A wave of nausea and dizziness hit her, and she heaved, but didn’t vomit. Kiernan pressed the call button and said, “Mrs. Belfort, tell Nurse Robinson to come up here right away—Ariel is nauseous.” Placing her arms around Ariel, Kiernan said, “EM off.” She leaned Ariel against the headboard and stroked her hair back from her forehead. “I’m sorry this has upset you. Believe me when I say you’ll get used to this, and learn to ignore it.”
Ariel couldn’t hold back her tears. She was hoping her family would escape publicity and scrutiny by the media. She should have known this would happen. Anything involving Kiernan O’Shay was news worthy. “My family—they—they—don’t deserve this.”
“No, they don’t. As I told you before, I’ll do everything within my power to protect you and them.”
Ariel pulled away from Kiernan’s arms, glaring at her accusingly, and harshly said, “I’ll hold you responsible if anything happens to them.”
“I’ll accept that responsibility,” Kiernan responded sincerely.
The sensation of the room tilting made her heave once again. This time she vomited into the clean bedpan Kiernan snatched from the floor by the bed, and held for her. When she finished, Kiernan helped her lie back on the pillows. Stephanie arrived and administered an infusion for nausea, which also served to calm her and make her drowsy. Kiernan left her bedside, returning with a wet washcloth, and carefully cleaned her face. Ariel watched Kiernan as she did this, seeing an expression of tenderness, her eyes soft and caring. This was the last thing she saw as she drifted into sleep.
ARIEL WASN’T AS upset after she woke around lunchtime. She didn’t have much of an appetite and had declined to eat until Stephanie threatened her by saying if she didn’t eat, she would hook her back up to the IV.
She managed to eat enough to satisfy Stephanie, spending the rest of the day in bed, listening to music, and trying to take her mind off the news story.
In the evening, she finished dinner, and was dozing off when Kiernan came in with a book in her hands, and said to Stephanie, “I’ll stay with Ariel, while you take a break, and have dinner.”
“Thank you,” Stephanie said, before exiting the room.
Kiernan walked around to the other side of the bed, took the chair, and pulled it close to the bed to where Ariel could see her. “I would like to share my favorite story with you. I guarantee it will make you feel better and get well faster. At least it did for me. My mothers would read it to me when I wasn’t feeling well. Shall I read it to you?”
Ariel almost declined, but she was curious, and something in Kiernan’s voice made her forget for the moment her animosity. “Yes.”
Kiernan appeared pleased. “It’s The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Have you ever read it?”
“No.”
“It was written over one hundred and fifty years ago. I think you’ll like it. It’s the story of a Prince who has adventures visiting different planets.”
Kiernan read, the sound of her voice soothing. Ariel closed her eyes, drifting between wakefulness and sleep, where the story painted wonderful pictures in her mind, and she lived the adventures of the Little Prince.
“What is essential is invisible to the eye. It is only with the heart that you can see rightly,” Kiernan read.
Ariel found these words a key to a door. She used the key to crack the door open. The light within that shone through the crack was barely a sliver of brightness. In this sliver of light was Kiernan’s voice, soft and soothing, not only to her ears, but also to her heart. Her hate for Kiernan was slipping from her. But what would replace it?
Kiernan finished the story and closed the book. For a while, she watched Ariel sleep. She reminded her of a sleeping angel. Silently, she rose from her chair and gently tucked the covers around Ariel’s shoulder. On impulse, she leaned over to leave a soft kiss on the pale brow, and walked quietly from the room.
Not asleep yet, Ariel felt the caress of lips against her forehead. The caress slipped into the crack in the door and entered the light. The door shut, and Ariel lost the key as sleep claimed her.
THE NEXT MORNING, Ariel said goodbye to Stephanie. She was now strong enough to bathe and dress without assistance, though still feeling drained of energy. During breakfast, Kiernan dropped by for a visit, but soon left, apparently sensing Ariel wasn’t in the mood to talk.
