| Romance Fiction posted June 21, 2020 | Chapters: |
...28 29 -30- 31... 
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Co-Authored with Bill Bishop (aka Commando)
A chapter in the book Love Long Distance
Christmas Surprise! - Chapter 30
by Tootie
| Background The year is 1964. Bill is headed for Vietnam to fight, and Cathy is in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, missing him, and pregnant with their baby. An astonishing; yet, heart-wrenching novel. |
Greetings, Friends!
Cathy Waldron (aka Tootie) and Bill Bishop (aka Commando) are co-authors of this book. Both invite you to join them in each chapter, and they hope to make you laugh, cry, and leave you in a state of uncertainty about what will happen next. As always, your suggestions for improvement will be appreciated. Thanks for reading our work and God Bless.
*******
~Previously~
"I'll be alright, Grandma," I replied. But, then something happened. A warm liquid began running down my legs and onto the floor. "Oh my God! My water just broke!"
~~~~~~~
* Note *
Our book is in three parts. The first is mainly about Bill and Cathy. The second introduces Grandpa and Grandma, along with cliffhangers. The third and final part, beginning with Chapter 25, is primarily about Bill in Vietnam with Cathy, pregnant with their baby, missing him back home. It is also the most heart-wrenching and dramatic. Some words in our book are written in a way that are appropriate for Smoky Mountain folks; yet, are not always grammatically correct. Characters will reflect earlier scenes in their lives at times and shall, as well, talk to the readers. Wider spaces between words are due to "full justified formatting."
~~~~~~~
Cathy Waldron (aka Tootie) and Bill Bishop (aka Commando) are co-authors of this book. Both invite you to join them in each chapter, and they hope to make you laugh, cry, and leave you in a state of uncertainty about what will happen next. As always, your suggestions for improvement will be appreciated. Thanks for reading our work and God Bless.
*******
~Previously~
"I'll be alright, Grandma," I replied. But, then something happened. A warm liquid began running down my legs and onto the floor. "Oh my God! My water just broke!"
~~~~~~~
* Note *
Our book is in three parts. The first is mainly about Bill and Cathy. The second introduces Grandpa and Grandma, along with cliffhangers. The third and final part, beginning with Chapter 25, is primarily about Bill in Vietnam with Cathy, pregnant with their baby, missing him back home. It is also the most heart-wrenching and dramatic. Some words in our book are written in a way that are appropriate for Smoky Mountain folks; yet, are not always grammatically correct. Characters will reflect earlier scenes in their lives at times and shall, as well, talk to the readers. Wider spaces between words are due to "full justified formatting."
~~~~~~~
A sudden, overpowering feeling of fear entered my mind. I was anxious, became sweaty, and began having palpitations. Once again, I screamed, "Oh my God!"
"Get hold of yourself, Cathy! Try to relax. Everything will be alright, and there's plenty of time to get you to the hospital. You ain't feelin' no labor pains yet, are ya?"
"Well, I'm a little crampy and my tummy is starting to spasm. However, I don't know what labor pains feel like, Grandma."
"They'll probably be comin' on soon, and you'll know when you get them. Be sure to tell me when you do. I'll have Grandpa call the doctor. It may still be a while, and Grandpa can get the truck ready in the meantime. I'll pack you a bag, too, so we'll be all ready to go.
The labor pains started, then gradually intensified. The doctor had told Grandpa that we could wait until contractions were less than five minutes apart. It was early Christmas morning by the time we were on our way.
"Geez! The baby wants to come early so it can celebrate Christmas with us," Grandpa remarked.
I was lying down in the back seat, but could see him glance over at Grandma with a worried look.
"I don't think we're gonna make it to the hospital. Please HELP ME! I fear the baby is ready right now!" I cried out.
I was scared and was trying to hold back from pushing, but the pain was constant and intense.
"Lord Almighty! Ol' Man, you'd better find us a place to pull over and quick! There ain't no more time. Looks like you're gonna be deliverin' Billy and Cathy's child this Christmas Day."
"I've delivered calves, but I've never done nothin' like this before. How can I be sure it'll come out okay?"
"It's gonna hafta, 'cause there ain't no other way!"
Grandpa immediately pulled to the side of the road while I continued to cry out. It hurt like hell. If I could've, I would've quit and not gone through with this anymore.
As soon as he came around and opened the back door, I couldn't resist any longer. Grandpa hurried to lift my dress and remove my panties.
"I ain't meaning to get so personal, Cathy, but this baby sure is in a rush. Look, Grandma, there's its head! Now what do I do?"
