“I just came by to check and see if you guys need anything,” Malcolm said. He looked around. “Drinks? Food? Anything?”
A contraction hit Lynn, and she reached for Malcolm’s hand, since he was standing the closest to her. He let her grab him and squeeze, wincing as her black fingernails nearly pierced his skin.
When it finally stopped, he took a breath. “Holy fuck,” he breathed.
“Sorry,” Lynn said, grateful for his help as he helped her waddle to the bed.
“Oh, don’t mind me. It was just a hand. I didn’t need it for anything.”
Shelly grinned. “That’s not what Aubrey said. In fact, she said you like to stick that hand right up her—”
“Shelly!” Lynn said.
Shelly stopped talking and turned to face her, smiling politely. “Yes, Lynn.”
Lynn laughed. “Stop it.”
“You guys are no fun.” Shelly flounced to the windowsill and perched on the ledge. “I’m staying. All the way to the end. Just so you know.”
Malcolm raised his hand. “I’m not. I’ll be outside.”
Lynn laughed.
I walked close to Malcolm. “So, you stick your whole hand up there?” I asked with a grin. “How does that work?”
“Wait until this kid gets here, and you’ll understand.” Malcolm laughed.
“Can you do me a favor and keep the grandparents and great-grandparents to be in the waiting room as long as you can?” I asked.
“You want me to entertain them with my biting wit and effervescent charm?” Malcolm asked. He clapped his hands together. “I accept the challenge.”
He left, and he did what he’d promised. He gave me and Lynn time to bring a new life into the world. I’m not sure if Lynn could have done it without Shelly’s help. Shelly pushed when Lynn needed it, and she wiped her brow when it was sweaty. She was…there. She was a sister.
And when Lynn finally pushed that little life into the world, Shelly was a sobbing mess. “He’s so perfect,” she cried. She buried her face in Lynn’s neck, and Lynn cupped the back of her head in her palm, holding her close. “You did such a good job, Lynn,” Shelly said over and over. “Such a good job,” she finally whispered.
I cut the co
rd, still in awe of all the pink skin and goo, and they passed the baby to Lynn. She took him in her arms and held him, and I knew, in that moment, that this was where we were supposed to end up. I kissed her cheek, and she looked at me, her eyes shimmering.
She whispered something to Shelly, and Shelly replied, “Ash? Really?”
“What?” I interrupted. I had no idea what they were talking about.
“Oh, nothing,” Shelly said. She waved a breezy hand in the air. “Let’s go tell the family so we can keep them out of here for a few more minutes.”
Shelly and I went out to the waiting room, where Mom and Dad gave us hugs, and Dad gave me a cigar. Lynn’s Nana was nearly beside herself with joy. She hugged me and whispered in my ear, “I promise I’ll never try to drug you again.”
Well, thank God for small miracles.
Shelly stayed in the waiting room so Lynn and I could have a few minutes alone, and I walked back in to find her sobbing, holding the baby close to her.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
She looked up at me and I knew, instantly, that Ash stared back at me. “He’s so perfect,” Ash said, as tears rolled down her face. “You two made a perfect baby.”
I sat down next to her and gathered her in my arms. “Where have you been?” I asked softly. “I’ve missed you so much.” My chest filled with emotion and I had to swallow past it.
“I’ve been around. Don’t tell me you haven’t seen me.” She rolled her eyes, and then she went back to staring down at the baby.