Part Three

Author’s note:

This chapter picks up as Mart prepares to confront Trixie after Diana runs into the house, crying. Find out Mart and Di’s secret in the final chapter of “The Baby Blues”.

It took a lot to make Mart Belden angry. However, at this moment, “angry” didn’t even begin to cover it. He looked positively infuriated as he stomped through the snow towards his sister. His stormy blue eyes were like sharp shards of ice, slicing and dicing as they practically drilled into her very soul. Even from several feet away, she could see that Mart’s teeth were clenched so tightly that it caused the muscles in his jaw to twitch. His fingers were curled tightly in an effort to appease his rage, although it didn’t appear that it was working so well.

In all her twenty-five years, Trixie didn’t think she’d ever seen her middle brother so angry with her, and that was saying a lot.

“What’s wrong with you, Trixie?” he demanded hotly when he was only a couple of feet away.

“I could ask you the same thing,” she retorted.

Mart either hadn’t heard the comeback or had chosen to ignore it. “Haven’t you learned by now to keep your mouth shut and your nose out of other people’s business?”

Trixie let out a low whistle under her breath. “Jeesh, you’re in rare form today. It’s a good thing you’re not a woman, or else somebody might accuse you of having PMS.”

Instead of responding to her comment, Mart merely crossed his arms in front of his chest and continued the stare down. She had the distinct feeling that he was disabling his fists out of concern for her safety.

Uncomfortable, she shifted her stance. “Why did Di go in the house?”

“Because you upset her,” he answered curtly.

“I’d better go inside and tell her that I’m sorry that I gave her such a hard time.” Trixie moved towards the sidewalk, but to her surprise, Mart stepped in front of her.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” he warned.

“Why not?”

The angry expression on Mart’s face evolved into one of worry. “Because Di’s probably in our bedroom right now, crying her eyes out. I seriously doubt that she wants to talk to anyone now, especially you.” He shook his head, a grimace marring his handsome features. “I should’ve kept her from going to that shower. I knew she’d come home upset.”

“Oh, pooh,” Trixie said with a dismissive wave of her hand. “There’s no reason for her to be upset. She barely left a mark on Jane.”

“She what?” Mart asked, completely dumbfounded and slightly disturbed.

“Didn’t she tell you?” She grinned in unabashed delight. “Di slapped Jane Morgan at the shower. It was awesome.”

Mart swore under his breath. “I should’ve made her stay home. She had no business being at that—” he gritted his teeth as he finished his sentence—“baby shower.”

One of Trixie’s sandy eyebrows winged upward. “There’s no need to be jealous, Mart. Once Di lets the cat out of the bag, Honey and I will throw her the best baby shower ever. And we won’t make the mistake of inviting Jane Morgan…”

Totally confused, his eyes narrowed and his upper lip curled. “Have you lost your mind? You’re only making things worse!”

“Mart, she’s going to have to come clean sooner or later.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I know not everybody is as intuitive as I am, but they’re sure to figure it out eventually.”

“Trixie, I’m not sure what you think you’ve figured out,” he began slowly, “but I’m positive that you need to think again.”

“Don’t tell me you’re denying it, too.” Trixie exhaled wearily as she threw up her hands in resignation. “Will I have to be the one to spread word around town?”

“You wouldn’t dare!” Mart’s expression was deadly serious.

“Don’t worry,” she promised with a wink. “My lips are sealed. I won’t say anything to Moms and Dad or the Lynches until you do. As long as you don’t wait too long, that is. I do have a minimal amount of patience, you know.”

“Trixie, could you please just drop it?” he asked testily. “You’re way off base.”

“For your information, I heard Di tell her mom that she was having a baby, so I can’t be that off,” Trixie retorted.

“Trixie, that’s not possible.”

“I know what I heard, Mart,” she argued. “It was on New Year’s. We were getting ready to leave Crabapple Farm when Mrs. Lynch called. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I overheard Di talking to her mother. I distinctly remember her saying that she hadn’t gotten her period, and that she had made an appointment with her doctor.”

“Trixie,” he began, his voice pleading, “Please believe me when I tell you that you’re wrong. I know you have trouble with letting things go, but couldn’t you mind your own business, just this once?”

