Misconceptions Page 24

  Becky held out her arms, and Houston placed the little girl in them. Their eyes met. Becky kissed the baby. “She’s beautiful!”

  After several minutes, Joe stepped in. “Hey don’t hog her.”

  Becky laughed and handed him the baby. He pulled her close to his chest. “Hey baby girl, I’m your Uncle Joe. All the kids like me the best.”

  “Hey!” Houston spouted.

  The laughter helped. When it was Dominique’s turn, Joe placed the baby in her outstretched arms. She held her up and kissed the baby’s cheek. Soft, like velvet. “What should we name you? We can’t keep calling you baby girl.”

  Samuel cleared his throat. “May I hold her?”

  She looked to Joe.

  He nodded. “Just be careful to keep her away from his incision.”

  Dominique placed the baby in Samuel’s arms, and the family gathered around the bed. Samuel’s gentle caress trailed from the top of the baby’s head to her tiny fingers.

  “You look just like your mommy did at this age.” Samuel held her closer still. “I’m sorry you’ll never know your parents this side of heaven, but don’t you worry. You have two brothers, two sisters, and a whole room full of people to love you.” His glance encompassed everyone gathered around his bed.

  “Does anyone know what names Travis and Cindy were considering?” Samuel asked.

  “I don’t think they had a chance to think that far, or if they did, they didn’t tell anyone.” Houston paused for a few seconds. “I think I know the perfect name. Grace. God’s gift.”

  Samuel brought the baby’s hand to his lips and kissed her tiny fist. “Well, Grace, it’s an honor to meet you.” He remained silent for several minutes, his gaze beaming down at the newborn. Then he held the newborn girl up. “I don't know what God has in store for her, but of this I am sure—every life is a precious gift, but this one, I will especially treasure.”

  Epilogue

  Eighteen Months Later

  Candles lit the altar. Friends and family filled the pews on both sides of the aisle, and the smell of lavender permeated the air.

  “I now pronounce you man and wife. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. You may kiss the bride.”

  Dominique leaned into Joe’s embrace. She only pulled away from his kiss when their guests started laughing. “I think they’re ready for the reception, Mr. Armstrong.”

  “Is that so, Mrs. Armstrong? Well maybe I’m not ready.” He went in for another kiss.

  Houston cleared his throat. “Okay, little brother, save the honeymoon for later.”

  Dominique and Joe laughed. Were her feet even touching the floor? They turned and faced their friends and family. John and Emily Sanderson sat in the front row, their son sitting quietly in-between them. Dominique’s throat swelled. Reuniting them with their infant son had been one of the highlights of her life.

  Calvin smiled at her from the third row. He’d traveled all the way from Florida. He’d lost his job after helping her upload her story on the pregnancy crisis to YouTube. The video had received millions of hits, and she still received comments both positive and negative. Use it for your glory, Lord.

  On the other side of the aisle, Samuel sat in the front row, tears streaming down his face. Dominique guessed they were a mixture of happiness for her and Joe, and the pangs of grief knowing two family members would never celebrate with them again. We’ll celebrate in heaven, Samuel. What a glorious reunion that will be.

  She smiled when Becky waved a fan in front of her face and rubbed her expanded belly. One more month and they all would meet the newest family member. Houston and Becky had willingly accepted their role as guardians when they discovered Cindy and Travis had listed them in their will. They were somehow making the adjustment from zero kids to five.

  Joe grabbed Dominique’s hand. “You ready?”

  She smiled back at him. “To live the rest of my life with you? You bet!”

  He escorted her down the aisle and out into the waiting car.

  ***

  Several guests had left, but many had remained to enjoy the music and dancing. The kids were out on the dance floor, twirling and swaying to the country tune. Houston sat next to Becky. “Would you like to dance?”

  She laughed. “I think you’re going to have to ask one of the girls. I’m pooped.”

  He ran a hand over her belly. “Have I told you I love you today?” He brushed her cheek with a kiss. “You’re beautiful.”

  “I certainly don’t feel beautiful.”

  Houston straightened as Robert and Monica Davenport approached. Even from a distance they looked like some polished politician and his wife—the kind you see on a television commercial begging for your vote. “Did you know they were coming?” he asked Becky.

  “Who?”

  “Travis’s sister and her husband. I didn’t know they were going to be here.” A chill traveled up his spine, even as he stood to greet them. “ Robert, Monica. Thanks for coming.” Their smiles are plastic too.

  Robert handed Houston an envelope.

  “What’s this?”

  Monica clicked her nails on the table. “Read it and get back to us.”

  As soon as they walked away, Houston ripped open the envelope and read the paper.

  Becky touched his arm. “I don’t have a good feeling about this.”

  He clenched the paper in his fist. “Dear, Lord.” He sat down. “We need a lawyer. They’re suing us for custody of the kids.”

  The End