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“I did. I was so tired.”
“Too much wine for breakfast?” he asked, laughing.
“Believe it or not, we didn’t drink. We’re going to lay off until Easter. Just getting a head start on Lent.”
“Gotcha. I’m giving up alcohol and cigars for Lent. I might need an exorcism.”
Barking out a laugh, Annie got it. “I’ll go with you.”
Watching the town go by as he drove down Main Street, Annie thought how easy it would be to gradually slide into her new life, the life of a mother of two, a therapist, and maybe a wife, but not yet.
“Are you ready for your new job?” she asked.
“I’m so ready. And you’ll be glad to know that Ben is going to start working at the clinic with Justin and is going to take the test to get into the Veterinary Tech program at Saint John’s Parish Junior College.”
“That’s wonderful! Maggie mentioned something about it. Wow, I’m so impressed. He just jumped into it.”
“It was out of the blue. He asked Justin about the job, too, not Justin doing me a favor or anything. And Dave talked to Joel about the police academy. So that might have potential. Everyone will be employed. I know that was a concern.”
“Not anymore. I’m thrilled. But I thought Joel was going to do a master’s in psychology. I was even thinking of asking him if he’d like to join me in a practice once he got his license.”
“He’s still thinking about it, but wants to work, and the academy is only six months long. It’ll give him some life experience. He’d only counsel from book learning. You know the kid has been sheltered.”
“I’ve changed my mind about that.” She looked at Stevie in the back seat, shaking a stuffed dog. “You can’t shelter your kid too much. If a parent can’t even trust a grandparent to protect her child, the opportunity for abuse is mind-boggling. I get it why your sons weren’t made to work. It’s fine. And I feel better about them being under their uncle’s wings.”
“Me, too. But we should have made them work part-time. They are clueless about what it takes to pay bills and that sort of thing.”
“Well, you’ll help them sort that out.” She looked out the window as they drove through town. “I’m excited to spend the weekend with you.”
“Remember, I have to work Monday. Do you have any thoughts?”
“You mean where I’ll go? I’ll go home. I can take Stevie to day care and spend the morning at the rescue and then study in the afternoon. I need to get my routine back fast now that the holidays are over.”
“I’m like you. My routine keeps me sane.”
Whatever they planned would be slightly tempered by her news. Excitement bubbled up inside her chest, her heart beating a staccato beat. The Burger Den was up ahead and Chris pulled into the drive thru.
“Would you mind going across the street to the park? I need to talk to you and I’d rather do it before we get to your place.”
“Sure. Do you want a coffee?”
“Perfect.”
He ordered nuggets and apple slices for Stevie and two coffees and after getting the food, he pulled into the parking lot across the street. Because it was a chilly day for pleasure boating, the marina was full of boats for a Saturday with just a few out fishing. The sound of clanging halyards and crying gulls filled the air.
Annie took the coffee from Chris and added cream and sugar, contemplating how she would word the news. She wanted to be honest about her feelings, and she was scared and worried, but she was also happy.
“What’s going on?” he asked.
Chuckling, Annie shook her head. “I don’t even know how to word this.”
“I’m happy you wanted to stay overnight. It’s making me hopeful.”
“Well, good, I guess. Hold on to your seat, Chris. I’m pregnant.”
Pulling his head back, he looked at her, shocked. “Whoa.”
“Yeah, that’s about what I said. It’s really early. I haven’t even missed a period yet.”
