'So I've checked up on some dog breeders here in London,' Brad announced, walking into Tessa's office. She looked up from the file she was busy working on. Either her husband was very keen to gift their son with a dog or he was hell bent on finding a solution to keep Lyndon out of their bed. Tessa suppressed a smile.

'"In London?"' she echoed.

'Yes, about ten kilometres away. There's a superb breeding club that has eight week old Alsatians we can ...'

'Alsatians? But they grow as big as wolves! Why can't Lyndon get a poodle or something?'

Brad laughed. 'Darling I take it you did not have a dog as a pet?'

'No.' Tessa stood up and turned away from Brad. 'As you know Joseph never had time for me, so obviously he never thought to get me a pet.'
Tessa lowered her head. She hated thinking about her depressing childhood. Now she had Brad and a baby and a perfect life to which she was thankful to God for.

'I'm sorry,' Brad whispered from behind her. He draped his arms around her waist and brushed his lips to her temple. Tessa leaned back against her husband's sturdy chest.

Tessa smiled, 'Fabian gave me a goldfish for my birthday once.'

'Oh.'

She could tell Brad was smiling.

'Yeah,' she turned around into his arms. 'I ... I'm afraid I was a bit over generous with his food and when I woke up in the morning ...'

'I'm sorry,' Brad pulled her closer and hugged her tightly.

'So you found an Alsatian?' Tessa smiled, wanting to steer away from that morbid conversation.

'I've called the owner. She can see us today. She has three puppies for sale.'

'Blakely.'

'Yes.' Brad knew exactly what was coming.

'Your son is only allowed one pup and that is not negotiable.'

'Yes ma'am.'

'Okay let's go,' she shut down her laptop.

'Has Lyndon seen the puppies on the website or anything?'

'No, I wanted to clear it with the boss first.'

'I see,' Tessa punched Brad in the tummy as they left her office.

'Ouch!'

'Are we going home now my daddy?' Lyndon hurriedly packed his drawing and crayons in the bag his mummy had bought for him.

'No son. We are going to look at some puppies.'

'All right!' he smacked a high five with his daddy. 'I remember what you said momma.'

'Good,' Tessa nodded. She was not sure if their son was going to remember his responsibilities, nor was she convinced that he would not sneak into their bed in the middle of the night.

'Wow, they look so beautiful,' Lyndon gushed over the puppies. One was a male, completely white as snow and looked appealing Tessa cautiously told herself. The other two were female and a combination of sandy brown and black. Brad told her Alsatians were child friendly and very intelligent. She did not mind much about its level of intelligence as long as it was child friendly then she was happy.

'I think I want this one,' Lyndon threw himself on the grass and hugged the chubby snow white one. Tessa tried hard not to cringe at Lyndon rolling about with the animals. She wondered if they'd been bathed.

Could we bathe it when we got home? Well not we---Brad has to.

'No, I think I'll take this one,' Lyndon rolled onto his back and cradled one of the two toned females on his chest. The puppy licked her baby's cheeks and eyes.

Eww!

'Aren't they adorable?' The breeder lady smiled at Tessa. She was young, about five years older than Tessa.

'Um---they seem friendly and love attention,' Tessa answered.

'They are the most sensitive species, intelligent and most obedient,' the breeder added.

Tessa watched as Brad dropped to his knees and scratched on the chest of the chubby white one. Lyndon was now carrying both the other ones in his arms. They were licking his ears and climbing onto his head.

'Brad!' Tessa called out nervously, but stood her ground safely away from the monsters.

'It's okay darling,' Brad laughed. 'They are babies.'

'Surprisingly, the snow white one settled on Lyndon's lap and promptly fell asleep.

'My daddy, he's fallen asleep,' Lyndon whispered.

'If you tell me which one you would like to take home,' Brad smiled, 'I can carefully remove the sleepy guy.'

Lyndon was silent. He was studying each one individually.
'I think this one loves me my daddy,' he pointed to the sleeping one on his lap.

'Are we taking him home?' Brad checked.

