The weather has finally warmed up in Brindleton Bay. I take Hiro out for a walk to enjoy the beautiful morning. Afterward, we work on a new dog training skill. Hiro is a brilliant dog and begins learning to fetch rapidly.
I’m back in the house 10 minutes before Ma calls.
Melisa: *on the phone* Any news on the baby yet?
Wade: No, Ma. I told you that you’ll be the first to know.
Melisa: Okay. How’s Maia feeling? Is she scared or nervous?
Wade: She just came down. I’ll ask her as soon as I’m off the phone.
Melisa: Good. Let me know if anything changes.
Ma sounds anxious as if she’s the one expecting a baby. I guess, in a way, she is.
Wade: I will, Ma. I promise.
I end the call and walk over to Maia.
Wade: You look beautiful. Do you feel okay? Ma wanted to know if you were nervous.
Maia: Thank you! I feel alright right now. But we’ll see if that changes. My father called to let me know he’s a few hours away. He should get here around 2.
Wade: Okay, I’d better shower and figure out where he’ll sleep. Be back in a minute.
After Dub disappears upstairs, Maia sits at her computer, prepared to search parenting forums, when suddenly she feels an intense tightening around her midsection. At first, she dismisses it as just movement from the baby, but when it returns, she can no longer deny that she’s in labor.
Maia: *to the baby* So, we’re doing this right now?
The reply comes in the form of another painful contraction.
Maia: *groans* I guess that’s a yes.
Maia is sitting in the middle of the floor, meditating when I return.
Wade: Is everything okay?
Maia takes a few deep breaths before responding.
Maia: For now, but I’m in labor.
Labor? Did Maia say that she’s in labor, as in the baby’s coming—right now? My stomach plunges to the floor as my heart begins to echo in my ears. What do I do? I can barely think, but I’m mindful enough not to express my panic out loud.
I mentally slap myself to attention. ‘Dub! You’ve got this. Get yourself together and be there for Maia.’
Maia struggles to her feet, and I pull her into my arms.
Wade: What can I do for you, baby?
Maia: Nothing right now. I think I just need to go lie down for a bit.
Wade: Okay, I’ll go with you.
Maia: You can’t. My father will be here any minute. I need you to stay here and let him in.
Dammit! I forgot that Clyde is coming today. That’s the last thing I need. But welcoming him is part of being there for Maia, so I’ll do it.
Wade: Yeah, okay. I’ve got you.
Maia: Thanks. You can bring him up when he gets here.
The thought of bringing Clyde to our bedroom makes me clench my jaw involuntarily.
Wade: Will do!
Maia climbs the stairs, and I pull out my phone to text Ma.
Wade’s Text: Maia is in labor!
I want to be upstairs, making sure Maia is okay, but a promise is a promise. I use the time before Clyde arrives to set up a cot and a camping side table at the bottom of the stairs where Hiro and Luna’s beds are usually located. I feel bad it’s the pet corner, but it’s the only place with enough room to set everything up.
I can almost feel Clyde coming before he even arrives at the door. His knock is loud, wood against wood – so I know he used his dreadful cane. I shout, ‘Come in,’ and he steps through the door. Just from the stiff expression on his face, I can already predict how this visit is going to go.
Clyde walks in and puts his bag down by the door.
Wade: Hey, Mr. Tilley. I hope you had a smooth trip.
Clyde: Hello. Thanks, it was just fine.
Wade: I’m glad to see you again.
Bile rises in my throat that I hope Clyde can’t hear in my voice.
Clyde: Uh huh, you too. Where’s my daughter?
Clyde takes a few steps into the kitchen and looks around.
Wade: She’s upsta-
He interrupts before I can finish my response.
Clyde: You sure have a lot of fancy sh*t up in here! It’s huge. How many people live here?
How many? What kind of question is that?
Wade: It’s just Maia, me, and our cat and dog.
Clyde: All this for two people?
This house isn’t big enough for us, especially with the baby coming, so I’m confused about why he’s making it sound like a mansion.
Wade: Yes, sir, just us. I was about to say that Maia is upstairs. Her contractions have started.
Clyde: *angered* My daughter is up there suffering, and you’re just standing down here having a casual conversation? Take me to my daughter!
Wade: She’s not suffering, she’s – uh, never mind. Follow me.
I lead Clyde to the stairs. He takes a good look at the cot.
Clyde: So this is me?
Wade: Yes, sir. It’s the only space I can find.
Clyde: You have all this house; the only spot you can find is probably the pet’s corner.
Sh*t! How did he know?
Wade: You’ll see that it’s not that big.
Clyde grunts on every other step, but other than that, he’s quiet as I lead the way to the bedroom. Maia seems to be resting peacefully. I hate to disturb her, but she opens her eyes and begins to sit up as soon as she hears her father’s voice.
Clyde: Hey there, Maia girl!
Maia gets up right away.
Maia: Father! You made it!
Clyde’s love when he hugs Maia is a stark contrast with how he greeted me downstairs. Within their embrace, I see he’s just a concerned dad who would move heaven and earth for his daughter. Maybe I can learn something from that as I step through the threshold of fatherhood.
Clyde: How are you feeling?
Maia backs away after the embrace.
Maia: I’m okay right now. But I really have to pee.
Clyde: Okay, Maia girl. Handle your business.
When Maia leaves the room, Clyde turns to me with daggers shooting from his pupils. If that look could kill, I’d never meet my baby. I try to soften the moment.
Wade: There’s something I could use your help with.
Nope, no softness at all.
Clyde: And what the hell would that be?
Wade: As you can see, this place only has one bedroom. So we’ll have to move soon.
Clyde walks over and sits down next to me on the bed.
Clyde: Okay, I’m listening.
Wade: I’d like for us to relocate to San Sequoia.
Clyde’s eyes grow big and fill with a glimmer of kindness and gratitude.
Clyde: You want to bring my baby girl back home?
Wade: Yes, sir. That’s the plan, but I need help finding a place as soon as possible.
Clyde: Say no more! I got you.
Clyde pulls out his phone and begins scrolling.
Clyde: I’ll text my friend, Ole Hooknose Charlie! He knows every empty crib in the city.
That’s great news!
Wade: Oh, nice! Is Charlie a real estate agent?
Clyde: A real estate agent? *scoffs* Hell no. He’s a professional squatter.
All my hope dissipates instantly.
Wade: I’m sorry – a professional what?
(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)
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