Book Series: Gables of Legacy (Byrnehouse-Davies & Hamilton)
Publishing Date: 2002
Author: Anita Stansfield
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Category: LDS Contemporary Romance
Point of View: Third Person Limited- Jess
Chapter Count: 14
Page Count: 222
Point of View: Third Person Limited- Jess
Chapter Count: 14
Page Count: 222
For Conrad and Diane
Chapter 1
Ten days till the wedding! Tamra reflects on everything that occurred in the last volume-her abuse riddled childhood that turned out happily-ever-after-all! That is AFTER she joined the church, served a mission and met Jess Hamilton.
A phone call from the states interrupts Tamra's thoughts, it's her dad, Brady, who regrets to inform Tamra his mother, her grandmother, passed away in her sleep last night. Everyone insists Jess and Tamra hop BACK on a plane to Minnesota for the funeral, everything is ready here and they'll be back in time for the wedding. Shoo!
So that's what they do.
Brady and Claudia are completely lost in how to arrange a funeral service. Since nobody in Tamra's family belonged to any organized religion, it's up to Tamra to contact a local LDS bishop to ask if he wouldn't mind conducting a non-religious service for these people. Since the bishop and Relief Society president have nothing better to do, they are more than happy to step in and take care of EVERYTHING from rounding up speakers and musical numbers to the food served at the luncheon. Because this is an Anita Stansfield book, nobody has any problems or issues with any of this.
Chapter 2
There's plenty of missionary opportunities as Tamra and Jess explain to Brady and Claudia why this bishop doesn't wear fancy robes or get paid for what he does. Jess and Tamra stop by Myrna's Bar before leaving town. Tamra's mom is cordial and it's a quick visit before they're back on the plane to Australia where Michael and Emily are waiting to meet them.
Next on the plot complication list: Jess and Tamra feel VERY STRONGLY they should adopt little Evelyn so they can raise her as their own. She won't be sealed to them because her deceased parents (Jess's brother and his wife) were already married in the temple. Evelyn already calls them Mommy and Daddy. It's pretty obvious they should do this, what could go wrong?
Well, Amee in Adelaide feels the same way. Tension rises when everyone takes a turn talking to her on the phone but Amee is unwavering in her decision that SHE is the rightful adoptive mother for this tragically orphaned niece. Jess and Tamra hope the upcoming wedding and family reunion will soften Amee's heart. It's all settled in the next chapter when Jess and Tamra are declared the winners, and this issue never comes up again.
Chapter 3
Brady, Claudia and Aunt Rhea are the only family representing Tamra's side while all of Jess' married sisters, their husbands and children flew or drove in for the temple wedding in Sydney. Emma keeps Tamra's folks company, along with all the children, who are waiting outside the temple when the happy couple exits.
There's a quick luncheon and photos, then everyone meets back at the Hamilton mansion for the reception with all the local friends and ward members attending. Later, the family gathers to watch Jess and Tamra open their wedding gifts which includes a "legacy gift," several pieces of handmade crocheted lace by great-grandmother Alexa passed down through the female descendants, all of Jess's married sisters have some of Alexa's work and now Tamra does too. Tamra is touched. She just KNEW something or someone was calling to her from beyond the veil the moment she set foot on this land. Now we know why all the books in this series have lace on their covers.
Chapter 4
Jess and Tamra honeymoon in Hawaii and have a wonderful time. Life is perfect. After all the recent trials Jess and Tamra have been through, nothing bad could ever happen to them again. Right?
Enter the main plot complication of this book. This is why Michael and Emily have had so many mysterious doctor appointments in town since before the wedding. This is why Michael was abruptly released from his calling as bishop today at church. Jess and Tamra sit them down, demanding to know what's going on?
Michael has cancer (like the reader didn't see this coming since Chapter 1)
Jess does not take this news well. Turning passive-aggressive, insisting he needs to be alone, Jess gets up and storms out of the room.
Chapter 5
Tamra takes this opportunity to open up and speak her heart to Michael and Emily, breaking down sobbing because (like the reader) we just can't believe our favorite fictional patriarch is going to DIE. Michael has been more of a father to her than any man she's ever known, including Brady. How are we supposed to go on without him? Michael takes his newest daughter in his arms and everyone cries together.
