Between taking care of the high-maintenance Brandon and keeping up with the other kids and with everything that needs doing around the house, Ana is feeling unusually tired lately.
She wastes no time getting out a trusty pregnancy test. Her suspicions are confirmed. She is eating for two.
As far as Paxton, the father, she doesn't really have a way to get in touch with him. She doesn't spend too much time worrying about it though. She decides to ask around town a bit to see if she can find him.
She decides to wait until after Aaron's birthday to tell her kids the big news. For once she is thankful for the extra weight she has been carrying around, because he hopes that her baby bump isn't too noticeable.
The next day Ana sets out to share her news with all her children.
"It's called a beard, Mom."
"I know that. I just mean... how did it grow so fast?"
"You know I am a man now." Is the only explanation Aaron offers. "Don't you like it?"
"Um... Yes, of course." Ana answers untruthfully. "You always look so handsome." That much was true; he always would be in her eyes. "Anyway, I had something I wanted to tell you." She steers the conversation back on track.
"You did? Is it really that noticeable?"
"Yeah, pretty much."
Up next is Bridget. She didn't seem very surprised either, but she did have a question.
I swear sometimes that girl thinks I'm her best friend instead of her mother, Ana thinks to herself. Then answers truthfully that it was with a guy in a 'one-time only' sort of situation. Giving as few details as possible, Ana is very relieved when she can leave Bridget to her homework.
She escapes to the boys' room.
Mission accomplished, Ana heads to the kitchen to fix supper.
The next day is yet another birthday. All her children growing up makes Ana thankful again to be expecting another baby.