Page 73 of Tangled Trust

"I’m a woman. I get how we folk think. Has she?"

"Yeah. But it’s not an issue. I’m excited, and I know Jagger will be too. And, that's what's important here. Not the ravings of a pissed-off ex."

"If you say so."

"Now. What’s it going to be? You must be starving now that you’re eating for two. A large pizza covered in pepperoni?"

"Ugh! I think I’ll have a steak. The idea of a greasy pizza is making me feel a little green."

"Wow! Okay. Ella is passing on pizza. This is a new one."

"Trust me. No one is as shocked as I am."

"Hey, Daddy. Can I have pepperoni on my pizza?" Jagger says as he flops down on his chair.

"Sure, buddy."

Ella and I share a brief glimpse of one another.

"We have some news, big guy," I start.

"Yeah?"

"Yup. It’s a surprise, just for you."

"What is it?"

"You’re going to be a big brother, champ."

Jagger’s eyes grow large as he takes in the news.

"What?" he says with a huge grin on his face.

"Uh-huh. Ella is having a baby, and it’s going to be your new brother or sister."

I look across at Ella. She looks a little nervous, so I take hold of her hand and squeeze it gently.

"Oh, neat! We can share my toys, and I’ll tell Dash to be nice to him."

"It could be a girl, Jagger."

"Nah, it’s going to be a boy. Can we call him Woody? Like in Toy Story. I like Woody."

Jagger is talking at a hundred miles an hour. Neither Ella nor I can get a word in edgeways. What a jubilant reaction! I’m so pleased, and I know Ella is relieved.

"Let’s wait until the baby is born before we choose a name, buddy. Okay?"

"Okay."

Jagger leaps off his chair and runs toward the playroom.

"Hey, guys!" he yells as he gets closer to the other kids who are inside. "I’m getting a baby brother! Isn’t that cool?"

"Oh, Lord, this better be a boy," Ella sighs.

"Woody…I suppose it would be an accurate depiction. This baby was created thanks to a woody."

"You’re terrible, Carter Moore," Ella laughs.

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