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Part 2
Lee looked around the room smiling. The soft green was perfect for what she had pictured in her head. Kathy and Jo were going to come over in a bit and they were going shopping for curtains, bedding and anything else they saw that she liked. Johnny had fixed the closet so she had been putting things away. The closet was set up like hers. She picked up the soft lavender bunny that Jenny had bought with the money she had earned helping her Uncle Johnny plant wild flowers out in the Grove. Jen hadn’t named it yet. She was waiting to see if the baby was a boy or a girl. Stacy still had not found what she wanted to buy but Lee had an idea what it would be. The wild flower garden they had planted was one of Lee’s favorite places on the whole place. Johnny had been working on a secret project and had not spent as much time out there lately but he had gotten many of his improvements done.
When Kathy and Jo came over to the house Lee showed them what she done that morning so they had some idea of what they needed.
“Johnny said we would go tomorrow to get car seat. I think he rather stay home and work on whatever he is doing in the workshop.”
“You still need a diaper bag and a few odds and ends. Any idea where you want to shop?”
“The mall? I have been meaning to get over there and get some of the caramels from the Sweetheart House.”
“I love the candy there, that’s why I avoid it as much as possible.” Kathy said laughing. “Especially the fudge.”
“Don’t let me forget I need to go to Styles Remembered for some supplies. I’m almost finished with my project.”
“Which project is that?” Jo asked as they headed for the car.
“The one no one has seen yet or knew about till just now.” The two friends laughed knowing that was all that was going to be said on the matter.
The SCU’s sounded “…structure fire…” Frustrated, since it was the third time he had tried to get this drill done, Hank acknowledged the call and headed towards the engine.
Following the engine Johnny watched the traffic lost in thought. They pulled up in front of an older home. There was smoke visible from the back windows.
Hank began giving orders and the linesmen and Mike carried them out with practice precision. Johnny and Roy were putting on their equipment as they talked with Vince Howard.
“The neighbor said the lady that lives here is in her 60’s and has a son who is disabled. They spend most of their time in the son’s room at the back of the house during the day while the son’s wife is at work.”
Johnny and Roy made their way through the smoke filled house. The fire had started in the kitchen and had not spread pass the dining room as far as they could tell.
The living room and dining room were cluttered. The furniture was old but well kept. Bookshelves and tables were covered with family pictures and knick-knacks as well as books and magazines. The amount of furniture and the smoky darkness slowed down the paramedics as they made their way through the maze of furniture. (The windows were all heavily draped so what little light there was came from two small lamps on one of the end tables.)
They could hear a television at the end of the hallway. Roy went in first. The man in the bed was clearly agitated. His speech was garbled and he seemed to have only the use of one arm, which he was waving wildly pointing at the end of the bed where the body of his mother was. Johnny moved towards her while Roy went over to the man. “I’m a paramedic, we’ll get you out. You need to relax. Let me check you.” Roy said softly and calmly to the man. The garbled speech sounded to Roy as if the man was trying to say mother.
“Just relax, my partner is taking good care of her.” Roy gathered the vitals for his patient. The man’s heart rate and blood pressure were elevated and he had been coughing as he tried to talk. “What you got Johnny?”
“She’s got a knot on her head, small amount of blood…Breathing is a little ragged…Pulse is rapid. She’s wedged in here pretty tight.” The woman was between the foot of the bed and a footlocker that looked like something from a World War II movie.
“Ok.” He keyed the HT. “Cap, we’re gonna need some help in here…2 backboards, c-collars.”
“On the way.” Cap looked around and saw Mike and Chet were nearest to the squad. “Get backboards and collars, for 2 victims. Marco you and Chet take them in then check the upstairs to make sure we didn’t miss any hot spots. Mike you want to set up the bio-phone and gets the trauma box and O2 ready for them. After they get the victims out we’ll set up the exhaust fans.”
“Roy, I need help getting this trunk moved so I can get her BP.” Johnny called to his partner. “I can’t budget it.” There was something in his voice sent a warning bell off. He did see that Johnny had taken off his mask and managed to get it on the woman. The smoke was not as thick in this part of the house so he was not concerned.
“I’ve got to help with your mom. Don’t worry we’ll get you both out.” The man nodded as Roy went to help Johnny. It was not easy but with a lot of shoving and pushing they moved the trunk far enough to get the woman free. Roy had watched Johnny as they worked. He didn’t see any evidence of any injury but something was definitely wrong. Johnny took the vitals giving Roy the required information. Marco and Chet brought in the needed equipment. They soon had the two out of the house. After talking with the doctors at Rampart, they were ready to transport. Roy watched as his partner talked to the man strapped to the gurney.
“Johnny, you want to ride in with them?”
“No...Why don’t you…I’ll clean up and meet you there.” Johnny answered. “Won’t be long.”
“You ok?” Roy asked again before getting into the ambulance.
“Yep. See you at Rampart.” Roy got in, Johnny closed the door and with two smacks on the door sent them off. He began cleaning up and loading the squad. Lost deep in thought, he did not hear the woman coming up behind him until she spoke.
“Johnny? John Gage?” Tall with flawless skin and large blue eyes and natural blond hair most people considered her a beauty. That coupled with her brains had always given her an air of confidence even as a teenager.
“Cindy.” He continued working. “I thought you and Jim were back East somewhere.”
“We came back when his dad died. We had been back about a year when he had his first stroke. It wasn’t too bad. I thought it might be a wakeup call. You know change his life style? Then he had the second that left him like that. The neighbors called me at work. I got here just as they were putting them in the ambulance. Any idea what happen?”
“The fire started in the kitchen…Cap said something left unattended on the stove. We found Mrs. McClure passed out in Jimmy’s bedroom.”
“Are they alright?”
“The doctor wanted Jimmy brought in as a precaution, she was still unconscious but stable when they left.” He finished the loading. “I need to go pick up my partner. They took him to Rampart General.”
“I don’t think anyone has called him Jimmy for ages…When he joined his dad’s firm they decided he would go by Connor since there were already two James McClure’s there and one JC…Guess I should head over that way. It was nice seeing you.”
“Yeah, same here. Sorry for the circumstances.” He got into the squad pulling out, without a backward glance.
The woman stood there watching him pull away. She remembered when he would hang on her every word and do her bidding without a second thought. It seemed strange he seemed so disinterested. She had seen the wedding ring. However, a ring had never stopped her before when she was interested. Why should it? Connor had made it clear it was not going to stop his fun. With a shrug, she got in her car and followed him to Rampart.
Roy went up to Lee’s office to pick up some papers from the last advisory board meeting. While he was up there he grabbed two sodas and 2 cup cakes. He was still trying to figure out what had changed. Still the professional, but there had been a definite change in his attitude. He signed the sheet so Lee would know that 51 had received their notes. He smiled as he saw the picture on her desk. It was of her and the kids and Johnny that had been taken when they all were up at the lake house they had rented the previous summer. The family had decided not to sale it at the last minute. He knew she had been disappointed but understood the reason why. This year they were looking forward to staying home enjoying their new home and their baby.
Johnny was waiting for him when he came back down to the ER. He handed him a cup cake and the soda.
“Thanks. You ready?” Johnny seemed anxious to get back to the station. “I don’t know about you but I’m ready for some lunch.”
“Yeah me too. Think Marco is making taco salad.” They were almost back to the station before Johnny opened up.
“I knew him.” Johnny said in a flat tone. “Big Jimmy Mac…” He closed his eyes. “He was the all star football player, wrestler and a student. One of biggest meanest bullies at the high school. He was sneaky. Would make you think he was a really nice guy then stab you in the back. Most of the time he ignored me, I wasn’t important enough to get his notice.”
“Most of the time?” Roy asked.
“I set a new track record and about the same time a picture I took for the school paper won some sort of state completion. Most of all it was that Cindy started paying attention to me. She was one of the prettiest girls in school, a cheerleader and assistant editor of the school paper. She and I did a series of pictures on the school’s senior athletes. I never even thought of asking her out…She was Jimmy Mac’s girl. Then suddenly she was paying me a lot of attention. It seemed strange at first then it was kind of nice.”
“This Jimmy Mac didn’t think so?”
“No, he cornered me one day in the locker room in front of all his friends. Told me if I didn’t stop spending so much time with Cindy after school and on the weekends he’d stop it.”
“So what happen?”
“There was this big awards ceremony. It was a formal dinner and dance with the awards given out between the dinner and the dancing. My aunt was going. It was the first time I had won anything like that. The night before the dinner, Cindy called me and asked me to meet her at this restaurant that a lot of the kids hung out at. Said she needed to go over some stuff for the paper. When I got to the parking lot, Jimmy Mac and his friends welcomed me. I went to the awards dinner with a broken arm and two black eyes. But I went and I went along with the lie that an animal had run out in front of my bike and I wrecked trying to avoid hitting it. Jimmy Mac and his friends said it would be safer for my friends and family if that was the story. Cindy was there, said they threatened her if she didn’t call or if I didn’t go along with their story they would hurt her.”
“So did you ever tell anyone the truth?”
“Not till just now. Seeing him there like that---couldn’t help but just to think for just a minute that he deserved that. No one deserves living like that.”
“Junior, you have the kindest most forgiving nature of anyone I ever met. I don’t think anyone would blame you for thinking like you did for that moment.” Roy gave him the reassurance he needed.
“He married Cindy. She came after you left. She’s still pretty but there is a hardness about her. Got the feeling it wasn’t a good marriage even before he got sick.”
“Speaking of being married---what is Lee doing today? I was surprised she wasn’t in the office.”
“She and Kathy and Jo have a shopping trip planned. They were going to look for curtains and bedding and I think a few other things they want to finish setting up the nursery. She is so sure that it is a girl. We picked out a name for a girl and a boy but she wants to keep them secret.”
“Surprised the doctors didn’t tell you.”
“I think Lee told them not to. Back when this first started. She was afraid to believe there really would be a baby. She did everything she could to keep it from being too real.” He let out a long deep sigh. “If something does happen and we don’t get this baby---It’ll kill her spirit. The doctors are all pleased with the way the baby is developing and they think that Anna’s kidney function has stabilized for now.”
“What about you? How are you doing?” Roy asked as they pulled into the station. “What if this doesn’t work out?”
“I’ll be ok. I’ll take care of her and we’ll be Uncle Johnny and Aunt Lee to your kids and all the other kids in our extended family. There won’t be any more talk of adopting. I couldn’t do that to her again.”
“Good morning Sweet Pea. Did you sleep ok?” Johnny asked as Roy handed him a cup of coffee.
“I did but it will be even better tonight with you home. So did you have a good night?”
“Yep. Only one runs about 6:30. Instead of you cooking this morning why don’t I pick you up and we’ll go get the car seats after breakfast at O’Sheas’.”
“Sounds lovely. We can visit Anna afterwards, she seemed a little more responsive to me the last time. She responds more to you than anyone. Amy said her temp has been normal for the last few days so what ever was going on has responded to the antibiotics. Instead of you driving out here why don’t I meet you at O’Sheas’ or at the station?”
“Ok, come on over to the station then we can decide from there where to go next. Love you.”
Lee waited out in her car for Johnny to come out of the station. She was kind of hoping they would take her car but knew Johnny would rather drive his Rover. He had said they could get something else when they had gotten new cars but she insisted on him getting another Rover. She smiled remembering the look on the sales clerk’s face when she wrote out the check for the full amount. They had went a few days later and picked out her new car another mustang convertible. This one had a mobile phone. Johnny had opted for another CB instead of a phone. Said it was more practical for him to have that. Mike and Chet waved as they got into their vehicles. Roy, Marco and Johnny walked out together.
“Mind if these two have breakfast with us?” Johnny asked as he leaned down to kiss her.
“Of course not.”
“Pull into the space Mike just left, told them you were leaving your car here.”
“Ok, Roy why don’t you two go on over to the restaurant. Just let Sheila or whoever is at the podium know you are meeting us. Ignore the dirty looks if there is a line.”
“Oh I forgot to tell you, last night when I was reading the mail there was a thank you note from our insurance company, thanking us for renewing our policies. Oh, and we have a new agent.” Johnny laughed and shook his head. “You’re bad.” He said when he finally stopped laughing.
“I didn’t get him fired, he just doesn’t handle our policies any more. None of them .”
“So how many did you have with this jerk?” Roy asked.
“Our two cars, the house and I have a life insurance policy with them. Then there were the ones that WBS has.”
“Which she threatened to cancel because she didn’t like this guy’s attitude.”
“He was rude to me and even ruder to you!” She protested. “So I called his boss and told them that I was going with another agency and all the WBS policies were going with me.”
“He said someone in a wheelchair shouldn’t be driving and that someone like me shouldn’t have been accepted in the first place. I could ignore that. He referred to the drunken paramedic he saw on TV. I couldn’t ignore that.”
“Idiots. They seem to be taking over.” Lee giggled at the look on Johnny’s face. “Like it was our fault we had to get new cars.”
“What time is Jo going to be home?” Lee asked as they were heading out to the car.
“Not until school is out. By the time they get back to school it will almost be time for them to be dismissed.”
“You can go home and get some sleep. Marco, you tell your mama I said hi and sent her my love.”
They entered the store and Johnny had to smile at Lee’s reaction to a large display of frilly baby dresses and bonnets. He heard her giggle. The next display was bootees and shoes. Johnny had never seen such tiny shoes before. “Look at the black patent leather ones and the colored leather ones. Oh look, even little rain boots.”
“Let’s go on over to the car seats, if I let you stop here we’ll never get done.”
“IF you let me?” She knew he was teasing. “So how are you going to keep me from stopping here?”
“Like this.” He put his foot on the cross bar and tilted her chair back until he could bend down and kiss her. Then keeping her tilted he pushed her over to the section of the store that had car seats, playpens, and strollers.
“May I help you?” The sales clerk asked as he watched the couple looking at various car seats.
“We need two car seats.” Lee said smiling.
The clerk began talking about the various safety features and issues and Lee couldn’t help but giggle. The sales clerk looked at her insulted.
“The safety of a child in a car is no laughing matter.”
“I know it isn’t. There is no one who takes children or adult safety in a car more serious than my husband. I owe you an apology for laughing. Johnny is an L.A. County paramedic. He has went to several training sessions to be certified in teaching the proper way to install car seats and has given several workshops to various groups on the subject. You reminded me of him practicing when he started doing the classes.”
“I thought you looked familiar when you came in like maybe you had been in before. You were the instructor for the class on car seat safety.” She left Johnny and the sales clerk talking and went back over to the dresses and shoes. She had picked out several when Johnny came back over to her with the sales clerk.
“You should see the stroller Kevin was showing me. It’s one that you can use from newborn till they are toddlers. They have one you can fix to your bike or push when you are on a jogging or bike trail. It’s like a little moving tent.” Johnny said his smile spreading. “ It would be great for going from the house to the Grove or to Kathy or Jo’s. Or for when we were outside at the pool or on the deck.”
“We may as well get them while we are here. One of the regular ones for shopping and stuff and one for the pathways.”
“Are you sure?” Johnny was like a little kid getting to pick out two birthday gifts instead of one.
“On the condition you don’t tease about buying baby shoes and dresses. If it turns out to be a boy, I can return the girly stuff, right?”
“Of course,” Kevin answered a little surprised how this sale was turning out.
“Yes, two, I think.”
