Five Minutes To Midnight

by C. B. Stagg

  “Little did you know. Right, brother?”

  “Where is Wave? I thought we were supposed to be in recovery together.” He ran his hand over my hair, my face buried in his chest. “And what’s wrong with you? Why are you crying?”

  I looked up, a wrinkle forming between my brows. “Christian, you’re not in recovery, you’re in the ICU.”

  “Why?”

  “Because there was a complication with your surgery. You bled internally. A lot. You went into shock, and… ”

  No more words would come. I sat up, cupping his face, running my thumbs over his unshaven cheeks. He placed his hands over mine.

  “How long have I been here?”

  “Three excruciating days. You almost died. After you promised you’d be okay, you almost died on us.”

  He pulled me back against his chest as a new wave of crippling tears coursed through my body. I hadn’t allowed myself to say those words until that moment.

  “Mr. Clark, welcome back.” One of the ICU nurses sashayed in and started fiddling with the machines that monitored Christian’s vitals. “Is there anything you need right now?”

  He nodded, trying to sit up, but failing miserably. “Yes, ma’am. I need to see my daughter.”

  Epilogue

  Christian

  Thanksgiving, 2012

  TIME HEALS ALL WOUNDS.

  That is a truth I’d always believed. But so does love—and between my family, my wife, and my daughter—I was overflowing.

  Thanksgiving fell exactly ten weeks after Waverly’s transplant surgery. We still met with her transplant team weekly and would continue to do so through the New Year. But on the whole, once I’d overcome the hiccup of almost dying from shock, things had been smooth sailing.

  Of course, we’d never been more aware of germs and other hidden dangers that could affect her, so our level of cleanliness had reached an all-time high. The sheer volume of medications involved with a surgery of this type was astounding, but we were diligent in following the doctor’s orders and so far, she’d fared well.

  Things were looking bright.

  Our first major public outing was attending Thanksgiving dinner at my parents’ house. The cul-de-sac gang was all in attendance, along with the new additions of Katy’s parents and Cara Jo and Roy, who were just as much family as anyone else in the room.

  As we piled our plates high with roasted turkey, my grandmother’s famous cornbread dressing, candied sweet potatoes, and green bean casserole… I couldn’t help but reflect on how far we’d all come in the last year.

  Casey called the rowdy group to order. “If we could all bow our heads, we’ll pray. Then, per Clark family tradition, we all get to say what we’re most thankful for. Little brother, you got this?”

  I smiled, nodding. As the resident holy man, giving the blessing was my permanent job and one I was proud to do. We all joined hands.

  “We gather together today, Lord, to give thanks not only for each new sunrise bringing about another day, but for whom we get to spend those days with. Because of You, our cul-de-sac family is practically unrecognizable from what we were a year ago. So as we share this food, made by loving hands, hear our words of thanks and know that we are grateful for not only the gift of your Son, but for those you’ve brought into our lives this year. Please bless this food You’ve provided, as well as those who partake of it. In Your Son’s name, we pray… ”

  “Amen.” The collective chorus signaled it was time to share and give thanks.

  “I’d like to go first, if I may.” All eyes turned to Casey. “I am thankful for my beautiful family. My wife and my sons have made all my dreams come true.”

  “And I am thankful for my health.” Vaughn took a deep breath before continuing. “A year ago this week, I discovered I had cancer. I didn’t know if I would live or die. I didn’t know if I would ever get to tell Casey how I’d fallen completely in love with him. I had no idea what the future held, but I knew life would never be the same. And I was right. It’s totally different, but in the best of ways. Now I have an amazing husband, two precious sons, and my health. And my list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning my amazing parents, newparents, and my somewhat pesky older brother, Jase.”

  The room erupted in giggles.

  “You took an orphan and gave her a family, and for that I will be eternally grateful. No one can ever tell me fairy tales don’t come true.”