Tamra finds Jess, who just finished a good cry himself and suggests he call Sean O'Hara, our favorite family therapist, for grief counseling. Jess agrees it's a good idea but first, he returns to the front room to resume the conversation with his dad. Michael expresses his relief the family business and estate will be left in good hands.
Jess loses it again. Inheritance? Running the family business?! He's not ready for this!
Chapter 6
Jess calls Sean in Utah. Sean is more upset than Jess anticipated when he drops the bomb about Michael and cries for several minutes before he can speak. Knowing the psychologist is just as human makes Jess feel a little better. They discuss the stages of grief then Sean announces he and his wife are going to make arrangements for him to fly out immediately. After all the Hamiltons did for him, Michael is practically family. They decide to keep it a secret and surprise Michael and Emily.
After dinner, Jess helps Michael clean up the kitchen and load the dishwasher so they can talk more about accepting death. Michael admits he's still struggling with it, he wants to live, enjoy his posterity but is wise enough to put the final decision in God's hands.
Father and son embrace and cry together. Again.
Chapter 7
Two days later, Jess flies to Sydney to pick up Sean. Micheal and Emily are both surprised and delighted to see him. Sean stays a week, helping Michael around the ranch, going on picnics with the family and visiting. Michael started chemo and his hair is falling out which he good-naturedly jokes about to ease the tension. They have another good group discussion about accepting God's will and Sean takes his leave. While flying to Sydney in the plane, he confides to Jess he has a feeling he'll get to see Michael again. Alive.
Chapter 8
While Sean is the only non-family member who knows about Michael's terminal illness, nobody else in the family has been informed. Yet. Though he doesn't want to, Jess picks up the phone and starts making the necessary calls to his sisters in the states and Amee in Adelaide. Everyone takes the news well, except Amee who is in denial.
Jess and Tamra decide to organize a big family reunion/vacation, to cheer everyone up. The Hamilton family did something similar several years ago and it was very special-renting a bunch of rooms at an Austrailian beach resort and just hanging out. They will also have a family fast.
It's hard but everyone is coming to terms with the fact Michael will eventually be leaving them.
Chapter 9
Tamra announces to Jess she's pregnant, due date is January, which changes everything. If Michael can live another eight months or so, the circle of life can be completed. Since the death of his brother, Jess is now the only son of an only son. Please let it be a boy!
As begun in Volume 1, Jess pulls Tamra into the second floor hall, turns on the stereo and leads her in a slow dance to Creed's "With Arms Wide Open" (Nice choice, Jess!) to celebrate their future parenthood.
Michael attempts horseback riding but his condition gets the better of him. He collapses and is taken to the hospital, but he's okay. Everyone is worried and comes to visit him.
Chapter 10
Michael is released before the week is out. He and Emily visit his oncologist the following month and are happy to report to Jess and Tamra that, for the moment, he is cancer free!
Both Michael and Emily accompany Jess and Tamra for the ultrasound. It is indeed a boy. Everyone weeps and rejoices, much to the puzzlement of the technician, until they explain.
Next is the marvelous ten day vacation which every single family member made arrangements to attend. Many pictures and videos are on hand to capture every second. Tamra has a tape recorder so Michael can share all his best family history stories for his posterity. Everyone has come to terms with the fact their beloved husband and father will not be with them much longer. Everyone but Amee who continues to avoid the subject, finding an excuse to leave whenever it's brought up.
Family reunion/vacation over, all Jess' sisters and their families go their separate ways while our main characters: Michael, Emily, Jess and Tamra take the opportunity to spend the day at the Sydney temple, doing many sessions and sealings. Everyone is understandably exhausted arriving back home. Things settle back to their routine until one evening, Jess confronts his parents in the sitting room. He and Tamra were going over the family tree and couldn't help but notice there's no temple sealing date for Michael and Emily. Jess is a little disturbed by this. Michael and Emily tell them both to sit down. They've got a long story to tell...
Chapter 11
Readers of previous Anita Stansfield novels already know this story by heart. Just like the cancer announcement, Jess does NOT take this well, gets up and storms out. Tamra and Emily are already weepy. Tamra has the faith to accept this unusual marriage. Emily is glad this came up now, while Michael was still alive and could explain his point of view. Michael agrees, he needs to go talk to his son, now.