Trixie’s chin edged its way up proudly. “Like I told Di, you’re my family, so that makes it my business.” She briefly considered tacking on a “So there!” for good measure, but since Mart still looked agitated, she wisely decided against it.

“When we need a detective, we’ll let you know. Until then, keep your nose where it belongs.” His mouth pinched with irritation, he turned to walk away. “I’d better go check on Di.”

Before he could take a single step, Trixie reached out and grabbed him by the coat sleeve. “I don’t get it. Why are you both so upset that Di’s pregnant?” she demanded.

Mart whirled around to face her, his complexion a ghastly shade of gray. “We’re not upset that Di’s pregnant!” he corrected angrily.

“Then why aren’t you telling everyone?”

“Because she isn’t pregnant, Trixie! Di is NOT pregnant!”

Trixie exhaled noisily. “Then why are you both so upset? What’s the problem?”

“The problem is that Di isn’t pregnant!” Mart thundered. He sucked in a ragged breath in order to regain his composure. Weaving a hand through his short sandy curls, he began again more calmly. “Di isn’t pregnant, Trixie, and that’s the truth. We’ve been trying to have a baby for over a year and a half, but so far all we’ve gotten is a bunch of heartbreak.”

Completely taken aback by that bombshell, Trixie released her vise grip on her brother’s jacket. She wanted to say something, but she could only manage an openmouthed stare.

“I’ve said too much,” he muttered with a shake of his head. “Go home, Trix. I’ll have Di call you after she’s calmed down. You can work it out later.”

Trixie gulped as she studied her brother’s face, wondering how she had ever missed the change in his appearance. Eyes that usually twinkled impishly were clouded with pain. His lips, normally posed in a mischievous grin, were dipped downward in a frown. While his expression was generally upbeat, it was now hopeless. His broad shoulders sagged under the weight of the burdens he carried, and he looked so weary that Trixie wondered if he actually had the strength to walk back to the house. Her heart breaking at the sight of her almost-twin, she reached out a tenuous hand to him.

“Mart,” she called, her voice beseeching. “Please don’t walk away. I’m sorry for… for everything. Di hasn’t been acting like herself lately, and I just assumed she was pregnant. It was the most logical explanation.”

“Bobby’s been acting weird, too,” he clipped testily. “Does that mean he’s expecting a baby?”

“Of course not,” Trixie stammered. “It’s just… Di has certain symptoms, and…” Her voice trailed off as she released a soft sigh. “I already suspected that something was up. After I overheard Di talking to her mother on the phone, I put two and two together, and—”

“And you got five,” Mart finished for her.

She nodded glumly. “But in my defense, it really sounded like Di was pregnant, and she never actually told me that she wasn’t.”

“So you kept nagging at her to tell you the truth,” he supplied angrily.

Trixie nodded again. “I’m so sorry, Mart. I thought she might be worried that she’d lose her promotion. I was just trying to reassure her that everything would work out. I meant well, honestly I did.”

Mart released a weary sigh. “You always do.”

“Why didn’t she just admit to me that she wasn’t?”

“Di can’t even discuss this subject without bursting into tears. She’s been a mess.” Mart paused and his face took on an even sadder appearance. “Well, I guess we’re both a mess. It’s tough to talk about.”

“I only wanted to help.”

“I know you meant well, Trix,” he said with another sigh. “But I’m afraid that instead of helping, you’ve only made things worse.”

She bit her lower lip, her eyes repentant. “I’m so sorry, Mart. Do you want me to talk to her? I’d like to apologize…”

Mart shook his head. “No, it’d be best if you didn’t. I probably should talk to her first and remind her that she didn’t come right out and deny your claims.”

“Yeah,” she agreed reluctantly. She turned her gaze upward to study Mart’s worried frown. “How about you? Do you need to talk to someone?”

Mart kept his gaze downward, staring at his boots as he scuffed one toe through the snow. “Don’t worry about me. I’m okay.”

Although Trixie’s guess about Diana had been wrong, her intuition regarding her almost-twin never failed. “No, you’re not,” she whispered. “You’re as upset as Di is about this. This is eating you up.”

