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Epilogue: A New Beginning Several months had passed since Hank, Horace, and Myra had worked out a deal. Horace and Myra were blissful honeymooners, much to Hank’s chagrin, but everyone was anticipating the birth of the baby. The town was against the situation at first, but with time, they began to understand and accept the delicate compromise. Horace hadn’t wanted to leave Myra while she was so close to giving birth, but he was called to Soda Springs on urgent business about the telegraph. Lewis was in charge until he got back, but Myra had moved to the clinic so she would feel better until Horace returned from his trip. He was supposed to be back in a day, and the baby was a week away. She felt so tired and achy, and all she wanted was for Horace to be there with her. Dr. Mike was kind enough to lend her a room, and Sully slept at the clinic during the night in case Myra needed him to go to the homestead to get Dr. Mike. It was mid-afternoon, and Myra was sitting at Grace’s café. Grace had been a little jealous of Myra’s pregnancy at first, but she had eventually grown to accept that her friend was having a baby. She was so happy for her, that she had been helping Myra making blankets and clothes to keep it warm in the winter. Myra had been very thankful because she had never had much time to learn how to knit. “How are you feelin’ today, Myra?” Grace asked as she took a break and sat down across from the exhausted young woman. The customers had mostly left, so Grace figured she could rest her feet for a few minutes. “To tell you the truth, Grace, I’m feelin’ poorly. I ain’t been able to sleep at night, because my back hurts. I can’t sleep in any other position, because my belly gets in the way. I can’t see my feet, and they’ve been hurtin’ somethin’ awful lately. Horace used to rub my feet but he ain’t been around. I just want this little one to come out. I’m sick of bein’ pregnant! Am I a horrible mother?” Grace had to suppress a laugh. “Of course not! All pregnant women come to a breakin’ point. Believe me, I’ve seen it hundreds of times.” “I just hope it comes soon.” “I don’t see how you’re gonna do it.” “Do what?” “Have two fathers for that baby. One man in my life gives me a headache, but two?” “Well, Hank’s just gonna come visit sometimes. He ain’t gonna be there all the time like Horace. Hank’s just gonna be there because of the baby.” “If you say so. Well, I see some more customers. I best get back to work.” Myra stood and put some dollars down on the table. She started off toward the clinic and was surprised to run into Hank on the way. He had been coming around the corner of the saloon, heading towards Grace’s café. “Oh! Hank, you scared me!” “I was just comin’ to look for you.” “What is it?” “I wanted to check up on you.” “I’m fine. So is the baby.” “Are you alright alone at the clinic at night?” “I’m fine, Hank. Sully stays at the clinic at night in case I need Dr. Mike.” Hank slowly reached out and put his hand on Myra’s belly. “He’s kickin’.” “That’s all this baby ever does,” Myra said with a stressed sigh. She put her hands on her back and leaned into them, hoping to relieve some of the pressure. Hank took her hand and led her over to sit on the bench at the clinic. “You ought to stay off your feet. I remember Zack’s ma tellin’ me that she had to stay off her feet as much as she could when she was carryin’ him.” “You remember that?” “Course I do.” “I’m scared, Hank.” “Scared of what?” “I’m scared of givin’ birth. I’ve seen several babies born, and not a one of those births looked pleasant.” “You’ll be alright, Myra. You’re strong.” “I don’t know how you can say that,” Myra replied, rolling her eyes. “I cry all the time, because I can’t see my feet. Heck, I cry when the wind blows sometimes. I can’t control it.” “Maybe he’s just tryin’ to get you ready since he’ll be cryin’ all the time.” “Maybe. You seem pretty sure it’s a boy.” “There are lots of boys in my family. My grandpa and his wife had all boys. My pa and ma had all boys. Zack was a boy, so I’m sure this one is too.” “I don’t care what it is as long as it’s healthy.” Myra stood and started to walk towards the door when something inside of her sent pain to every part of her body. “OH!” Hank immediately stood and helped Myra stand up straight. Her fingernails dug into his arm and he picked her up into his arms. Dr. Mike, having heard Myra’s exclamation, hurried out of the clinic. “Dr. Mike! I think it’s time!” “I think you’re right, Myra,” Dr. Mike said with a grin. “Colleen! Get some warm water and clean towels!” Colleen, who had been standing in the doorway, nodded and hurried off to do as her mother had asked. Hank carried Myra into the clinic and put her on the table. Myra adjusted herself, and Dr. Mike asked Hank to step outside. Hank did as he was told and Dr. Mike turned to Myra. “It’s going to be alright, Myra. Women have been having babies since the beginning of time.” “I want Horace!” Myra cried. “I wish I could get him for you, but you’ll have to do this without him,” Dr. Mike replied. “He’ll be very surprised tomorrow, don’t you think?” Myra cried out, and