If Not For Love - A Highland Romance

Chapter 14

 Fourteen

Tavish and I share a mutual smile as we examine the test stick.

"Are you ready for this?" I ask him.

His gentle eyes roam over my face. "Aye. Are you?"

Being thirty-five and having wondered if childbearing would pass me by without experiencing motherhood makes it easy to answer, "Aye, I'm ready."

I have been sick on and off this past week and this morning was the worst so far. Having missed a period last month, it never dawned on me that I might be pregnant. Knowing for sure is a little overwhelming, but I couldn't be happier about it.

"I think your da is going to dance a jig."

Tavish laughs, pulling me close and kissing my cheek. "I think ye're right. When do you want ta break the news?"

"Whenever you want is fine."

"Maybe I'll ring him now."

While he is on the phone with his father, I sift through today's mail, surprised, no, shocked to see a letter from my sister, Audrey. I haven't heard from Audrey or Yvonne since coming to Scotland and I can't help wondering if some thing is wrong. I hope everyone is okay. Opening the envelope, I unfold the stationary.

Dear Adia,

Thank you from all of us for the announcement and congratulations. I also want to apologize for not replying or writing sooner. I still don't understand what made you decide to just pick up and move to Scotland, but I am glad for the turn your life took and I truly wish you every happiness.

We are doing okay here. Mama was sick for a bit, but she is doing better. Since receiving your announcement, she seems to have found a renewed hope in life, and your marriage has given her something positive to latch on to. For Yvonne and I as well.

I know we haven't been the best sisters to you. We are truly sorry about that. We can't do anything about the past, be we can try to be better now. I am only sorry about all the wasted time. Believe it or not, we do love you. Very much.

Call when you can and tell us about your husband and your life there.

Take care.

Audrey

Wow! Talk about miracles!

I grab a box of tissues from the dresser. Tavish walks in just as I am drying my face.

"What's wrong, mo ghraidh?"

"Nothing. Something good, really. Unexpected but good."

I give him the letter to read. When he is done, he holds me, rocking me a little. "'Tis a wonderful letter. What time is it there?"

I think a moment. "It's about eight in the evening. Yesterday." I smile and he chuckles.

"We'll ring them now."

* * *

And we do.

I hadn't realized just how much I have missed hearing their voices. No, we didn't talk much even when I was there. Maybe that is why I've missed them so much. With Mama, Audrey and Yvonne on the speaker phone, we catch up on everything. Mama does sound happier. She tells me how proud of me she and my sisters say how happy they are for me. I soon give the phone to Tavish and he talks with them for a few minutes, telling them of his love for me. I even let him give them the news of my pregnancy. I can easily hear their excited shouts of congratulations. When he finally hands the phone back to me, they gush over Tavish's 'sexy' accent and comment on my slight one.

We talk for a few minutes more, then say goodbye with the promise to keep in touch.

* * *

Tonight Tavish takes me to dinner at The George to celebrate my pregnancy and the reconciliation with my family. I order the baked stuffed peppers with wild mushrooms and asparagus, he orders the grilled gammon steak and we share meals. I love the atmosphere, the wood decor, the flagstone floors, and the roaring log and peat fire we are seated near. The area is cozy and homey, and I always enjoy coming here.

"So when do ye think the baby is due?" Tavish asks me. We have finished our meal and are waiting to pay the check.

"According to the date calculation chart I looked up today, I am six weeks along and due in October."

Tavish's eyes drop to my flat stomach and he smiles, pressing a hand against me. "To have you carrying a part o me inside ye . . . 'tis a grand feeling."

"Aye, it is." I squeeze his hand. "And you will be an amazing father."

"I hope so. You will be a verra fine mother."

"I hope so too. And I know women my age have babies all the time, but I still worry a little. I'm pretty healthy, so hopefully there won't be any problems."

"Everything will be fine. Two of my nieces were delivered by a midwife here in Inveraray. Or would you feel more comfortable with a doctor?"

"I would kind of like to go the midwife route. I've heard great things about home births."

"Oh, aye. My sister Miriam birthed in the water and swears by it."

"Really? I'll have to talk with her about it."

"She'll be glad ta share, I'm sure."

While Tavish pays the check, I make a restroom visit. When return to the table, he helps me into my coat and takes my hand. On our way to the door, we pass Molly who is dining alone. Her plate is empty and she is sipping coffee.

"How are you this evening?" she asks.

Because I know Tavish won't answer, I do. "We're fine, and you?"

"I'm good. Thanks for asking."

It is an awkward moment, so I nod a goodbye and Tavish leads me away. As we exit the restaurant, he mumbles, "I still dinna trust her."