Page 38 of First Comes Marriage

At least he has the decency to blush as he shakes his head. “Didn’t think I needed to,” he mumbles.

“Well, honey, it’s a good thing I love you because we’re going to have baby number five in about seven and a half months if my calculations are correct.”

“The baby’s only twelve weeks old,” he whispers while still keeping an ear out for Arya’s name.

“And? You apparently have potent swimmers,” I tease. “Relax, we’re old hands at this by now and it’ll help keep Abuela and Nonna young.”

He groans then says, “They’re gonna outlive all of us, especially when we tell them we’re expecting again.”

“And I’m perfectly okay with that.”

“Arya Maria Josephine Armstrong, graduating with high honors,” the voice over the loudspeaker intones. We cheer for her but aren’t obnoxious by any means. Instead, we’ll celebratelater, at the farmhouse that’s become a beautiful home filled with wonderful memories.

“You know something? I am too, because I’m not ready to live a life where they’re not here any longer,” he confesses, looking over at the two seniors who are good-naturedly arguing. They’re still at home with us, although with all the babies, we now have extra hired help since the kids are so young, which is how we managed to even be able to bring said help into the house, because neither Abuela nor Nonna wanted any part of it.

“Best. Day. Ever!” Arya crows when we tell the kids our news later, after her graduation party. We didn't want to overshadow her day or her accomplishments, but she recognized the signs and cornered me when I was getting a ginger ale. Since I promised ten years ago I would never knowingly lie to them, I wasn’t about to start now.

“How so?” Thad asks. “It’s as if they’re trying to repopulate the whole town or something.”

“You’re just jealous because they like me and Anni best,” Arya teases, smacking Thad.

“Whatever. I’m the cool uncle, plain and simple.”

“Okay, you two,” Dex says. “As always, y’all don’t need to do anything but be their aunts and uncle, alright?”

“But if we ever have to, we’re going to step up, because that’s what family does, Dex,” Anniston states. “Just like you and Jolie did for us.”

And… cue the crying once again. Darned pregnancy hormones!

The End

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