Montana Sky

Chapter 26: Echoes of Eternity

Like a beautiful smile, that fills I know why
Such a beauty won't die, it's eternity's mile
That we walk all this while
Like a beautiful dream, that is just what it seems
We're just floating upstream, on eternity's beam
So long as men can breath, or eyes can see
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee
– Sting: Like a Beautiful Smile –

*****

The Sunday midmorning was sunny, summer clearly in the air; usually Stefani loved this time of the year in her hometown, but now her day wasn't off to the best possible start. She'd been feeling queasy and gross ever since waking, slightly sore all over due to tension building in her body, she missed Bradley terribly, and on top of everything she was really quite restless about facing her father; taking a deep breath, she watched the familiar houses as the car turned onto the street of her and Natali's childhood home. It looked like it always had, as though time stood still here; on the surface nothing seemed to have changed since the last time she'd visited, but for the two of them and especially her, everything was different now.

"It's going to be all right," her sister whispered, grasping her hand tightly for a quick squeeze; Stefani managed a little smile, rubbing her temples and wondering if she'd greet her parents by throwing up at the threshold as the morning sickness was getting worse, of course aggravated by her stress. On the day before, her doctor had tried and failed to offer comfort by estimating it would most likely ease off by the end of the first trimester at the latest; as happy as she was about being pregnant, the mere thought of feeling like this for several more weeks was enough to make even more nausea wash over her. New York City was its usual busy hive of activity; Bobby and Peter had insisted on arranging security, even though Stefani really was planning to move only between her apartment, Joe and Cynthia's house and the airport, possibly dining at Joanne Trattoria as it had been a while since she'd had time to visit her family's restaurant. Still, the presence of the professional driver and bodyguard calmed her, and she knew it was important to Bradley too that she had them; they had exchanged a few messages that morning but he hadn't picked up when she had called him just before leaving the apartment. Sighing, she glanced at the screen of her phone again, wondering if there would be at least one foal born by the time she got back home; perhaps there already was, keeping him busy.

Cynthia met them at the door, a smile spreading onto her face and Stefani felt tears burn her eyes; her mother's apron was dotted with flour, making it clear she had been busy baking like she usually always was on Sundays, a fact confirmed by the absolutely delicious scents drifting from the kitchen.

"Hey, mum."

"Hi, my darlings. I'm so happy to see you." Cynthia hugged them, kissing the blonde's cheek. "How are you feeling, sweetheart? You look pale; have you been able to eat anything today?"

"A bit." She sniffled, pressed closer, so comforted by the huge dose of strength and love she always received when she was on her mother's arms. The older woman smoothed her hair, rocked her gently; Natali touched her shoulder and headed towards the living room.

"Shh, love; I know you're worried about your dad, but he's just being stubborn right now. Everything will be okay." Cynthia rubbed her back soothingly and Stefani opened her eyes at the sound of footsteps, teared up again when she saw her father; she hesitated for a moment before moving over to him, getting wrapped into a secure hold.

"Hello, my girl," he muttered, kissing the side of her head. "Congratulations."

"Thank you," she whispered, pulling back and swallowing; at first glance, it had seemed like everything really was all right, but now she could see the slight tension and worry in her father's eyes. Cynthia removed her apron, reached for her younger daughter's hand.