'Yes,' Lyndon nodded firmly. Brad looked over his shoulder at his wife. She smiled and nodded her approval. She would have agreed no matter whichever one Lyndon had chosen. Brad had been correct. Their son's face depicted animated delight. Tessa could not remember when she last saw such a blissful, serene look of contentment in her son's eyes since his kidnapping.

'I think Lyndon's made his choice,' Brad smiled at the breeder.

'I'll just bring you his pedigree papers,' she smiled at Brad.

'Can we bathe it when we get home?' Tessa whispered to Brad when the lady departed.

'He's still a very young pup, darling.'

'But ...'

'I can clean him up and have him smelling good as new,' Brad grinned, lifting up his hands.

Tessa stepped backwards. 'Don't touch me till you go home and shower.'

'And your son?' Brad challenged.

'I ... I. I will have to bathe him,' she sighed.

'Will you join me in the shower?'

'There you go Mr. Blakely,' the breeder smiled, handing Brad the pup's papers. Tessa was saved from responding.

'Thank you,' Brad courteously took them and handed her the payment.

'Let's go son,' Brad extended a hand to Lyndon, picking up the pup for Lyndon.

'Thank you my daddy,' Lyndon threw his arms around Brad's knees. 'Put him on my lap.' Lyndon ran into their car and eagerly waited for his daddy to place it on his lap.

'Thank you, Tessa politely spoke to the lady, 'good bye.'

'It's my pleasure. Good bye,' she waved them off.

'Lyndon, I need to bathe you,' Tessa chased after Lyndon around their flower garden.

'Charlie needs me momma,' Lyndon dived behind the wide trunk of a beech tree.

'Charlie?' Tessa slapped her hands on her waist.

'Charlie wants me to play momma,' Lyndon giggled as the excited puppy tugged on the lace of Lyndon's sneakers.

'I see,' Tessa finally understood who "Charlie" was. 'Lyndon you need to bathe and your daddy needs to clean up that dog ... puppy,' Tessa reached out for Lyndon.

Lyndon dived to the other side of the tree, 'Charlie, momma. Puppy's name is Charlie.'

'Fine. Now come here.' Tessa curled her index finger at her son. 'I am going to bathe you whilst daddy cleans Charlie.'

'Please momma. Charlie is going to cry if I leave him.'

'You are not going to spend the entire night outside with that puppy Lyndon.'

'Is he not gorgeous momma?' Lyndon picked up his snow white puppy and walked towards Tessa.

'Yes.' Tessa took two steps backwards. 'Now put him down.' She found her back knocking into Brad's chest.

'Darling make him put that dog ... Charlie down. He needs to have his bath.'

'Charlie?' Brad grinned.

'He's calling his puppy "Charlie." 'Now talk to your son,' Tessa instructed.

'Come on darling,' Brad spoke softly. 'He's just got his puppy. Cut him some slack.'

Tessa looked into Brad's pleading eyes. 'How much time?' she relented.

'Give him an hour, just for tonight,' Brad urged.

'What should I do for the next hour?' Tessa questioned.

'You could always play with Lyndon and I, oh and Charlie,' Brad threw a small plastic ball in the air.

'Thank you darling,' Tessa smiled, 'but no thank you. I think I'll treat myself to a manicure.'

'Your loss. You're going to miss all the fun,' Brad did not sound very convincing.

'Win some, lose some,' Tessa shrugged. 'One hour Blakely,' she reminded her husband over her shoulder.

'Lyndon, daddy says you can have an hour to play,' Tessa smiled at her son.

'Yippee,' Lyndon ran further into the garden with his puppy chasing after his heels.

'We don't need to look at any files this evening,' Bentley cleared his throat.

'I thought we were working tonight,' Keri stated.

'I'm going to fill you in without any files,' Bentley smiled into her eyes. They generally looked like a combination of blue-green and he could not easily tell unless he stared. Now the irises were a deep depth of green. He watched as she pushed a lock of sandy brown hair away from her face. Her fingers delicately lifted the cup as she sipped on her coffee latte.

'So how do you plan all the logistics?' Keri asked conversationally, when the silence became too heavy.

'We have an agent,' Bentley answered distractedly. He had been so occupied admiring her pretty face. He still was not sure of the exact colour of her eyes. He liked her glossy hair.

