Romantic Surprises
by Rachael

Alexis was leafing through some papers on the dining room table and glanced at the clock. 11:48 PM. In exactly twelve minutes it was her birthday. She knew Sam wanted to take her out to dinner with the girls tomorrow and Jax had lunch plans for her. She tried not to think of him, but it was hard not to. She wondered if he realized it was her birthday. She started cleaning her mess and jumped when she glanced over at the front door. Jerry was standing outside. She placed her hand on her hip and pointed down to her wrist, indicating the late hour. He had his hand behind his back and mouthed, “I have a surprise for you …” She peered at him and he smiled. “Open the door,” he said.

“What’s behind your back?” she asked. Jerry placed his hand in front of him and revealed a long black box sitting in his palm; Alexis took a breath. “What is that?”

“Let me in,” he said. Alexis opened the door and Jerry walked inside. She closed it behind him and he smiled. “Hello darling, were you working?”

“Yes … what is that?” she asked as she nodded towards the black box.

“Oh, this … yes – I’m sorry, what time is it?”

“11:58 – why?” she asked.

“Two minutes until … your birthday,” he said.

She sat on the sofa and crossed her legs. “Jax told you?”

Jerry joined her. “Yes. I’ve been very busy – I have plans,” he said as he placed the box on the table and took her hand.

She smiled. “What exactly do you have planned?”

“Oh, I can’t tell you … surprises.”

“I have plans with the kids tomorrow …”

“It’s all right, darling … I’ll wait. First, I want you to open that,” he said, motioning towards the box on the table.

“You really shouldn’t have …” She took the box and lifted the lid. Jerry smiled as her face fell to the floor. “Jerry, it’s beautiful. You shouldn’t have done this,” she whispered as she laid her fingers over the necklace.

He grabbed the box from her. “Give it here … I want to see what it looks like on you,” he said softly. “This is a called a journey pendant – see how the diamonds curve?” He lifted her hair and placed it around her neck. Alexis looked down at it – there were no words. “You’ve been through so much in your life and I am hoping that you’ll include me in things to come,” he said as he turned her around to face him. She realized she was wearing her ratty bathrobe and blushed; the necklace was indeed one of the most beautiful things anyone had ever given her. She felt silly wearing it with her bathrobe. Her eyes began to water and she stood from the sofa. “Alexis, don’t be upset – I wanted to get it for you.”

She wiped her face and Jerry stood in front of her. “Thank you … it’s gorgeous.”

He glanced over at the wall. “Happy Birthday …” He kissed her slowly on the mouth and cupped her face with his hand; she returned the kiss and then pulled away. “I know you have plans but I’ll speak to you sporadically throughout the day. Trust me – there are more surprises to come,” he said softly as he ran his fingers through her hair.

He kissed her quickly again and then headed for the door. “You’re not going to ask to stay the night?”

“No, darling … it’s your birthday – you should wake up with your girls. However, if you’re a good girl and go to sleep … there may be something for you when you wake up,” he said smiling.

Alexis laughed. “Really … well then I guess you should be going then?”

“As much as I hate to say this, you’re right.”

She took his hand and walked him to the door. He hugged her and held on for a few seconds, rubbing her back and then kissing her cheek. “Jerry, thank you so much … it’s too much,” she said softly as she ran her fingers along the pendant.

“It’s only the beginning. That necklace was made for you … you look lovely.” He kissed her quickly on the mouth again and sauntered out the door. She watched him until she saw the headlights of his car turn on. She walked out of the living room and down the hall to her room. Alexis glanced in the mirror and looked at the pendant hanging down her neck. She knew she shouldn’t sleep with it on, but she couldn’t help herself – she didn’t want to take it off. It had been a long time since someone had been so attentive to her … and she liked it. Jerry said there would be more surprises. She giggled and lay down on the bed … she couldn’t wait for morning.

Laughter woke her from slumber and Alexis turned over to find her two youngest daughters sitting at the end of her bed. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOMMY!”

She laughed and they lay down with her and began to discuss their mother’s special day “Sam is going to cook,” Kristina said proudly.

