It was that magical time of day when the last star has winked out and the dawn is something more felt than seen when Doc walked out on the porch. Eliab and Sweet Billy jumped up from their rocking chairs and Sweet Billy took Doc's arm. "Is Orabelle all right?"
Doc smiled, his face haggard but his eyes glowing. "She's just fine, Sweet Billy." He clapped the young man on the shoulders. "You have two sons."
The young man's face turned white and Doc steadied him. "Two?" The old man nodded and Sweet Billy turned to Eliab. "You hear that, cousin? Two boys the first go!" He turned back to Doc. "And Orabelle's all right, is she?"
Doc laughed. "Well, of course she is. Go on in and see for yourself."
Sweet Billy started for the door, then stopped. "Doc, I just don't know how to thank you."
"Go see your wife," the old man repeated kindly. Sweet Billy hurried inside, Eliab right behind him, and Doc went down the stairs into the yard. The light was growing stronger now and he frowned, puzzled. His buggy seemed to have been moved and he walked over to check it, then stopped and ran a hand over his face.
Festus was in the buggy, sound asleep with Melody in his lap. Careful not to wake the hillman, the little girl climbed down and went to Doc. "Doc Adams, is Orabelle..." She stopped abruptly.
Doc said gently, "Orabelle is just fine and you have two new cousins, Miss Melody."
The child looked surprised. "Two? I didn't know you could have more than one baby at a time."
The old man smiled. "You can but it only happens to very special people."
Melody nodded wisely, then looked over at Festus. "Uncle Festus is very tired."
"I can see that."
"I wuz scared 'bout Orabelle so he tuck me for a drive and we only just got back. I went to sleep for a while but he wuz up all night." Melody bit her lip. "You don't mind, do you, Doc Adams?"
"Mind?"
"That Uncle Festus tuck your buggy."
Doc looked at the sleeping man with affection. "Well, on such a special occasion I think it's all right to let Uncle Festus drive the buggy."