"I still can't fully digest that Bob would do this.", my mom says on the other end of our phone conversation. "Of course, I didn't think he would cheat on me either."
It has been weeks since Bob was arrested for the shooting. Just a few hours after Detective Owens took him into custody, Bob confessed. He claimed that he didn't want my mom to suffer any more than she already had. If he was so concerned with her well-being, he wouldn't have committed the crime that put her in the hospital. Christian and I returned to Seattle a week ago when she was released from the hospital, but Ray decided to stay behind a while longer.
"Mom, you didn't know. Sometimes people turn out to be completely different people than you think they are.", I tell her.
"Ana, I don't know what I would do without you. You have been so wonderful during all of this."
"You're my mother, and I will be there for you . Dad has been pretty great too, huh?", I smile.
"Yeah, he's been wonderful. He may no loner be my husband, but he is sill great. This morning, he cooked breakfast, can you believe that? Ray Steele cooking?", she laughs.
"That's new.", I laugh.
"Have you began wedding plan yet?"
"Not really. I want you to get fully recovered so you can help. It's always been a dream of mine to have you wedding dress shop with me." I stare at the pile of wedding magazines that Mia dropped off. She has been talking non-stop about the wedding. Even though I told Christian that I want something simple, I have a feeling that Mia has other ideas.
"You are going to be the most beautiful bride Ana."
"Thanks Mom. I know that you are probably getting tired and need to rest."
"This medicine they have me on has me so drowsy. I think I will take a nap. I love you sweetie.", she says.
"I love you too."
Since it's Saturday, Christian is not working, but he has gone to play with golf with Elliot and Carrick. Bored, I decide to call Kate to see if she wants to hang out. I have a feeling that it won't be long until she and Elliot are engaged.
"Hey Ana.", Kate says after answering the phone.
"Hi Kate. What are you up to?"
"Actually best friend of mine, I'm on my way up to your place." As soon as she finishes the sentence, I see her arrive in the living room. "Hi", she waves.
"I was going to see if you want to hang out, maybe get a bite to eat or something.", I say as Kate sits in the chair next to the sofa.
"Sure, we can go eat and maybe do some shopping."
"How did I know that you were going to throw shopping in there.", I roll my eyes as she laughs.
"Come on Steele, let's go." Kate and I are soon out the door. As we make our way to one of Kate's favorite boutiques, it starts pouring rain. The sudden downpour will proabably cut the guys' golfing short, but I still want to spend some time with Kate.
"How about this?", Kate says holding up a light blue baby doll style dress.
"That's cute. You should get it.", I reply as I look through a rack of blouses.
"I think I am. Hmm, should I get the blue or the green? Or both?"
"If you get the blue, you will wish you had bought the green. If you get the green, you will wish you had bought the blue. Just get them both." I pick up a deep purple sleeveless satin dress, and I decide to try it on. After trying on and buying the dress, Kate and I grab some chinese food.
"Have you guys set a date for the wedding yet?", Kate asks as we eat.
"Not yet. With everything going on with my mom, we haven't had a chance. I have a question for you.", I say as I take a bite of my fried rice.
"Ok, what is it ?"
"Will you be my maid of honor?", I ask
"Ana! Of course!", she shrieks. "I would be honored."
"You're the sister that I never had."
"Same here.", she smiles.
When Kate and I finish our meal, she drops me off at Escala. I notice that Christian's car is in the garage and hurry up the elevator. As I come into the apartment, I don't see any lights on except for a small light coming from underneath Christian's study door.
"Christian?", I say as I knock softy on the door. Opening it up, I see him sitting at the desk. He sits silent for a few seconds before acknowledging me.
"Hey", he says hoarsely.
"Christian, what's wrong?", I ask as I walk around to him.
"My dad called a few minutes ago. He and my mom were sitting in the living room when they heard the door bell. When he answered it there was this guy standing outside."
"Ok? Who was he?" I bend down to his level as his gray eyes darken.
"He..he said he was Carrick's son."
