Chapter 6
New York: Sterling's home
Later that day
Sterling rubbed his chin feeling the stubble had returned. His eyes scanned the board seeing he was playing poorly today.
"Are you nervous, Dad?" Olivia asked.
Sterling glanced up at Olivia as she stared at him.
"A little," Sterling said. "But sometimes you have to be nervous about the unknown."
He moved a piece sacrificing it his opponent. Olivia shook her head and took the piece without a second thought. He glanced up at the wall clock seeing the noon hour approaching on that Friday afternoon. Sterling had let Olivia stay home from school so he could have time to spend with her. It was something he did every once in awhile after a case that stole time from him and Olivia.
"So, I was thinking," Sterling said as he searched the playing field.
"Dad, you know I hate when you start a conversation off," Olivia joked.
He smirked and made another move claiming one of her pieces. She looked at him and Sterling leaned back into the chair.
"So, what were you thinking?" Olivia asked.
"I wanted to see how you feel about maybe being a big sister?" Sterling suggested.
Olivia paused for a moment and Sterling could see she was almost thinking about it. She smiled and looked at him.
"You mean, Coleen's pregnant?" Olivia asked.
Sterling gave a nod. "Two months."
Olivia squealed with excitement immediately ran over to hug him. He wrapped his arms around her tightly.
"I know we didn't get much time to spend before this," he said.
"Dad, that's great!" Olivia looked at him. "Why didn't you tell me right away?"
"That's a little more difficult because I just found out." Sterling smiled and hugged Olivia tightly.
The front door opened and they both looked up. Olivia smiled at him and ran off to greet Coleen before he did. He smiled and got up slowly walking towards the foyer. He leaned against the wall as he watched Olivia hug Coleen. Coleen glanced up at him.
"Dad, just told me the news," Olivia said. "I'm so excited for you!"
Coleen smiled and Sterling walked over to her. He kissed her and gave Olivia's shoulder a squeeze. She glanced up at him and wrapped her arms around him.
"We're going to be one happy family again."
"Yes, we are," Sterling said. "Liv, could you go set the table for lunch."
"Of course," Olivia said.
She walked off and Sterling looked at Coleen.
"How was your appointment?" he asked.
"I'm not two months, Jim, I'm three." Coleen smiled.
"Three?"
"Yup, so that crazy night down south wasn't conception date."
Coleen kissed him and stroked his cheek.
"I'll be due in February if things go right." She smiled and wrapped her arm around his. "I guess the next step is tomorrow at noon."
Sterling walked with her to the kitchen. "I've already called and made sure the vicar will be on time."
"Cause we both know he's not one to be on time," Coleen joked.
"Yes, but neither have we," Sterling said with a smile.
They looked at Olivia as she stood by the table. The smell of a light lunch was simmering on the stove.
"Have a seat, my darlings," Sterling said.
He grabbed both their hands and kissed them.
"Dad, you're out number by women once again," Olivia joked.
"Yes, but there is still hope for a boy to carry forth the Sterling name." Sterling pulled out their chairs.
Olivia smiled as she took a seat. Coleen smirked and placed her hand on her stomach as she sat.
"Thank you, dear," Coleen replied.
"Now, for lunch we have a fine stew that is a family recipe." Sterling looked at both his girls. "Olivia, will pick this up because it is a secret recipe."
He scooped out the mouth watering stew and handed Olivia a bowl and another. He walked over to Coleen and kissed her cheek.
"Once you and I say 'I do' you will be privy to the secrets of this family, Darling," he said.
"I can't wait; I always knew you were a man of mystery, Jim." Coleen smiled.
"Oh, I have many more secrets that will scare you," Sterling said.
"Dad, don't scare her away." Olivia smiled at her father's more comedic side.
Coleen stared at the stew and stirred it.
"Coleen, were you born and raised in London?" Olivia asked.
"No, I was raised in Glasgow, Scotland. I stayed there until I was eighteen and moved to London once I graduated school to attend Oxford. My mother followed after she received the position in Interpol."
"Eleanor, is the one who pays my salary, Liv." Sterling took a seat between them.
"Oh," Olivia said.
Sterling reached over and grabbed Coleen's hand. She looked at him and smiled a soft smile.
Leverage HQ
The team stared at the check that was clearly signed by Sterling. Eliot lifted it up and stared at the amount.
"He's gone soft," Eliot said. "This amount is not Sterling."
"Well, obviously felt something to give us the money." Sophie looked at Eliot.