Jess is sitting in the carriage house where Michael finds him. After another good chat, they come up with the nice idea of a "bucket list" to focus on. All the fun, exciting, activities and experiences Michael always wanted to do but never found the time or opportunity. Have a friendly horse race on the family track and fly his father's old biplane. The plane is currently sitting in the hanger, dusty, in need of repairs, but still functional. Jess promises to help him.
The very next day, they each choose a horse and, with Tamra and Emily watching as well as videotaping the entire scene, cheer along with the stablehands, gathered to observe the friendly match.
From that day on, Michael and Jess begin spending more quality time together.
Taking further advantage of the remission, Michael and Emily leave for a long trip to Adelaide and Utah where they include Sean and his family in their visits. Jess and Tamra enjoy having the house to themselves.
Chapter 12
It's now October and Michael's cancer has returned. Hearing this, everyone living elsewhere makes plans to come for one last Christmas at the family home with Michael who is now bedridden, too weak to do anything but read and sleep. Emily snuggles next to him on the bed and they speculate on all the fascinating ancestors Michael will get to meet on the other side of the veil. Emily is especially envious he'll get to see Alexa, their guardian angel.
Jess leaves for a few days on business. While he's gone, Evelyn has a minor accident requiring a trip to the doctor for stitches. Michael takes a bad turn and has to spend the night at the hospital, returning with an oxygen tank and looking like death warmed over. Jess takes a fresh grip on his courage when he returns and, with Tamra holding his hand, enters the bedroom to greet his father. Michael takes one look at both of them and insists they need a date night. Marveling at such altruism, Jess and Tamra obey the order.
Chapter 13
Michael's doctor wants him to spend a few days in the hospital taking some tests. Emily goes with him. Two days later, in the middle of the night, Tamra's water breaks. Jess takes her to the hospital where they decide not to inform their parents they're here.
While Tamra endures labor pains, Jess reflects on the words Emily told him during one of their counseling sessions in the psych ward after he tried to take his own life (see Vol 1 "The Guardian") about the sacrifice she made to bring him into the world. He understands now. The baby is born without any complications. Now they can go inform Michael they're here and they have a surprise for them. The sight of this little bundle of joy makes their day.
Michael's doctor enters with the results of his tests. It's terminal, he lit up like a Christmas tree, the cancer is everywhere and there's nothing more they can do. Everyone nods solemnly.
Micheal declares he wants to go home. All the arrangements are made to accommodate his last wishes. He is helped up the stairs to his room and bed for the last time. Everyone knows the end is near.
Calls are made, both to announce the new baby and to warn everyone Michael's time is almost at hand. All Jess' sisters will come, ASAP. Except Amee who refuses to make plane reservations as she just can't stand to see her father lying on his death bed. Jess talks to her, gets her to acknowledge her true feelings, then goes back upstairs to join his parents. They decide to put on a CD, to lighten the mood, Sting's Fields of Gold (not a bad choice, a good soundtrack for Michael and Emily's story which the author herself admitted helped inspire her writing, much like Muse for Stephanie Meyer's Twilight) Michael asks Jess to "Play it again."
Chapter 14
Tamra is still recovering in the hospital, so Jess drives back to visit her and the baby later that evening. He gets home very late. Next morning, feeling the premonition, he rushes to his parents' bedroom to find Michael asleep with his head in Emily's lap. Emily tells him to go get his sweet wife and new baby and bring them here. Home.
Arrangements have already been made by the Relief Society to bring in meals and take little Evelyn for the next few days to stay with various members. The Hamiltons have been such a rock solid family in their branch, later ward, over the years, everyone welcomes this opportunity to give back. The new bishopric stops by and gives everyone a priesthood blessing.
Within the week, all the sisters arrive. Amee throws herself on her father's chest. Michael holds and reassures her. Amee can now come to terms with her grief.
A few chapters ago, one of Michael's daughters (Allison) had an inspired idea that before he died, he should gather all his children around him, like Father Lehi in the Book of Mormon, and give everyone a father's blessing. Now is the time to do so. Tamra is included. Then Michael gives Emily a husband's blessing. All will take turns keeping vigil at their father's side until the end comes.
It is a good sendoff for such a strong, memorable, character in this fictional world.
Sean and his family come for the funeral. Jess is amazed at the peace and closure he feels. Everyone stays for the blessing of their new baby, named Jess Michael but, like his father and grandfather before him, will be known as Michael, to avoid confusion with his father.
