Episode 8 - We wish you a Merry Christmas?
Part 1:
Stacking his paperwork Blake smiled as he caught sight of the homemade Christmas card on his desk. It was supposed to be a Christmas angel, composed entirely of cotton wool, half a doily and some shiny gold foil; but in reality beared a closer resemblance to a rather wonky cloud and a rather large snowflake. Yet it had been made with love and Blake couldn't think of anything finer to adorn his desk. Krystina had proudly hand delivered it to his office only a few days before when she been in town on a shopping trip with the ladies and Blake had enjoyed the chance to show off his youngest child.
Glancing at his watch Blake countered down the hours. He had the Henderson's Christmas party to attend later and he had to find time to check on Alexis's Christmas present. He had left Gerard in charge and his butler had assured him it would be finished on time, even with having to fit work on it around Alexis's working habits which were a little more haphazard than Blake's own and so more challenging to anticipate.
It had been hard enough to arrange without her finding out and it would be ruined if she discovered it early, but it was hardly something he could wrap up and hide under the tree.
Hearing his phone buzz Blake picked it up. "Yes Marsha?…Show them in and hold my calls."
A moment later his door opened and in walked Sable, even her fur couldn't cover her now prominent stomach, accompanied by her less than delighted daughter Monica.
"Blake." Sable greeted him frostily pulling off her gloves and setting them down on his desk.
"Sable, thank you for coming." Blake replied waving her towards a chair before turning to Monica. "Monica a pleasure as always."
"Blake." Monica replied with a sharp nod, her face showing clearly she was less than thrilled to be here.
Lowering herself into it Sable grimaced rubbing her back. "Why this couldn't have waited until after Christmas…"
"We've been dancing around this for long enough, time to get it sorted don't you think?" Blake added reaching for the contracts, handing her a copy to read. "It is quite straight forward, just as we discussed."
Scanning the contact Sable handed it over to Monica to check for her and ignored the pen Blake offered pulling her own out her handbag signing her name fluidly across her copy once Monica had approved it, sliding it across to Blake and accepting the other from him, adding her signature to that as well.
Waiting until she had finished Blake signed both copies before leaning across and buzzing Marsha. "Can you bring in the cashiers cheque please Marsha?"
A moment later Blake's trusted secretary appeared cheque in hand. "Oh Mr Carrington Mrs Colby called, she asked if you could pop into Jenson's for her and pick up the pieces she has ordered…She won't make it into town this afternoon and she needs them for the party this evening."
Snorting Sable got her feet accepting the cheque and placing it in her handbag retrieving the deed to The Carlton from Monica which she threw down on the desk. "Now she has you running errands…I never thought I'd see you as anyone's lapdog Blake."
Scowling Blake snatched up the deed putting it into his briefcase, which he shut with a sharp snap. "I would appreciate you not commenting on matters you know nothing about Sable. I can do quite well without any more of your so called assistance."
"Mother we do need to go." Monica insisted looking at the time. "We have that fight to catch."
"Just give us a moment." Sable insisted waiting until her daughter closed the door behind him before turning back to Blake. "And just what was that supposed to mean?"
"You know damn well what I am talking about!" Blake spat his dark eyes cold as they locked with Sable's. "Did you think Alexis wouldn't tell me?"
"Oh I am sure she ran telling tales." Sable retorted. "What did you expect Blake that I would sit idly by and just let her walk all over your daughter? Since you banned me from seeing Krystina I had to come up with something to explain why and it is hardly far from the truth, except if you exchange the W for a B and you have a far more fitting description."
Disgusted by the way she justified her selfish behavior Blake shook his head in disbelief. "And you just had to tell her about Washington." Blake added no longer trying to keep his voice down.
"I thought she already knew!" Sable retorted slamming her palms down the desk, grimacing when her back twinged again.
"Like that would have stopped you!" Blake muttered. "I never thought you capable of that Sable, what happened between us should have stayed just that. A gentleman doesn't kiss and tell and neither should a lady…You disappointed me…I thought no matter how we might argue about Alexis, about Adam, that deep down we remained friends."
Her bottom lip trembling Sable turned her face away unable to face the betrayed expression on Blake's face. She truly had never intended for things to get this far out of hand but she had no idea how she could convince Blake of this. "I guess there is nothing left to say." Sable added picking up her purse and tucking it under her arm. "Goodbye Blake…I would wish you a Merry Christmas but you would probably accuse me of being insincere in that as well."
For a moment Blake was torn, memories of her past kindness warred with her recent behavior, yet he could not bring himself to make peace. "You can see yourself out."
Humming to herself Alexis selected another rose; bringing it to her nose she inhaled the scent, smiling as she placed it in the arrangement. Standing back she laughed and tried her best to fix it, fiddling until it looked just right.
"Well…Don't tell me next you will be baking cookies?" A dry wit observed from the doorway and Alexis turned to scowl playfully at her eldest son.
"If I do you will be the poor soul forced to taste test them!" She added pointing at him.
"Oh dear food poisoning and right before Christmas as well." Adam retorted walking into the room and kissing his Mother on the cheek
"Just for your cheek I will inform Santa not to bring you any presents." Alexis quipped moving the rose arrangement over to the side table, standing back and deliberating.
"You're really enjoying this aren't you?"
"Enjoying what?" She asked distracted as she moved the roses back to the coffee table.
"This…My Mother the happy homemaker. I almost feel like I've walked into a centerfold for The Ideal Home." Adam joked sitting down on the settee and admiring the festively decorated room.
"Don't be factious Adam."
Smiling Adam enjoyed the familiar teasing. "Seriously though Mother I have never seen the house looking better, you have out done yourself."
"I have, haven't I?" Alexis retorted returning his smile before coming and sitting beside him. "Oh I have a good feeling about this Christmas."
"Any particular reason?"
Frowning in confusion Alexis said, "Why do you ask?"
"Oh just fishing." Adam replied. "If there were going to be any special announcements say…" He trailed off watching as his mother blushed and immediately began to fuss with the magazines left on the table.
"I don't know what you could be talking about…"
"Don't you?" He asked watching her expression closely. "Well that is a shame. It would makes things perfect don't you think?"
Gritting her teeth Alexis all but hissed, "Just leave it Adam."
"As you wish." He replied shrugging aside his disappointment. "So will all the family be present this Christmas? Will Amanda and Steven be gracing us with their presence?" Adam asked unable to completely mask the sarcasm in his tone.
Bristling at his tone Alexis stood and placed some space between them, moving to adjust the garland that was draped across the mantelpiece. "I don't care much for your tone Adam, but to answer your question no. Amanda will remain in Europe, she is skiing in St Moritz and Steven has business in Washington, so poor Danny will have to spend the holidays with that ghastly mother of his in New York."
"Such a shame." Adam muttered unable to completely hide the smile that tugged at his lips.
Whirling round Alexis confronted her eldest. "Adam if you want to give me a Christmas gift I can actually appreciate you may consider loosing this absurd animosity towards your Brother!"
"A pleasant idea but hardly likely." Adam retorted getting to his feet and making his way over to the decanter on the sideboard. "Drink?"
"No."
"Mother Steven and I have never seen eye to eye. He resents me, he always has."
"That is ridiculous!" Alexis began only to be cut off by her son.
"I know you would prefer not to believe it, both you and Blake have a blind spot where he is concerned. Precious perfect Steven, he wouldn't be guilty of a jealous thought, not the boy you actually got to raise!" Adam muttered sarcastically taking a swig of his whisky.
"Adam!" Alexis exclaimed crossing the room placing her hand on her son's arm. "You don't really…You can't think Blake and I play favorites?"
"Why shouldn't I it's the truth." Adam replied bitterly. "Steven is the good son, Adam the bad."
"That is ridiculous." Alexis insisted catching his hand. "Darling we love you, all of you, good and bad, right and wrong. People can't be labeled, if they were I would hate to think what would have happened to either Blake or myself, we would have been written off years ago."
