Christopher walked over to her. His raised his hand and wiped a tear off her cheek with his thumb. “Yvie, when have I ever, ever given you the impression that I’m unhappy with our life together? I love you; I always have, and always will. The only time I was ever unhappy in my life was when you weren’t in it.”
She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. “Chris, I apologize for doubting you—or what we have.”
His arms encircled her waist to pull her closer. He closed his eyes and buried his head in her hair. “It’s okay, Yvie.”
Christopher’s forgiveness had the opposite effect on Yvette. Instead of feeling better, his quick acceptance made her feel worse.
“I don’t know why I’m still crying,” she said, dismally. “It’s like a floodgate has been opened, and I can’t shut it.”
He released her, and then placed his hands on either side of her face.
“Do you love me, Yvette?”
He saw the surprise in her eyes.
“Yes, of course I love you, Christopher. Why else would I be standing here in a puddle of my own tears? You mean everything to me.”
“Then trust me.”
“I do, Chris. In fact, I—”
Before she could continue, a rapid knock sounded at their bedroom door.
“Mommy, open. Snack peace. I hungry.”
“Mom,” Lacey yelled through the door. “I told Robby I’d get it for him, but he said no. He wants you to get it.”
Yvette wiped her eyes. “Okay,” she called out. “I’ll be right there.”
“Hurry, Mommy,” her son replied.
She couldn’t help but smile. “Okay, baby.”
Christopher came back with a hand full of tissues. He handed them to her.
“Thanks.” Yvette dabbed at her eyes.
“Do I look as bad as I feel?”
“Yes,” he said, honestly.
She smiled, and leaned up to kiss him. “I appreciate the honesty. And yes, Christopher. I will trust you.”
He returned her kiss. “Good to know. Now let’s try some cold water on your face, and some eye drops so the kids don’t get wigged out.”
“Good idea.”
She went into the bathroom to splash cold water on her face, add eye drops, and some light makeup.
She turned to her husband. “How do I look?”
“Beautiful,” he declared solemnly.
She smiled, and kissed him again. “I love you,” she said, and then left the bathroom.
Christopher listened as she called out to Robin that she was on her way. He turned back to the mirror and gazed at his own reflection. His plan was still intact. Yvette believed that he wasn’t having an affair. He saw it in her eyes, the moment that she believed what he said. He heaved a sigh of relief.
Almost there, baby. Just hang on a little longer, and then you’ll know everything. Christopher turned away from the mirror and walked back out into the bedroom. He sat at the foot of his bed, and put his head in his hands. He was exhausted. The herculean task he’d taken on was wearing him down, but he had to push through. He hated being evasive and lying to the woman he loved, but it was imperative that she continue believing that nothing unusual was going on. Whatever it took to keep that illusion going, he would do.
Christopher reached into his pocket to retrieve his cell phone. He selected a speed dial number, and waited. “Hi,” he said when the line connected. “Do you mind if I drop by tomorrow? I need some help with something, and I’m hoping that you’ll say yes.”
***
Yvette lay on her back and stared up at the colorful fresco painting above her. She took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. It had been a few days since her big talk with Christopher. She felt like a weight had been lifted when he confessed that he had never cheated on her. She had planned to tell him about the baby, but they’d both been pounced on by the kids the night of their talk, and later she had waited up for him to tell him the news, but had fallen asleep waiting for him to come upstairs. She awoke to total chaos in the house because Robin had colored on Lacey’s project. A battle had ensued when she tried to remove his handiwork. Luckily, they were washable markers and Christopher was able to save her project. Robin dissolved into a fit of angry tears, and it took a while to calm him down. Lacey missed her ride, so Christopher drove her.
After her nanny arrived to take care of Robin, she went upstairs to shower and get dressed. It was then that she discovered that she was spotting. She rushed to the phone and called her obstetrician’s office. They told her to come in immediately, so she notified her manager that she would be taking the day off, and alerted Robin’s sitter that she had an unexpected appointment.
Now she was waiting to hear the news on whether her unborn child would be alright. A pang of guilt spread through her. She should have told Christopher, but there was no way she could bring herself to get his hopes up in one breath, and have the possibility of complications looming in the next. No, she would wait and tell him when she was sure that there was no imminent danger to their baby. The doctor had given her a physical examination, but then got called out of the room. For what, Yvette didn’t know, but she was on pins and needles trying to keep calm.
Just then her doctor came through the door.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Yvette. There was a potential mix-up on a prescription that had to be addressed.”
“It’s fine, Dr. Myers,” she said with a courage she didn’t quite feel.
The doctor sat on a stool near Yvette. “The exam went well. The spotting has ceased, and your cervix is still closed, so there is no threat of a miscarriage at this time. Let’s get a sonogram and see what your little guy or girl is up to in there, okay?”
Yvette was too overcome with relief to speak. She merely nodded.
Her doctor got everything set up, and kept up constant chatter with Yvette while she did. She asked about Lacey and Robin, and thanked her for sending recent pictures.
“They’re growing so big,” Dr. Myers enthused. “It’s hard to believe Robin’s two already. It seemed like not too long ago you and Christopher were in here and we were staring at him on the monitor.”
