"Of course."
Raoul turned to his wife. "Darling, are you up to going to the hospital?" he asked as he put his arms around his wife. "Your friend is in a bad way and Carl wants to see you. I'm certainly not letting you go alone. It might not be the perfect timing, but I owe that man an almighty apology." He put his hand to her face. "I owe you one too, sweetheart. If it takes the rest of my life, I will make it up to you." He kissed her softly. "Go and change, my love."
...x...
They walked into the hospital hand-in-hand and found a weary disheveled Carl sitting bleakly in the little anteroom off his wife's special care unit. His head lay in his hands, but as he heard them come in, he looked up and stood to greet them. His eyes became wary when he saw Raoul's tall figure in the doorway. Kris ran forward and hugged her brother, although across the top of her head, the two men eyed each other.
Raoul's deep voice hesitated as he nodded his head. "We have not formally met, and I owe you a great apology. However, now is not the time to talk of such matters, there are more important things to discuss. How is your wife?"
Carl was terribly emotional as he clung to Kris. "They just told me that she's going to be all right. Oh, Kris, she's going to be okay."
Unashamed, he wept on her shoulder, releasing all of his tension.
After a while, he calmed down. "She's been asking for you, but I couldn't find you at your house. I am sure they'll let you in for a minute, and that will calm her."
"Of course." Kris stepped to the door leading to the sick woman's room and paused, turning her head. Strangely, the events that were unfolding outside of Angela's room moved her, and she soon realised that it took big men to behave as they were doing. She would leave the two men to face each other and talk.
Kris turned and knocked quietly on Angela's door. A masked nurse opened it and allowed her to come in.
Another nurse bent over the still form in the bed. Hesitantly, Kris stepped up to her bedside.
"Only a minute," the nurse whispered. "She's dead beat and we want her to sleep."
Kris was shocked at the sight of her brother's wife, usually so pretty and lively. She was ghostly pale with a haunted look in her black-rimmed eyes. Exhaustion showed in the skin drawn taught against her fine-boned cheeks. Tears started to well as she looked over at Kris.
"Shh, don't cry, or they will send me away." Kris took the limp hand, bent over the girl, and kissed her feverish forehead. "We will get you out of here in no time, you'll see. Once you're home, we'll get you fed and have you bouncing around again. The kids are fine and send their love. They're having a ball with PJ, and Almeira is feeding them as if they were Ethiopians. We'll take Carl home with us since he's too tired to drive -- he needs some shut-eye, too."
The girl smiled a little.
Kris continued, "I'll get some fresh things for you first thing in the morning. After a good night's rest, you'll feel like a new woman, you'll see."
Angela's eyes brimmed over with her tears of sorrow. "But my baby, Kris...it was a little boy, he was so--"
"Hush now." She gathered the girl close. "Try not to fret, you are young and strong, and I am sure there are plenty more babies for you when you are well." She sent up a silent prayer, hoping they had not told her otherwise.
Her heart raced at her own turn of events. She felt guilty that she was feeling as though she were floating on cloud nine when Angela was so destitute.
The girl relaxed a little. "You are a good friend, Kris, thank you."
Her eyes were heavy and her voice started to trail away as the pain drugs obviously started to take effect. Kris stood silently by the bedside, holding Angela's hand until she drifted off. Silently, she tiptoed out of the room.
The two men -- deep in conversation -- stood exactly where she had left them. They turned as she neared. With a woman's intuition, she knew things were all right between them.
Her newfound confidence prompted her to say, "Come on, you two, it has been a long day...and night. We all need some food and sleep. I promised Angela you would come home with us, Carl. You are in no fit state to drive, so don't argue. Go and kiss her quickly, she's almost asleep and I'm sure you won't be called back tonight. But if you are, we'll bring you. If you guys want to talk, you can do it at the house. Come on."
She marveled at the ease with which she took their arms, and how different the situation had been twenty-four hours before.
...x...
Raoul poured Carl a stiff whiskey. After Almeira's simple supper of scrambled eggs and mushrooms, they realised how fraught the day had been and agreed to retire and talk in the morning.
Kris led Carl to the guest room. "You'll find everything you need, big brother, so you get your head on that pillow and have a good sleep. I know you'll be up early wanting to see Angela, and I'll be ready to take you back to the hospital. Things are going to be fine, you'll see. You'll help Angela through her loss and before you know it, she'll be pregnant again." She kissed him gently. "Try not to think too much and get some shut-eye, you don't look your debonair self right now. Oh, feel free to use the phone whenever you want." She paused at the door. "I'll talk to you tomorrow. I have to say, it is plain to see that things have been great between Raoul and me -- it's almost unbelievable. Goodnight, big bro." She smiled and was relieved to see him smile slightly in return.
When she reached the landing she hesitated. Raoul stood beside her in an instant and guided her to his room. Closing the door, he gently drew her to him.