Jess is overcome with emotion as he felt the presence of his father's hand on his shoulder while standing in the circle, holding and blessing his new son.
Emily and Tamra aren't surprised at all.
THE END
Ten days till the wedding! Tamra reflects on everything that occurred in the last volume-her abuse riddled childhood that turned out happily-ever-after-all! That is AFTER she joined the church, served a mission and met Jess Hamilton.
A phone call from the states interrupts Tamra's thoughts, it's her dad, Brady, who regrets to inform Tamra his mother, her grandmother, passed away in her sleep last night. Everyone insists Jess and Tamra hop BACK on a plane to Minnesota for the funeral, everything is ready here and they'll be back in time for the wedding. Shoo!
So that's what they do.
Brady and Claudia are completely lost in how to arrange a funeral service. Since nobody in Tamra's family belonged to any organized religion, it's up to Tamra to contact a local LDS bishop to ask if he wouldn't mind conducting a non-religious service for these people. Since the bishop and Relief Society president have nothing better to do, they are more than happy to step in and take care of EVERYTHING from rounding up speakers and musical numbers to the food served at the luncheon. Because this is an Anita Stansfield book, nobody has any problems or issues with any of this.
Chapter 2
There's plenty of missionary opportunities as Tamra and Jess explain to Brady and Claudia why this bishop doesn't wear fancy robes or get paid for what he does. Jess and Tamra stop by Myrna's Bar before leaving town. Tamra's mom is cordial and it's a quick visit before they're back on the plane to Australia where Michael and Emily are waiting to meet them.
Next on the plot complication list: Jess and Tamra feel VERY STRONGLY they should adopt little Evelyn so they can raise her as their own. She won't be sealed to them because her deceased parents (Jess's brother and his wife) were already married in the temple. Evelyn already calls them Mommy and Daddy. It's pretty obvious they should do this, what could go wrong?
Well, Amee in Adelaide feels the same way. Tension rises when everyone takes a turn talking to her on the phone but Amee is unwavering in her decision that SHE is the rightful adoptive mother for this tragically orphaned niece. Jess and Tamra hope the upcoming wedding and family reunion will soften Amee's heart. It's all settled in the next chapter when Jess and Tamra are declared the winners, and this issue never comes up again.
Chapter 3
Brady, Claudia and Aunt Rhea are the only family representing Tamra's side while all of Jess' married sisters, their husbands and children flew or drove in for the temple wedding in Sydney. Emma keeps Tamra's folks company, along with all the children, who are waiting outside the temple when the happy couple exits.
There's a quick luncheon and photos, then everyone meets back at the Hamilton mansion for the reception with all the local friends and ward members attending. Later, the family gathers to watch Jess and Tamra open their wedding gifts which includes a "legacy gift," several pieces of handmade crocheted lace by great-grandmother Alexa passed down through the female descendants, all of Jess's married sisters have some of Alexa's work and now Tamra does too. Tamra is touched. She just KNEW something or someone was calling to her from beyond the veil the moment she set foot on this land. Now we know why all the books in this series have lace on their covers.
Chapter 4
Jess and Tamra honeymoon in Hawaii and have a wonderful time. Life is perfect. After all the recent trials Jess and Tamra have been through, nothing bad could ever happen to them again. Right?
Enter the main plot complication of this book. This is why Michael and Emily have had so many mysterious doctor appointments in town since before the wedding. This is why Michael was abruptly released from his calling as bishop today at church. Jess and Tamra sit them down, demanding to know what's going on?
Michael has cancer (like the reader didn't see this coming since Chapter 1)
Jess does not take this news well. Turning passive-aggressive, insisting he needs to be alone, Jess gets up and storms out of the room.
Chapter 5
Tamra takes this opportunity to open up and speak her heart to Michael and Emily, breaking down sobbing because (like the reader) we just can't believe our favorite fictional patriarch is going to DIE. Michael has been more of a father to her than any man she's ever known, including Brady. How are we supposed to go on without him? Michael takes his newest daughter in his arms and everyone cries together.
Tamra finds Jess, who just finished a good cry himself and suggests he call Sean O'Hara, our favorite family therapist, for grief counseling. Jess agrees it's a good idea but first, he returns to the front room to resume the conversation with his dad. Michael expresses his relief the family business and estate will be left in good hands.
