‘No, but … I mean, weren’t you being careful? I’m not being judgey,’ she added hastily, giving Sive’s shoulder a squeeze. ‘I just thought, you know…’
‘I don’t know. Wewerecareful … mostly. But we’d been together forever, so I suppose we might have been a bit more relaxed about it now and then than we should have been. Anyway, accidents happen.’
‘Yeah, of course they do.’
‘It’s not your fault,’ she said to Aoife. ‘You were a good mum. You raised me right. This is all on me.’
‘And Ben,’ Mimi said, pursing her lips.
‘Well, yes. Him too.’
‘Look, let’s get out of here before we discuss this any further,’ Aoife said, standing and reaching out a hand to pull Sive up. ‘It’s time for lunch anyway.’
‘Good idea,’ Mimi said. ‘I need a drink.’
‘Ineed a drink,’ Sive said as she let Mimi pull her to her feet. ‘But tea will have to do.’
‘How long have you known?’ Mimi asked when they were settled around the kitchen table with mugs of tea and a plate of sandwiches.
‘I’ve suspected for a week, but I only did the test yesterday.’
‘And you never said anything?’
‘I didn’t want to get you all het up if it turned out to be nothing.’
‘Have you told Ben yet?’ Aoife asked.
‘No. It’s not really the sort of thing you can put in a text. I want to tell him in person if possible, so I’m waiting until he’s next in Dubin – as long as it’s fairly soon.’
‘Right,’ Mimi said, slapping the table decisively. ‘We’ve got lots to talk about. I’m going to ring Rocco.’ She pulled her phone out of her bag and stood.
‘Oh no,’ Sive gasped, ‘I don’t want to tell anyone else until I’ve told Ben. I think it’s only right that he should be the first to know.’
‘Or third,’ Mimi said, smiling wryly. ‘But I’m not ringing Rocco to tell him you’re pregnant, silly. I’m going to tell him I won’t be home for dinner. In fact, I’ll stay here for the night. We have far too much to discuss.’
‘Oh,’ Sive smiled, relieved, and glad that she’d have both her sisters with her tonight. It was exactly what she needed. She was feeling calmer about everything already, now that they knew.
‘And you won’t tell Jonathan either?’ she said to Aoife when Mimi had gone out of the room to call Rocco.
‘Of course not, if you don’t want me to.’
‘I wouldn’t even mind Rocco and Jonathan knowing, but then it’d be weird if Jonathan knew but couldn’t tell Sam. It doesn’t seem fair to Ben, for so many people to know before he does.’
‘It’s fine. It’ll be our secret.’
‘Right, that’s done. I’m all yours,’ Mimi said, coming back into the room. She sat down beside Sive. ‘So, how are you? How do you feel?’
‘Fine, so far. I mean, it’s early days, but I haven’t had any morning sickness or anything yet.’
‘That’s good. But I meant about the pregnancy in general. Have you decided what you want to do about it?’
‘I’m keeping it,’ Sive said. ‘Whether Ben wants to be involved or not.’
‘Well, congratulations then,’ Mimi said.
‘Yes, congratulations!’ Aoife gave her a wobbly smile and Sive could tell she was worried, her mind no doubt already racing with all the complications.
‘I’m really happy about it, Aoife. I mean, it’s not what I’d planned, but now that it’s happening, I’m glad. Honestly. It’s exciting!’
