“I hope so. I don’t want them to feel like I’m uncomfortable around them.” Even if it was sometimes true. She’d often wondered how Dan and his younger brother Sam had managed to escape the stiff and starchy personalities epitomized by Helen and Andrew Walton.
“And I only notice because I know you so well, Sar Bear.”
She rolled her eyes at the nickname, a new one he’d started with its reference to a bear encounter from her first summer in Muskoka, when she’d complained about him calling her ‘Princess’ all the time, because it just sounded too… princessy. She wasn’t precious, or pompous, or pretentious. Far from it. She was still normal, clumsy, mostly unfiltered Sarah. The girl who dropped food on her clothes and tended to overshare.
They knocked then entered, and were met with a, “You’re here!”
“Hi, Helen.” Sarah hugged her, then moved to hug her father-in-law. “Hi, Andrew.”
“You’re looking well.”
“Thanks.” She smiled, thankful Dan was near. He found encounters with his parents draining sometimes too.
“So, let’s eat. I’m glad you’re here on time.”
Sarah smirked at Dan who rolled his eyes back at her.
Helen served the meal—brisket and roast vegetables. Not usually what Dan ate during the playing season, but Helen never seemed to pay attention to the subtle and unsubtle hints about what an NHL player’s diet should consist of. Variations of pasta and chicken weren’t favorite meals of Helen, it seemed.
Sarah soon relaxed, and enjoyed the meal, even though Helen kept looking at her. She refused Andrew’s reiterated offer to have wine, covering her glass. “Thanks, but not tonight.”
Or any time in the next six months. She would not let anything happen to this precious bundle inside.
Dan clasped her hand under the table, his touch instantly bringing ease. Oh, she loved how this man was always so attuned to her moods and needs.
“So, just one more week of the regular season, then playoffs, huh? How do you fancy your chances against Florida?” Andrew asked.
Sarah squeezed Dan’s hand. He’d tried his best, but the Leafs’ offense had been hit with injuries lately, and they looked destined to scrape into playoff contention, rather than steamrolling their way to the top of their division as predicted a month ago. They required only one more win.
“It’s a bit early to say,” Dan hedged. “We have to get there first.”
“Here’s hoping you do.” Andrew lifted his glass.
Sarah lifted her glass of water too. Smiled encouragement at Dan. “You’ll make it. You make that team great.”
He relaxed. “And this is why I love you.” He pressed a kiss to the back of her hand, then murmured for her ears only, “and for other reasons.”
She smothered a laugh, glancing up to see Helen’s eyes on her again.
“You seem happy, Sarah.”
She half-shrugged. “It was a good day.” She shared about recording her podcast, and that she’d had some inspiration for a chord progression for a new song.
“No, it’s not that.” Helen’s head tilted. “I don’t know what it is. But you seem to be glowing.”
Glowing? Sarah instantly dialed down her smile. No. She didn’t want Helen putting two and two together. Not until she’d told Mum and Dad, at least.
Helen’s eyes rounded. “No.”
Oh no.
“Don’t tell me.” Helen’s voice hitched. “Are you… are you pregnant?”
Sarah’s grip tightened on Dan’s. “Um…”
“You are! Oh my goodness! Why didn’t you say anything?”
Sarah cast Dan a pleading look. He mouthed a “sorry” then turned to his mom. “We haven’t told anyone yet.”
