Summary:\u00a0 Ben remembers the births of each of his sons.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a0 5,830 words<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
It\u2019s A Boy<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s a boy!\u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The words sent a thrill through Ben\u2019s body and he stood up to grin at his father-in-law. \u2018Did you hear that Captain? A boy!\u00a0 I have a son!\u2019 He smiled back up at his mother-in-law and called to her. \u2018Can I come up now?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She shook her head. \u2018No, not yet. In a few moments.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see the Captain standing next to him smiling up at the stairs as well. \u2018My first grandson,\u2019 he heard him mutter. The older man patted Ben on the shoulder and nodded. \u2018Come on my boy, let\u2019s wet the baby\u2019s head.\u2019\u00a0 He walked over to the whiskey decanter on the table and poured two large glasses.\u00a0 Handing one to Ben he lifted the other in the air.\u00a0 \u2018Here\u2019s to my first grandson and your first son. May there be many more!\u2019\u00a0 Both the men laughed before they swallowed, then Ben sat down.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018My knees have gone on me,\u2019 he said wonderingly. \u2018I feel unsteady.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Of course you do my boy,\u2019 said Captain Stoddard. \u2018It\u2019s not every day a man becomes a father for the first time and you\u2019ve certainly had a long day of it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded. It certainly had been a long day, that was for sure. It had been close to dawn this morning when Elizabeth had woken him and told him that things were beginning to happen, and it was now close to midnight. It seemed like days that he had been pacing the floor down here waiting for it to be finished.\u00a0 There were times when he didn\u2019t think that he could stand it any longer and now that it was all over he felt the adrenaline that had been holding him together all day slowly begin to leave him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Captain had been wonderful, telling him stories and even insisting that they go out for a short walk every now and then to keep his mind off it, but nothing could have taken his thoughts away from that small room upstairs where his darling Elizabeth was fighting hard to bring their son into the world. It was all that the Captain could do to stop him running upstairs several times during the day.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No son, it\u2019s best to leave all that to the women and the doctors,\u2019 he said gently.\u00a0 \u2018You\u2019ve got no place being up there.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But it\u2019s my baby too!\u2019 he declared.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The older man patted him on the arm. \u2018Trust me,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s better this way.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben had felt totally frustrated at not being able to do anything and had become extremely agitated as the hours went on.\u00a0 As a man who was used to keeping busy he had not coped at all with the inaction and had taken out his frustration on all those around him.\u00a0 The Captain had been extremely patient with him, and now that it was all over he could appreciate that. He looked up at him. \u2018Thank you for helping me get through this,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Think nothing of it son,\u2019 the man replied. \u2018I\u2019ve been through it myself, remember?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben began to be agitated again. \u2018How long are they going to take?\u2019 he said looking upstairs again. \u2018I want to see Elizabeth and our son.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018All in good time my boy,\u2019 said the Captain settling himself on the settee. \u2018Now what is this new grandson of mine going to be called?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We decided on Adam for a boy,\u2019 Ben said with pride. \u2018Adam Benjamin.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Captain smiled. \u2018Adam Benjamin Cartwright.\u00a0 That\u2019s a fine name.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u2018Elizabeth wanted to name him after\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Paradise Lost. Yes I know,\u2019 the older man replied. \u2018She\u2019s been mad about that book for years.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At that moment there was a noise from upstairs and both men jumped to their feet.\u00a0 The doctor appeared at the top of the staircase and began to slowly descend. Ben rushed to him. \u2018Can I go up now?\u2019 he asked anxiously.\u00a0 When the other man didn\u2019t answer he tried to push past him, but the doctor held onto his arm.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Benjamin come and sit down for a moment,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u2018I don\u2019t want to sit down.