Page 2 of Romance and Peppermint Lattes
“I think it’s good, but I’ll wait for your feedback.”
Maryanne loved the way they worked together as husband and wife and as two professional writers. Nolan wrote his novels, and it was the income he generated from the sales of his books that supported their family. Maryanne tackled nonfictionprojects. She wrote a weekly column for theSeattle Reviewand contributed articles to various parenting magazines. One day, she might try her hand at fiction, but for the present she was content.
“Mom says now isn’t a good time for us to get a puppy,” Courtney whined, and it wasn’t long before her younger sister added her own disconsolate cries.
“Why can’t we, Daddy?” Bailey cried. “Every kid should have a puppy.”
“A puppy,” Nolan repeated, locking eyes with Maryanne. He sat down on the bed beside her and exhaled slowly. “Well, the truth is, there are other considerations.”
“Like what?” Courtney asked. It was inconceivable to her that anything should stand in the way of her heart’s desire.
Nolan placed his arm around Maryanne’s shoulders, indicating that perhaps now was the time to explain. “Well,” he began in thoughtful tones. “When a man and a woman fall in love and marry, they sometimes...” He paused and waited for Maryanne to finish.
“They love each other so much that they...” She hesitated, thinking this might not be the right approach.
“They make babies,” Nolan supplied.
“You were a baby once,” Maryanne continued, reaching out to tickle Bailey’s tummy.
“And you, too,” Nolan told Courtney.
The girls sat cross-legged on Bailey’s bed, their attention on Nolan and Maryanne. Their long brown hair spilled over their shoulders.
“What has this got to do with a puppy?” Courtney asked, cocking her head to one side, a puzzled frown on her face. How like Nolan she looked just then, Maryanne thought. The Nolan she remembered from the days of their courtship, thenewspaper reporter who always seemed to be frowning at her for one reason or another.
“What your mother and I are attempting to explain is that...” He paused and a smile crept across his face.
“You’re both going to be big sisters,” Maryanne said.
Courtney understood the implications before her little sister did. “Mom’s going to have ababy?”
Maryanne nodded.
The girls screamed with happiness. As if they’d been practicing the move for a week, they leaped off the bed and immediately started jumping up and down. Soon Nolan was laughing at their antics.
“I want another sister,” Bailey insisted.
“No, no, a brother,” Courtney said.
“Personally I’ll be overjoyed with either,” Nolan assured them all. His arm tightened around Maryanne’s shoulders, and he buried his face in her neck as she hid a smile. While this baby was certainly unexpected, he was most welcome. Yes, he! Earlier in the day Maryanne had been at the doctor’s, had her first ultrasound and received the news. How appropriate for Christmastime... She’d tell Nolan as soon as the kids were asleep.
“Are you excited, Mom?” Courtney asked.
Maryanne nodded and held out her arms to her daughter. “Very much so.”
Courtney came into the circle of Maryanne’s arms. “A baby is even better than a puppy.” She grinned. “But a puppy’s good, too!”
“Yeah,” Bailey said. She climbed into Nolan’s lap, leaning her head against his chest.
“But you girls understand that a babyanda puppy at the same time would be too much, don’t you?”
“Yes.” Both girls nodded.
“Later,” Courtney said in a solemn voice. “When the baby’s older.”
“Yeah,” Bailey said again.
“Isn’t it bedtime yet?” Nolan asked.