“What are you thinking?” Johnny asked although he knew the answer.
“I think Sean and Steve need a gift card from here for the clinic. They know better what they need than we do.”
The store manager had seen the couple with Kevin and wondered why his sales clerk was looking so shocked.
“Is there anything else you can think of that have you wanted today?” Johnny asked as they started over to the cashier.
“No unless you can think of anything.”
“Nope, I’m happy if you are.”
“I’m fine with what we have. You want to pull the Rover around to the loading dock or pay them to do it?” Kevin gave him the sheet to give to the loading dock manager.
“I’ll go load up and then come get you. Behave while I’m out there stay away from the shoes,” He teased before giving her a quick kiss. “I’ll call Micah and have him send you some moccasins.”
“Matching mother and daughter ones?”
“Brat.” He winked at her before going out to the parking lot.
“Kevin, will carry these for me? He forgets that sometimes I do need a little help. Would hate to drop these on the way to the counter.” She handed him the shoes and dresses she had picked out.
The cashier totaled the bill from the slip Kevin gave her. “What amount do you want the gift card for?”
“Equal to what that bill is.” Lee said.
“Mr. Taylor, could you come over please.” The cashier called to the man talking with another cashier.
“Is there a problem?” He asked looking at the cashier.
“I need your approval for a check this large. It’s company policy, nothing personal.” The girl seemed embarrassed.
“No problem. Here is my bank information. Or I could put it on a credit card if it’s easier.”
“No a check will be fine, Mrs. Gage. Like Marcy said its just company policy.”
He went into his office and called the number Lee had given him. When his call was answered, he explained what he needed.
“Lee is used to this happening. The account has more than enough in it to cover that check…several times over.” The bank manager said.
“Mrs. Gage, everything is in order. We appreciate your choosing our store.”
“Thank you…Marcy would you make out another gift card…this one for $250 dollars. I’ll just pay for that one.” She had decided Kathy could use some supplies for her clinic. (The clinic was one medical personnel and others supported through the county health department that had a sliding fee. However, many who came there paid nothing.) “I’m sure we will be back for more things. And return some if my dreams are wrong and it’s a boy.” She smiled when Johnny came in.
“All the other stuff is loaded and ready to go. You ready?”
“Yep.”
Everything was set up in the nursery except a changing table. Johnny had told her not to worry about it he had it under control. She did know he had been over to the WBS building several times lately talking with one of the consortium members. He had asked her not to ask him or anyone over there any questions. He had also asked that she didn’t go into his workshop. She had agreed and thought no more about it. She finished typing the last page of her weekly report to Sacramento when Johnny and Roy came into the office. Roy had a bandage on his arm, Johnny looked hot and tired.
“Are you ok?” She asked Roy as Johnny went on over to the fridge.
“Yeah, no stitches just got it cleaned and some antibiotic cream on it. Junior there got it cleaned up out at the site but insisted I get one of the doctors to look at it.” Johnny handed him a bottle of the juice Lee kept for him. “Thanks.”
Johnny nodded in reply as he went over to Lee. Bending down he kissed her. “Love ya.”
“The feeling is mutual, now sit down and drink your juice. You two have had a busy day.”
“Yeah…thankfully mostly little things.” Roy answered since Johnny was downing the bottle of juice in one gulp.
“So what happen to your arm?”
“A piece of flying glass. I put my arm up over my face.” He finished his juice. “Kids home alone were bored, tried to recreate a science experiment from school.”
“Only this time they used whatever they found in the garage and used an old pickle jar. Why don’t parents use some common sense about keeping chemicals out of the reach of kids?” The start of a rant Lee thought smiling at him.
“Why do they call it common sense when it ain’t that common?” Lee said with a shrug. “You have the key to your dark room up so high even if I stood up I couldn’t reach it. You two stay here as long as you want but I have a meeting I need to get to. Boyo, take some of the juice with you. There is plenty in the storage closet. Unless our mystery thief has been back.”
“Again? What this time?” Johnny asked angrily. Lee would give anyone anything she could to help them, especially if they were hungry. So far, only been food that was missing.
“A case of the chips, all the milk, some bread, lunch meat, cheese and 2 dozen cupcakes that Johnny Pat had packaged up.”
“Hospital security hasn’t been able to do anything?” Roy asked.
“They say no unless I change the security code and stop giving it out.” She answered sadly. “I don’t want to do that, it defeats the whole purpose of having this if it’s only open when someone is in the office.”
Not long after they left she decided to go see Anna. Anna had been on her mind all day, she just felt the need to go see her. She stopped at the gift shop and bought a small bouquet of flowers. She knew that Anna didn’t know they were there but it made her feel better. Whenever she had been in the hospital there had always been so many flowers and cards and balloons, it was only right Anna have some too.
Callie was in with Anna when Lee got there. One of the cassettes Johnny had made for her was playing softly. Callie was rubbing the lavender lotion Anna seemed to like on her arms and hands.
“Callie, are you alright?” Lee asked seeing how upset the young aid looked.
“Yes ma’am. The doctor was just in and said the coma was deeper and not to expect her to open her eyes again or respond to touch or sound. I can’t just stop trying. She looks so peaceful and isn’t restless any more. I’ve been her aid every shift I’ve worked since she got here. The nurses say she didn’t had any skin problems because when I rub in the lotion I add some love. That’s what so many forget that these are people not just bodies. The real nurses they care but they have too many to watch over. I have my 4 rooms so I can give each a little more time.” The young girl’s soft southern accent made her words even more beautiful to Lee. Lee remembered the special aids and nurses who had taken extra steps when she was first hurt and the ones she had seen with Johnny who did the same.
“The doctors said the baby was still doing fine. They’re going to put a fetal monitor on her just to make sure. If you ever need help with the baby and I’m not working here I’d be happy to help you.”
“I’ll make sure we have your number.”
“My book learning isn’t fancy but I’m good with those who need caring for. Back home I took care of my grandma and her sisters when they were old and couldn’t do for themselves. Then me and Billy got married and came out here. He works when he can find a job. He’s a real good worker, works hard and always does a fine job.”
“What does he do?”
“Day labor they call it…what he is really good at is planting and growing things. He and his daddy had a nice little farm. Then his mama got sick and after she died his daddy just kind of grieved himself to death. They sold the farm and split what was left between him and his two brothers. We decided to come out here.”
“Would it be ok if I talked to a friend about maybe having a steady job for Billy? It would be gardening and landscaping work.”
“Billy would be proud to be doing that kind of work. His mama always said her flowers were the best in the county because Billy took care of them. Her flowers and can goods always won blue ribbons at the county fair back home…Sometimes she would even enter them in the state fair…and win prizes.” They talked awhile longer then Lee went on home. She called Eddie and talked to him about Billy.
“Ok, Mrs. Levi, I’ll give him an interview. How’s everything looking out there?”
“Pretty good. We are going to hopefully have the pool up and open in 10 days or less. It takes about 5 days for the water to get warm enough for me. The girls are excited; they are having an end of the year party out here.”
“You are a glutton for punishment. Have your friend call me and we’ll get this set up…I can always use a good man. One that loves the work is even better.”
Lee waited for Johnny to call after what was the usual dinnertime at the station. It was almost eight before he called.
“You sound so tired…did you eat?” She was worried about how tired he sounded.
“Yeah we grabbed a sandwich and some soup when we were at Rampart. I’m going to hit the sack….Roy really liked that new roast beef you had…Think we ate it all.” “No problem.”
“Oh, did you see Anna today?” He remembered to ask before hanging up.
“Yes, Callie said the coma was deeper and they were going to be closely monitoring the baby for the next few weeks. Callie is such a sweet gentle person.”
“Yeah she is. Love you Sweet Pea.” Johnny had heard the sadness in Lee’s tone.
“Love you and sweet dreams.”
She went out to the sunroom to work on her special project. It was almost finished. That and the package she had hidden in the cedar chest were her special gifts to her Boyo. She smiled as she worked. Finally, she was feeling more positive than negative about the adoption. Life was good.
Johnny was sleeping so well when the station’s klaxon sounded. He stretched and turned over.
“Rise and shine Gage. It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood.” Chet said as he passed by Johnny’s bunk.
Lee brought in the mail putting it in the basket they kept on the small table by the door. Above that was the key holder Chris had mad for Johnny a few years ago in scouts. Shaped like a key it had three small hooks. They had put it at a level Lee could easily reach it. She changed clothes then did her routine housework before going into the sunroom to work on her project. She had a feeling she was going to need it sooner than she had planned. She worked on it until she got hungry. She forgot all about the mail as she kept busy the rest of the evening.
Johnny came into the kitchen smiling. He could smell the bacon and the coffee cake. “Hey Sweet Pea.”
“Good morning. You look like you had an easy night.”
Yeah we did for a change. Roy and I only had two calls and they were fairly early in the evening. Neither was too bad. We had one a little after six this morning but it was almost time to get up any way.” He kissed her then poured himself a big glass of milk and cut a piece of the coffee cake. “Do we have any plans for today?”
“Nope. I figured you wanted to work in your workshop and I have a few miscellaneous items to do. Maybe after dinner just hangs out and watches a movie.
“A western?”
“Sure. An omelet with lots of veggies and bacon sound good for breakfast?”
“With that good sharp cheese?”
“Already shredded. Oh, there is a letter for you in the basket. It has a pink envelope and smells of a very expensive perfume. Not one I use but nice.” She batted her eyelashes. “Should I be jealous?”
Not sure if she was teasing, he looked alarmed. “What in the Sam Hill does that mean? Who? …why… uh um…you don’t think…What would make you even think?”
“Calm down…I know you had a lot of girl friends, some more serious than other. But I also know you my love.” She wheeled herself over to him. “Read the letter and decide if you want to answer it or ignore it.”
“You never cease to amaze me. Now about that omelet?” She motioned for him to bend down so she could kiss him. “Now, sit down and enjoy your coffee cake while I fix breakfast .”
“I’ll probably be in the sunroom. Call before you come in, ok?” He kissed her and went out to his workshop after picking up the letter from the basket.
He smelled the envelope comparing it to what Lee usually wore. Her perfumes reminded him of wild flowers or calm gardens. This was heavy and reminded him of stale air. He read:
Johnny read the note, wrinkled his nose in disgust and threw it in the trashcan. There was no way he'd consider her offer worth the time or effort to answer. Changing his mind put it in his back pocket
“Can I come in now? I think it’s time we took a nap.”
“Of course, I just didn’t want you in the sunroom while I was working. It’s all put away.”
Lee was surprised when he came into the bedroom with a sandwich. “I thought you were sleepy?”
“Saw the bread on the counter and decided I was hungry. Wanna a bite?”
“No thank you. So everything going as you planned with your project?”
“Yep…another few days of working on it and it should be done. Yours?” He sat down on the bed undressing except for his boxers.
“About a week I think. I wanted to apologize for teasing you this morning. I know I never have any reason to be jealous. I remembered how I felt when you teased me, asking if I had broken one of my vows to you.” She looked at him waiting for an answer. “Forgive me?”
“You didn’t do anything wrong, so there isn’t anything to forgive. It just caught me by surprise. I read the letter. Put it out on the table if you want to read it. Fished it out of the trash. I don’t even think its worth answering. She is married and unhappy. He was a bully even back in high school. So what about you getting settled, I’ll close the curtains and we can get a nap. Maybe later we drive up to the lodge for dinner and stay the night? Just you, me, and maybe a nice hiking trail. The early wild flowers should be blooming.” He helped her on to the bed then moved her chair out of the way, He smiled at the questioning look she gave him. “Got ya right where I want you.” He said laughing as he lay down beside her. “I want to fall asleep listening to your heart beat. You know, I use to wonder if I would ever have this--- now that I do, there is no way I would risk it for anything or anyone. It may not be nice, but I think maybe Connor and Cindy deserved each other.” Lee let him talk although she had no idea who these people where. To be truthful, she didn’t want to know. They were the past. She knew it was a ‘head in the sand’ gut reaction but she didn’t want to think of the abuse and hurt Johnny had faced in his past. She wanted to focus on now, she couldn’t change the past but she could help shape the here and now and the future.
Twenty minutes later, he opened his eyes. “You awake?”
“Kinda…you know that feeling when you aren’t asleep but aren’t really awake either.” She said moving slightly closer to him. “You know in a few weeks we won’t always have this time to take a nap or do whatever we want. It’s going to be the three of us. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?”
“Yes but we’ll still have our time.” She couldn’t know how much those words meant to him. He wanted this child so much. He had dreamed of having a family for so long. Ever since he first started to be part of the DeSoto, family and being Uncle Johnny he had wanted to share the kind of relationship and love he saw between Roy and Jo and between them and the kids.
He knew the kids loved their Uncle Johnny but it wasn’t the same. Not that he would have or could have stopped loving Lee when she told him about her inability to have a child. He had never let her see how much the rejection letters had hurt him---at least he hoped he hadn’t. He had talked to Roy about his feelings. But as he saw her hurt and her spirit slowly dying he began to wonder if maybe he was wrong in wanting to continue encouraging the idea of adopting.
Her outward detachment to the pending adoption had worried him…That maybe …maybe she didn’t want the baby. He knew it didn’t matter to her that their daughter would be Cheyenne… He had been afraid that she had decided she didn’t want any child. Now he understood she had been afraid of him getting hurt if something had prevented the adoption, of her being the cause of more pain for him. In the back of his mind was always the nagging memory of what she had said one night shortly after they had said I love you for the first time. She had still been so scared of not being good enough for him. (That she felt that way in the first place had surprised him.) “If I ever see that being with me is hurting you, I will leave. I won’t stop you from being happy. I will never ask you to stay with me out of pity or duty.”
“Where are you Boyo? You look as if you’re a million miles away.” Lee said softly watching the expression in his eyes and feeling his body’s tension. She had turned so she was facing him.
“I’m right here, right where I want to be.” He kissed her and began running his hands down her back. His touch was gentle as always, but there was urgency to it that she felt herself responding to even more than usual.
The next day Johnny spent most of the morning in the workshop. This suited Lee as she could work on her project. After lunch, they took a walk to the Grove. The sidewalk that they had WBS build was Y shaped and led from the back patio to the split that made the V shape of the Y. One fork leads to the Grove the other to Kathy and Jim’s patio. Their unhappy neighbor had complained about the noise and dirt and the ugly nature of the sidewalk. Johnny and Lee had just shrugged it off. Everyone thought Lee was teasing but she was serious about getting a golf cart to drive on the path as she called it. They had spent most of the afternoon out there making plans for the three of them.
They had decided they were going to stay home so they walked out to the Grove.
“Boyo, will you answer me truthfully?” She asked softly. They were in the swing that Johnny had made for her and him. The simple a frame held an old fashion porch swing that he had secured so it wouldn’t move until he was ready to swing.
“I always do.”
“Has there been a time when you doubted me? That you worried I wouldn’t be able to take care of our baby?”
“Never. You have so much love to give. We will work everything out. Once she starts walking we’ll put some kind of fence up around the pool and probably some gates so she can’t get off the porch by herself but nothing we can’t handle. Having Ibbie here for the first few weeks…as a backup should help you find out what you need to do different or what works best. I never doubt you; wish you wouldn’t doubt yourself… That is the only thing that worries me. That you’ll let what other people say hurt you.”