"Why now though?" Parker asked. "He's been a real ass to us."
Nate rubbed his chin and watched as each of them stared at the check. He glanced around and counted heads.
"Eliot, where's your sister?" Nate asked.
"She went shopping for some event tomorrow." Eliot lifted the check to the light.
"Nate?" Sophie's voice was full of question as she said his name. "Something's bothering you?"
Nate looked at her and shook his head. He put his arm around her and pulled her close.
"So, what do you say, team, we buy a new office with the money?"
"I'm game," Eliot said. "We have two new additions to the team."
"Then let's buy a new office. And I can finally have my apartment back," Nate said with a smirk.
"Awe, Nate you don't want us over?" Hardison joked.
"I would rather have a respectable place to have our clients meet us instead of at a bar," Nate said.
Eliot handed Nate the check back and he folded it up. He stuffed it into his coat pocket and looked at the team. He couldn't help still that there was a catch though for the check Sterling wrote them. But at the same time he tried to push that feeling aside.
As the afternoon progressed Nate lingered on the nagging thought that was etched into his mind. He stared at the amber liquid that conformed to glass' shape. He rubbed his chin and sighed.
"I know that face," Sophie's voice came from the stairs.
He glanced up and over at the stairs. She sat there looking at him with a curious look on his face. He smiled and stood up. He walked to her and joined her on the middle step.
"What look?" Nate asked.
"You have something nagging at the back of your mind. And you barely have taken a sip of the drink you poured." Sophie looked at him as he joined her on the step. "So, what is bugging you, Nate?"
"Something Agent McCoy said when we were in London. That he saw himself as a very understanding man." Nate looked forward.
"And perhaps he's right. Why should that bother you?"
"It's how he said. Not to mentioned he addressed Sterling in a very lax manner. But before he had been addressing him in a professional manner."
Sophie reached over and ran her hand through Nate's hair. He glanced at her and she looked at him.
"When you work along time with someone you become lax in how you address them. Agent McCoy slipped."
"But that's the thing, I don't think he slipped. Cause he also said that Sterling suggested us to him. He knew Sterling before he met us." Nate said. "And how is it that before all this Sterling knew that Hillary was Eliot's sister. He knew more than he let on."
"Sterling is Interpol, he could easily have requested the files. Agent McCoy was the lead agent on the DeVille case. Nate I think you are over thinking this."
Nate shook his head and Sophie wrapped her arm around his. He looked back at her and kissed her.
"Nate, let's just take this moment and enjoy the peace and quiet. And not to mention a victory." Sophie stroked his cheek with her other hand.
"You're right let's not let the victory spoil."
Sophie smiled.
The morning of the wedding
New York: Sterling's Home
"Liv," Sterling called from downstairs. "Let's go!"
Olivia walked down the steps carrying her heels. Her hair was pinned up into an up doo that Coleen had showed her how to do. She looked at her father and smiled as she stood in front of him.
"You look great, Dad!" she kissed his cheek.
"Thank you, Darling."
Olivia placed her hand on Sterling's shoulder as she balanced to put on the heels. He looked at the heels. He shook his head and Olivia smiled.
"Coleen, gave me these. They match my dress perfectly," Olivia said.
"She and I are going to have a talk about those shoes," Sterling said.
She wrapped her arm around his as he led her out the door. A black car waited for them to take them to the chapel. The wedding was only three hours away, but Sterling had last minute things to go over with the vicar.
"Are you nervous?" Olivia looked at him.
"Anxious," Sterling looked at her.
"You shouldn't be anxious. Everything is going to be perfect. It's a small ceremony and afterwards a small reception."
Sterling looked at her and smiled. He grabbed her hand and kissed it.
"Of course it will be just right." Sterling looked ahead.
The car pulled up to the chapel and Olivia got out. He slid out the car and told the driver where to park.
"Liv, go see if you can help Coleen get ready." Sterling walked up to the front doors.
She nodded and headed to the back and went to a small room. She knocked and heard the slight chattering of women rushing to hide the bride.
"It's just me, Coleen," Olivia said.
"Come in, Liv," Coleen called.
She opened the door and smiled. Coleen looked over at her and smiled.
"You look beautiful," Olivia said walking over to her. "Dad won't be able to take his eyes off you."
Coleen hugged Olivia.
"Olivia, you look beautiful as well. I'm so happy you could share this moment with your father and me." Coleen looked at the young woman before her.
