by Sharon Coady
Melanie frowned. “Well, I don’t think a pony takes up a lot of room. Couldn’t she sleep on the porch?”
Kyle walked up behind her. “Ponies can’t live on the porch, honey. Anyway, Christmas is a long time away and that means a lot of days of being a good girl.”
“I can do it, Daddy, you just watch me.”
“We’ll see. Now, go wash up, dinner is almost ready.”
Anne glanced at the time. “Oh my goodness, I can’t believe it’s already four-thirty. You didn’t need any help?” She picked Mavy up, put her on the sofa then got up and stretched.
“Nope, I did it all myself.” He grinned, giving her a kiss on her cheek.
“We’re eating already?” Pop blinked. “Did I doze off?”
“I don’t know, Pop, I was busy watching shows with Melanie.” Anne laughed since she had watched him nod off and snore a bit while he slept.
“I’m hungry, and boy, something smells awfully good.” He stood slowly and shuffled his way to the bathroom passing Melanie on her way out. “You hungry, girl?”
“Yep. Are you?”
“Yep. Gonna wash my hands.” He glanced at Kyle. “Can we eat in the kitchen tonight?”
“We sure can.”
“Good, I don’t want to have to start the game over. I actually have some money right now.” He chuckled.
Around nine o’clock, Pop and Melanie both started yawning. “I think we better call it quits for tonight. Someone is very tired.”
“I’m not that tired, Mommy.” Melanie stuck her bottom lip out.
“No, but it looks like Pop is. We can leave the game set up and finish after breakfast tomorrow if you want. Why don’t you go get your pajamas on, and we’ll brush your teeth. Maybe Mavy can sleep with you tonight.”
“Yay.” She jumped down and gave Pop a big hug. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Sleep tight.” He yawned again before he pushed his chair back from the table. “I am really tired. I’m going to head to bed myself. By the way, Nancy called and said she is bringing dessert tomorrow. I think I forgot to tell you that.” He reached his arms out to give Anne a hug. “Love you.”
“I love you, too. Get some rest.” Anne watched him shuffle to his room. “Kyle, I’m going to call Pop’s doctor tomorrow and get him in for a checkup. I don’t like the way he’s looking lately. I guess I won’t have to make that cake after all.” She found herself thankful that her mother-in-law was making the desert. It would make one less thing she had to worry about.
“It’s probably just all the excitement since the wedding and everything. Nevertheless, you should call just to make sure everything is okay. While you’re making phone calls, how about getting us an appointment for the first baby check-up.”
“Kyle, shh. If you talk about it, one of them might hear.” She smiled as he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. She pulled back a moment later. “Are you trying to shut me up?”
“Yes.” He crushed her lips with his again, leaving her breathless when he released her. “Now, I think you told Melanie you were going to supervise her teeth brushing. I’ll go find that kitten so you can keep your promise.”
Fifteen minutes later, Kyle and Anne sat on the sofa, his arm over her shoulders. “Mavy and Melanie in bed, check. Pop tucked in bed, check. So why are we sitting out here instead of getting tucked into our bed?” He ran his fingers in slow circles on her arm.
“Good question, Mr. Shafer. I propose we take this to our room.” She slid out from under his arm, stood, and tugged on him. “Come on. We have a lot to do tomorrow. Let’s get some us time.”
Kyle stood and swooped her into his arms. “Sounds good to me, Mrs. Shafer.” He carried her into the room and set her on the bed. “Shall I lock the door?” His lopsided grin spread over his face as he watched her blush again.
Chapter Five
Anne stood at the kitchen sink, letting the fan blow over her face. This has to be the hottest August in history. Why hadn’t they talked Pop into putting air conditioning in the house? She placed her hand on her stomach feeling the little bump. Pop had been so excited when they told him last month. Melanie had been thrilled when they told her as well, but she was glad they waited until the pregnancy was six months along. She was so excited she wanted a calendar so she could mark off the days until the baby was due.
It wasn’t until recently that Anne noticed a change in Melanie. Kyle and Pop both told her she was overreacting, but she didn’t think so. Her daughter had become moody and at times almost seemed angry with her. She noticed last week that the days were not marked off on her calendar.
