Page 68 of Tinsel Time Treasure

“Great. I’ll see if I can restart your man so that he’s capable of more than staring when you arrive.”

“My water broke…” I whispered.

Kaleb set down his phone. “Great. You caught up. Now, Max is on his way. Let’s get you cleaned up a bit so we can send you off to the hospital.”

“My water broke…”

Kaleb laughed, walked over, and hugged me. “Yes. Now move onto the next thought. You’re about to meet Miles.”

I couldn’t help the smile that spread over my face at hearing my son’s name, and knowing that I was about to see him for the first time.

“There we go,” Kaleb said. “I’ll be right back. If you need to sit I’ll understand, but try not to if you can so I don’t have to clean the couch.”

“Umm… but I still gotta piss.”

“I’ll walk you to the bathroom then.”

“Ok.”

It was as Kaleb was settling me on the couch again when my contractions really started.

“Oh, fuck!” I muttered, doubling over.

“Yep, that’s supposed to happen.”

“Ha ha.”

He snickered. “I did that like two months ago. I get to tease you relentlessly until you’re closer to delivery.”

I huffed, but I was glad he was there.

Kaleb kept trying to make me laugh until Max arrived, at which point he informed me that he’d join us at the hospital once Frankie was home to watch Charlie.

Then Max and I were off to welcome our baby.

∞∞∞

Something was off as soon as we walked into the apartment. I froze, and Max stopped behind me. “Justin?”

I licked my lips and forced the sudden panic down. People didn’t break in to clean.

The apartment was spotless as I continued further in.

“What the…?” Max asked.

“This wasn’t your idea?”

“I’d love to take credit, but no.”

I spotted a piece of paper on the table. I picked it up.

Check the fridge,was scrawled in Kaleb’s handwriting.Take it easy your first few days. —Kaleb, Annie and Grace

I blinked, walked into the kitchen, and opened the fridge to find it at least half-full with disposable baking pans. I pulled one out.

“Veggie lasagne.” I grabbed another. “Chicken and vegetable bake.”

Tears rolled down my cheeks as I realized what had happened.