Free ASCENSION: THE SYSTEMIC SERIES by K.W. CALLAHAN

the offer the other day when we were having drinks.  I like your plan, and I think it’s a good one…for you…and maybe me and Pam one day, but not right now.  We have the baby and Pam’s health to consider.  She’s getting further along in the pregnancy, and I’m worried about taking her to Miami.  From what Gordon said, it could be really dangerous down there.”
    “It’s dangerous everywhere these days,” I said.  “And we’re only planning to be there a few days,” I almost pleaded with him.
    “The key word is ‘ planning ’ though,” Ray said.  “We were planning to live in Tennessee.  We were planning to live in Olsten.  Our plans, through no fault of our own, don’t always work out.  And I think that until the baby is born, we need a stable place where we can settle down for a while.  Plus, I think we’d be safer here during the birthing process.  There’s food, medical supplies, we have a safe place to stay, and I’d have work to provide for us through Gordon and his business.  He’s already said he’ll let me help run one of the new stores he’s planning to open.”
    I took a deep breath and exhaled, my shoulders sagging.  “Well…it sounds like you’ve given this a lot of thought.  I mean, I guess if you’re sure, then you’re sure.”
    I couldn’t believe that after all we’d been through, Ray and Pam were leaving the group, but I guess I couldn’t say I blamed them either.  Ray was right.  They had the health of Pam and their unborn child to consider, and I remembered just how nerve-racking it was as a soon-to-be parent.
    “Believe me, I wish we could all stay together,” Ray said.  “And maybe after the baby is born, we can join you and the others.  Pam and I owe you so much.  We can’t tell you how grateful we are for all that you’ve done for us.”
    I held up a hand, “You have nothing to be grateful for Ray.  You’ve more than pulled your own weight in every way imaginable.  All I can say is that you’ll be missed and that I wish the best for you and Pam…and the little nipper, when he…or she, arrives,” I added.
    Ray and Pam helped us finish loading up our supplies and then I broke the news to everyone else.  We all gathered around the SUVs.  There were plenty of hugs, kisses, handshakes, tears, and well wishes from both sides.  The whole process was magnified by the intermingling of Gordon’s own family.  We’d grown close to Gordon’s kin so quickly that they almost seemed like they were part of our own family – and vice versa.
    I gave Gordon a hard time.  “So you’re stealing my best guy away, huh?” I grinned at him.
    “I thought I was your best guy,” Will joked as he walked by.
    “Best non-relative guy,” I clarified.
    “Sorry,” Gordon shrugged.  “I was hopin’ all of you would stay.  But I’ll take what I can get,” he grinned at Ray.
    “Oh, thanks a lot,” Ray laughed.
    “He’s a good man,” I said.  “And Pam can pull her own weight…even when she’s carrying the weight of an unborn child at the same time,” I added, smiling at the beautiful wife of my best friend.  She came and threw her arms around me, hugging me tight and kissing me on the cheek while tears streamed down her face.
    “Thank you so much…for everything,” she said.  “I don’t know what we would have done without you.  You’ve been so wonderful, so strong through all of this.  All I can say is thank you.  Thank you, thank you, thank you,” she kissed me over and over again on the cheek.
    I laughed, nearly falling backwards under Pam’s outpouring of emotion, “Ray, I think those raging pregnancy hormones are getting the best of your girl here,” I called to my dear buddy.
    “Hey, at least it’s not me giving you all those kisses,” he laughed, coming in and wrapping his arms around Pam and me at the same time.
    “I’m gonna miss you two,” I said.  “It won’t be the same without you around.”
    “Same