Okay. This is it! At last! I know it's 15k words, but that's just the way it ended. Thanks to everyone who has been along for this. I hope it's been worthwhile, if even for bits. My thanks, as always, to Kenji for his editing. I'm sure he's not going to miss me, but one never knows!
Chapter 103
May
As Emily's belly swelled, so did our closeness. Don't get me wrong, we had our 'problems', and occasional blow-ups, but we always talked them through, our Sunday evening talks still strong. I had booked Chrissie and Emily a weekly, two-hour spa treatment, wanting both of them to enjoy the alone time, and pamper them a bit. Every so often, they relented to the pouting Chloe, and brought her along to join the 'big girls'.
David and I would go on the river, his prowess improving weekly. We were undoubtedly enjoying our days out. We'd stop off at our regular riverside pub, and have lunch, then paddle our way back. We did a lot of talking out on the water, the peace conducive to connecting. He was twelve now, and inquisitive. He would turn himself around to face me, and we'd talk. Then, one day, the question I knew would come one day finally raised its head.
We sat there bobbing about, the current taking us where it wanted, and he asked me, "Dad...why do I have two moms? I don't mind, really, I don't, but...how did it all happen?" he asked.
Fuck! Fuckity. Fuck.
It was a long talk, and he listened as I attempted to explain relationships and people's emotions. I did assure him that as long as two people were honest, consenting and willing, nothing was impossible. I tried not to use the end-of-conversation cliche, 'I'll explain when you're older'. He deserved more than that, but I honestly talked with him about his mother and me, not telling him of our familial connection. I knew that would have to be addressed one day, but not at twelve. I touched on his mother's relationship with Emily, and on the circumstances, careful not to denigrate his dead father.
"At the end of the day, we fell in love. We know it's different, but it works for us, and that's what's important. We care for, and trust one another. Our setup doesn't work for everyone, but that doesn't mean it's not right or valid. We're happy, and want you and Chloe to be happy. We are concerned that our family setup won't affect either of you. Hey, all kids are embarrassed by their parents. We get that, but you may have situations where people will pick on you about it. Screw 'em, David. Just know that you are probably loved more than any of them, okay?"
He seemed pleased with my honesty and openness, surprised that I didn't 'fob him off' as many parents would. If he was eighteen, the talk would have been so much different. He gave me a hug, turned around, and we paddled.
I talked with him about school, and what his strengths and weaknesses were. I already had a pretty good idea from our Parent/Teacher meetings, but I wanted to hear it from him. For a twelve-year-old, he was pretty level-headed.
"Can I give you some advice? Tell me to bugger off if you want, but..." I asked, smiling. "Never be afraid of making mistakes, okay? Too many people do. Don't
waste
your mistakes, you know.
Hopefully, you'll learn more from them than from your successes," I said.
"Hmm, I never thought of it that way, dad. Yeah. That makes sense," he smiled.
As the weeks, then months, went on, Emily had this beautiful New-Age, Earth Mother thing going on. She started maternity leave in March, so she indulged herself in cooking, reading, preparing for the birth, and caring for the kids, and us! She and Chloe would stroll about the garden barefoot, or in their matching crocs, and work on their plans. She had bought Chloe a cute pair of gardening dungarees, and a headscarf. She looked like she was born to this and finished off the look with her own gardening tools. Chrissie and I would watch them from the dining area, Emily waddling about by now, and just chuckle. They had ordered a mature willow tree, which was due to be planted this week. I had suggested the willow, as it was one of Ems's favourite trees in her garden back in Chicago.
Chrissie had been talking with Richard and Tilly, Emily's parents, and had arranged for them to be here for the birth. They would stay in the unused annexe, and be with their daughter. It was a nice touch on Chrissie's part. They would arrive on Saturday, so there was a mad rush to get the annexe sorted.
The day of the scan finally arrived. Now, to determine what the heck was growing inside her! We could feel each other tremble with excitement, and trepidation. We had opted for private care, not that there was anything wrong with the health system here, but because we were more or less open about our lifestyle, there would be fewer questions raised. Dr. Bertrand, our middle-aged obstetrician, was excellent. She and Emily had developed a close relationship over the months, the trust between the two evident. She explained what and how the morning would go, and proceeded to slather up Emily's stomach. We heard the pulsing heartbeat and looked at each other, our hands clasped tightly together. She moved the ultrasound around her stomach. The otherworldly shape of a tiny human was peacefully floating. We all seemed to hold our collective breaths 'til Caroline announced, "You three have a healthy baby girl on the way!" she smiled, pointing out arms and legs.
Chrissie leant over, the tears beginning already, and kissed Ems. I leaned down, sans tears, kissed her and whispered, "Well done, darling."
"Well done you, Tom!" she chuckled.
"Another girl, eh?" I chuckled at Chrissie, and kissed her.
We all just kept looking at the figure on the screen, so enthralled at the hopes, and responsibility we were taking on. She printed out copies for us, did a few other diagnostic tests, wiped Ems's stomach down, and that was it.
