“First I have to call the doctor and see if I can get in. Corrine already offered to go with me. We’ll be taking Abigail with us.”
“I see. I had hoped to hear how yesterday’s meeting went.”
“I know. We’ll talk about it later.”
“That’s our cue to leave,” Mrs. Peacock said. “Birdie needs to go home. I’m sure he’s missing watching the seagulls.”
“Nasty birds, nasty birds,” Birdie replied.
The bird sister gathered up their belongings and Birdie, heading out the door.
“Oh, bother,” Kimberly said. “I wanted to ask Mrs. Canary where she’s having coffee today.”
“At home?”
“Oh, no, she’s meeting one of her ex-husbands, or the one she was married to twice.”
“Leave out the details. All I want to know about is what the doctor has to say today and what happened at your meeting yesterday.”
“Fine then, the meeting was uneventful since I got sick in the middle of it so we’ll have to delay that conversation.”
“How are you feeling today?”
“Better for the moment. I still can’t believe I slept like that.”
“Me either. I’ve never been so worried.” He took the baby from her. “She was such an angel last night. I thought you were crazy when you told me Mrs. Peacock was babysitting, but I was proved wrong.”
Jeremy took the baby back to her room and returned. “Do you feel up for breakfast?”
“I think I had better start with dry toast and tea and see how it goes.”
“Okay, I’ll have the same. I’d hate to make you sick by smelling scrambled eggs like the other day.”
Kimberly was happy that Jeremy thought about what was best for her instead of himself. While it was an act of love, she didn’t want him to go without breakfast since he’d be working all day.
Chapter 8
Corrine pulled up and Kimberly carried Abigail’s car seat to the SUV. “What’s wrong with my car?” Corrine asked.
“It’s not child proofed,” Kimberly replied, as she hooked the seat in the back and set the diaper bag next to it.
“Aww, I think she needs to travel in style. I think you’re raising a real prima donna there.”
“That’s the last thing I want. I plan to raise my children grounded and humble. No princesses or divas, please.”
“You act like I’d be a bad influence.”
“I never said that, but you might do that unconsciously.”
“You’re probably right. We better get going before you miss your appointment.”
Kimberly was lucky that there was a cancelation today. Dr. Harris was the only medical doctor in town and most of the residents went to him. He also had the nicest nurses.
Kimberly made the turn into the doctor’s office and Corrine carried the infant carrier while Kimberly put the strap of the diaper bag over her shoulder.
Inside, Kimberly signed in and the receptionist alerted the nurses that she had the baby with her.
“She’s so adorable,” the woman said. “You and your husband must be so happy.”
“We are, thanks.”
She sat down in the lobby and people snuck a peek at the baby, murmuring to themselves. The door opened again and it was Mrs. Barry who approached.
“What brings you here, Kimberly?” she asked.
“Just a checkup.”
“Me, too. I’m still not sure about getting cataract surgery. If only I wouldn’t have to count on someone to drive me where I need to go.”
“It will help you see so much better,” Kimberly said.
“I know you’re right, but I’m afraid Jeremy won’t be able to help me get back my license. From what I’ve been told, I’d have to take the written exam. I’d be mortified if I couldn’t pass it.”
“I could help you study for that.”
“Thank you, Kimberly, but I’m certain you have enough on your plate. You don’t need to help me, too.”
“Don’t tell me what to do. I can help you if I want.”
Corrine laughed.
“What’s so funny?” Mrs. Barry asked. “We weren’t talking to you.”
“She’s with me,” Kimberly said.
“Oh, well then, it’s okay to laugh, but my situation hardly warrants it.”
“I was laughing about Kimberly’s insistence to help you is all.”
“Where’s your granddaughter?” Kimberly asked.
“She’s waiting in the car. I believe she may find me to be an embarrassment.”
Kimberly sighed. “Why would you say that?”
