Maureen continued to be cancer-free and in remission. She was growing stronger every day and continued to live in the moment, relishing life’s small pleasures. Both Andrzej and Maureen were thrilled when Rory announced he wanted to join Andrzej’s building business after he left school, and asked if he could start as an apprentice joiner under Patsy’s watchful eye.
Maureen told them proudly: “Did you see the new sign Andrzej has put up over the workshop? It says ‘Kowalski & Son’. Patsy made it for him specially, and I’ve never seen Andrzej so happy. He’s even made the sign the screensaveron his phone. It used to be a picture of me in my wedding dress.” Maureen laughed and wiped her eyes. They all smiled at her with huge affection.
Sophia stood up. “Everyone. I have an announcement. You all know that I’m getting married.”
Patsy drawled, “You might have mentioned it once or twice.”
Sophia smiled. She really couldn’t stop talking about the wedding; Evie had seen more shades of ivory napkins than she thought were possible and the discussion on wedding favours had gone on for weeks.
Sophia beamed at them all. “Anyway, that’s not the only thing to look forward to.” She took a deep breath, beamed, and told them: “I’m pregnant. We’re having a baby.”
Everyone congratulated her at once and Sophia was wrapped in hugs and warm wishes. Evie looked at her friend with shining eyes, “This is the best news ever. How wonderful. A brand-new life coming into the world.”
“What did Finn say when you told him?” asked Freya.
“Well,” said Sophia. “He cried. Obviously. Then he told me to sit down and swaddled me in one of Maureen’s blankets. And he was up all night pacing the floor and making lists. One minute he’s fretting about me eating soft cheese and then he’s making plans to take the baby to Antarctica to see penguins. He goes from petrified to euphoric in a heartbeat.”
Kate laughed. “Welcome to the wacky world of parenthood where you have the most important job in the world, but no one gives you any instructions and yet somehow you muddle through.”
Delima agreed, “Yep, that about sums it up.”
Sophia suddenly looked uncertain and blurted out: “I have more news and I’m not sure how you are all going to take it, but Finn has agreed to move down south permanently with me.”
They all gasped. This was huge. Maybe an even bigger deal than the forthcoming bairn. “We’re looking at houses outside of London and he’s managed to get himself a transfer from the RSPB – he’ll be monitoring red kites in Berkshire and he will, of course, be volunteering to be on beaver watch in Essex.”
Freya smiled ruefully and turned to Evie, “So our plan worked, after all. Maybe a bit more successfully than we thought.” Sophia smiled. “Yes, he told me you two had put him on the hunt for beaver. Funnily enough he is very excited about it.”
Evie giggled but then looked sad, “But you will come back and see us?”
“All the time. We aren’t moving right away. I can still commute for a while yet, and I’ve got maternity leave, so I’ll bring the baby here as soon as possible. She needs to get the fresh, clean Orkney air in her lungs.
“She?” said Freya. “Is it going to be a peedie girl?”
Sophia smiled broadly and nodded. “Yep. We are going to have a girl. And Freya, if you don’t mind, we would both like to name her after you.”
For once Freya was speechless. She blinked back tears and couldn’t utter a word, but her heart was full.
Sophia held her hands. “Obviously, you will be her honorary grandmother and I cannot think of a finer woman as a role model for my baby.”
Freya managed to find her voice. “Oh Sophia. You have no idea what that means to me. You’ve made me so happy. Are you really sure?”
“Certain,” said Sophia. “You know how much we all love you.”
“Imagine,” said Delima. “We will have a baby Freya here next year. She’ll be a friend for Ola and Hari. And one day she will be a Selkie, alongside her mum and all of her aunties and her namesake, of course.”
“If I’m spared,” said Freya, laughing.
“You will outlive us all,” said Delima.
Freya sighed happily. “This is turning into the best day. But we are missing someone.”
“I’m here,” said a soft voice behind her.
“Liv!” said Sophia, giving her a hug. “I’ve just been telling them my big news.”
Sophia turned to everyone. “Liv already guessed. You all know she is working up at the hospital and she saw me going in for my scan. I had to tell her.” She smiled at Liv. “Thank you for keeping my secret.”
“It wasn’t easy,” said Liv. “I was bursting to tell you all, especially Evie.” Liv kissed Freya on the cheek. “Sorry I’m late but I got some good news while I was on the way out the door. A call from the hospital. I’ve been accepted to train properly as a health visitor. I thought I would be far too old, but they apparently want women of maturity.”
