I also hope that Hetti brings you pleasure. She’s small enough for you to take to work, so I hope you’re not cursing me for such a random gift that holds so much responsibility. My assistant got her jabbed and chipped to this address, so you don’t have that worry.
I will see you again, but I just wanted to get down all of this on paper as you know how bad I am at coming out with original lines on the spot.:)
‘On that note, you really do make me want to be a better man, Grace. And for that I will always truly be grateful.’
I hope you find your peace and happiness. You truly deserve to.
Lots of love to you, you beautiful, natural woman.
Leo X
Gracie sat in silence for a second. She could feel the tiny heartbeat of the little puppy pumping fast against her chest and found it strangely comforting.
Deep down she always knew that Leo Grant would never love her like she wanted to be loved. But she hadn’t regretted a single moment of her time with him. He had made her feel like a million dollars.
She had always believed that people came into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. And the reason for meeting Leo was to boost her self-confidence. He had done that in spades and for thatshewould be eternally grateful.
‘Hello, little lady… I’m your new mummy.’ With tears in her eyes, Gracie gently held Hetti in her right hand. ‘We’d best get you settled in, hadn’t we?’
SEVENTY-EIGHT
Gracie was just finishing up putting chairs into a circle in the event hut when Kate turned up. She was glowing and now had a visible baby bump.
‘This looks very organised.’ Kate went to the kitchen and put the kettle on.
‘Yes, I’m doing an open forum today. Thought I’d let people tell their individual stories. Hopefully women will learn from sharing each other’s experiences. If they don’t want to talk, they can just listen.’
‘That’s a great idea, Gracie.’
‘How are you feeling now? You were a bit ropey last time I saw you.’
‘Fantastic now I’ve stopped throwing up. The twenty-week scan was all fine. I’m having a boy.’
‘How lovely, one of each.’ Gracie said, and meant it.
Kate did a little dance on the spot. ‘Yes, I’m getting excited now.’
The first of the Miscarriage Matters ladies started filing in and Gracie chatted to her to see if she was happy with the day’s planned activity.
Within half an hour all the seats bar one were full and Gracie cleared her throat to introduce the session.
‘It has been a pleasure to meet you all this year and I love to see new faces coming through the door every week. It has also been my privilege to impart my little bit of knowledge after what I have been through personally. I now have a true insight, not only into the strength of sisterhood, but it has also made me realise exactly what motherhood really means. Motherhood is not just a title; it is a force, a calling, a bond that goes beyond biology and beyond boundaries. So tonight, we celebrate every woman who has ever mothered, whether by blood, by adoption, by circumstance, or simply by the power of their presence.’
A ripple of applause went around the room. Gracie flushed.
Renee was the first to speak. ‘Hi, I’m Renee. I’ve just been through my final unsuccessful bout of IVF.’ There was a sad murmur from the group. ‘Final – because after numerous attempts, I’ve made the decision that I can’t put myself through any more heartache. And I wanted to say that thanks to having a very candid chat with this wonderful woman’ – she nodded and smiled towards Gracie – ‘the decision was made much easier for me. I am now looking to go through the process of adoption.’
Gracie stood up. ‘Renee, what a brave lady you are and thank you for sharing. I’m so glad you have come to a decision. It takes a while to make one, but when you’ve done it – you must feel so much better.’ Renee nodded as Gracie continued.
‘So, it’s Briony, isn’t it? How about you?’
The pretty twentysomething blonde nodded, then spoke quietly. ‘I feel almost guilty being here as I want to share the news that after five miscarriages, I am now three months pregnant.’
Everybody clapped, allowing a tall figure quietly to enter the hut and sit at the back of the room unnoticed.
Briony went on. ‘I wanted to come today, not to tell everyone that I’m pregnant but to share that without the support of everyone here, I couldn’t have got through the dark times. Gracie, you’re an inspiration. For someone to have suffered so much loss yourself and be able to impart the care and compassion that you do, well… well… I think you’re amazing.’
Renee shouted out, ‘Hear, hear!’
