"Dear Father, thank you for the wonderful food you have given to us today. Thank you for watching over each and everyone of us and keeping us safe. We thank you for bringing Colleen and Andrew back home to us safely. We thank you for all the blessings you have bestowed upon us. I especially thank you for my loving husband, and my four caring children. We also thank you Lord for the joyous blessing of another child to enter into this family. Amen." Michaela finished and looked at Sully. He gave her a smile
"Amen" They all said in unison.
Brian started to grab for the potatos when he realized what his ma had just said. He stopped his hand half way to the bowl. "Wait a minute ma...what..??"He gave her a confused look. All Michaela did was smile and nod as she looked over at Sully who was smiling all the more.
"Ma? You're.. you're" Colleen started.
"Yes, Colleen, it's true! I'm pregnant!"Michaela laughed with tears in her eyes clouding her vision.
All three children got up out of their seats and ran over to Michaela to give her a hug. They were so happy for her and Sully and that they were going to have another little brother or sister.
"Congratulations Michaela, Sully," Andrew said as he shook Michaela's hand and then Sully's. Matthew was not far behind when he gave his ma a kiss and Sully a warm handshake.
"Ma! I can't believe it! When did you find out?" Colleen asked amazed.
Sully and Michaela shared a sly smile between each other.
"Well, actually, Sully and I have known for about two weeks. We were waiting till we could have the whole family together to tell everyone!" Michaela explained to her daughter.
"So that's why you guys were acting so funny these past couple of weeks!" Brian spoke up.
"We were acting funny?" Michaela questioned him with a confused look. She thought they had hidden their excitement rather well.
"You guys kept giving each other this weird look, and Pa, you wouldn't let Ma do anything!" Brian explained to them.
"I guess our secret wasn't that well hidden Michaela. I guess we can't keep things like this to ourselves," Sully told her as he looked up from his plate of food.
"How far along are you, ma? Would you like Andrew to examine you.. to make sure?" Colleen asked still amazed.
"There is no need for Andrew to examine me, I had Dr. Bernard come in and confirm my suspicion. I told Sully after I was absolutely positive that I was pregnant. And this little one," she said as she placed her hand on her still flat abdomen, "is due early February!"
"I'm happy for ya, ma. You too Sully. You guys waited so long for this, and I kinda like having another little baby to teach stuff to!" Matthew spoke up.
"Well, now that we've finally gotten the announcement of the night overwith, I say everyone should start eating. It will get cold otherwise!" Michaela said as she realized what Sully told her earlier was coming true. After the annoucement, no one cared about the meal or about the house. They were all excited about the baby.
The supper table was all but quiet this evening. Everyone asked questions about the baby and thought of names. There was no time for silence tonight. Everyone was excited. Michaela kept looking at Sully who mouthed "I love ya" to her when they finally had a free time to not answer another question.
"Well, I have to get going or I won't get any sleep tonight. Congratulations again Dr. Mike, Sully. Thanks for the meal. Everything was wonderful. Remember Ma, take it easy ok?" Matthew said as he prepared to leave for the night.
"Thank you Matthew. I will take it easy. Have a good night," Michaela told her eldest son as he placed a kiss on her cheek and walked out the door into the cold night air.
"I better get to bed to, I have school tomorrow. I'm so happy for ya, Ma, Pa," Brian said with a yawn.
"Goodnight Brian, see you in the morning," Sully and Michaela both said together. Brian gave his ma a quick kiss and headed up for the night.
"Well, Colleen, I think we should also be heading to bed. I want be fully energized for tomorrow. We have a long day of catching up to do. Congratulations again Michaela, Sully." Andrew said as he got up out of the wingback chair and took Colleen's arm.
"You're right, Andrew. Good night Ma, Sully. I'm so happy for you!" Colleen exclaimed.
"Good night Colleen. I'm so happy you're home. I will see you in the morning."Michaela replied as Colleen and Andrew headed out of the room and up the stairs.
"I guess it's just you and me now," Sully said to Michaela as she turned her full attention to him.
"What a day! I didn't think I could make that announcement if you hadn't been here Sully. I was so nervous." She confessed.
"I know ya were nervous, but ya made it and I'm proud of ya," He told her as he bent down to kiss her. Sully placed his hand on her abdomen. "You just promise to take it easy and slow. I love ya so much and I love our family and this baby. I would have never believed that in the 6 years I have known ya that I would marry someone and have a family of my very own. You have given me more than I could've ever dreamed." Sully told her with love showing in his deep blue eyes.
"Oh, Sully" Michaela spoke between tears of happiness and love falling down her cheeks. "You have given me so much also, more than you would ever know. I love you with all my heart and soul."
"I think it's time for us to head up to bed also, it's been a long day and I think the baby would love some sleep, and so would it's ma." Sully said with a smile.
"I agree, Papa." Michaela smiled back as she wiped her tears away. With that said, Sully grabbed her hand and they walked up the stairs to their bedroom hand in hand.
CONTINUED