Chapter 10
In the ensuing months, she would look back on that weekend with misty-eyed indulgence. Because things went back to normal, the minute they arrived home.
They left early on the Monday morning, because the snowstorm had made driving very hazardous.
Now a week later and she was being carefully monitored. Dr. Melbourne had secured a nutritionist and a private nurse who had been hired to stay at the house to monitor her progress. She was prodded and poked, until she felt like screaming. But she had asked for this and had to bear the consequences.
Nurse Conelly was highly professional and exceptionally good at her job. She was also a midwife and had over ten years of experience. In spite of the brusque manner, Blair was drawn to her and within minutes of spending time with her, found that she genuinely cared.
She was also brutally honest.
“I have no intention of soft soaping anything.” She told her patient briskly as she did her examination. “I am being paid handsomely for my services, but I am not going to ever lie to you. Dr. Melbourne and the rest of the team are committed to taking care of you and the fetuses you are carrying.”
Looping the stethoscope around her neck, she planted her fists on her ample hips. “You have a beautiful home here and the resources to do everything necessary to make certain you come out of this alive.” Pulling up a chair, she used the instrument to listen to the heartbeats.
“Strong and still four. You are twelve weeks now, and your weight is coming along. I have instructed the kitchen to include more vegetables and fresh fruit. Your mother-in-law said to tell her whatever we need, and it will be acquired.” A frown touched her brow. “Your blood pressure is slightly elevated but that’s to be expected, considering.”
“I feel bloated, and my stomach is queasy.” Blair eased up on the pillows and pressed her hand on her stomach. “And I have to pee again.”
“Part and parcel of the deal.”
Swinging her legs off the bed, she waddled her way to the bathroom.
She was not allowed to drive herself, so someone had been assigned to her. She had most of her meetings here at the manor, because walking long distances made her feel winded.
She felt like an elephant and was quite certain she looked like a very pregnant one. Her husband was on board, but they still did not talk about the pregnancy or had not made any plans. Which told her that he was not optimistic about the outcome.
The weekend they had spent at the cabin had brought them closer together and she did not want to do anything to change that. But there was an underlying tension between them. She wanted to believe she would end up with four healthy babies, no matter what the odds are, and wished fervently that her husband agreed with her.
Rinsing her hands under the sink, she took a look at herself in the mirror and flinched. Her face had gotten round, and her nose was almost twice its size. Her breasts had gone to a B cup now, forcing her to purchase bigger bras.
Her belly was almost touching the sink, and she was just three months into her pregnancy. She felt fat, bloated and very unattractive. She peed every five minutes, had frequent bouts of nausea and cried at the drop of a hat.
She rarely went down to dinner, because she could not bother dressing up and having a conversation. Waddling back into the bedroom, she silently went about doing the exercises that had been tailormade for her body.
*****
Cayden twirled the scotch in the glass absently as he stared out the one-way glass. A frown touched his brow and his shoulders were tense.
“Cayden?”
Stirring himself, he turned to look at the man seated behind the baronial desk. Alberto had his back to the large fireplace, the shooting flames giving his attractive face an eerie glow.
“You haven’t heard a word that I just said.”
“Sorry.”
“Have you called to check in?”
“The nurse just called a few minutes ago.” He crossed the room to sit on the sofa across from the desk. “Her blood pressure is a little elevated.”
Alberto eyed him closely. “You’re worried.”
He shrugged.
“And you have sent Clive and Conail in your place to Italy. You are keeping your plans remarkably close.”
He nodded. “I keep thinking that as soon as I leave the house, I am going to get a call that something happened to her. At nights, I watch her sleep. She is uncomfortable. She often switches sides to try and find a comfortable position. Her back hurts.
Every night, I have to massage it, and she does not get enough sleep because of the frequent need to urinate. I feel so goddamned helpless.” The frustration was rife in his deep voice. “She is carrying four babies and frankly, I do not know how in the hell she does it. And it is just the first trimester. What is going to happen further on?”
“A woman’s body was created to endure the rigors of childbearing. That said, I am not certain about carrying four at the same time.” Alberto rose and pushed away from the desk. Walking over to the cabinet, he poured himself a drink and came back to sit behind the desk.
