CHAPTER 26
Lucas had done as Lucilla had said and made certain that he was the next to last person to go upstairs, the last being Lucilla. Venturing to nursery after Dara's family had all said their goodnights and went to bed, he found Rinie awake. Carefully picking her up from her crib, he stated softly, "Come on little one, we need to let mama feed you for the night."
As with the twins Dara had decided to breast feed, but the difference this time seemed to be that she was having a much easier time with it as well as being able to pump enough milk to fill bottles just in case she wasn't able to tend to the feedings herself.
Opening the door Lucas saw that Dara was still awake, watching television.
Dara, seeing that he was holding the baby, asked anxiously, "She's all right isn't she, I didn't hear her cry."
Lucas nodded, ""She's fine, I went in to check and caught her before she could start, but I do think that she's hungry."
Dara sat up, bracing her back with some pillows before taking the baby.
Lucas watched, transfixed at the sight of his wife nursing their daughter. He had seen her do so often enough with the twins, but he never ceased to be amazed at the sight or that of her body.
As with the twins she quickly dropped the weight gained during her pregnancy, as well as the stretch marks, but the difference this time was the scar from the operation that now marked her abdomen. Her first day home she had wanted to take a long bath, but with her ankle injured she was having a difficult time managing, Lucas seeing her dilemma had quickly solved the situation by running her water and helping her to undress before carrying her to the tub.
After she was satisfied, he had helped her out and was helping her to dry off as she leaned against the dresser for support, when she glanced up into the huge mirror and caught sight of the scar, which wasn't quite healed yet.
Lucas could see the embarrassment and self-consciousness beginning as she snatched the towel from his hands and quickly wrapped it around herself muttering that she could finish.
Shaking his head furiously he gently unwrapped the towel and turned her to face him. Kneeling down he looked at the scar, and then standing up he tilted her face up to hold her gaze as he stated softly, "Don't ever be ashamed of anything about your body around me. That scar will fade away once it's healed, and even if it doesn't you're still the most beautiful woman that I've ever seen, nothing will ever change that, do you understand?"
Dara nodded silently as the tears began sliding down her cheeks. Wrapping her arms around him and burying her head against his chest she stated, "I love you, you do know that don't you?"
Lucas smiled down her; "I could surely have guessed it by now."
Bringing himself back to the present as she finished nursing the baby and gently patted her back, he waited patiently until she handed her back to him. Turning to her before he opened the door he asked, in what he hoped was a casual voice, "Would you like something to drink? I was going down for a cup of coffee."
Re positioning her nightgown, she nodded, "Yes, I would, thank you honey."
With that he returned to the nursery, after changing the baby and settling her in her crib, as well as checking on the twins he ventured into the kitchen in search of his grandmother.
Lucilla turned when she heard him approach, "Has she already nursed the baby?"
Lucas nodded, "Yes, and Alex and Riesa are settled for the night. I checked the refrigerator in the nursery, there's three bottles of milk that she pumped in there for Rinie, so we should be all right."
Lucilla sighed in relief, "Good, once she drinks this and you do what you have to she'll be out for the night." Seeing the turmoil raging inside of him she shook her head, "You cant back out now, boy. We don't have a choice and don't worry about it, she wont remember a thing, just make certain that she thinks not christening the children is her idea, that way she'll be more inclined to back her sisters down about it."
Lucas nodded, "How are you going to give it to her?"
Lucilla, who had just determined that the concoction was ready, reached for a mug and emptied the contents of the small pan into it. After she had thoroughly washed the pan to remove any traces of it's contents, she motioned towards the mug. "I mixed it in a cup of hot chocolate, that way she wont notice the taste. Just make sure that you wash that cup our really good."
Lucas, remembering the reason he had given his wife for coming downstairs, poured himself a cup of coffee, looking at his grandmother squarely he asked, "You're certain that this wont hurt her?"
Lucilla nodded, "The only thing it will do is put her out and make her forget whatever you do to convince her not to go through with the christenings. All you have to do is get her to drink it, don't worry about her finishing it. I added something to make sure that she would drink it all. Once you see her starting to get tired, put her under and do your part to convince her that will do the rest."
Lucas sighed in resignation, "All right, damned. Let me get this over with." Taking both mugs he headed once more upstairs, opening the door carefully he smiled as he handed her the cup intended for her.
Smiling up at him she stated, "Thank you honey. I was wanting some cocoa."
