'Are you sure you're going to be okay sweetheart?'

'Yes momma,' Lyndon answered for the umpteenth time, hugging Tessa.

'He will be fine with Joseph,' Brad tugged on Tessa's hands trying to separate her from Lyndon.

'You've got mommy and daddy's numbers right? It won't take us long to come to you.'

'Darling we are not leaving the planet! We are just sleeping over at the apartment.'
Brad reminded Tessa. Lyndon giggled. Joseph curved his arm protectively around his grandson.

'Take care of him please daddy,' Tessa appealed to her father.

'I will Tessa and even if I don't, he has his security remember,' Joseph smiled assuringly. He suspected his daughter's fears were normal after Lyndon's kidnapping.

'Call me when you're in bed okay,' Tessa ruffled Lyndon's hair and smiled.

'Good night son,' Brad hugged his son and ushered Tessa out of their Scarsdale home.

'Relax darling,' Brad hugged Tessa as he set their luggage down in her apartment.

'I'm sorry,' she smiled. 'I suppose I'm worrying unnecessarily.'

'Your son is a big boy now,' he swung her gently from side to side. 'Besides, he is in Joseph's very capable hands. I trust him. Look what a gorgeous daughter he raised,' Brad tried to ease her tension.

'I know what you're doing Blakely.'

'You do?' he feigned ignorance. 'How about we have some of that delicious smelling dinner,' he pleaded.

'I can do that,' Tessa decided they were going to enjoy their evening together, even with Lyndon not there. She rarely allowed Lyndon to sleep out of their home, only consenting to him sleeping over at her parents. She knew her mom would take very special care of her baby along with her father.

They had ordered take out from the Italian restaurant on the ground floor of her apartment. They served fantastic Italian cuisine. Tessa had included a bottle of Brad's favourite wine to go with their pasta.

'Will you open the wine please?' Tessa served their meal into plates.

'Sure,' Brad murmured. He was busy lighting up the scented candles he found, in the cupboards.

'You will have to finish the bottle,' Tessa stated as she placed Brad's dinner in front of him.

'You're not trying to get me drunk are you?' Brad pulled her onto his lap. 'I mean you already own half my kingdom.'

'You don't own a kingdom,' she laughed softly, draping one arm around his neck.

'I don't? I guess I will have to put that on my bucket list.'

'You don't need to,' she kissed his cheek and rose from his lap, taking the seat opposite Brad.

'Mmm this is delicious,' Brad tilted his head as he enjoyed another forkful of creamy chicken Tagliatelle with mushrooms and bacon. 'Lauretta has never prepared something so outstanding,' he savoured the gourmet taste.

'Don't repeat that comment when we return home,' Tessa warned.

'Why?' Brad asked disappointedly. 'We could get the recipe.'

'Fine I'll ask Fernando,' Tessa sighed.

'I'll ask him,' Brad was quick to reply.

'Suit yourself,' she grinned. Tessa had introduced her husband to the maestro chef who owned the Italian Bistro downstairs. She had often dined there when she was single. Tonight when she had gone to order their take out, she had asked to speak to the chef cum owner. He had been delighted to see Tessa again, but was visibly disappointed to learn that she was now married.

'Tessa why don't you sell this place,' Brad suggested, as he helped her wash up their dinner dishes.

'What!' she exclaimed, returning from the dining room with their empty glasses. They had enjoyed their laid back and companionable dinner. She had managed to coax Brad to finish the bottle of wine, whilst she stuck to mineral water. Surprisingly he was still as sober as an eloquent judge. She should know being an attorney.

'We've slept over here maybe half a dozen times in the last four years,' Brad stated. 'It's prime real estate just wasting away,' Brad dried his hands on the tea towel.

'It's mine and I'm not selling,' Tessa replied with fierce determination. It was the one single evident fruit of the labour of her own blood sweat and tears. Okay maybe there had been no blood, but there had definitely been sweat and lots and lots of tears.
Nobody knew of the tears she had privately shed as she had publically battled the demons of her single life as a millionaire heiress and Brad shall never know of it either. He may have read of her sexual exploits from the tabloids, but nobody knew her emotional state during those lonely tumultuous years for she never discussed it openly. Only Fabian was privy to a lot of it and she knew he would never talk. There were other positive reasons why she would not sell. One of them was handsomely standing in front of her.

