My Saving Grace

Chapter 48

It was a sunny Saturday afternoon in early May, and I heard the doorbell ring as I was chopping onions in the kitchen, signaling the arrival of my favorite person in the entire world. Dropping my knife on the cutting board, I wiped my hands then scampered to the front door, throwing it wide open.

"Dad!", I exclaimed happily.

"Sophia! How's it going, pumpkin?", he greeted, his smile infectious as he pulled me in for a bear hug.

"I missed you so much," I said, clinging onto him.

"Me, too. I haven't seen you since Thanksgiving."

He stepped back to fully look at me. Dressed in a Nike quarter zip and jeans, he looked way younger than his fifty-four years, apart from the hair that was finally starting to gray at his temples.

"Something's different about you," my dad commented, furrowing his brows as he cocked his head.

"What do you mean?", I asked.

"Call me crazy, but your face is glowing."

I bit down on my bottom lip, suppressing a smile. I'd been getting that comment a lot lately.

His gaze finally drifted lower and stilled at the sight of my small baby bump. I'd only started showing for the past week or so, and even then, it wasn't that noticeable. I watched as his expression transformed from one of puzzlement to utter awe, his chin visibly trembling.

"Are you...pregnant?", he asked.

"Yup. Almost twelve weeks now," I replied with a smile.

"The grandkids just keep coming, don't they?", I heard Antonio say from behind me. I slightly jumped at his presence.

"Whoa, you scared me. When did you get back?", I asked as he appeared at my side.

"Just now." He turned to greet my dad, and the two of them exchanged a man hug.

"Look at you, pumpkin. All grown up," my dad voiced, moisture forming in his blue eyes.

"I'll always be your little girl, Dad." I felt tears forming in my own eyes. Antonio gently squeezed my shoulder.

"Well, congratulations, you two. I have no doubt you'll make wonderful parents." He smiled broadly, clapping Antonio on the back.

"We'll try our best," Antonio said, shooting me a playful grin.

"Have you told your brother the news?", my dad asked.

"Not yet. I will during lunch," I replied.

My dad had finished up his meetings for work in downtown LA yesterday evening and was spending the weekend at our house. In an hour, Nick and Alyssa would be coming over for lunch. I couldn't wait to share the news with them.

Antonio offered to finish up in the kitchen so I could catch up with my dad. He'd spent the morning running errands and meeting with a friend from college for coffee. Things had been going so well between us, it was like our past troubles had never existed.

By noon, the mouthwatering aroma of lobster bake filled the kitchen, and I practically drooled. Did I mention that my appetite had grown bigger than ever? Good thing I worked out twice as much now or else I'd be a balloon.

Speaking of balloons, Alyssa's tummy was definitely reaching that level. It was the first thing I observed when she and Nick arrived. I couldn't imagine carrying twins like she did. I'd probably be crawling on all fours on a daily basis, not walking with a straight posture like she still managed to.