One year later:

“Alex, guess what?” Vasiliki walked in the door of their tree house, smiling at her husband.

He turned to her, raising an eyebrow. “What?”

“Guess…” She teased.

Anassa heard her voice, and bounded into the room, growling with delight. She gave Vasiliki’s hand a big lick.

Vasiliki laughed, pulling her hand back before the tiger’s rough tongue could rub her skin raw. “It’s nice to see you too, Anassa.”

“So… What am I supposed to guess?” Alex walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her.

She smiled at him. “Fine… Since you won’t guess…” She looked at him.

He raised an eyebrow. “Yes… I’m not guessing, so… Spit it out!”

She grinned. “You’re going to be a father soon!”

His eyes widened. “You mean… Really?”

She nodded, laughing at his incredulous look.

Then he was laughing too, and spinning her around. “How long have you known?” He gave her a fake glare.

She smiled at him. “Only for a few days. I was waiting for the right time to tell you…”

He raised an eyebrow. “And you didn’t think to tell me right away?”

“Uh… Well… Alex, I’m really sorry… I should’ve told you as soon as I…” She started babbling.

He rolled his eyes. “I was kidding! I’m thrilled, nervous, and probably everything in between, but I’m not upset with you for not telling me until now!”

“Oh…” She looked at the floor for a moment where Anassa was laying and watching them with her big, tawny eyes. “Oh.” She repeated.

He grinned. “Looks like our family is going to get bigger. Does your brother know?”

She shook her head. “I wanted to tell you first.”

He nodded, grabbing her hand. “Well, let’s go tell him now!”

She laughed at his enthusiasm. “Alright, alright! Let’s wait until dinner, Alex… The news isn’t exactly going anywhere. It’s not going to be less exciting in a few hours.”

“Oh… Right… Sorry.” He grinned at her sheepishly.

It was her turn to roll her eyes at him as she sat down, gazing out the window.

She felt elation rush through her. She was going to be a mother soon. A mother. Imagine that. And to think that a year ago she had thought things couldn’t get any better for her. She smiled. Life was good.