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Chapter 23
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2024-11-01 04:20:49
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Caitlin made the excuse of her sparkling wine tasting sour and excused herself from the table. She thought she could at least get through dinner. She had never been graceful under pressure. That was more of Catherine and Chastity’s talent. She went into the plumbing part of the club’s bathroom and immediately went into the stall to toss her cookies. She wasn’t sure if it was morning sickness or the stress of the situation. When she had anxiety issues as a teen, she would vomit from nerves. Caitlin flushed the commode and walked out of the stall. She washed her hands and rinsed her mouth. Her lightly trembling hands turned on the faucet and plugged the sink. Then she turned it off and submerged her hands in the water. A trick she had done when she had suffered from anxiety years ago. For some reason, it calmed her. Okay . . . okay. I’m going to touch up my make up and go back out there and act like nothing is wrong. Nonchalant. Not a care
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The next morning . . . It was nine-thirty in the morning. Caitlin had eaten breakfast with her parents and sister and then immediately went upstairs and threw it up. “Ugh, god. I can’t even keep my favorite breakfast down,” Caitlin groaned as she walked to her bed. She laid down. “My life really does stink.” There was a knock at the door. “Come in.” Chastity walked in carrying a soda and what looked like a pack of crackers. She closed the door behind her. “What’s all that?” Caitlin asked. “Ginger ale and saltines,” Chastity answered as she put them on the nightstand. “It helped with Chelsea’s morning sickness when she was pregnant.” “What!” Caitlin shouted. She didn’t mean to yell but she wasn’t expecting that answer. “What makes you – I mean are you pregnant?” Chastity laughed. It had a hint of sarcasm laced in it. “Let’s cut the bull upfront. I know you’re pregnant
The Billionaire Heiress's Lover (The Van Dyke Sisters 3) Chapter 26
To the Beaumonts Who Lunch and Dinner By: Judy Budd, Society Reporter The Beaumonts, Van Dykes, Dawsons, and a few friends enjoyed a private dinner at the Richmond Country Club this past Saturday night. A six-course French centered meal was enjoyed by all, including Alexander J. Beaumont, the eldest son of the Beaumont Dynasty, who has returned to New York. Something is definitely in the works. The Van Dykes will be hosting a party this weekend at their estate. The Beaumonts were invited along with Alexander it seems.
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Julian took Alexander to a place called Subs. That was it. That was the name over the doors. Subs. Their father had taken them there several times in the past while they were growing up. The place had the best subs in New York. The problem was no one knew it. It was just a hole in the wall, dinky restaurant that just sold subs and a few sides. They made your sub your way - before Subway was in existence from what their father had told them. If you wanted tuna and ham on the same sub, they made it and didn’t say a word. “You’re not hungry? You keep picking at your food,” Julian said with his mouth full. Julian had gotten a foot long meatball sub with a side of onion rings. “I guess not. I got a lot on my mind,” Alexander said as he kept toying with a fry on his plate. He had ordered a Philly cheesesteak. “Yeah, since you’ve returned. Cassandra and I have noticed you haven’t been . . . yourself. What happened in Florida this summer?” Julia
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Caitlin decided to go shopping to see if it would distract her mind from the current problem - which was Alexander Joseph Beaumont. Caitlin went to Macy’s to look at their maternity clothes. She wasn’t sure when she would need them but browsing didn’t hurt. All of a sudden, she felt light headed. As quick as lightening, everything went black. When Caitlin opened her eyes, she was being wheeled into a room – a hospital room. “What . . .what is going on?” she asked weakly. It was like she had nothing left. All of a sudden a woman appeared in her view. “Ms. Van Dyke. My name is Tracey. I’m a nurse practitioner here at Lenox Hill Hospital.” “Why . . . why am I here? I was shopping and then . . . I was here.” “You passed out at Macy’s and no one could revive you. That’s when an ambulance was called. Ms. Van Dyke, you’re blood pressure is very high. We have to try to get it down and run some blood tests.” “N
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A few days later . . . Tonight was the night of the engagement party at the Van Dyke estate. During the past few days, Caitlin had been able to avoid Alexander. Then again, he hadn’t tried to seek her out since the day after the dinner party. However, they have no choice but to see each other tonight. But Caitlin kept reminding herself all will be well once he leaves. He just came for the engagement party. She took time out to take deep breaths, trying to remain calm and unagitated for the baby’s sake, keeping her blood pressure in mind. The OBGYN had advised her to do the things she had done in the past when she experienced anxiety and stress. She also agreed with Dr. Marsh about taking up yoga. They were all good ideas but they couldn’t erase one fact. Whether Alexander was in New York, Florida Keys, or L.A. he’s going to hear she was pregnant after the wedding. But she knew how she was going to handle it. If he ever confronted her abo