'It was only a suggestion,' he was taken aback by her sharp response. Intuitively his arms circled her body protectively. Immediately Tessa relaxed in her husband's arms. Her eyes lifted to his. She smiled slyly.

'I fell in love with you here,' she whispered. 'Our son was conceived in this apartment,' she reminded Brad.

'I did not have you pegged as the sentimental type,' he grinned.

'You're right.' Her arms crossed around his neck. Her fingers caressed at the nape of his neck.

'You plan on buying that French elevator as well?'

Tessa laughed loudly. She withdrew out of his arms. 'You joining me in the shower?' she invited, leading Brad into the bedroom.

'Yeah, but I hope you don't plan on retiring to bed just yet.'

'What do you have in mind Blakely?' she looked over her shoulder at him curiously.

'I just wanted to chill at the fireplace. Sip some cherry; enjoy a bit of classical music and ---good company.'

'I can, with pleasure, supply all of the above Blakely,' she smiled.

'Daddy you wanted to go over that contract?' Her father had sent her a text message about wanting to have a discussion with her regarding his Middle Eastern business associate.

'Yes,' her father nodded. 'Sheik Farhaan is actually in my study.'

'I'll just check on Lyndon,' Brad spoke.

'Darling you can join us,' Tessa invited.

'Go ahead. I'll come through after I say "hi" to Lyndon.' Tessa had already rushed to Lyndon's room to check on her little boy, whilst Brad had been on a call.'

'You've studied my recommendations then?' Tessa asked, as her father preceded her to his study.

'Yes---yes,' her father answered absentmindedly.

Tessa gripped her father's arm before he could open the door. 'Are you sure you need me? You seem rather distracted,' Tessa observed.

'Yes,' he father answered quickly. 'Sheik Farhaan would like to meet you.'

"'Meet me"---why? I have nothing to do with your business.'

'Let's meet him shall we?' Joseph opened the door and ushered Tessa in.

Tessa had not given any thought to what the physical appearance of her father's Sheik Farhaan would be, but she concealed her surprise quite well when her father introduced her. Who could blame Tessa when she assumed he would look like any other fully bearded Middle Eastern male with the traditional flowing white cotton robe and turban. Instead the man in front of her could easily be mistaken for a European national in his designer handmade Italian suit, she noted. He was about Tessa's age, extremely tall, about a head's length shorter than Brad. His boyish silky straight dark hair did not seem as if it would ever need a brush. It just fell into place in one specific style. He was clean shaven, extremely good looking, with intelligent looking sapphire blue eyes. He smiled easily, rather confidently like a man who was used to getting everything he wanted, and perhaps every woman he wanted.
If Tessa was still single, he was the type of man, she would take to her bed. She was pleased to discover, he held no appeal for her. Sure he was an attractive man. No doubt extremely wealthy and powerful too, but she had her own attractive, powerful wealthy stud and she loved him with all her heart.

'Tessa, I'd like you to meet Sheik Farhaan bin Aziz from Saudi Arabia, Sheik Farhaan, my daughter Tessa Blakely.'

'Good morning Sheik bin Aziz,' Tessa extended her hand.

'Good morning. Call me Farhaan,' he spoke eloquently with only a slight trace of an accent, smiling lazily as he took Tessa's hand and held it longer than was necessary.

'You wanted to discuss something daddy,' Tessa removed her hand and turned to her father.

'Yes, Sheik Farhaan is interested in buying your apartment,' he smiled smugly.

'I beg your pardon!'

'I told him I am certain I could get it off your hands for you and obviously Sheik Farhaan would pay you the market rate.'
Her father looked like he was confidently pitching his closing argument to a bunch of gullible clients.

'It is not for sale!' Tessa allowed her eyes to travel to her father's guest. He stood there arrogantly with his arms linked behind his back.

'Tessa, why would you want to keep it?' Joseph questioned. 'You have Scarsdale. The apartment is just wasting away. Sheik Farhaan could put it to good use. Prime real estate is so scarce in New York.'

