40- What’s the Theme
Beth clucked her tongue, signaling periwinkle to trot. Colleen was in the saddle, her heels pushed down. The little girl was almost five, and Seneca was two. Beth was also expecting another baby.
“That’s good Colleen. Keep your hands low, that’s a girl!” she called. Colleen smiled, sitting to the smooth trot. When she wanted to stop, she tugged back on her reins.
“Whoa!” she called. Beth smiled, going to the animal’s side. She helped the girl off the horse.
“That was good honey. I’m so proud of you. Why don’t you go find Daddy and Seneca? I’m going to take care of Peri,” she said.
“Ok Mommy,” she said, racing from the arena. Beth smiled again, leading the mare to her stall.
Dominick jogged up the stairs, going into their bedroom. He grabbed a clean T-shirt and went back downstairs.
“Beth where’re my clean socks?” he called.
“I don’t know, I didn’t put them away!” she returned. He sighed, going to the drier. He pulled out a pair of matching white socks and hopped onto the counter. Beth rushed in, grabbing a box of juice from the refrigerator.
“What’s the matter?” he asked. She sighed, putting her arms around his waist and resting her head on his chest.
“Colleen has a fever and Seneca is ready for his nap. I don’t know who to take care of first.” Dominick rubbed her back for a moment.
“Why don’t you put Seneca down for a nap? I’ll take care of Colleen, ok?” he asked. She nodded, but didn’t move.
“This feels good,” she said. He smiled, tilting her chin up so he could see her face.
“Yeah, it does doesn’t it?” he returned, placing a gentle kiss on her lips.
“I’ll take Seneca upstairs,” she said, giving him another kiss before walking out of the room.
Jess met her daughter at the mall two afternoons later, a smile on her face.
“Hey sweetie. Have we decided on a nursery theme for this baby?” she asked.
“I was thinking of Peter Rabbit… I really wanted to do that for Seneca, and I’ve been considering it since then if I had another baby.”
“I like that idea. Let’s go look around and see what we can find. We only have three more months to get everything set up for my new grandbaby!” Beth rolled her eyes.
“You’re ridiculous Mom. Let’s get going… the sooner we start, the sooner we can be done,” she said. Jess laughed, starting toward a department store.
Dominick was in bed reading a Stephen King book when Beth got home. Beth snuck into the room so he didn’t see or hear her.
“Boo!” she whispered into his ear. Dominick jumped and his book went flying. He glared at her.
“What was that for?” he demanded. She grinned.
“I couldn’t resist it. I’m sorry,” she said.
“I see that gleam in your eye Beth Giran, you’re not the least bit sorry,” he said. She smiled.
“You’re right, I’m not,” she said honestly. Dominick wrapped one arm around her waist, pulling her onto the bed.
“Well you should be. You might’ve caused a heart attack… I could’ve died. She kissed his forehead, running her fingers through his hair.
“Poor baby! Are you going to survive?” she asked mockingly.
“I’m not sure. That was terrifying,” he said, his face serious. She gave him a wry look, letting her hands slide down his back slowly.
“Really? If only I had known… I am truly sorry I scared you that much,” she murmured. Dominick nodded, pulling her into a long kiss.
“I think I can forgive you… it’ll be hard though,” he said when the kiss was over. She smiled, sliding her hands into the back pockets of his jeans. He moaned and rolled on top of her carefully. He started to unbutton her shirt, but her hands came over his.
“Wait a minute Dom,” she said.
“What’s wrong?” he asked. She shook her head and smiled.
“Nothing really. It’s just… being six months pregnant and making love aren’t really ideas that go together for me,” she said. He kissed her forehead.
“OK.”
“Are you upset?” she asked. He put his hands on either side of her face and kissed her deeply.
“Nope. Why don’t you get ready for bed while I take a shower? I was waiting until you got home.” She smiled.
“Thank you honey,” she said. He nodded, going into the bathroom and turning on the cold water.
Beth gave birth to a baby girl in September. They named the baby Abigail.
“Dom would you get me a clean pair of jammies for Abby?” Beth called. Dominick appeared moments later, carrying Seneca and the pajamas.
“There you go. Colleen is downstairs with your mother; she wants to go shopping for awhile.”
“Tell her she can go, but have Mom bring her back by seven,” she said. Dominick nodded, disappearing. Beth smiled down at Abby and gently tickled her stomach. The baby cooed as her mother picked her up. “Let’s get you into the tub.”
“Beth where are Seneca’s clean socks?” Dominick called.
“In the basket at the end of our bed!” she replied. She could hear him sigh, then walk into their room. Seneca was laughing.
“Seneca let go of Daddy’s hair,” he said sternly. She laughed, starting to wash Abby.
Late that night after all three children were in bed, Beth and Dominick sat in the living room with all the lights off and their arms around one another.
