The memory of the heart:
The forgotten lover
Chapter 21
"A very revealing Christmas"
No! What if it was him the father of the baby? No, Terry was the father of the baby! She was trying to stop her tears. She didn't want Terry to find her like that. It was Christmas Day, her memory was playing tricks on her… She was kissing the beautiful warm voice… Terry had told her that he wasn't her baby's father. She didn't have a flash where she was making love to Terry, well at least, not yet. But what was it with the beautiful warm voice? A kiss? A kiss was the beginning of a love scene, the seduction, the exchange of saliva and she has kissed another man? She didn't want to think about all that… She wanted to give birth to Bianca Rose and stay with Terry. If the beautiful warm voice was Bianca Rose's father, well, she was going to make him understand that she loved Terry and she couldn't image herself living without him. She didn't want to cry. The door opened and Terry came in.
- Are you all right Freckles?
- I'm fine, she said with an ultimate effort.
She was going to act, she wasn't not an actress, but she was living with an actor, Terry shouldn't have to know what she had seen, that was kissing the beautiful warm voice…
- You took a long time…
- I was making sure my mum was fine… Did you miss me? She asked smiling
She smiled back at him.
- I always miss you my love, she said with eyes full of love
He got on the bed to kiss her. He felt that something was wrong, but… since she hadn't told him anything; he was waiting for her to say something. He made love to her and he felt Candy's need to feel love… What was going on? Candy wasn't saying anything; she curled up against him during the night. Terry ended up falling asleep. They will talk when she'll be ready.
Candy spent an agitated night. She continued dreaming about the beautiful warm voice, but it wasn't very clear. She was confused. She woke up on Christmas morning, rather sad… Terry was already awake he was taking a shower.
- Happy Christmas Freckles!
- We can see your British, happy Christmas my love, she said smiling
She stood up to replace him in the bathroom. He kissed her on the forehead when she passed by her. She got ready trying not to be too stressed. She saw a pink discharge in her panty, but she didn't pay too much attention to it. She finished getting washing herself and went to get dressed. When she got out of the room she smelled the coffee. The table was ready, there were her favourite croissants.
- Merry Christmas Annie, Archie and Eleonor! She said going to kiss them
- Merry Christmas Candy!
They all sat at the table to have breakfast. Then they went to open the rest of the presents. One of Candy's gifts for Terry was a rare collection of books by Shakespeare leather covered; it was one of the first edition, with the old English of the time.
- Oh my God Juliet! That's wonderful! He said moved, it must've cost you a fortune!
- Nothing is too expensive for you my love, she replied with a nice smile
Candy opened one of her presents with Annie; it was two baby dolls, which were their spitting images. They were wearing identical dresses like Candy and Annie had on a picture when they were babies.
- Oh my God Terry! Said Candy
- Archie? Said Annie surprised you two worked together to offer us this?
- Yes! Said Archie smiling, Terry called me so that I could go to the Pony Home to get a picture of Candy as a baby, and I there was also one with you…
- Oh Archie! Said Annie jumping to his neck
- What about me? Asked Eleonor, I don't deserve to have doll too?
Terry smiled and gave her her box.
- What? She said surprised, I was kidding honey…
- Well I wasn't! Said Terry, open it mum.
Eleonor opened the present and she was surprised to see a baby doll that looked like her as a baby…
- I had to steal one of your pictures as a baby mum, said Terry
- Oh, said Eleonor, how beautiful!
- You think Bianca Rose is going to look like her? Asked Candy
- If she looks like you, why not? Said Terry
"If she looks like the beautiful warm voice…oh my God, please, let the baby look like me!" She prayed in her mind.
- I have to take pictures of all of you, said Archie
- "Marie Osmond" dolls, said Annie pleased, I'm too pretty!
- Me too! Said Candy
- No, I'm the prettiest! Said Eleonor
Everybody burst out laughing. They opened their other present, then, Terry had to go.
- On Christmas Day?
- I asked for a month off in January to wait for the baby, answered Terry, so, I have to work today…
- All right, said Candy who didn't want to see him leave
He was her rock, her safety buoy!
- Albert is coming back tonight, said Archie
- I will be there, said Terry smiling, mum? You want me to drop you home?
- Yes, I have a reception later on; I hope to see you all there!
