Black Stallion Hopeful: Chapter 10 They approach the driveway. It's a horseshoe shaped driveway ringed with pink and red rose bushes. The drive could easily hold fifty cars. The mansion comes into view. It's a huge two story building with a massive pink hughed marble columns and steal beams showing where the money came from. There's a R ringed with roses below the second story balcony. Mr. Rosenbalm is seen with his sister on that balcony watching the cars arrive. Alex takes a heavy sigh.
"Are you alright?" he sees her concerned.
She smiles, "I should be asking you that question."
He laughs, "I feel a lot better. I hope you aren't getting this flu. It really knocked me down."
She holds her breath while they pull up to the covered part of the drive outside the main door. They pull up behind another car. Two girls get out of the car with their mother. As the mother orders the driver and butler around, Alex reaches for Alec hand. Alec turns to her concerned.
"I know it's been less than two years since I left this estate, but …I really don't miss that life style. I would really like to go back to Hopeful right now."
Trisha comes out of the main door with Conner at her side. The mother inspects Trisha's ring. Conner turns and sees the Ramsey sedan. He gives Alex a glowing smile. He his truly glad to see his cousin. She smiles warmly back at him. Alec squeezes her hand back, "Remember this is why we are here." Alex nods.
Alec pulls the car forward while the valet takes the mother's car away. The mother and the daughters go inside when they see someone else to chooms with.
Conner himself opens Alex's door and takes her hand to help her out. "Cousin, I'm so glad you could make it." He gives her a kiss on her cheek. Trish comes over and gives her a welcoming hug too. Meanwhile Alec, goes to the trunk and pulls out their two regular suitcases. Nothing elaborate, just two simple bags. The butler comes to Alec's side while another valet rushes to the car.
"I'm so sorry, Sir," he profusely apologizes.
Alec smiles, "I'm fine. Do you want me to park it?' The young man sees Alec is a cool guy and smirks but thumbs up to the porch above and then a line across his own throat. Alec smiles and hands him the keys and a tip. The valet smiles.
The butler snaps his fingers to another young man, "Alexzina's old room." The young man nods and holds out his hands.
Alec is surprised at how bossy the place is. The young man looks smiles at Alec's joke, "This is all we have, I'm afraid." He quickly leaves after Alec slips a bill into the boy's top pocket.
Trisha sees how Alec handles the hired help, "Alec, it's good to see you again." He shakes her hand and Conner's.
Trisha then smiles, "So, I haven't seen you since the blow up. Let me see what got you into so much trouble with Anthony."
Alex holds up her left hand. Conner examines it, "Black onyx and silver?" He is impressed and curious. Not critical.
Alex nods her head from side to side, "Yeah, it probably should have been steel." She looks up at the beam supporting the roof. Trisha laughs heartily.
"No way. It was his silver words that did you in," Trisha smiles at her friend's happiness. "Look at you! You are positively glowing with happiness. I think the best thing you ever did was get back into the stables. And what is with this new hair do? It's so different!"
Alex can't respond. The honking of another horn is pulling at Trisha and Conner's attention. Conner gives them both a last encouragement, "Alex and Alec, thank you so much for coming. It really means a lot to me to have you both here. I could use some people who are truly down to earth." And then he has to leave to welcome the next set of visitors.
The butler can only reach out and give Alex's hand a squeeze because there is so much to do. She is able to lean over and tell him, "Your wife's cookies are a hit back at home. Tell her so, please." His smile says it all, because the boisterous voice
"ALEXZINA! You are home again!" from Anthony Rosenbalm breaks the moment. He embraces them tightly. He is truly happy to see Alec.
He takes them inside the building and introduces him to several people. Alec is watching Alex. She looks just as uncomfortable as himself. He only did this social stuff for a short amount of time and always to be with her. But now, she is out of touch with all the gossip conversations they are talking about. She slips her hand into his for support. He just smiles at her.
The mother of the girls, Star, comes over to the conversation. She is not shy about who she thinks is attractive or who is having an affair with whom. "Don't you agree, Alexzina?" She finally asks.
