Page 75 of Once Upon a Summer Night

Noah raced off, holding his new toy high. The adults remained, chuckling at the scene. Hannah committed the moment to memory, hoping this would be the first blended family event of many.

“Thank you again, for everything,” she told the Wiggmans. “I know your decision wasn’t an easy one, but we will do our best to bring Noah to see you as often as you like. It’s important for him to have that relationship with you.”

“We appreciate that,” Stan said. “We’ve all struggled with loss the past year, so discovering that we have additional family is truly such a blessing.”

“Agreed.” Hannah smiled. “Please, won’t you come around back so we can introduce you to everyone?”

They all started forward, chatting as they went. The Wiggmans were eager to hear how Noah’s school year was going and if the transition from one school to another had gone smoothly. Noah came running by with Jace, Sunny, and the new stuffed duck, gave his grandparents another round of hugs, then went on his way again, promising to bring their “pictures” out in a little bit.

“He loves to color,” Chase said. “And he’s got a pretty good eye, too. We’ve got his masterpieces hanging all over the fridge.”

Introductions were made, and everyone settled in to relax and enjoy each other’s company. To Hannah’s relief, the Wiggmans soon appeared right at home. Aunt Faye had just finished telling them about last fall’s damage to the bookstore and the huge fundraiser they held to save it, when Del came by and gave Hannah a nudge.

“It’s time.”

On a nod, Hannah gave Chase a quick kiss and rose to follow her sister inside. Mia fell in line behind her. She pulled the kitchen door shut then turned to her younger sisters, worry on her brow.

“He’s going to have a heart attack.”

“No way,” Del said. “Pops will start crying.”

Hannah laughed. “I just vote for no yelling this time.”

The door opened once more, her crutches-free father stepping in ahead of a smiling Aunt Faye. Yes, she was in on their little secret. It was only right, her being the matriarch of the family.

Their father got halfway across the room before he realized all three of his daughters were assembled and staring. He paused, his gaze wary. “Why do I get the feeling I wasn’t really needed in here to help you find an extra deck of cards?”

“Because you weren’t,” Del said. “But we do have something to tell you, before the others find out.”

“Oh Lord. Sweet pea, what did you get yourself into now?”

She frowned. “Hey, this isn’t just about me and what I’ve done for once. Hannah, you go first.”

Their father’s gaze shifted to her. Man, she hated being on the hot seat in this house. This time, though, she didn’t plan to shy away from it. She pulled a black-and-white picture from her back pocket and set it in his hands.

“What’s—” He stopped, his free hand coming up to cover his mouth. Her father stared at the picture, then met her gaze. “Is this what I think it is?”

Hannah nodded. “You’re going to be a grandpa again.”

Del was right, tears welled in her old man’s eyes. He pulled her into a gentle hug. “Oh, peanut, I’m so happy for you. Does Noah know?”

“He sure does. We talked to him about it before taking the leap, and he was all for becoming a big brother. Of course, he’s hoping it will be a boy, but we won’t know that for a few more months. And don’t worry, we’re already working on a late fall wedding, long before baby Redding gets here.”

“What a wonderful surprise.” Her father gave her another hug, then handed the picture back. “I’m almost afraid to ask what the rest of you are going to tell me.”

Mia held her hands up. “Oh no, no baby news from me. Brooklyn already has her hands full with a new baby sister over at her dad’s house. But Hannah just might need to make some room at the altar for me and Alex.”

The look of surprise on her father’s face increased. He pulled her in for a hug, and praised her for not giving up on love. When he finally released her, Del cleared her throat.

“Do I need to sit down for this?” their father asked.

“Maybe.” Del offered them her usual, devilish grin. “You’re definitely going to need a bigger altar, so Isaac and I can be up there, too. But the late fall wedding date wasn’t just to hurry up for Hannah. Isaac and I are ready to start trying, too.”

Their father pulled her into a tight hug, tears in his eyes. He waved his other daughters closer, and pulled them all into one giant hug. Faye laughed and snapped pictures with her cell phone to capture the moment.

“Listen closely to me, girls,” their father said, meeting their gazes one by one. “I have an old farmhouse full of empty bedrooms waiting to be filled. You have as many babies as you like.”

The backdoor cracked open, and Chase’s voice rang out.

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