\u00a0 I want to go upstairs to see Elizabeth and the baby first.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The doctor shook his head and pulled him by the arm towards the settee. \u2018No son, you need to sit down first.\u00a0 I have to talk to you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked at him carefully, startled by the tone in his voice. He sat down slowly. \u2018What is it?\u2019 he said anxiously. \u2018They\u2019re both all right aren\u2019t they?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man hesitated for a moment. \u2018Your son is fine,\u2019 he said finally. \u2018He\u2019s a lovely boy and he\u2019s doing well.\u2019 There was silence.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And Elizabeth?\u2019 Something about the man\u2019s demeanour made Ben afraid to ask the question. \u2018Is my wife all right?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The doctor took a deep breath. \u2018Ben, she\u2019s lost a lot of blood.\u00a0 There were a few complications towards the end and she\u2026. well, she had a rough time.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But she\u2019ll be all right now,\u2019 said Ben. There was silence again. \u2018Won\u2019t she?\u2019 he asked fearfully.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The doctor put a hand on his shoulder. \u2018Son, I\u2019m sorry.\u00a0 There\u2019s nothing I can do.\u00a0 She\u2019s just lost too much blood and there\u2019s nothing I can do to help her.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No!\u2019 the word cut across the silence like a knife. Ben put his head into his hands and closed his eyes and he tried to take in the doctor\u2019s words.\u00a0 He felt an arm around his shoulder, but stood up and brushed it off. \u2018Get up there and help her!\u2019 he yelled to the doctor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Both men stood up beside him. \u2018Ben,\u2019 said the Captain. \u2018Just calm down son.\u00a0 This isn\u2019t going to help Elizabeth.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stared at the man next to him who looked as stricken as he himself felt. \u2018I can\u2019t\u2026\u2026.\u2019 he began, but the words refused to come. He tried again. \u2018I can\u2019t\u2026\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The doctor stepped forward and held onto both his shoulders. \u2018Benjamin I know this is a huge shock for you.\u00a0 But you have to be strong for just a little longer son.\u00a0 Elizabeth needs you to be strong for her now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded, still in a daze.\u00a0 He felt like his world was spinning around him and he didn\u2019t know how to make it stop. The Captain put his arm around his shoulder again. \u2018Ben we need to go up to her now.\u00a0 You want to see her don\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded soundlessly, his eyes fixed on his father-in-law as if to draw strength from him. He allowed the man to lead him to the stairs and they silently mounted them together.\u00a0 As they approached the room where he had been trying to get to for hours Ben felt a sense of dread, as if by entering it he would know that this nightmare was for real.\u00a0 Until he saw Elizabeth he could pretend in the back of his mind that this wasn\u2019t happening, but seeing her would take away any such luxury.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He hesitated at the door, and felt a gentle push form behind as Captain Stoddard propelled him forward.\u00a0 His eyes searched the room and rested on the bed where she lay \u2013 so still and peaceful as if she had just fallen asleep and was enjoying a nap.\u00a0 He took a couple of steps forward and knelt by her side. \u2018Elizabeth?\u2019 he whispered and smiled to see her eyelids flutter at the sound of his voice. \u2018Elizabeth darling, I\u2019m here.\u00a0 It\u2019s Ben.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She opened her eyes and smiled at him. He reached out and took her hand, surprised how it felt so warm.\u00a0 The doctor must be wrong.\u00a0 There was nothing the matter with her!\u00a0 She was just tired that was all.\u00a0 Or course she would be tired.\u00a0 After all she\u2019d been through today with the baby\u2026..\u00a0 His eyes left her face and travelled across to the cradle beside the bed where he could see a small squirming bundle.\u00a0 His son! His eyes darted back to her face again as he heard her whisper softly. \u2018Ben?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He bent forward so that their faces were touching. \u2018Yes darling?\u2019 he said softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ben, our son.\u00a0 Did you see him?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Not yet.\u00a0 I will in a few moments.\u2019\u00a0 He continued to search her face for a sign that the doctor had been wrong, but the more he looked at her the more he noticed the dark rings around her eyes, the whiteness of her skin and the blue tinge around her lips.\u00a0 He knew in his heart that the man hadn\u2019t been lying and he wanted to stand up and curse the world.\u00a0 But instead he just knelt there as still as he could and continued to stare at her.