“But it’s Cash’s kid,” Tally whispered, her eyes filling with tears.
“Babes.” Em moved next to her on the couch and hugged her tightly. “I know how much you love him, but you have to think this through. Please make sure you’re looking at this not romantically, but practically, because when that kid has been screaming for three days straight, and you’re knackered and alone, reality is going to bite you in the arse.”
Tally recoiled. “Are you saying you won’t support me?”
“Of course I’m not,” Em said, horror etched on her face. “I’m there for you whatever you decide. But I wouldn’t be your friend if I didn’t make you look long and hard at this decision.”
“I’m keeping it.” Tally plucked the ultrasound picture from between Em’s fingers. “This is my baby. Mine.”
Em blew out a soft sigh and took back the picture. She stared at the grainy image. “I can’t believe it.”
Tally gave a bitter laugh. “Try being in my head.”
“When’s it due?”
“Sixteenth of July.”
“You need to tell Cash he’s going to be a father.”
“No.” Tally’s response was instantaneous and firm.
“If you are keeping this baby––”
“I am keeping it.”
“Okay, as you are keeping this baby, Cash has a right to know. And maybe, just maybe, that will be the catalyst to bring you two back together.”
“I called him.”
Em’s eyebrows shot up. “When?”
Tears welled in Tally’s eyes. “The day I found out. Christmas Eve. I wanted to share the news with him.”
A frown drifted across Em’s face. “But you didn’t?”
Tally blinked several times as the memory of Cash’s harsh words and even harsher tone came rushing back. “It went to voicemail, and then he rang me back. He didn’t know it was me when he called. We spoke for a minute or two, and then I knew I couldn’t tell him.”
Em tilted her head to the side. “Why not?”
“He was… aloof. Cold. When I said I’d called because I wanted to hear his voice, he told me there were plenty of YouTube videos knocking about and that I shouldn’t live on false hope.”
Em sucked in a breath. “The arrogant fucker.”
When a tear spilled onto Tally’s cheek, Em’s arms curved around her neck. Tally rested her head on Em’s shoulder and gave in to her sorrow.
The morning Em was due to go back to London, Tally sat in silence, her mood sombre as she watched Em pack. Acute loneliness swept through her as she realised she’d soon be alone once more. Safome was great, and Nerissa had become a dear friend, but it wasn’t the same. Not like with Em, whom she’d known most of her life.
Or Pete. She hadn’t even told him she was pregnant. It didn’t seem right to tell him over the phone. He deserved better than that.
“Right, that’s the last of it, I think,” Em said, scanning Tally’s bedroom.
“Did you get your hair straighteners from the bathroom?” Tally asked.
“No. Shit. Imagine this mane without them,” she said, pointing to her perfectly straight bob, a look she achieved by clamping her hair between two hundred degrees of ceramic plates for twenty minutes.
“I’d rather not. There are things the eyes should never see,” Tally said, ducking when Em threw a cushion at her.
Em returned from the bathroom and stuffed her hair straighteners into her suitcase. She zipped it up and heaved it off the bed, where it thudded onto the floor. “I think I may be over the weight allowance for the flight,” she said with a grimace.
“I’m not surprised, with the amount you’ve bought this week.”
“I’ve been on holiday,” Em said with a pout. And then she chuckled. “Although I never need an excuse to shop.”
When Tally didn’t join in with her laughter, Em sat on the edge of the bed and tucked a lock of hair behind Tally’s ear. “Talk to me.”
Tally met Em’s gaze, her vision blurring as her eyes filled with tears. “I want to go home.”
13
A week later, Tally’s plane touched down in Heathrow, and the moment it did, she knew this had been the right decision. She’d been wrong to think running away was the answer to her problems. The baby had brought everything into sharp focus. She didn’t need tranquil. She needed London, with its fast-paced lifestyle, overcrowded streets, and general buzz.
Nerissa’s teary face drifted into Tally’s mind. Her friend had bawled like a baby when Tally told her she was leaving, but Tally reassured her they would definitely stay in touch. Running away might not have been the right thing, but she’d achieved great things—a serialised story that highlighted the plight of millions, a new and dear friend, a café that was better set up to help those in need. And an apartment she’d be able to rent out.
She disembarked. Icy air bit into her skin as she walked up the jet bridge, and she was relieved when she reached the warmth of the terminal building,
As luck would have it, her bags were amongst the first off the carousel. She loaded them onto a cart and set off towards the Nothing to Declare lane, which didn’t have a customs officer in sight.
Tally exited through the automatic doors into the arrivals hall and glanced around. She spotted Em about three rows back, waving madly. She weaved through the crowds of arriving passengers, eventually reaching her friend. The two girls hugged as though they hadn’t seen each other for months.
“You made it,” Em said, kissing her cheek. “This place is nuts.”
“Everyone’s heading home after the New Year’s holidays.”
“I’ve had to park in the multistorey,” she said, taking the trolley away from Tally.
Tally planted her hands on her hips. “I am capable of pushing my own trolley.”
“I know,” Em said, completely ignoring Tally’s attempts to take it back. Em set off at a clip, catching the ankles of a few shufflers. With a muttered apology, she steered the baggage trolley around them.
