Several weeks had passed since JD first opened his eyes, days followed by tests and physical therapy. Six men gathered around a room, happy with anticipation. JD was being released.
"I can't thank you enough for taking care of the babies," JD said, voice quavering with emotion. "I couldn't have done it without your help – and the ladies, too."
Josiah moved to sat beside the bed, taking JD's hand. "No need to thank us, JD."
Tears flowing freely from JD's eyes, he turned his head away, blinking. "I'm . . . I'm scared, Josiah. What if I am not a good enough father? I . . . I never had one, and babies need their mother more . . . I wish Casey was here for them, she would be better at this than I can be."
"Not so, kid," Chris said, moving to the other side of the bed. "And you're not alone – we are all here to help you. It's normal being scared – I wouldn't hold Adam for the first few days, I was afraid I would drop him."
"Sarah couldn't get Chris to change diapers, either," Buck chimed in. "One day Sarah was sick in bed and Chris panicked – he actually called me to come help change Adam. When I got there, Chris had torn all the tabs off four diapers, had the diaper backwards, and there was poop everywhere. Sarah was not amused."
"Seems to me you were puking, Wilmington," Chris argued. "Said the smell was horrible."
"But I got Adam cleaned and changed before I puked," Buck laughed.
JD smiled at the banter.
Nathan stepped up. "I know you will feel pressure to do too much, JD, but the best gift you can give your babies is to take good care of their daddy. So please accept the help you need." The other men nodded.
JD knew he had been pushing himself and was worried about the slow progress he felt he was making. Nathan once again had read his mind and Nathan gave him a reassuring smile and a pat on his hand.
"Hell, Nate and Raine just love taking care of Casey," Buck laughed and Nathan didn't deny it.
"Remember, you may be a father, but you still have six big brothers who will not let you overdue," Vin reminded JD with a smile.
Buck winked at JD. "Kid, you ready to blow this pop stand?"
JD smiled but looked to the man standing furthest away from the bed. "Can I speak to Ezra first, guys?"
Ezra stepped up to the bed and sat down by JD after the other five left.
JD was having trouble speaking, but said, "Ezra, how can I thank you for all you did for Casey, myself and the babies? Nettie said Casey's doctors didn't think she or the babies would have survived without the specialized care you paid for."
Ezra's throat constricted. "No need, JD, no need at all. I . . . I can't think of a better use for the money. I know money will never be useful as Nathan's skills and . . . "
"Ezra," JD stopped him, taking Ezra's hand and gazing earnestly into the green eyes.
"Ezra, when are you going to stop thinking that you are only worth money? You mean
so much more to all of us than any amount of money ever could."
"Maude would disagree, young man."
"She was wrong, Ezra. She never appreciated what a wonderful son she had. I know my mother would have been so proud of you."
"Your mother," Ezra said, unknowingly echoing Buck's words about his own mother, "was a saint." Ezra stood up. "Thank you, JD. Your words mean more to me than I can express adequately." After exchanging smiles, he added. "Nettie is so much better. She sends her love and will be visiting her grandchildren soon."
JD's face crumpled. "Ezra, I miss . . . Casey . . . so," and he sobbed.
Ezra patted JD's hand and pulled him up into a tight hug. Josiah had been right. JD being discharged would bring the loss of his wife to the surface. For a minute, he was not the father of babies but a young husband missing his beloved wife.
"I know, son, I know," was all Ezra could say as the other men entered, alarmed at JD' sobs. Each one gathered around to show support for their young brother.
JD gained control and smiled wanly. "I'm fine. Have to be for the babies. You think I ought to go by John now? Doesn't it sound more mature?"
"Hmmm, don't think I like Big John and Little John," Josiah mused.
"Well, you are not calling that adorable child little Bucklin!" Ezra exclaimed, making everyone laugh.
"Nawww, saving that wonderful moniker for my own son," Buck bragged.
"Oh, I think Miss Inez might have something to say about that," Vin added with a wink to JD.
"You mean?" JD gasped.
Buck smiled, a twinkle in his eye. "Oh, that Wilmington charm is wearing her down, kid."
"More like baby John is bringing out her maternal side," Nathan disagreed.
"And with all your past womanizing, Buck, and the Good Lord's sense of humor, you may be blessed with all girls," Josiah said, earning a scowl from Buck as the others laughed heartily.
As a pretty nurse arrived with the standard ride, six men helped JD to his feet. JD still felt a big shaky, but felt the support of the others.
"Let's go, kid," Buck urged. "I hear tell there's a celebratory feast in the works and three of the prettiest babies ever born waiting to welcome their daddy home."
JD sat in the wheelchair and sighed. "The babies are so lucky to have the best uncles in the world, as well as aunts. And I have the most wonderful six brothers anyone could ever hope for. I'm ready, guys. Daddy. Daddy. I'm a daddy. I wonder how it will feel when the babies can talk and call me daddy for the first time?"
Chris took control of the wheelchair, pushing it down the hall. "The best feeling in the world, son. The best."