One Night Stand (New Yorker III) Page 15

  “I was wondering when he was going to explode. He has been sitting there so quiet. I knew there was something boiling under that cool demeanor.” Catalella chuckled.

  “You seem to have gotten to know him very well, peanut,” AJ commented.

  “We share the same bed. Of course I’m going to know what makes him tick. By the way, you need to stop asking him to make the right decision,” she pointed out. “And besides, not knowing the man I married is what got me into problems last time. I want to do things right this time.”

  “Do what right?” AJ’s well-shaped eyebrow raised questioningly.

  “Rich asked me to marry him and I said yes.” Catalella felt her heart skip a beat at the thought of being his wife.

  “When is the wedding?” Katherine asked as she pulled Catalella into a hug.

  “A week from now. He doesn’t know yet. DJ, Lisette and Reno are putting it together for me,” Catalella said. “That is why I need a week. I’ll stay here if I have to. Please, Katherine. After a week, we can do whatever you think is best.”

  “All right then, a week. If you don’t have any contractions tonight you can go home tomorrow evening. But this time stay in bed, Catalella. The only place you’re allowed to go is the bathroom.” Katherine stuck out her pinky and Catalella felt like she was six again. “Pinky swear?”

  “Pinky swear,” Catalella said as she locked her pinky with Katherine’s.

  “You guys behave like little kids,” AJ scoffed.

  * * * *

  Catalella and Rich decided it would be best for her to stay in the hospital for a while. He was completely oblivious to what was going on around him. All he knew was that he needed to leave the room whenever Lisette, Katherine and DJ’s sister, Daniela, entered. Once in a while, Rosalinda would shoot him a smile that told him she knew something he didn’t, while Adrian warned him to watch out for women who met in secret. At first Rich was worried that it might have something to do with the babies, but Katherine looked relaxed. And after a week of worrying, he gave up and let Catalella have her mystery.

  “What’s going on?” Rich walked into Catalella’s room to be greeted by the same faces, giggling and winking at him. Today they all seemed dressed up. “What’s the occasion?”

  “We’ll leave you two alone for a while,” Rosalinda said as she ushered everyone out.

  “Come here.” Rich walked over to Catalella’s warm arms. The smile she wore made his heart skip up a beat.

  “If I have to spend a day short of forever staring at your smiling face, I will be the happiest man alive.”

  “Not happier than I am.” He watched as Catalella retrieved a small velvet box from under her pillow. Shock had him rooted to the spot and silenced. “I want to ask you something. I want to know if you will share my bed and only my bed for the rest of our lives, if you will be my pillar of strength, the warm arms I come home to, the face I will wake up to every morning and the man who will love me unconditionally. Will you be my life partner? I only ask because you already got me knocked up and you’re making me fall in love with you.”

  Rich stared into Catalella’s misty eyes. His heart wanted to leap out of his chest and dance around. She wanted him. But even though he was happy, he needed her to say that she loved him. He stood in silence as he watched the emotions play out on Catalella’s face. Her hair was free and wild, just as he liked it, her hospital gown tight at her middle section and her face wasn’t as pale— in fact she looked like she wore a little bit of mascara.

  “I would get down on one knee but I’m not sure if I’ll be able to stand up again.” Catalella’s lips lifted in amusement.

  “I would love to be your partner, Catalella. But you already know that.”

  “I do, but I was wondering if we could get married today.” Her smile was slow, wide and oddly seductive. She had a secret.

  “What aren’t you telling me, Miss Ross?”

  “That you are a free man, but only for the next five minutes. The judge granted your annulment and I decided I wanted to marry you before someone else snatches you up.” She giggled. “So you have five minutes to enjoy your bachelorhood before AJ comes and gets you into your tux.”

  “How long have you been keeping this from me?” Rich stepped in between her legs and pulled her toward him, her swollen belly pressing against his own.

  “I’ve been planning the wedding for the past week and DJ called me five minutes ago to tell me your annulment is official.” A mischievous grin teased the corners of her lips.