Smiling she pulled a placated Adam back to the settee. "I am sorry that you still feel insecure in your own family. I would have thought after the last few months you would have realized there is little your parents would not do for you?"
Hanging his head Adam felt the sudden weight of her words. "I am sorry Mother."
Cupping his cheek Alexis forced him to meet her gaze. "You have nothing to be sorry for. You are my son and I love you. And to prove that I would like to extend an offer…I had planned to wait until after New Year to give you a little more time to settle back in…I know you and Dana plan to go away for a while…"
"Mother." Adam warned. "Just what are you planning?"
Pausing Alexis smiled beguilingly before answering, "I was hoping you would agree to come back to Colby Co?"
Sitting back in his chair Adam was perhaps for the first time in his life actually speechless.
---
"Sammy-Jo you can't do this now."
"I'm sorry Steven but I can't turn down this job…They need me to fly to South America tonight, It's for the New Year cover, I can't turn this job down."
"But you promised."
"I'll make it up to him I promise!"
"That's what you said last time." Steven retorted.
"I'm sorry…Tell Danny I love him and I am sure Santa will send him whatever he wants."
"Sammy-Jo." Steven called out as he heard the phone line click and so he set the phone back in the cradle.
"Mummy isn't coming?" Danny asked his blue eyes turned expectantly to his father.
Sighing Steven ran his hand through his blonde hair. Glancing around his apartment Steven wondered if it was too late to find a tree and decorations. He had put off decorating because Danny was supposed to spend Christmas with his mother in New York but they couldn't spend Christmas here, alone.
"Daddy…" Danny began holding his teddy bear close. "What are we going to do?"
"Don't worry Danny." Steven replied reaching for the phone. "I'll make sure we have the best holiday ever."
---
Part 2:
---
The Carrington Mansion looked like fairyland. Or at least that was how it looked to Krystina Carrington as she sat at the top of the stairs watching the staff scurrying about through the banisters.
The giant tree dominated the entrance hall, its deep green branches decorated by thousands of twinkling little lights, red velvet bows and the most detailed little wooden ornaments. From her spot Krystina had counted the two turtledoves right near the top of the tree down to the twelve red-coated drummers drumming near the bottom.
LB had insisted the little drummer men could be wound up to play a tune but Krystina had not been brave enough to try it. Yet!
But the big tree was not the only one in the house, there was another in the far corner of the living room and this was the tree that was the focus of the children's attention; for the very important reason that this was the tree with the presents round it.
Although Krystina had already confided in her letter to Santa that she would gladly trade all of her presents if it meant she could have all her family here for the holidays. Thinking about her family Krystina couldn't help but think about the wishes she had made. Alexis had already fulfilled one of them.
Fallon hadn't yelled at her since this morning she had skipped school.
In fact every time her sister looked like she was about to raise her voice, she suddenly went pale and silent. Krystina could only guess it was a powerful spell she was under.
He could only hope she would get her other wishes too. Perhaps if she was very good and went to bed when she was told, ate all her vegetables and kept her room tidy; she would get everything she asked for?
"Spying on the staff?"
Startled Krystina looked up surprised to see an elegant Alexis standing behind her. The diamonds at her ears and throat catching the light and twinkling as brightly as the Christmas lights.
"Are you going to tell?"
Smiling Alexis eased herself down to sit beside Krystina, carefully folding her full length satin gown.
"Why would I do that? I think eavesdropping is a valuable life skill and should be encouraged."
"You're not like other grown-ups." Krystina pronounced seriously her blue eyes widening as Alexis simply laughed.
"Why thank you." Alexis replied cheerfully, her emerald eyes twinkling as brightly as her diamonds. "Heard anything interesting?"
"Not really…Mrs Gunnerson burnt the first round of mince pies because she was talking to her sister on the phone…Oh and I saw Gerard kiss Jeanette under the mistletoe." Krystina confided with a giggle, glancing across at Alexis relieved when she smiled.
"Did he now." Alexis muttered, filing away that piece of gossip, who knew when it might prove useful.
"Are you and Daddy going out?"
"Yes we've been invited to the Henderson's Christmas party."
"And we are half an hour late." An amused said from behind the seated pair.
"Blake."
"Daddy." Krystina echoed jumped to her feet to hug her father who looked very dapper in his tuxedo and black tie.
"So this is where you have both been hiding." Blake muttered, glancing across at Alexis who was brushing invisible lint from her dress. "You were missing from your room and then when I went to say goodnight to Krystina I found her bed empty. Just what are you two cooking up?"
"Nothing you need to know about." Alexis countered taking the arm Blake offered.
"Now Krystina off to bed with you young lady." Blake admonished. "Santa Claus only visits children when they are sound asleep."
Laughing as her father tickled her as he leant down to place a kiss on her forehead, Krystina willingly scampered up the stairs the moment he released her.
"Goodnight Daddy, Goodnight Alexis." She called out happily waving at the surprised adults.
Sliding his arm around Alexis's slender waist as they made their way down the stairs towards the front door. Blake suddenly pulled them both to a stop, slipping his other arm around a confused Alexis. Leaning in he caught her lips in a gentle kiss.
"What was that for?" Alexis gasped when they pulled apart.
"Do I need a reason?" Blake teased, his dark eyes glinting playfully. "But if you really need one, let's call it a thank you."
"For what?"
"You know what…I don't know how you did it but thank you." Blake replied seriously, stroking her cheek gently.
Catching her hand Alexis pressed a quick kiss to his palm. "Just a bit of magic Darling, that's all it takes." Alexis quipped, causing Blake to laugh and the pair disappeared though the door oblivious to the pair of blue eyes that followed them.
---
"I'm sorry Ma'am as but as I told you half an hour ago the plane simply cannot take off in the current weather conditions."
"But planes are landing!" Sable all but screamed in the check-in girl's face, "How can they land if we cannot take off? Or are they operated by different airlines, ones with more sympathy for the customers they have stranded!"
Forcing a polite smile the attendant mentally counted to ten before replying, wondering if the triple time she was being paid was worth it to take this level of abuse. Perhaps next year she should take her sister's advice, book the day off early and spend it curled up in front of the TV watching re-runs of 'I love Lucy' Christmas specials and being driven nuts by all the adverts.
"I'm sorry Ma'am but the traffic control is only clearing inbound flights, may our customer service personnel be of some help booking accommodation here in Denver or perhaps you would like to hire a car?"
"You can take your car and your accommodation and stick it…."
"Mother!" Monica cut in grasping Sable's arm and pulling her away from the desk. "You can't talk to her like that she is only doing her job."
"Her job my…"
"Language." Monica hissed nodding towards a huddle of small children who was dozing on the plastic airport chairs nearby. "And you really should sit down, all this standing and agitation is not good for you in your condition."
"Thank you Mother." Sable retorted sarcastically her chestnut eyes narrowing, as stubbornly refused even as her back spasmed painfully. "I am a grown woman I am quite capable of deciding for myself when I should sit."
Shaking her head at her mother's stubbornness Monica rubbed her aching forehead, her last nerve frayed beyond breaking point. "Fine sit or don't sit, yell at everyone if you want. It won't get us home any quicker, unless all that hot air you are expelling is going to melt the ice on the runway!"
"Don't you get smart with me young lady."
"Well I am running out patience." Monica muttered. "We wouldn't even be in this situation if you hadn't jumped when Blake Carrington deigned to call…" Adding in a muttered whisper that Sable unfortunately caught. "And you called him a lapdog."
Red-faced Sable's lip trembled with barely restrained rage. "What did you say?"
For a moment Monica considered backing down, after all a row here and now would solve nothing and her Mother was heavily pregnant, the doctors had warned her Sable would be temperamental. But the memory of being dismissed from Blake's office earlier like a wet behind the ears intern still rankled and Monica found herself speaking before thinking.
"I was commenting on how you dropped everything, ignored Doctor's advice and stranded us both here on Christmas Eve just because Blake Carrington deigned to request your presence. If I didn't know better…"
"If you didn't know better, what?" Sable hissed when Monica suddenly blanched and stopped ranting. "No don't stop now we were only just getting to the good bit."
