The next morning, Andrew sat in Sonia’s kitchen, drinking coffee, thinking about last night. Several times, she groaned and moved, and he woke up just to see if she was alright. At some point he lay there just watching her sleep and it dawned on him, he could marry her that way her family won’t be able to harass her any longer or her dreams won’t come to pass but would she go for it? The idea excited him; it's something he’s always wanted, even with his problem, but he was worried that she won’t go for it. Andrew wanted to be a husband and a father intently, and he felt that Sonia and her son were it for him.
Holding her and kissing her allowed him to see just how wonderful it would be. She fits so well into his life, and so will her son. All the feelings he was suppressing have resurfaced in a rush.
Moving about the kitchen making her breakfast, he recalled the times he found himself thinking about her in the middle of the day, wanting to hold her, wanting to be next to her… inhaling her scent. Which tended to drive him crazy and lying next to her last night was harder in more ways than one.
Andrew wanted this marriage, and the more he thought about it, the more he wanted it, but how would he convince her that it could work? The timing’s perfect, especially now in his life. He walked down the hall to check in on her once more before going up to his place to get ready to go into town.
Once he was satisfied that she was still asleep, he left. He headed into town if he was going to propose to her that he would have to do it right. That involves a ring and dinner.
Andrew parked his car and walked back to the jewelry store he saw on his way in. There’s an eternity band set in the window he wanted to get. Up close the ring is exquisite— its sterling silver with pear-shaped diamonds in two sizes. Perfect, he thought. It's Sonia all over.
Looking at the ring, Andrew recalled Cheryl and Williams’ marriage and hoped that he wouldn’t make the same mistakes they did. If he and Sonia made it, they could be an example to his brother and his cousin’s husband. Just then, the clerk interrupted his thoughts. Andrew finished up his business and headed back to the house. He felt confident that Sonia would have to say yes to his marriage proposal.
Andrew’s mind was so on his future wife that he didn’t notice the woman coming into the store, and he bumped her slightly. As he turned to say sorry, Andrew found himself face to face with his ex-girlfriend Leigh Lewis. By her smile, he could tell she was pleased to see him.
Leigh looked at him in shock and then from head to toe as if she couldn't believe he was standing in front of her. Never in her wildest dream would she have guessed to find him in Virginia. She picked William’s brain as much as possible for a location, but nothing. Now, who’d have guessed? “Andrew darling, how nice to see you… How are you?” Leigh hugged him but noticed he didn’t respond.
Andrew’s surprised and can’t believe Leigh of all people would be standing in front of him right now. She’s the last person he expected to see ever. “Leigh, how is it going? I haven’t seen you since— wow, Connecticut.”
“I’m fine and you? You know, I’ve been trying to track you down, and now here you are.” She was so happy and was not about to let him get away.
“How wonderful. . . Why are you in Virginia?” He asked in a dry tone.
“Well I was speaking to William the other day; you know he came by to pick up something special for Cheryl... Oh, never mind, I'm ranting.” She said as she continued to check him out. He’s looking great, more built than ever. “I see the construction business is working for you.” She reached out and touched his shoulders.
“Figures . . .” Andrew gave her a dry smile while stepping out of her reach. “Well, I must be going.” It’s time to exit," he thought and began to move.
“Wait… can I have your phone number and address? You know I might need a guide around this place.”
“Nah, I don’t think that's such a good idea. Bye, Leigh.” Shaking off her hand, he walked off and didn’t look back. Andrew knew that if he did, she would get the wrong idea again, and that’s not the case.
Andrew headed home to take care of Sonia as he planned. Yet he had to wonder why Leigh would show up now, just when he’s decided to move on with his life. He and Leigh were supposed to be married by now, but as situations would have it, that didn’t work out. He was not about to repeat his past, but it seemed like his past came looking for him.
Andrew had to smile to himself, and only now would things in his life pop up. He had enough to deal with, Sonia’s problems were all he wanted to deal with right now.
As he is on the way back to the house, Sammi calls him with a problem. He didn’t want to go but knew that he must. Andrew then called Sonia to apologize for not keeping his promise and to let her know he’ll see her later.
Sonia woke up at peace and felt wonderful, but she refused to let it settle. Last night, she and Andrew kissed, and she wanted more. He held her, and she didn’t want him to go. What have I done? She asked herself. It felt good being with Andrew. It felt wonderful letting go and having someone else do the work and take care of her. But would he want to stop there or want more? Sonia felt shaken by her actions.
The entire night began to replay in her mind, the way he felt holding her, consoling the baby as well, his scent. Just being in his arms and not wanting to let go didn’t help the situation. She even told him her dreams, dreams that Sandy wanted to know about, and she wouldn’t tell her. Now she’s told Andrew all.
After the shock wore off, she realized that she needed him more than she expected and revealed in his comfort. She even liked the way he sort of demanded that he take care of her and the baby. Sonia felt his strength and the heat that came off his body. Her heart started beating faster. She wanted more than anything for him to kiss her. To kiss away the hurt, to kiss away the pain, even to love her in a way she’s never been loved before. Wow, where did these feelings come from all of a sudden, or where were they there all along? Sonia refused to let them cloud her judgment or make her break her promise to herself.
