November 12, 2034
It was 4 am, and Charlie had been restless all night, couldn't find a comfortable position. Bass groaned as he turned over. "Are you okay, Babe?" he strokes her cheek then kisses it.
"I can't get comfortable."
"How can I help?"
"Rub my lower back?"
Charlie turned onto her side and, Bass propped a pillow under her belly for support and another between her knees. Then he settled himself behind her and slowly massaged her back. She was finally able to relax, and they both drifted off to sleep.
Bass got up with Batman as usual and started his day. Gene joined him in the kitchen, and Bass handed him a plate of eggs and a coffee.
"Is Charlie awake?" Gene asked.
"She had a rough night, couldn't get comfortable. She'll probably sleep in."
The two men chatted over breakfast. "Gene, I've got to look after a couple of things. I'll be around."
Gene started the dishes, and Bass left with Tucker to make his rounds around the farm, feed the animals, and turn out the horses. Charlie got up an hour later.
"Good morn'n, Grandpa."
"Hey, Pumpkin, let me get you something to eat."
"I'm not very hungry."
"Tea and honey then and some pan toast?"
Charlie's back was really bothering her, but she wasn't one to complain. She found that she couldn't sit in the wooden chairs at the table and asked Gene to bring her tea and toast to the living room, where she tried to get comfortable in Bass' favorite lounge chair.
After finishing her tea and toast, she decided a walk would help, and she set out to find Bass. Charlie found him in the barn mucking out the stalls. "Hey, Babe," he greeted her, dropping the pitchfork. "How' ya feeling?" Kissing her and resting his hand on her tummy.
She smoothed his unruly hair," You're looking a little rough, husband."
"Yeah, well, wife, someone kept me awake half the night," he said, kissing her again.
"My back is really bothering me. I can't wait for this little one to make an appearance."
Something about that statement niggled at the back of Bass' sleep-addled brain. "I'm with you there, Babe. I'm going to finish this up, then I'll be in for some lunch. And don't you worry about fixing anything; I'll take care of it myself."
Charlie had been resting her arms around his neck while Bass had his arms around her; she pulled him to her and kissed him. "I'll see you there."
Charlie returned to the house. "Grandpa, I'm going to lay down for a little while."
"Would you like some lunch first?"
"I'll wait for Bass."
Bass strolled in a half-hour later, washed, then sat down to a lunch of boiled eggs. Charlie heard him and came out to join him and Gene.
"I'm going to ride the fences. Are you sure you're okay, Babe?"
"I'm fine, Bass. No worries. I'm going to back and lay down for a while."
Gene had a pretty good idea as to what was happening. If he was right, there would be a baby today. (It's going to be a while, no point in getting Bass in a tizzy just yet.)
Charlie never really slept. An hour later, when she got up to pee, she felt a gush of water. "Grandpa! Grandpa!"
Gene rushed to the bathroom. "Charlie?"
"I think my water just broke."
"I think you're right. Let's get you checked out."
She exchanged her wet dress for a dry nightgown, and then Gene did his examination.
"Have you had any contractions?"
"No, I don't think so. I've been having cramps, and my back has been killing me."
"Ah-huh… Well, okay honey, you're going to have your baby. Let's get you comfortable. You don't need to stay in bed. Get up and move about as much as you want."
"Where's Bass?"
"He's out checking the fences, remember? He's been gone an hour; I bet he'll be back anytime now."
2:30 pm
Gene had been listening for Bass, heard him ride into the yard, and went out to meet him. "Bass…" Gene had finally started to think of him as 'Bass' and not just 'Monroe'.
"Gene, what's up? How's Charlie?"
"That's just it… Bass, you're going to have a baby. Charlie is in labor."
Bass turned white. "Holy Shit! Holy Shit!"
"Calm yourself, son. Everything's okay. Go in and see her, then get your ass to the Thompsons and fetch Maddie."
Bass found Charlie lying on the couch. He knelt next to her and stroked her cheek, then kissed her.
"How are you? Can I get you anything?"
"I'm okay, Bass. We're fine. Grandpa said it will be hours yet."
Bass nuzzled her and kissed her again. "I'm off to get Maddie. I'll be as quick as I can. Want something to drink before I go?"
"Sure, lemonade would be good."
Bass returned with a glass of water for her, "I'll be back."
"I'll be here, not going anywhere,"
Gene patted his back, and he practically ran from the house, jumped on Chamberlain, and raced to the Thompson's.
Maddie heard Bass ride hard into the yard and knew what was happening. She went out to meet him. He didn't have to say anything. "Okay, Bass, we'll be right behind you," patting his leg.
He spun Chamberlain and raced back. He tethered his horse to the hitching post and rushed into the house. Maddie and Warren arrived shortly after. Maddie went in to see Charlie while Warren took care of rubbing down Chamberlain and getting him settled.
Bass and Charlie spent the rest of the day either walking or lying together while he rubbed her back, soothing her between contractions as they became more frequent and intense.