Molly made a face and Alexis glanced over at her youngest child. “Why the long face, Mol?”

“Sam always burns everything,” Molly replied.

“So … at least she tries,” Kristina said.

“I think maybe we’ll go out to dinner,” Alexis suggested.

“When are we going to tell her, Kris?” Molly asked her sister.

“Tell me what?” Alexis asked.

“Mommy, someone left you a surprise in the living room,” Kristina said. Alexis almost forgot – Jerry told her there’d be something for her in the morning. She got out of bed and put on a robe. The girls were already running ahead of her. She heard Kristina saying how pretty it smelled. She stopped dead in her tracks – her living room was filled with flowers and balloons. The morning after her and Jerry - that was nothing, compared to this. The girls were having a ball, looking at all the different kinds of flowers and balloons scattered about. Alexis wondered if there was a card somewhere. She glanced over at the dining room table and saw the set of roses sitting by themselves. A card was sticking out from the top of them.

My Darling Alexis,

It is my new mission in life to shock and please you. I hope you have come to realize my feelings for you are genuine. This is only the beginning. I would give you anything you ask for. If there is something you desire on this special day, do not hesitate to ask. You will hear from me later …

Love,
Jerry

She quickly went to her room and placed the card in her jewelry box. Alexis sat on the bed and placed her hands in her head. He was starting to get to her. Her feelings were becoming more obvious – it was as if a freight train was coming down the tracks towards her and she could do nothing to stop it. It would hit her … love was about to hit her straight on – and it scared the hell out of her. Jerry asked her if there was anything she wanted. She couldn’t think of a single thing. However, it was tempting to be selfish on this special day – her birthday. She had everything she wanted … her children and her health but something was missing. She heard laughter and went back to check on the girls. They were playing with the balloons and Molly came over and tugged on her robe. “Mommy, I like your pretty necklace – did Daddy get it for you?” she asked.

Alexis felt slightly guilty and sat Molly and Kristina next to her on the sofa. “No baby, Uncle Jerry brought it to me last night. He’s the one who gave us all these flowers as well.”

“Mom, these flowers are for you – for your birthday,” Kristina said smiling.

“Yes, but they are for all of us to enjoy,” Alexis replied.

“Does Uncle Jerry like you, Mommy?” Molly asked.

“I think so … and I like him. Is that all right with the two of you?”

The two sisters glanced at each other and smiled. “We like Uncle Jerry and we can tell … he likes you,” Kristina replied.

“Mommy, ask him to come over today,” Molly said.

“Girls, Uncle Jax is taking us to lunch and then Sam is taking us out to dinner – remember?”

Well, the chanting began … Molly started it. “UNCLE JERRY … UNCLE JERRY … UNCLE JERRY …” then Kristina joined in and “UNCLE JERRY … UNCLE JERRY … UNCLE JERRY …”

“Girls, that’s enough - we’re not seeing Uncle Jerry today,” she was attempting to scream over them but wasn’t having much luck. A few seconds later there was knocking on the door and Alexis looked over to see who had arrived. The girls began to scream and run to the door. Jerry was carrying a box of munchkins and two cups of coffee.

Kristina opened the door and they began talking to him a mile a minute. “We love the balloons, Uncle Jerry, and the flowers ...” Jerry smiled at Alexis and placed the donuts and cups on the dining room table.

“What are you doing here?” she asked him.

“Sorry, I couldn’t resist. I had to stop and see you. Apparently the girls liked the flowers?”

“Yes, thank you. Girls, can you get dressed and then you can have what Uncle Jerry brought, all right?” They ran from the room giggling. “Thank you for the flowers but it’s too much Jerry … you shouldn’t …” She was interrupted by the swift movement of his hands grasping her wrists and pulling her toward him. His mouth came down on hers fast; she didn’t fight him. His tongue darted past her lips and she took him in as his hands moved up into her hair. All that was missing was the chocolate. After a few seconds, the kiss ended and he whispered in her ear, “Happy Birthday. I see you slept with my pendant around your neck. Have you thought about something special you might want?” She was speechless. The man could knock her off her feet so fast, her head was spinning.