"You have also had a long day, little girl, and it's time you went to bed, too." As he kissed her softly, his hands started to undress her. She stood, unresisting -- her eyes closed -- and enjoyed the soothing feeling of her man's ministering.
He pulled back the covers on the bed and she obediently sank naked onto the cool sheets. Lazily, she watched him move around the room. Though she was tired, when he turned out the light and his body slid beside hers in the velvety darkness, the enormous joy at their sudden understanding rose within her. Reaching over, she twined her arms around him. Her lips found the soft skin where his strong neck met the expanse of his broad shoulders. Arching her body against his, she shivered at the contact.
"I'm a terribly lucky woman and a very happy one," she whispered softly.
Kris took his large hand and smoothed it over her tummy, the rough pads of his fingers sending a sensual delight through her body. Caressing his lips with her own, she pulled him closer and murmured, "Sweetheart, make our baby a love baby. Let our baby know you truly want him or her."
Raoul needed no further urging. His body was already aflame with the need for her touch. As she rolled onto her back, he gently slipped into her, moving softly as he held her tight, his words were warm against her ear.
"My sweet one, I love everything about you. I nearly became demented when you ran away. I know I've hurt you, and still you are here -- I am the happiest man alive. You are mine, and unbelievably you love me. To prove it, you are holding the most precious thing I could ever have within you. Of course I want this baby, and I will love it with all my heart. Oh, Kris...."
As the rhythm of their lovemaking reached a crescendo, he cried out again and again, "I love you! Oh, God, how I love you, Kris...my Kris...." In all of her life, Kris had never dreamed of anything like this. Kris was totally in love...and loved. As her man cried out, she was swept along on a great wave of emotion that left her exhausted, clinging together in the aftermath of their passion. She also realized that the heights of feeling she had just experienced could only come when you and your lover were totally committed to one another.
Lying awake as dawn was stealing into the room, she felt Raoul stir and knew he was awake, too. She snuggled closer and they started talking in low tones.
After a while, she pulled slightly away. "Raoul, there is something I have to ask you, and you must be honest with me. What does Isabella mean to you? I was told that you would marry her and the da Costa-Metier Empire would be joined for vast financial
gain, not to mention personal ones. I have nothing to offer you except myself. All of the times you were with her, I died a thousand deaths thinking she was in your arms."
"Hush, my love. It is important that da Costa and Metier merge. Philippe and I have a fantastic working arrangement, and Isabella likes to think that she is also a part of the negotiations. But, quite simply, she is an airhead and has nothing to bring to the party...except her money.
"After Anne's accident, I was like a robot. I've known the family all my life and they helped me through the bad times. It became a habit to have her around. It was also a buffer against the matchmakers."
He pulled her even closer. "Then you came along and everything turned upside down for me. Isabella doesn't love me -- Isabella loves Isabella, and becoming a Metier was like adding a jewel to her already jeweled crown. You came along and ruffled her feathers and suddenly her plans seemed to be going awry. I'm a funny son-of-a-bitch sometimes, as you no doubt will agree." He kissed her gently and smiled when she blushed. "I had become used to living in my own world of business, and I didn't pay much attention to her and her prissy ways. Basically, she was there...decorative and cold; it was a convenient set-up. She resented my love for PJ, yet had no intention of doing anything about it."
As he talked, Kris felt warm and comfortable, safe in his arms.
"Before she met you, I think Isabella thought that hiring a governess was a good idea. Now, I don't think she'd ever entertain the idea again. Besides, to her, PJ was an irritation, and with a governess to take care of her, she'd be out of her way. But when she saw how you related to her -- which pleased me, by the way -- and how competent and popular you were, it unnerved her. As I said, we were a habit. We were Isabella and Raoul -- invite one; you invite the other. I gave it little attention, as my own hurts and affairs made up most of my day.
"She's piqued at the moment and has to save face by protesting how hurt she is, how she loves me. I've let her down, and yet, deep down she knows that I've never loved her. If she were honest, she'd say I bored her by devoting most of my time to business. I bet my bottom dollar that she will find some super-rich beau before long. Don't forget she is a social butterfly and needs constant amusement. Now that I am out of the way, she will be hunting again soon, and believe me there are many suitors out there who desire her unique assets.
"I've known her for years, and will always have certain affection for her, but you must never harbour jealous thoughts. I have never loved her. If I had, I would have married her long ago. This way, the da Costa-Metier merge will go on as planned and, hopefully, she will stop trying to play business tycoon and leave Philippe and I to get on with things."
He gathered her closer into his arms. "I have a new life stirring in me and a beautiful and talented wife to pamper. I have a beautiful and stable daughter, and a new baby not far away. I am for damned sure not going to let business, or anything else, stop me from sharing all their joys and sorrows. I will be there for them, spoiling them, loving them and never letting them get far away. Oh, Kris, I love you." She put her face close to his, and as his lips brushed hers, she believed and trusted him implicitly.
