Page 131 of The Merger

“Hello?” Mom says.

“How is Brewer Air’s favorite passenger?” I ask, teasing her.

“Gannon, you’re a brat.”

I laugh. “How are you?”

“Good. I’m in Cabo San Lucas, actually. It’s gorgeous here. I’d say you should take a vacation here, but I don’t want to stress you out.”

“Does that mean I’d find Cabo stressful?”

“No, it’s wonderfully relaxing. I just meant you’d find taking a vacation stressful.”

I hum. “Maybe I’ll give it a try.”

“Hang on. Let me check my screen. I thought I was talking to Gannon.”

My cheeks ache from smiling. I hold on to the back of the sofa and try not to laugh.

“Yeah, this is Gannon,” I say.

“Andyou’reconsidering Cabo?”

“Hey, I read it’s a great place to take a babymoon.”

“I think that’s true. Bianca considered it before she had Emery …wait a minute.”

I chuckle.

“Wait a damn minute,” she says, her tone thick with confusion. “A babymoon?”

“Yeah.”

“Why wouldyouneed to read about babymoons?”

“Well, I can only think of one reason to read about them.”

She gasps.

“It would probably mean you’re having a baby. Or, that could mean that I’m doing research for a friend. Or it could mean?—”

“You’re having a baby!”

I laugh. “How do you know?”

“Because you don’t have any friends. Oh, I didn’t mean it like that. I’m just panicking a little over here.” She rushes a breath. “Are you having a baby, Gannon? Please don’t mess with me. Now isn’t the time.”

I laugh again, happier than I’ve ever been in my life.

“Mother, you’re going to be a grandmother again.”

“Gannon Reid …”

“I’m having a baby with Carys Johnson,” I say.

“Oh, my God!” she screams. “Finally! Oh, Gannon.”

Her sobs fill the line.I’ve made my mother cry once or twice, but never for a good reason. I have to say it’s much nicer listening to her cry tears of joy.