\u00a0 He wanted to imprint her features on his brain, for his mind told him that he would need to remember these moments forever.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Elizabeth turned her head towards the cradle. \u2018Adam,\u2019 she said softly. \u2018Our son.\u00a0 I want to hold him Ben.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben reached over and picked up the squirming bundle that was wrapped in the blanket and put it down next to his wife.\u00a0 In that moment he had his first glimpse of his son and his eyes widened at the sight of him.\u00a0 His features were perfect. His head was covered with dark fuzz that held the promise of being as dark as his own hair and his nose was all his mother\u2019s.\u00a0 As Ben stared down at him the baby\u2019s eyes opened and he yawned.\u00a0 His eyes seemed to stare back into his father\u2019s, although Ben knew that it was no more than a co-incidence, for the child was much too young to be able to focus yet.\u00a0 The eyes that looked back up at him were so dark that Ben knew they would also mirror his own given time. Adam!\u00a0 His perfect son.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Even at this very young age the baby seemed to possess a certain air of calmness about him.\u00a0 He moved his little head and seemed to look around and his small arms waved slowly in the air as if announcing his arrival.\u00a0 Ben smiled down at him tenderly and felt such a rush of love towards this extension of himself that the tears began to fall from his eyes and he had to brush them away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ben, you\u2019re crying,\u2019 Elizabeth said softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said, knowing that the tears were also for her and the unfairness of it all.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He\u2019s a beautiful baby, isn\u2019t he?\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes he is,\u2019 agreed Ben. \u2018A beautiful baby. Just like his mother.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She smiled up at him and he looked back at them both, knowing that this was a picture he would carry in his mind forever.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m so tired,\u2019 she said with a small sigh. \u2018I think I\u2019ll sleep now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben bent over and kissed her on the forehead. \u2018You sleep now, my darling,\u2019 he said softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Elizabeth closed her eyes. \u2018Yes,\u2019 she said. \u2018Take care of our little boy while I sleep won\u2019t you Ben?\u00a0 Take care of our son.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The tears were falling freely now as he whispered softly. \u2018Yes my darling. I\u2019ll take care of him. I\u2019ll always take care of him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Elizabeth gave a small sigh and then there was silence. Ben looked up at the faces around them both which swam before him as he tried to make them out through his tears.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018She\u2019s gone son,\u2019 said a faraway voice and he turned towards it.\u00a0 Hands lifted him up and he felt himself being moved away from the bed. He struggled against them and stepped forward again to pick up the squirming bundle on the bed and hold it tight to his chest. As he stood there he watched Captain Stoddard and his wife kneel on either side of the bed to say their goodbyes to their only child and his heart bled for them.\u00a0 As it bled also for his son in his arms.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The boy would never know his mother\u2019s love.\u00a0 He would never know what it felt like to be held by her, her smell, and the look of her.\u00a0 But one thing Ben was sure of\u2026\u2026.. he would know how much she had loved him.\u00a0 He looked down into the dark eyes that still stared back at him and made a vow that he would love this child of his unconditionally.\u00a0 He would make up to him for not having a mother.\u00a0 He would do whatever it took to ensure that this boy grew up happy and safe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He kissed the baby\u2019s forehead and his tears fell on his small face.\u00a0 The baby squirmed again and whimpered and Mrs Stoddard stood up and held out her arms towards him. \u2018Give him to me Ben,\u2019 she said. \u2018I\u2019ll hold him for you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He shook his head and continued to stare into his son\u2019s face. \u2018No. I need to\u2026.. I\u2026\u2026\u2019 how could he explain that to let go of his boy would be like letting go of his mother all over again?\u00a0 This child was all he had left of Elizabeth and he had no intention now or ever of letting go of him. \u2018I can\u2019t\u2026.. I need to \u2026\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She nodded. \u2018It\u2019s all right,\u2019 she said. \u2018You hold onto him then.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shut his eyes for a moment then opened them again. He walked towards the window with his son in his arms and looked up at the night sky.