After replacing the toilet, and making the planter, Molly collapses. Shelby calls from the hospital to tell them that she's in labor.
The rest of the day was spent in quiet contemplation. No one felt very cheerful, but they did their chores just as if Molly were standing over them. Robbie guided them through dinner preparations. Dr. Stewart came in to talk to them as a group just before dinner. No one felt much like talking, but she had some comforting things to say and that helped. Raleigh's phone call came in the middle of dinner.
"It's a boy!" He sounded happy but tired. "I didn't get a chance to call until now. He was born about two hours ago. Chip is doing well, though. He's not very big, only about five pounds, but he's got a hell of a pair of lungs."
"That's so great!" Vera had him on speaker phone and they chatted while they ate.
"Where did the name Chip come from?" Carlos wanted to know.
"We're naming him Charles after my grandfather," Raleigh said. "But the little bugger looks so much like me, I said he's like a chip off the old block. It stuck, I'm afraid."
"You have a wonderful night," Vera said. "We'll be fine here. Give our love to Molly, and kiss that baby for us, okay?"
"Will do. Y'all behave."
"We will," Sam agreed, laughing. "Sorry, guys. The rock concert is canceled. We can't set fire to the guitars and burn down the studio."
"Good night, you goofs. Tim and Shelby will be home soon with pictures. See you tomorrow."
The following morning, Vera was once again in charge of the kitchen. Carlos was helping her, wearing an apron and chef's hat he'd found in the cupboard. Each of them chose a job they could handle, and fixed breakfast.
"Any word from Raleigh and Molly?" Sam asked.
"Yes. Molly and the baby will be spending another night. The baby inhaled a little fluid. They should be home by tomorrow," Tim replied. "Raleigh will be home tonight. The bed he slept on was hard on his back. He's walking like an old man."
After the breakfast cleanup, the girls dragged Emma off for a makeover while Sam went to his therapy session with Dr. Stewart. He couldn't help feeling a little paranoid. They looked at him rather pointedly as they dragged her off.
Dr. Stewart greeted him with a smile. "Good morning, Sam. You look a bit distressed. What's going on?"
"Ever have that sinking suspicion that you're going to be the topic of conversation? Really specific conversation?"
"Once in a while, I suppose. Who do you think is talking about you?"
"The girls."
"Why would they be talking about you?"
"That's what I don't know. It's making me kinda antsy."
"I'm sure it's nothing to worry about." She opened his folder. "Where did we leave off yesterday?"
Sam frowned. "Do you know something I don't?"
"Not at all. Oh, I heard that Molly and Chip are doing well."
"I heard at breakfast." His frown deepened. "What aren't you telling me, Doc?"
She sighed, closing his folder. "Nothing. At least nothing serious. I assure you there is no reason to feel paranoid."
His eyes narrowed and he smiled. "Doc, is that a blush?"
Dr. Stewart laughed. "You are far too perceptive. My advice is to drop it and not worry. Please?" Her eyes held a plea, but hid something else.
Sam decided not to pursue the issue. Surely, Emma would tell him all about it later. She had never been very good at keeping secrets.
After his session, Vera approached him. "We've been given the task of doing the grocery shopping," she said. "Since Raleigh and Molly aren't here, he told me to take care of it. Since I can't be trusted in the grocery store alone, you're going with."
"Is Raleigh cool with that?"
"Of course. It was his idea. He said if there's one person he trusts in the grocery store, it's you." She held up her hands when he protested. "Just telling you what the man said. So, I'm driving."
©2020 Dellani Oakes
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