Alex grips Alec's hand tightly. "I think it is rather sad to talk about such things on the eve of your sister's wedding. I think Conner and Trisha should be our center of attention right now."
Star smirks to another lady of her same thought, "Spoken like someone who has gone slumming." She cackles. She turns to Alec to see his reaction, he just smiles at his wife. She was upset but not when she sees his smile
Trisha's twelve year old niece, Becky, is just smitten by Alec as she rushes up to the circle. She has reddish auburn hair and just blushes when Alec shakes her hand. When her five year old sister comes rushing over, "Alec! Alec! Please tell me a story!"
Becky bats her eyes at him, "Yes Mr. Alec, please tell us a story." He turns to Alex for help, but finds none. She just gives him a look to remind him how sexy he is.
Trisha to the rescue, "Look you two, Alex and Alec have just arrived. Let them get settled first. There will be plenty of time for stories this weekend."
The girls pout and slink off to another room. Trisha turns them to a quiet corner, "I'm sorry, but the children have really missed you from the social scene. She has been begging her father for the sports and celebrity pages. She was rather disappointed you were hiding from them. But she really perked up when she heard you were coming."
He understands Trisha is saying Becky is smitten with him. He tries to counter, "But I'm way too old for her and married," he squeezes Alex hand.
Alex tilts her head and quietly tells him, "Ah, well haven't you notice the way her mother acts. Those things don't matter." He is shocked. Then she leans in, "Besides, I keep telling you, do you know how handsome you are? She is almost a teenager. And you, my love, have a fan club."
He rolls his eyes, "Oh please." But some how in the back of his mind he knew it's true. "I only have eyes for one," he grips her arm, but releases her quickly when she bites her lip in pain. "Alex?"
She smiles at him, "Lets get settled. Dinner is at six and we have to dress for it. Right, Trisha?"
"Oh yes, you are back in the social scene." She knows how Alec is uncomfortable in it and how Alex knows how to perform.
"I really miss Hopeful's dinners." Alec cringes. Alex and Trisha laugh.
Trisha has the Ramsey's set up in Alex's old room. She closes the door and laughs to him, "Welcome to my family! Now you know why I left."
She looks around the room. She spent some time here. Most of her mementos are gone. Probably in storage or the garbage. The pictures on the wall are expensive paintings. But she reaches behind the headboard. She fusses for a moment and finds it. She pulls out her diary. She waves it at Alec and then stuffs it onto her suitcase. He can't help but laugh.
She joins him at the window overlooking the pasture. In the distance is the little house. He smiles remembering the time they spent there together.
Soon the clock chimes and they know it's time to prepare for the dinner.
She tries to hide her arm, but all of her dresses have short sleeves. She finally chooses one of rose satin with black and silver rose ribbons. She slips it on.
He sees her arm closely, "What is this? It looks like a bite."
She tries to cover, "I was at my fathers stables. One of his horses bit me. It was really stupid of me. So how do you like my dress?" She tries to change the subject and goes to put her make up on. He gives her a wary look. She knows he doesn't believe her. He carefully helps her bandage it neatly.
It's been a very long time since she has gotten all dolled up. He is smitten by her. "Wow, you are stunning tonight."
"Why thank you, kind sir." she curtsey's back to him. She carefully takes his jacketed arm as they return down stairs.
They hear voices in the library. They join her father, Conner, Trisha, and their parents in the room. They are talking over the Rosewood wins. When Alec enters the room Anthony responds, "Well I was doing fine until my son-in-law…" and then another boisterous laugh. Alec is introduced to the others. Becky and her little sister Stacey and a couple other kids rush into the room.
"Alec! Mr. Ramsey! What story are you going to tell us?"
Then one of the other fathers is heard, "You should have seen the way Roseanna was after that Black horse. I'm sure if Ramsey's arm hadn't been in the way a chunk of that Black horse would be missing. I was waiting for the fight right there on the track."
