Timothy - 86. Chapter 86

Dinner reminded me of the past at home. People were talking, enjoying the food and company. I saw Alex, Ann Marie’s doctor, occasionally squeeze her hand, smiling at her. I knew it wouldn’t be long before Ann Marie was discharged from the hospital, and I needed to think about her next move.

I told Stephen that I would drive Ann Marie and Alex back to the hospital. Walking to the parking lot, “Tim, may I come back?”

“Absolutely, let me know when you want to visit, and I’ll come and pick you up.” She smiled when I said that.

Dropping them off at the hospital, “Tim, give me a call this week when you have time.”

Shaking his hand, “Definitely.”

Yes, I’ll call, and hopefully, he will tell me about him and Ann Marie.

Arriving home, Mom wanted to know what the doctor said. “Mom, he didn’t say anything. We talked about dinner, the house, and he asked me to call him during the week. What did you expect him to tell me in the presence of Ann Marie?”

I went to the basement to let the men know I was back. Stephen had Eva Marie, and he was showing her his computer. I laughed. There was no question our children would be computer wizards if Stephen had his way.

We were sitting around just chatting, no particular subject. Mom, Mrs. Aspin, and Eva joined us, and the talk turned to Eva Marie and Stephen. “You need to be careful, or Stephen is going to snatch Eva Marie from you.”

That opens the discussion about if we were going to adopt. I left Stephen field that question. “We have talked about it, but the time isn’t right. Tim has a lot of loose ends that need to be tied up before we consider adoption.”

“There’s no question that we will have children. With Stephen, we may have to enlarge the house.”

That night lying in bed, “Tim, how many children do you want?

“We talked about a girl for you and a boy for me.”

“What if we find more than two?”

“I won’t split a family, so if the child has siblings that need a home, we will take them also.” That seemed to answer Stephen’s concern. A snuggle, a kiss, and he was asleep. I needed to talk to Donnie.

Sunday was a rush, rush day. I went and picked up Ann Marie. She was dressed in a dark blue suit, Ann Marie was a beautiful woman, and I think our doctor friend had fallen in love with her. I stopped at the house to pick up Stephen; Dad drove Mom and Mr.and Mrs. Aspin; John drove Eva with the baby.

Arriving at the church, Father Damon met us as we entered the church. “So this is the young lady who we will be admitted to the fellowship of God.”

“Yes, Father, this is her family, John and Eva Aspin. This is Mr. and Mrs. John Aspin and Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Walkins. You know Timothy, and this is his sister, Ann Marie Struthers.”

“It is nice to have you all here for such an important event.”

Walking to a pew in front of the church, I heard Father, “Stephen, we missed you. Even the choir missed you.”

“Father, they probably sing better without me. I was often accused of singing to my own tune.”

As the service proceeded, I would sneak a glance at Stephen. If you wanted to know who was holding Eva Marie, Stephen. I wondered if he would let Father Damon have her when he baptized her.

When it came time for Eva Marie to be baptized, Stephen handed Eva Marie to Father Damon, he proceeded with the church’s rite of baptism. When he finished, he gave Eva Marie to Ann Marie. I think that was the first time she had ever held a baby, and there were tears in her eyes.

Returning home, Stephen had arranged a surprise. His mom was cooking, his father and Gramps were sitting at the table having a coffee.

Walking into the kitchen, the smells made my mouth water. Stephen’s mom chased all the men downstairs, and she said she would call us when lunch was ready. Walking into the basement, there was Alex sitting on the sofa.

“Does Ann Marie know you are here?”

“No, I arrived a few minutes ago. I was concerned how Ann Marie would react.”

“You can ask her.” As if I called her, she came down to tell us lunch was ready.

“Alex, I didn’t know you were here? Did you come to take me back to the hospital?”

“When you are tired. It will save Tim from bringing you back.”

I heard Stephen’s low, “Hogwash.”

Lunch was fantastic, the food was excellent, but the conversations as we ate were the high point for me. I noticed Stephen’s mom watching Stephen with Eva Marie, and I could see the love in her eyes.

Dinner was leftovers, and they were just as good as if they were made fresh.

Alex and Ann Marie were the first to leave, Stephen”s mom and dad, and Gramps had rooms in town. Everyone retired, leaving Stephen and me finishing our coffee. “Let’s go to bed as well.”

“I’ll lock up.”

Sleep came quickly, and so did my visitor.