Chapter Twelve

Another month went by, and Nadia finalized all of the wedding plans. It would be a church wedding. The reception would be at Nadia’s home. Desiree would have preferred the house by the lake, but it was under renovation. Nadia decided to redecorate it just for her son and his wife. After all, it wasn’t her house anymore.

Isaias still had not spoken to Victoria or his mother. Now that he had gotten used to the idea of having a child, he was having second thoughts about if he should still be angry. While the house was being redecorated, Nadia rented a six-bedroom home, complete with staff for the four of them to stay in. This particular day, Owen and Desiree were out, and Isaias thought he would tell Whitney what was on his mind.

It was after breakfast, and she was sitting in the mirror brushing her hair when he walked up behind her and kissed her gently on the neck.

“You are so beautiful.”

Whitney smiled. “You had better leave before my fiancé gets back.”

“I’ll kill any man that comes between us. Even your fiancé.”

“I don’t know about that. He really loves me. He’d die for me. So you better be prepared for a fight.”

Isaias stepped back. “Really? Maybe I’d better leave then.”

Whitney laughed. “You are so silly. What’s on your mind honey?”

“I was just thinking about our wedding.”

“It’s going to be beautiful.”

“I don’t doubt that. I was thinking more along the lines of the guest list.”

Whitney put her brush down. She turned to him and smirked. “You don’t even have to say it. You want them there don’t you?”

Isaias nodded. “I’m not mad anymore baby. After all she is my mother.”

“And Victoria?”

“The mother of my child. Whom by the way I haven’t met yet. It’s only fair that they be there. We don’t have to socialize with them.”

“Okay, honey okay. I will be civil with your mother. Victoria, I’m not so sure. She stabbed me in the back just to be close to you. If she did it once, she’ll do it again. But okay they can come.”

“Thank you. I’ll call Mrs. Thomas right away. Should they be allowed a guest?”

“But of course.”

“Great. Four more people.”

 

Isaias called Nadia and altered her perfect plan for the last time. Three days later, Victoria got the invitation in the mail. She was so surprised she immediately called Charlotte.

“Hello?”

“I got an invitation.”

“Invitation to what dear?”

“Come on Charlotte, haven’t you gone through your mail yet?”

“Actually, no.”

“It’s an invitation to the wedding.”

“Seriously?” Charlotte got up from her chair and went to her desk where Frederick usually put her daily mail.

Victoria read the invitation over the phone. “Dear guest, you have cordially been invited to the wedding of the year. Please join us in celebrating the nuptials of Mr. Owen Thomas and Miss. Desiree Martinez, Mr. Isaias Reynolds and Miss Whitney Matthews as they share their love with you. July third, eleven o’clock at Western House of Worship. Reception to be held at One Center Court Lane. One guest only.”

“I can’t believe it. I have mine as well,” Charlotte said.

“Who is your guest going to be?”

“Jason.”

“Wonderful idea.”

“And you?”

“Oh, I have a couple of friends that might come with me.”

Immediately after she hung up the phone Victoria had to call Heath and let him know that the plan has moved forward.

“Hello?”

Victoria was so excited, she didn’t even bother to say hello. “Isaias will meet his son next week. When he does, we will finally get what we have waited for all this time.”

Heath sighed. “Victoria, you know how I feel about this.”

“Heath baby, come on. It’s just about over. Once Isaias meets our sweet little boy, he’s in. Then we can go on with our lives and Jason will be well taken care of.”

“I don’t like it. I already told you that.”

“We can do this Heath baby please just be patient a little while longer.”

“This is for Jason right? Not for you.”

“It’s never been about me. It’s always been about Jason.”

“I beg to differ.”

“We’re in the home stretch now. The plan has worked perfectly, and now it’s time to accept the prize.”

“So let me get this straight one more time. My son goes off to live with his fake father so he can inherit millions and take care of us.”

“That’s it.”

“Can I meet the man that’s taking my son away from me?”

“In fact you can. I just got an invitation to his wedding today. If you can handle it, you can be my guest.”

“All right. But know that I’m only going so I can meet Isaias.”

