*As always thank you for reviewing the last chapter all of your reviews were greatly appreciated. Thank-you
*You know who I own.
Tony continued to push Chelsea to take his gift from him as Chelsea clung to her dad crying. Chelsea refused to even look at Tony. It was breaking Alex's heart to see her daughter crying like that. She felt it was her fault Tony was even in their lives. They heard police sirens and soon the police officers were in their backyard trying to find out what was going on. They saw that Tony was in violation again so they arrested him. Even though they told him anything he said or did would be used against him in a court of law he still said to Alex, "I will be back. You can count on that." Alex watched as he was taken away in handcuffs. She breathed a sigh of relief to see him being arrested again. Even though she knew he would end up making bail again he was still being arrested.
When he was out of sight Dave wrapped a free arm around Alex and said, "Alex and Chelsea, I love you two so much. And Ben I love him too. I will never do anything that will cause me to go to jail and miss being with you guys for 10 years. I'm sorry for getting upset. I love you two." He kissed the top of Alex's head and then kissed Chelsea's head. Alex started crying because this whole situation with Tony was getting to her. She was scared he was going to hurt her, hurt Chelsea and then Dave would snap and he'd be gone for years. Alex just wanted it all to be over. It had been going on for too long, way too long. She knew what Tony wanted but she was refusing to do it. She didn't want to hurt anymore and she didn't want anyone else to be hurt either. Her and Dave had a great life together and she wasn't going to let it be ruined by that asshole and his bullshit. All she wanted was for him to go back to New York and leave them alone but she feared that would never happen.
Later that night Donna and Keilani pretended to leave and head back to Florida. After they left the house Dave drove them to the hotel they were going to be at until it was time for the 24th. "Dave," said Donna.
"Yes, Mom?"
"I'm really worried about Alex. She doesn't seem to be doing very well. I think this Tony situation is taking a really big toll on her. I can't believe he showed up at the birthday party today. Chelsea was having such a good time until he showed up."
"I know, Mom. I thought worrying about Tony was over after he went to jail but now that he's out he keeps coming back and coming back. It's like 8 years ago all over again. I hate that Alex feels she needs to watch her back at all times. I hate that she's scared something bad is going to happen to her. I hate that there's nothing I can do to protect her. I feel so useless. If I do anything to him I give up my freedom and give up being with my family. I can't do that. I won't do that to Alex. I won't do it to Ben and I won't do it to Chelsea. If I go away for 10 years I will not see Ben until he was about 11 and I wouldn't see Chelsea until she was 15 years old. I would miss so much. I don't want to do that so the only thing I can do is count on my security to keep this asshole off my property and away from Alex. All I can do is hope that nothing happens to Alex or my children. I can't protect her, Mom and it's breaking my heart everyday. Every time she cries because of Tony it breaks my heart because I know I can't do anything. If this was 8 years ago things would be different but it's not 8 years ago. It's the present and I'm on probation and I have to do everything in my power to stop myself from losing it on him and going to jail. It gets harder every time. I don't even know what to do anymore," he said practically crying.
Donna had never seen her son like this. She knew Tony had been a thorn in his side for the last 8 years but she had no idea it was affecting him this much. She was holding her son as he cried. Dave didn't cry much about anything but when he cried he cried. Donna felt bad for him. She said, "Dave, you need to get away for a while. You need to leave Louisiana for a while. You need to take Alex, Chelsea, Ben and Athena out of the state. Take a two week vacation to some place far away and get yourselves together and to take your mind off everything."
"Okay, Mom," he said. "I love you."
"I love you too, Dave. Just don't do anything stupid your wife and your kids are counting on you. Remember that."
"I know, Mom. I should be getting back to the house now. Alex is probably waiting for me," he said.
"All right. Bye," she said hugging her son one last time.
"Bye, Mom." He said wrapping his arms around his mother. He walked over and hugged Keilani and then got in his car and headed back to the house. His mom was right they did need to get away for a while. With everything going on it was all too much for them. They needed to get away.
