Page 64 of The Soul Never Forgets

“It wasn’t bad.”

“It was very bad, and we both know it. I can admit it. I’m not sure why you can’t.”

“I love you, and you can do no wrong in my eyes.”

“I do plenty wrong, you silly man.”

“I’m taking out one of the new ships for a test sail this morning. I’ll be away from shore for a little while, so do me favor and don’t go into labor.”

She pats her stomach. “Snug as a bug in a rug. Not coming out of there today.”

I lean over and rub her tummy. “Why is it so hard this morning?”

“I don’t know. The baby has been balling up a lot since I woke up.”

“Why does she do that?”

“I’m not sure whyhedoes that.”

I shake my head. “The baby is a girl, my love.”

“I’m sorry,my love, but the baby is a boy.”

“Only one of us is right, and we know who that always is.”

“I know who it is. I’m not sure you’ve figured it out yet.”

I finish my breakfast and sit back, rubbing my stomach. “I’m so full I may waddle out of here.”

She gets up and grabs a brown paper bag from the fridge, shaking it at me. “I made you two fried ham sandwiches and two fried peach pies for lunch.”

“When did you do all of this?”

“I told you. I got up at four o’clock.”

I’m glad Gussy feels good but it’s odd. “I’m going to come home midday to check on you.”

“You’re going to come home and check on me because I feel good?”

I don’t want to alarm her. “No, I’m going to come home and check on you because I love you, and I love this baby, and I want to be sure that both of you are all right.”

“You can come home and check on us if you like.”

“Thank you. I believe I will. I have to get ready for work.” I lean toward her and plant a quick kiss on her mouth. “I love you, Gussy.”

“I love you too, Frank.”

* * *

Mr. Le Blancis standing on the dock waving his hands over his head as we approach the boat shop from the test sail of the latest ship we’ve completed.

“Frannnnnk!”

The rhythm of my heart increases from thump… thump… thump to thump-thump-thump.

“What is it?” I shout, but I already know the answer.

“It’s August. The baby is coming.”

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