Chapter 14
Alberto had called it. Chaos reigned in the usually staid and proper Caruso household. Blair and the babies were discharged after several thorough examinations after a week. She was still sore after the surgery and C-section but had recovered very quickly.
Her husband had not left her side, taking the week off and spending it there with her even despite her protests.
“I can work from here, can’t I?” He had brushed away the argument with that mild rejoinder. “This is where I should be.”
He would push her in the wheelchair whenever it was time to check on baby Caleb. The others were brought to her by the excited nurses to be fed (she had insisted on breastfeeding, even if it was just for now and was enjoying every minute of it!)
A brand-new SUV had been ordered custom made and the four babies were settled at the back in their car seats while on the way from the hospital. Reporters had been milling around, trying to bribe, coax, bully the clinic staff into getting them a pic of the quadruplets without success.
One very enterprising reporter had managed to evade the extra security placed outside the front doors and had almost made it to the room when he was stopped and ushered out none too gently.
Now they were home.
“Ready?” Cayden hopped, coming around to open the passenger door.
“I am.” She took a look at the back and smiled as she stared at the sleeping babies. “I think they loved the rocking motion of the vehicle.”
Before he could respond, the front doors burst open to eject the entire family, led by Marianne.
“You were taking too long.” Leaning over, she kissed Blair on the cheek before bustling around to where the babies were sleeping. Cayden was brushed aside, and all four babies were captured by a family member.
“The little darlings are fast asleep.” Marianne whispered as she hefted the car seat and peered down at Bianca.
Both Cayden and Blair were left on their own as the family trooped up the steps and into the house with their babies.
“Is this how it’s going to be from now on?” Cayden asked dryly as he helped her out.
“I suppose so!” She stepped out and inhaled the clean air of home. It seemed like ages since she had been here, and the appreciation was apparent. “I don’t mind, do you?” She turned to face him, and he responded by pulling her against him.
“The best thing about having a big family is that we get to share the responsibilities, and we will need help. It also means that I get to spend more time with my wife.”
Her expression turned sober as she stared at him. “I promise you that I will never allow the children to get between us.”
“What do you mean?”
Lifting a hand, she touched the stubble on his face. “I wanted this badly enough to go to desperate lengths. Four babies will take up a lot of our time. But I am making a promise right now that I will not neglect you.”
“Darling…”
She shook her head. “I have been reading up on postpartum depression and the side effects of having multiples. There will be days when I do not feel like being with anyone and I hope to God it does not come to that.
I want to continue to be your wife in every sense of the word. I do not want us to be consumed by being parents, so that we miss out on each other. I could not bear it.”
Tilting her chin up, his green eyes sizzled as he stared at her. “I promise to knock you senseless if that happens.” He half teased, brushing his lips on hers. “Let’s go inside, shall we?”
She nodded, sliding her hand through his arm.
The family and staff had gone all out to welcome them home. Streamers with her name and the babies’ names hung above the mantel in the large living room. Pink and blue balloons were placed strategically and there were flowers everywhere.
The entire staff had taken time from their duties to greet her. Maria, her personal maid, shuffled forward to give her a hug, sniffing at tears as she stepped back.
They lingered, admiring the new additions to the family until they were told by Bryce to get back to work. And the babies were awake and cooing, obviously reveling at the attention they were receiving.
“We have to talk about hiring at least two nannies.” Marianne announced as soon as the staff had filed from the room.
“Mother, now is not the time.” Cayden settled his wife in a comfortable chair and sat on the arm, one hand curved around her shoulders. “Blair is still recovering from something major. Allow us to settle down first, will you?”
Marianne gave them both a look which clearly said the conversation was far from over.
“All right.” Tucking the blanket more securely around Bianca, she made cooing sounds to the baby.
“Dad, I am so happy you’re here.”
“I have been invited to dinner.” He beamed at her. “And I thank the good Lord, you’re out of danger.”
“I am so happy and grateful.”