“I know.” Yvette smiled. “Christopher was so nervous.”
“This is going to be a bit cold,” Dr. Myers cautioned.
Yvette didn’t hear her. She was wrapped up in memories of her last visit. She and Christopher were so excited. Robin was practically conceived on their honeymoon. Before they’d opened up and used all their wedding gifts, they realized she was pregnant.
“Everything looks good so far,” she replied, efficiently. “I think this—oh…”
That snapped Yvette back into the present. She craned her head to see. “Oh? Oh what, Dr. Myers. What’s wrong?”
“Hmm…” She moved the wand around a few times before she said, “Congratulations, Yvette, it looks like you’ll be giving Christopher two extra gifts for Christmas instead of one.”
“What? What does that mean?”
“It means,” the doctor said patiently, “that you’re having twins.”
14 CHAPTER fOURTEEN
Adelaide glanced over at Christopher. “While I’m very happy to participate in something this exciting, I can tell you that your wife won’t like for a moment that everyone was in on your deception but her.”
“Not true,” he replied. “The kids don’t know anything about this.”
“Hmph. It’s a dangerous undertaking, Christopher Darcy…but I’m behind you one hundred percent,” she said finally.
He grinned at her. “Thanks, Aunt Addie. That means a lot to me.”
“Don’t go flashing that “get-me-whatever-I-want” smile,” she admonished. “You’ll be in real trouble soon enough.”
“I’m willing to take my chances,” he replied.
“She’ll love it,” Margaret said from her spot at her kitchen island, her hands covered with dough. “But you’d better brace yourself—just in case.”
She was
making a slew of cookies and treats for Lacey’s birthday party. They had decided to have it at the farm. It was an all-day affair, complete with a horse drawn carriage ride, ornament making, and elves. Mr. and Mrs. Claus would be in attendance, of course.
Christopher got up and walked over to his mother. He bent over her and retrieved a cookie from the plate. Margaret slapped his hand.
“Hey, that’s for Lacey’s party,” she chided. “Extra cookies are over there,” she said, pointing her floured finger at a tin of cookies on one of the other counters. “Eat ‘til your heart’s content. In fact, take some home. Your father has made it his personal mission to see how many dozens of cookies he can go through in a single week.”
“I heard that,” his father yelled from the family room.
“You were supposed to,” his wife said, sweetly.
***
Christopher couldn’t help but observe his parents’ relationship. He hoped when he and Yvette were that age that they loved each other as much. The playful banter and teasing all aided in their expressions of love. That’s what I want. He mused. I want our family to live each day with joy, humor and love for one another. His expression grew reflective. He knew that all the angst in his relationship with Yvette as of late was all on him, and he accepted full responsibility for it. He would have some significant ground to cover with her after everything was said and done. It will be worth it.
“I’ve got to go,” he announced to the group. “Aunt Addie, did you want a ride home?”
“No she doesn’t,” Margaret chimed in. “She’s staying right here with us. Lacey’s party is in two days, and then Christmas. There’s no point in her going home to a big empty house when we have plenty of room here.”
“I’ve been out voted,” Adelaide chuckled.
“Are you sure, Aunt Addie? Mom can be a bit of a bully at times—”
“Don’t I know it,” his father called from the other room.
“But if you’re sure…”
“Of course I’m sure. Your mother and I get along thick as thieves. I’m having the time of my life since you and Yvette came together. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
“There, you see?” his mother countered. “She’s fine right here with us.”
Christopher sauntered over and kissed Yvette’s aunt on the cheek. “See you soon.”
She hugged him. “Okay, honey. You take care of my niece,” she said, sternly.
He nodded. “Always.”
Christopher said his goodbyes and headed home. Traffic was light, so he got there before Lacey’s bus dropped her off. He dismissed the nanny, who’d mentioned that Yvette was out. It was just him and Robin. He put his stuff away, picked up his son, and then went into the kitchen. He opened the pantry door and they both peered in.
“What do you think we should have for dinner, little man?”
Robin scanned the shelves of baskets, and then pointed. “S’getti, Daddy.”
“Spaghetti? Are you sure?”
His soon nodded. “With meatbowls.”
“Meatballs, too?” Christopher answered in mock surprise. “Okay, we’ll do it your way. Should we cook garlic bread, too?”
Robin smiled. “Yes.”
“And salad?”
He frowned at that and scrunched up his face. “No. I want brocaly.”
“Broccoli it is,” his father replied. He set Robin down, and pulled out his apron. He wrapped a smaller one around Robin’s middle. “Ready to help Daddy cook?”
The two Darcy men washed their hands and got down to business. Robin used his stool to reach the utensil drawer. He handed Christopher the spoons he needed to cook the ground beef, and to stir the spaghetti sauce.
While he was cooking, Christopher sat Robin in his high chair so that he could still “help out” with the food preparations. He had a piece of bread that he smeared with imaginary butter, and then shook invisible garlic on it. He took a bite, and closed his eyes with delight. Christopher had to chuckle at it.
“Is it good, Robby?”
He nodded. “Mmm.”