“I need to go take care of Di.”

“I know that you take good care of Di, but Mart, who’s going to take care of you? You’re hurting just as badly as she is.”

Mart glanced back at the house and then over to his sister as he considered her question.

“I’m here if you need to talk,” she cajoled. “Please don’t shut me out.”

Mart shoved his gloved hands into the pockets of his coat and walked back towards her. He looked at her, his blue eyes more forlorn than Trixie had ever seen them. For the first time in history, Sleepyside’s most verbose resident remained silent when actually she wanted him to talk. She may have messed up before, but she knew what to do now. It was time to take action.

“Oh, Mart,” she murmured contritely as she wrapped her arms around his stiff form. Whether he liked it or not, she was going to do her best to comfort him. “I’m so sorry. So very, very sorry…”

Although Mart didn’t speak, he did return her embrace. He merely nodded as he sniffed back what Trixie knew was tears. As soon as they separated, his face was stony and all trace of emotion gone.

“Why didn’t you tell us?” she asked in a gentle voice.

“It’s not exactly something you announce over Christmas dinner.” Mart gave a scornful snort. “I can just imagine how that would go over. ‘Moms, please pass the mashed potatoes, and by the way, in spite of my many attempts, I can’t seem to impregnate my wife, so hopefully one of your other kids will give you those grandchildren you’ve been hinting at for all these years.’ ”

“Oh, Mart.” Trixie knew she’d already spoken those exact same words, but she couldn’t seem to think of anything better to say.

“It’s actually ironic when you think about it,” he remarked bitterly. “Neither of our families has ever had trouble conceiving. Brian was a honeymoon baby, and you and Bobby were both surprises. Heck, I’m the only one they put any effort into.”

She grinned, unable to argue.

“And if that’s not bad enough,” he continued, “the Lynch genes are even more potent. Ed gave Carolyn a two-for-one special, not once but twice.”

Trixie’s brow furrowed as she considered her words carefully. “Are you… uh… Did you… um… Have you given it enough time?”

Mart’s laugh was cynical. “Well, let’s just say that these past eighteen months, we’ve learned firsthand that practice doesn’t necessarily make perfect.”

“Oh.” She shifted uncomfortably, wishing she had thought twice about offering to discuss such a sensitive subject. “Do you… uh… know what’s… um… preventing you from making… things perfect?”

Instead of answering her right away, Mart tipped his head in the direction of the house’s wraparound porch. “Do you mind sitting outside? I’d invite you in, but it might be best to give Di some time to herself.”

Trixie agreed and followed her middle brother up the stone cobbled walkway leading to the house. As newlyweds, Mart and Diana had decided to never rely on the Lynches’ money. The couple had lived in a tiny apartment the first two years of their marriage. In spite of Ed’s generous offer to “loan” them money to build their own home, Mart and Diana had kindly refused. Instead, they lived contentedly in their little apartment, saving every penny they could. Finally, they had enough to make a down payment. Their scrimping and saving had been worth it when they bought a piece of land only a few miles from Crabapple Farm and constructed their dream house. Though their home wasn’t a mansion, the spacious two-story Cape Cod had a charm all its own.

Every inch of the house declared Mart’s love for his bride. The dark gray shaker siding was perfectly complemented by the periwinkle-blue shutters, which Mart stubbornly insisted were not purple.

With his green thumb, Mart could grow grass on concrete. Since the couple enjoyed spending time outdoors, he had created an outdoor sanctuary for them. He liked plants of all colors, but he had planned the landscaping with Di in mind. Knowing his wife’s affinity for all things beautiful, every spring he made sure there was a vast selection of flowers, ranging in color from pale orchid to deep purple, scattered around their property. He timed his plantings so the yard would have continuous color from spring until late fall. When everything began to bloom in early spring, Trixie never failed to appreciate all the time and effort Mart had put into his design.