“Melanie, your lunch is ready.”
Melanie walked into the kitchen, lugging Mavy with her, eyes narrowed and mouth turned down. “I’m not hungry. Maby and I were playing.”
“Why aren’t you hungry? You always have lunch at this time.”
Melanie dropped her eyes. “I’m just not. I want to wait for Daddy and Poppy to eat with me.”
“They’ll be right back. I can sit with you if you want.”
“No!” Her eyes flew open as she backed up a couple of steps, placing the cat on the floor. “I mean, I‘ll just wait for them.”
“Melanie, what’s wrong?” Anne moved to give her a hug, and she bolted from the kitchen.
“Leave me alone. Me and Maby are going to play till Daddy comes back. I don’t want to eat with you.” She hurried into her room, Mavy scurrying beside her, and closed the door behind her.
Anne couldn’t believe how Melanie had just behaved or the way she had glared at her. What had she done to cause her little girl to be so upset? The front door opened with a squeak as Pop shuffled in followed by Kyle.
“Hey Anne, the doctor said everything is good, but I have to take some extra vitamins. As if I don’t have enough pills to take now. I’m hungry, did you make lunch?” He hugged her and headed to the kitchen.
“I’m happy you got a clean bill of health and yes, I made lunch. Your doctor said you need to see him every three months now, so we have to make sure you do.” She turned to Kyle as she felt the tears fill her eyes.
“What’s wrong?” Kyle pulled her into his arms. “What happened?”
Anne swiped her eyes. “Melanie is mad at me for something. I called her to lunch, and she said she wanted to wait for you and Pop. I told her I would sit with her and she told me no. She bolted to her room, telling me to leave her alone.” The tears streamed down her face. “I don’t know what I did.”
“Honey, she’s five. I’m sure it will pass.” He rubbed her back. “Go sit down and I’ll get her.”
“I hope you’re right. You didn’t see how she looked at me or hear the tone of her voice.” Anne’s voice broke.
“I’m sure it’s nothing. You know she loves you.” He kissed her forehead and gave her another hug. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
Anne walked into the kitchen, patted Pop’s shoulder, went to the stove, and started plating Pop’s lunch. She set the plate in front of him and went back to make dishes for her, Kyle, and Melanie. She set everything on the table and sat down.
“What’s wrong?” Pop put his fork on his plate. “Why are you crying?”
“Melanie is mad at me for something. For the life of me, I can’t think of anything I did.”
“Anne, she’s a kid. They get mad for stupid reasons sometimes. Give it time. She’ll come around. Eat before your food gets cold.”
Anne picked up her fork and pushed her food around, wondering what was taking them so long to come out of the bedroom. Her tummy was turning, and she didn’t think she could eat.
Finally, the door opened and Kyle walked out holding Melanie’s hand. When they came into the kitchen, she could tell Melanie had been crying, and Kyle’s jaw muscles were twitching.
“There you are. I thought maybe you two were busy playing and forgot about lunch,” she said, hoping to get rid of some of the sudden tension in the room.
Melanie glared at her
as she pulled her chair closer to Pop’s before climbing up to sit down.
“Melanie. What did we talk about?” Kyle asked sternly.
“Not to act like a baby.”
“That’s right. And what else?”
“To not be mean. But Daddy...”
“Melanie, I told you we would discuss it more later, after we’ve eaten. Now thank Mommy and please eat.”
“Thank you.” She picked up her spoon, made a face, and scooped some macaroni into her mouth. When she swallowed, she mumbled under her breath.
“What did you just mumble?” Kyle asked her sternly.
“Nothing.”
“Melanie, I asked you a question.” Kyle crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair.
“I said she’s not my mommy.”
Anne felt like she had been sucker punched. She sucked in a breath, and the tears welled in her eyes. “Excuse me.” She shoved her chair back and quickly made her way around the table and ran from the kitchen.
“Why did you just say that?” She heard Kyle ask his daughter.
