Page 40 of Cayden

Cayden chuckled, the memory coursing through his brain. “I was grounded for a month and had to work at the vineyard in California to purchase the next vehicle.” He sipped his drink in reflection. “Blair got into it with a teacher when she was in high school.

My wife is a bleeding heart and when she found out the teacher was picking on the kid because he was poor, she stepped in and stood up for him.” He smiled slightly. “She is a sucker for a sob story and a champion for the underdog.”

“You’re proud of her,” his father observed.

“Absolutely. We went downtown a few months ago and she insisted on feeding the homeless. Every last one of them. People love her.” His smile faded. “I love her.

It is natural for people to just meet her and be drawn to her, She has that type of personality. She is going to make a terrificmother. If…” He shook his head and stared into the content of his glass.

“I am terrified of losing her,” he admitted with a shaky laugh. “Hence the reason I watch her sleeping.”

“She’s good for you.” Alberto stared at him in wonder. “Before you met her…”

“I was a goddamned mess. I was all over the place, using and discarding women at the drop of a hat. I loved the company, wine was always in my blood, and I loved everything about it, but I was restless and bored. Dangerous combinations. She cured me of that.”

A smile touched his lips. “I never thought it possible to love someone so damn much and I am scared.” He admitted with a harsh sigh. “Losing her is not an option. And I know that if she lost even one of those babies that she is carrying, it’s going to have a significant impact on her.”

Leaning back, he closed his eyes briefly. “I keep seeing her looking at me, expecting me to start asking her about plans for the nursery.” He opened his eyes and stared at his dad. “I cannot. I just cannot do it.

Not yet. I am holding my breath and waiting to see what happens. It is not fair to her, but that’s how I feel. If it comes down to her or those babies, my instructions are clear, it will always be her.”

Alberto nodded, moved by his frank admission.

“And I agree with you completely.” She is well cared for son. That much I know. She is being monitored around the clock.”

“And I wonder if that’s going to be enough.”

*****

“I thought you had a late meeting.” Her delight and surprise at seeing him home before nine warmed his heart and made him realize that he had been right about coming straight home.

I just met Nurse Connelly on her way to her room.” Moving over to the sofa, he sat next to her. “How are you?”

“Fat.” She responded with a shaky laugh, her hand reaching for his. “And wondering if my gorgeous husband is thinking the same thing.” She laced her fingers through his. “And perhaps thinking of finding solace somewhere else.”

“There’s actually something I have been meaning to ask you.” Lifting her hand, he kissed the knuckles.

“Ask away.”

“Would you be amenable to having a side piece move in with us?” His eyes twinkled as hers flashed.

“Not unless you want to have that side piece bludgeoned with a sharp object.”

“Just checking.” He chuckled at her ominous expression. “And you’re not the type to get violent.”

“Oh, when it comes to my husband, all bets are off.”

“Then I am going to have to reconsider the side piece part of it.” His smile faded. “The nurse said you were not feeling too hot.”

“Just nausea and wanting to pee every minute.” She spread his finger out and rubbed the simple band of gold she had placed there five years ago. His birthday was coming up and she had hoped to plan a party for him. But feeling the way, she did, it might not be possible, and it frustrated her.

“I am fine now. I ate a whole side of a chicken with some baby potatoes and creamy mushrooms. And was sick after. Your mother brought up a bowl of soup. I think she is starting to like me. Either that, or she feels sorry for me.”

“I think it’s the former.” Tilting her chin up, he brushed her lips with his. “Ready for our nightly ritual?”

She nodded. “Aren’t you going to tell me about your day?”

“As soon as we get you into bed.” Rising, he tugged at her hand and levered her off the sofa. “We’re probably going to have to get a crane to start carting you around.”

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