Chapter Seven

As weeks pass, Alyssa notices she is craving odd things at odd times. Just yesterday she had french toast for dinner. She then realizes the cause of her odd eating habits. "I'm pregnant!" she tells Cole. Cole is a bit shocked at first. "Are you sure?" he asks. "Yeah I'm pretty sure. What's wrong? Did you not want kids? "No, it's not that. Are we financially stable enough for a baby right now?" he asks. Alyssa understands he is worried and probably a little scared too from the look on his face. "We'll be fine Cole, don't worry so much." she replies.



Telling her Mother, who was now showing her age, was a happy moment for both of them. "Alyssa, I'm so happy for you both! It's about time you made me a Grandmother." Kerrigan said. "I'm excited but I think Cole is a little worried about money issues." said Alyssa "Well I know I'm retired now but I could always go back to work if we need it." "No Mom, you've worked your entire life and now you finally get to relax. I don't want to take that from you. We'll figure out something out. I've been practicing my art and it's finally selling for decent prices." Kerrigan thinks back to the time she found out she was pregnant with Alyssa. A recently single, young, pregnant girl with no money left after buying her house. Alyssa was already in a better situation than she was. "Everything will be okay. Cole will eventually feel the joy you do. Just give it time." Kerrigan said.



Cole practices his guitar to sooth his mind about their finances. He feels bad that it was the first thing that came to his mind. He just wants to give his children a life he didn't have. Growing up in a house with a single father and 2 other siblings, they didn't have much. He was thankful for what he had but every parent wants their kids to have more than they did. He gets lost in his thoughts as he mindlessly strums the strings.



A few days later Alyssa receives a call asking her to paint 15 painting for the town's offices. She tells Cole the news and hopes it will put his mind at ease. "That's great Alyssa. I'm glad everyone will get to see how talented you are." Cole tells her. "See, I told you everything would work out. This job is going to bring a lot of money, plenty for us to do a nursery and have some left over." "I know, I should have listened to you. I've just been angry at myself for not being able to find a job. I keep looking but there just isn't anything available." "It's not your fault Cole. It's hard to find work in a small town. But will make it." "I love you so much. What would I do without you?" "Crash and burn probably." Alyssa says will a grin. Alyssa gets started on the paintings quickly trying to finished them before she has the baby. Her belly is growing each day and she knows their child will be here before they know it.



"It's time!" Alyssa screams. Cole runs around the house making sure they have everything. "Okay I've got the car keys, insurance cards, overnight bag..." Cole says as he gets in the car and starts it. Alyssa hops in the front seat and they drive to the hospital. After hours and hours of labor Alyssa finally delivers their son. They name him Dylan. When they get home, they put Dylan in his crib and stare down at their beautiful baby boy.



Grandma Kerrigan helps out when she can. She's moving a bit slow these days but is still a great grandmother. She gives Dylan a bottle the next morning while her exhausted daughter and son in law sleep.



Both Alyssa and Dylan enjoy playtime.



Cole snuggles with his son. As he looks down into Dylan's eyes he can't understand what he was so afraid of. He's now excited about being a father and knows Alyssa is right, everything will work out. Cole smiles as he's rocking Dylan to sleep and says, "I love you, son."