Telling Jake about the baby was a no-brainer. He was going to find out soon and he was going to be hurt that they hadn’t told him. The longer they left it, the bigger the rift that would grow between him and Scott and their family didn’t need that.
“I need to tell you something.” A raven landed nearby, pecking at the grass while eyeing them curiously. She often wondered what thoughts – if any – passed through the minds of Severton’s wildlife. Given what they saw they must think the human race a strange one.
“Am I going to like it?” He sounded genuinely concerned.
She wasn’t sure. “I think so. But I don’t think it’ll be a clear as just one reaction.”
“Then tell me.”
She turned, angling herself so she could watch his face.
“I’m pregnant. Me and Scott are having a baby.”
A slow smile grew, the dimple that was usually in permanent residency finally appearing.
“That’s really, really nice news. And I mean that. I thought there was something different.”
“How?” She’d never thought Jake was that perceptive.
“You keep touching your stomach. And smiling. Plus, Scott is really, seriously watching you. Not in a creepy way, but he looks… proud.”
Keren laughed. “Because his swimmers hit the target on pretty much the first go.”
“Did you plan it?”
“No. Accident due to my irresponsibility at ensuring my contraception was up to date. And the result will be with us in just over six months’ time. Luckily, Scott found the scenario a happy one rather than being mad at me for not making sure we could maybe have had a few more child-free months together and the opportunity to break up and never see each other again, but Beanie here means we’ve got another eighteen plus years of being civil.” She put both hands on her stomach. It wasn’t as flat as it had been, although no one else would notice the difference. She was looking forward to having a bump and seeing being pregnant, not just feeling it.
“I’m pretty sure he was thrilled. Scott loves kids.” Jake was smiling genuinely now. “And I’m sure he’ll be a great dad and partner for you. Are you just going to share bringing the baby up, or is it going to be a proper relationship? That sounds a really girly thing to ask.” He laughed at himself.
Keren grinned. “I think it’s going to be more of a relationship but we’ll see how it goes. We can be civil now anyway. Which is good for everyone.”
“Yeah. I suppose it is. Congratulations. And I really mean that. The first baby in the family.” His smile became broad. “I guess it had to be you. You were always pretty much a Maynard.”
“I’m glad you’re happy about it.”
“Yeah. I am. Come here.” He opened his arms and embraced her in a big bear hug, just like the ones they’d shared all through their lives so far. She felt nothing, except friendship and warmth for a man who had been her friend and confidante.
When they separated, she saw Scott, standing a distance away, looking at them both. His face was creased with pain, but no anger, and she understood then exactly what she meant to him, although this was not the way she wanted to see it.
“Scott,” her voice rang clear across the breezeless air. She stood up and walked over to him as he made no attempt to head to her. “I told Jake our news.”
Scott pushed his hands deeper into his pockets, his eyes on Jake not her.
“Come speak to him.” She held out her hand. “Please.”
He took her hand in his briefly and then wrapped his arm around her waist.
“Congratulations.” Jake stood up and offered his hand.
Keren turned her head, wanting to read Scott’s expression, unsure whether he was going to act his age and move on.
“Thank you.” He took Jake’s hand and shook it. “I still need more time.”
Jake looked hurt and then angry. “For fuck’s sake, Scott, I’m not going to put any moves on Keren and I’m sorry I fucked you over. I’m really happy that this has happened and that you’ve got this chance. But if you can’t move on from it, I’m not going to hang around feeling guilty.” He started to walk away. “If you need me, Keren, I’m there for you whenever. Just don’t tell me if he’s ever the nob he’s being right now, because I can’t promise I won’t do something stupid.” He walked off.
Keren looked at Scott. “I get that you’re not feeling it, but sometimes it isn’t all about you.”
Scott stayed stone still. “I know. But right now, I can’t do it. I’ll get there.”