“I have plans today. I haven’t had time to think about it yet,” she said.

“There’s still time, just let me know – I’m a text away,” he said as he moved his lips over hers once more. “I know you have to get ready to meet Jax. Tell the girls I’ll be back later to see them. Alexis, the chocolate ones are really good,” he said, motioning towards the box of munchkins sitting on the table. He winked at her and strolled out the door. This was going to be the longest birthday ever.

Alexis noticed that Jax was getting slightly annoyed. All the girls talked about was Uncle Jerry and his flowers. She felt sorry for her best friend, especially when he came to the table at the Metro Court with a dozen roses and Molly yelled out that Uncle Jerry gave Mommy a million more flowers that that. Alexis had turned red and the girls giggled. Jax was not pleased. They were still managing to have an enjoyable lunch when her phone started beeping – it was her eldest daughter. “I have to take this. I’ll be right back,” she informed them as she got up from the table and walked out into the lobby. “Hello,” Alexis said as she answered her phone.

“Mom, it’s me - Happy Birthday!”

“Hi baby … thank you. Hey, you sound kind of stuffy – are you all right?”

“Well, I thought I was feeling better, but I’m not. I started coming down with something yesterday and this morning I went to the doctor. I have a sinus infection and I feel terrible because I really want to take you out tonight, but I don’t know if it’s such a good idea.”

“I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well. Listen, you should rest … the girls and I are fine. We’re having lunch with Jax and we’ll fend for ourselves tonight.”

“Mom, I feel so bad. I really wanted to spend time with you. We’ve barely seen each other these days …”

“Sam, I love you. Listen, as you get older birthdays aren’t really that big of a deal. When you are feeling better – just you and I will go out. How does that sound?”

“Yes, that would be great. I really miss you and the girls,” she said.

“Well, then that’s settled. Go rest and I’ll call you tomorrow,” Alexis said.

“Happy Birthday, Mom. I love you.”

“I love you too, baby. Now, go rest.” Alexis walked back inside and found her table in total chaos. The girls were jumping in their seats and Jax looked as if he were beside himself. “What’s going on?” she asked them.

“Mommy, look what came, look what came,” Molly was saying rather loudly for the whole restaurant to hear. Alexis glanced down at the table and a large tray of chocolate truffles was sitting in the center with a card underneath them. Jax was rolling his eyes and the girls were giggling. “Well, I wonder who those are from,” she said with a smile.

“Mommy … duh – UNCLE JERRY!" both girls screamed at the top of their lungs.

“Girls, settle down.”

“Well, it’s obvious my brother wants to keep your attention today,” Jax said, sounding rather annoyed.

“Jax, I’m sorry. I didn’t know he was going to do this.”

“It’s all right. Listen, I have a few business meetings I need to prepare for. You girls enjoy the chocolate and I’ll talk to you later. Happy Birthday,” he said as he kissed her cheek and walked from the room. Alexis dug under the pile of chocolate after giving a piece to each of her daughters. There was a note.

Hello Birthday Girl,

Surprised? I thought maybe you and your daughters would enjoy some truffles? Have you thought about something you might want? I’m still waiting for your answer. Well, Darling … I’ll speak to you later. I hope you are enjoying your day.

Always,
Jerry

Alexis smiled and popped a truffle in her mouth. Kristina and Molly laughed at their mother’s outrageous behavior and did the same thing. She glared at them and then began wiping the chocolate off Molly’s face. “Sam isn’t feeling well, so what should we do for dinner?”

Her two daughters glanced over at her and smiled. “UNCLE JERRY … UNCLE JERRY …”

Alexis rolled her eyes. “I think you’re right,” she said as they cheered in victory.

Alexis asked the girls to wash up for dinner and grabbed her phone. She flipped it open and sent Jerry a text message. The girls and I want you to bring dinner … be here at 6 – can you do that? Dress casually. She closed her phone and placed it in her pocket. She went to the kitchen and began to bring out plates and glasses for everyone. She heard the girls playing in their room and jumped as her phone vibrated in her pocket. Yes … I miss you. She smiled and put it back in her pocket. Once the table was set, there was nothing else to do but wait.