'So how do you select the accommodation, etcetera?' Keri probed.

'I know Mr. Blakely's tastes,' Bentley smiled. 'Although,' he looked at Keri for affirmation. 'Since he married, Mrs. Blakely has cracked the whip on the boss's lavish tastes. 'She's rather prudent,' Bentley spoke approvingly.

'Yes, she is,' Keri agreed, nodding her head. 'She abhors waste and fruitless spending.'

'Mrs. Blakely informed Mr. Blakely in no uncertain terms that he did not need twenty four hour butler services and the hotel's overpriced exclusive car services, when he has his own chauffeur driven vehicles and P.A. with him wherever he goes.'

'I remember in New York,' Keri smiled, and Bentley had to force himself to pay attention. He just wanted to focus on how her sweet lips burst into a smile. 'Even though Mrs. Blakely had a company expense account, she hardly claimed against it,' Keri's eyes were respectful.

'She's the best thing that happened to Mr. Blakely,' Bentley declared.

'She is an amazing woman,' Keri agreed. 'She may have been born with a silver spoon in her mouth, but she is one well adjusted, human being whose wealth has not affected her.'

Bentley laughed. 'You know when I use to plan their overseas visits. I used to set the itinerary according to what was critical and then least urgent.'

'I thought that would be the way to do things!' Keri agreed.

'Except my planning would have them criss-crossing the globe, until the day Mrs. Blakely sat me down and instructed me to start at the furthest geographical point and start working our way methodically back to home,' Bentley laughed.

'Oh that makes sense now.'

'Yeah,' Bentley laughed. 'Saves a lot of jetlag too,' Bentley breathed.

'I have not travelled much,' Keri confessed.

'Oh?'

'London is my first overseas trip.'

'We have to remedy that,' Bentley grinned. His hand closed over her wrist on the table. Bentley was suddenly looking forward to playing tour guide to Keri on their forthcoming trip. He couldn't wait. Previously it was just a job he did meticulously. Now it was like somebody lifted the gloomy clouds to allow the sun to spill in unchecked. He loved the warmth, the energy. It was like a new source of life for him.

'I'm looking forward to seeing Australia,' Keri shifted her hand away rather subtly. She looked up to see Bentley gazing at her. She looked away quickly.
What is going on here?

Bentley was without doubt very good looking. He also dressed up rather attractively, but she dare not let her eyes wonder. For heaven's sake he was her colleague. Office romances were so taboo. No she would not get involved with Bentley Grant or any other man from GR, especially not Bentley.

The offices on the top floor of GR were utilized by the chairman, his wife and the executive assistants. Things could become real awkward and strained if she and Bentley got involved then broke up. Besides she was not looking for a relationship right now. Her emotional scars had still not healed after that louse Max Haley had hurt her so badly.

'Thanks for filling me in,' Keri smiled at Bentley, signalling she was ready to leave.

'My pleasure,' Bentley stood up and helped Keri with her chair.

'So, I'll see you in the office tomorrow,' she picked up her handbag.

'Allow me to drop you off at your apartment,' Bentley looked up after settling the bill.

'Don't be ridiculous,' Keri laughed. 'It's just round the corner.'

Bentley knew that. He found her that specific apartment. Still he hoped to prolong his time with her. 'I could be a gentleman and see you to your door.'

'I won't think any less of you as a gentleman,' Keri slung her bag onto her shoulder. 'Good night Bentley,' she smiled courteously as they departed the coffee shop.

'Till tomorrow,' Bentley waved and watched as she disappeared around the corner. He was still standing there and watching in the direction Keri departed, when she swiped her security access card to access the building she lived in. It was a good thing she had done some shopping the previous afternoon.

Keri did not feel like cooking herself a meal. Instead she made herself a club sandwich with cheese, lettuce and tomato and treated herself to a huge mug of hot chocolate. As usual when she was alone, torturous thoughts of her ex fiancé Max Haley held her captive. How could she just forget about the slime ball? She had known him intimately for so long. They were to be married. She had trusted Max. He was supposed to become the father of her children.

