Chapter 11

Behind his sister, Mikey Jr. moaned, “Daddy said we didn’t have to go to school when the babies were born!”

Joanne gave her nephew a mean little grin. She knew that moan of his all too well—his father had used it growing up, too, as a way to get anything hewanted, as well. “Sorry, mister. That might work on your mommy but not on me. I’m immune to your charms. Get your shoes on. We’re leaving in two minutes whether you’re ready or not.”

“But Daddy said—” Mikey tried again.

“That’s just it, sport,” Joanne interrupted, “there areno babies yet. When they come, I’ll pick you up and take you to the hospital myself. I promise. Until then, you have to go to school.”

Ava frowned. “What if they aren’t born by the time we get out?”

Joanne tugged on Ava’s ponytail, which she knew her niece hated. “Then I’ll still come pick you up, how’s that? And we’ll swing by the hospital to see how your mommy’s doing. But don’t worry. She’s going to have the babies today.”