Page 65 of The Ties That Bind
Brie could hear Nonna’s muffled voice as she repeated everything Sir said to Nonno. The excitement Brie heard in her voice was heartwarming.
“His name is Anthony Alonzo Davis.”
The phone suddenly became silent, and Brie looked at Sir in concern.
“There’s no need to cry, Nonna,” Sir said soothingly, but the sweet old woman could not seem to stop crying.
Finally, Sir handed the phone to Brie, telling Nonna, “Brianna would love to talk to you.”
Brie pressed his cell phone against her cheek and spoke in Italian. “It’s okay, Nonna…”
“I’m just so happy!” Nonna sobbed. “The tears won’t stop, Nipotina.”
Brie understood her immense joy, so rather than trying to make the tears stop, she said, “He looks like Thane. You won’t believe the resemblance.”
“I…I…” Nonna sobbed several more times before handing the phone to her husband.
Nonno apologized. “Forgive her, Nipotina. She’s overcome with joy.”
“No need for apologies, Nonno. Happy tears are a gift.”
“Will you be coming to visit soon?” he asked hopefully.
Brie covered the phone with her hand and told Sir, “They’re wondering when we’re coming to visit.”
He chuckled. “Our son is not even a few hours old and they already want us to fly across the ocean to visit?”
“It’s so sweet,” Brie giggled.
Brie’s dad suddenly spoke up. “Take it for what it’s worth, Thane. We never know what the future will bring.”
Sir nodded thoughtfully. “I appreciate the advice, Dad.”
Looking to Brie, Sir asked, “How do you feel?”
She answered truthfully. “When I think of Nonna holding our son, I can’t get there soon enough.”
Sir smiled. “Then tell Nonno that we’ll make the trip when it is safe for both mother and child.”
Brie loved being the one to give them the happy news and laughed with joy when poor Nonna burst out in a fresh set of tears.
She handed the phone back to Sir. “You’ve just made yournonnathe happiest woman on the planet.”
“Not me, my dear. This is all you.”
Sir finished the conversation, filling the hospital room with the beautiful lilt of the Italian language.
There is one thing missing… Brie thought.
After Sir hung up, Brie’s dad surprised them both by stating, “In no way am I trying to sound ungrateful for your choice in naming your son after my grandfather, but I have to admit I’m surprised you didn’t give him the first name Alonzo.” He glanced at his wife. “We both know how much you loved your father, Thane.”
Sir glanced at Brie. “We talked it over extensively. You’re right. I loved my father deeply. However, I don’t want our son living in his shadow. I know my father would feel the same. Anthony will be free to make his way in the world without any expectations beyond his own talents and desires.”
Brie’s dad gave him a look of admiration. “You are a very wise man, Thane. Much wiser than your years.”
Brie put her hand over her mouth to hide her smile. She knew how much the word “wise” grated on Sir’s nerves but he didn’t even bat an eye. “Thank you.”
Slapping Sir on the back, her dad told him, “Well, I’d better get Marcy home. It’s been quite an eventful day for all of us!”
