“Fabulous!” Linda squeezes her arm conspiratorially. “Fair warning, though, volunteering at Foggy Bottom means you end up knowing everyone’s business. Diplomats’ children love to gossip.”
Perfect.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
Abigail appears at her elbow. “Sasha, let me introduce you to our drama teacher.”
Sasha lets herself be steered away.
As Sasha crossed the room toward Caleb and Emmaline, board book gift bag in hand, the dean introduced Leo to a cluster of faculty members gathered in front of the fireplace.
He meets Marcus Chen, the music director, and Sarah Ramirez, who teaches mathematics. They exchange handshakes and pleasantries. Marcus is enthusiastic about the spring concert. Sarah wants to know if Leo plays chess. Apparently there’s a faculty tournament over the spring recess and they’re always looking for fresh blood.
After a few minutes, he excuses himself. He swings by the bar and grabs two craft beers and a glass of sparkling water. Time to make contact with Caleb.
He approaches Caleb and Emmaline, extending the drinks. “You two look thirsty.”
Emmaline accepts the glass of water and takes an eager swallow.
Caleb rises from the chair, reaches for the bottle of beer, and clinks it against the neck of Leo’s bottle. “Thanks. Appreciate it.”
“Of course. I’m going to take a wild stab and say you two are the guests of honor.”
Emmaline laughs and rubs her belly. “How’d you ever guess?”
He smiles. “I’m Leo Connelly. Your substitute.”
“Oh, we just met your wife! Thank you for the books for the baby and for stepping in for me on such short notice. The dean is very particular about who joins the faculty. I was starting to think my class would have to teach themselves.”
Caleb stands, extending his hand. “Right, yes. It’s good to meet you in person.”
Where his wife is warm and engaging, Caleb is awkward and a bit stiff.
“Happy to do it. Congratulations on the baby.”
“Thanks. It’s all becoming very real, very fast.”
“I remember that feeling. We have twins. They’re eleven now. But I still remember those last few days before they arrived. The waiting is almost worse than the actual event.”
“That’s what everyone keeps telling me. But honestly, I’m more nervous about the first few weeks after. We live in a tiny row house. The nursery is a converted closet. I have no idea how we’re going to manage.”
Leo laughs. “You’ll manage. You’ll be exhausted and confused and pretty sure you’re doing everything wrong. But you’ll manage.”
Caleb looked him square in the eye. “I’m really scared.”
“I’ll tell you what Sasha told me when I confessed to being terrified. She said we were two full grown adults with years of higher education between us and important careers, so we ought to be able to outsmart a baby. And if all else failed, she said we could fake it until we make it.”
The expectant parents burst out laughing.
After Caleb wiped his eyes, he said, “I sure hope that works. I’m taking a week’s vacation to help Emmaline and the baby get settled, but we can’t afford to both take parental leave.”
Emmaline leans forward. “Do you have any questions about the European history curriculum?”
“I should be okay. I specialized in the history of the civil rights movement, but I have a decent grasp of European history.”
Her face relaxes. “Wonderful. But if anything comes up, please call me. Anytime.”
“Absolutely not. You take focus on yourself and your baby. Anything I don’t know, I’m more than happy to learn alongside my students.”
