There was a rustling sound.

“Hello, Mum?”

Natalie halted as she heard the fear in her daughter’s voice. “Hello, darling, you’ve had a lot going on.”

“I didn’t know…I…it’s all such a mess.”

“How many weeks are you?”

“Fourteen.”

Natalie would have hoped that meant she was past the miscarriage stage but babies could be lost at any time.

“Tell me what’s happening now. Have you been bleeding much?”

“No. Not really. Only spotting but it gave me a fright. It’s the cramping feeling that’s been the worst.”

“How long have you been having cramps?”

“The last few days, on and off.”

Natalie paused, turned and began to pace again. “Darling, you’re doing the right thing. Your body might simply need rest. The doctor will know what’s happening.” Natalie wasn’t sure if any of that was true but she couldn’t hold her daughter’s hand so it was the best she could do.

“We’re nearly in town now,” Kate said.

“Good. Can you pass the phone back to Laura?”

There was a pause then Laura spoke. “Mum?”

“Get Bree to drive right to the emergency door and make Kate wait until you bring out a wheelchair.”

“Okay.” Laura’s voice sounded small.

“I’m sure everything will be fine.” Natalie pressed a finger to her lips. She’d used that blasted word again.

“Okay.”

“Ring me back as soon as you’ve seen the doctor.”

“Okay.” Laura sniffed. “Mum, do you think you’ll be home soon?”

“I’m in Perth now.” Tears pricked at her eyes. “But my flight’s been delayed. I might not get to Adelaide tonight but I’ll do my best to get there.” In the broil of thoughts she pictured Milt. “Where’s your dad?”

“Oh…I forgot. He was coming to surprise you.”

“Where? When?”

There were muffled voices then Laura was back. “He’s still in Adelaide. We think his flight to Perth leaves in the morning.”

Natalie had never imagined Milt would do such a thing. “Don’t worry. I’ll ring him. You take care of Kate.”

“Okay.”

Still clutching the phone tightly, Natalie let her arm drop to her side and said a silent prayer for her daughter. Then she selected Milt’s number. It rang and went to voicemail. She ended the call and tried again.

“Natalie?” Background noise competed with his voice.

“Where are you?”

“In Adelaide. Just leaving the footy. It was a close game. North Adelaide and Norwood.”

“Did you know Kate was pregnant?”

There was a pause. “Yes. She didn’t want me to tell you.”

Pain stabbed at Natalie’s chest. Why wouldn’t Kate want to tell her she was pregnant?

“What’s going on?” Milt asked.

“Kate might be losing the baby…” The voice that she’d kept steady for the girls wavered now.

“How? She was fine when I left. Off-colour but fine.”