  Watching Casey and Vaughn, parenting their boys with so little experience ahead of time, gave me hope. I may have missed years of Waverly’s life, but I was here now. She’d wrapped her tiny little hand around my heart, and she was never letting go. I wouldn’t allow it. Maybe it didn’t take experience to be a great father. Maybe all it took was love, and the will to do the best for your kids. To be the best for them. That’s what Casey had done. The four of them were the perfect little family, and I was happy to be a part of it.

  “Us next, since I don’t know how long we have before this one decides to make his presence known.” Becky patted Cash, who was perched on her shoulder, sound asleep. She grabbed Jase’s hand.

  “In the last twelve months we’ve gotten married and become instant parents to the two most amazing young women. We’re thankful for all of you in this room, but mostly for our daughters and this little peanut.”

  Jase spoke up, finishing their family’s sentiments. “We were surprised with this little man, and while he wasn’t exactly planned, he is most definitely wanted. This year I gained a wife, a father, two daughters, a son, and a sister. I don’t know how this year can ever be topped.” Between each declaration of thanks, we ate a little, chatted a little, then found our way back to the task at hand.

  “So, I guess it’s our turn then?” Katy sought me out, and I nodded. “Okay. Well, first I am thankful for the health of Christian and Waverly. What this man of mine did to save our daughter was such a selfless act, and I will forever be in his debt for the life of our little girl.”

  “And I am thankful for my wife and my daughter. Ours isn’t an ordinary, everyday love… and I think we can all agree that greater powers were at play here. The love of my life found me after all these years and made me a father. What more could a man ask for?”

  With my part over, I passed it on to Curt, who was thankful for making the high school soccer team, to which everyone congratulated him. Marian and George went next.

  “George and I are so thankful for finding each other again and for our two kids, Jase and Vaughn. And our grandkids are the icing on the cake. What a whirlwind year this has been, for all of us it seems, but I wouldn’t change a thing.”

  John immediately followed Marian. “Well, as we are new to the group, I’d like to thank you all, and especially our daughter Katy, for inviting us to spend Thanksgiving with such a fine group.”

  John, never shy in a crowd, was missing some of his familiar confidence. He’d been humbled over the last several weeks as he’d come to understand, not only what his daughter’s life had been like while on her own… but his sister Anne’s as well. He’d been deeply moved by the strength and grace both women had shown in the face of adversity, and all due respect was given, finally.

  “Janice and I are abundantly thankful for the opportunity to reconnect with our daughter and our granddaughter.”

  Then, Janice spoke up, finding her voice after years of letting her husband do all the speaking. “We are also so very grateful to Christian for loving our daughter and granddaughter and for saving Waverly’s life. It’s a brave thing you did, and there are no words for how you’ve changed our family.” I smiled brightly at my mother-in-law, and shook my father-in-law’s hand across the table. They were good people and getting better by the day.

  I saw my mom open her mouth to speak, but when Cara Jo cleared her throat, she sat back to listen to her new friend. “Well, of course, when Roy and I count our blessings, we’re first to thank the Lord for Katy and Waverly. After losing Anne, Katy gave us a family when we needed
one most. And we can’t talk about our girls without talking about their guy. Christian, you are a godsend who swooped in just in time, so we’re very thankful for you as well.”

  “And, forgive us if this isn’t the right time.” Roy eyed Cara Jo, but she seemed to settle whatever struggle he was having because he continued. “My wife and I have decided it may be time to cut back on our work a little so we can spend more time with Waverly, and maybe do a little traveling.” He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a white envelope, “Katy, Cara Jo and I have decided to give you and Christian half of the diner if you’ll have it. You can run the place as you see fit—you have for years—but now, you can get paid what you’re worth.”

  My jaw hit the floor, and so did Katy’s. She loved that little diner almost as much as she loved me, which was one of the reasons I’d bought a house so close to it.

  She stood, seeking out her surrogate parents, and pulled them into a powerful embrace. Words weren’t needed to say how grateful she was for everything they’d done for her. The tears in John and Janice’s eyes spoke volumes, and as much as it may have hurt them to see the strength of Katy’s relationship with Roy and Cara Jo, they had to take responsibility for it. They had a lot to prove before Katy would let them back in one hundred percent, but they were here now, and that said a lot. Earning trust is a journey, but they’d taken some steps. It would just take time.

