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“Kid, I've told you before, give me a get out of jail free card and I'll make him disappear.”
I hear the gasp in the background and know that my mum doesn't like to hear Michael talk like that, but I'd be of the same mind if it were me.
“By the way, did Duncan kick your ass?”
“No, he actually didn't. He said it was about time we fessed up to our feelings.”
“I agree, but getting her pregnant while she's still married… Balls, son, that took balls.”
“Whatever, old man.” I laugh back.
“Give it a couple weeks and we'll talk exit then. I got your mother, guess I'm going to be taking her shopping soon.”
“Okay, thank you, Michael. Please put Mum on.” I hear the rustling come across the speakers of the laptop.
There is a brief pause, and I hear them saying something to each other. Then Mum’s voice yelling into the laptop microphone.
“Joshua Nathan Donovan, I taught you better than this. You should've called me to warn me. Tell me, why do I have to find out I'm going to be a grandmother from the press?”
“I didn't expect them to take it to the rags. I was going to call you, Mum. Ana was just telling me earlier I needed to call you. Mum, I have an ultrasound picture. The baby's sucking her thumb and it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, aside from her mum, of course. I can't wait to get you here, I'm sure Ana would want you to stay here with us. She already has asked me to try to get you here.”
“Really? I wish I could see the picture, and Ana sounds so sweet. A little girl? Do you have a name picked out yet?” I can hear the tears in her voice over the connection.
“Yes, Isabella, after Ana and Duncan's mother.” I'm excited to tell Mum everything. She and I have always been close. We’d have lunch weekly. I miss her and Michael. I now regret not bringing her here sooner.
“That's beautiful. Do you need anything? How's Ana feeling?”
“We're good. Ana's decorated this beautiful nursery in cherry blossoms. She's having problems with her blood pressure, they had to bring in a specialist, but my angel is hanging in there, Mum.”
“Angel? Wait is Ana your new Angel? I thought you'd never call another girl that.” She only knows I lost someone I called Angel.
“Funny you should remember that, Mum. Ana is Angel. We met all those years ago, and now we're together.”
“Oh, Joshua, I'm so happy for you both. Give her a kiss and hug, also rub that baby belly for me. Michael and I are going baby shopping, no matter what he says he loves to take me shopping.” She laughs as he groans in the background.
“Mum, we've enough. You don't need to buy anything, plus you don't know when we'll get you here.”
“I don't care. No one's going to stop me from spoiling my grandbaby.”
“Okay, well it’s time we got off. Take care and be careful, Mum. Soon you’ll be here, I promise.”
“Don't make promises you might not be able to keep. I saw him today, son. I wish he'd just leave me alone. He asked me if it was true.”
“I know, Mum. Just stay close to Michael and don't answer any of his questions. I love you.”
“I love you too, Joshua.” She breaks the connection, and I sit back.
I've never been afraid to tell her I love her, even as a teenage boy in front of my friends. After everything she suffered for me, I'd give her anything, and just to hear me say I love her makes her day. Michael said she suffered when I was away in the war. I wish I could have relieved her of it, but I needed to do it and prove I wasn't defective like Nathan. Oh, I suffer from nightmares occasionally, but I know how to control myself, and I'd never raise a hand to a woman. I hope Michael's right and waiting is the key, I want her here. I drop my head back against the headrest of the chair.
This chair is so comfortable, and it fits me, the office fits me too. I again wonder about it.
“Honey, I'm sorry.” I hear her voice from the doorway. When I open my eyes, I see her on Timothy's arm. I'm surprised he didn't carry her, but I'm glad he didn't, she belongs in my arms.
“Angel, what're you doing up?”
“I couldn't go back to sleep without you. I walked slowly, and when Timothy saw me on the staircase, he helped me. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I was worried she would be angry. She sounds excited but sad too. Honey, can't we find a way to get her here?” Timothy drops her arm and walks to the laptops to make sure the connection is cut.
“I wish but with the articles out and now this new mercenary involved, I can't risk you or Isabella. She knows this.”
