Page 67 of The Un-Apparent Heir

“I would sugarcoat it and greet you with a whisky, but that’s not within my capability tonight.”

Ed closed the front door, standing in the dark foyer. He could only make out her features by the light filtering in from the living room.

“Okay. What’s going on, Nat?”

“Today, I had G-LOC and proceeded to vomit all over myself. I went to the infirmary to hopefully figure out what was the matter. I want to be cleared to fly, you know?”

“Of course.”

“But I won’t be. Not now. I would suspect I am permanently grounded.”

“Baby, what is going on?”

“I don’t know how to feel about this, but through some sort of oddity, I’m pregnant.”

She continued talking, but Ed lost all ability to reason or speak. Did she just say… pregnant? How could that be?

“So, yeah. I’m not sure if I’m excited. I should be, but… it seems impossible.”

“Of course, you’re excited.”

“I’m not. This changes everything. I want to be. I feel dreadful I’m not, Edwin. We waited so long, darling. We gave up. I resigned myself to the happiest life without children. We created a beautiful life together. I love our lives. I didn’t want to be a first-time mum at thirty-seven. That’s not in the cards?—”

“Well, Nat, we don’t have a choice but to proceed if it is meant to be,” Ed said.

Internally, he was bursting, too. Much like for Natalie, this was an unknown. He didn’t know what to feel.

“Well, I love you,” Ed took her face in his hands and kissed her forehead. “And whatever happens, we’re here together. That’s all that matters. Same team.”

Natalie nodded. “Sure. I made an appointment with the consultant in the morning. She told us to come to get measurements. I have no idea how far along I am. I couldn’t remember my last period. I’ve been so wrapped up in stress and work.”

“Can’t be far,” Ed said.

“No, I don’t think so. Until I see the baby on the screen, it won’t feel real,” Natalie said. “Maybe someday…”

Natalie sat, hands folded in her lap. They waited to see the midwife for their scan. It was hard to believe they waited to see a baby onscreen. Well, they hoped. The midwife, a brusque Welshwoman with a thick accent, reported for duty. She was so official. It took Natalie by surprise. She didn’t mind it. She appreciated that level of detail.

Natalie hopped on the table. She held Ed’s hand as the baby appeared. They expected something tiny and worm-like. They’d spent the night before on the couch, Natalie scrolling endlessly on her phone through week-by-week ultrasounds. She tried to come up with symptoms by week that made sense. Other than vomiting once and feeling a bit tired, she had nothing.\

But on the screen, there was the baby—its heart beating strong. It looked human, possessing a head and little arms. It had feet that kicked. Natalie swore she saw a wave. Ed teared up, unable to hold back. This was a dream realised. Natalie was in shock.

“All looks well. We’re going to get some measurements now. You had no idea you were pregnant?”

“No,” Natalie said. “Not until I got sick in flight. That’s never happened to me. It was out of nowhere. So, the doctor took a test and… I’m here now. I’m pretty far along.”

The midwife waited to answer.

“Measurements are all positive. Given your age, I would like to run a genetic screen, but I don’t see anything concerning, You are measuring twelve weeks and one day, but it’s unreliable this far out. Take your due date with a grain of salt.”

“When is that?”

“Per the chart, August 11th.”

Natalie nearly fell over. “We’re having a baby in August?”

“Yes. Congratulations. Exciting news, I hope?”

Ed nodded. “Such exciting news. It feels real now.”

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