- Can we bring Albert? Asked Archie.
- Of course, said Eleonor, I'll see you later!
Terry left with his mother. Candy stayed with Annie and Archie and they talked about the past, the good old days. They called the great aunt to wish her a merry Christmas. She even talked to Candy.
- How are you Aunt Elroy?
- I'm fine Candy…
- Don't forget to take it easy.
- I've listened to you; my blood pressure is a lot better. Thank you Candy.
- You're welcome Aunt Elroy
- Take care of yourself and your family. Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas, aunt Elroy.
Archie was looking at her smiling.
- Incredible! I wish Anthony was here to see his grandmother get along so well with you, he said.
- It's like Bianca Rose is bringing you luck, said Annie
- How? Asked Candy
- Well, she brought Terry back to you, now the great aunt is talking to you…
Candy put her hand on her belly.
- Do you hear that little one? You're my good luck charm…
"Up until now. For everything. Please let the beautiful warm voice not be your father" Said Candy to herself
They watched a few movies, and then they went to get ready to go to Eleonor.
- A reception at Eleonor Baker's, said Annie, I wonder if there's going to be celebrities there?
- What do you think? Said Archie, you were there for Thanksgiving, how was it
- I lost my memory Archie, said Candy, if there were celebrities, I didn't recognize them.
- Archie, it's Candy! With or without her memory, the only celebrity she knows is Terry!
- You're right Annie! Said Candy laughing.
"She's so beautiful with her big belly" said Archie to himself.
They went to Eleonor together. There were a lot of people at the reception, who came to have a drink for Christmas at Eleonor Baker. Annie and Archie recognized a lot of celebrities, not only from the theatre of the movies, but also from New York high society.
Candy wasn't feeling any better. The beautiful warm voice she had heard in her flash, who had kissed her, continued to torment her. She was feeling tired. The flash literally made her tired. She was in one of the empty living rooms where there was a tail piano. She went to sit and she closed her eyes. Her fingers started to play the waltz they had danced at the May Festival. She stopped surprised. Her memory was coming back strong. She stood up to go back to the living room to look for Annie and Archie.
Archie was on the phone. Annie was talking to a group of young women for the high society. Candy approached Archie. She was hearing the voice of the person he was talking to on the phone. It was the beautiful warm voice… No!
- Oh Candy, Albert is on the plane, he will be there in not too long
No, she didn't want to see him. She wanted to see Terry!
- Do you know if Terry is here already? Asked Candy
- He would've come looking for you, don't you think so? He's not here yet…
- But I need him, said Candy
- Are you all right? Asked Archie worried
- No, not really, admitted Candy
- You want to sit down? Can I get you a glass of water?
- I would like to sit down…
Archie took her to a couch where there was a free spot. Eleonor, who kept an eye on Candy, approached here.
- Are you ok Candy? She asked worried
- I'm a little tired, said Candy
- You want to go lie down in one of the bedrooms? Offered Eleonor
- Well, why not? I could sleep for a little while.
- All right, let's go then…
- What about your guests? Said Candy, I can go with Annie and Archie
- I'm worried about you, insisted Eleonor, let's go.
Candy stood up to lean on Archie, when…
- Oh…
- What? Asked Eleonor
- My water just broke…, said Candy with a little voice, it's too soon
She had tears in her eyes.
- Don't panic, said Eleonor. We're going to go to the hospital. I'm going to send a message to Terry.
- I'm going to go get Annie, said Archie
They left the reception discretely to go to the hospital. After the formalities, Candy was taken to an individual room.
- Is Terry there? She asked
- He's on his way Candy, don't worry, said Annie
- I want to see Terry , said Candy
oOoOoOoOoOo
Terry had just finished his representation, when he got back to his dressing room and saw all the messages from Eleonor, Archie and Annie.
- What the bloody hell is going on? The hospital? Candy's water broke?! But it's too soon!
He took off his costume really fast and got dresses and got out of the theatre running.
- Terry! Said a colleague, Merry Christmas! Where are you running too like that?
- My wife is having the baby!
- Good luck and congratulations! Said the others seeing him running
- Thank you!
