Page 94 of Tiers of Joy

“I mean it, no one is to know. Gaige and I would like to announce it to everyone then.” I smile sweetly.

“I think she’s planning something.” Josie mutters.

“Most definitely.” Amy agrees.

I smile to myself as I walk out of the kitchen. Picking up my phone I ring Gaige.

“Hey beautiful.” He answers.

“Hey. We are going to the pub on Friday. There’s a live band and I think we should tell everyone there that I’m pregnant. The whole town will be there so it’ll be easier that way.” I state.

“Why do I get the feeling that there is more to it than what you’re saying?” He asks sceptically.

“Oh there is. I just think it’s best you wait until then. Trust me on this.” I say.

“Okay, I trust you.” He replies.

“You do? You don’t think it’ll be something that will cause a scene or be a disaster?” I ask.

“Oh I know that what you have planned will definitely cause a scene! It may even be a disaster, that’s a very high probability. But if it is, I will be there to clean it up.” He assures.

“Gaige Knox, I bloody love you.” I smile into the phone.

“Love you too beautiful.” He replies.

We disconnect and I get the girls to help with the preparations ready for tomorrow.

“While I have you both here, when it gets too much for me further down the line I’m going to have to employ a baker. I might also increase your hours if you want the extra.” I query.

“Um Esme, I’ve been going to evening baking classes. If you wanted to, you could teach me your recipes and I could bake for you while you’re on maternity?” Amy asks.

I stop piping and look up.

“Why didn’t you say anything?! I would have helped you, I could have shown you different techniques!” I grin.

“I didn’t like to bother you. You’ve had a lot going on.” Amy points out.

“Yeah but I would always offer to help! I would love to train you up to cover me! I would much rather have someone I know I can trust than hire someone from outside.” I say while pulling her into a hug.

When we open the next day there is actually a queue waiting before we even open. I’m guessing they’ve all really missed the bakery these past couple of days.

Everyone was asking how I was, if I was feeling better, and telling me about their aunt’s cousin twice removed who had fainted and it turned out to be malaria. I did point out that I haven't visited Africa at all, as in not once in my life, but they all came back with the same.

“Well you can’t be too careful these days! You can hop on a plane anywhere.”

By the end of the day I’m exhausted. If the days don’t start calming down I will have to hire someone in to help me so that I have time to train Amy up. I flop down on the bed and yawn.

“Beautiful, wake up.” I hear whispered.

“Hmm.” I moan.

Gaige kisses along my neck.

“Hhmm. What time is it?” I ask.

“Seven.” He answers.

“I finished work and laid down; I must have passed out.” I yawn and roll over, cuddling into Gaige.

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