James + Leona

James + Leona / The Yangs

"Hello, baby," James repeatedly said, hugging Leona's middle as she laughed happily. They were in their living room, having just finished dinner. He picked her shirt up and little and kissed her belly while Leona grazed her fingers through his short hair.

"Do you want a boy or a girl?" Leona asked.

James shook his head. "I don't care," he said.

Leona liked that answer. "Well, we're going to have to start telling people in a few weeks," she said, leaning down to kiss her husband. "So we have to start planning who we'll talk to first."

James frowned. "You know I'm not talking to my parents," he said.

"I know, but this is their first grandchild, so..."

"Fine, we'll send them a letter."

Leona frowned. "James—"

"Okay, okay," James said, standing up so they were at eye level. "We'll tell them at Winona's birthday lunch next month."

"Sounds good," Leona agreed, rubbing her tummy happily. "And we'll tell my family the week after. It'll be Father's Day, so my dad won't be as grumpy to see us then."

James cracked a smile at that.

Five weeks went by fast, and every minute of that day, James was becoming more and more peeved. That is, whenever he wasn't thinking about his future baby. James called to sing happy birthday on the morning of Winona's birthday, but he forgot to turn off his tense voice.

"Glad to know my birthday is a nuisance to you," Winona joked, causing James to feel bad and apologize. "Don't worry about it, James. I know you're on edge about seeing mom and dad later."

"Let's not talk about that," James said, shaking his head. "How does it feel to be twenty-six?"

Winona groaned. "Like death." She said. James heard a murmur in the background.

"Is that Marcus?" James asked, narrowing his eyes suspiciously. Winona laughed. Then, she hung up.

Later, James and Leona arrived at Winona's choice of restaurant, a little vegetarian spot called Mint's. Most of the Yangs and Marcus were already there. Winona was nowhere in sight.

"Hey," Marcus said, standing up. Everyone said their hellos, with Cher and Leona sharing an excited, knowing look.

"Mom," James said, hugging a wide-eyed Mrs. Yang awkwardly. He mirrored his father's nod. "Dad."

Leona turned to look at her in-laws. Mr. Yang did not attempt to greet her, but Mrs. Yang sent her a small smile. It was an awkward moment that an approaching Winona saved. "Sorry," she greeted. "I was in the bathroom. It's good to see you."

Quickly, Leona and James hugged her. Then, they all sat down to eat. It was a primarily quiet meal. Cher tried to make conversation a few times, but nobody engaged much. Something else was the matter, but it seemed to be more than the couple, judging by the subtle dagger eyes sent towards Marcus.

At the end of the meal, Winona opened some presents. Cher spoiled her with gifts upon gifts, and Marcus gifted her a new butterfly necklace. Finally, Leona and James gave her a simple card. Winona read it, and by the end, she was in tears.

Mr. and Mrs. Yang were visibly confused as Cher, James, and Leona broke into huge grins. "I can't believe it!" Winona cried, getting up and enveloping her Leona into a big hug. "I'm going to be an aunt!"

"What?!" Mrs. Yang exclaimed. Cher and Marcus started to clap excitedly. "A what?"

Mr. Yang's frown deepened.

That gave James everything he needed to know.