The Family Man

It was November 15th and the twins were turning five today. I had invited their kindergarten class for a party and all the kids were playing in the backyard. So far they had just been entertaining themselves, playing tag and hide and seek. A few of them were even playing in the pool while Andy and Ashley supervised.
I was in the bathroom taking a pregnancy test. I was twelve days late and hadn’t been able to find a moment for myself in the last few days. There was a knock on the door.
“You almost done Belle? It’s almost time for the cake.” Juliet said.
“One minute.” I replied. I looked down at the stick on the counter. It said positive and two weeks under it. I was pregnant. I got rid of the test and went out to join everyone else.
All the kids were sitting around the table in the kitchen waiting. I joined Ashley in the kitchen to get the cakes. We had gotten a vanilla one and a chocolate one so that everyone would be happy and so that they could both blow out their candles.
“Ready?” I asked him.
“Yes” He replied.
We each took a cake and headed for the table. We started singing happy birthday and all of the kids joined in. We set one cake in front of each twin.
“Make a wish.” I said.
They both squeezed their eyes shut and then blew out their candles.
“What did you wish for?” Ashley asked.
“We can’t tell you Daddy.” Jack said.
“Yeah, then it wouldn’t come true.” Samantha said.
“Of course, how dumb of me.” Ashley said.
We cut up the cake and everyone had a couple of slices. Then we had about fifteen kids all hopped up on sugar.
“Who wants to open presents?” I asked.
“Me!” The twins shouted.
They ran for the living room where all the presents had been left. To make it less crazy I had asked the parents of their friends to only buy one gift instead of two. That made it easier on them and me. Besides, the twins shared pretty much everything that they owned. They got a few board games and some movies from their friends. Then it was time for the family gifts. CC, Jinxx and Jake all put together to buy the kids a full Rock Band set; with a guitar, drums and microphone. Then it was Andy and Juliet’s turn.
“Here you go guys.” Andy said. He handed them each a present, which they quickly tore open.
They got Jack a white lab coat, with safety goggles. They got Samantha a book of songs. The twins were grinning from ear to ear. Now it was time for our gifts to the twins.
“All right, Jack, open this one.” I said, handing him a present.
It was a kid’s science kit, complete with ten different experiments.
“Thanks! This is so cool!” He yelled, jumping up and giving me a hug. I hugged him back tightly. Only five years old and he was so smart.
“Here is yours Samantha.” Ashley said, handing her a giant gift bag.
She pulled out all the tissue paper and inside was a small bass. She squealed.
“Aaaahhhh! Thank you so much Daddy!” She ran over to him and jumped on him. He caught her and gave her a hug.
“You’re welcome Samantha.” He said, kissing the top of her head.

Shortly after that the kids’ parents came to pick them up and it was just us. Andy and Juliet started to help clean up while the twins fawned over their birthday presents. I took the opportunity to take Ashley aside and tell him about the baby.
“What is it Belle?” He asked.
“I took a pregnancy test today.” I said.
“And?” He looked at me expectantly.
“We’re going to have another baby!” I exclaimed excitedly.
“This is great!” He yelled. He pulled me into his arms and kissed me passionately. “We’re going to be parents again.”
I laughed. “We already are parents.”
“You know what I meant.” He said.
“I know.”
“Should we tell them?” He asked, meaning the twins.
“Yes, the sooner they know the better. That way they have time to get used to the idea.” I replied.
We went into the kitchen to find Samantha, Jack, Andy and Juliet all sitting around the collection of presents.
“We have something we need to tell all of you.” I said.
“What is it Mommy?” Samantha asked.
“You and Jack are going to have a little brother or sister.” I said.
“When?” Jack asked.
“Sometime next July.” I replied.
They looked at each other for a moment. I could tell they were having one of their psychic twin moments. They would get these looks on their faces and I just knew they were communicating to each other without talking.
“Yay!” They both screamed. They ran over to me and each hugged one of my legs.
I smiled, that went a lot better than I thought it would.
“Congratulations!” Juliet said, coming over to give me a proper hug.
“Yeah, that’s great guys.” Andy said, giving Ashley what I like to call the ‘man-hug’.
I couldn’t believe it. Life was good and getting better. I had a wonderful husband, two beautiful children and was going to have another. What did I do to deserve such a wonderful family?

Notes

I'm out of town for most of the week so I probably won't be able to update until the weekend or the beginning of next week. Please comment.