It was Christmas day; he had to drive carefully, with the snow. He was rushing to the hospital, where he was going to become a father, not as a patient. Bianca Rose was going to have to wait… Is she? Well, he was hoping. Why was she coming so soon? It was almost a month too soon… Her due date was in a month… The baby was coming way too soon. Bianca Rose wanted to make them a very nice Christmas present. He almost wanted to make his car fly, but he had to drive carefully to arrive in one piece at the hospital to Candy…
When he arrived at the hospital after looking for a parking spot for a while, he prayed, asking God to find him a parking spot so he could be at the birth of his child. And after that, he found a spot. Coincidence? Divine intervention? It was the day the world celebrated the birth of Christ, so he would rather think that the Lord heard his prayer. He ran upstairs to the maternity ward. He found Archie in the hallway.
- Archie! He said out of breath, how is she?
- Terry! She's fine, if we want, she's asking for you…
- Where's the doctor? It's too soon…!
- Looks like Bianca Rose doesn't care to come when we expect her too! She wants to come the same day at the Christ! Said Archie smiling, go, she's waiting for you! Everything is going to be fine, since you're here…
Terry looked at Archie. He was worried. The baby was coming too soon. Archie smiled at him.
- Be optimistic and tell yourself that the baby wouldn't come if it wasn't ready…
- Yet, it happens every day… and…
- Don't think about that! It's Christmas Day! You're going to have a wonderful gift, you'll see…
- What if her memory comes back?
- Candy loves you.
- The doctor said her memory could not come back if a traumatic event, like a birth…
Archie looked at him. He wanted to reassure his friend, but even if he wanted the child to be Albert's, the time he has spent with Terry, had reinforced their friendship, to the point where he accepted Candy and Terry's love for each other, and if Candy remembered the father of her baby, he would support her whatever she decides. He had to wear some protection suit and he was wearing it.
- Terry, medicine is not an exact science and the doctors don't have a specific scenario for the memory, they are discovering as they go with the patient… But don't think about all that. GO be with your wife, I have to go get Albert and the others…
- All right, said Terry going inside the room.
Archie followed him; he already had the protection suit on.
- Freckles…
- Romeo! Finally! It's about time! Where were you? Said Candy a little irritated
Terry ran to her side and Annie gave him her place.
- I'm here now. What's going on? Bianca Rose wants to come earlier than expected?
- She's stubborn! She's probably going to be difficult like you!
- What? And you're not difficult? Said Terry smiling
He kissed her on the lips. She was sweating and Terry's kiss calmed her down a little.
- Hi mum! Are you ok? He asked Eleonor
- I can't wait to be a grandmother! She said
- That's my surprise Christmas gift, said Candy out of breath
Archie looked at her with love.
- Are you ok my little kitten? He asked tenderly
- I'm in labour, my little cat! Said Candy a little dryly
- Everything is going to be fine. I have to go get Albert and the other, can you wait until we come back?
- You have to speak to Bianca Rose, said Candy.
Archie leaned on the Candy's belly and he said:
- Princess, can you wait for us? I'm going to do my best to come back quickly. You're coming with me Annie?
- I want to stay with Candy, said Annie; I don't want to risk missing Bianca Rose coming into the world…
- All right, said Archie kissing her on the lips, I'm off!
He got out of the room. Annie and Eleonor followed him to go get a cup of coffee. Terry stayed with Candy.
- What was that? He asked
- What was what? Asked Candy
- With the dandy?
- Nothing…?
- Freckles…
- Terry, I'm in labour…
- Exactly, you want everything to go well don't you? You have to have a good conscience…
- You're talking nonsense… you only… want to know, that's all… I have nothing to hide…
- I'm still waiting…
- Terry, this is really not the time for you to make me a jealousy scene… I'm having contractions!
- Very well, "my little kitten", said Terry ironically.
Candy told herself that if Terry knew she had had a flash, that the beautiful warm voice was kissing her, he would've been really hurt. It was not the time to talk to him about Archie stealing a kiss from her… She had to concentrate on her childbirth. A doctor came into the room.
- Doctor, said Terry, it's too soon…
- But the baby is on its way, said the doctor
- Can't you stop the contractions?