Alec freezes. He turns to Alex. She bites her lip. No one knows he has heard the father. But Alec keeps his eyes on Alex as Becky pleads again. He stares into his wife's eyes now turned green fingering her wedding ring with one hand and gently rubbing her wound with a tender thumb. The room goes silent when they hear Alec speak. "We are here for a wedding. It should be a love story." The boys groan. He smiles, "But you will like this one. It's about a stable boy who needs money for his family farm." He reaches up and runs his thumb up the nape of her neck. He doesn't care who is watching. "And a princess who sells her precious hair to enters race to save a boy's farm. She risks it all for a sick boy… and wins." The tears come to her eyes. He knows. He leans in and kisses her tenderly. She grabs his lapels to hang on.
Trisha smiles, "Oh, I can't wait to hear this story."
Anthony breaks the spell by coughing. Tears are in both Alec and Alex's eyes. "I love you, Alex."
"I love you too, Alec." she reminds him.
He strokes her cheek, "I know you do. Don't do that again."
She only smiles at him, "I understand." He can't help but smile. He grips her wound softly.
"I know you do." He knows she understands the flight of the Black's not his reproof.
Anthony is confused. Trisha has just figured it out. The butler calls dinner. Alec tucks her left arm through his and kisses her ring. He feels Becky's hand tug his other arm. Anthony nods towards Becky but his words are to Alec, "Remember what I told you."
Alec turns to Alex, "Somebody has to get her degree first." Anthony respects him a lot for the respect his gives his daughter.
Alec and Alex do end up sitting close to the children. When the time comes, Alec starts to tell them a story. Funny thing, the adults hush so they can hear the story too.
Alec spins his story but enough so that the grown ups can glean the facts from the fiction. With the look on Alex's face and the way Alec looks endearingly at her they begin to figure out this is their story. The punch line they all figure out is that last week's race was won by Alexzina while Alec was sick in bed. Almost everyone has tears in their eyes by the end of the story. Alec blushes when he sees the grown ups had all leaned in for the story.
When dessert arrives, Conner stands to make a toast in Alec's direction, "May Trisha and I have a marriage worthy of a retelling by Master Ramsey." Everyone raises a glass.
Alex kisses his cheek and whispers to him, "Looks like more than Becky has a crush on you now." Alec drops his head in embarrassment.
As the after dinner coffee is being passed around and the children go off to bed, The Ramsey's sneak off to the barn for a reunion with James. It is well into the early morning before they make it back to her room with lovemaking that is worthy of another story.
The morning light comes through the window onto the late sleeping couple. Alex manages to slip off to the bathroom before Alec awakens. Now she is really getting worried she has his flu bug. Alex crawls back into bed. He strokes her brow sweetly and soon she is back to sleep under the tender touch of her husband. He carefully slips out letting her sleep. He dresses and meets Anthony and Conner in the study for a business meeting. It's a good calm warm talk. Alec restates that he wants nothing from the estate except Alex's acceptance and love. Conner makes it clear that Alex will always be welcomed. Her children too.
Alex manages to make it down towards the end of the meeting. Alec gives her his chair. She looks better, but Alec still knows something is not perfect.
She points to some binders on Anthony's shelf, "Papa, when the time comes, I just want the family photo albums. I'm really happy for Trisha and Conner. Conner, I know you can run this better than I ever could.."
There is a lot of relief in the room. No expectations for Alex, acceptance for Conner and Trisha. Anthony knows his daughter is at peace and his company is in good hands. Both his financial and familial legacies are in good hands.
Anthony hands the brandy around. Alec and Alex decline. They take the water instead. The family toasts.
The rest of the day is spent with Alex taking Alec for a horse ride with James to some of their secret places on the estate. She looks just like a child again. He loves the smile on her face. She lets her hair run wild cantering across the trail. Now who looks like she is flying?
That afternoon, there is a BBQ on the back patio. Alec tells the kids about the time he was lost in the wild west desert and almost lost Black again. Anthony puts an arm around his daughter's shoulder watching the children get into Alec's story. "So this is where all the children went off to during the swore'. Alexander the Pied Piper?" Alex laughs.
She gets her camera out and takes pictures of her husband in action. The children ooh and awe and his story. Trisha comes to her side, "He is going to make an excellent father."