Jerry was actually nervous. He was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt and carried a bag full of food from the Metro Court. He had started up the stairs but went back down to his car. He couldn’t figure out what his problem was, but for the first time in a long while, he was nervous. One bag he carried had food and the other had a few presents for Alexis and the girls. He knew he went slightly over the top but he was out to make her feel special and appreciated. He hoped she would be happy with the gifts. Just when he was about to start up the stairs, she was coming down. “Jerry, are you all right? I saw you pull up a few minutes ago but you weren’t coming up to the house,” she said.

Jerry didn’t want to admit he was nervous. After all, he had a reputation. “I’m fine … I forgot something in the car and couldn’t find it." He placed the bags on the hood of the car and took her hand. “How is the birthday girl this evening?” he asked as he took her around the waist and pulled her close.

Alexis smiled. “I’m fine. Sam is coming down with something, so she had to cancel. When I asked the girls who we should have dinner with, you won the vote. So, here you are,” she said gazing up at him.

“I’m very happy you decided to call me. I miss you, Alexis. I was beginning to think your feelings were changing for me.”

“No. I’m still leery, of course – but I like spending time with you. Oddly enough, I enjoy being with you,” she replied. He kissed her quickly on the mouth and grabbed the bags off the hood of the car. “What did you bring? Those bags look full.”

He laughed as they walked up then path and then she opened the door to the lake house to let him inside. “Oh, a little of this and a little of that …”

“HI, UNCLE JERRY!”

“PRESENTS!” Molly screamed.

“Now Molly, that isn’t very nice … you can’t assume there are presents for you in those bags,” Alexis said.

“Actually darling, Molly is correct. I did bring gifts for all of you this evening,” he said. The girls squealed as Jerry placed the bags on the sofa. They sat and waited patiently as Alexis began setting the food out for them. “Okay … Molly, this is for you,” Jerry said as he handed the Sleeping Beauty doll to her. She gripped it tightly in her arms and Jerry handed the Belle doll to Kristina. “Now, I know you love the Little Mermaid but I thought you might like something different?”

Kristina was beaming. “Thank yo,u Uncle Jerry,” she said as she slid off the couch and held the doll up to show Alexis.

“Those are very nice,” she said, smiling at Jerry.

Molly tugged on Jerry’s jeans and he knelt down. She whispered something in his ear and he laughed. “I need to give Mommy her present later, but you’ll see it tomorrow. Is that all right?” Molly nodded and she and Kristina ran to their rooms to put their dolls away and then to wash up for dinner.

Alexis grinned as Jerry placed the bag on the floor to hide it from her. “You’re really good with them … they like you,” she said as she walked over and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Yes well, I’m quite fond of them … they’re good kids.”

“Jerry, you didn’t have to do all of this …”

“Yes, I know but I wanted to. C’mon, I’m hungry - let’s eat,” he said. Alexis called the girls and they all sat down to dinner. Molly and Kristina monopolized the conversation and Jerry and Alexis sat back and listened to them talk to each other. Occasionally, they would ask a question or two but for the most part, they were talking about school and their new present from Jerry. Alexis wondered why he was fidgeting. She assumed it was because he wasn’t used to this kind of setting. The mom, the two kids … it seemed almost ... familial like.

Her facial expression must have changed because Jerry was calling her from across the table and she didn’t hear him. “Darling, are you all right?” he asked.

“Yes. Sorry, I was daydreaming,” she replied.

“The girls were telling me about your lunch date with my little brother. Kristina says that Uncle Jax seemed somewhat – what did you say, darling?” he asked Kristina.

“Annoyed.”

“Yes … yes, rather annoyed when the truffles were delivered,” he said.

Molly was nodding her head in agreement and Alexis smiled. “Let’s not discuss that now,” she said.

“But Mom, it’s true,” Kristina said.

“Yes, very true,” Molly agreed.

“Okay, are the two of you finished? I think it’s time to go play for a while and then bath time,” Alexis said. The girls jumped off their chairs and ran into their room. Jerry and Alexis began to clear the table and walked into the kitchen. She began rinsing the dishes and he started loading the dishwasher. They worked in silence for a few minutes until Jerry finally got the nerve to say something. “Darling, do you think my brother was jealous?”

