Pregnant: Father Wanted

They strolled through the quaint little town, which was decorated with wall mosaics; the townspeople had even tiled the dome of their cathedral with majolica, the decorative pottery that had been of prime importance to the economy since medieval times.

Not normally one for shopping, Lyssa found herself entranced by the beautiful designs and couldn’t resist buying a large, colourful platter from one of the many shops selling such items.

‘I don’t know how I’m going to carry this home,’ she said with a rueful smile as she stepped out onto the street.

‘Don’t worry, we’ll get it shipped.’ Ric took the awkwardly shaped parcel from her. ‘If you give me your address in Australia, I’ll arrange it. Will it suit your home?’

Her home. She thought of the small inner-city apartment she’d shared with Steve. She wasn’t even sure she’d be able to continue to pay the rent now that he’d gone, especially with her income looking uncertain. Travel writer was hardly a suitable occupation for a woman with a baby in tow, was it?

With a jerky movement, she shook off the gloomy mood that had threatened to descend for a moment. It was such a happy, colourful day, she didn’t want to let any depressing thoughts intrude.

One way or another, she would earn a living, enough to pay for everything her child needed, even if she had to write nappy-rash articles for parenting magazines. Actually, that wasn’t such a bad idea. She could write about parenting, especially the joys and challenges of being a single parent.

There were other possibilities too but she’d explore them later. In the meantime, she was here in this wonderful place. With Ric, who was still waiting for her to answer his question.

‘I’ll make it suit my home, even if I have to redecorate. I love it.’

Grinning, he said, ‘Well, I’d say it suits you. It’s bright and cheerful.’

‘Oh.’ She felt a glow in her cheeks and a matching warmth in her stomach. ‘I think that’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.’

He looked surprised. His dark eyes narrowed and focused on her. They seemed to peer right inside her, as if he could see what kind of relationship she’d had with Steve. She didn’t want him seeing so much and dragged her eyes away.

‘Now, where’s that lunch you promised me?’

He tapped the edge of the platter. ‘I’ll take this back to the car before we find somewhere to eat.’

She watched him walk off with his easy, athletic stride and let out a deep sigh. He was far too attractive for her peace of mind. She had to get herself under control. He’d made one simple comment and she’d gone all gooey. Bright and cheerful. It was hardly an extravagant compliment. Nothing to get excited about.

Anyway, she was pregnant. She couldn’t afford the luxury of getting excited about anything he said. He was off limits as anything but a tour guide.

After lunch they set off for their hotel along the two-lane road squeezed between rocky slopes on one side and, on the other, dramatic cliffs overlooking the sea hundreds of feet below.

‘So, this is the famous Amalfi Coast drive?’ Lyssa said between gasps of horror as they rounded a series of tight hairpin bends.

‘Yes, this is it. Stunning view, isn’t it?’

‘Is it?’ She was too terrified to take her eyes off the road—not that she was driving. A horn’s blast signalled yet another bus coming around the bend towards them. ‘Good grief!’ she moaned. ‘How much more?’

Ric shot her an amused glance. ‘I thought you were an intrepid traveller?’

‘Don’t look at me!’ she snapped. Then in a softer tone, ‘Sorry about that, but please keep your eyes on the road.’

One hand clinging to the car seat, she pressed the other against her belly. The spectacular view she’d been trying not to see was doing things to her insides and she could feel her lunch churning in her stomach.

‘You’re really worried, aren’t you?’

‘I don’t feel well.’ She’d ask him to turn around and go back, but she knew it was out of the question on this ridiculous road. ‘Will it take much longer?’

‘Not too long and I won’t let anything happen to you, Lyssa. I’m a good driver.’

‘I know.’ She groaned as the sports car rounded the tight bends smoothly, with no screeching tyres. ‘It’s not your driving; it’s the road.’

He took one hand from the wheel and patted her hand where it was clutching the seat. ‘Don’t be scared. I’ll look after you.’

Relieved to see his hand return to the wheel, she closed her eyes. The momentary contact had been comforting, but it couldn’t alter the fact that she felt nauseous.

‘It’s worse in peak season,’ he said, ‘when the road is full of foreign bus drivers.’

A good reason to be glad she’d travelled early in May, Lyssa thought. After what seemed like hours, Ric turned off the road, drove through a terraced orchard and stopped in front of a low white building. Their hotel.

‘You look very pale,’ he said as she stepped out of the car.

She felt the blood draining from her face even as he spoke. With one hand on her back and one under her elbow, he assisted her into the reception area and she was grateful for the support.

She sat in a chair while Ric checked in, then he escorted her to her room.

‘You should probably lie down for a while,’ he said and she could see the genuine concern in his face.

She wanted to thank him for his help but instead she nodded and went inside, too ill to speak. She’d never known nausea like this.

Yes, the drive had been scary, but it was more than that. Maybe it was hormones. Maybe morning sickness had finally caught up with her, a bit late in the day. But what a time for it to happen.

Shutting herself in the bathroom, she gave in to the inevitable and afterwards was glad to flop onto the bed and let sleep overwhelm her.

Later, showered and changed and feeling one hundred per cent better, Lyssa found Ric sitting out on the large terrace, which he had all to himself. His worried expression as he stood and came towards her made her smile.