“It’s a deal.”

 

Later on that day, Owen and Desiree emerged from their room. Isaias was in the living room watching television, and Whitney was taking a nap.

“Hey, what’s up?” Owen asked.

“Nothing. Just watching this movie.”

“Oh I’ve seen this one before. It’s a good one.”

“Where’s Whitney?” Desiree asked.

“Sleeping.”

Owen paused and glanced at his friend. “So do you think they’ve gotten the invitations?”

“I’m sure they have,” Isaias said not taking his eyes away from the television.

“I don’t know man. You sure you wanna do this?”

Isaias picked up the remote and stopped the movie. “I’ll never forgive myself if I allowed my anger to eat at me so much that my own mother missed my wedding. I’m only going to do this once.”

Desiree nodded. “You’re right, but what about Vicki? I really don’t think she should come. Whitney hates her.”

“True enough, but she agreed to allow her to come.”

“Has she let you meet Jason yet?”

“I am expecting a call any day now. Now that Vic knows I’m not mad anymore, she will try to make up for her mistake and let me see him as soon as possible. You know, maybe she was right.”

“About what?” Owen asked.

“She said she broke up with me so I could find someone more suited for me. I didn’t believe it at first, but now I think I do. Not that I care anymore.”

“Are you sure she won’t cause any trouble?” Desiree asked.

“I’m sure. She and I have to get along for the rest of our lives. She knows if she causes a scene, it won’t be a good thing for Jason. That’s why when I do meet him; I don’t want either of you there. Whitney only.”

Owen gazed at his friend. “That’s not fair. He’ll be like a nephew to me. I want to meet him too.”

“If things go great, you will have plenty of time. First time reserved for me and Whitney only.”

 

Victoria stirred around in her house for a couple of days thinking about lots of things. When would Jason get to meet Isaias? Why was Heath so pissed off? Would she be able to pull this off? In the end, she only wanted to be with Isaias. That was her secret and hers alone. Jason was the stepping-stone to her happiness.

Two days after receiving the invitation, she called Isaias.

“Hello?”

“Thank you for not being angry anymore.”

“The way I see it, we have no choice but to get along.”

“I have some free time today. Are you ready to meet your son?”

His heart jumped out of his chest. “Certainly,” Isaias said, so excited he could hardly contain his joy.

“I’ll get him ready. Where should we do this?”

“In the park.”

“Fine. See you in an hour.”

“Whitney will be there. You okay with that?”

“It’s not about me. It’s about Jason. So what choice do I have?”

“Fantastic. See you in an hour.”

 

Isaias hung up the phone. An hour later, Whitney and Isaias were sitting on a bench in the park waiting for Victoria. Isaias looked up and saw the limo approaching from a distance. He began to squirm around nervously. Whitney placed her hand on his leg, and he stopped moving.

“I’m sorry honey. I’m nervous.”

Whitney smiled. “I can tell.”

The limo parked, and Victoria got out. She reached into the car and took her son’s hand, and closed the door behind him. The limo pulled off, and there they stood. Mother and son, waiting to say hello. Isaias looked at Whitney nervously and stood up. He took a deep breath and reached for Whitney’s hand.

She took it and said, “Relax babe. It’s okay.”

Isaias nodded, and took a step towards his future. Victoria met Isaias and Whitney halfway.

Victoria’s heart was bleeding. Damn it, she thought. Come on Vic. You can do this. Be nice.

Victoria smiled and addressed Whitney first. “Hello, Whitney.”

Whitney lowered her eyes. “Victoria.”

Victoria couldn’t stand the sight of Whitney, so she put on her best fake smile and looked to Isaias. “Isaias, here he is. Your son and heir. Jason Tyler. Jason, this is your father. His name is Isaias.”

Isaias suddenly became overwhelmed. He let a tear fall, but he wiped it away before Whitney could notice. Victoria did however see it, and she was touched. Isaias knelt down to his son’s level and spoke to him.

“Hello, Jason,” Isaias said, quietly.

“Hello, Isaias.”

Isaias was holding back tears at the sight of his son, but he smiled through them. “You are a handsome little boy.”

