https://Voice.club - Peter was in his study when the phone rang.
“Hello?”
“Daddy!”
“Who is this?” A joke in very poor taste. Everyone knew how much he and Kathy wanted children, and how unsuccessful their efforts had been.
“It’s me, Daddy – Jenny!”
Peter decided to play along, hoping to find out who was behind this horrible trick.
“Where are you, Jenny?”
“At home of course.”
“Is Mommy there with you?”
“Silly Daddy! Mommy said she was going to the shops.”
That’s exactly what Kathy had said a few hours ago. Peter shivered, but then realized the trickster had probably seen her out shopping.
“But she isn’t really. She’s gone to check on your birthday present.”
“My birthday present?” Peter was puzzled. “My birthday isn’t until May. Today’s the first day of autumn.”
Jenny changed the subject.
“I love the doll house you made me, Daddy! It’s almost perfect. Two fireplaces, curvy windows, lots of books, broken Grandmother clock… “
Peter almost dropped the phone. Several close friends knew about their twin fireplaces and bay windows, but the heirloom clock had always chimed faithfully until last night. No one could possibly know it was broken.
“But Daddy, you forgot the telescope!”
“What telescope?” Now he really was trembling. He had never mentioned his dream to anyone, not even Kathy.
“The one in the garden behind the house, Daddy. Where you show me all the stars!”
The little girl’s lilting voice caused Peter’s heart to miss a beat. She really was adorable. What if …
“Gotta go, Daddy, Mommy’s home!”
The phone went dead just as Kathy burst into his study, her multi-colored scarves floating behind her, her face radiant with joy.
“We’re pregnant, Peter! The doctor just confirmed it. Due right around your birthday!!”
“Jenny,” he whispered.
“Or Bobby or Dianne or Kenyon …” Kathy happily prattled on.
“Jenny,” Peter repeated firmly, making plans. First he’d buy himself an early Christmas present, then he’d get started on that dollhouse. This time he wouldn’t forget the telescope!
He took Kathy in his arms, and they talked for hours. He never did mention the phone call.