Page 124 of Last Call

“They named him after us?” Fallon asked.

“It shouldn’t surprise you,” Andi said. “Either of you.”

Billie reached for Fallon’s hand and squeezed it tight, her throat too full to form words.

“Tell them congratulations and thank you. I don’t even know what to say,” Fallon said.

“They just wanted you to know how much it means to them—to have you both in their lives,” Andi offered.

Billie cleared her throat. “I’ll head home now.”

“Don’t,” Andi said. “Stay there. We’ll be there in about half an hour. Becky needs some rest. So does Dave.”

“What about you?” Billie asked.

“We need food. And possibly a mimosa. Then we’ll take a nap,” Andi replied.

"I'll make waffles," Fallon said.

"Make extra," Riley told her. "All this breathing and pushing made me hungry, and all I had to do was say the words!"

"Check. Extra waffles."

Owen looked at Fallon. "Momma?"

"Yes?"

"What's mosa?"

"Mimosa. Something for Grandma and Mommy. You can have an orange juice."

"Can I find a toad?"

Fallon laughed. Dozens of toys, and all Owen wanted was to search in the yard for toads.

"Maybe after waffles."

Sometimes, Billie missed working in a hospital. The emergency room wasn't the labor and delivery department. There was more antiseptic and fewer happy endings. Something was oddly comforting to her about the white curtains, sheets, and plastic water pitcher by the bed. It was familiar, unlike this experience. Billie didn't deliver babies. She never expected to be a grandmother, much less have a grandchild named after her. Familiar kept her grounded. She wondered how Fallon was holding up.

Becky looked tired but happy. Dave stood at her side like a man still trying to absorb the fact that he had helped make aperson.And in Becky’s arms, that person was fast asleep.

Billie set down a fluffy brown bear. “We come bearing teddy bears for emotional instability.”

Becky grinned. "Thanks."

Fallon followed, waving a paper bag. “I brought contraband scones. Don’t tell the nurse.”

Andi shook her head. Fallon and Billie were nervous.

Becky glanced at the baby in her arms. "Would you like to hold him?"

All eyes shifted to Fallon and Billie.

Billie took half a step back. “You go first.”

Fallon blinked. “I… think I’ll wait.”

“You love babies," Billie said.

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