“You’re absolutely right. But I just wanted to warn you to be careful. We know this Mark Kiddish, or Donovan O’Laughlin, paid Simon’s attorney fees, but we have no idea if there’s more to the connection than that. We still don’t know what Kiddish could possibly want from you,” he lied.
“Should I be worried?” Olivia stared into his eyes, searching for the truth.
He debated telling her everything. He wanted to, but her father’s warning lay heavy on his heart…and his mind. What if Jack was right? What if her lack of memory was the only thing that had kept her alive those past twenty-plus years? “Let me worry about Simon. You just worry about planning a wedding.” He winked.
“Holy shit! I totally forgot about that.”
Alexander looked at her, aghast.
“Don’t give me that look. I’m still trying to get my head around the fact that I’m getting married!” She bounced up and down on her barstool, excitement oozing from her infectious grin.
Alexander couldn’t help but smile at her in return. “I can’t wait until you have my last name, Olivia,” he said softly, grabbing her hand and gently kissing her knuckles.
She was instantly reminded of the night that she met him. An awareness of complete euphoria washed over her from Alexander’s sensual words and presence, and she truly believed that running into him outside her office building was the best thing to ever happen to her.
Alexander’s cell phone started to ring, breaking their moment. He glanced down at the caller ID. “Sorry, love. It’s my mom. I should probably tell her that I’m getting married, if she doesn’t already know.” He slid off the barstool and answered the phone. “Good morning, Ma.”
“Is it true?” Colleen Burnham asked excitedly. “I was watching the news this morning and they’re reporting that you’re rumored to be engaged, darling.”
Alexander laughed. “Yes, Ma. I asked Olivia to marry me last night.”
She squealed out in joy. “Oh, Alex. I’m so happy for you. Gosh, after all these years. Who would have thought? Is she there? Can I speak with her?”
“Mom…”
“Alex. Don’t worry. I won’t say anything, I promise. But you need to before it’s too late and you lose her again,” she scolded before softening her voice. “I just want to talk to her about the wedding…girl stuff.”
“Fine.” Alexander handed the phone to Olivia. “It’s my mom. She wants to speak with you.”
Olivia sent him a questioning look.
Don’t worry, he mouthed.
She smiled, taking the phone. “Mrs. Burnham?”
“Good morning, Olivia, dear. And please, call me Colleen.”
“Sorry. Colleen.”
“I just wanted to offer you my congratulations on your engagement, darling.”
“Thank you. It still hasn’t really sunk in.”
“I’m sure it will take a bit. Anyway, I wanted to invite you and Alex over to the house this evening for a little family get together. The reason I’m asking you is because he’ll shoot me down right away. He likes to keep you for himself. Selfish bastard.”
Olivia laughed. That sounded like Alexander.
“You’re going to become a member of our family,” Colleen continued. “And I’d like to introduce you to everyone.”
“I’d love to, Colleen. That sounds wonderful.” Olivia couldn’t believe the words that came out of her mouth. Just a week ago, she was scared to meet Alexander’s mother. Now, she was agreeing to a family gathering.
Alexander looked at Olivia, raising his eyebrows in an inquisitive manner. Family dinner at your mom’s, she mouthed. He held out his hand for the phone. She responded by raising her finger, indicating that he would have to hold on.
“I’m looking forward to seeing you and the rock I heard about on television this morning.”
Olivia held her hand in front of her and admired her new piece of jewelry. “Your son does have excellent taste.”
“I taught him well. Please put Alex back on and I’ll see you this evening.”
“I look forward to it,” she replied before returning the phone to Alexander.
“Mother, what do you think you’re doing?” he seethed, his teeth clenched.
“Oh, nothing, dear. Just having a little family get together this evening at the house. Don’t worry. Mrs. Carlson is helping me prepare it and rid it of anything ‘Olivia-related’.”
Alexander sighed, worried that being back in Mystic could trigger memories about her past…a past that could kill her. “I’m not going to win this fight with you, am I?”
“Not a chance. See you tonight,” Colleen said before hanging up.
Alexander shook his head in defeat, turning to face Olivia. “Well, you better pack a bag, love. We’re heading to Connecticut for the evening.”
She gasped. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize your mother lived in Connecticut! I would have spoken with you first if I had known. She made it sound as if she was close by, or maybe I just assumed she was.”
Alexander laughed. “She can be a bit deceiving at times. I think that’s where I get it from.”
CHAPTER TWO
THE DEATH OF ME
THE AIR WAS THICK with tension as Alexander drove with Olivia from Boston toward Connecticut that afternoon. Glancing at the man she was going to marry, Olivia couldn’t help but notice his rigid and taut stature, as if he was uptight about the party that evening. “I’m looking forward to seeing where you grew up,” she said, breaking the strained silence.
“Are you sure that you’re okay with this? We can go back if you want to.” Alexander met her eyes briefly, a nervous expression permanently drawn on his face at the thought of being back in his childhood home with Olivia.
She reached across the car and grabbed his hand. “I’m fine with it,” she reassured him. “Are you going to be okay being there? I know it’s difficult for you…” She trailed off, looking out the window at the rolling green hills. She should have known that it would be painful for him to be in a place where he would be surrounded by constant reminders of the friend he lost when he was just a young child.
“It’s okay. I’m fine with it. Ever since I met you, it’s been much easier for me to deal with the memories.” He squeezed her hand and gave her a comforting look before returning his eyes to the road.