Whispering Rock (Virgin River #3)(102)

Walt and Tommy were most impressed with their new addition, as was the entire gathering. The camera came out and pictures were taken, the blanket pulled back to watch him kick his little legs, to exclaim on the size of his feet.

“Bet you could use a shot,” Preacher said to Paul.

“Whew, partner, you’ll never know,” he said, scrubbing a hand along the back of his neck.

“What you got on your pants there, bud?”

Paul looked down. “I believe that’s amniotic fluid. The carpet’s going to have to be shampooed in there.”

“No doubt.” Preacher tipped a bottle over a few glasses. “I’m going to do that, you know. I’m going to be with Paige when the baby comes. I’m dying to do that.”

“Well, I hope you’re more prepared than I was. It really took me by surprise.”

“But you don’t regret it, do you?”

“Nah. It was awesome,” he said.

“That’s all I hear,” Preacher said. “These guys, they don’t want to do it, but then afterward they think it was their idea. Zeke, you know—he’s done it four times. He says he’d do it four more, but I think his wife is going to shoot him before that can happen.”

“Zeke is a paramedic,” Paul said. “That might give him an edge.”

“Yeah,” Preacher said, sipping. “Also a sex maniac, I guess. A sex maniac who loves kids.”

Jack joined them. “So—you made it.”

“Jack, you are my hero. It was such a challenge to just be there, I don’t know how you delivered David. Honest to God, I don’t.”

“I had directions,” he said, lifting his glass. “I’m not doing it again, however. I’m going to keep a really close eye on her next time. I want to watch, that’s all.”

It was a celebration, albeit quiet and controlled so as not to get the baby wailing or wake Vanessa, who had earned a little rest. Christopher was out like a light on the couch, and David was asleep on Walt’s bed with pillows stacked around him. Pretty soon Mel emerged and she was congratulated on a job well done. Everyone had their turn to hold the baby and then finally he was taken back to his room, his mother’s room.

They all gathered in the dining room with their celebratory drinks, remnants of snacks still on the table. Paul stood in the doorway to the kitchen. Brie sat on Mike’s lap, Paige leaned up against Preacher, his big arm around her shoulders. Jack stood behind Mel, massaging her shoulders. Walt had given Tom a beer, which he appeared to be handling like a pro.

“So when are the Valenzuelas stepping up to the plate?” Walt asked.

“We’re working on it,” Mike said with a grin. Then he kissed Brie’s cheek. “Aren’t we, baby?”

“Mike is working very hard.” She laughed.

“Oh, you wanna look out for that,” Preacher said. “Ask Mel. Crazy as it seems, ha**ng s*x every day isn’t a good way to get pregnant.”

“John!” Paige scolded.

Before she could get her scold out, at least three people echoed, “Every day?”

“Well, Jesus, it’s not against the law, is it?” Preacher asked, making everyone laugh the harder.

“Preacher, you are my hero, man,” Tommy said. “I wanna be just like you when I grow up!”

Walt ruffled his hair. “My son is a damn liar. He wants to be just like you yesterday!”

“It’s true,” Tom said. “I’m not all that keen on babies, but the rest of it sounds pretty cool.”

It wasn’t long before people started to make noises about leaving, looking around for Paul. It seemed he had slipped away. Jack went down the hall and peeked into Vanessa’s room, to find her sleeping peacefully.

Jack told the birthing party to sit tight while he looked to see if Paul had stepped outside for air. He put on his jacket and walked out around the house and down past the stable and corral. He didn’t have to be psychic to figure this out. It had been a long and emotional day for Paul. He was standing up on that little hill not far from the house. The one from which you could see a whole lot of the general’s land.

Paul glanced over his shoulder as he heard the frozen ground crunching beneath Jack’s boots. Then he looked back at the gorgeous headstone. It read “Matt Rutledge, beloved husband, father, son, brother, friend.” Jack put his hand on Paul’s shoulder. “He’d be glad you were there, standing in for him.”

“I was just telling him about it and I thought, shit, I don’t even know how much of him is in there.”

“None,” Jack said. “He’s moved on.”

Paul hit his chest with a fist. “I still have him here.”

“Of course. Everyone who loved him has him there. I think that’s the point.”

“I shouldn’t have been the one tonight. It should’ve been him. She misses him so much.”

“Look, we all have different paths, Paul. His led him there, yours led you here.”

Paul sniffed and wiped at his face. “The house is about done,” he said. “Vanni will be up and around in no time and I can’t hang around here anymore. I have to get back. To Grants Pass.”

“Yeah,” Jack said. “But you’ll be back pretty soon. You have strong ties here.”