Alexis glared at him. “Well, to be honest – probably. Jax isn’t used to getting beaten in the gift department. He walked in with a dozen roses and Molly burst out that Uncle Jerry gave Mommy a lot more flowers. I think his ego was bruised slightly and then to top it off, you had truffles sent and the girls went nuts when that happened. He might have been slightly upset, but I’m sure he’ll get over it. So, it’s no big deal.”

Jerry was confused. “Which was it … his ego being bruised or upset because one is definitely worse than the other,” he said.

“I’m not sure. It doesn’t really matter,” she replied. Jerry leaned against the counter as Alexis was putting the leftovers in several Ziploc containers. He sat back and watched.

She could feel his eyes on her and she moved her hair away from her face. “This is probably the most domesticated I’ve ever seen you. It’s refreshing – I like it,” he said softly. Alexis blushed and continued her task. Once she was finished, she realized Jerry had changed positions and was standing directly behind her. “Honey, I want to give you the rest of your presents, but I’d rather do it alone.”

She turned around and he was directly in front of her. “I have to give the girls a bath and then read to them. It will take a little while. Why don’t you have a seat in the living room and I’ll be out as soon as I can?”

“You’re not going to take too long, are you?” he asked as his fingers glided through her hair. She shook her head and reached up and kissed him slowly on the mouth. His hands ran down her arms and he groaned as the kiss deepened. She pulled away quickly and walked from the room. Jerry went out to the living room to arrange her gifts on the table and then simply sat and waited for her. Eventually, he lay down on the sofa and closed his eyes. He had only intended to rest them but fell into a deep slumber instead.

Alexis came back into the living room a while later to find Jerry sleeping soundly on the couch. She smiled and grabbed the blanket from the chair and placed it over him. She glanced over at the table and saw the pile of presents beckoning her. She couldn’t resist - she had to take a peek at some of them. The first thing she noticed was the Cinderella doll. Like her daughters, Jerry had given her a Disney Princess as well. She chuckled and then noticed the box of chocolate truffles sitting on the table. There was another rather large box sitting there … wrapped. She couldn’t open it, could she? The suspense was killing her and the curious side of her personality took over. Alexis grabbed the box and ran down to her room. She sat on the bed and shook it. After hearing nothing, she began ripping the paper away, revealing a box from Victoria’s Secret. Her stomach clenched up and began to tighten. She was afraid of what was inside. She heard footsteps outside her door and looked up. Jerry was leaning against the door with his hands in his pockets with a broad smile on his face. “Well, go ahead darling. I know the suspense is killing you,” he said.

“I’m sorry, I should have waited …”

“Nonsense, it’s your day. You can do what you want. Go ahead and open it.”

She took a breath and threw the lid off. She worked her way around the paper and her mouth dropped – it was red. Jerry walked over to the bed and knelt on the floor and watched as she took it out of the box. Her eyes moved over the camisole dress and he could see her cheeks getting redder by the second. “I saw this and decided I really wanted to see you in it. I hope that you’ll show me …”

“Jerry, it’s beautiful – but it’s not me. I couldn’t …”

“You could and you will. Please, show me, Alexis,” he said softly.

Jerry took the box and closed it. Alexis was still holding the dress in her hands – she was nervous. He swallowed and she stood from the bed. “All right, but I don’t know about this …” She disappeared into the bathroom and Jerry moved fast; he ran and got two glasses and filled the champagne bucket. He took the box of truffles and placed it on the nightstand with the ice and the two glasses. He locked the door and threw his shirt over his head, lying on the bed in only his jeans. He waited. He knew she was debating on coming out to show him – it was taking a long time. He heard the door open slowly and his heart was drumming against his chest. She stepped out into her room and stood with her hands at her sides. Jerry flipped his legs over the side of the bed and leaned forward – he was in awe. It fit perfectly. It was tight against her breasts and then flowed down to her knees. He had been longing to see her in something such as this and finally his wish had come true. “I told you this isn’t really something I would normally …” She stopped dead in her tracks when he stood from the bed. He took her hand and kissed it. “I don’t want you to say anything. I have never seen you look so stunning. My God, Alexis … do you really have no idea how beautiful and sexy you are?” She couldn’t say anything. His eyes were moving over her and she was having trouble breathing. It was as if it were a dream. Jerry popped the cork off the bottle of champagne and poured them each a glass; she sat next to him and crossed her legs. They simply sipped out of their glasses and stared at one another. Jerry was enamored by her beauty. Alexis sat back against the headboard and handed her glass to him. He placed it on the night stand and grabbed a truffle. She smiled at him. “I’ve had enough of those today so no thank you.”