- The labour is already in progress, said the doctor examining Candy, the dilatation is almost complete, just a few more centimetres…
- A few centimetres is a lot of pain for me, said Candy
- Freckles, breathe, breathe…
She gave him the look, but she obeyed him and she felt a real difference… And Terry stopped asking her questions about Archie. Annie and Eleonor came back in the room and the atmosphere in the room became more cheerful, but Candy barely noticed it, with her contractions…While she was fully dilated and ready to push, a film started playing in her head, she was seeing her whole life, in details, despite the voices of Terry and the doctors who were telling her to push… everything was mixed up in her mind…
- You're almost there Freckles, said Terry encouraging her.
- Hang in there, Candy, said Annie
Eleonor wiped her face with a wet cloth. Candy was sweating.
- You're going a good job Candy, don't rush it, said Eleonor
The movie in her head kept going and everything had become clear. She remembered everything!
- A little more Candy, said the doctor, now, go ahead, and push!
Candy screamed loud pushing at the same time. The nurses were there, waiting, the baby was premature. Cries were heard, loud cries…
- That doesn't sound look a premature baby, said the nurse; she's big for her age and the cry…
- Let's see how much does this "preemie" weighs…
- 3 kg 325, said the nurse.
The doctor very surprised, went to see with his own eyes the numbers displayed on the scale.
Candy wasn't looking anymore at Terry, Eleonor, Annie or the medical staff. She only had eyes for her little girl, Bianca Rose. She was crying of joy.
- A preemie who weighs more than 3 Kg, it doesn't exist, said the doctor.
- For me, it's not a preemie, said the nurse.
Terry took a few steps back. His ears were buzzing like there was a swarm of hornets, his heart was pounding wildly. He had promised to take care of Candy and Bianca Rose, at that moment, that need and the sensation became so violent. Nobody was going to take his family away from him. The hell with the memories and other loves. The hell with the past, the future. The hell with everything that wasn't Candy and Bianca Rose.
In Candy's head, everything was shaking up and trying to put itself in order. They gave her the baby and she started to rock it gently. Terry approached her to kiss her on the lips.
- Congratulations, Freckles, she's too beautiful…
It was Candy's spitting image. She had curly blond hair and green eyes. She was perfect.
- Oh Candy! Said Annie, she's so beautiful!
- Said hi to your goddaughter, Annie, said Candy smiling
- Thank you Candy… hello pretty one! I'm going to spoil you!
- The little doll, said Eleonor in tears, my granddaughter!
All the ladies were crying and Terry too. To see the little life coming into the world was a wonderful sensation! That's how Archie found them when he came back with Albert, Alistair and Patricia, the arms full of gifts.
- I thought a baby was just born here…, said Albert
- So why is everybody crying? Said Alistair smiling
- Merry Christmas! Said Patricia smiling
- Oh my God! Said Candy smiling, Merry Christmas!
Terry stood up to greet the others and introduce them to his mother. When a nurse arrived to examine Candy and the baby, she asked the other to get out, so that Candy could be transferred to another room. The others had to go in the hallway while Candy was with the nurse.
- So Terry, said Albert, looks like congratulations are in order.
He was congratulating him for wedding… or was he ironic by congratulating him for a baby, he knew was his? Terry was too happy to fall in the trap.
- Thank you very much Albert. Happy Christmas, said Terry hugging him
- Terry! Said Alistair, you married Candy without me?
- There was no other way, said Terry smiling! Happy Christmas buddy!
He hugged him.
- Patricia?
- Happy Christmas Terry! And congratulations! She said smiling.
- Thank you Patty, said Terry hugging her.
The nurse arrived to tell them they could go see Candy, but she had to rest. They all got in, took pictures with the baby and Candy. They didn't stay for too long, because Candy was sleepy. They left to let her get some rest. Terry looked at her, he wanted to speak to her, but he saw she was exhausted. He kissed her before he left. Bianca Rose was asleep. She had decided to breastfeed her.
Candy closed her eyes, when she was alone to put some order in her memory, like arranging books on a shelve in a library by alphabetical order.
Terry came back in the evening to stay with her.
- Don't you want to rather sleep in your bed?
- I want to sleep with my wife, he said
He had said that, like he was afraid of losing her. They brought another bed for him, so he could sleep near his family. He woke up during the night to give Bianca Rose to her mommy. Candy woke up again during the night to find Terry giving the bottle to the baby. It made her all warm and fuzzy inside. She smiled.
- You should've woke me up, she said
- You need rest, he said, and spending time with this little princess is a real pleasure.
