LACHLAN

“Oh, look at this! It’s a girl!”

I’ll never forget the doctor’s words as our baby made her entrance into the world.

We got Jessie to the hospital around eight-thirty. She was already five centimeters dilated and the nurses scurried about, hooking a fetal monitor to her belly, inserting an IV and taking her blood pressure every few minutes. I held her hand throughout each contraction, tried to remember what we’d learned from our Lamaze classes as I encouraged her to focus and breathe, and ducked a few well delivered curses when her pain became unbearable.

“Stop touching me!” She cried through gritted teeth as I caressed my fingertips along her forearm. “Stop hovering over me!”

How could something she normally enjoyed suddenly become painful? I felt my own nerves begin to fray and that’s when Enid came to my rescue, patting my shoulder in understanding as I sat down in the corner, no longer hovering, feeling helpless and worried each time the nurses checked her vitals.

“She doesn’t mean it, honey. It’s just the pain talking. She probably won’t even remember by the time this is all through.”

Two seconds later, Jess was calling out for me.

“Where’s Lachlan? I want my husband!”

I cautiously returned beside her and she grabbed my hand, squeezing so hard that I winced. 

“Oh God, Mom! Oh God it hurts!”

Enid stood on the other side of the bed, smiling in spite of her daughter’s death grip. “I know, honey. It’ll be over soon.”

Jessie gripped our hands harder as another contraction took hold and the nurses were nodding at one another and smiling as they yet once again positioned themselves between her legs to check her dilation. “You’re just about there, Mrs. Curry!”

“I want an epidural! I can’t stand this anymore!”

But she was too far dilated and the nurses were cheering her on, assuring her that she was lucky that the baby was coming so fast. Enid chuckled.

“I was in labor with you for two whole days, missy. This is gonna be easy by comparison.”

Not one hour later, Jess was wheeled into the delivery room and at eleven fifty-one PM, Amanda Jeanne Curry made her entrance into the world, screaming in angry indignation as she took her first breaths of air. The doctor handed me the scissors as they placed her on Jessie’s stomach and I barely remember cutting the umbilical cord. I couldn’t take my eyes from either of them; my wonderfully feisty daughter and beautiful, exhausted wife. Tears streamed down both of our faces as we watched the nurses wrap our baby girl up and clean out her nose, ears and eyes, and another loud wail as they placed her on the scale.

“Seven pounds, fourteen ounces and twenty-two inches long. My, she’s going to be a tall one!”

All too quickly, they wheeled Jessie out to the recovery room with Enid by her side. I had the incredible duty of giving my daughter her very first bath. The nurse stood close by, speaking soft words of encouragement and instructions as I washed the blood and goopy stuff from the tiny body and it was then that I realized something truly wonderful.

My daughter had red hair. It was then that I realized that just maybe there was more to my existence than some freak dimensional shift that had tossed all of us into this life. John’s experiences in the Portal notwithstanding, the memories of my family and past were suddenly no longer fanciful, hopeful notions. My heart didn’t need an understanding of quantum physics to know that love and faith play a far greater part in all of this than any of us had perhaps ever guessed.

As I dried off my daughter and managed to put her squirming little body into the soft pink and blue sleeper we’d brought just for this moment, I realized something else; Amanda had Jessie’s mouth and nose and an undeniable, familiar cleft in her chin. It was then that the weight I’d been carrying in my heart lifted; whatever doubts I may have had about my past or existence no longer mattered. The most important moment of all was right now.

My Christmas baby had brought me back to believing that sometimes little miracles are by far the very best of all.

PULLO

December twenty-sixth and for the first time in more than a year … I woke beside a woman in my own bed. A soft, lovely woman I’d known now for several months. How it happened, I really can’t say. It wasn’t that I’d gotten stupidly drunk or anything of the sort. Christmas night, after Valerie went to bed and Skinner headed off to his room with a bottle of fine Kentucky bourbon, I was simply sitting and watching television. The phone rang.