This is like déjà vu.

Did Brad know about this?

Is this why he tried to persuade me to sell?

'Perhaps you would like to show me the apartment.'

Tessa came out of her reverie to realize Farhaan was standing next to her. His hand was resting suggestively on hers. Tessa looked into his eyes, his invitation was unmistakable. Surely the crazy man knew she was married. Her ring finger was testament to that.

Farhaan studied her beautiful face. She was an attractive and very, very sexy lady. She carried her beauty with confident poise. Very seldom did he meet a lady who did not bow to his every whim.

In fact come to think of it, he had never met a woman who ever said no to him. This one was  certainly a challenge. He liked challenges and he knew women liked to be mastered, if his wide experience with the species was anything to go by.

This one would be a lasting pleasure he could tell. She oozed sex appeal. He found he could not keep his hands off her, finding any excuse to touch her. The tight fitting dress on her hour glass figure was begging to be unzipped. He wanted to see where those shapely legs ended.

'I don't see the point of showing it to you,' Tessa removed his hand for the second time.

'I will pay you three times its market value.' The shrewd businessman in him came out. His clinical tone was devoid of any accent, just very fine polished Western finishing school.

'Sheik bin Aziz , I'm sorry---.'

'Farhaan. Call me Farhaan,' he demanded taking her hand again.'

'Sheik bin Aziz, I do not wish to sell the apartment,' Tessa informed him politely.

'Tessa why don't you show Sheik Farhaan the apartment,' Joseph urged. 'Perhaps you will reconsider his very lucrative offer.'

I'm sure my bed appeals to him most.

'You heard my wife. The apartment is not for sale!'

Everybody in the room was so intensely involved in the discussion, nobody heard Brad enter. Farhaan hastily stepped away, removing his hand from Tessa's as Brad approached and stood next to Tessa. The two men measured each other even though Brad towered over Farhaan.

'Brad, this is Sheik Farhaan bin Aziz, the business associate from Saudi Arabia I mentioned to you. Sheik Farhaan, meet Brad Blakely, Tessa's husband. Brad is Chairman of GR Holdings.'

'A pleasure to meet you,' Farhaan recovered, speaking in his clipped polished tone. He was not foolish to assume Brad Blakely inherited the GR chairmanship by marriage to Joseph von Biljoen's daughter. Brad's reputation as a skilled and powerful businessman had reached his part of the world.

'Sheik bin Aziz,' Brad returned the greeting coldly.

'We hoped Tessa would divest of the apartment, seeing she now lives in England,' Joseph dangerously persevered.

'My wife has already informed you of her decision. I suggest you look up Fifth Avenue real estate agents, bin Aziz.' Brad met Farhaan's eyes squarely. 'Let me know if you need help. My P.A. is more than efficient, even though we operate from London,' Brad emphasized for effect.

Farhaan looked away. He did not like Brad Blakely's dismissive tone. He was even more annoyed at the insinuation he caught very loud and clear that even though Blakely lived in London, he had his finger on the pulse here in New York.

'Thank you Mr. Blakely.' He may not like the man, but Farhaan was educated and trained well enough not to let his emotions get the better of him. He quickly realized he'd rather make an ally out of Blakely than an enemy. Who knows he may need a favour when he was next in London.

'If you will excuse us, my wife and I have plans,' Brad curved his arm possessively around his wife's waist.
Tessa did not know of any plans they had. She thought they were spending the day at home with aunt Bertha and her mom, but she was not going to contradict her husband, not when he walked in and found Farhaan's uninvited hand rather incriminatingly attached to hers.
Off more concern to Tessa was the coiled tension emanating from Brad's body. He had not once looked in her direction. His eyes had been spearing Farhaan from the second he walked in.

Tessa barely noticed Brad leading her to their bedroom. Her mind was a whirlpool of confusion. She could not understand her father's insistence on her selling when she wanted to keep her apartment. She had not expected Farhaan to be so blatant with his unsolicited attention right under her father's nose and then Brad had to walk in right in the middle of all of that.

'What the hell was that all about?' Brad growled as he slammed the door.

