39- Yet Another
Beth Giran held Colleen’s hand as she tottered around the front yard. The little girl was two, and was the spitting image of her father.
“Daddy?” the girl questioned, looking around expectantly. Beth smiled, pointing at the field.
“Daddy’s out there riding his horse sweetie,” she said. Colleen smiled, starting toward the fence.
“Me go!” she exclaimed, running toward it. Beth scooped her up before she got too far.
“No you don’t. Daddy’s busy, and you need to stay here,” she said. Colleen squirmed and started to cry.
“Put down! Put down!” she wailed. Beth sighed, holding on to the child tightly.
“Colleen Marie, cool it now,” she warned. Colleen didn’t stop, in fact cried harder. With a sigh Beth adjusted the screaming child on her hip. “Colleen if you don’t’ stop it, we’re going up to the house,” she said. The girl didn’t stop, so Beth started toward the house. Colleen stopped, turning wide blue eyes on her mother.
“No please?” she asked. Beth had to bite back a smile.
“It’s time for a nap kiddo. You’re overtired.” Tears brimmed in Colleen’s eyes again.
“Hey Beth, where’re you going?” Dominick called. She turned and smiled at him.
“Somebody’s over tired, so we’re going to take a nap. I plan on calling Meg to see if she can sit for us tonight. Since Mom’s in the race, I want to be there.” Dominick nodded, leading his horse toward the barn.
“I’m going to take care of him, then I’ll be up to the house. Your dad wants me to help with some horses later.” She nodded, continuing toward the house.
Meghan knocked on the door and heard someone call for her to come in. She went in and smiled when she saw Colleen hanging on to her mother’s legs.
“Need some help?” she asked with a smirk. Beth laughed, prying the girl off her calf.
“I’ve got it. There’s some hamburger in the fridge. She can have that and some ice cream later on. We’ll be home around eleven. Her bedtime is eight… sometimes she’ll fall asleep by seven thirty though.” Meghan nodded, taking Colleen from her mother.
“OK. Is it ok if Jake comes over? He wants to study with me.”
“That’s fine, but your first priority is Colleen. I know it’s fun to have a boyfriend Meg, but I want you to pay attention to Colleen.”
“I know. We have a big test tomorrow in summer school, and I don’t want to fail. Thanks Beth.”
“You’re welcome. Just don’t make me regret it.” Meghan nodded, glancing up when Dominick entered the room.
“Hiya Meg, what’s going on?” he asked with a smile. Meghan shrugged, switching Colleen to her other hip.
“Not much. Can I take her down to the barn for awhile before dinner? I want to see Moondancer for a little while.” Both Dominick and Beth nodded.
“Sure, just keep a close eye on her. She has the tendency to run off and explore by herself. We’ve gotta’ get going so we’ll see you later,” Dominick said. They hurried out the door and Meghan smiled at Colleen.
“Let’s go visit the horsies,” she said.
When they arrived home that night Beth and Dominick found all the lights in the house off. Beth went in the front door and turned on the living room light. Meghan and a boy were on the couch kissing. Beth cleared her throat and the boy rolled off. Both kids turned red, and Meghan stood up.
“I was choking,” she said seriously. Beth glanced at Dominick and bit back a laugh.
“Whatever you say Meg. This must be your boyfriend,” Dominick observed.
“Yup. Jake this is Beth and Dominick. Weren’t you supposed to be home by now?” she asked. He nodded quickly, kissing her once more before leaving. When he was gone Beth looked at Meghan hard.
“Why don’t you head home? I’ll talk to you about this tomorrow,” she said sternly. Meghan nodded, racing out the front door. Once she was gone Beth and Dominick began to laugh.
“I’ve never seen anyone move quite so fast,” he said. She nodded, putting her arm around his waist.
“I know. I don’t think I’ll be able to yell at her.” They suddenly each sobered.
“Let’s go check on Colleen,” he said, reading her mind. They jogged upstairs, going into the little girl’s room. She was sleeping soundly. Beth sighed and leaned against Dominick.
“She’s sleeping,” she murmured. Dominick nodded, taking a steadying breath. He put his arms around her waist and felt her put her arms over his.