"Coleen, dearest," Eleanor's voice came from the other side of the door.
"Come in, Mother." Coleen looked over.
The door opened and Eleanor walked in holding something in her hands. "My dear, you are a vision in white."
Olivia looked at Eleanor as the mother of the bride was gasping in amazement.
"Mother, you remember, Liv?" Coleen remarked put her hands on Olivia's shoulder.
Eleanor looked at Olivia and smiled.
"You are a beautiful young woman," Eleanor said. "But I wouldn't expect anything less of the daughter of a very polished man."
"Thank you," Olivia replied.
"Coleen, I have tradition to up hold here. I want you to wear these instead of that silver necklace."
"It was a gift from Jim." Coleen placed her hand on the silver necklace.
"Dearest, this would look more appealing. Something borrowed." Eleanor held up the string of pearls.
Coleen smiled and looked at Olivia. "Liv, could you run and get my veil in the powder room?"
"Sure." Olivia nodded and walked off.
Coleen looked at her mother.
"I'm wearing the necklace Jim gave me. It has a special meaning to me and I think it's perfect with what I have. This is my wedding after all not yours, Mother. Despite how much you dislike the man I am marrying, I love Jim. And you can say whatever you want about him or how long our marriage will last, but I will not leave him."
"Dearest, you are about to marry to a man who has already experienced this. He's always going to be leery if the marriage will work out. And his daughter as charming as she is isn't yours."
"I don't care, Mother. Olivia is going to be treated as if she were my flesh and blood. And Jim as if he had never been married. And while we are on the subject of love, why have you brought someone like Henry Griffin as your plus one…a renowned hit man?"
Eleanor looked at her and straightened up.
"There are things that will never make sense to you."
"Yes, at least there is one thing we can agree on." Coleen turned to the mirror. "The necklace stays around my neck. It reminds me of Venice."
She looked at her mother as she felt uncomfortable with the necklace she wore. She knew the piece was given to her when she and Sterling were just sleeping together.
"Anything else, Mother?"
"Tradition, my dearest."
"Screw tradition." Coleen narrowed her eyes at her mother. "I will see you at the front of the chapel to walk me down the aisle since my father can't be here."
Eleanor swallowed the lump in her throat.
"You are my daughter. A beautiful and powerful woman. I just hope Jim knows how lucky he is."
Olivia walked out holding the veil. "My dad does know how lucky he is. He tells her every day that he is grateful to be given a second chance."
"Olivia," Coleen said walking over to her.
"I'm sorry, Coleen, but she doesn't know how hard it has been for him since my mother took me away with her. I hoped my father would come and get us every day. And he finally did because he's that kind of man. A good hearted person, so what if he had to step on a few toes. He did it for me. He did it to get me back."
Coleen pulled Olivia into a hug. "Are you happy, Mother? Are you convinced now?"
"I'm sorry, dearest," Eleanor said.
"Please, just go to the front." Coleen held Olivia tight in her arms.
Eleanor nodded and headed out the door.
Front of the Chapel
Sterling stood at the front with the vicar as they both greeted the guests.
"I think the last time I saw you, Jim, was when Olivia was just a small girl. An Easter Sunday service. After that you just kind of fell off the radar." The vicar looked at Sterling.
"The last few years of my life haven't exactly been dedicated to the faith I had. Just call it a renewal when I met Coleen." Sterling looked over at him.
"She seems to be a very fine woman. When the two of you came to me six months ago I could tell there was happiness that will last a life time."
"I do hope so," Sterling said.
He glanced into the distance and saw a sleek black car pull to the curb. He watched as the familiar couple got out the car. The young woman dressed in a flowery sundress and the young man wore a light grey suit that matched his own. They walked towards the chapel and Sterling stepped down the cement steps.
"You brought a guest," Sterling said looking at the young woman. "Ms. Spencer, your brother has no idea that you are here?"
"No, he doesn't. Grant and I are at an event that required his attendance." Hillary smiled.
Grant looked at Sterling.
"I believe you rubbed off on her. By the way your mother isn't coming. She's still mad at me for whatever reason." Sterling shook Grant's hand.
"Of course, Mother never forgave so easily. Not since you came State side." Grant looked at him.
"At least you have the decency to forgive."
"I haven't forgiven you for some things, but no sense in ruin this day with vendettas," Grant said giving Sterling a pat on his shoulder.
Sterling reached into his pocket and handed a ring to Grant.