Tessa jumped as the windows reverberated. She knew Brad had been irked by what he saw, but that was putting it mildly now considering the way the poor door was on the receiving end of her husband's ranting. Her ears were still recovering from the piercing sound of it being slammed. He rarely got this angry.

'I---he wants to buy the apartment.'

'I got that insignificant bit Tessa, but why the bloody hell were your hands so cosily tucked in his?'

Oh boy, he is stark raving mad!

'It wasn't,' she denied, stepping back instinctively as Brad strode towards her.

'You were holding his hands and gazing into his eyes,' Brad thundered.

'Stop screaming at me. I was not holding his hands.'

'So you allowed bin Aziz liberties he was clearly enjoying.'

'It was not like that!' Tessa yelled.

'Really?' Brad sneered. 'If Joseph was not there, perhaps bin Aziz would have had you on the desk with your legs comfortably wrapped around his very virile hips.

'Stop this, damn it! You are wrong with your wild accusations.'

'I know what I saw with my own eyes,' Brad yanked the door open. 'And I am not blind,' he hissed rather quietly.

'Where are you going?' Tessa caught his wrist.

'Out,' he clenched his teeth.

'Brad---don't walk out on me.'

'bin Aziz is just your cup of tea, is he not?' Brad's dark stormy eyes were blazing with anger. "Powerful, wealthy" Marco will concur, will he not? And bin Aziz is quite the looker!'

'If you must question my faithfulness, judge me from the first day I met you,' Tessa asserted. 'Before that none of my life was your business,' her emerald eyes were equally angry. Tessa brushed past Brad and walked to Lyndon's room.

'Momma, you're back,' Lyndon threw his arms around Tessa's legs. 'Are we going to swim now?'

'Morning Stacy,' Tessa smiled.

'Morning Mrs. Blakely.'

'Would you like to take a drive with mummy angel?' Tessa dropped to her knees and hugged him.

'Is my daddy coming too?'

Tessa inhaled.  'Is it okay if it's just you and I?' Tessa led him downstairs.

'We can have ice cream,' Lyndon suggested.

'It's too early for ice- cream Lyndon,' Tessa strapped the safety belt around Lyndon.

'I thought you and your husband had plans?'

Tessa lifted herself up from strapping Lyndon to find Farhaan's amused eyes mocking her. Did he know she and Brad had just had a blazing row, all thanks to him!

'Is that your son---?'

Before Farhaan could continue his interrogation, two burly security detail closed in on him. He raised his hands in mock surrender and stepped back. For once Tessa was appreciative of her guards. She walked around and slid into the driver's seat.

'Would you like a milkshake instead angel?' Tessa checked the review mirror to see what was happening behind her. A familiar car began following her. Farhaan was still being detained by the two guards.

'Yes please, double chocolate,' Lyndon clapped his hands enthusiastically. Tessa laughed softly.

'There you go,' Tessa handed Lyndon his milkshake. They were at an al fresco cafe, basking in the sun. Tessa was sipping on a fruit drink.

'Lyndon you know it's daddy's birthday tomorrow right?'

'Yes momma, you told me,' Lyndon sipped heartily from his drink. 'Stacy helped me make something for my daddy.'

'That's wonderful. What is it?'

'It's a surprise,' he continued gulping down his milkshake.

'Oh,' Tessa grinned, raising her eyebrows. 'Can you keep a secret then?'

'Yes.' Lyndon pushed his drink aside to give his mummy his full attention.

'I have also arranged a surprise for daddy,' Tessa smiled. 'It requires some travelling, but you will love it. We are going to a beautiful island. The weather is glorious there and we are going to have lots of fun---.'

'Travelling?' Lyndon asked disappointedly. 'Can grandpa come?'

'Grandpa? No---it's just you, Stacy, daddy and I.'

'How far away?' Lyndon did not look enthusiastic.

'About two hours.'

'Can I stay with my grandpa please momma?'

'Again!' It was Tessa's turn to be disappointed.

'You said I could visit Fabian and Marcus and Stacy says we're going back home in two days.'