Christina Mayfair is a young woman I’d met several times when she worked at Grayson’s Hardware. Well, more precisely, when she was abused as an employee of Grayson’s Hardware. I managed to connect her with Kelly Wigand’s little gift shop and it seemed the world had changed for Christina. The next time I ran into her, it was Thanksgiving weekend. I was shopping for holiday gifts and wanted to give Kelly a bit of business.

I was amazed. The mousy young woman wearing oversized jeans and a plaid flannel shirt, counting nails and screws and generally being treated like a slave had altered, evolved, become a beauty. Her dull light-brown hair had a golden shine to it. She was no longer wearing her thick glasses and I could see the brilliance of her big brown eyes. Christina was dressed in a pretty dress and smiling behind the counter. As I said, I almost didn’t even recognize her.

I managed to visit several times at Kelly’s shop over the next few weeks, managed to get Christina to take her breaks at the café with me and even managed to take her to dinner. But most of all, we liked to talk on the telephone. She often called late at night and I enjoyed the sound of her soft voice and bubbling laughter. The only problem was that I would have liked it all much more if we were in the same room.

How to do that? And when? It seemed my life had taken control of me. Skinner was a demanding partner, Valerie was always in need of being shuttled somewhere for something at school, and I never seemed to catch up on the things I wanted to do. Late Christmas night on the phone with Christina and I thought ah-huh! This is the how and the when … all I needed was the where. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

We had just finished describing our family holidays, the food, the people the gifts. I described the frenzy as Lachlan’s wife chose dessert as the perfect time to go into labor … then I did it.

“Christina … love … you ever tire of just talking to each other?”

Silence.

“I mean, I love chatting like this. But … don’t you ever just … want a little more?” My head was spinning. I could leave a note; let Skinner handle Valerie in the morning. It could work out. But then again, was that right? Valerie is my responsibility, not Skinner’s. What to do … what to do?

“Yes,” Christina’s voice drifted into my ear, all dreamy and breathy and I thought I jump right out of my skin.

“Would you very much mind … coming here, love?”

“No. I would love to come there.”

She arrived twenty minutes later and I wondered if we could be quiet enough not to wake the house. We were dead quiet. She closed the door silently and my mouth was on hers. I took her upstairs, tight in my arms like a child and lay her tenderly on the bed. And … we made love like two ghosts in the night. Passionate, warm love. The kind that reminded me I’m a man … and made me think that just maybe Christina Mayfair is the woman for me. We slept and made love before dawn then slept again.

Then it happened. I never heard her walk in.

“Daddy! Who is that!” Valerie screeched, dropping the tray of breakfast she was bringing me. It was her Christmas gift, ‘breakfast in bed’. She stomped out and poor Christina looked like she might cry.

“Love, don’t be worried. This will be fine; I just need to … explain things to her. That’s all.”

My new lover dressed as she sniffled back tears and snuck out of my house without even a goodbye kiss. How could a man go from feeling like a king to feeling like a fool so quickly? Apparently, very easily when raising a preteen. I went to the kitchen. Valerie was standing at the sink, washing dishes and pretending I wasn’t even there.

“Valerie.”

“I don’t care.”

“Come on, Valerie. Let’s talk this out.”

She turned, stamped her feet and shouted. “I … don’t … care!” And she nearly toppled Skinner as he came in for his tea.

“What the bloody hell?”

“She came into my room … I wasn’t alone.”

Skinner has a strange fucking sense of humor. He laughed so hard he cried, collected the newspaper and left the house.

ENID

I’m a grandmother! I’m finally a grandmother!

I kept repeating this in my head like a magical mantra as we all drove home from the hospital late the following morning. I sat up in the front with Lachlan while Jessie sat in back glued next to Amanda Jeanne in her car seat, fussing over every bump and pitch of the road during the short ride home.

