“Christen the baby for me. Please do it now, while we’re alone. It’s what Luke would have wanted. It’s what I want.” “What do you want him called?” “Call him after his father and after you.” “I’ll make you comfortable first.” The towel between her legs was heavily stained. He removed it without revulsion, almost without thought, and, folding another, put it in place. There was very little water left in the bottle, but he hardly needed it. His tears were falling now over the child’s forehead. From some far childhood memory he recalled the rite. The water had to flow, there were words which had
...more