They were returning to England very late, in two days time, but she had planned this romantic getaway to surprise Brad. She wanted her little boy with them. Perhaps she could allow him to stay behind. She had promised Fabian, she would allow Lyndon to spend one day with Marcus before they returned home. At least if Lyndon spent two nights alone with his grandpa, when they were leaving, he would not nag to stay. There was no way she was leaving her baby behind and going back to England.

'Okay sweetheart,' Tessa smiled. 'Are you sure though? We will be gone for two days.'

'I am a big boy momma,' Lyndon grinned adoringly.

'Come here,' she extended her hand. 'You're still my baby.' She cuddled Lyndon on her lap and kissed his cheek.

'I'll call Fabian. You can go over tomorrow,' she handed Lyndon his drink.

'Thank you momma. Can we buy Marcus a present?'

'What would you like to get him?' Tessa smoothed his hair away from his face.

'I saw this giant panda on TV,' Lyndon extended his tiny arms widely.

'I know where we can get one.' Tessa smiled. 'We can get it after your milk shake.'

'I love you momma,' he kissed his mummy.

'I love you too. Now I have chocolate all over my mouth,' Tessa laughed and dabbed at her lips. Lyndon chuckled happily.

'I'm going to miss you,' Tessa hugged Lyndon on her lap.

'I will see you in two days time momma,' Lyndon spoke seriously.

'Oh you are growing up far too quickly,' Tessa sighed.

She rested her chin on Lyndon's head. She thought about their baby that would be born in about five months. She took a moment to dwell on Brad. Was he still angry? It was not her fault Farhaan had been flirting with her. Yes he was good looking, but Tessa was not interested in him in the least bit. She loved her husband. There was nobody in this world she would trade Brad for. What they had was a once in a lifetime love. She'd had relationships with many men. None could hold a candle to Brad.

Tessa made a mental note to check with Bentley that the jet was fuelled, ready for takeoff tomorrow and that the pilot was on standby.

'I'm finished momma,' Lyndon was enthusiastic to go and buy Marco's gift.

An hour later after much deliberation, Lyndon was satisfied with his choice. Tessa had wanted to help him carry the larger than life panda, but Lyndon had insisted on doing it himself. It had been a mission guiding Lyndon back to the car, he could barely see in front of the giant stuffed toy he carried. He was thrilled with his achievement when they finally got to the car.

Their bodyguards had thought they were being helpful, when one of them came out of nowhere to help carry the panda. Tessa choked at how adorable her protective son had been, when he assumed their guards were robbers. He had boldly stepped in front of Tessa and uttered these words.

"Stay away from my momma and don't touch Marcus' panda."

Tessa had quickly shook her head at them, indicating she and Lyndon were fine. Obediently the guards stepped back, heeding Tessa's silent instruction.

"Sorry sir," The senior of the body guards addressed Lyndon. He managed to keep the smirk off his face before leading his partner away.

'Thank you sweetheart,' Tessa hugged her little boy.

'Don't worry momma. I will always take care of you,' he clasped one hand to his mummy's protectively.

Tessa stepped out of the shower and walked into their bedroom. Her eyes fell to the bedside clock. It was eight PM and Brad had not returned. She wanted to call him, but decided against it. She knew she should have some dinner, just so her baby could get some nourishment, but she was unable to put a morsel of food through her lips. She did not want to go downstairs. If her parents asked where Brad was, she would not be able to answer. She checked her mobile there were no calls from Brad. Tessa tightened the fluffy white towelling robe around her waist and stepped out into the balcony. She lowered herself onto the patio lounger and shut her eyes. She couldn't go to bed without Brad, she would never fall asleep.

'Tessa wake up.'

She opened her eyes to see Brad kneeling on the lounger. His hands were on either side of her head. His eyes were tender, filled with concern.

'Brad---you're back.'

'Yes,' he answered guiltily, seeing the twin streaks of dried tears down her cheeks.

'Where have you been?' she murmured, pulling his head down to kiss him.

'In Joseph's study. Trying to figure out how to make up to you,' he replied uncomfortably. 'Hanna came to the study to tell me you have not had dinner.'

'She did?' Tessa looked away. She did not want Brad to think her an irresponsible mother.

'I brought you a dinner tray,' his fingers gently feathered her face.

