Chapter 36

Richie exited the store to find yet another flier on his windshield.

It’s almost Thanksgiving. Time to take stock of your life. Is something missing? The one who will make your life complete is waiting for you. All you have to do is take that first step.

He didn’t need to be reminded that it was Thanksgiving. The list of errands his wife had given him was reminder enough. Once again she insisted on having a big family dinner, even though she could go into labour at any time. No matter how much everyone tried to talk her out of it, she refused to even consider the idea of someone else hosting it this year. Damn Bongiovi stubbornness! At least Gail, Todd and Kate were joining them and Gail promised to come early and help Tori – whether she wanted the help or not.

As for the one who made his life complete waiting for him....he already knew that. And if he didn’t move it and get his ass home, she’d have his balls for dinner. The last week or so her hormone rollercoaster had had more ups and downs than an express elevator – and changed direction faster.

It was going to be a long few weeks.

The start of Thanksgiving Day didn’t bode well either.

“Dammit Richie! This isn’t a hotel and I’m not your maid! Will you please stop leaving your wet towels on the floor!” Tori waddled into the dressing room.

“Sorry angel.”

“I have enough to do today without having to pick up after you too!”

Pulling on a shirt, he closed his eyes and prayed for patience. “I know. I’m sorry.”

He watched in silence while she tried on and discarded several outfits.

“Ugh! Nothing looks decent anymore!” Tori pitched a shirt across the room.

Gathering his courage, he bit the bullet. “Angel, what’s the matter?”

“I’m tired and fat....and I’m tired of being fat!”

“Oh honey.” He stepped up behind her, wrapping her in his arms. “You’re not fat. You’re beautiful.”

But she wasn’t having any of it and pushed him away. “Don’t touch me! That’s how I got in this condition in the first place!”

That snapped his patience. “Don’t get pissy with the rest of us because you insisted on having everyone for dinner. You didn’t have to put all this work on yourself. That was your choice! Everyone tried to talk you out of it and point out that it was too much for you in your condition, but you wouldn’t listen. So you and your hormones will just have to suck it up and deal!”

Stunned, Tori watched him stride from the room. A few seconds later he was back wet towels in hand which he threw in the hamper. “Happy?”

Taking a deep breath, she blew it out. Pull it together Tori. He’s right. Gotta suck it up and deal.

Downstairs, Richie walked into the kitchen to find his mother and Ava already elbow deep in dinner preparations, Taffy eating her breakfast. “Happy Thanksgiving.”

“Happy Thanksgiving Dad. Coffee’s ready.”

“Thanks sweetie.”

Joan studied his face. “Rough morning already?”

“I’m married to a Bongiovi who’s eight and a half months pregnant and insisted on hosting a full on family dinner even though she doesn’t have the energy to do the work. What would make you think it’s a rough morning?” At her look he sighed. “Sorry.”

“Hormonal temper tantrum?” Joan guessed.

“T-Mom or Dad?”Ava smirked.

“Brat.” He sipped his coffee. “Little ones still sleeping?”

“Yep.”

“Come on Taffy. Let’s go for a walk before the bear comes downstairs.” He reached for the leash, careful not to trip over the dog dancing around his feet.

“Richie!” Joan admonished him. “Better make it a long walk. Don’t come back until you’re in a better mood.”

“My mood isn’t the problem.” He grumbled as he and Taffy headed for the door.

“I hope this baby comes soon.” Joan commented.

“Why?”

“Because I think your Dad’s had enough of dealing with pregnancy hormones and Tori’s had enough of being pregnant.”

While Richie walked around the neighbourhood, his temper cooled and he felt a little guilty for snapping at his wife. He knew she was tired and that pregnancy was hard on her, this one especially so, coming so close after Lauren’s. But he was tired of having to walk on egg shells around her and not knowing what her mood was going to be like from one minute to the rest. Her ‘don’t touch me’ comment today was the icing on the cake. It was also redundant. She’d made it very clear over the last week and a half that she had no interest whatsoever in lovemaking. She preferred cuddling with Bernie than him. He understood. At this stage she was uncomfortable and just wanted the baby out. But she’d never pushed him away and denied him closeness before.

He sighed. Maybe it was just as well that this one be the last. He wasn’t sure either one of them could go through this again. They’d have four beautiful children and God knew they would keep them busy. That was enough. He wanted his wife back – without the hormones.

When Tori entered the kitchen with Stevie and Lauren and saw what Joan and Ava had already done, her eyes filled with tears. “Thank you.”

“Sit down and eat. Everything’s under control.” Joan assured her.

“Where’s Richie?”

“He took Taffy for a walk.”

Tori nodded and set about feeding her children and herself. When Taffy ran in, signalling their return, she rose to meet her husband in the foyer. “Hi.”

“Hi.”

Their eyes locked and at the wetness and regret shining in the sapphire depths, Richie sighed and opened his arms. Tori flowed into them, her own wrapping around his waist and holding tight. “I’m sorry.”

“I know.” He squeezed her. “It’s okay. It’s only a few more weeks. We’ll get through this.”

Early afternoon brought the arrival of Gail, Todd and Kate. Everyone was happy to see them...except Taffy. When Todd approached Tori to give her a hug hello, he found his way blocked by a growling canine.

“Taffy no!” Tori scolded her. “Todd’s a friend, remember. Friend.”

Todd crouched down to pet Taffy and let her smell him. “Hi girl. It’s just me. Quite the guard dog aren’t you?”

“Seems to be, the closer it gets to the baby coming.” Tori smiled. “She’s my fierce protector.”

“Then what’s Richie’s job?”

“Errand boy and body servant.” Richie replied dryly.

“Don’t forget dog walker.” Tori added.

Gail laughed. “You don’t sound too upset with your job Rich.”

“Are you kidding? I live to serve that body.”

“Richie!” Tori scolded him.

“Well it’s true angel and you know it. The evidence is right in front of you.”

“Literally.” Tori rubbed her belly. Richie just grinned and waggled his eyebrows.

“Why don’t you men go find something useful to do while we finish dinner preparations?” Gail urged.

“That means they want to talk about us.” Todd advised his host as they watched their wives disappear into the kitchen and the teenagers up the stairs to Ava’s room.

“That’s okay, I have something I want to talk to you about too. I need a favour.”

“Sure. Whatever you need.”

With everyone’s help, dinner went smoothly, and no one walked away from the table hungry. In fact, most could barely walk away. Groans and popping buttons echoed around the living room as everyone settled in to watch TV in a post turkey stupor. Tori couldn’t wish for anything better.