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I can’t reply, because all I can think is that I’m so not ready for this.
Kip takes the jug of steamed milk, pours it over the two mugs of espresso, and stirs them. Then he puts a hand on my back. “Deep breaths, Dad.”
“Fuck off.”
He chuckles. “Mum’s going to be so excited to have a grandchild at last.”
Oh crap, Mum and Dad. I’m going to have to tell them. I’m not worried about them having a bad reaction. I’ve always had a brilliant relationship with my parents. I’m more concerned about the fuss they’re going to make. Mum’s going to want to hold a ticker tape parade. Dad’s just going to tease me for knocking a girl up. They’ll love Catie, though. If I can get her to relax for long enough to agree to meet them.
I straighten and shake my head, trying to dislodge my thoughts. One thing at a time. I’m not telling anyone until I’ve sorted a few things out with Catie, and got her to see a doctor. I’m ninety-nine percent sure she’s telling the truth about me being the only guy she’s been with, but I can’t get rid of the niggling feeling that the dates don’t work.
“Don’t tell anyone yet,” I say.
“Of course not. I can still mock you in private, though?”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less.” I pick up the two mugs, give him an amused look, and take them back into my office.
Catie is standing over by the window, staring out at the park. She turns as I walk in and put the mugs on the table. “I was looking at the view,” she says.
“It’s one of the reasons we bought the place. That and it’s close to the hospital.”
“So, your company does research into IVF?” She walks back to the sofa and sits. I watch as she picks up the coffee, holds it in both hands, and inhales the smell before she takes a sip and murmurs, “Oh… that’s good.”
“Kind of.” Thinking that maybe chatting to her generally for a bit might relax her before I start asking more intimate questions, I sit in the chair and pick up my mug. “I own Kingpinz with Kip and my other brother, Damon.”
“I like the name, with NZ at the end.”
“Thanks. We liked the multiple meanings: the key person in an organization, the crucial feature of a theory, the front pin in tenpin bowling, and the fact that it’s an engineering term—a pivot pin in a steering joint.”
“Oh, yes, that’s cool.”
“We do research into robotics for things like cardiac surgery, and we’ve also been working with my cousin, Titus, using his Artificial Intelligence program to develop better prosthetics. He’s currently in the UK, and at the moment I’m also running his company, NZAI, dividing my time between here and Auckland.”
“Wow. So you’re not just a Doctor Who geek, then?”
“I am also a Doctor Who geek.”
“Or is it nerd?”
“As I see it, nerds are interested in facts. Geeks are interested in fiction. I happen to be both.”
That causes a brief smile to appear on her face. “Me too,” she says.
We sip our coffee. At least she’s not glaring at me now.
I study her face, thinking of how her freckles extend all over her body. I’ve kissed a good quantity of them, although I’m sure I missed a few.
“So.” I try to concentrate. “Do you mind if I ask a few questions? Pertaining to the baby?”
“Okay.”
“You’re not sure how far along you are?”
She shakes her head.
“Can you remember when your last period was?”
“No.”