\u00a0 There above him a million stars shone down on them both.\u00a0 There above him Elizabeth looked down on them both. He cuddled his son closer to his chest and sighed.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n ———————<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s a boy!\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What?\u2019 Ben couldn\u2019t believe his ears. \u2018Already? You can\u2019t be serious!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m serious all right,\u2019 said Mrs Altman beaming at him. \u2018He\u2019s a whopper too!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben blinked and scratched his head. \u2018But I thought when you said\u2026.. I mean\u2026\u2026.I thought it would take longer than this!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Babies come in their own good time,\u2019 she said, patting him on the arm. \u2018And this one was sure in a hurry. Now you just settle down there for a bit and I\u2019ll let you know when you can come in.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben held onto the woman\u2019s arm as she turned away from him. \u2018Mrs Altman,\u2019 he said urgently. \u2018Is she\u2026\u2026is my wife all right?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She smiled at him. \u2018Right as rain,\u2019 she said kindly. \u2018She just needs a good night\u2019s sleep now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben let out a huge sigh of relief. He knew it was silly, but after Elizabeth he couldn\u2019t help but be worried.\u00a0 He might have known though that Inger would be fine.\u00a0 That woman took everything in her stride and having a baby hadn\u2019t seemed to faze her any.\u00a0 Even this afternoon when she must have sensed that her time was near she still said nothing to him and made sure that he joined the other men in the hunting party who going out looking for food. It was only when they had returned just over an hour ago that he had any idea she had gone into labour, and now\u2026. he smiled. And now there was another son.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He walked quickly over to the Rickett\u2019s wagon where Adam was playing with the other children. \u2018Adam,\u2019 he called.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The little boy looked up at his father and smiled. \u2018Yes Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben motioned to him. \u2018Come here son, I have something to tell you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam came across to his father and stood before him. Ben knelt down and put his hands on his son\u2019s arms. \u2018You have a new baby brother,\u2019 he said happily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The little boy\u2019s eyes lit up. \u2018Already?\u2019 he said. \u2018I thought you said he wouldn\u2019t come until maybe tomorrow Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben laughed. \u2018Well it seems like I was wrong,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s come now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Can we go see him and mama now?\u2019 Adam asked excitedly. \u2018What\u2019s he look like?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u2018I haven\u2019t even seen him yet. Don\u2019t you worry we\u2019ll go and see them both soon.\u00a0 Now go back and play and I\u2019ll let you know when it\u2019s time.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam skipped back to the other children and began to tell them his news.\u00a0 Ben stood up and stretched before turning towards his wagon again.\u00a0 \u2018Ben!\u2019 called Mrs Altman. \u2018You can go in now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben needed no second bidding.\u00a0 In three strides he had covered the distance to the back of the wagon and took a leap inside. Inger lay propped up against a couple of pillows smiling at him. \u2018Come and meet our new son, \u2018she said happily, indicating the bundle in her arms.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben moved over towards his wife and gave her a kiss. \u2018I can\u2019t believe it,\u2019 he said happily. He looked down at the bundle in her arms and she turned the blanket back. \u2018He\u2019s huge!\u2019 said Ben in wonderment. \u2018I\u2019ve never seen a newborn baby so big!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Inger puffed up with pride. \u2018He\u2019s going to be a big man some day,\u2019 she said as she kissed the baby on the head. \u2018A wonderful man.\u2019 She held him out to Ben, who took him into his arms.\u00a0 He was amazed at the weight of him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As he stared down at the bundle in his arms he took note of the fine light fuzz that covered his head. \u2018He\u2019s got your light colouring,\u2019 he said. \u2018He won\u2019t have dark hair like Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Or dark eyes,\u2019 said Inger. \u2018They\u2019re very blue.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben had to take her word for it, as the baby\u2019s eyes were tightly shut. \u2018He\u2019s wonderful,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018My son.