She sat there half listening to the conversation going on around her and delighted that her babies, all of them were home where they belonged. She did not get a chance with them, but she did not mind. Like her husband said earlier, having a big family at a time like this was indeed a blessing.
Cayden felt when her head became heavy on his chest and turned to look at her.
“She’s asleep.” He whispered, an indescribably tender look on his face.
“Poor dear,” Marianne smiled, “after what she has been through, it’s not surprising.”
“I am taking her upstairs.” He carefully lifted her in his arms, pausing when she stirred and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“The babies…”
“Do not worry about these little darlings. We will take them up as soon as we can.”
“Thanks, mother. I am not certain she will be down for supper.”
“If she’s awake by the time I am ready to leave, I would love to come and wish her goodnight.”
He nodded assent to his father-in-law before leaving the room.
Upstairs in their bedroom, he set her down on the bed and carefully removed first her shoes and then the dress she had worn from the hospital. Maria had already laid out a robe with a zipper in front for her.
Slipping it over her head after removing her clothing, he fluffed her pillows and pulled the quilt over her and just sat there on the edge of the bed, taking her in. It was hard to believe that it had only been a week since she left to go to the clinic. A very tumultuous week where he thought he was going to lose her.
He had so much to give thanks for and he vowed he was never going to take any of it for granted.
Brushing back the hairs from her forehead, he bent to kiss her, before sliding off the bed, careful not to disturb her.
It was already late afternoon. They had spent a considerable amount of time in the clinic. The doctors had done their thorough examinations on her and all four babies and the enormous amount of paperwork had to be dealt with. That had left them spending almost the entire day there.
Taking one last look at her, he left the room and closed the doors behind him. The babies were finally in their rooms and settled in their cots.
“They are sleeping.” His mother whispered as she stood there looking at the two identical girls. “I cannot stop staring at them. They remind me of when you were first placed in my arms. I wept.” She reached for his hand and squeezed. “Granddaughters. Oh God, darling, they are going to be so damned spoiled.”
“Not too much.” He whispered back, using his free hand to touch the tiny, bunched fist. Lifting his head, he stared at Bella, who was sleeping in the same position as her sister.
“You cannot tell me you are not going to try and slay dragons for them.”
“No one will ever be good enough.” He admitted wryly. “I am not only going to slay dragons but will also destroy their lairs or wherever the hell they live.” He stared at Bianca. “The only way to tell them apart is the tiny cleft in Bianca’s chin, just like her mother’s.” He was getting emotional but could not help it.
“And the boys – Chad has a tiny mole on his left cheek. You have to look closely to see it.” She placed her head on his arm. “Darling, I am so overwhelmed.”
“I think that’s the word for it,” he agreed.
He looked around the room and sighed. “There are going to be so many changes.”
“Welcome ones.”
*****
“I’m not pumping.” That was the first thing she greeted him with as soon as he stepped into the girl’s nursery that evening. The babies were three weeks’ old and seem to be thriving. But his wife looked like she was on the verge of tears.
“There is no milk. How could that be?” She looked up at her husband and eased the nipple out of Bianca’s pursed lips. “I am a horrible mother.”
“You’re not a horrible mother.” Marching over, he gently took his daughter out of her arms and placed her inside the cot. Just then Maria bustled in with Bella, propped on her sturdy shoulder, one large hand rubbing the baby’s back soothingly. “This one is all burped and ready for bed.” She stopped short when she noticed Cayden.
“Sir, I had no idea…”
“Get someone else in here and make a bottle for Bianca,” he ordered, “I will go and check on the boys…”
“Your parents are in with them.” Her eyes swung to Blair, who was just sitting there.
“Good.” Taking Bella from her, he cradled the baby and gave her a quick and gentle kiss on the soft cheek, feeling the funny feeling inside his chest as she stared up at him with her curious hazel eyes. All four of them had the same color eyes and he suspected they would remain that color.
