The baby lesson

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Nineteen

Mama Burns

Leo's POV

"Everything is going to be fine Leo," Kathy laughed and patted my shoulder. I was getting ready to pick up Kathy's mother.

Kathy thought it was a good idea for us to spend time together since I'm the father or her grandchild. I understand that...I'm just a little nervous.

I spent awhile getting dressed. I kept changing clothes so much that I felt like a girl. I finally settled on jeans with no holes and a red flannel shirt. I put on my white Jordan's and a solid black jacket.

"What if she doesn't like me? What then?" I asked her.

Kathy kissed my cheek and muttered, "She will like you. Stop worrying."

I swallowed my worry and gave her a forced smile. Truth be told, I really wanted to be anywhere else. But this was Kathy, the mother of my future child. I wanted to make her happy. I also wanted to make a good impression on Mrs. Burns because I hope that some day, she might be my mother-in-law.

"Okay. I'll see you later," I kissed her cheek and grabbed my keys.

*******

I glanced back over at the GPS. It told me I had arrived at the destination. I pulled up in the drive way behind an old Pontiac Grand Am. I studied the house. It was two stories, white siding with green gutters. The paint was peeling. I also noticed that a few shingles on the roof. Maybe I could fix that one day.

There was an old concrete bird bath in the center of the yard. Surrounding it was dying rose bushes. On the far left side of the yard there was a giant walnut tree. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves and got out of the car.

I approached the steps to Kathy's childhood home slowly. I was slightly hoping that Mrs. Burns would forget I was coming and went out instead. I knocked on the door six times. After a minute or so the door opened.

Mrs. Burns looked a little like Kathy. She was short but plump. She had Kathy's smile and her hair. Mrs. Burns's hair was in a weird bun thing on her head. She wore a winter coat since it was really cold. I gave her a nod and a small smile.

"Well hello dear, how are you?"

"I'm good. My name is Leo," I said and offered her my arm. She held her purse in the other hand and took my arm as we walked down the steps.

"Thank you, Leo. It's nice to meet the young man that makes my daughter swoon," Mrs. Burns laughed jolly.

I laughed awkwardly and led her to the other side. I opened the passenger door and assisted her inside.

"So...I was wondering if you want to get some breakfast first?" I trailed off. Mrs. Burns nodded. I started the car and pulled out of the drive way.

"There is this diner across town, it's really good. My cousin's girlfriend, Callie works there," I said.

Mrs. Burns hummed. I didn't say anything else.

****

It was easy to tell that she was bored. Callie, Zach's girlfriend was leaned against the counter. She was staring off in space too.

"Shouldn't you be working?" I teased her. Callie rolled her eyes and shrugged playfully. "Boss won't fire me. He thinks I'm eye candy," she joked.

Zach wouldn't like to hear that. I knew Callie would never lead a man on when she had a boyfriend. But if Callie were to tell Zach he would probably flip. Since Callie was younger than him, Zach had been overprotective.

"Don't let Zach find out," I warned. Callie laughed it off, "Totally." Then her eyes drifted to Mrs. Burns.

"This is Kathy's mom, Mrs. Burns," I introduced. Callie smiled at her kindly, "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Burns. You raised a wonderful daughter," Callie said. "It's nice to meet you too," Mrs. Burns said.

"Why don't you two sit down and I'll get your orders," Callie gestured to the tables. I let Mrs. Burns pick where we sat. She chose a booth by the windows.

After we ordered we were left in awkward silence. Mrs. Burns had her hands folded on the table with a nice smile on her lips.

"Any thoughts on names?" Mrs. Burns asked.

"I thought of something like Michael Sebastian or Tavier Kyle. For girls I was thinking Hope Rose or Allison Katherine," I said. Mrs. Burns mulled it over in his head.

"Did Kate suggest Kyle? It's a family name," Mrs. Burns asked curiously. I nodded my response.

"So....Brooke and I have been talking and we wanted to throw a baby shower. We were wondering if you would help? My mom would definitely help too," I said. Mrs. Burns lit up almost.

"Well of course. When do you want to have it?" She asked excitedly.

"This week. Kathy should be having the baby in a few weeks and I would like to get it done," I said.

The rest of the lunch we discussed our plans. It was great to bond with her over something.

One week later

"Where are we going?" Kathy giggled. I kept my hands on her hips to steady her on the icey sidewalk.

"It's a surprise," I said in a singsong voice.

"I hate surprises, it makes me nervous," Kathy told me. I just smirked. "You'll like this one. Trust me."

Finn, Brooke, Mom, Mrs. Burns, and I planned the baby shower in a few days. It was a little stressful in a short time but it was kind of fun. Instead of catering, Mom, Callie, and Frankie made all of the food. Brooke and Mrs. Burns sent out invites through email and phone calls to Kathy and my friends and family. Finn and I got decorations and rented a room at Mom's church.

I got a phone call and answered at a stop light.

"Hey, bro are you excited for the shower?" Finn asked. I glanced over at Kathy to see her watching me.

"We're good," I said vaguely. "Everything is ready. Guests are already here," Finn said. "We'll be there soon," I responded.

Kathy reached over and grabbed my hand when I hung up. She pulled my hand over and placed it on her stomach. I could feel the baby kicking. I smiled in happiness.

I could see a future for us. With this baby and a few more running around in a big yard. Of course I had the white picket fence dream. Something I didn't have as a child. I just dreamed of seeing our children grow up and have there own. Maybe the baby lesson experiment wasn't so bad as I first had thought.

"Congratulations," one of Kathy's relatives said to us. We thanked her and another one came up. I swear that most of the people here were old. Kathy was munching on some sugar cookie Mom made.

"You look glowing sweetheart. You sure are lucky, Leo," my Great Aunt said. Kathy blushed at the comment. I nodded in agreement and squeezed her hand. She did look pretty. She was wearing some tights, a grey sweater, and a red scarf. Her hair fell in waves on her shoulders. Kathy probably didn't think the same but I did. She dressed so simple but she looked good to me.

After awhile of eating we started opening presents. People were still eating but we wanted to start opening presents so that the shower wouldn't take forever.

"Aw, look at this," Kathy held up a baby quilt for me to see. I recognized it. My family were really into sewing and homemade crafts. "Frankie helped with that," Mom told us. Kathy thanked them both. It went on like that for awhile. Kathy opened a gift and we thanked people.

Kathy enjoyed the shower and I liked doing it. I liked seeing her smile. I couldn't wait until we have this baby.