“Thank goodness. Everything is ok,” he said. She nodded, letting out a deep breath.
“I got so worried… I’m not even sure why.” She fixed the blanket that covered the sleeping infant and looked up at him.
“Let’s go to bed, it’s been a long night,” he said. She nodded and followed him to their room.
Almost a month later Beth walked down to the barn. She was holding Colleen’s hand and they were both smiling. It was August first and they were going to the Travers. Dominick appeared suddenly, scooping Colleen into his arms. The girl squealed happily.
“Hey kiddo, watcha’ doing?” he asked, tossing her into the air. Colleen laughed, reaching out and grabbing his face.
“Put down,” she said. Dominick smiled, placing her back on the ground. Beth smiled and then tapped him on the shoulder. He turned, smiling.
“Hey babe, what’s up?” he asked. She didn’t say anything for a few moments.
“I have a surprise for you,” she said. He smiled down at her.
“What is it?” he demanded. Beth glanced at Colleen quickly, making sure she wasn’t getting into any trouble.
“I’m going to have another baby Dom,” she said, looking up at him. His smile grew and he picked her up to spin her around.
“You’re serious?” he demanded as he put her down. She nodded, grinning.
“Of course I’m serious. Let’s go tell our parents.” They started from the barn, but stopped suddenly, turning and looking at Colleen. She was playing on the floor with one of the barn cats.
“I knew we were forgetting something,” he murmured, picking up the cat and his daughter. Colleen smiled at him, planting a kiss on his nose.
“Kitty stay here,” she said sternly, imitating her mother. Dominick laughed and put the cat down.
“You’re right. You’re coming with me though… we’re going to go see Grandma and Grandpa.” She smiled, then giggled when he tickled her. Beth smiled at them and took Dominick’s hand as they walked from the barn.
Jason stared at his daughter in disbelief, then smiled. Jess hugged Beth and then Dominick in her excitement.
“That’s wonderful sweetheart,” Jason said.
“Thanks Daddy,” she said, kissing his cheek.
“Congratulations Dom. Let’s hope we get a boy. We could use an extra hand around here,” Jason said. Beth smiled and glanced at her mother. Colleen was sitting on the floor, coloring in a coloring book. Suddenly she started to cry, and raced to her mother’s side.
“What’s the matter sweetie?” she asked. Colleen held out a broken crayon, wiping tears from her face.
“Can broke,” she said, unable to pronounce the word crayon. Beth pulled the little girl into her lap and kissed her forehead.
“That’s ok honey. Now you have two purple crayons to color with,” Beth said. Colleen thought for a moment and then smiled.
“OK,” she said, sliding off of her mother’s lap.
“She’s a piece of work. I’m happy for you guys. When are you due honey?” Jess asked. Beth smiled and glanced at Dominick.
“The doctor said April sixth, but it could be any time around there.”
“We’ll have to start shopping again,” Jess said with a grin.
“I can use most of Colleen’s sleepers and jumpers again. If it’s a boy we’ll just have to get some new outfits. We can wait and see.”
“I hope it’s a boy. I love shopping,” her mother said. Beth laughed.
“We’ll go out and buy some stuff for the new nursery. Since Colleen still sleeps in the Pooh room, I think we should use one of the other spare rooms for the new baby.” Jess nodded enthusiastically.
“We can have a whole new theme. Maybe we could do loony tunes this time.”
“Mom, loony tunes? That’s a little much don’t you think? Dom, back me up here,” she said. Dominick shrugged, holding up his hands.
“Leave me out of this. Last time I ended up in trouble because I liked yellow walls,” he said. Beth laughed and turned back to her mother.
“We have plenty of time to think about this Mom, let’s not rush anything.” Jess nodded and went into the kitchen.
“I suppose you’re right. Come out to the kitchen and we’ll start talking about some other things. Beth nodded and went into the kitchen.
Beth sat on the front porch on a warm March day. She was eight months pregnant, and it certainly showed. Dominick was riding around the front yard with Colleen sitting in front of him. The girl was already at home in the saddle, sitting still and quiet.
