Ronnie’s eyes grew watching the confections through the oven window.
“Ronnie, you’re going to burn off your nose.” His father chuckled as he put the last of the dinner dishes away.
“They look so good, Papa.” The boy turned to his father and asked, being sure not to plead. “Can I have a cupcake when they come out of the oven before you put the icing on?”
“They’re for dinner tomorrow, son.” Ian squatted down beside his boy and looked at the cupcakes rising. “But we’ve been good. I think we can all have just one. We made plenty.”
“Thanks, Papa.” Ronnie put his cheek against his father’s, then drew back quickly and looked at him. “You’re hot.”
“Some people seem to think so. I don’t really understand why.” Ian stood up, wiping sweat from his brow and then dabbing his face with the cooler dishtowel.
Ronnie put his hands on his hips and looked sternly. “I’m calling the doctor.”
“No need, Ronnie. I’m fine. I think now that I’ve been given an almost free reign, I’m doing just a little too much.”
“You go sit down.” Ronnie pointed toward the living room. “I’ll finish the cupcakes.”
“I’m almost…”
“Sit…now!”
Ian didn’t know whether to laugh at his son’s tone or quiver in his boots. He put up his hands. “Sitting down…” He pulled a chair out from the table and had a seat. “Happy.”
“Almost.” Ronnie went to his father, putting his arms around him and giving him a big squeeze. “Now I’m happy.”
He patted the boy on the head and sighed in his own contentment. Ronnie pulled the chair beside him and took a seat.
“Papa, I’ve been thinkin’…”
“Uh oh.”
“Stop.” Ronnie giggled. “When this baby comes. Where are we gonna put it?”
“We’re working on that. Billy is going to pick up some plans to the house tomorrow and then we can make a decision.”
“Can I help?”
“Of course you can.” Ian noted the smile on the boy’s face and his smile. “Ronnie, are you happy about this baby?”
Ronnie hesitated but nodded his head. “I’ve always wanted a baby brother. Looks like I’m finally gonna get my wish.”
“What if it’s a baby sister?”
“Well, a brother I can pal around with. If it’s a baby sister I reckon I’ll just have to adore her. I can live with that.” Ronnie noted the smile on his father’s face. “Are you happy about it?”
“Son, I am trying real hard to be. This isn’t exactly what I had in mind. I think maybe I more scared than anything.”
“I understand, but we’re in this together. We’ll make it work.”
Clare suddenly appeared in the doorway. “Ian, do you have a television in your bedroom?”
Ian looked up from his son. “Of course I have a television in my bedroom.”
“Why didn’t I know about it?”
“Because my bedroom is none of your business. Is there are problem?”
“No. I just…” Clare wobbled to leave.
“Miss Clare, why don’t you stay and have a cupcake with us. We’re about to take them out of the oven?” Ronnie smiled at her.
“No thank you dear. I’m the size of a house already. The last thing I need is a cupcake.”
“Sit with us then.” Ronnie pulled out a chair.
Clare’s eyes shot for approval from Ian. Ian nodded and Clare allowed Ronnie to help her sit. “Thank you, Sweet Boy.” She patted him on the hand. “You know, I think you should start calling me Mommy.”
Ronnie’s eyes grew to the size of Clare’s belly. He quickly gathered himself and to Ian’s surprise was extremely polite. “No thank you. That would make me very uncomfortable. Perhaps at some other time.”
“Fine.” Clare hissed then put up her hands, slammed them on the table and pushed herself away. “You can not say I didn’t try.” She pushed herself to a standing position and began to waddle out.
“Clare.” Ian said calmly. “It’s time we talked.”
“I thought we had nothing to say to each other except through our lawyers?” She snarled.
“Since yours doesn’t seem to exist, I’ll meet you in the den in five minutes.”
“Why not here? In front of a witness?” She grinned.
“That’s why we’re going to speak in my den. I’ll have a witness there…of legal age.”
“Whatever.” Clare followed the rolling of her eyes out of the room.
Ian waited for the woman to leave the kitchen before he turned to Ronnie and took his face in his hands. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Being kind and loving when it’s extremely hard to do. You said you can handle the cupcakes?”
“Sure.”
“Good, run go tell Ripley to find Clare and yank her into the den. Then run back here and finish up the treats. Bring us all one when they’re ready.”
Ian kissed his son on the forehead before he bounded out of the kitchen. When he was alone, he dropped his head to the table and panted. “Oh God, just don’t let me pass out before I take care of the mess.”
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