Forty is the perfect age!
“Liz, whats taking so long? Did you fall asleep in there? Hurry up, or well be late for work!”
“Coming!” Elizabeth flinched slightly, glancing at the bathroom door.
She knew shed been in there longer than usual, but she had her reasons. All week, shed felt queasy in the mornings, and though shed brushed it off at first, now it scared her. Liz had an inkling why this might be happening, but the thought of pregnancy terrified her. She forced the idea from her mind and stepped out.
“Sorry,” she muttered to her husband. “Couldnt get my eyebrows right first try.”
“You do that in the bedroom!” James shot her an irritated look.
“Yeah, right.” She didnt argue.
She hurried to the kitchen to make coffee for them both. They usually loved it, but today, just the smell turned her stomach.
“You alright?” James asked, concerned.
“Fine. Just not in the mood for coffee.”
“Really? You looked like you were about to be sick. Are you ill?”
Elizabeth wrapped her arms around herself. The mere thought of a child made her tremble. James moved closer, pressing a hand to her forehead.
“Youre not feverish Maybe stay home today? Call work, say youll be back after the weekend. Last thing we need is you getting sickweve still got the mortgage to pay.”
Once James left, Liz sank onto the sofa, deep in thought. She knew what she had to dobuy a test and find out for sure. But the idea terrified her. If it was positive, this baby would become real.
*I just got that promotion, and James is right about the mortgage not to mention we wanted to go to Cornwall this summer.* Years ago, theyd dreamed of childrenright after their wedding, when everything was rosy and they were barely twenty. But it never happened.
Over time, Liz stopped thinking about it. She grew used to life with James and didnt want it to change. He never mentioned kids again eitherit seemed hed accepted it. Now, a baby would just complicate things. Extra costs, sleepless nights, noise
She groaned. *Terrible timing.*
But after agonising all day, she went to the chemist. To her horror, the test confirmed her fears. She was pregnant. Liz rested a hand on her belly, imagining it already swellingimpossible, but still.
A sudden wave of awe hit her. There was a tiny life inside her, depending entirely on her. Her emotions tangledfear of childbirth, but also a flicker of joy.
“Youll be the best little one,” she whispered.
Then doubt crept back in. She wasnt young anymore. What would James say? What if he was angry? Maybe he didnt want kids now? He was older too.
By evening, Liz was a wreck, spiralling into panic. She knew she had to tell James, but when he got home, all she managed was, “Dinner?”
“Course! Starving.”
James watched his wife dart to the kitchen. Something was offher eyes sparkled differently. He pushed the thought aside, deciding to wait. Shed tell him when ready.
“How are you feeling?”
“Fine. Had a nap earlierhelped a lot. Work said not to worry, its a short week anyway. The companys anniversary partys coming updoubt they even noticed I was gone.”
“Whens that?”
“Tomorrow. They wanted tonight, but the restaurant fell through. Fancy affair, so its delayed.”
“You going?”
She nearly said yes, then remembered.
“No, Ill skip it. Better miss one party than get sick, right?”
“Your call.” He studied her. This wasnt like Lizshe never missed celebrations, especially with her girlfriends.
“Thought youd want to celebrate your promotion with the girls?”
“Not in the mood. Lets go out together tomorrow?”
James nodded. “Make some tea?”
“Sure.” She moved slower than usualnormally brisk, now deliberate.
James could only think of one reason for the change. His chest ached. He loved his Lizzie. But maybe she didnt love him anymore.
He stood abruptly. “Who is he?”
“What? James, what are you on about?”
Her confusion seemed genuine, but he didnt buy it. He turned to leave, then spun back.
“Youre glowing, Liz! Practically dancing! If youve found someone else fine. Good luck.”
He stormed out. Liz stood frozen, then bolted after him.
Shed wanted to tell him beautifully, but now there was no choice.
James was shrugging on his coat when she blurted, “James, Im pregnant!”
“What?”
He stepped closer, slow, searching her facehope and fear in her eyes.
“I did a test today. Its positive. James, were having a baby.”
She took his hand, pressing it to her stomach. “Your son or daughters in there.”
Emotions flickered across his face. Then he pulled away and walked out.
Liz stood alone, crushed. Once, James had dreamed of being a father. Now hed fled. Shed expected joy or shocknot this.
Tears threatened as she mechanically cleared the kitchen. Without James, how would she raise this child?
A tiny hope lingeredthat hed come back, and theyd be a family. But it felt slim.
Half an hour later, sitting in the dark, she jumped at the doorbell.
James had his keyswho was here? She wiped her tears, forced a smile, and opened the door.
A massive bouquet of her favourite roses filled the doorway. Behind it, James grinned.
“Here, love.”
Inside, he whispered, “Forgive me for leaving. I was stunned. Lizzie, Im so happy! A boyTheo. A girlEmily. Well call your parents, book the midwife”
He babbled until he noticed her tears. “Why are you crying?”
He took the flowers and hugged her. She buried her face in his shoulder.
“I thought youd left for good! That you didnt want a baby that forty was too late.”
“Never, Liz. Im not going anywhere. And fortys perfect.”
“But the mortgage, my promotionall our plans?”
James sighed, holding her at arms length. “Love, a child matters more. Well manage the mortgage. You can work after maternity leave if you wantIll cover us. Sleepless nights wont scare me.”
Liz exhaled, leaning into him. With James by her side, she knew they could handle anything. Together. The three of them.