Meeting her Mother's gaze Monica stared at her as if she had suddenly realized some monumental truth. "You're in love with him."
Gaping in shock Sable blustered unable to articulate a reply. "What…You…Ridiculous!"
"You are!" Monica insisted. "I can't believe it but it's the only thing that makes sense, there is only so much you can blame on the hormones."
"You are talking nonsense." Sable answered yet her voice lacked her usual conviction, as if part of her was finally realizing it. However before she could deny it further her back clenched once more and Sable hissed through the pain.
"Mother?" Monica was immediately at her side, their argument forgotten. "Please you need to sit."
Gasping as the pain intensified rippling across her stomach Sable grabbed hold of her daughter to stop herself from falling, feeling her thighs grow wet. "That won't help…Oh my god the Baby…it's coming."
---
Grabbing a glass of champagne from a passing waiter Blake took a deep sip, his dark eyes scanning the crowd for a familiar face. Smiling as acquaintances passed and bid him a Merry Christmas Blake made his way through the throng.
Finally he caught sight of a dark head and a scarlet dress, a tinkling laughter and the glitter of diamonds. Walking up behind her Blake slipped his arms around her waist kissing her neck.
"There you are."
"Here I am." Alexis replied turning in his arms, sliding her hands up around his neck. "Have you been having fun?"
"No I've been miserable. Where have you been hiding?" Blake demanded.
"Oh I've been circulating." Alexis replied. "I've talked to a few important people and few unimportant people and I've done a little business."
"Business!" Blake scoffed. "You Madam are a workaholic."
"Guilty as charged." Alexis retorted toasting him with her champagne, downing the remainder in one gulp passing the empty glass off.
"Well Milady can I drag you away from your business long enough for a dance?"
Pouting slightly Alexis allowed Blake to pull her towards the ballroom. "I think that is a distinct possibility Mr Carrington."
Yet as they were only halfway to the dance floor a sharply dressed butler approached. "Mr Carrington?"
"Yes?"
"Phone call for you sir, if you would follow me?"
Sharing a glance with Alexis, they followed the butler to a nearby study, Blake moving to the waiting phone whilst Alexis amused herself, tutting at the rather ugly family portraits that lined the mantelpiece.
"Hello?"
"Blake, its Monica…I'm calling from Denver Memorial."
"Monica!" Blake gasped in surprise drawing Alexis's immediate attention. "What are you doing there?"
"It's Mother she went into labour at the airport…Anyhow that doesn't matter. I know you and Mother had words but she needs you here. The doctors are worried about the baby…His heart beat is irregular and they are going to operate. She is so scared and was asking for you…"
"Don't say anymore I'm on my way." Blake replied setting the phone down and turning to Alexis with an apologetic smile. "I'm afraid that dance is going to have to wait."
"Where are you going?" Alexis asked as he made to leave, pausing to kiss her cheek.
"Denver Memorial. Sable is in labour and there are complications, she is asking for me." Blake replied only now realizing how suspicious that sounded. "I feel somehow responsible I was rather hard on her earlier."
"Earlier?" Alexis replied her eyebrow rising as Blake looked uncomfortable.
"It was business and a surprise." He added, relieved when she nodded. "It's a long story."
"Well the drive over there should be long enough." Alexis retorted ignoring Blake's look of shock. "I'm coming with you!"
---
Part 3:
Pushing his way through the crowded maternity waiting room Blake searched for a familiar face, relieved when he spotted Monica.
"Blake. Thank goodness you've come." Monica greeted him warmly, her pleasant expression slipping as she caught sight of Alexis. "I didn't realize you were bringing company."
Rolling her eyes Alexis ignored the hostile greeting. "Is there any more news? Have they taken her into surgery?"
"She's in there now…I haven't heard anything since." Monica replied too stunned by the questions to be obstructive.
Patting Monica's arm Blake struggled to think of something reassuring settling for, "She's in the best possible hands."
It seemed like half an hour but it in reality it was probably nearer half that time before a Doctor in scrubs came out to see them. "Monica Colby?"
"Here." Monica called out jumping to her feet, Blake dogging her footsteps. "How are they Doctor?"
"The surgery was a success, your Mother is in recovery we will be moving her to a room in the maternity ward in a few minutes."
"And the baby?" Blake demanded surprising the Doctor with his vehemence.
"Are you the father?"
Shaking his head Blake risked a glance at Alexis relieved when she didn't appear angry. "No but I am a friend."
"Mrs Colby had a little boy, unfortunately he appeared to be having breathing difficulties so we transferred him immediately to neonatal intensive care…They had to put him on a ventilator and are running some more tests. I'm afraid that is all I can tell you at present?"
Nodding Monica asked. "Can we see her?"
"Soon." The Doctor replied. "She is still recovering from the surgery, and the anesthetic is making her a little woozy but she keeps demanding to speak to a Blake Carrington, she is quite insistent about this if…"
"I'm Blake Carrington." Blake answered surprising the Doctor.
"Mr Carrington it is not exactly hospital policy but if you wouldn't mind gowning up, the recovery team could certainly use the help, they are a little stretched back there."
"Of course Doctor." Blake replied sparing a glance for a disappointed Monica. "I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything." He insisted before following the Doctor, and so missing the jealous glare Alexis bore into his back, as he didn't even look in her direction.
Fuming Alexis forced her anger behind a faux expression of concern whilst inwardly her stomach churned. If Sable thought she could use this situation to her advantage, to use her condition and her son's ill health to latch on to Blake she had another thought coming. There was one ace Alexis had left to play, perhaps now would be the right time.
---
Walking into the recovery unit Blake scrunched his nose at the combined smell of blood and antiseptic. Following the nurse through the room he heard Sable before he spotted her.
"I want my baby…Bring me MY BABY!" Her voice carried across the room and Blake caught sight of the harried look on the already overworked nurse's face.
"We can't bring him down just yet Mrs Colby the doctors need to do all their checks remember." The nurse placated Sable gently to little effect.
Yet Sable visibly relaxed when she spotted Blake. "Blake thank god, have you seen my baby…They've stolen my baby…you have to find him for me."
Shushing Sable Blake sat down on the bed surprised when she all but flung herself into his arms, sobbing wildly. Patting her back Blake tried to calm her, catching garbled words in between sobs, "Baby..Sorry…Soo Sorry Blake…Love…Sorry."
"It's alright Sable." Blake muttered. "I'm here it's alright, your son is just fine…He's sleeping right now, the nurse will bring him to you soon."
Snuggling into his embrace Sable calmed. "Promise?"
"I promise." Blake replied. "Now you need to rest, you've just had an operation."
Nodding Sable closed her eyes lulled by his voice, the warmth of his body and the steady beat of his heart beneath her ear. "I will…I'll see the baby when I wake up."
"Of course you will." Blake muttered sharing a look with a relieved recovery nurse who now her charge was calm disappeared to tend to her other patients.
"So glad you're here…So sorry Blake."
"I know you are; it doesn't matter anymore." Blake reassured her, leaning down to kiss her forehead.
Sighing as she felt the brush of his lips and his breath on her skin Sable yawned, sleepily muttering. "I love you Blake." Before dropping off completely.
Frozen at her words Blake tried to stifle his panic, of all the things to say, she had to say that. And he was trapped, trapped holding her in his arms, trapped by his morals and character. It seemed absurd but at that moment all he could think of was a less than amused Alexis, emerald eyes glinting as she retorted sarcastically 'I told you so'.
---
Walking to the payphone Alexis paused before dialing the familiar number the money she had 'borrowed' from the staff nurse now warm in her hand as she gripped it tight. For a moment she stared at the receiver lying innocently in the handset before picking it up, justifying the call to herself that he had a right to know.
Dialing the number she deposited the coins and waited on tenterhooks for the phone to be picked up at the other end, only now realizing that she might get a frosty reception if any of the other potential houseguests picked up the phone.
