Epilogue

‘I seriously cannot get past you. You’re blocking the way.’ Bea stood in the doorway, her family crowded behind her. ‘You will have to move that enormous belly.’

Lexie laughed and stepped back, her hands draped protectively across her stomach in the age-old gesture of pregnant women everywhere.

‘Maybe you have to lose some weight, sister dear.’

‘Did you hear what she said to me?’ Bea turned to Charlie, her husband, bright with indignation.

‘Hi, Lexie,’ said Charlie, ignoring Bea. ‘Pregnancy suits you.’

‘Thank you, Charlie. You are welcome in this house.’

She kissed her niece and nephew as they sidled past her before thundering down the hallway to their bedroom.

‘Where’s the father-to-be?’ asked Charlie.

‘Out on the back veranda with a cold beer.’ She gave Charlie a little push. ‘Go on, Bea can unpack.’ Charlie didn’t need asking twice.

‘I don’t know why I bother with you,’ Bea huffed. ‘I’m accusing you of an open grab for the limelight. First widowhood, then getting married, now pregnant. It’s appalling at your age.’

Lexie laughed, and pain shot across her stomach. She rubbed the spot, playing it cool. ‘You’re jealous because you’ve reached middle age and can’t conceal your natural boringness.’

‘Of course I can, it’s like covering up grey hair only you do it with something sparkly.’ She held up her hand to reveal an enormous diamond ring Charlie had given her for Christmas.

‘Just proves my point—you’re competing again.’ Lexie shut the front door and followed Bea inside.

‘You might be the oldest, but I did everything before you. Got married, had kids, bought a house …’

‘Got Botox.’

‘I’m treating that with the contempt it deserves.’ Bea sniffed. ‘My point is, I win.’

Lexie hugged her sister awkwardly, her belly getting in the way. ‘I’m glad you’re here.’

‘Me too.’

‘I’ll go make you a drink while you unpack.’

Lexie shuffled to the kitchen and another stab of pain robbed her of breath. She braced herself on the kitchen bench until it passed. The oven stated that the turkey still had another hour and a half to cook. It would be very inconvenient to go into labour before Christmas lunch. It was probably nothing. Maybe just some Braxton Hicks contractions or something.

She checked the roast and made the kids and herself a drink. Geoff was in charge of the grown-up drinks and she could see Bea through the kitchen window accepting a chilled white wine. Her family had embraced Geoff with open arms, as if he’d always been one of them.

Up until now, Lexie hadn’t realised a person could be this happy. She rubbed her belly, feeling tiny feet pressing against her hand. Her little boy was engaged and ready to go. Any day now, the doctor said. She couldn’t wait to hold him in her arms and argue with Geoff about names.

She managed to get the tray of drinks out to the veranda before another wave of pain hit her.

‘Bea,’ she said in the calmest voice she could muster. ‘Do you think you could drive me to the hospital when it’s time?’

‘I’m happy to, although I’ve no idea how that would work as I’m hours away. Wouldn’t it be better if Geoff took you?’ She looked from Lexie to Geoff, confusion on her face.

‘Geoff has been drinking,’ said Lexie, digging her fingernails into the doorframe as another contraction washed over her.

Bea turned to Geoff, shock all over her face. ‘You’re an alcoholic?’

‘What? No. I can drive you, honey.’

‘No, you can’t,’ Lexie muttered between clenched teeth. ‘Drinking.’

‘You are an alcoholic,’ cried Bea. ‘I knew you were too good to be true.’

‘What on earth are you talking about?’ Geoff shook his head.

‘I told you Bea’s bonkers,’ said Lexie. ‘Now please get the keys to the car.’

Charlie, Bea and Geoff all froze for a microsecond, then all hell broke loose with each one of them running off in a different direction, shouting.

‘I’ll get the keys.’

‘Where’s her bag? You do have one packed, don’t you?’

‘I’ll get the towels.’

‘We don’t need any bloody towels, Charlie. You get the kids.’

‘I can’t find the damn keys.’

Lexie calmly walked through the kitchen, grabbing the car keys from the fruit bowl where they’d been dropped, and made her way to the front door.

She walked down the steps to the car, unlocked the door and pressed the horn.

In seconds, her family came tumbling out the front door.

‘Why didn’t you tell us you had the keys?’ Bea grabbed them. ‘Why don’t we go in my car? Much more comfortable.’

‘No, I want to go in my car if you don’t mind.’ Lexie doubled over.

‘Good idea. I don’t want your waters to break all over my upholstery.’

‘They’re coming closer together,’ Lexie gasped.

‘Get in the car.’

‘I’ll get in the back with Lexie,’ said Geoff.

‘We won’t all fit,’ said Charlie. ‘What about the kids?’

‘Put them in the boot,’ said Bea. ‘Tie them to the roof rack.’

‘I’ll follow behind in our car,’ said Charlie.

‘Good man,’ yelled Bea as she spun the wheels, sending gravel flying in all directions. ‘Last one to the hospital gets the afterbirth.’

‘BEA!’ Geoff and Lexie chorused together as they began their biggest and best adventure yet.