41- A Solution
Beth Giran and her husband Dominick walked into Albany Airport. They were going to the Bahamas for several weeks to sort out some problems they’d been having. She held his hand loosely, carrying her suitcase in the other hand. Dominick glanced at her and smiled.
“I hope it’s nice down there, I want to spend some quality time on the beach,” he murmured. She nodded.
“I know what you mean. Let’s get our baggage checked, then we can go out to the jet.” They were using the Giran Family jet so they could have some privacy on the flight to the islands. They handed their baggage to the baggage claim people and then walked outside. They went into the jet, gasping when they felt the cool air conditioning hit their skin.
“Why have the air conditioning on in the middle of winter?” Dominick muttered. She shrugged, sitting down on the mini couch.
“Who knows. It’ll feel nice once we’ve been here for awhile,” she said, looking out the window. He nodded, watching as the flight crew closed the doors of the plane. They soon took off, and Beth was silent. Dominick sighed, vowing silently I’ll figure out what’s going on with you Beth.
The sun was shining brightly when they arrived in the Bahamas. They picked up their baggage and walked out to catch a cab. They got to the beach house and went inside. Beth took a deep breath.
“I love the smell of this place,” she murmured. Dominick nodded, taking her hand and squeezing it.
“I know exactly what you mean. Let’s get unpacked so we can get down to the beach for a swim.” She followed him to their usual bedroom and helped him unpack. After they finished they put on their swimsuits and went to the beach. Beth went into the water and dove under the waved. Dominick walked into the surf and sat close to shore. He watched her swim for awhile, then smiled when she turned to look at him.
“Aren’t you coming in?” she called. He shook his head.
“I’d rather sit and relax,” he replied. She swam in and then crawled to his side.
“Something the matter?” she asked. He shrugged, looking at her with serious blue eyes.
“Not really. I’m just trying to figure out what’s going on, that’s all.” She nodded, sitting next to him and putting her arm around his waist.
“I’m sorry,” she muttered. He shook his head and kissed her forehead gently.
“Don’t be sorry. We came down here to figure it out, not for you to be sorry.”
“Alright.” She stood and went back into the water, her smile reappearing. Dominick sighed again, trying to figure out what was the matter.
Dominick awoke at around two a.m. two mornings later. Beth wasn’t in bed with him, so he got up. He glanced out the patio door and saw her sitting on the beach. He smiled a little, going out into the warm night air. She didn’t hear him approach, so when his hands came over her shoulders she gave a little jump.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, looking up at him. He grinned, crouching down behind her.
“I could ask you the same question. It’s two in the morning Beth,” he said. She shrugged, leaning back against him. He was wearing only a pair of boxer shorts.
“It was midnight when I came down… I couldn’t sleep.” He nodded and sat down so she could lean fully against him.
“Do you mind if I keep you company?” he questioned.
“Nope. Do me a favor though?” He nodded and let his chin rest on the top of her head.
“Anything.”
“Would you hold me?” she asked. He nodded and slid his arms around her. She snuggled close, both of her arms hugging one of his. He smiled, stroking her side with his thumb. Soon she was asleep, and Dominick picked her up carefully.
“I knew you were tired,” he whispered, carrying her back up to the house. He laid her on the bed carefully and pulled the light blanket over her. She sighed and rolled over. Dominick smiled again, sliding into bed, pulling her close, and drifting off to sleep.
Dominick awoke later that morning, Beth still in his arms. She was wide awake, watching him sleep. She was smiling softly, and her hand was on his side.
“Morning,” she said. He smiled back at her, rubbing her back for a moment.
“Morning. What’re you so happy about?” he asked. She shrugged and touched his face gently.
“I don’t know. Do you want me to get up and start breakfast?” He shook his head slowly, putting one hand on her waist.
“No, I want you to stay here,” he replied quietly. Beth took a deep breath, sitting up slowly.
“Please don’t start this early in the morning,” she muttered. He sighed, sitting up and sliding his hands over her shoulders.
“I’m not starting anything. I’m just being honest. I’m not going to lie to you and tell you I’m fine with everything just to keep you happy. I’m not happy with the way things are.” She didn’t look at him.
“I’m sorry I’ve been such a burden to you,” she muttered, standing up quickly. Dominick watched as she rushed from the room, her hands covering her face.
“Beth!” he called, standing up and hurrying after her. She went into the bathroom and locked the door behind her. “Honey, come on,” he said, knocking on the door. After several minutes he tried the doorknob, surprised when it turned. He opened the door, but the window was open and Beth was gone.