Before lunch, Ariel showered and washed her hair, feeling a whole lot better. She decided she wanted to dress today, go out to her sitting room, get online, download some music, and maybe search for some interesting novels to download into her e-book. At this time, her checking account contained enough funds to cover her purchases. Much to her irritation, her money would soon run out and she would need to use funds from the account Kiernan set up for her.
She walked into her closet, reached for a pair of her well-worn jeans, and stopped as her hand stroked the pair of tailored jeans next to them. Why not? she thought. She’d eventually have to wear them. After removing the jeans from the hanger and draping them over her arm, she surveyed the casual blouses and knit pullovers, selecting a pink pullover blouse. Carefully scrutinizing the various pairs of shoes in the shoe rack, she decided on a navy pair of slip-on canvas shoes.
Back in her bedroom she opened the sock drawer and found a pink pair of crew socks. Next, she opened the underwear drawer and hesitated. The intimacy of Kiernan picking out these items brought a nervous flutter to her stomach, reminding her of a certain stipulation in the agreement. She chose a pair of panties and a bra she’d brought with her. After dressing, she checked her appearance in the mirror, admiring how the tailored jeans made her legs appear longer. As she walked out into the sitting room, there was a knock at the main door.
“Come in.”
The door opened, and two excited tow-headed ten year olds descended on her. “Ariel!” They both hugged her and giggled excitedly. She held them close, looking up at the door as her mother entered. “Mom,” Ariel said with delight.
Joanna closed the distance and swept her into her arms, after a moment separating only enough to touch her palm to Ariel’s forehead. “Should you be out of bed, sweetheart?”
“I’m feeling better. Besides, bed is boring.”
“We’ve come to visit and have lunch with you,” Leigh said excitedly.
A rustling sound at the door caught Ariel’s attention. She peered up to see Kiernan standing in the doorway with a strange expression on her face. Kiernan backed out of the door and shut it, leaving before Ariel could say a word.
KIERNAN GAZED ACROSS the dinner table at Ariel, who was paying more attention to her dessert than the conversation Kiernan was trying to engage her in. The wedding had been ten days ago and despite Kiernan’s repeated invitations, this was the first time since the wedding night that Ariel dined in the dining room instead of taking meals in her suite. Tonight, Kiernan had practically ordered Ariel to dine with her, telling her that since she was feeling better, she expected to see Ariel at the dinner table every night. Ariel fixed a ‘balky’ stare on her, not saying anything. Kiernan hadn’t thought she would show for dinner and was both surprised and pleased when she showed up on time and took her seat.
Kiernan had also suggested for the past few days that she take breakfast with her, but Ariel slept in, missing breakfast, and after she was up she would go to the kitchen, have a bowl of cereal, toast, coffee, and juice. Ricardo kept Kiernan advised about what Ariel ate during the day and informed Kiernan he had offered to fix her an omelet or something else, but Ariel always declined.
Lunch was the same story. Kiernan would invite Ariel but she refused, taking lunch in her suite instead. Much to Kiernan’s chagrin, Ariel stayed mostly in her suite, and the times Kiernan paid her a visit, she was reading or online. Kiernan kept trying to strike up conversations, but Ariel made only cursory comments and avoided her, but Kiernan wasn’t going to give up.
Rain was falling, and the forecast was for rain all day so Kiernan couldn’t show Ariel th
e grounds and take her up to Deer Falls and the old apple orchard as she planned. If it was good weather the next day, she would insist Ariel go with her.
Kiernan wasn’t used to anyone ignoring her, and she found Ariel’s disinterest galling. Over dinner she tried initiating a conversation by picking a topic she knew Ariel would like, discussing String Theory, but Ariel showed no interest—or feigned no interest was more like it. Kiernan had one more ploy to use.
“Ariel.” This got her wife’s attention. “I want you to come to my study with me, see some of my designs for a prototype light-speed ship, and give me your opinion.”
Ariel’s attention seemed to perk up. For a moment, she hesitated. “Okay.”
“If you’re finished, let’s go.”
Kiernan led Ariel down the hall and into her study where she went over to a table holding a few folders and pushed them to one end. She stepped over to a wide cabinet with thin drawers, opened one, and withdrew thick papers she brought back to the table to spread out. “This is one prototype I’ve drawn up, and it’s probably the one I’ll go with—or something similar.”
