Chapter 168

Alex woke up the next morning to find a text on her phone. Surprised by the time as she thought it was still early but judging by the 10:05 time indication on her phone she knew they'd have to get their day started or else they'll stay in bed for the whole day, and ultimately skip the dinner party Ramashni had planned. The text was from Danika and Lucy all similar in the line of the fact that she's not allowed to bail on them because Anaiah will be there and they cannot deal with her alone. OH, and some Indian clothing would be appreciated Lucy added, the ne request they will fulfil that was their horrible aunt's idea, so maybe if they happen to dress the part she'll be less harsh tonight. Alex was skeptical on how she'll be able to pull of something Indian sari with a pregnant belly but she'll figure something out, hoping she packed one just in case as she tried to remember what she packed.

Ryan turned around and put an arm around her loosely snuggling into her side. "Morning." He mumbled eyes still closed.

"Good morning." She smiled down at him even though he couldn't see and ran a hand over his forearm. "You still remember we have dinner with the family tonight right?" She asked and he nodded opening his eyes looking up at her.

"Should I be worried?" He asked concerned but Alex shook her head.

"You've met most of the family, and you've survived the aunt from hell so the rest will be fine. And Malik and Yassin will be there who I'm sure the three of you have discussed in detail about everything you hate about my family." She laughed and Ryan looked up at her.

"You don't share details about what you're discussing with your friends, so what the three of us are talking about stays between us. Because we're loyal to each other." He smirked and sat up in bed heading towards the bathroom.

As much as she loved being away from home for a little while she cannot wait to get back home. Back to work. Yes change of scenery is good but there is no place like home. Her phone buzzed again and she answered surprised to see her mother calling her. "Hey Ma." She greeted friendly.

"Hi Alex. I have something to tell you." Theresa started and Alex sat up further not knowing what to expect but it sounded serious.

"Okay, what's going on?"

"Joey and I went to court today. We got married." She said waiting for her daughter's reply.

"What? Why? We were busy organizing it ma, I didn't forget about it." Alex rationalized not knowing why the sudden rush as this only made her more frustrated. "And you've had strangers sign the marriage certificate! You didn't even know anyone in court, your friends and family wasn't even there to support you."

"Alex it's fine. I didn't want a big deal anyway." Theresa explained her part. "Joey and I are married and that's all that matters. I really appreciate the effort you went through but it's okay. It's over now, you can focus on growing a baby and taking care of your family." Theresa said.

"I wanted to be there ma." Alex said softly and slightly disappointed, not that there is anything she can do about it now.

"I know you do and I'm sorry. Look on the bright side, you're in India and you can spend some time with your cousins who you haven't seen in a while." Theresa tried to lighten the mood.

Ryan walked out of the bathroom and looked at Alex who was turning her phone around in her hands absentmindedly.

"Mom and Joey got married today." She blurted out and Ryan looked at her with surprise.

"But you guys were busy planning the wedding, or was the planning done and she decided to get married without having you there?" He asked still confused.

Alex sighed deeply before answering, "they went to court." Ryan nodded his head looking at Alex trying to figure out what she was thinking. "Are you okay?" He asked and she shrugged. "It's done, nothing I can do about it now." She stated simply although he knew there might be more to it than what she is letting on. He didn't say anything he just leaned over and kissed the side of her head as she sighed heavily.

"Can we please stay in bed the rest of the day until tonight?" She asked knowing he won't have a problem with it since it started raining outside and being in bed would be much better than touring outside in this weather. The only thing that will force them to get out of the hotel is the dinner tonight that Alex is silently hoping and praying would happen without any hiccups. Alex showered and got back under the covers the two of them cuddling while they watched old classic movies, Alex drifting to sleep after the second movie but was awoken by Ryan two hours before they were supposed to leave.

"Just five more minutes." She groaned throwing an arm over her eyes to block the soft lighting of the room refusing to open her eyes.

"No, now. You're looking like Phoebe when she doesn't wanna wake up in the morning." He laughed seeing his wife smile as she removed her arm from her face and eventually opened her eyes. Extending a hand in his direction so her pulls her up into a sitting position, as she stretched.

Ryan walked towards the coffee machine and Alex was temped to ask him for a cup but she knew he would disagree so she settled for a glass of water. "Babe check in my bag for anything brightly colored please. I think there's supposed to be a long pink and gold scarf." She said and Ryan scratched in the bag by throwing all the clothes on the bed. "Yes and throw everything out, just fold it again when you put it back please." Alex instructed and he looked up at her after the whole bag was on the bed and no sign of the pink scarf she was looking for.

"Okay, here's nothing pink in here." He said as Alex scanned her clothing that was strewn all across the bed. "Oooooohhhhhh I packed the black one." She smiled excitedly as she got up and retrieved the black and gold saree.

"Alex that one was right on top, you made me pack out the whole bag for something I saw right away?" Ryan asked looking at the clothes he was told to put back. He'll wait until she is back in the shower or goes to do her make up in the bathroom and just bundle the clothes back in the bag, she won't know the difference, not immediately.

Ryan settled on a black chino pants and a white shirt, he had no idea what else to wear but Alex said it would be fine so he's trusting her on this one. The bathroom door opened and Alex looked up at him looking like someone who is about to cry. Ryan tried to figure out what happened that will explain her facial expression but he couldn't see anything wrong, until she turned towards him sideways and the zipper that was on the side couldn't close properly because of her belly as it was half open. He tried to stifle a laugh and tried his best to hide his smile but it didn't work resulting a more upset Alex.

"It's not funny! How am I going to close the zipper without squashing the baby?" She whined and he walked over to her to see if he can help.

"You are being over dramatic, sweetheart." He laughed. "Try holding your breath and pulling in your stomach maybe that'll work." He said and it was only once the words were out that he realized that it would not work, and the exasperated look on her face as she looked up at him.

"You know what you're hopeless right now. Just get done." She said walking back into the bathroom and closing the door behind her. "I love you." He said so she could hear as he smiled at how cute she was being whenever she gets upset about petty things like her clothes not fitting anymore.

Hey guys, it's been long. Way too long, I hope I still have all my readers and if I have lost a few of you (which I hope I haven't) due to the long wait in update, I hope I'll win you guys back. My exams ended so I have a little bit more time on my hands and will be able to update more frequently. Hope you enjoy this one. On a more personal note, I've been having some love drama (again omw) sometimes I really want to open guys's brains and see how it is wired you know? Anyway enough about me now I hope all of you are still doing good. Short one but I wanted to put something out there. The dinner will be in the next one, promise.

Lovies-S