The next morning is Egg Day when Tambara becomes an infant. Although ordinarily calm, we quickly discover that she suffers from a gassy tummy, which makes her a bit fussy and resistant to sleepy time. Maia places her in her crib and rubs her belly, but it still takes a while to calm her.
Maia: I’m so sorry. I don’t know what else to do, sweet girl.
After a few hours of sleep, Tambara is wide awake and ready for another feeding. Maia heads downstairs to make breakfast, so I’m alone with Tami and a freshly made bottle. Tambara looks up at me distrustfully with gray eyes just like mine.
Wade: I know you prefer your milk straight from the source, but it’s just you and me. It’ll have to be the bottle for now. But trust me – it’s still the same milk.
I put the nipple in Tami’s mouth, and to my relief, she begins to drink.
Wade: There’s daddy’s girl. Daddy will never stir you wrong.
After Tami has finished her bottle, I put her on my shoulder and gently pat her back like I’ve seen Maia do. Suddenly, I feel a surge of warm liquid spewing over my shoulder. Tami has spit up over half her milk on me. I’m close to being grossed out, but I take it that this is one of the many badges of fatherhood. I guess I’ll wear it proudly.
Maia runs into her father in the hallway and hugs him on his way to the bathroom.
Maia: Father, good morning! How’d you sleep?
Clyde: Not too shabby. I can’t believe how quiet it is around here at night.
Maia: That’s one of the perks of living in Brindleton Bay. I’m going down to make breakfast. Is there anything special I can make for you?
Clyde: I’ll eat whatever you cook.
Maia goes to the kitchen and begins making omelets for everyone.
Clyde is dressed and ready for the day when I come down to the kitchen with Tami. Maia has the kitchen smelling incredible, but I need a shower, so I put Tami down and go back upstairs.
Maia watches over Tami while she eats her perfectly cooked omelet, regretting how upset she was when she found out about her pregnancy. She wonders how many other mothers with unplanned pregnancies end up feeling this way. Suddenly, Maia couldn’t imagine her life without this sweet little girl —Tambara Elise, a perfect mix of her and Dub. Maia’s heart melts whenever she looks into Tami’s face and sees Dub looking back at her. Her smile grows as she watches Tami begin to reach out for her toys.
After she finishes her breakfast, Maia takes the time to change Tami’s clothes and comb her hair, bringing back so many memories of her mother doing her hair when she was a little girl.
Now she’s dressed and looking as pretty and sweet as possible, Maia reintroduces Clyde to his slightly older granddaughter.
Maia: Tami, this is your grandfather, who traveled from San Sequoia to see you.
Clyde takes Tami in his arms.
Clyde: Oh Watcher! I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything so beautiful. And those eyes! Maia, this girl is going to break so many hearts.
Maia: Let’s hope not. I hope she finds the right person the first time.
Maia tickles Tami’s tummy, and Tami rewards them with her first smile.
Maia: Can you watch her for a few minutes? I need to get changed.
Clyde: Of course! I can’t imagine anything I’d rather do.
Maia steps away with a smile as she sees her father cooing and gently rocking little Tami. She can’t recall ever seeing her father so gentle and nurturing.
Clyde is rocking Tami in his arms and talking to her in a voice I never thought I’d hear from him when I return to the kitchen.
Clyde: *deep sing, songy voice* Grandfather’s baby is the sweetest and prettiest little girl in the world. Yes, she is! Yes, she is!
I wouldn’t believe it if I wasn’t seeing it and hearing it with my own eyes and ears. So there’s a softness buried deep in the old man’s chest that only Tami can access. Who would have thought?
My awe at witnessing this hidden side of Clyde is interrupted by a text on my cell. It’s from Ma, who is letting me know that the family is on their way to meet Tami. I’m glad to see it. It’ll be nice to have my family here after dealing with Clyde this past day.
I follow him as he carries Tami to the couch and sits with her.
Wade: My family is on the way to meet you and Tami.
Clyde: Oh really? This should be fun.
I immediately pick up on the sarcasm.
Wade: I’m sure you’ll like them.
The expression that I receive from Clyde is a stark contrast to how he looks at Tami.
Clyde: As long as they’re not uppity like you, I’m sure I will.
I let that comment slide.
The doorbell rings, and Clyde walks to the entryway with me to greet my family. He reluctantly hands Tami over, and the first thing I do is introduce her to Dad.
Wade: Dad, this is your granddaughter, Tambara Elise. Tami, this is your Pop-Pop.
My Dad’s eyes glaze over as I slide Tami into his arms. Who would have known that one little baby could turn tough men into gush?
Kai: *emotional* She’s so beautiful, Dub. It’s like looking at you as a baby all over again.
After handing out hugs and greetings, Ma walks over to Dad.
Melisa: Okay, it’s my turn now. Let me see my grandbaby.
Dad doesn’t hesitate to place Tami in Ma’s arms.
Melisa: Oh, my sweet baby. Look at you! I’m your granny. I’m so happy to meet you! Kai, she looks like Mom.
Kai: Yes, she does. It’s a shame that Jalisa never had a chance to see her.
(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)
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