Page 19 of Bewitched

Clapping her hands, Grammy let out a whoop. “I knew it. We have been blessed with a sweet baby.”

“Grammy, you need to slow your roll. I haven’t told you a thing.”

“But you will.” Setting her purse down, she fluffed her hair. “All that nonsense about your mama’s cooking didn’t fool me for a second. Also, your sudden affection for loose tops was a giveaway. I did not arrive at the ripe old age of seventy-five by ignoring the facts.”

“How come you figured it out and mama hasn’t?”

“Because I see what is and your mama sees what she wants.”

Sighing, Paige ran her hand over her cheek. “Would you like some cookies to go with the tea? I could use some…and a bourbon. But the second is no longer an option, so I’m going to have to satisfy myself with the first.” Her favorite person in the world took her hand and squeezed it, which made her want to fall apart.

“Grammy,” she said, “seems I did get myself knocked up.”

Running her small hand down Paige’s face, she smiled. “Babies are blessings. No matter how they come. Somehow, someway, God decided it was time for you to become a mama. You are a strong, smart woman, and you can handle this. No matter what the father decides to do.”

Resting her head on top of her grandmother’s, she smiled. “Thank you.”

Lifting her granddaughter’s face, Grammy grinned. “Let’s have that tea and come up with a plan to break the news. As much of a blessing as this baby is going to be, it’s also going to set your mama on the warpath. Let’s have our ducks in a row before that happens.”

“Good idea.” She got their tea poured and cookies on a plate and then sat down at the table. “The father is not going to be involved.”

“Are you giving him a choice about it, or is this one of your unilateral decisions?”

“I have no idea how to get in touch with him. We had one night in Amman and he left in the middle of it. I’m thinking he’s not going to be receptive to any news I have to share with him.”

“Fair enough. No need to muck up the waters with someone who shouldn’t be there.”

Lifting her glass, she took a sip of her sweet tea. “I had no idea you were so open-minded.”

Waving her hand, Grammy laughed. “Young people always think they’re the ones who invented sex. I have news for you—we were doing it long before you came along. The only thing that’s changed is you don’t have to marry a man you slept with and never meant to keep. In my day, we were stuck, but thank God all of that has changed.”

“So, you don’t judge me for what’s happening?”

“Of course not. Humans are designed to experience pleasure. Physical relations with a man are one of the finest ways to experience that.” Taking a bite of her cookie, she shrugged. “If the Navy SEAL is the daddy, don’t tell your mama or she’ll never give up. Best keep that to yourself if you don’t want her to start a manhunt.”

“I wouldn’t know how to find him if I wanted to, so I don’t expect Mama to either.”

Pointing her glass, Grammy winked. “That won’t be a problem for my daughter, so if you want to keep this quiet, zip your lips.”

Leaning over, Paige kissed her grandmother’s cheek. “I love you and I’m lucky to have you.”

“Truer words were never said.” She pushed the plate of cookies toward Paige. “Eat up, honey. You’re going to need your strength.”

God bless America. That was the truth.

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