“I admire her tremendously.”
Cayden sent him a surprised glance that had him smiling.
“I never approved of the match at first. Thought she had to be a gold digger and thought you had lost all of your marbles when you announced you wanted to get married and so quickly. I had her checked out, you know.”
“Naturally!” Cayden inclined his head in amusement.
“Found nothing in her background to indicate that she was a criminal or anything such thing.” Alberto swirled his scotch thoughtfully. “I was in fact suspicious that she was so squeaky clean. A schoolteacher who never even had a parking ticket. That was ridiculous.”
“She totaled her first crappy chevy when she was sixteen.”
“She did?” Alberto raised thick eyebrows at that. “It never came out in the report.”
“She told me when we started seeing each other. Her parents freaked and did not allow her to drive for a year. She had to do a refresher driving course to satisfy them.”
“You totaled a brand-new Porsche when you were seventeen.”
Cayden chuckled, the memory coursing through his brain. “I was grounded for a month and had to work at the vineyard in California to purchase the next vehicle.” He sipped his drink in reflection. “Blair got into it with a teacher when she was in high school.
My wife is a bleeding heart and when she found out the teacher was picking on the kid because he was poor, she stepped in and stood up for him.” He smiled slightly. “She is a sucker for a sob story and a champion for the underdog.”
“You’re proud of her,” his father observed.
“Absolutely. We went downtown a few months ago and she insisted on feeding the homeless. Every last one of them. People love her.” His smile faded. “I love her.
It is natural for people to just meet her and be drawn to her, She has that type of personality. She is going to make a terrific mother. If…” He shook his head and stared into the content of his glass.
“I am terrified of losing her,” he admitted with a shaky laugh. “Hence the reason I watch her sleeping.”
“She’s good for you.” Alberto stared at him in wonder. “Before you met her…”
“I was a goddamned mess. I was all over the place, using and discarding women at the drop of a hat. I loved the company, wine was always in my blood, and I loved everything about it, but I was restless and bored. Dangerous combinations. She cured me of that.”
A smile touched his lips. “I never thought it possible to love someone so damn much and I am scared.” He admitted with a harsh sigh. “Losing her is not an option. And I know that if she lost even one of those babies that she is carrying, it’s going to have a significant impact on her.”
Leaning back, he closed his eyes briefly. “I keep seeing her looking at me, expecting me to start asking her about plans for the nursery.” He opened his eyes and stared at his dad. “I cannot. I just cannot do it.
Not yet. I am holding my breath and waiting to see what happens. It is not fair to her, but that’s how I feel. If it comes down to her or those babies, my instructions are clear, it will always be her.”
Alberto nodded, moved by his frank admission.
“And I agree with you completely.” She is well cared for son. That much I know. She is being monitored around the clock.”
“And I wonder if that’s going to be enough.”
*****
“I thought you had a late meeting.” Her delight and surprise at seeing him home before nine warmed his heart and made him realize that he had been right about coming straight home.
I just met Nurse Connelly on her way to her room.” Moving over to the sofa, he sat next to her. “How are you?”
“Fat.” She responded with a shaky laugh, her hand reaching for his. “And wondering if my gorgeous husband is thinking the same thing.” She laced her fingers through his. “And perhaps thinking of finding solace somewhere else.”
“There’s actually something I have been meaning to ask you.” Lifting her hand, he kissed the knuckles.
“Ask away.”
“Would you be amenable to having a side piece move in with us?” His eyes twinkled as hers flashed.
“Not unless you want to have that side piece bludgeoned with a sharp object.”
“Just checking.” He chuckled at her ominous expression. “And you’re not the type to get violent.”
“Oh, when it comes to my husband, all bets are off.”
“Then I am going to have to reconsider the side piece part of it.” His smile faded. “The nurse said you were not feeling too hot.”
“Just nausea and wanting to pee every minute.” She spread his finger out and rubbed the simple band of gold she had placed there five years ago. His birthday was coming up and she had hoped to plan a party for him. But feeling the way, she did, it might not be possible, and it frustrated her.
