Page 44 of A Bright Winter Season

“Okay,” he said, kissing her nose when she’d finished eating. “Tell me.”

She took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of nervousness and relief now that the moment had finally come. “We’re going to have a baby.”

A huge grin spread across Grayson’s face, and he took her head in his hands and kissed her. “Alexis! This is amazing! We’re going to be parents.” He gave her a huge hug, and she could feel him taking deep breaths. He didn’t seem stressed, however, he just seemed overjoyed. He pulled away from their hug and grinned at her. “I have to admit, I was starting to realize even before you told me. Peanut butter cookies when you’ve always hated peanut butter? And you’re so emotional right now.” He laughed, and she laughed too and burrowed against his shoulder, hiccupping. “I also was really confused last week when I opened the peanut butter jar and found it basically empty. I figured you must have made Dean several peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or something.”

She smiled, as happy now as she had been feeling emotional a few minutes before. “No, I’ve become like a peanut butter monster. Mom said you were going to notice and realize I’m pregnant.”

He brushed a strand of hair back from her face. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“It’s just that—well, I’ve felt overwhelmed by the news. We’re so busy. This isn’t exactly something we have the time for, technically speaking. And I was afraid of what you would think. This is going to change our relationship dynamic, for sure.”

He looked her in the eyes, smiling. “Alexis, I am overjoyed.”

They hugged again, and he rocked her back and forth a little.

“I’m so glad you’re not stressed out by the idea,” she said, flopping back against the couch cushions in relief. “I’ve become so excited about our baby, but at first, I felt like somebody had just handed me an entire world and I didn’t think I would be able to handle it.”

He nodded. “I mean, it’s going to be a challenge for sure. And we’re going to have to cut back on some things. You’ll have to work at the pub less, and maybe we can hire someone to help run your jewelry business, if it comes to it. I’ll spend less time with the guys, and I’ll make sure I don’t ever work late. I’ve let myself do that sometimes if you’re also working late, but our priorities are going to have to change, that’s for sure.”

She beamed at him, so proud of how wise he’d become and so grateful that he was there by her side to support her. “Okay. You’re right. We’ll figure it out together as we go.”

“And don’t you worry for a second that this is going to change our relationship. It’s going to make us stronger, because we’re going to work together as a team to take care of our baby.”

“But having children changes marriages. It makes everything different.”

“That doesn’t have to be in a bad way. Besides, you already spend a lot of time caring for your mom and your siblings. That hasn’t taken anything away from our relationship, has it? And I know having a kid in the house with us is going to be a whole other animal, but remember that our relationship doesn’t depend on you giving me your undivided attention, or me givingyou my undivided attention. We can handle having a baby together, Alexis. I think we’re going to be really good parents.”

She felt a surge of joy and she took his face in her hands and kissed him. “You’re right. Thank you. I’m so excited!”

“I’m so excited too.” He grinned and kissed her again.

At that moment, there was a short knock on their front door. Alexis turned around, confused, and called, “Come on in!”

Hazel opened the front door and stepped inside, looking frazzled. Alexis stood up immediately, able to tell at once that something was off with her sister. Hazel’s usually bright energy was dimmed, and she was frowning as if she was worried.

“Do you have a minute?” Hazel asked, coming into the living room. “Sorry for barging in like this.”

“Not at all.” Alexis shook her head. “You’re always welcome here.”

Grayson nodded. “Absolutely.”

Alexis took Hazel by the arm and led her to the couch. “Come on and sit down. What’s the matter?”

Hazel cleared her throat and sat down next to Alexis. “Well, there was an issue at the pub last night. With one of the air vents.”

“What?” Alexis leaned forward, feeling worried. “Why didn’t someone call me? Is everything okay now?”

“It’s okay now. And it was late—I only called Mom because I thought she should know. I went there with the Christmas decorations—because I was feeling really awake and I thought I’d get ahead on my work—and then I found Jacob in there still working on the vents.”

“Oh, yeah? Jacob?” Alexis’s tone was so eager that Grayson gave her an amused look.

“Yeah. He said there was a small chance of a fire hazard and he wanted to make sure it was all fixed before leaving. And then the health inspector showed up out of the blue, which was weirdand felt like a really bad thing, but then it turned into a good thing because he was able to double-check Jacob’s work right away and verify that everything’s safe now. And Mom was there too. Between the four of us, we had it under control, so I didn’t see any reason to wake you up.” Hazel stammered a little as she spoke, clearly struggling to get her words out.

Alexis nodded. “No, it’s okay. I’m glad that everything worked out fine.”

Hazel bit her lip, and Alexis saw tears spring into her sister’s eyes.

“Oh, Hazel—what’s the matter?”

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