Timothy Capaldi

#Hucklerabbot Robby was painting the walls a pastel green as a summer breeze drifted in through the window of the old guest room. His trusty "biker" playlist played softly in the background. Jack was on his knees, assembling the crib with his old power drill and making sure it was rock-solid. "All done," Jack said, placing the small mattress into the crib. "Go ahead and put the sheets on. I think Dennis left them on the dresser," he suggested, and Jack nodded. Dana had gifted them a beautiful set of sheets featuring olive colored turtles. Jack beamed with excitement; after all, Dennis’s labor was set to be induced in just three days. Jack had never felt such profound peace in his entire life. He was lost in thought, imagining how the room would look once the baby arrived, when suddenly, Dennis walked in carrying a massive box. "Whoa there, pup, let me help you with that," Jack said, taking the box from him and catching a glimpse of his partner’s full term belly. "How many times do I have to tell you not to lift heavy things?" "It’s no big deal. It wasn't even that heavy." "What’s in here?" Robby asked, gesturing toward the box as he wiped his hands; it seemed he’d finished painting the wall. "Mom sent it from Nebraska. It’s some of my old baby stuff," Dennis explained while Jack held the box. Dennis rummaged through it and pulled out an adorable mobile. It featured four embroidered horses: one caramel-colored, one spotted, one black with a white muzzle, and one entirely blonde. When activated, a sweet melody began to play as the horses spun in a counter-clockwise direction. "It’s perfect," Jack said with a smile, setting the box on the floor and helping Dennis hang the mobile over the crib. Robby hugged Dennis, kissing his forehead as they watched the newly assembled crib. Once he finished attaching the mobile, Jack moved to the other side of Dennis. "We’re going to have a baby," Dennis said, excited and a bit emotional. The three of them stood there watching the mobile spin, wishing with all their hearts that the little one would arrive soon.