Their Perfect Blend

by Sarah Williams

  He ached to see a positive result on a pregnancy test. He wanted it not just for Greer and her desperate desire to be a mother, but for himself too. Desires he’d struggled so hard to repress came flooding out. He wanted to be a dad, to have a child to love and raise. More than that, he wanted to share the role with Greer.

  He wanted a family now too.

  With her.

  “Chef, I’ve prepped the chicken for your new dish,” Tilly called out from across the kitchen.

  “Great, thanks. Have you made enough of the parmesan gnocchi to go with it?” Greer asked, looking over.

  “Sure have.”

  “You’re a superstar. What would I do without you?” Greer smiled then turned when the kitchen door swung open and Freya came in.

  “We just took another group booking for lunch tomorrow,” Freya said. “I hope you’ve got enough of that mocha mousse—it’s becoming our most popular dish.”

  Greer had been experimenting with coffee-flavoured foods since returning from Byron Bay. Hamish had given her some of his roasted beans to use, and Greer had proudly credited Maleny Roast’d on the menu. The mousse had turned out better than expected, especially when she’d added raspberries on top. Greer wiped her hands and waved Freya out of the kitchen. She needed to talk to her sister, away from other ears.

  “What’s up?” Freya asked when they were standing outside in the mid-afternoon sunlight, the rolling green hills and open skies stretching in front of them.

  “My period is late, but I started spotting today.” She let out the words which had sat burning her insides all morning.

  Freya reached for her hands. “Have you told Hamish?”

  “No. Not after last time. What if there is something wrong with me? What if I’m infertile or worse. I’ve not gone for a pap smear in years.”

  “I think you should see the doctor instead of chasing ghosts, Greer.” Freya gripped her sister’s shoulders in her hands and used her sternest tone.

  Greer took a long, steadying breath. She was overreacting. Again. “You’re right. I’m acting like a paranoid idiot.”

  “And tell Hamish. You’re not in this alone. He’ll want to be there for you.”

  Greer simply nodded.

  She needed to make an appointment and find out if anything was wrong. And tell Hamish? One step at a time. Best to get the all-clear from the doctor before worrying him. Hamish had enough on his plate.

  Greer stumbled out of the doctor’s surgery later that afternoon, having managed to get a last-minute booking after a cancellation. An ultrasound and a pregnancy test had both confirmed it.

  She was pregnant.

  Sitting on a bench in the grassy nature reserve, Greer looked out at the view of the one-street town.

  “You’re pregnant, Greer.” Doctor Atkins’ voice echoed across the unbelieving planes of her heart as she remembered the conversation. “Here’s a referral to a great obstetrician. I suggest calling straight away as she’s very popular,”

  Greer’s hands covered her flat belly. The space where a tiny clump of cells was currently dividing and growing into a baby. In a few weeks’ time, there’d be a heartbeat, and after that arms, legs, and a tiny little face. Greer closed her eyes and imagined how she’d look with a round belly, what it would feel like to hold her precious baby in her arms for the first time, what it would be like to feed, love, and cuddle the greatest gift she’d ever been given.

  Tears of joy trickled down her face as she mouthed a silent “thank you” to the universe for her blessing. How silly she’d been this morning thinking only the worst, when all the while she was pregnant.

  There was a lot of change coming her way. Doctors’ appointments, buying things for the baby, training up her sous-chef to run the kitchen while she took maternity leave.

  And of course, she had to tell Hamish.

  Chapter 17

  Greer found Freya down by the stable brushing her horse.

  “What’s up? Did you make the doctor’s appointment?” her sister asked.

  “I managed to get in this afternoon.” Greer wrapped her arms tight around her sister’s neck and whispered into her ear, “I’m pregnant.”

  “Oh, my goodness! This is wonderful! And here you were being all negative Nellie! Where’s Hamish? He must be so excited!”

