Page 86 of Crosshairs

After dinner—and a dessert of pound cake made by Chrissy and Shawna, with serious oversight by Juliana—we played a few hands of Go Fish using three decks of cards.

About an hour later, as soon as we were able to name Bridget the Go Fish champion, Mary Catherine gave me a subtle signal that it was bedtime.

CHAPTER 110

IT HAD BEEN a remarkably long and stressful day. I knew Mary Catherine was constantly tired from her treatments, and wrapping up a big case was always draining. We said our good nights to the wild mob that is our family, then headed to our bedroom.

The sheets and the pillow under my head felt like heaven. I could still hear the kids talking in the hallway and around their bedrooms. The boys had a habit of shouting to one another from the bathroom to their bedroom. Still, there was something comforting and normal about the noise.

Mary Catherine snuggled up close to me in bed. She said in a soft voice, “I don’t know what’s better, a family get-together or being so close to you in bed.”

“Definitely bed. None of those annoying kids around.”

She let out a gentle laugh and draped an arm across my chest.Mary Catherine said, “Also, I’m not loud or whiny, and I change my underwear every day.”

I snorted at the shot at Trent, Eddie, and Ricky, whose hygiene practices were still evolving. Much like any adolescent boy’s. “I’m glad you have a goal, like changing your underwear every day. I think you’re doing great at it.”

Mary Catherine gave me a little bite on the shoulder.

Then I turned so I could look her in the eye and said, “How are you doing? I’m sorry I’ve been a little scarce. Seamus reminded me at dinner.”

“He’s a good conscience. And he’s been a huge help. All the kids adore him, and he’s still the only one who’s heard Jane’s complete speech.”

I asked, “And what does he think of it?”

“You know your grandfather. He never lets out a hint. It must be all the practice he’s had keeping confessions to himself.”

I smiled at the idea that one had topracticeto keep quiet.

Mary Catherine propped herself up on her elbow. “I have a secret I’ve been keeping for a couple of days.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Yeah.” She twisted in bed and grabbed something out of her nightstand. She turned and held out her hand.

Just as I was about to ask,What’s this?I took a closer look and saw the pink plus sign in the middle of the white plastic handle. It took only a moment to click in my brain exactly what I was looking at. My eyes shifted from the pregnancy test to my wife’s beautiful face.

All I said was “Really?”

Mary Catherine nodded vigorously. She said, “I still have to confirm it with the doctor next week. That’s why I haven’t said anything to anyone else yet.”

I tried to grasp this news. I didn’t even go into the future implications, like being the oldest father at graduation. Or teaching a kid to drive when my eyesight was failing. Looking at Mary Catherine, I realized how happy she was. Maybe it was partially because she didn’t have to go back for any more fertility treatments. But it was much more than that. There was actual joy on her face. And the idea of a new baby rumbling around the house made me ecstatic.

Mary Catherine looked at me. Finally frustration overcame her, and she said, “Well? What do you think?”

“Hallelujah!”

“And you’ll keep it a secret?”

“From the kids?”

“Anybody.”

“This is big news. I might blurt it out.”

She smiled. “You Bennetts just love telling good news.”

“And kissing beautiful women.” I planted a kiss on Mary Catherine’s lips.

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