"Be a good lad and hold that until I need it," Sterling said giving Grant a hard pat on his back. "Ms. Spencer, make sure you keep him in line."
"Oh, I do that already," Hillary said with a smile.
"Good girl."
They walked in and Sterling looked at his watch. It seemed everyone that could make it was already inside. He looked at the vicar and nodded.
The chapel bells rang and Sterling walked to the front to take his place. He looked down the aisle waiting for his bride to walk down the velvet, red runner. He looked over at the only family that attended this special day for him.
The church doors opened and the sunlight entered the sanctuary and the two bridesmaids lead the way and Olivia followed behind them holding a small bouquet that matched the bride's. He smiled as Olivia beamed with happiness. She gave a small wave to her father as she stepped by the altar.
Everyone turned as the music played the wedding march. As Coleen entered the room she was joined by her mother to walk her down the aisle. She smiled as she looked at her future standing at the altar. She was gaining a daughter and sealing her heart with the man she loved.
Sterling stood straight and he felt Grant give his shoulder a pat.
"She's beautiful, Jim," he heard him say.
"She certainly is," Sterling said.
He stepped away from the altar and met his bride at the end of the aisle. Eleanor kissed his cheek and placed her hand into his hand. And they walked the rest of the way.
"Please be seated," the vicar said.
Through the ceremony there was no sign of doubt that lingered in their eyes. And the future together was already starting to be a beautiful one. As they exchanged their vows there were tears that filled the bride's eyes as he slid the golden ring on her finger. His gaze fell to hers as she smiled. She turned to Olivia and took the ring. She turned to him to recite her vows to him.
"By the power invested in me, I now pronounced you husband and wife. Jim, you may kiss the bride." The vicar said.
Sterling smiled and kissed her with the deepest kiss.
"Honored guests I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Sterling," the vicar said.
They turned to face their guests as they applauded them. Both of them walked down the aisle as they headed towards their car.
When they arrived at the reception they were greeted by guests who were unable to attend the ceremony and the music welcomed them into their celebration. Sterling and Coleen took pictures and danced the first dance together.
Olivia came up and hugged her father. He embraced her tightly and she looked up at him.
"I'm so proud of you, Dad," she said.
He hugged her again.
"I hope I find someone just as wonderful as you, Dad," Olivia said.
"Just not now," Sterling replied.
Olivia giggled and looked over at Coleen. She embraced her and Coleen kissed her head.
"Welcome to the family, Coleen. You picked a good man," Olivia said.
"Yes, I believe I have."
Sterling grabbed both their hands into his. He guided them towards the table where the toasting and enjoyment of a sit down dinner would take place.
Sterling and Coleen made their rounds to thank their guests for coming. He glanced over at Hillary and Grant as they seemed to be enjoying the celebration. He smiled a little and turned to Coleen.
"Excuse me, Darling," Sterling said kissing Coleen's cheek.
He walked over to them and Grant shook his hand.
"I heard about your promotion," Sterling said. "The director speaks highly of you."
"Thanks, keeping a witness safe and a full report that corresponded with Interpol's report helped out," Grant said. "So, do you get a promotion for marrying your boss' daughter?"
"Don't get smart," Sterling gave him a look.
Grant chuckled at his expression.
"Ms. Spencer, may I borrow my nephew for a second?" Sterling asked.
"No, go right ahead." Hillary said.
Sterling walked with Grant towards the bar and Grant looked over at him. Sterling pulled from his pocket a key and handed it to him.
"Liv, can take care of herself, but I just need you to stop by and see how she is doing. Coleen and I will be in London for a week. But I figured that would coincide with your visit here in New York."
"Of course." Grant stuffed the key into his coat pocket.
"So, you took my advice, but I promise you, she's a little spit fire like her brother. Be careful she doesn't get you killed."
"Look at Coleen, Jim. All those stories of close calls and you married her."
"Yes, but my wife is a little different than her." Sterling looked at Hillary as Coleen approached her. "You two are on different playing fields."
"On the right side of the law, Jim." Grant gave him a pat.
"Keep an eye on Nathan Ford's group; they welcomed you as one of their team members because of Spencer's sister. But if things go wrong…"
"They won't, Jim. I'll keep Spencer in line. He has to deal with the idea that his sister and I are together. And it has been that way for awhile."
Sterling nodded looking over his shoulder as Coleen and Hillary joined them. Coleen looked at Sterling and kissed his cheek.
