We had the looming murder trial, which would result in countless headlines and news stories about Drake's past relationship with Lisa and Derek Richardson, and of course, bringing everything up again from the more recent trial of Lisa for attempted murder in my case. Then, Lisa would be tried for her role in encouraging Jones to kill himself. The drama wouldn't end as soon as I would have wished, but it was our new reality.
I knew that while Drake was happy in the moment, with our family, and the fact we were all together again, he was concerned about how the trial and revelations about his past would affect his career. He couldn't even be involved in his foundation because of the adverse publicity his name might cause.
It was so unfair. One mistake on Drake's part – agreeing to be the third man in Derek's and Lisa's little voyeuristic fantasy – meant years of pain for Drake, for me and for everyone involved.
Once the dinner plates had been cleared and we were done with dessert, my father clicked his glass with his spoon and caught all our attention, our talk dying down.
He held up his wine glass. "Tonight, we're gathered to celebrate the anniversary of Drake and Kate's marriage. It's been only three years but life has been full in that time. So much has happened to us all. Much that makes us realize how fragile life is, and how much we mean to each other.”
We all toasted each other and then Drake stood up and spoke.
"I want to thank everyone for coming tonight to help us celebrate our wedding anniversary. It means so much to the both of us to be able to spend time with our families. To me especially. You all know my history and the fact that when I was young, my mother left my father and me, and I didn't see her again for many years. I never had a big family, and I never got to enjoy holidays with them, never knew my cousins or grandparents. Now, I feel like I have the family I always wanted as a child. The family I always dreamed of. And it's all because of two people. First, it's due to Ethan, my surrogate father who helped me through some tough times after my father died. Thank you, Ethan, for being the father I wish I always had. And thank you for conspiring with me to get us together the first time at the concert on Veteran's Day, the same night Kate and I first came here to the Russian Tea Room. That was a key weekend, very close to five years ago, that changed my life in ways I could only have dreamed."
We all toasted my father, who smiled and laughed, raising his glass to Drake.
"My pleasure. I couldn't have been happier that you two found each other."
Then, Drake turned to face me, still standing, his glass still in his hand.
"And second, to my beautiful wife, Katherine. Kate, you own my heart and are my soulmate. You've given me everything I could ever want or need from a partner, wife, friend and the mother of my child. Thank you for giving me a chance back then. It changed my life for the better and I only hope I let you know every day that I love you more than anything."
He bent down and kissed me, his hand on my cheek.
Everyone clapped, and when our kiss ended, I turned to face them. Drake sat down in his chair beside me and I stood, wanting to say my own words of thanks to my family and express my love for Drake.
"Five years ago, I was confused and lonely, knowing I wanted to be happy, but not really understanding what I needed. Then I met Drake, and everything seemed clearer to me. My life was fulfilled with him, and when he asked me to marry him, there was no hesitation because I couldn't imagine life without him. I've never regretted that decision and despite the hardships we have both faced since then, our love has never wavered." I bent down and kissed Drake and everyone clapped. Then I stood back up and continued, because I had more to say. "Now, Drake and I have our beautiful Sophia, who we love even more every day, and we have Liam, who we hope to have live with us soon. We have all of you. Life is so good. Thank you -- all of you -- for everything."
I held up my glass and we all took a drink.
Then I sat down and we continued our celebration, surrounded by those we loved and filled with happiness for how lucky we all were.
* * *
About nine thirty, the kids started to yawn and I knew it was time for the evening to end. My father looked a bit tired, and was leaning to his weak side more than usual, which meant he, too, was at the end of his energy reserve.
We all got up from the table and hugged and kissed each other, promising not to wait too long before we spoke or got together again.
"Thanksgiving's coming up and I want all of you at our place," my father said, as he wheeled himself
to the elevator. "Our place is smaller than the apartment, but the dining room can hold us all. I want you to come by early in the afternoon and spend time with us before dinner." He turned to me. "You bring that baby with you and Liam too if he's available."
"We will," Drake said and leaned down to kiss my father on the cheek. "I know how much you like to have her around."
We said goodbye and then Drake and I stood and looked at each other as the last of our family left on the elevator.
"Well, Mrs. Morgan," he said and took me into his arms. "It's just you and me. Shall we get our coats and go? It's a nice night and I'd love to walk a bit. I'll let John know so he can follow us."
"That sounds perfect," I said and sighed. "I wish we didn't need bodyguards. It spoils the effect that we're happy and carefree."
"We are happy," he said. "Just not totally carefree. Not for a while, anyway. Besides, John is discrete."
John, Drake's bodyguard, was discrete but I couldn't help notice him waiting on the street whenever Drake went out. It made what would be a wonderful evening a little less wonderful, reminding me once again that there was danger out there that we had to be protected against.
I would be so happy once Lisa was in prison for good and the publicity around the trial was over and long forgotten.
We took the elevator down to get our coats from the coat check and walked outside along the sidewalk, arm in arm, the city noise all around us, the cars honking in the distance. I glanced back and sure enough, about a quarter block behind us was John, dressed in his black overcoat, looking like one of those Secret Service agents you'd see with the President. I turned back and tried to forget he was there, wanting to enjoy the walk as much as possible.
We passed pedestrians going to and from restaurants and clubs along the street. The weather was cool and the air crisp. It had rained earlier and the raindrops glistened on the streetlights, making them appear like so many diamonds.