September, 2013
There was just one more hurdle. Ethan’s children.
Lauren was sure Elise would be wonderful, as always. Bethany was the one who could overreact at the news of the impending birth. You could never tell which way she would go.
Ethan tried to reassure Lauren. “Whatever happens, I don’t care. You and the baby are what's important now. Not little madam with her attitude.”
She smiled. As much as it pained her that there was that strain on Ethan’s relationship with his daughter, Bethany did herself no favours with the way she acted at times. She was selfish, only caring about anything that impacted her, and that included any changes in her father’s life.
They had seen each other throughout the months that Lauren and Ethan had been living together, and when Bethany wasn’t ignoring Lauren, she got her name wrong.
It upset Ethan, and she knew he had spoken to his daughter on more than one occasion about it. Rather than backing down, Bethany had kept away as much as possible, which hurt Ethan even more as he didn’t get to see his grandchildren. At times it felt like a no-win situation, with no one knowing how to deal with it.
Ethan was defiant, sticking to his guns, though, and Lauren adored him for it. After everything, there was no way he was giving her up and she would have done anything to keep him happy.
He had made arrangements for Bethany and Elise to come over the following day. Rather than telling them individually, his plan was for them to all gather together, minimising any impact a petulant Bethany might have. Lauren was still nervous.
For the first time in so long, she dreamed the dream of falling. Fear took hold as she tried to grab at whatever she could, only to fail as the building she'd fallen from was just out of reach. This wasn’t fair; it had been gone for so long. Her stable life with Ethan had taken away the dream. What could have caused it to return?
She opened her mouth to scream before feeling herself land. Looking around, confused, she realised she was in his arms, his grin lighting up the darkness.
“Did you really think I was going to let you fall?” Ethan asked.
“I … I didn’t know.”
He kissed her softly, lovingly.
She rolled over, opening her eyes. Ethan was fast asleep, his arm draped over her, protectively. Lauren smiled, stroking his face in the half-light, kissing his nose before snuggling up to him. Of course he would never let anything bad happen to her.
The nerves about the day ahead were still there, but she had butterflies now instead of the ache that had previously engulfed her.
Lauren took a deep breath, closing her eyes to sleep again. He was right. Whatever happened, it didn’t matter. Her life would still be as wonderful as it had been the past few months. They were together, and that was the important thing.
“I had an idea last night,” Ethan said at breakfast.
“What idea was that?” she asked.
“A change in venue for today’s announcement. Kill two birds, maybe more, with one stone.” He grinned, and she shook her head, rolling her eyes.
“What are you up to?”
“Let’s tell Mum at the same time. If we tell the girls to meet us at the home, Bethany will be less likely to kick up a stink. There will be an audience there.”
Lauren gaped. “That is brilliant, and awful. How embarrassing would it be for your mother if Bethany did misbehave?”
Ethan shrugged. “It’s a risk I’m willing to take. Besides, it makes sense to tell Mum at the same time. We’ve waited long enough to tell anyone other than Cassie and Patrick.”
She nodded. “I know. At least now I’m far enough along that it’s safe to tell everyone. If you can organise it, I say go for it.”
Ethan jumped up from the table, kissing her on the top of her head.
“I’ll go and sort it out now. We’ll do it this afternoon after Mum has had her nap.”
Bethany and Elise’s cars were parked outside the home when they pulled up. Ethan hadn’t told them much, just that it was important that they be there. He’d hoped their curiosity would ensure their presence.
Lauren’s stomach churned as they walked towards the building. Ellen was tucked in a corner of the communal lounge, and when Lauren saw her she wished more than anything they had done this in the privacy of her room. Although, the lounge did work better for Ethan’s plan.
“Ethan, Lauren.” Ellen smiled, holding her arms out for them to hug her. They moved towards her, Lauren closing her eyes while embracing the old woman. She loved being welcomed by Ellen; Ellen was always so happy to see them.
Bethany glared at Lauren. “She didn’t remember my name. How come she remembers Laura?”
“You can’t even get Lauren’s name right,” said Elise. “At least Grandma remembers it.”
Lauren glanced at Matt. He sat on the floor nearby with his children, and she caught him rolling his eyes at Bethany’s words. He grinned, making it clear he didn’t have the same problem with her that his wife did.
Ethan fetched a chair for Lauren to sit in, standing behind her with his hands on her shoulders to show his support. The big moment was coming.
“So, why did you get us all together?” asked Bethany.
“Lauren and I have some, well, pretty amazing news.”
Bethany’s face fell. “Like what?”
Lauren felt him squeeze her shoulders. “Lauren and I are having a baby.”
Elise squealed, leaping out of her chair to hug Lauren. Over Elise’s shoulder, Lauren saw Bethany frown before turning her head, hiding her expression.
“Congratulations.” Ellen said warmly, as Elise let go of Lauren. She reached for Ethan’s hand, and he bent to kiss her cheek.
“Thanks, Mum.”
“Lauren, you must be so happy,” Ellen said.
She nodded. “In shock still, but we’re both very happy about it.”
Ellen’s eyes twinkled, the smile on her face infectious. “I think it’s wonderful. You two are so settled, this will turn things upside down for a while. But, I’m sure you’re both up for the challenge.”
Ethan laughed. “We’re ready. I don’t think anything could beat us; could it, Lauren?”
Lauren shook her head, struggling to hold back the tears. “Nothing could beat us now.”
Matt stood, moving towards Lauren’s chair. “Congratulations, Lauren, Dad. You are going to make awesome parents, I’m sure. Any time you want a trial run, you’re welcome to babysit.”
That had to be the biggest sentence Matt had ever spoken to Lauren, and she laughed as he leaned over to kiss her cheek.
“Thanks, Matt. Who knows? Maybe I’ll take you up on that offer.”
Bethany stood. “Let’s go. We’ve heard the news, now let’s get the kids home.”
She kissed her grandmother, walking out past Lauren and Ethan without a word.
Matt shrugged. “She’ll get over herself. See you some other time.”
He shook Ethan’s hand, nodding to the kids to follow him. They waved at their grandfather as they left, and Ethan exhaled loudly when they were gone.
“I told you there was nothing to worry about.” He grinned at Lauren.
She slapped his arm. “She’s not happy.”
“But you two are. That’s what’s important,” Ellen said. She reached for Lauren’s hand. “I really am happy for you, sweetheart.”
“Me too,” said Elise. “Ignore Bethany. She just couldn’t make it all about her.”
Lauren laughed. She felt more like part of the family than ever.