Rory

by James, Nicole

  When the girls came in the room and saw the empty space where the bed had been, their faces went white. Sasha asked, “Rory, what happened? Where’s Rayne?”

  “Is she having a C-section?” Carmen asked.

  Their eyes fell to the baby.

  “She couldn’t be having a C-section; the baby is right here,” Sasha stated in a foreboding voice. “Rory, where’s Rayne? Is she okay?”

  “Oh, God!” Carmen covered her mouth. “She’s not okay, is she?”

  Rory shook his head and looked up from his precious daughter with tears in his eyes. “I don’t know. Everything was fine; she’d had the baby, she even got to hold her. Then they were saying she was losing too much blood and her pressure was dropping. They raced her out of here. A nurse said she’d go find out what was happening for me, but she hasn’t come back….” His voice started shaking. “I-I don’t know what to do.”

  “Let me take Danielle,” Sasha said, reaching for the sleeping baby.

  Rory at first was reluctant to let her go but finally did. When Sasha had her, he bent forward, buried his face in his hands, and broke down. “I can’t lose her. I can’t. I just found her. We were just starting out…”

  Carmen rubbed his back. “She’ll be fine. They’re taking good care of her. I’m sure the nurse will be back any minute to tell you that everything is good.”

  “She’s been gone a long time.”

  “No.” Sasha shook her head. “It hasn’t been that long, you just think it has because you’re upset. You just called us ten minutes ago.”

  He shook his head. “No, they’ve been gone too long. Someone should have come back by now.”

  Jenna moved toward the door. “I’ll go find out.”

  When she was gone, Rory fell to his knees and prayed. “Lord, please don’t take her. I need her. The baby needs her. Please, Lord.”

  Down the hall they heard Jenna’s raised voice. “Then somebody better find out and get in there and tell that man what’s going on with his wife, and I mean now!”

  A few minutes later a nurse practitioner came in with Jenna.

  “Mr. O’Rourke?”

  He sat in the chair, his shoulders hunched and his head down. His elbows were on his knees and his hands clenched.

  When he heard his voice, he slowly lifted his head.

  “Sir, I’m Dr. Warren. I’m a nurse practitioner. I’ve checked on your wife. They’ve finished the procedure, and she’s doing fine. She’ll be moved to recovery shortly, and then you can see her. Dr. Harrison will be down to talk to you soon.”

  “Thank God,” Rory whispered.

  “Is there anything I can do for you, sir?”

  “The doctor—he’ll be here soon?”

  “Yes, sir. Probably within about fifteen minutes, I’d say.”

  “Okay. And she’s all right? You said she’s okay?”

  “Yes, sir. She’s doing fine. Dr. Harrison will give you all the details. Okay?”

  “Thank you. And the baby…”

  “A neonatologist will be down to check on her shortly. We’ve had a busy day, but I saw her just down the hall. She’s making her way to you.”

  “Okay. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” She nodded to everyone and left the room.

  Sasha put the baby down in the clear plastic basinet, and the girls encircled him.

  “Everything’s going to be fine,” Sasha said, rubbing his back.

  He ran his hand down his beard, took a deep breath, and murmured a thank you prayer to God. Then he stood and wrapped his arms around the girls in a group hug. “Thank you all for being here. Where’s Galen?”

  “He was getting something to eat in the cafeteria. I could hear in your voice something was wrong, and I didn’t want to upset him until I knew,” Sasha explained.

  Doctor Harrison walked in and the group stepped apart.

  “How is she?” Rory blurted.

  “She’s fine. Everything went well. She’s in recovery right now.”

  “I didn’t know what was happening.”

  “Sorry about that. I didn’t have time to explain; your wife was my priority at that moment. Whenever we’re dealing with blood loss and a drop in blood pressure, we have to take it extremely seriously.”

  “But she’s fine?” Sasha asked.

  “Yes, she’ll be back in her room soon.”