“My momma tells me that a lot.”

“She does?”

“Yes.”

To hear his little voice for the first time was too much for Isaias to take. If he talked with him any longer, he was going to lose it. He had to get away.

“Jason, you see this lady standing next to me?”

“Yes.”

“Well, her name is Whitney. She’s a very good friend of mine.”

So young and well mannered, Jason held his hand out to shake Whitney’s hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Also touched by his youth and politeness, Whitney thought she might cry herself. “Nice to meet you too, Jason.”

“Hey,” Isaias began, “I see some swings over there. Would you like to go and swing?”

Jason nodded. “Yes, Isaias.”

“Wonderful. Would you like Whitney to take you to swing? I want to talk to your mother.”

Jason nodded. “I would like that.”

“Good. Whitney do you mind honey?”

“Not at all. Come along Jason. Let’s go swing.”

Jason took Whitney’s hand, and she led them to the playground. Isaias and Victoria watched them as they walked. On occasion Whitney would look down at Jason and say something. Jason would nod his head and smile. Soon they were running towards the playground.

Isaias smiled at the thought of his woman and his son. “She’s gonna be a great mother.”

“Excuse me?” Victoria asked.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Did I say that aloud?”

“Yeah. Its okay, Isaias.”

They watched them a few moments more and Isaias was extremely happy.

“Thanks, Vic.”

“No problem.”

Not taking his eyes away from the playground, Isaias said, “He’s adorable.”

“Just like you,” Victoria said, trying to get Isaias’ attention.

Isaias ignored her. “I would like to spend as much time as possible with him. Is that okay?”

“Of course it’s okay. I want him to get to know you, just like you want to get to know him.”

“I’m glad.”

There was a long silence between them as Isaias and Victoria were watching their son play with Whitney. She opened her mouth several times trying to find the right words to say. Each time she did, nothing would come out. Finally, she just let it fly.

“Isaias, I want you to know and believe I wanted to tell you. But your mother-”

Isaias took his eyes off his son. “It doesn’t matter anymore Vic. He’s here now, and I love him already.”

“Promise me something.”

“I don’t know if I can.”

“Promise me that no matter what your feelings are for me now, you will take care of our son.”

“Of course I will. I don’t know what made you think I wouldn’t, but it’s a no brainer, Vic. He will get the best education money can buy. He will be the first of my children in every aspect of his life.”

“I’m glad,” Victoria said, averting her eyes. “I was worried for a minute. After all, there is no birthright in my family where he is concerned. My brother’s children will inherit my family’s wealth.”

“You couldn’t have thought I would ever abandon him. I admit I was shocked when you told me, but I eventually embraced the idea. I just had to get Whitney to commit to it.”

“Will she take care of him?”

“I’m sure she will,” Isaias said, turning his attention back to the playground.

“I’m glad. Because when he is old enough, I would like it if he could live with you.”

Isaias wasn’t sure what he’d heard. He snapped his head in Victoria’s direction. “You’re giving him up to me already?”

Victoria realizing she let something slip shook her head. “I didn’t say that. I said when he is old enough to make his own choices. If he wants to live with you, he can.”

“That’s not what I heard.”

“But that’s what I meant.”

“He’s my son, Vic. Of course he’s welcome in my house.”

Victoria was determined to get what was in her head, out of her mouth. She paused as she watched Isaias turn his attention to the playground again.

“Isaias I know you don’t want to hear it, but please accept my apology. I wanted to tell you so many times, but I listened to your mother. She knows how you feel about kids, and she really just wanted the best for you and for Jason.”

“I already said I don’t want to talk about that, but I believe you,” Isaias turned to Victoria, “Can we just forget about us for now? Jason is the man of the hour.”

Victoria nodded and watched her son and his soon to be stepmother play.

 

They spent thirty more minutes in the park. Victoria looked at her watch and remembered Jason had another engagement.

“Well, it’s time for us to go. I have to get Jason to a play date,” Victoria reluctantly said.

Sadly, Isaias replied, “If you have too.”

