She closed the door behind her and kneeled to open the cupboard below the sink and retrieve what she’d hidden there. Colette unwrapped the small pink box from the bag it had been sold in and stared at it. In the past, these tests had disappointed her. The moment she realized her period was late she’d rush out and buy one, hopeful she was pregnant, but she never was.

Which was why this time she’d waited a full month for her period to appear. It hadn’t, so Colette was certain that this time would be different. This time the result would be the one they wanted.

She sat on the toilet and had just put the cover back on the strip when Ed entered the en suite unexpectedly, rubbing his eyes.

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t...” he mumbled blearily, then paused when he saw what was in her hand.

Colette froze. This wasn’t how she wanted this to go. She had it all planned in her mind. She’d make reservations at their favorite restaurant and then at the end of the meal she’d reveal the happy news.

“What’s this?” he asked as he stared at her from the doorway.

“What does it look like?” she replied automatically, gently setting the wand on the vanity.

Ed stepped further into the room. “Darling—” he began, but Colette wouldn’t let him finish.

“My period is a full month late,” she announced. “I know I always rushed into taking the test before, but I didn’t this time. I waited. Still no sign,” she said eagerly. “So there has to be only one reason for that.”

He looked at her gently. “Well, one in particular, certainly.”

“I didn’t want to tell you until I was sure,” she explained.

He stepped closer and took her in his arms. “You should have, though. I’m keen to know if I’m about to be a dad.”

The excitement in his voice almost brought tears to Colette’s eyes. She knew Ed really wanted a baby, knew how important family was to him. It was to her, too. She’d wanted to make a family with him for so long. She was sure that time had finally come.

“I’ll wait with you,” he said, lowering the toilet seat cover and sitting on top of it. He pulled her onto his lap as they waited impatiently for the result to appear.

Colette’s leg bounced nervously and Ed placed a calming hand on her knee. “Take it easy,” he assured her. “Relax.”

She knew he was only trying to comfort her but there was no comfort for Colette at that moment. Within seconds she might finally be able to realize her life’s dream.

She was so nervous it was a miracle that it was only her leg twitching and not her entire body. She just wanted this so badly.