A litany of replies came to mind, but every single one related to Carrie. She wouldn’t say them and break down in the driveway, so she went with introductions. “Dad, this is Rex Fontenot, though I’m told you’ve already met.”
Taking the initiative, Rex stepped forward with an extended hand. “It’s nice to see you again, Ron, though I’m sorry about the circumstances.”
Dad clasped his hands around Rex’s, replying, “Thank you.”
“Where’s Mom?” Monica’s eyes drifted toward the door, expecting her mother to come outside as well.
“She’s at the hospital. Matt had to take care of details at the funeral home but refused to leave Emily’s side without a family member by her.” Ron inhaled slowly, trying to stop the torrent of grief. “She wanted to be here to greet you.”
Monica swallowed. “Do you think it’s okay if…” She paused unable to stop the tears from returning. Rex stood beside her, gently rubbing circles on her back. “Do you think it’s okay if we go see Emily now?”
“Let’s grab your bags first. I know you’re anxious to see her, but she’s due for a feeding soon so you won’t be able to see her for another hour yet.”
“Okay.” The tiny glimmer of hope in her dissipated.
Rex gave her a soft nudge. “Go in with your dad and rest. I’ll take care of the bags.”
She sat down in the living room, only vaguely noticing Rex come inside with the bags then being led up the stairs by her dad. A fog hung over her, one she doubted would ever disappear. She picked up a framed picture from the end table. A single tear slid down her cheek.
“The two of you were beautiful that day,” Dad said, sliding down to sit beside her. “One of my fondest memories as a father was Carrie’s wedding day. She was glowing, so happy to be marrying the man she had always loved. And you, baby girl, were such an inspiration to her.”
“I was? How?” She set the photo down and looked at her Dad. “Everything about us was different.”
“She loved you and admired you very much. Every time you would call her, she’d immediately be on the phone with your mom afterwards bragging about you. She was so proud that you chased your dreams and always pushed through to succeed.” Ron stopped to clear his throat. “Carrie didn’t tell many people, but because of the strength she saw in you, she decided to chase her own dream and write a children’s book. In fact, she received a contract last week for it.”
“I’m going to miss her Daddy. Life won’t be the same without her.” She buried her head in her dad’s shoulder, taking the comfort as a little girl would.
“No, it won’t, baby girl, but she’ll always be in our hearts, just like Tommy. Together, one day at a time, we will continue on.”
She heard a cough and looked up to see Rex discreetly wiping his eyes Was he reflecting on the relationships with his own siblings, wondering if they knew what they meant to him. His relationships with them had been strained, and if Carrie’s death helped mend them, there was a very small comfort that her passing wasn’t in vain.
Ron looked at his watch. “If we leave now, we should get to the hospital right as they finish feeding Emily. If you lovebirds wouldn’t mind me tagging along, I’ll drive with you so I can ride back with your mom.”
Monica groaned at his love-bird remark, but the smile fighting to surface ignited a spark of happiness in her. She planted a kiss on her dad’s cheek. “I love you.”
At the hospital, her mom met them in the lobby. Jane hugged Monica then Rex, before they took the elevator to the maternity wing on the third floor. A nurse asked the new visitors to sign in, and then proceeded to lead them to the nursery.
Little Emily had become the darling of the wing as news of her mother’s tragedy spread through the hospital corridors.
“Everyone adores her,” the nurse told the family. “Gifts and cards have poured in all morning for her, and the doctors are amazed at how well she is doing. They say she’s a miracle, especially since she is breathing completely on her own. If she continues with no complications, the doctor will allow family to hold her soon.”
Monica looked through the glass and immediately knew which baby was Emily. Indeed, she favored her mom and was identical to Carrie’s baby picture. Someone had dressed her in a soft purple newborn tee that saidgood things come in small packages. Even the tiny garment seemed to swim on her exceptionally small frame.
“How much does she weigh?” Monica strained her eyes to read the card on the bassinet.
“Four pounds and ten ounces—a healthy weight for a baby born at that gestation.”
“She really is beautiful.” Monica continued to stare at the new life that had made her an aunt. An instant love for her tiny niece filled her heart, chiseling away at the grief that swept in over the last twenty-four hours. “Carrie must be smiling down from heaven, knowing she created this precious girl.”
A bittersweet symphony of emotions swept through her. For the first time she realized Rex’s arm was tightly wound around her waist and he, too, was captivated by this little girl. She’d be forever grateful that he was there with her. Here at her lowest, he stood strong beside her.
Jane’s cell phone rang, and she excused herself to answer the call from Mrs. Russell. The remaining three adults sat down on the hard blue plastic chairs in the reception area.
The hard plastic chair creaked when she shifted. “How is Matt?”
Ron shook his head sadly. “Not well at all. He won’t speak to anyone beyond what’s necessary.”
“The shock must be unimaginable.”