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Caitlin didn’t think the evening was going to end. After her little meetup with Alexander in the library, she was on edge. All she had wanted to do after their tête-à-tête was to run and hide in the pool house. But she knew her family would be concerned if she had disappeared and the rest of the guests would start gossiping. The last thing she wanted to do was cause Hector or her family embarrassment. If her nerves by themselves wasn’t enough, Alexander kept stealing glances at her. Glances that were full of want, desire, and . . . love. And God help her she still loved him, too. She had kept denying that she no longer was in love with him. But when he had kissed her in the library, her feelings for him were as strong as they were in the Florida Keys. She felt so comfortable with Alexander. That was the best thing about them being together. With him she had tried new things, danced horribly to music, and he was encouraging and empathetic.Hector was
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The next day . . . Caitlin had emerged her hands in water twice. She had even done a few breathing exercises she had learned about online. It had only helped so much. Anyone would be nervous about telling their fiancé they had a summer romance with his son and now she’s pregnant with his child. “Mr. Hector Beaumont,” Jerome announced as Hector entered the receiving room at the Van Dyke estate. “Thank you, Jerome,” Caitlin said. The butler left them, closing the door behind them as Hector greeted her. “Hello, dearest.” He gave her a kiss on the lips. “Hi. Thank you for coming. Sit down. I’ll pour you a scotch.” “I won’t refuse but just a little. I have to get to the office.” Hector sat in a white arm chair as Caitlin fixed his drink. She would have gone to Hector’s penthouse, but she didn’t know if Alexander was going to be there or not. The safest thing to do was ask Hector to meet her at t
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Three months later . . . Hector, Cassandra, and Julian showed up at Lenox Hill Hospital. As of five a.m. that morning, there was a new addition to the Beaumont Dynasty. Hector wanted to be at the hospital soon as visiting hours started before the Van Dykes bombarded the place with their presence. There were so many of them who lived in New York or within a thirty-mile radius of it.The three walked down the hall to the maternity ward. Cassandra carried a life size teddy bear in one hand and five baby blue balloons in the other. Alexander turned a corner in the hallway, meeting them. “Hey, there’s the proud papa,” Hector said with a big smile. He was officially a grandfather and he couldn’t wait to meet the little nipper. Alexander smiled. They hugged. “How’s Caitlin?” Cassandra asked. “She’s better now than she was a few hours ago,” Alexander said with a croaked smile. “I’ve never been call
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The reception was an informal affair. Two buffet tables were set up. Several people were in line getting food, others were chatting in little huddles including the Beaumonts. Hector laughed hysterically as Alexander told him how Julian had lost the rings and how Chastity had found them. “I did not loose the rings. I just hid them in a safe place,” Julian said snottily. “Well, I can’t imagine any place safer than Davidson Dawson’s toy truck,” Hector said and laughed again. “I can see you running around like a fool now.” “Hardy har har har,” Julian mimicked as his head went to the side a few ticks. Then he walked away without saying a word. “It all worked out in the end,” Agatha said with a smile. “Thankfully,” Alexander said. “I would have rung Julian’s neck if the rings hadn’t been found. So, Dad, will you and your guests be staying on the island tonight? The guest cottage is free so -” “Oh
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It was everything Hector could do to keep from bursting out laughing. Everyone looked so mortified and frightened. He stole a glance at his daughter. Cassandra kept her serious composure, so he did, too. They walked arm in arm to the altar. It was a beautiful day for a wedding. They had left a little late for Florida. Then it took at least forty-five minutes to charter a boat. It was a Saturday so every marina was busy. Hector had feared they were going to miss the ceremony. It appeared they had arrived just in time and at the right moment. They stopped right in front of the bride, groom, the wedding party, including his great nephew which was a surprise – and a cardinal. Hector was impressed that Alexander was able to reserve a cardinal to marry them. He wondered if he was the same cardinal that Alexander had befriended while he was attending college. Caitlin and Alexander looked rather petrified and bewildered. Hector had h
