Page 9 of How We Loved

“With my misses, Ellie didn’t turn, so Ange ended up having a section. Cursed it she did because it meant every birth after was a section too.”

I held my hand up. “I can assure you that won’t be happening. This baby will do as it’s told; it’s going to be perfect.”

Baz and Ben both snorted at once, and I laser glared at both of them. “I don’t know why you’re laughing.” Ben held his hands up in submission. Baz just carried on polishing the Steinway I’d insisted he have displayed.

“He won’t be delivering it though, Lilah, will he?” Baz looked terrified at the thought, and to be fair, Ben was turning a peculiar shade of grey.

“No, of course not. Juanita the midwife will be there and another one. It’s not dangerous, people have home births all the time.” I said this more to Ben than Baz. I so want him to be on board with the idea now I’ve got my heart set on it.

I’ve gone through the details with Juanita, and there will be her and another one to see me through the birth. If anything gets complicated, they will be the ones to decide on my going into hospital.

Baz nodded. “Ellie had two with her, bloody army that was.”

Ben took my arm. “Lilah, we’d better go; your feet are turning purple.”

I looked down and, lo and behold, yep. My big cankles were a hideous shade of mauve. “It’s so unfair,” I whined. “I don’t want to go home yet. Why can’t I be like Angelina Jolie and just look exactly the same as always except a little paunch like I’ve eaten too much bread.”

Baz waved us out of the shop. “Won’t be long, Lilah!”

“I’ve got weeks,” I called back.

Honestly, I’m a bit fed up with everyone saying this. Even the faculty at uni insisted I start my break early because they were worried my waters were going to break all over their carpet.

I’m going to go two weeks late, just to make this whole thing more hellish than it is already.

Outside the shop, Ben asked if I wanted him to get the car and pull up down the side road, so I didn’t have to walk.

“No!” I hollered, scaring an old lady with her Waitrose jute bag. “I just want to walk and be normal.”

Ben pressed his lips together, clearly breathing in and out through his nose. “Where would you like to walk to, My Love?” I melted a little at the cute little endearment he’s always called me, and tears prickled at the back of my eyes.

Damn hormones.

“Ice cream,” I sniffed. Ben took my hand. “Ice cream it is.” We walked slowly down along the river, swinging our hands between us, until my feet hurt too much, and I told him to get the car. I’m not Wonder Woman.