Page 56 of Luci’s Lullaby

By noon, we’re on a plane to West Virginia. Walker informed the hospital where to take Cid and Shelley after we spoke with the funeral home and cemetery.

Between Reese and Walker, everyone’s working with us. The funeral home sent papers to Cid’s bank and sent me copies of everything I need to get things rolling. The first stop was to get their Will and Testament.

I notify West Virginia University and Brook Street, Shelley’s work, about their accident. They’ve been amazing to work with and have gone out of their way to help. To the point of expediting Shelley’s insurance.

I stand on the stoop of our family home, overcome by waves of emotion. “I want to keep it if I can.”

“I’ll make sure you do,” Walker assures me.

“Let’s get what we can, and I’ll come back for the rest. We need to make sure it’s secured, and I’ll need to get a caretaker.”

“It’s on the list.” Reese holds my hand as we walk up the steps.

I roll my shoulders and unlock the door. We pack the baby’s things and get any important documents and pictures. A few hours later, we’re out the door and on the way home to finish their arrangements.

On the plane, Reese brings up the baby again. “So let’s name this baby.”

“Cid said they had a name but was going to surprise me by telling me this weekend.” My mouth drops when I realize what this weekend is. “The festival.”

“Do you want to do it?” Reese frowns.

I shake my head. “No, but can I get out of it?”

“Yes, it’s not a problem,” Walker says as he types on his phone.

Reese looks at me, her face soft. “You’ll be there next year.”

“Yeah,” I sigh, “the baby.”

“They have a list in the baby book Shelley started, but it doesn’t look as though there was a decision.” She hands me the book, opened to the page.

“How does one pick a name for a child without a personality?”

She shrugs. “I think they grow into their names.”

I stare at the page, contemplating what to do. “I have no clue.”

“Well, what sounds good with Beck?” Reese asks.

“I’m not sure.” I shake my head.

Reese takes the book back. “That’s okay, something will come to you.”

“We need to stop at the hospital on the way home, they need these papers,” Walker says.

I nod, slumping into my seat as we leave the mountainous terrain of my home behind. In no time, we’re in a car and going by the hospital. Walker and Reese take over once we get there, and I’m left wandering around.

I find my way to the NICU and search for my niece. There are so many babies in here but once I see her, I know it. She’s a stunner. So much like Shelley, but Cid is written all over her.

“Which one is yours?” A guy walks up beside me.

I point. “Baby Beck.”

He smiles. “Baby Wooton but her name is Isabell.”

“That’s beautiful, just like her.”

“You haven’t picked out a name yet?” He looks over at me.