Page 70 of The Un-Apparent Heir

“So, I know you wanted to catch up before everyone got here,” Natalie said. “We brought you both something.”

“Oh, please let it be booze.” Vanna clapped.

“Darling, you never want for booze. You own distilleries. Why?”

“Always in the mood for something new,” Vanna shrugged. “Something to share.”

“You open it, Dad. It’s not booze, I’m sorry to say.”

“Well, alright,” Robbie sighed.

The King unfurled the bow and peeled back the paper. Then, he opened the box and stared in confusion.

“Well, there’s only one? What good does this do me? Have you lost your bloody mind, Natalie? This is a gift for Paul and Sanne, right?”

“No, not quite. More of an announcement,” Natalie said.

Natalie’s mother stared in disbelief. Robbie held the tiny bodysuit with confusion.

“Baby clothes. But why?”

Vanna smacked her husband on the arm, “Robert, I think they are expecting a baby. I think that is the clue here. Don’t be stupid!”

“What?” Robbie looked at them. “I need words. This is cryptic!”

“I thought it was rather clear, but yes.”

“We’re as surprised as anyone,” Ed added. “But Nat is pregnant. We’re expecting a baby in early August—we think, but don’t quote us.”

“We don’t know. I didn’t find out until about a week ago. AI blew chunks on my flight suit and got G-LOC. Swore it was impossible—and it should be—but it’s real. All the tests look good. The baby is in there, kicking and waving.”

Ed pulled an ultrasound photo out of his jacket pocket. “See. Real, live baby.”

Vanna gasped, covering her mouth. She was already crying, of course.

“This is exciting news,” Robbie said unexcited.

“Well, don’t throw a party or anything, Dad. Jesus!” Natalie was disappointed.

“No, no, sweetheart, it’s not that. I am so sorry. This is wonderful news. Your mother and I are happy. You will make brilliant parents. It’s only that I have bad news to deliver to you, unfortunately.”

“It is not that bad of news, Robbie.”

“It feels bad, darling.”

“What now?” Natalie asked.

“Well, I wanted to tell you last weekend when I was out there, but I got all bogged down with that engine.”

“It’s a lot of fun,” Natalie smiled.

Natalie was rebuilding a Corsair engine in her garage at Frogmore. Her father and uncle had both lent a hand over time. It was a long game. The thing took forever.

“Well, I just couldn’t break your heart. I feel even worse now. Natalie, things need to change.”

“What? Why?”

“Your father is not dying, much as he may like to say.” Vanna rolled her eyes.

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