“You think we’re going to get a white Christmas?” she said, dropping her speed down as the snow got heavier. Pretty soon it would start to stick. I just hoped we got there before that happened. I didn’t exactly trust the Mazda’s ability to navigate a snowy road.
“That would be nice. Haven’t had one of those in a long time,” I said, peering up at the grey sky.
“When I was a kid and it snowed, Dad used to take this thing and make reindeer footprints on the lawn. That was how I discovered that Santa wasn’t real. I caught him doing them one night. He was so upset that year.”
I loved hearing about her Christmas memories. They beat the hell out of mine.
“I guess there won’t be anyone to do it now.”
“Why can’t you do it?”
“I don’t know. I guess I could.”
“Make you a deal. If it snows, we’ll go out and do it together.” I squeezed her hand and she squeezed back.
“Deal.”
***
The other thing that gave me pause was Katie’s Christmas present. I had two, actually. One to give her in front of her family and one that I’d give her in private. I’d made both of them, and I was beyond nervous that she’d like them. One could be construed as semi-creepy, and that was the one I was going to give her when we were alone.
I had no idea what she had planned for me, but I knew she was up to something, because I’d caught her whispering on the phone when she thought I was doing something else. I didn’t really care if she gave me anything. Having her safe and in my arms was enough.
“Well hello again,” Kayla said, opening the door and giving Katie a huge hug. As soon as they let go, Kayla grabbed me and gave me one too. Well that was unexpected.
“Hey, man,” Adam said, giving me a handshake.
“Oh my God,” Katie said, staring at Kayla.
“What?” she said, giving Adam a nervous look that he shared. I looked at Kayla, but didn’t get it.
“You’re pregnant,” Katie said, removing her hand from her mouth. “You are freaking pregnant!”
“Keep your voice down,” Kayla said, grabbing Katie’s arm and yanking us back out on the porch. I had no choice but to follow, and Adam closed the door behind us.
“I haven’t told mom yet, you moron. Besides, we just found out. How did you even know?”
“Look at you.” She looked exactly the same to me. I even let my eyes travel to her stomach, but it looked just as flat as ever. “I can totally see it.”
“Where?” Kayla flattened her shirt over her stomach.
“Right there.” Katie pointed to an invisible bump that only she could see.
“If it’s any consolation, I can’t see anything,” I said as Kayla smoothed her hands over the invisible bump.
“I told her that, but she’s been paranoid,” Adam said. “I’m telling you, sweetie, you can’t see anything.” He put his hands around her and kissed the side of her face.
“Well, congratulations anyway,” I said, poking Katie, who was still gaping at Kayla.
“Thanks,” Adam said. “We didn’t plan it, but then some of the best things are unplanned, aren’t they?”
“Amen to that,” I said.
Katie still seemed like she was in shock.
“You’re pregnant?” she whispered, looking at Kayla.
“Yeah, I am.” Kayla said, starting to cry. “You’re gonna be an auntie.”
Then Katie burst into tears and they hugged and cried and laughed. Adam and I just looked at each other. Sometimes there was no understanding the Hallman women. Didn’t mean we wouldn’t try.
The front door opened and Mrs. Hallman poked her head out.
“What are you all doing out here? What’s wrong?” She was immediately alarmed because of the tears.
Kayla sighed and looked at Adam.
“Well, I was going to wait until Christmas, but I guess now is a good a time as any.” She took Adam’s hand and pulled him close. “We’re going to have a baby.” She beamed and waited for the reaction.
“You’re pregnant?” Mrs. Hallman clutched her chest and looked like she was going to faint. Katie reached out and grabbed her so she didn’t fall. “Oh my God, you’re pregnant?” Like daughters, like mother, she burst into tears and threw herself at Kayla and at Adam. Lots more tears and hugging ensued.
“So you’re happy?” Kayla said. “I know we’re not married…”
“Oh, who cares?! I’m going to be a grandmother. Oh, Kayla! Come on, let’s get you into the house.”