Chapter 50

 

Gaius heard the splash of water before he entered the watercloset, and he smiled as he crossed through the bedroom headed in Alex’s direction. The day had been long, but so filled with camaraderie and fellowship that Gaius felt as though nothing could dampen his spirits. And finding his wife in the tub, certainly went a long way toward keeping his mood elevated.

Alex looked up and grinned at him as he made his way over to her side. Gaius bent and kissed her in greeting, then stood and began to slip out of his dirty jeans. Alex arched an eyebrow at him as he joined her, but she let him take her razor away and finish the task while she closed her eyes and drifted under his care. When he was done, Alex moved astride his lap, lifted his razor, and gently shaved his face.

Gaius found it difficult to let her move away, but Alex chuckled and led him into the shower so they would not be late for the revelries planned downstairs. She also secretly could not wait for Gaius to see the dress she had purchased for New Year’s Eve. So, she kept him as focused as she could on getting ready, though he did everything in his power to make them late.

Alex styled her hair in a delicate design Sabina had taught her for the evening, and she soon had her thick tresses gently secured in rolling curls at the base of her neck. She smiled at her handiwork, then walked into the closet to don her dress. Alex slipped the tiny black dress on, and then the new designer pumps that added an extra three inches to her height. She took one last deep breath, then walked out into the bedroom where Gaius was slipping his tie on.

He came to an immediate stop when he saw her, and Alex felt her smile and blush grow. She made her way over to his side, then turned in a slow circle so Gaius could see the dress in its entirety. The designer garment was sleeveless with a deep plunging neckline, and a very, very short skirt. But the back, or lack thereof, was the dress’ truly unique feature. For there, the material cut away to the base of her spine and only five gold chains draping up the length of the back, gave the illusion that something did indeed cover Alex’s skin.

“Do you like it?” she asked quietly, as she completed her circle and faced him once more.

“I do,” he said just as softly, reaching for her hand. Gaius lifted it and turned her around again, pausing when she faced away from him.

Alex felt his fingers gliding over the second and third chains, before he returned her to her original position.

“Are you sure you like it?” Alex asked, waiting to see if he could form a complete sentence.

“You are breathtaking, Alex. Of course, I like you in this. I’m just… I will have to keep you close tonight,” he managed to say and grinned helplessly at her.

“I only really want to dance with you, so that’s fine,” she said. “Go ahead and finish dressing, so we can go down for dinner.”

“I’ll try,” he said as he shook his head.

Alex took pity on him, and stepped closer to finish knotting his tie. She lifted his jacket from the bed next and had to tell Gaius to turn around so she could slip it on him. When she was satisfied that they were both ready, Alex took his hand in hers and led him from the bedroom.

They met Rohan and Sabina on the second floor’s landing, and Alex had to laugh over Rohan’s pained look. Sabina’s dress was daring, but not nearly as tiny or revealing as Alex’s. It only took one look at hers, before Rohan let out another disgruntled noise.

“This must be some kind of test,” he grumbled. “You both want to see how patient we can be, don’t you?”

“We already know you and Gaius are patient,” Sabina said tenderly. “Come, let’s go to dinner.”

“Yeah, let’s go to dinner. I want to hear what Wallace and Conner have to say about the lack of said attire,” Rohan said triumphantly, sure he had Alex ready to go back upstairs and change.

“They’re both married. I think they understand things now,” Alex countered, and took Gaius’ elbow as they continued down.

Gaius could only chuckle as Rohan grumbled again. They made their way to the dining hall with no further delays, and found most of their loved ones already there. Alex noted immediately that her dress was the smallest, and she willed herself not to blush under the looks her brethren were casting in her direction. Even Than paused, and then had to force himself to concentrate on the simple act of pulling out his chair.

Alex quietly slid into her chair and settled her napkin on her lap while Gaius took the seat to her right. She looked up at Than and smiled, noticing immediately a rare blush on his cheeks. Alex patted his hand and then turned her gaze to her brothers, and she did have to laugh softly then.

“Alex,” Wallace simply said, his tone firm.

“Wallace,” she said in return, then looked at Conner.

“I hope my first child is a boy,” Conner sighed and shook his head. “He can help me mellow, before we have a girl.”