While Dave was with his mom Alex was giving Ben his bath. Chelsea and her friends were helping her. Alex apologized to them for having to see what they had seen. She felt really bad that all that stuff went down in front of them. Ben was in his little whale tub. Alex was washing his hair as he was kicking his feet. Ben loved water so he always enjoyed getting his bath. When she was finished with his hair she washed his body and when she was finished she picked him up out of the tub and wrapped a towel around him. She laid him down on the table and dried him off. She put a new diaper on him. She put a onesie on him and then took him into the living room and put him in his swing. Chelsea and her friends were entertaining him in the living room while Alex was cleaning up the things from his bath. Out of no where she just broke down. Just as she began to break down Dave walked into the kitchen. He saw his wife in tears. She was bawling her eyes out and Dave walked over to her and wrapped her in his arms to comfort her. "Alex, it's okay. I'm here."
"Dave, it's not okay. Nothing is ever going to be okay. Tony is never going to leave us alone. I can't deal with this anymore. I dealt with Tony chasing me down, harassing me and beating me for 3 years, Dave. For three f**king years of my life I had to deal with his harassment and beatings. They got worse every time. The last time you know was the worst. Then he went to jail. Those were the best 5 years of my life because I didn't have to worry about being stalked and beaten again. Now after 5 years of feeling safe I have to worry about what's going to happen next. I don't know if he's going to attack me again. I don't know if he wants to kill me. I can't deal with this. It's too much for me, Dave. How much more do I have to go through? A person can only handle so much hurt in their life. I'm tired of being scared all the time. I'm tired of being harassed all the time. I'm tired of hurting because of him. I just want it all to be over but it's NEVER going to be over. I just want it to end. Please make it end, Dave," said Alex as she continued crying. She clung to Dave tighter.
"Alex, I know you're going to hate me for saying this but I can't make it end. I wish I could make it end but I can't. I love you too much and I love our kids too much to make it end. My life with you guys means more to me than beating up some asshole that's harassed us for years. I know it's hard, Alex. I was with you everyday the last 8 years as you had to deal with it. Those first 3 years when you were scared, being harassed and beaten I was there. I never left your side one time. You shouldn't have to go through this. You don't deserve this. It's killing me, Alex that I can't do anything. I would love nothing more than to tear this guy apart especially after today but I can't give up 10 years of being with you. It breaks my heart seeing you like this and not being able to do anything. I just want to protect you but I feel so useless because I can't. It has to end someday. It will end someday. It has to," he said continuing to hug his wife. As he heard and felt her crying he began to cry himself. They both stood holding each other crying.
Chelsea walked in the kitchen to see her parents both crying. "Mama and Daddy, What's wrong? Why are you crying?"
Alex and Dave let go of each other and turned to look at Chelsea. Alex wiped her eyes and said, "Mama's just sad right now. It's okay, Chels."
"Why are you scared?"
"Things are just really bad right now, Chels. When you're older I'll explain it to you but right now I can't. It's just a really bad thing," she said as she wiped her eyes again.
"Mama, are you scared?"
"A little," she said not lying to Chelsea.
Chelsea ran over to her mom and hugged her. She looked up to her and said, "Mama, don't be scared. God won't let you get hurt. He is going to protect you. Remember that from church?"
Alex smiled and said, "Yes, Chels, I do. I will fear no evil because God is with me."
"Right, Mama. God will keep you safe from everything."
Alex was impressed by Chelsea and what she said. She was right when they went to church last the pastor told them that God would protect them. It had been a while since they went to church. It had been too long. If Alex needed anything the most right now it was God. Alex looked down at Chelsea and said, "Chelsea, I love you so much. You don't know how much you mean to me. I am glad that I can wake up everyday and hug you and kiss you. Your kindness and love keep me going. I couldn't have asked for a better daughter. I love you, Chels."
