A Long Time Coming Ch. 06

Later, she pursued child support and Jackson was court ordered to take a DNA test, which he didn't tell his mother about. He was the father, of course. He was working at the time and had to pay child support, which he resented. Why should his hard earned money go to a child that he barely saw and didn't want? There was nothing in it for him, not even time in the sheets with the baby's mommy.

Months later, his mother found the letter from the Department of Children Services while cleaning his room. She opened it and read the results of the testing. She confronted him. He not only admitted he tried to keep the DNA results from her, but that everything he'd told her about his relationship with Jade was a lie. His mother wasn't angry; she was disappointed which was even worse. She forgave him and he promised to do better.

Eventually, Jackson got tired of playing child support. He surmised that the court couldn't get blood out of a turnip and quit his job. Since then his life has been a serious of short term odd jobs, women willing to take care of him and a mother who continued to enable him.



*

Shortly after talking to Jackson, Jade was calm enough to call and talk to Briana for a few minutes. She was helping her grandmother make a lemon cake for Russell and Poppy.

Around six thirty she started to wonder where Alex was. He usually called her by six to let her know if he was coming over. She thought of calling him on the cell phone, but didn't want to be one of those clingy women. It wasn't like he was that late.

Jade wasn't in the mood to cook, but knew she had to eat something. Soup wasn't appetizing, but was the only thing that didn't require much fuss. She had a couple of frozen

dinners in the freezer, but after checking the date, they were expired by a month and she threw them out.

She was about to relent and open up a can of soup when there was a knock on the door. Checking through the peephole, she saw that it was Alex and her heart fluttered.

She did so love her man.

When she opened the door, her senses were assailed by the delicious aroma of whatever was in the large white bag he was carrying.

He smiled and greeted her as he walked in. "Hey, baby, I brought dinner. I hope you haven't cooked or eaten yet. I was already on my way here when I realized I'd forgotten to call. "

Closing the door behind him, she got a look at his perfect ass as he walked to the kitchen.

"I was wondering where you were. But, as to dinner, I was contemplating opening a can of soup because my stomach was growling, but anything you have in that bag will be a hundred times better. By the way, Briana is staying with Mom for a couple of days. She sent word that she wants you and I to visit her while she's there. She's getting to be a bossy little girl," Jade said with a grin.

Alex chuckled and said, "Uh huh, just like her mommy."

Aghast, she asked, "When have I been bossy?"

"That would be last night."

Then mimicking her, he said, "More, more, Alex. Oooh, yessss, right there, put it....."

Slapping her hand over his mouth, she gave him a stern look; then removed it when he quieted.

"That's different. One cannot be held responsible for what is said in the throes of sexual heat. How ungentlemanly of you to bring that up," She said with a sniff and arrogant toss of her head.

Grinning, he drew her into his arms and gave her a long hot kiss. Reaching around him, she caressed his firm ass.

"Ooh, baby, you wanna play?" he growl with a wicked grin.

"With you? Always."

Looking down into her beautiful glowing eyes, he thought to himself, "I'm one hell of a lucky man."

However, he said out loud, "Love to baby, but I think you need food right now."

"Oh, all right. Remind me where I stopped," she teased, sitting down at the table.

After dinner they shared a bath. Jade poured in a body wash that had a light neutral scent, but lots of bubbles. Alex had never taken a bubble bath before and approached it with some trepidation, but the thought of being naked and wet with Jade overrode everything else.

Sinking into the tub, he sighed at the warmth of the water covering his big body, the bubbles seeming to make the experience more sensual. Jade gave him an 'I told you' look and got into the tub with him, sliding between his long legs to rest her back against his chest.

"Nice, huh?"

"More than nice," he groaned, taking her ample breasts into his hands.

"You have the most amazing breasts. I love how they fit my hands, how firm they are. Ummm, your stiff dark nipples are so sexy. I love sucking them. The fact that you go crazy when I do that is a huge turn on."

Arching her breasts into his hands, she moaned deeply.

"Oh, fuck, Alex. I need your mouth on me."

Panting, she said, "When you suck them, I feel it in my pussy, it makes me juice up."

"Is that right?" Alex asked with a naughty glint in his eyes.

Uh, huh."

Then, with a giggle she said, "Juice me up, baby!"

