Baby Makes Five (A Multiple Birth Book 1) (9 page)

“Thank you for coming, it means a lot to me,” he said taking her into the circle of his arms.

“I should be the one thanking you. Amanda is having the time of her life,” she said smiling.

“I like her.”

They danced in silence. He pulled her closer to him as their bodies move in sync. He smelled so good. She closed her eyes and rested her head on his chest. His hand tightens around her, cocooning her in his warm embrace. She sighed in contentment wishing things could stay this way all the time.

“This is perfect,” she said aloud.

“Yes, I miss this, holding you,” he said into her hair. “Miah?”

“Hmmm.”

“Can we talk after this is over?”

“Sure,” she said, she would have given him anything he wanted at that moment. The music stopped, and they made their way back to their seats.

“Attention, may I have everyone’s attention. Tonight we are here to open the new pediatric cancer wing, but we also would like to honour the man who without a doubt made it all possible.  I know that he would rather not have the spotlight on him tonight, but it wouldn’t be fair to him if we didn’t acknowledge him.”

Ash shifted uncomfortably in his seat next to her. It wasn’t like him to be restless; she wondered what had suddenly changed to have him on edge

“Are you okay?” Miah asked softly.

“Peachy, can’t wait to get out of here.”

“We can leave whenever you want, you seem on edge are you sure nothing is bothering you?” she asked concern touching his hand.

“I am fine, just a little nervous.”

She raised an eyebrow that was a new; he was admitting to something he viewed as a weakness.

“He’s very dedicated to this hospital have been a member of the board of directors for five years and never missed a meeting. He has volunteered and makes regular rounds in our pediatric wing reading to the kids and playing video games. To us, he is a miracle worker that gave selflessly to help others with his philanthropy.
 
And because of him, we are proud to open the Grace Price pediatric wing for, Cancer and Cancer research. Welcome, Mr. Asher King ladies and gentleman.”

Miah was stunned. She didn’t know he was on the board of directors, or that he had anything to do with the new wing. What was most surprising, he named the wing after her mother. If she weren't already in love with him, this would have done it. She felt tears forming in her eyes and sniffed so they won’t fall.

“Thank you,” she said hoarsely.

“I know I should have asked, but I wanted to surprise you,” he said kissing her cheek and made his way to the podium.

“Did you know about this?” Amanda asked as surprised as she was.

She nodded still at a loss for words.

“Thank you. I didn’t expect to make a speech or be singled out tonight.  I will make this short so everyone can enjoy themselves. As much as I’ll like to take credit for this, I can’t. It took more than me to make this happen. I want to say thank you to everyone who helped on this project, who spent months planning and bringing the ideas to fruition.

“When I was told that the wing was going to be named after me, I thought that it deserved to be named after someone much better than me. That’s a big responsibility, and I am not without my faults.  I have been told many times over what a big ego I have. Can you imagine what a wing named after me will do to it?”

Laughter erupted in the room.

“On a serious note, I met someone recently who made me realized there’s more to

life than my myself. I decided she was right and someone who was selfless and willing to sacrifice everything for the ones they loved deserved that honour.  So here we are tonight not to honour me, but to honour a woman who was a wonderful mother and person, Grace Price. So it gives me pleasure to be a part of this project and to be standing here tonight. Thank you and enjoy the rest of your evening.”

There was thundering applause.

“You are on the board of directors. That’s what Dr. Sand meant when she asked you if I knew?” she asked as he sat down.

It was his turn to look surprised. “I overheard you both talking when I came back to the office after my blood work the morning I was bleeding.”

“What else did you overhear?” he asked.

“Nothing, I was about to knock when I heard my name, why was there something more?”

“Nothing, I don’t go around boasting about everything I do. Everyone perceives me in a different light, and I don’t feel the need to explain myself to them.”

“You’re right you don’t need to.”

“I’m curious to know what you thought Dr. Sand meant when she asked me if you knew.”

“I don’t know,” she answered a little embarrass.

“You could have asked me if you were that concerned.”

“I thought if you wanted to tell me you would. I don’t like prying into your personal business either.”

“I am beginning to see we need to work on our communication skills.”

“I guess we do. If you’ll excuse me, I need to use the ladies’ room,” she said. She was beginning to develop a headache, and her feet hurt.

She was washing her hands when a beautiful blond entered the room and looked at her. Miah didn’t like the way she was inspecting her as if she was on auction.

“Enjoy him while you can,” the blond said.

“I beg your pardon?” Miah asked confused.

