Stuck In Time

Prologue JB was in rare form; he went from person to person and jabbered with them. They all picked him up and played with him and he didn't hesitate to go to any of them. He played peek-a-boo with Betts' skirt and stuck his head between Jost's legs and hid from Neik. He was the entertainment for the family and they enjoyed him. “Outgoing critter, isn't he?” Lynn commented. “Need anyone to babysit? You helped me out a few times in the distant past and I thought I would offer.” “That would be nice. When do you have a time in mind?” “How about when John is away, that will give you a break with no kiddies underfoot.” “I would enjoy that. JB is a busy one.” “Overnight?” “Do you think he would cry?” “If he does, we can feel our way back to you in the dark. I'm betting he'll be just fine.” “If you want to chance it overnight, fine, but I want him back early in the morning.” “Oh, come on! You can do without him longer than that!” “Lynn, he's still nursing. I can, but it wouldn't be a good idea.” “Got it. He'll be back first thing in the morning. Better give me some milk for his use.” “I can fix a bottle or he can drink from a cup. But no cow's milk, please. The Saturday after school is out, June 1, we can bring him to you.” “We can bring him back to you.” “Deal.” JB liked the ice cream but shuddered from the cold. They all laughed at him. The cake was not thrilling to him and he made a face when he tasted it. They sang to him and he listened quietly, watching each face. When they finished he let out a shriek and kicked his legs vigorously. As always, he was sitting on his father's lap to eat. “Do you think he liked it?” Neik was laughing. With every spoon full of ice cream, JB shuddered. Elizabeth talked to Hope too and said that any time they needed a break; she was free for the summer and could take JB. “Elizabeth, it's hard for me to get everything done that needs to be done. I would like to see more of you, but you have to come to me. Please do it?” “I promise.” “As far as the other, if he gets to be too much, perhaps I will ask you to watch him for a few hours. It is getting tough to manage the office and that little tyrant too.” “Would you like me to take him one day a week?” “See how you like watching him first, and if you feel you can do it, that would be a huge help to me. I trust you with him.” “He is my godson, after all.” “At times, I feel frazzled. But this won't last forever and then I will miss having my baby.” “You were very good to me during the time I was having my babies and I'll always be grateful. You got my father to understand what was wrong with me and calmed him down.” “It was out of his understanding and he was dealing with an old hurt from his past. You know that his mother died from the same thing?” “No! I didn't.” “Yes, he didn't really understand it and it was an old hurt, he felt rejected and like it was his fault. He knows now that he had nothing to do with it.” Elizabeth was staring across the room at her father. “He's happy now.” “Bit by bit he has healed and so have I. We are good for each other.” “I know. He often tells me how happy he is. Winter and I have a good marriage too.” “I know, he told me. I'm very happy for both of you and I care deeply about both of you. Even when you were a little girl, I liked you very much and enjoyed your company.” “I used to ask so many questions!” “Good questions. And you grew into a fine woman.” JB tugged at Hope's skirts and put his hands up to be held. “I have to sit down to do this.” She and Elizabeth moved over to sit together on chairs. When it became apparent that the baby wanted to nurse, Hope threw her shawl over her shoulder and let him nurse. “I guess he didn't get enough from the cup.” It didn't take long, and JB was asleep. Hope changed his diaper and put him in his crib in his new room. The carpenters had just completed it the day before. She closed the door and joined the company again.