Bette:

“So, this is my new brother?” Angie said looking down at the young baby in my arms. He was such a beautiful boy. He had light hair, I knew it would be light brown when it grew in more. His eyes were still developing, but it was obvious that they would be blue.

“Yes, Angie,” Tina said laying her head on my shoulder to look at the baby.

“What’s his name?” Angie asked excitedly wanted to touch the baby.

“Caleb Maxwell Kennard-Porter,” I answered.

“Are you sure we can’t add Melvin to his middle name?” Tina said, “I really want to honor your father.”

“No,” I said, “Let’s just honor his own father. And the good one not that dipshit Tom.”

“Though Caleb Thomas Kennard-Porter would sound good, that bastard doesn’t deserve it,” Tina said, “anyways we can still add Melvin. Caleb Maxwell Melvin Kennard-Porter.”

“We can’t add Melvin unless we agree to add your father’s name too, and that would be too long,” I argued.

“I’m not sure my father would appreciate the honor,” Tina said with a sigh.

“He still doesn’t talk to you?” I said sadly.

“No,” Tina said sadly.

I saw the tears in her eyes and I said, “don’t cry baby.”

“Don’t cry mommy!” Angie cried crawling over lap and into Tina’s. Tina smiled sadly and hugged our little angel to her chest. I saw the tears spill out of her eyes and she laid her head gently on top of Angie’s as Angie clung to her neck.

“Oh baby,” I said, “why don’t you try talking to him again? Maybe he might change his mind if he hears about the wedding.”

“I told him about my pregnancy and he hung up the phone, he won’t give this anymore importance,” Tina said wiping her tears as Angie settled in her lap.

“I’m so sorry,” I said standing up to set sleeping Caleb down in his crib. After setting him down, I sat back on the couch and said, “Angie why don’t you get ready for bed?”

“But Momma T is crying,” Angie said.

“It’s okay baby, listen to Momma B,” Tina said sniffling and wiping another tear.

“Okay,” Angie said kissing Tina on the cheek softly, “I love you mommy.”