Spring City
The morning air is crisp and fresh, gently brushing against my skin as I step out to join my mother on the front porch. She’s busy with her flowers, her hands tenderly caring for each bloom. When she looks up and sees me, her face lights up with a warm, joyful grin.
‘I just got an email from the hospital,’ I tell her, my voice a mix of nerves and excitement. ‘They want me to call them at ten.’
Mom’s eyes twinkle with understanding. ‘I think I know why,’ she says, her voice soft.
A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth. ‘Yeah,’ I reply, feeling a flutter of anticipation.
‘They’ve figured it out,’ she whispers, almost in awe.
It’s been a few days since the life-changing discovery that I’m pregnant, a whirlwind of emotions and uncertainties. I’ve been at a loss about how to break the news or even approach the hospital. So this email, it’s like a lifeline, a sign that maybe things are starting to fall into place. I had this inkling they’d somehow found out.
‘Duke is going to be on the call,’ I add, my heart squeezing a little at the mention of his name. I didn’t want to hear from him.
Mom’s smile widens, her eyes sparkling with mischief. ‘Ah, now I see what they’re planning,’ she says, her voice bubbling with excitement. ‘He’s in for quite the shock.’
We share a knowing look, both of us aware of the enormity of the news and the impact it’s going to have.
Deep down I know that nothing is going to change. If it is, it might just be for the worse.
Half an hour later, my hands are shaky, and there’s a flutter of nerves in my stomach as I dial the hospital’s number. The moment the call connects, I force myself to speak, ‘Good morning. This is Aisling.’
Dr. Jones’s voice, warm and familiar, greets me. ‘Good morning, Aisling. How are you?’
‘Not bad,’ I reply, trying to sound steadier than I feel.
‘I can hear that,’ he says, and I can almost picture his smile. There’s a pause, and then he adds, ‘Your husband is calling in. I’ll connect him so we can start the meeting.’
‘Sure,’ I say, feeling my heart pick up its pace.
The line shifts as Dr. Jones brings Duke into the call. ‘Welcome, Mr. Presley.’
‘Thank you, Dr. Jones,’ Duke responds, his voice clear.
‘Your wife is here too. Would you like to speak to her?’ Dr. Jones prompts.
‘Hi, Aisling. How have you been?’ Duke’s voice comes through, gentle and soft but it does nothing to me.
‘Hi, Duke. I’m fine. And you?’ I manage, my voice trembling ever so slightly.
‘I’ve missed you,’ he says quietly, and it sends a wave of emotion through me.
‘Okay…’ I stutter, caught off guard.
Dr. Jones cuts in, ‘Shall we begin?’
‘Yes, doctor,’ I say, bracing myself.
‘We got your test results yesterday, and we need to discuss them,’ Dr. Jones starts.
Duke sounds tense. ‘What’s wrong?’
‘Don’t worry. Your HCG levels are high,’ Dr. Jones clarifies.
‘What does that mean?’ Duke asks.
‘You can’t proceed with the IVF,’ Dr. Jones begins to explain.
“It’s fine. We canceled the process. But is there something else we should be concerned about?” Duke asks, his voice laced with anxiety.
“Mr. Presley, I thought you would let me finish,” Dr Jones gently scolds.
Duke’s apology is swift, his voice threaded with nerves. ‘I’m sorry…’
Dr. Jones doesn’t pause. ‘Your wife is pregnant, Mr. Presley. Congratulations.”
Duke’s reaction is a jumble of shock and disbelief. ‘What? Can you say that again?’
‘Your wife is pregnant,’ Dr. Jones repeats, his tone unwavering.
‘Pregnant?’ Duke’s voice shakes, a cocktail of emotions spilling through.
Silence descends, heavy and thick.
‘Correct,’ Dr. Jones finally says, cutting through the quiet. ‘But she’s high risk. We need to…’
Duke interrupts, urgency clear in his voice. ‘Sorry, Dr. Jones, but I need to ask Aisling something. Is she still there?’
‘Yes, go ahead,’ Dr. Jones replies, his voice a steady presence.
Duke’s next words are heavy with emotion. ‘Aisling, did you know?’
I take a deep breath. ‘Yes.’
The hurt in his voice is unmistakable. ‘Why didn’t you tell me?’
Silence.
His question is a mix of offer and plea. ‘Do you want to come home, or should I come to you?’
The nerve.
“No, Duke. I’m fine here,’ I decline.
Duke’s voice is a blend of joy and disbelief. ‘God, I’m in tears right now. I can’t believe this. We made it Aisling. We’re going to have a baby. Our baby.’
But I’m not buying it.
“That’s right,” Dr. Jones says.
“I’m going to be a father,” he exclaims, his voice choked with deep emotion.
“Perhaps I should leave you two to talk,” I interject. “I have a few pressing needs to attend to right now, so I will talk to you again, Dr Jones. And Duke, please do me this favor. Do not call my phone. Do not look for me.”
Before he gets a chance to respond, I end the call, with the most satisfying smile on my face. I take a huge deep breath.
It’s payback time, Presleys!
The story will continue in
THE DUTY OF THE HEIR – Book 4
