First Position (42 page)

Time stood still, the time-out seeming to last forever.  Mason couldn’t recall such an interminable wait since the final days of Emory’s pregnancy.  She’d insisted the birth be natural, relieving the pain from contractions through dance, sometimes hours at a time.
 
First position
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  Mason frequently urged her to go to the hospital, but she held out as long as she could.  By the time he drove her, she already was well into labor.  But she didn’t cry or scream once, accepting the process as a means to a beautiful end.  And Mason thought he was a tough guy -- he was nothing in comparison.  After the many days of dancing, and only a few minutes of pushing, a healthy baby girl emerged -- perfect toes, fingers, and nose.  Chloe Annabelle, or Clo as Daddy called her, had Emory’s pale skin and blonde hair, but his daughter’s blue eyes were unmistakably his. 

The offense stayed on the field after the time-out.  The quarterback plowed through the line for a few yards, positioning the ball on the right hash, then spiking the ball to stop the clock with five seconds remaining.  The field goal kicker trotted out onto the field, as the stadium announcer whipped the crowd into a frenzy.  Father Tony clutched his rosary more tightly.  The kicker lined up and nodded that he was ready.  The snap flew back and was fielded by the holder, spinning the ball to position the laces.  He approached the ball and struck it cleanly.  It sailed end over end through the uprights, as the clock hit zero.  Tie game.

The crowd groaned, then turned silent.  Mason shook his head in disbelief.  He looked up at his family and friends in the suite.  Emory, holding little Clo, blew him a kiss.
 
How blessed I a
m
.   He put on his helmet, prepared to go back to work.  Overtime.
 
I’ve already won.

Many thanks to my husband for his tireless support and encouragement when so often the end seemed unreachable.  Also thanks to my children for their patience and good listening when I told them not to read over my shoulder.  Last but not least, a huge thanks to my big sister and childhood friend (you know who you are) for their helpful feedback and encouraging words.