the woes of happiness

 

Were they sure they brought home the right baby? Frankie held the bundle of joy who looked up at him asking, "Who are you?'

Frankie couldn't help but grin. Honestly, he didn't want to be this happy. Although, he was no professional at holding babies. After all, he had to sit on the couch with it and be coached every step of the way. Still, the baby didn't take his eyes off him. As if he might be investigating Frankie's brain.

They named the baby Soren.

"After my mother's horse," Tori told him she'd always loved that name and had vowed when she was small that she would name her first son after the thoroughbred her mom used to ride equestrian style. 

Frankie kept smiling at the baby, thinking how could this be. The baby was not Melvin's. It was a relief to him yet not. Still, he didn't want to think about the root of it, but the blessing it became. Maybe no one needed to dwell on such a thing.

Tori talked of a nurse that helped her through the whole ordeal. Frankie knew she was talking about Bea.

"I wonder how many children she's had?" Tori smiled in thought.

"Oh, you mean, how many she's birthed?" He never sensed that Bea was a mother yet she definitely had that mothering quality.

"No, I'm pretty sure she knows." Tori's words haunted him. Would he dare ask Bea? Of course, they were barely talking and the last time he showed up where she worked, he felt as if he'd just made things worse between them. But then again, she'd snatched the donuts without hesitation. Just one more mystery he didn't need to think about. 

"She was so much better than that doctor ever was," Tori looked at him as if she knew all of Bea's secret skills. "I thought for sure she was a midwife."

"Oh." Frankie felt as if he was fading into oblivion. He'd never thought of Bea being so charismatic. 

"You have no idea who I'm talking about," Tori chuckled. "I know I'm boring you."

"Not at all," Frankie smiled back. He was grateful to spend this time with her. Even if they weren't in love.