Just then they heard the garage door.
“Mommy,” Robin cried excitedly.
“Yep, your Mommy’s home.” He took Robin out of his high chair so that he could go greet Yvette.
***
Yvette put her coat in the closet. When she turned around, Robin was standing there patiently waiting to get picked up. She gazed at him. He was a miniature version of Christopher. By his mannerisms, and his features. Her heart swelled when he plastered a huge smile on his face.
“Mommy, up.”
She picked him up, and ruffled his curly hair. “Hi, baby. Mmm…what smells so good? Are you and Daddy cooking dinner?”
Robin nodded and pointed to the kitchen. “S’getti and meatbowls.”
“Ooh, my favorites,” she gushed. She walked him into the kitchen and sat him back in his chair. “You’re making garlic bread, too?” she squeaked with delight.
“Uh-huh.”
“What a chef you are.” She turned to Christopher. He looked so amazing with his apron on with splotches of sauce on the front. She loved him so much.
“Hi,” she said going over to him.
Christopher stopped what he was doing and engulfed her in his arms. “Hi, sweetheart. How was your day?”
She thought about the news she’d received at the doctor’s office. She was dying to tell him, but when the doctor mentioned giving him two Christmas gifts instead of one, it had given her an idea. She would hold off, and spring the good news on him on Christmas at his parents’ house. It was where they had gotten engaged two years before, and it seemed fitting to her to disclose his impending fatherhood in a setting that had always had special meaning to them, warmth and love.
“Honey, are you okay?”
She snapped out of her reverie, and stared at him. “Yes…I’m sorry, I was daydreaming, wasn’t I?”
“Only a lot,” he teased. “I asked how your day was.”
“Oh, it was great. I…got a lot done today. Got two new assignments, too.”
“Great,” he said, before turning his attention back to his bubbling sauce. “I’m glad. I think it’s great for them to give you more challenges. Keeps you from getting bored.”
“Oh believe me,” she smiled. “These two new assignments will be anything but boring.”
He kissed the bridge of her nose. “I’m glad.”
“How about I wash my hands and set the table for dinner?”
“I wanna set.”
She went over and took Robby out. “You do? Well, come on, then.”
***
When Lacey got home, Yvette, Christopher and Robin were watching Shrek the Halls, one of the many Christmas shows they had recorded.
“Layshee, Shrek!”
“I see,” she said, coming into the living room. She kissed her mom and dad, and then plopped down on the couch with them.
“Hi, guys.”
“Hey, honey. How was camp today?”
“Good. We got to go to The Factory today for ice skating.”
“How’d you do?” Christopher asked.
“Didn’t fall once,” she said, proudly.
Yvette kissed her forehead. “That’s our girl.”
After the movie was over, everyone washed their hands for dinner.
“Lacey, are you all packed for our trip to the farm?”
“Yes,” she said, excitedly. “It was the best idea ever to have my party at Grandma and Pop Pop’s.” She glanced at her parents. “Thanks for everything.”
“You’re welcome, baby. We’re very glad your friends could make it on your birthday. I’ve lost track of how long it’s been since that’s happened. I think it’ll be a lot of fun.”
15 CHAPTER fifteeEN
Lacey’s birthday was going to be an extraordinary affair. From the moment she woke up, to the time she went to bed that night, her family wanted her eleventh birthday to be special. Christopher got up early a
nd made her favorite breakfast: Mickey Mouse strawberry pancakes and bacon. On the table next to her plate, he’d put a small gift-wrapped box. It was a tradition between the two of them. Christopher would give her something that was only from him and she opened it at breakfast.
When she ripped off the decorative paper, and opened the small box, Lacey’s mouth dropped open. It was a white gold necklace with two small, and one larger diamond in the shape of Mickey Mouse.
“Dad,” Lacey said in awe. “Oh my gosh!” Lacey got up and spun around so that Christopher could secure it to her neck.
When he was done, her fingers glided gently over the diamond mouse.
“I wanted to give you a special token where years from now when you’re all grown up, you’ll have this to remind you of these birthday breakfasts, and of how much I loved sharing them with you.”
Lacey hugged her father tight. “Thank you,” she said, tearfully. “I love it—and I love you.”
He kissed the top of her head. “I love you, too, munchkin.”
With a very concentrated effort, Christopher’s eyes remained dry. “Come on,” he said, in a voice heavy with emotion, “let’s get your brother and go outside so I can see how well you do in the roller blades Grandma and Grandpa Morgan got you.”
“You think Mom will be upset that I opened them? Usually she only lets me open your gift on my birthday morning.”
Christopher shook his head. “I think because you’ve been such a wonderful young lady at school, and a super big sister, your mom won’t mind.”
Lacey ran to get her coat, while Christopher went to retrieve Robin from off the floor. “Come on, buddy, we’ll play with your blocks later. Time to go see big sis strut her stuff with her new roller blades.”
***
It was almost another hour before Yvette could make it downstairs. They had stayed up late wrapping birthday and Christmas gifts. She wasn’t sure what time she and Christopher had gone to bed, but she was bushed, and had just woken up.
Two Hearts for Christmast Page 8
