He's Captured My Soul (Captured Series Book 3) (4 page)

I open my eyes and my tears run freely as I look deep into his eyes. He’s searching my face looking for a sign and he’s obviously got it as he smiles at me. “Your wish isn’t for yourself?”

“No it’s not.” I sigh. “Everything I could possibly want is right here with me. No, my wish is for Ethan’s happiness and hope that one day he will find love again.”

“You have to be the most selfless person I know.”

“I don’t know about that. I just know he deserves to find happiness again. He’s too young to spend his life alone, and he has a lot to offer the right girl when she comes along. And I am sure that one day she will. Everyone deserves their happily ever after.” Slowly I lift the glass and take a drink.

“Well it’s your birthday and your wish, but I do agree Ethan does deserve his happiness. Now would you like Christmas or birthday presents first?”

“I told you I didn’t want to celebrate my birthday this year, it doesn’t seem right.”

“On the contrary, all birthdays should be celebrated and this is the first I get to spend with you and spoil you.”

I sigh and resign myself to the fact that my birthday is going to be celebrated whether I like it or not. He moves me off of his lap and I sit on the couch, curling my legs as he moves to the side of the couch and lifts up a large gift bag. He joins me and I do feel excited about this.

“First one,” he says handing me a gift. I unwrap it quickly, my favourite perfume, Giorgio Armani. I kiss him quickly before he can say anything.

“Thank you.”

“You’re more than welcome. Now another.” He hands me a small gift, clothes by the feel of it. I unwrap this one and take out beautiful red silk shorts and vest.

“I know how much you like your shorts and vests, but thought this may make a pleasant change. I can’t make up my mind, who will get more enjoyment from this gift, me or you?” He chuckles lightly. Next up he takes an envelope from the bag and hands it to me. “This one we both should get enjoyment from.” Vouchers for underwear, now I see what he means. “Thank you. Did you not feel brave enough to go shopping for this on your own?”

“Nothing more intimidating than a woman’s lingerie department, but I will come with you and watch as you try on.”

“You will do no such thing; I can see headlines now, ‘Business man and girlfriend arrested for getting up to no good in the changing rooms.’” We both burst out laughing because I am sure we both had the same thought running through our minds.

“Okay, next one,” he says handing me a box that looks big enough to be a shoe box. I open this one and inside the box is a smaller one. He’s watching me closely, I open the smaller box.

“Oh my god, you shouldn’t have. This is too much,” I say as it reveals a Tiffany jewellery box. A stunning heart charm bracelet engraved with our names, a small diamond separating our names. I love it. I launch myself into his arms as I kiss him.

“Can I presume you like it?”

“Alex, I love it, but not as much as the man in my arms.”

“Glad to hear it, now that’s the last of the birthday presents for the time being.” He laughs, but I don’t join him. Seriously he can’t have got any more. “Now Christmas,” he says, placing a soft lingering kiss on my lips before handing me a Santa hat. I smile, taking the hat and put it on and Alex puts one on as well. “Now we celebrate Christmas.”

We spend some time exchanging gifts while drinking the champagne, which is going straight to my head, from novelty gifts, cd, dvds. I have two special gifts that I saved for last because I really hope he likes them both. We laugh and joke and just enjoy the other’s company. This is what I’ve missed the last few weeks, being so relaxed.

“I’ve something else for you,” I say as he takes a drink. I take an envelope that was hidden in the tree and hand it to him. He eyes me skeptically. I shrug my shoulders. He opens it carefully, wise man because if he damages what’s in there we might face a few problems.

He lifts his eyes to me. “Really? Am I really going?”

“Yes, you are,” I say. “We don’t go to New York until a week later for Connor’s wedding, so I thought you would appreciate this.” We’re planning on going to New York the week before Connor’s wedding; I’m sure Alex has some work he wants to take care of while he’s there.

“You’ve no idea. I know I say I do my homework when I talk about the football, but I can’t believe I have tickets for an old firm match. You’ve made my day; I tried to get tickets but they were all sold out.”

“Well, there you go, you have them. Full hospitality at Parkhead.” He kisses me deeply.

“Thank you.”

“I have one more Christmas gift for you.” He hands me a large box. I open it carefully and inside is a large red bag I had my eye on a few weeks ago, but I refused to get it because of the ridiculous price tag. I lift the bag out and underneath are a pair of heels in matching colour.

“Red is such a great colour for you,” he says with a hint of a wicked smile.

“They’re gorgeous but you shouldn’t have,” I tell him, knowing he will say something similar when he sees my last gift.

“I have one last gift for you and then we should call it a night,” I tell him, because I am starting to get a little tired. I take a small box from under the tree and watch him as he excitedly opens it.

“Libby, I can’t take this!” he says as his eyes run over the Ballon Bleu De Cartier watch inside the box.

“I know it’s not the same as the one you damaged at the casino a few weeks ago, but thought it suited you all the same.”

“It’s perfect. You’re perfect,” he tells me before kissing me deeply and passionately.

We end up blowing all the candles out and lying curled up on the couch in each other’s arms. “Are we not going to bed tonight?” I ask, already knowing the answer.

“No. I am more than comfortable right here with you.” He holds me tighter in his arms.

“LIBBY, I BET YOU’RE GLAD
I have this car now,” Alex says as he opens the back doors. He’s right of course, all this would’ve never fit in my car and there is the bonus it drives well in the snow. Mines well, the least said about that the better. “Are you going to help or just stand there?”

It’s stopped snowing now, but it’s pretty deep in the driveway of Ethan’s house. “I am going to help of course.”

“I should think so, because I am sure that little girl in there doesn’t need everything you’ve bought her! Actually she doesn't need anything, she already has everything she needs and more.”

“Have you finished?” I ask with a simple glare, because he has made his point more than once on the subject.

