Page 51 of Cayden

She could lose her babies or end up losing her life. She turned to look at her husband who was in conversation with his brothers and felt a whimsical smile playing around her lips.

He was the most handsome of the three and the one who commanded the most attention. He had such a way about him, she thought proudly. Biting her lip, she put away her cup and took several breaths, forcing a smile when her dad pulled up a chair next to her.

“You look pensive.”

She should have known she could not hide anything from him.

“Just thinking about tomorrow,” she said with a shaky laugh, “it’s been a sometimes rough and rocky road, but it’s almost at the end of it.”

His eyes searched her face. “You sound regretful.”

“No.” She shook her head, “Just wanting it to end on a good note.” She reached for his hand. “Cayden thinks I am being fanciful. But there is this instinct or warning or perhaps it is just hormones. But I keep thinking that something will go wrong.”

He squeezed her hand. “I am a strong believer in the Almighty and we brought you up to be as well. We have been praying for these babies’ safe delivery and I know the Lord will come through for us.”

“I have been praying too, dad.” She held onto his hand. “But over the last few days, I have been thinking about mom. Wishing she were here to offer some advice, to assure me that everything will be fine.

And to help me guide my babies the way they should go.” She looked around, taking in breaths of spring flowers and clean air. The grounds spread out before her, bursts of colors from the magnificent garden, trees spearing upwards and the dazzling white gazebo tucked between two towering oak trees.

“Alberto wants to hire someone to build a treehouse big enough to accommodate all four children.” She smiled slightly. “They are all so excited about it now. The nurseries are so lovely, thatI spend hours moving from one room to the next.” Her eyes danced as she looked at her dad. “Have you seen the playroom?”

“Bigger than my bedroom!” He nodded. “Filled with all sorts of toys and playthings a child could ever need. It is all lovely.”

“Then why am I thinking that it will all be for nothing?” She whispered. “Why do I keep having these nagging feelings that something will go wrong.”

Taking her hand in both of his, he focused his gaze on her. “We are not having any of that. I believe in the power of prayer and that is what we’re holding onto. Get rid of everything else and tell yourself that you are coming home with four healthy and adorable babies.”

*****

“I poured you some of the brandy wine.” Alberto handed the glass to him as soon as he entered the room. “I figured you wouldwant something stronger than the wine we had at supper.” Gray eyes scanned his face.

“You are concerned. How is she?”

“Thanks.” Cayden took the glass and went to stand at the window. The living room faced the front of the grounds with the white gates looming upwards. He had lived here most of his life, except when the family was splitting time between the States and Italy.

He had gallivanted all over the world, with acquaintances and friends. Swathing a path through different women and playing hard.

Now he was going to be a father of four. He could scarcely comprehend the magnitude of it.

“She’s sleeping.” He took a sip of his drink as he answered the question. Her father had confided in him that she was worrying, but he knew her better than anyone and as much as she tried tohide it, he had picked up on it. “She’s concerned.” He laughed grimly at the inadequacy of that word.

“It is more than that. She is scared. Her blood pressure is a little elevated and I managed to calm her down so she could get some sleep. We have been through so much already. The miscarriages took their toll, and I have to admit that my hope had all but died.”

Alberto walked over to stand next to him, a frown knitting his brow. “Specifically, what she’s scared about?”

“That this is too good to be true, that she will end up losing all if not some. My fear? Losing her.” His fingers tightened around the glass as tension flooded his body. “That is not a bloody option and she has been hinting that if it comes down to a choice, I should choose the babies. Fat chance of that happening.”

His father placed a hand on his shoulder. “I was faced with that daunting decision when your mother was in labor, and I knew without a doubt that I would choose her.” He slanted a look at his son. “I held you in my arms after and felt shame and guilt washing over me.”

Taking a deep breath, Cayden finished his drink. “I cannot lose her. The very idea of it, is driving me insane.”

Chapter 13

“Are we ready?” Dr. Connelly’s smile was wide and reassuring.

“As I am the only one carrying four babies inside my uterus, I assume you’re talking to me and yes I am.” More than ready.” Blair rubbed her belly distractedly.

“Good. We are going to be doing some preop examinations to locate the position of each little one and get the sound of their heartbeats. I know Nurse Connelly already checked your blood pressure…” He shook his head and made a tsking sound with his mouth. “She says it’s a little elevated, but that’s to be expected.”

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