“Alexis, it’s your birthday – c’mon,” he said as he bit down into the truffle and lifted the other half to her lips. She leaned forward and he placed the chocolate in her mouth. “I know how much you love them.”

“You’re spoiling me,” she said as she continued to savor the candy in her mouth.

“It’s about time someone did. It’s long overdue.”

“Jerry, everything you’ve done – it was very nice but ...”

“No, no buts,” he said softly as he placed his hands on either side of her head. “Let me do this for you … I want to.”

“I guess it’s all right … thank you,” she said.

“Darling, lay on your stomach,” he instructed. Alexis peered at him and Jerry laughed. “I’m going to rub your back. Just humor me, all right?” She did what he asked. She felt her body instantly relax as his hands moved through her hair, down her shoulders and over her back. Eventually, he slipped the straps of her gown down her body in order to make her more comfortable. Attention such as this was something she wasn’t used to – she reveled in it. She felt herself getting drowsy as she lay still and listened to the movement of his hands on her back. She felt his lips move over her hair and down her face; he lay next to her and kissed her on the cheek. “Better?” he asked softly as his fingers glided through her hair.

Alexis opened one eye and grinned. “Are you finished already?”

Jerry laughed. “Darling, that was a long time. You drifted to sleep.”

“I know, I’m just teasing you. Thank you very much that was nice,” she said.

“You're welcome. Is there any thing else you desire?” he asked.

She thought for a moment and slowly sat up and leaned in to kiss him. Her arms went around his neck and he met her head on. Their kisses always started slow and escalated into fast, furious and powerful. Jerry thought about her mouth all day and couldn’t wait to dive into her. She had been distant with him lately and he hoped his ‘surprises’ melted her heart, so to speak … he missed her. She pushed him down to the mattress and laid her head on his chest. He pulled the blanket over them and rubbed her shoulders. “What’s the matter, darling?” he asked.

Alexis glanced up at him and smiled. “Nothing, I just want to place this day in my memory. It’s been a long time since I had a birthday as pleasurable as this,” she explained.

Jerry cleared his throat. “Well, that’s why I’m here, darling … to please you. It’s all I want.” His hands moved down to her neck and fingered the pendant she wore there. “I’m glad you like it,” he said.

Alexis gripped his hand tightly. “It’s beautiful … thank you.”

“You're welcome. What else do you want, Alexis? I’ll give you anything …”

She thought for a moment and stared into his eyes. “I want the truth, all of it. If there’s anything you haven’t told me – I want to know.”

Jerry shifted on the bed and peered at her. “All right, if that’s all then – I’ll give it to you. However, you can imagine that I am slightly apprehensive, considering the fact that you may toss me out when you hear certain …”

“Just tell me, Jerry. You said anything I want. What I want is to know the truth – all of it.”

He sat back against the headboard and took her hand. He let out a breath and began to tell her everything. “Well, when I met you, I found you enchanting. At first though, you were a challenge – a way to …”

Alexis woke to the sound of laughter and swiftly turned over. Jerry was gone. She heard voices and lay in bed for a few minutes and listened to her daughters, but there was another deeper voice she heard as well. She stood out of bed and put on her robe. Alexis walked down the hall and out to the kitchen. Her daughters were sitting at the breakfast table and Jerry was cooking bacon and eggs in a frying pan. She hid so that they couldn’t see her and listened in on their conversation. “Kristina, how many pieces of bacon would you like?” he asked.

