Lunch was an uproarious, uplifting affair. Jokes flew across the table and there was much merry making among the guests. They lifted their glasses in a toast to the new mother to be as the wait staff brought out a chocolate cake in the shape of a baby bottle. When the last of the dishes were taken away Mark Nolan stood and gave a short devotion, ending with a prayer for the health and safety of mother and child. Mari’s eyes filled with tears at the love her friends had shown her. The only thing missing was Joe sitting next to her, but Mari pushed that thought away. Today was a day for happy thoughts.
After lunch Greg drove Mari back to the Research Center
As the two men unloaded Greg’s car, Gretchen, Marla and Mari sat in the family room opening bags and boxes. “What do you suppose this is?” Marla asked, holding up a rather odd looking contraption.
“What does the box say?” Mari asked as she pulled a set of onesies out of another bag.
“I think it’s a bottle warmer,” Gretchen commented as she took it from Marla. “My sister has one of these things.”
The men brought in the last load and set it at Mari’s feet. “I think I’ll have more than enough diapers for this baby,” Mari commented as she moved yet another box to the side of her chair.
“I don’t think so,” Gretchen told her. “My sister told me how many diapers she went through with Mattie. I think I’m going to go the cloth route. Lot ’s cheaper in the long run.”
Glen raised his head from inspecting a jungle gym box and looked at her in horror. “Cloth! You mean with those pin things? I’ll never be able to do that!”
Gretchen patted his cheek. “Practice dear. It will just take practice.” Glen just groaned.
Mari zoomed in on that comment, eyes full of questions. “Is there something we should know about?”
Gretchen flushed a deep red and Glen’s chest seemed to expand with pride. “About three months after Junior is born, he’ll have a playmate,” Glen informed the group, a smile splitting his face. “After the miscarriage last year we didn’t want to say anything until Gretchen’s first trimester was over.”
“That’s terrific!” Mari said. “Wait a sec.” She rushed out of the room and came back with some sparkling grape juice and five crystal goblets on a small tray. She handed each of her friends a glass and after pouring, she raised hers. “A toast. To babies. Those who are coming already, and those who will come in the future.” They clinked glasses and drank.
Greg looked over at Marla, who nodded. “This seems to be an appropriate time to tell you all our news.” When all eyes were turned towards him, he reached over and took Marla’s hand. “Marla did a pregnancy test when she went back to the office this afternoon. It was positive.”
A cheer went up. Greg and Marla had been trying to get pregnant for the past five years and had gone through some very rough times. They were due to begin in vitro fertilization next month, but that obviously would not be necessary now.
“What is the nursery committee going to do?” Greg wanted to know as they sprawled around the family room. “They’re going to have to add another wing just for our children.”
“I’m sure they’ll get right on that, Greg,” Glen laughed. He rose to his feet and pulled his wife to hers. Gretchen’s eyes were beginning to droop. “Come on, Mommy. Let’s get you home.”
Knowing Mari needed to get some rest, Greg and Marla decided to leave also. Greg watched as Marla drove off then turned back to talk to Mari. “I know this isn’t easy for you, Mari,” he said. “But remember we’re all here for you. If you need anything all you have to do is ask.”
“I know that Greg, and I appreciate it.”
“Have you decided when you’re going to start maternity leave?” Greg asked, referring back to their conversation this morning.
“I actually have an appointment with Human Resources tomorrow to discuss that. You know Marla and Dr. Morris want me to stop working at least a month before the baby’s born, right?” Greg nodded. “That would put it around December seventeenth. I know they are thinking of my health but, I think I’ll push it and stop work maybe the first or second week in January. I don’t want to be home thinking and worrying about what’s going to happen. If I leave then it will still give me plenty of time to get everything ready for the baby but less time to brood.”
“Will he come home?”
Mari did not have to ask what Greg meant. She shook her head sadly. “I don’t think so, Greg. Joe hasn’t made any type of contact. If he’s talked to Pastor Mark at all, he hasn’t mentioned it. I’ll just keep praying that God will bring him back to me. But if he doesn’t,” she held up her hand as Greg was about to protest. “If he doesn’t, I’ll be okay. And I’ll be here waiting for him.”
Greg gently kissed her cheek. “You’re a strong woman, Marilee Conley.” He turned and walked back to his car.
Mari stood on the porch in the cold November evening until the Greg’s car was out of sight. She hugged her arms around herself for warmth as she looked up into the sky. The night was crisp with just a hint of snow in the air. As she stood there Mari wondered what Joe was doing. Keep him safe, Lord, she prayed as she turned back into the house.
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