September Storm

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September Storm Page 19

by Brenda Jernigan


  "I'm sorry I didn’t tell you the complete truth," Adrian went on. "If you remember, you were the one who jumped to conclusions. You thought from the start that I was a beach bum. And I thought I’d never see you again."

  Dani took a deep breath, preparing herself for the worst. "You could have corrected me."

  "As I recall, when I talked about the house, you still didn't believe me."

  "Well." Dani tried to swallow the lump in her throat. “I thought you were house sitting or maybe a contractor or something.”

  Adrian's eyes glinted with amusement. "I think you enjoyed believing the worst of me."

  Dani felt her face grow pale as all the blood rushed to her sinking stomach. Oh God, here it came. He was going to leave her. She hadn't been very nice to him during that time--that much she remembered. "You could have told me later."

  "Yes, I could have. But later, I felt there was something special between us, and I wanted to find out if I was wrong. You see, my first wife seemed picture perfect when I met her. Much like you, at first. I fell head over heels for her. It wasn't until we were married that I began to realize everything about the woman was an act.

  "One night I got drunk and turned to the woman you met when we were in New York. I knew it was a mistake the next morning, but that didn't stop me from going back time and again.

  "Then my wife found out she was pregnant. It was considered a miracle that I could even father children since I had the mumps when I was younger, but it had happened or so I thought.

  “I had always wanted a large family. I was thrilled. I told myself from then on I'd be a faithful husband. I showered her with gifts and tried to do everything in my power to make her happy. I hoped she would change. I knew she would." He shook his head.

  "She didn't." Adrian paused and sipped his drink. Dani could see the pain deep in the eyes.

  "She found out about the affair, and one day when I was at work, she had an abortion. She told me it was because of the affair, and she hoped it taught me a lesson.” Adrian sucked in his breath and blew it out slowly. “I found out sometime later that it wasn’t my child.

  "It did teach me a lesson. I left her. After three years, she finally agreed to give me a divorce. I dated other women, but it was the same thing every time. They saw my money--they never saw me.

  “After awhile they all became the same, and I worked harder...longer." Adrian looked out the window, lost in his thoughts. "Work became my haven. My safety zone. Besides, I really wasn’t sure I could be faithful. I'd tried marriage, and I had failed, miserably." His gaze again rested on Dani, and he leaned forward, placing his arms on his knees.

  "And then you blew into my life much like a storm. I didn't want you. I didn't need you. But unfortunately, I couldn't get you out of my mind. And, believe me sweetheart, I tried.

  "I could tell that something was changing, but this time I wanted to be sure. I wanted you to want me--not my money. Therefore, I didn't tell you about it.”

  Dani took a breath, then shifted in her seat.

  "Wait." Adrian held up his hand. "A woman I dated two years ago tried the pregnancy bit on me, but when the results came back from the blood test, the child wasn't mine."

  "You never asked me to have a blood test."

  "I know."

  "Why?" she whispered. "Since you'd been burned in the past, you had every right to think the worst."

  "For two reasons. First, I went for a physical, and the doctor said my sperm count was up, which was a hopeful sign. But the second reason is the reason I married you, though I didn't realize it at the time."

  "And that was ...?" Dani's voice broke with emotion.

  Adrian took her hand. With the pad of his thumb, he rubbed the place her wedding ring should be, but she'd outgrown the simple ring two months ago. Dani wondering why he wasn't saying anything. She was on the edge of her seat waiting for him to speak. Finally, he looked up at her with those big chocolate eyes of his, and her breath caught in her throat.

  "Because I love you, Danielle Massimino. From the minute you stumbled into the bedroom with hiccups, I knew there was something special about you. Something different."

  The tears, burning Dani's eyes, spilled over onto her cheeks. "Are you sure?"

  "I'm positive, sweetheart."

  Dani rushed into his arms, knocking him back against the seat. She wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him more like an excited puppy than a woman. "You don't know how long I've wanted to hear those words."

  The kiss suddenly turned more serious, and Dani melted against him. It had been so long. His lips moved with a languor that suggested that if she were not with child they would be doing more. She kissed him with all her heart, and he clutched her tighter.