Jess loses it again. Inheritance? Running the family business?! He's not ready for this!
Chapter 6
Jess calls Sean in Utah. Sean is more upset than Jess anticipated when he drops the bomb about Michael and cries for several minutes before he can speak. Knowing the psychologist is just as human makes Jess feel a little better. They discuss the stages of grief then Sean announces he and his wife are going to make arrangements for him to fly out immediately. After all the Hamiltons did for him, Michael is practically family. They decide to keep it a secret and surprise Michael and Emily.
After dinner, Jess helps Michael clean up the kitchen and load the dishwasher so they can talk more about accepting death. Michael admits he's still struggling with it, he wants to live, enjoy his posterity but is wise enough to put the final decision in God's hands.
Father and son embrace and cry together. Again.
Chapter 7
Two days later, Jess flies to Sydney to pick up Sean. Micheal and Emily are both surprised and delighted to see him. Sean stays a week, helping Michael around the ranch, going on picnics with the family and visiting. Michael started chemo and his hair is falling out which he good-naturedly jokes about to ease the tension. They have another good group discussion about accepting God's will and Sean takes his leave. While flying to Sydney in the plane, he confides to Jess he has a feeling he'll get to see Michael again. Alive.
Chapter 8
While Sean is the only non-family member who knows about Michael's terminal illness, nobody else in the family has been informed. Yet. Though he doesn't want to, Jess picks up the phone and starts making the necessary calls to his sisters in the states and Amee in Adelaide. Everyone takes the news well, except Amee who is in denial.
Jess and Tamra decide to organize a big family reunion/vacation, to cheer everyone up. The Hamilton family did something similar several years ago and it was very special-renting a bunch of rooms at an Austrailian beach resort and just hanging out. They will also have a family fast.
It's hard but everyone is coming to terms with the fact Michael will eventually be leaving them.
Chapter 9
Tamra announces to Jess she's pregnant, due date is January, which changes everything. If Michael can live another eight months or so, the circle of life can be completed. Since the death of his brother, Jess is now the only son of an only son. Please let it be a boy!
As begun in Volume 1, Jess pulls Tamra into the second floor hall, turns on the stereo and leads her in a slow dance to Creed's "With Arms Wide Open" (Nice choice, Jess!) to celebrate their future parenthood.
Michael attempts horseback riding but his condition gets the better of him. He collapses and is taken to the hospital, but he's okay. Everyone is worried and comes to visit him.
Chapter 10
Michael is released before the week is out. He and Emily visit his oncologist the following month and are happy to report to Jess and Tamra that, for the moment, he is cancer free!
Both Michael and Emily accompany Jess and Tamra for the ultrasound. It is indeed a boy. Everyone weeps and rejoices, much to the puzzlement of the technician, until they explain.
Next is the marvelous ten day vacation which every single family member made arrangements to attend. Many pictures and videos are on hand to capture every second. Tamra has a tape recorder so Michael can share all his best family history stories for his posterity. Everyone has come to terms with the fact their beloved husband and father will not be with them much longer. Everyone but Amee who continues to avoid the subject, finding an excuse to leave whenever it's brought up.
Family reunion/vacation over, all Jess' sisters and their families go their separate ways while our main characters: Michael, Emily, Jess and Tamra take the opportunity to spend the day at the Sydney temple, doing many sessions and sealings. Everyone is understandably exhausted arriving back home. Things settle back to their routine until one evening, Jess confronts his parents in the sitting room. He and Tamra were going over the family tree and couldn't help but notice there's no temple sealing date for Michael and Emily. Jess is a little disturbed by this. Michael and Emily tell them both to sit down. They've got a long story to tell...
Chapter 11
Readers of previous Anita Stansfield novels already know this story by heart. Just like the cancer announcement, Jess does NOT take this well, gets up and storms out. Tamra and Emily are already weepy. Tamra has the faith to accept this unusual marriage. Emily is glad this came up now, while Michael was still alive and could explain his point of view. Michael agrees, he needs to go talk to his son, now.
Jess is sitting in the carriage house where Michael finds him. After another good chat, they come up with the nice idea of a "bucket list" to focus on. All the fun, exciting, activities and experiences Michael always wanted to do but never found the time or opportunity. Have a friendly horse race on the family track and fly his father's old biplane. The plane is currently sitting in the hanger, dusty, in need of repairs, but still functional. Jess promises to help him.
