Page 13 of The Leaves In Autumn
“Then you know absolutely nothing about children. They pick up words that get laughed at.”
What was the look my brother and Layla just exchanged? It only was for a beat, but I saw it. And so did Mom. She won’t let it drop.
“What’s that look for?”
Layla smiles and Van’s eyebrows raise when she nods and giggles. What’s happening?
Before anyone can tell, Mom is anticipating the words. She covers her mouth with both hands, as if she is afraid to say what is going through her head. Van puts her out of her misery.
“We’re pregnant!”
Mom screams.
“Oh my God!!!”
A burst of unexpected joy fills the entire room as the news sinks in. Margo starts barking, Dad starts crying, and Poppy looks completely baffled at the strange adults who are jumping and yelling.
CHAPTER 4
Barbra
Spring has brought with it the yellow glacier lilies edging the course, bees looking for a fix, and my cutest golf outfits. Twice in eighteen holes, I have caught Aargon looking at me differently. There’s a new expression in his repertoire of wordless critiques. At this moment though, our eyes scan the course looking for my ball. For once, I would like to spot it first.
“So, you knew?”
“Of course, I did. Layla and I tell each other everything. Almost.”
His bag gets transferred to the other shoulder.
“Tell me again why we have to walk, when there’s a perfectly fine ride.”
“Because it’s good for our health.”
“Here’s an idea. And it isn’t open for discussion. From now on, you walk your little ass off and make your ten thousand steps, and I’ll take a cart.”
“Your aversion to moving is stunning.”
“I move plenty at the gym.”
“Really? I thought you said you hadn’t been in awhile. Who you bullshitting?”
“I have weights in the garage. You know that.”
“Think I noticed a dusty film over them last time we were in there.”
“Whatever. Quit busting my balls.”
“You’re going to have to keep up with a toddler in a few years when you babysit.”
He smirks.
“Oh yeah, that’s going to happen.”
“It might.”
“I am not the babysitting type. Otherwise, I would have already done it for Poppy.”
“Well, that’s true. I’m not either.”
