Addison moved across the room and stood in front of Joanna. Bowing her head, Addison raised her eyes. “I’m sorry my reaction last night wasn’t what you expected, but honestly, it wasn’t what I expected either. I want to be happy. Actually, I think I am or...or I will be once the shock wears off. My head feels like it’s about to explode with all the thoughts running through it. Thinking about the future, about that baby inside of you, about where you and I will be in five years or in ten. Will I be a good mum or a tyrant like my father? Will it be a struggle for me to find the time the child needs or will everything else cease to matter? I’ve only ever had one thing driving me in my life, Joanna. Only one thing that held any importance, but then you came along and changed everything. I adapted to that change, and I’ll adapt to this one. I just need you to be patient. Please, just give me a bit more time.”

The last few words Addison spoke were barely audible, but while they were hushed, they held the love Joanna needed to hear. With tears filling her eyes, she placed her hand on Addison’s face. “Sometimes I really wish you could say the words,” she said in a breath. “But I love you, and I know you love me, and I’ll give you until June. How’s that?”

“June?”

“Yeah,” Joanna said, her face lighting up with brilliance. “That’s when our baby is due.”

***

Evelyn smiled when she noticed Joanna coming down the stairs. “How are you feeling?”

“The crackers helped,” Joanna said as she reached the bottom. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. I’ve never had the…um…pleasure of having morning sickness, but I remember both of my sisters having a devil of a time with it.”

“Yeah, I figured I wasn’t the first,” Joanna said with a weak grin.

“No, but from what I remember, it doesn’t last forever. You’ll feel much better soon. I’m sure of it.”

“It won’t be soon enough for Addison.”

“It’s been two weeks since she found out. Is she still having trouble with it?”

“Just a little.”

“I thought she wanted the child.”

“She did…she does, it’s just I think she’s having a problem wrapping her head around it all. It’s not real yet. You know?”

“Well, it will be soon enough.”

“I know,” Joanna said, resting her hand on her stomach.

“So, are you planning on doing some more decorating?” Evelyn said, pointing at the paint cards and magazines Joanna was holding.