Keri pushed the sandwich away and stood up. She walked to the balcony and pushed the huge glass door open. She smiled as she admired the aerial view of London. Dusk was creeping in. London was preparing for the night ahead. Keri could not believe she was living and working in London, one of the biggest economic hubs of Europe. She had thought she would live and retire in New York.

Here I am now thanks to sweet, dear Tessa von Biljoen. Correction, Blakely.

Brad and Tessa had put Lyndon to bed in his room. Charlie, his puppy was in a very comfortable basket at his bedside. Tessa was quite impressed, the puppy smelt clean. He looked ... dare she say adorable? Brad had read Lyndon a story. He kissed his mummy and daddy good night, then jumped out of the bed.

'Good night Charlie,' Lyndon kissed his chubby pup on the head. 'Don't worry Lyndon will keep you safe,' he murmured softly to his puppy then hopped back into bed.

Tessa and Brad sat for five minutes in their son's bedroom watching the sleeping form of their son. Tessa cast an eye at the pup. The lazy bugger seemed to be in puppy dreamland as well.

'Come, Brad took Tessa's hand.

'What if Lyndon wakes up?' Tessa whispered.

'He won't,' Brad announced confidently. 'You heard him assuring Charlie of his protection.'

'Where did he get that name from?' Tessa laughed softly as she undid her night gown.

'Television perhaps,' Brad smiled as he wrapped his arms around Tessa. 'I can't remember when last I had you to myself,' Brad breathed, as he pushed at the strap of Tessa's negligee.

'I don't know if this is a good idea,' Tessa whispered, yet her eyes closed and her neck arched drawing Brad closer.

'It's the only item on my agenda right now,' Brad's voice was husky. His mouth closed over hers. Her lips opened below his. Tessa's hands cupped Brad's shoulders. His muscles flexed beneath her fingers. A groan escaped Brad's throat as Tessa's tongue meshed with his. Her fingers cupped his face, holding his mouth in position. Tessa dragged her tongue away to nibble at the pulse throbbing at Brad's throat. She was aroused by the scent of soap and cologne. His palms spread down her shoulders and gripped her buttocks, moulding her to his pelvis. Tessa felt Brad's arousal piercing against her. She drew away only long enough to lift his sweater over his head. Her lips found his again, as she tossed his shirt to the floor. Tessa groaned her pleasure as Brad's fingers slipped under her negligee. His fingers burning with desire traced over her thigh. She spread her legs a little giving him more access. Brad's lips traced a path down her neck. He worried at the silk garment until his lips found her erect nipple. His mouth closed over it. His tongue laved at the hardened form, causing pools of moisture to form between Tessa's thighs. Sounds of pleasure escaped her lips. Tessa's hand slid down and unbuckled Brad. She unzipped him and freed his potent erection. Tessa kissed him hungrily, her tongue locked with his erotically as her hand cupped him. Her thumb stroked him, applying pressure to his rigged form.

'No,' Brad's hand stopped her eager ministrations.

'Don't stop me ... please,' Tessa pleaded. Brad lowered his arms, lifted Tessa beneath her knees and carried her to their bed. He hastily ripped her negligee and matching briefs off. Brad groaned his pleasure at her nakedness. He buried his face at her bosom. Tessa's fingers raked through his hair. She lifted Brad's face so she could claim his lips again.

'Get out of your clothes,' Tessa urged, pulling at Brad's trousers. He lifted himself, removed his trousers and boxers with great haste and lowered himself over Tessa. He closed his eyes, savouring the delight of their intimate proximity.

'Oh, I missed you,' Tessa murmured softly. Brad knew exactly what she meant. It felt like they'd been apart for the last three weeks. He felt her pelvis rise, eagerly anticipating his penetration. Her tongue caressed at the lobe of his ear. She was urging him to enter her. Her palms smoothed down his spine, cupping his tight buttocks. She was guiding him to the moist heated pool that longed to feel him buried inside her. She cried out, remonstrating, when Brad shifted away. His lips pressed wet kisses down her rib cage. She winced. It was torture. His lips moved to her navel. Her breath stuck in her throat when she wanted to cry out. His moist tongue traced a path upwards towards her breast.

