Page 29 of Cayden

Sitting on the stool, she picked up the paintbrush and stared unseeingly at the canvas. She was going to have to tell her dad which would start another series of worries. She had involved people in her drama. The news should have been great, something for the family to rejoice about, but it was causing considerable tension.

If she had been able to foresee what this would cause, would she had done things different? She wondered. Probably. But how she wished things were different. She could not blame Cayden for the fear or the anger.

She had blindsided him and this was the end result. Pressing her hand against her stomach, she took a deep breath and started painting.

Chapter 8

She was so deep in the middle of painting that at first she did not notice the door had opened, until she caught a glimpse of her mother-in-law standing there.

Hissing out a breath, she put away the paintbrush and wiped her fingers on the already soiled rag.

“If you’re here to reprimand me about taking matters into my own hands and the consequences of it, I would like you to know that I am not in the mood.”

Ignoring the sharp sound of her daughter-in-law’s voice, Marianne settled herself on the padded sofa and crossed her excellent legs.

“That looks bold and exaggerated,” she murmured, nodding towards the painting as she examined the slash of violent purple, red and black colors, “I am not sure what it’s supposed to be.”

“Just a reflection on my violent mood. What do you want, Marianne?”

The older woman studied the mutinous face and the shadows beneath the mahogany eyes.

“You were right about what you said at the dinner table.”

“Which part?”

Ignoring the sarcastic tone, Marianne continued. “I never approved of you because I thought it was too hasty, and you did not fit. You were a schoolteacher and would never be able to become the wife, which would best suit my son.”

She smiled whimsically. “He is my favorite. I happen to love all my children and never hankered for a daughter. I prefer dealing with men, they are less complicated.

I had problems during the delivery and almost lost him twice. I threatened the doctors, begged, and pleaded with them to save him at all costs. My first glance at that adorable face made me realized that I would do anything for him. I would fight to keep him alive.

He had my heart, and I simply melted when they finally placed him in my arms. I spoiled him dreadfully, plied him with toys and lavished him with attention. When I became pregnant with Clive, he would follow me around, clinging to me as if he wondered if he was going to be replaced.”

She shook her head. “He never was, never could be.” She eyed the younger woman who had gone still at the telling of the story. “But I have discovered that you truly love my son, possibly more than you love yourself. He adores you.”

The smile came again. “I saw that from the very beginning, and I was jealous. I was no longer first in his life. I saw the way he looked at you, the fact that he cannot stop touching you. And because he loves you so much, he is scared to death of losing you.”

She moved forward, her eyes intent. “My dear, you are entering into one of life’s greatest sacrifices and it is most wonderful and magical realm. Carrying a child cradled inside your womb. But you are carrying four at one time.” She shook her head. “I cannot impress enough how much that is going to cost the both of you.”

Blair turned her head away and gazed out the window. January had dumped several inches of snow on the ground and from the looks of the bleak sky, it was far from over. She was tired and depressed, two combinations that were not conducive to her current situation.

“I thought I was doing the right thing,” she murmured. “Still do. I want a family.” She took in a deep breath and let it back out. “I know my husband is scared and so am I.” She shook her head and turned her gaze to the woman in front of her. “I want these babies. And losing even one of them is not something I want to think about.”

Marianne rose gracefully and crossed over to her. Placing a hand on her shoulder, she squeezed lightly. “I am cautiously excited. These babies will be my first grandchildren, and I am praying that everything goes right.”

“Thanks Marianne, I really appreciate the support.”

She nodded and turned to stare at the painting. “It has a certain appeal.”

Blair let out a startled laugh and felt the tension easing inside her chest.

“I think so, too.”

“Goodnight my dear.”

“Goodnight.”

Blair watched as Marianne left, her elegant figure disappearing down the hallway. She remained still for a moment, absorbing the conversation that had just taken place. Her thoughts drifted back to the beginning of her relationship with her husband, thelaughter, the shared dreams, and the inevitable challenges that had come their way.

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