by Karen Clow
Seconds later Maria was wrapping the baby in a towel. “Is it ok” said Billy. “Well his lungs appear to be working, but I haven’t got a clue how to cut the cord, so we’ll just wait for the ambulance. How are you doing Jess, you were so good,” said Maria. “Thank you for being here, I didn’t think it would happen that quickly.” Smiling Maria replied, “Ah well that’s what happens with the second one. Where’s the ambulance got to, they could have walked here by now!” Just as she said it the ambulance pulled up. Maria let them in and she said to the first paramedic, “The baby’s here, what took you so long?” “Sorry the first ambulance broke down so they called us.” Maria watched as they checked mum and baby. They were both quite young but obviously confident. “Is everything ok?” asked Billy. Smiling the driver replied, “Would you like to cut the cord dad? Then I’ll check his mouth, but it looks as though both mum and baby are doing great. He’s a big boy you’ve got there; I reckon he’s at least a nine pounder.”
After Billy had cut the cord, the driver said, “Now let’s get them back to the hospital so a doctor can check them out.” Maria said, “You go with her Billy, I’ll take Becky home with me and lock the place up.” Still in shock he replied, “Thanks babe, I’ll see you later. After cleaning the floor and towels up, she put Becky in her car and drove home.
On entering the house Becky ran straight up to Mickey for a cuddle. Picking her up he said, “Who’s going to have a baby brother or sister then?” As Becky cooed at him, Maria said, “It’s a boy, I delivered him on her lounge floor about forty minutes ago!” Totally shocked he asked her the details of what had happened.
They waited worriedly for Billy to call them. It was just after half eleven when his call came through. “Alright Mickey,” he said as his friend picked up the phone. Telling by his voice that everything was fine he replied, “Hello dad, I hear my good lady makes a pretty good midwife?” “Fuck me Mick she’s the best, she was fucking brilliant! I need a favour Mickey.” “Course Billy, what is it?” “Can you pick us up after dinner about two; they’re letting Jess and the baby come home.” “That’s great Billy, I’ll be there by two. Before you go, I know there’s a little lady here who would really like to say hello to her dad.” Holding the phone to Becky’s ear he could hear Billy saying, “Hi beautiful, me and mummy are bringing your brother home later, be a good girl and maybe I’ll bring you a present ok?” Becky said, “Daddy” several times before Mickey took the phone away. “I’ll see you at two o’clock mate, give Jess our love.” “Cheers Mick, see you later.”
At the same time that Billy and Jess were coming home from hospital, Isabella was going to see her gynaecologist. Tony was unaware she’d made an appointment. Reading a magazine as she waited for her name to be called, “Mrs Ramon you can go through now,” said the receptionist. Dr Caroline Dark stood up to greet her as she entered. “Hello Isabella, what brings you to see me?” Isabella explained that they had been trying for a baby for almost five months but nothing had happened. “How old are you Isabella?” “Nearly forty two, do you think I’m too old Caroline?” Smiling she replied, “Not by today’s standards. Obviously the older the mother the higher the risks, but in your case I don’t see why there should be any problems. You look well, you’re certainly not over weight and I take it you’re still a none smoker?” “Yes, actually I feel well, that’s what I can’t understand, with my other children I fell quickly.” “Well our bodies go through changes as we get older, are your periods still regular?” “Yes, but I can’t stop thinking perhaps my body is telling me I shouldn’t have another baby.” “Can I ask why you’ve decided to try now? I thought after Sophia you felt your family was complete, how does your husband feel about it?” “It’s him who really wants another one. We’ve had a few problems in the last year, but things are good between us now.” “Ok, I’ll run some tests and get some bloods done; can I just check you over while you’re here?” Nodding her head, Isabella stood up and made her way over to the bed. After pressing her tummy and listening to her heart the doc said, “Everything feels and sounds fine, so we’ll do the tests and I’ll see you back here in a week’s time ok. I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about, maybe you just need a little help, sometimes a fertility drug helps, but let’s wait and see shall we?”
Back at Maria’s everyone was excited as Mickey pulled up with the new arrival. Mary was the first to say, “He looks just like you Billy.” Den piped in saying, “She’s right, it must be the bald head!” Everyone laughed.
Inside the house Maria said, “Do I get a cuddle then?” Before Jess could say of course, Billy held out his arms and said, “Oh ok then, come here!” Maria laughed along with the others as she picked the baby up from Jess and said, “I meant with the baby!” As she held him she added, “Oh he’s adorable; I’ve forgotten how tiny new babies are.” Then she looked over at Becky who was sitting on Mary’s lap. Smiling she said, “Would you like to hold him sweetie?” The little girl toddled towards her. “Right sweetie, if you sit on daddy’s lap, I’m pretty sure you can have a cuddle, isn’t he lovely your new brother?” Becky nodded as she climbed onto Billy’s lap.