"I love you too, Mama." At that moment Alex felt really bad for always not wanting to have kids. She didn't know where she would be without either of her kids. Every little hug, every little kiss, every time Ben wrapped his tiny hand around Alex's finger, every time she heard Chelsea laugh and every time Ben smiled meant the world to her. They were some of the best moments in Alex's life. They meant everything to her and she really regretted saying she never wanted any. They may have both been surprises but they were the best surprises she ever got.
A few days later it was Alex and Dave's 6 year wedding anniversary. Alex had to go to the doctor for a 6 week check up to make sure everything was healing well. She went by herself because Dave had to get ready for that night. A couple weeks ago Alex had her mind set on telling the doctor she wanted birth control pills because she didn't want to have anymore kids for now but after the other night she decided she was going to skip the birth control. Dave and her had two beautiful and wonderful kids together and Alex decided there would be nothing better than to have another one so she was just going to let it happen if it was supposed to happen. The doctor checked her out and told her everything was great with her.
While Alex was at the doctor's Dave was at home with the kids. "All right, Athena, this is what is going to happen. Alex and me are going to leave in a limo to get to the location. Then right after we leave you need to get Chelsea and Ben dressed and then Nana is going to pick you guys up. Now you guys are going to get there before us because Alex and me are going to have some 'limo trouble' so that everyone has time to get there by 6:00. Okay?"
"Okay, Dad."
"And Chelsea, you know what you need to do. Right?"
"Yes, Daddy. But do I have to wear a black dress?"
"Chelsea, the entire family is wearing black including your mama."
"All right," she said.
"And Athena, you know Alex and me won't be back here tonight after everything happens right? We're just going to stay where everything is taking place."
"I know, Dad."
"You can handle Chelsea and Ben right?"
"Yes, Dad. I can handle them plus Keilani is going to come help me."
"No guys better be here, Athena and I don't want any interruptions tonight. I don't want to get a phone call saying Chelsea broke an arm or a leg or that Ben is choking on something. I'm trusting you with those two so please make sure you take care of them."
"Dad, trust me when you and Alex come back tomorrow morning the kids will be alive and well."
"Okay and Chelsea you only have 4 more hours to keep this a secret from your Mama and then you'll get your Barbie Jeep tomorrow all right?"
"Okay, Daddy. I can keep it a secret."
"Good because as soon as your mama gets home I have to go get stuff ready for tonight."
"I still don't think you came up with this idea yourself," said Athena.
"I did. I planned it out in my mind, wrote it down on paper and then put the plan into action. It was all me but Chelsea helped with some of it. Especially at the mall. All I know is Alex is going to be really surprised."
"Well, are we done going over everything?" asked Athena
"Yes, why?"
"Because I'm tired and I want to take a nap before tonight. I know I'm not sleeping that much tonight."
"Oh okay," he said.
About an hour later Alex came home from the doctor's appointment. She walked into the front door and said, "I'm home."
"Mama!" yelled Chelsea as she ran down the stairs to see her mom. She ran over and hugged her.
Dave came out of the kitchen holding Ben and walked over and kissed his wife. "How was your appointment?"
"Good. Not that I ever cared before but she cleared me on the 6 weeks thing," she said with a smile.
"So it's all right now?" he asked.
"It's perfectly fine."
"What's fine?" asked Chelsea.
Dave and Alex looked at each other and said, "Nothing. Just Mama and daddy things."
"Oh," she said.
"All right. I know this is probably a bad time but I have some stuff to do before tonight. I have to go get everything ready and make sure everything is going to go according to plan," said Dave.
"Dave, this better be big the way you've been working on it."
"Alex, I promise this is the best anniversary gift you have ever gotten from me."
"All right," said Alex.
"Okay, I will be back in about an hour and a half. I love you," he said handing Ben to her.
"Love you too," she said as she kissed him. He walked out the door and went to make sure everything was coming along the way he planned. He was determined to make this night perfect for Alex. He expected it to be perfect especially since he'd been planning it for so long.