'Oh.' Tessa stiffened. Brad felt her withdrawal.

So he was not here because he wanted to be with her. He was merely doing his husbandly duty because the maid had informed him that his wife had not had dinner.

'Tessa, I am sorry.'

Her eyes flew to his. 'I beg your pardon.'
Remorse and self recrimination was clearly evident in his troubled, moist eyes.

Brad lowered himself on her lounger. He lifted her hands, laced his fingers through hers. His eyes were trained on their laced fingers.

'Why did you allow me to hurl all that abuse at you this morning? He looked positively ashamed.

Tessa searched his eyes. Didn't she know exactly that ugly green monster that made them both equally possessive over each other? Didn't she remember all too well how she had gone ballistic when she found Darya Titov all over Brad in his office?

'I don't think I'm any better,' she whispered. 'I seem to recall violently hurling a glass at you in a fit of jealous rage.'

'You're pregnant. I should not cause you any stress,' Brad was repentant.

'I'm fine,' Tessa replied reassuringly.

'I'm glad,' he grinned, tugging at the belt of her gown.

'What are you doing?'

'Making love to my wife,' he admired her naked body as he peeled the gown apart.

'On the balcony? We have a bed,' Tessa remonstrated as Brad buried his lips at her neck.

Their bedroom overlooked the pool area. Knowing her parents entertained many guests Tessa did not want any late night swimmers having an uncensored view of her and Brad making love.

'Tessa?' Brad lifted his head enquiringly. She was not responding to his lovemaking.

'Please---can we go into our bedroom,' she cupped his cheeks pleadingly.

'You're right,' Brad lifted her into his arms. 'I also want you to have your dinner first,' he lowered her onto the bed.

'Did you have dinner?'

'Hanna has prepared enough for the two of us,' he avoided her eyes.

'Brad,' she gripped his wrists. 'I don't want you to deprive yourself of your meals when we---have an argument.'

'How could I possibly eat, when my heart aches so?'

Isn't that exactly why she had not gone down to dinner tonight?

'We behave foolishly for adults,' she grinned, stuffing Brad's mouth with a generous portion of smoked chicken.

'I believe you had a busy day today,' Brad leaned forward and kissed her. She kissed him back tasting the flavoured chicken on his lips.

Tessa supposed Brad had been duly informed of Farhaan accosting her in the courtyard.

'I spent the day with Lyndon,' she quickly replied.

'bin Aziz approached you in the courtyard,' Brad stated. A pulse beat uncontrobaly at his throat.

'I was scared when he questioned me about Lyndon,' Tessa confessed. She draped her arms around his neck, caressing her smooth cheek against his hair roughened one.

'He will never come within twenty feet of you ever again,' Brad assured her. He conveniently left out certain vital information that his security had roughed up bin Aziz, just for good measure.

'Did you get a report of how protective your son was?' Tessa laughed softly.

'Yes,' Brad's shoulders rose proudly. 'Isn't my son a hero?'

'Just like his daddy,' Tessa fed Brad a chunk of cheese.

Brad cupped his hand over Tessa's stomach. 'I am so impatient for my baby to be born,' he sighed.
Tessa covered Brad's hand with her own.

'Me too,' she smiled. 'Mom tells me she thinks it's a girl.'

'Shall we go all pink in the nursery when we return home?'

'Not yet,' Tessa was unsure. 'Let's wait.'

'We will love our baby irrespective,' Brad assured her.

'I know,' Tessa smiled happily.

'Besides, if it's a boy, we will just try again,' he grinned, feeding Tessa a slice of strawberry.

'You're crazy. What if we have six boys in a row?'

'I'm sure the seventh would be a girl,' Brad laughed.

'You're mad. I am not having seven children.'

'Lyndon will have his soccer team,' Brad answered seriously.

'I love you Blakely, but we're only having two children.'

'Shall we park this debate until a year from now?' He reached across and nibbled tenderly at that sensitive spot between her shoulder and neck.

'Don't think seduction is going to change my mind,' she moaned softly, delighting in Brad's erotic ministrations.

'Are you done with dinner?' he murmured huskily.

'Yes,' she reached for his mouth and captured his lips hungrily.