“Of course.” He wraps his arms around me as I stand beside him. “Are you tired?”

“Yeah, just a bit.” I smile thinking of part of the reason, I’m tired and it’s not work related.

We walk toward the house.

“Happy birthday, baby sis.” Ethan grabs me with a tight squeeze as we enter his front door. “I love you.”

“Happy birthday, Ethan,” I tell him as we stand inside. “I love you too. Is Lucy up yet?”

“Mum just went upstairs, she was crying. Mum is going to change her before coming down,” he tells me.

“Are you two going to stand there all day?” Alex calls from behind me. “Happy birthday, Ethan and Merry Christmas.”

“Thanks and Merry Christmas,” he says to Alex and then offers to help him. “What the hell has she got in these?” With his statement, Alex laughs.

We make it into the living room and one glance round the room I know we are going to have problems with a certain little Miss as she grows up, spoiled rotten springs to mind. But it doesn't matter Ethan and Lucy deserve to have a great Christmas, after the year they’ve had.

“I know Mum is upstairs, so where is Dad?” I ask my brother.

“He wanted to make a start on breakfast.”

“I am away to have a quick word with your dad, leaving you with all this,” Alex says, leaving me on my own with Ethan. Well it is nice to get a few moments alone with him today of all days and I want to give him his birthday present. Alex knew I wanted to be alone with him, giving me the time I need with Ethan. I take a bag and we sit down.

“Ethan, I know we said we weren’t doing birthdays this year, but you know what, I didn’t listen.” He cuts me off with a laugh and lifts a gift bag up.

“I didn’t listen either.” He hands me the bag. “You first.” I open the bag and take out a small box, quickly opening it. I gasp.

“It’s stunning,” I say with a tear trickling down my face as I open it. A beautiful heart-shaped locket, and when I open it there is a picture of Lucy in it.

“Now it doesn't matter where you are in the world, you will always have her with you.” I love that little girl more than I ever thought possible, I always want to be close to her.

“Ethan, you’re stuck with me. I am not going anywhere.” I wrap my arms round him and sink into his comforting arms.

“There will be times when you need to head to the States, you can’t deny that. Alex has family and business there.”

“I know that, but when we do go it will only be for short periods. My life is here and Alex has accepted that, he’s here to stay. ”

“Are you happy, Libby?”

“You know what, I am for first time in so long, yeah I am happy.” I look him straight in the eyes as I speak and I see a mixture of emotions spread quickly across his face.

“I always want you to be happy. You deserve nothing less than to be treated like a princess.” This conversation has taken a serious turn. He chuckles and adds, “Do you remember that’s what Dad called you when we were little, his little princess.”

“Yeah, I do. Now I have a gift for you.” I hand over the bag I hope he likes it. He takes one gift out at a time and his eyes light up as he unwraps the first.

“Libby, it’s perfect where did you find this?” He looks at the picture in the frame.

“It was taken at our twenty-first, it was such a brilliant night and I just love seeing how happy we both are in this picture.”

“I love it. Thank you,” he says as he nervously takes out the other gift. I just hope I’ve done the right thing with this one. His face lights up as he finishes taking the paper off. The very first picture I was able to take of him and Lucy together, she is about six weeks old and it was the first day I had seen him smile.

“Well?” I ask watching him looking at it.

“Libby, I’ve never seen this. Why?”

“Because, you weren’t ready.” He sighs heavily. “But you are now. You’re stronger. You have so much to be thankful for.”

“I know and I think I’ve finally come to terms with everything. But you know what? You’ve made me that strong person. You have always been the strongest one of the two of us. I am just so grateful you are my wonderful, beautiful sister.”

We are still sitting wrapped in each other’s arms when Mum comes into the room with the very beautiful and wide awake Lucy. She instantly reaches for her daddy, seeing that melts my heart. She is such a daddy’s girl. I am sure she would still be a daddy’s girl, even if Lindsay were still here with us today. He takes her in his arms and the three of us sit for another few minutes just cuddling. My mum just stands watching the three of us together, content is how she looks. Our moment is interrupted as my dad and Alex come into the room with my dad singing Jingle Bells. Ethan and I just laugh.

“What? Was it something I said?” Dad asks. “Right, are we doing presents for this little one then breakfast?”

Of course Alex was right, about me buying too much for Lucy. Ethan is going to need an extra room just for her clothes alone. Mum and Dad got her a rocking horse, although it will be a while before she can play on it. She has been spoiled and Ethan has to still take her to Lindsay’s parents’ this afternoon. She is full of so much fun and laughter. Funny enough she only has eyes for the wrapping paper from her presents, which she plays with and squeals with delight at the noise it makes in her hands. We decide to do presents after breakfast, which I am not sure I’m ready for.

I head into the kitchen, with my dad to set the table and make tea and coffee, I also sort out Lucy’s breakfast.

“Are you alright Elizabeth?” Dad asks as I move round the kitchen and it’s been noted he’s used my Sunday name.

“Yeah, of course I am. Why do you ask?”

“Why, because you look tired and Alex is worried about you.”

“Dad, you know how it gets at this time of year. It’s been really busy and with this being my first Christmas in charge, I need everything to run smoothly and so far so good. And as for Alex, we will have a few days off together to relax once the festivities are done with and he will also have to stop worrying, ” I tell him as I fill the teapot.

“You do know, you don’t have to be in everyday, that’s what you have Kieran for and each department should be able to run on its own.”

“Yes, I am aware of that. But you should’ve known when you gave me the position that I would be very hands on. The hotel is deep within my blood and do you know what, I wouldn’t want it any other way.” He leans over and kisses my forehead.

“My sweet girl, I don’t tell you very often I am so proud of you. Just try and take things a bit easier, delegate more. Now let’s get this all out on the table.”