Eight Months Later

Irene closed her eyes tightly and clung to Jack's hand. She lay on the bed with the baby coming. Jack sat on the edge of the bed, facing Irene, and stroked her hair with his other hand. He was afraid and she could see that in his wide brown eyes. He was terrified of many things, not only what was happening. He also knew that some women died during childbirth. He also knew that newborn babies died for no apparent reason. That would crush Irene. She was looking forward to the baby, no matter whether boy or girl.

Lisa and her friend, Hillary, and Hillary's mother were also in the room. Hillary's mother, Hannah, was the best midwife in all of West Elizabeth.

"Hang in there, baby," Jack whispered into her ear. "You and the baby will both be fine."

"Jack, if I don't make it, promise me you'll do your best for the baby," Irene asked as she stared into his eyes. "This is your son or your daughter. Promise me, baby."

"I promise, Irene," Jack told her. "I'll be the best father that I can possibly be. You have my word. But, you gotta hang on. This baby needs both of us."

"Irene, listen to me," Hannah said. "You need to push now. Let's get your baby here with us all."

Jack gripped both of Irene's hands.

The next three hours were long and difficult for Irene as she struggled to give birth. She cried, screamed, and tightly shut her eyes. The entire time; Jack was terrified, but knew that she needed him. He fought to keep from passing out or losing it. He talked to Irene, calming and encouraging her.

Finally, Hannah looked at Irene. "Almost there, Irene," she said, reassuringly. "One more should do it. Give us one more."

Irene took a deep breath and gave it all she had as she sat up, supported by Jack and Lisa. She then let out a half-groan-half-scream and allowed gravity to take her back onto the bed, flat on her back. She had no more strength. She barely moved.

Jack looked at Hannah. "Well?," he asked.

Jack could not see what Hannah was doing. After a few tense moments, he heard the crying of his baby.

"You have a daughter, Jack," Hannah said. "You have a little girl."

Jack looked at Irene. She was gasping and so exhausted. He leaned over and whispered into Irene's ear, "We have a baby girl." He kissed Irene and rubbed back her hair from her face.

"Jack, why don't you hold your daughter?," Hannah asked. She had cut the cord and wrapped the baby in a towel that Lisa had gotten from the other room.

Jack stared for a moment. "I've never held a baby," he admitted. "Not even my little sister when she was born. Then, I was only eight and Ma thought I would drop her."

"You're not eight years old now, Jack," Lisa said. "This is your daughter."

"It's OK, Jack," Hannah said. She placed the baby into his arms. "Support her head on your arm. That's perfect. And hold her against your chest. Let her relax in your arms."

Jack relaxed as Hannah helped him get the proper hold on the squirming baby. She then stepped back. Jack looked at the baby.

"She has my eyes," Jack said quietly. "She's beautiful." Jack stared at his daughter, taken by her. "Now I know how my Pa felt," he said. He kissed the baby's head. "Everything will be OK," Jack told the baby. "I'm gonna take good care of you and your mother. I promise." He snuggled the baby closer to his chest, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. "I love you."

Irene was not able to sit up by herself. Hannah and Lisa helped her up and leaned her back against the headboard. Lisa covered her lower body with the blankets. Jack placed the baby into Irene's arms.

"Our daughter," Irene smiled. "She has your eyes, Jack." She hugged her baby close to her chest. "Let's name her Angela, Jack," Irene suggested. "Our little angel."

Jack smiled. "Angela," he repeated.

"Angela Irene Marston," Irene added. "I like that." She looked at Jack.

Jack hugged Irene in one arm and touched the baby's face with his other hand. He would do all he could to protect his family, just like his own father had always done. Just like his own father, Jack would give his life to protect them if it ever came to that. Nobody would take his beloved family from him.

Nobody.

Author's Notes

Lincoln Logs were invented in 1916, by John Lloyd Wright, son of Frank Lloyd Wright. In 1918, the toy was marketed by the Red Square Toy Company and by John Lloyd Wright, Incorporated; of Chicago, Illinois. Until the mid-1980's they were made of wood. Since then, they have been made of plastic.

The Tinker Toys toy set was created in 1914. Like Lincoln Logs, they were once made solely of wood and are now made of plastic.

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