Setting his own cup down he positioned himself on the bed next to her, watching as she took a sip. Sitting up he motioned for her to move closer to him as he placed his arm around her.
Dara took up the mug again and took a long drink as she stated, "I don't know what you put in here, but this is good. "
Lucas watched as she finished the entire cup. Glancing down at her every few minutes to see her reaction, he noticed that she was beginning to yawn.
Glancing up and catching his perusal she smiled sheepishly as she put her hand over her mouth to stifle her yawn as she offered, "I'm sorry, I guess I'm more tire than I thought. I cant seem to stop yawning."
Lucas nodded, "It's all right darlin, you're probably just tired." Lucas continued watching her closely for a few minutes more until he noticed that she was beginning to fall asleep.
Bracing himself for what he had to do, he turned towards her and gripped her arms gently he shook her gently until she opened her eyes quickly. Seeing that she was losing her struggle against the drowsiness he knew now was the right time. "Dara?"
Opening her eyes slightly, she mumbled sleepily, "What?"
Lucas held her arms as he ordered, "Dara, look at me."
Dara opened her eyes a little more as she sighed sleepily. Not able to resist the pull of his gaze due to the drowsiness she simply let herself be drawn deeper into his eyes.
Lucas could see by the expression on her face that she was totally under. Softly he asked, "Dara, can you hear me?"
Gazing at him blankly she answered in a far away voice, "Yes."
Knowing that she was fully entranced, he fulfilled his intentions. "Dara, you don't want to have the children christened, do you understand me?"
Still staring blankly ahead, she asked, "Why not?"
Lucas shook his head as he thought, [Even like this she's still stubborn.] Sighing, he reiterated, "Dara, YOU don't want to have the children christened, YOU don't think that it's a good idea. It's not what WE decided when they were born, if anyone insists that's what you'll tell them, do you understand me?"
As though far away, she relied, "Yes."
Lucas sighed hopefully, "Why aren't we going to christen the children?"
Answering his inquiry, she replied automatically, "Because I don't want them to be, its not what we decided, "
Lucas nodded, "That's right, darlin. It's your idea not to christen them, understand?"
Dara continued staring blankly ahead as she nodded before replying, "Yes."
Certain that he had accomplished what he had set out to do, Lucas place his hand along her cheek as he stared deep into her eyes, drawing her further into his gaze, "Dara, I want you to go to sleep now, when you wake up in the morning you wont remember any of this. The only thing that you'll remember is that you decided that you didn't want to have the children christened. Do you understand?"
Nodding she replied automatically, "Yes."
With that he kissed her as he ordered softly, "Go to sleep now." He watched as she closed her eyes and fell limp in his arms. Shifting her to a reclining position he covered her and then remembering his grandmother's words he took both mugs and ventured to the kitchen to find Lucilla waiting for him.
Looking at him she asked anxiously, "Well?"
Lucas sighed and nodded his head, "She's out." Going to the sink he thoroughly washed the cups and placed them in the dishwasher as his grandmother can to stand next to him.
"I know that she's out, did you do it?"
Lucas nodded, "Yes, she thinks that it's her idea not to have them christened, she shouldn't remember anything other than that."
Satisfied she patted his arm comfortingly, "Quit fretting you didn't have a choice this was the only way. Why don't you go on up and go to bed, I'll tend to the babies tonight."
Lucas sighed heavily, "All right, good night then." With that he returned to his bedroom. Opening the door he went to stand next to the bed and watch his wife sleeping. Bending down he placed a kiss on her lips as he murmured, "I do love you." Then, straitening he undressed and crawled into the bed next to her, careful of her stomach he pulled her close to him. Feeling her relax deeper as he settled her against him he followed her into sleep.
The next morning Dara woke, feeling fully rested and ready to face the day. After she had dressed she insisted on going downstairs to eat breakfast, knowing that her family would be leaving in two days.
Lucas had tried to persuade her to stay in bed at least one more day and although her ankle was still tender as was her stomach, she still insisted on going downstairs. Allowing her to attempt the stairs after a couple of steps he could see that she was having more difficulty than if he simply carried her down. Ignoring her protests, he bent down and swung her into his arms as he finished descending the steps. Carrying her through to the dining room where everyone else was waiting, he ignored the stares as he placed her in her chair.
Mara asked hesitantly, "I thought that Dara was going to stay in bed another day or two."