“I’m so tired, I could sleep for a year,” Beth murmured. Dominick nodded, rubbing her back.
“It was a hectic day wasn’t it?” he asked, stifling a yawn. She nodded and snuggled closer.
“It sure was. I think people must be crazy to be teachers. They must go nuts. We only have three kids… they have fifteen or twenty,” she said. He laughed.
“They aren’t that bad honey. I kind of like having them around,” he teased.
“So do I!” she exclaimed.
“I know. I’m just teasing,” he said, kissing her gently. She nodded, wrapping her arms around his neck. They kissed for a long time, and Dominick moaned softly when she pushed him away. “Don’t,” he said quietly.
“Don’t what?” she asked. He framed her face with his hands.
“Don’t pull away from me. I miss kissing you and holding you,” he said softly.
“I’m sorry,” she said. He shook his head, moving to kiss her again.
“Don’t be sorry. Just let me do this for awhile, it’s been along time.” She pushed him away again.
“Dom, don’t. I’m tired and I want to go up to bed,” she told him. He sighed but let her go.
“Go ahead. I’ll be up later,” he said. She looked at him for a moment, then turned away.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered. He didn’t answer, and she went upstairs.
The next morning Dominick was already gone when Beth woke up. She pulled on her robe and checked on all three kids. Colleen was gone, and so were her boots, so Beth assumed she was with her father. Seneca and Abby were still in bed. She went downstairs and poured herself a cup of coffee, thinking about the night before. Suddenly the front door burst open and Colleen raced in.
“Mommy, Mommy!” she called. Beth stood quickly, crouching down in front of her.
“What’s the matter Colleen?” she demanded. Colleen took a deep breath and wiped tears from her face.
“Daddy… daddy fell off in the woods and he wouldn’t say anything to me. I couldn’t get him to wake up. I rode back to get you, just like you taught me,” she said quickly.
“I want you to go find Meghan and tell her I need her to watch you guys,” Beth ordered.
“OK,” Colleen said, racing out the door again. Beth jogged upstairs and put on her clothes, then paced in the living room until Colleen and Meghan returned.
“What’s going on?” Meghan asked, her face concerned.
“I think Dominick is hurt out in the woods. I’ve called Cotey and Sam, but they aren’t home. If I’m not back in twenty minutes, send someone out to look for us,” she said. Meghan nodded and watched as Beth ran toward the barn.
Beth saw Dominick’s horse, Flying Change, standing off the trail. She rode over, gasping when she saw him. His face was bloody, and it was clear his head was bleeding. She swallowed hard, shaking old memories from her head as she dismounted.
“Dominic? Dom, answer me,” she said loudly. He didn’t stir. Beth took off her jacket and wrapped it around his head. The snow on the ground around him was turning red rapidly. “Dom I’m going back for some help. I’ll be right back I promise,” she said. She mounted quickly and galloped back toward the farm.
Beth, Cotey, Sam, Rachel, and Jim sat in the ICU waiting room. Dominick had been there for nearly six hours, and there was still no word.
“What could be taking so long?” Beth demanded, pacing back and forth. Rachel stood up, putting an arm around her friend’s shoulders.
“He’s going to be fine, I know he will,” she said. Beth shook her head.
“What if he isn’t? What if…” Rachel cut her off quickly.
“There are no what ifs. He’s going to be ok. Sit down with me until the doctor comes,” she ordered. Beth let out a breath and sat down between Rachel and Sam.
“Rachel’s right Bethy. If I know Dominick he’ll be out of here in no time,” he said. She attempted to smile.
“Thanks Sam,” she murmured. Someone clearing their throat made all five look up. A white-coated doctor was standing in the doorway, a clipboard in his hands.
“Mrs. Giran?” Cotey and Beth stood at the same time, both saying an eager “Yes?” The man smiled. ”I mean his wife Cotey,” he said. She laughed and sat back down.
“How’s Dominick?” Beth demanded.
“He’s still unconscious. He has good vital signs, and we’ve reduced the swelling and fluid on his brain. So far we see no signs of brain damage,” the doctor explained.
“Is he going to be alright?”
“We’re not sure yet. He might come out of it with no problems, but it’s still early. It’s touch and go until he wakes up.” Beth nodded, trying to stop herself from shaking.
“Can I go see him?” she asked. He nodded and everyone watched as he led her down the hall.
Almost a week later, Dominick was still unconscious. Beth sat beside his bed, tears falling slowly down her cheeks. Her head was resting on his stomach, and no matter how hard she tried she couldn’t make herself stop crying.
“Please don’t die Dom, I couldn’t take it,” she whispered through tears. Suddenly a hand touched the back of her head.
“I’m not going to die,” he said hoarsely. Her head came up, and when she saw his eyes open relief washed over her.
“Dominick? Oh my… thank God!” she exclaimed, putting her arms around him. He slid his arms around her and held her close.