8:30 pm
Things started to happen. The contractions were only a minute or two apart. Charlie barely had time to recoup when there would be another one.
"Charlie, it's time to get ready to have your baby," Maddie said.
Bass sat next to her on the bed while Gene and Maddie took turns checking her.
"Okay, Pumpkin, you're doing great. Things are going to start happening now… it's almost time to push."
Bass heard Gene say, ' time to push,' and he went into a total panic attack. His vision went black, and all he could hear were Shelly's screams and see rivers of blood."
"TOO MUCH BLOOD! NO! NO! NO! TOO MUCH BLOOD!" as he fell to the floor.
Charlie had told Maddie about what had happened with Shelly and how anxious Bass was about the birth. Maddie got down in front of him and grabbed his face so that he was looking at her. "BASS! BASS! FOCUS ON ME! That's over; you're here with Charlie now. EVERYTHING IS FINE! Slow deep breaths…that's it… She's fine, she's okay. Come on, you don't want to miss this."
Bass wiped his eyes, and Maddie helped him get into position behind Charlie so she could lean into his chest when she pushed. "Bass, take her hands; everything is alright."
Bass took a shuddering breath and wrapped his arms around Charlie, kissing her head. Maddie looked at him. " You got this?"
He nodded, "Yup."
Charlie was panting through her contractions, and then it was time to push.
"We're there, Pumpkin," Gene called out. "Next contraction, if you need to, push!"
With a loud scream, Charlie pushed and crushed Bass's hands. He didn't feel it.
"Heads almost here!" Maddie told them. "Okay, PUSH!"
Charlie pushed again.
"Baby, you're amazing; I love you," Bass soothed between contractions.
"Okay, hun," Gene said, "Shoulder's next, and you'll see your baby!"
Charlie screamed and pushed, then there was relief and a baby's cry.
"It's a girl!" Maddie and Gene announced together.
"Bass, do you want to cut the cord?" Gene asks.
Bass and Charlie are both crying. Charlie kisses his hand, "Go."
Bass cut the cord, Maddie swaddled the baby and placed her in Bass's arms to bring to Charlie. After a couple of minutes to cuddle, Maddie took her back to have her first bath and be checked over by Gene. Gene pronounced her perfect.
"Grandpa, you're crying."
"It's not every day that you get to bring your great-granddaughter into this world."
Gene finishes the birth then joins the new parents. Maddie had brought their baby back to them, all tidied up, and helped Charlie start nursing her.
"So, do we have a name?" Gene asked.
Bass looked at Charlie; she smiled, "Brianna Lyn Monroe."
Christmas:
The Monroe home was festive. There was a large Christmas tree decorated with ornaments left behind by the Carneys. Charlie wove green garland through the stair railings and decorated their mantel.
After one of Bass' breakfasts, gifts were opened.
Charlie had a belt made with the double M logo on the buckle for Bass; he was thrilled. He gave her a turquoise pendant to match her bracelet, sold by the same Cherokee woman.
There was a surprise package from Miles. He and Lauren sent a special Christmas ornament for Brianna; it had her name and Baby's First Christmas 2034 on it. Miles sent Bass a book, Texas and the Civil War. I came with a note: Came across this in the Capitol Library, and I thought of you. Merry Christmas, Brother.
Charlie opened her gift from Miles and Lauren. There were at a dozen different soaps and some shampoo and conditioner. These were lying on top of a piece of brown paper wrap. There was something more underneath. Charlie lifted the paper and found a note there from Lauren, whom she had not yet met. Charlie, this is something special for the new mom… Miles doesn't know about this…wink… At the bottom of the box was a red negligee. She lifted it partly out of the box, a little embarrassed with Gene there, but Bass spotted it. With a smug grin, " I think that might be for me." Charlie laughed. "I think I like Lauren."
Bass is not as good a hunter as Charlie, but he managed to get them a turkey for Christmas dinner. He made a stuffing with seasoned pork, mashed potatoes, and candied carrots. There was pumpkin pie for dessert.
Bass, Charlie, and Gene were relaxing in the living room after dinner. Charlie with some tea, Bass and Gene with a bit of whiskey. Brianna had just been fed and was sleeping contentedly in the baby basket that Maddie and Warren had given them. A rare Oklahoma snow was lightly falling, covering the ground and trees with a light frosting.
"I'll be going back to Willoughby after New Year's," Gene announces.
"So soon, Grandpa?"
"You don't need me here anymore. You'll be seven weeks post-delivery. You and Bass need your privacy."
"Grandpa…"
"No, Charlie, listen. I'm coming back. There's nothing for me in Willoughby anymore. There's a new doc, so I won't be missed."
"Of course, you'll be missed. They love you in that town," Charlie interjects.
"Maybe so, but I'm not needed, and my family is here now. You know that I've been helping Maddie with the clinic. With me there, we can keep it open at least three days. And…I'm 75 years old. I want to be close to what family I have. I want to be close to my granddaughters."
