by Karen Clow
Even though he’d been drinking all night, he was quick to initiate sex when they got to bed. Despite Belle still feeling angry with him, she knew he wouldn’t give up so she reciprocated his affections. His mind was thinking all sorts of things as he made love to her, he thought about what she’d said about having a baby, he also thought about Abbey and the great sex they’d had. Then he did something that surprised even him, in the throes of passion he called her Abbey. Instantly realising his mistake he continued as though nothing was wrong. It was Belle who reacted by trying to push him off of her. Acting surprised he asked her what was wrong. Getting out of bed she snapped, “What’s wrong Tony? You’ve just called me Abbey! I take it she’s one of your little tarts?” Springing to his own defence he snapped back and shouted, “I don’t even know anyone called Abbey, get back in bed babe.” Tearfully she replied, “I’ll sleep in the spare room tonight if it’s all the same to you?” Just as she he went to reply, there was a knock on the bedroom door. Isabella called out, “Hang on I’m not dressed.” Walking back across the room she got back into the bed before saying, “Come in.”
Vito stood in the doorway looking concerned.” “What’s up sweetheart,” asked his mum. “I heard shouting; I just wanted to make sure you were ok mum?” Forcing a smile she replied, “I’m fine, now go back to bed it’s really late. I’ll see you in the morning.” Turning to return to his room he said, “Ok see you in the morning, goodnight.” Waiting until he’d closed their door, Belle went to get up again, but Tony held her arm and said, “Stay here Belle.” Trying to keep her voice quiet she replied, “I don’t want to.” “So why didn’t you tell Vito the truth then?” “Because your affair with Lydia almost destroyed them, I didn’t want him to know you’re having another one!” Firmly but gently he pinned her down then looking right at her he said, “I haven’t got anyone else babe, things have been good between us these past months. You said you liked me being home more and doing things as a family. Carlo will tell you I don’t fool around with anyone at the club, honest babe I love you.” “Then why did you call me Abbey?” “God knows, the only thing I can think of is Shane called me earlier to tell me that one of the dancers called Abbey was leaving the club, so we need to look for a replacement. I swear to you babe I don’t even know her, I’ve only spoken to her a couple of times but I’ve got a lot on my mind at the moment.” Because of the past she was reluctant to believe him, but what if he was telling the truth. Lying there she thought about how good the last few months had been, they were just like a proper family. Even their love making had been better since he spent less time at the clubs.
Although Carlo hadn’t been at the club for the past couple of weekends, he had told her that his dad hadn’t given him any reason to make him suspicious. In her heart she truly wanted to believe him, she loved him so much. Finally she said, “Ok Tony, maybe you are telling the truth, but if I find out you are seeing another woman then that’s it.” Kissing her he replied, “Why would I want anyone else babe I love you.” Then he changed the subject and said, “Is there any chance you would consider us having a baby?” “Why is it so important to you we’ve got four great kids, why aren’t they enough?” “They are, but babe it would be nice to have another one, don’t you think?” “I don’t know Tony when the kids were little we took them out together; I can’t see you doing all that again.” “I’d love it babe, Den was only saying tonight that they took all the kids to feed the ducks in the park. I was really quite envious.” “Well when we have grand children we can do that.” “That could be year’s away babe?” “I don’t think so; not the way Carlo is at the moment?” “Yeah but that could fizzle out, I want a baby that’s ours.” Kissing her again he looked at her and said, “You are so beautiful babe and far too young to be a grandmother.” “I’ll think about it Tony, but not if you keep pressuring me. I need time to consider everything.” Excitedly he hugged and kissed her before saying, “You won’t regret it babe, I promise.” In a firm voice she replied, “This is what I mean Tony, all I said was I consider it, but if I decide against it, I don’t want you giving me a hard time. I’m not convinced a baby wouldn’t be a lot for us, we’re both older Tony.” Kissing her and caressing her he said, “Why don’t we ask Mickey and Maria if we can take the triplets out one day?” Totally shocked by his request she giggled and said, “Us with three kids under two, are you sure you could handle that?” Confidently he replied, “Of course, it can’t be that bad, Mickey seems to do ok.” “Alright, I’ll mention it next time I speak to Maria, now can we get some sleep, it’s nearly time for me to get up.” Thankful that she appeared to have believed him over the name slip, he snuggled up close to her as they drifted off to sleep.
Back in Kent, Maria and Mickey were still up talking to Buzz. They talked about his family and their mum. Maria was so happy to actually know more about the kind of lady she’d been. It was almost quarter to four when they finally turned in for the night. Even though she felt exhausted she couldn’t sleep, all she could think about was her mother and what a lovely young man her brother was.
