“He could go into remission Kit. Don’t put him in the ground quite yet.”

“He’s not going into remission Bette. Not this time. You heard what Dr. Millikan said. He doesn’t want to put Daddy through any more experimental protocols, and they’ve exhausted all the known treatments. Even if there was a chance, I don’t think Daddy should be a guinea pig, especially when the odds are so much against him. He doesn’t want to be poked and prodded anymore. He’s tired Baby sis. We need to respect his wishes.”

“Your sister is right. I am not consenting to any experimental treatment.” Melvin said forcibly.
Bette and Kit had almost forgotten that their father was listening. They stopped bickering and turned their full attention to what Melvin had to say. His voice softened, and he reached for the hands of both his girls and held them over his heart.

“Listen Baby. I’m eighty-nine years old and I’ve had a great life, but the past seven years have been a gift from God. He’s shown me favor, grace and mercies that I didn’t deserve. I didn’t ever think I would live long enough to see you both married to the loves of your life.”

Melvin could feel Bette pulling away when he said that, she couldn’t believe they had reverted to that but he held on with more strength than she thought him capable of.

“Let me finish. I know Christina was your wife long before the ceremony, but witnessing it and having the honor of walking you down the aisle and giving your hand in marriage; I loved it so much Baby.”

“And you my Katy. You were so beautiful with child.” He looked at Kit with tears brimming in both their eyes as he remembered the day she and Angus got married.

As he did with Bette and Tina Melvin paid for the entire wedding and honeymoon. He proudly walked his eldest pregnant daughter down the aisle and danced with her at the wedding.

***

Kit’s pregnancy during menopause was a complete shock to everyone, especially the parents. Angus was beside himself with joy while Kit was terrified. She considered getting an abortion. Angus believed that a woman had every right to make decisions about her own body, and though he wanted the baby more than anything he left it completely up to Kit.