It Wasn't Supposed To Happen

There was no reason for him to believe her. They had tried for years and the doctor finally told her she’d never have children.

He turned away, grabbed the coffee mug and began to fill it. Stirring in a dose of cream he glanced back at Ann. Her expression gave him pause. She looked hurt and her smoky gray eyes were moist with tears she’d wiped away.

“Ann, do you want to talk about this, now?” his voice subdued, patient.

Ann sniffed a little. Her voice trembled when she spoke, “Grant, I told you. I’m pregnant. I know it’s a shock but imagine how I feel? I’ve always wanted a child of our own. Now I’m scared out of my wits.” She gave him a weak smile and moved into his arms.

Grant held her and stroked her hair. He was still taking it all in. “Are you sure, I mean did you see the doctor?”

“Well, no, not exactly. I used one of those home pregnancy tests, three times. So I’m pretty certain. I made an appointment for Thursday. I was hoping you go with me,” she said sheepishly. She knew he hated taking time off work.

“Thursday? I have a board meeting on Thursday,” he groaned. I’ll see if I can reschedule but if I can’t, can you?” His face brightening a little, hoping she’d understand.

“It’s alright Grant. I’ll just have mom go with me. I know how busy you are,” she pulled away and hurried into the bathroom. She’d been noticing she had to pee more often lately, hoping it was a good sign.

Grant hollered, “I’ll call you later to see how you are feeling.” A moment later the engine revved as he backed out of the driveway.

Ann felt betrayed. She thought he’d be doing cartwheels. Maybe he too was in shock. Or more likely, didn’t think she was really pregnant. She should have waited until after she’d seen the doctor.

Ann took her coffee out on the patio and let the sun warm her face. It felt good to be alive. Instinctively she patted her belly trying to imagine what pregnancy was going to be like.

The phone rang. She yelled out, "I’m coming," and darted into the house. When she connected the caller had hung up. She dialed her mother hoping it had been her. She was excited to tell her the news.

“Mom, did you just try calling? I’d planned on calling you this morning anyway. How are you?” she spoke into the phone suppressing the urge to spill her news. It was always like this. Mom would go on forever about losing a hairpin or the paper boy had missed and the paper landed in the sprinkler. Ann drummed her fingers on the counter waiting for the right moment. Several few ‘ums’ later and a couple of ‘sorry to hear that,’ Ann interrupted her mother.

“Mom, I have some news. I hope you are sitting down. Ready? I’m pregnant!”
She waited for her mother to be overjoyed.

She was taken aback when her mom asked her, “Honey, it isn’t April 1st. Why are you doing this?”

“Mom, I’ve made an appointment with Dr. Fenton on Thursday. Grant probably can’t go, big meeting, you know. I was wondering if you’d go with me?” she asked. “No? Why not?” She tried to stay calm waiting for the reply, tears already welling up.

“A hair cut? Mom, I’m going to have a baby and you would rather go to the beauty shop than to the drs with me,” spewing disbelief her voice rose with each syllable. “Look, I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you later.” Ann hung up and sat down wondering how this could be happening.

The doorbell rang. Glancing around the living room she cringed. She wasn’t ready for company. Whoever it was she’d get rid of them.

There stood Grant holding an incredible bouquet of flowers and a bright little shopping bag with a stork logo. “Hi honey, I’m home!” he said, laughing at his lousy impersonation.

“Oh Grant! What a surprise!” she said with delight and pelted him with kisses. “Ahh, hold that thought,” Ann moaned and ran off to the bathroom.

So this is what it is going to be like. I’ll have to cut back on coffee.


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