She didn’t wait to hear the answer. She closed the bathroom door quietly and turned on the cold water. She splashed cold water on her face and looked at herself in the mirror. Get it together. She’s a kid. Kyle was right and so was Pop. She dried her face, took a deep breath, and walked back into the kitchen. “Sorry guys, I got a little queasy. I’m doing much better now.”
Kyle reached across the table and gave her hand a squeeze. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” She knew her voice wavered, but she plastered a smile on her face and gave his hand a squeeze back. Picking up her fork, she started eating, barely tasting the food. She glanced at Melanie and saw her little eyes staring at her plate, hurrying through her food. “Honey, you need to slow down or you’re going to choke.”
Melanie looked at her, made a face, and swallowed. “No I won’t, I just want to go play. I’m sorry I made you cry,” she replied in a huff.
Anne sighed. “You didn’t, honey. It’s okay. If you really aren’t hungry, you don’t have to finish everything on your plate.”
Melanie’s little eyes lit up. “Thank you, Mommy.” She dropped her fork and slipped off her chair, skipping out of the kitchen. “I’m coming, Maby.”
“See Anne, I told you. She’s a kid, and she forgets what she’s mad about so quickly. She gets mad at me all the time.” Kyle took her hand in his and ran his thumb over it.
Pop pushed his chair back. “I’m done eating. I’m going to see what she’s up to. She’s been in that room all morning.”
“I guess I overreacted,” Anne said as she watched Pop shuffle toward Melanie’s room. “I’m still getting used to this mommy thing. I guess it’s good practice for the new baby.” She placed her hand over her tummy. “I can’t wait to meet him.”
“I know. I can’t believe we’re having a son. Our own special bundle of joy, and someone to carry on the family name.” He pulled her to him and kissed the tip of her nose. “Melanie will be a wonderful big sister.”
“She sure will, and Pop is going to be tickled pink to have a great-grandson.” The baby started kicking. “Kyle, put your hand here quick.” She placed his hand under hers on her tummy.
The baby kicked again and Kyle laughed. “I love feeling him move. He sure is strong.”
“What are you doing, Daddy?” Melanie asked as she stood in the kitchen door, the corners of her mouth drawn down and her eyes narrowed.
“Your little brother is kicking. Do you want to feel?”
Her eyes lit up and she ran to them. “Where, where is he kicking? Can I really feel him?”
Anne took her little hand and placed it where the baby was moving. He kicked again. She watched as a smile spread over her little face. “Wow. That’s really my brother doing that?”
“Yes, it is. Just think, in a little over three months, he will be here and you’ll be able to hold him.” Anne relaxed a little. “He’s due a week after Thanksgiving.”
“That’s so long.” She sighed. “Maby! I felt my brother move.”
The cat meowed and jumped on Anne’s lap. Putting her paws on her tummy, she turned her head and meowed again before jumping down and rubbing herself on Melanie’s leg. “Isn’t that neat Maby? Come on, let’s go play.” She turned and skipped back to her room, Mavy following right behind.
“It’s so cute how she talks to that cat like she understands,” Kyle whispered.
“I sometimes think Mavy does understand her.” Anne giggled. “She’s one very smart little cat.”
“Maybe she does. Animals are pretty intuitive.” He pulled her against him and placed his hands over her baby bump. “I love feeling our son moving inside of you.” His warm breath drifted over her skin, sending a shiver down her spine.
“I’m so happy. I have you, Melanie, and now a baby of our own to love. How could I get any luckier?”
“I don’t think we can. I love you.”
“I love you, too.” She signed resting her head on his chest.
Chapter Six
The next few months flew by, and Thanksgiving was just around the corner. The leaves fell faster this year than they had in the past. Anne sat down at the kitchen table with paper and pen to write out the grocery list for the next four weeks. She knew Kyle was capable of cooking while she was in the hospital, and since Nancy and Pop were getting along so well, she wasn’t worried about everyone being fed. Placing her hand on her tummy, a smile spread over her mouth and her son kicked and wiggled.
“What you smiling for?” Pop shuffled into the kitchen, pulled his chair out, and sat down.
“The baby was just kicking. I love feeling him.”
“I can tell. You had a sweet smile on your face. I can’t wait to meet the little bugger. A great-grandson. I’m so happy you’re having a baby. You’re a wonderful mother.”