“You are here with Ash yes?”

“Yes, and you are?”

“The one he’s rebounding from. He doesn’t do happily ever after so don’t think you will get that with him.”

“I didn’t ask for your advice. You must be infamous Liane then. If I recall correctly, he told me you were the one who tried to trap him in a futile relationship. As you can see, I, on the other hand, don’t need to he’s already enticed. He had a hospital wing named after my mother. What does that tell you?”

“You’re so naïve.”

“Maybe, but I am the one he wants, and I think you know our relationship isn’t a fling like you want me to believe, or you won’t be here feeling threatened.”

“I am not threatened little girl if I want him back I am sure he will come running to me. Plenty have tried and failed to make him into someone he isn’t.”

“That’s the point;
plenty have tried and failed
.  I don’t need to try he’s already hooked. Have a good evening,” Miah said and left but not before she heard what the other woman had said.

“Bitch.”

She took a cleansing breath and walked back to her table, the bravado she had when she left the washroom disappeared. The woman didn’t say anything she hadn’t already know. What she has said about him hooked was a far cry from the truth. She wanted to save face. She plastered a smile on her face as she approached the table. He rose and pulled out her chair.

“Are you okay?” he asked quietly so only she could hear.

She nodded and knew from the look he gave her. He didn’t believe she was.

“I’m fine really.”

“I’ll say my goodbyes, and we can leave.”

“Please don’t --”

“It’s time to go you look as tired as am I. We still need to talk.”

“Okay,” she said not denying she was exhausted. She just wanted to get away from here, away from the toxic woman and climb into bed and sleep for a week.

“Lets go. I asked Tom to give Amanda a ride home,” he said guiding her to the entrance. While they waited for the valet to bring the car, she looked at him.

“Thank you for tonight and for what you did for my mother. I wish she were here to see it.”

“Me too, but we wouldn’t have met if she was.”

“True, so what did you want to talk about?” She asked trying to fight a yawn.

“It’s more of a question,” he said seriously.

“Okay, what is it?”

“Not here I want to go somewhere private.”

She smiled “we are the only ones out here. I think we have sufficient privacy until the valet gets here. Now you’ve piqued my curiosity.”

“We are about to become parents, and I thought of what you ask me the other day about whether a lifetime would be enough time to spend with you.”

She held her breath afraid what he was about to say next. She had waited for this moment since he had come back into her life. “And?”

“I think we should get married, that would solve all our problems. I know how you feel about getting pregnant before marriage. So what do you think? Will you marry me?” he asked, pulling out a huge dazzling pear shape emerald and diamond ring. The band was split on either side covered with small sparkling diamonds that set the emerald afire.

The ring was stunning. It was something she would have chosen herself. She looked at him disappointed. Her hopes crashed and burned. She had waited to hear those words, but when he said them, they sounded cold. It was detached from any feeling as if he was doing another one of his many business transactions.  He might as well have said let’s get married just for the babies. Her head hurts, but not as much as her heart, which was currently breaking into tiny pieces.

“No,” she said and walked away.

As he watched her walk away it dawned on him, she was serious. She said no. What kind of answer was that? Not no, I need to think about it or no it’s too soon. No, I don’t love you. It was just no. He didn’t know that one word could evoke so many unanswered questions. That one word packed a punch that he felt it as it impact and crushed his bones.

Had he gotten everything wrong? Wasn’t her conversation about always wanting to be married before getting pregnant a hint that she wanted him to propose? Didn’t she know he broke his vow about never getting married, for her? Some things can’t be undone. If they could, he would not be here standing alone holding a ring.

What the hell was wrong with her? Would he ever understand women?

“What are you going to do about school?” Amanda asked.

“I’ve signed up for three of the courses I can take online. Professor Fitch said I can finish my other four in January.”

“The babies are due in January. What are you going to do?”

“More than likely I’ll have to take the summer course in May. Since I’ve been working at Marks, that counts towards my internship, so that’s one thing I don’t have to

worry about.”

“Well, May is much better than the beginning of the year. Does this mean you won’t be graduating in May?”

Miah nodded.

“I’m sorry Miah. I know how much you were looking forward to it,” her friend said squeezing her hand.

“It’s okay I don’t need a ceremony to tell me I am a graduate. I’ll get my diploma when I finish the courses. The degree is what will get me the jobs.”

“Still you were looking forward to this. It was on your to-do list.”

“I know. Lists changes, things happen. That’s part of life; I might as well get over it. I am going to be a mom in a few months I need to learn to deal with the unexpected.”

