Page 35 of A Layperry's Hope
I usher both of us into the bathroom in order to clean both of us up. Then I help Ghenie back into his nest. I get all of our supplies ready; clean towels, water, ice chips, and snacks.
“Do you need anything? Should I run into town and get your parents?”
Ghenie shakes his head. “Just stay here with me? Please?”
“Anything you need. I mean that,” I tell him, crawling into the bed with him. Ghenie moves onto his side, his hand on his stomach. I curl up behind him, holding him as he goes through the pain of contractions. I wish there was something more I could do to help, something to take his pain away.
I’m thankful for my training in becoming an EMT, it helps me keep a clear head. It helps me know what to expect as labor progresses. I wipe sweat from Ghenie’s brow, massage his lower back, and help him through his breathing.
“It is time. I can feel it,” Ghenie eventually says. I help him get into the position that’s most comfortable for him and I’m there to help our baby into the world, catching them on their way out.
I’m honored that I get to be in this position. I’m honored that Ghenie trusts me.
I stare down at the person in my hands. He’s so small, fresh in the world. His skin is the most dazzling turquoise color with some light fuzz on the top of his head. His antennae are flat against his head and his tail is wrapped around his upper thigh. He is perfect.
Maribel taught me to love in a way that was uniquely just for her. Now my heart somehow grows in size, making room for my son. He will have a piece of me just for him. I love him. I love him so much.
“We have a son,” I say, carefully passing him over to Ghenie.
“He is beautiful.” Ghenie runs his fingers over his face. “His antennae will straighten and grow as he gets older. He is perfect.” Ghenie looks up at me, a grin across his face. “We have one of each. We will have to try again and see if we can have a hybrid next.”
A startled chuckle leaves my throat and I shake my head in disbelief. “You’ve only just had a baby and you’re already thinking about the next one?”
“Yes. I would not mind a large family. As many as we’re granted.”
I never thought of myself as a family guy. I always just assumed I would be alone forever by choice. Now, I can see what Ghenie sees. A bigger house on the outskirts of town filled with kiddos and love. I don’t just see it, I suddenly crave it.
“Okay,” I say softly. “That sounds good to me.”
Ghenie smiles so wide I can see his fangs. I lean down and steal a kiss before kissing the top of our son’s head. Ghenie brings him to his chest, allowing him to feed for the first time.
“Are you still certain of your name now that you’ve met him?”
“I am,” Ghenie says with a soft smile. “Thane.”
“Thane,” I say as well, touching our son’s head. “He’s perfect.”
We stay cuddled in bed for as long as we can. Miles brings Maribel over, congratulating us before leaving so we can have time together as a new family. He promises to bring food over in the morning.
“Hey, baby girl,” I say, holding onto Maribel. “This is your new baby brother.”
Maribel coos, making noises that are so close to words but not quite. It’s hard to believe she’s just over a year old. Two babies under two. We’re gonna have our hands full but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I cannot believe this is my life. How did a kid abandoned by his parents who put up walls upon walls upon walls around his heart somehow end up here? I’m not sure I’ll ever know the answer but I’m more thankful than I can articulate.
Once upon a time, a picture like this would have made me wrinkle my nose and run away. I was terrified of committing. I was terrified of being hurt again. Now, I can’t imagine ever running. These are my people and I am here to stay.
I love you. Apparently now that I’ve said it once, I can’t stop saying it. I’m gonna annoy you until you push me away.
Ghenie meets my eyes.There is nothing in this world that could make me push you away. I love you, Christian.
It says a lot about how far I’ve come that when I hear that, I believe it.
Epilogue
Ghenie
I stand in my backyard, overwhelmed with joy. Christian and I talked about this in great detail. We went back and forth about where we wanted our ceremony and finally landed on our backyard. Tonight, we will have a large celebration in the town square so that my people can congratulate us. If I was notTorallehwe would have skipped the large celebration but I owe it to my people to celebrate with them. Thankfully, Christian does not seem to mind.
