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“Aren’t you going to ask me why I’m here?” said Kate, moving some old magazines so she could find a space on the sofa.

“I can guess.”

“So, it’s true is it? You’re pregnant?”

“Unfortunately, yes, it is. I can’t believe Alex told you.” Maddie’s voice contained a mix of what Kate assumed to be exhaustion and defeat.

“Alex? What’s this got to do with him?”

“Nothing, nothing, don’t worry about it. So, who was it? Not my mum, surely?”

“It was Joy.”

“Joy? How the hell did she know?”

“She recognised the signs. You shouldn’t be so dismissive of her, she’s a pretty sharp cookie.”

“So I see. Look, I’m really sorry I didn’t say anything when I was down there, it’s just… complicated.”

“I must admit I’m a bit hurt that you didn’t tell me. But I get that it’s a huge thing for you to get your head round.”

“Yeah, I’ve not been dealing with it too well, as you can tell.”

“You’re feeling rough?”

“Throwing up at least four times a day. I’ve been off work the past few weeks. Everyone there thinks I’m dying, it’s the first time I’ve taken a day off sick in the ten years I’ve worked for the firm.” Maddie managed a small chuckle and for the first time since she arrived, Kate recognised her as the Maddie she knew and loved.

Kate didn’t think it was possible for Maddie to look much worse, but as the doorbell rang her face drained of all remaining colour.

“Do you want me to get that?” asked Kate.

“No, no just leave it. It won’t be anyone important.”

The doorbell rang again and Kate stood up. “I’ll get it for you, don’t worry.”

“No,” said Maddie, pushing past Kate on her way to the door. She opened it a crack, but whoever stood the other side pushed the door open wider.

“Alex?”

“Kate?” Alex looked between the two women, blind panic in his eyes.

“It’s OK, I know,” said Kate. “Aren’t you going to let him in Maddie?”

Maddie moved aside, looking as though she might throw up. Alex didn’t look much better. His usually tanned skin was pasty, his hair, normally his pride and joy sat greasy and limp against his forehead. He walked through the hallway, adjusting his tie like he needed more air.

“So, you know then?” he asked Kate as he followed her into the living room.

“Alex,” said Maddie, but he ignored her.

“And you’re not tearing strips off me? Why?”

“What do you mean? Yes, you should’ve told me, but I get that you were respecting Maddie’s privacy.”

“Wow, um, OK. To be honest I thought you’d be more bothered.”

“I am a bit miffed that you’ve been keeping things from me, but I’m not totally deranged. A baby is exciting, however I happened to find out.”

“God, Kate,” said Alex, pulling her into a tight hug. “Thank you. Thank you so, so much. You know I never meant for it to happen. I always thought if I was going to have children, and it was a big if, that it would be with you.”

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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