Alex stops. She stares at Trisha. Trisha gives her a smirk. "Honey, that is more than Hopeful's glow on your face. It's Hopeful's heir." Alex just hold Trisha's gaze. It just never occurred to Alex. "You didn't know, did you?" Alex slowly shakes her head. Trisha embraces her best friend. "I'm going to guess you haven't told him."
"Trisha, I don't have my degree yet," she laughs into her friend's shoulder. They both have a good laugh. "I can't tell him right now. I certainly don't want to ruin your time."
Trisha laughs with her, "For me to be the first to know, even before you, now that's just too funny. Don't wait too long to see someone."
Alex shakes her head. "I'll have Mom help me as soon as I get back home." Trisha nods and then the next thing they know, the chow bell is being rung.
She sees this wedding in a whole new light. She sees her husband even more handsome than ever. She smirks at the other women admiring her husband's physic and his way with children. But he only has eyes for her. He enjoys pulling her behind a bush to steal a kiss or slipping a hand around her waist tugging her to his side.
That night after a long day of wedding rehearsals and the grand dinner, they make it back to her room. She collapses onto the bed. He curls up in front of her, "I'm sorry I didn't give you a grand wedding. I shouldn't have been so-" She cuts off his words with a kiss that reminds him she doesn't care. She reminds him of their first night together.
The next morning she is dressing into the bridesmaid's dress and Alec helps her with the bandage. "I told Henry, 'In sickness and in health.' He threatened me about 'till death do us part.'" Alec laughs.
The wedding was beautiful. Yes the bride looked lovely, but he thought the second bridesmaid looked radiant. The black hair in with tiny orange blossoms woven into it was a nice stark contrast to the vibrant green silk dress. He couldn't wait to get her onto the dance floor and get her back into his arms. He almost laughs to himself. His arms used to long for the pull of the reins against his shoulders. But these days his arms long to wrap themselves around the softness of her curves and to cradle her head against his shoulder. His hands used to want to feel the powerful horse flesh and muscles under them. Speed and strength. Now his hands want to stroke a cheek, weave through the fine hair, to touch her hand. A soft voice calling his name and warm kisses.
And then they announce, "Mr. and Mrs. Conner Rosecranse." Alex winks to Alec.
After a long day of dancing, flowers, food, minor family squabbles, gossip and a bunch of drunken grooms men, they head off to the barn. No one does anything dumb down there, yet. He tosses a horse blanket down and settles back against a pile of straw. She settles herself against his chest. He wraps his arms around her. His calloused hands stroking hers.
"Okay, after everything that went into planning this wedding and the stuff that went on, THANK YOU ALEC, for eloping with me." She loves the sound of his laughter rumbling in his chest.
"I thought I would find you two down here!" her father says leaning on the stall door. Alec starts to get up, "Oh stay put Alec." Anthony waves at him. He hands them both large ice tea glasses, "No it isn't spiked." He sits down with them. He waves at the ceiling, "Conner said he saw you come this way. I just wasn't sure what I would find." He gives them a wink.
Alec blushes. Alex gasps, "Papa!" They know he was referring back to the time he thought they were at it and it was only Hope's birth. Anthony laughs.
"Yes, I agree, thank you Alec for eloping with my daughter. I only wish I could have been there to hear you say I do."
Sincerely Alec says, "I'm sorry."
Anthony smiles, "But I see by your cut hair and the story the other night, you are honoring your vows. Good for you. And Alexzina, your mother would be both proud and mortified by your actions." Then he turns more serious, "I'm glad to hear college is going so well. I knew society life wasn't for you. I was worried who you would find. And of course, it was someone I didn't want you to fall for. But it isn't the first time I have been wrong. But this time I am glad I was wrong."
They have a good talk about race plans. Stories of the past. Anthony even tells about courting Elizabeth. It's a good time. Something the three of them haven't had.
Alec gets up when he hears voices coming down the path to the stables.
"Come on! No on is down here. It will be a synch. A midnight ride like Paul Revere." The two drunken men laugh. Alec meets them at the stable entrance.
"Hello fellows." Alec says coolly barring the way.