Alex walked into the living room. She sniffed and said, "Ben, your daddy didn't change your diaper. What am I going to do with him?" She took him upstairs to change his diaper. Lately Ben had discovered thumb sucking so as he was getting his diaper changed he began to suck his thumb. Alex and Dave decided he wouldn't be a thumb sucker so every time they saw him with his thumb in his mouth they gently removed it and put the pacifier in its place. It was easier to break the pacifier habit than the thumb sucking habit. After she changed his diaper she decided to take Chelsea outside for a little bit to ride her bike. Alex put Ben in his stroller after she got Chelsea's bike out of the garage. They went out front so that Chelsea could ride her bike. Alex was sitting on the step watching her ride around the drive way. Alex couldn't help but think about how when she first got the bike she had no idea how to pedal but soon she learned and now she was like speed racer when she rode it. Alex smiled as she watched her ride. At that moment everything seemed perfect. It was the way everything was supposed to be. After a little while Dave pulled up. When Chelsea saw her dad pulling in the drive way she rode her bike out of his way. Dave got out of the car with a bouquet of white roses which were Alex's favorite.
He walked over to his wife and said, "Happy Anniversary," as he kissed her. He then handed her the roses.
"Thank-you," she said. "They're beautiful."
"You're welcome." When Chelsea saw that her dad's car was parked and she knew it was safe she started riding her bike around the driveway. Dave took a seat next to Alex and said, "Look at her go."
"I know. I remember when she didn't even know how to ride it."
"Pretty soon I'm going to have to take the training wheels off."
"Yeah," said Alex. "So I talked to the doctor today."
"About?"
"Birth control."
"Did she give you the prescription for the pill?"
"I decided I didn't want to go on the pill. She asked me if I wanted to use any other forms and I told her no."
"So you're not using birth control now?"
"No because I want another baby. Chelsea and Ben are wonderful kids so I wouldn't mind another one. So I'm just letting it happen if it's supposed to happen. If it happens I'll be happy but if it doesn't happen then I'll understand it wasn't supposed to happen," she said.
"Do you remember when we first started dating and we talked about not having kids?"
"Yeah," she said thinking about the conversations they had about not having children.
"Could you imagine our lives without the princess and this little guy?" he asked pointing to Ben who was asleep in the stroller.
"Never. I could never imagine a day without my kids. I'm glad we had them," she said.
"Me too," he said wrapping his arm around her.
About 30 minutes later they went into the house. Alex put the roses in some water. It was about 5:00 so Dave told her to start getting ready because they had reservations for 6:30. He knew how long it took her to get ready so he wanted to give her enough time. She went upstairs and jumped into the shower. When she got out she put on a black one shoulder dress that went down to her knees. It fit her body nicely. She looked at herself in the mirror and saw she had lost most of her baby weight. While she was getting ready Dave was getting dressed too. He put on a white button down shirt and put a black sweater vest over it. He put on black pants and went into the bathroom to shave. Alex was in the bathroom straightening her hair. She looked at him and said, "You look nice."
He looked at her and said, "Thank-you but you look hotter." Alex blushed. It made Dave smile that after 6 years of marriage he could still make her blush. Alex finished her hair and put on her make up. When she was finished with her make up she put in a pair of diamond earrings. She sprayed a little perfume on herself as Dave put on cologne. They walked downstairs together to see Ben in the swing and Chelsea playing a game with Athena. "All right, we're leaving we won't be back until tomorrow. Have a good night and if you need anything call us but don't make the calls a repetitive thing," said Dave.
"Bye," said Athena. Alex walked over and kissed Chelsea and then kissed Ben. She told them bye and her and Dave walked out the front door. Their limo was already in the drive way waiting for them. The driver got out of the front seat and walked around to open the door for Alex and Dave to get in. He shut the door behind them.
"So where are we going?" asked Alex.
"You'll see when we get there," he said as he wrapped his arm around Alex.
"All right."