“How long have I been here?” he asked. She was crying again, and couldn’t manage an answer. “Beth? Look at me for a minute Beth,” he said. She looked up at him and he put one hand on either side of her face.
“What?” she whispered. He shook his head, a smile spreading across his face.
“Nothing,” he replied, putting his arms around her again. She sighed and held on to him for dear life.
All three of the kids went to stay with Rachel in Virginia for a couple weeks while Dominick was recuperating. Beth helped him into bed, then jogged downstairs. Moments later she returned and handed him a glass of tea, and then started from the room again.
“Beth, wait a minute,” he said. She turned, smiling at him.
“What?”
“Is something the matter?” he asked, his face serious. She shook her head.
“Nope. I’m going to go downstairs and finish folding up the laundry. Call me if you need me,” she said.
“Alright,” he muttered, sighing deeply. She didn’t notice his distress as she went quickly from the room.
At around ten that night Beth went upstairs. She walked into their room and to their bathroom.
“I’ve gotta’ take a quick shower,” she said. He nodded but said nothing. He listened as the shower started, and as Beth sang softly. When the water went off he listened carefully. She was still humming. She appeared moments later, a white terrycloth robe tied around her waist. She was toweling her hair dry gently, and sat down in front of her mirror. Dominick watched her every move with concerned eyes. She returned to the bathroom and he heard the blow-dryer start. Fifteen minutes later she came out, her hair dry and in a ponytail.
“Are you done?” he asked. She nodded, smiling down at him.
“Yup. Do you want me to take this stuff downstairs?” she asked, motioning to the dishes.
“Whatever,” he said with a shrug. She nodded, picking up the tray and disappearing from the room. She returned moments later, the smile still on her face.
“I’ll sleep downstairs tonight. I wouldn’t want to hurt your leg or your side,” she said. He had stitches in his leg and several cracked ribs.
“Can I ask you a quick question?” he murmured. She nodded, her smile fading slightly.
“Sure.”
“Who are you and what have you done with my wife?” he asked seriously. She gave him a confused look.
“What do you mean by that? I’m still the same person,” she said. He shook his head slowly.
“No you aren’t. You’ve barely said two words to me all day, and you’ve hardly looked at me. You’ve also been wearing that stupid grin, and I can see right through it. What’s bothering you?” She shook her head.
“Nothing. I’m fine.” There was a long pause and then she continued, “I should change the bandage on your leg and head before I go downstairs.” She got the bandages and medicine and started to work on his head. When she was done she moved the covers aside so she could take care of his legs.
“Thanks,” he murmured, watching her hands work. She shrugged indifferently.
“You’re my husband Dom, this is no big deal,” she assured him. He nodded again. She finished and covered him up again, leaning down and giving him a quick kiss before saying, “Call me if you need anything.”
“I need you,” he said seriously. She glanced away and sighed.
“You need to get some rest,” she replied. He shook his head, looking at her hard.
“I know what I need, and it isn’t sleep. What’s going on with you?” She looked at him quickly and then looked away again.
“Nothing. I’m just tired, and I know you are. I just thought…” He cut her off, putting his hand on her knee.
“Don’t lie to me Beth,” he said, his voice quiet. She looked at him, opening her mouth to speak. “If you’re going to tell me you’re not lying, don’t tell me anything. I want the truth,” he said. She turned away again.
“I…I’m sorry,” she said finally, looking down at him. He shook his head.
“I don’t want an apology. Why are you acting this way?” he asked, his gaze concerned. She shook her head.
“I don’t know. Maybe I’m tired, maybe I’m just… I really don’t know,” she muttered.
“I want to hold you. I want to kiss you. I miss having you,” he murmured.
“I don’t know what to tell you,” she said honestly, shrugging. His hand slid off of her knee.
“Maybe you’re right. Maybe I should get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning Beth,” he muttered, rolling over carefully. She touched his side.
“Please don’t be mad Dominick. I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” she said, her voice shaking. He didn’t look at her right away.
“There’s nothing wrong with you,” he said, rolling over.
“Then why don’t I want to be close with you? Why don’t I want you the same way you want me?”
“Don’t you?” She took a deep breath.
“I’m not sure. Do you think I’m going crazy?” she asked. He shook his head.
“If you didn’t go crazy before, you certainly won’t do it now. There’s nothing wrong with you honey.”
“Do you still love me/” she asked. His face softened, and he wrapped his arms around her. She put her head on his chest, tears slipping down her face.
“I could never stop loving you… especially not for something this stupid. We’ll figure this out,” he promised, hugging her tightly. She nodded.
“I love you,” she said. He nodded, making her look up at him.
“I love you too. Stay here tonight… keep me warm,” he said. She nodded, sliding into bed beside him.
“Goodnight Dominick,” she said.
“Goodnight Beth.”
