Aunt Shirley chimed in, “I’ll go get your bag.”
Vicky’s face scrunched up in pain as she felt the pangs of her first contraction, “Owwwww!”
Jason came back to her. He was panicked, “Are you okay?”
“No! I’m in labor! Pleeeessse get the car.”
Miriam came back with the bag, “John Lucas and I’ll stay here with the kids to finish up the party. Then, we’ll meet you guys at the hospital.”
The contractions were coming fast and hard, “Jaaaassooon!”
*****
Four hours later….Jason came out from labor and delivery looking exhausted but proud. “Mom and baby are perfect. John Kincaid Rutherford II is healthy and strong.”
There was a strong feeling of relief that flowed throughout the room. Everyone exchanged hugs, John and Miriam hugged each other, Shirley and John Lucas, and Sandy and Roman.
Franklin went over to shake his best friend’s hand before Jason pulled him in for a hug too.
“Congratulations, my friend. I have the Cuban celebratory cigars in the car.”
“Thank you…god-father.”
Franklin looked truly touched. He would do his best to live up to the title.
Jason smiled proudly, “Next year’s birthday party for Angel and now John II is going to be something else. I’m going to get back to Vicky. They’re cleaning the baby up but you guys should be able to see him in about thirty minutes.”
Sandy was nestled into the crook of Roman’s arm so she felt his phone vibrate. He answered the call since it was from his assistant.
Roman had a disappointed look on his face, “Sweetheart, I’ve got to get to the office. There seems to have been an emergency at one of my overseas plants. I’ll call you and give you an update.” He kissed her goodbye and waved off to Jason before they both left the room, “Congratulations Jason! We have a lot to celebrate.”
Seemingly unable to wipe the proud smile off of his face, Jason responded as he left the room, “Yes we do and yes we will.”
Jason waved everyone off as went to be with the love of his life.
Everyone in the waiting room was still so excited to see the newest member of their family. It was almost thirty minutes exactly before the nurse came out. “If you want to see the Rutherford baby he’s ready. But, we can only do four at a time.”
Sandy volunteered to wait. Franklin did too. It was the first time they’d been alone together in over two years.
There was an uncomfortable silence. She decided there was no point to there being this much tension between them. He was happy and she was getting married. It was time to let it all go. She decided to break the ice.
“I’m so happy for Jason and Vicky.”
He was actually surprised she spoke to him, “I’m happy for them too. And, I guess congratulations are in order for you as well. Congratulations on your engagement.”
“Thank you.”
“He’s a very lucky man to have you. Any man that was smart enough to make you their wife would have been a very lucky man indeed.”
She smiled at him and in a brief moment of honesty spoke softly, “There was a time when I had hoped that man was you.”
Somehow he’d managed to be just a touch away from her, “One of my biggest regrets is not being able to be the man for you. If I could go back in time, I’d do so many things differently.”
Franklin caressed her cheek and pulled her face to his before lightly kissing her. It felt…right. All the hurt and pain they’d caused each other in that moment was gone.
Sandy broke he kiss, “There is a part of me that will always love you.”
They pulled away just as John Lucas came out of the nursery beaming, “I thought I’d better come and let one of you see this baby. I don’t think anyone is going to be able to get John, Miriam or Shirley away anytime soon.”
Franklin motioned for Sandy to go ahead, “I’ll visit with him after you.”
Sandy hesitated as if she wanted to say something more but then thought better of it, “Take care, Franklin.
“You too, Sandy.”
Thank You
I hope you enjoyed the final chapters of Jason and Vicky Rutherford’s life. They’ve finally reached their version of ‘Happily Ever After’.
However, they’ll never really be too far away. You’ll still get a glimpse into their lives as I continue to delve further into the lives of Franklin Roth and Sandra Catchings. Please look out for their story, The Battle Within, Early 2015.
