“You’re absolutely right about that. It kills me to say this but honestly, I can see why men would be attracted to her. I met her at the hospital. She is a beautiful woman. She has that exotical thing men seem to like. However, I’m still surprised he married her. Women like her are mistresses never wives.”
“More than likely, it’s because she was pregnant. I think she’s about five or six months pregnant. They’ve only been married a little over a month. It doesn’t take a genius to figure that one out. Men just lose their minds when it comes to sex. How many times have we said ‘if he’d just worn a condom’? They can’t think strait until it’s over. I could over look an affair but not a child born from one.”
That stung. But Alicia wore her poker face and went on as if Bridget hadn’t made the last remark. “Maybe that’s just it Bridget, Jason did the responsible thing after he found out she was preggers. You should call him. I can’t believe you two were together all that time and he doesn’t still carry some feelings for you.”
Bridget’s face lit up, “You think? I mean I would never take him back just so you know. However, I’ve been so angry with him that I just couldn’t call him. But, now that some time has passed and I’ve calmed down, maybe I should give him a chance to explain himself. You know the one question that just keeps nagging me…other than the obvious is how did she manage to not only hoodwink my Jason, but she hoodwinked his parents too. They should know a gold –digger when they see one.”
“Yes, I heard both the Rutherford’s but especially Miriam seems pretty taken with her.” Alicia hadn’t had a cigarette in over two years but she would kill for one right now. This conversation was tedious but necessary.
“Well, I guess now we know where Jason got his ‘save a whore’ tendencies from.” They laughed heartily at that one.
The wine was starting to get to Alicia. She put her glass to the side and started drinking water.
“Bridget, it didn’t take her long to get pregnant either. I can’t say the girl is stupid. She managed to have a child with both Ryan and Jason. They are two of the richest and connected men in the States.”
Bridget was barely listening to Alicia at this moment because she was already planning operation get Jason back. “Well…let’s just see how long it takes for him to tire of her.”
Bridget’s expressions became very animated, “Just so we’re clear, I wouldn’t take Jason back if he came crawling on his knees. It would take a miracle for me to ever forgive him. I’m amazed you’ve been able to forgive Ryan.”
“He’s my husband. I’ll stand by him through anything especially since we weren’t even together when the child was conceived.”
Bridget didn’t believe that for one minute. Everybody knew that they hated each other and both had carried on many affairs over the years. This was about politics plain and simple.
“So, then are you ready to be a full time mommy to Ryan’s child?”
Alicia started choking on her water. It took her a moment to clear her throat before she plastered on her practiced smile and answered, “I’ll learn to love her just as much as I love Ryan. Ah…the waiter’s here. Shall we order?”
Chapter 15
Friday had finally arrived. Vicky, Jason and Angel had flown into Minnesota the night before with John Lucas and his staff. Aunt Shirley arrived with the Rutherford’s that morning. Sandy had driven in to the courthouse alone.
She’d managed to avoid Franklin for the past several days. It wasn’t too difficult since he hadn’t really tried too hard to get in touch with her. She knew she’d see him today and hoped her game face wouldn’t crack.
Getting into the courthouse was a zoo. Every major news channel and tv entertainment show was there with cameras in tow.
John Lucas had prepared well for this case. He’d prepped Vicky and a couple of other witnesses. He felt confident the judge would not be granting the Carter’s full custody; today or any day.
They all sat quietly in the waiting room. Vicky was nervous. Jason was nervous but trying hard not to show it. Angel was sitting on the floor playing with her blocks. She had no idea what was happening. Her world as she had known it was about to change in one way or another.
Aunt Shirley had been praying silently. Then, decided to invite others in on it. “You know I think…if you’ve ever believed in prayer now would be a good time to pray.”
Miriam was the first to get up from her chair and join her, “I think you’re right Shirley. You can never have enough prayers.”
Everyone joined hands and somehow Franklin ended up next to Sandy. It was a little awkward especially since she never even looked at him. She just stretched out her hands for him to hold. He held it and bowed his head.
Aunt Shirley led the prayer, “Lord God, we come before You today first thanking You for all of Your goodness and all of Your blessings. We ask a special prayer for Vicky, Jason, and Angel. They need you more than ever. We ask for favor in this situation but in all things Your will be done. AMEN.”
Just as they finished the prayer John Lucas came into the