"Hillary, feel free to help Grant out. I'm sure you'd like to get out every once in awhile from those protective eyes of your brother."
"Once in awhile it's nice." Hillary looked at Grant.
Sterling looked at them. He knew trouble would follow them because of who they were. But again that was how stories always began.
As the hours passed and the festivities continued for the guests, the bride and groom changed for a send off. And a final toast was made by Eleanor to send off her daughter and son-in-law. She stood at the top of the stairs raising the bubbly beverage and wished them the best.
Sterling embraced Olivia tight promising that when they get back they'd spend time together. And after that they would start a new chapter in their lives.
"I love you, Dad," she said.
"I love you too, Darling," Sterling kissed her head.
He looked over at Coleen and she hugged Olivia.
"We'll be back soon, Liv." Coleen looked at her. "Thank you for not letting your father give up on us. This wouldn't be possible if you hadn't brought us together."
Olivia smiled and embraced Coleen again.
"Take care of my dad, Coleen. Bring him home."
"I promise."Coleen kissed her head and looked at Sterling.
"Come on, Darling," Sterling said as he reached out his hand to her.
They waved to their guests and headed out to the car waiting for them. They looked over at their guests one last time.
"Keep an eye on that one," Sterling called to Grant pointing at Hillary.
Grant pulled Hillary close to him and waved.
"Liv, be good for them," Sterling called.
"I will, Dad," she called.
Airport Concourse
The car pulled up to the jet that waited for them. Sterling turned towards Coleen and gave her the most passionate kiss.
"Agent Sterling, I'm a married woman now," Coleen joked as she kissed him back.
"I'm sure your husband won't mind." He kissed her again
Sterling got out and put out his hand towards her. She reached for his hand and he helped her out.
"You almost had me fooled, Jim," someone's voice came from behind.
Sterling took a deep breath and looked over his shoulder at Nate leaned against a red Ferrari. He turned and faced him.
"Once again, you accuse me of pulling a fast one," Sterling lifted his chin a little higher. "You are getting a little delusional in your old age, Nate."
Nate smirked and walked over. "Congratulations to the both of you. Agent Graham, you just married a conniving weasel, but I think you knew that already."
"We have a plane to catch to London, Nate, could you skip to the part where you accuse me again. Cause frankly I'm a little confused what you think I did."
Nate smirked a little and rubbed his chin.
"I'm talking about Agent McCoy," Nate said.
"Ah, there it is. And what about him? He's an FBI agent."
"And your ticket to yet another promotion. He's your informant at the FBI and he's your nephew. You knew all along that Hillary was his informant on the DeVille case. And you put that girl in danger. You're lucky I didn't tell Eliot. He'd probably kill you on the spot."
Sterling looked at Coleen and kissed her hand.
"Darling, would you mind?"
"Not this time, Jim." Coleen looked at him. "I'm as much a part of this accusation as you are. And I'd be damn if I stand by while he tries to roast you."
Coleen looked over at Nate.
"Mr. Ford, my husband and I were given a tip on the case. It just happened to be Agent McCoy. We brought it up to my mother she signed off on it. We came here to bring justice."
"Yes, but you also tipped McCoy where to find me."
"So, how did you know he was my nephew?" Sterling stuffed his hands in his pocket.
"Just like I figured out Olivia was your daughter. He gave us all the signs. Hands in his pockets, he's an exact copy of you, Jim. He gave us just information to take the case before he revealed more. Somehow I think he's just another prop in your scheme of life. But by his age he seems to be fifteen years younger than you."
Sterling smirked and a chuckle escaped.
"Then there was his slip up in London. He got sloppy and called you by your name. He didn't address you in a professional manner. So, why are you doing this, Jim? Grooming him to be a spy for you so you know what we are up too?"
"The same reason I always do things, Nate."
"That would be?"
"To keep you in line."
"Right, because you are a just man, Jim."
"Are we done here?" Coleen asked. "My husband and I would like to have our honeymoon before we're old."
"Don't think this makes us even, Jim. This is just the beginning."
"Don't worry, Nate, I look forward to our next chat." Sterling grabbed Coleen's hand. "Have a good night."
Nate watched as Sterling and Coleen walked towards the plane. Nate folded his arms and narrowed his eyes.
Author Notes: Another story complete. I hope you all enjoyed it. I am thinking about another story, but that is all how this is perceived. Please let me know? I just figured the twist would continue. Tell me what you think about the last part too. Thanks again. Keep reading. :-D