Alex laughed loudly at his words, as did Helen and the rest of their family. She tried not to look directly at her father or Jameason, but they both made it a point to smile at her with true humor playing in their eyes. She smiled back just as her father spoke.

“Sons will try your patience and endurance, just as daughters will, Conner. Have you not forgotten the stunts you and your brother attempted?”

“No, sir,” Conner chuckled, as did Wallace.

“Now there is a story, Than,” Alex said, grinning at the two. “Have them tell you of the ways in which they constantly tested their own mortality. Always sneaking off during holidays and trips to go ‘exploring’,” Alex said, using her fingers to form quotation marks in the air. “Mother, Father, and Jameason were always having to track them down and, most often, they found my brothers in restricted areas where the public was not allowed to venture.”

“You didn’t tag along?” he asked, as he imagined a tiny, fair-haired child skipping along behind her elder brothers.

“No,” Alex said, a bit more quietly. “I would have only slowed them down.”

“What do you mean? Because the past was encroaching, as you have told me about?” Than asked, sensing her sudden unease.

Alex looked to Wallace and Conner before she refocused on Than. She offered him a tentative smile, but he noticed that it did not make it to her eyes.

“Don’t mistake me, Than, I had a wonderful childhood, filled with love, support, and care. My family is my first true anchor and foundation, as I have told you several times now. It’s just that for the first eight years, I was fighting a battle within my mind that I did not understand, nor did I know how to articulate it. And though Ganymede halted the past from encroaching, I was terrified it would all come rushing back in. So I tried to savor each moment, though the fear honestly kept me locked away still.”

“You have grown much over these last two years, haven’t you?” Than asked softly.

“Exponentially,” Alex smiled and this time, it made it to her eyes. “I can finally breathe and I’m at peace in my own skin. I no longer have to hide, for I know who and what I am.”

“I’d say you’re not hiding tonight,” Wallace smirked, still eyeing her scant attire.

“Oh, do hush,” Emily sighed. “I wish I could wear that size. A few more weeks and I’ll be close to my size again, though, won’t I, Alex?”

“Yes,” Alex chuckled. “And I can help you find this dress in your size, if you like.”

“No,” Wallace said, shaking his head. “I wouldn’t be able to make it out of the front door, if Emily wore that. Have sympathy for me, and just keep it in your closet, kiddo.”

Everyone around them laughed, and Alex grinned as she looked up into Gaius’ eyes. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead, and then whispered his love in her ear. Alex kept her face alongside his for a few moments, closing her eyes as she inhaled his scent. She felt him kiss her cheek before he drew away. Gaius offered her a wink as Archimedes rose to give thanks for their meal, and Alex reached for his hand and Than’s while the words were offered.

 

Throughout dinner, Wallace and Conner shared several of their more daring adolescent exploits with Than. He remarked that he was surprised the two had never sustained injury during their escapades. He glanced over at Ganymede and saw the angel incline his head, and Than knew then that the angel had been keeping watch over the Groabans even in those early days.

When it was time to adjourn to the ballroom, Archimedes and John came to take Grace into their care for a time. Emily smiled as Archimedes gently settled her daughter against his shoulder. She promised them she would check-in with them soon, and the two immortals left with the infant, headed for the library. As it was on the opposite end of the castle from the ballroom, they felt sure Grace would be undisturbed by the music and revelry.

Gaius stood and helped Alex to her feet, then tucked her hand in the bend of his elbow once more. Than fell into step with them, as did Lord Errol and Lady Juliana. Alex leaned in a little closer to Gaius and listened as he talked with her father along the short trek.

As they neared the ballroom, Alex could already feel the music in her chest and her smile grew. They entered through the double doors to see many already enjoying the steady rhythm on the dance floor. She walked with her family, though, and made sure they and Than were settled in chairs along the perimeter. She thought to remain by their side for a while longer, but Gaius gathered her hand in his and led her into the throng with a wide grin.

He twirled her away from his body, then back to his chest, falling into step with those around them. Alex laughed and wrapped her hands around his neck. She felt his palms slide along the exposed skin on her back, and her smile grew as he led her effortlessly through several fast pieces.