'Why are you still single?' Keri murmured as she caressed the fine dust of hairs on Bentley's chest. She was in seventh heaven. She had spent every night in Bentley's suite since he made love to her three nights ago.

'What!' he laughed.

'You're quite a catch,' she supplied. 'Handsome, powerful executive, earns a commanding salary and is very sexy too.'

'I never thought about it,' he shrugged. 'Besides the job does not exactly motivate that kind of commitment. What about you?' His finger traced over her lower lip.

'You sure you want me to answer?' she inhaled uncomfortably. Bentley nodded.

'I thought I was going to marry Max,' she murmured.

'I'm sorry,' Bentley answered tenderly.

'I'm hungry. How about you?' Keri changed the subject.

'Oh absolutely,' his eyes danced devilishly.

'I meant sustenance,' Keri laughed.

'Off course. What else?' Bentley's eyes reflected his disappointment.

'I could take a rain check,' Keri slid atop Bentley, her mouth reached for his.

'You're on,' he joined her enthusiastically.

'Good morning,' Brad greeted Tessa.

She detected the disappointed tone in his voice. She wanted to throw her arms around him and wish him Happy Birthday, but she did not want to ruin her surprise.

'Mmm,' Tessa kept her eyes closed. 'Is it time to wake up?' she sighed sleepily.

'It's almost six.' She should have been out of bed fifteen minutes ago. More importantly did his wife forget it was his birthday today?

'I'm tired. I'll get up just now.'

'Are you not coming to the office with me?' he asked hopefully.

'Did you need me?' Her tone suggested she was reluctant to go to the office.

'It's our last day here. I thought you'd want to greet the staff.'

'I greeted them the day we arrived,' Tessa snuggled closer to Brad, curving her arm around his waist. 'I'll come if you absolutely want me there.'

'No,' Brad sounded like a child at a Christmas party who had not received a gift. She was so tempted to give up the pretence. If she looked into his eyes, she knew she would cave.

'Darling, could you massage my shoulders,' she turned away quickly. 'They feel so knotted,' she groaned.

'Okay,' Brad reluctantly answered. He could not believe his wife had forgotten his birthday. He would never forget her birthday.

'Thank you,' Tessa purred contentedly after about fifteen minutes. 'Talk to you later,' she kissed his cheek, dismissing him from the bed.
'See you tonight,' his voice sounded like it was breaking.

'Did daddy like his present?' Tessa asked Lyndon as they enjoyed breakfast.

'Yes,' Lyndon beamed proudly. 'Did you see it?'

'No,' Tessa sighed disappointedly.

'We made him a college of photos,' Lyndon announced self importantly.

'You mean collage,' Tessa chuckled. 'Who's "we."'

'Stacy and I.'

'Where did you get the photos from?'

'I---borrowed your camera,' Lyndon laughed.

'I see,' Tessa smirked.

'Momma do you remember the day I caught the fish?'

'Yes.'

'And I chose some from when we were in Paris. My daddy was very happy momma. There was one where my daddy was carrying me and you were kissing his cheek. He said he loved that one the best.'

Tessa remembered handing the camera to Stacy and asking her to unobtrusively snap a few pictures. She recalled that particular picture. Tessa had meant to blow that one up, but had never gotten around to doing it.

'I can't wait to see it,' Tessa smiled.

'My daddy took it away momma. He said he would frame it in his office in London.'

'I'm so proud of you my darling. That was a beautiful gift.'

'I know,' Lyndon smiled smugly.

'Lyndon before I drop you off at Fabian's, we're going to the office to wish daddy and have some cake with him and the staff. Is that okay with you?'

'Okay momma.'

'I spoke to grandpa. He will fetch you tonight from Fabian's,' Tessa added sadly.

'Don't worry about me momma.'

'I know,' she forced a smile. 'You're a big boy.'

'Let's go to my daddy now.'

Tessa had called Joseph's former P.A., Chantelle Parker, who was now P.A. to the New York regional manager. Tessa had instructed her to send an email out to all the staff to meet in the boardroom at twelve to join her in wishing Brad "Happy Birthday." She checked in with Bentley to make sure Brad would return from his breakfast by twelve.