Ariel studied the plans and asked questions, which Kiernan answered while pointing out various features. Ariel imparted her opinions while Kiernan listened and made notes in a digital notebook.
Impressed with Ariel’s insight and knowledge of engineering, Kiernan said, “You would make a great aerospace engineer. You know, you can work for me when the project initiates in another couple of years.”
“It’s very interesting, but I’m not trained as an engineer.”
“You probably already have a lot of the basic courses and could easily get into a degree program at Embry-Riddle, or at your alma mater.”
“Are you serious?”
“Of course I am. You can attend most of the courses online and probably complete your degree before our baby is born. And work from home after she’s born.”
Ariel appeared distressed by Kiernan’s comment and looked down at the floor.
Kiernan felt like a moron reminding Ariel of her ‘main duty.’ She gathered up the blueprints to put back in the drawer. “I think that’s enough for one evening. You’re still recovering and need your rest.”
AS KIERNAN PUT the blueprints away, Ariel inspected the study. Her gaze was drawn to a bookshelf with various trophies on it. She walked over to investigate, discovering they were racing trophies Kiernan had won. There were photographs of Kiernan standing triumphantly beside her racing flitter, Solar Flair. Next to the trophies was a model of Celeste.
While stroking a fingertip over the sleek lines and admiring the workmanship, she heard Kiernan say from behind her, “You can pick it up if you want.” Kiernan came up beside her as Ariel picked up the model and held it at different angles to study it.
“One of the engineering team made it,” Kiernan said, “when Celeste was still on the drawing board, and gave it to Grandmother.”
“It’s beautiful and must have taken considerable time and effort to construct. Is it a kit bash or made from scratch?”
“Kit bash?”
“It means to use components from other kits to create new models.”
“I really don’t know. Didn’t you say you put together model spaceships, as well as made ones from plywood and cardboard?”
“Yes, I told you that when we first met at the restaurant.”
“You did. That’s right. I remember everything about that night.”
A tide of heat surged through Ariel when hearing Kiernan’s words and seeing the warmth in her eyes. She hastily focused on the model of Celeste. “I do have some spaceships I constructed from kit bashing. Some are really wild ones that could never actually be built.” Shifting her attention from the model to Kiernan, she added, “They were ships I dreamed I would explore the galaxy in and save the universe.”
“Have spaceship. Will travel?”
Ariel couldn’t help but chuckle. “Exactly. You said that had been your dream too, when a child.” Holding up the model ship, she said, “And see, your dream did come true. You have a spaceship.”
“Yes, I do. But I would like to see yours, if you don’t mind sharing.”
Ariel couldn’t tell whether Kiernan was serious. A brief study of her face showed what Ariel believed was expectation. “I’ll get them and bring them back here—next time I go home.”
Hurt flashed across Kiernan’s features when Ariel mentioned home. But she hastily said, “I would like that.” Then Kiernan gently asked, “Do you have other dreams?”
This question surprised Ariel. She wondered why Kiernan would care about any other dreams but her own. Ariel saw her expectant expression and decided she would believe it was genuine. “When I was in high school I wanted to be an astronomer.” Shrugging, she added, “But when Dad died I concentrated on physics instead.”
“Why?”
“I wanted to stay home and help Mom with the twins. There were no positions for astronomers close to home.” Seeing the soft gaze regarding her, she asked shyly, “Wh—What dreams do you have?”
“Build spaceships capable of light-speed to take us out of the solar system, and to the stars.”
Of course, Ariel knew this. Kiernan needed her, needed a wife to help put that dream in action. And an heir. There was a good chance Kiernan could never realize her dream unless she got control of the company. Ariel could well be the catalyst that shaped the future. That sent humankind to the stars. But at what price? What sacrifice? The price of a child? What price would future generations pay if Kiernan couldn’t build her dream? Ariel didn’t know.
Ariel swallowed and quietly said, “I’m sure that dream will come true.”
“I hope it will,” was the soft reply.
