“What time is it?” she croaks, her voice full of sleep.
“Ten-thirty. I’ve brought you some breakfast to keep your energy up.”
She pushes herself to sit, immediately grimacing like she’s in pain.
“We really need to get you checked over. This can’t be normal.”
She waves her hand as if I’m overreacting. “I’ve done some research. Braxton Hicks are normal at this stage.”
I rest the tray on the bed. “I brought your favourite—pancakes with fresh fruit.”
She inhales, closing her eyes. “Oh my god.” She hums in approval. “Since when does this club ever stock fresh fruit?” she asks, laughing.
I sit on the bed beside her. “I popped out to the shop early this morning to get it.”
She arches a brow whilst digging her fork into a fresh strawberry. After a beat, she asks, “Can I help you?”
I hesitate. “I was listening to you with Marissa last night.”
She reaches for the orange juice and takes a swig. “And?”
“Well, it got me thinking. You were so good with her. In fact, you’re great with all the women that turn up here. And, well, maybe after you’ve had the baby, you can do something for yourself?”
Her brows knit together thoughtfully as she forks another strawberry into her mouth. And suddenly, my idea feels stupid.
“Your entire life has been about the club and me. When people are in crisis, you really shine, so maybe you could get a career in counselling or just helping others?”
She looks down at her stomach, shrugging. “I think I’ll be a little busy for the next eighteen years.” She laughs.
“Just because we have a baby doesn’t mean you can’t have a life outside of being a mum. I’ll step up, I swear. I’ll be the father you both need.”
Her eyes soften, and she smiles. “Maybe, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. When she’s here, I might want to spend every moment with her. Who knows?”
I nod, getting to my feet. “Enjoy your breakfast. I’ve got some errands to run, but I’ll be back to check on you later.”
Red marches around the store in delight, throwing things into the trolley. Things I didn’t even know we needed for a baby. When I’d mentioned I might need her help to get everything, she jumped at the chance.
I decided to stock up on equipment and also to decorate the baby’s bedroom. That way, Hell can take it easy and stop stressing. Quite honestly, it’s the least I can do.
“Do we really need all this?” I ask again, taking a box from her and scanning it.
Breast pump.I wince, cos clearly that’s needed. Red takes it from me and drops it in the trolley.
“Do you want my expert advice or not?” she asks indignantly.
“Clearly, I need it,” I mutter.
Red picks up a striped blanket, and I feel it. It’s soft, and I smile as I imagine it wrapped around my little girl.
“This was the exact one she wanted too,” she says, more to herself than me, then she looks across at the next shelf. “Ooooh.” She squeals in delight, darting towards it.
I watch in amusement as she runs her hand along the edge of the Moses basket. She rubs the silk between her fingers, glancing back at me. “She will love this.”
“Then that’s what we get, Red. There’s no limit. Anything she needs or you think she’ll love, get it.”
I push the trolley along a little further to where there is a selection of baby toys, when my eyes land up on a perfect cot mobile to place above her crib. It’s got a selection of bees and daisies dangling, all handmade. I press the button, and a lullaby plays gently.
I’m overcome with emotion as I place it in the trolley and scan my eyes over everything. It’s hard to believe we’ll soon have a little baby who’ll fit in the tiny clothes we’ve picked. Everything has changed so much in the last few months.