“Oh babe, careful! You’re going too fast … watch out for that pothole … can we take another road?”

My poor son-in-law just glanced in the rear view mirror and smiled as he caught Jessie’s nervous expression staring back at him. He didn’t try to argue nor did he make any teasing remarks, but I noticed him easing up on the accelerator as he maneuvered his way through traffic. Seems a lot of shops in town were having their day after Christmas sales and every so often our car would come to a sudden halt as someone ahead of us slammed on their breaks and attempted to parallel park. By the time we got home and pulled into the driveway, Jessie was a mess of jangling nerves. Little Amanda Jeanne seemed oblivious to it all until her father unbuckled the seat belt and moved her from the warmth and soothing comfort of the car.

Jessie quickly wrapped another receiving blanket around her. “She’s gonna catch cold.”

“We’re just ten feet from the front door, sweetheart. Oh, it looks like we have company.”

There were several familiar cars parked along the curb. As we made our way up the porch steps I heard the sound of voices in coming from the kitchen.

“Looks like we have a welcoming committee!”

RILEY

I let myself into Lachlan’s house long before the new family arrived. With Jeff Mitchell’s help, I hauled in a mountain of groceries and promptly went to work. It was my goal to make sure they’d be fed for a week from what I produced that day. Chicken soup, tortilla soup, chicken cacciatore, beef pot roast, and when I ran out of burners, I stoked the oven for apple cranberry pie and a batch of peanut butter cookies while I peeled potatoes and carrots for the pork roast that would serve as tonight’s dinner for them.

Lachlan arrived with Enid, Jessie and the baby and I stayed out of the way. It wasn’t until I knew Jessie was alone that I poked my head into the bedroom. “Hi, little mama.”

“Riles. It all smells wonderful! Thank you so much,” she sighed, shifting the infant from one breast to another.

I snuck in closer. I hadn’t seen little Amanda yet and was amazed at the red hair. “Where did this carrot top come from?”

Jessie grinned. “No clue. Trust me, I’ve got no red hair on my side of the family. Here.”

I carefully took Amanda into my arms. So soft and tiny. So sweet. And my body went into a painful desire. Oh God, I want another one, want it so bad I can taste it. “She’s so beautiful,” I cooed and fingered the delicate orange curls. “You look good. Tired but really good, Jess.”

“All I keep thinking about is getting my figure back. Hey Riles, would you take belly dancing lessons with me? One of the nurses said it’s a great way to get back in shape.”

“Belly dancing?” I wrinkled my nose. It could be fun. I went through a crash course with a torturous trainer at the health club after Nathan’s birth. Belly dancing could sure be a lot more pleasant than that was. But belly dancing? “I dunno, Jess. I mean, I’m probably going to me the next mayor’s wife. Maybe belly dancing isn’t the way to go. But …” I grinned. “Eva’s promised to come back in the summer and teach me flamenco for a solid week. We can all learn. You game?”

“I’m in!” said Enid from the door and I gave her a thumbs up then I left her alone with daughter and granddaughter.

John had gotten to see baby Amanda last night soon after she was born and all he talked about was having another baby. I almost wished I could bend the rules of physics and get everything cooked faster just so I could get home and we could start working on it. A new baby! Hee ha!

JACOB

I think I liked it better when I didn’t know where babies really came from. My dad explained it all to me this morning and I told him I didn’t think I’d ever want to do anything so gross.

He laughed when I said it, but not in a way that made me feel dumb. “I used to feel the same way when I was your age.”

There was still something I didn’t understand. “But why is it so messy?

He laughed again. “I guess a lot of good things are a bit messy; like playin’ in the mud, splashin’ around in a puddle or eatin’ spaghetti.”

“If you say so.”

“Don’t worry about all this stuff right now, Jacob. Just enjoy being a little boy and let the grownups worry about it instead. Aunt Jessie is doing just fine and you now have a brand new cousin to help look after.”