“Well, I was grocery shopping yesterday and tripped that awful man who lives down the street from me.” After Kimberly cocked a brow, she added. “Sam didn’t fall or anything so no worries there, but it did gather me a round of applause. He’s the grumpiest man I know. He bought the last six pack at the party store, the selfish man. And he complains about everything. He even accused me of allowing my dog to soil his lawn.”
“But your dog has been dead for years now.”
“I know that,” Mrs. Barry said, “but try telling Sam that. I believe he’s slipping.”
“How sad,” Kimberly said. “I hate to see seniors decline like that.”
Kimberly’s name was called and Corrine followed her into the back. The nurse smiled down at Abigail and gushed, “That’s the most beautiful baby I’ve ever seen.”
“She’ll be a star someday,” Corrine commented.
“How about we just let her grow up and decide for herself what she wants to do,” Kimberly said.
She grimaced as she was weighed and then was taken into an exam room where her blood pressure and pulse were taken.
The nurse jotted down Kimberly’s vitals and left, promising the doctor would be there soon. Kimberly sighed as she stared at the diabetic chart on the wall. “They could put something more interesting to read in here,” Corrine remarked.
“There are magazines on the counter.”
Corrine picked out a magazine and thumbed through it with a laugh.
Kimberly raised a brow.
“There’s an ad for Pretty and Pregnant perfume with your picture.”
Kimberly looked at the ad that showed her holding a bottle of perfume with a smile. Her bulging belly was in full view and she was dressed all in pink, including the heels she wore. “It seems like a lifetime ago that the ad was put out.”
They were interrupted when the doctor walked in. He sat down on a rolling stool and searched on his computer. “So, you’ve been sick for a few days?”
“Yes. I’ve been quite nauseous and dizzy. I was sick quite a few times yesterday, too.”
“Is there any chance you’re pregnant?”
“No, I mean, I don’t think so. Abigail is only ten weeks old.”
“Are you on birth control?”
“No.”
“Have you missed your monthly?”
Kimberly thought for a moment. “I have no idea. They’ve been so out of whack since I’ve given birth.”
“Well, then. I’d like you to give us a urine sample and see what it says.”
Kimberly was sitting there shaking after she turned in her sample.
“Relax, Kimberly,” Corrine said.
“Easy for you to say. You aren’t the one who might be pregnant not even ten weeks after you gave birth.”
The doctor returned and sat back down, gazing down at Abigail. “The pregnancy test was positive.”
Kimberly held her breath for a moment before she let it out, her cheeks wetting as tears poured from her eyes. She tried her best to wipe them, but it was nearly impossible.
Dr. Harris handed her a tissue. “Being pregnant is a good thing, not bad.”
“E-Easy for you to say. I’m not ready to be pregnant again.”
“Life is like that sometimes, Kimberly, but I imagine Jeremy will be over the moon about this.”
“I’m not sure about that. What if that test is wrong?”<
br />
“We’ll do a blood test, too. I’ll have one of the nurses take your blood and we should have the results tomorrow.”
Kimberly dragged her feet all the way to the lab that was in the same building. And after her blood was drawn, they left. Corrine did the driving as Kimberly was overwhelmed with the news she had received.
“Jeremy was clear about not wanting more children too soon.” Kimberly said.
“I’m sure he’ll be happy when he finds out.”
“Perhaps he won’t have to find out. The blood test could come out negative.”
“You need to accept the fact that you’re pregnant.”
“I can barely handle Abigail and we only have a two-bedroom house.”
“I know, but you won’t need to worry about a new place until the children are older. There’s plenty of room for an addition to be built, too.”
Kimberly knew Corrine was trying to help, but it was too depressing right now. Would Jeremy leave her when he found out that she was pregnant, like what had happened to Mrs. Canary?
Corrine drove through town and Kimberly practically squealed in delight when she spotted Mrs. Canary’s car at the coffee shop. “Pull in there,” Kimberly said. “Mrs. Canary is supposed to be having coffee with her ex-husband there today.”
“Enough said.”
