Getting up from her desk, she led Elle over to the couch and said, “Spill. Is everything okay with you and Jim?”
“As good as it can be, considering. I’m pregnant, Sara.”
Elle watched Sara’s eyes grow wide as her mouth fell open. A moment later, she said, “Holy shit, Elle.”
“It’s way too early for this but we’re going to have the baby. Well, I’m going to have it. Jim is going to be a part of the process though.”
“Wow,” Sara said. Her eyes lighting up, she said, “Holy shit. I’m going to be an Auntie!”
Elle felt her lips twitch and said, “This is going to change the scope of my duties here. I’m really sorry to just drop this on you. It was a shock to both of us too, though.”
“I’ll bet it was a shock,” Sara said. “Don’t worry about anything, honey. We’ll make the changes that need to be made. We’ll make it all work. We always do.”
On a deep sigh of relief, Elle said, “Thank you.”
Sara reached forward, hugging her and said, “You’re going to be a terrific mom. I think Jim will be a good dad, too. The timing may be off, but I don’t think the combination is. It may be scary now, but I think this will be fantastic.”
“Really?” Elle asked, quietly. “Do you think so?”
Squeezing her tightly, Sara said, “I know so.”
“You know just what I needed to hear. Thank you.”
Snorting, she asked, “When do you plan on telling Earl and Irene?”
Putting a hand over her stomach, she said, “Maybe I’ll drive up there this weekend. I may tell them over the phone first so they can cool off. Mom will be thrilled. Dad will be pissed and demanding we get married.”
Curious
ly, Sara asked, “Have you discussed that at all?”
“We did. Neither of us want to do that strictly for the baby. We’re going to see what happens between us.”
“Sounds wise. Can I tell people? Or am I sworn to secrecy?”
“Secrecy, please. I’m sure Jim will want to talk to Chris and Deacon. We hadn’t discussed telling people but I assume it will need to happen now for logistical reasons,” Elle said.
Moaning, Sara said, “Fine. Crap. I wanted to tell everyone. I guess that should be your news anyway.”
Elle laughed at Sara’s pouty face and said, “Thank you. You’re probably right.”
“Okay. Go home. You’ve got a shit ton to discuss with Jim. Holy shit. You’re gonna be a mom!”
“Thanks. I’ll be in tomorrow and we can talk about the work stuff. I’m a little blown away now.”
Sara said, “I get that. Completely. Go home. We can talk about this tomorrow.”
Giving her one last squeeze, Elle said, “Agreed. Thank you. I really needed that.”
“Anytime.”
Elle left the office and headed out to her car. She toyed with the idea of going over to Jim’s house now, but decided against it. He may have gone back to work. On a sigh, she headed home. She’d have to call and see where he was.
When she pulled into the drive, she was mildly surprised to see that Jim waited for her. Parking, she grabbed her purse and vitamins, then moved to the porch where he sat on the bench.
“I was starting to worry,” Jim said.
“I stopped by the office to talk to Sara. I didn’t realize you were coming over or I wouldn’t have done that.”