When we arrived at Uncle Lachlan and Aunt Jessie’s house, I tried not to think about how babies were made, but I couldn’t help it. One look at Aunt Jessie and I felt my face grow warm and my tummy did a flip flop. I was afraid she’d know what I was thinking, but she smiled and gave me a big hug anyway.

“I heard that you were worried about last night.” She had dark circles under her eyes and she looked kind of tired, but seemed really happy to see me. “I’m sorry if I scared you.”

“It hurt a lot, didn’t it?”

She laughed softly and nodded. “But it’s the kind of hurt you forget about. Do you want to meet your brand new cousin?”

She called to Uncle Lachlan, who was showing the baby to Emily and Uncle Kim. He nodded and came over to join us, kneeling down to give me a better look.

“Whaddya think, mate?”

She was awfully small, but she didn’t smell bad like some babies do. And she had lots of pretty red hair. Aunt Jessie let me touch it and it was really soft.

“Hello, Amanda”

She looked like she was sleeping, but she smiled when I said her name. “I think she likes me!”
 
VALERIE

I was so mad I could have spit nails. That’s what my mom used to say … she could spit nails. Now I knew what she meant. I tried to forget about what dad did and I dressed, waited for the bus and went into town. I guess I was kinda being bad, I didn’t tell him where I was going but he’d figure it out. After all, there was a new baby in town and that was important. Important enough to make me forget about that … lady … in dad’s bed with him. Sheesh. I know she wasn’t wearing any clothes, too.

It’s not that I’m mad he found someone to love. It’s just that I don’t know that lady. I never got a chance to see if she was nice enough for daddy. It’s just … wrong!

I shook it all away before I knocked on the door. Uncle John answered and waved me in like I was a princess or something. I like him. I asked if I could see the baby and she was really pretty, like one of those expensive china dolls in Kelly’s Gift Shop. Perfect and pink with real orange curls.

After that I had some hot chocolate and ate a peanut butter cookie. Then I spotted Jacob sitting alone on the steps.

“What’s the matter?” I handed him a cookie and he crunched.

“Dad told me how babies get made.”

“So.”

“I’m not doing that!” he hissed and I laughed.

Sometimes it’s fun being older. It was kinda funny. I shrugged. “Yeah, you will. My dad just did … and with some lady I don’t even know.”

“Ew …” we said at the same time.

JACK

It was with great anticipation that I packed Natalie with a bundled Chelsea into our vehicle and drove the few miles to Hofstetter’s Stables, the establishment where my new mount, Licorice, was boarded. I had studied the documents that Natalie gave me; the horse’s lineage, bill of sale, history. Also, the previous owner wrote a letter praising the horse’s intelligence, endurance and temperament. Too much praise, in my opinion. I was dubious.

When the stable hand led out the animal, I had to admit he was a beauty. Good conformation, well-formed head, graceful lines; his black coat gleamed in the sun. Gentle creature. When Natalie reached out and patted his neck, he turned and nuzzled Chelsea who gurgled at him. “Take him for a ride, Jack,” Natalie suggested. I did not require further encouragement.

I saddled the horse, mounted and trotted down the lane away from the stable. Reaching a respectable distance, I put Licorice through his paces; walk, trot, canter; all gaits smooth and easy to ride. The horse showed heart and courage jumping a high fence with ease. He would have made a good hunter, had this been England in my time. I was impressed and was certain that when my brothers, particularly Wade, caught sight of Licorice, they would be duly envious.

I rode for a long while, enjoying the countryside and my mount. Natalie was right; it had been too long since I last rode and I was grateful for her thoughtful gift. Much more passed through my mind during the ride, events of the past year, plans for the future. I was unsure of which way to proceed and the calmness of the horse allowed me to see a clear way. By the time I returned to the stable, I had a plan.
 
