Royal Holiday Baby

“They seem to have everything. I just don’t know where to start. I’m overwhelmed,” she said.

Hildie laughed. “Okay, let’s start with the basics, then. Underwear,” she said and led her to the intimates department.

Tina chose several pairs of stretchy panties and a couple bras.

“You’ll get bigger there, too,” Hildie warned.

Feeling self-conscious, Tina shrugged. “I’ll deal with that later. I’d like to get a couple of skirts and a few tops.”

“The maternity department is over—”

“I’m not quite ready for that,” Tina said. “I’ll just buy a size larger than usual.”

“If you’re sure,” Hildie said.

“I’m not that big yet,” Tina whispered. “I’m not that far along in my pregnancy. I’m not ready for everyone to know—”

“Your Highlyness, if Zach noticed your baby bump in that newspaper, then everyone knows,” Hildie said dryly.

“Everyone doesn’t know at first sight, though. I could just use a little breathing room,” Tina said.

Hildie studied her for a long moment. “I can understand that. Let’s find you a nice little skirt or two.”

Less than fifteen minutes later, they left the store with toiletries, underwear, two skirts, three tops and a dress.

“You won’t be able to hide it much longer, dear,” Hildie said.

Tina’s stomach knotted. “I know. I’m just buying a little time.”

“Are you ashamed?” Hildie asked.

“Well, you have to admit it’s not the optimal situation,” Tina said, gazing out the window as they whizzed past the barren landscape.

“Are you ashamed of Zach?”

Tina whipped her head around to look at Hildie. “No. I’m embarrassed because I should have been more careful, more responsible. It’s not as if I were a teenager.”

“From what Zachary told me, you were busy being an adult when you were a teenager. No time for impulsiveness or getting into trouble.”