The others turn and look at me. That didn’t take long, I think. But of course Anne would pick up on the no drinking. Anne and I always enjoyed our wine together. I wouldn’t call us drinking buddies, but she and I had no problem opening a bottle of wine on nights our husbands worked late.

I set my plate at my feet. “Yes, it does.”

Kris is looking from me, to Anne, and back at me again. She’s just got it. Her expression is priceless. Jaw dropped, eyes wide. “You’re pregnant?”

“I am.” There. It’s out.

The silence is deafening, and I’d really like to gulp down my wine, but I don’t. I’m not drinking, not escaping. Have to do this. “About seven weeks.”

“Wow.” Kris is shaking her head. “Wow.”

“Daniel’s going to have a fit,” Nic says.

I love Nic, but her tendency to state the obvious really gets on my nerves. And yes, Daniel will have a fit. I can only imagine the things he’ll say to his parents about me and my lax morals, unaware the kids are hearing every word he says. I know Daniel would never intentionally bad-mouth me to the kids, but the kids have repeated things that their dad has said, which their dad shouldn’t have said.

“You’ve known for a while, then,” Anne says quietly.

I nod. “Since I missed my period.”

She sets down her wine. “Why didn’t you tell us sooner?”

“Because I couldn’t take any more criticism or pressure.” I sigh, rub my head. “And I needed time to adjust to the news first.”

Nic’s somber. “So what are you going to do?”

What am I going to do? “I’m having the baby.” And then the fight and defiance go out of me. My eyes fill with tears. “I’m having the baby,” I repeat, “and I’m really scared.”

Kristine leans forward. “Are you feeling as bad as you did with Jessica? You were so sick with her.”

“It’s even worse.” I reach up to wipe the tears dry before they can fall. “I’m sick morning, noon, and night. And I’m so snappy with the kids. All I do is yell right now.”

Anne scoots over on the couch, covers my hand with hers. “You always wanted one more baby.”

I bite my tongue to keep fresh tears from forming. I’d been so afraid they’d be angry with me again, so afraid they’d turn their backs on me. I want this baby, but I don’t want this baby. I’m thrilled at the idea of a baby and terrified all at the same time.