Page 10 of Maybe My Baby

Ginny smiled weakly. “I know I can. That’s why I’m so lucky to have you.”

“Why haven’t you talked to your parents?”

“Because Donovan doesn’t know yet. Besides, my mother is like a bloodhound when it comes to ferreting out secrets. I can’t go over there until I’ve dealt with my unraveling life.”

Myrna paused, her expression odd. “Do youwantthis baby?”

For a moment, Ginny was startled. That was one question she hadn’t asked herself. But the answer came to her in a heartbeat. “I do,” she said slowly. “The timing could hardly be worse. Who knows how Donovan is going to react? But yes. I want the baby. I hope I don’t suck at this motherhood thing.”

“You won’t,” Myrna said. “Besides, if all the old wives’ tales are true, bad morning sickness indicates a healthy pregnancy.”

Ginny scowled. “Oh, goody.”

Myrna had the audacity to laugh in the face of Ginny’s misery. “So when do you tell the new papa-to-be?”

“He’s in Atlanta today and tomorrow. I guess it will have to be Wednesday night.”

“Do you need anything?”

“No, but thank you. I’m hoping after a week or two I’ll feel better.”

“I don’t want to be an alarmist, but for some people the nausea doesn’t go away after the first trimester. Have you seen a doctor yet?”

“I made an appointment for tomorrow with an obstetrician in Gainesville. I know there’s a women’s clinic here in Blossom Branch, but I needed more privacy under the circumstances.”

“Makes sense.”

Ginny chewed her bottom lip, wanting to beg Myrna not to leave. But that was stupid. “You know how I can be sort of a control freak?”

Myrna grinned. “I’ve noticed on occasion.”

“It’s all falling apart. And there’s nothing I can do.” Panic fluttered in her chest like a hundred butterflies trying to escape at once.

“Make one of your famous lists,” Myrna said. “Take it one day at a time, one decision at a time. You’ll be fine, Ginny. I know you. Maybe this pregnancy has come out of the blue and knocked the feet out from under you, but you’ll adjust. And I predict Donovan will be thrilled.”

Ginny wrinkled her nose. “Thrilled?”

“Okay. Maybereceptiveis the word. Orpleased.”

“I hope you’re right. Thank you for coming over. It means a lot.”

Ginny didn’t make it to the doctor on Tuesday. By midmorning, she had thrown up so many times, she was weak and shaky and a little bit scared about how bad she felt. She managed to call and reschedule her appointment, but otherwise, she curled up on her bed in a ball of misery.

If she hadn’t been such a chicken Friday night or even Saturday, she would have already told Donovan and he would be here to help her. Knowing him, he might have canceled his Atlanta event.

That would have made her feel awful.

Later in the afternoon, Myrna left Jim in charge at the store just long enough to drop by with Sprite and Popsicles and homemade chicken soup from the diner. “You’ve got to eat something, honey. You’re pale as death.”

“I’m trying, believe me.”

“You should call Donovan.”

“He’ll be home tonight. I’ll talk to him tomorrow.”

Myrna’s smile was gentle. “The truth won’t get any easier by postponing it. Ask him to come over this evening.”

“He’ll be tired. I’d rather have him in a good mood.”

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