Chapter 16
It was all over the tabloids and social media.
You could not turn around without hearing of the plot to do harm to Eliza Bell-Copeland and her quads.
The press was commenting on the fact that she and the perpetrator bore the same last name and wondering if somehow Frank Bell could be her long-lost dad.
That theory was nipped in the bud by Frank himself when a reporter cornered him to ask him that bluntly.
Frank reported that he never knew the woman who gave birth to Eliza. With his sincere comment, the rumor died down, and attention shifted to the crime itself. Talk show hosts made it a hot topic, even bringing on psychologists who did their best to delve into Maxy Brown-Bell's frame of mind.
After a lengthy discussion with her husband, Eliza decided on a course of action and a press conference. The woman had confessed to her sins and was on suicide watch when she tried to take her own life. And she would be getting a psych evaluation.
So, here she was, standing at the podium of the busy metropolitan area where her publicist had set up the press conference.
Taking a deep breath and giving her husband, who was standing slightly to her left, a glance, she started talking.
"Over the last couple of weeks, there have been a lot of speculations and theories. I've listened to them despite my husband's objections." She turned to give him a fleeting smile before turning to face the press.
"You see, I wanted to know just what people were saying.
Over the years, my husband and I have endured the avid attention from the press and fans alike.
We're public figures, and we knew what we signed up for.
But things have changed. We're not prepared to parade our children for the public to gawk over.
We're parents, and as such, we have a responsibility to hold our children close and keep them from danger as much as possible.
" She paused, looking over the curious faces.
"The way we became parents is our business and ours alone.
That said, we realize that there are women out there, and I've done my research before agreeing to stand before you.
There are, tragically, women out there who would love to be mothers, but due to circumstances beyond their control, it's not possible.
My husband and I tried for years, and as a last resort, we turned to IVF.
We were fortunate and have the resources to make it happen. Some people don't.
"Maxy Brown-Bell was one such woman, and her desperation drove her to do the unthinkable.
From all indications, she had been a good citizen, a good neighbor, a good employee, and an avid follower of Christ. But something broke inside her.
And she was no longer the same person." She paused to sip some water.
"I'm not excusing her method, because she should have sought help, but then again, her mind was completely gone.
That's why my husband's foundation, along with several of our friends, the wives, as they're called-" She gestured to several of the women on the podium, which included Kelly, Leesa, Stacy, Kiara, Sadie, and Indigo.
"We've taken on another project, and we've named it 'Women supporting other women.
' It's a charity which will enable potential mothers to explore other options if conceiving naturally is a problem.
Several doctors, including psychiatrists, fertility specialists, and others, are on board to donate their time and ability to do consults, which will be free of charge for those who genuinely cannot afford the services. "
She paused as the reporters broke out in thunderous applause.
"Thank you. There will be a list of clinics where the services will be offered.
I've been in the place where I began to feel desperate.
And desperation can lead someone to do things they would never have considered before.
Postpartum depression is another condition the doctors will be addressing.
After the high of carrying a child, or in my case children, the crash can be quite devastating.
Fortunately for me, I have not been through anything like that, which might be because I have tremendous support. "
She turned to look at her husband again and reached for his hand. He joined her, much to the delight of the crowd, who erupted.
"Thank you for listening. That's all I have to say." She started to step back when the clamor began.
"Mr. Copeland, how does it feel to be a parent of four children at the same time?"
He was about to walk away without responding when he changed his mind.
With a rare smile that the camera captured, he bent towards the microphone and made the comment. "It's the greatest feeling in the world. We all should be so fortunate."
Stepping away, he left with his wife's hand in his.
"I do believe you're even more popular now than you were before." Samuel turned the laptop towards her as she buttered her toast. The press conference had been aired several times over the last two days and was still making headlines.
Eliza glanced at the screen before picking up her cup of coffee.
Last night had been one of those rare nights when the children had slept through and she was feeling particularly rested and at peace.
