The Law of Moses(102)

“She’s going to have your coloring. Your hair,” I contributed, looking at the pale fuzz on Kathleen’s tiny head and the rosy hue of her skin. I was already wondering what colors I would use to match it.

“She’s got Eli’s mouth, Moses. Maybe she’ll have his smile,” Georgia’s own smile slipped a notch and my heart stuttered in my chest. We missed him. We missed Eli. And his absence was the only shadow on this moment.

“I hope so. It was a great smile,” I said. I leaned in and kissed Georgia’s mouth, the mouth that was just like Eli’s, just like little Kathleen’s.

“My hair, your eyes, Eli’s smile, her great-grandmother’s name . . .”

“And Tag’s charm. Let’s hope she has Tag’s charm.” We laughed together.

Then Georgia spoke softly to our little daughter, stroking her downy cheek, cradling her in her arms. “Those are five greats for you, Kathleen. Five greats for today and for always.”

Georgia and I grew silent for a moment, studying our baby girl. She’d stopped crying and was looking past us, her eyes wide, her little hand wrapped around my finger.

I turned my head, wondering what she could see.

And from the corner of my eye I saw him too. Just a glimpse. Just for a moment. And I caught a flash of that smile.



The End