  Greer paused, stepped away from her sister, and placed a hand on the horse’s neck. The mare’s ears stood at attention, no doubt at the excitement in her rider’s voice.

  “You have told him?” Freya frowned.

  “Not yet. I’m going over to his place tonight.”

  Freya smiled back. “I am so thrilled for you, Greer. This is what you wanted. You’re going to have a baby.” Freya pulled her into a hug. “I want to be there when you tell Mum and Dad.”

  A thrill of excitement mixed with a healthy dollop of apprehension coursed through Hamish’s veins as Greer pulled to a stop outside his building and greeted Hercules, then strolled over to him. She was early. He hadn’t been expecting her for a couple more hours.

  Her hair was loose and her eyes bright. But the frown creasing the skin on her forehead gave him cause for concern.

  “I know I’m early. Do you have a few minutes?” she asked

  “I have forever for you.” Hamish cupped her face and welcomed her with a long, hungry kiss. She tasted like that mocha mousse she’d created. Coffee, cream, and tart raspberry. “What’s up?”

  Greer smiled long and slow before saying, “We’re pregnant!”

  “We are?” He lowered his gaze to where her hands cupped her belly.

  She nodded. Then he was pulling her toward him and kissing her.

  Alarmed by his master’s behaviour, Hercules began pacing and barking at the pair.

  “Shh, Herc. It’s all good.” He gently placed Greer down then petted his dog’s head.

  They went upstairs to Hamish’s loft and she told him all about the doctor’s visit.

  “So, the spotting is okay? There’s nothing wrong?” he asked.

  “No, it’s completely fine and happens to some women. Nothing to worry about.”

  “That’s a relief. Are you going to book in with the obstetrician?”

  “I guess so. I’ll have to have the baby down the coast. The Maleny hospital doesn’t have a maternity ward anymore.”

  Hamish squeezed her hand. “Let’s hope it’s not a quick labour then. Don’t want to have it on the side of the road heading down the range. Too bad the hospital is an hour away.” As excited as he was, and nervous for what the future held, he couldn’t help being disappointed about not having been there when she found out.

  His expression must have showed because Greer cupped his cheek in her hand and turned him to look at her. “You’re not angry are you? This is what we wanted.”

  He attempted a smile. “I wish you’d let me be there. I thought we were in this together. I know this all started because you wanted a baby, but …” His voice trailed off.

  “You’re right. For so long it’s only been me and my family. Freya has always been my go-to person and now everything is changing, everything has shifted. Freya has Justin and …”

  “And you have me,” he said, hoping that between his voice and his eyes she would be able to see how he felt about her. What she meant to him.

  “But now that I’m pregnant, there’s no need to stay together.” Her voice quivered. “That was the deal. The agreement.”

  The words came tumbling out of him. “Screw the agreement. I’m still here because I want to be.” Hamish kissed her forehead. “I love spending time with you. These past weeks have meant everything to me. I’m not ready for this to be over between us. I want us to stay together. To make it work.”

  She stared wide-eyed at him. “Me too.”

  Overtaken with emotion, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her, loving her with his touch when his words failed him.

  The scent of frying sausages and bacon hit Hamish’s nostrils as he walked into the ki
tchen the next morning, and inhaled deeply. “That smells good.’ He wrapped his arms around her waist and nuzzled her neck.

  Greer smiled as his stubble scraped her skin. “That feels good.”

  Bacon popped from the pan and she lunged forward to turn it as Hamish released her. Herc stood eagerly next to the oven, eyes wide open and drool dripping from his hungry mouth. Greer tore off a piece of crispy goodness and tossed it to him

  Fighting his grin and failing miserably, Hamish turned on the coffee machine.

  Greer sighed. “Oh, coffee, my old friend, I shall miss you the most.” She stroked the machine.

  “That’s what decaf is for, sweetheart,” he said as he retrieved a fresh bag of coffee grounds.

  “I can’t imagine enjoying decaf. You might as well drink instant.”