“Their words might sting a bit but they can’t hurt me like they use to. I discovered that a few days ago. At the meeting I went to the day Roy got cut, Paddy asked if I was still going to work after the baby came. I said yes just not as often at the office. Something else was said and a comment was made that wasn’t very nice. But I didn’t care because I knew what was said didn’t matter because that person didn’t matter in our lives. Besides, I already knew she doesn’t like me any more than I like her.”
“See, I always say you’re as smart as you are beautiful. I could stay out here all night but think it’s getting a little chilly for you. Want to go get something to eat?”
“No there is plenty to eat at the house. Wish we had thought to bring some hot dogs out with us. Ya know, I’ve thinking, maybe you should call your aunt and see if she wanted company one day next week? We could drive down for the day or spend the night at a hotel.”
Johnny just nodded he was so surprised. There was no way they could spend the night at Rosemary’s because all the bedrooms were upstairs. Lee had not wanted to spend the night there or go down there before now. He never really believed she would change her mind. The run ins she had with his aunts in Lame Deer and his cousins had made her gun shy of getting close to Rosemary. She told him she knew it wasn’t fair to Rosemary or him but she couldn’t feel any closeness to her. He appreciated she was trying to change just as he had her honesty about her feelings.
“Are you sure?” He asked not wanting to make the call then have her change her mind.
“Yes. She is going to be our daughter’s great aunt. I want her to know all her family. I can’t very well expect you to welcome my uncles here if Rosemary isn’t made to feel welcomed too. She does love you and I think she should know she is always welcome in our home.”
“Are you going to be too upset if we have a son?”
“No, every time I’ve dreamed of the baby it has been a girl. A boy would be just as wonderful. Especially if he grew up to be just like you.” They talked awhile longer then went back to the house. Lee fixed dinner while Johnny called Rosemary. He was disappointed she was not home but left a message asking her to call him.
Lee was in the sunroom and Johnny was out on the tractor mowing the grass out at The Grove the next morning. It was his choice to mow. Eddie would have sent one of his men out to do it if he had called. The phone’s ringing interrupted Lee’s train of thought and she sighed as she put her almost finished project down.
“Hello.” Expecting it to be Jo or Kathy.
“Lee, its Rosemary. As soon as I walked in the door, Doris told me Johnny called yesterday. Is everything all right? She said he told her it wasn’t urgent but he sounded disappointed.”
“Everything is fine. He’s out mowing. He called to ask if it would be convenient for us to come down next Wednesday or Thursday. If we came Wednesday, we could stay overnight. He thought you could find us a place close by.”
“Wednesday would be wonderful. Is there a special type room I should ask for?” She was thrilled they were coming down.
“If they have one with a walk in shower it would be great and see if they can arrange to have a shower chair or a plain folding chair we could set in the shower.”
“I will. Lee, I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to this visit. I want you and Johnny to know you are always welcome in my home. I’ll call you after I make the arrangements at the hotel.”
“Great, if we aren’t here leave a message. One of us will call and let you know we got it. You’ll have to come up here soon. We have the nursery almost ready.” They talked awhile longer. Lee felt good about the conversation. She really was trying hard to lay all the old hurt and anger to rest. She went back out to work on her project and with a happy sigh, she finished it.
At dark, Johnny came into the kitchen. He was tired, sweaty and very pleased with himself. He had finished all the mowing and some other yard work. Once the fire season picked up he would probably agree to hiring someone from Hector and Eddie’s company . He grabbed a carton of milk drinking a large ice cold glass of it before calling Lee on the intercom. “Would you be interested in a shower before dinner?”
“What a lovely idea. Meet you there.”
“Ya know it feels so much better when you wash my hair…think it is the extra massaging you do on my neck. Rosemary called and she is going to get us a room then call back.” He felt the increased tension in her neck when she mentioned Rosemary’s name.
“Great.” He continued to massage her neck and shoulders. He was surprised at how quickly she relaxed. “So what is the plan for tomorrow?”
“The pool guy is coming and doing al the opening stuff. Other than that, nothing except enjoying your company.”
His stomach grumbled. “Now the most important question…what’s for supper?”
“How does grilled salmon, corn on the cob and a salad sound?”
“Perfect.”
Johnny called over to the DeSotos’ after Lee, Jo, and Kathy left on a spur of the moment shopping trip. Roy walked over there enjoying the nice weather. They went out to the workshop. The floor plans for the house had the large room added on labeled darkroom and storage area. In fact, from the time she had began dreaming of their house, there had been a workshop planned. The large garage gave Johnny plenty of room for the everyday tools a guy had for doing home repairs and working on his car. The workshop was a wood workers dream. Lee had arranged for the contractor to only work on it when Johnny was on shift and for it to be locked up whenever they were not working on it. Lee had told Johnny the contractor had asked to store some things there and he never questioned her. It had left him speechless on Christmas morning when they went out there for the first time.
“I finished it yesterday except for one more…maybe two more coats of shellac. Do you think she’ll like it?” The expression on his face reminded Roy of Chris when he finished a project he was extremely proud of, wanting his father to agree it was perfectly done.
“Junior, she’s gonna love it. The artisanship is excellent and most importantly you did it for her. How long have you been working on this?”
“Since November in my head January for real…” He looked so proud and pleased with himself. “It’s been hard not sharing what I was making with anyone. Especially you but I had to do this my way.”
“I understand.”
“Wanna see what there is to snack on and watch the game? Since I don’t think we’ll see the girls for awhile.”
“Think the plan was to pick the kids up at school on their way home.”
Lee had everything packed for staying overnight in Santa Barbra. Soon as Johnny got home, they would leave, stopping to eat somewhere along the way. She had asked him if he wanted to take a nap first when they had talked on the phone last night but he said no, they should get there early.
Rosemary was in her office catching up on some correspondence when Tiffany with her sister- in -law, Dinah burst into the room. “Mother you need to come to lunch with us. Darcie is having a luncheon fashion show in the gardens at the museum.”
“I’m sorry but I have plans. Go have fun.” Rosemary was not happy to see her daughter right now. Knowing the history between the two, she did not want Tiffany there when Lee came.
“What’s so important you can’t come with us? It’s been ages since we had a girl’s day out. The proceeds from the luncheon and part of the sales are going to be donated to the Children’s Hospital.” Not that really mattered to her but she knew it was one of her mother’s favorite charities.
“I’m sorry but I have plans for today and tomorrow. I thought you would be up in L.A. finishing the new office building. Didn’t Josh say it was having its grand opening next week?”
“My part is all done until a day or two before the official opening. Allison is meeting us at the museum.”
“Tell her I said hello.” Rosemary knew what Tiffany was doing.
Doris came into the room. “Excuse me but cook needed to know if your guests had any food allergies. Since they have never been here before.”
“None that I know of, thank her for her concern.” Rosemary was getting aggravated with herself. It was her home and here she was trying to hide the fact John and Lee were coming to visit. “My nephew usually eats anything he is offered.”
“With disgusting table manners.” Tiffany added. “Mother, what is he coming here for? Is his wife coming too?” Making a face as if she smelled something bad.
“They are coming here because I invited them and yes, Lee is coming also. I would suggest you be on your way before all the good seats are taken at the fashion show.”
“If they get too unbearable you can always call me. I’m sure if Allison and I came over they would find an excuse to leave.” Rosemary ignored that remark as the two women left.
Johnny and Lee followed the bellhop to their room. “Mrs. Huges wanted to make sure the room met your special needs. If there is anything you need please let us know.” He waited while Johnny checked in the bathroom. There was a bath chair sitting in the shower. It was obvious it was brand new.
“Everything is fine. Honey, did you bring your back pillow?” He said looking over at the king sized bed.
“It’s in the garment bag.” She smiled as Johnny handed the young man a tip.
“Mrs. Hughes has already taken care of that. Everything has been taken care of just call the front desk or room service if you need anything. There’s diet Dr. Pepper in the mini bar.” He left after wishing them a pleasant stay. Johnny hung up the garment bag while Lee put a few things on the dresser.
“Call your aunt and see what time she is planning on us being over there.” Lee reminded him.
As he hung up the phone Johnny watched with a grimace as Lee transferred onto the bed. “She said lunch would be ready at one. Why didn’t you ask for help?”
“Because I could do it myself. The night stand wasn’t gonna move when I pushed on it”
“Ok Miss Independent. Set your watch for 12:30, ok? That ‘ll gives us some time just to relax.”
Two minutes after he lay down, he was asleep. Lee with several pillows behind her turned on the radio then began reading.
Lee watched out the window as Johnny talked about various places they passed. Lee giggled at some of his stories but felt sadness at some. The sadness was heavy when they passed the street his friend Drew had lived on. Drew had died before Lee had met Johnny, but he had told her all about him and Pam and how he had felt losing him. She also remembered Jo had told her Johnny tried to push away from Roy and the others at the station. She shivered as she remembered what else Johnny had said then. He was glad he didn’t have a wife or family. It had hurt her hearing how alone and hurt he had felt.
“Cold?” Johnny asked as he saw her shiver and wrap her arms around herself.
“No just an old memory…So that is where you went to high school?” The building was off to their right and very impressive looking.
“Yep. Not, that it has many good memories except for the journalism room and the track. When you went to high school …did you get involved in anything?” Lee rarely talked about high school but was more open about her time at UCLA both before and after the accident.
“It was different at our school. We didn’t have any teams except intramurals because the way the school was set up. There was a ski club and a group that went surfing…I went on a few of the ski trips but they frowned on the ones under 12 going…safety issues was the excuse. Jeff and I would take trips sometimes up to ski and more often during the summer we went surfing. I spent a lot of time alone in the library when I was at school. I loved it when I was able to leave school early and go to Jeff’s office. I’d type and file. Suzanne taught me to run the switchboard. At school we were supposed to do community awareness projects related to our future job choices…since I was going to be a forensic scientist or an FBI agent I used Jeff ‘s office as a project. The school was ok with that because they didn’t know what else to do with me.” (She had never told Johnny she was the youngest person to ever graduate from the academy.)
Johnny pulled up in front of the house and waited for Lee to say something. “This was home sweet home,” with a trace of sarcasm. “Rosemary did the best she could…I’m glad you suggested this.” Lee didn’t answer just smiled at him. They went up to the door Johnny rang the bell. They were surprised when Rosemary answered the door. “Welcome…Lee thank you, I’m so happy you decided to visit.” They went into the living room.
“Thank you for inviting us even after several refusals on my part, not the Boyo’s.” Lee said with a shrug. “Put it down to my being a brat and accept my apology.”
“There is no need for an apology. I am glad we have gotten past the problems and can be friends now.”
“Not friends, family. You would think me of all people would have known how important family is. Misunderstandings happen.”
"And are forgiven.” Johnny said with his famous crooked grin. “I think something was mentioned about lunch?” His stomach growled to make his point.
“On the patio. I hope you still like lasagna.” She laughed at the look on his face. “Lee, did he ever tell you about the time he ate a whole pan of lasagna?”
“Not all at once…” Johnny said in his defense.
“No, it took him all day.” Lee giggled as he pushed her out to the patio. “I was a growing boy and I was getting ready for a big track meet.”
“Yes that was just before you won the big state meet. The record still stands. In fact, I was at the school not too long ago, your picture and trophy is still displayed. I think they also have some of your pictures in the journalism room.”
“I want to see them. Rosemary do you think we could go visit the school.” Lee put down her fork.
“Why would you want to do that?” Johnny said with a shocked look on his face
“That ice cream place you‘re always talking about…I want to go there and share a double banana split with you. I want to go tell that stupid biology teacher what a stupid jerk he was.” Johnny had gotten over being shocked and was laughing at her.
“You are so silly. Why would you want to do that?”
“Because I remember what you told me he said when you got an A on your final.” Johnny frowned at that. “You told me that when we were studying for your recertification test. I’d like to see him answer some of those questions.”
“I can arrange for us to go visit the school.” Rosemary said as Johnny was shaking his head no. “Yes, John, I think Lee should go see your picture and if she wants to share a banana split with you I think we should take her.” She went inside to make a phone call.
“What are you up to now?” He asked laughing. “You really want to see those old pictures?” He stood up and went over to her.
“Yes. I want to see if what I imagine you were like is anywhere close to reality.” He just shook his head. “You are totally out of your mind, you know that?”
“Yeah but you love me anyway.” She looked up at him and batted her eyelashes. “No matter what, you love me anyway.”
“I’ll love you always. Now behave yourself.” He started to push her inside.
“Why? That isn’t any fun.” He stopped , tipped the chair backwards leaning down he kissed her. He stood up sitting the chair’s front wheels back on the ground. Rosemary had been watching them from the doorway.
“The principal of the school said for us to come over and he would give us a tour of the school.”
On the way to the school Rosemary pointed you several different places of interest in town. Lee watched and listened as Rosemary told her bits and pieces of Johnny’s life.
The three adults entered the school and Johnny cringed slightly. Other than the time spent taking photos for the paper or running track it hadn’t been all that pleasant for him. The last two years had been a little better since he was a track star. They went into the main office. The secretary recognized Rosemary.
“Mr. Wagner will be right with you. He had to take a phone call from a parent.”
“No problem. We appreciate you letting us come visit.” Rosemary answered with a gracious smile. “Johnny, you may remember Mr. Wagoner, he was vice principal when you were a senior.”
The principal came out of his office stopping to study the three people studying the photo on the wall. He vaguely remembered the tall, dark haired man, the girl in the wheelchair wasn’t familiar at all. Everyone connected with the schools knew Rosemary Gage-Hughes. She was a very generous woman when it came to school fundraisers.
“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Mr. Gage.” Wagner said warmly.
“Thanks. This is my wife, Lee.”
“Nice to meet you. Let’s go down to the Sports Achievement Hall first so you can see the track wall and the case of trophies.” Johnny pushed Lee as they went towards the sports complex. “Did you go to school here in Santa Barbra, Mrs. Gage?”
“Please call me Lee. No I went to Westview Progressive.”
“That’s the program that UCLA runs?” Wagoner was impressed. “Then did you go onto to UCLA?”
“Yes, I majored in Statistical Analysis and in computer programming.”
“She had one masters and was working on a second one by the time she was 20.” Johnny said proudly.
“May I ask why you didn’t finish the second degree?”
“I was bored and found something more worthwhile to do. After almost 18 months of doing nothing except working on master degrees I was ready for a change.”
Thery reached the sports complex and Mr. Wagner led them over to the track section. Lee found the picture of Johnny and his trophy and read the article about him setting a new state record. She saw the cast on his arm in the photo and the black eyes. His comment about Jimmy Mac being a bully took on new meaning for her. She looked at him raising an eyebrow. He looked away.
“Reliving old glories, Gage?” A new voice said from behind them. There was something in the man’s voice that sent up warning signals in Lee. The man was a little shorter than Johnny and was and definitely out of shape.
“He doesn’t have to relive old glories he is too busy accomplishing new more important ones.” Lee‘s tone was neutral her glance at the man wasn’t.
“Like what?”
“Winning the paramedic competition at the Firefighter/Paramedic competition last summer. His station won the firefighters’ challenge…He earned the highest score in his class for paramedic certification and him and his partner were the first working Paramedics in the state…to name a few, besides he and his partner being one of the best and most respected paramedic teams in the state.”
“That’s some press agent you got Gage. Gonna introduce us?”
