“But—” Doug tried to edge in.
“Abortion tomorrow. That’s it. And I’m sure it’s not your Uncle’s baby because he had a vasectomy a long time ago. Long before he became impotent. If there’s any clarification you need about the definition of those two words, just say it.”
“Gail, you know how I feel about … you know.” I couldn’t even bear to say the word. Suddenly in my mind, it wasn’t only Gail’s baby, but Doug’s—and my grandchild. Losing it sharpened the focus for me.
Doug burst into tears. I couldn’t remember the last time I saw him cry. “Aunt Gail … Auntie … I’m so sorry. So sorry.”
Gail got up and stood before him, gave him a big hug and hung on with her head on his broad chest.
“It’ll be all right. It’s gonna be all right, Doug. I promise. Something good will come of this. It’ll be all right.”
Doug lowered his wet eyes to her shoulder and sobbed. She let him for as long as he wanted.
“Finally he straightened and said, “I want to be there at least. I’ll go with you tomorrow.”
“People who go along on things like this are either family, friends of a certain age, or the father. You fall into one of those categories—the one I don’t want anyone ever to know outside of this very room right now.”
“I’ll take you,” I said.
“You told me you’d never step inside a place like that.”
“I guess I lied. When it comes to loving you, I’d do a lot worse than lying.”
“Aunt Gail, then at least let me pay for it. I’ve got my own bank account, and—”
“You can pay, but not in money. Your Uncle and I have to go see the twins next week, and while we’re gone, YOU, my dear boy can do all the yard work that’s been neglected since the last time you did it. Is that a deal? It would really help us out.”
“You bet, Aunt Gail. I mean, sure. Whatever it takes.”
Gail winked at me. She had given my son a little worth, a little redemption out of her kind, kind heart.
*****************************
“How is Aunt Gail?” Doug asked.
He had been waiting at the kitchen door, something he never does. That showed me just the level of concern he had. I could see it in his manner and in his eyes.
“Everything went as good as it could go. Except for a few cramps and feeling a little tired, your aunt seemed fine. She just needs to take it easy today and tomorrow.”
“I wish there was something I could do. Something I could say.”
“She knows you love her. That’s what she needs right now. AND, she needs you to keep her secret, so no get well cards or acting strange in front of Uncle Vance or the twins when you see them.”
“Yeah, I get that part. I feel real different about Aunt Gail now that we shared something else. Something so important.”
“I’m glad you do,” I said, and hugged him close. He was a little taller than me, so when I pushed him to arm’s length, I looked up at him a little. “It shows you’re maturing.”
“It’s just that when I think of that there was something alive yesterday, something that was Aunt Gail’s and mine, and now it’s …”
I knew he was taking this hard, so when he hesitated, I said, “Lost.”
“Yeah. Like forever.”