This can’t be happening. Not when we were so close. Why has life done this to us?
Kris gets up and pushes my head between my knees.
“Breathe,” he says. “That’s it. In for four, pause, now out for four. Slowly.”
I concentrate on the sound of his voice.
When my breathing finally regulates, I sit up.
“Want to explain why the woman who was so desperate for a child of her own has just had a panic attack when she thinks she might be pregnant by a man she clearly loves and who clearly loves her?”
I pinch the bridge of my nose.
“It’s complicated.”
“Not really. A child is a gift, Pen.”
“I know, and I am happy. Please believe me. It’s a shock, not one I was expecting. I imagined we’d have more time. We’ve barely found each other. This is not something we’ve discussed. We’ve hardly discussed anything.” I shudder. “Oh, hell.”
Mum takes that moment to reenter the room. I shoot Kris a warning look, which he acknowledges with a smile.
“Everything all right?” Mum asks, her gaze flicking between us.
“Fine,” I say, patting her arm. “Probably something I ate earlier clearly hasn’t agreed with me.”
She walks up and places a hand against my forehead. “You do feel a little clammy. Maybe you should go and lie down.”
“I’ll be fine,” I say. “I can lie down when everyone has gone.”
Harper appears at that moment. I only recognise her because of the clothes she’s wearing. Tash has done a remarkable job reshaping her nose and cheekbones.
“Wow,” I say, making her laugh. “No one, and I meanno one, is going to recognise you. Especially with that honey blond wig.”
“Tash has done an amazing job,” Harper says, breathing a sigh of eager relief.
“Are you ready to go?” Kris says, standing up.
Harper switches her gaze to him, her chin goes up, her shoulders back.
That’s my girl.
“Absolutely. Thank you again.”
He smiles. “My pleasure.”
Mum and I walk everyone into the garage, where Kris’s UK driver has been waiting patiently.
Kris hugs me. “Take care of yourself.”
I smile at him. “I will.”
Harper is next. “Look after my big brother,” she says.
I grin. “I will, if he’ll let me.”
“Oh, he’ll let you. I never remember him being as free and easy as he is when he’s with you.”
“Thank you. Take care of yourself, Harper. You have the phone I gave you. It’s a secure line. All your family members have one, so you can talk without the risk of anyone tapping into it. If you need us, we are here.”