  Sighing, Dani opened her mouth to invite his tongue. God, how she'd miss this closeness with Adrian. He was her whole life, and she knew at long last she'd found where she belonged ... in the arms of her Prince Charming.

  "Excuse me, Mr. Massimino, but it's time to land."

  Reluctantly, Adrian pulled back and looked over Dani's shoulder. "All right, I'll return my wife to her seat."

  "Adrian!" Dani felt her cheeks grow warm.

  "She might as well get used to seeing us like this because after the baby is born, I'm not going to let you get two feet away from me."

  Finally, the plane's wheels touched down. And she hadn't gotten sick at all. Funny in all the turmoil and excitement of the trip, she’d forgotten all about her motion sickness. For that she was thankful.

  However, the boat trip told an entirely different story. Dani's happiness soon became misery as she hung her head over the side of the boat.

  After the boat docked, Dani couldn't make up her mind whether to crawl off the boat or walk, but Adrian took that decision out of her hands, by sweeping her into his arms and carrying her to dry land.

  Once her feet were firmly planted on dry land, Dani felt better, so they headed toward the General Store. She couldn’t wait to see Angus and Nettie.

  "I didn't realize that motion bothered you. You should have said something to me earlier," Adrian told her.

  "It's not a subject I like talking about. Normally, I would take some medication, but with the baby I couldn't. I did so well on the plane, I thought maybe I’d be all right. That is the first time I've ever gotten seasick.” She laughed. “Now I can truthfully say that I've thrown up on every kind of transportation there is. I guess I'm just not a good traveler. It's funny. I didn't feel sick until the boat slowed for that other vessel."

  "It's probably the rocking motion that got to you. At least that’s behind us. How do you feel now?"

  "Better. My back aches a little, but I'm sure it’s from the plane ride."

  A group of sea gulls swooped down in front of them diving toward the ground and raising back up in the air. Sea Horse Island seemed different. Maybe it was because people were there milling around as they prepared for the upcoming season. As she looked around, Dani realized that she now had a home. It was fitting that they had come back to the place they had first met.

  "I'm looking forward to seeing Angus and Nettie," Dani said as she opened the front door of the store.

  "The Saints be had! Look who's come home, Nettie girl," Angus shouted as they stepped inside.

  "Adrian! Dani! 'Tis good tae see ya." Nettie started toward them, then suddenly stopped and stared. "Mercy me. Is this the surprise ye mentioned, Adrian?" Nettie's eyes fastened on Dani's stomach.

  "Yes, it is." Adrian said, grinning broadly.

  Nettie hugged Dani. "Don't need tae be askin' how yer doin'. Can see for myself. Yer fit as a fiddle."

  Dani cheeks were so hot she was sure they'd melt butter. One look at her belly told the whole world what she'd been doing and with whom.

  "Yer beautiful, lass," Angus chirped in. "I was glad tae hear ye finally settled down, Adrian, and with a mighty fine lass, too."

  "I knew you’d be pleased,” Adrian said. “We would like for both of you to
be the godparents to our child."

  Nettie nodded her eyes bright with tears. "We'd be happy to.” She wiped at her eyes. “When is the little one due?"

  Dani finally found her voice. "Next month."

  Nettie arched an eyebrow. "I’d be thinkin’ sooner than that by yer shape,” she said eyeing Dani’s stomach. “What do the doctors know anyway? Come, help me fix some lunch."

  Dani followed Nettie to the kitchen where she stopped at the refrigerator and took a huge ham out. "How about slicing some sandwich meat while I wash the lettuce." She jerked her head toward a knife rack. “The knives are there.

  "It's strange tae see ye again, lass. I was just talkin' about ye the other night with Angus, and, the Saints be had, Adrian called us out of the blue." Nettie tore strips of lettuce as she talked. "He didn't sound much like himself on the phone. I've been a wee bit worried about him ever since."

  Dani quit slicing. "Oh, Nettie, I don't know what to say."

  "Would ye like tae talk, lass?"