After they left the house Dave's mom pulled up and walked into the house. She helped Athena get Chelsea ready and helped get Ben dressed. Chelsea put on a black spaghetti strap dress and put on silver ballet shoes. Ben was dressed like his dad except he had on khaki pants. Donna put a little hat on him. When Athena came down dressed in her black dress, Donna grabbed the diaper bag, put Ben in the car seat and then they headed to the hotel ball room where everything was going to take place. Dave's and Alex's limo was on its way there too when all of a sudden there was a sudden stop. "What is going on?" asked Dave.
"I think my tire went flat," said the driver.
"Well, can you hurry? My wife and me have reservations at 6:30."
"Sir, I'm going to do what I can."
"Figures this would happen. I try to make things perfect for tonight and this happens. I can't believe it."
"I told you there was no such thing as perfect," said Alex. "So just calm down."
As they sat on the side of the road waiting for the driver to fix the "flat tire" the guests were arriving at the hotel ball room. After a half hour the driver got back in the limo and said, "It's all fixed."
"It's about time," said Dave.
"Be nice. It's not his fault," said Alex. She had no idea that the tire wasn't really flat and it was just a stall to give the guests enough time to arrive. The driver started the limo and they were on their way. The limo pulled up to the hotel and the driver got out to open their door. When he opened the door Dave got out and extended his hand to help Alex out. They walked into the hotel hand in hand. Dave led her to the ball room. "Dave, where are we going?"
"You'll see in just a minute," he said as they turned down the hallway. They came to two brown double doors and Dave opened them. Alex walked in and saw her family and friends gathered around tables. "Happy Anniversary, Alex," said Dave as he took her hand and they walked into the ball room.
Donna, Chelsea and Ben came up to them and said, "Happy Anniversary."
"Thank-you," said Alex. "What is all this?"
"It's our anniversary party and don't worry there is a big surprise coming toward the end."
"Okay," said Alex as she looked around the room. It was beautiful. Red and white roses were all over the room, the table cloths that covered the table were black and there were vases in the middle of the tables holding either a red rose or a white rose. "It's beautiful, Dave," said Alex as she kissed him. "Thank-you."
Alex's dad walked up to her and said, "Happy Anniversary."
"Dad!" said Alex as she hugged her dad. She missed her dad and was really glad to see him. "Did you see your grandson yet?" she asked.
"Yes, I saw him. He is adorable. He looks just like you. He's a very beautiful baby."
"Thank-you, Dad." Dave escorted Alex over to a table where Donna, Athena, Chelsea and Keilani were sitting. Dave pulled Alex's chair out for her to sit down. Dave had dinner catered. They had stuffed chicken breast with mashed potatoes and green beans. It was one of Alex's favorite meals. When they brought the food over Alex said, "My favorite meal. Thanks, Dave."
They sat and ate their dinner. "Are you surprised Mama?"
"I'm very surprised. I think your daddy did a great job with everything."
"There's another really big surprise," said Chelsea with a smile.
"I know," said Alex. "Your daddy told me. I can't wait to see what that is."
"You're going to love it. It's better than this," she said smiling.
"Oh now I really can't wait for it," said Alex with a smile. She continued eating.
When they finished eating Dave got up and said to Alex, "Can I have this dance?"
Alex looked at Dave funny and said, "There's no music."
"Oh but there is," he said as Alex saw a DJ coming to play music.
The first song he played was a simple slow song. "Sure," said Alex getting up. Dave took her out to the dance floor and they began dancing. Soon people were joining them on the floor. The DJ played some more music that they danced to. Finally the DJ played one last song and everyone left the dance floor except for Alex and Dave. He started playing the song they first danced to after they were married "You're Still the One". Alex and Dave danced, Alex had her arms around Dave's neck and Dave had his arms around Alex's waist as they continued dancing. "Dave, this is one of the best anniversaries we've ever had. Thank-you," she said as she kissed him.
"It's going to get better," he said. He motioned for Chelsea to come over.