  After the doctor left, the neonatologist came in. She was a short Asian woman with a big smile. “Hello! I heard we had some commotion with this little one.” She bent to look at her, then turned and shook Rory’s hand. “I’m Doctor Cho. My specialty is newborns. Let me unwrap her and check her out. What’s her name?”

  “Danielle,” Rory murmured.

  She unwrapped Danielle from her blankets.

  “She’s wrapped up like a burrito,” Rory said, letting out a little laugh as relief washed over him that Rayne was okay.

  “Yes, we like to keep newborns swaddled tight.” She listened to her heart and lungs, took her temperature, felt her abdomen and checked her reflexes. Then she began wrapping her back up. “Watch what I do, Daddy. This is how you swaddle you’re baby.”

  He stepped over and studied what she did, folding here, and tucking there.

  She put Danielle in his arms and brushed her cheek with her finger. “Everything seems fine. She’s doing great. And when Mom comes back, she can try to breastfeed her. It’s very important to start as soon as she’s able. Okay?”

  Rory nodded. “Okay.”

  “I’m sure your regular pediatrician will be at the hospital in the morning making rounds and will check her out then. She’ll give you more information.”

  “Thank you.”

  She shook his hand. “Congratulations, Daddy!”

  When she left, Rory stared down at his beautiful baby and allowed himself the happiness that he’d been afraid to feel earlier. He couldn’t help but smile at her. “Hello, precious.”

  Chapter Thirty-one

  Three months later—

  Rayne cuddled against Rory’s back in the big king-size bed. She peered over his shoulder at the clock on the bedside table. 5:00pm. As soon as she’d gotten little Danielle down for her nap, they’d laid down and both immediately fallen asleep—something they hadn’t been getting a lot of recently.

  Rory was in town for the Denver stop of his tour that had recommenced six weeks ago. He’d only missed one show when the baby was born before a break in his tour had started. He’d planned the break around her due date so he could be home for a month with her and the baby.

  Now little Danielle was three months old and growing fast.

  Rayne was so excited for tonight’s concert. Rory’s family was all coming to town for it and would probably be arriving in about an hour. Sasha and Carmen were also attending, as well as her father.

  Rory had told her he’d wanted to make it a special night after nearly losing her—his words—and he wanted to make every moment count from now on.

  Her eyes moved to the chair across the room where the short silver cocktail dress was laid out. He’d picked it out for her at a stop in New York City and had brought it home in a big gift box. She’d been so shocked and excited when she’d pushed the pink tissue aside. He’d also bought shoes to match, jewelry, and a bottle of exquisite perfume.

  He really was spoiling her, and she had to admit, she loved every minute of it.

  Tonight would be the first night out for her since Danielle was born, and although she was nervous about leaving her with Jenna, who’d volunteered to babysit, she knew she needed some time out of the condo.

  Her figure had returned quickly. All the breastfeeding she’d done over the last few months had really slimmed her down. Now she had just weaned the baby off of breastfeeding.

  Rayne watched Rory sleep. He looked so peaceful, but she knew they had to start getting ready soon. She leaned down and began to kiss along his neck—soft, barely-there kisses.

  Rory woke up and rolled her under
him. He brushed the hair back from her forehead and stared down into her eyes. “Have I told you lately how much I love you?”

  She smiled. “All the time, honey.”

  “I want to make sure you know. I don’t ever want there to be anything left unsaid between us.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “You’re my world, my life, my everything, Rayne. And I don’t ever want to know what it feels like to come home and you not be here.”

  She squeezed his shoulder. “I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”

  He dipped and kissed the tip of her nose. “You better mean that.”

  “I do. I love you, and there’s no where else I want to be.”

  “I love you, too.” His eyes went over her head to the bedside clock, and he groaned. “We better go.”

  “Yes, your family will be here soon.”

  “I really don’t want to leave this bed, especially with the baby sleeping.”

  Right on cue, there was a tiny wail from the baby monitor on the nightstand.

  Rayne let out a soft laugh. “Hmm. She must have heard you.”

  “She and I have a special bond…kind of like mental telepathy. I talk about her, and she wakes up.”