Corrine made an aggressive U-turn and pulled in next to Mrs. Canary’s car. Kimberly lifted out the infant car seat and made way inside with Corrine. Corrine went to the counter and ordered them coffee while Kimberly approached Mrs. Canary and the small man with a birthmark on his bald head.
“Hello there, Mrs. Canary,” Kimberly greeted her. “Fancy meeting you here.”
“This is Kimberly and that’s her baby, Abigail.”
“She’s beautiful, but not as beautiful as Henrietta here.”
Kimberly smiled. “So that’s Mrs. Canary’s first name.”
“Yes, but it’s respectful to address me as Mrs. Canary.”
“Or it was when we were younger.” Samuel winked.
“So what brings you here? Mrs. Canary told us your story.”
“I’m certain she didn’t make me sound good at all, but I’ve changed. I no longer feel the need to ‘play the field,’ as you younger people say. I know Henrietta is the love of my life.”
Kimberly sat down when Corrine joined her with the coffee.
“What I don’t understand is why now and not before?” Kimberly asked.
“That’s what I wonder,” said a woman on the other side who was hiding behind a newspaper.
“Sister, put down that newspaper. I should have known you’d lay in wait like a snake in the grass.”
“Samuel is the only snake I see. Don’t listen to his sweet talk. It’s only as good as his next divorce,” Mrs. Peacock said.
“Are you married, Samuel?” Kimberly asked.
“Not for long.”
“So, you are married currently?”
Mrs. Peacock shook her head. “What did I tell you, sister?”
“But I thought he was single now. That’s what he told me when he called.”
“It appears that it’s the same old Samuel, if you ask me,” Mrs. Peacock said, dumping the contents of her iced tea in his lap. He jumped up and tried to dry his pants, but there was no saving that as the entire crotch of his pants now had a wet stain.
“That’s so uncalled for,” Samuel choked out.
“Don’t call me any more with your lies,” Mrs. Canary shrieked. “I can’t believe I fell for that, again.”
“I swear I’ll divorce Mary soon.”
“Is that the same Mary who you cheated on me with ten years ago?”
“Yes, but I realize my mistake. I swear, you’re the only woman for me.”
The other patrons pelted Samuel with their paper coffee cups and he raced outside, tripping and sliding into a table thanks to Corrine’s raised foot. He slammed out the door and applause began. Mrs. Canary thanked everyone and proceeded to clean up the mess with the help of her sister and Corrine.
They left laughing. As they got into the car, Kimberly’s phone rang. She answered it and it was Jeremy, who wanted her to stop by the office.
“I’d rather see you at home. It’s been tiring taking Abigail out with me today,” she told him, ending the call and turning to Corrine. In the back seat, Abigail was now crying.
“I think someone had too much excitement for the day,” Corrine pointed out. “I had a hard time getting Clive to button his lip about yesterday. What did you tell Jeremy?”
“Nothing much, just that I thought it was the flu, but I don’t think I’m fooling anyone. Even the bird sisters suspect I’m pregnant, but they’re nice enough to not push the point.”
Corrine dropped her off and Kimberly changed and fed the baby, busying herself by making dinner. She pulled out pork loins and pan fried them with onions and sweet peppers. She stared at the package of instant potatoes and hoped Jeremy wouldn’t mind too much to have them tonight. Not when they were garlic. She also cooked baby carrots with brown sugar and butter.
When Jeremy walked in the door, Kimberly told him dinner was ready.
“I could get used to this,” he said, going to put his briefcase away.
Kimberly had the plates on the table when Jeremy returned. He sat down opposite her with a bottle of wine. “I think we should celebrate.”
“Celebrate what?”
“That you seem to feel better today.”
“Not a hundred percent, but I believe all the sleep yesterday helped.”
“Does the doctor think you have the flu?”
She hated to lie to him, but she wanted to keep her suspected pregnancy to herself. At least until the blood test came back. “He ordered a blood test.”
“Clive told me you were with Corrine today.”
