Page 69 of One Hot Daddy

A collective gasp ripples around the table.My mother's hand flies to her chest.Jennifer's father drops his fork with a clatter.

"You're---" Claudia's eyes widen, then she breaks into a radiant smile."Oh my goodness!That's fabulous news!"

"When will the little one arrive?"Marcus asks, grinning.He holds the carving knife suspended in mid-air.

"May," Jennifer confirms, her cheeks flushing pink."We're due in May."

Amelia stares at us, her expression unreadable.I catch her eye, trying to gauge her reaction.This affects her more than anyone.After a moment, she shrieks."I'm getting another sibling?!"

I lay my hand over hers."Yes, pet.How do you feel about that?"

She considers the idea for a moment, holding her forkful of stuffing in midair."As long as I don't have to change diapers."

"Don't worry, Amelia.We won't make you do that, though I'm sure you'll enjoy playing with your new sibling."

Later, after all our guests have returned to their respective homes---or hotel room, for Claudia and Marcus---we put the children to bed.Once we're back in our room, I hold my wife close and nuzzle her cheek.As she falls asleep, I think back on how lonely I'd been after Claudia divorced me, and how much my life has changed in such a short time span.

Yes, I am the luckiest bloke on earth.