After Iris sat down the drinks she left saying she had some things to do. As soon as she left Sue, after a sip of tea said, “Ron I’ll be frank with you. Florida was both nice and horrible. I’ve never been talked to before like that in my life. I don’t have any experience with this sort of thing. I really don’t know how I feel about you and I, but I can say this, you are a great guy and whether or not it was real or not real, time will tell. I love my home here and intend to stay here with Iris and Amy. I will continue my writing and with a heavy heart, right now I don’t want to live with you. You may come when the baby is born and we will see from there what happens, but I’m sightless and can’t see people who are deceiving me so I will retreat to my house and live like I used to.”
This really wasn’t the way he thought it would be, but like the intelligent man he was said, “Sue you’ve left me no room to negotiate, if that is the right word, and it appears that nothing I could say will change your mind. I will respect your wishes and when the baby is due I will call so you can give me a date when it is close to delivery time, I’ll be there. Thanks for the coffee and seeing me. I can’t apologize for my mother for that is for her to do if and when it comes to pass. My father is very upset and is taking some measures to right the wrong she cast upon you.” Ron circled the table and kissed her on the top of the head and said very softly, “I love you Sue with all my heart and soul.”
As he turned and walked away, he glanced back and saw tears running down her face. Amy had come up to him and he gave her a hug, leaving with his head down not because of the light snow beginning to fall, but because he never felt this low in his life including the time when he was on the streets.
The next eight months passed quickly for Sue and slowly for her husband Ron. Ron went to Argentina, bought a ranch and learned how to ride a horse. One reason was to keep learning photography and the high mountains with clear air provided him with vistas of delight. Most of his time was spent exploring the mountains with a side kick named Amigo. Amigo wouldn’t tell him his real name, but lucky for Ron the guy had worked for an American for years before the guy gave it up and went home. Now this grizzled old man took him places that few had seen before. Ron took hundreds of pictures and sent them to Buenos Aries for development. Nights he spent organizing them and casting off the ones he didn’t like. His staff took the cast offs and hung them framed on the wall of their own houses. Ron’s reputation grew as word spread he was a famous photographer selling his photos to magazines. Nothing could be further from the truth as he had no intention of showing off his work to some yuppie that would sit and criticize them.
Secretly he longed for his own publication featuring his wife’s writing and his photos. But as the months slipped by he began to lose that dream along with the hope of being with Sue again. Then one cold morning he woke to the wonderment of what month it was. He mentally counted off till her reached eight months after conception. Stupid him he forgot the day or close day of when they figured conception occurred. He racked his brain and came up with the end of June was the due date. He hollered at Amigo and asked him what the date was. Amigo shook his head and said, “Boss it the twenty second of June.”
Ron yelled to get the truck ready and they were off to the big city. Amigo ambled out the door to get the SUV ready and soon, bag in hand, Ron and Amigo headed for the airport. Ron called from the airport to Sue’s cell and she answered on the first ring. He thought she sounded happy to hear him and told him she was due in a week’s time, if the doctor was one to believe. He told her he was on his way and would be there in two days time.
After they hung up, she wondered why it would take two days to get there, but she had her hands full with the baby wanting out. She and Iris had made a nursery out of a spare bedroom, well mostly Iris, and with Iris telling her colors and detail Sue had a good idea of what it looked like. Sue had refused an ultra sound to determine sex and whatever came was good enough for her. Up until a few weeks ago she had been writing most of the time on her novel; in addition to her articles. Iris became more than a friend and Sue helped her by sending money and gifts to her family in the Philippines.
The days were hot and after such a long bleak winter they walked in the park everyday feeding the ducks and assorted birds. Her doctor told her she was a little narrow in the hips and if it was too narrow, they would have to do a cesarean. Sue listened and told her doctor that do what is safe for the both of them.
The day she went into labor Ron landed at SeaTac International. Almost thirty hours since he left and he was beat. He checked into the Hilton and called Sue’s cell. Iris answered saying Sue was in labor at the hospital and Ron asked for the name and address. He jumped into the shower and changed clothes. He taxied to the hospital where he found Iris in the waiting room rather calm. She took him to Sue’s room where she was going through contractions, but some hours yet before she would deliver he was told.
Ron walked in softly as she looked like she was sleeping. He saw her condition and wanted to lay his head on her stomach and listen while she rubbed his head like in the past. He moved to her side and reached for her hand. Upon touching her warm hand which felt as delicate as he remembered a smile formed on her lips and a squeeze back to his hand. She never opened her eyes, but said, “I guess I missed you Ron Filbert. I wondered where you went the day you left.”
“I went to South America and bought a cattle ranch. Why, I have no idea, but when I went to the airport that day, I saw the departure for Argentina and I booked a one way south. But that is another story and how are you?” Just then a contraction hit and he had to wait until it passed before she spoke again saying, “I’ve been writing a lot and Iris and Amy we walk in the park enjoying the familiar sounds and smells I am so used to.
“How long you been in labor,” he asked.
