Legal Prejudice 2 - Weather The Storms

Chapter 16

A few weeks later Margie was feeling better now her chemo was finished and Michael and Allie were holding the party at the new house. In addition to the master, there were four other bedrooms and the office downstairs had a bed settee. This meant anyone not in staggering distance of their home could stay over. Daniel was bringing Emmie and staying over so that they could take her to bed when she was tired. Michael had contacted Social Services and he and Allie were waiting to be allocated a social worker for their home study. Allie had recovered from the unpleasantness at work and the Phillips case continued to go well. She and Max were likely to need to make a short visit to London for finalisation and signing of the various legal sale documents for the UK Group, but there was no firm date as yet. Allie couldn't believe how beautiful the new house was, and life there with Michael felt settled and blissful. For his part Michael couldn't wait to go home to her every evening, and weekends were spent retreating, apart from Sunday breakfasts in the park.

When the Saturday of the party arrived they had done as much in advance as possible and had ordered deliveries of fresh food and ice for the drinks. They'd opened the doors to the garden, with it's gate to the beach closed in case Emmie wandered out. The evening was in full swing and apart from Margie, Michael and Allie were the only ones staying on the reasonable side of intoxicated to make sure they took care of everyone else. Allie was pleased to see Margie and Max so relaxed after the traumatic few months they had been through. Daniel was also on form. The shadow of his divorce had fallen away and he seemed lighter somehow, chatting with Susan and John about his excitement at buying a bigger place just for him and Emmie. When he had moved to catch up with Jeremy and Robyn, Susan said to John, "I'm going to try and find him something really close, so they can walk to us or to Michael and Allie. He's the sweetest guy and he needs the help with Emmie." John kissed her, "Yeah, he's been through a lot and I've never heard him complain. Do you think he'll ever find someone else?" Susan hummed, "I don't think so John. I don't think anyone is going to match up to the one that got away, but he seems okay with it, so who are we to judge." John kissed his wife as Michael arrived with another round of drinks.

Allie grabbed Robyn while Jeremy and Max were talking sport, "You look so gorgeous tonight Robyn. Living with Jeremy suits you." Robyn smiled, " Actually Allie I've got something to tell you, but I'm worried you'll be pissed. " Allie looked surprised, "Now I'm scared. You're not moving to Outer Mongolia are you?" Robyn laughed, "No, but the thing is, Jeremy and I are getting married, next weekend, in Vegas. "Allie choked on her drink and Robyn thumped her back, "See I knew you'd be pissed!" Allie took a deep breath to recover and laughed hugging Robyn, "Oh my God that's amazing. Why would you think I'd be upset?" Robyn looked relieved and relaxed into a half smile, "Well just because your wedding was such a" she searched for the right word, "a communal thing. We were all there, huge party, the dinner the night before, the spa thing the week before. But Jeremy and I just want to do it quietly you know?" Allie grabbed Robyn and held her tight, " It's your wedding, and as long as you do what makes you happy I'm ecstatic for you both." She pulled back, "I love the pair of you you know, you were one of the first people to be friendly and kind to me when I moved here, and I really needed that. And your soon to be husband really took care of me in that hospital when I was at the lowest point I've ever been. You guys are so right together." Robyn was uncharacteristically emotional, "Thanks Allie, I don't feel like I've always been a good friend to you." Allie hugged her again, "Why don't you let me be the judge of that?"

She changed tack, "So are you going to tell anyone else?" Robyn shook her head, "Nope, sorry Allie girl, I need you to keep it secret again." Allie groaned, "At least it's only a week this time, I reckon I can manage that. Can I at least congratulate your intended?" She nodded in Jeremy's direction and spotting her he started to come over. "Yeah sure, but for God's sake don't make a giant deal or everyone will want to know what you're squealing about." Allie laughed as Robyn kissed Jeremy as he approached and went over to talk to Daniel, hoping to distract him from anything he might pick up from Allie and Jeremy.

Allie smiled at Jeremy, "So Dr Matthews, Vegas!" He grinned, "No Elvis impersonator was my proviso." She put her arms around his neck and Jeremy lifted her up and she whispered, "I am so happy for you both you know that?" He held her close and said, "Thanks Allie. I had no idea that night I operated on you what a massive impact you would make on my whole life. I was dead set on never having a relationship again, but you brought Robyn to me Allie and I realised I really could be with her. You are always going to be so important to me." He lowered her to the floor and kissed her face, through unshed tears Allie said, "I've just told Robyn, you took care of me when I was at my lowest point, and I'm not just talking about repairing the damage those bullets did." She looked over to Michael and Daniel, "Your kindness and care for me and those guys saved us all. We were all so scared, but you made us believe I could be me again." She threw her arms around him one last time then let go and said "Right, someone's going to twig we're having a Jeremy's having a major life event conversation if we carry on. Please at least take a photograph and send it me yeah?"

Michael of course had seen there was some sort of intense conversation going on and he banked it to ask Allie about it later. In the meantime he followed her to the kitchen where she was looking to see if there was any more food she should bring out. He caught her around the waist from behind and spun her around, "So shall we share our news?" She kissed him, "Yeah, let's do that before everyone is too drunk to notice." They headed into the garden where Michael yelled and banged a beer bottle for attention. When everyone was listening he looked at Allie and announced, "Allie and I just wanted to give you all advance warning we'll be calling on you all as our official support network." He paused and kissed Allie as everyone looked confused "We have formally applied to become adopters and we're waiting to start the process." The garden descended into uproar, but Allie's favourite response came from Emmie who Daniel had lifted up. He explained Michael and Allie were going to have a little girl or boy move in with them. Turning to her Dad she said "Does this mean I'm going to be a big sister?"