Love's Cure

Chapter 9

Alexander's POV

Stepping into this house was like stepping into home. Not like my parents house in Toronto, but a real home. One where you knew you were loved, were welcome, were valued. I know it sounds weird, but the moment I stepped into the 'flat' as apartments are called here in the UK, I felt like some invisible arms enfolded me in a hug, and I swear to God I heard the words 'welcome home, son'.

As soon as Charlie left I followed Cecilia as she led me down the hallway and showed me where my room was located. The blush on her cheeks as she mentioned her room was beside mine was the cutest thing I had ever seen. Again, I thought I heard a voice whisper in my ear, 'marry her'. I don't know where that thought came from, but I had to admit just the thought of being her husband, and claiming her as my own excited me.

I didn't have a 'type' when it came to women, in truth, I hadn't dated all that much. The young women I knew in my family's social circle were not anyone I would ever want to spend my time with, let alone marry. The women I had dated seemed interested in me at first, but unfortunately, I realized the majority of them dated me because they thought they would strike it rich once they knew what family I came from.

I wasn't inexperienced by any means, but I made sure to 'double up' on protection when I was intimate with someone. I wasn't going to risk being baby-trapped in the event a condom broke. By the time I graduated university I realized casual dating just wasn't worth the trouble, so I made the choice to become celibate until I had found the woman I wanted to marry. Was it frustrating? Sure was. But it was a hell of a lot less frustrating than dealing with the alternative.

I learned from my brother George's mistake. He had briefly dated one of the daughters of a family striving to enter our social circle. She ended up pregnant and he ended up married to her once the patertinity test results showed the child was his. She and her family were estatic while George and my parents were very unhappy. In order to save face, and a scandall that would adversely impact the business, George and Simone played the happy couple on their wedding day. Sadly, that didn't extend to their private lives and now, six years later, both my brother, his wife, and their daughter lived in chilly cordiality.

That was no way for anyone to live. Their sad, unhappy marriage is exactly what made me determined that I wouldn't be forced into a marriage of convenience. F**k that s**t.

Standing here, looking at the flushed face of Cecilia Love, hearing how her voice and breath hitched at me calling her my girlfriend, and commenting about sneaking into her room at night, I made up my mind that I am going to woo this woman. I am going to make her fall in love with me. We are going to get married, and I am going to give her as many babies as she will allow.

When she said "about that", I placed my finger on her lips to stop her from continuing with that thought. I suggested we eat first and have a couple glasses of wine before we discussed the idea formulating in my brain.

First, I wanted to hear the recorded conversation between her and Kaden. Something Cecilia had said during the flight had me questioning his real reason for agreeing to this arranged marriage. The rumors going around Toronto regarding the Jones family's connection to the Clowater's had been disturbing.

Being a lawyer I heard a lot of gossip, a lot of rumors, and a whole lot of credible information. My old firm specialized in contract law, and the senior partners had made it clear none of the associates were to work on behalf of the Jones family. At first I had thought it was due to a personal grudge, but as time went on I learned though the real estate sales part of their business was legit, the development side of it was far from being squeaky clean.

I had worked for a couple of clients reviewing a contract written by the Jones Development Corporation's lawyers. I made sure my clients walked away from investing in the proposed development. Thank goodness they hadn't signed the proffered letter of intent or they would have been on the hook for millions when they backed out of the deal.

I often referred to Kaden Jones as a loser, but in truth, he was slimy. He was even worse than his father when it came to the slime factor, and that's going some. In my opinion, this is the reason Andrea Cole's parents forbade her from marrying Kaden. Cecilia had been wise to run from the arranged marraige. She had played it smart by not forwarning her parents, or Kaden that she wasn't onboard with their schemes.

I shook off those thoughts and entered the room Cecilia said was mine. It was huge, with a large walk-in closet and it's own ensuite bath. I had no doubt I would be incredibly comfortable here once I got unpacked and settled in. A king-size four post bed was across the room from the bathroom. Wide garden doors opened on to a balcony. I pushed open the doors and stepped out to see the balcony ran the length of this end of the house.