So it was she all she could do, not to sigh in relief as a very familiar baritone caressed her ears. "Dexter Residence."
"Dex." Alexis answered part of her still unable to believe she could to talk to him when only a few weeks ago she had thought that would be impossible.
"Alexis?" The surprise in Dex's voice was evident. "This is unexpected." He uttered before adding quickly. "Wonderful but unexpected."
"Dex I can't talk long…I'm at Denver Memorial…You need to come to Denver, charter a plane, drive, hell lasso yourself a passing stampede if it will work."
"Hey…Hey slow down what's wrong, are you OK?" Dex demanded concern coloring his tone.
Smiling before she could help herself Alexis answered softly. "I'm fine, it's not me…It's your son Dex, Sable gave birth to a boy little over half an hour ago and all I know is that they've taken him to intensive care."
"I'm coming." Dex answered sharply. "I'll talk to a pilot friend of mine we'll be there in a few hours."
"Alright, I'll arrange for a car to pick you up."
For a moment there was only the sound of his panicked breathing but then he added softly. "Thank you."
Hearing the pips start to beep Alexis added quickly. "That's alright, after all the times you've been there for me, it really is the least I could do."
---
"Just tell me Doctor." Sable insisted wishing that she could push aside this drained feeling and the lingering effect of the general anesthetic. Clutching Blake's hand tightly she tried to draw strength from him. "Will my baby live?"
Sighing Doctor Ramsay tried to remain emotionally distant but it was difficult in cases like these. "There is no easy way to say this Mrs Colby but your son is a very sick little boy. We had to take him straight to the neonatal intensive care unit because he wasn't breathing properly; he has a significant amount of fluid on the lungs, not uncommon in premature infants. So we have him on a ventilator and have installed a chest drain."
"So he will get better?"
"The drain will help clear his lungs and we will give him steroids to develop them further but I'm afraid that isn't our primary concern."
Trembling Sable leant into Blake's comforting arm. "What else is wrong?"
"The infant heart monitor results during your labour made us concerned which is why we decided to operate. We had a cardiologist come down and take a look at your son the moment he was stable and he confirmed our suspicion. Mrs Colby your son has an atrial septum defect, what is known in the medial world as a Ostium secundum atrial septal defect."
Frowning Blake glancing at Sable before asking. "I'm sorry Doctor Ramsay what exactly is this Ostium…, is it serious?"
"It can be, and in your son's case we suspect it is…We have to do more tests before we can be certain." Pausing before answering the Doctor realized he had put off the inevitable long enough. "It is more commonly known as a hole in the heart. I'm sorry." He added watching as his patient burst into tears, turning into Blake's embrace.
"I'll give two you a moment."
Holding Sable tightly in his arms Blake wracked his brain for something soothing or reassuring to say but all his words felt hollow on his tongue.
"Blake he can't die." Sable sobbed hysterically. "They can't let my baby die."
Shushing her gently Blake wished he could contradict the Doctor's dire diagnosis, but there was nothing he could do, so instead he just held her close rocking her gently until she fell into an exhausted sleep in his arms.
---
Leaning back against the soft leather of the interior of his limo Blake ran his hand over Alexis's bare arm reassured as she nuzzled into his shoulder.
"What a night." Alexis muttered sliding her hand up over his chest.
"I've had better." Blake replied holding her close. "Do you think we did the right thing…I can't think leaving Sable was the best thing."
"Blake the Doctors have her sedated, what she needs right now is uninterrupted rest. The hospital promised to phone when she woke up or if there was any change with the baby, besides Monica is there and she will handle things tonight. Sable will need her strength now more than ever, and she will need yours as well." Alexis answered adding the last bit softly.
Surprised at the genuine sympathy he heard in her voice Blake drew back and looked down at the woman in his arms. "And you are really alright with that?"
"Even I am not that much of a bitch!" Alexis retorted causing Blake to chuckle against her ear.
"I'll admit I was jealous when she first asked for you, and I did come to the hospital…"
"To keep an eye on me." Blake finished. "Oh I know…You are so very territorial, I am quite flattered." He added wryfully, wincing as Alexis slapped his chest.
"Do try and contain your ego Blake." She muttered dozily.
Stifling a yawn as he glanced at his watch Blake commented. "When did it get so late?"
"Don't you mean early? Merry Christmas Blake."
"Urghhh. Merry Christmas" Blake grunted. "As long as we don't have to get up too early."
"You have to be kidding." Alexis retorted snuggling further into his arms. "I imagine a certain young lady will wake us up by jumping on the bed she is so excited."
"Yes…You'd have thought Fallon would have grown out of that by now." Blake muttered causing Alexis to snort in amusement, and they both badly needed the break in the tension.
Enjoying the quiet just the gentle rumble of the tyres over the gravel Blake frowned when the car began to slow too early. Reaching for the phone he buzzed the driver. "Is there a problem Andrew?"
"There's another Car up ahead…It's Mrs Colby's sir."
Glancing down at Alexis Blake asked. "Did you order your car for some reason? Going on a trip you forgot to tell me about?"
Shrugging Alexis remained silent unable to keep a secretive smile from tugging at her lips.
"Alexis?"
"Just wait will you." Alexis replied now on the edge of her seat as the limo pulled up in front of the house. Waiting until the driver opened the doors Alexis caught hold of Blake's hand tugging him out of the car.
"Ok close your eyes."
"Alexis…"
"Close them Blake!"
"Fine." Blake huffed but he complied to her ridiculous request, knowing when they moved into the house as the crunch of gravel disappeared and the air warmed considerably.
"Ok now you can open them." Alexis insisted squeezing his hand.
Resisting the urge to roll his eyes rather than open them Blake obeyed her command his breath catching in his throat as he caught sight of the luggage and a shamefaced pair standing in his hallway.
Turning to stare at a beaming Alexis, Blake laughed as she said. "Just call it an early Christmas present." Before turning back to his guests.
"Hi Dad." Steven greeted balancing a sleeping Danny on his hip. "Is there room at the inn?"
---
Part 4:
---
"Thank you Nurse." Blake muttered setting the phone down as quietly as possible, yet it had not been quiet enough.
"Blake?" Alexis moaned blinking her eyes as she turned over in bed still half asleep. "What's the time."
"Sorry Darling, it's still early." Blake whispered swinging his feet back under the covers and lying back against her, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
"Is everything alright?" Alexis asked slipping her arm around his waist shivering as she encountered Blake's freezing feet.
"No change." Blake replied softly. "Which in the circumstances is good I think."
Sighing Alexis lifted her head from his chest watching Blake carefully. "Did you get any sleep?"
"A hour or two." Blake replied smiling down at her. "Why are you worried about me?"
Snuggling back down Alexis enjoyed his teasing. "Hmmm, I just don't want you falling asleep in the middle of dinner, who knows what revenge Mrs Gunnerson might enact."
"I'm not frightened of my Cook." Blake pronounced, huffing when Alexis laughed. "I'm not."
"You should be…She could go on strike then you might have to eat my cooking!"
"Dear god you're right I might not live through it!" Blake retorted, writhing as Alexis retaliated by attacking him in his ticklish spots.
Grasping her wrists Blake wrestled her away, rolling her onto her back, tickling her sides until she couldn't breath.
"Blake stop!" Alexis gasped between laughter. "Uncle, Uncle!"
"Oh that won't save you." Blake muttered pining her down and covering her mouth with his own.
Smiling against his mouth Alexis returned his kiss, sighing with pleasure as his tongue skilfully opened her mouth. Breathless they finally pulled apart.
"Merry Christmas to you too Mr Carrington." Alexis whispered huskily arching against him in invitation.
"Merry Christmas Mrs Colby…" Blake replied before bashfully adding. "I only wish I could indulge you."
"You feel just fine to me." Alexis teased her thigh pressing against part of Blake that seemed wide awake and eager to play.
Blushing Blake was relieved the room was still bathed in darkness. "He may be but I'm afraid the rest of me won't live up to expectations."
