“Okay, let’s not turn this into a crying fest,” Virgo announced, and everyone laughed as they took seats around the table.
“Next year, we’ll have to add some more room,” Sally added.
“Add more room? Are you planning on inviting some other people?” Ava asked.
Sally smiled as she stood between Mason and Steven who were about to sit.
“Well, we’ll need room for the high chair,” she announced. Forks dropped and silence filled the room before Mason and Steven both placed a hand on her shoulders.
“Say that again, baby?” Steven asked. She smiled wide.
“We’re having a baby.”
The hoots and hollers filled the room as Steven hugged Sally and then Mason did the same. They placed their hands on her belly and cheered as loud as the others.
“This is awesome,” Ava yelled out and they all took turns congratulating Mason and Steven and hugging Sally.
“Okay, now someone hurry up and say the blessing so I can go sit in the other room,” Sally stated as she held her belly.
“What’s wrong, honey?” Steven asked as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and covered her hand with his.
“The smell of all the food is killing me.”
Everyone chuckled.
“BJ, you do it,” Susanna directed, and he raised his eyebrows at her.
“Why me?” he asked.
“Well, you’re the head lawman around here,” Susanna replied.
“You’re the head of this household, Susanna,” he replied, and she smiled.
“Yeah, Susanna, you do it,” Ava stated.
“Yeah, you’re like the mother hen anyways!” Elise yelled out and they all chuckled.
“Watch it, you.” Susanna pointed at Elise.
“Sorry, Mom,” Elise replied and the laughter continued.
Susanna shook her head.
“Okay, everyone bow their heads.”
They all did as she began to speak.
“There is so much to be thankful for. This year has brought danger to our doorsteps, doom through windows, literally…but also love and companionship for all of us. May our family continue to grow, may the baby or babies growing in Sally’s belly grow healthy and strong, and may we always be able to come together and celebrate the holidays as a family. Dixie Chix!” She stated and everyone replied in unison, “Dixie Chix.”
* * * *
Sally walked into the kitchen with Mason and Steven right behind her.
“So this is why you’ve been acting strangely?” Steven asked, and she nodded her head.
“How long have you known?” Mason asked.
“Well, I had a feeling a few weeks ago, but then I started to get nausea all the time and yesterday I took a test and it was positive.”