An Invisible Thread Chapter 26 Introducing Malachi
They have their families gather without telling them why. The surprise will be epic. Malachi Samuel, yes they decide to keep the name, is bundled up and placed in his car seat. Their son. They never grow tired of saying those words. He grins up at them as his daddy straps him in. A happy lad is Malachi.
“We are going to meet your family, your grandparents, aunt’s, uncle’s, and cousins. They don’t even know you are here.” Jamie softly tells him.
“Lord, I pray the shock doesn’t cause a heart attack.”
“If so, there will be a physician present.” Her husband replies with a smile. He is so bloody proud of her.
“True.” She double checks that he is secure in the car seat, to Jamie’s amusement, before joining him in the front seat. This is the first time they are taking him farther then the local stores or his pediatrician, so they are both a bit nervous. Claire focuses on the mirror that allows her to see him and Jamie does the same whenever he stops. The journey to Lallybroch, where they are all meeting, takes twice as long as it should.
When they pull up, he opens the door for Claire, who then hurries to get Malachi out. They had asked their families not to meet them outside. They want to introduce Malachi to them all together. Claire tucks the blanket over his head before she pulls him out. They don’t bother with the seat, knowing he will be in someone’s arms. Jamie takes his nappy bag and her arm and they head in.
Their families are in the great room. The bairns, including Jenny and Ian’s newborn, wee Ian, included. Jamie opens the doors and everyone looks up. It is five year old Maggie that notices first.
“Baby!” she shouts out. “Auntie Claire has a baby.”
“Claire?” her mum says as she stands and walks over to them.
The new parents look at each other and smile. “Family meet our son, Malachi Samuel Fraser.” Jamie proudly announces. Claire loosens the blanket and turns him around. “Malachi, mo mac, your family.”
“Oh, look at you!” Julia coos. “He is lovely.”
As the shock wears off, the rest of his family gathers around. The bairns stand at their parents feet glancing up at their new cousin as the adults stare at their newest family member in wonder.
*Okay, when? How?” Brian speaks what they are all wondering.
“Let them sit down and tell us.” Jenny knows how exhausting new parenthood is. “Jamie, Maggie, Kitty, let your Auntie sit.”Willy moves William and Elizabeth also. Claire sits on the sofa with Jamie. The rest takes seats around them and wait on their story.
“You know we were approved to adopt three months ago,” nods all around. “Well, a week ago we got the call. Malachi here’s birth parents were unable to care for him any longer. They tried but were to young. They surrendered him when he was a month old. A month later they rights were terminated and a month after that, he came to us. In another three months, he will be free for adoption. Right now we are fostering him but he will be an official Fraser soon enough “ Jamie tells them.
“May I?” Ellen holds her hands out. Claire hands her son to his grandma. “Oh hi. You are so handsome. Yes,” Malachi looks up at her and coos. “You know it too.” She then slips him into Julia’s arms.
“I am your Mimi, your mum’s mum. You are quite handsome, your grandma is right “ She looks over at his beaming parents. “Did you choose his name!”
“He came with it. His birth parents only request is that we keep it. As it is so lovely, we did.” Claire answers.
“Lovely and appropriate. Samuel means, ‘for this child, I prayed '
A stunned silence greets her words. Even the bairns get still. “Oh God, he is made to be ours.” Jamie whispers after a moment.
“Aye, he is son.” Brian takes him in his arms. “Hello, I am your papa. Your daddy is mo mac. You have been prayed for. A Fraser you were fated to be. A proud name you bear. Welcome to the family, Malachi Samuel Fraser.” He bends down and places the baby in the arms of his other grandpa.
*I hold my daughter’s son. What a proud day! Malachi, this grandpa has wheels. A bit different, eh but I will still be at your school events, your sports games, just as I was for your mum. You are a cherished gift, my grandson.”
Everyone gets a chance to hold him, including the older children. The oldest, William, asks the question they all wonder.
“Uncle Jamie, what race is he?” he holds him as his sister runs her hands over his hair and giggles at the soft springiness of it.
“His birth mam is Spanish and his birth father, black.” He answers.
“Cool. Hey Malachi. I am William, your cousin. I will teach you to ride like I am teaching my sister, Elizabeth.”
“Horsey!” the three year old informs her baby cousin. “Me ride horsey.”
“We all do. Malachi and Ian will too,” Wee Jamie says.
“They will, in time.” Mary says with a smile.
Jenny lifts the lad from her nephew’s arms. “Hello leannen. I am your Auntie Jenny. Your daddy is my baby brother.” She stops and takes a breath, on the verge of tears. “I watched your mam and daddy grow up and grow in love together. They were made for each other and you are made for them. We love you Malachi. Welcome home.”
