Touched by a Phoenix (42 page)

Scott, Bradley:
3:59PM

>
Love you too, be home soon.

“Good morning, Brad,” Stephen greeted as he entered Brad’s office and took a seat across from Brad.

“Morning, Stephen,” Brad said a little too chipper for the not-so-morning person sitting across from him.

“Something on your mind, boss?”

A deep sigh escaped Brad as he tried to put his thoughts into perspective. Stephen and Jessica had become close—very close. He hated telling Stephen he must return to San Diego, but Nate needed his help on another project.

“Stephen, you have been a valuable asset over the past month and I appreciate your help, but Nate needs you back at the office.”

Stephen’s head popped up instantly. “When?”

“Why don’t you book your flight for Friday, October 31st.”

“What about the demonstrations for DoD the week of the 3rd?”

“I’m sure you would like to witness the demonstrations, but Rescue One is in good shape and I’ve got the demo covered. Nate needs you back in San Diego to help with another project he is trying to finish.”

“Oh….”

For someone who did not want to come to D.C., he seemed terribly disappointed to leave.

“Brad, I’d like to take a few days leave before I head back. I’ll leave on the 3rd if you don’t mind.”

Brad grinned, “Need more than one weekend with Jessica huh?”

“Let’s just say…you should expect a leave request from her as well.”

“Approved,” Brad said, with a knowing smile.

Stephen became quiet. Brad sensed he was not finished with the conversation but needed a moment to formulate his thoughts.

He studied the young man for a moment. Stephen was about ten years his junior and brilliant—a complete geek. His life revolved around computer programming. Brilliant was a good word for the kid. He had told Stephen what he wanted and Stephen had completed the programming while he worked on the remaining task. Brad had sent the programming data to Nate to create the tiniest microchips possible. Once complete, he had embedded the chips into Rescue One’s main programming.

A wry little smile crossed Brad’s face. He guessed he could understand what Jessica saw in him. He thought she might be a couple years older than Stephen, and a bit cuter, but not nearly as geeky. They would make an interesting pair. Wait…who was he kidding, people probably thought he and Alexis made an unlikely couple, but if he had learned anything from her…love does indeed conquer all.

“Boss, would you be able to suggest a gift…one that says,
Wait for me?
” Stephen asked with more sincerity than Brad had expected.

Surprise flickered across Brad’s face. He paused for a moment before he spoke, “Stephen, is the relationship that serious?”

“Yes, sir. I know I need to go back until the project is complete, but when we’re finished, do you think you could get me back to D.C. so I can be with Jessica?”

Brad was quiet for a long moment as he thought about the request. Finally he said, “Yes, Stephen. I think we can make your request work. Meanwhile, if you’re not ready to propose, perhaps you should think about a necklace or bracelet…something she can wear all the time and feel closer to you.”

Stephen brightened, “That’s a great idea boss, thanks.”

Brad’s smile gave way to genuine pleasure. He enjoyed seeing others as blissfully in love as he.

“Sure thing kid, now get to work.”

Alexis stopped by to talk to Phillip. His assistant, Margie, had joined AAS shortly after opening. She was the first employee her dad and Phillip hired. In the beginning, Margie was the receptionist, the bookkeeper, and the customer service representative. She had been a faithful employee, and as the company grew, Phillip had always taken good care of her. Margie was the one person who could keep her father on track and make sure everything ran smoothly. She ensured Phillip was where he was supposed to be…at all times. She kept a tight rein on him, which Catherine always appreciated.

“Good morning, Margie,” Alexis nodded with a warm smile.

“Good morning, Alexandria. How are the wedding plans coming along?”

Alexis plopped down into the oversized chair across from Margie. “Who knew how much planning went into this kind of stuff…no wonder people elope,” Alexis grunted.

Margie’s soft laughter filled the air, “Alexandria, there are just as many details in
small
as large.”

Alexis laughed with her, “Margie, you sound just like my mother.”

“So, how are the plans coming along?”

“Crazy, but I couldn’t have wished for it to work out better,” she beamed.

“I can’t wait to see you get married.”

So many people within AAS had kept an eye on her as a child when her father or Phillip were busy…not to mention answering all of her childish questions. She had inherited a large extended family and she was thankful for every one of them.

“Thank you, Margie,” Alexis replied sweetly. “Is my father in?”

“Yes ma’am, but he leaves for the Pentagon in seventeen minutes so you better hurry.”

“Yes, ma’am.” She almost saluted but reconsidered her thought at Margie’s look—the one that said,
Do not keep him
long.

She opened the door and walked into Phillip’s office. As he studied a document, she waited for him to peer over his glasses before interrupting his train of thought.

“Good morning, my dear. What brings you in to see me so early?”

“Dad, I made plans to take Brad away for a long weekend, and I wanted to make sure you were okay with us leaving early on Thursday October 30th and taking off Friday.” His eyebrow rose. She quickly injected, “We’ll be back Sunday afternoon and Brad will be ready for the demonstrations on Monday.”

