HOLDING ON (The Destiny Series Book 2)

by Karen Stivali

  “Cottage?” Marienne asked as soon as they stepped away from the desk.

  Daniel grinned.

  They made their way toward a small separate building. Daniel keyed into the tiny white clapboard house and held the door for Marienne. She stepped inside and looked around. “This is just for us?”

  Daniel nodded.

  Marienne set off to explore. There was a small living room with a leather sofa and a fireplace. A kitchenette with a fridge and microwave. The bedroom had a glorious king sized bed covered with down comforters and pillows, the walls awash in soothing pale blue. The bathroom featured a double Jacuzzi tub and deep blue granite vanity.

  Daniel called to her and she followed his voice, finding him out on the deck, which overlooked a small pond. She stepped outside and wrapped her arms around him. “You’re too good to me.”

  “Do you like it?” He brushed her hair behind her ears, his eyes glowing even greener than usual in the light of the sunset.

  “It’s perfect. I wish we had a house like this. Everything is so beautiful here.”

  Daniel was overjoyed by how happy Marienne seemed. He wanted her to relax and have a wonderful weekend. He was also pleased to see how much she seemed to like the area. Arnold was bound to be nudging him to look into the openings and he was glad at least their first impression was positive.

  Marienne turned in his arms, her full hips grazing against him before she leaned back and nestled her head on his chest. He curled his arms around her, resting them on the shelf of her stomach. She swayed and he swelled in response. Her irresistible scent wafted all around him. He nuzzled his nose into her hair, inhaling deeply as she moved more purposefully against him.

  “Mrs. Gardner, are you trying to seduce me?”

  Her musical laugh shook through both of them. She tipped her head back for a kiss. Her lips were so full and sweet, he couldn’t get enough.

  He pulled her closer. “If you weren’t already pregnant I think you would be after this weekend.”

  Chapter 5

  The feel of Marienne’s fingers running through his hair woke Daniel from his sleep. “Wake up, sleepyhead.” Her warm breath caressed his neck. “I’m starving.”

  Daniel smiled, pulling her into a hug. “You’re always starving, lately. You’re turning into me.” He went to run his hand under her night shirt but realized she was already dressed. “Wow, you really mean business if you’re up and dressed this early.”

  “It’s not early, it’s nearly 10:30. We need to get to breakfast before they stop serving.”

  Daniel was amazed how well he’d slept. It was the first restful night he’d had in ages. He couldn’t even remember the last time he’d been able to sleep in. Must be the mountain air.

  Marienne tugged at his hand. “Come on.”

  “I’m up.” He yawned and stretched.

  Marienne ran her hand down his chest and giggled. “Yes, I can see that.” She ran her hand over his erection. “We’ll take care of this later. Let’s go eat.”

  “So bossy.” He tried to grumble but he couldn’t pull it off, he was too glad to see her so happy.

  The innkeeper seated them at a small table on the side of the room and immediately placed a plate of pineapple chunks and raspberries in front of each of them. Before they’d even finished she brought over a basket of freshly baked blueberry scones. Marienne moaned when she bit into one. “I’m so glad you picked this place. These are wonderful.”

  She was shoving the last bite into her mouth when their eggs arrived—over easy with thick slices of whole grain toast and maple glazed breakfast sausages.

  Marienne cleaned her plate in record time, looking calm and satisfied. “So, what time do we have to be at the party?”

  “I think the cocktail reception begins at four this afternoon.”

  She sipped her juice. “What should we do until then?”

  Daniel felt the smile spread across his face.

  Marienne chuckled. “After that.”

  “Nap?” He loved the annoyed look on her face.

  “How about we walk around town? It looks like a beautiful day.”

  They made their way back to the tiny cottage. The gentle fall breeze sent ripples across the pond, but the sun was still strong enough to keep the air from being too chilly. The second Daniel closed the cottage door Marienne was all over him. One hand dug into his hair as the other pushed his jacket off his shoulder and scurried beneath his shirt.