“Mitch Howell, my wife, Lee. Mitch was on the football team when I was a senior.”
“One of Jimmy Mac’s friends?” Rosemary noticed the distinct chill in Lee’s voice.
“Yes.” He frowned a little worried about what she would say next. He had gotten the message she did not like him at all. “I haven’t seen him for years…Wonder if he and Cindy are still together.”
“Yes they are. In fact she sent Johnny a note after the squad responded to a call at their home.” Lee said sweetly.
“You still run any Gage?” Howell did not know why but he got the feeling he did not want to continue with the conversation about Jimmy.
“When I have time. Well, we better let you get back to work.”
They went back towards the office. Rosemary and Mr. Wagner were walking ahead of them.
“Boyo, bend down here.” She said. He stopped and went around so he was standing in front of her. With a giggle, she kissed him when he bent down.
“What?” He asked puzzled at her behavior.
“I’ve always seen and read about couples sneaking a kiss in the hallway of the high school. Always wished I could do it just once to see what it felt like.”
“And what did it feel like?” Laughing at the look on her face.
“Very good…because it was you not because of where it was.” He bent down and kissed her, cupping his hand behind her neck pulling her closer. “I love you Boyo.” She whispered when he pulled back.
“John, I think you’re a little old for detention,” Rosemary said smiling.
“It was my fault…I was playing out an old fantasy. One disadvantage of graduating at 13 you never got to go to high school being 14 on a college campus isn’t a lot of fun.” Lee said. “Not much of a social life.”
There was a class going on in the journalism room. The teacher was explaining the fine points of interviewing to get more than just the facts. The teacher looked up when the visitors came in.
“Ms. Roper, this is Rosemary Hughes and her nephew John and his wife Lee. John was the photographer for the paper his senior year and won a prestigious award at state competition. The photo was of a fireman rescuing children from a third floor apartment. There was a large copy of the photo and story hanging on the back wall as well as the plaque Johnny had won.
“I should have known.” Lee said laughing looking very proud of her blushing husband.
“Should have known what?” Ms. Roper asked.
“That his award winning photo would have been of a fire fighter. Johnny applied for the L.A. County Fire Academy the day he turned 18...Being a firefighter was his dream from the time he was 5, right?” She looked up at him.
“Yeah.”
“Mr. Gage, would you let our class interview you?” Ms. Roper asked.
“I’m not sure what my aunt had planned for this afternoon.” Trying to get out of the interview politely.
“I think that is a wonderful idea, don’t you Lee?” Rosemary said.
‘A very excellent idea.”
“Mr. Wagner, why don’t you and I go up to your office and talk about the arts program you want to implement?” Rosemary said, taking the principal by the arm. Soon Johnny was perched on the edge of the desk looking uncomfortable. The 12 students had formed a semicircle around the desk. Lee had moved back to where the teacher was sitting.
“Lee, I think you should be up here. You always have interesting things to add.” Johnny flashed his crooked grin at her. She shrugged but moved up to where he was. Ms. Roper noticed that as soon as she was next to him he reached for her hand. “Ok, I guess I’m ready for this.” Ms. Roper heard the intercom click on and knew that they were being heard in the principal’s office.
“Your wife said you wanted to be a fireman when you were five? Why?”
“My dad and I would take walks and there was a fire house near where we lived. There used to be a tiller man on the older engines. That is what I wanted to do, sit up there and steer.”
“Is that what you do now?”
“No they changed the design on the engines. After I finished my training and probationary period where you are a ‘boot,’ I took the training to be a rescue man. Then when the paramedic program started I went to classes for that.”
“He not only went to classes he graduated with the highest test score on the certification test for that class. He and his partner were the first working paramedics in the field when the law passed that allowed them to use what they had learned.” Lee added knowing Johnny would not.
“Why did you want to be a paramedic?”
“Because too many times I saw people die or their injuries worsen because there wasn’t proper medical help available soon enough.” The students all saw how serious their subject had become. “It’s not all bad…sometimes we get really crazy calls. Like the guy who was showing off for his girl friend and ended up with his foot caught in the space between slats in a fence.” This lead to stories about life in the station and the pranks and good fellowship.
“Do you ever get hurt?”
“Sometimes…” Lee made a soft humpfing sound. “It’s all part of the job.” The talked until the bell rang. The students left thanking Johnny for the interview. The students had been given an assignment to write an article based on the interview.
“I’ll send you copies of the stories, if you’d like. And of the pictures they took.”
“Thank you I would really enjoy seeing them.” Lee answered before Johnny could say a word. Tiffany, Dinah and Allison were leaving the fashion show.
“Why don’t you drop in on your mother -in- law and let her know what wonderful bargains she missed.”
“And spy on your cousin and his wife?” Allison had never met Lee but had heard stories about her from Tiffamny and Joshua. She also knew Lee was responsible for them losing money on a real estate deal.
“I just thought you might like to meet her.”
The house cleaner showed Allison out to the patio. Rosemary was laughing at something Lee had told her. Rosemary was relieved it was just her daughter-in-law.
“Rosemary, I wanted to show you the darling purse I got at the fashion show. It was such a fun show and the prices were exceptional.”
“I’m glad you had a good time. Lee, I don’t believe you’ve met Joshua’s wife.”
“No we haven’t. I know she and my husband had some business dealings. Josh is up in San Francisco working so hard to get this latest project done on time. The general contractor had a problem and it caused all sorts of delays.”
“Nice to meet you. I remember when we were having our house built there was a few delays. Lucky none were major.” Lee’s tone was polite and friendly. “I was so happy we were able to be moved in in time for the holidays.”
“Yes, I remember Rosemary saying she had a nice time there for Thanksgiving. Well I need to get home. My parents are taking me out to dinner.” She was confused by Lee’s manner. Tiffany and Josh had made her out to be such a witch. She wondered what Tiffany would have to say about that. She wasn’t even sure if she was going to tell Joshua since he was so unreasonable whenever John or Lee’s name was mentioned.
Rosemary suggested they have dinner there on the patio instead of going out as they had planned. It was so nice to be so relaxed and laughing. Rosemary let the young couple guide the conversation and resisted the urge to ask questions about the upcoming trial or the adoption. She wanted Lee to feel comfortable and be willing to come back. After dinner, they played some three handed euchre and canasta. It was nearly 10:30 when Johnny began yawning.
“I know you worked yesterday.” Rosemary said with a sad smile. “As much as I am enjoying this you need to get some rest before the drive home tomorrow.”
“Why don’t you come over to the hotel for brunch? About 11? They serve it until 1, I think.” Lee suggested. “Or we could have ice cream for lunch.”
“I would enjoy that. You and John need to plan on coming down more often.”
“We will. We want you to be part of our baby’s life as well as ours. I guess I wasn’t as welcoming as I should have been in the beginning. It was never Johnny.”
“Lee, my dear, the first time I met you I knew you were perfect for Johnny. You were going to defend him at any cost. Given the circumstances that my children were so self centered and mean spirited to keep me from your wedding. That they made you both feel I didn’t want to be there.”
“That is the past where it belongs.” Johnny said. “We are glad you want to be part of our lives and that of our baby.”
“Have you decided on a name yet?’ Rosemary asked glad to change the subject.
“Yes but we aren’t telling anyone one until she is born.” Lee said. “Johnny shook his head at his aunt hoping she wouldn’t ask any questions.
Lee jumped when the phone rang. She looked at the clock as she answered. 12:30 a.m. Johnny had waked up on the first ring also.
“Gage residence.” Lee answered. She listened and Johnny saw her hand tremble. “Just a minute please,” she said putting her hand over the receiver. “They called a squad for Anna. Yes, we’ll be there soon as possible.”
Johnny was already up and getting dressed. “Lay still till I can help you.” The grab bar had been pushed back and she was struggling to sit up. He helped her sit, then began helping her dress. Lee felt guilty that even under these circumstances she felt her body responding to his touch as he helped her . He lifted her into the wheelchair. She grabbed the brush off her dresser and he pushed her out to the kitchen. He stopped for a moment and went back into the bedroom, grabbing his camera case. After making sure she was belted in, he smiled and kissed her tenderly.
“It’s going to be alright…our baby is coming and it’ll be fine.” He hoped he was sounding more confident than he felt. As they pulled out of the lane onto the highway, he let out a deep sigh. “Now, what exactly did they say?”
“That Anna’s temperature had spiked and she was having increased difficulty breathing. The heart monitor was showing erratic function.”
“Her or the baby’s heart?” Johnny asked. They had placed monitors on both when Anna had slipped deeper into the coma.
“I don’t know…She said that they had placed a call to the OB and that someone from Dr. Westmore’s group would be going to Rampart.”
“Sweet Pea, remember whatever happens tonight I love you and we’ll be alright.” Johnny was worried but he was trying hard to be strong for her. “Anna and the baby have got some of the best doctors in the state taking care of them.”
“I love you John Roderick Gage…never more than now.” She could see the fear and the pain in his eyes. He was in so much pain but all his concern was for her. “I’m scared but I know its whatever is best for Anna and the baby that matters. God has a plan and even when we do not understand or agree…His plan is perfect. I have to believe that or I would totally lose what little mind I have left.”
“Your mind is just fine just like the rest of you.” Johnny assured her.
At the nurses’ desk Betty and Dr. Early were talking as they saw Johnny and Lee they looked concern.
“What brings you here this time of night?” Joe asked, as he looked Lee over closely.
“They are bringing Anna in…Guess we beat the ambulance from the trauma center.” Johnny said.
“No, they took her straight up to the OR. I didn’t know you were friends,” Betty said. “You were in treatment room 3 when they came in, Doctor.”
“Thanks.” Johnny pushed Lee towards the elevator before Betty could ask any questions.
“Are they close friends?” Betty asked. She knew they were adopting a baby but did not know the whole story.
“Anna is the birth mother for their child. Did the paramedics say anything about her condition?”
“That they were told that we would take her straight up to OR that Dr.Shipper would be waiting.”
“Hi Johnny. What can I do for you?” The nurse behind d the desk asked. “Checking up on one of your patients?”
“No, we’re here for Anna Two Hawks.”
“She’s in surgery with Dr. Shipper and Dr. Ramon.” Before anything else could be said, Carol Jordon came back from a patient’s room.
“Johnny, Lee. Dr. Shipper wants you to wait in the private waiting room. Sorry Beth I forgot to tell you. Follow me please.” Beth watched as her friends went down the hallway. A feeling of pity and sadness swept over her. They only used that room when the doctors felt the outcome of the delivery was not going to be a happy one.
The small room held a sofa and a rocking chair. The walls were painted a calming soft ivory, the pictures on the walls peaceful landscapes. There was a small television and some magazines on a shelf with some tastefully done artificial flowers.
“Why don’t you get settled on the sofa?” Johnny asked as he watched her move trying to finsd a more comfortable way to sit. He knew her back and hip had to be tense.
“You gonna sit by me?” She asked knowing he would have a hard time not pacing about.
“Of course I am.” He helped her, knowing it was importantly to her to do as much for herself as possible. “Do you want the TV on?”
“Yeah, maybe a little back ground noise would be nice… don’t want to sit here just hearing the inane conversations going on in my head…Boyo, do you think maybe we could take a trip to the east coast in the fall? Go see Matt and Jeff and maybe go up to New England and look at the trees? Once Matt and I took a long weekend and went up to Boston to visit all the wonderful history sites and went on a harbor tour. That was the summer I was 14. I would love for us to just take some time and go visit all the tourist stuff in the DC area . The three of us could fly there then rent a car. How old does she have to be before its ok for her to fly?”
“Good question. Think it’s probably six month or so. Yeah I would like that. Never been over that way except when we went to New York City for Thanksgiving.” He watched her as she stiffen. “Are you going to be sick?” He noted her pale face and the swallowing she was doing.
“No, but a ginger ale would maybe help settle my stomach. It’s kind of queasy.” Looking very embarrassed. “There should be some ice cold ones in the fridge at the very back.”
“Ok, be back in a few minutes.”
Johnny looked up as the door to the office opened and the paramedics from 36 came in laughing. The paramedics did not notice him sitting over at the desk leaving a note for Nell. He slammed the drawer shut a little harder than necessary and the two paramedics jumped.
“What are you doing in Lee’s desk?” Murphy said not recognizing Johnny in the dim light. (Murphy was new to 36.)
“Don’t you get enough of this place in the daytime? What are you doing here?” The other paramedic recognized Johnny and relaxed.
“Just leaving a note and grabbing a soda for her.” He moved into the better-lighted area. “Saxon.” He acknowledged the other paramedic who was shaking his head.
“You guys having a busy night?” Johnny countered trying to change the focus of the of the conversation.
“This is our third time here tonight. Decided to grab something to eat before going back.” Saxon Brown had settled in to a chair and seemed ready to chat.
“Lee’s waiting. One of these days you need to come out to the house, the pool’ll be open soon.” Johnny made his way to the door. “Stay safe out there.”
Lee waited for Johnny to come back trying to keep herself in some sort of control. She was scared and cold and she knew if she started crying the dry heaves would get worst. The TV was showing a commercial for baby food. The tears began trickling down her face as she watched the mother and baby on the screen. The doubts began surfacing again. What if Jo’s mother was right? What if she had just been playing house with the girls and she really couldn’t handle the day to day tasks. She did not want her baby raised by a nanny.
Johnny would be great hands on dad. She smiled remembering how excited he had been when they got the jogging stroller. He had picked out the perfect spot to put it on the deck and how they could use it down by the pool. He had already talked to the pool company about getting a fence around the pool and the best kind of gates and about other safety features. She looked at the clock wondering what was taking Johnny so long then realized he had been gone less than 10 minutes. The what if’s continued to plague her. What if the baby dies or was handicapped? Would Johnny want to try again? What if Johnny thought she wasn’t a good mother or couldn’t keep the baby safe? What if Anna is grandmother changed her mind? What if her insecurities made Johnny angry? What if…
She looked up when Johnny came in with the sodas. She tried to smile but it was not very convincing.
“Hey, did you miss me that much?” He sat down next to her. It’s ok, I am scared too. But I also have this feeling that everything is going to be alright. Roy said him and Jo are gonna spoil this one as bad as we spoil Chris and Jen.” He was wiping her eyes and cheeks with a tissue. “When we see our daughter all this worrying and being scared is gonna seem so far away. Remember the first party we had for the people? You did not tell me until after the party you had made yourself sick worrying about it. I should have known how scared you were and you should have talked to me. You never did tell me what Chet said that made you cry that day. But then I never knew he did that until at the engagement party.”
“I made Jo promise not to tell you and not to tell you I was going to give you your ring back. Jo asked me if I was going to let some ones offhand remark make us both miserable. That the only way I could not be good enough for you was to let others convince me I was. I thought he was the biggest jerk I had ever met. Some days I still do but I know he is really a good friend. What did he say that had you so mad?”
“Nothing for you or me to worry about. Yeah Chet is a good friend, we’ve got lots of good friends and family…” He poured her some ginger ale and they sat there talking and waiting. He had his arm around her and she was leaning into his embrace. Anyone who did not know her would have thought she was asleep. Johnny looked at clock. They had been there almost 2 hours. The OR was quiet except for the occasional request from the surgeon. The music playing softly in the background added to the illusion of calmness of the room. “The other doctors never thought you’d make it this far. Let’s give you a good start on a long and happy life.” Dr. Thaddeus Shipper worked slowly with precise movements, his mood setting the tone for the others. “Come on, little girl, it’s time to face this world.” He made another cut. The nurse thought it strange he didn’t wait to cauterize the blood vessels before making the next deeper cut.
