Chapter 23

Same day---4 --4:30 pm.

After having relaxed awhile, and been alone with their own little family, Andrew and Margaret quietly walked down to

the nursery, and put little Joshua down for a nap, before then deciding that it was time to call the family to tell them

the good news.

Margaret dialed the number, and, after just 2 rings, someone answered.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Gammy"

"Margaret, what a pleasant surprise. So, anything new going on with you guys?"

"As a matter of fact, yes, there is. But I need you to get Joe and Grace in the room before we tell. This concerns

all of you" (she turns around and calls for Joe and Grace, and then puts them on speakerphone). "Okay, we're all

here"

"Allright, we had an appointment today--but not just any appointment. This was the appointment where, if we wanted to,

we could find out what we're having. Well, we did find out, and are very, very pleased to announce that...."Andrew started.

"Well?....well?..." they all questioned, anxiously.

"it's a girl!" Margaret exclaimed, excitedly. Again, loud, excited screams could be heard coming from the other end.

"Congratulations! That's wonderful" Annie said, with happiness in her voice.

"Wow. I can't believe we're going to be grandparents again--and to a little girl this time!" Grace said, excitedly.

"Congratulations again, you two! We really couldn't be more thrilled about this." Joe piped in.

"I know--we couldn't be, either. Now we'll have one of each, and it will be absolutely perfect." Margaret said, looking over

at Andrew, and smiling.

"Well, I'm sure these next few months will just fly by" Grace said.

"I hope you're right--I really hope you're right" Margaret replied, looking down, and placing a hand on her belly.

"Now, as soon after the baby's born as possible, I want you guys to call us, so we can fly up to see her, okay?"

"Allright Mom, we will--I promise" Andrew said, walking over and wrapping an arm around Margaret's waist.

After all the goodbyes and I love yous had been said, Andrew hung up the phone, and Margaret leaned her back

up against his chest.

"You know, you're really lucky to have a family that loves you as much as they do"

"Yeah, I really am. And because of that love, I know that we will love our kids just as much, if not more"

"Definitely" she replied.

Just as she said that, they both heard Joshua moving around. They walked down to the nursery, and he was standing

up, his arms reaching up to his Dad. "Dada"

"Allright, come here, buddy" Andrew said, leaning over and picking him up, and afterwards placing a kiss on

his then turned and, holding onto Joshua with his left arm, wrapped his right arm around Margaret's

waist, before leaning down and kissing her, and then her belly.

This was his life now--and a wonderful life, at that.