Page 62 of Cold as (N)ice

“What’s wrong?”

Irene didn’t answer – but grabbed one of his hands and one of Stephen’s, putting them on her stomach and smiled.

“Do you feel the baby moving?” she gestured to Stephen, whispering to Barrett – her eyes shining happily. “I can feel a swishing motion.”

“I don’t feel anything yet.”

Stephen shrugged silently, looking at him, and then both froze as they felt the weirdest sensation of what felt like sort of like digestion right beneath the skin.

Okay, that’s… odd,Stephen began and tossed a sharp look at Barrett - who nodded in agreement.

“That’s the baby,” she laughed tearfully. “I’ve felt a flutter here and there, but today is the first time that I’ve really felt something move.”

“It’s like… like Aliens.”

“Barrett!” she chided, laughing and looked at her son.Daddy said it feels like something from a horror movie.

It feels like you need to go potty.

Good description, buddy – and I said it felt like you had a chest-hugger in there,Barrett corrected, meeting Irene’s beaming smile and feeling such love in his chest. Yeah, it wasn’t his genes, but he was going to savor this experience like it was his own. That baby was innocent and Stephen’s sibling – and he loved them both already.

What’s a ‘chest-hugger’?Stephen asked silently, frowning as he spelled out the strange word.

A movie you aren’t old enough to watch,Irene replied quickly, giving Barrett a pointed look.

A scary movie – but wasn’t that cool to feel?

That Mommy has gas?

Barrett couldn’t help it – he threw back his head and laughed hard as Irene swatted him in frustration, gesturing frantically.

It’s not gas – it’s your little brother or sister moving around in my stomach. What is wrong with you guys acting like this? Aren’t you happy you got to feel the baby move with me? This is supposed to be a family moment and…

Barrett grabbed her hands, smiling tenderly, and stopped her silent tirade.

“It was a family moment,” he said softly, meeting her eyes as he gestured and spoke.“It was a very precious family moment – but we are guys. When we feel overwhelmed about something, we make jokes, talk about farts, boogers, and other inappropriate things because it’s a lot to take in. We are very happy to share this with you, Irene.”

Mommy, it’s really neat, but I have to wait a long time for the baby to get here,Stephen added.It’s like waiting for Christmas – it takes forever, and sometimes Santa gets it wrong.

What?Irene exclaimed gaping and looking at Barrett. “Can you believe this – he’s saying Santa got it wrong? I guess he didn’t like his gifts last year.”

“Irene, it’s an opportunity,” he laughed and motioned to Stephen.Why did Santa get it wrong last year?

Because, well…Stephen hesitated and looked at them both, suddenly unsure of himself as Barrett knelt in the parking lot where they had stopped.

You can say anything, buddy, and it’s okay,he promised.

I asked Santa for my daddy to come home…

And Barrett didn’t move, feeling those innocent words lance his heart as Irene gasped beside him.

I’m sorry your daddy didn’t come home.

Not him!Stephen signed, rolling his eyes in obvious annoyance.You! You were late and didn’t show up for months.

“Oh, Barrett,” Irene whispered emotionally, and he barely heard her as he stared at his son in awareness, realizing what the kid had said.

“You know, buddy,”he whispered and gestured openly.“I believe that everything has a time and a place. I always wanted to learn sign language, always wanted a family, and never knew any of this would happen… yet here you are. I’m sorry I was late meeting you both, but I am so glad I did. I love you, kiddo – so very much.”

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