Chapter Seventeen
THE NEXT MORNING Kiernan entered the kitchen to find Ariel at the table eating a stack of pancakes. Seated with her was Ricardo, who was busy entering information into an e-notepad.
Ariel peered up briefly, flicking a smile, and resumed eating.
“Those pancakes smell good,” Kiernan said accusingly to Ricardo. “Why didn’t I have them for breakfast this morning?” It pleased her to know Ariel allowed Ricardo to prepare her breakfast and wasn’t eating cold cereal.
Ricardo squinted up at Kiernan and lifted his brow. “Because it’s Sunday, and you always have ham, eggs, and grits on Sunday.”
“Perhaps I’ll change the menu to pancakes every other Sunday.” At the coffee pot she poured herself a cup.
“I’ll make note of that. Ariel, are you sure there isn’t anything I can put on the list? No favorite snacks or food?”
“Hmmm, I think I would like trail mix and yogurt raisins. Oh, and dried apple rings.”
Ricardo said, “The dried apple rings we can do ourselves. The Jonathans are ripe, and I can send Robert up to the orchard to pick a basket full.”
Kiernan took the seat next to Ariel. “I’m taking Ariel up to the waterfall and orchard as soon as she finishes breakfast, and we can pick some for you.”
“I’ll find you a basket.” Ricardo left the table.
Ariel finished her last bite of pancakes and took her plate and empty milk glass over to the dishwasher. Kiernan inspected Ariel’s jeans and short-sleeved red shirt. “It’s pretty cool this morning, so you might want to put on something with long sleeves over your shirt.” Kiernan wore a pair of jeans, and a green plaid flannel shirt.
“I’ll do that and be right down.”
“Go through the backdoor here at the kitchen and wait for me while I get one of the electric carts to take us up the mountain.” Kiernan would normally walk the half-mile up to the orchard and falls, but Ariel was still recovering from her illness and didn’t need to exert herself.
Ariel left to dress and Kiernan exited and headed to the equipment shed. She found the electric cart she wanted and drove it up toward the back porch. Ariel exited, dressed in a long-sleeve blue denim shirt and carrying a yellow apple basket. Stopping the cart in front of he
r, Kiernan said with a jaunty air, “Hop in.”
Ariel put the basket behind the seat and slipped into the cart beside Kiernan.
On the ride up the mountain they passed a few wooded areas and clearings. At one point, they drove through a shallow creek that crossed the road, and Kiernan told Ariel the name was Washboard Creek. “At one time, some of the original settlers used it to wash clothes. Four families originally settled on this mountain in the early nineteenth century: the McPhersons, the Porters, the Bearfoots, and the Daniels.”
She directed Ariel’s attention to the left, pointing out a low stone fence in front of an apple orchard. They rode past the opening in the fence. “Apples later. I want to take you up to the falls first.”
The road wound and curved, going upward, making more twists. When Kiernan pulled off the road she stopped at a path leading to a knoll and said, “The falls are only two hundred yards away, but we’ll have to walk from here.”
Kiernan guided Ariel down a well-worn footpath leading into a hollow and back up. A faint rushing noise sounded in the distance. The closer they walked to the falls the more distinct the sound became until it was a soft roar. They climbed up an incline in the path and stopped. Thirty yards away was the twin waterfalls, called Deer Falls. The fall closest to them was some twenty feet wide and the other only slightly smaller. From a height of forty feet, the water spilled into a pool below. The spray caught the morning sun, forming a rainbow halfway down. Where the water hit the pool a fine mist floated, unimpeded by sunbeams at this time of the morning.
The sound of the falls was loud enough to muffle voices so Kiernan gently took Ariel by an elbow and led her over to a broad, flat rock shelf. She helped her up on it and they inched over to the edge, which overhung a clear pool that appeared to be seven or eight feet deep. Kiernan leaned into Ariel and said close to her ear so her voice was heard over the falls, “This is a great place to swim in the summer. Farther down the stream is a good place to catch trout.”
Linda S. North - The Dreamer, Her Angel and the Stars Page 16
