Mama Johns called Amelia and George and invited them to a little party they were having for Patricia Johns. Patricia had two things to celebrate–she was nominated for an award she not win, and she had passed one million books sold.
“Is this awkward?” George asked Amelia before they left for the party. “She didn’t win the award, and we’re going to a party to celebrate that?”
“Oh, don’t worry about that,” Amelia said. “Authors are used to rejection. In fact, if you don’t slap an author right in the face, they can find a silver lining. She’s just thrilled to have been nominated at all. She’s a finalist.”
“Well, that’s a relief,” George said.
“Besides, she passed a million books sold,” Amelia said. “And that is worthy of snack food and a party hat!”
When they arrived at the party, George found that it was true–Patricia was just delighted to have been included at all in the award ceremony, and Mama Johns had made some tasty cupcakes. Patricia was thrilled to see everyone, a little bashful about the attention, and quite interested in those cupcakes.
So was Amelia–the cupcakes were delicious!
For two whole weeks, George attempted to grow a moustache. He was very pleased with the result. It was a manly blond moustache that reminded George of sheriffs and cowboys.
“But the guys at work don’t like it,” George told Amelia. “They say I look silly. They’ve started a betting pool for when I’ll shave it off!”
“George that is very mean of them,” Amelia said. “I’m sorry they are doing that.”
“Do you like my moustache?” George asked Amelia.
Amelia looked at George thoughtfully. “I’m the wrong one to ask, George. I’m used to you looking a certain way, so when you change anything it feels so strange to me. I can’t give you a proper unbiased perspective.”
“I think I’ll shave it off,” George said. “Although I did feel very manly, like a cowboy.”
“I have an idea…” Amelia said slyly.
The next day, George went into work and he put his own bet in the hat for when he was going to shave it off. And he bet on Wednesday. No one else had bet on Wednesday. They all thought he’d last another week, at least. So when George walked into the office on Wednesday with a freshly shaven face, he won the pot of money! It was $32, so not exactly a windfall, but after the hard time his coworkers had given him, he didn’t feel bad about taking it. He’d buy Amelia some flowers on the way home.
George was having a very busy quarter at work. Very, very busy. He would come home with his head just swimming with numbers and reports, bar graphs and quarterly goals…
So when Amelia’s next ultrasound came up, she told George not to worry. She could go on her own. George felt terrible, but Amelia assured him that his job was very important, and they simply couldn’t do without it. So just this one time, he’d have to go to work for his very important meeting, and Amelia wouldn’t tell anyone if it was a boy or a girl before she told George.
Waiting to tell George was agony! Amelia paced around the apartment, and she tried to get some work done, but she couldn’t focus. Holding onto a secret that big took up all of her brain power.
When Patricia called her asking a question about a manuscript, Amelia told her she’d have to call her back and promptly hung up!
When George got home that night, Amelia was waiting for him. She had a picture from the ultrasound, and a big smile on her face.
“Well?” George asked breathlessly after he’d given her a kiss.
“We’re having a girl!” Amelia said. “The ultrasound technician is 70% sure!”
I hope you are enjoying our Knitted Newlyweds. If you love stories about family, falling in love, and all the drama that comes with it, I hope you’ll check out my books.
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❤
Patricia Johns 
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