Victoria waved her hand in the air to get her son’s attention. “Jason honey, it’s time to go!” she shouted across the park.

Jason ran towards his mother’s voice, giggling and laughing. Whitney trotted behind him doing the same.

Jason, put his hands on his knees and tried to catch his breath. “Do I have to momma? We were having so much fun.”

Victoria smiled gently. “Yes honey, your friends are waiting for you.”

Jason took a couple more deep breaths, and moved to his mother’s side. Victoria put her hand on his little shoulder.

“Okay momma.”

Isaias grabbed Whitney by the waist and pulled her close. “It was nice to meet you, Jason.

Jason smiled. “You’re nice. And so is she. What’s your name again lady?”

“Whitney,” she beamed.

Jason’s smile was brighter than the sun itself. “You’re nice too Whitney.”

“Can I have a hug?” Isaias asked.

Jason hugged Isaias around the neck. The thought of him holding his son in his arms, warmed him. Isaias was ready for Jason to go home with him at that moment, but knew he couldn’t.

Isaias pulled away and smiled. “I’ll see you again soon okay?”

“Okay.”

Victoria, happy her son finally met Isaias, was bitter at the same time. She was jealous. She couldn’t help thinking on what would’ve been.

“Come along Jason. It’s time to go,” Victoria said, quietly.

Jason looked up in his mother’s face, and then waved to Isaias. “Okay momma. Bye.”

He was as innocent as his smile led to believe. Isaias didn’t want to let him leave, but he smiled and waved goodbye anyway.

“Bye, son.”

Victoria and Jason walked away and got into the awaiting limo. Isaias and Whitney waved as it drove away.

Whitney sensed Isaias’ sadness. She herself was a bit sad. She hadn’t been so close to young children since she left home. Jason reminded her of her own two nieces.

“Wow that kid is incredible,” Whitney smiled.

Isaias only thought about the future. “Yeah he is. So what do you think honey. When things settle down a bit can he come and stay with us sometimes?”

“Of course honey. Jason is always welcome in our house. And when we have our own children, he will make a great big brother.”

Isaias watched the limo until it was out of sight. “Yeah. He certainly will.”

 

Victoria took her son back to her mother’s house, and she immediately went to see Heath. When she arrived, the television was on, and he was watching a baseball game.

“What’s up?” he asked, after answering the door.

“I took Jason to meet Isaias today.”

Heath raised an eyebrow. “And?”

“Jason has got both Whitney and Isaias wrapped around his finger.”

Heath rolled his eyes and went back to his baseball game. “You mean you’ve got them wrapped around your finger don’t you?”

“I don’t know why you just can’t accept this. It’s going to be wonderful.”

Heath was truly tired of the game. It had been years. “So, do I still get to see my son when he goes off to live with his fake father?” Heath asked as he continued to watch his game.

“That is the reason why you are going to meet Isaias for yourself. This way you will know that Jason will be well taken care of, and I’m sure that you will be able to see him any time you want.”

It was as if she wasn’t there at all. “I certainly hope so. Because if not, it’s going to be a long hard battle for me to get him back.”

“No worries honey. Once Isaias and Whitney get married, then so can we. You still wanna marry me right?”

She finally got his full attention. Though he didn’t look at her, his mind was going at the speed of light. Marry her yes, but not because I love her. Heath thought then shook his head. Dude, you do love her. Marry her, make her happy. “Of course I do. But I think we should do it before they get married.”

“Why?”

“It will be easier for me to justify me wanting to see Jason. If Isaias knows I’m directly connected with you, he won’t have any problems with me being around him.”

“You’re right. So when do we do it?”

“What are you doing tomorrow?” Heath smiled.

“Nothing why?”

“We go down to the justice of the peace and just do it.”

“Oh honey, I wanted a big wedding.”

“We can have one later. But if I am to see my son, we have to do this now.”

“I guess you’re right. But Isaias is going to be shocked. He might even be a little angry. And if he knows we’re married, it may put doubt in his mind. He is really smart you know.”

“Okay so we just don’t tell him. But we are gonna do it.”

“Tomorrow then.”

“Tomorrow.”

 

~~~