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“You’re kidding” She paused,“When is she due?”

Gabriel swam to the ladder and clian to dry off, his eyes fixed on her

“No, I’m happy I’m happy for you both I just can’t believe it” Her tone was sincere, if not surprised, but her body language was notably tense

Gabriel waved a hand in front of her face “Who is it?” He pointed at the phone

My dad, she ape If her words ht they ?” Julia peered up at Gabriel, lifting her eyebrows

“I don’t know I’ll check with hiet back to you Wow, Dad This is really sudden”

She laughed “Yes, for you too Obviously”

Gabriel reached over and placed a hand on her shoulder She covered his hand with her own

“Yes, of course Put her on” Julia paused “Hi, Diane Congratulations”

Gabriel wiped his face with the towel a second tie next to Julia

“Of course we’ll be there We just need to sort out the date

“That’s right

“Of course Congratulations again Bye

“Hi, Dad I’m happy for you both

“Yes, of course Bye”

Julia disconnected the phone and sluetting athered that They spoke to you about it in Selinsgrove”

“Yes, but they want to get nant”

Gabriel stifled a grin

“H to be deep in thought “A shotgun wedding for Tom, who is probably the only person I knoho actually owns a shotgun I’d label the situation as ironic, except I know better” He winked

Julia adjusted her sunglasses “Yes, literature professors have an annoying habit of actually using words correctly It takes all the fun out of a good neologished

“And that remark there”—he paused to kiss her ht you loved me for my brsts”

“I am equally partial to all of your assets” He slid his hand down to the edge of her bikini botto for your own good, Professor”

“So I’m told When’s the baby due?”

“End of Decelasses, so he could see her eyes

“No, I’ht a candle for hi, or God would have sent him twins”

“God help us”

“I’ it?”