His eyes settled. “Fine my dear, but what’s the special occasion?”

“Friday is his birthday but the trip is a surprise, okay?”

“Okay, honey. Where are you taking him?”

“The Pocono’s,” she smiled radiantly.

“Sounds lovely,” he admitted as he returned to reading his papers.

“Thanks, Dad.” Thankful for the distraction, she leaned down to kiss his cheek, and rushed out before he changed his mind.

When she got back to her office she called the jeweler to check on the engraving.

“Good morning, this is Alexandria Saunders. I’m calling to check on the status of a watch I had engraved.”

“Yes, I’ll hold.”

“Perfect, I’ll pick it up within the hour. Thank you.”

A quaint little shop right in the middle of all the commotion on the Hill; the only jeweler in town able to order the watch she wanted to give Brad for his birthday. The Breguet Marine Platinum watch was fabulous, and going to be perfect on his wrist.

The jeweler brought the watch out for her inspection. Modern yet classic; she smiled as she thought of Brad’s ingenuitive nature and how this would fit his personality. She had decided on the watch after seeing the photos. However, the description did not do the piece justice. Staring down at the watch…the outer ring was in 18-carat rose and white gold’s with a black rhodium-plated 18-carat gold dial. The black face had a wavy pattern appearing quite modern and the chapter ring had pink gilt Roman numerals and luminous dots for the minutes. The black rubber strap was very chic.

She held her breath as she turned it over in her hand to read the inscription. She placed the watch in its case and thanked the jeweler as he wrapped the box and placed in the bag for her.

After leaving the jeweler, Alexis headed to the bridal boutique.

Alexis stood in the fitting room in the most beautiful dress she had ever owned—her wedding dress. The designer told her the dress was from the spring collection and wasn’t appropriate for a fall wedding, but Alexis was hell-bent to have the dress. After much pleading, a little begging, and doubling the price, he finally agreed. The dress was the perfect combination of sophistication and elegance.

Bien Savvy designed The Rochii de mireasa “Be In Love”
dress for the Love Story Collection. It was the most stunning dress Alexis had ever seen. The fishtail lace silhouette gown was whimsical and romantic. Standing in front of the mirror, she felt as though she were a mermaid rising from the ocean with the moonlight glistening softly against the intricate jewel and lace detail. The classy, but plunging, V-neck was trimmed in lace, which ran over her shoulders and across her shoulder blades. The revealing, and ever so sexy, low back ran well past her hips making her feel sensuous and provocative.

As she gazed at the dress in the mirror, the dress displayed the love she had for Brad. She closed her eyes trying to imagine his expression when Phillip walked her down the aisle. Fire blazed in her soul, she instinctively knew seeing her in this dress would call the storm.

The dress was a bit snug as the older woman helped her finish the hidden zipper.

“Miss Saunders, do you want us to let the dress out a tad?”

Panic overwhelmed Alexis, showing in her voice as she said, “No, I don’t want to touch the dress. I’ll go to the gym a few extra times a week for the next two weeks.”

The woman chuckled softly, “Miss Saunders, we can make the alterations and it will still be perfect.”

Alexis sighed, “I know, but I’d rather work off the extra couple of pounds than to have the dress altered. I hope you understand.”

“As you wish,” the woman huffed.

Alexis took a last look before stepping out of the fitting room for her mother’s inspection. As long as she didn’t gain and ounce she would be fine.

“Alexandria,” her mother exclaimed, “you look beautiful,” as tears of joy slipped down her cheeks.

Alexis asked hesitantly, “Do you think Brad will like it?” Her heart told her yes but her head needed to be sure.

“Honey, I’m not sure you will make it to the reception.”

Alexis laughed. “Mom…,” as she flushed.

“No honey I am serious. You must promise me that you and Brad will show up for the reception.”

“Would it be all right if we’re a little late?”

“Alexis,” her mother growled, “you will not be late for your own reception.”

Catherine hugged Alexis as she whispered tenderly in her ear, “Honey, your mother would be so proud of you.”

Alexis hugged Catherine more tightly. “Thank you Mom, I love you.”

“Now…let me see you with the veil,” Catherine said warmly.

“I’m not wearing a veil for the wedding,” Alexis said so matter-of-factly she startled both women.

“What,” Catherine exclaimed, “Alexis, you have to wear it.”

Alexis stood firm as she quietly said, “Mother, I am not hiding behind a veil on my wedding day.”

Catherine blurted out, “But Alexis, the veil is part of the dress.”

“No Mother.”

The woman helping them frowned as she said, “The veil is lovely, perhaps you would consider a hair comb…we could attach the veil.”

“Oh, good heaven’s no,” Alexis exclaimed in an unusually high-pitched voice. “The back of the dress is far too stunning to cover it with anything.” She lowered her voice a little as she realized she had shocked the women—again. “I will not wear the veil and that’s the end of discussion.”

Alexis’s tone had been so firm, bordering on rigid, that both women opened and closed their mouths several times before deciding it would serve no purpose to argue with her further. Her mind was set.