Page 117 of Fling

‘PREGNANT?’ Tara and Colin said in unison.

Tara was completely taken aback. It was impossible. Surely there was an error.

‘No, doctor, there must be some kind of mistake. I’m not able to have children,’ she said.

‘Well, according to these tests we ran, you most certainly are,’ Dr Boyd confirmed.

‘I thought I was just late. I didn’t think anything of it,’ Tara said, completely bewildered. ‘But Colin, when did we even last have sex?’

‘It must have been the night we watched our wedding video like Dr Burke told us to. My God, she’s a genius!’ Colin said, realizing that session was the best €300 he ever spent.

‘But we’ve failed IVF three times! Doctor, can you run the tests again to be sure?’ Tara said, still positive it was a mistake.

‘We ran them three times. Lots of women get pregnant naturally after IVF failing. Just takes the right sperm and the right egg.’

‘So you’re one hundred per cent sure I’m pregnant?’ she asked again.

‘Yep, you can expect a little Gemini in June next year. Based on your bloodwork, you’re completely healthy. The fainting seems to be a mix of your body adapting to the new hormones and low blood sugar. Make sure you don’t skip any meals and get plenty of carbohydrates.’

‘This is the happiest day of my life,’ Tara said, tears of joy in her eyes.

‘I’m happy to discharge you now and we’ll see you in a few weeks for your first ultrasound,’ Dr Boyd, said before turning and leaving the room.

‘Tara, can you believe it?’ Colin said, turning to Tara. ‘We’re gonna have a baby!’

‘I can’t believe this is real,’ Tara said, tears still in her eyes. ‘I thought I had cancer!’

‘That guy really needs to work on his bedside manner,’ Emily said. ‘But more importantly, congratulations! Can Rory and I be the godparents?’

‘Only if you two are still together in eight months’ time,’ Tara said.

‘Challenge accepted,’ Rory said confidently.

‘Come on, Rory, we’d better give these two some privacy. Let’s see if we can find an empty supply room around here,’ Emily said, as Rory followed her out the door in a lustful daze.

‘I guess there really is someone for everyone,’ Colin said, laughing at them as they left.

‘Narcissus and the nymph, together at last,’ Tara joked. ‘Colin, can you believe it? I think I’m going to cry.’

‘We’re having a baby!’ Colin said, putting his head to Tara’s stomach. ‘Think of all the dad jokes! What are we going to name them?’

‘What do you think about Claire for a girl?’ Tara smiled.

‘And Jack for a boy?’ Colin smiled back. ‘It’s going to be one funny bedtime story.’

‘I can’t believe we almost lost each other. If I ever start another fight, just shut me up with a kiss,’ Tara said, squeezing his hand.

‘And if we ever start to drift apart again, just meet me at O’Malley’s,’ he said, touching her face gently.

‘You’re going to have your hands full with two Geminis in the house,’ Tara laughed.

‘I promise to love all four of you,’ Colin joked. ‘All that’s left to do now is to delete Fling off our phones.’

‘Just one last thing,’ Tara said, taking hers out of her bag. She began typing something and Colin suddenly felt his phone vibrate. He opened the notification and read the message that appeared on screen.

Claire: Nice to finally meet you, Jack x

Colin smiled and began typing his reply.

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