Page 30 of On the Line

“Ava sent me the recipe,” Trevor beamed.

“You two are both just too kind,” I said, starting toward the kitchen. “Let me stick this in the fridge.”

Corinne was smiling at an old family photo on the wall when I returned.“I can’t wait to finally meet Ava.”

“She’s going to love you,” Trevor said, a loving arm slinking around her waist.

“I can’t imagine being the only girl, with five brothers,” Corinne said.

“Don’t feel sorry for Ava,” Trouble smirked. “She always had our dad wrapped around her little finger. The rest of us would get in trouble, and she’d just smile and skip off scot-free.”

“Daddy’s little girl,” Corinne grinned.

“Ava probably did get away with more than the boys,” I admitted. From the moment she was born she’d stolen my heart. So sweet, yet so fiery. “That girl always marched to the beat of her own drum. Now she flies jets. Imagine it, my little girl.” I chuckled at how sentimental I felt over my only daughter, and how proud I was she’d fulfilled her pilot dreams.“She was the baby until this one came along.” I smiled, nodding toward Trevor. “After Ellie finally got her girl, we thought we were done. Trouble surprised us.”

“He surprised me too,” Corrine said, laughing. “I thought I was done with men before he came along.”

“I guess Trevor charmed us all,” I smiled, settling into the family room couch.

“That’s what makes him Trouble,” Corinne giggled.

Corinne was strong and witty, with a good head on her shoulders, like Ellie had been. Also like Ellie, Corinne seemed the perfect balance for a youthful trouble-maker. My son made me proud, doting on Corinne as they sat to be sure she was comfortable before we resumed our chat. Watching the two of them in their new love warmed my heart.

“Now that,” I pointed at the photo on the end table next to Corinne, “that is the last photo of all of us together. Easter Sunday.” I remembered the day well, barely two weeks before Ellie died. The last time before the funeral that we’d all been together.

Before I could tear up at the memory, I shifted tacks. “What about your family, Corinne? Aren’t they coming in from California?”

Her face lit up as she nodded. “They’re in the air as we speak. We’re going to have breakfast with them tomorrow morning out at Paradise Key.”

Trouble leaned sideways, bumping shoulders with her before taking her hand in his. My youngest took a deep breath and squared his shoulders before looking me in the eye. “Before everyone gets here, Corinne and I wanted to tell you something.”

I cocked my head, concerned at how his tone had turned serious. “Everything alright?”

He leaned forward. “It’s it big surprise, but it’s better than alright,” he said, a big smile spreading across his lips. “Corinne and I are having a baby.”

I blinked at them both for a moment, shocked. “You’re kidding me!? I’m going to be a grandpa! That’s great news!” I quickly uncrossed my legs and jumped up. “Come here, you two,” I said, pulling them up into a three-way hug. I kissed Corinne on the forehead and slapped Trouble on the back. “Congratulations!”

Trouble laughed as we all calmed down and settled back into our seats. “We wanted you to be the first to know.”

My heart was full for them, but heavy that Ellie wasn’t here to share the moment. “I can’t wait to meet the little one. God, your mom would have been over the moon.”

“Mom would want us to get married,” Trevor said quickly.

Corinne had a strange look on her face, probably wondering, as I was, why he’d say such a thing.

“That’s probably true,” I said cautiously, offering Corinne a sympathetic smile. “But she’d be happy for a grandchild all the same.”

What happened next shocked me even more than Trouble’s off color remark. My youngest son dropped down on one knee and took Corinne’s hand in his. With calm conviction, he looked her deep in the eyes and said, “I’d be happier if we were getting married, too. Would you?”

“What?” Corinne stared at him, stunned. “Seriously?”

Her scrunched up face and straightened posture made me worry he’d sprung it on her too soon. Trevor didn’t waver though.

“Seriously,” he said, his voice trembling as much as his hand as he threaded his fingers through hers. “Nothing would make me happier. Will you be my wife?”

I held my breath, hoping my son hadn’t just made a big mistake.

Corinne didn’t make us suffer long. Her expression softened, a smile spreading on her lips.“Of course I will,” she said, her voice quivering. “Nothing would make me happier either.”

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