Page 59 of Best Laid Plans

She’d been hiding behind fear for too long. She was going to be a mother now and that required courage.

For her baby’s sake, she would tell Will how she really felt and then face the consequences bravely.

Her confession might not make any difference. It might make everything worse, but she now knew that it was time to take the risk she’d shied away from for too long.

At lunch time, Gina popped her head around the surgery door, her dark eyes brimming with curiosity. ‘Mum’s minding the twins while I do my shopping. I thought I’d duck in quickly to see how you’re going.’

‘You must have a sixth sense about these things,’ Lucy said, smiling.

Gina’s eyes widened.

‘Come and have a cuppa.’ Lucy took her through to the kitchen.

‘Do you have some news?’ Gina asked as soon as she’d shut the door that linked back to Lucy’s office.

‘I only found at this morning.’

‘That you’re pregnant?’

Lucy couldn’t hold back her grin. ‘Yes.’

Gina squealed and knocked over a kitchen chair in her rush to hug her friend. ‘Oh, Lucy, I’m so excited for you.’

‘I know. It’s fantastic, isn’t it? I have to keep pinching myself.’

‘Our babies are going to be cousins,’ Gina gushed.

Lucy smiled again, but this time there wasn’t much joy behind it.

‘I’m assuming that Will is the father,’ Gina said less certainly.

‘Yes, he is, and he knows about the baby. But I haven’t told anyone else yet, so keep it under your hat.’

‘Of course.’

The kettle came to the boil and Lucy was aware of Gina’s thoughtful gaze as she poured the hot water over teabags.

‘So how are things between you and Will?’ she cautiously asked as Lucy handed her a mug.

‘Hunky dory,’ Lucy said flatly.

‘Oh. That doesn’t sound too promising.’ Gina took a sip of tea. ‘I suppose Will hasn’t admitted that he loves you.’

Lucy felt the pallor rush from her face. ‘Don’t talk nonsense, Gina. He doesn’t love me.’

‘Do you really believe that?’

‘Yes. He can’t love me. If he did, he wouldn’t be taking off for PNG.’

Gina sighed. ‘Is he really going away again?’

‘Yes.’

‘Sometimes, I could wring his neck.’

‘He’s the man he is,’ Lucy said, surprised that she could sound philosophical about a sad fact that was breaking her heart. ‘Everyone in Willowbank knows Will doesn’t belong here.’

‘I’m not so sure about that, actually. But anyway, he could always take you with him when he goes away.’

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