Part 3:- Love and Marriage. (Part 3. Complete.)

Chapter 13

Jo stared as the doctor left the room. She turned to Paul, his face white and pinched. Tears were pouring down his cheeks.

"What's the matter?" she whispered softly, taking his hands.

"I'm just so relieved! Oh Joanne, I was convinced I was going to hear the words cancer again.That it had come back again I thought I was facing the possiblility of loosing you. I couldn't stand that Jo. Not again."

Jo couldn't speak. She could see how terrified he had been yet now the terror was rising in her. Suddenly she stood up and moved swiftly to the small sink in the corner of the room and was promptly sick. The doctor came into the room as Jo was trying to clear up. She was incredibly sympathetic, confirming it was probably the shock of the situation that had made her sick. Jo sank gratefully into the chair next to Paul and sipped a glass of water.

"Any better?" she asked gently.

Jo nodded.

"I know that this news must be an incredible shock. However, given the likely dates of your pregnancy Mrs McCartney, it is important that I talk with you now."

"What about?"

"Mrs McCartney, given your age I'm sure you can appreciate that your pregnancy comes with some risks. Firstly, you carry a much higher risk of Downs Syndrome so I can offer you all the screening we have available. This would mean you would both be in a better position to decide if you want to continue with your pregnancy. Secondly, if you did decide to continue with your pregnancy then I would recommend a 3D scan which would enable doctors to check your baby's physical development at this stage too. It would also mean that you could be given much more accurate date of likely conception and therfore delivery."

Jo looked at Paul, bewildered. "I...I can't take this in," she whispered, "I ...I can't think straight. Take me home Paul. Please!" She began to cry.

Paul stood up. "I think my wife and I need a few days to take this news in and to talk about it. Then I think we will contact our own obstetrician about our decisions. I'm assuming there's no reason why I can't take Jo home?"

The doctor shook her head, "But Mr McCartney, this is important...."

"I think that given Jo and I have mananged to become 6 months pregnant without realising, then a few more days isn't going to make much difference."

After driving home in total silence, Paul let them into the house. He wrapped Jo in a hug and held her there. He realised she was shivering.

"You're freezing!"

Jo nodded. "I think it's shock." she whispered, her teeth chattering. " I need to lie down."

Paul settled her in bed with a hot drink. He then snuggled up to her and that was where they spent several hours. Jo slept as Paul's mind was filled with thoughts about the day. His relief at knowing Jo wasn't ill was now fading as he thought about the prospect of becoming a father again. He was now 60 and Jo was 48. Could they cope with a baby? Realistically he even wondered if they'd want to cope with one. Babysitting grandchildren was one thing but a new baby of their own? How would the kids react? He'd have grandchildren older than his own child. Then his mind drifted to what the doctor had said. Additional risks because of Jo's age. That made the prospect of a new baby even more scary!

Thinking of his own children sparked memories of when they were younger. He'd loved being a dad to them. Watching them grow from a helpless baby and become an independent person in their own right. It was a magical process! Something that he knew he'd love to do again, given the chance. He felt Jo stir so that now his hand rested on her stomach. He thought about what was happening under his very hand. Together their love had created a new life. This was their chance to enjoy parenthood together. He loved Jo totally and to have the bond of a child between them meant everything. Paul knew then that he wanted this life, this baby to come into their lives and make them a real family.

 After resting Jo seemed much calmer. She and Paul ate a quiet meal in the kitchen.

"How are you feeling love?" he asked softly.

Jo looked at him and shrugged. "I don't know! I'm confused. Scared witless." She shook her head. "The thought of a baby terrifies me Paul!"

"Me too," he admitted, "But think of the good things Jo. You and me, parents, watching this little life we've made grow and develop!"

"Yes, and before that, me getting fat, tired, stretch marks, swollen ankles! You won't want to come near me! You'll want to go elsewhere! Then afterwards sleepless nights, totally knackered, no sex! The recipe for a complete marriage breakdown and husband to have an affair! I can't wait!"

She looked down at her plate. Paul saw tears falling. He moved swiftly to be by her side.

"I'd never EVER sleep with another woman or have an affair Jo, no matter how long it took you to recover from having our baby! As for the rest of it?All that's the normal side of parenthood sweetheart!" he soothed, "and you'll always be beautiful to me! There's nothing more amazing than seeing the person you love heavily pregnant with your baby Jo."

Jo shook her head. "I don't want this Paul," she whispered, "I don't want to have this baby!"

He looked at her stunned. "You can't be serious?"

Once more she nodded. He looked at her, horrified!

"What are you saying Jo?"

"I think we should end it. The pregnancy. The risks are too great. I'm too old to give birth. We're too old for God's sake! The timing in our life is all wrong."

"Jo?"

She looked at him, her stare cold. "Paul, a few months ago I was considering leaving you for good. I'd hardly call that a stable situation in which to bring up a baby would you?" She stood up. "I need some space to think things through. I'm going to go to Helena's for a few days Paul. I'll see the obstetrician on my own tomorrow and see what my options are. Then I'll be in touch."

"You can't push me away like this Jo. This is my baby you're talking about!"

"And my body. I can make the decisions on my own!"

Paul stared, dumbfounded, as she walked away.