“Be a good girl for your grandparents, will you sweetheart? Daddy is taking mommy out on the town.” Lifting his head, he handed the baby back to Maria. “Get the bottle ready.” Turning around, he took his wife’s hand and drew her up.
“I cannot leave…”
“You can and you will.” He practically pushed her out of the room and without even stopping to look in on the boys, he closed their bedroom doors.
“I am not in the mood to go anywhere. I think…”
“You promised me.” He grimly went to the closet and scanned the numerous outfits there. His mother had called in concern, saying that Blair was crying. “You need to do something darling; she is crying and has been doing so for most of the day.
“You vowed to me that we are not going to let the babies’ get in the way of our marriage.” He yanked out a lovely aquamarine gown with a scooped neckline and fitted waist. She had been working like a fiend to get her figure back and was almost there. “It’s been almost a month.”
Placing the dress on the bed, he stood in front of her and started undressing her like a child. “I am holding you to that promise tonight. We are going out. Dinner and dancing until midnight. We have a full complement of staff here and my parents are more than capable of taking care of our children.”
“Cayden…”
“No!” He shook his head. “No talk of how inadequate a mother you are or anything like that. The doctors and nurses warned that your milk might dry up soon.
We can more than afford tons of formulas and we, along with my parents, and your friends, have decided on the best on the market. They will not be starving and certainly will not lack nutrition.”
He propelled her into the bathroom and into the huge shower install. Turning on the jet, he made certain the temperature was exactly right before picking up the sponge and squirting floral scented gel on. He could see how listless she was and tried to tamp down the worry settling inside his chest.
“Talk to me baby.” He urged as he ran the sponge over her back.
“I feel overwhelmed.” She admitted.
“Fair enough.” He turned her around so he could get her front and felt the quick dart of hot desire pouring into him. her breasts were still perky, even though he would not have cared if they were hanging down her waist. And her belly was almost flat.
“Understandable.” He bathed her stomach slowly. “We will be interviewing potential nannies,” he stopped when she shook her head and waited for the usual objections.
“I want to be there for them.”
“You are. You will be. But I am playing the husband and daddy card. We will hire two nannies, ones who are qualified to take care of our babies.” He tried to avoid her pubic area because of the hot desire he could not get a handle on.
He briskly passed the sponge over her middle and turned the water to rinse off the suds. Grabbing some towels, he dried her off and lifted her to carry her into the bedroom.
“Now, I am going to take a quick shower and leave you to get ready.” He hunkered down in front of her. “I adore you baby. I love you beyond reason and I would very much like to have my wife back. Please.”
She snapped out of her funk long enough to realize that he was tired and looked sad and worried – because of her. She had promised him that she would not allow the pregnancy, their babies to get between them and she was doing just that.
For the past three weeks, each time he came home, she was in the nurseries, zipping from one room to the next and resenting the help that was offered.
Even Clive and Conail had offered their services and both Marianne and Alberto had been eager to take care of their grandchildren.
Her dad had dropped by several evenings on his way home from work and had even stayed last weekend so that he could spend time with them. The staff was amazing, each of them bending over backwards to make things easy for her and she was neglecting her husband.
Her hand lifted to cup his cheek. “I am such an idiot.”
“I will not have you saying that…”
“No. Please let me finish. You are right, I did promise not to do this and that’s exactly what I have been doing.” Her eyes sparkled and her chin lifted. “Not this dress. The red one.” She decided. “We’re going dancing until we have blisters.”
He grinned, his spirit soaring. “Let’s get to it then.”
*****
The night was pleasant enough and very soon, Blair’s apprehension at leaving the babies, was just a figment and even that disappeared as soon as they entered the small intimate restaurant.
The owner, a friend of the Caruso’s from Italy, ushered them into a private booth and gave her a boisterous hug, his dark handsome face beaming, black eyes dancing.
“When are you going to leave this handsome devil and come live with me?”
“I am afraid it’s too late now.” She returned his hug, her eyes dancing. “We are officially stuck. Four babies.”