  “Well, it’s hard to put into words what we’re thankful for this year because there’s just so damn much,” my father stated. The somewhat teary group laughed, and the mood lightened.

  “In the last year, we’ve acquired two daughters-in-law, three grandchildren, and three more kids who may as well be our grandchildren. The size of our family has doubled. And through moves, new jobs, illness, weddings, adoptions, pregnancy, organ transplants, and almost losing our middle son… our patchwork cul-de-sac family has only become stronger.” My mother patted my father on the back, which meant, Sit down and shut up before you say something stupid.

  “I think what my husband is trying to say is that we’re thankful for all of you sitting here. Just like the makeshift Thanksgiving table we’re all sitting around—made up of different tables of all shapes, sizes, and colors and pulled from all corners of the house to create something beautiful—we too, are a mismatched family, from all corners, that has come together to create something beautiful.”

  The squeaky squalls of baby Cash broke the moving moment. Becky got up to take him into another room, apologizing for the racket, but my mother stopped her. “Bec, please stay out here with the family. There’s nothing so sweet as baby noises.”

  Whiskey choked on her food, and Ruby Grace rolled her eyes into the back of her head. Clearly, Cash’s teenage sisters didn’t share in her wistful nostalgia.

  “Really, Bec,” Vaughn reached for Cash to give his mom a break, “let us enjoy him. It’s going to be a long, long time before we have a baby around again.”

  Bennett Hanson, Becky’s father, cleared his throat. “Before we get too far off-topic, Jill and I would like to share what we’re thankful for.” He reached out for Jill’s hand, and it was hard to miss the glance shared between Becky and Jase. Something was different, and there was a noticeable shift in the air.

  “Sorry, Dad.” Becky smiled at her parents. “We didn’t mean to leave you out.”

  Bennett, usually a strong, confident man, wiped his palms on his khaki pants a few times and Jill held his hand tight, her knuckles as white as her face. “While Jill and I wholeheartedly agree with everything said here today, and we too are so very thankful for all of you, we actually have something a little different to celebrate.”

  Becky pressed pause on the conversation to grab a bottle for Cash, and I watched Jill’s eyes soften at watching her daughter as a mother. But Jill had always looked at Bec like that.

  Since the day Jill, a woman in her late twenties who wanted nothing more than to become a mother, met Becky, a fifteen-year-old orphan, she’d treated her as if they’d been mother and daughter forever. I used to wonder how a love like that could grow so quickly, but then Waverly came along.

  I got it then.

  With Cash happily in Jase’s arms, and Becky seated again, Bennett continued. “Jill and I received some news last week, and we felt like it was only appropriate that we share it when everyone was present. Now, for those of you who are new to our little group, let me fill y’all in a little. Jase brought Becky to us when she was fifteen years old. She was a child in need of parents, and after years of trying, we found ourselves parents in need of a child. The puzzle pieces fit, and two became three. And earlier this year, at the ripe old age of forty-one, I became a grandfather.” Bennett teased his daughter with the sparkle of love in his eyes that was always present when Becky was around.

  “Now, Jase, hand me that baby boy.” Jase dutifully handed Cash to his grandfather. “All right, Cash, looking around this room, I see lots of kids, little groups of them. I see Whiskey and Ruby Grace, not only sisters, but the best of friends. I see Julian and Taj, brothers and running buddies for life. And I have no doubt Waverly’s gonna fit right in with either one of these groups as soon as she gets to feeling better.”

  I looked over to Katy, who gave Wave a little squeeze at that idea. “And then there’s you, little man. Who do you have to hang out with? Who are you going to torment your sisters and cousins with?” He glanced at Becky.

  She threw her hands in the air. “Don’t look at me, old man! This uterus is closed for business.”