Chelsea walked over with a silver platter covered and said, "Mama? Are you ready for desert?"
Alex looked down at her and said, "I guess, Chelsea." Not sure of what was about to happen.
"Here, Mama. Take the lid," she said.
Alex removed the lid and saw a small ring box on the platter. She looked at it shocked and said, "Dave, what is that?" Dave took the box off the platter. He motioned for a microphone. Athena brought one over to him. He opened the box and dropped down to one knee. There was 3-diamond princess cut ring in the box. "David, seriously what are you doing?"
"Doing what I should have done 7 years ago and giving you a proposal you deserve and a ring you deserve."
"Um." Alex's face was growing red she always turned red like that when she was getting nervous. "Dave, I like the ring I have and why propose again when we're already married?" she asked.
"Just listen," he said before he took the microphone and turned it on.
"Um. Okay." she said she wasn't sure where he was going with this but she thought it was cute none the less.
Dave brought the microphone to his mouth and began to say, "Alex, I know in the last 6 years I haven't always been the best husband. I know I haven't been the best dad. I know the things I've done to you in the last 6 years of marriage have been pretty horrible. Everything was fine the first two years of our marriage but after that everything started going down hill. We had some hard times the last 2 years. I'm not proud of everything that has happened between us and I'm not happy about everything that I've done to you. I love you. Last year at this time we were going our separate ways and then you filed for divorce. It was just fate that we ran into each other that night at the bar and spent the night together. It was one of the best nights of my life because from that night we got Benjamin. It took all of that to make me change who I was for you. The day you took me back and ripped up the divorce papers was the best night of my life. You decided you were going to give me another chance and I will continue to thank-you for that but I don't think we can move forward and make things entirely right until we renew our wedding vows to start new and make everything right again. So what I am asking which I know you think is probably cheesy but when I proposed to you the first time it wasn't really a proposal. It was more of a 'Let's get married' type of thing, so I'm giving you the proposal you deserved 7 years ago and I'm asking that next year on our 7th wedding anniversary if you will renew our wedding vows with me?"
Alex stood quietly taking in what Dave had just asked her. She was speechless. She never expected that from him. She had no idea what to say. She had tears in her eyes and she looked down at Dave who was looking up at her waiting for her response. She motioned for the microphone. Dave handed it to her. She looked around the room and everyone was looking at her waiting for a response. She took a deep breath and said, "Yes, Dave. I will. I love you."
Dave removed Alex's old engagement ring and put the new one on her with her wedding ring. He got up and kissed her. He felt it was what she deserved after how he proposed to her the first time and then after everything he put her through in the last few years. He really did feel that nothing would ever be completely right between them if they didn't renew their vows. Their friends and family were clapping. When Alex and Dave finally broke their kiss Dave said, "I love you."
"I love you too," said Alex.
Dave took her hand and they walked back to their table. They sat down and Chelsea hugged her mom. "Were you surprised, Mama?"
"I was very surprised," she said. "You kept something this big a secret?"
"Yes. I get my Barbie Jeep now don't I?"
"Yes, Chels. You get your Barbie Jeep. Thank-you," said Dave. "Alex, I showed Chels the ring that you originally wanted when we got engaged and told her that the one she picked out had to look like that. So she picked that ring out. She said it was the prettiest one at the jewelry store."
"It is beautiful," said Alex.
"I know. It's the ring I should have gotten the first time. I'm sorry."
"Don't worry about it," said Alex. "Remember this kind of stuff doesn't matter to me. It's your love that matters to me."
"Okay," said Dave.
"You know, Dave, you really put me to shame. You go out and do all this for me and I just get you one small gift. How am I supposed to compete with all this?"
"Don't worry about it, Alex."
