New Beginnings, Chapter 58

“ Blue? We can paint it blue?”, TC asked. Eve and the doctor both nodded. TC burst into a huge smile. “ Wow. A  son.”

” Yes, TC. A son.”

TC kissed Eve. “ And, he’s ok?”

” Everything’s fine, TC. Just keep on doing what you’re doing. Eve’s pregnancy is progressing well. “, the doctor told him.

” You don’t have to worry about that. I’ll take good care of Eve and our son.”

Veronica finished typing out her report and printed it.

” Here you go, Chad.”

” Thanks, Veronica.” Chad went over the report, making notes. He handed it back to Veronica.

” Not bad, Chad. Not bad at all. You know, this is the last part of the beginning phase of this project.”

” I know.”

“ Chad, I know that you were brought on this project under suspicious circumstances. I know you don’t trust Alistair.”

” Nope. Not in the least.”

” But, this project has been good for both of us. I think both of us have proven our worth with this project.”

” Can’t disagree about that.”

” Well, then, it’s time to talk about the next phase of this project. We have to do some traveling. We have to meet suppliers and possible clients. I was thinking a three to four week jaunt around the globe. So you get a real feel for how far reaching this project is.”

” Three to four weeks?”

” Yep. First stop, New York City. Because, this project cannot proceed without you meeting my  father. My father doesn’t commit this kind of money and effort without getting to know his partners. There are a series of very important charity events next week, and I think it would be good if Chad Crane showed up at all of them.”

” Chad Crane? I’m Chad Harris.”

” I was thinking about that, Chad. I hope you don’t mind me stepping into your business,  but if you’re going to do this Crane thing, then you should do it all the way. The name Crane means something. And, you should wear it well.”

” You know my background.”

” Doesn’t matter. You are Julian Crane’s eldest son. You should have the name. Take it. You’ve earned it. It’s your birthright.”

” I don’t think I’m comfortable with words like ‘ birthright.’ Not my scene.”

” I beg to differ. It’s exactly your scene the moment you didn’t turn your back on Julian when he outed you as his son. You can’t be half-assed with this Chad. You have to stand up, and take your place. This job is only part of it. Success in this position is one thing. But, to go around the world and present yourself as a true Crane. As the future THE Crane, you need the name. “

” You sound like Alistair.”

” I don’t like your grandfather, but he has a point. A lot of this world, especially in the league you want to play in is about relationships. About respect. About demanding it. You don’t have to be the most brilliant when you walk into a room, Chad. But, you have to carry yourself as if you can hire that person with a mere flip of a cellphone. “

” Why is this important to you?”

“ Just think about it.”

” I will.”

Simone and Whitney came into the living room, which was decorated with nothing but blue balloons.

” Uh, Mom. Daddy? What’s going on?”, Whitney asked.

” Girls, come have some cake.”

Simone and Whitney went over to the cake, which read ‘ It’s a Boy!’ “

Simone smiled. “ We have a baby brother?”

” Yeah, Sugarbear. You have a baby brother.”

Simone and Whitney hugged TC and Eve.

” I’m fine with it, honey. I just wanted a healthy baby, which it is. The doctor commended me on how good my care was from my family.”

” Mom, we’re gonna take care of you right up until delivery.”

” Simone, I know that.”

” So, have you thought about a name?”, Whitney asked.

TC and Eve looked at one another. “ Well, your mother and I haven’t discussed it, but I knew that if I had a son, I always wanted to name him after my father – Reginald.”

Eve smiled. “ I think Reginald Chandler Russell is a fine name for our son, TC.”

“ Reggie. I like that.”, Simone replied, in between cake bites.