NATALIE

Despite Jack’s assurances, I was still very relieved that he liked Licorice so much, and that the horse seemed to take to him, too. Maybe Licorice will give Jack a focus … something I’d been praying for since we returned from Maine. He’s come a long way since the fire, and is almost the Jack he was before. But, he still has moments, times when he checks out … broods. I know a horse is not a substitute for a daughter, but maybe a horse can help Jack get over the rough patches.

And speaking of daughters … we have a new little one in our midst. Jack, Chelsea and I stopped by Lachlan and Jessie’s for a few minutes to welcome our new family member, Amanda Jeanne Curry. Like all newborns, she was tiny, wrinkled, and looked a little like E.T. with a shock of brilliant red hair … in other words, just adorable. Jessie looked tired, but glowing. And Lachlan, well, he was beside himself, passing out cigars, beaming from ear to ear … the living definition of a new dad. Jack was boisterous, laughing, slapping Lachlan on the back. His voice boomed out “I give you joy of your new daughter, Curry,” as he took a pink banded cigar from Lachlan.

We ooo’ed and ahhh’ed over the baby and when Jack held her for a few moments, I was reminded of when our girls were that small, each looking so safe and warm in the crook of his large arm. I could see by his expression that he was also remembering that first day after Chelsea and Catherine were born. They were small and wrinkled, too, and Jack held them as if they were fragile glass. It was not even a year, yet it seemed ages ago, and now here was Chelsea … standing on her own, taking her first, uncertain steps. I smiled … Lachlan and Jessie were at the beginning of this journey, and I wished them well.

KIM

No one would ever believe it, but I actually like babies, especially when they’re still unable to walk or talk. Even more when they belong to someone else. But being around Jessie and Lachlan during the last half of their pregnancy, I couldn’t help but share in some of the excitement.

Emmie had the presence of mind to bring a welcome home prezzie for the mother as well as the baby, while I acted like the typical male and picked up a box of cigars for Lachlan. The kind that had It’s A Girl! written across the side.

“You know he’s been trying to quit,” Emmie reminded as we arrived at the house to offer our congratulations.

“It’s tradition, love. A man’s gotta hand ‘em out to his mates after the birth of his first born child. Don’t you believe in tradition?”

 She rolled her eyes and gave me a look, but ended up laughing. “Just whatever you do, DO NOT bring any of them back to my place to smoke. Cigar smoke makes me queasy.”

Everyone took their turn oohing and aahing over little Amanda, and the men were just as anxious to have their turn as were the women. I guess we all need to connect with the living proof that our lives have substance and meaning, regardless of the uncertain nature of our pasts. Watching Lachlan’s eyes light with pride at the sight of his small family brought an urgency to something that I’d been avoiding for the past couple of weeks; it was time for me to move out and get my own place.

TERRY

Eva and I popped in to see the new nipper. Lach was proud as a peacock and Jessie looked pleased although a bit drained. I held the baby for a full five minutes before passing her to Eva then sat quietly in a chair and thought.

This is my family. My growing, wonderful family and as it grows things become even more important to me. Dino and I have been designing a full new program for our business; one that intensified awareness among travelers. At first, I thought to test the training with the family, but then I wondered if it was overkill. After all, they know me; they’ve heard my warnings and advise for years. But looking at that new baby, I rethought.

I had to test the new program anyway. I’d already made arrangements with John to do the training at the Inn. It was important to do it so we would. Granted, I might scare the bejesus out of most of them, but at least they’ll be safe from kidnapping. As safe as possible that is. I made a mental note to talk with Dino and Zack and make sure we were set up. Classes start next week and it was my hope that my family, those I love, would take it seriously.

MAXIMUS

I did not intend to make a fuss over coming to see the new child. I only wished to look upon her, offer a prayer of joy and blessing and thankfulness and move on. But as with most visits, the gathering hushed as I entered the house. “And why is this? Am I someone to fear, or someone to …”

“Honor,” Riley said softly at my side. “Surely you know what you mean to us all, Maximus. We do honor you and love you and we’ve all been waiting for you.”