  "I’m not sure where to start." Dani arranged the sliced meat on the platter. "It's just that Adrian didn't meet me because he wanted to. I just kind of showed up by mistake.” She sighed. “And we didn't date for years, fall madly in love, then marry like normal people are supposed to do."

  Nettie chuckled. "Do ye think most people plan their love life, lass?"

  Dani nodded.

  "Nay, 'tisn't so. Great love is spontaneous combustion. Take Angus and me. He never planned tae meet me, either. Instead he found me head first in a hedgerow.”

  Dani struggled to hide a smile.

  “Don't laugh, lass. 'Tis true. See, I was riding my scooter when I hit a rock and flew over the handlebars. Luckily, Angus was drivin' along and spotted me in the bush."

  Dani smiled. "Adrian rescued me, too."

  "See." Nettie took the platter to the table. "Took Angus a bit before he found out he couldn't live without me." She chuckled. "But he came tae his senses, and the rest ... has been an adventure.

  " 'Twill never be smooth sailin', lass, but trust me. The voyage is well worth the adventure."

  "Owww!" Dani grabbed her side.

  "What's wrong?"

  "Nothing. Sometimes the baby hits the wrong thing." Dani placed her hand on Nettie's arm. "Thanks. I think I've been afraid to relax and let Mother Nature takes its course."

  "Now, yer at Sea Horse, lass. Relax. Ye've come home."

  After lunch, Dani and Adrian went to the beach house. As they approached, driving slowly in their golf cart so many fond memories came flooding back into Dani’s head that all the bad times faded into nothing when they pulled up in the driveway. The ocean breeze gently blew the pampas grass, and a big pelican sat perched on the deck rail as if he were waiting for her.

  "It's such a beautiful home."

  "I'm partial to the place myself,” Adrian drawled. “Come over here. I want to show you something."

  Dani followed him. On the front of the house were large brass numbers broadly proclaiming that they were at 699 Sandy Lane.

  Dani laughed. "I guess you don't want any more stray women making the same mistake I did."

  Adrian pulled her into his arms. "Not since I've found the one woman I want."

  She placed her hand on Adrian’s cheek. Power and virility radiated from him, and Dani’s pulse raced. "I love you, Adrian."

  His mouth opened over hers, and the magic of their first kiss returned. Sinking his hand into her hair, his tongue plunged and caressed hers.

  Desire flamed between them and then she felt his need as it pressed against her. What heaven they would share once the baby came. Adrian shifted his attention to her ear, kissed her lobe, then whispered, "I want you, sweetheart."

  "Oh, Adrian," she murmured. "I want you so much. Oh!" A sharp pain struck Dani so fast she couldn't think. She clutched her stomach and clutched Adrian’s arms as a rush of warm water poured down her legs.

  "What's wrong?"

  "The baby," she gasped, looking down at her soaked clothes. "I think the baby's coming."

  Adrian swept her up in his arms. "It can't come yet!" He started up the stairs. “The doctor said it would be all right to come here.”

  "Babies comes when they choose, Adrian,” Dani gasped. “Not when we choose.” Another pain tore at her. “Oooo!"

  Adrian opened the door, taking her straight to the large bed. "Remember to breathe," he instructed. He yanked the cover back and laid her carefully down. "Maybe I should go get Nettie."

  "No! Don't leave me, please."

  "But someone's got to deliver the baby."

  "You can do it."

  "Me?” Horror registered in his eyes. “I don't know anything about this."

  "Well, I don't either!” She clutched at her stomach again. “Oh, God. Nobody told me it would hurt this much!" Dani groaned again. "Hold my hand."

  She gripped his hand so tightly that Adrian thought she'd break the bones. God, the pain must be terrible. And he wasn't doing her a bit of good just staring at her helplessly. "Listen, Dani, breathe. Remember the puppy training. Take short breaths. That's it."

  "The pain has gone now, but it will be back.” Dani tried to remember her Lamaze training. “I'm not sure exactly what to do, but I think I need to get out of these clothes and into something loose. And we'll probably need towels, sheets or something. Oh, Adrian. I'm so scared!" she cried.

