The end is near.
"Dance by the Light of the Moon" is the working title on my next story, it may be changing. I am bouncing that title around with "The Dark Side of the Glass".
I've started writing it, but I will not post the story until I have a great deal of it written - several chapters at least. This allows me to be able to update fairly quickly and still stay ahead on the writing.
So, patience is what I ask from those of you who are anxious to read my next one.
MAN OF SORROWS
CHAPTER 47
After his return from Colorado, it didn't take long for Lucian's health to start a rapid decline. There was nothing more to be done for him, and he had stopped the radiation and chemotherapy to allow his final weeks to be more productive and not so filled with physical sickness.
In the middle of February, not long after Valentine's Day, Lucian was admitted into the hospital for the final time.
In the two and half months she had known him, Christine had come to love Lucian as a father and had grown very close to him. His failing health was weighing heavily on her and she knew his death would be difficult to take.
Erik and Evie had already taken care of the funeral arrangements and Elise didn't have to stress over anything – she could stay at Lucian's side and give him her presence until the last breath left his body.
Although his body was failing quickly, Lucian's eyes were bright and alert, and always fixed on his family as they came and went through the doors of his hospital room.
Evie's pregnancy was a constant source of joy for Lucian, and he always wanted to touch her growing abdomen and leave a word or two with his grandchild.
"Do you think it can hear me?" Lucian asked one Sunday afternoon.
Evie rubbed the basketball-size bulge and smiled knowingly.
"She can hear you just fine, Daddy….just fine."
Lucian, although tired and in pain, smiled back at her with great joy.
"So…you think it's a girl?"
"Yes, I know it's a girl…I just know it."
Lucian lifted his weary hand to caress the dark hair that hung down in Evie's eyes. He felt the soft waves and knew he would never forget the maternal glow she had about her.
"You truly are a beauty; Evie…and she will be too…what will you name her?"
Elise sat in the chair next to Lucian's bed and listened to their conversation…she wasn't even aware of the peaceful smile on her face as she watched father and daughter face the end together.
"Julius and I have agreed on Bridgette Lucinda Tremaine."
Lucian chuckled quietly and continued to smile.
"Your mother's middle name is Bridgette."
"I know, and Lucinda is the female version of Lucian."
Lucian, although still smiling, looked away and seemed to be deep in thought.
"I wish I could see her, Evie…there is so much I will not have the chance to see."
Evie embraced him and they continued to talk quietly while Elise took a short nap.
♫♫♫
That same Sunday morning, Erik and Christine had attended church with Meg and Rafe and spent a couple of hours just being away from the dreaded cloud of death that lingered over them most of the time.
After church, they went to a small, quiet restaurant for lunch before Erik and Christine headed back to the hospital.
"So, have you set an official date yet?"
Erik asked what had been on Christine's mind for a few weeks.
Meg looked at Rafe and Rafe looked at Meg – then they both smiled and leaned in for a kiss.
"Yes, we have…we are going to be married on June 2nd."
Meg was all smiles as she announced it and Christine embraced her friend in a supportive and congratulatory hug.
"Oh Meg…that's wonderful!"
"I know!"
Erik shook Rafe's hand and they discussed a few minor subjects here and there. Rafe and Meg were having a wonderful time working together and Rafe didn't mind Meg being in the limelight at all; in fact, he enjoyed it.
"I'm so glad you're having it in June…I won't be so big that I can't find a Maid of Honor dress that looks somewhat decent."
"Big…what are you talking about?"
Meg looked at Christine with curious eyes, and then a smile spread across her face and she slapped a hand over her mouth to keep from squealing out with happiness.
Christine smiled and then happened to realize that Erik was staring right at her, wondering what the commotion was all about.
"Are you two going to create a scene – because they may not allow us back in this place if you do?" He said, with a roguish grin on his face.
Christine shook her head, looked at Meg – who was bursting at the seams – and then, turned back to Erik and leaned over to whisper in his ear.
"We're having a baby."
Erik sat bolt upright in his chair and felt his heart come to a complete stop. His face held no emotions for all of about five seconds – then, he laughed with much delight and pulled her to him for a big hug and a short, but passionate kiss.
"I can't believe it…this is the best news…and I needed it, my angel…" he kissed her again, "…you have no idea how much I needed it."
"I think I do, my love…shall we go tell your father?"
Erik shook his head and fought back the tears that pooled in the corners of his beautiful eyes.
"Excuse us."
Erik stood and pulled Christine's chair out for her to get up.
"Hey, don't worry about the bill – my treat."
Rafe stood and shook Erik's hand as he offered to pay the check.
♫♫♫
The room was full of flowers and live plants, things that Lucian loved; the curtains were open and the sun shone into the room brightly, placing a warm beam across the bed and over Lucian's legs.
Julius sat on the bed playing a game of Rummy with Lucian while Evie and Elise watched some weepy chick flick on the television.
When Erik and Christine walked in, the television was turned off and the Rummy game was forgotten as Lucian motioned for them to come and sit on the bed with him.
Christine took his long-fingered, musician's hand in his and marveled at how like Erik's they were…there was no doubt that this man had sired her husband.
"I have some news to share with you…news that I hope will bring joy to your heart."
He absently rubbed her warm hand with his thumb, another trait that Erik possessed. She smiled into his expectant, weathered features and felt the tears already surfacing.
"What is it, my child?"
"Erik and I are going to have a baby."
Elise cried out with joy and immediately came to the bed to hold Lucian's hand as he closed his eyes and smiled.
"That does, indeed, bring joy to my heart."
"When is it due?" Elise questioned.
Christine looked down at the barely noticeable swelling and rubbed it gently.
"As best as can be calculated, September 25th."
Erik couldn't stop smiling and Lucian gripped his large hand in his and willed his love into his son.
"You'll make a great father, Erik…I know you will."
"Thanks, dad….that means a lot to me."
Lucian's eyes clouded over and a sharp pain shot through him, but he hid the discomfort and maintained eye contact with Erik.
"I know I wasn't a roll model…"
"Dad…don't…you've been more of a dad to me in the past three months, than most children have in a lifetime….I'm blessed to have had this time with you."
Lucian lifted his lips in a quiet, tired smile and closed his eyes to rest. The fight was almost out of him and there was nothing he could do to ward off the immanent pull of death.
"Forgive me, my son...for all that I did and didn't do."
Erik heard the raspy, strained whisper and took his hand firmly in his, willing the strength he possessed to his father.
"Forgiveness came long ago, Dad…just rest."
None of them knew that Lucian would pass in the early morning hours the following day. They enjoyed what time they had that night, and shared the hopes and dreams that would fill the coming months - it was a day to be rememberedTBC