Page 62 of The Cannon
“Let’s look for that first.”
We walk out of Baby Gap and eye the small jewelry store directly across the aisle.
“Hari’s,” Bristol says pointing, “they have some great pieces. Brick bought January her push present there.”
“What’s apush present?”
“It’s what fathers give mothers when they deliver a baby. It’s a relatively new thing.”
I know nothing about this baby business. A gift for having your child? I guess it makes some kind of sense.
“Look at that gold bracelet, the one with the carved flowers going around it,” I say pointing in the window.
“Beautiful. That’s called a bangle bracelet. I love them. Let’s go in.”
We walk in and it takes about three seconds for a salesman to approach us.
“Good afternoon. Is there something I can show you?”
“Yeah. I like that gold bangle bracelet in the front display.”
“Yes, sir. Would you like to see the matching necklace?”
“Sure. Let’s see what it looks like.”
He walks to the window display and reaches inside. I use the time to consult my jewelry expert. “What do you think? Is it too much to send two pieces?”
“No, I don’t think so. You just don’t want to be too matchy matchy, as my mother says.”
The salesman brings the jewelry and lays it on a black velvet pad on the counter.
“Pretty. I like the bracelet,” Bristol says.
“Me too. I’ll take it. Not the necklace.”
“Yes, sir. Can I gift wrap it for the lady?” When he says it he looks at Bristol.
“No, no. It’s not for me,” she says holding up her hand.
“It’s for my sister. Can I have it engraved?”
“Of course. What would you like it to say?”
I don’t hesitate with my answer. “From baby boy. Yeah. From baby boy.”
Chapter 16
Bristol
After a few weeks of Beauregard bliss, everyone’s settled down. Brick and January didn’t want to take advantage of my parents’ offer to stay at their place for the first week or two. No, it was never really considered. My brother and his beautiful wife wanted to experience every new moment in their own home.
I don’t blame them. But they may be rethinking the decision. It’s funny seeing the effect it’s had. Tonight things are at a fevered pitch. New parenthood looks every bit the challenge I’ve been told by every mother who’s passed through my practice.
Their eyes look tired. In fact, everything about them screams lack of sleep. For the first time since January moved in with Brick, the house is slightly unkempt.
There are random piles of laundry atop couches and counters, and a breast pump in the corner. I bet that’s killing my brother. He’s Mr. Neatnik. His clothes and home always a reflection of the moniker.
Brick’s showing signs of having burped the baby. I’ve seen baby spit up on his T-shirts on a regular basis. In fact, on every shirt he’s worn since the birth. January, on the other hand, looks as beautifully put together as ever. It’s just the circles under the eyes that give her away.
