‘She loves you!’ said Alexa firmly, hating the way Helena felt Peggy had no affection for her.  She realised suddenly that she was to become a real part of Helena’s family once they got married and healing the rift would be her mission.  She kissed her softly, cementing that promise to herself.

‘Will you tell your parents?’ asked Helena curiously.

Helena watched the excitement fade from Alexa’s eyes.  She didn’t know what to do about Alexa and her parents.  Since she had told them she was moving here months ago to be with Helena there had been almost no contact, which might have been alright if they had been distant in the past but Alexa had told Helena how close they’d always been and Helena knew that it hurt her for things to be this way now, no matter how much she pretended otherwise.

‘I don’t know if I’ll tell them Helena.  I’ll probably call or something.  You know how my mum’s been when I’ve spoken to her.’

A complete bitch thought Helena, remembering seeing Alexa in tears after their brief conversations which always ended the same way with Alexa being told she didn’t know her own mind and that what she was doing was wrong and she should come back to England straight away.

‘You know what forget my parents.  You’re my family now, that’s all I need,’ Alexa promised.

And although Helena knew she wasn’t being entirely truthful, she appreciated the sentiment and returned Alexa’s kisses all the way to the bedroom.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

‘Helena,’ said Peggy walking into Helena’s office.

‘Mother,’ she replied, surprised.  ‘I thought you were in New York.’

‘I cut my trip short. I wanted to congratulate you and Alexa personally,’ she explained.

‘Well thank you,’ said Helena and stood up politely to kiss her mother formally. ‘Alexa will be happy to see you.’

‘Yes she was, I stopped by the house before and had lunch with her.’

‘Oh’ said Helena, a little surprised.

‘Yes we had a very interesting talk about pre-nuptial agreements.’

‘Mother!  That is outrageous, you had no right!’ Helena fumed.

‘Oh Helena calm down I simply suggested the idea and she agreed immediately.  I suggested we put in a fixed settlement clause of course but she wouldn’t hear of it.  She said if the two of you weren’t together she wouldn’t want a penny of your money.’