  “I should spank you.” His threat, as usual, was met by a giggle as desire lit up her face from within. He made a mental note that after the babies were born he should try and spank her.

  “I would rather you didn’t,” AJ said as he cleared his throat. “There are only so many things a brother can see that can be unseen.”

  “I wouldn’t mind seeing it,” Lisette put in with a chortle.

  “I’m with AJ,” DJ put in as he waved the manila envelope in his hands. “I come bearing gifts. The marriage certificate and a pen. Rich, if you’re looking for an out I’m sorry, but going through the window is the only way AJ and I will let you leave.”

  “I wouldn’t dream of it. Besides I feel like I’ve been married to my little orchid for years.” Rich’s lips came down on hers like a naked flame on gun powder. He didn’t know how long they were joined like this, their lips engaging in an erotic dance in front of an audience, but it took AJ grabbing him by the shoulder to pull him back.

  “How about we get this thing signed, get you two married and you can continue this in private,” DJ said.

  “Why are we signing this now?” Rich had been married before and he knew the certificate was usually signed after the ceremony was conducted.

  “I want to do that part now, when it’s just us.” Catalella shrugged.

  “Who will officiate?”

  “Her best friend, of course.” DJ grinned.

  When the judge arrived, Rich was surprised that Catalella didn’t hesitate to sign the certificate and he found that he was the one who almost held back. But once he did it he felt relieved and happier that he could call the woman carrying his babies ‘Mrs. McCrery’. But before he could kiss his new bride, he was dragged out of the room and into another where a tuxedo was waiting for him.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Rich stood at the altar of the hospital chapel. Everyone he and his father had called family was there. Oddly enough he was anxious, even after signing the paper that had made Catalella his wife instantly, and when the piano announcing the wedding procession began to play, he became a bundle of nerves.

  Catalella had her game face on. She was determined not to let anything ruin Rich’s special day, not even the contractions that were crashing into her weak body. She bit into her cheeks and the warm, coppery taste of blood stung her tongue. She was at the chapel doors. All that remained was to walk up to Rich and promise him forever in front of their family and friends.

  “Are you all right?” Rosalinda’s face beamed with pride but the concern illuminated her eyes.

  “I’m perfect, Mama. I’m happy.” She really was, and if she didn’t have these contractions she would be happier.

  “Are you ready?” Adrian asked as her held onto his daughter’s hand.

  “I am—could we move a little faster? I don’t want to get tired before I get to Rich.”

  “Sure, sweetheart.”

  Catalella watched Rich as she made her way down the aisle and the intensity of passion glittering in his eyes made her heart jump into her throat. But the force of the next wave of contractions had her pausing. She shook her head at Rich as he tried to come towards her.

  “Are you all right?” Adrian whispered in her ear.

  “I’m fine, Papa.” Catalella forced a smile onto her lips until she could almost hear her jaw creaking with the effort it took. She could already feel her brow begin to sweat, and it wouldn’t be long before the doctors in the room figured out wha
t was happening.

  She took Rich’s hand when they got to the altar and silenced the priest before he began. “I know you want to marry me.” Rich nodded. “I know you do. Every single day since we met you have been on my mind. You gave me the greatest gift I could ever ask for.” Catalella doubled over when the next wave of contractions took her breath away.

  “Catalella?” Katherine’s questioning tone rang in the chapel.

  Catalella knew she had to ask now before Katherine took her away. “I need you to promise me something.”

  “Anything. I will give you everything,” Rich said as he gently cupped her jaw.

  “Promise me that the twins will always come first.” Catalella watched as his brows joined together in a frown. But before Rich could say anything, Catalella felt her body open and a warm liquid rush out of her. “Not yet, I need to do this.” She groaned. “Rich, promise me.”

  “What’s going on here?” Rich took a step back from the water gathering at their feet.

  “AJ, get a gurney,” Katherine shouted as she rushed to Catalella’s side.

