Page 11 of From Maybe to Baby

"GAMMA." Both kids crowd the screen, effectively ending any adult conversation. "Guess what? We're going on a plane."

I freeze. "We haven't decided that yet, guys."

But Gloria's already lighting up. "A plane? Jonas Knight, were you planning to tell me about this? Are you finally taking the vacation I’ve been bugging you about?"

Bugging is an understatement

"There's nothing to tell." I pull the jersey off over Jace’s head and replace it with one of her little dresses. The kind Genny used to get her. "It was just an idea. For before the season starts. A little trip."

"Did you call that travel agent I specifically recommended?" Her smile is way too satisfied. "About that family resort in Hawaii I specifically mentioned?"

"I'm never telling you anything again."

"You barely tell me anything now." She focuses on the kids. "Now, tell Gamma all about this plane ride you're not actually taking."

"We're gonna see fishies," Lukas announces.

"And vol-nanos," Jace adds.

"Volcanos," I correct automatically. "And guys, we haven't decided?—"

"Jonas." Gloria's voice takes on that tone she used to use on Genny when she was being stubborn. "When was the last time you took a real vacation?"

I busy myself wiping syrup off Lukas's face. "We went to Disney last year."

"Ah yes, the trip that ended with you stress-eating Mickey bars in the hotel room while both kids had simultaneous meltdowns. Very relaxing."

"That was one night."

"That was every night, honey. You called me crying from It's a Small World."

"I didn't cry." I definitely cried. "And I have training camp..."

"Which doesn't start for another two weeks." She leans closer to the screen. "Take the kids to Hawaii, Jonas. Let them see some fish that aren't inFinding Nemo. Let yourself relax for five minutes."

"Relaxing with these two? Is that even possible?"

"Only one way to find out." She winks. "This resort has an excellent kids' program, the travel agent told me. And who knows? Maybe you'll meet someone."

"Gloria."

"I'm just saying, it's been two years, and?—"

"I have to go." I check my watch. Eighteen minutes until training. "Kids, say goodbye to Gamma."

They chorus their goodbyes, already distracted by something new. As I'm about to end the call, she adds, "She'd want you to be happy, you know. All three of you."

Like a punch to the gut as only my mother-in-law can deliver.

I end the call before she can see my face. Because she's right, and that's exactly what terrifies me.

"Dad?" Lukas tugs my hand. "I spilled the syrup."

Right. Just another normal morning in the Knight household.

"It’s okay, Lukas. Finish your pancakes," I tell them both. "Daddy needs to call Aunt Sarah about watching you today."

"Aunt Sarah’s coming!” Both kids scream their approval and Jace spills orange juice down the front of the dress I just put on her.

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