CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE
DANA
Dana Wilson-Cohen spent most of her weekdays rehearsing with the Philharmonic Orchestra, then most of her weekends on a strict relaxation plan. One of the few traits that both she and Rux had in common was their workaholic nature, which, admittedly, was what made her and Rux successful, but they had agreed to create healthy boundaries.
It was important to them both to have time together, whether it was chilling on the couch with a good movie or going on trips to explore the country. They found their energy through relaxation and being completely honest about their needs.
Dana had moved into a comfortable flow of work and creativity, then engaged in another form of creativity with Rux. She had learned that getting to know someone that you love stimulates all different parts of your brain and personality, allowing you to grow into a much more complete person.
They had argued, of course, like any couple, but Dana had learned that she needed to listen more. And Rux had learned that when Dana needed to express herself, she would.
Rux was not possessive, but he loved her wholly and completely. That kind of love can change a person.
Dana had gotten off work early on a sunny summer day because she wasn’t feeling well. They were at the height of performing season, which meant that her work hours often went deep into the night, and she wouldn’t see Rux until she crawled into bed with him.
She could hold him, breathing in his delicious musk, and fall right to sleep.
She had vomited a few times that morning and had remained queasy for most of the rehearsal. Her coworkers and maestro gave her the rest of the day off, knowing that they had been going at it hard for a few weeks.
Dana, like most women, suspected what was going on. She had been on birth control when she met Rux but forgot to take it a few times during their honeymoon to Italy. The trip had been filled with spontaneous lovemaking and wine-soaked moonlight romps.
She decided she would try a take-home test and schedule a visit to the doctor. She wasn’t sure how she felt about it initially. Rux had expressed an interest in a family, in extending his legacy, but considering how busy they both were, was it going to be the right time?
Dana remembered her mother telling her, “There’s never a right time.”
Dana bought the test and then used it immediately in a nearby cafe restroom. She remained on the toilet as she stared down at the little blue plus sign, indicating a positive result.
“Lord,” she whispered to herself.
She called her doctor for an emergency test, and she happened to have a spot open. Dana sat on the crumply rice paper and waited for Dr. Miller to come back with her results.
Dana knew immediately as the tall redhead walked in what the answer was.
“Congratulations!” Dr. Miller said, positively beaming.
Dana left the doctor's office, still feeling unsure. She felt a sudden weight as she drove her Phantom, the one Rux had purchased for her on their second marvelous date. They had worked on it together, just as he promised, on weekends and evenings when they had the motivation.
She sighed, looking up into the endless blue dome. It hadn’t sunk in yet, despite the weight of responsibility she was feeling, sitting inside her body, barely a twinkle in her eye.
Dana decided she would make Rux a special dinner that they could eat out on the terrace just outside their bedroom. She was rarely home in time to take over chef duties, but on that day, she felt the inspiration to do just that.
So, Dana gave the attendants an early evening, telling them to take advantage of the warm sun while they could. She located the most expensive wine in the vast cellar, a red merlot she knew he loved, and brought it back upstairs to the kitchen.
She set up a romantic meal for two overlooking what was now her expansive property. Since she had moved in, Rux had put in a pool and a tennis court, giving her more opportunities to both lounge and engage her athletic bones.
Beyond them was a stunning line of Pando Aspen trees, bright and flickering a dusty orange and yellow in the waning twilight.
Dana made him lobster linguini with a little guidance from one of the chefs who lingered before departing. She always had to make her meals as a teacher and musician, but most of those meals were simple and not necessarily healthy.
Since marrying Rux, she was blessed with the experience of an expensive cuisine, ready and available to her 24/7.
She wasn’t sure if the meal she was making her husband was going to measure up, but knowing him, he would appreciate it if it tasted like dirt.
Dana had everything set up and ready for Rux to return home around seven in the evening. She stood over the iron table with a sweetly pink tablecloth, and candles lit in the center.
She felt butterflies take flight in her stomach, unsure about how to broach the subject with Rux because she didn’t know how she felt either.
He came through the front door a bit early after waving at her from his car window. Dana sprinted downstairs, as excited to see him as she was the very first time.