Love and the White Wolf - Book 2

22. Adjusting to Reality (Sexual content)

We had several visitors that first morning, starting with Dr. Themba. She had already heard the remarkable circumstances of Steve's birth. She examined me and said I came through it very well but cautioned against resuming sexual activity too soon. Instead of six weeks postpartum she suggested four weeks to insert an IUD. Until then, nothing. She left to talk with Bruce.

Shortly after Sam and Alison came with our luggage, and brought Gus and Maria. James had pants on by this time but was still enjoying the skin on skin contact with Steve. Carol suggested we wrap him for the others to hold him. Maria was first and she was in love.

"Look how beautiful you are, just like mummy and daddy," she cooed.

She kissed his forehead and he smiled. She told him all about their swimming pool, and how he could visit any time. Reluctantly she handed him off to Gus, who just stroked Steve's head and told him what good people his parents were. He teared up and Sam took over. I saw James pull Gus aside and hold him. He took him out of the room. Sam was all about the cool things they would do together like go for a flight (I mouthed no way), go fishing, and play football. Alison took over and told him about his mom being an artist and they could do finger painting and plasticine sculptures. He started yawning and she handed him to me. I put him in the bassinet and asked how the rest of the wedding went.

Although going into labour had disrupted the reception it ended up being quite the party. Kyle and Laurel were going to stop in before leaving on their honeymoon. Ma asked how the labour had been and didn't believe me when I said there was no pain. I agreed it was unbelievable. She then asked when the christening would be and I said we didn't know but we weren't religious people anyways. She was sad about that and asked me to think about it with James.

"Speaking of your husband, where is he?" she asked. "Where's Gus?"

"I saw James take Gus out," I replied. "Gus told me about his cancer."

She teared up. "I try not to think of it. There's so much we still want to do."

At that point James returned with Gus and Bruce. Ma's eyes went wide at the sight of Bruce and she instinctively put herself between him and me. I laughed and told her he was the Avenger's doctor. He extended his hand to her and introduced himself in his soft voice.

"Hi Maria, I'm Bruce Banner. I am an MD and I have several PhDs as well. I think I can help your husband, if you will let me."

She took his hand and allowed him to lead her away to the corner. James sat on the bed and kissed me.

"Gus is AB blood type. They're going to take some blood from me and isolate the antibodies. They will also take stem cells from the cord before sending it to Wakanda. Bruce thinks between the two they can cure him completely," he said quietly. "They'll keep the source quiet, run it as an experimental treatment they've been working on, which isn't far from the truth. Bruce has been a leading figure in the medical research field. Doesn't want any recognition, just the results."

I told him about Maria's request for a christening. He thought for a moment before answering.

"I'm agnostic at best and I would feel like a hypocrite having a religious ceremony for Steve when I'm not a believer," he stated, "but I would like a naming ceremony where Sam and Alison are named god parents. Could we ask Kyle and Laurel to be god parents as well?"

I liked both ideas. Sam and Alison came to say they were leaving and we asked them to be the first set of god parents for Steve. Sam was over the moon, while Alison was more subdued but accepted the responsibility. Bruce came back with Gus and Ma and promised to connect with their oncologist to discuss the new treatment options. There were hugs and kisses all around. James walked them out to the portal point and saw them off.