Tossing and turning she woke Mickey up, who had gone off within five minutes of hitting the pillow. “What’s up babe, can’t you sleep?” he asked. “Sorry did I wake you, I can’t stop thinking about what Buzz said about my mum. I can’t wait to meet my brothers.” “Well why don’t you invite them and their dad over here, we’ve got plenty of room.” “Oh Mickey that would be wonderful, are you sure you don’t mind?” “Of course not, you know what a great guy I am.” They both laughed as she replied, “Yes you are and I’m so lucky to have you for my husband.” Running his hand over her breast he grinned and said, “How lucky?” Knowing he was referring to sex she replied, “Its half four in the morning?” “I know which according to the experts; is precisely the best time for couples to make love.” Running her hand down under the duvet and feeling his erection she said, “And what experts would they be then?” Kissing her passionately before replying, “I can’t remember the blokes name, I saw it on telly.” “Oh really, well I suppose we should see if he’s right.” “Yeah, I suppose we should.”Moments later she was straddled over him, making love. When they finished and were lying next to one another he said, “Actually the bloke might just have a point babe that was fucking ball busting!” “I have to agree and I feel tired now, so let’s try and get a couple of hours before the kids get up.”
CHAPTER 72
Buzz’s leave passed all too quick for Maria, she had only just started to really get to know him when it was time for him to return to the States. Like her he didn’t want to leave but he wanted to spend time with his family at home before returning to his base. Fortunately Maria was able to travel to the airport with him as his flight was at ten in the morning. Den had taken the twins to school while Mary had the triplets. Long before his flight was called Maria was in tears. Mickey, as always was her rock telling her that it wouldn’t be long before Buzz would be back again.
Towering above her, Buzz hugged her as he started to leave for the departure gate. Shaking Mickey’s hand he said, “It’s been the most wonderful experience, thank you for inviting me to stay in your home. I want to say I know mom would have really approved of you Mickey, as we say in the Marines you’re an ace guy.” Feeling rather humble he replied, “It’s all your sisters’ fault, before I met her my life was empty but she changed all that.” Grinning, Buzz reached over and held Maria’s hand as he said, “I know what you mean she really is special isn’t she?” “She certainly is, have a good journey home. Please remember to call and let her know you’re safe or there’ll be no living with her.” “I’ll do that, now you all take care and hopefully I’ll see you all again real soon.”
Maria cried all the way back to Kent. Even when Mickey suggested stopping for coffee, she cried as they sat in the motorway services.
It was when they arrived back at their house and she sat talking to Mary, she slowly began to come round to the fact that he’d gone, but she would s
ee him again. That evening as they talked Mickey said, “Shall we take the twins to Pirates on Sunday?” Knowing it wasn’t his favourite place, she knew he had said it to take her mind off Buzz. Smiling she replied, “Actually there’s a junior horse trials just outside Maidstone, Sarah was talking about it to me, the girls would love it. Although I think it might be a long day for the babies.” Grinning he replied, “I take it you’ve forgotten?” Frowning she asked, “Forgotten what?” “Sunday, Tony and Isabella are coming down and taking the triplets out for the day.” “Oh God yes I had forgotten, maybe we should stay local just in case they have any problems and need to bring them home.” “They’ll be fine; I’ll check that mum and dad are going to be about, as far as I know their only taking them to the park, or Pirates if the weathers bad. I was surprised they even asked.” Raising her eyebrows she replied, “It’s because Tony wants her to have another baby, he’s trying to impress her.” Jokingly he replied, “In that case perhaps we should keep the triplets and let them take the girls, a few hours of being bossed about by them and he’ll want to book in for the snip!” They both laughed.
Sunday morning the twins were excited about going to see the pony trials. Fortunately the actual ponies weren’t scheduled until midday; there were other events on in the morning. Maria was happy because it meant she had time to sort Belle out with the triplets when they arrived at nine thirty. Tony looked the worse for wear as he’d worked the club the previous night with Carlo. They all had coffee while Maria gave them instructions about the triplets, Isabella grinned as Maria said, “Right, now it’s easier if you take the double buggy and a single one. I normally put Melissa in with one of the boys. I’ve done you all a packed lunch, just in case the food at the café in the park isn’t what you want. Nine times out of ten they’ve sold out of kid’s type meals by twelve. They can have ice cream so I’ve packed some wet wipes, believe me you’ll need them.” Finally Belle stopped her and said, “Maria, we’ll be just fine, we have done this before you know.” “I know Belle and I’d trust you with their lives, it’s just that whenever we’ve left them before, someone has always had them here.”
Mickey had left the ladies talking whilst he and Tony secured the car seats in the back of Belle’s car. “Fuck me Tony, you don’t know what you’re letting yourself in for mate, are you sure you don’t just want to tag along with us?” “No, I’ve promised Belle. If this helps me to get her pregnant we’ll be taking them out every fucking weekend!” Mickey knew exactly why he was so set on them having a baby. Thinking of Isabelle he said, “So how’s it going with that bird then?” “Great, she’s fucking great in the sack and she doesn’t ask questions.” “So you think you did the right thing then?” “To fucking right, like I said I’m getting too old for several women at a time. Between her and Belle, I reckon I’ll be content, especially if she has a baby to occupy her.” Although Mickey never said anything he thought to himself that Belle deserved better, but the cold fact was she adored Tony so perhaps just having one mistress would be better for her than him sleeping around.