Hiding her disappointment behind a smile Alexis asked, "Feeling a little tired?"
"Hmmm yes…Maybe later?"
"Oh definitely." Alexis replied. "But who is going to tell him?" She added glancing down.
"He'll get the message eventually." Blake muttered leaning back against his pillows stunned when he felt Alexis's hand on him.
"Why don't you let me take care of him?" Alexis teased her skillfull fingers causing Blake to arch up from the mattress.
"That hardly seems fair….Alexis." Blake groaned as her lips trailed down his chest , her hand already inside his pyjama's tugging them lower. "Darling you don't have to…Oh god!"
Smiling as she paused in her work, Alexis giggled against his sensitive flesh. "Just call it an extra Christmas present!"
---
"You did it!" Krystina's high voice cut through the low babble of adult chatter, and all eyes turned to the doorway where the youngest Carrington stood.
"You really did it." Krystina gasped tearfully her blue eyes moving between all her siblings, unable to believe that practically her entire family were seated around the breakfast table.
"Krystina why don't you…" Blake began but he was stunned to silence as Krystina suddenly moved. Running from the doorway to throw her arms around a stunned Alexis.
"Thank you…Thank you…" Krystina sobbed into Alexis's stomach, burying her head into the soft fabric of her dressing gown.
Sinking to her knees Alexis shifted the girl into her arms, ignoring the open jaws of her own children as she rocked Krystle's child gently. Pulling away slightly Alexis wiped the tears from Krystina's cheek with her sleeve. "Well I did promise."
Smiling through her tears Krystina slipped her hands around Alexis's neck, reaching up and placing a slightly soggy kiss on her porcelain cheek. Inexplicably touched by the gesture Alexis held the girl against her, blinking back her own tears.
"Hungry?"
"Starving!" Krystina replied, slipping her hand into Alexis's and pulling them both towards the buffet.
"Is there pancakes?…I also wished for pancakes." She added pleadingly, as if Alexis could snap her fingers and make them appear.
Lifting the many silver lids Alexis finally came across a tray of fluffy pancakes. "Well it seems Santa was indeed listening." Adding three to a plate and handing it to a beaming Krystina Alexis returned to her seat, smiling across the table as Krystina took her place at her father's right-hand side.
"Morning Daddy." Krystina finally greeted Blake cheerfully. "Did Santa bring you something nice?"
Smiling tenderly at his youngest child Blake found his gaze drawn to the lady to his left, catching Alexis's eye before answering. "He did indeed, he brought me exactly what I needed."
---
Laughing as she shook the snow out of her hair Alexis cradled the camera with her gloved hands, dodging another snowball.
"Steven don't think I don't realise that was you!" She called out taking another picture of her battling family before reaching down and scooping up the drenched and panting puppy that had padded over to her.
"Oh you poor thing, you're frozen solid." She muttered scooping it up and tucking it inside her coat before making a beeline for the house. Smiling as her Christmas present from Fallon, Jeff and the children licked her gloved fingers.
Sighing in relief as the warmth of the house slowly thawed her out Alexis smiled as Gerard approached.
"Gerard could you see Mr Kensington here makes it back to his basket and a warm bowl of milk wouldn't hurt." Alexis added placing a kiss on the chocolate Labrador's muzzle before handing him over to the bemused butler.
"Very good Mrs Colby…You have a guest waiting in the living room." Gerard answered holding the puppy at arms length clearly afraid it might relieve itself on him as he headed back towards the kitchen.
"A guest?" Alexis muttered pulling off her gloves heading in the direction of the living room. "On Christmas day?"
Yet the puzzle was solved as soon as she walked through the door and a familiar dark haired broad shoulder gentleman stood there staring out of the window watching her family playing on the lawn.
"Dex!" Alexis exclaimed causing him to turn on the spot.
"Hello Alexis." Dex replied his dark eyes soaking up her flushed cheeks, frizzing hair and the decidedly unfashionable man's patterned sweater that almost hung off her slender frame.
"I'm sorry for butting in like this, on Christmas, but if I don't talk to someone I think I will surely go mad!"
---
Begging exhaustion Blake left the children to continue the snowball fight, pleading advanced age and exhaustion he headed inside. Walking into the library he headed for the decanter, pouring himself a significant snifter of brandy which he took over to the fireplace.
Warming his hands and the cognac Blake glanced at the clock, it was a hour to lunchtime and definitely time to check in at the hospital.
Crossing to his desk he lifted the phone quickly dialling the number written on the pad by an ever prepared Gerard. It seemed an age before the other end was answered.
"Denver Memorial. How can I be of assistance?"
"Maternity please I am enquiring about the status of Sable Colby and her son." Blake began settling down in his chair, swirling the brandy round in his glass as the operator put him through to the right department.
He could only hope the magic of Christmas had rubbed off on Sable and her child, just as it had on his own family.
---
"Can I fix you a drink?" Alexis asked awkwardly after Dex's declaration had settled between them.
"No…Thank you." Dex replied his dark eyes watching as she crossed the room, drinking up every little detail, including her discomfort. "I shouldn't have come here, I'm sorry, it's Christmas and you're with your family and I am just in the way…"
"No!" Alexis insisted turning back to face him. "It was just a bit of a surprise that's all, you are welcome here Dex, please don't go." She added softly, a smile tugging at her lips.
"Please sit…You don't mind if I have one?" Alexis asked gesturing towards the decanter.
"No." Dex muttered shaking his head as he lowered himself onto the couch. "You look…wonderful."
"In this thing." Alexis snorted lifting the drooping corner of one of Blake's oldest sweaters. "You're sweet, a liar, a flatterer, but very sweet."
"I mean it. I've never seen you this happy, being with…here obviously suits you." Dex added his face clouding as he paused before adding the 'here' just long enough that Alexis realised he had intended to say something else entirely.
"Oh it's home." Alexis quipped trying to lighten the mood as she settled beside him on the couch. "Now you said you needed to talk."
Nodding Dex leant forward his eyes locked on the Chinese rug, rubbing his hands together. "It's funny now it comes to it I'm not sure where to start."
"How about, as clichéd as this sounds, at the beginning."
Smiling at her typical blunt manner Dex felt himself relax. "I have a son."
"Congratulations."
Surprised by her response Dex looked up from the floor. "Do you mean that?"
"I do." Alexis replied leaning forward and placing her hand on his arm, squeezing it gently. "If anyone deserves the joy a child can bring into their life…"
"Thank you." Dex whispered his dark eyes swirling with emotion, for a moment a comfortable silence existed between them and suddenly the words he needed to say came spilling forth.
"I went to the hospital, talked to the doctor, he told me about…about my son…" Dex broke off unable to contain the throaty tone to his voice, covering Alexis's hand as she squeezed his arm once more giving him the strength to continue.
"They let me see him for a few minutes…until Monica intervened. He was so small…so vulnerable but he has this shock of dark hair." Dex added smiling proudly. "He's a fighter…All Dexter's are fighters he'll make it!"
"Of that I have no doubt!" Alexis replied, yet Dex no longer needed her encouragement.
"Sable refused to see me." Dex added. "But that could have been Monica screening her Mother's visitors but we do need to talk, Doctor Ramsay insists they need to operate as soon as our boy is stable enough."
"Does he have a name yet?"
"No…Sable hasn't named him yet, probably waiting until she sees him but I think he looks like a Jack."
"Jack Colby." Alexis tried the name out, smiling as it tripped easily off the tongue.
"Jack Colby Dexter!" Dex corrected her sternly before shaking his head. "Well I doubt I will get to influence things…She probably won't even let me give him my name."
Taking a deep sip of her brandy Alexis, swirling the amber liquid around in her snifter. "You are going to fight for him aren't you?"
"I'm going to give it the fight of my life." Dex retorted dark eyes hardening. "She won't keep my son from me."
Hearing the grandfather clock chime the hour Dex got awkwardly to his feet. "I didn't realise it was so late…I should be heading back to the hospital." He added holding out his hand and pulling her to her feet.
