Page 22 of Deep Down

“Hmm, I call bull…ies,” she finished.

Alex hooted. “Danny in the room by any chance?”

“Yes, and I’m trying not to let him catch any words I don’t want to hear repeated in public because he’s picking up every single thing at the moment!” Exasperation tinged her tone, but in an “aww, that’s cute” kind of way.

“How is the little bugaboo?” He hoped to distract Ella from her previous line of thought.

“He’s awesome. He’s potty training now.”

“How’s that going?” Rather her than him.

“Not great. It’s the first day, though. We’re going to see it through.” She sighed. “Danny? Do you want to say hello to Uncle Alex?”

“Gubb-gu-aym.” Danny’s voice travelled through the phone and made Alex laugh.

“Hey, Danny-boy. What’cha watching today?” It was the same question he asked every time they spoke. He received more babbling noises, which trailed off after a few seconds.

Ella came back on the line, laughing. “He’s stood next to me staring at the TV, mouth open.”

“Oh, is it time for Bouncing Babies?” Alex mentioned the name of the programme Danny loved to watch whenever he could. It was primarily some babies crawling around on a mat while the parents sang and signed in a circle. Alex didn’t see the lure of it, but Danny was transfixed every time.

“Yep. Hold on…Danny, go sit and watch it…That’s it…Right, I’m back.” Ella huffed. “What was I…Oh, yes. What’s got you sounding down?”

Busted. He should’ve known better than to think she’d drop it. That’s not what their family did; if something was bothering one of them, they helped if they could. Unfortunately, this was one case where Ella couldn’t help.

He sighed. “A case at work.”

“Oh.” She paused. “I know you can’t tell me anything, but I am here if you need me, Alex,” she said quietly.

“I know. Thanks, Ella.”

“I do have some news that might cheer you up a bit.”

“What’s that?” Alex thought he knew what she was going to say.

“I’m pregnant!”

Yep. “Congratulations! Another little bugaboo on the way. How far along are you?”

“Fourteen weeks.”

“Wow, you kept it quiet for fourteen weeks! That’s not the Ella I know and love!” He chuckled.

“Shut up, you.” She paused. “I’ll have you know I didn’t find out until two weeks ago.”

Alex guffawed at the pout in her voice. “You were three months pregnant before you realised?”

“Shut up!” She laughed. “I thought I had the flu because everyone else had it. I’m on the pill! I shouldn’t have been able to get pregnant yet.” She huffed. “Doesn’t matter. We’d planned to wait a few more months before we started trying. But this one decided it was impatient.”

Alex chuckled. “Yeah, that’s our family for you.” He sobered. “Honestly, though. Congrats. I know you want more children. I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks, Alex.”

They spoke for a few more minutes before ringing off. He was exhausted. He would catch up with his parents in a couple of days.