“Yeah, because I always get stuck doing them. Now I can prove when it’s not my turn.” He glanced at his phone. “It’s Jon’s turn.”
Brad looked skeptical. “You sure?”
Ken nodded. “Wouldn’t have said it if the topic were up for debate. It’s Jon’s turn for the next two years or so. That’s how long he was in Nashville. Got to catch up.”
Brad laughed, and Ken grinned.
“That’s fine,” Jon said. “I’ll remember, too. Maybe I’ll make a list.”
Alex walked in from the kitchen, carrying a large salad bowl in one hand and two dressing containers in another. She hesitated at the table, then set the salad bowl down. She looked less stressed-out than she had this morning but still had circles under her eyes. “Alex, meet my other brother, Brad. Brad, Alex Fisher. And you met Ken this morning. Alex will be staying with us for a while.”
Alex looked Brad up and down, then looked at Jon. “He actually looks like you.”
Jon slipped an arm over her shoulder and hugged her to his side. “Just a little.”
It fascinated Ken that she could tell them apart. He wanted to dissect that and examine it. Valerie could, but she had grown up alongside them, so that made sense to him. Was there a significance?
The kitchen door opened again, letting his mom, dad, and Valerie into the room. His mom set a bowl of baked beans next to the corn, and his dad walked to the head of the table.
Once everyone sat at the table, their father said a prayer over the meal, asking God to bless them and bless the food. As soon as he said, “Amen,” platters and bowls started circulating.
Ken chatted with Valerie about her ideas for painting the baby’s room when his mother spoke to him from her end of the table. “Ken, how’s the house coming?”
“I got drywall up in two of the rooms last week. It was a busy week at work, so I didn’t get as much done as I wanted.” He didn’t bore her with the electrical work or any other mundane tasks he had accomplished. He knew her interest lay more in the layout and final design than anything else.
Brad gestured at him with his fork. “You going to keep the trees in the yard?”
“I’ve been thinking about it. I think I’m going to create a perimeter and cut down those trees, get good landscaping in, but keep the wooded line on the edge.”
“That’s probably a good idea.”
It never occurred to Ken that he spoke more with his family than at any other time or to any other people. “I think I want a pool. Maybe even a garden. Would want sunlight to have a chance.”
As he finished speaking, he heard the end of Alex’s conversation with his mother. “I’m looking forward to that part of the pregnancy being over.”
A hush settled over the table, and everyone looked at Jon and Alex. Ken processed what he’d just heard. Jon’s girlfriend was pregnant? What?
Alex’s eyes widened, and she looked from his mom to his dad. “I’m sorry. I assumed you all knew.”
From the head of the table, his dad said, “It wasn’t our news to share. But, let me take this moment to officially and formally congratulate you, Alex—and Jon as well. I’d also like to reiterate what Rosaline told you earlier, that you are welcome here, and whatever you need, just ask.”
Valerie grinned and clapped. “When are you due?”
“March fifth.”
“So close to us!”
Jon leaned toward Alex and murmured to her. Ken looked from Jon to Brad. Both of his brothers had babies coming. His heart constricted in his chest almost painfully. Would he ever get that opportunity to announce such exciting news to his family? He tried to imagine what family dinners would look like a year from now and could hardly picture it.
Ken met Jon’s eyes and lifted his water glass in a mock toast. He felt a little envy, yes, but he also felt sincere in his excitement for his brother and wished him and Alex all the best.
Kencrossed his arms and leaned against Daisy’s sink. She hulled washed strawberries, then sliced them in half and tossed them into a bowl of blueberries.
“Remember that girl Jon was seeing in New York?” Daisy nodded. “Name’s Alex. Alexandra. She showed up at our office yesterday with a suitcase. Jon took her home. She moved into the castle. Good thing Brad and Valerie moved out.”
“What happened?” Daisy paused in her work and looked at Ken. “Is she okay?”
“No idea. She’s pregnant.” He paused while Daisy’s eyes widened, then said, “Baby’s due March fifth.”