Elrick was the first to cut in and Gaius agreed, albeit a bit reluctantly. He moved over to where Alex’s parents, Jameason, and Than were still seated. Gaius settled himself there, knowing that Elrick had just opened the floodgates, and that it would be a while before he could take Alex back in his arms.

Alex laughed loudly as Elrick moved with her so quickly that she had to blink to focus on his steps. She held tightly to him, not wanting to topple over in the heels she was unaccustomed to wearing. Only when Iain asked for a turn, did she release Elrick so Iain could gather her in his arms.

They smiled at each other, and Alex asked him when he was going to follow her example and settle down. Iain bellowed with laughter and then told Alex he was in no hurry to marry. She offered to help, but he just spun her away from his chest and then brought her back close.

“No, Alex,” he chuckled, while she gave him an innocent and expectant look. “I’m not looking right now. Maybe in a few centuries.”

“Really?” she said, feeling his arm wrap around her back as he dipped her and then brought her back up to stand before him.

“Really, sweetie,” he assured her with a grin. “You’re a hard act to follow,” Iain admitted.

“Okay,” Alex said a bit more softly, and blushed furiously at his words.

“Don’t worry, I know you’re taken. And,” he added, pulling her a little closer, “I am very, very happy for you both. You’re right where you’re supposed to be, Alex.” Iain winked, then spun her into Conleth’s arms.

She smiled up at the beautiful, blonde immortal, watching his blush spread lightly as his hand came to settle on her lower back. Alex remained with Conleth until Nikolaj claimed a dance. On and on the partners changed before her, until Alex was ready to leave the dance floor for a while in search of Gaius.

Alex left Gaillard’s arms and began to work her way through the throng, only to have Jack pull her to him for a dance. Alex could not refuse Jack, and she remained with her dear friend through two numbers. Only when Iain brought Lauren back over to Jack, did he release Alex. She noted that Lauren was blushing terribly, and Alex was glad to see that she was not the only one Iain could have such an effect on. Jack noticed his wife’s blush too, and he laughed as he kissed her cheek and pulled her to his heart.

Finally, Alex spotted an opening and she used it to leave the dance floor. She found Gaius with her family, though her brothers and sisters-in-law were currently enjoying a dance. Alex sat on Gaius’ lap and leaned in to kiss his temple. He patted her legs and asked if she had enjoyed herself. She confessed not as much as she did when he held her. Gaius chuckled and lightly brushed his lips across hers.

“Well, there’s one other you should have a dance with before I claim the rest,” Gaius whispered into her ear. He nodded his head in Than’s direction, and Alex smiled, then nodded in return. Gaius gently lifted her from his lap, and patted her arm to help her move forward.

“Than,” Alex said, extending her hand to him, “can I coax you to the floor before I dance with Gaius again?” She wondered if this was another skill that he had never learned, perhaps feeling no need for it.

He looked at her hand, then at Gaius. Than watched Gaius incline his head, and he turned back to stare up into Alex’s eyes. A gentle smile pulled at the corner of his lips while he took her outstretched hand and stood.

Than led Alex onto the floor and worked his way through the throng until he found an opening for them both. She watched the merriment playing in his light hazel eyes, just before he spun her so fast that Alex had to grasp his lapels to stop herself from falling over. He laughed softly, then proceeded to lead her confidently through two very fast songs.

“And I wondered if you knew how to dance,” Alex confessed, grinning up at Than. “You’re far more skilled than I am.”

“I am skilled at many things, Alexandria,” he said, causing them both to blush. “And with that, I think I will return you to the one you belong with,” Than chuckled, and turned her so she faced Gaius.

Alex smiled over her shoulder at Than as Gaius gathered her close. She watched Celeste take Than’s hand, and he moved away to dance with her next. She turned her eyes back to Gaius, and fell into step with him as she laid her head against his chest. Alex felt him kiss the top of her head and she closed her eyes, resting every part of her being in the safety his arms provided.

 

Much later, as the midnight hour came upon them, the music quieted and glasses were lifted. Gaius wrapped his arm around Alex’s waist as all eyes turned in her direction. Her gaze roamed over the assembly, and she took a moment to capture it all before she spoke.

