This Chapter is dedicated to my readers, as well as a very special bunch of readers, my reviewers. So this is with a thanks and a shout-out to Sam(I love you Magenta), ImAddctd2A3rdClssRckStr(your not the only evil whore walking this street), Ophelia Hyde(did you get my review? I think you'll like it), Mizz-Wizz49 (hello, hello, thank you for joining the show), gurl42069(thank you), pwrhungryjr(I hope stuck around), windstar (yes, they did but they have an excuse), and Snowgurl54 (hope your still reading this). Did I forget anyone? If I did you have permission to beat me.
"I don't think I can do this…I mean…What if I drop…Man, I'm all thumbs unless I have a guitar in my hands."
"Don't make me hurt you White Boy. I want at least one picture of Daniella with the only uncle of hers who managed to show up."
"You know that they would if-''
"Jeremiah was joking. Seriously though, we want a picture of you and the baby. However, I would advise you to hold her very, very carefully. Because if you don't I might have to hurt you." Camille smiled sweetly, though her voice was pure steel.
"O-kay I'm officially afraid."
Jack got a very panicked look on his face, when Camille deposited the tiny little newborn into his arms. He froze and clutched at her like she was round of unexploded ammo that could blow up with the slightest jolt. Between the look on his face and the way his elbows stuck out from his body at odd angles, it made for a rather funny Kodak moment.
"Jack, she's a baby not a bomb, you can hold her a little closer than that."
"I don't seem to have control over my various appendages. I think they were frightened into shutting down by Mama Bear."
"Mama Bear didn't mean to scare you that bad." Camille smiled. "Relax Jack, you can do this."
Jack never ceased to be amazed by the fact that there were people who believed in him. People, who thought enough about him to love him, encourage him, and even trusted him enough to allow him to hold their newborn child. And these people were family. He was lucky enough to call these people family.
"Whoa, do you see this! She's looking at me, she's looking right at me!" he crowed excitedly, then lowered his voice to a coo. "Hey, Little One. I'm your Uncle Jack. I know you're thinking that don't sound quite right, considering I'm two shades lighter than milk, but it's true. You were born into a really strange but amazing family."
"He's going to make some lucky kid an amazing father someday." Camille commented quietly to her husband.
"You do that awfully good Jack, when you are you going to get one of your own?"
Jerry teased him gently.
"Uh, probably never. Seriously, I think the only chance Ma has a getting grandchildren is you and Camille. I can't imagine Angel settling down with just one woman, unless it's La Vida Loca, and let's just stop right there. And Bobby, well if he ever manages to get his act together and find the right girl… heck, I'll probably be six feet under before that happens."
"You didn't mention why you're not in the running to give Ma grandchildren."
"Have to find the right girl first. If I'm lucky enough to and she doesn't mind being forever genetically linked with a guy like me, well than maybe. Tell you what though, for every one you guys have I'll be here. Doesn't matter where I am or what I'm doing, I'll show up to meet my newborn niece or nephew."
Jerry swiped at his eyes, smiling down at the snapshot of Jack holding Daniella. This photo was one of his favorites, showing Jack in all his awkwardness cradling his niece for the first time. Jack had kept the promise he made to them that day. He was there when Amelia was born. Of course, this being the second time around, Jerry and Camille were a lot more laid back than the first time. Jack however was still awkward and nervous, especially when he was entrusted to hold his second niece. The births of his daughters were two of the best days in Jerry's life. He was overcome again by the joy he felt on those days, but it was tinged, heavily, with sorrow.
You'll never get to know the joy I did on those days, will you baby brother? You won't be there to watch the woman you love give birth to your child. You won't get to hold him or her in your arms. You won't be there to cut the cord, count toes, and cry in awe over what you helped create.
R & R please.