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Doctor Sandy Lynch was not only Bree's gynaecologist but also a personal friend.
"So we're in new territory now, Bree," she said after a very thorough examination.
"How so?"
"You've been pregnant longer than on any of your previous occasions."
Bree sucked on a bottom lip. "Superior genes and no physical violence," she muttered.
Sandy glanced up at Bree. "The ultra-sound results are through. I can tell you the child's gender, if you wish."
Bree stood without saying a sound and stared out the surgery window. Outside was a flowering shrub with several small birds flying around. In some ways, they reminded her of the fantails back in New Zealand.
"A pregnant pause..." Sandy remarked in a kind voice. "There is no need..."
"No," Bree replied. "I would like to know."
"She is a healthy little girl, Bree."
Bree sat and gripped the chair arm. "Oh my," she whispered.
"So don't you think it's time to tell Ray?"
"I guess."
"Bree, you're assuming things that may or may not be true but it is not your decision to make."
"I'm scared, Sandy. I need Ray to want me for what I am, not because I'm carrying his child. We live in different countries with different cultures. I have a career here and he has one back in New Zealand. Is it unfair to expect him to give up his way of life."
"Or you yours?"
Bree smiled. "I thought of that, too."
"So now is the time to discuss it with Ray and work everything out together. Isn't his input important?"
"Yes, extremely."
The doctor made a note in a notebook. "You can't hide your physical condition for much longer. Who else knows, Bree?"
"Everyone here," Bree replied. "I told the members of the Sunset Grove Governors at this week's monthly meeting and placed a formal announcement in this week's school newsletter."
"Any reaction?"
"Unexpected," Bree replied. "Everyone was thrilled, but their main concern was that I might leave. The governors want me to remain on as headteacher and ..." Bree sighed. "It's actually made things more difficult."
"You mean if there was a groundswell of indignation on a morality issue you could have resigned and had your options made for you."
"Something like that," Bree replied.
"So that makes it even more essential that you discuss everything with your child's father. If you procrastinate it will only become more difficult." The doctor fixed her gaze on Bree. "You should continue to have a healthy pregnancy, Bree. However, with your history of miscarriages, placing this stress on the situation will do far more harm than good, From a medical point of view I suggest you contact the father forthwith and tell him." Sandy smiled. "As a friend, I think your worries about Ray are without foundation. Just look at the bracelet you're wearing."
Bree nodded and fingered the bracelet on her wrist. "Okay, I will," she whispered.
*
SHOWERS THREATENED as Bree walked home from the underground station. With only three months to go until her child's birth and the summer holiday arriving she could fly out to New Zealand and be with Ray. They could... Oh my, here she was again trying to make all the decisions herself. The first thing was to tell Ray and see what he wanted.
She walked up the steps into her home. It was the same of course, silent and lonely. Using her foot, she slammed the door and headed in.
A noise caught her attention and a massive Black Labrador bounded around along the hallway and straight up to her.
"Pattie," she cried as the dog leapt up at her, all sloppy tongue and wagging tail. "Pattie... but how can you be here?"
She grabbed the dog and hugged the vibrating bundle of energy while her mind whirled.
"Now, I couldn't leave her at home, could I?" a soft New Zealand voice whispered. "She hated the journey out with all the regulations, inoculations and..."
"Ray!" Bree screamed. Tears streamed from her eyes as she launched herself at the man she loved. She clung on, kissed and sobbed, kissed again and buried her head in his arms. "Ray," she wailed. "Oh my God. How..."
Ray squeezed her in a massive bear hug, then purposely ran a hand over the swell of her tummy. "You're starting to show, my sweet," he whispered.
Bree stopped and stepped back to an arm's length. "You know?" she gasped.
"Yeah, well Jenny didn't say a word but wrote a lot... email, you know."
"How long have you known?" Bree stuttered.
"A bit over three weeks."
"And neither of you said a word. My God, I'll kill her..."
"And who kept her own big secret, Bree?"
"I didn't want to pressure you." She glanced up, saw the love in her companion's eyes and slipped back into his arms.
My God, he was here, in London with her, here and now. Bree let the tears stream down and emotions take over. They were going to make it after all. They were a family. She had stretched her horizons all of the way to New Zealand, and actually made the world a smaller and much better place.
The End
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