Candy looked at him with love. Terry looked at her, something had changed in her. Did she get her memory back? Maybe he was just imagining things because Albert was there? In any case, he was afraid to find out what her memory was going to reveal. He waited for her to say something, but she kept mum.
The next day, Terry went out to go arrange the apartment for Candy's arrival with the baby. When he came back, he found Candy with Albert in the room. They were having a big talk and she was in her arms. She was wiping her tears.
Terry's heart was ripped apart. But he didn't want to think the worst. Candy was the first to see him.
- Terry, she said, wiping her tears, Albert came to see me after you left.
- I can see, said Terry a little dryly, everything is ready for your coming back home
- I was telling Candy she was welcome at the manor, if she wanted to and Bianca Rose too, said Albert.
- She's my wife and she's coming at my place, said Terry
Albert looked at Terry a little stunned by his tone a little rude.
- I didn't say the contrary, he said, but don't forget that Candy is part of the family and I was just reminding her of that…
- Gentlemen, please, said Candy, this is not the time. I'm ready Terry; did you bring the car seat for the car and her coat?
- Yes, said Terry putting the car seat on the floor and the coat on the bed.
Candy took the coat to dress the baby gently. She was smiling to her and talking to her. The two men were looking at her, without looking at each other.
- Bianca Rose is ready, said Candy, I've changed her, I breastfed her.
- Did she burb? Asked Albert
- It's not good to get her used to the burb, said Terry; she might throw up if she doesn't do it after drinking…
Candy looked at the two men. This really wasn't the time.
- Terry, can you put her in her car seat? Albert, can you get the bags?
The two men obeyed without a word. Terry was looking at the baby and smiling at her. Candy followed them. They managed to go back home in two different cars. Candy was with Terry in the car. She was sitting in the back with Bianca Rose. They arrived at Terry's. Albert arrived at the same time as them and when they got in, the others were waiting for them for a welcome home party. Terry smiled, but his conversation with Candy will have to wait. He was so happy to have her home with him. It was his family and he was going to do everything do that doesn't change.
Candy was really close to Albert and Terry wanted to die. He knew something was up, he could feel it. But for the moment, he was celebrating with the others. His mother approached him.
- Is everything all right baby? She asked.
- Why are you asking me that?
- Because under your smile, you have the look that wants to kill…
- I think Candy remembers…
- Did she tell you something?
- No, I felt it…
- You felt it?
- I'm on the same wave length as her mum…
- Oh…
- I'm still waiting for her to tell me something…
- She's probably waiting until you're alone… Everything is going to be fine baby. You'll see.
- Thank you mu, but I'm afraid of what she's going to tell me…
The day seemed endless for Terry. He wanted to throw everybody out and stay with Candy to talk to her. But Candy would never forgive him for being so rude her friends and family, especially her dear Albert! So he had to suck it up and be patient.
Candy and Albert were talking, like they were plotting something. They laughed together with Bianca Rose in Candy's arms and Terry was jealous. Albert took the baby and she smiled at her with all his teeth. Terry was of course dying. Archie approached him.
- Are you ok buddy?
- You must be glad he's back…
- You're worried about Candy, aren't you? I know she loves you, since school…
- She also loves Albert…
- Like she loves me? And Annie? Albert was there for her after your break up.
- I know, I'm very grateful to him
Archie looked at him. He never thought he would get along so well with Terry.
- Whatever happens, I'm sure Candy loves you.
- I never thought I'd hear an encouragement coming from you…
- I can't believe what I'm seeing, my brother and Terry in good terms? There's a holiday miracle!
- You should've seen them on Christmas Eve with their ugly Christmas sweaters; it was to die of laughter! Wait, I'll show you the pictures.
Annie took her camera to show them the pictures to Alistair who burst out laughing!
- I can't believe the king of fashion had put on that horrible thing! Said Alistair
- It's a stupid and irresistible tradition and Annie likes it, said Archie
- What won't we do for the women we love?! Said Alistair, Right Terry?
Terry was looking at Candy and Albert, he was barely listening what his friends were saying.
- I would do anything for Candy, said Terry, wearing that ugly sweater was a piece of cake…
"Yes, I would do anything for Candy; even raise the child of another man… I already love that baby so much. I wouldn't love her more if she was really my daughter" Said Terry to himself
Candy was in Albert's arms saying goodbye to him.