  He pulled a face. “There will be no instant coffee in this house.” Then he turned the bag in his hands and held it out so she could read the shiny new sticker he’d just had made.

  Her eyes widened as she took in the Maleny Roast’d tree symbol with the text below it reading Decaf.

  “I’ve had some atrocious decaf coffee.” Hamish opened the pack and started scooping grinds into the machine. “I mean, really horrible, spit-it-out awful! And you already have to give up so much for the health of our baby. So, I sourced some excellent decaf beans and made a range just for you.” He clicked the on button and the machine roared to life.

  “You did that for me?” She slipped into his arms, their bodies fitting together perfectly.

  He nodded. “Only the best for you.”

  When the decaf was brewed, he placed two cups on the counter, added a splash of Emerald Hills milk to each, and stirred.

  “Tell me what you think, and be honest,” he said as she lifted the cup to her nose, inhaling the scent.

  The way her eyes lit up told him everything. “It’s full-bodied, lively, and well-balanced, with subtle notes of chocolate.” She took another sip. “This is perfect to pair with a delicious dessert.”

  “Like your mocha mousse.” He smiled.

  “Yes, perfect.” She leaned over the counter and kissed him. “You’re the best. Thank you.”

  He sipped his own drink. It was good. Feeling proud of himself and delighted that she enjoyed it, Hamish couldn’t help thinking that he had a pretty great life. And with a baby on the way, things were just going to get better.

  “How’s the raspberry coulis coming?” Greer called to Hamish who was helping her put together a family dinner at her parents’ house.

  They’d decided that they would tell her folks and Meredith together, and Greer couldn’t wait to share her excitement with their loved ones.

  “Smells like heaven!” Freya complimented as she made her way over to Hamish’s side and kissed his cheek. “Congratulations. I’ve not told a soul, I promise. Not even Justin.”

  “Thanks, Freya. Do you think they’ll be happy?”

  “Surprised for sure, but once they get over the shock, they’ll be thrilled,” Freya assured him. “Now how can I help?”

  The plates were soon carried to the table and everyone sat down to enjoy the amazing array of salads and barbequed meats.

  “No wine for you tonight, Greer? Are you still on that health kick?” Mark squinted in his daughter’s direction.

  Greer looked at him sheepishly.

  Under the table, Hamish squeezed her hand. “Now is as good a time as any.”

  Greer clinked her knife to her water glass, capturing everyone’s attention. Her parents, Meredith, Justin, and Freya all looked over at her.

  “Hamish and I have some exciting news,” she said, clinging to Hamish’s hand.

  Her mother clasped a hand over her mouth. “Oh my gosh, are you engaged?”

  “No.” Greer looked at Hamish. “We’re pregnant.”

  There was a beat of silence before Justin called out his congratulations and the rest of the family came out of their shock.

  “Oh, love that’s marvellous!” Nina hugged her daughter. “A baby! Oh, what wonderful news.”

  “Better than an engagement?” Greer threw Freya a look. There still had been no action from Justin on that front, and Freya hadn’t mentioned anything to him about finding the ring.

  “I’m thrilled for both my daughters,” Nina said with the biggest of grins. “They have both found happiness.”

  Mark hugged both parents-to-be and congratulated them. “I want to be called Grandpa. Not Poppy or anything like that. Okay?”

  “Whatever you say, Dad.” Greer kissed his stubbly cheek.

  Meredith eyed up both Greer and her brother. “I had a feeling about you two as soon as I saw you look at her all goofy-eyed that day at my café.”

  “What can I say?” Hamish looked at Greer. “I was in the right place at the right time.”

  He leaned over and kissed her causing butterflies to flutter around in her stomach.

  All her dreams seemed to be coming true.

  Chapter 18

  Hamish held back the loose strands of Greer’s hair as she leaned over the toilet bowl and heaved up her stomach. She’d had a great first trimester, according to Doctor Atkins, and the morning sickness should be easing any day now.

