Page 131 of The Merger
“Hello?” Mom says.
“How is Brewer Air’s favorite passenger?” I ask, teasing her.
“Gannon, you’re a brat.”
I laugh. “How are you?”
“Good. I’m in Cabo San Lucas, actually. It’s gorgeous here. I’d say you should take a vacation here, but I don’t want to stress you out.”
“Does that mean I’d find Cabo stressful?”
“No, it’s wonderfully relaxing. I just meant you’d find taking a vacation stressful.”
I hum. “Maybe I’ll give it a try.”
“Hang on. Let me check my screen. I thought I was talking to Gannon.”
My cheeks ache from smiling. I hold on to the back of the sofa and try not to laugh.
“Yeah, this is Gannon,” I say.
“Andyou’reconsidering Cabo?”
“Hey, I read it’s a great place to take a babymoon.”
“I think that’s true. Bianca considered it before she had Emery …wait a minute.”
I chuckle.
“Wait a damn minute,” she says, her tone thick with confusion. “A babymoon?”
“Yeah.”
“Why wouldyouneed to read about babymoons?”
“Well, I can only think of one reason to read about them.”
She gasps.
“It would probably mean you’re having a baby. Or, that could mean that I’m doing research for a friend. Or it could mean?—”
“You’re having a baby!”
I laugh. “How do you know?”
“Because you don’t have any friends. Oh, I didn’t mean it like that. I’m just panicking a little over here.” She rushes a breath. “Are you having a baby, Gannon? Please don’t mess with me. Now isn’t the time.”
I laugh again, happier than I’ve ever been in my life.
“Mother, you’re going to be a grandmother again.”
“Gannon Reid …”
“I’m having a baby with Carys Johnson,” I say.
“Oh, my God!” she screams. “Finally! Oh, Gannon.”
Her sobs fill the line.I’ve made my mother cry once or twice, but never for a good reason. I have to say it’s much nicer listening to her cry tears of joy.