- I'll call you tomorrow, right? Said Candy
- I'm going to wait for your phone call. Aunt Elroy asked when you're going got come and show her the baby…
- Really? Said Candy
- Did I miss something or the great aunt was really sincere when she asked about you?
- That's what happened when you go on a business strip around the world forever, you come back and everything has changed, said Candy smiling
- No kidding! Said Albert smiling, I'll wait for your phone call honey
Terry was looking at them, heartbroken… Eleonor arrived, she was also leaving. Terry hugged her.
- Call me as soon as you speak to Candy, she whispered. Everything is going to be all right. Love always wins…
- Love vs love, mum…
- What's with the losing attitude? As long as you haven't talked to her, stop thinking the worst… be optimistic.
He looked at Candy and Albert, discouraged. But his mom was right… He had to stop feeling sorry for himself, as long as he hadn't spoken to Candy. Candy kissed all her friends; it took her at least 10 minutes.
When Candy and Terry finally found themselves alone, she had put Bianca Rose to sleep in her room and she had a monitor to hear her in case she woke up.
- I'm exhausted, said Candy sitting on the couch.
- You just gave birth, Candy, you have to rest.
- Yes, but we have to talk Terry, said Candy
Terry's heart exploded. It was the moment of truth! Terry went to sit in the armchair, since he wanted to be far from Candy when she tells him the news that was going to break his heart.
Candy felt that Terry was worried. She looked at him with love, Ever since her memory had come back during Bianca Rose's childbirth; she had time to put her thought and memories in order.
- You're worried Terry…
- Why do you say that?
- Because I know you better than anybody else…
- You got your memory back…
It was more a confirmation than a question.
- That too, you've known for a while, she said
- I love Bianca Rose like she was my own. I can raise her without any problem… I love you Candy and I also love your daughter… our daughter.
- I know that too, Terry. I never doubted that. I know Bianca Rose will be fine with you as a daddy, but…
He looked at her, she had always read in him like a book.
- I repeat, we have to talk.
- I know what you're going to say…
- No, you don't know. I love you Terry.
He looked at her with love. It was the moment of truth.
She was coming back from work one day, when she bumped into a man who was staggering. Her heart jumped in her chest and she ran to see if he was fine.
- Terry?! She said Surprised
- Oh my Juliet! He said smiling
He hugged her like he didn't want to let her go.
- I knew I'd find you! He said.
He was reeking alcohol, he was obviously drunk… It reminded her that night in college when he to her room by mistake.
- Let's go to my place Romeo, said Candy letting go of the hug
She had taken him to her place and she didn't know what to think. She was happy to see him after their break up, but she was also worried about the state of his soul… he had started to drink and he had abandoned the theatre. She got the table ready and she invited him to eat with her. He looked at her smiling and went to the table. Eating was sobering him up…
- Candy, he said ashamed, I'm sorry…
- Why Terry?
- I didn't keep my promises to take care of Susanna; I can't be with her…
- She loves you Terry…
- I didn't ask her to love me! I love you! And if you loved me too, you wouldn't ask me to be with another woman!
- Terry… oh Terry. You don't know how difficult it was for me to leave you.
- It didn't look like it. You didn't even turn around…
- If I had turned around, I wouldn't have been able to go. It was too hard to leave you.
- Then why did you do it?
- She lost her leg… she needed to be encouraged to live
- So, I was the solution for you? You got rid of me so I could take care of her?
- She saved your life Terry…
- So I had to be with her? I thought when you save someone's life you become responsible for him or her; you don't demand that person to become your companion! What if I had been a little boy? She would've wanted me to marry her too? No, I can't do it Candy! I can't marry Susanna!
- Then don't do it, said Candy, take care of her, make sure she has everything she needs, you have a duty to fulfill, you have to take care of her…and you know she would want more from you from time to time…
- I don't want to think about that now… I love you Candy!
- I love you too Terry… You have to go back to New York and take your responsibilities, not only towards Susanna, but also towards your troupe…
He had left the table and he went to sit on the couch of the living room. She went to sit next to him.
- I'm going back tomorrow, he said
She curled up against him.
