Page 136 of Inspiring Izzy

Brady and I both look at each other.

"What does what say?" I holler as Brady hugs me close.

"I'm not blind, Isobel! I know you snuck a you-know-what test in there five minutes ago," Mom laughs.

I unlock the bathroom door and hold up the stick. "Pregnant."

Mom throws her hands up in the air and yells, "Matt!"

Dad comes running out of their room, his hair a disheveled mess. "What?"

"We're going to be grandparents again!" Mom beams.

Dad's eyes widen. "Yeah?"

Brady snakes his arm over my shoulders. "Yeah."

We stand in a small circle, all of us grinning.

Three hours later, Dad, Brady, and Steve help Brianna build a snowman while Mom and I sip warm mugs of chamomile tea from the porch. It's quiet now, but once everyone finds out I'm pregnant, I know the noise will get louder.

"So," Mom lays her head on my shoulder. "This wasn't what you were expecting when you came home, was it?"

"Not in my wildest dreams," I laugh.

"It's not what I expected either," Mom admits. "But I think it came together beautifully."

"Me, too."

"Your father seems rather smitten with Brady these days," Mom nudges me.

"Dad always falls madly in love with his sons-in-law," I shake my head.

"That's your father," Mom sighs. "Never met a person he hasn't loved completely."

"Or maybe he just loves who we love, you know?" I offer.

"He sure does love having four sons-in-law," Mom laughs.

"I'm glad he still considers Steve part of the family," I exhale as I rest my hand some my lower abdomen.

"Your father didn't have a close-knit family before we made our own," she hums. "I think he's tried to make sure we don't lose that closeness."

"He never talks about his dad," I notice.

"There's not much to say about Grandpa Randy," Mom sighs. "We haven't heard from him in...a while."

"Do you think it upsets Dad?"

"I don't think so. He made a decision a long time ago. This family is more important than the one he came from."

"I'm grateful I don't have to choose."

As we watch, I feel my heart explode with happiness. Then Brady turns and gives me a breathtaking smile. Happiness doesn't even begin to explain what I'm feeling. I'm not sure there's a word for this type of joy. Exhilaration. Euphoria.

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"What are we doing here?" I frown as we park in front of Angie's Restaurant and Bar.

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