Along their driveway, he’d carefully alternated redbuds with pink dogwoods, providing a colorful welcome for their visitors during springtime. Trixie knew that in a few months each of the home’s window boxes would be filled with violets and purple impatiens, and azalea and rhododendron bushes would add a splash of color in the flowerbeds. Lavender-colored phlox would cover many of the rocks that circled the trees. Wisteria would gracefully climb up the white picket fence surrounding the property, and the blossoms of the lilac bushes situated around the yard would provide a pleasant perfume.

The pièce de résistance was a beautiful rock waterfall feature that Mart had installed in the backyard. Constructed out of natural stone, the oasis provided a tranquil escape for the busy couple. After a busy day, they could close their eyes and listen to the sounds of a mountain creek just outside their kitchen door. In the spring, lavender water hyacinths in the small pond would dance in the breeze. The outdoor haven looked like something right off the cover of Better Homes and Gardens.

Now, as she made her way up the cobblestone path, Trixie studied the leafless trees, the empty window boxes, and the flowerless shrubs. Winter had left its mark on Mart and Diana’s property. The frozen ground held spring prisoner as the cold weather left all in its path barren.

And sadly, Trixie thought to herself, in spite of Mart’s tender, loving care, the land isn’t the only thing that’s barren this winter.

She attempted a feeble smile as Mart gestured for her to sit down. She claimed a spot on the white wicker loveseat, allowing plenty of room for Mart to sit beside her. He claimed his spot, but seemed uneager to continue their conversation. Determined not to rush him, Trixie sat quietly and waited for him to speak.

Finally he began in a broken voice. “It’s really been rough on us, especially when people start hinting that we should have kids. Believe me, it’s not as if we haven’t tried.”

“Have you told anyone what’s going on?”

Mart shook his head. “Carolyn knows that something is wrong, but Di hasn’t spoken to her recently about it. Di and I talked about it, but we decided not to say something to the rest of the family until we find out for certain what’s going wrong and if it can be fixed.”

“I assume she’s been to the doctor by now,” Trixie guessed.

“Yeah, many times.” He rolled his eyes. “The first time was about a year ago. We’d been trying for about six months, and when it hadn’t happened by then, Di made an appointment with her gynecologist. He did a thorough exam and couldn’t find anything wrong. He told us that sometimes it took awhile. He advised us to buy one of those kits that tracked when she was ovulating, and not to… uh, do it a few days before so I’d have more sperm.”

Trixie wrinkled her nose. Although she hated hearing these intimate details, she had offered to listen. “Go on.”

With a grin, Mart continued. “He also suggested that I wear boxer shorts. So no more thongs for me.”

Trixie’s peaches and cream complexion turned a ghastly shade of pea green.

“Just kidding, sis.” Mart chuckled. “Sorry, I couldn’t resist. I hereby swear that I have never worn a thong in my life.”

“I wasn’t going to say a word,” she muttered through clenched teeth.

“Anyway, we tried everything he suggested, but nothing happened. Whenever Di was a few days late, she’d immediately take a test, but it was always negative. Then, a couple of months ago, she completely missed her period. She waited a few weeks and then took a test in late November, but it came back negative. We thought that maybe it was too soon, so when she didn’t get it in December, we tried again. It was still negative.”

Trixie’s heart broke as she listened to the account. She nodded for him to continue.

“Di began to worry that the tests weren’t accurate.” He shook his head sadly. “By this time, she’d gained a few pounds of water from missing her period, but we so desperately wanted to think that it was because she was pregnant and the tests were wrong.”

“Oh, Mart,” she murmured, patting his hand. “I had no idea.”

“Di talked to her mom about it on Christmas Day. Her mom told us that those over-the-counter pregnancy tests had never worked for her, and her blood had had to be tested to find out for sure. She suggested that maybe Di should try that also. So I took her to the hospital the next day. But that test was negative, too.

“Finally, Di told her mother about the problems we’d been having trying to conceive. Carolyn wanted us to tell Moms and Dad, but like I said, we wanted to wait until we knew a little more. That’s why Carolyn called Di at Crabapple Farm on New Year’s Day. She asked us again to tell everyone what was wrong, and make sure that Di had made an appointment with her doctor.”

“Yeah, that sounds like what I overheard,” Trixie admitted. “I’m just sorry that I botched it up so badly.”

