WHEN WE’RE SETTLEDin the back of the limo, I turn to Arthur. “So?”
He leans down and gives me a kiss on the forehead. “You were right. She’s the best one.”
“Thank you.”
“Wasn’t that something to hear our baby’s heartbeat? I mean, there’s arealbaby in there. Tiny, yes, but real.” He sighs happily. “Now, let’s get your blood work done and pick up your prescription so you can start to feel human again.”
“Yes, let’s. I can’t wait to feel better.”
“It cannot happen soon enough,” Arthur says.
I raise one eyebrow at him. “Oh, has this been very hard for you?”
Without noticing the look on my face, he answers, “Christ, yes. It’s been awful. I’ve barely had any sleep at all, what with the vomiting and lying awake waiting for you to vomit. It’s been...” his voice trails off when he finally glances at me, “...nothing compared to what you’ve been going through, obviously. That goes without saying. For me, it’s really only been difficult watching you go through all this and being powerless to fix it for you.”
“Right,” I deadpan.
“Oh, are we at the lab already?”
***
EMAIL FROM HAZEL NETTLEBOTTOM
RE: Congratulations
Dear Princess Tessa,
Just a quick note to wish you the best as you and Prince Arthur embark on the journey of a lifetime. I hope you’re feeling well now and that the rest of your pregnancy is smooth as silk.
Things are a little worse at the paper. Our circulation is down to 6,000, so our advertising revenue is down some as well. The team and I are working hard on trying to find ways to increase our online profile, as that’s where the ad dollars are these days.
But such is life—always a challenge to overcome. It’s half the excitement, really.
All the best,
Hazel
Email from Me to Hazel Nettlebottom
RE:RE: Congratulations
Dear Hazel,
Thank you so much for your kind words. I appreciate the encouragement. I have finally seen my obstetrician, who had a cure for my morning sickness in the form of tiny round pills I take each morning and evening. I’ll keep you and the team at The Weekly Observer in mind going forward and see if I can’t find ways to help in increasing your subscriber base.
Your friend,
Tess