Much to my delight Cecilia was standing on the balcony outside her bedroom, a startled look on her face. I couldn't help it. I just had to grin, wink, and say, "Now this is convenient, even if I do say so myself." Her face turned crimson, but she returned my comment with a cheeky grin and a wink of her own. 'Game on,' I thought. 'I'm coming for you, Cecilia Love.'

"Are you ready for supper?" she asked. "I'm freaking starved! Wait until you taste Bea's pot roast. And I think she left a loaf of her homemade bread. You my good man are in for a real treat."

I walked over to her and urged her into her own room, following close on her heels. "Let's go eat then," I responded without giving her time to think about me being in her bedroom. Taking her hand I led her to the door to the hallway, and then on to the kitchen.

We worked together to set the table, then I opened a bottle of wine from the under counter wine fridge while Cecilia plated the meal. We sat across from each other at the table in what she called the breakfast nook. It was cozy, with a view out to the back garden which was rife with color from the multitude of flower beds. Images of children running around playing with a cocker spaniel flashed before my eyes. I could almost hear the high-pitched laughter of little ones mingled in with the excited barking of the dog.

A gasp from Cecilia's lips immediately drew my attention. Her eyes were laser focused on the garden, a slight smile on her lips. "Oh my goodness," she murmured. "That's the first time I've seen that!"

"Seen what?" I questioned in wonder. "The children? The dog? All playing in the garden?"

She whipped her head around to face me, her mouth formed into an O. "You saw them?" she whispered, her face a mask of surprise.

"Well, I think I saw three children running around playing with a cocker spaniel. Are those the neighbour's children?" I am really hoping I wasn't imagining things. But I swear, I saw kids and a dog.

"None of the neighbours have children that age. At least not that I know of. Maybe it's their grandkids or something. But where did they go so fast?"

"Darn good question. Let's put it aside for now and just enjoy this pot roast." True to form as a man, the food took priority right at this moment. My stomach felt hollow, and I was practically drooling at the aroma wafting towards my nose.

I picked up my wine glass and made a toast. "To new beginnings." We touched our glasses, took a sip of wine, then dug in to the delicious feast. We ate, drank, and talked, thoroughly enjoying the food and the company.

Cecilia told me a little bit about the house, asking me if I believed in what she called 'benevolent spirits' that just might stay in, and protect a property. The way she looked at me when she asked made me stop and think. Did I believe in spirits? Do I tell her the truth and have her think I'm crazy, or weird? I guess if I want to try to build a life with her then I had best tell her the truth. No sense hiding anything at this point in time. 'Tell the truth and shame the devil' is what my grandmother used to say.

I took a deep breath, then told her my thoughts on the matter. "I do, believe it or not. In fact, when I walked into the house I swear I heard a voice say 'welcome home, son'. I know that sounds like a load of bull, but it's the truth. In fact, since I've been in the house, I have had thoughts placed in my head that I wouldn't normally have. At least, not until I met you." I gave a wry smile as I remembered the words 'marry her' echo in my head.

Cecilia studied my expression before once again asking a question. "Dare I ask what the thought was that came into your head?"

Oh boy. Not sure if I should say it out loud. She will think I have absolutely lost my mind. "I'm not sure if I'm ready to share that out loud. Especially not right now." Pretty sure my face had taken on a bit of a flushed color which made Cecilia's eyes sparkle in mirth.

"I tell you what," she giggled. "Let me get two pieces of paper and a couple of pens. We will each write down what we think we 'heard' then exchange papers. Kind of like truth or dare." She jumped up and ran to the writing desk in the corner of the kitchen, coming back with paper and pens. "I'll sit at the island and you sit here. That way we can't peek."

She handed me a pen and sheet of paper then took hers with her. Mine didn't take very long, just the two words 'marry her'. What she wrote took a bit longer but when she was done she sat across from me grinning like a Cheshire Cat. We passed the folded papers to each other.

She gasped when she read what I wrote. I nearly shouted with happiness upon reading hers. "Cecilia, fate brought you two together for a reason. Trust fate. Trust him."