Mart decided to ignore that remark. “Di went back to the gynecologist and he did some basic tests. Once again, he couldn’t find anything wrong. He suggested the stress of trying to get pregnant probably caused her to miss her period.” A frown slipped across his lips. “He must’ve been right because she got it a few days later.”

Trixie didn’t know what to say to comfort him, so she just squeezed his hand.

“The gynecologist referred us to a fertility clinic,” Mart went on. “We went there for the first time last week. The reproduction specialist did several more tests, and we should know something when we go back next week.”

“I pray he’ll find out what’s wrong and can fix it,” she told him. “You and Di would make wonderful parents, and I just know that God will bless you with kids.”

“I hope so,” he said, without much confidence.

“Well, regardless of what happens, I hope you’ll lean on your family for strength,” Trixie chided gently. “You need us just as badly as we need you.”

Mart tousled her curls affectionately. “I’ll remember that, squaw.”

“I’ll show you who the squaw is!” Her elbow found his ribs with a swift jab.

“Watch the tenders!” Mart yelped, shielding his midsection with his hands. “We’re having enough problems as it is, without you knocking anything loose. As many Hot Pockets® as I’ve heated up through the years, all the radiation leaking from the microwave has probably fried all my sperm.”

Trixie giggled, relieved to see Mart acting more like himself. “Moms warned you not to eat those things.”

“Speaking of Moms, I do have one favor to ask you, Trix.”

“Anything.”

“Please don’t mention this to anyone else,” he requested. “Di and I would rather tell them when we’re ready.”

“I give you my word that I won’t tell a soul,” Trixie promised solemnly.

“I really appreciate that, Trix.”

Trixie beamed up at him. “You know I’d do anything for you, almost-twin. In spite of the fact that you’re a royal pain in the butt, I am kind of fond of you.”

“And I kinda reciprocate the feeling,” he said, winking. He inclined his head to the front door. “I’d better go check on Di.”

Trixie nodded. “I need to head over to Manor House anyway. Against my better judgment, I should probably warn Jim that Jane Morgan knows we’re an item.”

A look of displeasure spread across Mart’s face. “She probably saw the pictures that Bill took of you two at the country club.”

“Huh, she didn’t have to see the pictures to know something was going on,” Trixie corrected with a snort. “She saw us kiss with her own two eyes!”

“Why was Jane spying on you anyway?” A plucky grin parted his lips. “Of course, knowing Jane, it’s more likely that she was spying on Jim rather than you. She always had a thing for him.”

A prickle of apprehension raised goose bumps along Trixie’s forearms. She made a mental note to add Jane to the list of suspects. “Yeah, she said something about that.”

“And what did you say earlier about Di slapping Jane?”

Trixie quickly caught him up on what had led up to the confrontation. “So, when Jane bashed you, Di couldn’t take any more. She broke bad on Jane, and all of a sudden, it looked like Xena the Warrior Princess had come to life. You could hear that slap all the way across the room!”

Although Mart kept a serious expression on his face, mischief danced in his blue eyes. “That’s my kitten. Push her too far and the claws come out.”

“It was awesome!” she gushed. “Di is officially my hero. I’m starting a fan club for her tomorrow.”

The twinkle disappeared from Mart’s eyes. “I’d hold off on that, Trix,” he muttered. “I’m sure watching that little cat fight was enjoyable, but I wish Di hadn’t slapped her.”

“Why on earth not?”

Mart shrugged slightly. “Jane makes me nervous. I cringe thinking what she’ll do for revenge.”

“You sound like Di.” Trixie waved a hand in dismissal. “Who cares what Jane does? I’m not afraid of her.”

“You should be.”

Trixie snorted loudly. “How could she possibly hurt me?”

“You’d be surprised.” Mart’s expression grew very serious. “Trixie, when you were a teenager catching bad guys, I wasn’t the overprotective type. Unlike Brian and Jim, I didn’t treat you like a delicate flower. I encouraged your adventurous nature and left the lecturing to them.”

She nodded.

“Taking that into consideration, I hope you’ll take me seriously when I advise you to stay away from Jane Morgan,” he cautioned. “She’s dangerous.”

“Aside from the fact that she probably has a few STDs, how could she possibly hurt anyone?”