“I love being a mother. You were right when you told me I’m nothing like my own mom. I could never imagine abandoning my child.” Tears swam in her eyes, threatening to spill over. “How could someone do that to a child? You would have to be a cold-hearted person.”
“I don’t know. Your mother wasn’t raised like that. Your gram and I raised her with love and kindness just like we raised you. Maybe there are some people that have something wrong in their brains. I think that must be it, some kind of deep-seated sickness. How else could you explain the cruelness?
“One thing I cannot abide is a liar and a cheat. I’m sad your mother turned out that way. To me, those are the worst kind of people.” He shook his head as anger crossed his face. “It makes me sick Jennie turned out that way. Your gram was heartsick about it. She knew the truth before she passed, and she always said God knows and sees all. You know what I always say karma will win out in the end. It always does, and it comes back ten-fold.”
“You all did a great job with me. The love and kindness you have shown me makes me wonder what is wrong with Mom.” She sighed and stood up to get him some coffee and oatmeal. “Gram talked about karma often. I remember you and her both saying to always be kind, humble, and honest. Never lie, cheat, or steal and to always treat others how you want to be treated. I guess Mom forgot all that because the way she acts, and the things she’s done, I don’t think she’ll make it to heaven.”
“Probably not. If she does, your gram will be waiting for her with a willow branch. She sure won’t be happy with her.”
Anne laughed. “You’re probably right.” She set his coffee in front of him and set the bowl of oatmeal down to the side. She kissed his cheek and gave him a hug. “Let me get back to this shopping list. Kyle is taking me when he gets home.”
Pop’s brow furrowed. “Since when do you need someone to take you shopping?”
“Since this little one is due soon. I don’t want to be in the grocery store by myself if he decides he’s ready to come early. I can’t believe we are already into late October.”
“Oh, I wasn’t thinking about that. W
ill he be okay if he comes this early?”
“The doctor said at this point, it wouldn’t be the best, but he would be okay, just a little small. Kyle said he only has a half-day worth of clients, so he should be here soon. Would you wait outside for Melanie when she gets off the bus?”
Pop chuckled. “Yeah, I can wait for Melanie.” He scratched his head. “Would you care if we invite Nancy for Thanksgiving? She was telling me when I talked to her yesterday that Kim is flying out to spend time with her son and his family. I guess the two of them usually spend that day together. I didn’t say anything in case you all didn’t want her to come.” He spooned oatmeal into his mouth watching her as he chewed.
“No, it would be nice if she came for dinner. You can invite her. I think Melanie and Kyle will love to have her over. Kyle said she makes a great pecan pie. That would save me some time to worry about other dishes.” She winked, causing a big grin to spread over his face. “Plus, this little one tires me out. I hope he stays put until his due date.”
“Good, that’s settled. I’ll call her in a bit and invite her. She’s nice—and fun for me to talk to. Did you know she fishes?” Mavy came strolling into the kitchen, sat down, and patted Pop’s leg. Chuckling, he leaned over, “Good morning, cat. Do you want your breakfast too?”
“Really? No, I didn’t know that. Between you and me, she doesn’t strike me as the outdoor type.” Anne leaned over to see what Mavy was doing.
Ignoring this last comment, Pop said through a mouthful of oatmeal, “You need to eat something. You can’t go shopping on an empty stomach. You’ll want to buy everything you see.”
“I’m just jotting down the last of my groceries.” She wrote down a few more items before placing her pen down and turning back to Pop, said, “There. Let me run over this quickly, and I’ll make myself a bowl of cereal before I take my shower and get ready to go. Do you want me to feed her?”
“Nah, she’ll watch me until I’m done. I’ll give her breakfast to her in a bit.”
They ate in silence for a bit. Anne glanced at him again. He sat eating with his head in his hand, his elbow propped on the table. He looked sad, and she knew he was missing Gram more with the holidays coming around. This was their favorite time of year, especially Christmas. Her heart ached for him as well as for herself; she missed Gram terribly, and it didn’t seem to be getting any easier. Anne sighed again and stood to take her bowl to the sink.
