…and that’s the second proposal that the little one has been part of.
…wonder who’s next?
***
Gunner
Mama insisted on going to get a cake after Maverick proposed to Ellie. A half hour later, we’re sitting in the kitchen again, eating up, when Kate lets out a scream from the bathroom. Zack darts out of the kitchen so fast he knocks down the picture hanging from the wall behind the kitchen table. “What’s up, Kate, honey? You in labor, darlin’?” Mama calls, cool as a cucumber, from the kitchen. Me and Maverick rescue the picture, while Ruby scurries in mama’s wake. Sure enough, Kate’s water broke, and the floor is soaked underfoot. Blake runs upstairs to get some towels, and Austin follows him.
“Grab my bag!” Kate calls to the boys as they trot upstairs.
I tell you, I’d much rather witness a horse go into calf, than watch a human give birth. Kate spewed out so many expletives, we had to take turns removing Myra from the room and covering her ears. I never heard such language coming from a woman. But I got to hand it to my brother Zack. He kept his cool the whole time, and when that kid came out, the smile on his face was worth a million bucks, man. Who knew becoming a father could make someone so happy. And it made me think about how much my daddy used to smile just like that. He was so proud to be a daddy.
He’s glowing as he passes his newborn son to all of us, one by one, with Myra hanging off his other arm. Zack suits fatherhood. No doubt about it. Mama is on cloud nine. It’s a struggle deciding who is happier. And then I go back into the room and see Kate. She’s got her baby boy in her arms, and it’s settled. She’s the happiest. Now she’s got a boy and a girl. Not only is her mouth upturned into a warm smile, but there’s something in her eyes.
“What?” She asks. Her smile hasn’t wavered.
“Your eyes are shimmering.”
“Honey, that’s from the drugs.”
But I know she didn’t have any. That baby was ready to come out. No drugs needed. I give her a wink and a smile, and her smile grows wider. I love Ruby and all, but I find I have more of a bond with this sister-in-law. She’s the type that you can sit there and not say a word, and she doesn’t feel like she has to fill each gap of silence. Kate’s cool like that. Nothing worse than a chick that does nothing but talk all time, just to hear her own voice. Mama says girls like that feel the need to fill each void because they’re compensating for the void between their ears. I believe that.
“Have we got a name for this little tiger, son?” Mama asks.
“Please don’t name him after a snack treat.” Austin whines. It’s been far too coincidental that every horse on our ranch is named after junk food. We’ve got Chocolate and Lolllipop…you get the picture.
Zack chuckles. “Actually, we haven’t got a name for him yet. We promised Myra that she could name her baby brother.”
Mama looks at Myra and asks. “Well, sugar, what do you think we should call him?”
“I think he looks like a Tucker.” Myra says. “What do you think, Auntie Kate?”
Kate looks at the tiny infant in her arms. “That’s a fine name for him, love. What do you think, baby?” she asks, addressing Zack.
He doesn’t even hesitate. “Tucker it is.” He says with an impressed frown.
Myra’s smile is a mile wide.
“Do you want to hold Tucker, doll?” Kate asks.
Her face brightens, like she’s just opened the door to a room full of free candy. “Can I?”
“You sure can. Come on up here with me, darlin’.” Zack says, sitting on the side of the bed. Kate hands Zack the baby, and Zack lays him gently in Myra’s arms.
Her little chin starts to quiver.
“You okay, precious?” Zack asks, concerned.
She nods slowly. “Oh, he’s so beautiful. He’s the most beautiful baby in the world.”
“He sure is, sweetheart.” Mama says, crouching down in front of her. “And just think of all the things y’all get to teach him. Like how to read and how to ride a bike. And you get to be the best big sister ever.” Mama sniffs, and wipes away a tear. Gotta admit I have a little lump in my throat, too. But I decide to walk it off. Nobody even notices that I walk out the door, and I decide to head down to the gift shop, thinking I’ll pick little Tucker up something cute, and maybe grab some congratulatory flowers for Kate.
…and I swear to God I see a familiar face when I walk in.
Chapter 9
Ava
