Air rushed from my lungs as Jamie stood and approached the doctor. “Are they—”
“Everyone is fine. You have two healthy babies, a boy and a girl.”
The doctor reached forward to catch Jamie as his knees buckled.
A collective whoosh of relief-filled breath filled the air.
After recovering, Jamie asked, “Can I see her?”
“The nurses need a few minutes to make everyone presentable. Someone will come get you when they’re done.”
Jamie folded his hands together, raised his eyes to the ceiling, and sent up a prayer of thanks.
He’d barely lowered his hands when he was bombarded by hugs and backslaps of congratulations.
An hour later, Jamie gave us an update while Emily napped. Dad handed him a cigar, then, like he did when Natalie was born, he passed them out to the men.
We couldn’t smoke in the hospital, so it was purely ceremonial.
“Where’s mine?” I asked when he bypassed me and handed a cigar to Matt.
“Since when do you smoke cigars?”
“Dad, we’re not smoking them. Did you assume I wouldn’t want to celebrate with you just because I’m a girl?”
I saw it the moment it clicked. Then he laughed. “Well, damn, I did. I’m sorry, honey.”
“Apology accepted.”
“Hopefully, some of the other women decline. I didn’t bring enough for everyone.”
“Here, have mine.” Matt handed me his cigar. “He’s your brother.”
Usually I’d argue, but not about this. “Thanks.” I took the cigar and popped it into my mouth.
“Wrong end,” Matt whispered in my ear.
I ignored the shiver induced by his breath against my ear as I turned the cigar around.
I blamed the adrenaline for my response to his whisper.
As the group settled down, normal conversation continued.
When Jamie finally came back, he was happy and proud as a peacock, despite having enough luggage under his bloodshot eyes for a six-week vacation.
“When Emily wakes up, you can visit her, as long as she’s up for it, and meet the twins, Richard and Rose.”
Jack teased him, “With all the shit we put up with as kids, you started their names with the same letter?”
“It’s their middle names, dumb ass,” I said, smacking Jack on the arm.
He thought about it for a second. “Right, I know, but still. How will little Ricky feel about being called Rose when Jamie scolds him?”
“What about Rose? Aren’t you worried how she’ll feel when Jamie calls her Richard?” I battled on behalf of my new niece.
“And what happens when people start making dick jokes?” Jay asked.
Laughter filled the room as we teased Jamie.