He walked to the cavern and back, and saw no sign of Beth. Suddenly the barn caught his eye, and he went in slowly. He checked all six stalls, the tack room, and then went into the loft. He could hear her before he saw her, crying. He climbed the ladder and went to her, kneeling in front of her. He put his hands on her arms just below her shoulders. She gave a little jump, then brought her face up. Tears were running down her cheeks slowly, and a look of helplessness had filled her eyes.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered over and over again. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.
“Stop it honey. You don’t need to be sorry… I don’t need an apology,” he murmured. She didn’t stop, just clung to him helplessly.
Almost two weeks later Beth jogged down the beach, her hair pulled into a sloppy ponytail. It was sunny, hot, and humid, but she didn’t care. They had had yet another fight. Dominick was behind her, calling her name. They were almost to the cavern when he caught up, grabbing her arm. She tried to pull away.
“Stop it!” he yelled, holding her tightly and turning her toward him. “You can’t keep running away from this… from me,” he said. She was crying, not sure what to do anymore.
“I… Dominick, what’s the matter with me? Why don’t I want you anymore?” she asked.
“Why don’t you tell me? I’d love to know the answer to that one too,” he replied, releasing her. She paced in front of him.
“I love you… so much. I don’t know what’s going on with me, but it’s been ever since I got pregnant with Abby. I don’t know how to fix this though,” she said.
“Neither do I. What do you want me to do? Do you want me to go back home? Do you want to go home? Do you want to split up for awhile?” he asked.
“No, of course not! I just… I don’t know how to handle this. I have everything I’ve ever wanted, but I’m still hurting you. I just want you to be happy again.”
“You know what’s going to make me happy? Getting my wife back, having her love me again… having her in my arms and having her like it. I want you back,” he whispered. Tears filled her eyes all over again, and she moved closer.
“I still love you,” she whispered. He turned away and she stepped forward and put her hand on his upper arm. “Please don’t doubt that. I could never stop loving you,” she said. He sighed and turned to look at her, putting his arms around her waist.
“I don’t doubt that. I just doubt that I’ll ever have you back again… that scares me.” She nodded, letting her gaze drop.
“I miss you so much Dominick.” He nodded, sitting down in the sand and pulling her down beside him.
“I miss you too.” She let her head rest on his shoulder.
“I don’t want to fight anymore. I don’t know what to do to fix this, but fighting isn’t working. I’m sick of fighting.” He nodded again, pulling the rubber band out of her hair and running his fingers through the long curly strands.
“Neither do I. Let’s just sit here for awhile… let’s not talk about anything for awhile,” he suggested. She nodded, and they held each other as the sun set.
Dominick walked into their bedroom several days later, pulling his shirt off. He had been working in the barn, knowing that they were planning on bringing the kids and their horses down that summer for several weeks. Beth followed him, kicking her shoes off. She tugged off her jeans, then disappeared into the bathroom.
“Dom could you come here?” she called several minutes later. The shower was running and he walked in slowly.
“What?” he asked.
“Could you hand me the shampoo bottle? It’s on the sink,” she replied, poking her head out from behind the curtain. He handed her the bottle and she smiled.
“Thanks honey,” she said. He forced a smile and turned to leave.
“Don’t use all the hot water,” he said over his shoulder. She smiled.
“I won’t. If you’re that worried about it, there’s a whole ocean to clean off in,” she teased. He turned around, smiling mischievously.
“Why don’t’ I just come in there with you?” he demanded. She laughed, shaking her head.
“You’re crazy,” she muttered, her eyes twinkling. He nodded.
“You might be right,” he said. He kicked off his shoes and pulled off his socks, then got into the shower. He was still wearing his jeans, but he didn’t care. Beth gasped, staring up at him with disbelieving eyes.
“I didn’t think you’d actually get into the shower,” she said, trying hard not to laugh.
“Never think,” he said. She nodded, turning around and squeezing some shampoo into her hands. She worked it into a lather, then turned back around and tipped her head back. Dominick swallowed hard and then stepped forward. She felt his hands move onto her waist, but she tried to ignore him. He pulled her toward him gently and she came willingly.
“There’s still soap in my hair,” she whispered. He shook his head slowly.
“I don’t care,” he replied, leaning down and kissing her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he pulled her closer. He backed her up slightly, so her hair was under the running water. He let his fingers finish rinsing her hair, then let his hands slide slowly down her back.
“Dominick…” she whispered, tightening her grip. He pulled away slightly, smiling down at her.
“I love you. Tell me now if you want me to walk away,” he said seriously.
