#hatjm

“Uncle Arnold!” The two kids screamed in excitement at the sight of him.

Smiling, Arnold made his way across the intersection, pulling at his tie to finally give himself some breathing room after the long day at work. Kneeling down, Arnold lifted both boys in his arms for a hug, not even noticing that his wife had slipped his briefcase from his hands.

“Did I miss all the fun?”

“Auntie caught the kitchen on fire!?” Both boys announced with giggles as Helga looked away in embarrassment.

“She did?“ Arnold asked as he looked up at her in curiosity. “How did you manage that? You’re usually a great cook?” 

When she bit her lip, Arnold raised an eyebrow and stood up. Holding both the kids hands as he watched his wife. “Helga, whats wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong.” Helga said plainly as she gave the two boys a quick glare, “We can talk about it when we get home, okay?“

“Is everything okay?” 

“I wouldn’t say that it’s not?“ Helga answered quickly as she made way for the door. “Alright, kiddos let go.“

The boys dropped Arnold’s hands and ran into the Ice Cream Parlor. Helga went to go through the door, but was stopped by Arnold's hand on her wrist. 

“What’s going on?” Arnold’s voice dropped to a whisper.

“It’s a surprise.“

“You burning down our kitchen isn’t a surprise I want.“

“Listen, Arnold...“ Helga looked around  into the window to see the boys already getting their ice cream. Taking a deep breath, she leaned into Arnold’s ear and told him his surprise.

“I’m pregnant.” 

When she pulled away, she watched as several emotions went through her husbands face. It amused her to no end as he looked as if he was trying to figure out how that could happen. When he finally made full on eye contact with her, he let out a soft sob and pulled her into a hug. 

Kissing the top of her head, Arnold smiled ear to ear, “God, I love you.”