Epilogue

Eighteen Months Later

Katherine looks outside the living room window, watches as Alex locks up the barn and makes his way across the green field, returning to the house. She smiles as she watches him, still as handsome as ever. Even more so now.

“Who’s that?” Katherine asks, pointing to Alex.

The baby giggles and coos, her big blue eyes lighting up. She has her father’s eyes.

“Is that Daddy?” Katherine asks, gently bouncing the little baby on her hip, while they both giggle.

Alex walks inside, wiping his feet on the door mat. He walks over to Katherine, bends down to give her a kiss. “And how’s my little Ava doing?” Alex smiles, giving his daughter a kiss on her forehead.

Ava reaches out for Alex, her little legs kicking happily, while Katherine hands Ava over to her father. Katherine stops for a moment, watching Alex hold their baby. A beautiful sight.

Katherine had seen many beautiful sights over the last year and a half. The sight of Alex waiting for her at the alter on their wedding day. Watching moving vans arrive to their countryside home to unload all of Alex’s belongings from his penthouse. And, of course, seeing their daughter, Ava, for the first time.

After their marriage, Alex and Katherine decided to live permanently at the country home. They both loved the house so much that the thought of leaving and returning to London was almost unbearable. Katherine had the rest of her things shipped from the States, and Alex had his personal belongings from his penthouse suite packed and moved to their new home.

It was absolutely the right decision to move to the country home, especially when Katherine became pregnant. She had not been feeling well for a few weeks. She had gone to the doctor, complaining of feeling tired and fatigued. The doctor ran a few tests, and then gave Katherine the life changing news. Katherine was overwhelmed with joy and excitement. Alex was……..well, he was over the moon.

Alex continued to head McCall Enterprises as Chairman, however, the day to day operations were now managed by new Chief Executive Officer, Harold Smith. Alex still worked on various hotel projects, but only as a consultant. Most days, Alex spent his time with his wife and daughter, maintaining the property, and tinkering with his vintage cars. Domestic bliss.

Alex stands in line at the grocery store check-out. Katherine had sent him to pick up some milk, bread, and a few other essentials. As he was unloading the groceries, his eye caught the sultry stare of a beautiful, dark haired woman on the cover of a women’s fashion magazine. Alex reaches for the magazine, wanting to take a closer look at the cover-girl. Alex smiles, shaking his head. He thought it was her, and sure enough, it was. There stood Caprice Belmonte, posing for the camera, ready to take on the world with the caption ‘Meet Caprice – Hollywood’s New It Girl.’

Alex flicks through the magazine, finds the article on Caprice. Apparently, she’s now living in Hollywood, and has made a name for herself playing a vixen on a late-night TV drama. Alex places the magazine back on the rack. Good for her, Alex thought. Looks like she’s on her way.

“You look gorgeous, as always,” Maxie Shepard said, bending down to kiss Caprice’s cheek.

“Grazie, darling,” Caprice purred. She turned back towards the make-up artist, who applied shiny lip gloss to Caprice’s full lips.

She was getting ready for a photo shoot for Hot List! magazine. Maxie had promised her he would get her a spread in the celebrity rag, and he fulfilled his promise – Caprice was given a one-page article along with a three-page photo spread.

So far, Maxie had kept all of his promises to Caprice. He should – Caprice was on the fast-track, a rising star. Plus, it didn’t hurt that Maxie was now Caprice’s lover. It never hurt to mix a little pleasure with business.

Once Caprice had spoken to Alex McCall about Sergio, she got on the very next flight to Naples, Italy. She was relieved to be home and determined to get on with her life. Caprice packed her bags, travelled to Milan, and met with Maxie Shepard. He was immediately taken with Caprice, and knew she had what it took to be a star. A big star. Maxie handed all of his other clients over to his assistant, and took Caprice on full-time.

In no time at all, Maxie fell under Caprice’s spell, and they became lovers. Maxie was no fool – he had been with plenty of hot little starlets, ready to suck anybody’s cock for a chance at stardom. But Caprice was different. She called the shots – she was in control. Maxie knew with the right management, Caprice could hit the big-time. And he wanted to be with her when she did.

Caprice landed a gig on a major TV network playing a sexy femme fatale. The role was perfect for Caprice and she nailed the audition. The show was produced and filmed in the United States, and before Caprice and Maxie knew it, they were moving to Hollywood, California.

Caprice thought it would be best for her and Maxie to live together. They were together all the time anyway. Caprice was actually very fond of Maxie, and enjoyed being with him professionally as well as personally. Maxie Shepard was very smart, he wanted to take her career to the next level, and, best of all, he was fantastic in bed.

Caprice felt that she was really coming into her own. And with Maxie at her side, the sky was the limit. Caprice smiled, thinking how far she’d come. The TV show she was doing was great, a wonderful opportunity, and she loved every second of it. The show had opened up a lot of doors for her.

But she wanted more. What Caprice really wanted was to be on the Big Screen…….

Caprice’s hair and makeup was finished, and she strode onto the set. The photographer called out, “Okay, Caprice! Give me sexy eyes! Yes, that’s it, work it!” The photographer clicked away and the lights flashed as Caprice posed for the camera.

Katherine put Ava to bed for the night, gently placing her in her crib. Katherine softly hummed Ava’s favorite lullaby, ‘Itsy Bitsy Spider,’ and within seconds Ava is fast asleep. Katherine quietly steps out of Ava’s room, leaving the door cracked open a little.

Katherine goes to her and Alex’s bedroom, sits down on the bed. She looks down at her wedding ring, the diamond sparkling brightly. She smiles as she stares at her ring – it never gets old looking at it.

Alex was outside at the moment, bringing in some logs to throw onto the fireplace. It was the beginning of fall, the night air turning cool and crisp. Katherine’s favorite season. As she thought about the changing seasons, she reflected on all of the changes she had been through the last year and a half. Katherine Harris. Katherine McCall. Wife. Mother. And now…….

Katherine walks down the stairs, her heart beating a little faster. Alex stands by the fireplace, sipping a whisky, while he stokes the flames.

He looks up when he sees Katherine, and smiles. She always looks beautiful in his eyes, but today she looks even more beautiful than usual. She seems to have a glow radiating from within.

Katherine curls up on the couch, wrapping herself in a warm blanket. Alex walks over, placing his whisky on the coffee table, lovingly running his hand over her hair.

“Would you like me to get you a glass of wine?” Alex asks.

“No thanks, darling. Sit down,” Katherine says, patting the couch. Alex sits down, stretching out next to Katherine.

“You’ve made me the happiest woman,” Katherine says.

Alex smiles, and says, “And you’ve made me the happiest man, ever.”

“I think there’s something that could make you even happier,” Katherine says, grinning.

“Oh, really? I don’t know, I’m pretty happy,” Alex says, laughing.

Katherine’s smile softens, and she looks at Alex with an expression of total and complete love. “Alex, I’m pregnant……again.”

Alex sits straight up, his eyes widening in surprise. “Are you sure?” he asks, smiling broadly.

Katherine nods, “I’m sure. The doctor confirmed it this morning.”

Alex swoops Katherine into his arms, kissing her deeply. Katherine was right – she has made him even happier than he ever thought possible.