The drunks laugh, "Hey, this guy looks like that Ramsey rider kid."
Alec rolls up his shirt sleeves revealing his solid forearms. One guy turns serious, "This isn't a kid." Alec smiles.
The other one doesn't get it, "We wanna take some horses for a spin around the pasture."
Alec shakes his head, "I don't think that is such a good idea. Let's go back to the main house."
The first one nods, "Yeah, come on Dave."
Dave gets stern, "No! I came down here and I'm gonna ride a horse." He tries to push past Alec. Alec tries not to laugh. If he won't let Black push him around, he certainly isn't going to let one drunk. Alec grabs him by the arm and steers him back towards the main house.
"Tell you what, in the morning, I'll tell Mr. Rosenbalm and Mr. Lions you want to go for a ride. And we will see what they say."
Dave tries to pull away, but figures out quickly that he is no match for Alec. He and his buddy head back to the main house. Alec shuts the stable door and latches it. Then he turns back to the stall. He finds Alex and Anthony talking softly. A father daughter moment she had waited a long time for. He remembers those times with his father and dreams of racing.
He leans against the door. What kind of a parent would he be? Lord help him if he had a son like himself. It would take God Almighty to help him if he had a daughter. He rubs his face, he's been up too late. Too much family time. He's going crazy. He thumbs towards the main house, "I'm going to head up. Looks like dawn is about to break."
Alex smiles up at him, "I'm going to stay awhile."
He smiles back and nods, "We should leave for Belmont about 2 o'clock."
Anthony smirks, "Who is racing tomorrow?"
Alec shakes his head, "Wouldn't you like to be in our sedan tomorrow?"
"Na, I just want to tell my rider if he should aim for the arm or the leg," he winks.
"Papa!" Alex gasps. Alec shakes his head and laughs.
Alec heads back up to the main house. He is tired but happy. He sees the maids and caterers still cleaning up from the all night party. He goes to the kitchen for a glass of water. One of the bus boys smiles at him, "Mr. Ramsey?" Alec nods. "I know I'm not supposed to bother the guests,"
"I'm not bothered." Alec smiles to the nervous kid.
"I saw the race. Amazing job you did on that recovery. When Black Diamond began to slide, I thought for sure I had just lost the bet. You've got my bet for Belmont."
Alec can't help but smile, "Black Diamond isn't racing at Belmont. Neither is Alexzina. But I'll be sure to give them both your best." The bus boy is left pondering what Alec just said as he leaves.
Alec gets stopped again by Becky's mother in the foyer before he can make it up stairs. She steps very close to Alec and with smitten eyes and a finger trying to slip in between the buttons of his tuxedo shirt. "Hey, when you get tired of riding horses…"
Alec steps back, pushing her hand away, "I think I made it quite clear, I love my wife very much."
She steps closer again and slinks her hands over his shoulders with a very seductive voice, "When you get bored…"
He gently removes her hands again, "Alex, boring?" he laughs, "That will never happen." He turns his back and quickly strides up to the room.
He is exhausted. Too many people. Too much energy to keep up the smiles, small talk, pushing away cougars, little girls, drunks…. Alex. How much he loved being by her side this weekend.
He strips off the tux and is just about to pull the covers back when he hears the door, he turns quickly and sighs with relief when he sees it is Alex. She can't help but laugh at his reaction. She enters the room and bolts the door. She giggles coming to his naked side, "I heard you with Star." She lets her claws slide down his chest, "Even when I am old and gray and wrinkled, I'll hold you to those words."
He smiles and begins those little kisses across her bare shoulder as he unzips the dress and it slides to the floor. He kisses up her neck, "Hold me any way you want." She does.
Hours later, it's Anthony who knock on their door, "Hey Ramseys, it's getting late. I don't want to race you TO Belmont."
Alex puts a pillow over her head and growls.
Alec says groggy, "Thank you, Anthony."
"No problem…son."
Alex pulls the pillow back and looks at Alec, "Wow, he really has accepted you."
Alec gets a wicked look on his face, "Yeah, but I'm still going to beat him at the racetrack."