Grandma was standin' behind him, lookin' over his shoulder. "You do the same thing you did with our cow when she gave birth. Be ready to take hold of the little one when it comes out. Now, Cathy, let's have one big push and give it all you've got."
As I did, the baby slid right into Grandpa's big hands. His face lit up. "It's a boy!" he exclaimed.
Tears ran down my face. I wanted to hold my son right away, however, I was in total distress. "I'm still having painful contractions, Grandma. Is this normal?"
"Well, you're passin' the placenta, but that shouldn't hurt. Everything looks okay, too. Grandpa's gonna cut and tie the cord next."
"But something's wrong. It feels like the baby's still in me. Help! I gotta push some more!"
"Hmmmm, Ol' Woman, hold onto our grandson for a minute, so I can take a look . . . Sweet Jesus! There's another head a peekin' through. Congratulations, y'all, there's gonna be two!"
*******
"Hurrah! C'mon, Commandos. Let's go meet Bob Hope at Bien Hoa Air Force Base. Colonel Rose gave me his permission yesterday; it's a surprise for y'all. He told me that Bob was bringing Anita Bryant, Jill St. John, Maria Alberghetti, and Janis Paige, among others, as his special guests. Wow! I betcha they'll be some whoopin' and hollerin' by the troops, don'tcha think? Of course, as for myself, I'll see Cathy up on that stage, waving to me, then sayin' "I have a Christmas surprise for you, Honey! So, hurry home."
"Kinda miss Cathy and the baby, huh, Bill?"
"Like bees miss honey, Larry! Now, it's time to say, 'Po Bill,' get a seat close to the stage, then wait for the show to begin. Geez! Just look at 'em packin' in."
Bob Hope introduced the group; the applause was louder than bombs a burstin' in air. Then, someone yelled, "Shake it, Baby, 'cause I've got cream for the topping!" Why was I not smiling and singing happy songs? Why was I not back home with Cathy and our baby where I belonged?
The show was great, but I couldn't wait to get back to bed, lay down my head, and dream of being with her. The song, 'Christmas is the Time to be with Your Baby" kept playin' in my mind as I said my prayers and drifted off to sleep.
My dreamin' was sweet. I saw Cathy and me strolling through the meadow, then sitting beneath the willow tree. The butterflies were playing, "Catch me if you can," as they fluttered high into the sky to do whatever they do up there. The birds were singin' like church bells ringin'. Cathy smiled at me, winked, then asked, "Will you love me forever and ever, Honey?"
"Oh, yes! I'll love you that long, plus an extra day, too, Darlin'. Here's a poem I've written from my soul, through my heart, by my hand, for you, Beautiful.
"Kinda miss Cathy and the baby, huh, Bill?"
"Like bees miss honey, Larry! Now, it's time to say, 'Po Bill,' get a seat close to the stage, then wait for the show to begin. Geez! Just look at 'em packin' in."
Bob Hope introduced the group; the applause was louder than bombs a burstin' in air. Then, someone yelled, "Shake it, Baby, 'cause I've got cream for the topping!" Why was I not smiling and singing happy songs? Why was I not back home with Cathy and our baby where I belonged?
The show was great, but I couldn't wait to get back to bed, lay down my head, and dream of being with her. The song, 'Christmas is the Time to be with Your Baby" kept playin' in my mind as I said my prayers and drifted off to sleep.
My dreamin' was sweet. I saw Cathy and me strolling through the meadow, then sitting beneath the willow tree. The butterflies were playing, "Catch me if you can," as they fluttered high into the sky to do whatever they do up there. The birds were singin' like church bells ringin'. Cathy smiled at me, winked, then asked, "Will you love me forever and ever, Honey?"
"Oh, yes! I'll love you that long, plus an extra day, too, Darlin'. Here's a poem I've written from my soul, through my heart, by my hand, for you, Beautiful.
~Today, Tomorrow, and Forever~
Every moment we have spent together
has touched our lives, our souls forever.
The things we have both shared and learned,
together multiplies the love we've earned.
The person that I've grown into today,
did not get there by chance--no way!
I am who I am partly because of you,
and you are you because of me, too!
The changes in yourself that you now see,
and what I have come to know about me,
are responses to how we carried our lives,
and what we discovered in each other's eyes.
No matter what happens, this much is certain--
even after life shuts down and closes its curtain,
we'll remain as soulmates forever and a day,
'cause not even death can get in Love's way.
Every moment we have spent together
has touched our lives, our souls forever.
The things we have both shared and learned,
together multiplies the love we've earned.