  "Shush, sweetheart." He sat on the bed and gathered her in his arms. "It's going to be okay. You've got to remain calm and leave everything to me. I promise I won't let anything happen to you. Let's get off these clothes before you have another contraction."

  He moved to the closet and got one of his blue chambray shirts. "How about this? I think it will do the trick."

  Dani gave him a half-laugh. "I got into trouble the last time I wore that shirt."

  "I remember, he said, smiling. “Here put it on. You can’t get in any more trouble than you already are now." He handed her the garment, but before she could slip it on she grabbed at another pain.

  "This is a bad one."

  "Focus on me, Dani, and breathe." Adrian waited for the contraction to let up, then he eased his wife back into the bed, helping her to quickly change her clothes.

  "I--I can't remember everything I learned, but I do remember the cord has to be cut. Wait, it's starting again."

  "I'm right here. It's all right. As soon as this one is over, I'll get some scissors and string." He felt her squeeze his hand. He'd give anything if she didn't have to go through any of this. "Good, that one is over. I'll be right back."

  He was all thumbs as he frantically tried to find everything he thought he would need. If only he had time to get her to a hospital.

  "What little I saw of the house looks lovely," Dani said as she tried to relax on the fluffy pillows.

  "Thanks. Do you realize that every time you've come here you have ended up in my bed?" Adrian joked, trying to keep her mind off the situation.

  Dani giggled. "I guess I do. Can't imagine why.” She gasped again. “Wait! Another one." She regained her death grip on his hand.

  Hours went by with Dani's contractions getting worse all the time. Dani’s cries went from whimpers to gut-wrenching groans. Adrian felt useless.

  "I--I need to push!"

  "Put your knees up, sweetheart."

  Adrian was beginning to think the baby was too big when, he finally saw the child's head. "Dani I see the head. Give me another push."

  "I--I can't," she wailed. "I'm so tired."

  "Yes, you can. Come on, you can do it once more."

  Dani gritted her teeth and pushed as hard as she could. The baby slid into Adrian's arms. What a beautiful baby it was! Quickly, he slapped the child on the rump to get it breathing and when he received a loud wail, Adrian cut the cord.

  What a perfect baby. He counted all he fingers and toes and smiled. They had just created perfection.

  "Would you like to see your bab--" Adrian stopped in mid-senten
ce because Dani lay completely still, her eyes closed. "Oh my God!" He felt for a pulse then breathed a small sigh of relief. His hand went to her forehead. She was alive, but exhausted and burning up with fever.

  He wrapped the baby tightly in a towel and up laid it in a dresser drawer, then raced to the store where he instructed Angus to radio his pilot."Get a helicopter out here fast! I need to get my wife to the hospital. She might be dying."

  Chapter Seventeen

  Looking through the glass at his wife, Adrian impatiently waited for the doctor to finish examining her.

  "How is she?" Adrian asked when the doctor finally came outside.

  "Under the circumstances, you did the best you could do, but -- your wife is hemorrhaging. I need to go in and make some repairs."

  “Surgery? Now? She's just had a baby.” Adrian’s voice sounded strange even to his own ears.

  The doctor nodded curtly, then with apparently no time to waste, turned to leave.

  Adrian grabbed the doctor's arm. "She will be all right, won't she?"

  "We'll do everything we can."

  The next few hours seemed like the longest of Adrian’s life. He paced. He prayed. And then he paced again. Adrian almost wished he could cry, because he felt like he was suffocating inside.

  If something bad had to happen, why couldn't it have been to him? Dani was the sweet one. She only deserved the best. He ran a trembling hand through his hair. God, maybe he didn't deserve her at all.

  He had put her life in danger during the hurricane; she'd almost choked to death when he surprised her at the restaurant, and now this. He was the one who had insisted on taking the damned trip. It was all his fault.

  Adrian looked around and found he had wandered back to the chapel. Getting down on his knees, he began to pray. "Please don't take her from me. I know I don't deserve her, but please give me another chance. Please." Finally, hot, wet tears slid down his face. Never did he think one person could mean so much to him.

  After awhile, Adrian pushed himself to a standing position and wiped the tears from his face. Feeling oddly relieved, he went back to the cold, stuffy waiting room.

 

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