Page 16 of The Wrong Move

“Hisdirty hands,” Franklin corrects.

Mom places a hand on Penny’s knee. “And I’ll be delighted to see the dirt if it means our grandchild is here with us.”

I look at Penny, then at Franklin. “Do you know?”

Franklin stares at Penny, and she giggles at her husband.

“I went alone to my last appointment, and I tease Frank that I know the gender. I keep changing from saying he to she.” Their cheesy love is sometimes sickening, but if I were to find love, I hope we are as happy as Franklin and Penny.

“Franklin, next time you make Penny’s appointment your priority,” Mom scolds.

Franklin raises his arms. “I was in New York. Penny said she was fine to go alone.”

“Of course, she’s going to say she’s fine. You should arrange your travel around Penny. She’s carrying your child.”

Penny giggles. “It’s fine, Sophia. I told him to go.” She continues rubbing circles over her stomach. “I love seeing him get into trouble.”

Franklin arches one eyebrow at his wife.

I grin at Franklin. “Not going to say something back?”

Ever since he married Penny, he never argues with her. She has calmed the ruthless negotiator, and he sees her as a life force. In a way, she is, now that she is carrying his kid.

“No, but I will to you. At least you didn’t wear sweatpants to dinner.”

I chuckle. “It’s summer. Why are you in trousers?”

“Brandon,” Mom says, interrupting us. “You’re quiet this evening. Is everything okay?”

“I apologize, ma’am.” He runs his fingers through his blond waves. “I’m tired from training.”

“It’s BJ’s mom’s sixtieth birthday today. The celebrations are this weekend.” The room turns quiet. Everyone stares at Brandon.

“Oh, darling. You should go back.”

Brandon’s gaze lowers to hide his disappointment.

“He has a game, Mom.”

Mom stares at Dad. “Carson, you can talk to the coach about Brandon having one game off. This is important.”

I hide my grin. That was all I had to say for my mom to get this moving ahead.

“Possibly, but the coach’s decision is final.” Dad rolls the ice in his whiskey glass. “I don’t interfere with team matters.”

“Rubbish. You’ll call him tonight.” She turns to Brandon. “Youwillbe there for your mother, Brandon. I promise.”

Franklin coughs. “Maybe I can help?” He glances at Penny. “I have a quick trip to Australia and Singapore this weekend. It’s the last time I travel before Penny has the baby.”

“Franklin, you shouldn’t be going away. Penny is due in three weeks.”

I can’t hide the smirk on my face. My perfect brother has been chastised more times tonight than in his lifetime.

Mom stands. “We need to move to the dining room. Lola will be waiting for us.”

Dad stays back to make the call, so I keep in step alongside my mother. “Is Lottie coming tonight?”

“She is. I have no idea why she’s late.”

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