The person that I've grown into today,
did not get there by chance--no way!
I am who I am partly because of you,
and you are you because of me, too!
The changes in yourself that you now see,
and what I have come to know about me,
are responses to how we carried our lives,
and what we discovered in each other's eyes.
No matter what happens, this much is certain--
even after life shuts down and closes its curtain,
we'll remain as soulmates forever and a day,
'cause not even death can get in Love's way.
Tick-tock goes the clock! Please, God, let me catch the train that's gonna carry me home--clickety-clack!
********
"Is your name Bill from Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Commando?"
I opened my eyes to see a man I didn't know in uniform with a serious expression on his face. Immediately, I was awake and sat up straight.
"It is!" I replied. "Why?"
"I'm here to deliver an urgent message from your grandpa asking that you contact him at home immediately."
"Thank you, Sir, and who are you?" I tried not to appear worried, but I was.
"I'm Air Force Intelligence. Please come with me. I'll take you to our telephone, so you can make your call. Oh, and by the way . . . Merry Christmas."
"Well, I certainly hope it will be," I said, as I jumped outta bed.
I opened my eyes to see a man I didn't know in uniform with a serious expression on his face. Immediately, I was awake and sat up straight.
"It is!" I replied. "Why?"
"I'm here to deliver an urgent message from your grandpa asking that you contact him at home immediately."
"Thank you, Sir, and who are you?" I tried not to appear worried, but I was.
"I'm Air Force Intelligence. Please come with me. I'll take you to our telephone, so you can make your call. Oh, and by the way . . . Merry Christmas."
"Well, I certainly hope it will be," I said, as I jumped outta bed.
*******
"Grandpa! What's a matter? Our Intelligence Agent said it was urgent."
"First, let me say, congratulations, Billy! You are the father of twins--a boy and a girl. However, the baby girl is currently in an incubator with undeveloped lungs. We don't yet know if she's gonna make it or not."
"Oh my God! She's gotta. Is Cathy okay?"
"That's the second part. Cathy's okay, but beside herself with worry. The doctor has contacted the American Red Cross and recommended they get you home fast. Grandma and I will do everything we can to help. Of course, you know this, don't ya?"
"You betcha! I'm headed for the Red Cross office here. Give my love to all, Grandpa."
As I hurried there, I trembled and prayed. "Once again, You put the cross on my back, Father! It's getting so heavy that I can't carry it up the hill all by myself. Please take my hand and help me, so I can best help Cathy and our little twins. For, after all, we're your children, too! I'm waiting on You, God. Please don't take long!"
"First, let me say, congratulations, Billy! You are the father of twins--a boy and a girl. However, the baby girl is currently in an incubator with undeveloped lungs. We don't yet know if she's gonna make it or not."
"Oh my God! She's gotta. Is Cathy okay?"
"That's the second part. Cathy's okay, but beside herself with worry. The doctor has contacted the American Red Cross and recommended they get you home fast. Grandma and I will do everything we can to help. Of course, you know this, don't ya?"
"You betcha! I'm headed for the Red Cross office here. Give my love to all, Grandpa."
As I hurried there, I trembled and prayed. "Once again, You put the cross on my back, Father! It's getting so heavy that I can't carry it up the hill all by myself. Please take my hand and help me, so I can best help Cathy and our little twins. For, after all, we're your children, too! I'm waiting on You, God. Please don't take long!"
*******
Will Bill be able to get home to be by Cathy's side? Will their little baby girl survive? You'll find out what happens next in Chapter 31. Stay tuned--it's coming soon! Thanks so much for reading along. Wishing y'all the best! God Bless.
Respectfully with Admiration,
Bill & Cathy
(Commando & Tootie)
Respectfully with Admiration,
Bill & Cathy
(Commando & Tootie)
 Recognized |
Co-authored by Bill Bishop (aka Commando) and Cathy Waldron (aka Tootie). For those of you who haven't read the previous chapters, we encourage it. We are posting each chapter as we write it, and once finished, plan to publish our novel. Preparation and typesetting are already in the works. As always, any comments/suggestions for improvement will be appreciated. A "Salute" for reading along and for your support. Respectfully with Admiration, Cathy and Bill
References:
"Christmas is the Time to be with your Baby" - The Orchards (1964)
Bob Hope Christmas Special - Bien Hoa, Vietnam 12/24/1964
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. References:
"Christmas is the Time to be with your Baby" - The Orchards (1964)
Bob Hope Christmas Special - Bien Hoa, Vietnam 12/24/1964
Multi-Author Book
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