“So you think it’s a girl? Any particular reason?” Jan, the nurse who worked with him often knew he liked to guess the sex.
“Her new mom has been saying it was a girl for the last three months. I am not going against her dreams. Boy or girl this little one is gonna be well loved and well cared for.”
“This is another one of your miracle babies?”
“All babies are miracles, this one has just needed a little extra help to get here.”
The nurses pulled the stomach muscles back. There was little resistance. Dr. Shipper carefully began the incision doing a classic C-section cut rather than the bikini cut.
“Let’s have the suction ready. OK, everyone…”
“Anna?” Johnny asked, seeing the sadness in the doctor’s face.
“She has hours at the most, the best blood pressure we could get was 70/40, the monitor was showing very little brain function…sporadic at best. The kidney function is almost non existent . The machines are keeping her alive. Micha Little Bear requested that we did not prolong life once the baby was delivered.”
Lee sat there and listened as the tears began again. Feeling terribly selfish she asked, “And the baby?”
Roy DeSoto looked at the clock and frowned. Mumbling to himself about idiots that called at 5a. m., he answered the phone. “DeSoto.”
“Chloe Elizabeth…” The words were hard to make out as it sounded as if the speaker was crying or drunk or both.
“You’ve got the wrong number.” Roy started to hang up then he recognized the voice. “Johnny! What did you say?”
Jo had woke up when the phone rang but had just laid there until she heard Roy say Johnny. “What? Are they ok?” Roy held his hand up in the stop gesture.
“…Chloe Elizabeth …only four pounds 4 ounces but the doctor said other than that she is doing good. They are gonna let us hold her in a few minutes…They wanted to let her rest and get a little warmer before we did…She’ll be in the incubator for awhile just because she is so tiny wanted you to be the first to know…”
“Give her a kiss from her Uncle Roy and Aunt Jo and give one to Lee too.”
“I will. See you after while? Maybe we can have breakfast. We’re up in Lee’s office.”
“We’ll head over there after we take the kids to school. Can I tell the kids or do you want to?”
“Let us, ok? Thanks Pally. Lee is gonna call her uncles now.” Johnny hung up. Jo was waiting for details. “Name, weight…is everything ok?”
“Chloe Elizabeth weighs 4 pounds 4 ounces and is fine except for being tiny…They want us to have breakfast with them after we see her, they want to tell the kids.”
“Did they call Hank and Emily yet?”
“I don’t think so. Lee hadn’t called her uncles yet.”
Lee dialed Kathy’s number knowing that it was really too early but she could not wait. Kathy answered on the third ring. “Kildare residence.”
“The baby is here… so tiny but healthy.” Lee said in an amazingly calm voice. “Miss Chloe Elizabeth Gage made her formal entrance into our lives at 4:45 this morning. You are the second person we have told…Johnny called Roy. Jeff and Matt are next on the list. I know you had another hour to sleep but I couldn’t wait to tell you.”
“I’m glad you didn’t. I’ll be over after I get done at the clinic. We’re so happy for you.”
“Can you wait so we can tell the kids?”
“Of course. You take care and I’ll see you later today.”
“Mr. Spencer’s office.”
“Hi, this is Lee Gage, is my Uncle Jeff in the office by any chance?” No one had answered at his apartment. “It’s really important.”
“Just a minute please I’ll connect you.”
“Napoleon Solo.”
“Mr. Solo there is a call for Mr. Spencer. A Miss Gage. She said it was important.”
“Here he is.” He handed the phone to Jeff. “It’s Lee.”
“Hey Sweet Pea…what‘s up?
“Chloe Elizabeth wants to know when her great Uncle Jeff is coming to meet her.”
“Just as soon as I finish my meetings with Mr. Waverly and Mr. Solo and can catch a plane. Chloe Elizabeth a very pretty name.”
“The doctors are really pleased with how well she is doing and I get to hold her in a few minutes!”
“You called Matt yet?” Jeff loved hearing the excitement in her voice.
“He is next on the list. Roy then Kathy then you two. Johnny is waiting until a more civilized hour to call his aunt and the others. He woke Roy up, it wasn’t even 5 yet.”
“I’ll see you sometime in the next few days. Love you give Chloe a kiss for me and tell John I think he’ll make a great dad. You’ll be a wonderful mom “
The same conversation was repeated with Matt.
“Ready to go up to see our daughter?”
The room they went into was smaller than the waiting room and had a rocking chair and a love seat. There were no paintings on the walls but there was a mural of baby farm animals. Johnny helped Lee be seated in the rocking chair.
Dr. Terri Ramon came in with a nurse. Lee looked up and for a minute panicked when there was no baby in sight. Johnny tightened the hold he had on her shoulder.
“Is Chloe alright?” Lee finally managed to get the words unstuck from her throat.
“She is fine,” Dr. Ramon assured the couple. “She passed her first test with flying colors.”
“The Apgar? The Five minute one?” Johnny’s smile grew even bigger. “I was kind of wondering.”
She scored an eight, she needed a little help at first but once she was suctioned it was fine. She has a good set of lungs and knows how to use them. She is ready for some formula. You ready to hold her? With her being so small, we will try to do more frequent smaller feedings. The two of you are welcome to do them but it is not a problem if you can’t. Don‘t be too worried if she does not seem to be very interested in the bottle at first. Sometimes it just takes a while especially with ones this little. We will keep a good record of her intake and her weight gain. Once she is 5 pounds, we will probably be able to send her home. Any questions?”
“No, I think that what you just told us covers most of the questions for right now. Is it ok if I rock her? Just a little.”
“Sure just remember her tummy is tiny and she may need some extra burps not just at the end. Johnny when you take the pictures, can you makes sure to use low light for a day or two. These new flashes are sometimes hard on their eyes.”
“Got some film here that is designed for low light.” Johnny opened the camera case. “The room light should be plenty.”
“Good…Ok, Nancy, would you bring Miss Chloe in. ” The tiny little girl was tightly wrapped in a soft pink blanket. Nancy handed her to Lee. Johnny bent down looking at his daughter for the first time
“Na'néso” He whispered the name then kissed her lightly on the forehead. “She is so beautiful…Look at all that hair.” He soon was taking pictures of Lee holding her and giving her first bottle, burping her.
“Ok, daddy, your turn.” Johnny took the small bundle from Lee. Sitting down on the love seat, he talked to her as he fed her. Lee handed Dr. Ramon the camera so she could take some pictures. Johnny had Chloe on his shoulder and was patting her on the back. The small very woman like burp was his reward.
“Nancy, you take the baby and Johnny, you help Lee over to the love seat. We’ll take the first official family portrait.” Dr. Terri was a GYN-OB and had known Lee for years, since she first entered Dr. Westmore’s group. Her husband Steve was a pediatrician in the same practice and would most likely be Chloe’s doctor since he was more experienced with high risk babies. Their friend Thanh had recommended him to her and Johnny.
Johnny handed the camera to Dr. Terri and quickly scooped Lee up, giving her a kiss before sitting her down. Once she was settled, Nancy handed the baby to Lee. Johnny chose to stand behind them, leaning forward, one hand on Lee’s shoulder the other touching the blanket.
“Ok time for this young lady to get some rest…”
“One more pictures…You and Nancy with Lee and Chloe. I’ll get one with Dr. Shipper and my girls later.” Johnny soon had the pictures and Chloe was safely in her incubator.
They went back up to the office. Lee called down to the nurses desk in the ER and left a message for Dixie or Kel to call her as soon as possible. They were not due in for a while. Lee made a call to Denver and then Johnny called his aunt. She was thrilled and said she would be there some time that afternoon. Johnny looked at the clock. It was after seven. He knew Em would be up since their youngest daughter was a junior in high school. He dialed the number ‘
“Stanley residence.” Hank sounded more asleep than awake.
“Cap, its John.”
“Is everything ok Pal?” He knew John would not call that early without a good reason.
“We have a daughter…Cap she’s beautiful. Her name is Chloe Elizabeth and she is alert, smiles, and is wonderful. I held her and it was like all the bad stuff just dissolved away,”
“Do the guys know?”
“Just Roy, he and Jo are coming over then we’re going to have breakfast. Why don’t you and Em come too? We’ll be here in the office or up in the nursery.”
“I’ll check with Em when she gets back, she drove the girls to school.”
Johnny and Lee headed down to the ER to see if Dixie and the ‘the Docs’ were in yet.
Dixie frowned when she saw Johnny’s Rover in Lee’s parking place. She couldn’t imagine what they were doing here this early unless something was wrong.
“Dixie,” Lee called out when she saw her friend going towards the nurses’ desk.
“What are you two up to now? Pretty early to be up on your day off.”
“We’ve been here since about 1. There is someone very special upstairs we need you to meet.”
“Who’s that?” Dixie watched their faces. They were smiling but in their eyes was a sadness that flickered there.
“Miss Chloe Elizabeth Gage is waiting to be adored by her family and friends.”
“When did this happen?” She was thrilled for her young friends.
“4:45 this morning. They did an emergency C-section. They say it’s only going to be a few hours until Anna is gone. Almost doesn’t seem right to be so happy knowing …It’s like we’re trading one life for another.”
“Johnny, Lee let me read part of Anna’s diary. What she wished most for in this world was for their baby to have a happy and loved filled life. I can’t think of anyone better to make that wish come true.”
“Thanks Dixie. You got time to go upstairs?” Lee asked.
“Of course I do. I wouldn’t miss a chance to meet this young lady.”
“What young lady? What are you doing here?” Kelly Brackett inquired as he came up behind Lee and Johnny.
“Want to meet our daughter, Kel?” Lee’s questioned caught the usually unflappable doctor completely off guard.
As they rode up to the nursery, Johnny filled in the details.
“I agree with Dixie, this young lady couldn’t have a more loving family.”
“She is beautiful and all that hair. “ Dixie exclaimed as she watched the tiny baby move her arm slightly. “Taking after her daddy… already fidgeting in her sleep.”
“How was her Apgar test?” Kelly slipped into doctor mode.
“A five minute score of 8. We gave her a bottle and held her. She makes these tiny little burps like a baby bird chirping.” Johnny never took his eyes off her as he was talking. They stayed a few minutes longer then Dix and Kel went down to the ER while the proud parents stayed up at the window awhile longer.
At the nurses’ desk, the Dixie stopped to talk with the desk nurse.“You might warn your nurses to expect a lot of visitors once the word gets out they’ll be a parade of paramedics up here and a few off duty firemen coming to see their new niece. Just remind them to be quiet if you need to.”
“I just went down to see her myself. Is it true the mother isn’t going to survive?”
“Yes. But that isn’t anything that needs to be talked about by staff, is that understood.” It wasn’t a question, it was a statement and a warning against gossip. She knew the rumor mill would be running full force once the news got out, even more so once the baby’s ethnic heritage was apparent.
Roy and Jo went to the nursery before checking in the office. Brenda the desk nurse smiled as she watched the couple go to the section of the wall where the incubators were visible. They were surprised to see a gowned and masked Johnny Gage sitting in a chair feeding a tiny bundle. Lee, also gowned was sitting a little ways away, taking pictures. Roy watched as Johnny checked the level of formula then sat the bottle down placing the tiny baby on his shoulder. Jo had tears in her eyes as she watched him burp the baby, putting his mouth close to her ear whisper something before gently placing her in the incubator. Lee wheeled herself over to them.
“I wonder what he was saying.” Jo remarked.
“That’s an easy guess. He’s telling her how much he and her mommy love her and that she’ll always be loved. Wouldn’t be surprised if he was saying it in Cheyenne. Told me he was going to teach her that and was going to make sure she knew all the good things about her heritage. He made Anna and her grandmother a promise back in November.”
The nurse had unwrapped the baby. While it was important to keep her warm it was also important not to overheat her body and to make sure all the wires were connected. Roy frowned at seeing the wires, knowing they were to a heart monitor.
Chloe’s incubator was in the front row giving them a perfect view. Roy wasn’t surprised when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Cap’s touch was a familiar one of comfort and support. How many times had Roy felt it under different circumstances? Less happy times due to medical issues.
“She is beautiful and so tiny. My babies were both over 5 pounds...Chris was 6 and a half pounds, Jenny was 5pounds 9 ounces.”
Johnny looked up knowing he was going to see Roy and Jo. He wasn’t surprised to see the Stanleys standing there also. He gestured just a minute. He bent down and whispered something in Lee’s ear and she turned to see their family standing there. The warmth of their smiles was so encouraging and full of pride and love. She knew there would be adjustments and problems to be solved but she also knew they would be solved. No matter what happen or was said she would never doubt that this was the right thing to do ever again.
When Lee and Johnny joined their friends in the hallway tears, hugs and congratulations were exchanged.
As if on some pre planned cue Johnny’s stomach rumbled loudly. He turned slightly red as everyone laughed before laughing himself.
“Let’s go get some breakfast. The nurses will give her another ounce of formula in about 2 hours but I think after breakfast maybe a shower and a nap is on the schedule for us.”
Once they were settled at the table at O’Sheas’ Lee relaxed,. Johnny excused himself telling Lee to order for him.
“Thr Boyo ‘ll have a 8 oz rib eye with eggs over easy, potatoes O’Brian and grilled soda bread. I want the corn beef hash omelet and a bowl of sausage gravy on the side with 6 biscuits, an order of cheese straws. Hank, Roy you want steak and eggs too? The Boyo’s medium rare.
No one was surprised to see Mick and Shelia coming towards the table. “Now, what is it you’re celebrating with all these baby pink cupcakes?” The big Irishman demanded with laughter in his voice. They knew about the upcoming adoption.
“We‘re celebrating the arrival of Chloe Elizabeth Gage into our family she arrived at 4:45 this morning to make our lives even more blessed than we already were.” Lee proudly announced.
“Congratulations. And when will we be seeing this little one in here?”
“Not for awhile. She has to weigh 5 pounds before we can take her home…with luck it’ll be a week at most. She weighs 4 pounds and 4 ounces and has dark dark black hair and its thick and beautiful…just like her daddy’s. We called Micha this morning before we left the hospital and the adoption papers are all signed and going by special messenger to the state of Montana. As far as the Cheyenne tribal council is concerned we are legally her parents.”
“Congratulations to all three of you. Your cupcakes will be going out as soon as we can get them ready. God Bless you and the wee one.”
“Oh He has, Mick, every day He does more and more.” Lee spoke softly as the tears came.
“Speaking of legally…John did you notify HQ that you are now a father? So all the paperwork can get started.” Hank added.
“I’ll do that when we get home. Can’t wait to get home and into the darkroom. I took a whole roll of pictures this morning.”
“I thought a shower and a nap was on the schedule.” Roy teased his partner knowing nothing was going to stop him from developing those pictures. “Besides I think you need to call a few more people. Chet and Marco and Mike would probably like to meet Chloe.”
“Chet and his brother Dennis took their mom to visit some friends somewhere over in Nevada. Marco wasn’t home when I called him.” Johnny explained. “I didn’t want to call over to Mike’s until later, didn’t want to wake anyone up.”
