Meant To Be (50 page)

Despite having four drivers to share the burden, they had had to stay the night in Adelaide in each direction because travelling took so long with Emily having to stop to pee so often. It had become a running joke that they were going to compile a map of all the public conveniences along the way. Emily didn't think it was a laughing matter. It was painful to hold on. And, anyway, it was quite unsafe to laugh with seven and a bit months of baby pressing on all the wrong spots.

‘Of course you do. Go ahead, you poor thing. How is baby George doing?'

‘Great, other than making me pee a lot,' Emily said, bolting.

Minutes later they were tucking in, having all helped finish making the meal and convinced Enid that it was fine to dish up at the table.

‘You've no idea how good this is, Mum,' Emily said after her first bite. She groaned with pleasure.

‘I hope you haven't been feeding my grandson greasy takeaway all week.'

‘No, but we haven't had a home-cooked meal since we left.'

‘Didn't Liz cook for you?'

Emily and Barbara shared a look. ‘Mum, Liz doesn't cook. And to be fair, there really wasn't time.'

‘It's the modern way, isn't it, especially in Melbourne, I hear. Peggy is quite beside herself with worry about it now…'

‘Now, what, Mum?'

‘Oh, I really shouldn't say.' Enid blushed slightly.

‘Too late now, Mum. Spill.'

‘Oh, all right,' Enid said, feigning duress. ‘Liz is pregnant.'

Emily glanced around. Jake, Barbara and David had found their poker faces – or, more accurately, their acting faces. ‘I didn't know she had a boyfriend,' she said innocently, playing along. Liz had told them the whole story, but she was letting Enid have her moment in the sun.

‘She doesn't. That's just the thing. She's chosen to be a single mother, of all things. She used a…a sperm bank. Have you ever heard of anything so…so clinical? It's all too much for me,' Enid declared with a sigh.

‘Oh, well, each to their own, I guess,' Emily said.

‘Yes. More beans, anyone?' Enid said, lifting the two large serving spoons from the bowl in front of her.

‘So, how did the exhibition go?' Des asked.

‘Another triumph. Simone's really going places,' Jake said. ‘I'm so proud of her. And of Emily for giving her the chance to shine in the first place,' he said, pulling her to him and kissing her. ‘I wouldn't be surprised if her next stop is New York or London.'

‘Oh, that's wonderful.'

‘Now, on a serious note, you two,' Enid said, putting down her cutlery. ‘We really do need some ideas for an engagement present. It's been months. Thank goodness you're not having a wedding.'

‘Actually, Mum, we've changed our minds on that.'

‘Oh?'

‘We've been discussing it in the car and think that maybe a nice simple ceremony and party, just like the launch, might be lovely. It was so much fun, and it really is the perfect venue. We could have the wedding and photos under the big trees. Though not until next year, after George is born.'

‘That would be wonderful. You know, people still stop me in the street to tell me what a lovely night it was. We can contribute to that as our gift.'

‘That's so lovely, but you guys have already paid for one wedding. Just having you there helping and looking after George will be wonderful.'

‘Well, we can discuss the details later. Barbara, you did run a tight catering ship. Perhaps we…'

‘Mum, I'm not having my only bridesmaid being tied up on the day with catering. Or the mother of the bride, for that matter.'

‘Oh, yes, of course. Silly me,' Enid said, giggling.

Back home later that evening, they waved off Barbara, David, and Sasha – happily unclothed again.

As their friends pulled away, Jake and Emily watched their tail-lights fade into the distance while Grace sat patiently beside them. Staring up at the bright twinkling stars in the clear November sky above, they sighed loudly. The days were getting longer again, the nights warmer.

Emily thought back over the year that had been – her gran's passing, John's death, her eviction and the move back to the farm, Jake's recovery, and the rebuilding of the cottage. And now the baby, their greatest adventure yet. She squeezed Jake's hand.

‘God, it's good to be home.'

 

 

Dear Reader,

I hope you enjoyed Emily's journey in
The Button Jar
series. At this stage, this is the end of the series, though I'm not ruling out more books being added in the future, which is why I've called it a series rather than a trilogy. But don't worry, I have a lot of stories yet to tell and lots of wonderful characters for you to fall in love with.

Next is
Leap of Faith.
After losing her nerve and giving up on her lifelong horse-riding dreams, Jessica must face her biggest fear in order to save their cattle and livelihood. Can she do it? Does she have a choice? I think it's a beautiful story – I hope you will too. (It's due for release 1 April, 2015.)

Meanwhile, you can keep up with all the latest news on my website,
www.fionamccallum.com
and follow me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/fionamccallum.author
.

Thanks so much for your support in reading my books.

With very best wishes,

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ISBN: 9781488742644

TITLE: Meant To Be

First Australian Publication 2014

Copyright © 2014 Fiona McCallum

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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