Lucky blinked hard to clear his suddenly swimmy vision. Damned allergies.
Walter clapped his hands together. “Now, I think congratulations are in order. Will either, or both of you, need time off for parental leave?”
Bo wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. “Lucky’s sister lives with us, takes college courses online. We’re hoping she’ll help with childcare, so we won’t have to take much time off.”
“Good. As I said, I expect to meet him soon. Just wait until you tell Lucille.” Walter’s eyes sparkled. The Smiths never had kids of their own. Now they’d get to be honorary grandparents. Lucky easily pictured Walter and his missus spoiling the kid rotten.
Honorary, hell. Theywouldbe the kid’s Gramps and Granny. Would she take the news as well as Lucky hoped? While he adored the boss’s wife, he knew Walter far better than Mrs. Smith.
“Lucille!” Walter called, his booming voice holding far more affection than usual.
Mrs. Smith hurried into the living room, untying strings and slipping her apron over her head. The genteel Southern belle would never entertain guests while dressed for cooking. “Yes, Walt?”
Walter nodded toward Bo and Lucky. “The boys have something they want to tell you.”
She turned her attention toward Lucky and Bo, eyebrows raised and a smile playing over her lips. Bo and Lucky shared a quiet moment. Bo had always been better with words than Lucky. He gave Bo’s hand a quiet squeeze.
Bo said, “We have a favor to ask of you.”
“Oh?” The diminutive white-haired lady stepped farther into the room, resting a hand on the back of Walter’s chair.
Now that they’d gotten Walter’s blessing, Lucky might blow up if he didn’t share the news. “We have a little boy in need of a grandma.”
“Grandma?” She placed a wrinkled hand over her heart and flicked her gaze down to her husband, who nodded. “You’re expecting a child?”
Bo continued the story. “No, ma’am. He’s already here. His name is Alejandro Schollenberger.” He cut a glance to Lucky. “For now.”
“How? What?” She squinted between Lucky and Bo, her puzzled frown easing into a dazzling smile. “It doesn’t matter. Congratulations!” Moving her hand from Walter’s chair to his shoulder, she asked. “Do you hear that, Walt? We’re going to be grandparents!” She cocked her head to the side a moment. “No, I guess we already are. When do we get to meet him?”
“Soon,” Lucky replied. “He’s still in the hospital right now.”
“There’s one more thing.” Bo’s grip tightened on Lucky’s hand. “His middle name is Gualterio. It’s Spanish for Walter.”
Walter froze, glancing from one to the other. At last, with shimmering eyes, he said, “I’m honored.”
Mrs. Smith ran a hand over her damp cheek, giving an audible sniff. “I can’t believe it. Grandparents. We get to be grandparents.”
They’d told Walter and his wife the truth, and the couple had their backs. Lucky crossed the floor in three long strides, wrapping his arms around both Smiths. “I won’t be telling this at work either, but I love you, old man, Mrs. Smith.”
Bo joined in the hugfest. Soon, they’d bring their son to meet the people who’d help guide him in life.
Mrs. Smith abruptly pulled back. “Oh, my! Dinner should be ready. Let’s talk more around the table.”
Walter didn’t mention Alejandro again, allowing his wife to ask all the questions, but several times during their meal, he smiled for no apparent reason.
Lucky shifted in his seat, an unfamiliar stirring in his chest causing discomfort. Wait, not discomfort, since warmth radiated through him. Oh hell no! Was that what heart-warming meant?
Walter and Mrs. Smith would get to be grandparents. And damned good ones.
With the formidable Smiths in their corner, Bo and Lucky took one step closer to bringing their son home.
Now to talk to Charlotte.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Lucky eased through the front door, bracing for the questions his sister would ask:Why did I have to leave today so you and Bo could talk? What did you talk about? Where have you been? Were you working?At least he’d texted her to say he and Bo wouldn’t be home for dinner.
Nothing. TV off, no one on couch, not even the cat.