“What I tell you stays between us.” It was a directive rather than a request. “Jane is on drugs, Trixie. She has an expensive habit, and she’ll do anything for a fix, including lie, cheat, and steal. Bill has to hide his wallet so she won’t rob him blind.”

Trixie gasped. “How do you know this?”

“Bill told me,” Mart admitted. “That’s the reason he made me pay $500 for those pictures; Jane owed her dealer a boatload of money. She’d been warned that if she didn’t cough up some cash soon, she would have to pay in other ways. If Bill hadn’t needed to come up with some quick money, he might’ve torn up those pictures out of the goodness of his heart. Unfortunately, it was either blackmail me or let his sister disappear.”

“Are you sure about this, Mart?”

“Positive. Think about it, Trix. She has all the signs. Her behavior is so erratic that I never know what to expect when I see her. Why, I’ll bet that’s why she was so irritable at the shower; she needed a fix.”

Trixie nodded slowly. Suddenly it all made sense.

“So I hope you’ll leave well enough alone and take pains to avoid her,” Mart advised.

“I’ll do my best, but I can’t make any promises.”

He narrowed his eyes speculatively. “What are you working on, Beatrix?”

“Nothing,” she sputtered. “Why would you assume that?”

“After all these years, I can tell when you’re on the trail of something, and it’s obvious that Jane has something to do with a case you’ve taken.”

Trixie stood up, ignoring his remark. “I think I’ve worn out my welcome. I’d better get to Manor House before dark.”

“Trying to avoid the subject?”

She sighed deeply. “You asked me to keep your secret; now I’m asking you to let me keep mine. Jane may or may not be connected to a certain case we’re working on. However, I’m not at liberty to talk about it.”

“All right,” Mart agreed gruffly. “Just remember to avoid her if you can.”

“I will.” Trixie leaned down to kiss his forehead. “You and Di will be in my thoughts and prayers.”

“Thanks,” he called as she walked away. He waved to her as she got into her car. Once she was gone, he opened the door to the house and went inside.

He knew his wife would be upstairs. Once he reached the second floor, he heard Di’s sobs coming from the master bedroom. He walked over to the bed where she was lying and gently touched her shoulder. His wife turned to him, her face red and eyes swollen from crying.

“Oh, Mart!” she cried as she flung herself into his arms.

He held her close to him, feeling her chest heave with every sob. He murmured words of love in her ear, wishing he could do more. It was his husbandly duty to protect Diana from pain. Unfortunately, this was out of his control. No matter how hard he tried, Mart could not ease her breaking heart.

As hard as he had tried, Mart hadn’t been able to cure her baby blues.

Credits:

Thank you to my fabulous editors: Ryl, Steph H, and Kaye. I appreciate them editing this, although their lives are very busy. Hugs going out to all three of you!

As a reminder, Trixie meant well. I believe that she often gets an idea stuck in her head and refuses to let it go. She believed Diana was pregnant and just nervous about announcing it, and “helping” Di became her pet cause. Unfortunately, she was way off base.

The conversation that Trixie heard, or rather misheard, took place in “Days of Auld Lang Syne”.

This story is admittedly my Mary Jane moment. Damon and I struggled with infertility for well over a year before I finally got pregnant with my daughter Rachel. This was one of the most painful experiences of my life, and I only hope that my victory will help minister to others who may be in this situation.

Just so you know, over-the-counter pregnancy tests do not work for everyone. They didn’t work for my mother, so when my tests kept coming back negative although I wasn’t getting my period, my family assumed I had the same problem. Unfortunately, I did not.

Hot Pockets® are a pastry pocket filled with cheese and meat. Many of our students eat them every day for lunch, and I could see Mart enjoying them, although Jim Gaffigan isn’t particularly a fan. *wink*

As told in “Guess Who’s Coming to Tea”, Mart paid Bill Morgan $500 for the pictures he took of Jim and Trixie kissing at the Sleepyside Country Club’s New Year’s Eve party.

What happens to Mart and Diana? Well, you’ll find out soon in a story called “Just Let Go”. The link may or may not work, depending when you click on it. J