  “Swear to me, Rich, or I swear to God I’m not moving.” Catalella cursed. “I need you to swear to me before God, our family and friends that you will put the twins first. No matter what happens, the twins come first.”

  “Ethan!” Adrian called out, his voice rough with emotion.

  “Hey, don’t listen to them. Listen to me. You love me, right? So do this for me. Swear to me, Ethan.” Catalella could see the emotions playing on his face. He was having a difficult time with it, but she needed to be reassured before anything could happen.

  AJ had arrived with a couple of nurses and a gurney. Catalella felt her knees give in when the next contraction burrowed through her. Rich’s strong arms came around her and held her against his chest.

  “I promise.” Rich’s voice echoed in her ear and Catalella could feel a calming relief wash over her.

  “Katherine, I think the babies are coming.” With one swift lift, Rich had her on the gurney. He held onto her hand as AJ and the nurses pushed them out of the chapel. Katherine was on the gurney with her, checking how dilated she was.

  “You’re crowning, Lella. I need you to start pushing,” Katherine ordered.

  “Okay, okay,” Catalella moaned.

  “Push, sweetheart.”

  “I love you, I love you. You know that, right?”

  “Of course I do.” Rich gave her a quick kiss then squeezed her hand.

  Catalella didn’t need to push much because her son was born in the elevator on their way to the labor and delivery wing. They weren’t allowed to touch him. A small incubator met them at the hospital room and baby Ethan was rushed away.

  “I am going to give you something that will help you not go into labor with the other baby,” Katherine said.

  Catalella felt like she was numb. Rich was by her side and she knew he felt exactly as she did. Their baby was tiny, too small to be brought into this world. He didn’t cry or move. He was so still that she didn’t think he was alive.

  “Hey guys, listen to me,” Katherine said, probably realizing what they were thinking. “He’s breathing. He probably didn’t want to cry because he is just as stubborn as the two of you. Once we get this other baby under control maybe you could go see him, Catalella. But you could go now, Rich.”

  “Are you serious?” Life sparked back into Rich’s eyes.

  “You should go.” Catalella pushed him. “Tell me who he looks like.”

  “But I don’t want to leave you.”

  “You promised, remember? I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  Catalella froze as Rich took a step out of the room. Her fingers fisted in her bed as her nails dug through the thin fabric into her palms. This isn’t supposed to happen, she thought as fresh tears streamed down her cheeks.

  “Doctor Henry,” she heard a nurse say.

  Catalella watched as the nurses, Katherine and Rich assumed their earlier positions. She could see them talk to her as she watched their lips over on their panicked faces, but she couldn’t hear them. Her subconscious was shouting something at her. You failed, you failed, you failed.

  She jerked out of her foggy haze when she heard Katherine shout out, “Rich, you need to help her.”

  She felt his strong arms lift her off the bed and he settled behind her. “I’m going to help as much as I can but you need to push.”

  “I’m tired, I’m so tired,” Catalella whimpered.

  “Can’t she just have a C-section?” Rich asked over her head.

  “No, it’s too late.”

  “My little orchid, please,” Rich whispered into her ear.

  Catalella nodded her head as she held onto to Rich’s hands.

  * * * *

  Rich could sense how weary Catalella was from the droop in her shoulders and how her body went limp against his. He felt his heart break. All he could do was hold her and support her the only way he could. He felt all the strength leave her body with the last push, and just then the most glorious sound filled his ears. He laughed at how annoyed his little girl sounded, but her tiny, frail body still concerned him.

  “Look, Catalella, it’s Camellia, our little flower,” Rich said as he watched the little baby stretch her balled fists out as she kicked. “She’s loud.”

  “That’s a good thing now, but when she’s a teenager you won’t like it very much,” Katherine teased.

  “Catalella, look at her.” Rich gasped.

  It was the alarmed expression on Katherine’s face that had Rich look down at the woman in his arms. Catalella’s brow was wet with sweat, her breathing labored and her skin pasty white. There was something wrong.

