At fortyjust the right time!
“Irene, whats taking so long? Did you fall asleep? Hurry up, or well be late for work!”
“Coming!” Irene flinched slightly, glancing back at the bathroom door. She knew shed lingered longer than usual, but she had her reasons. All week, shed felt queasy in the mornings, and though shed brushed it off at first, now it frightened her.
She suspected what might be happening, but the thought of pregnancy terrified her. Shaking off the idea, she stepped out.
“Sorry,” she muttered to her husband. “Couldnt get my eyebrows right.”
“You do those in the bedroom!” Edward frowned at her.
“Oh, right!” Irene didnt argue.
She hurried to the kitchen to make coffee for them both. They loved it, but today, the mere smell turned her stomach.
“Are you alright?” Edward asked, concerned.
“Fine. Just not in the mood for coffee,” she mumbled.
“Really? You looked like you were about to be sick. Are you ill?”
Irene wrapped her arms around herself. The thought of a child made her tremble. Edward moved closer, pressing a hand to her forehead.
“Youre not feverish Maybe stay home? Call in sicksay youll recover over the weekend. Last thing we need is you falling ill. Weve still got the mortgage to pay”
Once hed left, Irene sank onto the sofa, lost in thought. She knew what she had to dobuy a test and confirm her fears. But the idea terrified her. A child would make it all real.
*Ive only just been promoted, and Edwards righttheres the mortgage, and we wanted to go to Cornwall*
Years ago, she and Edward had dreamed of children, especially after their wedding, when life still seemed golden and they were barely twenty. But it never happened.
Over time, shed stopped thinking about it. Shed grown used to their life together and didnt want it to change. Edward never mentioned children eitheras if hed accepted their absence. Now, a baby would only complicate things. Extra expenses, sleepless nights, endless crying
Groaning, she cursed the timing.
But tired of guessing, she finally went to the chemist. To her horror, the test confirmed it. She was pregnant.
Her hand drifted to her stomachalready imagining it fuller, though it was impossible this soon. A sudden awe gripped her. Inside her, a tiny life was growing, depending entirely on her. Fear and joy warred within her.
“Youll be the most wonderful baby,” she whispered.
Then doubt returned. She wasnt young anymore. What would Edward say? What if he was angry? What if he didnt want this? He was older too.
By evening, shed worked herself into a panic. She knew she had to tell him, but when he returned, all she managed was, “Fancy some supper?”
“Of course! Why ask? Im starving!”
Edward watched as she hurried to the kitchen. Something was differenther eyes brighter, her movements softer. Normally brisk, now she moved with unusual care.
Only one explanation came to mind, and it pained him. He loved his Irene. Had she stopped loving him?
Unable to sit still, he stood abruptly. “Who is he?”
“What? I dont understand!” Fear flashed in her eyes, confirming his suspicions.
“The man youve fallen for.”
“*What?* Edward, what are you on about?”
Her confusion sounded genuine, but he didnt believe it. He turned to leave, then stopped, forcing himself to finish. “Look at youglowing, practically dancing! I love you, but if youve found someone else best of luck to you.”
He stormed out. Stunned, Irene stood frozen before bolting after him.
This wasnt how shed planned to share the newsnot like this, unprepared. But time had run out.
Edward was shrugging on his coat when she blurted, “Edward, Im pregnant!”
“*What?*” Now it was his turn to freeze.
Slowly, he stepped closer. She searched his facehopeful, afraid.
“Im pregnant. The test was positive. Edward, were going to have a baby!”
She took his hand, pressing it to her stomach. “Your son or daughter is growing in here,” she whispered.
A storm of emotions crossed his face. Then he pulled away, turned, and strode out.
Left alone, Irene stood trembling. Once, Edward had dreamed of fatherhood. Now hed run. Shed expected joy or dreadnot this.
With slow steps, she returned to the kitchen, mechanically tidying to keep from crumbling. Without Edward, how would she raise this child?
A fragile hope lingeredthat hed return, and theyd be a family. But it felt slim.
Half an hour later, she sat in the dim lounge, staring blankly, when the doorbell rang.
“Whos there?”
Frowning at the late hour, she wiped her tears, forced a smile, and hurried to answer.
The first thing she saw was flowersan enormous bouquet of her favourite roses. Then Edwards beaming face.
“Here, love!”
Once inside, he spoke in a rush. “Forgive me for running off. I was in shockcouldnt speak. Irene, Im *thrilled*! If its a boyTheo. A girlCharlotte. Well call our parents, book the midwife, and”
He stopped abruptly, noticing her tears. “Why are you crying? Whats wrong?”
Taking the flowers, he pulled her close. She buried her face in his shoulder, whispering, “I thought youd left for goodthat you didnt want the baby. That forty was too late”
“Not a chance! Im not going anywhere. And dont talk nonsensefortys perfect.”
“But the mortgage, my promotion, all our plans”
Edward sighed, holding her at arms length. “Listennone of that matters compared to this. Well manage the mortgage. You can work after maternity leave if you want My salary will cover us. And sleepless nights? Bring them on!”
Irene exhaled happily, leaning into his steady embrace. Relief washed over her. Together, theyd handle anything. Togetherthe three of them.