“Yeah but he had no problem calling me at 5 this morning.” Roy pretended to grumble.
“Don’t tease. You know you wouldn’t have wanted him to wait.” Jo smacked her husband on the arm. “It was hard not telling the kids.”
“Lee said to call you first even before Jeff or Matt. We want you to be her god parents,“ Johnny said looking at Roy and Jo. Sorta hoping you and the guys would be her uncles. It means a lot to me to know she has a loving family one that will always be there for her no matter what.”
“We’d be honored, John. I know I speak for all of A shift when I say that.”
It wasn’t long after that they all left. Johnny promised he would get some sleep before going back to the hospital. While Johnny was in his dark room Lee made a few more calls then went into the nursery. The changing table that Johnny had made was in its place and made her smile even more. It was just the right height for her but a little low for him. He had surprised her with it just a few days ago. He had built it longer than normal and had fixed a place she could put a small tub of water to use when she needed to give the baby…to give Chloe a bath.
The phone rang and Lee went into the bedroom to answer. It was Micha.
“I just wanted you to know I got a call from the state and the papers are filed. They said you should receive your copies in a week or so. They called the hospital and let them know you were officially the parents and have all the legal rights. I was wondering if you had heard any more about Anna.”
“No but they are to call us when anything happens. Still want us to have the body crematated and send the ashes to you, correct?”
“Yes. Her grandmother and Mark’s parents will hold a ceremony for them. I understand your decision not to come back here.”
“If Johnny wants to go when you have the ceremony I won’t say no or fuss about him coming there.”
“No, I think Mark and Anna would want him to stay there with Chloe. Her great grandmother was very touched by your giving her Anna’s a middle name.”
“Johnny is developing the pictures we took today, we’ll send them soon as possible to you and her great grandmother.”
Johnny came into the bedroom surprised to see Lee laying on the bed.
“Yeah, my back and hip were getting tight and I thought I’d do some stretches.” He had a folder in his hand. He went around to his side of the bed and sat beside her.
Lee was speechless as she looked through the pictures. The one the doctor had taken of the three of them was her favorite tied very closely to the one of Johnny holding her for the first time and the ones of him feeding and burping her. Johnny watched her as the emotions played across her face.
“If this is a dream I don’t ever want to wake up.” Lee finally said. “Do you think it will only be a week until she is home?”
After a nap and a shower, Lee and Johnny got ready to go back to the hospital. Lee checked her watch and knew that the kids were home from school. Johnny gathered up the copies of the pictures he had for Jo and Kathy before calling over to Roy’s house.
“DeSoto residence.” Jenny answered the phone sounding very grown up.
“Hey, Princess, is your mom or dad around?” Johnny asked.
“Hi Uncle Johnny. Dad is working in the yard and mom is outside talking to Aunt Kathy. Want me to get her for you?”
“No just tell them we’ll be over in a few minutes. Ask Aunt Kathy to bring the kids over.”
“Stacy is here Chris and Jimmy went to the park.”
“Ok, we’ll see you in a few minutes.” He hung up and went to check on Lee. She was in the kitchen looking at the pantry shelves, frowning.
“Problem?” He asked as he bent down kissing her neck.
“Not really just thinking about rearranging. The bottles should fit here nicely and the formula too. Did you get a hold of Jo and Kathy?”
“Left a message with Jen. Her mom was outside talking to Kathy…You ready?”
As they started out the door, the phone rang. Johnny stopped to answer it. “Hello.”
“Johnny, it’s Rosemary. I wasn’t sure if you were at home or the hospital.”
“We were just getting ready to go tell Jen and Stacy about Chloe. Where are you?”
“About a half hour from you. I stopped for gas and to call.”
“Why don’t you come on over to the house and we’ll go to the hospital together. We won’t be long at Roy’s.”
“I can find a hotel and meet you there if that would be easier.”
“No hotel, we want you to stay with us. There is plenty of room.”
“Are you sure it won’t be a problem?”
“No…If you are still asleep when we leave in the morning you can go over to the hospital …Lee will be there most of the day. She is taking maternity leave when Chloe comes home.”
“Uncle Johnny and Aunt Lee are here.” Jenny and Stacy waited until the Rover was stopped before racing to the driveway. The adults were on the deck waiting.
“You want something to drink before you start this meeting?” Roy kidded his partner. “You look like you got some sleep.” “We did …No thanks we’re fine…unless you want something Sweet Pea?”
“I’m fine,”
Johnny looked at the two very special little girls. He couldn’t image Chloe at their age. “Ok, we have something very special to share with you and a big favor to ask. Remember when we asked you to help with the baby? Well, early this morning Chloe Elizabeth was born. She is tiny and will have to stay in the hospital for awhile…but when she comes home she id gonna need her cousins.”
“Chloe is a pretty name. I think her bunny should be named Clover. Clover and Chloe. “
“I think that is a perfect name for a lavender bunny.”
“Uncle Johnny, will Chloe be your princess now?” Jenny wanted to know but she didn’t want to sound jealous.
“No sweetheart, you will always be my princess. You and Stacy …Princess 1 and 2.’’ He opened d the folder he had placed on the picnic table. “Want to see pictures of your cousin?” Everyone looked at the pictures and Kathy saw Chloe for the first time. They talked awhile then Johnny reminded Lee Rosemary was on the way over to the house. As they were leaving, Stacy came over to Lee.
“Mom is gonna take me to the toy store tomorrow. I know what I want to get Chloe. I can help teach her how special being adopted is.” Stacy looked at her mom. “Chloe grew in her birth mom’s belly but she is grew in your heart too. Just like me.” Lee gave her a big hug then looked over to Jen and nodded at her. Jen came over and got a hug from Lee.
“Chloe is so lucky to have you for her cousins…think you’ll be more like big sisters, just like Kathy is for me.”
Rosemary pulled up in front of the house just as they were getting home. Johnny went over to her car.
“Chloe should be due for a bottle about the time we get there.” Johnny told his aunt after giving her a hug.
Lee and Johnny told Rosemary about the call and the time spent with Chloe earlier. “Holding her just felt so right. She was so content and relaxed she took her bottle without any trouble. She gets an ounce and a half for now, we stop to burp her about half way thru.”
Johnny added, “I never heard anything so soft and sweet.” They pulled into Lee’s parking space. “You have to put on a gown and gloves to hold her. It’s just a precaution.”
“The Boyo helps me into the rocking chair. I rock her, she takes her bottle, and I feel like her mother. Does that sound silly?”
“No, it sounds like a perfect bonding of mother and child.” Rosemary told her.
Lee fed her half the bottle and burped her then let Johnny finish the feeding. Looking at his aunt, he surprised her by saying, “Would you like to burp her? She seems to like the it on your left shoulder better than when she is on my right side.” Rosemary nodded then sat down next to him. Carefully taking the she put her on her shoulder. Lee took a picture of the three of them. Giving Chloe back to Lee Johnny then took more pictures. When the nurse came into take her back to the incubator all were amazed how time had passed so quickly.
In the hallway watching Chloe sleep Johnny was surprised to see the paramedics from 16 coming down the hallway. Congratulations were offered and accepted with pride.
“So can we expect a big party sometime soon?” Donaldson asked. “I keep hearing what a great place you all have for parties.”
“Give us a few weeks, ok? We love having our friends over.”
The drive home was quiet, each thinking about the past and the future as well as enjoying the present.
“Dinner will be ready soon…We’re having left overs, I hope that is ok.”
“I should have offered to take you out on the way home.” Rosemary realized both Lee and Johnny looked tired.
“No, we have ham and green beans left from yesterday. They had really nice fresh green beans and new potatoes at the farmer’s market this week.”
“Any of that cucumber salad left?” Johnny grinned at her knowing if there wasn’t she’d make more.
“Yes and there is corn bread left I made a double pan for left overs.”
“Like I always say, not just beautiful but smart too.” He kissed her and went off to the dark room.
“He’s so cute when he’s in that kind of mood…they all say he is an over grown kid. Guess that’s because most of the world doesn’t know he never got to be a kid. Did I ever thank you for trying to make it better for him? You did you know. He just couldn’t tell you then. Just like, I couldn’t until now. I’m glad for his sake and Chloe’s as well as mine you’re going to be part of our lives. I almost feel sorry for Tiffany and Josh, they’ll never get to know what a wonderful friend Johnny can be.”
“They’ll never know what a good friend you can be either. Let’s just leave it at they are adults and their choices are just that, their choices.”
Lee called the dark room to give Johnny a 10-minute warning to dinner. He came in with pictures to share. They had all turned out really well.
“I’m glad you have a hobby you can enjoy. Actually these are wonderful, if you ever decide to give up being a paramedic you could be a very successful photographer.” Rosemary was very impressed with the pictures.
“Thanks.” His blushing made the two women laugh. “Now can we eat?”
After dinner, they were sitting on the deck talking. Lee was telling Rosemary about her work for the passage of the Wedsworth-Townsend Act and how because of that she had been hired as a special project manager buy the state. A little after nine the phone rang. Johnny answered and spoke briefly before going out to the deck.
“That was Rampart.” Lee’s heart dropped at the tears on Johnny’s cheek.
“Chloe??”
“Chloe is fine…Anna passed away 10 minutes ago. Everything is proceeding as planned.” He bent down and hugged Lee then kissed her lightly. “She is happy with Mark and they’ll be keeping an eye on Chloe. Our daughter has a whole family of guardian’s angels watching out for her…”
By 11:00 everyone had went to bed. Lee laid as Johnny held her tightly as she cried for Anna and Mark. Both were feeling sad for the young couple but both were thankful for the gift they had been given.
As they showered and dressed, the next morning Johnny watched Lee carefully. She had been restless during the night but seemed fine now. Rosemary was still in her room. It had been decided the night before she would sleep until she was ready to get up and if they had already left she would stop over at Rampart before going home. She had a folder of pictures to take with her.
“I’m going to try to be there when Chloe is fed a couple of times today. I’ll have to do it in my chair but that shouldn’t be a problem.”
“You know if we skip breakfast we might get to feed her this morning.”
“Aren’t you hungry?” Lee asked not wanting him to start the day without breakfast.
“I can grab something from your office. I’ll just change into my uniform here.” Johnny said. “Maybe this time I can feed her first?” The crooked grin appeared. “When we’re at Rampart today I’ll run up to the nursery when I get a chance. At least I’ll get to see her.”
“So instead of getting a chance to see me, you’ll go see her?” Teasing him giving him that look where she tilts her head and raises an eyebrow.”
“Brat.” He kissed her then pushed her out to the kitchen.
He parked the Rover and started over to her. “Go on up, I’ll be there in a minute. He nodded and hurried into the ER and over to the elevators. Mike Morton watched him, shaking his head.
“Problem, Mike?” Dr. Joe Early asked coming up behind the younger doctor.
“Just watching Gage. Doesn’t he ever slow down?”
“Not often.”
“Wonder where he’s going in such a hurry?” Morton was surprised to see Lee coming in by herself.
“You didn’t hear? Johnny is a new dad. He’s probably going up to see his daughter before going to work “
Lee saw the two doctors and wheeled over to them. “So have you been up to see Chloe?”
“I was off yesterday, I just heard, congratulations.” Mike told her.
“I saw her yesterday. Beautiful baby.” Joe said “How is Anna?”
“She passed away last night. We got the call about 9.”
“Will the service be here? I’d like to attend.”
“They are sending her ashes to Lame Deer. They’ll have a service for her and Mark. I don’t think Johnny is going, Chloe and I won’t be for sure. If you’ll excuse me I am going up to see my daughter.”
“She was sincerely sad about the birth mother dying.” Mike’s comment surprised and irked Joe.
“Why wouldn’t she be sad? A human life was ended much too soon. Two young lives because someone decided to drink and drive. It’s a miracle that baby survived. She’ll have a good home with loving parents.”
Johnny got up there just as they were getting ready to give Chloe her bottle. The nurse smiled as he hurried over to the doorway to get his gown and gloves.
“We were wondering if you or Lee would be here this morning. Miss Chloe was fussy a little bit ago. I think she was trying to tell us breakfast was late.”
“I can start her and Lee ‘ll be up to finish so I can get to work on time.” He went on in and picked her up.
“Na'néso.” he whispered to her softly. “It’s gonna be ok. Soon you’ll be home soon. We’ll all be there together. Your mommy is going to be here to see you soon. Slowdown, you’ll give yourself a tummy ache.” He sat the bottle down and began patting her back. He listened for the burp then patted some more. He was rewarded with two more burps and a smile. He was walking her and humming to her when Lee came in. “She is all fed and burped and ready for you to visit. Love you both.” He handed her Chloe then kissed her. “See ya later.”
“There is a brown paper lunch bag for you …Grab it when you put the gown in the bin. Love you.”
Lee spent the next ten minutes holding Chloe and talking to her even after she went to sleep. The nurse came into to take her.
“We’ll give her a dry diaper and get her settled down for a nap before the next feeding. Will you be back in about 2 hours?”
“Yeah, I’ll be up in my office until about 5. You have the number. I don’t think Johnny will be in to feed her again but he’ll be popping in I’m sure. I know he is planning on coming here soon as he gets off in the morning.”
“ Kelly, I was starting to think I’d get some overtime,” Murphy the C shift lineman said with a grin. “Wouldn’t have minded as long as it didn’t include your latrine duty. Gage doesn’t spoil that babe too much.”
“What babe? He talking about Lee?” The confused linesman asked.
“Our daughter, Chloe. We aren’t going to spoil her. Much.”
“Congratulations. When do I get to meet her?”
“Soon, she’ll be at Rampart about a week.”
“I think Chloe is gonna have people standing in line to spoil her.” Roy said laughing at the shocked look on Johnny’s face. “All lined up behind her dad.”
“Hey, that’s my job, isn’t it?” Johnny replied. “I should be good at it. Look how long I’ve been practicing on your kids.”
Roy rolled his eyes and thought to himself, “I walked right into that one.”
“He’s got you on that one Pal.” Cap interjected with a laugh. “Roll call in 5 minutes.”
The morning was quiet and all chores were done and even the hoses all finished before lunch. They had finished lunch and were getting ready to do some review drills when the SCU sounded a MVA accident 3 block from the station.
Vince Howard was directing traffic when the squad and engine pulled up. “ The first driver had swung too far into the next lane when making a turn. The woman driving the station wagon had panicked and over corrected hitting an on coming station wagon. Which in turn had been rear ended by a sedan.
“Marco, Chet pull the battery cables then wash the road down.” Cap’s orders were quickly followed as Johnny and Roy began their assessments of the injured.
“Cap, can you radio in for another ambulance? “ Roy had two people in the first car who needed to be seen by doctors for possible concussions and one broken wrist. Johnny was dealing with a mother and three small children who seemed more scared than hurt. The mother had a 4 inch cut on her forehead. The third car had no injuries. The driver had almost avoided hitting the second station wagon, clipping the back bumper.
“Chet, you drive the squad in.” Cap directed the linesman.
The ambulances left and the remaining crew finished the clean up then Chet left for Rampart. Johnny was waiting at the desk, showing Dixie and the other nurse pictures of Chloe and Lee. Roy was still in the treatment room with Dr. Morton. Seeing Chet, Johnny smiled. “Dix, when Roy comes out tells him we’re upstairs.”
