Page 59 of Love is Grand

“That would be nice,” Shell said before she used her gown to wipe away the excess jelly on her stomach.

I held out my hand and helped her stand. As she started to get dressed, I went to see the printouts. My index finger traced the tiny baby while I held the picture in my other hand.

“We made him,” I said to myself. Then I whispered, “I promise to be there for you, buddy. I hated not having a dad.”

When I lifted my head, Shell was quietly watching me.

“Ready?” I asked, not wanting to discuss the emotions flaring up inside me.

“We have to call Weez.”

“As soon as we get in the car.”

Shell shook her head. “No, she won’t be home yet. Soon.”

We walked out of the exam room together, and Shell thanked the staff as we exited the office.

“Since Weez is still tied up, can we celebrate?” I asked. “Go to a late lunch?” I was hopeful Shell wouldn’t blow me off again.

“That sounds great. I’m starving, actually.”

I wanted to fist-pump the air, but chose to put my arm around Shell and hold her close instead. “Where would you like to eat? Want to go to the Grand? I kind of miss it.”

“Sure. I can tell Teddi when we’re there. Oh, I need to call Rylan. I guess you’ll tell Adam. They’ll know soon too. What they’re having, I mean,” Shell said, rambling and seeming genuinely happy.

“I’ll call Adam in a few. He wanted to know. It feels weird that they’re not here, but I know he’s showing her around Michigan.”

“I’m sure she’s glad it’s not snowing.”

“I’ll bet. She said it’s not her thing.”

Shell looked out the window, her voice wistful as she said, “I’d like to see it once.”

I made note of this, but had no idea what it would take to get her to visit me. Would she come with Weezie or not? Or with our baby?

Shell

“Table for two,” Cal told the hostess at Eye of the Sea. I’d suggested eating by the pool, but Cal wanted to come here. I’d never been to such a fancy lunch. I tried to argue, but he wouldn’t hear of it.

“Right this way,” the hostess said. She was new, and I hadn’t met her before. Rylan had been helping management to find some new staff while she was in the States, so maybe she’d hired the new girl.

Seated by the window, Cal and I watched as the ocean lapped in the distance. The summer’s approaching humidity hung in the air outside, and I was grateful for a seat in the air-conditioning.

“Are you disappointed?” Cal asked out of nowhere. “Did you want another girl?”

“No, of course not. I want a healthy baby is all. Well, I didn’t even know I wanted another baby.”

Cal’s brow furrowed, and I could tell he wasn’t sure if I was serious or not.

“I’m joking,” I told him, and his face relaxed. “I’m very excited to have a little boy. I know Weezie will be over the moon to have someone to boss around.”

“She is a little bossy, I’ve noticed. Not in a bad way,” Cal said quickly. “I wasn’t trying to be mean. I meant she likes to tell me what to do, and I do it.”

“I knew you didn’t. The power of little girls. Works on mostly everyone except her dad. He didn’t stick around.”

Cal reached over the table and took my hand. “Hey, don’t ruin today with that,” he said softly.

I nodded and forced back whatever emotions were trying to surface.

---