Lucas smiled ruefully, "So did I, but she insisted on coming down, and since her ankle is still bothering her it was easier and less painful for her if I carried her." Seeming to have satisfied everyone's curiosity he began filling his plate for the morning meal.
He was concentration on the stack of pancakes in front of him when he heard Kara ask her sister, "Are you going to call the preacher today about christening the kids?"
Lucas glanced up as did Lucilla, both careful to mask their anxiety over her answer.
Looking at her sister, Dara replied, "No, I thought about it last night and I've changed my mind. it wasn't what Lucas and I decided on when they were born. I think that we'll stick to the original plan and let them make up their own minds when they're older."
Lucas glanced at his grandmother to find the relief he felt at Dara's answer mirrored in her eyes.
Kara looked at her sister disbelievingly, "I thought that you were going to follow family tradition?"
Dara glanced at her sister in irritation as she replied, "The decision as to how those children are raised belongs to Luca and I, and this is what we decided and I really don't like being questioned about it?"
Taken back by her sister's statement, Kara replied apologetically, "I'm sorry, you're right of course it is your decision. I was just a little shocked, that's all."
Dara smiled in return of her sister's apology, "It's all right, but that is my decision, I just ask that you respect it." With that she too ate her breakfast.
Two day later saw the departure of Dara's family. Although Lucas did like her family he was glad to see them leave, giving him privacy with his family.
After they had departed, Lucilla pulled him aside and stated, "I think that it's about time I was heading back home as well. You seem to have everything under control here so you don't need me."
Nodding his appreciation he replied, "Thank you for helping us out here."
Looking at her grandson she offered, "You're welcome but I have some advice for you. You cant keep her from finding out what's going on indefinitely. The twins are starting to walk now as well as being able to talk. When Rinie starts doing all of those things just as early she's not going to buy that all three are that advanced. She's going to want some answers and I hope you have good ones, because if you lose her you'll lose the best part of yourself with her."
Narrowing his gaze he replied acidly, "I have no intentions of losing her, I'll do what I have to in order to keep her."
Shaking her head sadly, she stated, "You may not have any say about keeping her if she ever realizes everything that you've kept hidden from her. She may take the choice away with her." Turning she went upstairs to pack and prepare to leave. After an hour she was packed and having said goodbye to everyone was on her way home.
Lucas had done as Lucilla had said and made certain that he was the next to last person to go upstairs, the last being Lucilla. Venturing to nursery after Dara's family had all said their goodnights and went to bed, he found Rinie awake. Carefully picking her up from her crib, he stated softly, "Come on little one, we need to let mama feed you for the night."
As with the twins Dara had decided to breast feed, but the difference this time seemed to be that she was having a much easier time with it as well as being able to pump enough milk to fill bottles just in case she wasn't able to tend to the feedings herself.
Opening the door Lucas saw that Dara was still awake, watching television.
Dara, seeing that he was holding the baby, asked anxiously, "She's all right isn't she, I didn't hear her cry."
Lucas nodded, ""She's fine, I went in to check and caught her before she could start, but I do think that she's hungry."
Dara sat up, bracing her back with some pillows before taking the baby.
Lucas watched, transfixed at the sight of his wife nursing their daughter. He had seen her do so often enough with the twins, but he never ceased to be amazed at the sight or that of her body.
As with the twins she quickly dropped the weight gained during her pregnancy, as well as the stretch marks, but the difference this time was the scar from the operation that now marked her abdomen. Her first day home she had wanted to take a long bath, but with her ankle injured she was having a difficult time managing, Lucas seeing her dilemma had quickly solved the situation by running her water and helping her to undress before carrying her to the tub.
After she was satisfied, he had helped her out and was helping her to dry off as she leaned against the dresser for support, when she glanced up into the huge mirror and caught sight of the scar, which wasn't quite healed yet.
Lucas could see the embarrassment and self-consciousness beginning as she snatched the towel from his hands and quickly wrapped it around herself muttering that she could finish.
Shaking his head furiously he gently unwrapped the towel and turned her to face him. Kneeling down he looked at the scar, and then standing up he tilted her face up to hold her gaze as he stated softly, "Don't ever be ashamed of anything about your body around me. That scar will fade away once it's healed, and even if it doesn't you're still the most beautiful woman that I've ever seen, nothing will ever change that, do you understand?"
Dara nodded silently as the tears began sliding down her cheeks. Wrapping her arms around him and burying her head against his chest she stated, "I love you, you do know that don't you?"