“That’s very grown up of you. Your list drives me crazy.”

She laughed, “I know. It’s because you aren’t organized. Professor Fitch was good about it, surprised but understanding.”

“Well, you were his star pupil. He used you as an example to the others.”

“Some example I am.”

“Hey, you are a great role model.”

Miah snorted.

“On a serious note, how are you doing? I mean about the pregnancy.”

She knew what she meant. It took her a while to forgive herself, but she finally did. “I am doing great. I am going to embrace my impending motherhood. I’ve accepted that it’s not an awful thing being pregnant and unwed. I now know that being in the same situation as my mother isn’t as bad as I first thought. It’s not a bad thing.  If I could be anyone, it would be her. She was an amazing mother, and I know she’s proud of me. I hope I can be what she was for my babies as she was for me.”

“Your mom was great Miah. I keep telling you that. She would have been in your corner if she was here.”

She smiled sadly, “Yeah. She would have,” she sniffed wiping her eyes, and the weight of disappointment started to lift from her shoulder.

“Wanna bet five bucks Wade’s going to score?” Amanda asked changing the subject and her feet casually draped over
the loveseat.

“I’m not betting on a hockey game.”

“You’re no fun.”

“Sure I am. I am just not one of your fanatic brothers who bets on everything.”

“I should call them and make a wager.”

Miah groaned. Amanda’s whole household was mad about hockey and took pleasure in making bets on the players.

“You could just relax and enjoy the game and the caramel corn I made.”

“True and you could tell me what happened between you and Ash three weeks ago that has you pacing at nights and making you unhappy.”

“Nothing happened,” she said not wanting to talk about the proposal.

“Something did, so you can bottle it all up and worry yourself into stress which I might add isn’t good for you or the babies. You could talk about it, so it doesn’t fester and make you sick.”

“He proposed, and I turn him down, end of story.”

Her friend sat up, mouth hanging open.

“He asked you to marry him? And you said no? Are you crazy, do you know how many
women would love to be in your place? Why did you say no? You obviously care about him. I don’t understand.”

“Exactly, I said no because I love him, Amanda,” she said in exasperation.

“Am I missing something? If you love him why would you say no?”

“Because I don’t want a marriage of convenience, it’s what he is offering. When I get married, I want it to be because the man I am in love with feels the same way. I do not want to settle for less, or say yes because he’s the father of my children.

“My mother spent her whole life being in love with a man who was too selfish to stick around when the going got tough. She then revolved her life around me because I was all she had left. I don’t want that life for my children. As much as I’d like for my children not to be called ugly names concerning their birth situation, I would rather be happy and alone than miserable and married.”

“He’s crazy about you; anyone can see it.”

“He’s crazy about being a father. I am just the incubator that’s along for the ride. He didn’t propose because he loves me. He did it because he doesn’t want to be a weekend dad. It’s a practical arrangement.”

“Miah you must have it all wrong.”

“Do I? I don’t think so. I want someone who loves me and wants the same things that I want for my future. I want the happily ever after my children, and I deserves better than a marriage of convenience. If my mother were here, she would tell me I did the right thing.”

“Because he didn’t say I love you, doesn’t mean he doesn’t feel that way. Men tend to keep their feelings bottled up. Anyone can see how you two feel about each other. I felt like a peeping Tom just watching you both dance at the gala.”

“That’s sexual chemistry Amanda, lust. It doesn’t have anything to do with love; they are two different things.”

“He named a hospital wing after your mother, if that isn’t love, then I don’t know what is.”

“I know, and I am honoured, but he still hasn’t said he loves me. I thought he did, but when he proposed it sounds hollow and cold.”

“Then tell him how you feel about him.”

“Why should I?”

“God, you are both so stubborn you can’t see what’s right in front of you,” Amanda said, frustrated.

“Maybe you are the one not seeing what’s actually there. Goodnight,” she went to her room and closed the door.

She walked to her pillow and pulled out the note from the pillowcase it had been a while since she read it tonight seems to be a good time.

                                            ***

“You’re suing me for custody?” she asked outraged.

“Hello Miah, I see you’ve gotten the papers,” he replied calmly over the phone.

“Yes, I’ve got your damn papers. I thought we had an agreement!” she shouted and winced rubbing her temple. She was beginning to get a headache again; her migraines had gotten worst with her pregnancy.

“Calm down, I will not talk to you when you are shouting at me. Did you even read the document?”

“I didn’t need to beyond the first paragraph. You want to take my babies away from me, why?”