Em refused to allow Tally to put her suitcases in the boot, even going so far as to open the passenger door and help her inside. But when Em grabbed the seatbelt and tried to clip it in place, Tally snatched it away.
“I’m pregnant, not an invalid. I had enough of this when we were in Safome.”
“Still grumpy, I see,” Em said, dismissively waving as she walked around the car to climb into the driver’s seat.
“Please tell me you’re not going all mother hen for nine months,” Tally said, giving her a hard stare.
“If you think this is bad, wait until you tell Dozer. That uncle of yours won’t let you lift a finger.”
Tally swallowed hard. “Do you think he’ll be mad?” she said, glancing sideways at Em.
“What right does he have to be mad? You’re not sixteen.”
“Still…”
“I think he’ll be worried, but once he sees you’re okay, he’ll be thrilled.”
“I hope so,” Tally murmured.
“We can find out tomorrow,” Em said.
“Why tomorrow?”
“Because I’ve invited him over for dinner.”
“Emmalee!”
“Oh, come on, Tal. You think I’d actually be able to keep him away. You know how delighted he is you’ve decided to move back home. He hated the fact he couldn’t get over to see you at Christmas. He might come across as a grouchy old bastard, but he loves the bones of you. He’s missed having you around.”
“I know. He told me every time I called,” Tally said, grinning. “I thought I’d have more time to prepare, that’s all.”
“Rip the plaster off, babes. Easiest way.”
As Em drove through the grimy London streets towards her flat, Tally’s excitement grew. Ten weeks wasn’t long, but she’d missed home. Having this baby on the way meant she needed her family around more than ever.
Her palm settled on her stomach, and she absentmindedly rubbed it. Cash might not want her any mor
e, but she still loved him desperately. If this baby was all she had left of their relationship, there wouldn’t be a child more wanted, more cherished, more precious.
By the time Em parked up outside her flat, Tally could barely keep her eyes open. A ferry, two flights, and an hour scrambling across London in heavy traffic had finished her off. This time, she didn’t argue when Em insisted on carrying her bags inside.
“Do you mind if I take a bath?” Tally said.
Em rolled her eyes. “Please don’t tell me you’re going to be asking if you can do this or do that or if it’s okay to make a cuppa every five minutes, because that will get on my bloody nerve pretty quick.”
Tally laughed. “Nerve? As in singular?”
“Yep. I didn’t have many left after the week I’ve had, and the drive from the airport eroded the last few away. A bowl of pasta, a glass of wine, and a good night’s sleep, and the others will grow back.”
“Here’s hoping,” Tally said over her shoulder as she pushed open the door to the bathroom. She turned the hot tap on full. While the bathtub filled up, she rummaged through her suitcases, eventually locating her toiletries and a warm set of pyjamas.
She stripped off and turned sideways to look in the mirror. The slight bump was easily detectable, although anyone not in the know would probably think she’d eaten too much bread.
She sank down into the bath and closed her eyes. The hot water soothed her aching muscles, and her body began to relax for the first time since she’d found out she was pregnant. She was so glad to be home. She needed those she loved around her, especially now.
But the one she loved the most was missing.
14
Tally paced between the sofa and the window while she waited for Pete to arrive. She’d convinced Em to leave her to it. She needed to do this alone, not with Emmalee prodding her in the back every five minutes. Her friend meant well, but Tally wanted to gauge Pete’s mood so she could approach her news in the right way.
She jumped when his three-rap knock sounded on the door. Taking a deep breath, she opened it.
“Hi, Pete,” she said, giving him a warm hug. “Come on in. That wind is bitter.”
“It’s great to see you, Tally.” Pete closed the door behind him and wiped his feet on the mat. “I’m glad you decided to come home.”
“Me too,” she said with a warm smile. “It was definitely the right decision. I can’t keep running from my problems. Time to face up to them.”
“At least it turned out to be weeks rather than months.” He followed her into the kitchen. “Where’s Emmalee?”
“She’s gone to the cinema.”
Pete frowned. “Oh. I thought she was joining us for dinner.”
“I asked her to go,” Tally said, stirring the pasta. She dipped a spoon into the sauce and held it up for Pete to taste.
“Perfect,” he said, licking his lips. “You always were a fabulous cook.”
“Sit down, then,” she said, nodding at the small kitchen table. She filled two bowls with food and pushed one in front of him. “I wanted it to be just us tonight.”
“Why’s that?” he said, stabbing at the spaghetti with his fork.
“I haven’t seen you since I left for Greece. I saw Em last week.”
“Fair enough.” Pete slurped another mouthful of spaghetti, splattering his shirt with bolognaise sauce. “Dammit. Every time.”
She giggled. “Here,” she said, passing him a damp cloth.
“Good job I have a fabulous dry cleaner,” he said, laughing at his own clumsiness. “I need a bib.”
“You always did get more spaghetti sauce on you than in you,” Tally said.
A warm glow spread through her veins as the familiar scene unfolded in front of her, and she couldn’t wait any longer. “I’m pregnant,” she blurted.
His hand froze halfway towards his mouth, his fork full of spaghetti. He glanced up, eyes wide. “What did you say?”
