“Work is fine.” He averted his gaze and glimpsed Anita taking her seat next to Tanner. She looked different for some reason. Or maybe it had been so long since he’d seen her, he’d forgotten how vibrant she was, especially after she married Tanner. It was almost like she had a glow...
Ryan was motioning for Paisley to join him. She touched Kingston’s arm, then went to take her seat next to her husband. Before going to his own chair on the opposite side, he passed Anita and whispered to her, “Congratulations.”
Her eyes grew round.You know?she mouthed. When he nodded, she whispered, “How?”
“Tell you later.” He walked to the last empty chair in the room beside his father, with Ryan on the other side. He recognized Anita’s glow, having seen plenty of expectant mothers bringing their children into his office over the years.
I’m going to be an uncle.Awesome.
Once they were settled and Dad said the blessing, Mom tapped her crystal goblet with the side of a sterling-silver butter knife. “Attention, everyone,” she said. When she’d gained the family’s attention, tears welled in her eyes. “I just want to say... Oh gosh.” She grabbed a linen napkin and dabbed at the corners of her eyes. “I told your father I wouldn’t cry, but it’s just so good to have everyone here today. I know it’s not a special occasion, just plain old brunch—”
Kingston glanced at the expensive spread in front of him. He and Tanner exchanged knowing glances.
“But having you here is special to me.” His mom pressed her hand against her heart. “Thank you.”
“Um...” Anita’s shy voice tagged the end of their mother’s statement. “It is a special occasion.” At their mother’s confused expression, she grabbed Tanner’s hand. “Mom, Dad. You’re going to be grandparents.”
His sister might as well have thrown a bomb in the middle of the table—a sweet, happy bomb, that is. Their mom shotup from the table, the tears flowing freely, and hugged Anita’s neck. Ryan high-fived Tanner over the olive salad, and Paisley joined her sister and mother in a group hug. Dad sat back, beaming, his huge slice of liverwurst forgotten.
“When are you due?” Mom asked after the excitement had somewhat dimmed and everyone returned to their seats. In an uncharacteristically boorish move, she blew her nose into her napkin.
“January. We wanted to wait a little while before we said anything.”
“Well, I must say I did notice you had gained a bit of weight.” Having regained her composure, Mom took a sip of her water.
“Really, Mom?” Paisley scowled.
“Just a little. And I didn’t say anything about it, did I?”
“Until now.” Paisley looked at Anita. “Don’t let that bother you.”
Anita grinned. “I’m not bothered. The doctor said I’m exactly where I should be, and the baby is developing well. We had our first ultrasound last week.”
Hurt flashed on Mom’s face. “Without me?”
Oops. All their mother’s goodwill was on the verge of billowing out the window. Anita took her hand. “You can come to the next one. There’ll be more to see then.”
Mollified, Mom beamed. “I’ll be there with bells on.”
“She just might do that,” Paisley quipped.
Anita turned to Kingston. “We’d like you to be our pediatrician.”
“Naturally,” Mom said. “My grandchild will have only the best.”
Dad was cutting into the liverwurst. “As long as you have the time,” he said, glancing at Kingston.
“Of course I do.” He now had the most important reason of all to make sure he was fit to go back to the clinic. He wouldn’t miss the chance to take care of his niece or nephew.
“Thanks.” Tanner grinned. “All right, now that y’all officially know, please pass the lobster.”
As his family filled their plates and celebrated Anita and Tanner’s news, Kingston grew quiet, observing everyone. His brothers-in-law fit seamlessly into the family, and it was clear they had all gotten together recently. In the past, he’d taken moments like this for granted because he was able to be here more often. Over the years, though, his attendance had dwindled, and even though he was glad he was finally spending time with them, he also felt a little disconnected. And soon there was going to be a new member among them. Did he really want to spend all his time working and missing out on being a part of their lives?
Then again, he couldn’t walk away from his practice or volunteering at the health department. He also enjoyed teaching at Henderson, and being asked to speak around the country increased his credibility and learning opportunities. He couldn’t imagine totally giving up any of them.
“Kingston is taking dance lessons with me,” Mom announced, bringing him out of his thoughts.
His siblings’ heads whipped around in unison.
