A Family of Their Own, Part 4

Alec and Felix sat in the parlor facing each other. Their ears perked up at every sound from upstairs. Nearby, Daniel lay curled up fast asleep. Gus had remained at Felicity's side, despite Hetty's objections on what was proper.

At 11:32 PM, the cry of a newborn shattered the stillness of the early June night. The two men rose, almost in unison, and walked to the bottom of the stairs. After what seemed an eternity (the second time that day that something had seemed an eternity to Felix), a door upstairs opened. Alec and Felix looked up to the ceiling and followed the sound of the steps. Hetty ran down the stairs (Felix didn't know she could run) and said one word. "Girl!!"

Felix and Alec hugged each other and Hetty. The commotion woke Daniel.

"What's going on?," he asked sleepily.

"Well, Uncle Daniel, you have a niece," Felix told his brother.

"How are they? When can we see them?," the proud grandfather asked.

Hetty's joy and excitement at being a great-aunt was visible on her face.

"Felicity and the baby are doing just fine and Gus was a real trooper. They are all understandable exhausted, so Janet thinks it would be best if visitors waited till the morning. Gus said they will announce the name then, as well."

Hetty finished off with a giggle.

Gus Pike awoke the next morning to the sound of a baby softly fussing. He opened his eyes and smiled at the sight of Janet helping Felicity teach the baby to nurse. Felicity sat in the rocking chair next to the bed.

"So, how are my girls this mornin'?" Gus sat up in bed.

"Oh, we're wonderful. Aren't we, sweetie? Say 'Good Morning' to your daddy." Gus had never seen Felicity so happy.

"Well," said Janet as she stood up from beside the chair, "looks like this little lady is full."

Janet helped her daughter and granddaughter back to bed and headed for the door.

"Mother." Janet turned around. "After Gus gets dressed you all can come in and we'll announce the name. Could you also call Aunt Hetty? We want her here."

"Of course, darling."