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

Chapter 15

Paul and Joanne emerged from the long consultation with the obstetrician, hand in hand and with beaming smiles. After a range of blood test, discussions and a 3D pregnancy scan, Joanne and baby were declared fit and healthy. The relief the couple felt was emmence! That, combined with the revelation that Joanne was carrying a baby boy, added to their pleasure and excitment. Paul took Joanne out for lunch afterwards. To her delight, they returned to the same small cosy restaurant he had taken her and Helena to the first time they had been out together. After being smuggled into a private corner, they ordered their food and talked about their baby. Paul could see how Joanne shared his excitment about the pregnancy at long last now that all her fears and uncertainties had been settled. They had both giggled at the propect of telling their grown up children of their little 'oops' moment!

"But seriously now Paul," said Joanne, "we will need to break the news to all of them and fairly soon. You heard what the doctor said. That I'll probably just wake up one morning and I'll have a baby bump!"

Paul nodded then grinned! "I think they'll be shocked but pleased for us though," he told her, "at least I know my four will. How do you think James and Grace will take it?"

"I'm hoping the same way but I am expecting some comments about being careless, especially at our age!" Joanne started to giggle again. "You know, I feel more embarressed about telling the kids than anything else!"

"I know," laughed Paul, "But it goes to show we're not past it too love!"

Several days later Joanne and Paul were sat in the living room of Cavendish Avenue staring at the expectant solemn faces of the four McCartney children. Joanne was sat in the chair, with Paul perched on her chair arm with his arm across her shoulders.

"Thanks for coming round," said Joanne softly, "But your dad and I need to explain something to you." She paused and looked to Paul. "Shall I carry on?" she whispered. Paul nodded silently. "As you know," began Joanne, looking at them, "I had to be admitted into hospital a few weeks ago because I fainted whilst I was out with Helena. Well, I had to have some tests carried out to see if there was a reason for what happened, especailly as I hadn't been feeling too good for a week or two before hand. When the test results came back the doctors told your dad and I that they thought I had a growth in my stomach."

"No!" The stifled cry came from Stella, "Not again!"

Joanne was halted as the McCartney children looked at both of them fearfully.

"Don't panic," she said hurriedly, "Eventually we were told that the growth was definately non malignant. I don't have cancer, at least as far as they are aware from all available tests."

"So what about the growth?" asked James gently, "What is it? What are they going to do about it?"

Joanne looked at Paul once more. "I think it would be better of your dad expained that one to be honest." said Joanne. "Paul?"

Smiling, he took over. "After what's been three long weeks of tests and scans, we've discovered what the growth is. We don't need to do to remove it as mother nature will step in over the next few months and do it for us."

"Dad. Dtop talking in riddles," said Mary looking exasperated, "Just get to the point!"

Paul held up his hands. "Hey, I'm sorry. OK." He paused. "There's no easy way of telling you this so I'm just going to say it. Joanne and I are having a baby. She's six months pregnant but we didn't know until a few weeks ago!"

The announcement was greeted with shocked, stunned silence. Joanne shuffled nervously in her seat and looked at the floor. She felt embarressed.

"Well?" said Paul.

Stella looked from her father to Joanne. "Are you being serious? Jo?"

Joanne nodded. "Apparently what I thought were menopausal symptoms turned out to be a little surprise. I'm now 23 weeks pregnant, which is pretty much 6 months."

"I think it's wonderful news," said a quiet voice in the corner. Heather stood up and walked towards them. "Seriously Jo, dad, congratulations. If you're ever in need of a baby sitter then you know where I am!" She stood up and hugged them both. Joanne thanked her.

Suddenly the rest of the family surged forward, offering congratulations and hugs. Joanne felt very relieved that the news was out and that the children seemed pleased.

A short while later, when Joanne had returned some dishes to the kitchen and filled the kettle, she heard footsteps up the hall. Turning, she found Mary carrying more dishes.

"Oh thanks Mary!"

Mary smiled at her. "I don't want to pry Jo, but how are you? I mean, this must have been a shock and dads just mentioned that you weren't very happy about it at first! And I know you and him were having problems before Christmas....I can't help but feel worried."

"It was a shock!" Joanne laughed, "And in some ways I'm still taking it all in. I wasn't happy at first because I was scared to death! I had really traumatic births with both James and Grace plus I got stressed over the risk of problems because of my age! Still, the doctor we've got has been fabulous and put both our minds at rest so but I'm a lot happier and as you can see your dad is over the moon!"

"And you're really six months gone already?"

Jo nodded. "Which suggests I conceived when your dad and I were in Scotland for his birthday. My due date is approximately the 30th April. I just hope that I'm OK for Grace's wedding!"

"That seems so quick!" Mary smiled at her, "What have Grace and James said about it?"

"They don't know yet," said Jo, "Your dad and I are going up to Haigh House next weekend for a few days. We'll be seeing both of them then. Then we're off to Liverpool to see your uncle Mike, then we'll do a press release then hide away in Scotland for a few weeks whilst any fuss dies down!"

"I dont blame you doing that!" Mary exclaimed, "Once the McCartney circus kicks in with something new you'll never get any peace!"

And despite Joanne's worries, James and Grace reacted to the news of a new sibling with similar delight!