  Bennett looked back at Cash. “Oh well, looks like we can’t count on your mom for help, but that’s okay. Do you wanna know why?” The air conditioner kicking on was the only noise in the whole house, the occupants and guests riveted to the sweet impromptu story time between Bennett and his grandson.

  “I wanna know why, Dad.” Becky stood, tears in her eyes as she looked toward her parents.

  I wanted to know too. I think we all did.

  “Well, hon, I’ll tell you, but I’ll be real honest. I’m about to utter words I never thought I’d say.” He leaned down and cupped his wife’s face, kissing her full on the mouth. “Bec, in about five months, you are going to be a big sister.”

  Silence.

  Nothing but the sound of jaws dropping, tears falling.

  “A big sister? You’re adopting again?” Becky sounded like a child, and I suddenly felt as though we were all eavesdropping on an intensely personal family discussion. But like a bad accident on the side of the highway, none of us could look away even if we tried. When I chanced a glance at Bennett, both he and Jill were shaking their heads.

  “Nope, no adoption needed this time.” Jill stood and shrugged off the oversized cardigan sweater she’d been wearing to reveal the smallest bump over her abdomen, which she cradled in her hands with a knowing smile.

  I counted down in my head:

  Three…

  Two…

  One.

  And all hell officially broke loose.

  Shrieks, squeals, and an abundance of tears welcomed the incredible news of which we were all so very grateful for.

  A baby. After more than twenty years, Jill and Bennett Hanson were pregnant with their miracle baby. Then I looked at my daughter, my miracle baby, and I laughed.

  I thought back to a Post-it note that appeared on our bathroom mirror the night before I gave my daughter a kidney. It hung right beside the one Katy took from my pocket all those years ago. On it, written in my wife’s loopy script was, He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. It was one of my favorite verses from Job and a truth no one could deny.

  Life isn’t easy, but we were never meant to do it alone. God continues to prove that every day.

  Because, what is life… if not a series of little miracles?

  IF YOU ENJOYED THIS BOOK, or even if you didn’t, PLEASE leave a review on Amazon!

  Thank you!

  About the Author

>   CHARLY BOYD STAGG is a wife, mother, teacher, and author of The Fairy Tale Life series. Her first novel, An Ordinary Fairy Tale, debuted in 2016, followed by If Wishes Were Horses in 2017.

  A graduate of Texas A&M University, Charly holds a degree in Elementary Education and has taught elementary school for more than ten years.

  She is a lover of reading, rec soccer, traveling, Aggie football, Southern rock, and all things creative. Her writing process includes typing in bed, while snuggling with her doggies… or on the couch, computer in her lap, watching “The Amazing Race” and “Dancing With the Stars” with the family. Charly and her husband live in College Station, Texas with their four children: Andrew, Ryan, Grace, and Lucas, and two dogs, Daisy and Pepper.

  Acknowledgements

  So many people played a part in this book, so I’m breaking it down, line by line—because y’all, it really does take a village! Jennifer Roberts-Hall, editor, thanks for helping me make sense! Christie Scambray, thanks for playing the part of closer, cleaning up messes made to make FMTM cleaner and easier to read. Elizabeth Engelhardt, our Blue Baker brain dumps are legendary! EJ Adams, who told me no question was too weird. Do you regret that?

  On the medical front, Dr. Carrie Merrill, you are so much better than WebMD! Kathy Sullivan, thanks for teaching me how to search for blogs… who knew? And Lindsey Schwartz, your blog about Stephen’s Journey with ARPKD was invaluable, and I loved getting to know you in this process!

  To Shannon and Cara, thanks for letting me combine your names and personalities to write one cool chick in Cara Jo Perrilloux—I hope you can see a little of each of you in her. Kaitlin Ziemer, Katy was named for you… thanks for your insight on being a preacher’s kid and I’m so glad your parents were cooler than John and Janice. Kim Pritchard, I loved creating whackjob dating responses with you! Taylor Stone, the inspirational quotes you wrote on your mom’s whiteboard each morning inspired the Post-its in this book—your heart is bigger than Texas, just like your mom.