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Inger leant her head against his shoulder. \u2018Yes he is wonderful,\u2019 she said softly. \u2018We are truly blessed to have two wonderful boys.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At that moment as if on cue, they heard a small voice outside. \u2018Pa? Are you in there Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They looked at each other. \u2018Adam,\u2019 they said together and then laughed. Ben leant over and pulled back the wagon covering. \u2018Yes, I\u2019m here son,\u2019 he said. \u2018Come on up.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was a scuffling noise and presently a little dark head appeared over the side of the wagon.\u00a0 Ben helped his son in and Adam sat next to him gazing in awe at the bundle in his arms. \u2018Is that my brother Pa? Is that him?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put his arms down so that his son could see the baby.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s eyes became wide. \u2018He\u2019s a bigun isn\u2019t he Pa?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sure is,\u2019 agreed Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What\u2019s his name?\u2019 Adam asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Inger reached over to stroke the boy\u2019s dark hair out of his eyes. \u2018His name is Eric Haas Cartwright,\u2019 she said with a smile at Ben. \u2018He is named Eric after my father.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How about Hoss?\u2019 asked Adam. \u2018Who\u2019s that after?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s Haas dear, not Hoss,\u2019 said Inger gently. \u2018It\u2019s Swedish.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Still Hoss isn\u2019t far off the mark,\u2019 said Ben with a laugh as he looked down at the baby in his arms. \u2018It actually kind of suits him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Benjamin!\u2019 said Inger. \u2018You are not going to call our son by that terrible name when he has a perfectly good name of his own!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben winked at Adam. \u2018Of course my dear,\u2019 he said. \u2018Eric is a wonderful name.\u00a0 Let\u2019s just see which one sticks shall we?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I like Hoss,\u2019 said Adam seriously. \u2018Can I hold him?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked at Inger who nodded. \u2018Be careful,\u2019 he said as he laid the baby in his brother\u2019s arms. \u2018Keep his head up.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He keeps his own head up,\u2019 said Adam. Ben looked at the baby and saw that the child was right.\u00a0 He did in fact seem to be holding his own head up.\u00a0 There was no doubt about it \u2013 this baby was already so big he seemed to be older than a newborn.\u00a0 He seemed so strong already.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hello baby Hoss,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled at Inger who tried to look displeased, but failed miserably. \u2018I have a feeling I\u2019m going to lose this fight,\u2019 she said, and then lent back to rest her head on the cushion behind her.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked at her anxiously. \u2018Are you all right?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m fine,\u2019 she said. \u2018Just a little tired, that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stroked her head as Adam continued to talk to the baby and tell all the things that a six year-old felt were important for him to know. \u2018I\u2019m so glad this is over,\u2019 Ben said. \u2018I was so worried about you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She opened her eyes again. \u2018There was no need for you to worry about me,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I had no right bringing you both out here like this,\u2019 he replied. \u2018What if something had gone wrong?\u00a0 We\u2019re so far away from any help here.\u00a0 There\u2019s no chance of a doctor at all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But nothing did go wrong did it?\u2019 she answered. \u2018Ben I\u2019ve told you so many times, I want to be here just as much as you do. We\u2019re on our way to a new life and now we have two fine youngsters to share it with.\u2019\u00a0 She looked across at Adam fondly as he continued to whisper to his little brother. \u2018I pray that these two will be close.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben laughed. \u2018I don\u2019t think there\u2019s any worry about that,\u2019 he said as he looked at them fondly. \u2018Here son, give me the baby again.\u2019\u00a0 He reached over and took the baby form Adam\u2019s arms and held him close to his chest. \u2018Hello my son,\u2019 he said. Adam cuddled into his side and watched the baby as he slept. Inger\u2019s eyes closed and she drifted off to sleep as well.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As Ben sat there surrounded by the three people he loved most in the world he felt his heart filled to over flowing.\u00a0 What more could a man ask for?\u00a0 He had everything now, and life was looking fine.