They’d been friends only a short time, but it seemed like she’s known him all her life. She had to get her mind off of what happened or didn’t happen. All she knew was that she asked him to stay and he did. He lay next to her, and she felt at peace, and while she slept, she dreamed of them being together.
Where’s Sandy when she needs her most? Okay, Sonia, I think you have to do this on your own. There must be something she could do to keep her mind off of last night. Sonia thought of her Aunt Rita. Yes, she’s been missing in action lately. Maybe if she found her, she could shed some light on these feelings that popped up all of a sudden.
Getting up, Sonia headed to the kitchen and ate the breakfast Andrew left for her, and then got dressed. She knew he would be home today. He said he would take care of her. Sonia didn’t know if she could face him after last night, but she would try. She knew that he was a man of his word, and he would make sure she rested today for sure.
Going into the living room, she saw the message light flashing on her answering machine. She walked over and pushed the play button. It was from Andrew letting her know that he had to go to work and would see her later. Sonia sighed with relief; she wouldn’t have to deal with him today, and that was a blessing. So she decided to go check on her aunt and do some other things.
Today’s gonna be a good day! She told herself, but who was she kidding herself with? A trip to town would do her a world of good. She could shop for the baby, go see Jon, hang around, have some lunch, and see what happens then. Anything she could do to keep a clear head.
Once in her jeep, she adjusted the wheel to fit her comfort, checked her rearview mirror and sides, and then reversed out of the driveway. While on her way, she said a quick prayer and pulled onto the highway.
Sonia’s mind had its plans. It kept drifting back to last night, and she gave up all hope of ever putting it out of her mind. She wondered if Andrew felt what she felt. If he did, what are they going to do about it? One thing is for sure she’s not going to be the one to mention. Besides, there was no room in her life for a relationship, and she had a feeling he was not looking for one either, but she could be wrong.
Sonia decided to push the thoughts aside once again. Her focus now is Aunt Rita. When she got to the house, she could not find Rita anywhere. The only other person who would know where Rita was was Jean, her best friend. Getting back into her jeep and heading to Jean’s place, she got a feeling that someone was watching her. She didn’t like that one bit, and it kept nagging her. She took all the necessary steps to avoid being followed and went on her way.
Jean was no help in the search for Rita, so Sonia went to see Jon.
“Sonia, it's been a while since I’ve heard from you. How are things?”
“Fine Jon, have you seen my aunt in town anywhere?”
“No, not lately, by the way, how’s the book; I mean, have you put all the finishing touches to it yet.”
“Yes Jon I’ve just been busy, but I will get it to you next week, promise.”
“Good, now how are you and the little one doing?”
“We’re fine.”
“And how are Sandy and James doing?”
“Oh they're great. They’re on a second honeymoon.”
“Ah, they've been married for thirteen years now. What a honeymoon. Oh, I see— do the two of them ever stop.”
“They love each other and do things to keep it that way. I think it’s great.”
“Ahuh, so . . .! What about you, anyone new in your life?”
“Jon, please, that’s the furthest thing from my mind right now.” Oh boy, what a load of crap," she thought to herself.
“Ahuh tell me anything.” Jon wasn’t convinced.
“There’s nothing to tell.” Sonia’s becoming nervous and wanted out of this conversation. “Look Jon I have to go, but I’ll call you later, okay.”
Jon knew when Sonia’s avoiding something, and he would let her for now. “Okay babe, we must have lunch soon.”
“Sure, anytime you’re ready.” Sonia was all too glad to depart Jon’s office. It was time to head home. ‘Home, I wonder if Andrew will be there.’
Once home, Sonia noticed Andrew still wasn't back, so she had an early dinner, made some phone calls, and left messages for her Aunt Rita. Then she called Sandy and James to see how they were doing and then went off to bed. She left Andrew a note saying in for the night. Then she went to bed.
Later on that evening, Andrew pulled into the driveway, and he noticed that Sonia’s place was dark. It looked like she had gone to sleep for the night. He wouldn’t bother her now. Maybe she’s uncomfortable with what happened. If so, then he had a problem. How would he get her to marry him?
Andrew planned to say, it’s in name only and go from there, but for him, it would be a real marriage. He can’t force her to see what he sees or wants what he wants. No, he knew that there were feelings there between the both of them, but Sonia was not ready to open up to him or any other man for that matter. He knew this, but... He had to do some thinking before he brought it to her, and whatever he came up with had to be mind-blowing for her to say yes.
First, he’s going to start with dinner, and then he would cause her to relax. Andrew knows that when Sonia’s relaxed, he can get her to say yes to anything. At times, kissing her seemed to throw her focus off. At this point, he’d use anything to hear her say yes. But the baby is his one trump card. He knew he could win her over by using the baby and how he felt about him.
Andrew considered all of this before he slept. Tomorrow was the day to go after what he wanted, and so he would with all of her favorite things.