw her arms around Alex’s neck and wept as he gathered her close and rocked her in his arms. She pushed away just enough so she could see his loving face. “All I’ve ever wanted was to be your wife. I love you Alex, for better for worse, for sickness and in health, until death do us part, and even then I will love you in the next life.”
She kissed Alex’s tears away and then pressed her forehead against his as she felt his warmth spreading throughout her body wiping away all the doubts and strain that had haunted her for so long. She was finally just where she wanted to be, held securely in the arms of the only man she would ever love and knowing that their love and finally won the war after years of battling the white powder.
IV
For the Love of Sienna,
Six months ago we were blessed with the most perfect gift two desperate souls could have ever hoped for. You came into our lives and taught us how to live. You smiled and we learned how to feel pure joy. You saved our broken spirit and put the pieces of our shattered hearts back together again. You gave us the strength to find our way to a better place so that we could become better people for you.
It was through your love that we found the courage to fight through the fires of hell. We survived the darkness of drugs, pain, loneliness and guilt and now enjoy this heavenly paradise you bless us with every day.
Each day we look into your innocent big blues eyes and we fall deeper and deeper in love with you. Our sweet baby girl, we thank you for your gift of love, your gift of happiness, your gift of hope.
Thanks to the love of Sienna, today we can finally give each other the best gift of all—the gift of family.
With our deepest love,
Mom & Dad
Leah finished typing and emailed her latest blog to Marcus. The final chapter in her story with Alex—the final chapter for this blog, but a new beginning for them.
She turned to face Alex sitting by her side and her daughter resting comfortably in his arms. She marveled at the two of them. Alex looking as dashing as ever in his black tuxedo and burgundy tie—the tie matching Sienna’s designer gown. She looked like a porcelain doll, almost too perfect to be real.
Leah kissed her little angel’s face and then sought the comfort of Alex’s loving lips. She could stay like this forever, but there was a minister waiting along with a small gathering of family and friends. She smoothed her ivory dress and reached for Alex’s hand.
“Let’s go get married, Alex Briggs.”
Epilogue
“You’re officially mine.” Alex wrapped his arms around his wife, pulling her close to him.
“I’ve always been yours,” Leah reminded him. “I always will be.”
Leah watched her guests dancing and laughing. Part of her still couldn’t believe this was her wedding day. It was more than she could have ever hoped for. For so long she had dreamed of this day, but within the last few years this dream seemed almost impossible. Now she was here in the circle of the arms of the man she adored with every ounce of her being and she was finally officially Leah Briggs.
The day had been perfect. Her mother, of all people, walked her down the aisle and seemed sincerely pleased that she and Alex were finally getting married.
Her father did not bother coming, which wasn’t a surprise. If anything it was a blessing because his negativity would have just been a dark cloud on an otherwise glorious sunny day. Leah was pleased her little brother showed up. Something was still quite off with him as if he was battling some internal struggle, but he brushed it aside and was doing his best to enjoy the party. He spent most of the time fighting with Claire to hold Sienna. He was quite attached to his little niece, who simply adored her Uncle Tristan. Claire refused to let her go for more than a few minutes and the two passed her back and forth, Sienna laughing the whole time and enjoying the attention.
This was what Leah had always wanted for her child and for herself—love and family. Despite the odds, they had both and plenty of it.
“Congratulations.” Marcus stood in front of Leah, looking impeccable in his gray suit. She embraced him, as did Alex. “Married in the Hamptons. Pretty impressive.”
“Can’t say I expected this, but once again, I owe Deverson for another amazing favor.” As soon as Leah told Deverson about her engagement, he practically demanded that she get married at his home in the Hamptons. Leah initially refused, feeling already much too indebted to this man, but refusing Deverson was really never an option. Once he made up his mind, it was official. She had to admit, this was a perfect place to get married.
“Deverson never ceases to amaze, or annoy,” Marcus smirked.
“Oh stop. You know you love the guy.” Marcus might never admit it, but Deverson was like a father figure to him. Although he teased Marcus shamefully at times, underneath the banter was love and respect.
“Toleration, Leah. I tolerate the man because he pays my salary.”
Leah wasn’t buying it, but she wouldn’t push.
“By the way, I got your latest blog. Only you would work on your wedding day,” he mocked.
“Only you would read it during a wedding,” she retorted.
“Touché.” He reached for Leah’s hand. “I’m happy for you, for both of you, for all of you. You earned this love. Don’t blow it.”
He congratulated them and strolled over to a group of women standing at the bar.
Alex reached for her hand and pulled her Leah to the dance floor. “Are you really enjoying this?” he asked.
Leah caressed his cheek. “How could you doubt it? This is the best day of my life.”
Alex looked relieved. “I promised you a wedding at the Taj Mahal, not a beach at the Hamptons.”
“The Taj Mahal is overrated. This is perfect. I was willing to marry you in Vegas at a little chapel.”
“I wasn’t feeling the Elvis impersonator presiding over the wedding.”
“Such a snob,” Leah teased as she nipped at his lips. “This wedding is more than I could have ever hoped for. I’m surrounded by friends and family, and even Rose hugged me. At first I thought she was going to attack, but she actually embraced me and thanked me for making you happy. Today is a day of miracles.”
“We deserved a miracle. You are my miracle.. ” Alex held Leah’s face in his hands as he bent down and kissed her. “Speaking of miracles…” Alex pointed to Leah’s mother, who was laughing with Tristan and Claire.
“Do you think it’s a midlife crisis?” Leah asked, puzzled by the joyous expression on her mother’s face.
Francesca looked up and saw Leah. She moved through the crowd with her sophisticated eloquence. She was absolutely radiant in a pale pink strapless lace dress; her dark tresses flowing freely down her back. She looked youthful and romantic. This was so unlike her normal, formal, proper appearance. Without her husband and her usual crowd of social snobs, she flourished, letting go of the restraints and allowing herself to relax and just enjoy simple moments. Although she still suffered from the occasional uncensored inappropriate comment, Leah was learning to embrace that side of her mother as well. Even when she would be offensive, she would often be quite amusing.
Francesca Rhodes was changing so much so fast. On one hand, Leah was grateful for the transformation, but a part of her worried that her mother was hiding something. Leah suspected that her parents’ marriage might be in trouble. The façade of perfection they created was finally starting to show some cracks.
Every time she asked her mother, she denied any problems and assured her daughter her marriage was as it always has been. Leah had her doubts. She just hoped one day her mother would open up and let her in. She was still so closed off at times and Leah hated the idea that her mother might be suffering alone.
Today, Francesca looked like a fairy princess rather than her usual ice-queen persona. Her green eyes glistened as her smiled brightened her face, as if she didn’t have a care in the world.
“You’re so beautiful, Mom,” an awestruck Leah acknowledged as her mother approached.
“She’s exquisite. Magnificent. Yet my mere words fail to describe how truly captivating she is.”
Leah turned and saw Deverson standing behind her, his eyes perusing Francesca as they always did whenever the two were in the same room.
Leah glanced at her mother, who showed no outward reaction to Deverson’s words. Her eyes did not betray any hint of mutual interest. She stood their stoically, watching this man watch her. There was no snippy remark nor any words laced with contempt. Francesca said nothing under the heat of Deverson’s intense gaze.