Alex pinched her nipples before ordering, "Turn around and straddle me, sweetheart."

Jade flipped around and got on her knees; straddling him was easy in the huge tub. Leaning forward, Alex drew her right breast into his mouth. "Ummmm," he groaned, making loud sucking noises.

Jade spread her legs and let her fingers slide into the folds of her moist pussy.

"Yesssssssss!" she rocked on her fingers as Alex continued to make a meal of her breasts.

Sucking was alternated with flicking, as his tongue darted around the nipple. When he sucked in hard enough to hollow his cheeks, Jade's juices rushed out of her opening and coated her plunging fingers.

"Ahhhh....oooo..ahhhhh, yessss, fuck, Alex....you make me so hot, baby...so....ughhhh.....oh, god, Oh...oooohh, god!.......agggghhhhhhh!"

She panted and groaned as her orgasm started to take hold, her fingers thrusting into her clinching passage, her palm rubbing against her swollen clit as she wailed in pleasure.

"Sit on my cock, baby," Alex grunted urgently, feeling the need to join her in the ultimate pleasure. Urging her closer to his body, he held his cock with one hand, while his other spanned her derriere prodding her onto his seeping erection.

She was still spasming when he impaled her on his big dick. He gritted his teeth at her tightness as he slowly bottomed out.

As soon as he was in, he started lifting her body up and down on his cock, faster and faster, sloshing water over the tub's rim until she felt her desire begin to climb once more. Jade bounced up and down on his straining cock, holding onto his broad shoulders.

Alex returned his hot mouth to her aching breasts, driving her up the wall with desire. Almost immediately, he began to feel the rise of his own orgasm. His cock swelled, pressed by the quivering walls of her pussy. His balls drew up, signaling the imminent release of his sperm.

Suddenly, her pussy clinched like a fist and Alex cock jerked, his balls drew up, his body tensed as his ejaculate rushed up and out of his throbbing cock splattering her sweet velvet walls. Jet after Jet spurted as he cried out his own release and love for her.

The next day Alex and Jade picked Briana up to take her out to dinner. Briana was happy to see them and asked, as soon as she was settled in the car, "Did you guys miss me?"

Alex smiled and looked at her in the rear view mirror.

"Of course we missed you, princess. That's why we had to see you today."

"I missed you too, but I like staying with grandma and Poppy sometimes. They give me anything I want. Grandma said that's what grandparents are for."

"Yeah, I bet she did," Jade said with a grunt.

"She won't let me stay up late though," Briana amended. But that's ok as long as I get ice cream and cookies. Oh, I forgot. Grandma is taking me to the carnival tomorrow. Poppy can't go, he's playing golf."

"Sounds like a good time," Jade said.

Remembering how much junk food is at the carnival, she would need to make sure Juliette didn't over indulge her granddaughter. Briana's sweet tooth was as big as Jade's had been as a kid. Back then the sweet of choice were pixy sticks.

Briana regaled them with everything she got to do at her grandparents. Jade watched Alex as he interacted with her. He was attentive and smiled often. They really did have a mutual admiration thing going on.

After dinner they took Briana back to her grandparents. As they were about to leave, she reminded them that she would be coming home the next day. While Jade was saying goodbye to the folks and Russell, Briana looked up at Alex and said, "Will you be at our house tomorrow?"

"Yes, I'll be there after work."

"Good," She said and held her arms up to give him a hug.

Alex picked her up and as she was hugging him, she whispered, "Will you be my daddy?"

Alex almost gasped, at a loss for words. This was a question that called for more than a short answer. He and Jade needed to sit down with Briana and have a long talk with her.

Regaining his composure, he whispered back, "I tell you what, sweetheart; when you come home tomorrow we'll talk about it, ok?"

Nodding her head, she said innocently, "Ok. I love you."

Hugging her again, he whispered back, "I love you too, baby."

Jade hadn't heard her daughter's exchange with Alex because Briana's whispered words could barely be heard, even by Alex. She meant what she said to be for his ears only.

Alex was quiet on the ride to the apartment. He seemed deep in thought and although Jade wanted to know what he was thinking, she thought it best to wait until they were home. If he didn't say anything, she'd broach the subject.