  “Lock the door,” she said, her hand snaking around to the front of his jeans.

  “What’s gotten into you?”

  “Nothing, yet…” She squeezed her fingers around him and every question left his mind, he just wanted to get her to the bed.

  Marienne felt a twinge of nerves as they walked toward the Hanover Inn. It had been a while since she’d played the role of wife to a new audience, and she’d never done it pregnant. She wanted to make a good impression on Arnold. Daniel spoke so highly of him she didn’t want to be a disappointment. Please don’t let pregnancy brain make me say something stupid.

  Daniel rubbed his hand over her lower back, as if he sensed her tension. “Let’s check your coat then we can go find the man of the hour.” He eased the black wool garment off her shoulders and handed it to the pretty blonde coat check girl. The woman smiled demurely as she handed the return tag to Daniel, her hand lingering near his. Daniel seemed unfazed, shoving the plastic chip into his pocket and turning to press his lips into Marienne’s hair. “Shall we?” He linked his fingers into hers and ushered her through the crowd.

  There was a long table lined with platters of antipasto, grilled vegetables, and poached shrimp with dipping sauces. Waiters sauntered by offering trays of bruschetta and stuffed mushrooms. Daniel gave Marienne’s hand a squeeze. “There he is. Come, I want to introduce you.”

  Marienne felt a flutter in her stomach as they approached. Arnold was dressed in a dark suit with a crisp white shirt and a bold red tie. He had a head of thick white hair and a full beard to match. Although he was much shorter than Daniel he had an imposing presence, until he smiled, which he did the second he laid eyes on Daniel. They swiftly clasped hands and Arnold pulled Daniel into a half hug, firmly clapping his shoulder.

  “I’d like you to meet my wife, Marienne.”

  Arnold’s gaze shifted toward her, and he took her hand, sandwiching it between his. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

  “Likewise.” Marienne couldn’t help but smile.

  “I have to tell you, when Daniel first started telling me about you I thought perhaps you were a figment of his fertile imagination.”

  A petite woman with salt and pepper hair came up alongside Arnold and put her hand on his arm. “Will you stop giving Daniel a hard time? You’ll make him sorry he came.” She turned toward Daniel. “It’s so good to see you again. You look wonderful.”

  He bent and kissed her cheek. “How is it that Arnold’s turning sixty, and you look the same as the day I met you?’

  “You were always my favorite of his students.” She winked.

  “Look,” Arnold said. “Marienne does exist, and she’s just as lovely as he said.”

  “I thought I told you to behave.” She scowled at her husband then took Marienne’s hand. “It’s so good to meet you. You look wonderful. Your skin is radiant and that dress is gorgeous. I wish they’d had such beautiful maternity outfits back in the days when I was pregnant.”

  “Yeah, the things you wore looked more like floral tents.” Arnold’s eyes twinkled.

  Cynthia ignored him. “Let’s leave these two to their own devices and go get some food. I’ll introduce you around.”

  Marienne threw Daniel a quick smile then followed Cynthia.

  “Do you like duck?” Cynthia asked.

  Marienne nodded.

  “You have to try these.” Cynthia stopped a passing server who held the tray out toward them.

  Toasted brioche points with sliced duck breast and berry ja
m. “Oh that’s good.” Marienne said after her first bite.

  Cynthia smiled. “I hear you like to cook. It’s my favorite hobby too. I had a ball planning the menu for this. I’ll show you all the good stuff so you don’t miss anything.”

  She knows I like to cook? How much does Daniel talk about me? The thought warmed her. She glanced across the room to see Daniel shaking hands with a group of men. Arnold’s hand was on his shoulder again as he introduced him. Must be colleagues.

  “Are you enjoying New Hampshire? Have you had a chance to do any sightseeing?”

  Marienne placed two poached shrimp on a small plate and reached for the remoulade sauce. “We walked around town a bit today. It’s beautiful. We picked up some gifts for our daughter, Ella. She’s almost four.”

