I don't mean to be nervous

 All was meant to be well for Oliver and the new school year, teaching third grade. Except that Carson's youngest, Chloe, was in his class. 

He wanted to nip it in the bud first thing, but she was so happy to see him, he couldn't ruin it for her.

"I don't know, if..if I should really be teaching her," he finally found the time and saw Carson after school.

"You are the greatest teacher on earth, according to Chloe," Carson told him as they walked together while the kids ran to the school playground. Chloe wasn't even in earshot. She was off with her friends.

"Yes, I know, but..but we are kind of sort of related," Oliver didn't mean to be so sour on the subject.

"She's doing her work isn't she? She's being attentive, right?" Carson looked at him as if he just couldn't ruin her year by assigning her to another teacher.

"Yes, I know, but-"

"Has she called you uncle yet?" Carson looked at him ever so concerned.

"No."

"She sees you as her teacher. And she has class with her best friend, too." He noted that these were two things she needed this year, with an absent mother and a Dad who was at work most weekends.

Oliver guessed he was right. He knew he would want his Carrie to have those things when she started school.

Still, being a teacher was what he wanted. Especially, third grade. It was grade before the kids got angry and bitter, or maybe they wanted to be too cool. He didn't know, exactly. Still, he felt on edge as if he'd be the one who had to change teaching positions. 

Possibly, he was overthinking. And there was news about Gabby.

"I guess I can tell you," he sighed, hoping he got through this new year.

"Tell me what?" Carson's tired eyes looked at him a little puzzled.

"Gabby found out we're expecting, come early spring."

"What?" Carson cracked up with a laugh. "Are you serious?"

Oliver nodded. Carson slapped him on the shoulder. "Good luck."

Oliver nodded. He knew he'd need it. Gabby was already complaining. It seemed all she wanted was  Wild Cherry Pepsi to drink and popcorn.