Shock or Excitement -- December 2000

It was Christmas morning and I was quite happy to have the newly-weds at my place for Christmas brunch.  They were so happy.  I could not stop smiling.  We were talking about their honeymoon they had in Greece -- obviously we were not talking those details, but it was nice to hear about the sights they saw.  "It sounds like the two of you had a wonderful time," I said to them.

I grinned at Mr. Taylor.  "We had a wonderful time," I assured him.  "We actually have some things to talk to you about..." I hoped that speaking about this early would be the better route.

I thought we were going to wait until we at least had sat down for tea after brunch or something... but apparently not.  I was excited, too, but also worried that Dad might think it too soon for us to be starting a family like this.  I smiled and held my wife's hand.  "Yeah, it's kind of a big deal," I said to my dad, trying to gauge his facial expression.

I raised my eyebrows at the two of them.  "Alright... what's going on?" I asked them.  I eyed Ellie closely and realized that the news might be bigger than I initially thought.  Perhaps they had beenmoving out of their flat... but that was not it.  It seemed like Ellie had a little extra beauty and glow to her -- I remembered that look well on Max's mum.

I grinned at Max's dad.  "We're going to be parents," I said to him excitedly.  I could barely contain myself.  I mean, yeah I would have loved to be married a bit before we got pregnant, but this was fantastic.

I was nervous about telling my dad.  Would he think it too soon?  I smiled at him.  "Yeah... you're gonna be old," I teased, knowing that he would give me a look for calling him that.

I stared at Max and Ellie.  I mean, I was so excited for them... but it was so, so soon.  I smiled at them and stood up to embrace them.  "congratulations," I said to them, meaning it one hundred percent.  "I am flabbergasted," I admitted.

I nodded, giving Mr. Taylor a hug.  "We were, too," I said to him honestly.  "But we're so excited... I can't believe it."  I could not stop smiling.  He was the first one we told!

I held onto Ellie's hand and looked at Dad.  "You sure you're going to be okay?  You look..."  I shook my head.  I had no idea how to describe Dad.

I laughed, giving both of them hugs again.  "I'm fine!  I'm so happy for you!  I just can hardly believe it," I said to them, grinning.

I grinned, pleased that Mr. Taylor was reacting this well to the news he was giong to be a grandfather.  I mean, Max and I were married, so it was not like it was illegitimate or anything.  I took a deep breath.  "Nor can we," I replied honestly.  "I'm rather pleased, though.  I can't wait."

I honestly could not stop grinning.  I looked at Dad.  "I want to start telling everyone... but we figured we should tell our parents first.  We're going to go tell her parents later this afternoon," I explained to my dad.  Then we would tell Alfred and Maisie when they got home on holiday.

I smiled at Max and my daughter-in-law.  "That is wonderful," I said to them.  "I am so happy that you two are starting a little family of your own."

I was so happy that Mr. Taylor was pleased to hear of the pregnancy.  "Thank you," Is aid to him sincerely, giving him a hug.

"I think we should have a celebratory dinner," I suggested.  "With everyone there, you know?" I hoped that Ellie would think that a good idea.