  “She’s adorable. I remember your Christmas card. What did you get her?”

  “A few books at the children’s book store. And Daniel picked up a white teddy bear with a Dartmouth sweater.”

  “I’m sure she’ll love that.” Cynthia handed Marienne a fork and a napkin.

  “She loves anything Daniel gives her. She’s in a total Daddy phase right now.”

  Cynthia nodded, popping a bite of fresh mozzarella into her mouth. “We have a daughter and two sons, and I remember the years when Daddy could do no wrong. It all comes in waves. You’ll see.”

  Marienne could feel the tension ebbing out of her as she ate and talked. Cynthia’s warmth surrounded her and it felt as if she’d known her for year. Every time she caught sight of Daniel he was talking and laughing, more relaxed than she’d seen him in ages. When it was time to be seated for dinner he came up beside her, his hand slipping around her waist as he placed another kiss on the side of her head. “Having a good time?” he asked, pulling a chair out for her.

  “Yes. I’m so glad we came.”

  A couple around their age sat beside Marienne and Daniel introduced her. They were seated at a table full of professors and their spouses. It was wonderful to see Daniel so animated as he talked. He hadn’t complained, but she knew work had been stressing him out due to departmental changes. She wondered if he’d ever consider switching to a smaller university like Dartmouth, or if that would even be an option. As they strolled back to the car after dinner she decided to try to ask. “Do you ever wish you worked someplace like this?”

  Daniel looked surprised by the question. “Sometimes. Why?”

  “Seems like a smaller university might suit you. It’s…cozier.”

  “Well, maybe one day I’ll transfer to one.”

  Marienne smiled. She knew he’d at least been toying with the idea. “Like here?”

  “Perhaps. But not in the foreseeable future. I think we’ve got plenty of changes going on already.” Her rubbed his hand across her belly and pulled her closer. She didn’t care where they were as long as they were together.

  Chapter 6

  The sound of Marienne’s rhythmic breathing was both a comfort and a distraction. Daniel glanced at the bedside clock. It was nearly two in the morning. He stared into the darkness of their bedroom, watching the shadows play on the ceiling as a breeze blew outside the window. Sleep seemed impossible. Again.

  As soon as they’d gotten home from New Hampshire Daniel’s insomnia had returned with a vengeance. Every evening he’d climb into bed with Marienne, hopeful that perhaps he’d get some rest, but each time the same thing happened. Tossing and turning and eventually giving up.

  He slipped out of bed and crept downstairs. It was the tenth night in a row he’d sought late night refuge at his computer. The first few nights he’d tried working on his novel, but found he couldn’t concentrate and wound up erasing nearly everything he wrote. The rest of the week he’d read every pregnancy website he could find, which had only added to his list of worries.

  To make matters worse he had been unable to stop thinking about his mum. Whenever something significant happened---high school and college graduation, earning his Ph.D, getting married, meeting Marienne—he always missed her more. There were so many things he wanted to share with her, things he knew she’d want to know. Learning he was going to become a father had brought that yearning to an all-time painful level. She would have enjoyed meeting Marienne and Ella so much…would have loved being a grandmother…all things that would never happen. Now in addition to missing her he worried about Ella and the baby. What if something happened to him or Marienne? He wouldn’t wish the experience of losing a parent on anyone let alone them. His chest felt tight.

  He rubbed his eyes while he waited for his computer to reboot. He had no new emails. Nothing earth shattering appeared on the news updates. He clicked open a new document and began to type, about pregnancy from a nervous father’s point of view. It was like he’d flipped some sort of unknown switch. The words poured out of him. He wrote until his eyes felt heavy then hit save and stumbled up to bed. He fell asleep as soon as he hit the pillow.

  His writing took on a life of its own. Every night he’d work on the new project. He’d never written a screenplay before, but he’d read hundreds of them while interning for a film agent in college. He crafted a script about four men at different stages of their lives who were all expecting babies. To his surprise the story seemed to write itself. Each character embodied different concerns he had, some of which he hadn’t even acknowledged until he let his characters experience them. Night after night he typed away, and when he finished writing he was able to go back to bed and actually fall asleep.

