Changed Lives
Part Seven
"Sixteen weeks along, now, Wren. It's time for your first ultrasound." Wren's doctor opened her file. "Would the two of you like to know the sex the baby?"
"Yes. We would. Gretchen is dying to know if she can buy pink." Wren laughed. "It would be nice, doctor, but it's OK with us if you can't see."
"Girl or boy is fine with us." Jasper added.
Once gel had been smoothed over Wren's belly, the doctor began his examination. Wren and Jasper's eyes were glued to the screen. "There's the heart." The doctor told them. "And it's beating good and strong." With his help, Wren and Jasper's baby appeared before them as it floated in its temporary home. "Ah. I see." The doctor took a second look, then nodded. "It's a girl. Definitely a girl."
"A girl. Oh, Jasper. A girl." Wren stared at the screen. She was really having a baby. A sweet little girl of her own. Perhaps she'd be a little like Tilly, or Winona. Or maybe she'd just be herself.
"Gretchen will be happy." Quipped Jasper. "And I'm happy too. God is so good."
"He is." Wren smiled. "All the time."
***
As Gretchen drove to Eli's farm, she soaked in the surrounding beauty: peaches, apricots, and grapes were ripening and already, the air was scented with a fruit cocktail. The summery mountains glowed purple blue, and the dam's cool waters beckoned. Gretchen knew she was being overly romantic, but she couldn't help it. Eli had invited her to his farm. It was time to allow her feelings room to grow.
***
Eli couldn't help grinning like a schoolboy as Gretchen's car came into view. Over the past weeks, they'd spent time getting to know one another better. Gretchen had cooked a three course meal and invited him over, along with Jasper and Wren. They'd also walked together and shopped together. Eli had no doubt in his mind: he had fallen in love with Gretchen. He could only pray that she felt the same way about him.
***
"Are you ready to use the nail gun?" Eli laughed later on as he gave Gretchen a tour of his building site.
"Am I ever. I've been waiting for you to ask." Gretchen placed her hands on her hips, ready to work. She'd purposefully worn jeans for her outing.
Eli gave Gretchen a quick lesson, and before long she was handling the gun like a pro. "By the way, I'm serious about those toy making lessons if you'll help me." Eli couldn't remember when last he'd enjoyed himself so much in a woman's company. Like Gretchen, he was in his thirties, yet the right woman had never come along. Until now, that is.
"Anytime, Eli." Gretchen smiled. "Now tell me what else I can do."
"Nothing. Absolutely nothing, except go out to lunch with me. On a proper date, that is, Gretchen." Then Eli gently took the nail gun from her and took her hand in his.
***
Epilogue
"She's here, Wren, she's here. Just one more push." Jasper could see his daughter's little head. He coached Wren to the finish line, and before long, they heard their baby's healthy cry. When the little one was laid on her breast for her first feed, Wren's heart swelled to bursting point. Jasper stayed right beside her as they enjoyed their first moments together.
When visiting hour arrived, Gretchen and Eli walked into Wren's room, bearing gifts and flowers.
"It's the honeymooners." Jasper teased.
"Hallo farmgirl. Eli." Wren smiled sleepily from where she cradled the baby.
The couple tiptoed forward and gazed in awe at the perfect bundle.
"What's her name?" Gretchen asked, her voice a whisper.
"Robin Grace." Wren's smile lit up the room as she told them.
Jasper's heart filled with gratitude as he kissed both of his little birds.
"God is so good. Our Father, and our Saviour."
And Wren, Gretchen and Eli added their praise to his.
***
Copyright: Alison Lawrence. 2023. All rights reserved.
Changed Lives is a work of fiction and no resemblance to any persons or places is intended.
Drawing by the author
Changed Lives, Part Six:
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Thanks for joining me as we visited with Wren and her friends again. I purposefully wrote it for the blog, hence the shorter length.
Pop in again soon for chat and poetry.
Love. hugs, and prayers,
Alison
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