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“I have a better understanding about the uncertainty after talking with Dr. Orsinger. You are not to worry. We’ll do all we can.”
She studied his face for a few seconds, then said, “Easier said than done, Trace. Will you not worry?”
He couldn’t. He wanted this child. He looked forward to holding him, making plans for the future, teaching him to explore the world and to become an honorable person.
“Blast it, this whole thing sucks,” he said, closing the door and going around to the driver’s side.
Chapter Eight
By the time Cath was ready to leave Thanksgiving morning in the rental car she was using to drive to her parents place in Stockton, she was a nervous wreck.
She and Trace had not seen much of each other in the days following their visit to the obstetrician. They hadn’t really decided what to tell people. She’d be doing the first reveal to her family. She knew her parents were happy for the new arrival. Her siblings would be, too, she knew.
Still, it was awkward, as Trace had said.
She’d been focused on her workload, to prove she could hold her own and the upcoming visit to her parents. She never gave a thought to making plans for after the baby’s birth. One step at a time.
Her lease would expire the end of December. Originally she’d planned to give notice the first of December and begin packing for her move to Brussels. Now that had changed. Did she renew for another year? Or consider moving to a vacancy in Trace’s building. It would make things more convenient—if she could afford it. And if there was a vacancy.
Arriving in Stockton a few hours later, Cath drove straight to her parents’ home. The driveway was already full of cars when she arrived. She cut the engine and sat looking at the house for a moment. It was a pretty wooden structure two stories tall, with flower beds on either side of the walkway. Her family had moved into the house when she had been a senior in high school, after the accident. She had gone to college a year later and never really lived in the house after that.
She visited for holidays, but her family liked to visit her—it gave them an excuse to have some time in the city. She loved when they came. They’d talk late into the night, and then explore the city by day.
She got out of the car slowly. Today was the big day, she thought, suddenly feeling sick. At one point she thought it’d be her and her baby. Now her family was getting involved, soon Trace’s parents would be. Having a baby was not a solitary matter.
Only a moment later she reached the front door, but before Cath could open it, the door flew open and her mother greeted her with a warm embrace.
“I’m so glad to see you. You’re earlier than we expected. Come in, come in.”
Cath’s father, Frank, came into the entryway to greet his daughter.
He held her tightly for a long moment. When he stepped back Cath was surprised to see tears in his eyes.
“I’m glad to be home,” she said simply.
“And we’re glad to have you. And for your news. Whatever happens, honey, we’re happy for you. Come on, the rest of the gang is here.”
The entire family crowded into the family room. Cath’s brother Sam and his wife, Marilyn, were sitting in chairs near the fireplace. Their five-year-old daughter Abby was playing with her cousins Tony and Rebecca. Cath’s sister Becky and her husband Paul sat on the sofa in front of a big-screen TV where one of the traditional Thanksgiving Day football games was already underway.
Becky moved over so that Cath could also sit in a good position to see the screen.
“Hi,” she said, squeezing her older sister’s hand when Cath sat down. “Good to see you.”
Cath smiled and returned the greetings, hushing when the men said they couldn’t hear the commentator.
It was so good to be home. She studied each member of her family, feeling the love for each that almost overwhelmed her. She wouldn’t worry about their reaction; they would rejoice with her.
“I need to check on a few things,” Ginny said at the halftime.
Cath took the opportunity to jump up to offer to help. Her mom agreed. Becky joined them in the kitchen so the three of them could talk. Their sister-in-law Marilyn came in a moment later.
“Honestly, I’ve seen enough football to last the year. And there are all the after season games to get through,” she grumbled. “What can I do here to keep busy?”
Under Ginny’s direction, they began to get things ready to serve for the main meal. The turkey had been baking all morning. The side dishes were quickly made, dished up. Cath set the table.
Marilyn and Becky began to carry loaded platters and bowls to the table.
Becky told them all about their plans to visit Hawaii the first of the year.