  “Pretty special.”

  “Yup. We bonded close while I held her in that hospital room and prayed to God that her mommy would be okay.”

  Rayne nodded, her eyes glistening. “God must have listened.”

  “He did.” He kissed her again. “No tears. Today’s a happy day.”

  “Yes.”

  Rory got up as Danielle’s tiny wails grew more insistent. “Better go check on my little girl.”

  Rayne watched him slip on a pair of sweat pants that hung low on his hips and pad out of the room. Joy and happiness swamped through her, and she smiled.

  She got up, grabbed her dress and shoes, and slipped into the bathroom to dress.

  When she emerged a quick fifteen minutes later, Rory was sitting on the bed, with his daughter on his lap and talking to her. She stared up at him, taking in every word. “And then the princess let down her long lavender hair and the prince climbed up to the tower.”

  Rayne giggled. “What are you telling our child?”

  “Shush, woman. We’re having a talk, just the two of us, right, Danielle?”

  The baby laughed at the face he made, and Rayne’s heart melted a little more.

  It happened whenever she saw Rory with his daughter. The bond the two of them had was really something amazing. Oh, sure, Danielle still wanted Mama, but whenever she was really angry crying, it was Daddy who could always calm her tears.

  He bent and whispered something in her ear, and she laughed.

  Finally, Rory turned to look at Rayne, and his eyes traveled slowly down her body and back up. Then he whistled long and low.

  She smiled and did a little spin. “What do you think?”

  He stood and walked to her, Danielle tucked in his arm. “I think you’re one hot mama. Come here and give me some sugar.” He pulled her to him with his available arm and kissed her.

  Danielle laughed and reached for Mama.

  Rayne took her. “You better get dressed. People will arrive soon. What time do we need to leave?”

  “I’ve got to be there for sound check within the hour.”

  The front door opened, and Jameson yelled down the hall. “We’re here. Anybody home?”

  “I’ll go. You get dressed.” Rayne greeted Rory’s brothers and their wives.

  Jameson gave her a kiss on the cheek and stole the baby out of her arms. “Well, hello beautiful. How are you?”

  Danielle was still at the age where she would go to strangers, so she giggled and pulled his beard. He laughed then turned to Rayne. “We found your babysitter in the lobby, and she rode up with us.”

  Jenna came forward. “Let me see that cutie pie.” She tickled Danielle’s tummy, getting a big smile and giggle out of her.

  Everyone hugged Rayne, and Danielle was passed around. Eventually, the men drifted into the living room and the bar area.

  “So, where’s little brother?” Liam asked, popping open a bottle of beer.

  “He’s getting ready. We have to leave soon.”

  “Well, we’re ready. He’s the one holding up the show.”

  “I’m here.” Rory walked into the room, straightening the cuff of his dress shirt under the sleeve of his velvet blazer. His shirt was unbuttoned halfway down his chest, and he had several necklaces on. He wore black jeans and biker boots.

  “Wow. Don’t you look like a rock star!” Ava proclaimed.

  “What happened to the days when you used to get on stage in an old Brothers Ink t-shirt?”

  “Those days are gone, bro. I can afford nicer duds now. Besides I can’t wear grunge with a lady this beautiful on my arm, can I?” He put an arm around Rayne’s waist and drew her against his side.

  “No, sir, you cannot,” Max agreed. “You look gorgeous, Rayne.”

  “Thank you, Max.”

  Sasha and Carmen arrived just as the phone in the condo rang.

  Jameson answered it by habit. When he hung up he turned to Rory. “Well, aren’t you highfaluting.” Then he put on his best English butler accent. “Mr. O’Rourke’s limousine has arrived.”

  “Look who’s talkin’ highfaluting. Who was it that purchased a place in Westwood Towers? Oh, right… That’d be you!”

  Jameson laughed. “Yeah, then I unloaded it to my kid brother for a huge profit.”

