Forty is the perfect age!
“Jen, whats taking so long? Did you fall asleep in there? Were going to be late for work!”
“Coming!” Jenny flinched slightly, glancing at the bathroom door. She knew shed been in there longer than usual, but she had her reasons. All week, shed been feeling queasy in the mornings, and if shed brushed it off before, now it terrified her.
She had a hunch why this might be happening, but the thought of being pregnant scared her too much to even consider it. Pushing the idea away, she finally stepped out.
“Sorry,” she muttered to her husband, “couldnt get my eyeliner right.”
“You do that in the bedroom!” James frowned.
“Oh, right!” Jenny didnt argue.
She hurried to the kitchen to make coffee for them both, though the smell alone turned her stomach today. She couldnt bring herself to drink it.
“Are you okay?” James asked, concerned.
“Yeah, just not in the mood for coffee,” she mumbled.
“Really? You looked like you were about to be sick! Are you ill?”
Jenny wrapped her arms around herselfjust the thought of a baby made her shake. James moved closer, pressing a hand to her forehead.
“You dont feel feverish Maybe stay home today? Call in sick, say youll be back Monday. The last thing we need is you falling properly ill. Weve still got the mortgage to pay off”
Once James left, Jenny sank onto the sofa, lost in thought. She knew what she had to dobuy a test and find out for sure. But she dreaded it. Because then it would be real.
“I just got that promotion, and James is right about the mortgage, plus we were saving for that holiday” she thought. Years ago, she and James had dreamed of kids, especially right after their wedding when everything felt rose-tinted and they were barely twenty. But it never happened.
Over time, Jenny stopped thinking about it. She grew used to life with James and couldnt imagine it any other way. He never mentioned children eitherit was like hed accepted it. And now, a baby would just get in the way! Extra costs, sleepless nights, endless crying
Groaning, she buried her face in her hands. This couldnt have come at a worse time.
But tired of wondering, she finally went to the chemist. To her horror, the test confirmed her fears. She was pregnant. Jenny rested a hand on her stomach, half-convinced it already looked different, even though that was impossible.
Suddenly, a wave of awe hit herthere was a tiny life growing inside her, depending entirely on her. Her emotions tangled. Part of her was terrified, but another part another part felt a flicker of joy.
“Little one, youre going to be the best thing ever,” she whispered.
But then doubt crept back in. She wasnt young anymore. What would James say? What if he was angry? What if he didnt want this? He wasnt young either.
By evening, Jenny was a wreck, spiralling into panic. She knew she had to tell him, but when James got home, she just asked,
“Want dinner?”
“Course! Why wouldnt I? Im starving!”
James watched his wife hurry to the kitchen, thoughtful. Something was off. Her eyes were differentbrighter. What was going on? He didnt want to assume the worst, so he waited, hoping shed explain.
“How are you feeling?”
“Fine. Had a nap earlier, feel much better. Work said not to worryit was a short day anyway. The office partys coming up Company anniversary. Doubt they even noticed I was gone.”
“Whens the party?”
“Tomorrow. Was meant to be tonight, but the restaurant fell through. Boss wants it perfect, so its tomorrow now.”
“Are you going?”
Jenny almost said “of course,” then remembered.
“No, think Ill skip. Better to miss one party than end up ill, right?”
“If you say so.” Now he was sure something was wrong. Jenny never missed partiesor nights out with her “girls.”
“You just got that promotiondont you want to celebrate with them?” he pressed.
“Not really. Fancy a walk tomorrow? Just us?”
James nodded. “Make us some tea?”
“Sure!” She stood, moving slower than usual. Normally, she dashed about, but now she was careful, deliberate.
James could only think of one reason for the change. His chest ached. He loved his Jenny. But maybe she didnt love him anymore
He couldnt take it. Standing abruptly, he asked roughly, “Who is he?”
“What? What are you talking about?” Fear flashed in Jennys eyes, confirming his suspicions.
“The bloke youve fallen for.”
“James, have you lost it?”
Her confusion sounded real, but he didnt believe it. He turned to leave but forced himself to finish this.
“Look at youyoure glowing! Practically dancing! Jen, I love you, but if youve found someone else fine. Best of luck.”
He stormed out. Jenny stood frozen, then bolted after him.
This wasnt how shed planned to tell him. Shed wanted it to be special. But now there was no choice.
James was shrugging on his jacket when Jenny blurted, “Jamie, Im pregnant!”
“What?” Now he was the one in shock.
Slowly, he stepped closer. Jenny watched him, hopeful and terrified. She needed to know how hed react.
“Im pregnant! Did a test todayits positive. Jamie, were having a baby!”
She searched his eyes, then took his hand and pressed it to her stomach.
“Your son or daughters in there,” she whispered.
Emotions flickered across Jamess face. Then, slowly, he pulled his hand away, turned, and walked out.
Jenny stood alone, heartbroken. Once, James had dreamed of being a dad. Now hed just left. This wasnt the reaction shed expected. She thought hed be thrilledor horrifiedbut not this.
With heavy steps, she returned to the kitchen, mechanically tidying to stop herself from crying. Without James, how would she raise this child?
A tiny hope lingeredthat hed come back, that theyd be a family of three. But it felt slim.
Half an hour later, Jenny sat in the dark living room, staring blankly, when the doorbell rang.
“Whos that?”
Frowning, she checked the clock. Late for visitors. James had his keysit couldnt be him. Wiping her tears, she forced a smile and answered.
The first thing she saw was flowersa huge bouquet of her favourite roses. Then Jamess grinning face.
“Here, Jen!”
Stunned, she let him in.
“Sorry I ran off. Was just shocked. Im so happy, Jenny! Were having a baby! If its a boyTheo. GirlLily. Weve got to call our parents, book the midwife, and”
He rambled on until he noticed her tears.
“Hey, why are you crying? Whats wrong?”
He took the flowers and pulled her close. Jenny buried her face in his shoulder, whispering,
“I thought youd left for good! Thought you didnt want it that forty was too late for this.”
“Not a chance, Jen! Im not going anywhere. And dont talk daftfortys the perfect time.”
“But the mortgage, my promotion, all our plans”
James sighed, holding her at arms length.
“Jen, listennone of that matters compared to this. Well pay the mortgage. You can work after maternity leave if you want My salarys enough. And sleepless nights? Bring em on!”
Jenny exhaled, leaning into him. She was relievedthrilledhed taken it so well. In his arms, she knew theyd handle anything. Together. All three of them.
