39
Flora had woken again with the same sickly feeling. It rose gradually up her throat and she only just managed to make it into the bathroom in time. After vomiting, she splashed her face with cold water. Her reflection in the mirror told her how white she was. She was glad Dylan hadn’t been there to witness her morning sickness.
A whole week had passed since she had bought the pregnancy testing kit. After opening it with shaking hands, Flora had read the instructions, but had put off actually following them. She was scared. A baby hadn’t really figured in her plans at the moment, what with only being twenty-one and having a busy career running the training yard. Yet, the more she contemplated the idea, the more Flora warmed to it. She had tried to imagine what sex it would be, how it would look and what it would be called. Part of her was desperate to do the pregnancy test and know for certain, another part of her wanted oblivion, not to have to deal with it all.
Then there was Dylan to consider. How would he react? Flora knew he had loosely tiptoed around the subject, but she’d never taken him seriously, especially when the yard took up most of their time. Then another thought occurred to Flora – racing. She knew she wouldn’t be in condition to race Phoenix over the jumps if she was carrying a child. Even she conceded that would be irresponsible of her.
There was so much to contemplate, Flora was beginning to feel overwhelmed. Deciding once and for all to know for definite, she took the kit hidden in her make-up bag from the bathroom cabinet and followed the instructions. She sat patiently on the side of the bath and waited for the white stick to tell her what her future held. Again, she was relieved that Dylan had got up early to meet a prospective client at the yard. She needed time out – alone – to think.
After what seemed an eternity, she took hold of the white stick. A clear blue line stared back at her. Flora blinked and reopened her eyes. It was still there. She was pregnant. Confirming what she already knew deep down, Flora put the stick back in her make-up bag and decided to take a warm, relaxing bath. It didn’t matter if she was late getting into work; she just needed time to adjust.
Flora let her body unwind and took long, deep breaths. Her thoughts were sprinting, but inside a sense of reassurance filled her. Getting used to the fact she was pregnant, she found herself making life adjustments in her mind. Obviously racing was out, most probably riding too. She would have to be extra careful in the yard and not lift anything too heavy. Then there was childcare to consider. Flora didn’t want to be totally away from the yard, yet didn’t like the thought of handing her baby over to a minder either.
Her head spun. She needed to tell Dylan – this wasn’t just her problem – then she quickly reprimanded herself. It wasn’t a problem, she thought with a tinge of guilt, it was just unexpected.
Dylan had had a busy morning. After meeting an owner who was more than impressed with his yard, he had secured another client, taking it to full capacity. He’d need more staff, he thought, and would ask Flora to advertise. Then realising the time, wondered where she was. Flora wasn’t normally late. He was about to ring her mobile when she walked into the office.
‘Hi.’ She smiled.
‘Hello, you, I was just about to ring you. Everything OK?’
How to answer that? mused Flora. “Perfectly fine, by the way we’re having a baby.” Probably not. She almost laughed to herself.
Dylan saw her lips twitch and frowned.
‘Yes, fine.’ She smiled again.
Dylan, sensing now was perhaps the opportunity to revert to his plans of wining and dining Flora, seized the moment. ‘Let’s go out tonight. Fancy Angelo’s?’
Flora nodded her head. ‘Yes, let’s.’
*
Dylan and Flora found themselves seated in a romantic, secluded area at a candlelit table for two. Flora said no to the wine and opted for a mineral water instead, which had surprised Dylan slightly. After enjoying a beautifully cooked dinner and chatting over coffee, Dylan decided to make his move.
‘Flora.’ He took her hand over the table and held it. ‘I’ve been thinking.’ He looked lovingly into her eyes. ‘Do you think…’ He paused, wanting to get this right. ‘I really want to…’ then he stalled again.
‘Want to what?’ asked Flora, beginning to suspect where this was heading and smiling at the irony.
‘To…’
‘Start a family?’ Flora supplied.
Dylan looked a tad shocked. ‘Yes,’ he confirmed.
‘That’s handy then.’ She grinned, loving the confusion in his face.
‘Sorry?’ Had he heard her right?
‘Dylan, I’m pregnant.’
He stared at her for a moment then his face broke into a huge beam.
‘Flora, that’s wonderful!’ He leant across the table and kissed her hard, making her laugh, partly with relief. Then his face sobered. ‘I want to do this properly – let’s get married.’
‘Oh… but my parents are still away…’ Her face fell at the thought of a wedding without them.
‘Where are they now?’
