Welcome to My World

Chapter 13

The tour was a smash hit, but they were nearing the end. They had been on the road for four month and it was starting to wear on all of them. They loved performing and traveling, but they were all getting anxious to head home. One month was left and it looked to be the most grueling yet with shows booked nearly everyday.

It was wearing on Caroline a lot recently. She was so tired after the show that she barely got her makeup and dress off before falling asleep. They had done a few more interviews and she had become more comfortable, but after the last interview, she got really sick again. Dino was starting to worry about her. During the group's last night in Palm Springs, Caroline went to bed while Dino and Frank grabbed drinks, "Hey, have you noticed anything about Caroline?"

"Hmm?" Frank said lighting a cigar.

"She's just not doing well. Tired and sick all the time."

Frank raised his eyebrows, "I doubt it's nerves any more."

"I don't think. She's even been fine for the interviews."

"Dino, have you and Caroline talked about kids?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Have you been trying?"

"I mean not 'trying', but ya know... we are newlyweds after all... oh, Frank..." Dino said realizing what Frank meant with his question, "Do you think?"

"Hey, it just sounds awfully damn familiar. Nancy was the same way with our babies. Started out just feeling tired and a little under the weather and then poof, I was a father."

Dino took a long drag on his cigarette, "I mean I'd be thrilled..."

"You'll make a good dad, Dino. I'll make one hell of an uncle."

Dino smiled at Frank as they chatted about other things. That night when Dino came in Caroline was reading a book, "Hey, Baby," he came in and kissed her, "What are you doing awake?"

"Can we talk?" she asked.

"Yeah, sure. What's up?"

Caroline sighed and then began to ramble, "Listen, it's probably not the best time, but there really is never a good time with these things, but what I'm trying to say here... it's really important that you support me and... I just hope you'll be as happy... and the boys... and, and, and..." she began to cry.

"Cara, are we having a baby?" She nodded through her tears, "Aw, Baby! I'm so happy! Why were you scared to tell me?"

"We're on tour and it seems like your career has really taken off. I just thought it was the wrong time."

He laughed and a few tears sprang to his eyes, "I've never been so happy in my whole life."

She wiped his tears away and kissed him, "I love you."

"I love you too," he said quietly holding her. 

At the end of the month, the four of them stood hand-in-hand and took a bow at their final stop of the tour, The Sands, where they had come together eight months ago for the first time. 

When they arrived at the bar for drinks that night, Dean and Caroline officially announced the newest Martin to Frank and Sammy. 

"Congratulations!" Frank said giving Caroline a kiss on the cheek . 

"That's wonderful news!" Sammy said giving Caroline a kiss on the cheek as well. 

They celebrated and toasted to the newest Martin, Caroline of course toasting with soda water. 

When Dean and Caroline arrived home, they immediately invited Dino's parents over to share the news, "Hey, so Dino and i got some interesting news while we were on tour," Caroline cleared her throat.

"What's that, Carolina?" Mamma asked.

"You're going to be grandparents."

Mamma and Papa both froze and then began to clap and cheer. Mamma came to kiss her Carolina on the cheek. They chatted for hours with excitement filling the air about the addition to the family. 

A month later Caroline went for an ultrasound on Valentine's Day. She was four months along. Dino went with her and held her hand the entire time. She was anxious, but the doctor assured them that everything was perfectly healthy and they were expecting twins!

Caroline and Dean were thrilled and it was all they could talk about. Dino began putting together nurseries for the babies. 

One cool spring night, Caroline was sitting on the porch watching the birds fly about the trees. Her stomach had grown and it was obvious that she and Dino were expecting, but she stayed home for the most part to avoid the press. She was a little over halfway to her due date. Suddenly, she felt shooting pains in her stomach and knew something was wrong. She began screaming for Dino as the pain intensified, "Dino! Dino!"

He came running to the porch, "What's wrong, Baby?" 

She cried in pain unable to speak. He quickly carried her to the car and sped off to the hospital. It was a whirlwind. Dino went numb from everything that was happening. The doctor had told him that his wife was in labor and the odds of her and the babies making it were next to zero. Before he knew it, Dean was being suited up to go into the delivery room. 

Hours later, Caroline laid in the ICU clinging to life and Dino looked upon his two babies that had died minutes after being born. Dino went to a phone and called for his best friend who was like a brother to him, "Frank?" he sobbed. 

"Dino? Is that you? What's happened?" 

Dean could hear the noises from the stage as he knew Frank was performing at the Dunes that evening and that's where he had called, "Frank, I need you..."

"Dino, I'll be there. Where are you? What's happening?"

"The twins and Caroline. I might lose 'em all."

"Oh God, Dino. I'm on my way. Where are you?"

"The hospital."

Frank quickly said, "I love you, Dino. I'm coming," and hung up the phone. 

Dino returned to Caroline's room and held her hand as he cried. He prayed to God that he would at least spare his wife. He couldn't lose Caroline; he loved her more than anything. 

A little bit later, Dino heard a whisper from the doorway, "Dino." He began to cry harder upon seeing Frank, "Come on. Let's take a walk."

They went down the cold, dim hallway. Once they were outside, Dino hugged Frank nearly collapsing in his arms.

Frank patted his back, "It's gonna be okay."