Dr. Mike began to examine her. After a little while, the doctor knew that Myra was definitely in labor. “Dr. Mike, you gotta help me! I think I’m dyin’!” Dr. Mike knew Myra was perfectly healthy and in no danger, but she also knew that anything could happen. “You’ll be fine, Myra. Just relax, and I’ll go help Colleen.” “I don’t wanna be alone!” “Alright, I’ll stay here.” “No. I don’t wanna be alone during the birth!” “You want Hank in here with you?” “Is that illegal?” “Absolutely not. It’s just that most fathers would rather wait outside.” “I want Hank in here! I want someone here with me. I don’t want to do this alone!” Myra was in tears now, and Dr. Mike nodded. She walked over to the door and opened it up. Hank stood up. “What’s goin’ on?” “Myra’s definitely gone into labor. She says she wants you in there with her.” “What?” “She doesn’t want to do it alone,” Dr. Mike explained. “But men don’t go inside when the woman’s havin’ the baby.” “It’s not completely unnatural. In Boston, some fathers have gone into the rooms while their wives were in labor, and some have stayed though the birth. Some men have even delivered the babies.” Hank looked a bit green in the face, but he nodded, knowing he couldn’t let Myra be alone. Jake Slicker came walking over. “What’s Hank doin’ in there?” “He’s going to be with Myra. She’s gone into labor.” “He’s gonna stay in there the whole time?” “If Myra wants him to. Excuse me, I need to get back to my patient.” Dr. Mike went back into the clinic. Brian came walking over. “Hey Mr. Slicker. What’s goin’ on?” “Looks like a baby’s on the way.” “You mean Myra’s baby?” “Yeah. Hank’s in there with her.” Brian ran off to tell everyone that Myra was about to have the baby. A crowd soon formed outside of the clinic to hold a vigil until news of the mother and baby came. “Where’s Hank?” Loren asked. “He’s in there. Dr. Mike says he’s gonna stay with Myra.” “For the whole thing?” Loren asked, cringing. “That ain’t natural! The men are supposed to wait and pass out cigars!” Dorothy rolled her eyes. “If Myra wants Hank in there, I say she should get what she wants. After all, she’s the one doin’ all the work in bringin’ a new life into this world.” *~* “Aaaaaaaahhhhh!” Myra screamed as her contractions became closer together and more painful. Hank was holding her hand while she bore down. He wasn’t someone who let it be known when they were in pain, but the pain his hand was feeling was quite overwhelming. He yelped when Myra squeezed it again. “Doc! I think she’s breakin’ my hand!” “Come on, Myra! Push! I see the head! Come on!” Dr. Mike urged. Colleen had had to re-heat the water a couple of times since Myra’s labor began. Dr. Mike was surprised at how fast Myra’s labor was progressing. In just a few minutes, Myra would be a mother, and Hank would be a father again. Meanwhile, Horace would also be a father and not even know it yet. “Get this outta me!” Myra shouted in desperation. After a few more pushes, the cries of a healthy baby were heard. The townspeople outside began to celebrate the birth of a new baby; a new life. Dr. Mike grinned and held the baby up for its wide-eyed parents to see. “It’s a boy!” Dr. Mike announced. Hank smiled at his son for a moment before his eyes rolled to the back of his head and he passed out cold on the floor. “Oh!” Myra exclaimed. “Is he alright?” “He’ll be fine. Colleen, get the smelling salts,” Dr. Mike said quickly. “I know Hank will be fine. I meant the baby.” “Your baby appears to be in perfect health. Congratulations.” Myra smiled and relaxed on the bed, while Dr. Mike cleaned up the newborn baby boy. *~* Myra was holding her newborn baby in her arms when Hank walked into the recovery room. He had a bandage around his head, because he had cut himself when he fell. Other than that, he looked like a proud papa. “How ya feelin’?” “Much better,” Myra whispered. “How’s he doin’?” “He’s perfect,” Myra said, sniffling. “He’s so beautiful.” “I told you he’d be a boy.” “Yeah you did,” Myra replied with a grin. “We should name him Henry,” Hank suggested. “Oh no,” Myra laughed. “If we call him Henry, you’ll get to call him Hank. Horace wouldn’t like that.” “We ain’t callin’ him Horace either,” Hank replied. “I know that,” Myra replied. She kissed her baby boy’s forehead. “I’ve already come up with a name that both you and Horace better agree on.” “What’s that?” “Quinton. Quinn for short.” “Oh now you’re gonna give the doc a big head.” “She’s been there for me for a long time, Hank. The least I can do is this. Besides, I’ve always loved that name.” “Well, you’re the ma.” “Do you want to hold your son?” Myra asked. Hank swallowed hard. “Alright,” he said quietly. Myra gently handed the baby over to Hank. Hank held his son close and rocked him gently. “He looks like you,” Myra whispered. “Nah, he looks like you,” Hank replied. “He’s got your nose and your eyes.” “Looks like he’s gonna have your hair.” Hank chuckled at Myra’s comment. The baby’s hair was light brown and thick. “But don’t think my son’s gonna have long hair. He’ll be visitin’ Jake on a regular basis for a haircut.” Hank laughed and smiled at Myra. “When I look at this