She sat down, too. She didn’t know how she was going to do this, but she knew she didn’t want to do it alone. “I’m pregnant.”
Beth gasped. “You are? That’s wonderful. When did you find out? Why didn’t you tell me?”
Hannah flushed. “Because you think I’m terrible with children, and right now I don’t need another blow to my confidence.”
“I do not think that.” Beth looked horrified and then contrite. “This is because I overreacted about Ruby and the Santa thing? That is nothing to do with you, and everything to do with my neurotic nature. I’m sorry for being so irritable. Forgive me. How are you feeling?”
“I feel fine.” It felt strange to finally talk about it. “A little sick, but that might be psychological. A little tired, but that’s probably because I don’t sleep well.”
“Is Adam pleased?”
“He doesn’t know. I haven’t told him yet.” She waited for Beth to tell her all the reasons why she should do so immediately, but Beth didn’t.
Instead she nodded. “The tiredness could be because of the pregnancy. I remember when I was expecting Melly, I was exhausted from about seven weeks. And I was working then, of course, as you are. That makes it tougher. I used to fall asleep on the sofa every day when I got in from work. Jason used to have to wake me up to eat dinner. It was grim. Then it passed and I was really energetic for a few months, until right at the end.”
“I remember that.” Suzanne put mugs of tea in front of them. “You used to call me and talk about it.”
Hannah cupped her hands around the mug. “You think it will pass?”
“I’m sure it will. For me it was around thirteen weeks, I think.” Beth frowned. “Or maybe it was twelve. It’s hard to remember. I’m going to email you the details of my doctor, because she was brilliant. You don’t want them to do a ton of tests you don’t need.”
She hadn’t even got as far as thinking about doctors or tests.
She felt a little overwhelmed by how much she didn’t know, then realized that Beth seemed to know all of it.
“I’ll swap you career coaching for baby advice.”
Beth grinned. “Done.”
“Do you have books you can lend me?”
“Yes, but I’ve read them all and had two kids, so you can just ask me. The only thing I can’t help you with is how not to worry. You’re on your own with that. You’re going to be a brilliant mother, Hannah. There’s never been anything you’re not good at.”
“Climbing.” Hannah gave a faint smile. “I’m terrible at climbing.”
“Me, too.” Beth stole an olive from the bowl. “And it’s hell on the nails.”
Suzanne laughed. “It was the helmet you used to hate most. Made a mess of your hair.”
Beth stroked her smooth, silky hair. “It’s all about priorities. I like to look my best, and I don’t look my best when I’m hanging from a rock screaming with fear.” She leaned forward. “If you need company for your first appointment, call me. I’ll come with you.”
That offer melted the last of Hannah’s reserve.
Whatever had made her think she had to handle this alone?
Whatever happened with Adam, she had her sister. Both her sisters. She had her family.
“Thank you.”
“I should be the one thanking you! I can’t believe Ruby and Melly are going to have a cousin. And Jason will be a very engaged uncle, which should satisfy his need for another baby in the family. Hold that thought.” She glanced toward the door. “I hear the patter of not so tiny feet.”
Seconds later, Melly came into the room clutching Betsy, Beth’s ancient doll.
“I don’t like the wind, Grandma. Will the roof blow off? Will it be like the Wizard of Oz?”
“No, honey. Stay in the kitchen. It’s not as loud in here. Do you want to make pizza with us?”
Ruby trailed into the kitchen after her sister. “I want a cuddle.” But instead of going to Beth, she went to Hannah.