The very next day, they each choose a horse and, with Tamra and Emily watching as well as videotaping the entire scene, cheer along with the stablehands, gathered to observe the friendly match.
From that day on, Michael and Jess begin spending more quality time together.
Taking further advantage of the remission, Michael and Emily leave for a long trip to Adelaide and Utah where they include Sean and his family in their visits. Jess and Tamra enjoy having the house to themselves.
Chapter 12
It's now October and Michael's cancer has returned. Hearing this, everyone living elsewhere makes plans to come for one last Christmas at the family home with Michael who is now bedridden, too weak to do anything but read and sleep. Emily snuggles next to him on the bed and they speculate on all the fascinating ancestors Michael will get to meet on the other side of the veil. Emily is especially envious he'll get to see Alexa, their guardian angel.
Jess leaves for a few days on business. While he's gone, Evelyn has a minor accident requiring a trip to the doctor for stitches. Michael takes a bad turn and has to spend the night at the hospital, returning with an oxygen tank and looking like death warmed over. Jess takes a fresh grip on his courage when he returns and, with Tamra holding his hand, enters the bedroom to greet his father. Michael takes one look at both of them and insists they need a date night. Marveling at such altruism, Jess and Tamra obey the order.
Chapter 13
Michael's doctor wants him to spend a few days in the hospital taking some tests. Emily goes with him. Two days later, in the middle of the night, Tamra's water breaks. Jess takes her to the hospital where they decide not to inform their parents they're here.
While Tamra endures labor pains, Jess reflects on the words Emily told him during one of their counseling sessions in the psych ward after he tried to take his own life (see Vol 1 "The Guardian") about the sacrifice she made to bring him into the world. He understands now. The baby is born without any complications. Now they can go inform Michael they're here and they have a surprise for them. The sight of this little bundle of joy makes their day.
Michael's doctor enters with the results of his tests. It's terminal, he lit up like a Christmas tree, the cancer is everywhere and there's nothing more they can do. Everyone nods solemnly.
Micheal declares he wants to go home. All the arrangements are made to accommodate his last wishes. He is helped up the stairs to his room and bed for the last time. Everyone knows the end is near.
Calls are made, both to announce the new baby and to warn everyone Michael's time is almost at hand. All Jess' sisters will come, ASAP. Except Amee who refuses to make plane reservations as she just can't stand to see her father lying on his death bed. Jess talks to her, gets her to acknowledge her true feelings, then goes back upstairs to join his parents. They decide to put on a CD, to lighten the mood, Sting's Fields of Gold (not a bad choice, a good soundtrack for Michael and Emily's story which the author herself admitted helped inspire her writing, much like Muse for Stephanie Meyer's Twilight) Michael asks Jess to "Play it again."
Chapter 14
Tamra is still recovering in the hospital, so Jess drives back to visit her and the baby later that evening. He gets home very late. Next morning, feeling the premonition, he rushes to his parents' bedroom to find Michael asleep with his head in Emily's lap. Emily tells him to go get his sweet wife and new baby and bring them here. Home.
Arrangements have already been made by the Relief Society to bring in meals and take little Evelyn for the next few days to stay with various members. The Hamiltons have been such a rock solid family in their branch, later ward, over the years, everyone welcomes this opportunity to give back. The new bishopric stops by and gives everyone a priesthood blessing.
Within the week, all the sisters arrive. Amee throws herself on her father's chest. Michael holds and reassures her. Amee can now come to terms with her grief.
A few chapters ago, one of Michael's daughters (Allison) had an inspired idea that before he died, he should gather all his children around him, like Father Lehi in the Book of Mormon, and give everyone a father's blessing. Now is the time to do so. Tamra is included. Then Michael gives Emily a husband's blessing. All will take turns keeping vigil at their father's side until the end comes.
It is a good sendoff for such a strong, memorable, character in this fictional world.
Sean and his family come for the funeral. Jess is amazed at the peace and closure he feels. Everyone stays for the blessing of their new baby, named Jess Michael but, like his father and grandfather before him, will be known as Michael, to avoid confusion with his father.
Jess is overcome with emotion as he felt the presence of his father's hand on his shoulder while standing in the circle, holding and blessing his new son.
Emily and Tamra aren't surprised at all.
THE END
