Page 99 of A Secret Escape

“Mum?”

“I’m here.” Nanna Peg’s voice was shaky. “What do you think you’re doing, scaring us all?”

“I fell off a horse.”

“I know. And who is this Brian chap that Milly mentioned? If you wanted to go on a date, why couldn’t you just go to the movies like a normal person? Why horse riding?”

Connie managed a smile. “You know I don’t go on dates. I like horses, and I like being outdoors. And Brian is just a friend.”

“Whatever.” Nanna Peg took her hand. “I’m too old for this type of stress. If you want to spend time outdoors, you can join my hiking group. We’re in need of new members since Phyllis fell and broke her hip. And we might be losing Maureen soon.”

Connie eased herself into a more comfortable position. “What has happened to poor Maureen?”

“Nothing yet, but if she doesn’t stop boasting about her grandchildren she is going to have an accident. Nothing fatal,” Peg said darkly. “I was thinking maybe a twisted ankle. Enough to give us all a break.”

Nicole smothered a smile. It was a relief to see Nanna Peg returning to her feisty self. “Your hiking group sounds exciting, Nanna Peg. I might join you.”

Nanna Peg clutched Connie’s hand. “We don’t have room for your type.”

“My type?” Nicole raised her eyebrows. “What exactly is my type?”

“Drama queen. You’ll be rushing back to Hollywood and leaving us in the lurch.”

Nicole sat down on the edge of the bed. “I won’t be rushing back to Hollywood. I’m not going back at all.”

There was a sudden silence in the room.

Connie spoke first. “You’re not?”

“No.” She thought about the lists she’d made when she was at Joel’s earlier.About how clear everything had seemed once she’d written it down. “I’m going to buy a traditional Lakeland stone cottage with roses round the door.”

Nanna Peg scowled. “We don’t love second-home owners. They drive up house prices and ruin a community.”

“It won’t be my second home. It will be my only home. And I intend to be part of the community.” She turned her head briefly and met Joel’s gaze.

He was smiling, as if he wasn’t at all surprised by her announcement.

Connie, however, was definitely surprised. “But why? Did something happen, honey?” The kindness in her tone made Nicole wonder why it had taken her so long to realize that this was where she wanted to be.

This was where she felt most like her real self.

“Of course something happened.” Nanna Peg gave a sniff of disapproval. “She was dating that man whose eyes are too close together. I blame myself. I should have warned you never to trust a man whose eyes are close together.”

Nicole laughed. “A warning would have been useful. And to answer your question, Connie, yes, something happened. I’m pregnant.” She paused, self-conscious and unsure about how that announcement might be received. “I’m having a baby. And before you ask, no, the father doesn’t want anything to do with it, but honestly that’s fine because I think I’ll do better by myself. And I’m excited. Terrified, obviously, but also excited.”

“You won’t be by yourself.” Milly joined them at Connie’s bedside. “You’ll have me.”

“And me!” Zoe was beside herself with excitement. “I’m a brilliant babysitter.”

“You’ll have all of us,” Nanna Peg said, “and we’ll have you, which is good because it will give me something new to boast about.My friend the world-famous actress.Maybe I won’t trip Maureen up just yet. I might need the audience.”

“Talking of audiences,” Joel said, “I was thinking that maybe I should take you back to Forest Nest,Nicole, before the hospital gets too crowded and it’s impossible to smuggle you out.”

“That’s a good idea,” Milly said. “The doctor seemed confident that Mum will be discharged today, so I’ll keep you updated and see you back home later. Maybe you shouldn’t go back the way we came. The waiting room will be crowded by now.”

Joel nodded. “I found a back entrance that comes out near the mortuary. It’s very quiet.”

“Dead people are usually quiet.” Nanna Peg looked thoughtful. “We could smuggle you out, Nicole. You could lie on a trolley, and we could cover you with a sheet. I can sob and look bereft if you think that would add authenticity.”

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