Lucas smiled down her; "I could surely have guessed it by now."
Bringing himself back to the present as she finished nursing the baby and gently patted her back, he waited patiently until she handed her back to him. Turning to her before he opened the door he asked, in what he hoped was a casual voice, "Would you like something to drink? I was going down for a cup of coffee."
Re positioning her nightgown, she nodded, "Yes, I would, thank you honey."
With that he returned to the nursery, after changing the baby and settling her in her crib, as well as checking on the twins he ventured into the kitchen in search of his grandmother.
Lucilla turned when she heard him approach, "Has she already nursed the baby?"
Lucas nodded, "Yes, and Alex and Riesa are settled for the night. I checked the refrigerator in the nursery, there's three bottles of milk that she pumped in there for Rinie, so we should be all right."
Lucilla sighed in relief, "Good, once she drinks this and you do what you have to she'll be out for the night." Seeing the turmoil raging inside of him she shook her head, "You cant back out now, boy. We don't have a choice and don't worry about it, she wont remember a thing, just make certain that she thinks not christening the children is her idea, that way she'll be more inclined to back her sisters down about it."
Lucas nodded, "How are you going to give it to her?"
Lucilla, who had just determined that the concoction was ready, reached for a mug and emptied the contents of the small pan into it. After she had thoroughly washed the pan to remove any traces of it's contents, she motioned towards the mug. "I mixed it in a cup of hot chocolate, that way she wont notice the taste. Just make sure that you wash that cup our really good."
Lucas, remembering the reason he had given his wife for coming downstairs, poured himself a cup of coffee, looking at his grandmother squarely he asked, "You're certain that this wont hurt her?"
Lucilla nodded, "The only thing it will do is put her out and make her forget whatever you do to convince her not to go through with the christenings. All you have to do is get her to drink it, don't worry about her finishing it. I added something to make sure that she would drink it all. Once you see her starting to get tired, put her under and do your part to convince her that will do the rest."
Lucas sighed in resignation, "All right, damned. Let me get this over with." Taking both mugs he headed once more upstairs, opening the door carefully he smiled as he handed her the cup intended for her.
Smiling up at him she stated, "Thank you honey. I was wanting some cocoa."
Setting his own cup down he positioned himself on the bed next to her, watching as she took a sip. Sitting up he motioned for her to move closer to him as he placed his arm around her.
Dara took up the mug again and took a long drink as she stated, "I don't know what you put in here, but this is good. "
Lucas watched as she finished the entire cup. Glancing down at her every few minutes to see her reaction, he noticed that she was beginning to yawn.
Glancing up and catching his perusal she smiled sheepishly as she put her hand over her mouth to stifle her yawn as she offered, "I'm sorry, I guess I'm more tire than I thought. I cant seem to stop yawning."
Lucas nodded, "It's all right darlin, you're probably just tired." Lucas continued watching her closely for a few minutes more until he noticed that she was beginning to fall asleep.
Bracing himself for what he had to do, he turned towards her and gripped her arms gently he shook her gently until she opened her eyes quickly. Seeing that she was losing her struggle against the drowsiness he knew now was the right time. "Dara?"
Opening her eyes slightly, she mumbled sleepily, "What?"
Lucas held her arms as he ordered, "Dara, look at me."
Dara opened her eyes a little more as she sighed sleepily. Not able to resist the pull of his gaze due to the drowsiness she simply let herself be drawn deeper into his eyes.
Lucas could see by the expression on her face that she was totally under. Softly he asked, "Dara, can you hear me?"
Gazing at him blankly she answered in a far away voice, "Yes."
Knowing that she was fully entranced, he fulfilled his intentions. "Dara, you don't want to have the children christened, do you understand me?"
Still staring blankly ahead, she asked, "Why not?"
Lucas shook his head as he thought, [Even like this she's still stubborn.] Sighing, he reiterated, "Dara, YOU don't want to have the children christened, YOU don't think that it's a good idea. It's not what WE decided when they were born, if anyone insists that's what you'll tell them, do you understand me?"
As though far away, she relied, "Yes."
Lucas sighed hopefully, "Why aren't we going to christen the children?"
Answering his inquiry, she replied automatically, "Because I don't want them to be, its not what we decided, "
Lucas nodded, "That's right, darlin. It's your idea not to christen them, understand?"
Dara continued staring blankly ahead as she nodded before replying, "Yes."