\u00a0 He bent to kiss the baby\u2019s head and his eyes opened. Ben saw that they were indeed blue, the bluest that he had ever seen. What would this child of his become?\u00a0 What kind of a man would he grow into? Ben knew that whatever his son\u2019s future there was one thing for sure.\u00a0 He would grow up loved and happy.\u00a0 He would see to it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ——————-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s a boy!\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thank God it\u2019s over,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Is she all right? Are they both all right?\u2019 The emotion of the long hours caught up with him in a rush and his voice quivered as he managed to get the words out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mrs Shaunessy bit her lip and hesitated before replying. \u2018I think so,\u2019 she said. \u2018Doctor Martin said he\u2019d come out and see you in a few moments.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stared at the door as it closed behind her. He just couldn\u2019t take this any more!\u00a0 He felt he had nothing left to draw from \u2013 his strength had been used up with the tension of the past few hours and he felt himself go limp with exhaustion and grief. He sat down on the chair next to the fire and looked at the two boys asleep next to him.\u00a0 Hoss had given in hours ago and had settled himself on the settee.\u00a0 Ben hadn\u2019t the heart to move him to his bed for fear of waking him, so he had covered him with a blanket and simply left him there to sleep.\u00a0 Adam had gamely stuck it out, refusing to go to bed and leave his father.\u00a0 Ben smiled at the boy curled up in the large easy chair opposite. It was typical of Adam to stick by his side.\u00a0 Ben knew that the boy realised how worried he had been, and had wanted to stay here with him.\u00a0 Yet even he couldn\u2019t keep his eyes open in the end. After all, it had been a long day and a very rough one too.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The problem was that it had all been so totally unexpected.\u00a0 When Marie had shaken him awake in the middle of last night he had panicked.\u00a0 The baby wasn\u2019t due for weeks and yet here she was telling him to get the doctor as soon as he could.\u00a0 Ben couldn\u2019t get the man quickly enough and had gone straight from his office to Mrs Shaunessy\u2019s house as well.\u00a0 She had promised to help when the time came, but they all thought it would be with the boys.\u00a0 None of them had realised just how much Marie would need the woman\u2019s support as well as that of the doctor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben went cold when he thought about it. The look on Paul Martin\u2019s face when he came downstairs to tell him of the problems said it all.\u00a0 Ben immediately feared the worst and all the memories of Elizabeth came flooding back to him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He had placed his head in his hands and sobbed.\u00a0 \u2018I can\u2019t go through this again Paul.\u00a0 There has to be something you can do.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul sat next to his friend. \u2018Ben calm down.\u00a0 The baby is early that\u2019s true, but it still could be all right.\u00a0 The fact that it\u2019s a breech is more worrying at this stage.\u00a0 I\u2019m going to have to try and turn it around before it\u2019s born.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked up at him. \u2018How dangerous is that?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul shook his head. \u2018Not unduly so, as long as it stays that way.\u00a0 The danger is if it keeps turning back.\u00a0 I won\u2019t lie to you Ben.\u00a0 A breech birth is not something to be taken lightly.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben swallowed. \u2018Is the danger to Marie or the baby?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Both really, but more to the child. Let\u2019s just hope we don\u2019t have to face that all right?\u2019\u00a0 He stood up. \u2018I\u2019ll go back to her now. Just pray that this works.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n During those next few hours Ben prayed like he had never prayed before.\u00a0 Yet everything seemed to be against them.\u00a0 Mrs Shaunessy reported to him at various intervals that try as the doctor would to turn it, the baby kept turning back again. Ben tried to keep the boys busy and out of the way even suggesting that they leave and go to a neighbour\u2019s ranch, but they both shook their heads. \u2018We want to be here with you Pa,\u2019 said Adam solemnly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss held onto his father\u2019s arm. \u2018Pa?\u2019 he said quietly. \u2018Will mama die like Adam\u2019s mother did when he was borned?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben swallowed. \u2018No son, we have to pray that she won\u2019t,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m sure it will be all right.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n But he wasn\u2019t sure at all.