Chapter Twenty Three #3
More tears start to fall again, and I cover my face with my hands, trying to not outwardly sob. In some ways, I feel like this is Stacy’s way of showing us that she’s close.
“Hey, hey, hey,” Dean says, pulling my hands away from my face as someone else wipes the jelly from my skin so I can sit up.
“I want to name her Stacy,” I say, wiping my face. “Our daughter. I want to name her Stacy.”
“She would have loved that,” Todd says, wiping his own tears. “Also, let’s hope reincarnation is not a thing, or we are in for it.”
Dr. Hamilton laughs, and it triggers me into laughter as well. “She told me when she was dying that she’d always be with me. I’d like to think this is what she meant.”
“Well, she was always happy and never stopped moving, so reincarnation is looking possible,” Jake cackles and hugs me. “She would be sobbing happy tears over you naming her Stacy.”
“I am glad I was able to give you a bit of comfort with the date of conception,” Dr. Hamilton says. “Because you are just now receiving care, I’d like to have you come in every two weeks so I can keep a close eye on you two. I don’t suspect any issues, but I’d like to be vigilant anyway.”
“Okay,” I say as I sniff back tears.
“So, I will see you again in two weeks. You’ll get the genetic test results in a few days,” he says.
“Thank you so, so much,” I say as I get off the table to stand.
“You’re welcome,” he smiles. “I know you’re wanting to deliver at home so you can have everyone with you.
I will look into you having the option of being at the hospital, and they can all be with you.
If you become high risk, I very much would like for you to be watched.
I will bring in a midwife that can be with you at home if you choose.
She’s actually my wife, so I trust she will take care of you. ”
“That sounds good,” I say happily.
“So, relax and enjoy your pregnancy, Sadie. I’ll see you soon,” he tells me as we walk back to the lobby.
We all walk to the parking lot, and I feel like I’m floating. I am happier than I’ve been in a while, but it all comes crashing down when my phone rings and I look to see that it’s my dad.
“Ugh,” I complain and hit the reject button. My curiosity is piqued whenever he immediately calls back.
“Won’t know unless you answer,” Mason says with a shrug.
“Hello?” I say with a sigh.
“Sadie,” my dad says with a sad voice.
“What is it, Dad?” I ask.
“I’m sorry to bother you, but… Your mother has passed away,” he says in a voice that I can tell he is fighting back tears.
“Oh God,” I say, covering my mouth. Everyone turns to look at me as my phone is on speaker. “How?”
“She had a massive stroke,” Dad says. “She had a second one in the hospital and died.”
“When?” I ask.
“Yesterday,” he says. “I know you have communicated that you do not want us in your life, but I wanted to give you the chance to say goodbye if you wanted to come to the funeral.”
“Uhm… Yeah. Yeah, I’ll be there,” I say, glancing at everyone. “I hope you understand I am bringing the guys.”
“I know,” he says. “I heard about the others from someone in town. You are all welcome here at the house. I can make room for everyone. Otherwise, I can get you guys some rooms at Martha’s Bed and Breakfast down the road.”
“Martha’s is fine. I don’t want to overrun your house,” I say.
“We can leave out first thing in the morning,” Dean says to me. “We can wrap up a few things for work, but we had all planned on taking some time off anyway.”
“Ah, good. I can bring my laptop if I need to check on anything,” I say. “Dad… I hope you understand that it doesn’t change that I’m angry.”
“I know, honey. I would like to sit and talk about a few things, if you are okay with that,” he says hesitantly.
“As long as the guys can be with me, I’ll sit down with you,” I say.
“Everything will be on your terms, darlin’,” he says. “Let me know when y’all will be in town. I’ll do my best to keep people from bothering you, but you know how they can be around here.”
“Annoying? Yeah, I do have a request,” I say.
“Anything,” Dad says.
“Leo Donaldson’s parents… I don’t want them anywhere near me,” I say. “I have no problem explaining when I get there, but I will leave and come home if I am forced into the same area with them.”
“Understood,” Dad says. “I’ll let Pastor Mark know they’re not allowed at the visitation or the funeral.”
“I don’t know who that is, but thank you,” I say.
“You’re welcome, Sadie. Please know that I love you so much,” he says, and I sigh.
“I love you, too, Dad,” I say. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” When I end the call, I rub my hands down my face.
“Looks like we are going home,” Mason says. “I’ll call Mom, and she can tell Lance’s and Dean’s parents.”
“I hate this already,” I frown. “Should I be sad she’s dead, because I’m definitely happy?”
“Not bad,” Lance says. “She was an abusive cunt. Your father had no backbone to protect his daughter, but she’s the one who did the damage. I’m glad the bitch is dead, too.”
“Might even celebrate with a glass of whiskey tonight,” Dean laughs. “Let’s get some lunch and go home.”