Page 36 of Sinned

“Besides, we have news of our own,” Charlie said dramatically. “Ava’s pregnant.”

“What?!” Momma shrieked as something clattered in the sink. She ran out of the kitchen and over to me and squeezed me so tight she lifted me out of the chair. “You need a cookie. I’ll be right back.”

I smiled as Josie came over and hugged me. “You know if it’s a girl, I’ve got you covered.”

“I know,” I said. “But we’re fine really. My practice is growing and I’m going to hire another doctor so that when the baby comes I can take more time off.”

Momma put a cookie down on a paper towel in front of me and then pushed Charlie away as she hugged me tight again and I hugged her back.

As Momma returned to the kitchen, Christopher came out and slid himself onto my lap. He turned and gave me a big grin, his eyes sparkled like his father’s always did.

“Yes, you can have some of the cookie,” I said.

He broke the cookie in half and handed the other half to Charlie.

“Here you go, Daddy,” he said as he handed one of the halves to Charlie then went back into the kitchen.

“Hmm you’ve taught him well. I saw you eyeing that cookie, Charles,” I said, teasing him.

“I hate it when you call me that. Call me Charlie.”

“That’s what I said,” I said, thinking back to when we met and he only wanted to be called Charles.

“You’re so stubborn,” he said. “You’re lucky I love you.”

“I think you’re the lucky one,” I said, smiling.

“I am. Really though, I think you’d like my old bedroom. It has a nice twin bed up there,” Charlie said.

I laughed as I playfully pushed him away. He leaned towards me again and his lips grazed mine. Then he took my hand and held it to his chest like he did the night we met.

“Alright, alright,” I said. “You win. But if your mother finds out that’s it, no more sex for you.”

“Then I’ll just have to make sure I don’t make you scream.”

His pale blue eyes twinkled mischievously at me and I couldn’t resist. He tugged my hand and we disappeared up the stairs.

The End

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