Accidental Pregnancy

A large grin spreads across my face. Yes!

“No worries,” I beam.

He hesitates and then leans in to press a quick kiss to my forehead.

“Regardless of anything else…I am proud of you,” he murmurs. He straightens and clears his throat, uncomfortable. “Next week, invite Lyle around for dinner and introduce him properly.” His smile turns wry. “Tell him no shop talk at the table.”

“Thanks, Dad,” I say.

I show him out and, when he’s gone, I lean against the door, grinning wildly. I have Lyle, my father isn’t canceling the deal and, apparently, I’ve been a top contender for succession without realizing it. Things are almost perfect.

I lower my hand to my stomach and smile.

Now all we have to do is wait for this little one.

Epilogue

Lyle

“Lyle.”

I look up at the sound of Amanda’s strained voice. She’s sitting, curled up in bed, a book on her lap. Her stomach is round and full, and I resist the urge to cross the room to press my hand to it, as I have done often. Feeling the baby kick brings me great joy.

“Yeah?” I ask.

She gives me a smile that shakes at the edges.

“I think my waters just broke.”

I stare at her. It takes a moment for those words to penetrate. When they do, panic explodes.

“Shit!” I say, surging to my feet. “Where’s your bag?”

“Cupboard,” she says, pointing. She winces. “On the left.”

“Right.”

I dial Ewan as I go. He picks up quickly; he’s been on constant standby for the last two weeks.

“Sir?” he asks.

“Ewan, bring the car as quickly as you can, we need to go to the hospital,” I say.

“I’m nearby, I’ll be right there!”

He hangs up without a farewell. I’m not insulted; I’d much prefer he move quickly. I find the bag in the cupboard and hook it over my arm.

“Alright, Ewan is on his way with the car,” I say. “Have you had any contractions yet?”

“One,” Amanda huffs as I help her to her feet. “Shit, I’m going to be glad when this baby comes out. Why couldn’t it have come last week, when it was due?”

“Obviously it wasn’t ready,” I say, trying not to smile; Amanda has been very unhappy about the baby being so late.

She groans anyway and huffs at me.

“Yeah, yeah,” she says. “Come on, let’s go. Are you letting them know that we’re on our way?”

“I’ll call as soon as we get in the car,” I promise.