A worrisome knot, like a mini-tornado, starts to form in my chest. Theo had sounded upset. He said there’s some things we need to discuss later. Her picture’s back and he doesn’t want more kids. I dart into his bathroom to throw up.
∞∞∞
Margaret is at the house taking care of Jill, Ryder’s been delivered to school and I’m sitting in the waiting room at the OB/GYN surrounded by pregnant ladies while mulling over the conversation I had with Alex Carter outside the school a short while ago.
“Have you considered the position some more?”
“Honestly, no. I’m sorry. The weekend got busy but I’ll…”
“Mr. Wolfe seemed supportive of you taking the position.”
“Supportive? You told him about it?”
I’d forgotten the offer he’d made me Thursday night. I was excited by it initially but so much has been on my mind since then and none of it related to taking the months-long substitute post.
But Theo knows about it and was supportive? Does hewantme to take it? He pays me very well to be there for Ryder and Jill. If I was teaching, what would we do on a day like this when one of the children is sick?
“Quinn?” the nurse calls from the doorway.
I raise my hand and move to follow her. One thing at a time.
I’d imagined getting a blood test. They do take my blood but, since my periods have a history of being erratic and I can’t nail down the date of the last one, my doctor opts to do an ultrasound, too. There’s zero doubt now.
“There’s your baby and that’s the heartbeat. Looks like you’re about nine weeks along. I’ll do some measurements.”
The rapid whooshing sound of my baby’s beating heart coming through the machine fills me with a sense of purpose I’ve never known. This tiny little blob, the size of a cherry, will grow into my child over the next several months. That little heartbeat will be the center of my world.Along with your father and half-siblings.
Everything has changed. It feels so real to me. And, there’s someone I want to share this news with more than anything. Right now.
I send him a text as soon as I leave the doctor.Did the board meeting go alright? Can I call you?
He doesn’t reply until I’ve made it home. I’m standing in his office, looking at Kathy’s bridal photograph on his desk. He’s not been working here lately but her picture was back by his bed and this one is still here. I shouldn’t resent photographs. God, I’m a mess.
Theo:Confirmed as CEO. Memphis is a disaster. I may be flying down. I’m coming home early today. We can talk then. How’s Jill?
I look for news about Memphis online. Holy shit, it’s bad and, if any of Wolfe Media’s employees were directly affected, I know Theo will feel it’s his duty to go down there personally and offer what support and aid he can.
Quinn: OK, I’ll see you later.I just got home so I’ll send an update about Jill in a sec.
Maybe it’s not the best time to tell him he’s going to be a father again but I suppose my mom’s old saying about making plans with growing children applies here, too. Sometimes, you’ve just got to go with the flow.
“Quinn?”
I look up to find Margaret standing in the doorway of Theo’s office. “Hey, how’s Jill? Thank you again for coming over on such short notice. I hope Mr. Wolfe is alright.”
“Michael’s fine. Probably glad to have a short break from my smothering, as he calls it. Jill felt like having some soup so she’s in the kitchen with Maria.”
“I’ll go join her. I need some lunch myself.”Since I couldn’t manage breakfast earlier. Plus, my heart is suddenly aching to see her. I love the baby growing inside of me already but it doesn’t change the fact I love these kids so much.
Margaret stops me before I can get past her. “Quinn?” she says, an uncertain smirk playing at her mouth. “Are you feeling alright, dear? Jill’s sick and you said you needed to go to the doctor.”
“Oh no, I’m not sick. It was a planned visit.”
“But you look pale. And yet…” Her intelligent eyes narrow slightly and the smirk becomes a grin. Theo’s said more than once his mother is scarily intuitive at times.“Quinn?”
The question isn’t even fully formed but it’s clear as day. My heart pounds, adrenaline rushing through me. I want to tell her. Margaret’s always been so kind. But I can’t tell her first. Theo should know first.You’ve already told Isa.
“I’m… I need to talk to Theo,” I say sheepishly, knowing I’m not a bit pale by the time the sentence is out. My face must be on fire. She’s his mother and I’m basically admitting I’ve been sleeping with her son, that he’s knocked me up.