“She went to the doctor with me, remember?”
“Oh, that’s right. Are you sure you don’t want any wine?”
“I don’t care for any,” Kimberly said. “My stomach still is playing tricks with me.”
“Nothing serious, I hope,” he said, as he poured the wine. He took a bite of the pork and smiled as he chewed.
“I hope that means you like your dinner.”
“I always do, you’re a great cook.”
“Thanks, Jeremy.”
She sighed as she drank her milk. Keeping a secret like this was killing her.
“Did Corrine ask if you wanted to resume modeling?”
“I’m unclear how that will happen. They suggested I be a spokesmodel for the Pretty and Hip line, though, but I’d rather not model for that line.”
“Why? Because my ex-girlfriend Clare was the model for Pretty and Hip?”
“I’d rather not speak about Clare, but the last thing I want to do is follow in her shoes.”
“That doesn’t have anything to do with you, Kimberly. She’s no longer here to bother us anymore.”
“I just feel like it’s bad luck to me.”
Jeremy nodded. “I understand.”
Kimberly sighed, picking at her plate.
Jeremy glanced at Kimberly, remaining silent as he ate. When Weenie ran up to alert her that Abigail was crying, Kimberly excused herself. She didn’t go back into the dining room, but changed and rocked Abigail. “You’re the sweetest baby in the whole wide world,” Kimberly murmured, inhaling Abigail’s fragrance, a mixture of baby shampoo and baby powder.
* * *
Jeremy appeared at the door and leaned against the doorjamb. Kimberly was so great with the baby, a real natural. Unlike him. He wasn’t even able to handle Abigail at his office.
He could tell at dinner that Kimberly had something on her mind that didn’t have anything to do with being a spokesmodel for the Pretty and Hip perfume line. He hadn’t been the most supportive of her modeling again. It wasn’t that he didn’t want her doing that, it really had more to do with the baby and the idea of Kimberly having to leave her while she worked.
&nb
sp; “Kimberly,” Jeremy said. When she glanced up, her eyes watered up. He knelt in front of her. “What’s wrong?”
“I have something on my mind, but I don’t want to talk about it right now. Please allow me to sort it out on my own.”
“Does it have anything to do with how I felt about you modeling again?”
She panicked, unsure what she should say to that. “Part of it. You haven’t been the most supportive, before I even know if Corrine wants me to be a spokesmodel again.”
“I’m sorry. I was wrong about that. I trust that you’ll make the right decision for all of us.”
Kimberly narrowed her eyes. “That doesn’t sound like you’ve changed your mind at all, quite the opposite.”
“Perhaps I didn’t word it the right way. We’ll need to come up with a plan for who will be watching Abigail. I’d prefer to have it be someone in our family.”
“You can take a turn, you know.”
“But you already saw how that went.”
Kimberly handed the baby to Jeremy. “You need to take care of her, too. I think the office just wasn’t the best atmosphere for her.”
He stood up and asked, “Is it time for a bottle?”
“Yes, why don’t you feed her.”
Jeremy left the room feeling somewhat better. At least he had cleared up the modeling thing. He readied Abigail’s bottle and fed her. He touched her cheek gently as she slurped the formula. It was certainly a miracle that she was brought into their lives. It connected them in a way he had never thought possible.
After he burped Abigail, he called out to Kimberly. “Can you come here for a minute.”
* * *
Kimberly walked into the room and Jeremy handed the baby to her. “I have a surprise for you that will help out with the baby.”
He went out the door, returning with a box containing a baby swing.
“What a good surprise. I hope Abigail with like it.”
“My bet is she will. Most people have one. I’m not sure why I didn’t buy one before.”
“It would be nice if you brought back the portable bassinet, too. It really comes in handy when I’m cooking. She’s beginning to stay awake longer than she used to.”
“I will. I guess I wasn’t thinking when I told you I’d keep it at the office. Gladys informed me that she won’t be babysitting for me.”
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