“I’m not sure. They took away my watch and I have no idea. Seems like days, not hours. The doctor says I might be able to give birth due to my narrow hips, so you might have to sign for an operation.” Ron squeezed her hand and then a flood of tears fell from his eyes dripping on the metal frame of her bed. One tear splattered onto her arm and she stretched up to wipe his face with her long fingers. She said, “Why are you crying. I’m fine and so is the baby.”
Ron dropped his head to the rail and through sniffles he said, “I miss you so much and love you even more. Now that I’m here, well, I think you know how I feel.”
“Yes, Mr. Filbert I do. After the baby comes we will talk more about it. Now I’m a little tired and need a rest between contractions.” Ron kissed her forehead and left wiping his nose with the back of his hand.
Back in the waiting room with Iris, Ron sat down heavily exhaling a bunch of air with a sigh. Iris sat with him waiting for him to speak. She wanted to tell him Sue still loved him and now that he was home, all was well. After a few minutes Ron looked at her and said, “Iris thanks for being with her. I’m not thanking you just because I wasn’t there, but as person and her friend which was what she needed.”
“Mr. Filbert, Sue loves you a lot and you must be patient as the baby delivery is not going to be an easy one. The doctor said it will strain her heart and he really would like it best if she accepted the operation sooner rather than later. Now this information scared the shit out of Ron and he left to find the doctor and maybe convince Sue to accept the cesarean operation. Ron found the doctor talking to the baby nurses and introduced him as Sue’s husband. The doctor immediately told him the seriousness of the coming delivery and if he could convince his wife to have it cesarean it would be better for baby and mother too.
Ron almost ran back to Sue’s room where he woke her gently whispering in her ear sweet words of love. She woke up and rubbed his stubble and listened to what he and the doctor talked about. She said, “Honey, I can’t argue with the doctor and by your tone of voice, I’d best agree to what you both advise.” Ron breathed a sign of relief and with a hug and kiss headed back to the doctor to sign the paper authorizing a cesa
rean operation.
Two hours later, Ron in the delivery room dressed like a doctor, but without the tool kit, saw his baby girl born. The doctor gently laid the little girl on Sue’s stomach and through a drug induced state she tried to hold the slippery little girl. The doctor told her to wait awhile and soon the baby would be in her arms. Ron stood there like statue and not from the sight of blood, but for happiness collapsed on the floor. Laughter ensued and soon smelling salts brought him around. He’d hyperventilated and was asking where his wife went when he came back from the dark. They used a wheelchair for him and soon he was standing by his wife’s bed while she slept. Hours went by and he still stood there with Iris watching TV and he holding his wife’s sweaty hand. He wasn’t about to let go after all this time. The doctor had came by twice and told him she was fine and baby too. Ron felt a new lease on life and vowed standing there he would never take her somewhere without her full knowledge of where, who and for any other reason he could think of.
Finally she woke up groggy and with sleepy look he well remembered, hair askew, looking utterly beautiful with a touch of rose color in her cheeks and with very kissable lips he said, “Welcome back honey. If you don’t remember, it’s a little girl and is fine and the doctor says you are fine too.”
She said, “Honey if you don’t loosen your grip on my hand I might lose it,” and she smiled and went back to sleep. Ron took the opportunity to call his father with the news. Ron for the first time noticed it was growing dark out and it was late back east. Father picked up the phone and Ron gave him the news. His father was elated and told him so. He asked what her name was and Ron said that hadn’t been decided yet or he didn’t know. Father asked him where he’d been and Ron gave him a thumbnail sketch of what he’d been doing. Father then told him his mother was in a care center where they lived for two weeks and then group counseling three days a week thereafter. For two days a week she met a personal physiologist one hour a day. “Son, she is a new person, but still has along ways to go. I will keep you informed. By the way, your friend found the hand in the cookie jar and the head accountant is now facing embezzlement charges. Thanks and good luck with the new grandbaby. We look forward someday to see her. Stay in touch and we love you and all of you for that matter.”
Ron wouldn’t leave Sue’s side. First he tried sleeping in a hard chair and then thought the floor a better spot. Iris found a blanket and covered him up. Nurses came and went checking on Sue, until Iris fell asleep curled up in matching chair made hard so people wouldn’t stay long visiting.
Ron woke up early when the lights came on for a check on his wife. Sue was talking to the nurse as Ron slipped out to find the restroom. A little later after a spit and polish, he hurried back to her room only to find her fast asleep. Iris suggested he find some fresh clothes and a maybe a bath. Ron nodded his head and told her he would be back later. He walked down to the nursery to see his little girl and the nurse, after he pointed at her last name on the crib, picked her up and brought the baby to the window. To Ron she looked like any other baby and smiled anyway thanking the nurse.
Four hours later he was back after a shower at the hotel, ordering clothes from a men’s shop, a haircut and shave; no more pony tail for him, he drove back to the hospital to find his wife sitting up a little wide awake. The first thing that hit him was fear of rejection and slowly moved to the side of her bed. Sue felt it was him and he said, “Good morning and how are you feeling,” in a voice he didn’t recognize as his own.
Sue held out her hand welcoming him with a big smile and said, “Why Mr. Filbert, nice of you to come see me.” Ron didn’t know if she was toying with him or serious. She went on to say, “Have you seen our baby yet?”
