Page 102 of A New Chapter

Emma couldn’t help but reflect on how different Alex was from her own mom. She had such a strong and vibrant personality, fluttering in with her colorful clothes and dangly earrings and smelling as if she had taken a bath in her perfume. Emma couldn’t help but be drawn to Alex, just as she had been to Alex’s son.

Joe followed in her wake, wielding a bottle of wine and his million-dollar smile. Compared to his wife, he exuded a casual elegance, dressed in pleated khakis and a black crew-neck sweater, still handsome and virile in his mid-sixties.

Zack led them all into the living room, where he had set out some appetizers. His parents had just come from dinner with friends, so they weren’t going to have a formal sit-down meal. That suited Emma just fine, since her stomach was already clenched with nerves.

“I’ll grab some wineglasses and be right back,” Zack said, and he left Emma alone with his parents.

“How’s business at the bookstore?” Joe asked once they were seated.

Ah, thank God, one of my favorite topics! “Great. We’ve been really busy due to the holidays, and I hope we’ll have a lot of repeat customers after the season’s over.”

“I’ve heard a lot of good things about your store, but I have to admit that I don’t read much these days,” Alex said.

“Zack mentioned that you belong to a lot of clubs, so I’m sure that keeps you busy.”

“It does, but I love to be busy! Bring it on, I always say!”

Does that apply to grandkids too?

Zack came in bearing a tray with three wineglasses and a bottle of water for Emma. Alex gave her a curious glance but became distracted when Joe poured the wine. Emma looked longingly at the cheese tray but opted for a sip of water instead. The last thing she needed was to vomit while Zack’s parents were over.

“So, what is the reason for this little tete-a-tete?” Joe asked after taking a sip of wine.

Alex’s hand reached out and swatted his arm so fast that Emma barely saw it. “Joe, don’t be rude. Maybe they just called us over for a cup of Christmas cheer.”

“Dad’s right. We have some exciting news to share…”

“I think I already know,” Alex said, smiling directly at Emma.

Hot flashes—another symptom of pregnancy. “You do?” Emma asked with a quiver in her voice.

“Mom, can I please continue?”

“Yes, of course, dear. Go ahead.”

“Emma and I are going to have a baby.”

“I knew it! I was right!” Alex exclaimed, clapping her hands like a seal.

“Wow,” Joe said and smiled broadly.

Emma felt her whole body relax when she witnessed their enthusiasm, and Zack reached over and squeezed her hand.

“When are you due? Does Gracie know? Who else have you told?”

Alex launched her questions in true Kostas style, which caused Emma’s head to spin. She grabbed on to her seat cushion for added support while Zack took over.

“Mom. One question at a time, please.” His voice was firm, but he gave his mother a warm smile.

Joe slung his arm over Alex’s shoulder as if to anchor her to the couch. “Let them tell us,” he said softly.

“We don’t know the due date, because Emma hasn’t been to the doctor yet. We had planned on telling everyone after the appointment, but I slipped the other night at dinner. So now, all of our immediate family members know, and Kelly.”

Alex appeared to have calmed down some, and she asked, “How did Gracie take the news?”

Emma chimed in before Zack could answer. “She took it very well, although she was pretty emphatic that she doesn’t want a baby brother.”

Everyone chuckled.