“I am fine now. I ate a whole side of a chicken with some baby potatoes and creamy mushrooms. And was sick after. Your mother brought up a bowl of soup. I think she is starting to like me. Either that, or she feels sorry for me.”
“I think it’s the former.” Tilting her chin up, he brushed her lips with his. “Ready for our nightly ritual?”
She nodded. “Aren’t you going to tell me about your day?”
“As soon as we get you into bed.” Rising, he tugged at her hand and levered her off the sofa. “We’re probably going to have to get a crane to start carting you around.”
“You joke about it, but that might be the case.” She muttered.
*****
“I hardly recognized you.” Her dad exclaimed as he took her hand and guided her up the steps. “Is he leaving?” He nodded towards the driver as he walked back around to the driver’s side of the vehicle.
“I told him I would call when I am ready. Can we sit out here on the porch? It is such a lovely day and I have been cooped up inside the house for most of the week.”
“Of course.” He helped her lower herself on the porch swing.
“How about some tea?”
She shook her head. “I am full.” She patted her stomach.
“I am surprised you’re here.”
“Why?” She turned her head to look at him. She had called earlier, and he had sounded a little off. She saw him just this week and he looked like he had lost weight. She wished he would consider coming to live with them at the manor but mentioning that, would be a complete waste of time.
“Honey, you look like you’re about to burst.” He pointed out, trying to hide his own worry. He wished he could see her more often, but he made his daily check and her husband despite their strained relationship kept him up to date.
“Almost four months.” Her smile was whimsical as she used her foot to propel the swing forward. “I have been having frequent contractions. The blood pressure keeps going up and down and I have gestational diabetes.” She smiled at him. “The fun never ends.” Her smile faded. “Do you think I made a mistake dad?”
“Honey…”
She shook her head to stop him. “I keep thinking I should have waited. I have an entire team of professionals at my beck and call. I disturb my husband every five minutes when I get up to go to the bathroom.
I am swelling so fast; I wake up and find that I have gained several pounds. I cannot accompany him anywhere and the press got hold of the news that I am carrying quadruplets, and they keep hounding my assistant and his office. One very enterprising reporter found his way onto the property before he could be chased off.
I have become a circus wonder and I keep asking myself if it is worth it. Nurse Connelly is a miracle. She is at my disposal and only leaves my side when Cayden is home.” She leaned forward and rubbed the small of her back, feeling the stiffness there.
“Do you think you made a mistake?” He asked her quietly.
“I am almost four months pregnant, and we have not done anything about setting up nurseries yet.” She gazed out at the dewy hibiscus plants blindly. The winter that had persisted into the end of March had finally decided to allow spring to make an appearance. But even so, there was a lingering chill in the air.
“Why don’t you start?”
Turning to look at him, she admitted what she had been reluctant to. “I do not want to jinx it. I do not want to start preparing for the babies and then something happens. It would break my heart.”
Scooting forward, he took her hands in his. “Life holds little guarantees. You know that as well as I do. Your mother had several miscarriages before you came along, and we had all but given up that we would hold a baby in our arms, and we did.”
He rubbed her flesh. “I have a feeling your husband is waiting on you to make the first move. Why not start thinking of colors? Do you know what you are hoping for?”
She nodded, a light gleaming in her eyes. “Two sets of twins. Boys and girls.”
“Picked out any names yet?”
“No.”
“Then I suggest you start.”
*****
“False alarm.” Dr. Melbourne snapped off his gloves as he finished the cervical examination to make certain she was not going into preterm labor.
“That is the third time this week. Should we be concerned?” Cayden asked tightly.
“Her belly is expanding.” Rising from the stool that had been provided for him, he came around to check her blood pressure. “Your ankles are swollen, and I am going to suggest you stay off them for the rest of the day.”
He waited for the blood pressure cuff to inflate and stared at the reading. “Blood pressure is up.” He looked over at Nurse Connelly.
“I have been monitoring it as you ordered, throughout the day.” Mrs. Caruso insists on being in on the planning of the spring social.” She looked up at the imposing man standing by the side of the bed. “She was disappointed that you refused to have her plan your birthday party.”
