The Clinch

Chapter Thirty Five

Chapter Thirty Five: New Years

The doctors cleared Gabriel for flying and with Coby in tow we're off to Yellowknife, Canada to introduce Gabriel's biological father to his grandson. And to me I guess too, as I've still yet to meet my second father in law.

With quite a bit of turbulence due to the bad winter weather, the plane lands with little difficulty and I mumble a sigh of relief as we reach solid ground and I clutch Coby tighter to me. For a minute up there I'd been frightened we'd never make it down. Well, at least not whole. But that's just my pessimistic mind for you.

We're making use of the Ewok baby carrier considering it conserves the most heat, and Coby is wrapped up all toasty against Gabriel's front as his eyes slowly take in the planes in the semi darkness whilst the sky glows overhead.

Wow. Those northern lights sure are...

Gabriel shrugs and sends me a knowing smile. "They get stronger the further north you go away from the city. We can probably hike one day and camp out to see them if you want; though I warn you it might reach minus forty."

Damn. "Minus forty?" I can barely handle what it is at the moment, and that's a standard minus ten. I couldn't imagine spending the night in sub zero temperatures. I've got to admit that living in middle America I enjoy all the warmth that we get. Never again will I complain about being too hot.

He nods and jerks his head in the direction of luggage claim as we follow the direction of the small tourist crowd into the modest airport. It's not luxury by a mile, but it serves it's function. Because the flight was relatively small, our bags are some of the first to come out, and I quickly scoop up the two large suitcases - which are full to the brim with winter clothes - whilst Gabriel grabs the baby kit case.

I've made sure that Coby has enough clothes, blankets and formula to last more than a month despite the fact we'll only be staying a week. I just don't want Coby going without.

At the front of the airport, people mill around uselessly and I watch in angst as Gabriel searches the crowd for a familiar face. He apparently finds one as a grin splits his face and I watch a man similar in shape and size to Gabriel approaching with a broad smile in our direction.

The men laugh as they reunite and clap one another on the back. "Gabriel, son, I always say you never visit me enough!" He scolds, but I know he's teasing as his eyes crinkle around the edges of a set of dark eyes similar in colour to my husband's and son's. "Oh and look at my grandson! Boy he's the spitting image of you when you were just an infant!"

He leans down and strokes Coby's chin softly, tickling his slightly pudgy face as Coby kicks out towards him. Gabriel and I chuckle as Gabriel unclasps Coby from his carrier and pushes down the hood of the costume. "Dad. This is your grandson, Coby." Holding our baby forward, he watches his father take Coby and hug him without hesitation. "And this, is my wonderful wife, Darryl. Darryl, my dad, Ainsleigh."

Ainsleigh's eyes turn to me next and Gabriel's father appraises me with a smile whilst tucking Coby onto his hip and pulling me into a hug with his spare arm. He's just an inch shorter than Gabriel, and I laugh as I'm swamped next to the height of these two giant men. "Darryl it's so good to finally see you. Wow you sure are a pretty one; you did good son."

"Dad." Gabriel grumbles, throwing his head back in mortification whilst pulling me out of his father's arms and tucking me back at his side where I belong.

His father simply shrugs. "What? It's true. And just look at this beautiful baby you two made; and many more I hope!"

We fall silent for a moment and Ainsleigh's face falls. "What? What happened, am I missing something?" Then dawning reaches him as our silence continues on. "Oh god, I am so sorry. Darryl, honey, me and my big mouth." He then pulls me towards him for another engulfing hug of apology.