Tommy 50 (the Epilogue)

October 1983 “Here you go, Baby.”  Tommy sat a piece of wedding cake down in front of her.  For some reason, despite the cool fall day in Chicago Sam felt warm.  She pushed the cake away from her. Tommy noticed Sam’s disinterest in a piece of cake she nearly threatened him for less than 10 minutes ago.  “Sam, is there something else you would rather have than cake?”  She shook her head & patted his thigh.  “Okay, just let me know if you change your mind.” Sam looked around the room at the many faces of family & friends.  Her eyes stopped on the beautiful bride & gorgeous groom.  No one was happier for Karen & Casey than she was.  Casey had just played his last season with the Indians.  He was going to start next season with the Cubs to be closer to Karen.  The two had become nearly inseparable since her own wedding, 18 months ago. Karen & Sam’s good friend, Linda was almost finished singing You Light Up My Life, when Sam felt a sharp pain.  She grabbed Tommy’s arm.  “Tommy!  Something is wrong!” Tommy immediately stood up.  “Is it the baby?  You aren’t due for 2 more weeks!?!” Sam started to cry as she felt wetness down her legs.  “I know I’m not, but I think my water just broke!” The commotion attracted Casey’s attention.  He ran over to his sister & brother-in-law.  “What’s wrong, Sami?”  Karen joined his side. “We need to get her to the hospital.”  Tommy was starting to panic.  Her Doctor had just told them she still had 2 weeks & not to be surprised if it took longer.  No one said anything about early. ********* “Mr. Metcalf?”  A short, balding man with glasses asked. Tommy stood up.  “Yes?” The man extended his hand. “I am Dr. Herbert Strohman.  Your wife & son are doing just fine, Mr. Metcalf.   She has asked to see you.” “My son?  I have a SON?”  He turned to hug Casey & Karen.  He hugged his father-in-law, Dave.  “You are a grandpa, Dave!  I need to see Sam!”  Tommy was so excited he was walking in circles.   “Casey, can you please call my mom & dad & let them know she is fine.”  Tommy had called Ginger & Jeff back in River Run to tell them they took Sam to the Emergency Room. Casey was smiling from ear to ear, his arm wrapped around his wife’s waist. “I sure will, Buddy!!” ********* Tommy walked into the room & took one look at his wife holding his son.  Tommy had never seen a more beautiful baby in his whole life.  He had a head full of dark brown hair.  When Tommy looked into that tiny face he saw eyebrows which mirrored his own. “Hi Daddy,” Sam said.  “I would like you to meet Nicholas Thomas Metcalf.”  She placed Nicky in his father’s proud arms.   “Hi, my precious son.”  Tommy kissed his perfect little fingers.  “I can tell you Grandpa Jeff will probably have you fitted for a ball glove next week.”  A tear rolled down Tommy’s cheek.