- I've missed you so much, she said
- I've missed you too…
He looked for her lips and they kissed passionately. All those months of separation, all that refrained passion they had since school in London… Despite what had happened, they hadn't brought their relationship to the next level… So the fire which was catching them, took them a bit by surprise and swept them in a new world, making them dream, it was wonderful. Terry had brought her to her bedroom and Candy had refused to think. A girl could dream, couldn't she?
- Oh my God! What have I done? Said Candy, we're not married!
- I want to marry you, he said
Marry her? Was he dreaming?! He had to take care of Susanna… but she could dream with him, right?
- I want a baby…
- A boy or a girl?
- A child in good health…
- You're right, let's wish for a child in good health
- If it's a girl, I'll call her Bianca Rose
- A very pretty name, said Terry, and if it's a boy?
- Andrew Graham…
- Andrew?
- Yes, for the Andrew family who adopted me… and allowed me to meet you.
- Oh… right, anything to make you happy…
- You're not jealous, I hope?
- Jealous of your adoptive family? Of course not… should I be?
Candy didn't reply.
- Freckles?
- There's nothing…
- It doesn't sound like nothing… something happened with… Albert?
- You found me pure, didn't you?
- It doesn't answer my question…
- Since we were broken up…we kind of got closer, but since I was still grieving, he didn't want to take advantage of my state of mind…
- There's a sensible man… I thought he was my friend.
- He is… he wants me to be happy.
- With him?
- And why not? You have to go back to New York and take care of Susanna, who needs you…
- What about you?
- I'm fine…
- Albert is going to take care of you?
- Terry, please. What just happened was wonderful but let's not forget our current situation we are living…
- No Candy, no…
- You're leaving for New York tomorrow… Terry… don't think…
- You're right, let's not think!
He took her lips again and the spent the night showing her how much he love her. The next day, he left for New York.
Candy cried again and she let Albert console her once again…Albert was so understanding and they had become very close. They were dating; they would go to parties and receptions together. Albert was seriously thinking about marrying her. One evening, during dinner, in a nice French restaurant, he was talking to Candy who seemed sad.
- My little Candy, I would like you to smile more, I don't like seeing your face so sad, you're much more prettier when you laugh than when you're crying…
Candy was crying.
- Oh my Prince of the hill…
- What's going on Candy? I talked to Georges; he thinks it's possible to get the adoption annulled so I could marry you in the eyes of the law, because you're my daughter…
Candy laughed in the middle of her tears.
- You're an incestuous father! You old creep!
- I want to respect you, until then…
- I'm no better; I'm kissing my adoptive father…oh Albert…
- What? Why are you crying?
- Do you remember how sick I've been lately?
- The indigestions? Yes, why?
- I… I'm pregnant!
Albert looked at her sadly, heartbroken.
- But… You told me you haven't done anything with Terry… unless it's with someone else…
- He came to see me one evening, I fed him and convinced him to go back to New York to his duty, but before that, we… we let the passion take over us, she admitted looking down.
- Candy… I can marry you and say it's my child…
- Oh Albert…
- But it wouldn't be fair to the child or for Terry. You have to go see him…
- I can't, he's got a duty.
- But things have changed, he's got a duty towards you too now… and his child
- Albert, I can't go and disturb his life…
- I think he will be happy if you do it…
- What about Susanna? She needs him…
- You and your baby also need him! Go at least tell him the news… if he doesn't want you, which is highly unlikely, we'll take care of it then!
- You're right, he's got the right to know
- And I'm going to go on a long business trip around the world, I wish you would've come with me…, that was the purpose of this dinner. I wanted to invite you to come with me on the trip…
- Oh Albert, said Candy sorry.
- But you've got other responsibilities.
- I can still come with you.
- What about Terry?
- He's got other responsibilities…
- Candy, if it were me, whatever my responsibilities, I would want to know that I was going to become a father.
- Even if you're happily married?
- Even if I'm happily married, it wouldn't change the fact that I was going to become a father… got tell Terry the news.
- I'm going to go to New York but I'm going to observe him and see how he's living and if it's worth bothering him…
- Candy…
- It's going to depend on his reaction, we'll see.
- All right… and you'll tell me how it went when I come back…
That's how Albert left for his trip and Candy wen to New York to find Terry, but like she had said, he wanted to observe him before contacting him, then, she had to accident in the subway and she had lost her memory…
Terry looked at her surprised. His craziest dream had just become true!