“And look at you.” Holding her at arms’ length. Lucio admired her slender curves outlined in the fire engine red dress. “Like you never gave birth.”
“You’re very good for my ego.”
“Now, if you’re done ogling my wife, we really would like to be seated.”
Ignoring Cayden, Lucio placed her hand through his arm and led the way to the back of the room that led out to a small balcony. “The view from here is stunning and you will not be disturbed. I will have the server sent out in a few minutes.”
He pulled the chair out for her. “I would suggest the Caruso Flamboyant…”“We would love that.” She responded swiftly before her husband could object. “We’re celebrating after all.”
Lucio beamed at them. “The menu cards are here, but I made some Primavera and a delicious Italian loaf to go with it.”
“That sounds lovely.” She looked at Cayden and he nodded. “We’ll take that.”
“Coming right up.” He clapped his large hands together. “But first, some minestrone soup.” He bustled away to take care of the order.
Leaning back in the chair, she tilted her head up and inhaled the clean air. The restaurant was located near the harbor and the scent of water mingled with the strong aroma of garlic and other spices made for a very pleasant setting.
“Feeling better?”
Turning her head towards him, she smiled and reached for his hand. “I am, yes. I never knew how much I wanted this until you suggested it.”
“You mean after I forcibly took you into the shower and would not take no for an answer?” he teased.
“Something like that.” Turning her hand over, she linked their fingers and stared at the diamonds on hers. “I had to stop wearing these and I felt naked.”
“I never held it against you. Your fingers were swollen, and they were becoming uncomfortable.” Using his free hand, he traced the stones thoughtfully, staring at them before lifting his head to look at her. “Lucio was right. You do not look like you just had four babies.”
“I still have the scar to show that I did. One of the reasons I was getting so depressed was the worry that you would no longer find me attractive.”
His eyes flared with impatience, and she shook her head, holding up a finger to stop him from commenting.
“It’s not that I don’t know how much you love me, but you have to understand that the body and mind have been through hormonal changes.”
The first course of their meal came just then and Cayden waited until they were alone. Stars glittered overhead, making the candles that had been lit for ambiance, superfluous. A sliver of moon was peeking from the velvety sky and the end of spring breeze stirred the skin.
For a minute, they just sat there, enjoying the atmosphere and excellent soup. He was still holding her hand and forcing them to eat one handed. Blair liked this intimacy between them. For a month, now and even before this, she had been plagued with doubts and fear. Part of wondering if she was going to lose her babies.
Another part was wondering if she had done the right thing. She knew they were far from out of the woods yet.
The doctors had warned them that because of the premature birth, the quadruplets would be plagued with certain illnesses until hopefully they grew out of them. A pediatrician had already been assigned to them and made a house visit just a few days ago.
But sitting here and enjoying a meal with her husband, she knew she was able to face whatever was thrown at them.
As if sensing her thoughts, he lifted their joined hands and kissed the knuckles. “I adore you.” He told her quietly, green eyes holding hers. “I look at my children and I get emotional. You are the only woman who would have ever made that kind of sacrifice and even if it was that alone, I would love you for it.”
His eyes smoldered as he took in the soft lips made moist by the soup. He had watched her grow huge with his babies and barely able to move around. He knew firsthand the discomfort she suffered for the seven and a half months and he was humbled by her.
“But there’s more.” His smile was indulgent. “You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. The best part of me. I feel fulfilled when I am with you. There is no way I could ever settle for anything less than what I get from you. Even on our worse day, I would still choose you.”
Her fingers tightened on his and her throat was heavy. Emotions crowded her entire being and she was left speechless. Putting the spoon down carefully, she lifted their joined hands and pressed his against her cheek.
“I love you.” She told him huskily. “I wanted so much to give you children, to make our own family.” She blinked at the tears. “And I would have done anything to make it happen. I love you completely.”
“Something, I will never doubt.” He was getting emotional as well and felt the warmth of her seeping into his skin. “Tonight, I want it to be all about us.”