It Started With One Night: The Magnate's Mistress / His Bride for One Night / Master of Her Virtue

‘Is that it? Just bummer? I was hoping for some words of sympathy and wisdom.’

‘Sorry. It was the shock. So how did this happen? I mean, I know how it happened. You had sex. I meant…did you forget the Pill one day or something?’

‘Nope. Took it right on the dot every day.’

‘Now, that is a real bummer. I was at least stupid and careless when I fell pregnant. Oh, Tara, what are you going to do?’

‘Have my baby. The same way you did.’

‘Yeah. We’re suckers for doing the right thing, aren’t we? So does Max know yet? I presume not.’

‘No. I only found out myself a few minutes ago. The test went bluer than blue.’

‘What do you think he’ll say?’

‘My head goes round and round every time I think about that. He’s not going to be happy.’

‘Men are never happy over unexpected pregnancies. But if he loves you, he’ll stick by you. Dale went ballistic at first but after a while he calmed down, and really he was like a rock after that. Much better than me, actually. I cried for weeks and weeks.’

‘I remember.’

‘Do you think Max might ask you to marry him?’

‘He’s made it clear that marriage and kids are definitely not on his agenda, so your guess is as good as mine.’

‘No, it isn’t, Tara. You know the man. I don’t. Does he love you?’

‘He says he does.’

‘You don’t sound convinced.’

Tara sighed. ‘I’m a bit mixed up about Max at the moment.’

‘Is the pregnancy causing that, or what’s going on in your relationship right now? Mum told me he’s hardly ever around any more.’

Tara resented having to defend Max but, in fairness to the man, she felt she should. ‘He’s been very busy with all the world crises in the tourist industry. On the plus side, he did ask me just this weekend to quit my job and travel with him in future.’ Tara didn’t add that she was more qualified for the role of travelling companion since finding her sexual wings.

‘Wow! And what did you say to that? Silly question. Yes, of course. I know you’re crazy about the man.’

‘I can’t see myself travelling at all in the near future. I’m sick as a dog every morning. I need to see a doctor, Jen. Do you think you could get an appointment with your doctor this week?’

‘He might be able to fit you in. But he won’t be able to cure you of morning sickness. You’ll just have to ride that out. Have a packet of dry biscuits by your bed and eat a couple before you get up. That helps. So, how far gone are you?’

‘That’s another thing. I don’t know. Before this weekend, I hadn’t seen Max in almost a month. Yet I had a period whilst he was away. At least, I thought I did. There was some bleeding when my period was due.’

‘Yeah, that can happen. You’re probably about six weeks gone if you’re chucking up. But you need to have it checked out. Don’t worry. I’ll explain to the receptionist that it’s an emergency. Now, when are you going to tell lover-boy?’

‘Max,’ Tara corrected firmly. ‘Call him Max.’

‘I’d like to call him lots of things, actually. But Max isn’t one of them. Look, once you’ve been to the doctor and had things properly confirmed, you have to tell him. Even if he doesn’t want to marry you, he’s legally required to support this baby. You have no idea how much having children costs these days. Do you have private health cover?’

‘For pity’s sake, Jen, do you have to be so…so…pragmatic? I’ve just found out I’m having a baby. It’s a very emotional time for me.’

‘You can be emotional later. First things first, which is your welfare and the welfare of your child. Trust me. I know better than you in this.’

‘I wish I hadn’t told you at all!’

‘Don’t be ridiculous. You need all the support you can get. Which reminds me. You really should tell Mum.’

‘Are you kidding? I’m going to delay that disaster area for as long as possible. Promise me you won’t tell her, Jen. Right now. Promise.’

‘OK. I think you’re wrong, but it’s your call. Speaking of calls, I’ll ring the surgery first thing tomorrow morning. Then I’ll ring you at work to let you know. I’ll come with you, of course.’

‘Would you? Oh, Jen, that would be great. I…I feel kind of…Oh, I don’t know. I just can’t seem to get my head around all this. A baby, for heaven’s sake. I’m going to have a baby!’ Tears threatened again.

‘A beautiful baby, I’ll warrant. And you’ll love it to pieces.’

Tara gulped down the lump in her throat. ‘Will I? I’ve never thought of myself as good mother material. I’m too…restless.’

‘You just didn’t know what you wanted. Having a baby will bring your life into focus. Er—we’d better sign off now before Mum comes back.’

‘Yes, I really couldn’t cope with the third degree she’d give me. You won’t forget to call me tomorrow?’

‘I won’t forget.’

‘OK. Bye for now.’

Jen hung up, then grimaced up at her mother, who was standing there, mugs in hand.

‘You heard that last bit, didn’t you?’

Joyce nodded.

‘She…she’s too scared to tell you,’ Jen said quietly, knowing by the look on her mother’s face that she was about to have a hissy fit.

‘But why?’ Joyce wailed, putting the mugs down on the coffee-table next to the Scrabble board and flopping down into her chair.

‘You know why, Mum. It’s the same reason I didn’t want to tell you when I was pregnant. Daughters want their mothers to be proud of them, not ashamed.’

‘But Jen, I was never ashamed of you. Just disappointed for you. And worried. You were so young. And neither of you had any money.’

‘What’s age or money got to do with it? Love’s what matters, Mum, when it comes to kids and marriage. Dale loved me and I loved him. We’ve had some tough times but we’re going to make it. Unfortunately, I’m not so sure Max Richmond loves our Tara. Certainly not enough to give up his jet-setting lifestyle. That’s why she’s in such a tizz, because she knows it too. She’s going to need a lot of support through this, Mum.’

‘But how can I support her when I’m not supposed to even know?’

‘She’ll tell you. Just give her a little time.’

‘From the sounds of things, she hasn’t told Max Richmond.’