Page 29 of Bound by Love
“This is the tree you visited after your father died.”
“Hai. It is important and connects you and me to it. In my culture, the cherry blossom has profound meaning.” He placed her hand on her belly so she was touching the painted tree covered in flowers. “The cherry blossom represents the fleeting beauty of life, but also renewal and hope.”
Brie nodded, too moved to speak.
He placed her hand on the bridge. “This symbolizes us transitioning from the physical world into the realm of the spirit.”
“The death of your father…”
He nodded. “That is part of it, yes. However, the bridge also references the journey you take whenever you answer the call of the rope.”
She looked at him, grinning. “I like that symbolism very much, Tono.”
He returned her smile, continuing, “And as far as the color red, it denotes that which is sacred, as well as representing wisdom and metamorphosis. To me it speaks to Sir Davis’s transition from death back to the living world.”
She looked at her reflection in the mirror in awed silence.
Tono placed his hand over hers. “The fact that the canvas for this is your pregnant belly has the greatest meaning of all. Your love and fearless determination has brought new life into the world. Renewal and hope personified.”
Brie leaned her head against his shoulder, completely captivated by this gift and the many layers of meaning behind it.
“Tono, this is truly a masterpiece.”
“I am honored you like it.”
Brie looked down at her belly, still in awe. “No, Tono. I absolutelylovethis.”
I’m Not a Masochist!
Brie whimpered softly, trying to keep up a brave face when the doctor walked into the room. “Let’s see how much you’ve progressed, shall we?”
He slipped on a pair of gloves and slipped his fingers inside. Brie felt a sense of hope when she saw him smile this time.
“I don’t know what you did, but you are fully dilated, lass. Are you ready to push the wee one out?”
Brie nodded vigorously. She had no idea how painful it would be, but no matter what happened, she knew she could do this and make both men proud.
The nurse instructed Sir to lift her leg and cup her heel, holding it up and out to help with delivery. When she took the position on the other side to support Brie’s other leg, Rytsar stood up.
“Nyet, that is my job.”
“You can’t. Please sit,” Brie protested.
“Radost moya, it is important that I be the one.”
Brie looked to Sir.
Sir answered her silent question, “It is his decision.”
She looked at Rytsar with concern, but nodded in understanding.
The nurse stepped back and explained to her, “They are here to support you. Don’t push against them, but allow the angle to aid you when you push.”
“Okay,” Brie answered, looking to Dr. Glas for further guidance.
“Now, Mrs. Davis, we are going to be working with your contractions, not against them. When you feel one coming, I want you to push as hard as you can down here.” He put pressure on the area he wanted her to concentrate on when she pushed.
There was an excitement in knowing the time had finally come. In a couple of minutes, if she pushed hard enough, not only would the pain end, but her little girl would be in her arms.