kid, I know that he’s gonna do somethin’ with his life. I suppose that havin’ Horace as a second pa won’t do him any harm. I know you love this boy, and I know you love Horace. As long as he treats my boy right, I’ll accept this.” “You don’t know how much that means to me,” Myra said, becoming misty-eyed again. “I ain’t really gonna like it, but I ain’t gonna start no fights with Horace anymore if I can help it.” Myra laughed. “Thank you. Thank you.” *~* The next morning, the stagecoach pulled into town. Hank saw Horace getting off the stagecoach and he had to suppress a laugh. He and Myra had come to an understanding. Hank wouldn’t be rude to Horace anymore, and Horace wouldn’t come looking for an argument. Myra had to talk to Horace about that, but she was sure that things would be fine. Hank had just come from seeing Myra and the baby, and he figured someone would run over to tell Horace that Myra had had the baby. But everyone was bustling around, fretting about their own schedules. As soon as Horace walked into the telegraph office to relieve Lewis of his duties, Hank started over toward the office, putting his cigar out in the dirt. Horace was sitting down to catch up with the latest telegrams Lewis had written down when Hank walked in. He looked up and saw Hank leaning on the counter with a smirk on his face. “What do you want?” “I came to ask if you know where your wife is.” “She should be restin’ in bed,” Horace replied. “I was about to go over to the clinic and check on her.” “Well, you better get over there quick.” “Why? What’s wrong with her?” “Well, if you want to see my son, you’d better get over there and see him.” “Oh my gosh! Myra had the baby?” Horace asked, jumping up and running over to Hank. He had a big grin on his face and, Hank nodded. Horace hugged Hank, and Hank pulled away. “Hey!” “Sorry. I’m just so excited!” “Well, go see your wife and my kid.” “That baby’s just as much mine as it is yours and Myra’s.” “I know,” Hank replied. “Myra and me talked, and we got to another understanding. Now, go over there before Myra worries herself to death!” Horace hurried over to the clinic, burst in, and headed up to see Myra before Dr. Mike could get in a word. Sully, who was working on fixing a cabinet door, looked at Dr. Mike. “I guess he found out about the baby,” Sully pointed out. Dr. Mike laughed. She stood and walked over to Sully. He put his arms around her and kissed her softly. “You ever think about havin’ babies?” “Sully!” Dr. Mike exclaimed. “It’s a bit early to discuss that. We’re just courting.” “It never hurts to discuss it.” “Well, of course I think about it,” Dr. Mike said, blushing. “Do you?” “After Abagail and my daughter died, I never thought I’d find love or have children again. Now that I’ve found love, I know I definitely wouldn’t mind becomin’ a pa again.” Dr. Mike grinned and hugged Sully close, dreaming of her future with the man she loved. *~* Hank gently tapped on Myra’s door. He was so excited, but he knew he shouldn’t burst in. The baby could be sleeping. “Come in,” he heard Myra call. He carefully opened the door and saw his beautiful wife lying in bed, nursing their son. “Horace!” Her eyes lit up and she grinned happily. “Hank just told me about the baby,” he said softly. “Isn’t he perfect?” “Hank?” “No! The baby!” “Oh, him! Yeah. He’s perfect. It’s a miracle too, considerin’ who his real pa is.” Myra rolled her eyes. “You hush,” she whispered. “You can’t be sayin’ things like that about him anymore. This baby is Hank’s too.” “This is the strangest family I’ve ever been a part of, and that’s sayin’ a lot.” Myra laughed. “It’s funny how things work out. But Quinton here . . .” “Quinton?” “I named him Quinton, Quinn for short.” “That’s a wonderful name. Have you told Dr. Mike?” “No. I’m gonna surprise her later,” Myra replied with a smile. Horace kissed Myra’s forehead. “I love you, Myra.” “I love you too, Horace.” She handed the baby to him and he held him as if he were going to break. “Horace, he ain’t gonna break.” “I know. I just can’t believe he’s really here.” Myra smiled. “I know it might sound silly, but after marryin’ you and havin’ him, I feel like I’ve been born again.” “That ain’t silly. You have a new life now.” Myra smiled and took a deep breath. “You know, this baby’s real lucky.” “Why’s that?” “Not only does he have a mama who loves him, but he’s got two papas. I think that’s pretty lucky if you ask me.” Horace, deciding it was time to get used to Hank being a part of his life, smiled and nodded, knowing that he had a whole lifetime to be a pa to this boy and a husband to Myra. He hoped Hank could be as happy with a woman and a family some day. Horace knew that Hank would always be around, but maybe he’d have the love of a woman too, and he wouldn’t be lonely anymore. “I think Quinn’s still hungry,” Myra whispered. Horace handed him over to his mama, and he began to eat again. Hank was standing in the hallway, watching his child, the woman he loved, and her husband. He knew Myra was happy and so was his son. As long as they were happy, nothing else in the world mattered. THE END |
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