While Jason was occupied, Ann stood and lifted the center cushion of the couch. “So that was the lump,” she muttered as she picked up a paperback book lying under the cushion. She looked at the cover. “What on earth! Pocket Guide to Baby Names?” She looked in the direction Jason had disappeared and back at the book.
Ann dropped the book on the floor on her end of the couch when she heard the bathroom door open and Jason’s footsteps approach. She resumed her position cuddled next to him when he returned to the couch.
Jason put his arm around her and gave her a kiss. “I guess I could get used to picking stuff up.”
Ann leaned against him. “How long have you known?”
“Known?”
“Yeah. Why didn’t you tell me? It would have saved me a lot of worry.”
Jason’s brow furrowed. “Worry?”
“It happens all the time, but no girl likes to be uncertain how her man will take the news. I felt confident about you, but that’s not the same as knowing.” She kissed his cheek and snuggled closer to him.
“Knowing?” Jason’s voice rose on the last syllable.
Ann ran a hand through his hair. “Yeah. I wasn’t sure how you and Paul would take it. I don’t want to give up my work on BCV, and with the questions now about human infection . . . well, you know how the faculty can fuss over everything.”
“Everything. Yup, they sure can worry.” Beads of sweat formed on Jason’s brow.
“Did any of the names appeal to you?” Ann asked.
“Is it hot in here?” Jason asked. “Should I open a window?” He stood and went to the window without waiting for a reply.
“I’m okay, and it’s still March. Kind of an expensive way to cool an apartment in St. Paul, isn’t it?”
“Good point. Ah, would you . . .” Jason looked nervously around the apartment. Inscrutable conversations with women always ended badly for him. “Care for another beer?”
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