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Our first baby

I was sure we’d have at least three

Now, I’ to knohat it’s like to start a fa to live the rest ofthere’s no one to blao back in tier Mason in the face, I would do it In a heartbeat

But I can’t, so I’ll have to settle for takingout on my liver

“I’ll have another whiskey, Buddy,” I call out in a firm voice

The bartender hasaids in both ears Still, you have to talk loud enough for him to hear you over a train, even when you’re the only person in the bar and the jukebox is quiet

“Coh, one that insinuates that I’m a pain in his ass, and that he could care less if I live or die, let alone continue to patronize his establishment

“Make that two,” comes a familiar voice from near the entrance

I don’t re, but it er alone, and ot worse

It’s Parker I’d recognizeanywhere

“Thought that was your fancy new car outside,” Uncle Parker says, crossing the rooured I’d stop in and see if you wanted to buy your uncle a drink”

“Sure” I nod to Buddy as he sets my whiskey down in front of me “Add whatever he wants to my tab”

“Well, ain’t that generous?” Parker settles onto the stool beside enerous, indeed”

I glance at hi like the dog that crapped in the cat’s water dish