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Chapter Twenty-Six
Angela made a good recovery. After a couple weeks of rest, good food, and indeed good company, the haunted look left her face. She especially brightened when the doctors told her that she could go home soon, and that within a couple of months, she could start trying for another baby. It was the best news of all -- they didn't anticipate any problems to reoccur.
When she was strong enough, Kris told her of her own baby. Angela's congratulations were genuine, without any pain or jealousy.
The ice had been broken while Angela was sick, but the two men had not left things that way. They agreed to talk things over in Raoul's study as soon as possible. Indeed, their talk sounded like a thrash judging from the raised voices Kris heard as she passed the door. It had served its purpose. Both men, strong-willed and pig-headed, were reasonable, and the result was a grudging respect for each other.
To start with, when Angela came out of hospital, they decided that they should all stay with Kris and Raoul. She couldn't believe how civil the two of them seemed.
Within a day or two, Kris noticed a change in the men's attitude to one another. When she saw them amiably wandering off towards the beach together, she was delighted. In the late afternoon the two men would sit sipping cocktails on the verandah, chatting as if they had been friends forever. Kris had watched them covertly and marveled at how fast circumstances could change.
...x...
During the last months of her pregnancy, she was amazed at the change in Raoul, as well. He looked vital and alive and the years seemed to have slipped from him. He hated having her out of his sight, but he still had his business to see to. However, he seldom stayed away, or else they traveled together. He now wanted the whole world to know that he was married to the most beautiful woman in the world. Most of all, he wanted them all to know how overjoyed he was at the prospect of becoming a father again. Luke jokingly said that he liked him better this way, mainly because his business zest returned along with boundless energy -- the staff had to work overtime just to keep up. Overall, Luke was delighted that the two of them were happy and, naturally, thrilled to see his cousin like the old Raoul he had known before his wife's accident...hard working, approachable, considerate. And above all, human.
They had decided to stay put now that Kris' time grew near, and Raoul took time off to be with her. He had achieved more business and accomplished more work than he ever did before after he'd marrying her. He laughed when he told her that she was obviously a mixed blessing to the staff.
Raoul's previously sardonic manner had softened, and his sense of humour and fun increased. Mrs. Cree, who observed the change in him at first, mentioned it to Kris one morning when she had called to check in. As they had a companionable cup of tea in the kitchen together, they chatted.
"I haven't seen Raoul like this since he was a young man. I told you to be patient with him and things would work out. I'm glad to see that I was right." She laughed and added, "My dear, it does my heart good to see you both happy -- to say nothing of PJ who's positively blooming."
Later that day, Kris sat under an umbrella on a lounger. The hot and humid weather was uncomfortable and heavy. PJ was in the pool and Raoul had come out of the house, bronzed and fit, the white bathing trunks setting off his fine physique. She watched him as he walked towards her and marveled ruefully at the difference in their shapes...she shifted restlessly.
He bent to kiss her cheek, his hand rested easily on her swollen stomach. "How are the both of you? You look beautiful, my darling. Pregnancy obviously suits you. Maybe we will have to keep you this way." He laughed and ducked out of the way as she tried to slap him.
"Go and cool down, you animal."
He dived easily into the pool and started chasing PJ who giggled helplessly and tried to swim away.
Kris sat there watching her new family and reflected over the past months. It seemed that they all had blossomed in the atmosphere of love and fun and hard work. PJ was a contented, outgoing, normal little girl. Raoul was full of strength with unbounded energy, brought about by his enthusiastic and balanced approach to life.
And what of me? She put a hand on her stomach and smiled. When this little darling arrives, I will be the happiest person on earth. PJ is sure to be the best big sister, and I'll end up with two wild and mischievous monsters running around.
They had still entertained plenty of visitors, both business and friends. She remained a stunning planner and hostess, but it was not as concentrated as it had been in Raoul's single days. He now insisted on a good deal of privacy and their just being a threesome -- a family.
She stirred again from discomfort, hopeful that it would be a foursome before long. She had enough of being awkward and ungainly, especially in the heat. She welcomed the idea of the new
arrival.
Suddenly, she realised that she had a dull low-down pain in her tummy and knew instinctively that this was it!
"Raoul," she called, trying to keep the urgent note out of her voice. "Come here a moment, please."
He swam easily to the side of the pool and hoisted himself up on the side in one smooth show of agility and power that was not lost on her, despite her condition.
"What is it, Kris?" Raoul could easily see the tense look on her face.
"Your baby's coming, my darling." She held out her hands and he helped her up. "I think we'd better get going."
Instantly, he panicked. Kris couldn't help but laugh.
"I'm sure it'll be a while, yet, I'd like to be at the hospital, in case..." She smiled wider at the sudden change from the ever cool, collected Raoul to a Raoul who was unnerved and ruffled.
"I promise, I'll hold on until you and PJ have changed." She laughed softly. "Come here." She pulled his face to hers and looked earnestly into his eyes. "I just want to say thank you for making me so happy, and that I love you, my darling."
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