"I heard that Ramsey!" Anthony bellows. The couple laugh.
Hopeful Chapter 11 During the drive to Belmont the conversation has turned from a discussion into a challenge.
"You are wrong. He can beat her." she says.
"No, he can't. He hasn't figured out how to get past her," he fires back.
"You aren't giving Black Hawk a chance," she argues.
By the time they pull up it has turned into a real challenge. Not a fight but certainly a challenge.
"You don't trust my judgment?" she challenges him. He goes silent and shoves the keys into his jacket leading the way to Henry. "Well?"
She asked for it. So he answers her, "Look, I trust you as a business partner when it comes to finances. But when it comes to the horses' abilities, he is my partner," Alec points to Henry.
She goes toe to toe with her husband. "Ready to put your silks where your mouth is?"
He keeps his eyes locked with hers but his voice to Henry, "Henry, what time is work out?"
Henry is confused. He doesn't know it he should break them apart or laugh. "Ah, thirty minutes."
"Fine! We take them both out."
Henry still confused, "Ah, are you wanting to make this even?"
His blue eyes lock with her angry black ones, "Weight has nothing to do with this!" He is so tense that she would challenge his judgment on this issue.
They step away to saddle their own horses.
Anthony comes up behind Henry. Henry asks him, "What happened at the wedding?"
Anthony is confused too, "They were fine this morning."
The other team exits the track. Henry leads the two horses to the track while the Ramseys toss their jackets aside. Neither waits for Henry to boost them up. They pull their goggles down and get into position.
"Eat my dust….. Alexander" Oh she just pushed his fiery temper too far. His face changes instantly.
Henry quickly calls, "GO!"
They start fast. He lets her set the pace. He stays right with her. She smiles back at him and whispers to her horse, who bolts forward. Alec can't let her win. With a "ya" his horse takes the lead. Down the final back stretch they pour on the steam. By now, the track is ringed with other members of the racing team watching the Ramseys race each other on their own horses. No cheering this time. It's a different kind of race this time. Alec's horse reaches forward and wins by a nose. Alec raises his arms in victory.
She smiles and nods her head to him, acknowledging his win. But she doesn't drop her smirky smile. They start to walk their horses back. He keeps looking back at her. She isn't pouting. He can't figure our her reaction. Then he pulls his horse up short to cut her off. It's his turn to challenge her. He leans in and grabs the reins right under her mount's chin.
"This had nothing to do with the horses, did it?" he asks. She doesn't answer. He pushes the issue, "You challenged me to race on purpose. In public!" She slips off her mount and fires off another smirk at him. He can't believe she got his goat. "HEY!"
She fires back, "Hay is for horses!" She starts to dash across the infield.
He leaps off his horse, "YOU VIXEN!" He chases her across the field. Now it is a foot race. But she is no match for his long legs used to chasing horses. He catches an arm around her waist and they tumble into the tall grass. He pins her back to the ground. They are both panting. She starts laughing.
He is in awe of her, "I can't tell if I'm mad because I got tricked or in love because you know how to goad me."
"Just give me a chance to race again, some time." she says breathlessly.
"Okay, but not today." She nods. Alec leans down.
"Hey! Ramseys. Can I have the track now?" Rosenbalm's trainer calls.
Alec is kissing her passionately. She's threading her hands in his hair wanting more. He has to pull back. He pulls her to her feet. They head back to the track. He has his own triumphant smile now.
"I'm sorry I called you Alexander." she says.
"Oh no you're not!" he laughs.
Peewee comes in fourth in the first race. But Black Hawk takes first in the third race. So they still got their win and loss.
Alec and Henry take the horses to the next track. Alex takes the sedan back home to finish her college courses.
It's a few more weeks before they make it back home. By now Alex has figured out that it isn't Alec's flu she has. She misses one class to confirm it is something else of Alec's she has. She spends the rest of the day with Black.
A few more weeks go by and she decides she can't keep it to herself any longer. She finds Alec, Henry and Bill going over the racing schedule. She comes into the room and leans over their shoulders. "Hum. Plan of attack, men?" They look at her oddly. "Let me see that." She takes it from them and a red pen. She puts a line through two weeks of the calendar. Then she hands it back. She looks at Alec, "You aren't going anywhere at that time."