  Rich felt strong arms push him off the bed. He sat shivering in a corner as he watched AJ work on his wife as Katherine rushed out with his daughter. Rich wanted to stay where he was. He wanted to wait until he knew his Catalella was all right. But then he remembered his promise to her. Rich staggered as he forced himself to his feet and followed Katherine as she wheeled his baby in an incubator into the elevator. He leaned over the box holding his child and watched as her movements slowly stopped.

  “What’s wrong with her?”

  “She’s just tired, Rich,” Katherine said.

  * * * *

  Catalella was woken from her dreamless sleep when the pain from her abdomen jolted to her heart. Her heavy eyelids fluttered open, and the first face she saw was her mother’s. A whimper of sadness and disappointment escaped her lips. She wanted the first person she saw to be Rich. She slowly moved her aching body to a sitting position and looked around. AJ was at the foot of the bed, filling out a chart. Lisette was on the sofa cradled in Reno’s arms, while her father stood over her mother, his eyes red and teary.

  “Hey, baby girl,” her father said as he took her hand.

  “Where is he? Did he leave? Did he leave me?” The desperation in Catalella’s faltering voice arrested everyone’s attention. Her whole family stood around her bed with startled expressions on their faces.

  “Why would you say that, mija?” her mother asked.

  “I failed him. I promised I would look after his babies and I failed.” The hysteria was settling into her voice. Catalella ignored the pain in her abdomen as she moved lower into the bed and pulled the covers over her head. In her cocoon of misery, Catalella let herself cry.

  “Catalella?”

  “Rich?” Catalella pushed the covers off and chanced a glance at the door. She couldn’t believe it at first. But when Rich moved toward her, calling her name once again, she couldn’t contain the joy she felt. She launched herself into his arms, tearing out her IV. Her cheek rubbed against the rough one day's worth of growth on his cheeks. “I thought you left me.”

  “Why would I do something as crazy as that?” Rich’s voice sounded muffled in her hair.

  “I failed, I know I failed. But I promise to be a better mother.” Catalella’s insecurities were settling in. She
hadn't felt this weak for years, not since Michael Mathews. She felt the desperation come over her. She couldn’t lose Rich, she couldn’t lose her babies. “I can’t lose you. I need you.”

  “I need you too.” Rich settled her on the bed and pulled her arms from the lock they had formed at the back of his neck. “Listen to me…you didn’t fail. I know this is a lot for you to take in, but you need to be strong for all four of us.”

  “I don’t think I’m strong enough.”

  “But you are.” Rich pushed her hair back and stared into her eyes. “You want to go and see our babies?” Catalella nodded her answer. She couldn’t trust her voice.

  “I’ll get you a wheelchair,” AJ volunteered.

  “No, I’ll walk. I’m strong enough to walk.”

  “Of course you are.” Rich winked at her and helped her off the bed.

  But once Catalella’s feet touched the ground she didn’t think she could move. The pain in the center of her body made her double over. She was just about to ask for the wheelchair when Rich picked her up and cradled her in his arms. She studied his face and his strong jaw as he walked down the hallways. She knew that he wanted her to be strong for all of them, but at that moment she knew it was all right to be weak without feeling desperate, without thinking that he would leave her because of it.

  When they walked into the NICU she could feel his arms trembling. She didn’t understand whether it was from the emotion or if he was exhausted.

  “Put me down,” she said. Rich gave her a skeptical look that told her he wasn’t sure if she could handle it. “Put me down.”

  He settled her on her feet in front of the nursery window. Catalella looked around the little room and could see rows of little babies with tubes bigger than their bodies sticking out of them. She stood there for a while, her mind racing and her heart begging God that her babies were not one of them. They walked with the nurse into the room after sterilizing their hands and shrugging into gowns. She walked through the maze of incubators and her heart broke for each one of them. The nurse stopped in front of two tiny babies and Catalella could feel her whole body give in to the weakness. They were tiny, but Camellia seemed smaller than Ethan. They both had tubes sticking out of them.