“Okay. Why don’t I get you in for an ultrasound while you’re here? We can check everything’s okay and you will just about be able to see your baby, maybe even hear the heartbeat. I’ll go get that set up, but I’m definitely going to get you on that drip. I take it that was morning sickness?”
“Third day of it.”
The nurse nodded. “I have three. Had it all the way through the first trimester then it magically went away and I loved the rest of each pregnancy. Let me sort this cannula.”
Scott looked away as the large needle was inserted. He wasn’t a needle guy, but he had a feeling he was going to have to get a bit more used to them. Children had injections. Children got bumps and illnesses and sometimes went to hospital. Any child of his was probably going to be a hellion who would be on roofs like Rayah and toppling off bikes like Keren.
Any child of his.
He was going to be a dad.
Someone was going to call him daddy.
Holy fuck.
Now he was going to be sick. Could morning sickness happen to men too?
“Are you okay?”
He realised the words were being directed at him.
“Scott, are you all right? I know this is a bit of a shock and I’m so sorry…”
He kept his hand on her belly as she moved. The belly that in a few months would be round and big with their baby.
“I’m going to give you a few minutes alone while I find the doctor and get an ultrasound booked. Just buzz if there’s an emergency.” The nurse gave them a very sweet smile and left the room, closing the door firmly behind her.
“Is this what you needed to talk to me about?” He managed to get the words out.
She nodded. “I found out last week. I had to get my head round the possible scenarios. And every potential thing you might say.”
He nodded, his hand still on her belly. “I’m going to be a dad?”
She smiled and put her hand on top of his. “You’re going to be a dad. I’m sorry…”
“What the hell are you sorry for?” He wasn’t having her apologising. Clearly, something had gone awry with contraception. Clearly, they were both pretty fertile.
“That I said I was covered for this not happening. I didn’t do this on purpose… I thought my implant was good for another few months. I swear I didn’t get pregnant on purpose…” She had started to cry.
“Don’t,” he pulled her closer, mindful of the drip in her arm. “Never ever apologise for having our baby. I love kids, I’ve always wanted them. I’m thirty-fucking-five so I’m pretty much a responsible adult…”
“You don’t have to sell yourself. I was just worried you’d think I’d done it on purpose because you knew I wanted a family.”
Scott shook his head. “Baby, I don’t think you’re the type to do that. You wouldn’t jeopardise your child having parents at war.”
“How are you so calm? I didn’t know how you’d take the news. I have no idea what to do. I’m pregnant, effectively homeless, in a very new relationship. Holy fuck, Scott, how am I going to do this?” Fresh tears were in her eyes. “I should be asking about my neighbour. I don’t even know if she made it out. And next door to her – the Hillmans – are they okay?”
“Listen. Let’s deal with one thing at a time. Scan first, see our baby. Then back to mine. You can stay there until we figure what to do.” He knew what they would be doing if he had his way. But he was well aware of Keren’s nature and she was no walkover.
“I can stay with Rayah. Or even take a room at Sorrell’s. We’ve only just started seeing each other – I can’t expect you to… and it’s so soon.” She was relaxing a little more now, her breathing more even.
There was no way he was having her stay anywhere other than with him. He had a spare room which was small, but he could move into that if she wanted some space.
“It is soon. I get that. And under different circumstances we wouldn’t be considering living together at this point. But you’ve lost your house and you’re pregnant with our baby. I would feel better if I could be around to help you with morning sickness and look after you. And if I let you stay anywhere else, it’s going to look shit when people find out you’re pregnant. Not that I care about what people say; but I do know that people here have long memories and our baby will hear all about our history when they’re old enough. You’d also end up murdering Rayah if you lived with her.” He managed to put forward what he thought was a logical argument rather than simply reverting to caveman mode.
“That’s a very good point. I also get why you want me there. And the morning sickness has been hitting me at five every morning. You might want to buy ear plugs so I don’t wake you up spewing my intestines.” She sounded so fucking guilty it was punching him in the gut harder than anything Jake had done the day before.
“Keren, it takes two to make a baby. It isn’t fair that you have to be the one to suffer. Let me do my part; you’d be doing me a favour.” He kissed the side of her neck as the door opened and the nurse returned.