They stayed for lunch and waited until Mickey had collected the twins from school so they could see the baby and give them the gifts they had bought. There was everything from baby gros to pram sets, all in neutral colours because of not knowing which sex the baby would be. Maria couldn’t keep a straight face as she handed Jess another gift then looked at Billy and said, “Sorry but I just couldn’t resist it, I hope you’re not offended.” Jess was as curious as her husband to see what it was. Carefully she unwrapped it and removed it before she held it up, it was a T shirt. Jess laughed as she turned it round to show Billy. His face said it all as he said, “Fucking cheek!” everyone laughed. Written on the front of the T shirt was, ‘don’t laugh, but he’s my dad.’ Billy took it all in good fun.
Thirty minutes later they left. “If you need anything just call us,” said Maria as she waved them off.
Back in the house Mickey said, “He’ll make a good family man.” “I know, they’re so well suited, and you can see they both adore those kids.”
The next few days saw Maria and Mary popping over to the cottage to help out. Jess was coping so well, especially with the breast feeding, Billy junior was thriving. By the time Billy returned to work the following week, she had a really good routine. No one was surprised when at six weeks, Billy junior was sleeping through the night.
CHAPTER 74
Isabella had just returned from dropping the kids to school that Wednesday morning when the house phone rang. When she answered it a voice she didn’t recognise said, “Hello, is that Mrs Ramon?” “Yes, speaking.” “I’m sorry to have to ask you this Mrs Ramon, but I need to be sure you are the lady I need to speak to.” “What’s this all about,” asked Belle curiously There was something in the lady’s voice that told Belle it wasn’t a hoax. “Is your husband the Tony Ramon who owns clubs and restaurants in London?” “Yes, why do you want to know?” “I’m sorry to have to call you but there’s something important I need to discuss with you.” “Ok what is it?” Belle listened as she talked; the call lasted almost fifteen minutes.
Two hours later Isabella answered the gate bell. “Hello Mrs Ramon we spoke earlier on the phone,” said the voice at the other end. Isabella replied, “When you hear the buzz the gate will open, drive up to the house.” A few minutes later a woman in her sixties approached the door, she was carrying a baby in a car seat. Isabella was waiting at the door; she glanced at the baby before saying, “Please come in.” The woman followed her through to the kitchen, where she placed the baby’s seat on the table, before sitting down. “Thank you for letting me come here Mrs Ramon, I appreciate how hard this must be for you.” “Can I offer you a drink,” said Belle. “Coffee would be nice, are you having one?” “Yes.”
Just as Isabella put the coffee down on the table, the baby started to cry. Lovingly she moved the tiny blanket from her and gent
ly touched her face as she said, “Sshh little one, are you hungry?” The woman nodded and said, “She probably is, I’ve brought her bottle with me.” Taking it from a bag she placed it on the table as Isabella undid the straps and lifted the baby out. “Can I feed her please?” asked Isabella. Handing her the bottle, the woman smiled and nodded her head. “What’s the baby’s name,” asked Isabella. “Antonia, she’s twelve weeks now. I would have come sooner but my health hasn’t been good. I’m having an operation soon.” When the baby finished her bottle, Isabella changed her.
With the baby settled she looked at the woman and said, “When is your operation?” “A week tomorrow, perhaps I shouldn’t have come here today, it was unfair of me.” “I’m glad you did.” “Believe me if I hadn’t promised her mum I wouldn’t be here, but she asked me to give you this just before she passed away.” She handed Isabella an envelope. “What is it?” “A letter from her mum, I haven’t read it, she asked me not to.” “Would you mind if I read it now while you’re here?” “No of course not.” Isabella opened the letter and began reading.
‘Dear Isabella, for you to be reading this, I must have lost my fight against cancer. I expect you’re wondering why I’ve written to you. There is no easy way for me to say what I know I must, so here goes. In the short time that Tony and I were together he always made it clear he was in love with you and that I would never be anything other than a secret. Like a fool I accepted that, even though I knew it wasn’t going anywhere. I have no regrets about meeting him, especially as Antonia was born as a result of our union. When I was five months pregnant the doctors told me that my cancer had returned. Because it was so aggressive they wanted me to start treatment straight away, but I knew it could kill the baby so I waited until after she was born. When I held her in my arms for the first time, words cannot express the love I felt for her. I never contacted Tony to tell him because I knew he would never leave you. All I ever wanted for Antonia was for her to grow up feeling loved and wanted. Then I had to face the daunting reality that I was probably going to die. I remember the few times I saw Tony, he would always tell me what a great wife and mother you were, that was all I ever wanted for Antonia. My own mum is very ill herself, so it would be unfair for me to expect her to raise a baby. Unfortunately, apart from my dearest friends Cole and Christian, there is no one I can ask. It’s a very hard thing for any mother to entrust the welfare of her child to someone she knows, let alone a stranger. If you find my request totally preposterous then my mum will simply leave and Tony will never have to know about this visit. If, however, you can find it in your heart to love her as though she was your own child, then I was right to ask. I just want her to have a good life with good people and I know by what Tony said about you that you are a good person. I’m only sorry I caused you such grief, but please believe me, you are the only woman that Tony will ever truly love, Yours Lydia.’