After a while they were brought desert but Dave and Alex didn't eat it because Dave had a special desert being delivered to their hotel room later that night. When people finished their desert they started to leave. Donna thought it was time for Chelsea and Ben to get back to the house and get some sleep. Ben had fallen asleep in his car seat and Chelsea was growing tired. "Dave and Alex, we're going to leave now. Have fun tonight and enjoy your alone time way from the kids while you have it," she said.
"We will," said Dave with a smile. "Thanks, Mom for coming."
"You're welcome. Bye and congratulations," she said hugging her son and then hugging Alex.
"Thank-you, Donna. Bye," said Alex as she smiled. Alex got down kissed Ben goodbye. "Bye, Chels. Remember to listen to Athena and Keilani," said Alex as she hugged Chelsea.
"Okay, Mama. I love you. Bye," said Chelsea before they left.
Alex's dad came up to her and said, "Congratulations. And I love you."
"I love you too, Dad."
"And my grandson is adorable. He's great little baby and my granddaughter is precious. You're doing a great job with them," he said.
"Thanks, Dad. If you want to come visit in few months you can. Just to see the kids and to see me. I miss you."
"I miss you too. You seem so far away."
"I know but I like it here."
"I know you do. Well, take care. I'll call you in a few days. I love you," he said hugging Alex.
"I love you too, Dad."
When the guests left Dave took Alex upstairs to their hotel room. When they got to their floor there was a trail of rose petals that they followed. Dave held Alex's hand leading her to their room. The rose petals stopped at their door. Dave opened the door and led Alex inside. The rose petals trail continued to the bed. There were candles lit all around the room. On the bed there was a heart made out of rose petals and in the middle was a small rectangular box. Dave picked it up and handed it to Alex. "This is another gift for you."
"Another one?" she asked.
"Yes."
She opened the box and saw a diamond heart necklace. She took it out of the box and said, "Dave, it's beautiful. Thank-you."
"You're welcome," he said as he put it on her.
"You know, Dave. You really are putting me to shame," she said as she kissed him.
Dave had ordered champagne and strawberry shortcake to be delivered to the room for him and Alex. Their kiss was interrupted by a knock on the door. Dave pulled away from Alex and opened the door. It was his order of champagne and two small plates of strawberry shortcake. "Thank-you," he said to the man who brought it up. He gave him a tip and shut the door. He took two glasses and filled them with champagne and then he put the strawberry shortcake on the table. Dave and Alex sat down to eat it.
Alex took a bite of hers and said, "This is delicious! I love Strawberry Shortcake. Thank-you."
"You're welcome. I know how much you love strawberry shortcake," said Dave.
"Dave, thank-you so much for everything. This night has been amazing. Thank-you."
"You deserve the best, Alex. You are the best wife a man could ask for."
"And you're not a bad husband yourself."
"Thank-you. So I've been thinking lately."
"Yeah?"
"I think we should go on a family vacation for a couple weeks to the Carolinas. I think we all need time to get away and just relax."
"I love that idea. We could ALL use a vacation."
"I think it will take our minds off of things and take our worries away."
"It will," she said. "Let me get your present for you," said Alex as she got up to get his gift. She walked back over to the table and handed it to him and said, "Happy Anniversary."
"Thank-you," he said as he opened it. It was a gold watch that he had been wanting for a while now. "Alex, you didn't have to buy me this."
"I wanted to. It's all right. You deserve nice things too," she said.
"Thank-you. I love you," he said as he kissed her.
"You're welcome."
They sat and talked some more as they drank their champagne. "I never even thought about it but can you drink that?" asked Dave.
"Yeah. As long as I don't pump for a few hours. It will be fine," she said.
"Okay. I don't want our son getting addicted to alcohol at a month old," he said with a laugh.
"That would really suck wouldn't it?"
"Yeah."
"But seriously it's fine. I talked to the doctor about that today. She said it was fine as long as I waited a few hours after to pump. And we won't be home till tomorrow so we're good," she said taking a sip of her champagne.
"Were you serious about having another one?"
"Yes, Dave. I was. Hopefully not for a couple years but yes I do want another one. It will happen when it happens. If it doesn't then it wasn't meant to happen."