Not to mention the fact that January had started out with a winter storm that had dumped several inches of snow on everything in its path.
From where she was seated in the blue and green salon, it looked like a winter wonderland.
"Just what I was hoping for," she murmured wryly.
"They're calling you a saint as well as a hero." He dropped a kiss on top of her head before sliding the chair across from her to have a seat.
"Fortunately for me, you know different." She poured him a cup of coffee. "I cannot believe it's behind us."
"Believe it." Samuel buttered his toast and looked up as the nannies walked into the room.
"Is everything all right?" he asked, senses alert.
"I asked them to bring the children in," Eliza told him. "I know you have some calls to make-"
"Which can wait." His smile came easily as he stared at the four of them. "Leave them with us. I take it they're already fed?"
"And bathed," Maeve told him with a smile.
"I can see that. Thanks. We'll take over."
"Let's finish breakfast and take them to the playroom."
"Good plan." Leaning over, Samuel nuzzled his daughter's cheek and could swear that she smiled at him.
Six months later...
"I think she's about to take her first step.
" Grabbing the camera he had ordered just to record his children's progress, Samuel crouched down and beckoned to his daughter as she eased herself up by gripping the edge of the chair.
"That's it, sweetheart," he encouraged, holding his breath.
"Take your time. You can do it." He gripped the lens and waited with bated breath as she let go of the chair and took one step forward, and then another.
"Come on, darling, you can do it." He grinned as her lips spread and tiny teeth, all four of them, flashed in a wide smile.
One thing he could say about his daughter: she loved an audience.
"I think she's going to be an actress," he announced.
"God forbid!" Eliza whispered fervently, her eyes trained on the little girl who was hesitantly toddling towards her daddy.
They adored each other and had formed a bond that was unbreakable.
Sofia would be crying and carrying on, but as soon as her father came into the room, she would stop and start smiling.
Eliza had long since given up trying to get the little girl to pay her any mind. She was truly daddy's little girl.
"She's walking!" Maeve clapped her hands as she came into the room.
"Don't scare her. Come on, darling, two more steps," Samuel urged.
She had just taken the last one that would have her right in front of him when she said something that had him going as still as stone.
"Dada."
All the adults in the room froze as they stared at the little girl.
"What did she say?" Samuel could scarcely breathe. "Did I hear her right? Did she-"
"Dada!" Sofia clapped her hands gleefully, fully realizing that she had an avid audience. "Dada! Dada! Dada!" she chortled.
Putting the camera down, Samuel lifted her in his arms and buried his face in the crease of her plump little neck, simply breathing in her scent.
"I am your dada," he whispered. "And I love you so much."
By the end of the evening, the three boys had started walking as well and mimicking their sister by calling dada.
She saw him sitting out on the balcony adjoining their bedroom. He had been very quiet during their meal. Even though he had participated in the usual bathing ritual, he had not said anything much, leaving Eliza a little concerned.
And he was smoking. Samuel rarely smoked unless he was stressed.
Over the past months, things had been active.
He had won several awards for his films and was taking a much-needed break.
They had traveled to the cottage during the summer, just them, and stayed for two weeks. The children had loved it!
"I brought you a glass of scotch."
He had not heard her approaching and jolted slightly at the sound of her voice.
"Thank you. Did Jeremy finally hit the sack?
" Crushing out the cigar, he took the glass from her and put it next to him on the table.
The scent of juniper, freesias, and roses surrounded them.
He had opened the door slightly to invite the warm breeze.
Their children would be fully one year old in two weeks, and he knew his wife was planning something big.
"After I threatened to smother him."
Samuel smiled slightly. "How did that go over?"
"He just laughed and banged his toy on the headboard." She sat on the edge of his chair facing him. "I'm worried about my husband."
"Why?" Picking up the glass, he took a sip.
"Because he's smoking, and that only occurs when he's stressed. And he's out here by himself."