Isabella was crying as she folded the letter in half. Passing it to Lydia’s mum she said “She’s asked me to take the baby. I’m not sure how you would feel about that, but it would be a pleasure for me to do so.” Both women cried as they discussed the letter and how brave Lydia had been to write it. Having spent several hours together, both women found themselves liking one another. Lydia’s mum said, “What do you think Tony will say when he finds out Isabella?” “If you don’t want him to know then I will never tell him, but once he gets over the shock, I know he will fall in love with her, just as I have today.” Crying she replied, “It will break my heart to leave her, but I can’t manage a baby. I know Lydia would have given this a lot of thought before writing that letter, but giving Antonia away just doesn’t seem right.” Isabella took her hand and squeezed it as she said, “You’re not giving her away, Tony’s her father, I know he will raise her with love. You can come and see her whenever you like, because as much as she needs a mum and dad, she also needs her grandmother.” “Your husband is lucky to have you Isabella. I can see why he loves you.” “We have our problems like everyone else, Tony’s problem is women, but he’s the only man I’ll ever love.” Then to Isabella’s delight she said, “I would be grateful if you could take the baby.”
They talked about Tony’s other children and Isabella’s faith for a while, then reluctantly Lydia’s mum said she should leave. “Before you go, there’s something I’d like to show you.” said Isabella. Getting up she walked off into the dining room. A few moments later she returned carrying a photo album.” Flicking through the sleeves she stopped at a photo of Tony holding Sophia age three months. Placing the album down in front of Lydia’s mum, she said, “Don’t you think Antonia looks like her sister Sophia?” Looking at the photo she replied, “My God they could be twins! I can see why Lydia fell for Tony, he’s very handsome.” “Yes he is, but unfortunately that’s been the cause of most of our troubles.” “I’m so sorry Isabella, I don’t really even know you, but I can tell that you really are a lovely lady.” Isabella hugged her as she said, “Thank you.” “Will you be able to collect Antonia’s things, because she’ll need them, or shall we do all this at a later date?” Smiling Isabella replied, “If you can just leave her some milk and nappies that would be fine. Her dad doesn’t know it yet, but later today he’s taking me shopping with his daughter to buy her all the things he should have bought when she was born.” She gave Isabella all the baby’s details and made her promise that she could still see Antonia. Her heart was breaking as she stood up to leave. Isabella said, “Please don’t cry, I promise after you’ve had the operation I will bring Antonia to visit you.”
Belle insisted on paying for a cab to take her back to Kent. By the time the cab arrived, she was sobbing as she hugged Isabella and the baby. “I promise you the baby will be loved. Let me know as soon as you feel well enough for us to visit, and please feel free to call or visit anytime,” said Belle as she left.
Belle called Tony’s mobile. “Alright babe what’s up,” he asked as he answered it. “You need to come home now Tony.” Knowing she rarely rang him and she never said things like that, he felt concerned. “Tell me what’s up; are you and the kids alright?” “Just come home Tony, no excuses. I’ll explain when you get here and yes we’re all fine so drive carefully.”
Twenty minutes later she heard him pull up. Leaving the baby asleep in the lounge, she made her way to the door. Looking panicked as he walked towards her he said, “What the fucks going on babe? I was in the middle of something.” Sarcastically she replied, “I dare say you were I don’t want to even try and imagine what.” Angrily he snapped, “Don’t be fucking sarky Belle, tell me what’s up.” “There’s someone waiting for you in the lounge.” His mind was racing as he wondered who it was, his biggest fear being that it was a spurned lover or a rival boss like Barry King. “Who is it,” he asked. “Go and see Tony, I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you.” Suddenly feeling the need to defend himself he said, “Whoever she is and whatever she’s told you Belle, you can guarantee it will be bullshit!” Smirking she replied, “Why don’t you just go and see her, then we can start to sort this mess out.” With his heart racing and his palms sweating, he made his way through the house and with an arrogant air about him, he entered the lounge.
Spotting the baby in her car seat with the letter lying across her, he walked towards her and without disturbing the baby picked it up. Belle stood inside the doorway as he read it, but left before he finished. She waited for him in the kitchen.