“Think he’ll figure that one out on his own.” Dixie told the departing firefighters.
Chloe was asleep but that didn’t stop her dad and “Uncle” Chet from tapping on the window.
“Is she ok? Why all the wires?” Chet questioned hoping it was just standard with babies so small. “Man, she looks like you with all that hair.”
“Just to keep an eye on her breathing and heart since she was a little congested when she was born. She is doing fine.”
“Little Miss Gage is fussing this morning.” Donna said as she let them into gown room. “She was fine when you were here last night, wasn’t she?” They could hear her crying as the nurse brought her into the room. It was a high pitch cry different from what they had heard from her before.
“It took her a little longer than usual to finish her bottle and she didn’t burp as easily. Do you think she has gas?” Lee asked concern evident in her voice.
“She could. They increased her to 2 and half ounces per feeding since she lost 3 ounces.” Donna watched as Johnny fed the fussy infant. He had given her just a little then began to softly rub her stomach with two fingers in a circular motion.
“Learned this trick from Jo. She used it on me a few times when I was sick. Only she used her whole hand and a little bit more pressure.” Lee had heard the stories of how his friends had cared for him through almost fatal illnesses. Chloe seemed to relax a little and he continued feeding her. “You ready to take over?”
“Yes. You have a good day and stay safe, ok?” She kissed him then got back to the task at hand.
Johnny went on to work promising he would fine time to visit later.
They had finished lunch and most of the drills Hank had planned for the day. The engine had been called out on a minor trash fire and the squad had two minor runs but none that ended up at Rampart. Johnny had went into the kitchen to get some ice tea so when the phone rang he grabbed it. “Station 51, firefighter/paramedic Gage speaking.”
“Johnny, something is wrong with Chloe. They took blood and now they have her eyes covered.”
“What did they tell you?” He was more concerned for Lee than Chloe since he had a good idea what was going on with her.
“The nurse wouldn’t tell me anything she said the doctor would talk to me as soon as he was free. She looks so tiny and helpless. As helpless as I feel.”
“No one is telling me anything.” She was trying to be calm but it had scared her so bad to see Chloe lying there with patches on her eyes after watching the nurse taking blood from her foot.
Johnny went to Hank’s door knocking before he went in. “Cap you gotta minute?”
“Sure Pal. Anything wrong?” He could see the look of concern on his young friend’s face.
“Lee just called in a panic, Sounds like Chloe’s jaundiced. From what Lee said, they are doing all the right things but no one is telling Lee what or why they are doing it. Would it be ok if we went over so I could check on them both?”
“Go ahead, just stay available.”
Roy agreed that it was a good idea to go over to calm Lee down and check on Chloe. He was impressed with how calm and matter of factually Johnny was dealing with this, give his tendency to over react when Lee was ill. Maybe over react was the wrong term, it was more like panic than over reacting Ro decided on second thought.
“I thought maybe she was showing some signs of jaundice. I guess I just figured they would say something to Lee before they began treatment or at least explain what was going on.” Johnny said as Roy drove.
Roy listened as his partner talked knowing it was Johnny’s way of working things out in his own mind. The fact that he felt guilty by not sharing his suspicions with Lee earlier didn’t go unnoticed.
“Would you saying anything done any good or just worried Lee more?” Roy questioned. “The staff seems to have caught it pretty quick.”
Lee was sitting out in the hallway looking at Chloe. She was laying uncovered in her incubator with patches over her eyes and looked so tiny.
“Hey Sweet Pea, anyone told you anything?” Johnny asked after kissing her.
“Just that the doctor will talk to me when he has time. They took blood from her foot…I could hear her crying and then she arched her neck way back.”
“Does she look a little yellow to you, Roy?” Johnny was trying to see in her eyes.
“Can’t really tell from here.”
“Would you please tell me what is wrong with her?” The fear and anger in her voice surprised Roy and made Johnny cringe. He had went into paramedic mode automatically assessing and being clinical.
“Honey, its ok, they took the blood to test her bilirubin level. The patches are so they can do light therapy and get the level down. Newborns get it because their liver’s are immature especially preemies like Chloe. The doctors are doing all the right things.”
“She is so tiny and losing weight.” Lee trusted Johnny to tell her the truth so that he was not overly concerned was a calming influence.
“I should have recognized the symptoms this morning.”
“Does this mean she has something wrong with her liver? Is it serious?”
“Not usually. Her liver isn’t keeping up with the breakdown of the red blood cells. It happens to a lots of babies, honestly. They’ll increase her formula and do the light therapy. I should have said something this morning when the nurse was telling us she was fussy. For some reason baby’s with jaundice seem to have a high pitch cry.”
“I was so scared and when they wouldn’t tell me anything I imagined the worst. “
“I‘m glad you called. I want to be here for you whenever you need me, whenever our daughter needs me. Understand?”
“Yes. This is all so new to me. Roy, do you think I’m a complete idiot?”
“No, just a new mom. Jo and I were a wreck the first few weeks with Chris. He had some stomach problems and cried a lot. Whatever it was cleared itself up.”
They talked another few minutes then Johnny kissed her. “You ok now?”
“Yeah. You better get back to the station. Tell Hank I said I really appreciate him letting you come over here.”
When it was time for Chloe’s feeding Lee went back down to the nursery. As luck would have it, Thanh and Dr. Steve Ramon were both down there. Lee talked to them and afterwards felt much better. Lee went in and fed Chloe then rocked her awhile. She had burped her several times and used the two finger circles on her tummy like Johnny had done earlier. She smiled as the tiny girl made a soft cooing sound as she slept. Once Chloe was safely, tucked back in her incubator Lee decided it was time to go home for the night. She was feeling so much better and more confident everything was going to turn out well.
“Can you believe she is 10 days old already?” Johnny asked as he watched his sleeping daughter. “I thought we would have her home by now. The good thing is all the paperwork is done. The papers are filed with the courts here and in Montana.”
They had finished her noon feeding and had told the nurses they would be back for the 6 o’clock bottle since Lee had a doctor’s appointment that had been set up 6 months ago. Lee had wanted to cancel it but Johnny had been adamant they keep it. They were going to have lunch with Ben Oliver before the appointment at the Golden Dragon . Most of the lunch was social but Ben did bring up meeting of the consortium board that would be in July. “Will you help plan it ? We want to do something different. It would be for the owners of the 35 companies that are now part of the consortium. Something other than the formal and boring dinner meeting.”
“Let me think about it. I know I still have responsibilities to WBS that is why I’m not giving up control of WBSF. I may hire another reader but right now I don’t see any major changes since I do most of the stuff at home in the evening when Johnny is working.”
“Good. When is Jeff coming into town?” Ben was surprised he nor Matt had been to L.A. yet to see the baby.
“We talk to him and Matt every other day or so. Doesn’t make a whole lot of sense for them to fly in until she is home. Rosemary has been up to see her twice. Thank you so much again for the beautiful planter you sent and the Teddy Bear.”
“We’re so happy for you…Our granddaughter has a bear just like that. She uses it as her security pillow at night. Of course Tammy is almost 3 now.” They talked awhile longer then they had to go to Dr. Westmore’s office. As they were leaving Johnny saw a man who looked familiar but he couldn’t place. He shrugged it off.
Dr. Westmore was running about 15 minutes behind schedule. Lee didn’t mind and Johnny had a book stuck in her purse so he didn’t really mind. These visits still made him nervous but not as bad as in the beginning.
“They told me at Rampart you’d be over here this afternoon. I saw Chloe just before I came over here. Unless something drastic happens I think that young lady is ready to go home in a few days. When is your next days off?”
“ Thursday and Friday” Johnny said.
“Then Friday morning will work out great. See you about 9:30 . Call and make an appointment for her 6 week check up. Of course you can call any time with a question or concern.” Johnny shook the doctor’s hand then gave Lee a kiss.
“Johnny, Dr. Westmore is ready for Lee to go into the exam room.” The receptionist told them. “Room 3.” Johnny thanked her and pushed her back to the room. He helped her get a gown on then lifted her up onto the exam table.
“Are you going to stay in here with me?” Lee asked knowing he usually had questions for the doctor. She just took whatever he and the doctor talked about in stride since half the time she didn’t understand all the medical terms. But she knew if she had a question both would answer her and made sure she understood all the terms.
“Unless you don’t want me too.” He looked at her worried there was something she didn’t want him to know.
“Don’t give me that look. There isn’t anything I’m hiding from you. I promised to always be truthful with you about this.”
“I know. It’s just sometimes I worry just because.” He stroked her cheek. “Just because I love you so much. Don’t tell me you don’t do the same thing.”
“I guess we know each other pretty well, most of the time. We have so much to be thankful for with Chloe and all our family and friends. I want a special party just family then we can have a big open house party to celebrate with everyone. Maybe a Fourth of July pool party. When we get home we’ll call Jeff and Matt and they can work it out when they can come and we’ll do the family party then. Even with just family it’ll be about 35 people that’s a pretty nice size gathering. The first part of June the girls want a pool party and if we have one for the girls we have to let the boys have some sort of get to gather. Chris and Jimmy want to camp out in the Grove. Seems to me someone promised them that would happen once it got warmer.” The more excited Lee became the faster she talked and switched subjects. Party planning ended when Dr. Westmore came into the room.
“ I just heard that your daughter is going home on Friday. Congratulations. I saw her at the hospital the other day. She has your hair, Johnny.”
“And his appetite. She is getting 3 ounces at a time now…Tomorrow they are going to start every three hours instead of every two. “
“Let’s get this over with so you can make her next feeding. Terri tells me you are there for most of the daytime ones. So do you have a plan for when she comes home?”
“Yeah for the first few weeks when Johnny is on shift our friend Ibbie is going to be at the house with me. Just as a precaution. We have made some modifications on how things are set up. Johnny built this fantastic changing table that even has a special place for a small baby sized tub so I can give her a bath safely.
Johnny smiled pleased with himself. He had her fooled into thinking the changing table was the special project he had been working on. He’d need Roy’s help to pull off the really special surprised he had planned.
Dr. Westmore did the exam and frowned when Lee seemed to be experiencing some tenderness in several spots. One especially tender spot concerned her most. “Lee have you had any problem with pain lately?”
“Not really. I hit my side in the office the other day and it was tender for a day or two.”
“You didn’t tell me that.” Johnny growled at her.
“It wasn’t any biggie. I stood up to get something and kinda lost my balance, hit a door knob. It scared me more than hurt.”
“What am I gonna do with you?”
“Kiss me on the forehead and tell me you love me. It didn’t even leave a mark. You would have seen it with the new swim suit.” He grinned as that suit didn’t leave anything to the imagination. (It would only be worn when no one was at the pool except him.)
“If you have any pain let someone know. We’ll send this out to the lab and should have it back in a day or two.”
Dr. Westmore left and he helped her get dressed. Once they were in the car he turned to her. “Why didn’t you tell me about falling?”
“Because it wasn’t a fall, I just lost my balance when I reached up into the closet. Boyo, trust me if I fell I’d tell you. With Chloe now being there I’ll be extra careful. Wouldn’t do to fall and not be able to take care of her.” She smiled at him. “Wanna go tell Roy and Jo the good news?”
“Great idea.”
Roy had just finished trimming the bushes that outlined the deck when Johnny and Lee pulled into the drive way. He watched as Lee kissed Johnny before he sat her in the wheelchair, hearing her laugh as he called her a brat. Johnny pushed her around to the ramp. “Wait till I get most of the honey do list done then come around.” Roy teased his partner.
“Yep perfect timing. You ready to take a break?”
“Yeah, actually I am. You want some ice tea or soda?”
“Tea sounds good to me.” Lee answered. “But first I need to go inside.”
“I need a favor.” Johnny said once Lee was out of hearing. He explained what he needed Roy to do. By the time Lee came back out to the deck Jo and Jen were home and ice tea was sitting on the table.
“Did you tell them?” Lee thought Johnny had that canary that ate the cat look.
“Nope thought you’d like to do the honors.”
“Chloe Elizabeth is coming home Friday morning. Dr. Ramon said that he’ll have it set up so she is released and ready to come home by 9:30.”
“That’s wonderful. I know it was hard them keeping her longer than you expected.”
“Between the jaundice and then her not gaining like they wanted…But the new formula is working so well. She is 5 pounds and 3 ounces.” Lee glowed as she talked about their little girl.
The next morning after they saw Chloe both made phone calls. Johnny called HQ and requested 3 vacation days starting on Saturday. Lee called Tom and Will putting in her formal request for maternity leave. She did agree that she would check in once a week with Nell and if there was any problems Nell couldn’t handle she would go in. Will asked her if she intended to quit and she could honestly say no. she would still be working but maybe they would change her job title to consultant so she could cut down her hours or at least do more of the job at home.
Thursday morning before going to the nursery she went to the office to check supplies and leave some notes for Nell about a problem in the San Francisco office. Since this was the last time for awhile she would be there she double checked all the supplies and made a list of what she thought they needed to stock up on. Nell would take care of keeping the pantry stocked and the office in good order. She made some phone calls then went down to the nursery. Chloe was now in a regular crib and they no longer had to wear a gown to feed her. Johnny was waiting for her by the elevator. He pushed her down the hallway to the nursing room.
“Can you believe this time tomorrow we’ll be getting ready to take her home?” Lee asked him as they waited for the nurse to bring her in. The change in formula and her getting use to it had set the homecoming back a few days. While disappointed they had agreed that it was better to make sure this formula was going to meet her needs without upsetting her stomach or her digestive system. After two days of crying and fussing and spitting up it had been decided she was eating too fast and taking in too much air. But now everything seemed to be working well.
Johnny waited as Lee burped Chloe then took her. Sitting in the rocker he fed her the remainder of the bottle then walked her as he patted her on the back. He loved to hear the soft purring as she nestled near his ear. He smiled thinking of the surprises he had for her and her mommy.
Thursday afternoon Johnny put the car seat in the Rover and double checked all the straps. He had vacuumed the car out and after he finished with the car seat had washed and shined it up. He kept busy trying to make the time go faster.
Lee was planning a special evening. She was going to give Johnny the two presents she had hidden in the sunroom. Technically they were presents for Chloe but with special meaning for her daddy. She had debated with herself rather to give him the packages tonight or in the morning but had decided in the morning they would both be too anxious to get to the hospital. After feeding Chloe she suggested they go out to dinner but told him she had desert at home.
It was a little after 9 when they got home from the dinner. Johnny was surprised to fine the table set with their best dishes and crystal. A small arrangement of faerie roses and candles were in the center of the table in the heart shaped bowl Johnny had gotten Lee during their courtship. Music was playing in the background. There was a large wrapped package sitting at his seat and a smaller one beside it,
“What? How? Who?” Johnny said as Lee giggled at his surprised expression.
“I wanted this to be a special night for us, Boyo. I asked Kathy to come over and set this up while we were gone. I wanted to you to know how much I love you and appreciate all that you are and ever will be in my life. My friend, my lover, my conscience, my soul mate. And now the father of my child…Thank you for all that you are and will ever be.” He just nodded at her. His expression told her more than words could have at the moment. “Open the little package first. There’s kind of a story behind it. Back when the Fireman’s challenge was taking place. one of the auxiliaries from another station had a booth of personalized sweat shirts and tee shirts and other odds and ends. One of the things she had were sleepers and tee shirts for babies. If you remember we had just gotten several rejection letters and I was losing hope…I had lost hope that we would ever be parents. I saw this tee shirt and bought it for Melissa. It had a an engine on it and you could have the station and number added. Something made me ask if she could do other designs and she said sure…any way…that package is my leap of faith…” He picked up the small soft package and unwrapped it slowly.
