Chapter 29 Light of my life 1
Stevie took a deep breath, handing Rose her present. 'I hope you like it', she was obviously nervous. Rose smiled softly at her, starting to unpack. 'Awww, it's lovely.' 'You like it?' 'Yeah it's so pretty, thank you!'. Rose hugged her pleased; letting go a moment later to look at the necklace Stevie gave her. 'I want to engrave something in it, but I first wanted to be sure you would like it.' 'Cool', Rose said, while Stevie took the necklace to put it on. Rose rushed away to the nearest mirror to glare at her mum's present.
'Well everything is set. Let the guests arrive'. All the Drover girls were present, mostly waiting on the boys of Killarney. Michelle and Tom couldn't make it, but Rose had a long conversation on the phone with Michelle earlier and it was mostly about how excited her stay was. Stevie had a small talk to her sister too, and could sense Michelle was a bit jealous and worried if her daughter wouldn't be too excited about everything. Stevie figured it wasn't the time to think about that and just wanted to enjoy the evening.
Alex and Marcus came together, and the dark guy held a present for Rose. It was a few minutes later the guests could hear Rose squeal. 'That is so great Alex. I love it!' She cherished the dark brown leather hat, which she was holding. It was perfect. 'Charlotte kinda picked it'. Rose put it on and waved at Stevie who was just talking to Regan, preparing the cocktails. 'Look what I've got from Alex. Great hey!' Stevie laughed. 'It fits you perfectly.' She smiled at Alex who stood next to her.
'But you have to take it off now, cause I've got something for you.' Rose looked excited and questioning at her mother. 'Another present?' 'Just something little, but it's a Latin party after all, so it will suit you.' Rose glared at her, while she felt Stevie stroking her hair softly, wondering why she was doing this. All of a sudden Stevie showed a red rose. 'Cause you're my rose'. Rose had to smile while Stevie placed it in her hair. 'Now your ready to party'. She stared at the young girl, her hands resting on her daughters' shoulders. Stevie could almost fell the tears come through, but blinked them away, watching Rose proudly.
Almost all guests had arrived and they started to dance on the Latin beat. Stevie walked up to Alex, holding a cocktail. 'Looking flashy Alex.' Alex looked down at his shirt. It was full with flower prints, mostly covered with a yellow color. 'Hey, it had to be Latino style.' Stevie smirked, concluding it was the most ugly shirt she had ever seen. 'Where on earth did you get it?' 'Nick gave it to me', Alex said serious, not aware of the ugliness of his shirt. 'Well, I bet it wasn't Tess that picked it. Nick probably had to get rid off it.' Alex looked at her; a bit disappointed she obviously didn't like it. 'What's wrong with it? It's Latin'.
Stevie laughed. 'Latin? It's more Hawaii.' 'How should you know?' Stevie had taken a corner of the shirt softly rubbing the matter between her fingers. 'Believe me, I know. I've worked on Hawaii.' Alex glared at her surprisingly. 'As a lifeguard', she said playfully. 'That's why I'm so good at saving your life.' She pushed his arm softly. He looked her up and down, imagining her in a lifeguard swim suite.
She had to laugh about the way he looked at her, nearly drooling. 'I didn't know that', he said while he restored himself. 'Well there are a lot of things you don't know about me either', she said playfully while she stood next to him, watching the people dancing in front of her. She bit her lip, still holding her smile. Alex looked at her, smirking.
It was some time later when Riley and Sandra showed up. Of course everyone noticed Sandra's presence, but because no one wanted to ruin Rose's party they just went along. 'What are you doing here?' Alex said a bit annoyed when Sandra stood next to him. 'Riley invited me as a guest.' 'Riley?' Alex looked wondering. 'Yeah, I offered him a job at Kinsella's, he took it.' Alex had to suppress the feeling of annoyance and irritation. It had been such a lovely evening so far, but Sandra kept on talking.
He just glared to the sight in front of him. Stevie chatting happily with Rose, noticing the lovely short jeans skirt she wore, finished with a blue top. 'I see you already have laid your eyes on some one new', Sandra said while she had followed Alex' sight. The man just ignored it. 'I knew you would fall for a Drover girl again. They're a bit easier to handle'.
Sandra took a bite out of a chip while saying it. 'I have to say, that ex-wife of you was pretty tough competition, though she had one weak point. She was too impulsive, you have to think things through before doing it.' Sandra was pleased with herself and couldn't resist saying these things to Alex, who tried to ignore it once again, but deep down inside her words had effect.
'But look at it the bright side, at least you know Stevie is capable of having children.' She smirked before walking away amused. He rolled his eyes, taking a swung of his beer.
Stevie had noticed Sandra talking to Alex and walked up to him. 'Where did she got the guts from to show up here?' 'Ask that little man there', Alex pointed. 'Riley?' 'She offered him a job, taking it.' 'What?' Stevie was flabbergasted. How on earth could Riley take a job at Kinsella's, the training program hadn't even finished? She wanted to confront him with it, but Alex held her back.
'Think about Rose, it won't help getting into an argument. He isn't worth it anyway'. Stevie noticed Alex' words made sense and turned to him. 'And I rather have you with me', he showed her his sweetest smile, and she couldn't do anything else than forget it and smile back at him. 'Have I mentioned you look great tonight?' She smiled widely, a bit shy. 'No'. 'Well you do ... care for a dance?' Stevie smirked at him. 'You and dancing on this music?' 'I kinda meant you dancing and me watching. Shake those hips baby!', he said teasingly while he let her to the dance floor.
Will be continued ...