The jet was ready and fuelled. The pilot had already filed their flight plan. It was all systems go. Tessa had ordered him a brand new tux and a pair of matching Italian shoes. Brad's surprise would be waiting for him when they got to their destination. Their luggage had already been sent to the awaiting plane.

'Why couldn't you get me out of this meeting?' Brad growled at Bentley. He had been in a foul mood all morning.

'There is a time sensitive matter, before we depart,' Bentley answered  conservatively.

'Heard of conference calls Bentley?' Brad growled even more furiously as he saw Bentley texting away from his mobile.

'Sir, it's just an hour. Then you have the entire weekend to yourself.'

Seems like I have my life to myself.  My wife did not remember it's my birthday!

Brad was taken aback that Bentley had got him a set of books on antique furniture. Brad loved everything about the sixteenth century. Bentley had gotten him two priceless books that dated from that era. Everybody remembered his birthday; his son; his parents-in-law; except, the one human being, he considered the most important in his life...

'You better get me out of here within the hour,' Brad warned as they stepped out of the elevator towards the boardroom. 'I am not staying a second longer. Is that understood?'

'Yes sir.' Bentley opened the boardroom with a wide smirk plastered across his face.

'Is Brad here yet?' Tessa asked Chantelle Parker in a hushed tone.

'I believe his limo has just entered the building, Mrs. Blakely,' Chantelle still maintained her stoic tone of address after all these years.

'Good, let's get into the boardroom quickly.

'Happy Birthday Brad!'

A chorus of enthusiastic voices greeted Brad as he followed Bentley into the boardroom.

A flurry of expressions filled Brad's face. First there was a look of astonishment. It was followed by him throwing his head back with laughter. A cursory glance around the room and he found his darling, adorable wife in his direct line of vision.

"Happy Birthday" she mouthed.
She was leaning against the wall, her hands casually at her sides. She looked sexy in a black mini skirt; a snow white shirt and a chic scarf tied high around her neck. Her shapely slender legs were complimented by six inch stilettos.

'Come here,' Brad instructed, extending a hand out to Tessa. She clutched Lyndon's hand and walked to Brad, he never took his eyes off her as she made her way to him.

'You remembered,' he murmured in her ear, as she greeted him with a kiss.

'How could I not?' she whispered back.

'I'm here too my daddy.'

There was a chorus of laughter from around the boardroom. Reluctantly Brad released Tessa and lifted Lyndon into his arms.

'Happy Birthday again my daddy,' Lyndon's tiny arms threaded around Brad's neck.

'Thank you son,' Brad reached out and linked his fingers through Tessa's. 'Thank you everybody,' Brad laughed. 'This was really unexpected,' his eyes locked with Tessa's.

'Can we have cake now please?' Lyndon broke the ice.

'Yeah,' Brad laughed. 'Go ahead everybody.'

Tessa sliced a piece of chocolate cake and fed it to Brad. 'Happy birthday darling,' she kissed him again.

'I was miserable the whole morning thinking you forgot my birthday,' he confessed.

'You better go around the room and say your goodbyes,' Tessa instructed. 'We're leaving.'

'Where are we going?' Brad's spirits soared.

'I'll give you a hint,' she teased. 'You need your passport and a pair of swimming trunks.'

'Passport! But I have not prepared the jet or the pilot.'

'All taken care of sir,' Bentley grinned from behind Brad.

'You were in on this?' Brad accused. 'No wonder I have the weekend off!'

'Pay careful attention Bentley,' Tessa instructed. 'I'm switching my husband's mobile off.'

'Yes ma'am. He knew the contact number of the luxury hotel they were staying at. He had made the bookings and paid, using Tessa's credit card.'

'Happy Birthday Mr. Blakely,' Keri greeted Brad shyly.

'Thank you Keri,' Brad replied politely.

'We must leave,' Tessa announced. 'We're dropping Lyndon off at Fabian's.'

'Our son's not going with us?'

'He insists on staying with his grandpa,' Tessa sighed.

'When are we returning?'

'Sunday afternoon,' Tessa answered.

Two whole nights with my gorgeous wife. I can't wait.

        -end chapter twenty nine-