'Darling, I want you ... please,' Tessa begged. She ached for him. She could feel the moisture between her thighs. There was a pounding in her heart and in her ears.
Even the life giving oxygen she was sucking in, seemed unsatisfying compared to her need for him to enter and plunge into her She was going to explode if he did not take her this second. Brad's palm pressed at the point of entry between her thighs. Like an automated gate, it instantly swung open for him. He dipped one finger into her hot moistness.

'Brad ... Brad,' she choked. Her head lifted and caught his lips in a heated kiss. When he inserted a second finger inside her, Tessa sobbed, begging for his possession. She was mortified when he tore his lips away. She wanted his kiss again, but his head had moved away. She felt his fiery kisses on her body. His moist tongue was moving down again, over her flat stomach, past her navel. Tessa felt the stubble around his chin prickle between her thighs. His name escaped her lips in a stifled groan as his sensuous tongue slid into her heated mound. Her pelvis lifted, giving him unfettered access. His tongue darted in and out repeatedly until Tessa was screaming out for his possession. Her fingers gripped the cold silk sheets. She could feel the tiny muscles of her womanhood were about to contract. A shudder ripped through her entire being. Sensing her imminent explosion, Brad's palm parted her thighs. With one quick plunge he sunk himself into her heat and waited. Tessa sighed blissfully. She opened her sparkling emerald eyes, smiled into Brad's dark charcoal coloured desire consumed eyes.
Her tender fingers caressed his cheeks. Brad's face contorted, his cheeks formed a hollow. A film of sweat formed on his upper lip as he raised himself and thrust again and again. He repeated the pounding thrusts until Tessa closed her eyes and limply surrendered herself to the myriad explosive sensations that shuddered throughout her body. When Brad felt her weightlessness and her collapse against the silk sheets, only then did he release himself joining her euphoric climax. Brad collapsed on Tessa. She could feel his pounding heart beating wildly against her breast. Her fingers traced over his sweat glistened body. She pressed her lips against his shoulder. Brad lifted his head. He was breathless, but his lips brushed against Tessa's. He rolled taking her with him, so she did not have to bear his weight. Tessa snuggled on Brad's chest. Her fingers drew circles around the fine hairs that dusted his expansive chest.

'That was amazing,' Brad murmured still out of breath.

Tessa lifted her head. She smiled and indulged in a long lingering kiss. Brad pulled her closer. His fingers brushed through her glossy brunette curls. He wrapped his arms around her hugging her to his body. Tessa leaned her elbows on either side of Brad's head on his pillow. She gazed into his dark eyes. It glowed with love for her, reflecting the blazing passion she felt in her own heart for him. Words were not necessary. Their eyes and their bodies conveyed what needed to be communicated.

When dawn signalled the new day, Tessa could not believe they had not received a visit from Lyndon the entire night. She purred delightedly, thinking about the amorous night she'd indulged with Brad. It was after midnight when she had reached out for Brad wanting to make love to him again.
A little more than two hours later, Brad woke Tessa up, smothering her with kisses and did not stop until they'd climaxed again for the third time that night.

Tessa stretched lazily wondering if Lyndon was still asleep. It was almost seven. She and Brad had overslept by an hour, who could blame them? Her husband lay quietly next to her, his arm casually around her waist. His body was still. She did not know if he was still sound asleep.

'Good morning,' Brad murmured sleepily.

'It is,' Tessa smiled, kissing her husband.

'So no intrusions?' Brad lifted his head.

'No and I am so keen to take a peak,' Tessa whispered.

'Let's have a look,' Brad slid out of bed. He handed Tessa her gown and slipped a pair of boxers on. Their hands laced together, Brad opened Lyndon's door to find Charlie rather comfortably on Lyndon's bed. Tessa and Brad smiled at each other as they observed their son reading a book to Charlie.

'I wonder how Charlie got there,' Brad grinned at his wife.

'He's climbing the bed already!' Tessa exclaimed.

'Morning momma. Charlie wanted me to read to him,' Lyndon quickly explained before he got the third degree from his mummy. Tessa was so delighted that her son had slept through the night secure in his own bed, that she could kiss the hound, but she wouldn't just yet.

