Phantom Child
Copyright© 2023 by George H. McVey
Chapter 20
Eight Months Later.
The hospital room was jam packed with the Gladstone family. Debbie was so tired, but she knew until they made sure she was alright for themselves, she’d not have peace. “I’m fine, really. Just tired.”
Hal stood in front of them all and looked between her and Heath. “So, are one of you going to tell us?”
Heath looked down at her and smiled. She nodded her head, and he looked at his dad. “Be patient, Dad. The nurse is bringing the baby.”
“Good, we want to see the child, but tell us what you had.”
The nurse brought in the Plexiglas crib and handed the baby to Heath. “Say hello to your grandson, Dad.”
The patriarch of the family beamed. “A boy! Well, that makes it easy, doesn’t it? We know what his name is already. Harold Jefferson Gladstone the seventh.”
Heath shook his head. “No, actually, that isn’t his name. Debbie and I decided things were changing. Glenna’s Mayor now, and it’s time to change some other traditions. Meet Jefferson Harold Gladstone; we’re calling him Jeff.”
His father protested, but Sue Gladstone hushed him. “Enough Hal. The kids are right. It’s time to do away with the naming tradition. Jefferson is a good, strong name.” She stepped forward. “Now give me my grandson. He needs his grandma’s loving.”
Everyone laughed as Heath handed her their child. The family made over the baby until, finally, Heath forced them all to leave so Debbie could rest. He placed the baby in Debbie’s arms and she snuggled the baby up to her breast, where he latched on quickly and started nursing. Heath looked down and Debbie could see the love in his eyes. “Are you happy, Heath?”
He leaned down and kissed her. “I’m ecstatic, Debbie honey. Our son is perfect.”