Certain that he had accomplished what he had set out to do, Lucas place his hand along her cheek as he stared deep into her eyes, drawing her further into his gaze, "Dara, I want you to go to sleep now, when you wake up in the morning you wont remember any of this. The only thing that you'll remember is that you decided that you didn't want to have the children christened. Do you understand?"
Nodding she replied automatically, "Yes."
With that he kissed her as he ordered softly, "Go to sleep now." He watched as she closed her eyes and fell limp in his arms. Shifting her to a reclining position he covered her and then remembering his grandmother's words he took both mugs and ventured to the kitchen to find Lucilla waiting for him.
Looking at him she asked anxiously, "Well?"
Lucas sighed and nodded his head, "She's out." Going to the sink he thoroughly washed the cups and placed them in the dishwasher as his grandmother can to stand next to him.
"I know that she's out, did you do it?"
Lucas nodded, "Yes, she thinks that it's her idea not to have them christened, she shouldn't remember anything other than that."
Satisfied she patted his arm comfortingly, "Quit fretting you didn't have a choice this was the only way. Why don't you go on up and go to bed, I'll tend to the babies tonight."
Lucas sighed heavily, "All right, good night then." With that he returned to his bedroom. Opening the door he went to stand next to the bed and watch his wife sleeping. Bending down he placed a kiss on her lips as he murmured, "I do love you." Then, straitening he undressed and crawled into the bed next to her, careful of her stomach he pulled her close to him. Feeling her relax deeper as he settled her against him he followed her into sleep.
The next morning Dara woke, feeling fully rested and ready to face the day. After she had dressed she insisted on going downstairs to eat breakfast, knowing that her family would be leaving in two days.
Lucas had tried to persuade her to stay in bed at least one more day and although her ankle was still tender as was her stomach, she still insisted on going downstairs. Allowing her to attempt the stairs after a couple of steps he could see that she was having more difficulty than if he simply carried her down. Ignoring her protests, he bent down and swung her into his arms as he finished descending the steps. Carrying her through to the dining room where everyone else was waiting, he ignored the stares as he placed her in her chair.
Mara asked hesitantly, "I thought that Dara was going to stay in bed another day or two."
Lucas smiled ruefully, "So did I, but she insisted on coming down, and since her ankle is still bothering her it was easier and less painful for her if I carried her." Seeming to have satisfied everyone's curiosity he began filling his plate for the morning meal.
He was concentration on the stack of pancakes in front of him when he heard Kara ask her sister, "Are you going to call the preacher today about christening the kids?"
Lucas glanced up as did Lucilla, both careful to mask their anxiety over her answer.
Looking at her sister, Dara replied, "No, I thought about it last night and I've changed my mind. it wasn't what Lucas and I decided on when they were born. I think that we'll stick to the original plan and let them make up their own minds when they're older."
Lucas glanced at his grandmother to find the relief he felt at Dara's answer mirrored in her eyes.
Kara looked at her sister disbelievingly, "I thought that you were going to follow family tradition?"
Dara glanced at her sister in irritation as she replied, "The decision as to how those children are raised belongs to Luca and I, and this is what we decided and I really don't like being questioned about it?"
Taken back by her sister's statement, Kara replied apologetically, "I'm sorry, you're right of course it is your decision. I was just a little shocked, that's all."
Dara smiled in return of her sister's apology, "It's all right, but that is my decision, I just ask that you respect it." With that she too ate her breakfast.
Two day later saw the departure of Dara's family. Although Lucas did like her family he was glad to see them leave, giving him privacy with his family.
After they had departed, Lucilla pulled him aside and stated, "I think that it's about time I was heading back home as well. You seem to have everything under control here so you don't need me."
Nodding his appreciation he replied, "Thank you for helping us out here."
Looking at her grandson she offered, "You're welcome but I have some advice for you. You cant keep her from finding out what's going on indefinitely. The twins are starting to walk now as well as being able to talk. When Rinie starts doing all of those things just as early she's not going to buy that all three are that advanced. She's going to want some answers and I hope you have good ones, because if you lose her you'll lose the best part of yourself with her."
Narrowing his gaze he replied acidly, "I have no intentions of losing her, I'll do what I have to in order to keep her."
Shaking her head sadly, she stated, "You may not have any say about keeping her if she ever realizes everything that you've kept hidden from her. She may take the choice away with her." Turning she went upstairs to pack and prepare to leave. After an hour she was packed and having said goodbye to everyone was on her way home.