"I really love your outlook on things in life. I always have. You're always so optimistic. I love that."
"Thank-you," she said.
"Although my favorite thing about you is I can still make you blush like I did when we first started dating. I always found that cute about you."
Alex started to blush a little and said, "Thank-you."
"See. You're blushing now," Dave said with a smile.
"And you know after all these years I am still in love with your smile and your dimples. It still makes my heart melt."
"The same way your eyes can melt my heart."
"Well, it looks like Ben got the best of both of us."
"Yeah he did," said Dave.
"Dave, thank-you for making this the best anniversary ever," said Alex.
"It's about to get better," Dave said with a smile.
"Really?"
"Yes," he said as he got up and picked her up and carried her over to the bed. "But first where's your phone?"
"In my purse," she said.
"Let me see it," he said.
"All right," she said as she got it out of her purse. She handed it to him.
He turned it off and turned his phone off and said, "Now. We won't have any interruptions." He began kissing Alex and then slowly began kissing her neck and gently sucking on it. He removed her dress and she removed his shirt. Everything started heating up and soon they were making love. When they were finished Dave rolled off of her and pulled her into his arms and said, "I love you."
"I love you too," she said wrapping her arms around him and soon they began making love again.
The next morning Alex woke up in Dave's arms. She kissed him waking him up. He looked at her and said, "Good morning."
"Good morning," she said sitting up.
Dave sat up next to her and said, "How are you this morning?"
"Great. How about you?"
"Same," he said with a smile. "Do you want me to order some breakfast for us?"
"Sure," she said.
"Do you want eggs?" he asked.
"Absolutely not," she said.
"Oh yeah. I forgot since your pregnancy with Ben you've had some type of hatred for eggs."
"I will never eat eggs again," she said. "I don't know why. I just won't eat them."
"I know. I'm sorry."
"It's okay."
"How about French toast?"
"Sure," she said. Dave picked up the phone and ordered room service. He got out of bed and put on his pants from the night before. He kissed Alex before he walked into the bathroom. While he was in the bathroom Alex got out of bed and put on one of Dave's shirts
When Dave came out of the bathroom he wrapped his arms around Alex's waist and said, "You're so beautiful."
"Thank-you," she said. There was a knock on the door. Dave walked over and answered it. It was room service with their breakfast. They sat down and ate their breakfast. "Well, only a little while of peace and quiet left," said Alex.
"I know," said Dave. "Last night was amazing."
"Last night was wonderful. Everything was wonderful. You did make it perfect. Thank-you," she said.
"You're welcome. See? I can be romantic."
"I have to hand it to you. It was ALL very romantic. From the dinner, to the dancing, to the proposal, to the rose petals, to the necklace, to the desert and then to everything else. It was all romantic."
"I'm just surprised Chelsea kept it from you. I expected her to spill the beans."
"I was hoping she would but she didn't."
When they were finished eating Alex was getting ready to get dressed to go home but Dave said, "You know 6 weeks was a really long time and we still have some time before we have to check out and I'm sure Athena and Keilani are fine with the kids so I think we should spend some more time alone."
"It was a long time wasn't it?"
"Yes," he said as he kissed her. He soon laid her down on the bed and soon after they were making love again. When they were finished they got dressed and started packing up their things. They left the hotel room and went to the lobby to check out. Dave put the bags in the car and soon they were off to their house to enjoy the joys of parenting again.
*A/n: Wow. So sweet. They're going to renew their wedding vows. Dave is getting cuter and cuter as the story goes on. So tell me what did you think? Please review. I love your reviews and as always thank you for taking the time to read. And I will admit when alex was breaking down over Tony I got a little teary eyed. .
*Chapter 49........let's just say it won't be as sweet as this chapter....things are about to explode. Just a warning...who is Athena's baby's daddy? And the letter Alex the contents of that letter will be revealed in the next chapter as well..It's going to be explosive...
