Chapter 9

Five weeks had passed since her transplant, and Irene had been released from the hospital. It felt so freeing to finally be out of isolation. Today was Emma's baby shower, and she was so excited to present her with the completed quilt for the nursery. She had used many of the swatches from Kendra's old clothes and some of Emma's that Spike gave her, plus there was also one square from Emma's wedding dress. The pending birth of her granddaughter filled Irene with so much hope for the future. She just could not wait to meet her.

"Honey, are you coming? We are going to be late."

"I'm coming! I'm coming!" Spinner exclaimed as he was walking down stairs, "I don't know why I have to go to this thing anyways."

"Because, we decided to make it a family event, in order to celebrate your mother's release from the hospital. Besides, we will also be able to see several people from school. Won't that be fun?"

"Yes. A blast." Spinner answered with a tone of sarcasm.

Despite his complaining, Spinner was secretly excited about this baby shower. Mainly, it was because it did mean his mother was well enough to celebrate. Besides he had to admit he had recently started to think about fatherhood and he could not wait to meet his baby girl. Plus, he was hoping they got a lot of presents today, because he knew baby stuff was way more expensive than adult stuff. This made no sense to him.

Many old faces made it to the Mason Baby Shower/Irene's Homecoming Extravaganza. Craig and Ellie flew in with Manny and Jay for the occasion, which was a huge deal considering the hectic lives they all had. Liberty was able to come due to her just finishing a big lawsuit. Marco, Jimmy, Paige, and Toby were all there as well.

Emma was so excited when she opened the box containing the quilt Irene had made. It was so special that her daughter was going to treasure something made by her grandmother for years and years to come. Everything was looking bright for the Mason-Nelson clan. The baby was coming next month, and everyone was so excited about the newest member of the family.

"Okay, can I have everyone's attention please? We are about to name our baby!" Emma exclaimed.

"So, Mom, here is the hat of names," Spinner said has he held out the hat in front of Irene.

Irene crossed the fingers of her left hand behind her back as she reached in with her right.

"And my granddaughter's name is…..Charlotte Ruth Mason."

"Wow, I cannot believe how much stuff we got," Spinner comment with astonishment later that evening as he loaded the last of the gifts into the nursery.

"I know. We are really lucky to have such generous friends and family. And the quilt your mother made Charlotte. Unbelievable."

"She did have a lot of time on her hands the past few weeks."

"Can you believe it? This time next month we will be parents. Charlotte will be sleeping right here in this room."

"I know what you mean. It just hit me other the past couple of weeks that she is actually coming…and soon. I had been so preoccupied with Mom and the cancer that I never stopped and thought about it. Does that make me an awful person?"

"No, you were scared for your Mom's life. We both were scared. Now everything is going to be ok, and we are going to be able to give Charlotte the love and attention she deserves. You are going to be an amazing father."

"I love you, Emma Nelson. I don't know what I would have done without you over these past several months."

"Remember, in good times and in bad times. I did sign up for this, because I love you, too."

"And, I love you, Charlotte Ruth Mason," Spinner whispered to Emma's belly. Then he graced it with a tender kiss.