I laughed. Dad’s hair had been gray for a number of years. It was Mum who looked too young to be a grandmother—thanks to her haircolorist.
“You’re right, Dad. You look too young to be a grandfather.…So, I’m guessing Mum’s still angry about mynews.”
“You might say that. But I’m sure she’ll eventually comearound.”
“Sure, maybe when Noah is in college,” Imuttered.
“I wanted to make sure you’re all right,” he said, either not hearing me or choosing to ignore what I’d said, “and suggest that maybe you should consider moving backhere.”
“Why would I dothat?”
“Because you’re going to be a single mother. Wouldn’t it be better to do that here, where we can help you out? I mean, your mum and I know all about beingparents.”
Good thing I hadn’t been eating when he’d said that. I might havechoked.
Any suggestions who we could nominate for the Most Delusional Parent Of The Yearaward?
“Thanks for the offer,” I said, “but I like it here and I have a great job.” Not to mention Noah’s daddy lived here and not inSydney.
“Just thought I’d suggest it. Well, I’ve got to get back to work. If you need anything, let me know, otherwise I’ll talk to you soon.” Before I could say anything, he ended thecall.
Surprised at the shortduration?
Don’t be. Normally they were even shorter than that, usually due to a meeting he had to rush offto.
Kelsey and Erin were waiting to be seated when I arrived at the restaurant a few minutes later. Three-month-old Samantha was asleep in the infant seat next to Erin’sfeet.
“How’s it going?” Kelsey asked as she and Ihugged.
And yes—Kelsey had agreed to be my backup labor coach if Noah decided to come into the world while his daddy wasaway.
“We’re still doing great.” Minus the part where I needed to go to the loo every five minutes—especially when Noah found it particularly amusing to use my bladder as a hockeypuck.
Speaking ofwhich…
“I’ll meet you at the table. I need to go to the bathroom.” I didn’t even wait for their reply. I hurried off in the direction I was well acquaintedwith.
Once finished there, I walked out of the washroom and collided with a tall, hard body coming toward the men’sroom.
“Sorry,” I said, stumbling back while doing my best not to fall on myarse.
Which meant grabbing the closest thing to me—the man’sarm.
“Holly?” a surprised Aussie accentsaid.
My head jerked up and I blinked—while trying to recall ifWhat To Expectwarned of possible delusions during pregnancy. Possible delusions that looked especially hot in a dark gray suit. “Drew? What are you doinghere?”
“The company sent me. We’re examining expansion opportunities in the U.S.” His gaze dropped to my belly, but if he was surprised that I was pregnant, he didn’t showit.
But maybe he wasn’t surprised. My pregnancy was hardly a national state secret—especially where Simon’s loose lips wereconcerned.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” I asked,smiling.
Was I happy to see him? Yes—now that Mum had given up trying to marry us off to eachother.
Thank you, Noah, for putting a wrench in thatplan.
Whatever you want once you’re born, it’syours.