Almost ten minutes past before he walked in carrying the note and looking angry. Belle could sense he wasn’t happy about it, so she said, “Beautiful isn’t she?” Having no idea what his reaction would be, even she was surprised when he broke down and said, “Babe I’m so sorry; where does this leave us?” “Well that’s up to you Tony.” “I never thought she’d go through with it. I even questioned whether she was really pregnant. I swear it was over with her before she told me.” “I don’t believe you Tony, but that’s not the issue here is it? I kept thinking you wanted me to have
a baby to keep me at home, now I think this had something to do with it.” Walking towards her he held his arms out to embrace her, but she backed away, saying, “No more lies Tony, tell me the truth are you involved with anyone now.” “I swear babe, on my father’s grave I’m not.” “Good, then we need to talk about Antonia.” “What sort of a husband would I be if I asked you to raise my dead lover’s child? I have my family here. I know I’ve been a fool, I’ll speak to Lydia’s mother and tell her I will pay for everything.” “Is that what you really want Tony?” Still crying he sat down at the table and held his head in his hands as he replied, “I don’t know. The only thing I’m sure of is I don’t want to lose you.” “So what do you want to happen then?” “Oh God Belle, what have I done? How could I have been so fucking stupid?” “I don’t know; all I know is that little baby didn’t ask to be born, she’s the only innocent one in all of this. She’ll never know her mother, at least let her have a father.” Lifting his head with tears rolling down his face he frowned as he replied, “What are you saying babe?” Taking his hand she said, “I’m saying that baby needs a family, a mum and a dad. None of this is her fault, yet she’s the one being punished.” Standing up he hugged her as he cried, it wasn’t long before she was crying with him. They only let go of one another as they heard the baby cry. Instantly Belle went through into the lounge to get her, she was holding her as she rejoined him in the kitchen. Passing her to him she said, “Antonia say hello, this is your daddy” Holding the tiny infant, he gently placed his finger in her hand, instantly she gripped it. With tears streaming down his face he said, “It’s too much to ask of you Belle.” “You haven’t asked me Tony, I’m offering. Look at her Tony, she’s so tiny and so vulnerable, she would be so easy to love. I know this probably isn’t how a betrayed wife should be acting, but that letter from her mother tells me that although you can’t be faithful to me, at least you recognise that I have been a good wife and mother.” “You’re the best Belle; I know I don’t deserve you. I’ve been an absolute prick, I know that, but for what it’s worth I just want to say Lydia was right, you are the only woman I’ll ever truly love and that’ll never change. Are you sure you can do this babe, because it won’t be easy.” “I know that and things will have to change Tony.” “Anything babe, you just name it and I’ll do it.” “I want this baby to have the dad that our babies had, the one who held them and cuddled them, kissed their knees when they fell over.” With a genuine sadness about him he replied, “And the kind of husband that their mum had?” “I know I’ll never be enough for you Tony, even I can’t say what the future holds for us, but it’s this baby’s future we need to think about now.” Standing up still holding Antonia, he embraced Belle, almost squashing the baby in between them. “I promise babe, I will be that husband and father again, you’ll see.” “I hope so Tony, but lets not forget the family you already have, they need you as much as her.” “I know babe, I promise I’ll make everything up to them.” “There’s just one more thing, I’m going to get myself sterilised. I know it goes against my faith, but something is telling me I shouldn’t have any more babies.” “Make an appointment at the doctor’s for me and I’ll have the snip.” “There’s no need for that Tony, even if we divorced I know I don’t want any more children, but it would be different for you, especially if your new wife was really young.” He felt so bad with what she had just said; it was almost as though she was saying she knew the time would come when they would part, yet in his heart he knew he wanted to be with her ‘til the day he died. Tenderly touching her hand he said, “I only ever wanted my children with you and that’s never changed. When I think of all that I’ve put you through, having a vasectomy is the very least I can do, I love you so much.” Belle glanced at the clock and said, “Sophia and the boys will be home soon, I think you should tell them. Sophia won’t like it, she’s always been daddy’s girl, so be very gentle with her Tony and don’t lose your temper. After you’ve told them we need to go shopping for Antonia, it would be nice if they came with us.” Lovingly he looked at her and said, “God we’re so lucky to have you, I’ll talk to them. I just need to make sure that you’re really ok with this Belle, because if you’re not then it’s not happening.” “Give her to me, she needs feeding and changing. How could anyone not love her Tony, she’s so lovely.” “Belle, I promise I won’t let you down.” “Not just me Tony, all of us, including her.” He watched as she fed and changed the baby, she was so loving and gentle towards her. As he watched he thanked God for Belle, a lesser woman wouldn’t even consider raising her husband’s love child.