  “Shut up and come on. We should all fit.” Rory moved to his daughter and kissed the top of her head. “Now you be extra special good for Aunt Jenna tonight, okay? Remember what we talked about earlier?”

  The baby giggled and slapped her hand on his cheek.

  Rayne gave the baby a hug and kiss, and they all rode down to the lobby.

  A big black stretch limo waited at the curb. The doorman held open the rear door, and Rory helped her in.

  Rayne had never been in a limousine before, and she slid across the leather seat, taking it all in. There were dim lights and a bar on the side with glasses and champagne.

  As they drove, Rory popped open the champagne and poured everyone a glass, passing them around. Then he lifted his glass. “I’m so happy you could all be here for the concert tonight. It really means a lot to me to have a family like this one. I appreciate that you made the drive in for this.”

  “To Rory,” Jameson said, lifting his glass.

  “And to Rayne.” Rory looked down at her at his side. “For giving me such a beautiful daughter.”

  They arrived at the arena and were driven underground to the loading dock entrance, away from groupies and fans. His tour bus was parked to the side. Rory was met by security that ushered him and his party to the dressing room area, handing each of them all-access badges to wear around their necks.

  Tommy and the band were already there.

  Rory kissed Rayne and turned to one of the security team. “Get her anything she wants, understand?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “I’ll be back before they open the doors out front,” he told Rayne, then gave her one more kiss and left with his band.

  When they were gone, the guys all sat on the couches and someone flipped on a television on the wall. There were beer and wine and soft drinks and water, as well as a bunch of snacks and little sandwiches.

  ***

  At just before 9:00pm, Rory had Rayne by the hand, and he led her and the group down the hall to the stage. It was incredibly loud, and she was glad for the little earplugs they’d all be given.

  They walked up a set of stairs and stopped just off stage, behind some curtains. The stage had been flipped from the opening act to Rory’s setup.

  The lights dimmed, and the crowd roared expectantly.

  Rory pulled her to him. “You look beautiful tonight. Stay right here, promise? I want to look over and see you.”

  She smiled and nodded. “I will. Have a good show.”

  He kiss
ed her and walked on stage with the band and the crowd roared again.

  It was very powerful to see them cheering for her man, the father of her child, and she realized all over again that he was a star, and she would always have to share him with these people who also loved him.

  The show was long and powerful and eventually was nearing the end. Rory played the last notes of a song, and then went right into the song he’d written for her. A Song for Rayne. At the first few notes, the auditorium erupted as he played his biggest hit.

  Seeing him preform it in person was powerful, and she saw the way it moved the audience, too. Lighters and cell phones came on and began to sway. It was magical.

  Rory turned and looked at her, twisting his whole body to the side and singing to her the last few lines of the song. When it ended, the crowd roared approval.

  As the cheers died down, Rory spoke into the microphone, and the auditorium grew silent.

  “Tonight’s date is special to me. You see…a year ago tonight I sang a karaoke song in a bar with a girl.”

  Rayne went still inside and pulled the earplugs out, wanting to hear every word clearly. The crowd cheered, and Rory turned to them, smiling. “Maybe some of you have seen the video.”

  Laughter erupted in the audience.

  Rory continued, turning to stare at her. “She’s here tonight, and I’m hoping she’ll sing it with me. Especially since I wrote a song for her. How about it, Rayne?”

  When the crowd heard her name and realized who she was, they went crazy.

  She felt a palm on her shoulder. “Go on, girl,” Jameson said in her ear.

  She felt lightheaded as she moved slowly on her heels out from behind the curtain. She had no idea this was going to happen, but when she glanced back at the group of her friends and family, she realized it must have been planned because they all seemed like they knew. Not one of them looked surprised.

  Rory met her halfway and held his hand out. She took it, and he walked her to the microphone. He leaned in to talk into it, his eyes locked on her. “Isn’t she beautiful?”

  There was another round of applause and cheers. She could hear Rory’s brothers off stage whistling and yelling. She stood there, mesmerized and a little terrified and forgot why she was out there until she heard his band play the first notes of Shallow.