Grant smiled. “She knows, Babe.”
Chantelle walked over and hugged her sister-in-law.
“I wanted to tell you sooner, but we decided to wait,” Elise said.
Chantelle bounced on her toes. “I can’t wait to be an auntie!” She truly did.
Elise held a finger to her lips. “Not so loud. We haven’t told your mother yet.”
“Here she comes,” Douglas said. He then pivoted to face Chantelle’s mother, whose eyes widened at the sight of dinner and candlelight in her kitchen.
“What’s all this?” Her mother asked, placing a hand to her chest.
Douglas gave her a kiss and then pulled out a chair for her at the table. “I have a surprise for you and the kids helped.”
Her mother squinted her eyes. “What are you all up to?”
Douglas handed her a brochure. “Surprise!”
Chantelle’s mother read over the glossy paper in her hand. “A cruise?”
“I thought we could have a getaway,” Douglas said.
“Dinner’s ready.” Chantelle brought over the lasagna dish. Grant and Elise followed with the garlic bread and cake.
“And that’s not all,” Elise said.
Grant stood behind her and laced his fingers with hers across his wife’s stomach. “We’re pregnant.”
“What?” Her mother exclaimed. Her chair scraped against the floor as she bolted to her feet. She embraced Elise, and then Grant, with her eyes shimmering with tears.
Chantelle stood off to the side as she watched the heartfelt exchange.
“Thank you for cooking,” Douglas said to her.
“You’re welcome, and congrats to you too.”
“Me?” He raised an eyebrow.
“You’re going to be a grandfather.” Chantelle took his hand and kissed his cheek.
Douglas bobbed his head, his eyes filled with affection. “Thank you, Chantelle.”
“You’re welcome.” She smiled as her phone buzzed in her back pocket. “Excuse me. I’ll be right back.” She stepped into the living room, still hearing the cheerful commotion in her mother’s kitchen. Lance’s name flashed on her screen. Swallowing, Chantelle answered.
Lance asked. “You aren’t too busy are you?”
“Is something wrong?” She sat on the couch and crossed her legs.
“I need you to meet me at our spot.”
“What’s wrong, Lance?” Their spot?
“Think of it as an exclusive for your article,” he said.
“Okay. I’ll see you soon.”
He hung up, and she scurried to her room to check her appearance. What did that matter? She rolled her eyes and grabbed her rental car keys.