Page 90 of Manny's Surprise Baby

Seth grinned at me. “How are you going to eat with your hand over your face?”

“I’m not eating that stuff. I’m having oatmeal. That’s all I can stand lately.” I shivered, feeling a little nauseous just looking at the fish.

“Oatmeal isn’t enough for a baby.” He whispered in my ear. “You need vegetables and fruits.” He pointed to the fish. “And protein.”

My stomach heaved and I bolted toward the bathroom. I knelt in front of the toilet, trying to slow my breathing and calm my stomach so I didn’t actually get sick. It took about ten minutes, but eventually I felt safe leaving the bathroom. I stayed in the living room, afraid to go into the kitchen.

After about a half hour, Seth popped his head out. “It’s all clear in here. We ate and put the food away and even did the dishes. There is no trace of the… you know what.”

I laughed. “Thank you.”

“I’m going to go brush my teeth. I’ll be right back.” He grinned and headed down the hallway toward his room.

Emily came in the room and plopped down beside me. “I think Dad is the worst cook I’ve ever met,” she muttered.

“I know.”

“I forced myself to eat just so I didn’t hurt his feelings. But now I have a stomachache.”

“I’m sorry.” I grimaced.

“It’s not your fault. You don’t feel good.” She sighed. “You sure have a weak stomach lately.”

My face warmed. “I know.”

“Are you sure you’re healthy enough to go on your trip tomorrow?”

“I’ll be fine. It’s just certain foods that get to me. I should have known better than to try and cook… you know.”

She leaned on me, looking up with sad eyes. “I don’t want you guys to go.”

“Four weeks and we’ll be back.”

“I wish I could go pick a baby with you guys.” She sighed. “It’s not fair.”

“You can’t just miss school for a month.” I hated lying to Emily, but telling her the truth was out of the question.

“I know.” She fiddled with a button on my shirt. “What if I don’t like this Brad guy?”

“You will. From what I hear, everyone likes him. He has great references.”

“Okay.” She smiled. “I’m glad you and Daddy found each other. You both seemed sad when I first got here, but now you seem better. Happier.”

“I am happy.”

She sat up, her face bright. “I can’t wait to meet my new baby sister!”

I laughed. “Or brother.”

Frowning, she said. “Yeah. Or brother.”

Seth came into the room. “Ahhhh. Minty-fresh breath.” He grinned and sat on the other side of me.

The hard press of his shoulder against mine comforted me. “Brad is getting here at seven thirty tomorrow so he can take Emily to school with me and I can show him the ropes.”

“Okay.” Seth nodded.

“How come you can get a whole month off from work, Dad? But I’m stuck at school?” Emily grumbled.