Page 26 of Cayden

“Out of my damn mind!”

Dr. Melbourne nodded in understanding. “There’s a risk…”

“I already know all of them.” Blair spoke up quietly. “Pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, postpartum depression and the babies will have to be delivered via C-section.” She eased up and used the tissues available to wipe the gel off her belly.

Ignoring Cayden, the doctor pulled up his stool and rolled towards the side of the examination bed. “This is an exceedingly rare occurrence and only one other I have been fortunate to be part of years ago.

I will gather a team immediately in order to monitor your progress…” He stopped as he heard the door slam shut and realized that Cayden had left the room.

The silence that followed was as thick as the tension in the room. Blair turned her attention back to the doctor, her hands trembling slightly as she clasped them in her lap. Dr. Melbourne gave her a reassuring smile, though it did not quite reach his eyes.

"Blair, I want you to know that we will do everything in our power to ensure the best possible outcome for you and the babies. We will schedule regular check-ups, and you will have access to a team of specialists."

Blair nodded numbly, her mind racing with a thousand thoughts. She had fought so hard for this, but now, faced with the reality of carrying four babies, the enormity of the situation began to sink in. She could not help but feel the weight of Cayden’s anger and fear pressing down on her.

"Thank you, Dr. Melbourne," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

He gave her a small nod. "Take care of yourself, Blair. Rest as much as you can and try to stay positive. We will get through this together."

Blair managed to make a weak smile before pushing herself off the examination bed. As she gathered her things, her mind drifted to Cayden. She knew he was scared, possibly more than she was, but his anger had cut deep. She needed him now more than ever, but she feared the rift between them was growing too wide to bridge.

Stepping out of the room, she glanced down the hallway and saw Cayden standing by the window, his back to her.

She took a deep breath and walked towards him. His profile was etched in stone and when he turned towards her, his expression did not soften. Moving towards the doors, he pushed it open, allowing her to precede towards the parking lot.

They walked to the car in silence, the icy wind of winter tugging at their jackets.

Christmas had come and gone with the usual flurry of activities. On the surface, they appeared to be a happy couple, but it had been weeks since he touched her. They existed in a bubble of unspoken words and teeming emotions.

He had built up a wall, she could not breach it. Besides that, she had been feeling lousy. The fatigue was getting to her as well as the sickness that persisted throughout most of the day.

He slammed the door shut as soon as she entered the passenger side and came around to sit in the driver’s seat. She watched out of the sides of her eyes as he white-knuckled the steering wheel. She was scared. She had hoped for twins at least and had wanted to even the odds. But four babies was a lot to contend with.

It would mean in a few months; she would be bedridden. She was now ten weeks gone and had started showing in her breasts and her tummy. She had started wearing clothing to hide the fact that she was rapidly putting on weight.

But now the time has come for them to tell the rest of the family. Added to that, the press would soon get wind of the fact that she was pregnant. How much they could keep in the family, she did not know.

“Cayden…”

“Don’t!” He turned to face her, and she felt her anger and fear dissolving at the tormented look on his handsome face. “Damn you Blair! I asked you to wait, just give it some more time. Oh God!” Lifting his hands, he dragged his fingers through his hair and squeezed his eyes shut.

“Jesus! Jesus! I wished to God I never met you. I wished to God that I never decided to walk into the crappy café at that time. I would have missed you then and I would not be faced with this god awful fear that’s crippling me.”

“I love you.”

He turned to face her and laughed, harsh racking sounds that echoed in the car. “You love me. Well baby…,” he growled. “I am way past that. You possess every inch of me.

Everything. And I…” Breaking off abruptly, he pushed the start button and backed out. “We will announce the ‘good news’ at dinner tonight. It is understandable if we miss the wine and cheese party this Saturday.”

“I don’t want to…” She eased back with an intake of breath when he whipped his head to glare at her.

“From now on, you are confined to the suite. Is that bloody clear? You wanted this so badly; you are going to damn well follow the rules.”

“I know you’re angry…”

“I am way past that.” It was late afternoon, and the traffic had built up. He had several appointments but had called to reschedule all of them. He was in no frame of mind to face anyone and discuss business.

“It’s going to be fine.” She insisted, trying her best to diffuse his anger. “The good thing about it is we have the resources and Dr. Melbourne is already gathering a team to make certain I have the support.” Her eyes went moist.

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