“I don’t want you to,” she replied, kissing his neck. Dominick turned off the water and picked her up, carrying her into their bedroom. He laid her down on the bed and moved on top of her.
“God I missed this,” he murmured, moving his kiss lower.
“We’re getting the bed very wet,” she told him breathlessly. He didn’t answer, just kept kissing. She swallowed hard and said, “Dominick did you hear me?” He nodded, pulling away long enough to look at her.
“I don’t care,” he replied, pulling off his jeans. She smiled, holding on to him for dear life.
The next morning Beth awoke, still in Dominick’s arms. He was sleeping, his chest rising and falling in a stead rhythm. She rolled over slowly so she was facing him, then kissed his shoulder gently. He didn’t stir, so she kissed his neck. He smiled, but didn’t open his eyes. She grinned, kissing his chest, then lower and lower… Dominick groaned, grabbing her upper arms and pulling her back up to kiss her.
“Good morning,” he murmured. She smiled.
“Let’s go swimming,” she said. He glanced at his watch.
“Beth, it’s four a.m.” She laughed and shrugged her bare shoulders.
“So? Come on, let’s go,” she said, getting out of bed. She wrapped a towel around herself and walked from the room. He smiled and followed. The water was very warm, and Beth swam around with ease. Dominick watched her, smiling.
“Are you coming?” she asked. He nodded, diving under a wave and going to her side. He put his hands on her waist, pulling her close.
“I love you Beth Giran,” he whispered, kissing her neck. She smiled, taking his face in her hands.
“I love you too. I’m still not sure what was wrong Dom. I can’t explain it. I just…” He cut her off with a kiss.
“Sometimes there isn’t an explanation sweetheart. Let’s just be thankful that things are ok now and enjoy our last two days here,” he said.
“Alright,” she said. He smiled, starting to kiss her again.
Colleen launched herself into her mother’s arms, and Seneca toddled toward them as fast as his chubby little legs would carry him.
“Mommy, Daddy!” Colleen exclaimed. Beth smiled, swinging Colleen into her arms. The little girl hugged her tightly, then reached for her father. Dominick took her and handed Seneca to Beth.
“Hi kiddo,” she said, brushing the little boy’s blonde curls from his forehead. Seneca smiled and then squirmed to be let down. Jason and Jess were standing not too far away, and moved forward for hugs.
“How were they?” Dominick asked. They both laughed.
“We’re too old for little ones,” Jason said. Jess nodded.
“They were a handful, but they were good,” Jess said. Beth smiled, glancing at Colleen. She was playing with some of her My Little Ponies, and Seneca was playing with two of his toy trucks.
“Thank you for taking care of them. If you want you can head out and have some time to yourselves. I know you’re probably ready for some quality alone time,” Beth said. Jason and Jess looked at one another and then nodded.
“We love them to pieces, but it’ll be nice to have a quiet house. We’ll see you tomorrow at the barn,” Jess said. Dominick walked them to the front door and then went back to the living room.
“I should start dinner,” Beth murmured. Dominick nodded.
“I’ll help you. Christmas is in another month. Santa better start thinking about presents,” he murmured, walking closely beside her.
“I know. We started shopping, but never finished. We have to look at ponies for Colleen, and find some more stuff for Seneca and Abby.”
“What do you want for Christmas?” he asked.
“Nothing much. Whatever you find that strikes your fancy… you’re always good at presents.” He smiled.
“Alright. Let’s get dinner going. Then we can get the three munchkins to bed.” She nodded, taking a frying pan out and starting the stove.
Beth finished putting Abby to sleep, then went downstairs. Seneca and Colleen were sitting with their father on the couch and he was reading them a story. He looked up and smiled at her.
“And they lived happily ever after,” he finished, closing the book. It was Colleen’s favorite, Cinderella. Seneca was already asleep, and Colleen’s eyes were starting to droop.
“Let’s get them up to bed, they’ve had a long day,” she said. He nodded, picking Colleen up. Beth took Seneca and carried him up the stairs. When they were both tucked in Beth and Dominick walked back downstairs. He started a fire in the fireplace, sitting on the floor and pulling her beside him.
“I missed our kids,” he murmured, kissing her neck. She nodded.
“Me too. I missed being here. The Bahamas are great, but I missed home.” He smiled.
“I definitely wouldn’t like to live there full time,” he agreed.
“Do you still want to go down this summer?” she asked. He shrugged, pulling her a little closer.
“Let’s worry about this summer when it gets here,” he said. She nodded, snuggling closer, glad that everything was solved.