“Look Mommy!” the girl exclaimed as they trotted by. Beth smiled and waved. Dominick smiled back, sitting to the smooth gait. He was riding Superstition, his six year old mare. Suddenly the animal shied away from a bird, but Dominick kept his balance. Beth sighed with relief, and then gasped as she felt a familiar sensation.
“Dom, I think I’m going into labor!” she called. Dominick pulled up and looked at her.
“I’ll take her to your mother’s, be right back,” he promised. He urged Superstition into a canter, going toward the main farm house. She smiled, shaking her head slowly and going into the house to get her suitcase.
Beth looked down at her son, Seneca, and smiled. Dominick had just been let in, and he smiled at her.
“We got a boy,” he whispered, touching his son’s forehead. She nodded, taking his hand squeezing.
“Can you believe it? And Rachel is supposed to be having a baby in two months… I am thirty years old and we have two children. I never imagined this day would come,” she said. He leaned down and kissed her.
“I’m so proud of you sweetheart. Have we decided on Seneca for sure?” he asked. She smiled and nodded.
“I really like it. How’s Colleen?” she asked.
“She’s asleep in the waiting room with my Mom. It’s pretty late at night to be having a baby,” he kidded.
“Sorry to keep you up past your bed time,” she retorted. They both laughed. He leaned down and kissed her forehead.
“I’ll forgive you just this once. I’m going to get Colleen home now, but I’ll bring her over tomorrow morning to see her brother. I love you Beth.” She smiled again.
“I love you too Dom,” she said, watching as he walked out.
When Beth and Seneca came home, everyone was waiting. Beth smiled and glanced around.
“Where’s Colleen?” she questioned. Dominick looked around and then frowned.
“I’m not sure. I’ll go look for her. You sit down and relax,” he ordered. She nodded, sitting down on the couch and taking off Seneca’s hospital cap. Dominick reappeared, holding Colleen.
“Where was she?” Beth asked. He grinned, pointing to the kitchen.
“She was helping your Mom mix the cake. I’ll go clean her up so she can come back and hold Seneca.” Beth nodded, smiling down at the pink baby in her arms.
“OK,” she replied. Dominick disappeared, going upstairs. Rachel and Jim walked into the room, Rachel holding her back.
“Why on earth would anyone want to go through this twice?” she demanded, sitting down next to Beth slowly. Beth smiled, handing her the baby.
“Because nine months of being fat and uncomfortable is worth it,” she said. Rachel smiled, looking down at Seneca.
“You’re probably right. Do you think you’ll have another baby?” Beth laughed and shrugged her shoulders.
“I don’t know. Right now I just want to concentrate on Seneca and Colleen.”
“Makes sense. I was just wondering if you’d ever consider it.”
“I wouldn’t mind having another baby, and I doubt Dom would either. I think we’re going to wait awhile though.” Rachel nodded, handing Seneca back.
“I’m going to go see if our Mom’s need help,” Rachel said. Beth grinned, watching as Rachel walked slowly into the kitchen.
After everyone had left that night and both children were sleeping, Dominick and Beth sat in the living room. Beth was resting her head on his lap, and had her feet up on the couch. Dominick was playing with her hair, running his fingers through the long, curly strands.
“What a day,” he said quietly. She nodded, closing her eyes briefly.
“I know what you mean. Now we have a night full of little babies wake up. It’s so weird that we have two children. I never thought we’d have two kids.” He smiled.
“I never thought we’d have anything. You were pretty damn stubborn for awhile.” She laughed.
“I know. I just didn’t want to mess up what we already had. I’m glad I finally came to my senses.”
“So am I. Do you want to go up to bed?” She nodded and sat up.
“Good idea, or I might fall asleep right here,” she said. He smiled, taking her hand and following her to their room.
Two moths later Beth carried Seneca down to the barn.
“We’ll go find Daddy and Colleen. It’s your sister’s birthday tomorrow,” she said. Suddenly she heard Colleen scream, so she picked up her pace to a jog. When she reached the arena she found Colleen sitting on the ground and Dominick dismounting. He looked at her and shrugged.
“Superstition decided cantering wasn’t for her today, so she veered into the center. Beth gasped and went into the ring.
