17: Surprise Arrivals

Three weeks later, Stacey and Bubba Owen returned from their honeymoon, gloriously tanned and full of good will. The newlyweds held a party in their new home the weekend after they got back. Naturally they invited Verna and Travis to join them.

A lot of the couple’s friends were there and everyone wanted a guided tour of the new house so Stacey was pretty busy for most of the afternoon. Eventually, Verna got a few minutes of privacy with her sister, when they were in the kitchen getting more food.

“Stacey, you are glowing. I think the marriage is doing wonders for you.”

Stacey beamed and threw the compliment back at her sister. “Not so glum yourself, vivacious. You two been trying at a baby again?” She received an amused look in response.

“Not deliberately, no.”

Silence.

“Does that mean..?”

Verna shook her head and said she wasn’t sure.