12. THE BIG NEWS

Not a bit surprised at Richard�s intentions to run for DA, especially considering the disturbing phone call, Garrett murmured, �Somehow, I thought you might be inclined in that direction.� Even knowing he shouldn�t fish for information, Garrett pushed harder than he would have normally.

�Would anything hold you back from such an endeavor?�

The second the words were out of his mouth, a firm pinch launched itself onto his right arm; a gift from his wife. Carissa pursed her lips, picking up her water glass and subtly shaking her head as she sipped the liquid. Replacing her glass, Carissa eyed Richard thoughtfully, saying gently, �Knowing you as I do, Richard, I cannot think of a better replacement for Brandon. It seems so easy for political figures to become corrupt, if they aren�t already so when they take their offices. I would never fear such a thing in your case.�

�Nor would I.� Charity�s voice held a loving note as she smiled up at her husband. Instead of responding in an enthusiastic manner, Richard emitted a low sound of thoughtful contemplation, before replying, �Than you three may very well be the first to know. I have put my nomination in for DA, but there are...� the slightest moment of hesitation, �obstacles arising of which I cannot speak.�

�I see we have quite a lot to talk about later,� Charity remarked over the top of her water glass.

Carissa noted the undercurrent of agitation in his voice, but did not remark on it as Charity did not bring it to anyone�s attention either. �Well, whichever you choose, know that we will be in full support of you and your wife.� A sudden smile broke through his momentary moment of somber musing, and he immediately shifted the conversation elsewhere before his wife could penetrate his soul with her expressive glance of concern. �Now what is this I hear about a fishing sojourn? I have never once held a fishing rod in my hands, and certainly do not intend to begin now.�

Garrett, eyes alight with natural fondness of his favorite sport, any curiosity now sufficiently quelled by his wife, animatedly responded, �It would not be a fishing trip, per say, but more of a camping weekend.� Silence permeated the table for a few seconds as Richard was apparently attempting to digest the suggestion, his eyes blinking twice, slowly and methodically.

Charity and Carissa�s eyes met in abstract amusement as the men continued with their debate on the merits of a camping expedition, one wholeheartedly for the event and the other attempting to head the very notion off at the pass. The smallest fluttering sensation beat against her ribs, and Carissa tensed, however briefly. Charity�s observant nature caused her eyes to narrow in mild curiosity, but Carissa merely gave a tiny smile. In a subtle motion, she gently grasped the hand which Garrett had under the table, resting upon his napkin. Pausing mid-sentence, Garrett turned as if to say something but the words halted immediately when, placing his palm just so, he felt the tiny pulsing beat of an infant limb pushing against his skin, and a smile of wonderment spread across his features.

The suddenness with which Garrett had quitted his sentence and the special glance shared between the couple aroused Richard�s suspicion as it did Charity�s. Her brow now creased, Charity said, �All right, the pair of you have been gloating all night. Are you going to tell us what�s going on, or shall I start guessing?�

Carissa glanced into her husband�s eyes, noting the growing nervousness and gently squeezed his hand. Wrapping one arm about her shoulders, Garrett pulled her warmly to his side. Inhaling a steadying breath, which seemed to do nothing to ease his shattered nerves, Garrett coughed meekly, lowered his eyes, than finally murmured, �Well, I suppose this is as good a time as any.�

Unable to contain herself, Carissa gleefully exclaimed, �We�re pregnant!