It was quarter past eleven when they finally left with the triplets, armed with changing bags and buggies they drove towards the park. Mickey and his family left ten minutes later. Sarah was taking part in the show jumping, riding her favourite horse Nelson from the stables, which was now being run by a live-in manager since Hilary committed suicide.
The twins clapped and cheered as she finished her round only knocking one hurdle down and finishing second overall, which was quite an achievement.
Mickey and his family arrived back at the house just before six. Belle’s car was already there. As he spotted it he joked and said, “I wonder if Tony survived the afternoon?” “We’ll soon find out,” replied, Maria. The house was quiet as they entered, then they heard Mary’s voice call down the stairs, “We’re just bathing the kids, dad’s out with the dogs and Tony’s asleep in the lounge.” Not about to miss an opportunity the twins dashed off into the lounge to tell Tony about their day. “Uncle Tony, wake up! Sarah came second in the trials,” said Madeline as she shook his arm. Just as he started waking he heard Mickey’s voice say, “Girls that was very naughty, Uncle Tony was asleep.” His friend replied, “I must have dozed off, where’s Belle and the kids?” “She’s up stairs mate bathing them. I take it they wore you out then Tony?” “Fuck me Mick, we never stopped running after them.” Laughing he replied, “Welcome to parenthood for the under two’s, has it put you off?” “No, but I think one would be enough!”
After telling Maria and Mickey they’d like to do it again, they left to get back to London. Tony had told Abbey that he would call round that evening, but by the time he’d eaten he was too tired. So he rang her from his study and said something had cropped up, but he would see her during the week.
CHAPTER 73
(Six Months Later)
It was Tuesday morning. Maria had been woken by the phone ringing just before six. Fumbling to reach it she answered it saying “Yes, hello!” “Maria, Jess is having the baby!” Instantly she knew it was Billy; rallying her senses she told him to calm down. When she could talk properly to him she said, “Are you at home and is Jess there?” “Yes, she’s dressing Becky.” Maria knew that Jess was calm but her husband was panicking. Calmly she said, “Can I speak to her Billy?” She heard him pass Jess the phone. “Hello Maria, I asked him to call to see if we could drop Becky round to you before he takes me to the hospital, he’s panicking.” “From the sound of him, I thought you were having it.” “I know, but.” She stopped talking as a contraction pain struck. Maria heard her cry out Billy’s name.” Moments later she said, “Sorry about that but it was a big one.” Before Maria could reply she heard Jess cry out again. Feeling a bit concerned she called down the phone, “Jess are you ok?” Billy came on the line sounding hysterical and screaming, “I think she’s having the baby!” “Ok don’t panic, how long has she been having the contractions?” “All night, she wouldn’t let me call you any earlier. What should I do? She’s lying on the floor, the pain is really bad!” “Phone an ambulance Billy, I’ll be there in five minutes.”
Quickly telling Mickey what was happening, she put her jeans and a top on and ran out of the bedroom and down the stairs. Less than ten minutes after Billy’s call, she was pulling up at the cottage.
Hearing the car he rushed to open the door. Maria could see instantly what a state he was in, visibly shaking he could barely get his words out although she did make out that he’d called the ambulance. “Don’t worry Billy, I’m sure the ambulance will be here soon, take me to Jess,” said Maria reassuringly. Hurrying into the lounge she spotted Becky secured in her activity walker. Jess was lying on the floor, it was clear that her waters had broken. “Hello sweetheart, shall we try and get you up its all wet where you’re lying,” said Maria. As they tried to help her onto the sofa she gave out a dull cry and grabbed herself between her legs. Looking at Maria she said, “The baby’s coming!” Trying not to panic Maria said, “Ok Jess lets get you lying back down, then if you want I can take a look for you. It often feels like that, but it’s not the baby.” “It is Maria I can feel the head, you check for me.” With Jess lying flat on the floor Billy placed a cushion under her head then holding her hand he said, “The ambulance will be here any minute babe.” Maria lifted her nightie and looked. Then in a firm voice she said, “Billy go and get some soap, towels, and a bowl of hot water.” He could barely stand because his legs were shaking so much.” “Billy go now!” she insisted. Taking Jess’s hand she was quite calm as she said, “You were right Jess the baby is coming. Now I’ve never done this before, so if we just stay calm and do the breathing exercises hopefully the ambulance will arrive before the baby, ok?” Just as Jess was about to reply ‘yes,’ another terrible contraction hit her and instinctively she started to push. “Hurry up Billy!” called Maria.
By the time he appeared with the towels etc, Jess was delivering the baby. “Quick Billy I need to wash my hands, oh God whe
re’s the ambulance, this baby wants to be born!” “Please Maria,” cried Jess.” “Ok Jess lets do this.” Looking down she could see the top of the baby’s head as another contraction saw Jess pushing again. Maria had her hands waiting ready to pull the baby out once the head came through. The next push heard Jess really cry out as the baby’s head pushed out. Holding it in her hands Maria said, “A big push now sweetheart!” Jess was almost squeezing the life out of Billy’s hand, as she bore down and pushed with all her strength. “That’s it sweetheart he’s coming just one more push!”