  By the time Marienne was in her seventh month the screenplay was finished. Daniel was feeling much calmer. Knowing that the she was far enough along that even if the baby came now it would likely be okay gave him a sense of security. And the fact that Marienne was showing no signs of complications meant she likely wouldn’t. He finally felt able to cautiously enjoy the idea that they were expecting.

  Daniel clicked on his computer screen to check the status of his printing document. It was almost done. He wheeled his desk chair toward the window and looked outside. It was a grey New York day and students hurried along Waverly place on their way to and from classes. He glanced at the clock. His next class was in less than half an hour.

  “What the hell are you doing? Your printer’s been going nonstop for an hour.”

  Daniel turned to see his co-worker Christina striding toward his printer, just as the last page chugged out. She grabbed it and read aloud. “Pregnant Pauses.” Her eyes doubled in size. “By Daniel Gardner.” Her eyebrows rose and she grabbed the whole stack of pages, darting out of his way as he lunged for them.

  “I didn’t know you were working on anything.” She flipped through the papers.

  “That’s because I didn’t tell you.” He stood and stepped toward her. “Now give it back.”

  She grinned at him. “Oh, of course.” She took a step backward. “As soon as I’m done reading.” She raced across the room to her office and slammed the door.

  “Bugger.” He could hear her laughing. He pinched his fingers on the bridge of his nose then rubbed his eyes, trying to ward off the headache he already felt brewing. It was 10:15. I don’t have time for this. I need to get to class.

  He strode across the hall and knocked on Christina’s door.

  “Who is it?” Her singsong voice grated on his already frazzled nerves.

  “Give it back,” he said.

  “I’ll be done reading by the time your class is over. You better run along, don’t want to keep those students waiting.”

  He closed his eyes and raked his hand through his hair.

  “Now, please.”

  “Go to class. You’re bothering me. I’m trying to read.”

  He knew it was pointless to try to convince her. He checked his watch and sighed. “I’m bothering her,” he muttered as he gathered his things and headed to class.

  Three hours later he walked back down the corridor. He could see that Christina’s door was open and paused before he reached it. What if she thought it wa
s total rubbish? He hadn’t planned on having anyone read it—it was more a form of therapy than a writing exercise. His stomach tensed as he peeked into her office. She was at her desk, leaning back in her chair, a book open in her lap. Oh, good, she’s reading something else. Maybe she didn’t read my stuff at all.

  “There you are.” She looked up and motioned toward the chair next to her desk. “I’ve been waiting for you. Close the door.”

  Close the door? Oh God. She read it and she hated it. She needs privacy to tell me. He closed the door and took a seat, rubbing his thumb along the square armrest, bracing himself for a barrage of criticism.

  “How long have you been working on this?” She held up his screenplay.

  He was tempted to grab it and leave. “Just a few months. It’s my insomnia project while Marienne’s been pregnant. It’s really just—”

  “It’s fantastic.”

  Wait. What? He gaped at her.

  She flipped through it, nodding. “The whole thing, the characters, the situations, the emotions. It’s brilliant. Not to mention hilarious. I nearly peed my pants—for real—I didn’t want to stop reading to go to the bathroom.”

  “You’re kidding, right?” He was waiting for the punch line. Christina was notoriously critical of everything she read. She never liked anything.

  “I’m totally serious. I had three cups of coffee this morning. I really had to pee.”

  “Not what I meant.”

  She blinked at him.

  He sighed. “Come on, you’ve said the nice things, now tell me what you really thought.” He shifted in the chair, waiting.

  “I just did. I love it. I mean there are a few things here or there you could tweak, but otherwise it’s great. What are you going to do with it?”

  “I’m going to take it back from my kleptomaniacal coworker and put it in a box somewhere.”

  “Oh no, no, no. You can sell this.”