The Boss's Little Miracle. Barbara McMahon

viability of the baby.

      “I can’t believe it,” Ginny said again. “After all this time. All the doctors said it was impossible.”

      “The doctor is backpedaling now—saying it was highly improbable. Of course it’s not impossible—I’m pregnant!” She wanted to shout it from the rooftop!

      Then her mother asked, “Who’s the father? I didn’t know you were seeing anyone special.”

      Her bubble burst. Anna squeezed her eyes shut, but saw Tanner’s face. She could imagine the fury when he discovered she was pregnant. Yet, there was nothing she could have done differently.

      “He’s a really great man, Mom. We were involved this summer. But he had a new job assignment and had to move on. We aren’t seeing each other anymore.” Not in the same way.

      Her mother asked, “Is there any chance he’d marry you—just to give the baby a name?”

      “Oh, Mom, please. I’m a competent woman. I’ve been on my own for years. I’ll be heading up the European office of the company in a couple of months. I don’t need a man to raise a baby.”

      “Of course you don’t need one, but babies do well with both parents,” her mother responded. “Are you still going to Brussels? That’s so far away. How often can I see my grandchild if he or she is five thousand miles away.”

      “You’ll probably rack up frequent flier miles. I’ll get a big enough place to have you stay over for weeks at a time.”

      “And your father. Your sister and brother and their families will want to see the baby. Can you take leave from work to return to have it here?”

      “It’s complicated, Mom. I haven’t worked anything out. I just learned of the baby about an hour ago. Give me some time to get used to it and make plans.”

      “Well, of course. And I’m happy to help. Come home this weekend.”

      “I’m not sure.” She wasn’t feeling any better for knowing she didn’t have the flu. Added to that was the stress that grew as she contemplated telling Tanner he was going to be a father. Nothing had been said in all the times she saw him about a long-term affair and especially not children.

      “Tell me how you’re feeling. When is it due? When will you know the sex? Have you thought of any names? I can’t wait to see you. Oh, honey, I’m so delighted. I never thought—Wait until I tell your father!” Ginny’s enthusiasm came across the lines like a balm to Anna’s jangled nerves. She began to relax as her mother started to admonish her about eating well, sleeping extra hours and keeping up an exercise program. She urged her to take time away from work as much as possible to store up sleep—she’d need it when the baby came.

      The two chatted for almost an hour. At the end of the conversation, Anna extracted a promise from her mother not to tell anyone else in the family—she wanted to share than news in a couple of weeks at the Thanksgiving holiday when everyone would be together. Reluctantly Ginny agreed.

      “But how I’m going to keep this from your father, I’m not sure,” she said.

      “Please, Mom. This is so special. It may never happen again. I want to be there when they hear it. I want to see their expressions as well.”

      “I’ll do it. Call me right away if you need anything.”

      Anna agreed and hung up. She still felt surreal. Her hand went to her stomach in the instinctive manner of all pregnant mothers.

      “Hello, little one,” she said softly. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

      Tired, Anna went back to her room to lie down. She was too keyed-up to sleep, however. She began to make plans. As soon as she felt up to it, she’d visit a bookstore to get as many prenatal and newborn baby books she could locate. Then she’d have to go online and check out rentals in Brussels. The apartment Thomas Vintner had found for her wouldn’t do. She needed more room.

      She’d have to get baby furniture, find child care and decide what to do about school when the child was older.

      And in the meantime, she had to find a way to tell the baby’s daddy.