“Well, I’d say three, but Mommy only lets me have two,” she said.

“It’s a good thing Mommy is still asleep … here you go.”

“Uncle Jerry, can I have this many pieces?” Molly asked as she held up her whole hand.

He laughed. “I don’t think that’s a good idea … maybe three is better,” he said. Alexis heard the toaster pop and someone was buttering bread. She longed to turn around the corner and watch them but she didn’t want to get caught. She could hear them sipping from glasses and she smiled. “What is that?” Molly asked.

“Well, this is a breakfast tray I am preparing for your mother. Can you girls handle staying here while I bring it to her?” Alexis heard this and hightailed it back to her room. She threw off her robe and slipped under the covers. She attempted to relax her breathing and closed her eyes. She heard the door open and listened as Jerry placed the tray on the nightstand next to the bed. She felt his hands running over her face and his lips gently came down over hers. A small moan emitted from the back of her throat as she reciprocated the kiss and Jerry groaned as he lay down next to her. She opened her eyes to find him was staring at her. “Good morning,” he said.

Alexis sat back against the head board as he gently ran his fingers through her hair. “Something smells heavenly,” she said softly.

“Yes, darling … I made breakfast. The girls are eating as we speak. Do you want some?” he asked. He moved out of the way and her eyes glanced over to the breakfast tray. She smiled and Jerry placed it over her lap; juice, bacon, eggs, toast, coffee and a single chocolate truffle. “Why don’t you sit and enjoy … I’m going to check on the girls,” he said as he kissed her quickly on the mouth.

Alexis began to eat and listened as someone was running down the hallway. Molly turned the corner and waved. “Hi, Mommy. Viola is here and we’re almost finished getting ready for school,” she said.

“All right baby, did you enjoy your breakfast this morning?”

“Oh, yes … Uncle Jerry is a good cook but don’t tell Daddy – he might get mad,” she said. Jerry walked into the room and heard this. Alexis glanced over at him and their eyes locked – tension was lingering. Molly leaned over the side of the bed and kissed Alexis and then headed out to the living room. Jerry continued to watch Alexis as she ate. Kristina came in and said goodbye and then they heard the door slam. They were finally alone.

Alexis popped the truffle into her mouth and Jerry took the tray from her. She cleared her throat. “Thank you.”

“It was nothing …” He sat down and kissed her hand. Her eyes began to water. “Alexis, last night – we went to sleep. You didn’t say anything when I finished confessing my sins to you. I asked if you wanted me to leave and you said no, but I’m not sure what you’re thinking or feeling. I told you because you wanted to know. I have genuine feelings for you and I want you to believe that. But, sometimes I feel as if you think I’m using you and that’s not the case. Alexis, I’m falling …”

She glanced up at him and he shook his head and stood from the bed. “Jerry … I …”

“I don’t want you to hate me or think I am a monster. I would protect you and your children with my life … you have to believe that,” he said.

“I do … and it’s obvious that we feel for each other, but I seriously need some time for all of this to register …”

He sat back down and kissed her hand. “If you need space, I’ll give it to you. However, it won’t be much and remember those notes yesterday. They’ll continue … and the flowers – even more will pop up. I’m going to make you see how much I care for you, Alexis.”

She laughed. “I don’t doubt it.”

He kissed her softly on the mouth and whispered in her ear, “Tell me you enjoyed your birthday and your presents,” he said.

“I did … yes,” she replied.

“Good. Well, I better leave you to get ready for work … and I have to call the florist,” he said.

“Jerry …”

“No … don’t say anything. Until you make your decision regarding our relationship – I’m going to be even more relentless in pursuing you.” He leaned down again and placed his mouth over hers. After a few seconds, he pulled away. “Have a good day, darling and happy birthday,” he said. Jerry walked from the room and she heard the door slam. Her feelings were conflicted. She cared for him, but after finding out everything … she wasn’t sure what to do. One thing was obvious; they had feelings for one another and they weren’t going away. Alexis fingered the pendant around her neck and sighed – she had definitely fallen in love with another bad boy.

The End