Sliding his arms around her waist Dex smiled down at her. "You know despite being married to you, I didn't realise how short you are. Did you always wear heels?"
"Very funny Mr Dexter!" Alexis retorted poking his chest, smoothing her hands down his checked flannel shirt. "Take care of yourself alright…Make sure you eat and sleep regularly and stay away from that hospital coffee it's vile."
"Yes Ma'am." Dex barked standing to attention. Leaning forward he kissed her cheek, lingering close to her, he breathed in the familiar perfume nuzzling her cheek gently with his nose, his lips instinctively brushing against hers.
Pulling her tightly against him Dex felt Alexis's hands press against his chest and reluctantly he released her lips. "Sorry I just couldn't help myself."
"That is a shame! Self restraint is a virtue." An icy voice hissed from the doorway and the pair separated to face a livid looking Blake Carrington. "So what is your excuse Alexis?"
---
Part 5:
"Blake this is not what it looks like!" Alexis insisted putting as much distance between her and Dex as possible. "We were just talking…"
"That did not look like talking to me!" Blake retorted sharply, his eyes boring into hers, warped with betrayal and malice.
"I should have known…I should realized after that scene at the trial, I tried to ignore what my own eyes told me but I was foolish to believe that it was over between the two of you. I trusted you and you betrayed me AGAIN…I am such a fool a leopard never changes it's spots and once a common slut always a…"
"I wouldn't finish that sentence if I were you!" Dex hissed, unable to stand back whilst Alexis was unfairly slandered.
"My the memories this brings back." Blake sneered, dismissing Dexter's threat out of hand. "If I recall Grimes defended you as well. Well at least this time you managed to keep your clothes on!"
"Blake please…" Alexis pleaded yet he was deaf to her words. Advancing on her he grabbed her arm roughly shaking her as he all but screamed in her face.
"You disgust me…God just the sight of you, standing there pleading innocent. Tell me Alexis if I hadn't walked in when I did would you have taken your lover boy upstairs? Fornicating with him in my house?"
Turning to Dex Blake shoved a shaken Alexis towards him, spitting vitriol. "Well you can have her Dexter…In fact take her right now with my blessing, I won't have her presence contaminating my family's Christmas a moment longer."
Sobbing Alexis pushed aside Dex's outstretched arm, running for the door Blake's last taunt ringing in her ear.
For a moment after she had vanished neither man spoke. Blake staggering as if punch drunk over to the sideboard and the decanter, pouring himself a large brandy and downing it in one gulp. Yet despite the alcohol burning his throat it was Dexter's burning gaze that unsettled him the most.
"What are you staring at Dexter?"
"The most foolish man I have ever had the misfortune to meet." Dex all but growled.
Turning around Blake sneered at the younger man. "Well if I am a fool Dexter what does that make you?"
"A better man than you." Dex retorted. "I should be tearing you to pieces for what you just did, but even as furious with you as she must be right now, Alexis would never forgive me if I really laid into you. And believe if I started I would find it rather difficult to stop."
"She doesn't give a damn about me."
"She loves you." Dex countered. "She always has, even when we were married I had to deal with the constant shadow of you…She'd drop everything if you were hurt, when you were in that accident with Daniel she couldn't eat or sleep until she heard you were safe."
"She's a convincing actress, that I will grant you." Blake retorted bitterly, swirling the dregs of his drink around in his glass. "She almost had me convinced she loved me."
"She does, I wish to god she didn't because there is nothing more I would like than to take her away with me…I kissed her Blake, not the other way around. I came here today, uninvited I might add, because I needed to see one friendly face. I needed to talk to someone about my son."
Setting his glass down Blake felt the first prickling of doubt.
"We talked about him, about Sable, that was all. It was just a goodbye kiss. I would have liked it to be more, I'll admit that but Alexis was already pushing me away when you came in."
"And that's the truth?"
""For what it is worth." Dex retorted.
Pausing for a moment Blake grasped for the remaining thread of his arguement. "Yet she was hardly fighting you off."
"Why the hell should she be? I'm not some deranged rapist!" Dex hissed his frustration with this obstinent man increasing by the second. "Can you honestly stand there and tell me, if Krystle walked through that door, alive and well, a miracle you never thought would happen, that you wouldn't even be tempted to kiss her? That you would settle for a polite hello and a distant handshake?"
Shaking his head Blake muttered, "No of course not but this is not the same…"
"The hell it isn't!" Dex yelled. "Alexis is as much my ex-wife as Krystle is yours, the only difference is that then you would be prepared to justify the double standard!"
Gaping as the truth in what Dex said finally dawned on him Blake stared at Dex in shock. "Oh my god what have I done?"
---
Stifling her tears Alexis forced herself to concentrate on her anger, slamming her possessions into the open case with such force it was any wonder they didn't break.
"Why that…Sanctimonious…Double standard…Self-righteous…Bastard!" She muttered under her breath, her sharp mind already plotting the revenge she would enact. How dare he do this to her again?
Well Alexis Colby would not be humiliated as Alexis Carrington once had been. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of begging and pleading, wouldn't desperately try to cling to him as he prised her loose and all but threw her from the house, from his life.
Watching from the doorway Blake stood horrified. He had been such a fool and it would serve him right if she refused to forgive him and really did leave. After all the only arguments he had in his defense was the fact he had hardly slept and that it had been his own fear of betrayal that had caused him to lash out, to cut her down before she had time to formulate an excuse.
Just like all those years ago. Closing his ears to her pleas, to her explanations. He hadn't wanted to hear them then, the pain had been too great. Yet this time he had over-reacted. It had only been a kiss, a kiss she hadn't even instigated. And Dexter had made an annoyingly valid point, could he have kept himself from kissing Krystle again?
But Krystle wasn't here and she wasn't coming back and Blake was about to loose through his own stupidity the only other woman he had ever loved. Now was the time to swallow his pride, to be brave.
"Alexis."
Freezing to the spot the moment she heard his voice, Alexis's hand shook, and for a moment it was though she had been transported twenty-five years into the past. However this time instead of pleas for forgiveness her righteous anger bubbled up.
"Get the hell away from me!"
"Alexis." Blake tried again moving from the doorway, trying to draw her into his arms. Stunned when she reacted violently.
"Don't you touch me Blake!" Alexis spat back elbowing him in the stomach.
"Alexis listen please."
"To what more accusations…What would be the point?" Alexis retorted cutting him off, now the dam was burst everything spewed out. "I'm just a tramp, a slut returning to form isn't that right. An unfit mother…an unfit wife." She gasped chocking on her tears.
"Well you don't need to throw me out this time, I'm going. I won't stay in this house a moment later, I won't live with a hypocrite like you…You've done far worse then me, with my own cousin and I forgave you but oh no Alexis can't be trusted…She can't be believed…Tell me Blake did you ever actually love me at all or was I just convenient?"
"That is it!" Blake spat his patience at an end. Grabbing her wrist he dragged her from the room.
Digging in her heels Alexis tried to fight her way out of his grasp but he was just too strong. "Blake don't…" She pleaded as he strong-armed her down the hall. To be thrown out in front of her children, grandchildren, that was too humiliating.
Yet Blake didn't drag her down the stairs, instead he wrenched open the door to his bedroom pushing her inside.
Unbalanced by the momentum Alexis took two steps before falling to her knees, her hands resting on the plush carpet as she hide her face, not giving him the satisfaction of seeing her tears.
"Look!"
"Why?"
"Just look!" Blake demanded pulling her from the floor and pushing her further into the room.
Tugging on the sleeve of her jumper Alexis used it to wipe her face before staring in amazement at the transformation.
Gone was the sterile pale walls and dark wooden furniture that had once dominated the room. In its place were green silk curtains and hangings of various complimentary shades, elegant walnut furniture carved in a more ornate rococo fashion and roses, roses on almost every surface.
Turning to face him Alexis paused with the question on her lips. "Why?"
Ignoring that question Blake had one of his own. "Do you like it?"
"It's beautiful…But why Blake?"