\u00a0 As the hours passed and there was no word from upstairs, he began to pace in an agitated state.\u00a0 Just when he got to the stage when he didn\u2019t think he could stand it much longer, Paul appeared at the top of the stairs and motioned to him. \u2018Ben,\u2019 he said quietly. \u2018I\u2019ve done all I can, but this baby of yours is sure a stubborn little cuss.\u00a0 It\u2019s determined to be born backwards and we\u2019re faced with a breech after all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded silently, his eyes filling with tears. \u2018I know you\u2019re doing all you can for them both,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul patted him on the arm and disappeared again.\u00a0 As Ben sat by the fireplace and watched the two sleeping boys he felt numb.\u00a0 It couldn\u2019t all end like this!\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t lose Marie and he couldn\u2019t even imagine losing this child they had both been so looking forward to.\u00a0 For half an hour he sat there, not moving or speaking, just simply staring and praying.\u00a0 Until that moment that Mrs Shaunessy\u2019s words had made it all right again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He walked to the bottom of the staircase and looked up.\u00a0 Slowly he began to climb the stairs and just stood at the top looking down the hall at the bedroom door.\u00a0 After a moment, Paul opened it and walked towards him. \u2018She\u2019s fine Ben,\u2019 he said and Ben swayed slightly as the relief flooded over him. \u2018It was difficult, but she\u2019s fine now that it\u2019s over.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And the baby\u2026\u2026. my son?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I told you he was a stubborn little cuss didn\u2019t I? He\u2019s very small, but at this stage he seems to be doing all right. Come on in and see.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben quickly entered the room and sat on the edge of the bed.\u00a0 Marie was very pale, but managed to smile up at him. \u2018Hello,\u2019 she said with as much brightness as she could muster. \u2018Don\u2019t look so worried my darling, it\u2019s all over now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He couldn\u2019t say anything, but simply bent his head and rested his face against hers.\u00a0 They stayed like that for a few moments and then he moved slightly and kissed her. \u2018I thought I\u2019d lost you,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t be silly. I\u2019m fine,\u2019 she replied.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled. \u2018You\u2019d say that no matter what happened,\u2019 he said, the relief obvious in his voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was a movement behind them and Mrs Shaunessy bent down and placed a tiny bundle on the bed between them. \u2018Here\u2019s someone who wants to meet you both,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Marie reached over and pulled back the blanket to reveal a tiny little body. \u2018Look at him Ben,\u2019 she said with awe in her voice. \u2018He\u2019s just perfect!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked down at the tiny boy.\u00a0 He was the smallest baby he had ever seen, but even so he was perfect in every way.\u00a0 He had a mop of curls and a look of his mother that was obvious even at such a young age.\u00a0 His little arms and legs were in perpetual motion and waved around as he wriggled, and his face was contorted in a mixture of a yawn and a yell.\u00a0 Suddenly there was an ear-piercing cry from the tiny little thing as he began to make his presence felt.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How can a baby this size make such a loud noise?\u2019 asked Ben amazed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Marie laughed. \u2018He\u2019s sure a feisty little thing isn\u2019t he?\u2019 she said with pride. \u2018Hello there little one.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked at his tiny son again and marvelled at how perfect he was. Suddenly he felt a rush of pride and love overtake him and he bent down and gathered up the tiny child and held him in front of his face as he took in every part of him. \u2018My God Marie, he\u2019s just\u2026..\u2019\u00a0 Words failed him as he tried to express his emotions and Marie reached up and touched his cheek to brush away the tears.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know,\u2019 she said simply.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul appeared around the side of the bed. \u2018We\u2019ll have to watch him for a while,\u2019 he said. \u2018But judging by the sound of those lungs we won\u2019t have much to worry about now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Everyone laughed as Mrs Shaunessy approached the bed. \u2018I think he\u2019s woken up his two brothers,\u2019 she said with an amused grin.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben was suddenly aware of the two boys standing nervously in the doorway and he motioned for them to approach. \u2018Come in boys.\u00a0 Come and say hello to your mother and meet your new little brother.