“Yes, and if I had to choose which one of all the babies, except for a black one or Asian one, I would fail the test.”
Sue laughed and said, “Iris would you excuse us for a few minutes, I need to speak to Ron.” Iris nearly jumped out of her skin and left to look at her new charge. After she left in her serious voice said, “I’ve had eight months to think about us and our short time together. Never mind about Florida; it’s in the past and blocked from my fond memories of prior to going there.” Ron’s heart was in a location yet to be determined, but he did know his knees were shaking. Sue went on, “Well, what do you think we should do with our marriage?”
After what seemed a day or two, Ron asked, “Will you have me back?”
Sue for the first time toyed with him by saying, “Do you want to come back or are you happy somewhere else?”
Ron said with tears running down his face once more dripping onto the bed and her arm as he held her hand, “I love you so much and if you sent me away again, well I would understand, but not like it one bit. I want to spend my life with you and if you allow me to come back and share our lives together I promise to behave as you wish.”
Sue felt sorry for him and knew he had tears flowing and said, “Honey give me a hug, but not too hard.” Ron gave her a small hug feeling her small lithe body through her hospital gown and then buried his head in her neck as the past smell of her filled his whole being. The next thing he heard was when she asked, “Ron honey, when do we leave for Switzerland?”
Chapter XXII
Back in their home, Ron after two months felt they were ready to go to Switzerland. He’d made arrangements for the motor home to come north and the van sat in the driveway behind the motor home. The architect had tied the former garage and house together creating a wide concrete space for parking. The garage was split in half on the inside with Sue father’s work displayed in front and a guest room behind a wall. The house itself on the outside remained much the same except in the back where a sliding door led to a patio for BBQ. It was covered of course due to the wet climate. Inside the kitchen was expanded towards the back of the house and now gleamed in ultra modern stainless steel with marble counters and floor. Living room much the same with new carpet and hardwood walls with the fireplace a new front and a large hearth. The other rooms were in the same motif with dark brown carpet and each room had a different hardwood paneling. The master bedroom contained a queen size bed, due to its small space whereby the bathroom held a new large bathtub and walk in shower. The whole house was warm and cozy. Sue’s computer room remained the same only the windows were changed to let in more light. Of course all the windows were replaced in thermal panes to ward off winters wrath.
Ron simply could not get enough of his daughter. Sue named her after her grandmother: Sue Ann. Ron loved to feed her, Sue just didn’t produce enough milk, and he always commented on her gurgling sounds and grunts while sucking down the formula. Also he liked giving her a bath in the large kitchen sink, which irritated the new cook to no end. The new cook and Iris shared a bedroom and both being from the Philippines shared in their own culture during the day talking their own language.
Sue recovered quickly and began writing again with a flurry. The doctor from Switzerland requested a sample of her blood sent to him and now they waited to hear back when they should pack up and go. Iris would go of course, but the cook, Lydia would stay home taking care of the house.
A month after coming from the hospital, Ron’s father came to Seattle on the pretense of business. He stayed in the guest house and if he was tending to some business, it must have been at night as all day long he stayed inside the house enjoying his three day visit. It was only on the first day he talked to Ron about his mother when Sue was out of ear shot. He told him she was doing much better and life around the house with the servants happy told him she was coming along well. Rod told him he was happy for that and cautioned on bringing Sue in contact in the near future. Ron’s father nodded his agreement, with a sad look on his face.
It was September the first when the doctor called from Switzerland scheduling the interview when they arrived. He told them not to book a hotel as behind his clinic they had rooms for patients and family. After hearing the news, Ron was on pins and needles, but Sue was calm and
serene. Travel arrangements were made and this time they left Amy home with the cook.
****
Helmut Schmidt stood with a smile on his young face holding a piece of cardboard with Filbert written on it as Ron gathered their bags from the airport baggage claim. Sue was hanging on his arm and Iris had Sue Ann in a front pack for ease of the use of hands. After introductions were made, Helmut led them to a waiting small van to take them to his clinic and their rooms. Outside it was a cloudy day threatening rain at any moment, but no one from the USA paid any attention. Helmut helped with the luggage and introduced his associate and partner then they drove to Old Town Bern.
As it was early morning in Bern, Helmut told them to take a rest and he would call on them at lunch time for a first meeting. To Ron he appeared to be a man of few words, but very friendly and his English was almost fluent. All lay down on antique beds and went fast asleep, including Sue Ann.
Ron woke up first an hour before noon. Sue was sleeping soundly and after almost a year he gazed upon her loveliness with desire. Their love making had returned increased by their love for one another. Ron slipped out of bed to the sounds of an old steam radiator making sounds of a struggle to produce much heat. He wondered, while walking to the bathroom, how cold it was in this room when the temperature dropped with ice building on the insides of the windows. The whole place was clean and spotless as he pulled back the hanging shower curtain and turned on the water. He nearly froze waiting for hot water thinking it might be coming from nearby France or Germany across the Alps? Finally it got steamy hot and he relished the shower from the sticky ride in the airplane. He’d just finished soaping his short hair when Sue came in asking if there was some room for her. Ron said, “If you like cozy, then come on in.”
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