Kevin burst into Town Hall at full speed, Angela looked up from her work. Gill scoffed behind her, irritated at the interruption.
"Elli's in labor!" He shouted anxiously. "I have to get back to the clinic, but I just wanted to let you know about it!" He ran back outside. Angela looked up at Gill.
"Go," GIll sighed. She hadn't expected that. She had been about ready to apologize for the interruption.
"What?" Angela asked unsure if she heard him correctly
"Go make sure your brother does not have an anxiety attack. Here make sure you give this to Elli." He handed her a gift wrapped with a pretty pastel green bow. Angela looked down at the box in awe of his softer side.
"Are you sure?" Angela asked.
"Yes, go take care of your brother, and that wonderful wife of his, I can handle it here." Angela reached out and squeezed Gill's arm.
"Thank you," she sighed. She gathered her things and started for the door.
"Call me when it's born to tell me if it's a girl or a boy!" Gill called out.
Angela smiled. Underneath that professional exterior there was a softy, she was quickly learning this about many of the men here on Waffle Island, when it came to children they seemed to turn to mush.
XxXx
Kevin was in the waiting room of the clinic, pacing back and forth. He looked up at Angela anxiously as she walked into the clinic. Worry for his dear wife covered his face.
"Do you think she's okay" he asked.
"I'm sure she'll be fine," Angela insisted. She set her things down in a chair in the lobby. She placed both of her hands firmly on Kevin's shoulders. "What your wife needs from you now is for you to be calm, so that when you are able to come back in the room, she can draw from your strength, she's going to be tired after this." Kevin nodded back at Angela.
"You're right, I know you are." He sat down in the chair next to where Angela had placed all her things. Angela sat down next to him. This was going to be a long day.
It was all worth it when Angela was finally able to hold her baby nephew in her arms. Little Jackson Harris stared up at her with such innocence. Elli was opening the gift that Gill had sent. It had been hours since she had left Town Hall. She had asked Irene, the old nurse to call Gill and inform him that Elli had a beautiful baby boy. Angela could already tell that he had Kevin's nose. She cuddled him for a moment longer, before returning him to the ready and waiting hands of his father. Elli gasped.
"Oh my Goddess, this is beautiful." She held up a soft baby blanket with small yellow ducks embroidered as a border. "Oh I cannot believe how soft it is, feel it!" She turned to her sister in law. Angela let her fingers touch the soft fabric. Angela found herself feeling a bit envious. Suddenly, the door burst open, Molly rushed in.
"I heard I'm an Aunt!" She was glowing with excitement. Her attitude had changed so much since they had talked. "Can I see him?" Molly asked. Kevin carefully eased the baby into Molly's arms. Molly made soft cooing noises at little Jackson.
"I named him after Grandpa," Kevin said. "Jackson Harris." Molly smiled at the baby in her arms.
"That is a pretty fabulous name brother," Molly observed.
Angela stepped back to talk to Dr. Jin.
"They both healthy?" Angela asked the studious looking doctor.
"Yeah, mom and baby are both fine. I would like to keep Elli here just a few days though, the baby will probably stay too, it was a longer delivery than I thought. I am probably just being extra cautious, but it never hurts to be careful," He explained. Angela couldn't help but feel that Gill had explained Dr. Jin pretty accurately when he had called him a stick in the mud. She hadn't seen him smile the entire time they had been in the clinic.
"Well thanks for watching out for them doctor." He nodded. Angela turned back to her nephew, who once again was safely snuggled up to his mother. She looked back at the sight of her family in the room of the clinic, and it warmed her heart. She felt herself smiling a genuine smile for the first time in a long time.
XxXx
Angela was helping Elli pack up her things. She had been visiting with her sister in law for the past few days since Kevin had work to do at the farm. She was finally healthy enough, according to Dr. Jin to go home. Kevin was on his way to pick them up.
"Oh Angela," Elli called out. "Kevin asked if I could pick some Cold Medicine up for him. He says he's starting to feel a bit sick. Terrible timing that husband of mine." Elli's smile betrayed any sternness those words contained. Angela nodded and walked out into the main lobby. Irene was not by the front desk as usual.
"Is there something you need Angela?" Dr. Jin asked.
"Yes I guess Kevin is sick, and needs some Cold Medicine."
"Alright I can grab that for you." The doctor moved to behind the counter, and opened up the cabinet. He placed the medicine in her hands. Angela handed him the money.
"Thank you."
"Angela," The doctor replied softly. Angela turned back around. "Will you do me the pleasure of joining me for dinner at the bar tomorrow night?" Angela stood in shock. She had not expected the doctor to ask her that.
"Um... sure," she replied, instantly wishing she had come up with some kind of excuse. She had absolutely zero interest in the doctor.
"Great, I'll see you at six?" Jin asked.
"Yeah ok." Angela pasted a smile on her face. What had she gotten herself into?