“Is she ok?” she demanded. Dominick picked Colleen up, taking off the girl’s helmet carefully.
“I think so.” He shook her around and she was soon laughing. Beth smiled as he put the girl on his shoulders.
“Maybe you should ride a calmer horse when she’s with you hon. I don’t want her to get hurt.” He nodded.
“Alright. How’s Seneca?” he asked.
“A little sleepy. I just got him up from his nap, so he’s cranky. I thought we’d come down and see what’s going on with the birthday girl.” Colleen grinned, pulling at her father’s hair.
“Hey, let go up there!” Dominick exclaimed. Colleen laughed, swinging her feet. He lifted her off his shoulders so she couldn’t reach his hair anymore.
“So are we going out for dinner?” Beth asked. He nodded, leading Superstition from the ring.
“Yeah. I thought we could take them to your mother’s. I was hoping for some alone time with you.” She smiled.
“Sounds good to me. Can you handle both of them for an hour while I ride Lion? I want to work over some fences with him,” she explained. Dominick nodded and took Seneca from her.
“Sure. Have fun. We’ll watch in a minute.” She nodded and walked off to get Lion ready.
Beth asked Lion for a canter, and he broke into it with ease. They moved around the course, perfectly in tune with one another. They went clear and Beth grinned. She patted his neck.
“Good boy!” she exclaimed. Lion tossed his head excitedly and she laughed, dismounting and running her stirrups up. She led him back to his stall and unsaddled him. When she was done she took Seneca from Dominick.
“You looked good out there. Your form is still up there with the best of them,” he said sincerely. She smiled, shaking her head.
“I don’t know. It’s been such a long time since I’ve really worked with him. I just felt out of place.” He shook his head and followed her toward the house.
“You didn’t look out of place. Let’s go up and call your mother and get going. I want to be alone with my beautiful wife for awhile.” She smiled and they walked together toward their house.
Beth sat down, letting Dominick push in her chair for her. He sat down across from her, unbuttoning his suit jacket.
“What’re you going to have?” he asked. She shrugged, glancing at the menu.
“A salad and spaghetti I think,” she said.
“Me too. Would you like some wine?” She nodded.
“White wine sounds great,” she replied. He nodded, and ordered for them when the waitress arrived. They ate a lovely dinner, and after they paid, drove home. Suddenly, Dominick moved on to the highway.
“Where’re we going?” she asked, glancing at him. He looked at her.
“Up to lake George. I thought a walk on the beach would be nice,” he said. She smiled, reaching over and taking his hand.
“That’s a great idea,” she said. He smiled too, looking back to the road.
The moon was almost full and the air was warm. Beth took off her shoes, leaving them in the car. Dominick took her hand, then put his arm around her shoulders.
“We should come down here more often,” he said. She nodded and put her arm around his waist.
“Definitely,” she agreed. They walked in silence for a long time.
“Beth?” he asked suddenly. She looked up at him and stopped walking.
“What?”
“I love you,” he said, his eyes searching hers. She smiled up at him.
“I love you too,” she murmured, standing on her tiptoes to kiss him.
Beth carried Colleen and Dominick carried Seneca up to their rooms the next night. Colleen’s party had been a success. She put the little girl under the covers in her new ‘big girl’ bed, and then went to see how Seneca was. Dominick was looking down at the sleeping boy, covering him with a loony tunes blanket.
“I can’t believe my mother talking me into the loony tunes thing,” she muttered.
“Seneca doesn’t seem to mind. I think it looks neat, and it’s better than Peter Rabbit,” he said.
“I liked Peter Rabbit,” she muttered.
“Maybe we’ll do Peter Rabbit next time,” he said. She looked at him with raised eyebrows.
“Next time?” she asked.
“I wouldn’t mind having another baby.”
“I’m glad, but you don’t have to carry the baby or give birth do the baby do you?” she kidded. He smiled.
“I’m quite glad about that. If you don’t want to have another baby, that’s ok too. I just thought…” he trailed off. Beth started to leave the room.
“Actually, I wouldn’t mind having another baby either.” Dominick smiled and followed her downstairs.