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The ceremony finally begins . . .The garden was full of wild flowers and bushes including but not limited to frangipani, butterfly weed, Cherokee bean, and lancleleaf tickseed. The leaves on the coconut palm trees swayed as the light breeze ruffled through the garden. It was seventy-five degrees and the sun was in the middle of setting. A perfect day for marrying the love of Alexander’s life.Alexander stood counter cornerwise from the large square wooden archway. Square wooden boards crossed at the top provide semi-shade. The other boards crossed each other on the sides. Cardinal Stefan Marino was standing under the archway. Once Caitlin made it down the aisle, they – and her father would be standing under it with him. Alexander had met the cardinal in California while he was attending Berkley years ago. Back then, the cardinal was Father Stefan. After Alexander had graduated, his home away from home priest had quickly moved up the ranks. He hadn’t conducted the marriage ceremony b
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Meanwhile in the groomsmen’s quarters . . .Julian was fluttering about like a serial killer was lurking outside. Alexander was coolly tying his tie as he faced the mirror on the wall in the living room. Derek and Cameron were in the other rooms changing into their groomsmen wear. Marcus, a Beaumont cousin from Canada, was already dressed and ready when they had arrived. He just sat on the couch watching TV. The nanny had left little Davidson, Derek’s son, with them a few minutes ago. He was the ring barrier. Chelsea had thought Davidson was too young to do it.“He’s only ten months old and he just learned to walk,” Chelsea had said with deep concern.Derek had disagreed and was happy his son was going to be in the ceremony, too. “He’ll be fine. He’s a Dawson. We Dawsons always rise to the occasion with style and grace.”Davidson sat next to Marcus, watching TV. Alexander wasn’t sure what they were watching but they both seemed enamored with it.Derek and Cameron emerged from the bedr
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It was a quarter till five as Caitlin watched her groom and part of the wedding party arrive from the upstairs’ window. They were heading to the back of the house. They were going to get dressed in the separate guest’s quarters. “Four o’clock at the latest,” she said sarcastically. That’s what Alexander had told her when they had spoken on the phone while he was on the plane. “At least he got here before six,” Chastity said over Caitlin’s shoulder. The ceremony was starting at six. “Hmm. Thank, God, for small favors,” Caitlin said over her shoulder to her sister. “We should get you in your gown, darling,” their mother chirped happily. “Show time is almost an hour away.” “It’s a wedding not opening night on Broadway, Mother,” Chastity said as she walked to the other side of the room. “I know that,” their mother snapped. The Van Dyke sisters giggled. You had to love Chastity’s wit sometimes.
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Meanwhile . . . Hector Beaumont had left Agatha’s this afternoon and returned home again – temporarily, since he knew Alexander was probably on his way to Key West by now. He walked into the study and fixed himself a scotch. He wore a black dress shirt, a pair of black boots, and jeans. He exhaled as he plopped down on the sofa. He had been thinking about the wedding, Caitlin, Alexander, and the new baby for the past twenty-four hours. The truth is as much as he cared for his new friends from the community center and loved the peacefulness of his alternative life, he missed his home and family – including Alexander. Before everything went awry, he spoke to his eldest son over the phone at least once or twice a week. Despite what Alexander had done, Hector was still proud of the man he had become. It actually began to pain his heart that the little nipper he had held against his palm and forearm at the hospital was no longer in his life.
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Julian escorted the two ladies, who had given him much pleasure last night, to the living room. He had picked them up at the last bar they had stopped at in the East Village. For the life of him, he couldn’t remember their names but he had remembered what they had done last night – thankfully. Cameron and Derek were getting themselves sorted out when they entered the living room. “Derek,” the girls cooed in unison. Derek’s dark brows rose. He looked rather shocked. “Candy . . . Sandy . . . what are you -?” He was cut off by the girls rushing to him and kissing him on both cheeks. That’s it. Candy is the small chested one and Sandy is the big breasted one. “Uh . . .” Derek stuttered. “We haven’t seen you at The Fox Hole is ages,” Sandy said with a smile. “Where?” Cameron asked as he put his cell in his pocket. Julian knew what The Fox Hole was. It was a swingers’ club
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After a few lap dances, including one Alexander shouldn’t have had by the busty brunette, the strippers left and they did, too. Julian had rented a limo since Cassandra had the family limo. They went bar hopping. Alexander had tried to refuse but half-drunk men and peer pressure was a hell of a drug. “Two hours. That’s it,” Alexander said adamantly. So, they bar hopped around Soho. At the second bar they hit, the guys decided they wanted Alexander to play a game. It was a bachelor’s game Derek knew of. It didn’t really have a name but the rules were simple enough. Alexander had to go around the room chatting up various women, trying to get there phone number. At each one he failed at, he had to take a shot. Alexander was reluctant at first but Derek clarified something for him. “You don’t have to call them the next day. You are getting married. It’s just for fun. And girls know it’s a long shot for a man to call t