'Good morning sweetheart,' Tessa walked to the bed and kissed Lyndon's cheek.

'You're not cross with me momma?'

'No my angel. You are a brave boy. Daddy and I are so proud of you.'

'Morning son,' Brad ruffled Lyndon's hair and lowered himself on Lyndon's bed.

'Morning my daddy. I took Charlie outside to stretch his legs like you told me.'

'You did?' Brad looked at Tessa leaning against the bedpost.

'Yes. Hastings walked with me in the garden my daddy.'

'You're a big boy, aren't you,' Brad hoisted Lyndon onto his lap.

'I think I won't go to work today my daddy.'

'Oh dear, I shall have to find a replacement then,' Brad looked at Tessa.

'Could you come to the office for maybe just an hour sweetheart? There's a party planned for you,' Tessa smiled. Did Brad forget, the staff wanted to see Tessa and especially Lyndon?

'Can I bring Charlie?'

If he took Charlie, his attention would be totally on the dog. It would not be polite when staff wanted to engage with him.

'Could you leave Charlie with Hastings for just one hour? Then Bentley will bring you back,' Tessa asked.

'Just one hour?' Lyndon checked.

'Yes. How about you shower and have some breakfast?' Brad spoke.

'Okay then,' he hopped off the bed.

'Remember to always wash your hands before you touch any food,' Tessa reminded Lyndon.

'Yes momma.'

'Are you ready?' Brad walked into Tessa's office.

The staff was gathered in the courtyard of the GR building. Caterers had been hired to serve the staff. Even Francois the chef and his staff had been given the day off to interact and socialise with the rest of GR's colleagues.

'I hope I'm not expected to give a long speech,' Tessa read the itinerary that Bentley had printed for her. She was used to public speaking. She had done a lot of it for her father and being an attorney, she had more than enough confidence.

Brad would greet their staff and introduce his wife. Tessa would acknowledge and thank the staff for their support and well wishes during the difficult hours of Lyndon's abduction. The Blakely family would then mingle and greet the staff before Lyndon could sneakily be taken back to his beloved Charlie.

'"Thank you" does not need to be long winded,' Brad grinned.

'Okay let's go then,' Tessa smiled.

'You're looking radiant and content,' Brad wrapped his arms around Tessa's waist.

'What does that mean? I look like a sexually satisfied woman?' Tessa raised an eyebrow.

'No,' Brad lied.
His wife's eyes did look like that of a very satiated woman. She was positively glowing. There were very light shadows beneath her eyes, but Tessa has expertly masked it with makeup. He offered his arm to her and led her to the lifts.

Decorated tables and chairs were placed about for the staff who were in high spirits. There were balloons streaming all over the courtyard. Little posies of flowers were displayed on every available spot. Soft pop music was playing from loudspeakers. Hired caterers were circulating about serving drinks and refreshments.

Brad tapped on the microphone to get the staff's attention. Everybody became quiet and eagerly awaited the address from Tessa. She received loud applause and a standing ovation when Brad introduced his wife. He kissed her on the cheek as he handed her the microphone.

She placed one palm lightly on his chest, 'don't go too far,' she whispered, holding the microphone behind her back. Brad nodded and stepped back to give her the podium. Tessa turned and smiled across the room. She waved to the staff standing at the far corners of the courtyard.

'Good morning colleagues,' she smiled warmly. 'I just want to say a very big thank you ...' Tessa stopped. She felt herself swaying.

Oh dear! Too much sex last night.

She drank from the glass of water placed on the podium for her.

'Sorry about that,' she smiled. 'I just want to say thank ... Brad!' Tessa felt like she was going to black out.

'Darling! What's wrong?' Brad was instantly at her side.

She shook her head to chase away the dizziness.
'Oh dear God!'
Tessa switched off the microphone. Brad searched his wife's face and saw the elation in her eyes.

'We're pregnant!' Brad lifted her up and twirled her around.

'If I am, which I suspect,' Tessa laughed softly. 'Our baby was conceived in an elevator in Paris,' she whispered.

-end chapter nineteen-