  Greer was looking forward to being able to bounce out of bed again and not have to keep a container on her nightstand.

  “Here.” Hamish handed her a cool, damp cloth to wipe her face.

  “Thanks.” She took the towel and exhaled slowly.

  “I wish this would end. I can’t handle not being able to cook. I can’t even walk into the gift section at work without my stomach rolling over.”

  Hamish rubbed her back as she went to the sink and brushed her teeth.

  Outside, a kookaburra chortled loudly through the window. The winter mornings were chilly and often damp with dew.

  Their baby was due in December, just before Christmas in the heat of summer. Greer was missing the warmer weather and longer days, although she did enjoy snuggling under the covers with Hamish at night.

  “I’ll make you some decaf and toast. I’ll see you after your shower.” He smiled at her before shutting the door behind him.

  The warm steam from the shower was soon fogging up the mirror as Greer let the hot water wash away the morning sickness. Her small bump was finally starting to pop out and she rubbed it, feeling the familiar jolt of knowing she was creating life.

  Freshly dressed and feeling optimistic for a good day, she sat down to breakfast at the table with Hamish and munched slowly on her vegemite toast. “Are you still going to Coffee Con this weekend?”

  “No way. I’m not leaving you like this.” Hamish had been the most supportive, caring partner she could have hoped for. He read all the parenting books and seemed to know exactly what she needed, from a foot rub to an hour alone.

  “I wanted to run something by you,” he said as he retrieved a large tube, cleared some space on the table, and unrolled a sheet of paper.

  Greer frowned as she deciphered the squares and markings. “You want to extend the loft?”

  Hamish came to stand behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. “I think it’s time we made room for a nursery.”

  She shouldn’t be surprised. The baby needed somewhere to sleep when it stayed with Hamish. It only proved how responsible and reliable he was to have thought of it himself and taken the steps to have plans drawn up.

  “I thought we might as well have the kitchen renovated too.” Hamish pointed to the plan. “I thought a butler’s pantry, but we can remove it if you don’t like it.” His voice quavered. “Don’t you like it?”

  Greer held up her hand, still catching up. “Wait. A larger kitchen? For me?”

  He sat next to her and held her hand. “Yes. I know we haven’t really talked about it, but what if you moved in here? Then we could look after the baby together? I could help with the midnight feeds and the nappy changing.”

  “I just expected to raise it at Emerald Hills. I m
ean, there’s the huge garden and the house is so close to work..”

  Hamish’s face dropped. “I’m sorry. I should have talked to you first.”

  He started rolling up the plans and she shot out her hand to stop him. “It looks really great. I guess I just need to think about it? Is that okay?”

  Nodding, he let the paper fall out of his hands. “You stay here almost every night now. I just thought we were both on the same page.”

  He was right. She did stay with him more than in her own bed, and she was becoming very used to spending all her time with him. But was that a bad thing? Could they make it work?

  It would be best for their child, having both parents under the same roof and not shuttling from one house to another. It just wasn’t in the contract. It wasn’t what she’d planned.

  Then again, plans changed. This could be one of those changes for the better.

  Since she couldn’t work, Greer had taken up prenatal yoga with Freya’s friend and spiritual guru Skye Parker. She had grown to love the one-hour sessions which focused on flexibility and relaxion while gentle chanting and meditation music played in the dimly lit room.

  “Visualisation can help you to prepare your mind as well as your body for labour,” Skye explained as they sat with the soles of their feet touching, a lovely stretch easing the muscles in her thighs. “A common visualisation is to think of contractions as an ocean wave, where you can feel the energy building in your body, peaking at the top, and then tumbling and crashing to shore as the pain subsides. It’s all about what works for you. Every mother is different and every labour is different.”

  Greer listened intently. She was willing to try anything to avoid having an epidural. She wanted a natural, calm birth, even though people laughed at her and told her contractions hurt like hell and she ought to opt for an elective caesarean.