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They walked over and bent one at a time to kiss Marie before turning towards the squirming and noisy bundle in Ben\u2019s arms. \u2018He sure knows how ta yell, don\u2019t he?\u2019 said Hoss in wonderment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes he sure does,\u2019 said his father. \u2018There\u2019s nothing wrong with this boy\u2019s voice that\u2019s for sure.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What\u2019s his name Pa?\u2019 asked Adam, and Ben glanced at him tentatively.\u00a0 He was remembering a conversation they had had a couple of weeks before about this very topic.\u00a0 Adam had stated in no uncertain terms that Marie\u2019s idea of naming him after her father was not one that he approved of.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You can\u2019t!\u2019 the boy had said aghast. \u2018All the other kids will pick on him if you call him Fran\u00e7ois!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Marie had bristled. \u2018There\u2019s nothing wrong with Fran\u00e7ois, \u2018 she said indignantly. \u2018It\u2019s a beautiful French name.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s a sissy name,\u2019 said Adam, before Ben could signal for him to be quiet. Privately he agreed with his son, but wouldn\u2019t dare tell Marie that.\u00a0 He knew how stubborn that woman could be and preferred to take the softer approach of gradually reasoning with her.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ve always wanted to name one of my sons after my own father,\u2019 he said wistfully, looking at her out of the corner of his eye to gauge her reaction. \u2018But it\u2019s just never happened up until now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She smiled at him. \u2018Of course my darling. How about Joseph Fran\u00e7ois then?\u2019<\/p>\n Getting closer,<\/em> he thought to himself with a smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa?\u2019 repeated Adam. \u2018What\u2019s his name?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph Fran\u00e7ois,\u2019 said Ben after a moment\u2019s pause and noticed the disgusted look Adam gave him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph Francis,\u2019 interrupted Marie.\u00a0 \u2018I\u2019ve been thinking about that. He is a little American boy, not French after all.\u2019 Ben smiled at her, delighted. \u2018If you say so dear,\u2019 he said with a twinkle in his eye. \u2018Joseph Francis it is then.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss reached over and touched his little brother\u2019s cheek. \u2018Little Joe,\u2019 he said in wonderment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What did you say?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked up at him and smiled. \u2018Little Joe, \u2018he repeated. \u2018He\u2019s my little brother Pa, so I can call him that, can\u2019t I?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Of course you can just for now dear,\u2019 said Marie. \u2018Although his proper name is Joseph and that\u2019s what he\u2019ll be known as.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked down at the tiny baby in his arms and thrilled at the touch of him.\u00a0 He cuddled him into his chest and kissed the tiny mop of curls.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam reached out to touch his little brother and the baby grasped hold of his finger tightly.\u00a0 \u2018Hey look Pa,\u2019 the boy said excitedly. \u2018He\u2019s got a grip on him for sure!\u2019 They all laughed. \u2018And a voice,\u2019 Adam added. \u2018Do you think he\u2019ll ever stop yelling?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He\u2019s just getting used to everything,\u2019 said Marie. \u2018He\u2019s going to be a perfect little boy aren\u2019t you little one?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben somehow doubted that this child would match his mother\u2019s description of perfect in that sense.\u00a0 He was far too restless to meet that description.\u00a0 He could feel the little arms and legs still moving beneath the blanket and noted the movement of the baby\u2019s head as if he were looking all around him and checking out the world. \u2018We\u2019ll see,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He put the baby back on the bed and watched with satisfaction as the other two boys immediately leant over him in a protective stance.\u00a0 He hoped that they would continue like this through their lives, the older two looking out for their little brother.\u00a0 It thrilled him to think of his three boys being close.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As the boys marvelled over the baby he slid over to sit next to Marie and put his arm around her shoulders. She looked up at him and smiled and he bent over to kiss her. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018He\u2019s just perfect.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She giggled. \u2018I told you he was,\u2019 she said contentedly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben rested his head on top of hers and surveyed his complete family.\u00a0 Could life get any better than this?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\nThe End<\/span><\/h1>\n