Page 56 of Alexander's Heart

“It’s a long story Frédéric, but they have both been through a lot in the last couple of years and are now getting treatment for their mental health. So, I think having a quiet space would be best but I know that is hard ask in New York.”

“Oui, you come tomorrow, I will move appointments and it will just be the team, no patrons, oui.”

“Oh, Frédéric, I can’t ask you to do that.” I whisper.

“Absurdité, you will come, it is done, mon amour,” Frédéric states with finality, leaving no room for arguments.

“Thank you, Frédéric, I appreciate your kindness. I will see you tomorrow.”

“Ten, Mon chéri.”

“We’ll see you at ten, and thank you Frédéric,” I say and end the call, smiling to myself because he really is the sweetest man, he’s one of those people who can lift your spirits and makes you feel special.

I walk into the main living space and see Betty baking in the kitchen, “Something smells good, what are you making Betty?”

“I’m making gumbo, fresh bread, and for dessert a bread and butter pudding.”

“Bread and butter pudding?” I question because that’s not something I’ve heard of.

“It is a dish to make to use of stale bread, it has homemade jam, cinnamon, and sultanas it is like a baked custard pudding, I picked up this recipe many moons ago when in the UK and it’s fabulous.”

“Okay, I’ll believe you because it does sound good, where is Alexa and Dad?” I ask looking around.

Betty smirks, “Well, Alexa whooped Davies ass and won the bet, so she is currently painting Davies nails a barbie pink color.”

I laugh because Betty really gets a kick out pushing Dad’s buttons, “You’re a wicked, wicked woman Betty, you really do love getting under his skin don’t you.”

“Child when you’re his age, you gotta keep him on his toes, besides Davies loves it,” Betty smirks.

I chuckle, “I’ll go rescue him.”

“Ah, Cupcake, you’re no fun,” Betty says shaking her head with a cheeky tilt of her lips and I just laugh and head to Alexa’s room and the sight before me when I open the door is comical, Alexa has Dad seated at her toddler table and chairs and she is wearing her little cupcake apron being all professional. I take in the sight noting Alexa has her tongue peeking out the side with her concentration, I giggle at them and they both look up and smile.

“You about done there, Lovebug, we need to get going to see GG and Auntie Caro.”

“Yes, Mommy, come look I’s done a good job, Pa has been so good sitting still,” Alexa praises.

I look to Dad, “‘All in, all the time’ sweetheart. Let’s get going, I need a drive to clear my head and damn if the New York traffic is less stressful than Betty riding my... butt.”

“Do you want some polish remover before we go?” I offer.

“No, I lost the bet, Alexa got me to the ground, this little Darlin’ won fair and square today and I’ll wear my pink nails with pride, not that I’ll tell Betty this piece of information.”

Alexa and I giggle and Dad just shakes his head trying to hide is amusement of the situation.

Doc gave his permission to take Mom and Caro to FEKKAI, we have Jackson and of course Tiny guarding us today. The rest of the team are working on secret wedding stuff and I can only imagine the crazy ideas Alexander has planned, the boys being with him won’t help either.

We walk in and Frédéric slowly approaches us, which I find amusing because this man is on the go at a fast pace usually, he’s doing this for my family and I appreciate his thoughtfulness.

“Mon amour, welcome, welcome, who do we have here?”

“Frédéric, this is my mom Janelle and my sister Caroline,” I say introducing them.

“Welcome, mon beutés,” he says before he squats down in front of Alexa but she beats me to the introduction.

“Hi, I’m Alexa Hawwington,” she says sticking out her little hand.

“Oui, Mon petite amour, nice to meet you, I’m Frédéric, you have stunning green eyes and the most beautiful curls.”

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