Unable to hold her demanding gaze Blake turned and paced to the mantelpiece. "This wasn't how I had planned this you know…There is a present under the tree, a jewelry box with an invitation in it…For a nightcap in here just before midnight. I would have had champagne chilling and everything."
"There is more to see." Blake added turning back to watch Alexis begin to tentatively explore, going through the door he indicated into a magnificent dressing room which seemed to have enough wardrobe space for even all her clothes.
Following her inside Blake hovered nervously on the threshold. "I made sure there were plenty of full length mirrors so you could see an outfit from every angle, if there is anything you don't like it can be changed."
"It's wonderful Blake." Alexis whispered reverently running her hand across the antique dressing table that must have cost him a king's ransom. "But you still haven't answered my question."
Holding out a hand Blake waited, watching the conflicted emotions flicker across Alexis's face, confusion, hope, even fear. "Please."
Lifting her hand Alexis tentatively slid it into Blake's outstretched hand, allowing him to draw her back into the bedroom and over to the settee by the fireplace. Sinking down onto to it she watched Blake pace back and forth, running a hand through his silver hair in agitation.
"You have every reason to be furious with me Alexis."
"I'm more disappointed."
"I've been a stupid—conceited ass!" Blake added turning to face her, an awkward silence falling as he held her gaze.
"Do you expect me to contradict you?" Alexis snorted after a few moments.
"No." Blake replied softly. "But I was hoping you would somehow find it in your heart to forgive me? Again."
Running her hands over the fine needlework of the plumped cushions Alexis didn't answer straight away. "And what about next time?"
Frowning in confusion Blake was about to ask what she meant but Alexis beat him to it.
"Next time we fight…Next time I do something that disappoints you, or you think I've betrayed you? I am not going to spend the rest of my life confined to the house just so I don't encounter any other men Blake. And I am not going to stop running my life and company the way I think best. I've changed as much as I am capable of, I've compromised enough trying to make you happy and still you don't trust me."
"I do… I just overreacted and I wish I could say I would never do it again." Blake began. "But I won't lie to you, we've both got volatile tempers and a propensity to jump to conclusions. All I can promise to do is that from now on I will give you a chance to explain your side of the story before making any hasty decisions that would ruin both our lives."
"I told you wouldn't make the same mistake twice." Alexis retorted bitterly. "Where was your trust then?"
"I was jealous and it brought back bad memories…And I know it is isn't much of an excuse but I am hardly at my best, my brain can barely keep track of the time let alone think rationally." Blake pleaded.
Snorting Alexis muttered bitterly. "You're right it isn't much of an excuse…But…"
"But?" Blake asked hopefully, his dark eyes meeting her emerald ones, the desperation in them pleading his case for more eloquently than words ever could.
"I love you…despite all your faults and my complaints." Alexis replied sighing her eyes still sad, mere shadows of the jewels that had twinkled so joyfully only a hour ago. "So I forgive you but I mean it Blake we can't keep going over this old ground. We have to put the past behind us once and for all, you have to trust me!"
Nodding as he couldn't find the right words Blake crossed over to her pulling her into his arms and sealing the promise with a kiss. Melting into his embrace Alexis returned the kiss just as fiercely, venting her lingering hurt.
Finally Blake pulled away. "I love you…And I am very sorry."
Stroking his cheek Alexis managed to muster a weak smile. "I know you are…Well I think we had better change for dinner, I have no intention of presenting myself like this to my children." She added tugging at the hem of Blake's old jumper, which she still wore.
"Wait a moment." Blake insisted getting to his feet and crossing to his bureau. "There is still one last thing."
Craning her neck Alexis tried to see what he was up to, but it was in vain as he kept his back towards her.
Crossing back across the room Blake felt his hands begin to shake. Yet he was more certain than ever that this was the right thing for them both, it would give them the sense of stability and security that they both desperately needed, not to mention the statement it would make to his family, to Denver as a whole.
"However I think this I should do as planned." He pronounced, stunning Alexis as he sank to one knee in front of her, grasping her hand. "I know my timing could be better…But I am now more certain than ever that this is what I want—I can only hope you feel the same way… I love you Alexis, will you please...please consent to be my wife?"
---
Part 6:
Stunned by his question Alexis sat there dumbstruck, watching Blake shift awkwardly, his position both emotionally and physically uncomfortable.
"Alexis please say something…Anything—Well except no, of course." Blake deadpanned his nerves getting the better of him.
Pulling her hand out of his Alexis got unsteadily to her feet walking over to the bed and leaning against the bedpost for support, hearing Blake get to his feet and follow her uncertain; tears springing unbidden to her eyes once more, but this time not from fear or anger.
"If you need some more time, I'll understand…" Blake muttered surprised when Alexis turned to face him. "Darling I didn't mean to upset you."
"Oh Blake you haven't." Alexis insisted, smiling through her tears. "Do you really mean it? Really really mean it?"
Laughing Blake retorted. "Well this is no good, I finally get the nerve to propose and you don't believe I mean it!"
Wiping her tears Alexis snuffled against the sleeve of her jumper. "God I must look a state, all red-eyed and runny nosed, I wouldn't blame you if you changed your mind."
"Well if I did that, I'd have to find another use for this." Blake retorted, reaching into his pocket and withdrawing a ring box, flipping it open to reveal a magnificent platinum set, square cut solitaire. "And I believe this has your name written all over it."
Gasping as she caught sight of it Alexis gushed, "Oh Blake it's magnificent."
"One unparalleled jewel deserves another." Blake replied suavely lifting the ring from the box. "Shall we check it fits?"
Lifting her left hand Blake expertly slid the ring onto her finger. "A perfect fit...I'm afraid that means you have to marry me now, no backing out of it…" He added nervously as she still didn't answer.
Lifting her hand Alexis tilted it so the diamond caught the light, shimmering a thousand little sparkles. He was right it was a perfect fit, and even if they weren't themselves, they were the closest to perfect Alexis had come across. "Yes…I will Ma…"
But Blake never gave her the chance to even finish accepting, pulling her against him, his lips finding hers. His kiss soft and tender and full of promise.
"Alexis Carrington." Blake mused teasing her as he added. "I like the sound of that."
Arching her brow at his humour Alexis deadpanned. "It has a familiar ring to it for some reason."
"It does indeed." Blake retorted placing a chaste kiss on her lips, pulling away as the mantle clock chimed.
Playing with the buttons on his shirt Alexis asked the only question that was now on her mind. "Are we going to tell the children?"
"What not ever?" Blake scoffed. "I think they might notice…A wedding is not an event you can hide, unless we elope, again!"
"Blake I'm serious." Alexis chided him. "Before…you wanted us to wait…I just…"
Smiling as he realized where all this was coming from Blake shook his head. "I have no intention of hiding this, or asking you to take that off." Blake added nodding towards the ring on her finger. "If you want I will stand up in the middle of dinner and announce it."
"No…Let them work it out…It might be quite fun seeing how long it takes for one of the them to catch on." Alexis replied sharing a conspiratorial grin.
"If you like. But if we don't hurry up and get down there, they might send a search party and our secret would be out before we could say surprise."
Glancing at the time Alexis caught sight of her reflection in the mirror, recoiling in horror. "Oh my god I can't let them see me like this…"
"You look beautiful." Blake insisted kissing her nose.
"You have to say that." Alexis retorted pulling away and heading for the door. "You want to marry me."
Laughing Blake moved towards his wardrobe, pulling out his tuxedo, laying it out on the bed he smiled. Tonight he would sleep in this bed again, but it wouldn't be alone, with any luck he would never have to spend a night alone ever again.
---
"I don't know why you came back here Dexter?"
Sighing Dex placed his cup of vile hospital coffee down on the plastic table, leaning back against the waiting room chair he watched as Monica paced back and forth.
"She won't see you." Monica insisted throwing herself down into the opposite chair.
"Why don't we let Sable decide about that as soon as she wakes up?" Dex replied diplomatically. "Did the Doctor's give any idea when that might be…Surely this can't be normal?"