I nodded, wishing I was as the others, that I could relax and laugh, enjoy their company as equals but except for Pullo and Antony, no one seemed to find footing around me. “Perhaps I should visit more often, then such official formalities would wear off?” I teased and again Riley whispered.

“Well yeah, it’s worth a try.”

I went to the new infant and took her into my arms. I closed my eyes and prayed to the gods in a whisper. This one will grow and be close to my Lucy, to little Chelsea and Nathan. Close to Hando’s Ruthie. She will be part of our next generation, our future. And she is blessed with loving, strong parents. Returning the babe to her mother, I accepted a beer from brother Mitchell and sat until all attention had moved from me.

Sophia sat on my knee and kissed my cheek tenderly. “You are honored, as well you should be, my love.”

I leaned to whisper into her ear. “Will you honor me tonight between our sheets, Sophia?”

She did not even blush. “I will, husband. I will.”

CLAUDIA

I wanted to see the baby but I wanted to be official about it. After all, I’m a nurse and Jessie was bound to have a few questions. The belly button is always among the first concerns and I’d already packed a few pamphlets to answer whatever’s on her mind.

I was a little ticked off though. Antony refused to come along with me. His relief had taken over the guard room and there was no excuse not to come. Was it because he didn’t like babies? Not likely, I’ve seen him interact with Nathan and little Chelsea. It wasn’t until I arrived and explained it all to Natalie that an answer came.

“Is he avoiding infants? Or just girl infants?” she said and I shrugged.

“He’s being a putz. Look at Amanda, she’s beautiful. Just like Chelsea.”

“Ohh, maybe that’s the problem,” Natalie said, her eyes wide and playful. “Gemma said Chelsea is Atia, reincarnated. Maybe he’s afraid Amanda will be Cleo?’

I laughed then thought about that. Slipping out the door I dialed my cell.

“Yes?”

“Antony, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Little Amanda is not Cleopatra.” And I hung up.

He arrived fifteen minutes later, total confusion on his face. Immediately Chelsea squealed for his attention and as he held her, he looked down at Amanda who was awake and alert but completely ignored him.

“You are correct, my love. She is not Cleo. But this one …” he tickled Chelsea until she laughed herself into tears then he cuddled her close. “Cleo was sly and manipulative. Atia … now Atia was always good for a laugh.” He kissed me tenderly, passed over Chelsea then waved a farewell to the gathered family.

Now what on earth was so important he couldn’t stick around?

JESSIE

I hate to admit it, but I was relieved when folks started heading out for their own homes. Don’t get me wrong; I appreciated everyone’s excitement and I was thankful for all they were doing, but I wanted a little time to just enjoy the newness of being a mother. Lachlan beamed with pride as he showed off our daughter, holding her safe in his strong arms with a smile bright enough to rival the sun. I couldn’t spoil this moment, knowing that he hadn’t slept more than a couple of hours himself but was so full of energy in spite of it all.

After everyone had gone, I snuggled Amanda close as she suckled at my breast, marveling at the wonder of it all, never wanting to let her go. “I can’t get over how beautiful she is.”

Lachlan sat close by, his eyes bright with agreement. “I can’t get over her hair.”

I understood the significance of this wonderful little surprise, thrilled that something so divinely simple had finally helped Lachlan’s heart to find its way to healing. The memories of his mother and her distinctive red hair weren’t just the remnants of some actor’s fabricated dream, and the message that John relayed to all of us when he returned from the Portal suddenly seemed quite clear. Our lives were here, with our families and loved ones. No one can ever really ever go back through time and return to how things used to be. Our hearts hold on to the memories that have shaped us into who we’ve become today, and tomorrow these moments will be added to create new memories. It’s all one big wonderful circle that spirals us all toward infinity.