Page 107 of Fourteen of a Kind

“I know. It’s been pure torture keeping it from my dad. You know how badly he wants a grandchild.”

“He sure does. He asked me about it again the other day,” he said.

“When?” I turned and looked at him.

“The night you were working late at the hospital. We were out, sitting around the bonfire, when he brought it up. Then Simon started in about me possibly shooting blanks.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m sorry. You know how they are.”

“I know.” He sighed. “I told them we weren’t ready to have kids yet to get them off my back.”

“They’ll be off your back soon enough.” I kissed him.

Christmas Day

Graham and I were up early to open presents and get over to my mom and dad’s house for family breakfast before we opened the gifts from our family. I saved the baby announcement gift for later when we were together with everyone else. We stayed at my parent’s house until it was time to head to the Kind Brewhouse. Since our family had grown so much over the years and was still growing, we ran out of house space, so Sebastian started the tradition of gathering and having Christmas dinner at the brewhouse.

Graham and I walked through the door and greeted the family with Christmas wishes.

“Merry Christmas, Grandma.” I hugged her.

The family gathered around the large table, and I thought it was the perfect time to give my dad his gift and announce my pregnancy. I didn’t want him questioning why I wasn’t drinking wine with dinner.

“Hey, Dad. I forgot to give you this earlier.” I handed him the beautifully wrapped box.

“Sweetheart, you already gave me enough.”

“It’s something small.”

I looked at my mom, and she winked at me.

“Well, let’s see what it is.” He smiled.

All eyes were on my dad as he unwrapped his gift. Removing the lid from the box, he lifted the pink onesie, stared at it, and then looked up at me with tears in his eyes.

“Hi, Grandpa. See you in June!” Willow exclaimed. “Oh my God! We’re having a baby, and it’s a girl!”

The entire family shouted and clapped.

My dad took the framed ultrasound picture from the box and stared at it.

“This is the best gift I could ever ask for.” He stood up and hugged me. “Congratulations, sweetheart. Graham.” He hugged him. “I can’t believe I’m going to be a grandpa. Did you know?” He glanced at my mom.

“Yes. But Ella wanted to make it extra special for you.” She kissed his cheek.

The family congratulated us with warm hugs and kisses. We sat down to eat, and the excitement never left my dad’s face.

“Welcome to the grandfather’s club.” Stefan patted his back.

“Thanks, Stefan. It feels good to finally be a part of it.” He grinned.

Four Months Later

Graham

We were gathered by the bonfire when Ella told me she needed some double chocolate chip ice cream.

“I just bought you that gallon two days ago,” I said, and Nathan reached over and placed his hand on my arm.

---