"What!" the men look at her curiously. Since when did she plan their racing schedule? "Why?" another asks. "What is going on?" the third asks.
She gives Alec a seductive look, "I have plans for my husband."
She turns to Bill with a smile. Bill steps back and puts a hand over his mouth as he looks at her physic carefully. He turns to Belle in the doorway of the den. She returns his secret smile. Bill turns back to his daughter, "Alright, Alex."
Alec is confused and looks between the calendar, Alex and his father, "Those are important dates. Besides that is months away. Just change your-"
Henry has figured it out and puts a hand on Alec's shoulder, "Some things are more important than racing."
Now Alec is completely confused as he stands up and looks to his mentors. "Look, you graduate before then. I won't miss that. I promised. But this, I don't understand."
She smiles. She takes his left hand and puts it on her slightly rounder belly. She just holds it there and waits for his eyes to lock with hers. Then he looks back at their hands. He just stares, "You mean…"
"I just hope it doesn't have hooves," Alex smiles through her tears.
"Are you sure?" he pulls her against his chest and strokes her head.
She nods. "Apparently I didn't catch your flu. I caught something else from you." She laughs. Alec blushes.
Then he pulls her back and gasps, "And you were racing! And I tackled you!"
Belle scolds, "Alexander!"
Alex smiles, "I'm fine. And I didn't know at the time myself. So please don't treat me differently. The doctor wants me to keep active until I can't move. Yeah, watch the lifting. But I'm supposed to keep up with most of my regular activates. He said it makes for a healthier mommy. That's what I plan to be. So make your race schedule. I'll go make dinner."
She leaves the room with Belle leaving the men gasping.
"A baby in the house would be good," Bill sighs.
Alec sinks into his chair, "I'm going to be a father." Bill and Henry pat his shoulders. The two fathers laugh looking at the new one in shock.
The months go by. Alex and Alec enjoy the changes. Bill goes through the storage with Belle. They find Alec' cradle and some of his baby toys and clothes. Rosenbalm starts a bank account for a Ramsey college fund. Belle knits and teaches Alex. Henry has to help Alec stay more focused on racing and training. They try training a few more riders, but they just don't work out.
Then there's another race in Aqueduct. The press is excited to see a very round solicited turned jockey's wife at the race. It is going to be her last race before she is a full time mommy. She isn't feeling well, but she blames it on being a long drive and lack of sleep. Belle and Alex know better, but don't want to worry the men. She gives her husband a kiss before she heads to the stands. He's very pleased to see her. He laughs as he gets kicked trying to kiss his wife. The trumpets call. She goes with Belle and Bill towards the stands.
They make it around the corner and she stops gasping. She grabs Bill's hand. "Let's go. But I don't want Alec to know until after the race. I don't want to blow his concentration."
"Okay sweet heart. Go with Belle. I'll meet you at the car." He kisses her forehead. Belle leads her to the car. Bill finds Mike Costello, now a trainer. Mike takes him to the race officials. The officials get Bill's message and promise to tell Alec.
It's a good day for Black Oak. They go tearing down the track on the outside. Oak is in high spirits. He responds quickly to Alec's slightest touch. They slide into the opening. It's a full mile race. The challenger comes beside. Oak just snorts at the challenger and takes a leap ahead. They manage to take the lead by a head.
The jockeys take the horses for a cool down walk. Alec scans the stands for his family. But before he can finish his search, a race official rushes to him, "Ramsey, come with me now." He orders Alec. Alec is confused as he turns to the other jockeys. They shrug their shoulders. The race looked clean to them.
Henry is waiting for them at the gate. The press is crowding around.
"What is going on?" "Alec!" "Ramsey!" "Was it a clean race?"
Henry holds the horse while Alec strips the horse quickly. Mike pushes towards Henry and whispers to him. Alec is rushed through the official weigh in. The official tells Alec, "Your father took your wife to the hospital. Lets get you out of here," he smiles at Alec. Alec's jaw drops. Mike takes Alec's gear and Henry takes Alec's arm through the press to the car.
