David walked to the corner of the barn and saw mother and daughter together, content with their surroundings. She had seemed to have grown since he had seen her just that morning. He glanced at the still unfinished crate that would hold her during the trip. He took a moment to greet them, petting both warmly. A few minutes later, he stood and walked over to work on the crate again. As he picked up the hammer, he wiped the sweat from his brow against the sleeve of his tee-shirt. As he did so, he remembered the weight and warmth he had hours before holding Allie. The image still fresh in his mind… the smell of baby lotion and powder had lingered there as well. As he glanced over at Camille snuggled close to her mother, a thought came into his mind. He put the hammer down and returned to them. Rubbing his hand steadily against Camella’s neck, he let the idea continue to form in his mind. As he nuzzled Camille’s chin lovingly, he reached for his cell phone and hit the speed dial number for Suzie’s cell, hoping she had not finished her shopping yet. A few rings later, she answered. As they talked, he asked her to pick up a soft, cotton blanket and a travel alarm with a noticeable ticking sound.

“I can pick those up, no problem. Why do you want those things David?” Suzie asked curiously.

David hesitated briefly before answering. “They are for Camille… for her trip. The night before she leaves, we’ll put the blanket on Camella’s back as best we can for the night. That way, by morning it will have her scent on it. The alarm clock, I hope, will be a reminder of the heartbeat that Camille hears when she is with her mother. She will be frightened with everything going on as she travels... all of the strange and new surroundings. I want her to have her mama with her for that… at least, it’s the only way I can think of to do that. I also know Carlos and Cyd will be on the other end to replace her mother’s bond… it’s the time in between that concerns me right now. I can’t just stuff her in a box and think, out of sight, out of mind… I just can’t. I mean, she’s not human, but she does have feelings… right? Am I being silly?”

Suzie wiped away a tear before she answered. “David, I don’t think that is silly at all. The caring is one of the many things I love about you. I’ll pick those things up and be on my way. Give them both a snuggle for me. I’ll be home in about 90 minutes. I think I know exactly where I can find what you’re looking for. If not, I’ll call you.”

David agreed and closed his cell phone, content he had made the right decision.

Dori loved the night air, sitting on the porch swing, listening to the birds and the crickets in the evening and listening to the radio. The delicate balance would send her mind back to the days before she met Sebastien; how lonely she was back then, not knowing how much she was missing. Sebastien joined her on the swing as she was listening to a favorite old song by country star Tracy Lawrence.

“Paint Me A Birmingham”

Paint me a birmingham
He was sittin’ there, his brush in hand
Paintin’ waves as they danced, upon the sand
With every stroke, he brought to life
The deep blue of the ocean, against the mornin’ sky
I asked him if he only painted ocean scenes
He said for twenty dollars, I’ll paint you anything.

Chorus:

Well could you Paint Me A Birmingham
Make it look just the way I planned
A little house on the edge of town
Porch goin’ all the way around
Put her there in the front yard swing
Cotton dress make it, early spring
For awhile she’ll be, mine again
If you can Paint Me A Birmingham.

He looked at me, with knowing eyes
Then took a canvas from a bag there by his side
Picked up a brush, and said to me
Son just in this picture, would you like to me
I said if there’s any way you can
Could you paint me back into her arms again.

Paint Me A Birmingham
Make it look just the way I planned
A little house on the edge of town
Porch goin’ all the way around
Put her there in the front yard swing
Cotton dress make it, early spring
For awhile she’ll be, mine again
If you can Paint Me A Birmingham.

Put her there in the front yard swing
Cotton dress make it, early spring
For awhile she’ll be, mine again
If you can Paint Me A, Birmingham.

After the song ended she snuggled close to Sebastien and cuddled into his neck and chest. She was as happy as the first time they were together and more. Sebastien remembered those nights long ago in the hospital where they didn’t know if she would ever wake up. He too could understand the song very well. He knew he had his love and they would be together always. They sat and cuddled close for a long time, both happy and content in their never ending love for one another. Sebastien knew he had it all… together, they would make his idea and dream for others come true.