Chapter 2

"Emma, that is awesome news! I can't believe that I am going to be Auntie Manny."

"When is your next visit home? I want to go baby shopping with my best friend."

"I come back in three months, after we wrap shooting on this new season. Jay is opening his new garage in October, so he doesn't want to be away from it for too long. We will probably stay for 2 weeks."

"That is great to hear, but it does suck that you live all the way in California. Well wish me luck his weekend we are telling the parents. Love ya, girl. Bye."

"Bye, Sweets. Good luck."

Emma hung upthe phone with a smile on her face. Many and her had comea long way in their friendship and she was glad to have a best friend who cared so much. It would be better if she actually lived in Toronto, but she knew Manny was living her dream. She was happy with whatever amount of time she could spend with her and could not wait until Manny's visit in December. Now, she had to think about telling her parents and Spinner's mom this weekend. She had asked her mom to invite Spinner's mom to the dinner with the excuse of loneliness since Kendra had moved to New York after university.

"Honey, I'm home." Spinner sang out as he opened the door, "Where is the beautiful mother-to-be?"

"In here making dinner. I hope tofu is ok because the blandness is about all I can handle."

"No problem. You go rest while I finish this up."

"I can cook. I am not an invalid you know. I am just pregnant."

"I know, but I want to pamper you. Now, go rest."

"OK. By the way, I talked to Manny and told her the news. She is really excited about the baby. Jay and she are coming to visit in December for Christmas, after the shooting wraps for her new show."

"Awesome. It will be nice to see them. I really miss having them around."

"Now we need to decide how we are going to tell the parents the news. I was thinking since we are celebrating Jack taking advanced courses we can give him a book with an inscription to Uncle Jack. Then, he can read aloud and everyone can figure it out."

"I think that is a brilliant idea."

The rest of the week went by relatively fast and Friday night dinner had approached. Emma had bought her baby brother a book about exotic animals because Jack was definitely an animal lover. Now they had to wait and see if the plan would work.

"Hey, Mom. Hey, Snake. Where is Jack?"

"He is downstairs getting his favorite nice shirt out of the dryer. He is so excited about this honor program and this dinner." Spike said as put bread in the oven.

"Is your mom on her way yet?" Snake asked Spinner as he sat the plates on the table.

"She should be here soon."

The doorbell rang and Spike went to answer it. Spinner's mother stood on the stoop with a pie in her hands. She was a great deal older than Emma's parents of course, but she had seemed to have aged a great deal in the past months. Losing her husband had taken its toll and Kendra's move seemed to make her even sadder. Spinner was really starting to worry about her so he was hoping the baby news would cheer her up.

"I am so glad you could make it, Irene," Spike said as she took the pie from her hand and led her into the house.

"Thank you so much for inviting me, Christine"

"Hey, Mom." Spinner said as he gave her a hug and kissed her cheek, "Did you make the chocolate pie I love so much?"

"Of course"

The dinner was amazing. Ratatouille and Irene's pie were delicious and soon everyone was full. Emma knew that this was the right time to break the news before they started to clear the table. So she pulled the wrapped book from her bag and handed to her ten-year-old brother. To think he was going to be an uncle before he even started middle school.

"Here. Open it. Spinner and I are so proud of you, Jack."

Jack ripped the paper and read the title, Exotic Creatures of the Tropics and Their Habitat.

"Thank you so much."

"Don't mention it. Read the inscription to everyone."

Jack opened the first page and started to read:

Uncle Jack,

I cannot wait for you to teach me all the things you know about science and the environment. I am so lucky to have you and a mom who care so much about giving me a chance to grow up in a clean and healthy planet. I cannot wait to meet you. Congratulations on getting into the honors program. I hope I am smart like you.

Love,

Your new niece or nephew

At this point Spike and Irene were in tears and Snake had a vacant expression on his face.

"Is it true? Am I finally going to have a grandchild?" Irene asked.

"Yes. I'm pregnant."

Everyone at the table had smiles on their faces now. Emma could finally put her worries to rest because she knew they were all excited about the baby. She was definitely feeling hopeful about Irene's very positive reaction. It was the first time she had seen her genuinely smile since their wedding. Life was sweet.