They hurry to the hospital. Alec is at the receptions desk, "My wife… my parents…"
The nurse smiles and comes around the corner, "Mr. Ramsey told me to keep an eye out for a young man in black and silver jockey clothing. This way."
Alec reaches for Henry. Henry follows as fast as he can.
At the waiting room he finds his father. Bill clutches his son to his chest, "It didn't seem that long ago I was in a waiting room with your grandpa waiting for you."
Alec is nervous, "Dad.. Rosemary…" Bill soothes his back.
"Don't Alec."
"Am I ready for this, Dad?"
Bill and Henry laugh, "No." Alec joins their teasing laugh. Then his father lets go of him.
"I've got to see her." Alec heads towards the door.
"Alec, I don't think they will let you. But your mother is with her."
Alec shoves his helmet at his dad and heads down the hall. He pokes his head into a couple of rooms. Then before him a firm large nurse with her hands on her hips. "What do you think you are doing?" she orders.
"Looking for my wife." Alec retorts.
She points back to the waiting room. "Not in those filthy clothes you don't. They maybe fit for a barn, but not a maternity ward."
Alec drops his head and turns around. He sees his beautiful wife in room #3. Alex smiles at him getting into trouble with the nurse. He heads back to the waiting room. As soon as he sees through the window that the nurse has left the hall, he pulls off his boots, strips off his shirt and pants. He hands them to Henry while his father gasps at his grown son standing their in his underwear and stockings, "Alexander William! What are you doing?"
Alec takes one last look into the hall way, "She said I couldn't see Alex in my dirty clothes, so I won't." He disappears down the hall and manages to pop into room #3 without the nurse seeing him.
His mother gasps, "Alexander Ramsey!" Alec motions to her to be quiet. Alex, although in discomfort, laughs.
"Hi mom," he says. Then he turns his focus to his wife. She clutches his hand, "Hi darling" He kisses her lightly.
She flashes those mischievous eyes at him and touches his bare chest, "I believe it was attire like that that got us into this predicament." They laugh.
Belle is embarrassed and stands up, "I'll see if you have a proper change of clothes in the car."
He keeps his eyes on Alex, "Thanks, mom." Alex cringes and buries her nose into his chest. "I'm so sorry," he holds her head to himself."
She giggles, "Oh Alec, I love you so much." The spell passes. Alec curls up in the bed with her and holds her close. "I've been trying to figure out when this happened."
Alec laughs, "I'm just glad it did."
Belle returns and Alec quickly pulls on the jeans and knit shirt. He turns back to Alex. Her color changes quickly, "Alec, I don't feel so good." She changes quickly.
Alec barks, "Mom! Get the nurse. Now!" Belle jumps out of the room. Alec comes to her side and reaches for her hand. Her eyes slip closed.
"Alex! Alex!" his cries could be heard all the way to the waiting room and he keeps trying to call her back.
The nurse and doctor rush into the room. Alec dashes out of their way. The nurse tries to get Alec out of the room. He won't leave. Finally Bill and Henry have to come and drag him to the hall. A few minutes pass and then Alex is whisked out of the room to surgery.
It's a tenuous hours waiting for word. Finally the doctor comes to the waiting room where the family is waiting. The doctor motions for them to stay seated.
"The bad news is that Alexzina started to hemorrhage. I don't think she will be able to have any more children."
Alec is pale, "But she is alright now?"
The doctor nods. "You can see her in about an hour. She'll need to stay a couple days with us."
Alec nods and sighs. "The baby? I know it is too soon… but…"
The doctor smiles, "The babies are fine and healthy."
Alec stands up, "So the baby is here? A boy or girl?"
The doctor puts a hand on his shoulder, "Yes." Alec is very confused. Bill clasps Belle's hand. Henry steps closer to Alex to steady him. The doctor tells him, "Mr. Ramsey, you have twins. A boy and a girl."
Alec stares at the doctor. Then he feels the floor pull out from under him and blackness surrounds him.