Curtis (29 page)

chapter FORTY-SIX

SATURDAY, JULY 15,1978

Though there have been many moments in my lifetime, today is by far the best yet. I have given birth to the most precious little boy I’ve ever seen. Yes, I might be a little biased. Though Curtis thinks he looks like me, I think he looks just like his daddy. So handsome. So perfect.

“Curtis!”

It took a moment for his groggy brain to wake, but he instantly registered Lorrie’s voice, her tone. She wasn’t screaming, but she was whispering awfully loudly.

“What is it, baby?” he asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

“I think we should go to the hospital,” she said, a smile in her voice.

He was up out of the bed with his jeans tugged on before he realized he was standing. “Is everything okay?”

It took a moment to see that she was standing up, already dressed, hair brushed, looking as though she hadn’t a care in the world.

“Everything’s perfect.” Her grin faltered momentarily as she put her hand on her belly. “But my water broke and I’m having contractions, so I think it’s time.”

Her water had broken.

Contractions.

Christ.

He was frozen in place.

“Curtis, you should probably finish getting dressed. Then maybe, you know, grab the suitcase.”

Right.

Shirt.

Shoes.

Suitcase.

Truck.

Hospital.

Shit.

They were having a baby today!

An hour later, they were checked in and Lorrie was resting comfortably in the room.

“Unghh. Oh, it hurts.”

Okay, maybe not comfortably. According to the nurse, the contractions were about two minutes apart and lasting a lot longer. Now, they were waiting on the doctor, who had already been called and was on his way.

“Well, well, well,” the voice said from the doorway. “Looks like you’re going to have a baby today and right on time, too.”

Lorrie squeezed Curtis’s hand, and he leaned over the bed, kissing her forehead.

“Let’s check out your cervix, see how much you’ve dilated.”

Curtis focused on Lorrie while the doctor stuck his hand beneath the sheet, between Lorrie’s legs. She squeezed his fingers numb for a few seconds, then let go.

“I don’t think this one is going to be all that stubborn,” the doctor said. “You’re fully dilated. It’s time to get this show on the road.”

Already? Curtis had heard horror stories about labor lasting hours and hours and hours. Sometimes days. Hell, even Joseph had spent at least eight hours with their firstborn.

“You ready for this?” Lorrie asked, her voice weak.

“I’ve been ready for this my whole life,” he said reassuringly.

A couple of nurses joined them in the room, and the next thing Curtis knew, the doctor was telling Lorrie to push. Curtis didn’t know what he was supposed to do, but he knew to keep his mouth shut unless he was encouraging her, so he did. He held Lorrie’s hand, brushed her hair back from her face while she scrunched up her cute little nose and attempted to push a human right out of her…

“I can see the head,” the doctor said.

Okay, well, looked as though she was further along than he’d thought.

“Give me another good, hard push, Lorrie,” the doctor urged.

Lorrie did as she was told, once again attempting to squeeze Curtis’s fingers right off his hand. Not that he gave a shit. She could break every bone in his body and he’d still be standing there, still loving her with his whole heart.

“That’s it,” the doctor said. “One more.”

Lorrie once again pushed as Curtis divided his attention between Lorrie’s face and the doctor’s. And that’s when he saw it. The doctor’s smile made his chubby cheeks bunch up, but Curtis considered that a good sign.

“Congratulations,” the doctor said, holding up a slimy, wrinkled little body. “It’s a boy.”

It took everything in his power to remain on his feet. The news was so welcome he wasn’t sure how he was still standing.

Lorrie started to laugh, then she started to cry. Then more laughter. It was all so confusing for Curtis, but he remained stoically by her side until they placed the tiny little bundle against Lorrie’s chest. He wasn’t as slimy anymore, thank God. Curtis stared down at the little thing wrapped in a little blue blanket.

“Oh, my God, Curtis,” Lorrie whispered. “He’s perfect.”

Yes. He was definitely that.

chapter FORTY-SEVEN

SATURDAY, JULY 15, 1978

Travis Glenn Walker.

My first thought when I looked at him… The doctor is wrong. He might not think this precious little boy will be stubborn, but a mother knows these things. My prediction is that Travis will be as strong-willed as his father. Which isn’t a bad thing. He’s absolutely perfect. Ten fingers, ten toes, his father’s nose, and his father’s dark hair. We’re truly blessed. Welcome, and thank you for expanding our little family, Travis.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 1980

Sawyer Anthony Walker.

My first thought when I looked at him… This one is going to be a handful. Although Travis has given us a run for our money these last couple of years, I have a funny feeling that Sawyer is going to be the wild one in the bunch. A mother knows these things. And just like his brother, Sawyer looks like his father. Same nose, same dark hair. Such a sweet, sweet boy. Welcome to the family, Sawyer.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 1981

Kaleb Allen Walker.

My first thought when I looked at him… He’s going to be the level-headed one. I don’t know how I know that, but I do. Maybe it was the fact that I was in labor for far longer than with the first two. I think Kaleb was waiting for the right moment to arrive. Yes, I have to say, I predict he’ll be just like his father, making sure things are managed even if his older brothers want to be in charge. A mother knows these things. And just like Sawyer and Travis, Kaleb looks like Curtis. Well, maybe he looks a little like me. Welcome to the family, Kaleb.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1984

Braydon Joshua and Brendon Matthew Walker.

My first thought when I looked at them… Oh, heavens, I don’t know how I’m going to keep up with two at one time. Three is more than a handful; adding two more to the mix… I’m likely going to go crazy. Still, I find myself smiling. They are precious in every way. I think Curtis and I have done a fine job with Travis, Sawyer, and Kaleb so far, so I think we’ll be just fine with two more. I only hope Mrs. Walker is willing to help out, because it’s safe to say that we’re gonna need the extra hands. Welcome to the family, my sweet twins, Braydon and Brendon.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1986

Ethan Thomas Walker.

My first thought when I looked at him… This sweet little boy is going to be the strongest of them all. I predict that he’ll need us to look over him, but we won’t be able to let him know we are. He’ll be independent like that, thinking he should carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. I can say, he’ll never have to worry because we’ll always be there for him. No matter what he needs. And just like the others, we’ll need to make certain he understands that love is unconditional. Welcome to the family, Ethan.

FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 1989

Zane Michael Walker.

My first thought when I looked at him… Sawyer will meet his match with this one. I predict that Zane’s going to be as easygoing as my pregnancy has been with him. He’s going to float through life, do what he pleases. A mother knows these things. But just like with his brothers, we’ll make sure he knows right from wrong, that he understands it’s important to stand up for what you believe in. He’s going to keep everyone on their toes, not just us. And that … that I look forward to.

Although I thought one day we might have a little girl, I can’t say that I’m disappointed with all boys. And since seven is a lucky number, we’ve decided this little guy will be our last.

Welcome, and thank you for completing our family, Zane.