- You came to New yok to see me, and you didn't do it right away…
- I wasn't sure what I was going to do; I didn't know how you were going to react…
- You really didn't know that I would've greeted you with open arms?
- Yes, exactly, what about Susanna in all that?
- I still can't understand how you always put someone else's happiness before yours. Did you thing about Bianca Rose?
- It's for Bianca Rose that I came… I sent you back to Susanna and I was coming back to take you back… try to understand me…
Terry still couldn't believe what she had just told him.
- But the doctor said…
- The doctor make a mistake, Bianca Rose was just smaller, that's all. It happens at that age… she's your daughter Terry.
- Oh my God! Said Terry, do you know how many sleepless nights I've spent imagining you with Albert?
- I only saw that you wanted to strangle him ever since he got here.
- I thought you were making plans with him; I thought he was Bianca Rose's father…
- I really chose my moment to lose my memory…
- In my mind, you loved him so much you lost your memory like him… it was hell!
- Only with Albert? Daniel also pretended to have been with me…
- I didn't believe him for a second!
Candy burst out laughing.
- Fortunately for you, otherwise I would've been very upset with you! She said
Terry smiled and kissed her on the lips.
- But what was that with the dandy at the hospital?
- What do you mean? Said Candy innocently
- You know exactly what I'm talking about! She said a little irritated
- Oh, you're talking about the jealousy scene you made me while I was having contractions? Do you have any idea how much a contraction hurts?
- Don't try to change the conversation…
- All right, it's the moment of truth…
She told him about what happened in St. Paul.
- He stole a kiss from you? He's going to have to deal with me!
- No, you're not going to do anything to him! You're friends now… and…it's in the past…
- All right…anything you want my love…I love you… You've just given me the most beautiful gift of the world, our daughter's paternity.
- I love you too my love.
He took her in her arms to kiss her passionately. He was now sure that Candy and Bianca Rose will never leave him. Baby cries were heard. The cries from his daughter… his heart bust with love.
- I'll go, said Terry moved.
He ran to the bedroom to take the baby. She was beautiful with her curly blond hair and her green eyes… no, they were blue-green, like his! He knew it now. It's his child! He was crying of joy. He already loved her and he still loved her as much.
- Hello, my little princess, said Terry crying of joy, I love you, you know that? You're mine, really mine!
Candy took a picture of Terry and his baby. She approached them and took a picture of all three of them.
- I love you Candy
- I love you Terry, thank you for taking care of me without my memory, you could've sulked…
- I could've… but I was blaming myself for abandoning you…
- I sent you back to Susanna…
- I could've handled things differently
- Thank you for marrying me…
- You don't have to thank me; it's something I wanted to do since our first meeting. So I took advantage of the situation, taking the risk to marry you…
- Risk? Oh yeah, you thought the baby was Albert's
- Would you have left me if that was the case?
- If it was the case, I wouldn't have come to New York…
- I should've thought like that, but the doctor said you were 2 months pregnant and the only time we made love was 3 months ago… he's the one who destabilized me.
- That damn doctor! He made you spent sleepless nights, torturing yourself for a simple little mistake…
- Maybe I should sue him for professional mistake and emotional distress
- Those are pretty big words from my Shakespearian hubby!
- But on the other side, it allowed me to see how much I loved you, despite the fact I was convinced I wasn't the baby's father… I never stopped loving you for a second. As soon as my thoughts would wander off, all I had to do is look at you…
- Oh Terry… it's over now. We could be together for good.
- Yes, forever, my love, he said, taking her lips in a fierily kiss.
Then she took the baby to breast feed her. Terry looked at them with love. He had his Christmas miracle. He had the woman he loved and their child, nothing else was important. Life was beautiful and he was going to make sure it stays that way for his family which he loved more than anything.
Candy had had her wish. Terry was really the father of her baby, like she has always wanted. In the void that was her amnesia in her head, her heart had recognized Terry's love, her heart had remembered Terry! What a relief she had when she got her memory back! She thanked the Lord for her happiness, for her husband, for her daughter, for her family.
"He, who finds a wife, finds happiness; it's a grace he gets from God." Proverbs 18:22
THE END