“Our babies,’ he said voice hard “and if you had read the complete document you would have realized I was asking for joint, not sole custody.”

“Why?” she asked calmer as if she had missed something important.

“I want to be in their lives. I want to be a hands-on father,” he said in exasperation.

“I told you; you could see them whenever you wanted to.”

“Yes, but it would be better for all of us if we had a legal document.”

“You don’t trust me to keep my promise?” she asked hurt.

“This isn’t about you or me Miah. This is about our children. I don’t want them to get caught between us fighting. Frankly, I don’t want you to dictate when I can and can’t see my children.”

“So it’s about me. Is it because I said no to your proposal?”

“Let’s not go there.”

“It is and if I don’t agree to your terms?”

“Then I’ll see you in court,” he replied his voice cold as steel.

“Ash, please, don’t be like this, surely you understand why I turned you down.”

“Actually, Miah I don’t. Look at the papers and contact Tom if you have any questions. Goodbye.”

He had hung up. He sounded cold, unlike the Ash she had come to know. Sure things were a bit strained between them when they meet for her doctor appointments, but she hadn’t seen this coming. He had blindsided her.

“She got the documents; I take it?” Tom asked from across the desk.

“Yes.”

“From your responses, I guess she wasn’t too happy about been served custody papers. Surely you knew this blindsided maneuver who have upset her,” drawled Tom.

“You are my lawyer. You drafted the papers do you disagree with my actions

because you had the opportunity to say so before you sent it.”

“No, not disagreeing. You know me. As a lawyer, I like things like custody arrangements written in ink. What I think is you should have given her advance notice, you both had an informal custody agreement.”

“We did have, and agreement and you also know I like things in ink too, it was going to come up sooner or later. We might as well do it now before the babies are here.”

“True, but what’s the real reason for the rush?” 

“I asked her to marry me, and she turned me down. If she doesn’t want to marry me, that’s her decision. I just want to make sure my legal rights are outlined should she marry some other guy.”

“She turned you down? She loves you. I can’t see her doing that, when did you propose?”

“Three weeks ago, at the gala. If she loves me, she has a funny way of showing it.”

“How did you propose?” Tom asked suspiciously.

“What do you mean how did I propose? I got the ring out and asked her to marry me.”

“Okay did you confess your love for her or did you just ask her like you were doing a business deal?”

“No. It made sense to get married. We are going to be parents, and she doesn’t want to be an unwed mother. It’s a logical solution. I asked her to marry me, something I never thought I would ever ask a woman. You know how I feel about marriage.”

“Yes, but this is not a business proposal. I think if you had told her how you feel, that you’re in love with her, then she would have said yes.”

“What does love got to do with anything?”

“Could you be any denser? I am happy she said no. You should work on your emotional constipation. Maybe Google how to propose properly to a woman, I am sure there’s a ten step explanation for it. I’ll see you later.”

“Where are you going? we have a lunch date and squash game.”

“I am suddenly not in the mood. I’ll let you know when and if she signs the papers.”

“Great, now you don’t want to spend time with me too?”

“Later.”

“Mary!” he thundered calling for his executive assistant.

“Yes, sir.”

“Is there such a thing on Google as how to propose to a woman?”

“I don’t know, but I can look into it.”

“Thank you.”

As he had
done for the past two appointments, he was waiting for her at the entrance of the hospital. After he had hung up on her, she had calmed down enough to read through the custody papers. The agreement was reasonable, something she could live with. He was right. They needed to have the terms of custody straighten out before the babies came if they were going to co-parent properly. She didn’t want to be at war with him constantly about every decision made when it came to the beans upbringing.

“Hi how are you feeling?” he asked opening the door for her.

“Great, I signed the documents here they are,” she handed him the envelope as they entered the elevator.

“Thank you,” he said surprised.

She laughed “don’t look so surprised, you are right. We do need some legal document where the babies are concerned. For the record, I wouldn’t have gone back on my word.”

“I know. Are you ready for today?”

“Yeah I am looking forward to knowing what sex they are. I have my money on two girls and a boy. What about you?”

“Have it down do you? I think we are having all girls.”

“Wishful thinking huh? Good luck, want to make a wager?” she asked daringly.

“I thought you didn’t like betting.”

“I don’t, but it would be fun to prove you wrong for once.”

“Okay, what do you want if you win?”

“Poop-free diaper duty for the first three months. I’ll handle pee you handle poop.”

“And what do I get if I win?” he asked intrigued.