“Never will.” He touched the soft small shirt carefully as if afraid it would break. He laid it on the table. “Does this have a story too?” He picked up the larger package.
“I never told anyone except Liz what I was doing…in case it didn’t turn out. She helped me get the materials I needed and sewed the edging on for me since it would have taken me for ever to do it by hand.” The soft white blanket had a series of symbols embroidered around the edge and in the middle was a hawk that seemed to be soaring above a fawn.. L went to the library and got a book on Native American symbols…Liz showed me how to make patterns…I wanted to honor your promise to Anna that we would teach our daughter her heritage. I called Micah and found out that Anna’s tribal name was Little Fawn…The stars are a reminder of the beautiful story you told when we went camping the first time.” Johnny looked and touched the designs tenderly. The tears that had been building ran down his face as he traced over the small crescent moon that was done in fire engine red. “I kind of invented that one…it’s looking down at the figure of a small teepee. That’s suppose to represent our home and your mom watching over you.”
“How long did that take?”
“I started it right after Micah came and told us about Anna. It was hidden in my trunk and I didn’t work on it much in December. I’d work on it when I was here alone…Working on it helped through some long sleepless nights, there are some mistakes in it…a few times I messed up the size ratio and …”
“No…It is perfect…it’s …too beautiful to use.”
“No, it was made to be used. Tomorrow we’ll use it to bring her home.”
“Liz has been busy keeping secrets for both of us. I went to talk to her after listening to a conversation between Jen and Stacy. They were playing with their dolls--- the dolls had on their dresses from our wedding. Stacy said as little as Chloe was that Stacy Lee’s dress would almost fit her. Jen said she didn’t think so but it would be nice if Chloe had a flower princess dress too . I went back over to see Liz and get that dress you liked so much the day we told Liz about the adoption. Someone had already bought that dress and we were looking at some like it when I told Liz about the conversation between the girls. “Wait here.! He went into their bedroom and got a beautifully wrapped package down from his closet. He handed the package to Lee. “From me and the flower princess cousins.” Lee quickly unwrapped the package, saving the bow.
Lee cried as she looked at the tiny dress. It was made exactly like the ones Stacy and Jenny had worn to their wedding. There was even a pair of tiny white tights and white patent shoes. “The perfect dress for her homecoming.”
“Liz said to tell you it had been washed and was ready to wear . I promised her pictures.” They talked awhile longer of hopes and dreams and the reality of being parents. Johnny went out to the kitchen and brought in the dessert Lee had fixed earlier.
Johnny watched as Lee carefully put the dress on Chloe then helped her get the tights on her. He laughed at the expression on Lees face as she put the tiny shoes on. He took pictures of his wife and daughter thinking he was the most blessed man in the world. Dr. Terri and Dr. Steve were photographed holding the baby then Steve took one of Johnny standing behind Lee holding Chloe, then one of Lee holding Chloe with Johnny leaning down , his chin barely touch Lee’s head, his arms encircling his girls. Lee wrapped her snugly in her blanket. As Johnny pushed them towards the elevator the door opened. Roy held the door as Johnny carefully maneuvered the chair into the waiting car.
“Thought you might need some back up.” He smiled at the stunned look on his little brother’s face. Lee just smiled as she watched one of the famous silent conversations taking place. Roy bent down and kissed Lee then gently stroked the tiny forehead pushing the dark hair back off it. On the ride down Roy watched the young family remembering when he and Jo took Chris and Jen home.
Johnny very carefully put Chloe in her car seat making sure everything was secured. Then he helped Lee into the back seat. Lee had giggled when the y saw the Rover. There were several balloons tied to the door handles and pink crepe streamers flying from the antenna.
“I’ll put the balloons in my car, I have a bag to put them in so they won’t be a traffic hazard.”
Jo and Kathy were in the kitchen and when they heard the car door slamming went into the living room.(The designer had called it a great room, Johnny called it the living room). Lee wasn’t really surprised to see them there but was surprised at the screen in front of the fireplace.
Kathy watched as Johnny who was literally bouncing on his toes, stood by Lee. He went around to the front of her chair and squatted down in front of her. “The changing table wasn’t the only project, Sweet Pea. I know you like the crib we bought but I wanted something special for Chloe and you.” He turned to Jo. “Would you like to hold your niece?”
“Would I like to hold her? Humpff.” Jo answered as she moved towards Lee
“I’m surprised she hadn’t snatched her out of your arms yet.” Roy teased his wife. Johnny stood up and moved the wheel chair closer to the screen.
“Pally, you want to get the other side. “Close your eyes.” Johnny said as he moved to the screen. “No peeking.” Lee heard the screen move and a gasp from Kathy and Jo. “Keep them closed, I’m going to move you. Ok, open them.” He said as he took her hand in his.
The cradle was beautiful a work of love as well as of workmanship. It was just the perfect size for Lee to put Chloe in or take her out safely.
Jo handed the sleeping baby to Lee. “Think this one is ready for a nap, don’t you.”
“First get a picture of her daddy holding her standing next to her cradle.”
Roy took that picture then one of Lee placing Chloe into it.
“Welcome home “Na'néso.” Johnny whispered as he watched Lee gently put her to bed. There was one of the light weight receiving blankets folded at the foot of the cradle and Lee spread it over her sleeping daughter.
“There is coffee and juice and coffee cake if anyone is hungry. The guys will be here about 12:30 for lunch. Which is all taken care of. Some were threatened with dire consequences if they showed up more than 5 minutes early.”
“Did you know about this?” Lee asked a rather dazed looking Boyo.
“Not the lunch part. I asked Roy to tell the others to give us some time alone his morning.”
“ Lunch was my and Kathy and Em’s idea. We figured that way we could control some over eager uncles.”
“If you all excuse me?” She went down to their bedroom. Johnny followed a few minutes later.
“You doing ok?” Johnny asked as she came out of the bathroom.
“Yeah…it’s all a little over whelming, isn’t it?” She brushed her hair.
“No one saw it until the other day. Roy brought it in after we left this morning. You ok with the guys coming over?”
“Yes. But I’m glad they aren’t coming for awhile. Gives Chloe time to rest and us time to be us. We should have invited your aunt to come over today.”
“She’s coming over tomorrow I think. Let’s go get something to eat and visit with our family.”
By 12:30 the crew of 51 was gathered in the living room. Chet had brought more pink balloons, Marco and he had went together and bought a high chair. Mikey’s gift to his new cousin was a small lamb with a pink tutu and ballet shoes. Melissa had painted a shirt with 3 hearts intertwined. Emily had knitted a sweater and bootie set and embroidered a set of baby pillow cases. Roy and Jo gave them a photo album and a brush and comb set. Everyone who wanted to had been given a chance to hold Chloe and have pictures taken. Lee had giggled at the look of terror on Chet’s face when Chloe began crying as he held her. As he walked with her he repeated the word ,several times.
“What did you do to her? Pinch her or something?” Johnny teased him.
“I didn’t do anything she must be hungry or something.” Chet protested as Johnny took her and began patting her as she nestled on his shoulder.
“It is close to bottle time,” Lee agreed. “Jo, can you take her while I heat a bottle. I fixed some before we left for the hospital.”
“I’ll get it.” Johnny volunteered. Cap, make sure Kelly doesn’t scare her again.” Laughing he went into the kitchen ignoring Chet’s protest of being picked on.
After her bottle and a change Chloe was peacefully asleep in her cradle. The adults talked until it was time for Roy to go get his kids and Kathy to be home for her’s.
“You need to get some rest, Lee. I don’t think you’ve been out of that chair since you got up this morning.”
Johnny felt a pang of guilt that he hadn’t insisted she get in the recliner earlier. He had been so involved with Chloe and visiting friends he hadn’t even thought about what she might be needing.
As if she was reading his mind, Lee laughed. “You all have to trust me to do what I need to take care of myself if you are going to trust me to take care of that wee one.”
“Lee’s right…and I apologize if in any way I made you feel that I didn’t trust you.” Hank said standing up. “You are one of the most trustworthy people I know.”
“Thank you kind sir.” Roy walked Cap and Emily to their car,
“Roy, can you a question for me?” Emily said as they reached their car.
“What does Na'néso. mean? I heard Johnny calling Chloe that when he was rocking her.”
“It’s a Cheyenne word meaning my child. He told me the other day when we were in the woodshop. I hear him teaching the kids words and phrases once in a while but seldom hear him use any Cheyenne around adults.”
Kathy and Jo came back to the house with the girls. Stacy had an odd shaped package wrapped in fairy paper.
“Aunt Lee, here is Chloe’s present from me. I named her Miracle.” Lee unwrapped the package to find a purple and pink unicorn. “Because that is what she is to you and Uncle Johnny. I heard daddy telling mommy that Chloe is your miracle child.”
“Yes she is. Guess what, Uncle Johnny had two special surprises for me and Chloe. He built her this beautiful cradle. He heard you talking about your flower princess dresses and had Miss Liz make one just like them for Chloe. She wore it home from the hospital today. And when we have her welcome party she’ll wear it again. Tomorrow I want you to get your picture taken with her. She’s had a busy day today so I think she is gonna sleep the rest of the day except when he is hungry.”
“Ok. But can we see her? We promise to be quiet.
“Of course.”
Lee woke up hearing Johnny talking to Chloe. They had left the door between their room and the nursery open as well as having the intercom on. She listened her heart bursting with pride and love.
“Your mama is a really special lady. She is pretty and smart and has a heart the size of the world. Now, don’t get me wrong, she isn’t a push over. She is gonna make you mind and expect you to do your best. But you don’t have to worry about that for a long time. Just wait till you can start eating real food. You’ll find out what a good cook she is. When you are three months old she is gonna start you in the water baby program. She was reading all about that. Speaking of reading, she has a whole stack of books she wants to read to you. You have some really cool dresses she has been buying every time we go into a store…Between you and me I tease her about all the shoes she has…but if they make her happy I won’t ever tell her she has too many or try to stop her from buying more. I get on her about some of the heels because they scare me , I get all worried she’ll fall when she transfers. But if she has those shoes on she asks for help. I’m really proud of all the things she can do…Wheelchairs aren’t all that comfortable and easy to handle. I’ve had to use them a few times when I was hurt. I promise you I’m gonna do my best to come home to you and your mommy after every shift. If something should happen and I have to leave you…” Lee could hear the hitch in his voice. “If I had to leave you…your Uncle Roy and Aunt Jo’ll be here to help you and your mom. Ok, let’s get you burped and make sure you have a dry bottom…Then you can go back to sleep for a few hours. Sleep well Na'néso. Know you’re surrounded by a whole lot of people who love you. And you have a whole family of guardian angels watching over you. You have dark chocolate colored eyes like your grandma Katie and your birth parents but we’ll talk about that later when you’re more awake. Sweet dreams.”
Johnny checked that Lee’s small back pillow was in place and pulled the light blanket up over her., He resisted the urge to kiss her wanting her to get as much rest as possible. He had a feeling in about two or three hours Chloe would bed wanting some attention. He got back in bed and soon was sleeping soundly with a crooked grin on his face as he dreamed of his girls.
Lee laid there listening to his breathing and letting it lull her back to sleep with one last whispered “I love you Boyo, sweet dreams” before falling asleep.
Jeff Spencer looked around The Grove amazed at the assortment of people present. Those invited today were what Lee had called the core of their family of the heart. He watched as Johnny played croquet with Stacy, Jen and Cami. There was a spirited game of soccer going on with Jimmy, Chris, Mike and Trey against Chet, Cisco and Marco with Roy referereing. Hector, Amos and Hank were off talking at one of the picnic tables with Matt and John Paul. Jim, Kel and Joe were at another table talking shop.
Under the tent they had rented Lee and most of the ladies were gathered talking babies, kids and life in general. Jeff smiled watching Dixie hold Chloe looking very lovely. He knew Lee had really wanted his and Dixie’s relationship to go beyond just being friends. They both had been smart enough to know that wouldn’t have worked. He thought of Gina who he had invited to come with him. She had refused saying this was Lee’s time. He was planning on her coming with him at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
“May I join you?” Rosemary asked coming over to the swing Jeff was sitting in.
“Please do.” Jeff had been hoping to get a chance to talk with Johnny’s aunt. “They know how to throw a party, don’t they?”
“Yes. When I think about how alone Johnny use to be in crowds. Never comfortable he had built such walls around him. ”She stopped, not sure how much of his past Johnny had shared with Lee’s uncles.
“Because of his life on the reservation and his Aspergers?” Jeff said it casually to let her know he knew and it wasn’t an issue.
“I should have known he would have told you.”
“He told me because he wanted me to know not because I questioned him. For the same reason he told Matt and the Alvarez’s. You know, I never heard Lee giggle until the night they told me they were engaged. There had always been a sadness, a feeling of loss from the time I first brought her to California. That’s not saying she didn’t laugh and play, it was as if she was afraid to be too happy that something would take it away from her. She lost that because of John.”
“They both are old souls in some ways. They lost so much so young. John’s life with his mother‘s family was hell on earth. I‘m afraid my children weren’t much better than his Indian relations.. We’ve talked more these last few weeks than we did in all the years he lived with me. Talked honestly about really important things in his life…He told me if one of them had to have a bad childhood he was glad it was him and not her. You met my children didn’t you?”
“Yes. Lee told me then why you weren’t at the wedding. “
“It’s only been in the last month that she has trusted me to be in their lives more than on the outer edge. She made the effort to include me, to make me feel welcome. She had always been respectful and polite and never stopped me from being included if Johnny asked me to come visit. She was ready to pounce if she thought I was going to say or do anything to upset or hurt him.”
“Did she tell you he wanted to take her dancing on their first date and she threatened to have security throw him out of her office?”
“No, I can’t believe John would be that insensitive even with AS…”
“It was all a misunderstanding. Ask her to tell you the story sometime.” Jeff laughed as Johnny had gone over to the tent to check on Lee and Chloe.
Johnny looked around at all their family gathered to celebrate Chloe’s adoption. He held her tightly against his shoulder feeling a little overwhelmed by all emotions he was feeling.
“Would everyone gathered around the truck.” Johnny said as he walked over that way. Kathy pushed Lee not sure what was going to happen next but sensing Lee becoming more tense.
“As you know, Lee and I don’t go to church on a regular bases…but we do believe in God. The Cheyenne has a history of being spiritual and believing in the Great Spirit as a higher power. We made a promise to Chloe’s birth parents we would teach our daughter the rich heritage of our tribe. We will also do our best to teach her of God and His love…Please each in your own way take a few minutes to thank whatever God you believe in--- thank Him for bringing not only Chloe into our lives but each other …and to remember those who are not here in body but spirit and love. This is an outward sign of the love we are sending up…” As Johnny said this Roy and Hank removed the tarp from the truck bed and sent a cloud of brightly colored ballons skyward.
“Thank you for friends, family and love. May we never lose the joy and wonder of this life You give to us. The waiting is over. Now is the time to look forward.”
THE END POSTED TO SITE 7/11/15
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