My Southern Gentleman 5

"I'm not sure it would be a good idea to take the baby to the airport with us," December told her husband. "Just think of all the germs she'll be exposed to!"

"It will be fine," Damian replied. "We will not be there for long. Only long enough to meet my family."

December sighed, knowing that she wasn't going to win. She dressed Violet as warmly as she could, and then they were on their way.

December sat in the lobby nursing Violet with a receiving blanket over her shoulder as they awaited the arrival of Damian's family. The flight was delayed for about twenty minutes, during which time Damian and December chatted casually.

December recognized Mrs. Kelly and Kate right away. Mrs. Kelly cried out in joy when she saw her new granddaughter for the first time.

"This is Violet," December told her, handing the baby to her. Violet regarded the unfamiliar woman with solemn blue eyes but didn't cry. Mrs. Kelly babbled excitedly to Damian as she held her granddaughter tightly.

December saw Evan and Lisa standing together, Lisa holding Peter. He was a solemn little boy with light brown hair and pale blue eyes.

"Hi, Peter!" December held her hands out to him, but he turned away and hid his face in the front of his mother's shirt.

"He is afraid," Lisa said apologetically.

Everyone made a big fuss over the baby, which was exactly what December had been afraid of. With so many different people wanting to hold her, December was sure that her fragile daughter would come into contact with many germs. The thought of her baby ending up back in the hospital terrified her.

Damian noticed her expression and patted her arm reassuringly. "It will be all right," he whispered into her ear.

Even so, December felt relieved when Violet was at last in her own arms again.

Later, Damian drove to the motel and returned with his mother, Monya, and Alena. Kate followed in the rental car with Stacy, Lisa, and Peter. The three young men stayed behind in the motel.

"Damian told us that your father had a stroke," Kate said to December. "Is he all right now?"

"He's doing much better," December told her. "He's in a rehab center."

Mrs. Kelly held Violet and spoke and sang to her for most of the afternoon.

"She is so happy to have a new grandchild in her old age," Damian told December.

"I'm really glad Violet's going to grow up knowing your side of the family too," December replied.

While the group was getting to know one another, Gage, Gina, and Fawn arrived. Fawn looked as if she'd been weeping.

"She still has a broken heart over her boyfriend who broke up with her," Gina explained. "I brought her to meet my Grandma and my aunts and cousins. I hope that will cheer her up."

"Oh, what beautiful baby boy!" Fawn exclaimed, reaching for Peter, who turned away from her and cried.

"He wouldn't let me hold him either," said December.

Gina enjoyed visiting with Alena, Stacy, and Lisa, whom she hadn't seen in several years, and introducing Gage and Fawn to them. After awhile, Gage, Gina, Fawn, Alena, and Stacy all went back to the motel to meet Paul, Luke, and Evan.

The following day, Damian, December, Violet, and Mrs. Kelly all rode out to visit Jewel and Alan. Kate, Monya, Lisa, and Peter all followed in the rental car.

"You remember Mrs. Kelly from the wedding," December told her mother. "And this is Damian's other sister Monya, his niece Lias, and her son Peter."

"Of course!" Jewel and Mrs. Kelly embraced warmly.

"What a beautiful baby!" Jewel exclaimed. She reached for Peter, and to everyone's surprise, the baby smiled and went to her.

"Your mother reminds him of my mother," Damian told his wife with a laugh.

Alan had heard his visitors' voices and slowly came toward the front door with his cane. Jewel heard him coming and dashed to meet him.

"Be careful, dear! You know you're not supposed to be walking around without help..."

But it was too late. Alan had already fallen and lay motionless on the floor.