On Saturday, we spent the day catching up on laundry and relaxing. Now we had no reason to rush on Sunday morning. Saturday was a warm day, so we spent a lot of time on our patio. Tammy had an old country station on the player and sang parts of the songs.
We cooked some pork steaks and an ear of corn on our bar-b-que pit. Of course, that has to include a tall, cold frosty one or two or, who’s counting.
Sunday morning brought more bright sunshine and clear blue skies. Tammy brought our coffee into the bedroom wearing her “Suck Here” T-shirt. I held our cups, and she snuggled in next to me.
“Good morning, my Lover, how did you sleep? Oh, the T-shirt is for this afternoon,” Tammy blushed a little and giggled.
“I slept well, and I think you did too. With that T-shirt, it seems as though you have our Sunday planned. I love your planning,” I sipped my coffee.
“I did sleep unbelievably well, Hank. I don’t remember the last time I slept that deeply. I actually feel refreshed. It’s weird,” Tammy shook her head, trying to reason things out.
Our morning coffee was cut a little short. Tammy wanted to fix breakfast as she always does, and wanted some extra time to get ready for Church. I put in a new blade for my razor and gave myself a good, close hot shave. It felt wonderful.
Tammy had my slacks and dress shirt ready for me. I put a quick shine on my black shoes while Tammy busied herself at her vanity. She caught me watching her in the mirror. She smiled, closed her eyes, and blew a kiss to me.
Tammy had a beige dress with crocheted short sleeves that she chose. She looks dynamite in it. She was in her bra and panties. I watched her pull up her pantyhose. Her expression said “I love you” in so many ways.
“You make love to me without saying a word, Hank. You make me feel like a complete woman,” Tammy approached me and we kissed.
She put on her dress and put her hand on my shoulder for balance as she slipped into her black heels. She turned to the vanity and gave herself a good once-over. She picked an invisible hair or two from her dress, smiled, then turned to me.
“How do I look?” she asked proudly.
“As beautiful as the day I married you, Baby. I will never forget that wonderful day. Is your lipstick smudge-proof?” I teased her.
“No, so be gentle.” Our lips touched enough to make me fall in love with her all over again.
The parking lot at St. Ignatius was half filled. I recognized Mona and Mark T.’s car along with Allison and Andrew’s. Tammy walked into the vestibule where they were waiting. It wasn’t long before the rest of our group arrived. We still had a few minutes before the Service.
Father Ryan’s sermons are anchored in family and community. Of course, he always thanks the congregation for their support and charity.
This Sunday’s sermon was a winner. Father talked about family and what it means for parents to encourage their children and to openly show affection to one another. He centered on children, teaching them love and respect. He almost got a standing ovation.
After the Service, Father Ryan walked to the back of the Church. He greeted everyone, shaking hands and having a short conversation with some. Since we sat in the front, we were the last in the line to leave.
When we got to Father, he said how great it was to have members of the State Champion Football team in Church. As we were leaving, Father Rayan stopped Tammy and me.
“Would you two have a minute or two? The Sisters and I have a little project that we would appreciate your help with. It will be an ongoing project, and we hope you will accept,” Father smiled as he waited for an answer.
I looked at Tammy, she nodded her head, so I turned to Father, “Sure, we are very happy to help. What can we do?”
“Come with me, please,” Father turned to walk back into the Church.
When we got up to the front of the Church, Father stopped and turned to us.
“If you don’t mind, I’ll ask Sisters Elsa and Anita to explain your project. Sisters, if you please,” Father called to the side of the Church.
The Nuns approached us carrying a little bundle. Tammy and I looked at each other. Tammy burst into tears.
“Is this – my – my – ba – baby? Is – is this real? Oh, my God, my baby. My baby girl,” Tammy’s tears streamed down her face as she uncovered the little person wrapped in a blanket.
Tammy dropped to her knees, and I knelt next to her. Her tears and sobs of joy echoed throughout the Church. Tammy ever so gently kissed our baby on her forehead.
“How do you know our baby is a girl?” I asked her.
“I know because that’s what I asked God for almost every night,” Tammy stammered.
Tammy looked at me with a strange look of love.
“Here, Hank. I always wanted to give you a baby. Here is your baby girl,” Tammy sobbed as she handed the little bundle to me. I started to cry.
Sister Anita spoke softly, “Yes, you have a daughter, and she has wonderful parents to guide her through her life. Have you thought about a name?”
Tammy had her hand on our baby as I held her. She looked up at the Nuns and Father Ryan.
“Her name is Elizabeth Tamara Johnston. Her Confirmation name will be Eden, feminine for Edward. My Grandma Betty’s name, my name, and her father’s name,”
Suddenly, there was cheering and applause. The group had stayed behind to see what Father had in mind. They came up to meet Elizabeth Tamara. They didn’t stay long; they knew we wanted to get her home.
“Father, is there anything else we can do?” I was drying my eyes as I spoke.
“No, Hank. Your generosity was enough to buy her a new pair of shoes,” Father said, smiling.
I went and got our car, then helped my girls get in. Father and the two Nuns waved to us as we left. I’ve never driven so cautiously in my life.
We pulled into the driveway, waited until the door opened, and then pulled in. I was helping Tammy and Elizabeth out of the car; Tammy had just put her feet on the floor.
“You-hoo - hello you two,” it was Mrs. Winslow.
“I was baking cookies for my grandson and, what - what - Tammy, Hank! Tammy, you had your baby! Oh, God bless you.” Tammy uncovered Elizabeth so Mrs. Winslow could see her face. I was standing there with a tin of cookies.
“Bless my soul, she is beautiful. Have you picked a name?” I helped Tammy out of the car.