Shrugging Monica dismissed his opinion. "Actually it is quite common for someone who has been through such an ordeal to need this much sleep…I just checked on her half an hour ago and she was still sleeping. The nurses are so overstretched they are just leaving her to it, they'll probably wake her for lunch."
Nodding Dex fumbled for something else to say, "Have you seen the Pediatrician?"
"No…They are busy too I imagine!" Monica snapped. "Probably trying to save my brother."
"Your half brother." Dex retorted. "My son…Don't you think that alone give me the right to be here?"
Biting her tongue Monica couldn't meet his accusing gaze, preferring to stare out of the window. And that was how they wiled away the next hour, not talking, engaged in a silent battle of wills until a third party entered.
"Miss Colby."
"Doctor Ramsay." Monica shot up from her half doze. "What is it?"
Following her lead Dex was on his feet demanding answers. "How is my son…Do you know when he will be stable enough to operate on?"
Hanging his head the Doctor replied softly. "I'm afraid I have some bad news…I think you had better both sit down."
---
Slowly the family made their way out of the dining room and trickled into the living room to open the remaining presents.
"I don't think I have ever eaten so much in my life!" Jeff groaned, lowering himself onto the sofa, pulling Fallon down beside him.
"Oh poor baby want me to rub your belly?" Fallon teased settling Lauren down between them.
Snorting Adam sat opposite; Dana perched daintily next to him. "Careful little sister he might just burst!"
Glaring at Adam Jeff restrained himself, remembering after all it was Christmas and he had the rest of the year to bait Adam.
"Well kids…And Steven." He added as his youngest brother-in-law joined the children in crowding around the tree, eagerly waiting for permission to dive in a play Santa. "Ready for some more presents?"
"Better wait for Mummy and Daddy." Fallon insisted and as if summoned the pair reappeared, Gerard following them with a champagne chiller.
"Gerard would you gather the rest of the staff, we have some gifts to show our appreciation for all your hard work this year."
"And open enough champagne for everyone." Alexis added allowing Blake to pull her over to an armchair, sitting down as he perched on the arm,.
"Grandpa…Can we please open some more now?" LB whined, sitting on his hands so that he didn't accidentally rip the paper from the brightly wrapped gifts.
"Go on then LB."
"You can find one present for each person and pass them out." Fallon cut in, smiling as all three children and Steven rushed to carry out her instructions, surprised when LB handed her a leather bound portfolio decorated with a simple bow.
"Who is this from?" Fallon asked scanning for any tag and so missing the conspiratorial grin shared between her parents.
"Perhaps it's on the inside?" Jeff suggested and Fallon followed his advice, her blue eyes widening as she realized just what she had been given.
"Well what is it?" Adam asked out of habit rather than actual interest as he tried to feign enthusiasm for the novelty flashing socks that his nephew and niece had apparently selected for him.
"It's the deed for The Carlton." Fallon gasped lifting her eyes to her smiling parents. "Daddy?"
"Guilty as charged…But then so is your mother!" Blake retorted opening his arms as Fallon flew at them both, hugging her father and kissing a beaming Alexis.
"But it's too much."
"Oh well I suppose you could always swap it with Adam's socks?" Jeff teased causing Adam to glare at him, now he had a likely culprit behind his novelty Christmas present.
"We are all here Mr Carrington." Gerard called from the doorway, leading the staff into the room, bringing an additional bottle of champagne to refill the family's glasses; whilst Jeanette followed with a tray of filled glasses for the staff.
Getting to his feet Blake offered Alexis a hand to her feet, nodding to Steven who rummaged beneath the tree for the staff presents, handing them to his father.
"As well as the usual, we've decided to do things a little different this year."
"Well more people want to show their appreciation." Alexis cut in, relieving Blake of a few presents.
"Hilda." Alexis smiled handing the cook a small blue velvet box. "You outdid yourself this year."
"Oh thank you Mrs Colby." Mrs Gunnerson replied, balancing the champagne in one hand and pulling the bow off of her box; opening it she gasped. "Oh it's beautiful…Mrs Colby it's too much…I couldn't possibly…"
"Yes you can." Alexis insisted handing out the other gifts as Mrs Gunnerson lifted out the antique diamond rimmed Cameo brooch.
Gerard was stunned when his box contained a set of keys. "Mr Carrington…Mrs Colby…Is this?"
Laughing at his butler unusual ineloquence Blake replied. "It's parked in the garage."
Stepping back the presents delivered Blake retrieved his now full glass, raising it in a toast. "To our wonderful staff, Many Many thanks for all your hard work this year…May you enjoy your deserved day off tomorrow…And remember us in your prayers tonight that somehow tomorrow we survive Alexis's cooking!"
Laughing everyone echoed the toast taking a sip of their champagne as Blake dodged out of the way of Alexis's well timed slap.
A few minutes later and the family were once again opening presents, the children only distracted from their toys to romp with the newly returned Mr Kensington II. Pausing amid the unwrapping Fallon watched her parents, smiling as Blake kissed her mother, a thank you for the rare first edition that now completed his collection of Dickens.
"Hmmm it's difficult to decide which present I prefer; this or the one you gave me this morning?"
Snorting Alexis dropped her voice. "Well now I know what to give you for your birthday…How about I crawl under your desk at the office?"
Blushing Blake shook his head, tugging on his ear as his flush threatened to spread.
Straining her ears to try and hear her parent's conversation. "So Mummy what did Daddy get you?"
Smiling at the innocent question Alexis shared a look with Blake, waiting until he smiled and waggled his eyebrow playfully before replying. "Jewelry."
"Oh did I miss it…Hush Lauren…Is it down here?" Fallon asked distracted by the sudden sniffles of her daughter.
Passing her champagne glass into her right hand, Alexis lifted her left tapping her fingers against her chin, her new diamond twinkling madly as both of them waited with baited breath for the penny to drop.
"Oh Alexis is that?" Dana asked, her quick eyes spotting the engagement ring almost immediately, tugging on Adam's sleeve to get his attention.
Stunned Adam turned to regard his mother closely. "I thought you said there wasn't going to be any announcements?"
"It was as much a surprise to me Darling." Alexis replied barely suppressing an excited smile as Dana ooed and ahhed over her ring.
"Announcement…What announcement?" Steven asked tearing himself away from romping with the puppy. "Did I miss something?"
"Mummy and Daddy are getting married!" Fallon all but squealed, causing Jeff to wince as it was practically in his ear.
"How many children get to hear that?" Steven deadpanned, his blue eyes watching the room unsure about this latest development but when everyone else seemed excited by the news, even Krystina, he relented congratulating his parents; his mother did look like she would burst from happiness after all.
"So when's the wedding?" Fallon demanded causing both Blake and Alexis to groan.
"Patience Fallon."
"We haven't gotten that far." Blake added turning to a smiling Alexis. "Although if you are in a hurry we could always repeat last time?"
"No!" Alexis insisted emerald eyes glinting with determination. "We are not eloping again!"
Laughing Blake held up his hands in defeat. "Alright you win whatever you want is fine with me but let's not wait too long?"
"Just long enough." Alexis promised faithfully, crossing her heart.
Leaning down to kiss her Blake started when Gerard appeared at the doorway calling his name.
"Telephone Mr Carrington…Shall I put it through in here?"
Nodding Blake got to his feet, planting a kiss on Alexis's forehead leaving her to chat excitedly with the ladies as he made his way over to the phone. As soon as it rang he picked it up, surprised to hear Monica's voice on the other end.
For a moment he struggled to make out what she was saying, her voice was muffled and croaky, but then he understood and it all made sense. "Thank you for telling me…Do you need me to come?"
Shaken by her stubborn refusal Blake set the phone down unable to believe what he had just heard.
"Blake what is it? What's wrong is it the baby?" Alexis demanded leaping from her chair to reach his side.
Shaking his head Blake lifted his gaze to hers, the words even as he spoke them sounded alien and unreal on his tongue.
"No…It's Sable…She's dead."
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