Alex was deep in thought all right. It wasn't usual for kids with absent fathers to quickly get attached to any male who gave them attention. So it really shouldn't have been a surprise that Briana loved him; he loved her too.

However, the fact that she'd asked him to be her daddy is what got to him. He wanted to be her father. If there was a way to erase Jackson from her life and place himself in it from the time she was conceived, he would do it. That was impossible, but there was a simpler solution.

Once he parked the car, he got out with his briefcase in hand then went around the vehicle to open the door for Jade. As they walked to her apartment he maintained his silence, even when he took the keys from her hand and opened the door.

He went in first, flipped on the light and walked into the living room while Jade locked the door and secured the safety chain. He was sitting on the sofa looking sober when she entered the room. Before she could say anything he said,

"We need to talk," and motioned to her to sit next to him.

Immediately on alert, Jade sat down and watched him anxiously. When he saw her expression, he took her hand in his and stroked the back of it with his thumb.

"Don't worry, Jade, it isn't anything bad. It's just something Briana said. She asked me to be her daddy."

Jade's hand flew to her mouth, stunned.

She supposed she shouldn't have been surprised. Briana had mentioned something about Alex being like a real daddy some time ago. A number of her friends had fathers who lived with them. Kids were smart, they notice things, but Jade hadn't thought it mattered that much to Briana, until recently, that is.

Briana didn't want to be bothered with her own father. Although, the fact that he was rarely around was a contributing factor, it wasn't all there was to it. Jackson didn't enjoy being around her and she knew Briana felt it.

"Oh, Alex," Jade exclaimed, "What did you say to her?"

"I said we'd talk about it when she got home. She was satisfied with that and said she loved me. She whispered it in my ear, obviously not wanting anyone else to hear."

"My poor baby," Jade lamented. "I knew that she missed having a father, but she never acted interested in Jackson, not that I could blame her. He isn't exactly a shinning example of fatherhood and I felt guilty because I chose him. I'm the reason he's her father. I screwed up."

"Sweetheart, we all make mistakes," Alex said. "There's no reason for you to carry that like a burden. You've been a great mother to Briana and she loves you."

"I know," Jade said with a sigh. "I thought I could love her enough that she wouldn't miss having a father, but I was wrong. I can't fix this for her. I should go back and talk to her."

"No," Alex said firmly. "We're going to discuss it with her tomorrow. I promised her we'd talk when she got home. As for fixing the situation, there's a simple solution which happens to fall in with my plans."

"What are you talking about?" Jade asked confused.

"I'm talking about marriage," he said, quickly turning her expression to shock.

"Will you marry me, Jade?"

Jade gaped at him stupefied. Then, giving herself a mental shake, she found her voice.

"No! No, Alex," she exclaimed, jumping up.

Staring at him, emphatically she said, "We can't do this just to give Briana a father. Are you crazy?"

He stood up and drew her into his arms.

"Yep. I'm crazy about you, my love. I have been since that first night, even before. You already know that I love you and I know that you love me. What's preventing us from getting married?"

"You can't be serious," Jade said. "That's a huge step and we haven't known each other that long. You need time to think about something this important. This is for life, for always, Alex."

"Yes, it is for always," he agreed, "but I don't need time. I have been thinking about this, for a while. I noticed you didn't say you needed time. I assure you that this is not a spur of the moment thing. What Briana said just pushed it forward a few weeks. I'll show you. Close your eyes."

Jade continued to stare at him, but when his eyebrow arched and the side of his mouth quirked into the beginning of a smile she relaxed and closed her eyes.

Alex opened his briefcase which was on the coffee table and retrieved a small velvet box. He flipped it open and said to Jade, "Open your eyes."

She slowly opened her eyes and gasped when she saw what he was holding.

"Alex?"

"Will you marry me, Jade?"

For a moment words failed her as she stared at the beautiful diamond solitaire in a simple setting and the wedding band with a circle of diamonds.

Jade suddenly flung her arms around his neck and screamed, "Yes, yes, yesssssss!"

Alex held her close as her body began to shake and he heard the distinct sound of a sob.

"I hope to hell those are happy tears," he stated as he pulled away to peer into her face.

Jade struggled to get herself under control, but was able to nod.

Alex enfolded her in his arms again, and when she was calmer she whispered, "I never thought I'd ever be this happy."

