Chapter 33: Another Brand New Life (Part II)

Tony couldn't help but smile as he thought back to that first morning after his surprise return from Iowa. He and Angela laid in bed all morning alternating between talking about this new journey they were about to embark on and making love as they just couldn't keep their hands off each other after all those months apart. Tony smirked as he acknowledged that it was more him than her; finding out Angela was pregnant with their child made him want to be as close to her as possible and show her how excited and committed he was to her and their baby.

They had talked about and through all the changes that they knew were going to happen now that they were back together forever. When Angela said she didn't want to get married right away, Tony was surprised. She acknowledged that she hadn't felt very well throughout this pregnancy, which had been one of the hardest things to hide from her ever-prying mother, and she wanted to be able to enjoy and celebrate their wedding day. Tony also remembered that while she was thrilled to be pregnant, she was nervous about all the changes that her body was starting to go through. She had admitted that, in spite of her sweet tooth, she took pride in her figure and was afraid of how her body would change; maybe forever. Tony knew that Angela had worked very hard when she was young to get to a point where she felt healthy and not at war with her body, and while he couldn't deny that he loved how she looked, he loved the woman she was so much more. He had promised to cook nutritious meals for her throughout her pregnancy, and if it really bothered her once the baby was here, he would become her own personal trainer. So, he understood when she said softly that it was important to her to look and feel good on their wedding day.

Tony also remembered their discussion about the future of his career. He had to admit that as hard as it had been to quit, it was all worth it as he watched Angela, her eyes sparkling and with that pregnancy glow, discuss all the opportunities he would have around the Fairfield area now that he had a year of being an Associate Professor of a college under his belt not to mention being a championship-winning baseball coach. Her excitement was contagious, and he promised himself that he would attack the job search with a vengeance first thing Monday morning. After all, he had a new little life to support, and even though he and Angela had mostly worked through their financial issues a while ago, he knew he needed to contribute in all the ways he could.

They hadn't realized how late it was until they heard the front door open and close followed by muffled voices in the living room. Tony turned to Angela and said, "Are we ready to do this?"

"Tony, we're still in bed and haven't showered. What will they think if we go downstairs in just our pajamas and robes?" Angela asked blushing.

"C'mon Angela. We're not fooling anyone. They would know by now if you had thrown me out, so I'm pretty sure they know what we've been doing. I think it's time to face the music," he said with a grin.

Tony and Angela descended the stairs and crossed through the living room, hands clasped together. Tony pushed the door to the kitchen open letting Angela enter first, and they were immediately greeted by a smattering of clapping and a few hollers from their excited family.

"I knew it!" Sam said smiling broadly. "I knew as soon as Angela opened the door and saw Dad that would be the end of this forced separation."

"What's that on your left hand, Dear?" Mona asked with a wink. "You two sure didn't waste any time!"

"Is it true? Are you and Mom re-engaged?" Jonathan asked hopefully.

"It's true," Tony said putting his arm around Angela's shoulders. "I re-proposed last night, and Angela was gracious enough to accept. However, there is something else we need to tell you all," Tony said trying to find the right words.

"As happy as we are to be back together, we have even more reason to celebrate. You see, umm, well…" Tony said as words started to fail him.

Laughing, Angela clutched his hand again, and said, "We're having a baby. I'm pregnant."

"What?" Sam, Jonathan and Mona all said at once in shock.

"Angela, I didn't think your oven still turned on. Tony must have some super swimmers," Mona said teasingly.

"Mother," Angela said rolling her eyes. "Is that all you have to say?"

"Of course not! I guess I'm going to have to get used to being called Grandma all over again right after I've gotten this one trained not to say it too often," she said nudging Jonathan's shoulder. "Just kidding. I am thrilled for you two. It's about time!" she said as she engulfed both Angela and Tony in a hug.

"This is amazing," Sam said excitedly. "I used to wonder whether you all would have a kid if you ever got together. I'm so happy for both of you," she said, giving them each a kiss on the cheek.

"I never wondered about the kid part, but I am glad that you all finally realized you belong together. I was beginning to think I might have to set you up on another blind date at Chez René to get you to come to your senses," Jonathan said grinning. "I'm really happy for both of you."

"We love you all so much," Angela said her voice catching. "And we're so happy that you're excited about the new addition to the family. It's more than we ever could have asked for," she said as the tears started to fall.

"Sweetheart," Tony said pulling her into a hug and pressing his lips to her forehead. "Angela's right. We're really excited, and while there's still a lot we need to work out, it means the world to us that we have your support."

"Tony, Tony," Angela said placing a soft kiss on his cheek to bring him back to the present at the Fairfield Inn. "Now you're the one who was far away for a few minutes."

Tony shook his head and looked at Angela standing next to him in her black silk nightgown. He couldn't help but pull her in closer for a long lingering kiss on the lips.

"I'm exhausted," she said after the kiss ended as she walked over to the bed and climbed in. "Coming?" she asked a sexy smile playing across her lips as she patted the empty space next to her.

"In just a minute," Tony said heading into the bathroom to get ready for bed.

Angela leaned back against the pillows as her thoughts drifted to that blissful time after Tony had come home from Iowa and they had told the family about their baby. The next few months had been incredible as she and Tony figured out their brand-new life…