Page 23 of Daigo

She drank water and wandered to the window. December had brought the chill with it, and the denuded trees were waving in the stiff breeze. They might just have snow for Christmas, she thought. “I knew you didn’t want this at first.” She whirled to face him. “But it is what it is.” Walking back to the counter, she put the glass down and realized she could not drink another drop, even though her throat was bone dry. “I don’t know how I feel either. I’m still processing.”

“It would help if I knew what you were talking about,” he said patiently, eyes watching her face.

“Don’t rush me!”

He raised his brows at her sharp tone and said nothing.

“I’m sorry.” Passing a hand at the back of her neck, she stood up agitatedly and started pacing. “I should just come right out and say it.”

“I think that’s best. Whatever it is, is making you edgy. Spit it out.”

She came back and sat across from him, her expression pleading. “I want you to be all right with this and know that I never planned for this much. Two, maybe-- Oh, Daigo!” Her eyes flooded. “Please tell me you’re fine with it.”

“Shelby-Anne, you’re not making much sense.” He was alarmed at the look of agitation on her face and the restless movements of her fingers.

“It’s not the clinic’s fault, and multiples mean we don’t have to go again--”

“Multiples?” He went still, his eyes focused on her face. “How many?”

She jumped up again, her eyes blazing. “I knew you wouldn’t be okay with this. I knew--”

“How many?” he asked with deadly calm. Instead of soothing her, his voice had her insides trembling.

“Three,” she whispered hoarsely. “They discovered three heartbeats.” She laughed hollowly. “It turns out they can detect it this early.” She did not sit again but stood there staring at him. “I will have to get regular checks, you know, for them to monitor me and the - the fetuses” She gestured with one hand vaguely.

“You went without me.”

“You had the meeting, and I wanted to know first before telling you.” She sat back down. “I didn’t know how you would feel. How do you feel?”

“Triplets.”

“Yes. I know it won’t be easy--”

“There are tremendous risks involved with one baby, let alone three.” His eyes wandered over her small frame. “You’re petite, your frame small and delicate--”

“I’m sturdy.”

“There will be complications.” His hand tightened around the glass. “The babies will be premature, and that’s an added complication. Not to mention the risk to you. All sorts of things you’ll have to go through.”

“You’re not pleased,” she whispered huskily.

“I’m still processing. I could lose you--”

“No!” Desperately, she reached over to grip his hand. “I’ll do everything I’m supposed to. I promise to follow the doctors’ directives to the letter. I’ll stop going to the store when it’s time for me to stop. They promised regular checks, and if I cannot make it to the clinic, they will come here. Please don’t be upset with me, Daigo. I couldn’t bear it. I’ve been torturing myself wondering how to tell you.”

Her fingers were digging into his, eyes pleading. “You promised to be here for me, and I - I need you. You promised.”

“That I did,” he said slowly.

“You can’t back out now.” She was close to hysteria, and she could feel it. She never knew she was this afraid until she was face to face with him. Every cruel word his mother had said came back to haunt her. “Your mother will have a lot to say about this--”

“Leave her out of this!” His tone was sharp and had her drawing her hand away from his.

Swearing beneath his breath, he pushed the untouched plate of food away and took up the glass of brandy. Tilting it to his mouth, he finished it and put the glass down and rose.

“You’re upset.”

“No. No.” He shook his head. He was staggered and frightened to the bone, but he could not let her see it. She was already agitated to the point of hysteria, and he couldn’t afford to add to her emotional state.