Page 45 of Things We Do for Love and Science
“Right you are, sweetie.” Delia patted the seat of the chair beside hers. “I bet they’ll allow you to stay up an extra hour.”
Her niece was pacified and took her allocated place. It must be difficult to be the elder sibling, always having to monitor whether the younger one hoovered up all of the attention. Delia was more than happy to make a fuss over Rubina if it helped her adjust to the change in the family dynamic.
“To answer your question,” Delia smiled at Anjali, “work is not that different, but I’m more relaxed since they can’t pull the rug from under me.”
“It took them an awful long time, if you ask me.” Tom gave a wry grin. “The job insecurity was getting to you.”
“Yes, but that’s in the past now.” Delia gripped her fork and played with its tines. “Let me have some of that lovely looking pasta. I’m starving.”
“So am I,” Rubina piped up.
“All right.” Tom spooned pasta on everyone’s plate, while his wife scooped up Jamie and put him in his highchair where a bowl of mashed vegetables was waiting for him.
After dinner, Tom took Jamie to bed, and Anjali did the dishes, refusing Delia’s help because she preferred to work in peace while Delia kept Rubina occupied.
Delia and her niece sat at the table, heads together. “We could create a table volcano or a tin hedgehog or a foam monster.”
“Oh, yes. All three.” Rubina rubbed her hands.
“I’ll get the chemistry kit for you, and you can do the experiments with your parents or with me.” Delia’s heart expanded with joy at the glow of excitement in Rubina’s face. This lively girl would go far, and Delia’d be there to help when needed.
“I hope those experiments are safe for children.” Her brother returned to the kitchen and settled into the chair opposite them.
“Oh, they’re totally safe. And a great way to stoke the nascent scientific curiosity in your daughter.” She winked at Rubina.
Anjali laughed and flapped the dishcloth at Delia. “Have your own kids instead of raising my daughter in your image.”
Delia straightened. “But that’s what I’m about to do.”
“What? You’re pregnant?” Anjali quirked an eyebrow at her husband. “Tommy, why didn’t you tell me?”
“You’re pregnant?” Tom stared at Delia.
“No. Stop.” She held up a hand. “I’m not yet, but I’m planning to. I found a sperm donor.”
“I didn’t know your plans were that far along, sis.” Tom folded his arms. “I mean, you could have said.”
“Gabriel offered, and I jumped at the chance. He has a great genetic profile and is also willing to co-parent.” Delia pressed her palms together. “You keep telling me raising kids is tough. An extra pair of hands will be useful.”
Tom frowned. “Gabriel who?”
She dropped her gaze. “Gabriel Kirwan.”
He leaned across the table. “First, he paints you, and now, he wants to be the father of your child?”
“Who’s Gabriel Kirwan? Someone you went to school with?” Anjali asked her husband.
“Oh, no, he’s Lord Renwood of Renwood Hall, and he went to a posh-boy school, I bet. Wasn’t at my school anyway.”
“Gabriel is a nice, normal man, totally sound, and a friend. And what’s most important, he’ll be a brilliant father. He’s very caring.” Delia tugged at Tom’s sleeve and glanced at his daughter then back at him. “Details to be discussed at a later date. Now who’s up for a game of Uno?”
“Me,” Rubina shouted. She stood and pushed her chair back. “I’ll get the cards.”
Several rounds of Uno later, most of them won by the youngest and most enthusiastic player, Delia gathered her things. “Okay, folks, thanks for having me over. It was pure joy as usual, but now I have to head home. Early start tomorrow.”
Tom hugged her. “Always good to see you and feel free to tell me more about yourplans.”
Delia nudged him with her elbow. “Overprotective brother alert.”