“Friends, family,” Alex began slowly, “I’ve thought many times over the last few days about what I might say to you all, if called on to give the toast for the new year that lies before us. Last year, I was feeling a bit more… well, I guess blissfully unaware than I am this year,” Alex confessed, and she noted the looks of concern that settled into many an eye.

“With experience comes knowledge, and with knowledge, at times, comes action. I know you have all been through the fire and back with me this year. Time and time again I’ve had to ask you to fight alongside me, as others threatened to take or harm those we love, or me,” Alex said quietly, and looked down at the glass in her hand. She felt Gaius’ hand move around her waist and pull her a little closer as she looked back up to the throng.

“And if there is any one sentiment I can offer all of you, it is this – thank you. Thank you for standing by me, for supporting me, and for having faith that, together, we would persevere. Thank you for your friendship, kindness, and never-ending bravery. Thank you, for not leaving me to the horde,” she said tenderly, letting her eyes find Sabina, Elrick, and then Rohan.

“I’ve no illusions now about what the next year might hold, for there are still a few Fallen who would like to see me come with them. And experience tells me, they will call on more of their children to help make that desire become a reality. But even with all of that on the horizon, I have so much faith and hope in my heart for this next year,” Alex said, her smile returning now.

“For Grace is growing, and so healthy and beautiful. And this next year, we’ll get to see her take her first steps and speak her first words. Helen and Conner will meet their firstborn and, like Wallace and Emily, they’ll make the best of parents. And Than,” Alex said, looking to him now as she held her glass a little higher, “you will get a year full of family, camaraderie, and support, the likes of which you’ve never known. How then could this next year not be one to look forward to?” she asked with a wide grin.

“So, we take the bad with the good. We lean on each other, and we make it through. Just as we’ve always done, my family. To family,” Alex said and lifted her glass high.

“To family,” each and every soul said in return.

They held their glasses aloft, a peaceful silence stretching out before sips were taken. Alex took a small sip and then turned her gaze to Noelle and Ansel. She extended her hand, and the two walked over to stand next to her and Gaius. Now, silence of a different kind settled over the ballroom.

“And on the note of family,” Alex said, grinning from ear to ear at her immortal sister, “Noelle and Ansel gave me permission tonight to announce that, shortly, we will all be gathering in France at her estate to celebrate their marriage. We could not be more excited to see this union come about, and I know we’ll all lend them our unending support and assistance, so that their wedding is everything they wish the blessed day to be.”

“So congratulations, Noelle and Ansel. May this year, your first together, be everything you desire it to be as you create your own small family. To family,” Alex said again, and then turned to hug first Noelle and then Ansel.

“To family,” Noelle said, sniffling a bit as her tears began. Ansel smiled at Gaius as he took a handkerchief from his pocket and gently cleaned his fiancée’s face.

The crush moved forward then, intent on offering their words of happiness and support. Alex wrapped an arm back around Gaius’ waist and leaned into his side as she watched the happy couple. Sabina was beside herself when she made it Noelle, and Alex chuckled over Sabina’s enthusiasm to help plan the nuptials. Even Rohan seemed greatly pleased, and he hugged Noelle tenderly as he offered his congratulations.

Alex felt Gaius’ hand lightly caressing her arm, and she looked up to see that he was already looking down at her, waiting for her gaze to meet his.

“Your words were perfect, Alex,” he said softly. “And I promise you that we will make each moment of this next year count. No matter what danger lies ahead.”

“I know,” she said and smiled tenderly at him. “And with you by my side, and this lot here, I can’t wait to see what the future holds. Each day with you is a gift, Gaius, and a blessing. Each and every day.”

“Come here,” he whispered and turned her in his arms. Gaius gently cupped her face and then lowered his lips to hers.

Alex smiled as she wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled him closer. He deepened the kiss, despite the hundreds nearby.

And though they heard light laughter around them, and Rohan clearing his throat loudly a few times, Alex and Gaius stayed lost in their own little world for a time. A place where demons were not hunting them, where peril did not wait around every corner, and where peace flowed effortlessly. And because that promise of safety and security always existed when she was held in Gaius’ arms, Alex knew that they would make it through whatever was coming.

She had all faith in her husband, her family, and the Lord. She had all faith.