“Yes, after my Grandma, who took me in. Elizabeth Tamara, Grandma Betty, and I,” Tammy was so proud.
You could tell Mrs. Winslow was itching to hold Elizabeth. Tammy handed Elizabeth to Mrs. Winslow, and Elizabeth fussed a little. Mrs. Winslow looked at our daughter with a tear in her eye.
“I remember when my Suzie was this small. Only seventeen inches and pounds three ounces. Elizabeth seems to be about the same size. Oh, my Heavens, a beautiful baby!” Mrs. Winslow gushed.
Mrs. Winslow handed Elizabeth back to Tammy, and Elizabeth fussed again, only a little louder and longer.
“Daddy, I think our baby is either hungry or...” Tammy scrunched her nose.
“No, she is hungry. I know those cries, and besides,” Mrs. Winslow sniffed the air. "There is no indication of a needed change,” she teased.
“I know I’m being a pushy old busybody, but if you need to get things for Hank or anything else, I will be more than happy to watch my “Granddaughter,” Mrs. Winslow giggled. “Well, bye for now. I am so happy for you and Hank. God has blessed you,” Mrs. Winslow headed home.
I got my girls in the house, but Elizabeth fussed a little more. Tammy smiled at me.
“Daddy, will you hold me while Mommy makes my dinner? I’ll probably want supper later as well,” Tammy giggled.
I sat in the chair in our living room. Elizabeth was moving about in the blanket. She was just starting to really get into it when Tammy brought her bottle. I stood up and motioned for Tammy to sit in the chair.
She put the bottle on the little side table and sat down. I handed our baby to Tammy, then the bottle. Tammy put the nipple near Elizabeth’s mouth, and she found it in a split second. She was hungry. Tammy looked up at me with tears in her eyes.
“Thank you, Hank. I would have let you give her the first bottle,” I stopped her.
“No, her first bottle had to come from Mommy. Daddy will get his chance. And while we’re on the subject of caring for her, I will assist at the two o’clock event. Her diaper isn’t any bigger than a tissue,” I smiled at my girls.
The new head of the house had a full tummy. Man, can that girl burp! Tammy put her in her crib. it was cute watching her tiptoe out of the nursery. She sat down, so I could hand her a beer.
“Baby, sit and relax, I’ll make our dinner. You must be getting hungry,” I was standing in front of her.
“No, Hank, but thank you. I am your wife, and yes, we have a baby now. We will get into a routine with meals and diaper duty, and all. I knew you wouldn’t be against diaper duty. I will keep my wifely duties, and when I need help, I know you will be there,” Tammy said with pride.
“Baby, I don’t want you to get overtasked. You’re one hell of a woman, but I don’t want you to get worn down,” I was begging a little.
“Hank, if I tell you I promise to let you know if I wear out, would you believe me?” Her voice was gentle.
“Sure, I would. Remember, I have two girls to love and protect now,” I smiled at her.
We went to the kitchen, heated some ham in barbecue sauce, and put it on a bun. The dill pickles and potato chips were a great accompaniment. We went into the living room, I started to put on some music, but stopped in my tracks. Tammy giggled.
I partially closed the drapes and lit our candles. I sat next to Tammy and started to hum in her ear
“What are you doing, you nut?” she chuckled while she rubbed her ear.
“I wanted some romantic music for us, but I didn’t want to wake Elizabeth,” I told her.
Tammy looked at me for a second, shaking her head. “You are a nut, Hank. But that’s why I love you,” she kissed me.
I read the papers Father gave us for Elizabeth. They gave her the Christian name Melissa Perkins. So, the legal papers will read that Melissa Perkins, age three months and seven days, will now be known as Elizabeth Tamara Johnston.
I thought that it was kind of cold, but I guess they try to keep everything legal to avoid problems later. I will go to the bank and put them in our safe deposit box when we get the final papers. No sense for Tammy to read them now.
I finished my sandwich, Tammy took my plate, and brought another hot ham sandwich. She sat closer to me and rested her head on my shoulder. Tammy was a contented woman, but from the other room, someone was not as contented.
“You've got to feed her first, so I get to change her first.” We put our plates on the cocktail table and went into the nursery. There was no doubt what our daughter needed.
“Hank, are you sure you want to do this?” Tammy was giggling, but Elizabeth wasn’t.
I grabbed a diaper and the baby wipes, I turned to Tammy and said with a decisive tone, “I’m goin’ in,” and started to unwrap our baby’s little butt.
I looked at Tammy, “How could all of that come out of this little person?” Tammy burst into laughter.
“Aren’t you glad those are flushable?” Tammy was still laughing.
“Oh, I’m frickin’ tickled to death. Dang Elizabeth!” I continued changing.
When I was finished, I put her in her onesie and covered her. Elizabeth cooed a little and stretched, then went back to sleep. We stood there watching her and holding each other. We quietly left her room and went to our room.
“Tammy, Baby, why don’t you take a nice hot, relaxing shower? You have had an emotionally draining day. I take mine after yours. Better yet, do you want to take a bath with some bubbles? You haven’t done that in a long time,” I wanted her to relax.
“No, Hank. You know I love my time with you, but tonight, it’s even more important to me to be with you. Do you understand?” she whispered.
I looked toward the nursery, then back to Tammy. “Honey, believe me, I understand. I feel the same way. Now, go on. Take some Tammy Time." We kissed, and I patted her butt.
“By the way, Mr. Lover, that part hasn’t changed. Maybe the timing may be different, but that will never change.” Tammy gave me that special smile, shook her butt, and went into the bathroom.
Departed Soul
