Page 65 of Second Best Again
"So, you're tellin' me I'll be up against a gummy strongman with the grip strength of Mike Tyson?"
"Yes...and my nipples are the training equipment."
"Ach, hen, I dinnae know whether tae laugh or salute yer bravery."
She flopped onto the couch, laughter tangling with tears. "And the labour... I had a C-section last time. My insides felt like they were trying to crawl out. But hey—silver lining—my vag stayed tight."
Euan placed a hand over his heart, mock solemn. "See? Every cloud's got a silver linin'. Some folk get stretch marks; you got bragging rights."
Her laugh cracked into a sob. "Euan, it's too much. I can't do this again. I've already got David. I had enough with the IVFs...I don't know if I'm strong enough."
He sat beside her, his tone shifting. "Sage, listen tae me. If I've got a vote, aye, I'd want the baby. I'd love it. But it's no' me that has tae carry a human in a private swimmin' pool inside my belly. It's you. Your body, your choice. I'll back ye whatever way ye decide."
Her voice was small. "You really want it though?"
"Aye. Course I do. Imagine a wee lassie with your sass and my accent. The poor teachers won't stand a chance."
She sniffled, then gave a weak laugh. "Or a boy who pees every ten minutes like his mum."
He grinned. "We'll just buy shares in Andrex."
She leaned into him, her breath unsteady. "You make it sound like it's not the end of the world."
"That's 'cause it's no'. It's just the start of a messy, funny, sleepless new chapter. And whatever ye choose, I'm right here, love. Even if it means I've got tae build ye a loo beside the sofa."
He tilted his head, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Too early tae boast about my super sperm, then?"
Sage groaned, dropping her face into her hands. "Yeah. Way too early. Especially since everything has started to taste like metal. Welcome to eight months of hating all the food I used to love: cheese, chocolate, meat of any kind, eggs..." She sighed dramatically. "Basically, I'm doomed."
Euan winced, rubbing the back of his neck. "That's a tragedy, lass. What am I supposed tae cook ye now?"
"At least," she muttered, peeking up at him with a wry smile, "maybe we can have sex without a condom?"
He barked out a laugh, tugging her closer until her head rested under his chin. "Aye, if ye think I'm complainin' about that, ye dinnae know me at all."
Chapter 46
David found out by accident.
It was a Saturday morning, sunlight spilling across the kitchen tiles, when Sage pushed away her untouched plate. The smell of bacon had made her stomach twist, and she'd bolted for the sink.
David frowned, wide-eyed. "Mum? You alright?"
Euan reached for her, rubbing her back as she rinsed her mouth. "She's fine, lad. Just a bit...queasy."
Sage wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, her skin clammy and pale. She leaned against the counter for a moment, breathing slowly until the queasy roll in her stomach settled. When she finally looked up, David was watching her, his brow creased with worry.
"Are you okay, Mum? You look...kind of green."
"I'm fine," she said quickly, though her voice sounded thin, even to her own ears. She forced a smile, but it faltered. Her palms were damp, and she rubbed them against her jeans, stalling.
He was fifteen now—old enough to hear it, old enough to understand. Still, her heart was banging against her ribs as she searched for the right words.
She swallowed hard, then crossed the room and sat beside him. "Sweetheart," she began, reaching for his hand and holding it tight. "There's something I need to tell you." She hesitated, searching his face, gathering the courage she'd promised herself she'd have.
Another breath. Her hands twisted together in her lap.
"I'm...pregnant."