“Because I did not want you to be stressed.” He sat next to her, expression softening. “Do you want to end up in the hospital? Darling, you have been advised to take it easy.”
“I promise, I will.” She was on the verge of tears and fought to hold it at bay because of the extra people inside the room. She was feeling a little depressed and useless. This was harder than she thought, and she hated being a burden to everyone.
The entire family was at her disposal, including the full complement of staff.
“Good,” Dr. Melbourne nodded. “Everything else is in order. Nurse Connelly, would you mind walking out with me?”
When the woman nodded, he glanced at the couple. “I will be checking in by the end of the week. Please feel free to call if there are any concerns.”
She waited until they left the room before turning into her husband’s arms and wept. Cayden had seen the sheen of tears in her eyes and was not surprised when she started crying. Rubbing his hands up and down her back, he waited until she was composed, before lowering her back on the pillows. “Better?” He asked her tenderly.
“A little.” She took his hand, “I am causing all these problems. You were in a meeting.”
“Nothing important.”
She gave him a look. “Please don’t lie to make me feel better.”
“Want me to tell you that you just cost the company millions?”
Her eyes went wide. “I did?”
“No…,” bending his head, he brushed her lips softly, “it is nothing for you to worry about. In case you have not received the memo, you are top priority. Everything else falls a dismal second.” Using the pads of his thumbs, he wiped away the tears. “Tell you what?
How about we take a drive later tonight? By that time, your ankles will not be so swollen. We could stop at that hotdog stand you like so much and pig out on hot dogs and fries. And afterwards, we could swing by the park and maybe take a stroll.”
Hope flared in her eyes.
“Reporters.”
He saw the light disappearing from her eyes and wanted desperately to get it back.
“I will make certain we are not followed. What do you say, darling?”
“All right. I would love that.”
“Then it’s a date.”
“I want it to be.” Her voice was wistful. “We have not been on one in ages.”
“Not true. Didn’t we have dinner by candlelight right there on the porch?”
“That wasn’t a date or much of one.” She gripped his hand. “I don’t want you to get tired of me.”
“Now you’re starting to piss me off, after I am looking forward to our date.” Bending his head, he kissed her again. “Stop worrying about us. We are fine.”
“Promise?”
“I swear.”
*****
He showed her an exceptionally fun time. Blair never realized how much she missed doing her daily routine and enjoying the wonderful spring weather until they were whizzing by on country roads, with the top down and the wind whipping at them. He had decided on the BMW convertible with the plush leather seats.
His first stop was at the hotdog stand where the vendor, a wizened man with weathered chocolate complexion showed his delight on seeing her by making her a full-house hot dog piled high with toppings and exclaiming how very lovely she looked.
“Easily the most beautiful pregnant woman I have ever seen….” He had a musical accent that brought up visions of wild blue sea and green palm trees. Of course, Blair had made friends with him and knew he was from the island of Jamaica and had come to the States only a few years ago.
She inquired of his wife and two kids and listened while he told her about a few problems that he was having at the project where he resided.
Cayden was not surprised to hear her tell the man, ‘Blacka’, as he liked to be called, that she was going to get someone to see to the fencing of his property.
They spent quite a bit of time there before leaving for the park. He watched as she devoured a chocolate and strawberry swirl as she sat on the park bench and fed the ducks.
“The sign clearly states that you should not be doing that.” She had left a piece of her bread for the precise purpose.
“I think they just put that up there for a conversation starter.”
“Or it could be that they don’t want anyone feeding the ducks,” he teased. The area was quiet, with just a few people taking walks along the pathways, He had been true to his promise, to make certain there were no reporters hanging around.
“I love the feel of the spring breeze on my skin.”
Taking her hand, he interlaced their fingers. “Have I told you what a remarkable woman you are?”
Turning her head, she gave him a curious stare. “What brought that on?”
“You inspire me to do better, be better. I love you, Blair Andrea Caruso.”
Her eyes went damp. “And I adore you, my darling husband.”
Wrapping his arms around her, he hugged her tight.