Finding Family
Having completed all they needed for their trip to Chicago and having added Benton to their plans and now their lives. Fraser and Ray sat on the couch leaning on one another hands intertwined as they gave each other the support they needed. Ray was the first to speak, "So Ben you going to be ok tomorrow at Laura's funeral"? Brining Ray's hand to his lips and kissing it, "It won't be easy Ray it's still quite a shock. I should have seen it Ray. I mean those forms for Benton's custody and having to sign the birth Certificate. I just should have seen it"?
Ray turned to face Fraser taking both his hands in his, "Ben no one saw anything. I didn't sure we both thought it was odd. Laura was acting strange. We put it down to all the stress she has been under. Ben she had you sign the birth cert as another way to not have her husband have any control over Benton. The judge has made it clear that he won't and that we have Benton for good Ben. We'll face tomorrow together Ben with Benton. And we'll get through Chicago as a family. It will be scary as hell but we're a duet remember but now we're a trio".
Fraser smiled a sweet smile gripping Ray's hand tighter, we are indeed a trio now Ray and of course Diefenbaker. I understand Ray that Laura was just trying to protect Benton. We'll make sure he knows her. He has been through so much in just his three months on this earth you know"?
They sat for awhile longer snuggled up together. Listening to one another's breathing. Diefenbaker was in his new spot under Benton's cot keeping watch and protecting his new pack mate. After a while Fraser and Ray headed foe bed not before checking on the new family member. It was going to be a very long and stressful day tomorrow.
Morning dawned and they were in their new routine. While Fraser prepared breakfast Ray took care of Benton cleaning and changing him before his morning feed. After burping him and settling him into his chair they ate there own breakfast. This time it was ate in silence both was just as nervous as the other. There suites hung ready for them to wear the flowers were picked from there garden that were going to go down with her. Ray thought photos from Benton's blessing should go down with her as well. One with just herself with Benton and another of all of them together. Fraser had some of her with Lucy that could go down as well. It was agreed they would place them in the coffin before it was closed.
Standing in the funeral parlour Fraser was holding Ray's hand in his right while hold Benton in his left arm. The rest of the village waited outside leaving them to say goodbye on there own before they closed the coffin and to be carried to the grave site to be buried with Lucy.
Ray spoke gently to Laura it seemed silly but right, "Hey Laura you look good god that was a stupid thing to say but you do. We brought Benton to say goodbye. Ben and I promise we won't let you down with him. He will know who you are. We brought some photos from Benton's blessing and Ben got some of Lucy thought you'd like them". Ray placed the photos in the coffin along with the flowers.
Fraser stepped forward here he was yet again burring yet another Fraser. Of course he hadn't known she was a Fraser till recently and whished he'd known sooner. Fraser found his voice although it was shaky, "Thank you Laura for trusting us with Benton and for not blaming me for Lucy's death. I know I let you down but you never believed that even though I know I did. I hope you are with Lucy now and have peace. Don't worry about Benton he will be fine". With that Fraser nodded and the coffin was closed and place into the horse drawn carriage that waited outside to take her to her resting place.
The sky's where clear but it was frosty cold as they all sat at the grave side. Fr Byrne preformed the ceremony said the prayers and blessed the coffin with incense and holy water as he spoke, "we bless your body and your soul as we lay you to rest. May you have eternal rest and peace? May the lord guide you and keep you safe. God bless and Amen".
Fr Byrne asked if anyone would like to say a few words. So Fraser stood up and went up front. Looking nervous and shifting his feet, "Laura was a wonderful woman strong and brave. She had such wonderful children she'd be so proud. Sadly Laura had see Lucy die which is the hardest thing a parent can go through. And now Benton he is such a lovely little boy who Laura has entrusted on Ray and myself. We promise not to let her down. Rest in peace Laura". Fraser wiped a tear from his eyes as he stepped down to stand by Ray, Benton and Diefenbaker.
They watched as the coffin was lowered into the ground. Everyone from the village and the children from throw a signal flower into the grave. Anna and Linda and the children from the school sung Amazing Grace as they did. Everyone left for the community centre where there was food and refreshments waiting for them. Leaving Fraser, Ray, Benton and Diefenbaker to say a last goodbye.
Fraser and Ray dropped off Benton at Tilly's as she was looking after some of the younger children from the village who's parents where attending the funeral. She pulled them both into huge hugs. Tilly's eyes glistened with tears, "Oh my brave boy's how are you keeping. I'm here anytime you need me ok. You are so strong and so brave for taking Benton. I know you'll both give him a great life". With some more hugs there were off.
Fraser and Ray made there way to the hall while Diefenbaker played outside. Both didn't feel like going. They just wanted to go home with Benton and Diefenbaker and make sure everything was packed and ready as they were flying out tomorrow.
Everyone more or less said the same thing to them. 'Sorry for your loss if you need anything you know where I am'. They all meant well Fraser and Ray knew this but they just wanted out of there.
They where just to tired and quiet frankly still in shock. Everything had come at them so fast. They where glad to see Anna and Linda they had been a great help to them.
Anna asked, "Well boys you all packed and ready to go or would you like a hand with that". Ray smiled, "Na we're good Ben did it last night we just have to check it thank you anyway". They chatted for a little bit longer.
Fraser and Ray managed to drag themselves away after a bit. It was just too much for them and they wanted to be alone with Benton and Diefenbaker as when they where going to be in Chicago they would be surrounded by people all the time. The stress of having to not only explain Benton but there relationship and the fact they where getting married. And that Ray was leaving his job and moving to Canada to start a life with his new family. It was a lot and it was catching up with them they needed rest before it all happened.
They arrived at Tilly's to pick up Benton and she brought them in for some tea. On seeing how tired they where she said, "Oh my boys come sit and have some supper so you can go straight to bed when you go home. You're flying early right"? With a half smile Fraser answered, "Yes Tilly we're flying out at nine in the morning".
As they sat and ate there lovely supper Tilly spoke, "I know you're probably sick of hearing sorry for your loss and I'm hear if you need me. But I really am. Any time you need a break I'll take Benton for you. Go home and get yourselves to bed you look dead on your feet". Fraser and Ray answered together, "Thank you Tilly your very good friend". With more hugs and kisses them where on there way home.
They were soon back at there cabin. With the last checks on their bags and making sure their tickets and passports where in order they went to bed.
Ray turned to face Fraser, "Ben please tell me you packed the disposable nappies and NOT the cloth ones. because I'm telling you now I'm not using them not while we are travelling now way no how". Fraser silenced Ray by putting his finger to Ray's lips, "Ray, Ray, Ray I did and I agree it will be easier while we are travelling". Ray nodded and kissed Fraser long and deep, "Thank god".
They shared some more lazy kisses and cuddled into each other as they drifted off to sleep. Ready to face the long trip to Chicago and all that came with it.
Well that was chapter 1. Stick around for more. Please read and review there always welcome. Thank you. Thank you to my muse couldn't do it without you.