"So, you'll be coming back here then?" Charlie asks.
"Not directly. I've found a small cottage in town. I've paid the taxes, so it's mine. I'm going back to close up my practice and sell the house. It'll probably take me a few weeks, maybe a month or so, but I'll be back."
Gene and Bass tolerated each other for Charlie. As much as he tried, he still had a problem with Sebastian Monroe and his granddaughter. Their constant displays of affection were too much for him. In addition, the ride into town three days a week was getting tiresome. A house in town would be much more convenient. And then, there was Rose from the dinner.
"Grandpa, it's going to be so nice to have you close."
"Gene, when are you planning on leaving?"
"January 2nd."
"You'll need a ride to Durant."
"You and Charlie can bring me into town, and I'll hire a ride to Durant. Catch the evening train to Austin."
March 2035
When Gene had returned to Austin in January, he met with Miles and told him of his plans. Miles offered him any assistance that he would need. One of the perks of being President, he said.
Gene walked around his home that he had bought with Charlie's grandmother after they married and that he spent a lifetime in. It was one of the more difficult things that he's had to do. He packed his most precious and important things and said goodbye to his town.
Miles had established a postal service using riders the railroads and riders. Mail would be dropped in a hub town or city. Then riders would carry it to the towns in the area. Each town had an established Post Office where mail and packages could be dropped off. Pickups and deliveries were three times a week.
Charlie and Bass were in town for supplies and dropped off some meat at the butcher's. Maddie had given them a pre-blackout infant car seat that Bass secured to the wagon, making it easier to travel with Brianna.
"Bass, while you're loading up, I'll check the post."
He smiled, gave her a quick kiss. "Stop in at Sally's; she wants to see the baby."
Charlie walked into Sally's General Store, and a bell tinkled as the door opened. "Charlie! So good to see you," Sally exclaimed as she came out of the storeroom.
"Hi, Sally. It's nice to get out. It was difficult to travel with the baby, but Maddie gave us a car seat that Bass attached to the wagon. It works perfectly. She falls right asleep with the movement of the wagon."
"What a great idea! Can I hold her?" Charlie smiled and freed Brianna from her wrap and handed her over to Sally.
"I can see both of you in her. She has Bass' brilliant blue eyes and your sun gold hair. And her curls! She's just beautiful."
"Thanks, Sally. We think she's pretty special."
"Is she a good baby?"
"Yes, she is, and Bass is amazing with her."
"Hold on a sec…." Sally said, handing Brianna back and going off into her storeroom. She came back with a few baby rattles and a mobile for her crib. "These came in the other day. I want you to have them."
"Sally, thank you. These are wonderful."
"Oh! One more thing…." Sally stepped into the thrift section of her store then came back. She showed Charlie a fisherman knit style hand knit bunting a the palest pink. "This will be nice for outings until the weather gets warmer."
"Sally, this is too much! I'm sure you could get a good price for it."
"Nonsense, I want you to have it."
"Thank you, it's beautiful. Think that I'll use it for our trip home."
"Did you need anything while you're here?"
"I should get some flour and cornmeal while I'm here. Bass has learned how to make cornbread in our iron skillet. It's wonderful."
"That man is a gem." Charlie smiled.
"Best through in some coffee and sugar too. How's our tab?"
Sally pulled out her book. "You'll still have some credit." Sally put Charlie's things aside to be picked up with the wagon before they left town.
Charlie visited with Sally for a few more minutes when Bass joined her. Then they moved on to check the post. They occasionally got notes from Miles and Gene. Gene she knew should be returning soon.
Bass checked their box. There was a letter from Gene. He would be returning to Grandby on the 14th. He would be on the train to Durant, then would be hiring a wagon into Grandby. He should arrive around noon.
Charlie was thrilled. "Bass, do you think Malcolm still has a key to Grandpa's cottage? I would love to have it cleaned and dusted for him. Maybe lay in some staples?"
"We could check. Gene probably left a key with someone just in case it was needed. How about we come into town early so we can take care of things."
Walking through town, Charlie had Brianna snuggled in her front baby carrier, and she was the main attraction. Both new parents beamed.
Gene arrived as promised on the 14th. He bought a wagon and a team of horses in Durant, loaded his things, and headed for Granby. Charlie, Bass, and Brianna were there to greet him. And to their surprise, so was Rose from Rosie's Diner. Charlie looked at Bass and raised an eyebrow. Bass just grinned.
They all helped Gene to get settled, then Rose had them to the dinner for a meal.
"So…grandpa…" Charlie started as they sat in a booth in the dinner. "You and Rose seem pretty friendly. You eat at the diner a lot when you're in town?"
Bass was almost choking.
"Yum…yeah. We kind of hit it off, and, well, we started seeing each other."
"Gene, that's great," Bass says. Bass pinches Charlie under the table, telling her to lighten up.
Rose brought their meals over and joined them.
"Grandpa, we have dinner once a week with Maddie and Warren. Please come, and bring Rose." Charlie smiled.