He brushed away her tears and kissed her forehead. Jade sighed resting her head against his chest.

"You deserved all the happiness in the world, sweetheart. You've been making me happy since that night at the club and I'm not just talking about the awesome sex. You make my heart ache with your love."

Alex took the ring from the box and placed it on her finger. Jade admired it, feeling as if at any moment she'd giggle like a school girl. Mrs. Alex McCord. She never had dreams that big. In fact, until she met him, she'd given up on dreams altogether.

Then she remembered what he said about this not being a spur of the moment decision.

"Alex, when did you buy this?" she asked as she lifted her head.

"I bought it a couple of weeks ago. I've known for a long time that I wanted to marry you. When you took your time saying yes I was a bit worried."

"You weren't worried at all. You know I'm crazy in love with you."

Pushing her hair out of her face, Alex kissed her soft lips.

"I know you love me, but that wasn't a guarantee that you would marry me. I never take anything for granted and I want you to be as sure as I am. Like you said, this is for always."

"I'm sure, Alex. I want to be your wife and make beautiful babies with you."

"How about we practice making those babies, right now?" he suggested with a wicked grin.

*

The following evening they picked Briana up from her grandparents and decided to have the talk with her right away.

Since Briana's question was addressed to Alex, he was the one to initiate the conversation. He sat her down on the big coffee table in front of the sofa and took a seat on the sofa in front of her, taking her small hands in his much larger ones.

"Sweetheart, do you remember when you asked me to be your daddy?" he asked.

Briana's eyes quickly flew to her mother who nodded.

Turning back to Alex, she whispered, "Yes."

"You know Jackson is your daddy, don't you?"

Again, she nodded, and then said, "But you're like a real daddy. You take me places, play games with me and tell me bedtime stories. Grandma said you would be a good daddy."

Shocked, Jade joined the conversation.

"Did she tell you that, baby?'

"No." Briana answered, hanging her head.

"She was talking to Poppy. I was in the bedroom watching TV, but I got thirsty. When I came out to get a drink, I heard her say that."

Turning to Alex she said, "I thought you could be my daddy and we could always have fun together."

Jade felt the back of her eyes sting.

"Ahhh, baby," Alex said, gathering her in his arms and sitting her on his lap.

"We will always do things together, but there is something I want to explain to you. I'm going to marry your Mom. What that means is that the both of you will live with me in my house. We'll still do all the things we've been doing, but I'll be your step-dad. That means that I will take care of you and do things with you that any other daddy does with his kids."

Looking at her closely, he asked, "How does that sound?"

Briana smiled and said, "Good. I want you to be my...my.... step-dad." Although she really didn't understand the difference between Daddy and step-Dad, she had enough information to know that things wouldn't change between them, except that they got to live in his huge house.

Relieved that she seemed to understand, Alex hugged her and said, "Ok. Let's get cleaned up and go out to dinner to celebrate. I hope you didn't eat too much at the carnival."

"Nah! Grandma said I couldn't eat a bunch of junk or I would get sick. I only had cotton candy and a corn dog and a soda. I'm still hungry," she grinned. "Can we go to Mario's?"

Alex looked to Jade, who was sitting next to him, and she nodded her approval. He could see unshed tears in her eyes, but she was smiling. Leaning forward, Alex gently kissed her sweet lips and whispered, "Love you."

Stroking his cheek, she replied, "Love you too, baby."

Then, to Briana, he said, "Mario's it is, princess."

Alex and Jade decided to put off discussing any wedding plans until they knew Russell's fate.

They announced their engagement to family and friends over the following days.

*

The next two weeks took on a pattern which now included visits with Russell. Mike reminded them of the arraignment which was to be held on November 6 at ten a.m. in the main courthouse.

Both Alex and Jade would be attending along with their parents.

The night before the hearing Jade felt anxiety start to build. She knew worrying was useless, but that didn't seem to be a deterrent. Mike was doing everything humanly possible to make sure that Russell had the best chance to stay out of prison.

Mike knew his way around the courthouse and had worked with most of the prosecutors in the county. He met with the one handling Russell's case, but Jade and Alex were yet to hear the outcome. Jade felt frustrated more than anything. She even questioned whether having a closer relationship with Russell would have made a difference.