“I’m having a baby. In July.” She reached across the table and clasped her fingers around his. “I know it’s a shock. It was to me too when I found out.” She shrugged. “But I’m slowly getting used to the idea.”
She could see him working backwards. “It’s Cash’s?”
“Yes. Not planned, obviously.”
“What has he said?”
“I haven’t told him.”
Pete patted her arm. “Good. Because I want to be there when you do.”
Tally shook her head. “No need. I’m not telling him.”
Pete’s mouth set in a firm line. “You have to tell him.”
“Why? Cash has made his feelings perfectly clear. He doesn’t want me, and I’m sorry, Uncle Pete, but me and this baby come as a package deal.”
“Tally… ” Pete’s head dropped, and he slowly shook it.
“I’ve made my decision.”
“You can’t have a man’s child and not tell him he’s a father. Look, you know how I feel about Cash. I hate how he’s hurt you. But whether he wants to be involved or not, that isn’t your decision to make.”
Tally set her jaw and met Pete’s unwavering gaze. “I am not telling him. And if you do, I swear I will never speak to you again.”
His mouth creased in thought, and for a minute, Tally feared he was going to call her bluff. Then he leaned back in his chair and beamed. “I’m going to be a great-uncle.”
Letting out the breath she’d been holding, Tally returned his smile. “This baby is going to be one lucky dude or dude-ess.”
“Of course it is,” Pete said. “It will have you as a mother.”
Tally started working at the paper again, and apart from the reminder of her ever-growing belly, everything was pretty much as it had been before she’d ever met Cash Gallagher.
Her pregnancy was progressing well, and she was into her fifth month when Pete beckoned her into his office one Monday at lunchtime. He wore a grave expression as he waved for her to sit.
A growing sense of dread made her skin tingle. “What’s wrong?”
“I’d like to hide this from you,” Pete said with a grim twist to his mouth as his gaze flicked between her and his iPad. “But you’re bound to stumble across it one way or another.”
Instinct told Tally this had something to do with Cash. A horrible, sick feeling churned in her stomach. She held her hand out. “Let me see.”
Pete hesitated and then slowly pushed the tablet across the desk. Tally picked it up… and her heart dropped through the floor. In front of her was a picture of Cash with a skinny blonde coming out of the Dorchester. She’d recognise those green arches anywhere.
He was dressed casually in jeans and a crisp white shirt open at the neck, revealing smooth golden skin. He looked so goddamned handsome she wanted to cry, but the real killer was the expression on his face as his eyes connected with the woman’s. She knew that look. It was one he’d often wear before he met her—the one that said he’d been up all night screwing and didn’t care who knew.
She flicked onto the next picture. In this one, he had his arm around the blonde’s waist and was whispering in her ear. The final one had captured the woman’s adoring look perfectly, her eyes shining as she gazed lovingly at him, a sexy smile gracing her perfect face.
Tally dropped the tablet on the desk. “He’s a free agent,” she said in a dull tone.
“Tally—”
“Can I go now?” she snapped, already out of her seat before Pete could say another word. She spun on her heel and left his office. As she passed her desk, she swiped her coat off the back of her chair and slung her bag over her shoulder. Ignoring Danny’s concerned look, she ran into the hallway and sped down five flights of stairs to the street below. By the time she got outside, she could barely catch her breath. With no idea where to go, she turned left and began walking.
She must have wandered around for about an hour before she stumbled upon a GBK restaurant Cash had once taken her to. She hesitated with one hand on the door. Knowing her deci
sion would probably give rise to more tears, she pushed the door open and walked in.
The hostess greeted her with a warm smile. “Table for one, is it?”
Tally glanced across to the table she and Cash had sat at all those months earlier. A young couple occupied it. They had eyes only for each other. The man was rubbing his thumb back and forth over the back of the girl’s hand, and she was coyly glancing at him from beneath long eyelashes that graced her cheeks every time she blinked.
“I’m sorry,” she mumbled to the hostess. “This was a mistake.”
After stumbling back onto the street, she pulled up the collar of her coat and set off walking again. She’d known this would happen eventually. Cash was a highly sexed male, the type who couldn’t be without a woman for very long. If anything surprised her, it was how long he’d taken. They’d split up almost five months ago, and even during that one phone call, he’d shown no inclination for them to get back together.
Why shouldn’t he be with other women?
She bent over double as pain tore through her insides. She leaned on a lamppost as she waited for the pain to recede. Never again would Cash’s lips softly press against hers. Never again would his calloused hands explore her body. Never again would she feel him moving inside her.
As a dull ache spread throughout her chest, the baby kicked for the first time.
Tally held her breath, unsure whether it had been a kick at all. She waited, and then it happened again, like a muscle twitching in her stomach. She couldn’t stop a smile spreading across her face. It was as though her baby knew she’d needed a pick-me-up right at that moment and had provided it in the most wonderful way possible.
She dug around in her bag, desperate to tell someone. Her fingers trembled as she called up Em’s number.
The call went to voicemail, and she cursed as she waited for the automated message to finish. “Em, it’s me. You’ll never guess—”
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