Harold had been working late nights all week, and by the time family dinner came around, Christine really was in no mood to deal with his family. On the plus side, by snapping and snarling at Marguerite, she finally got it through her head that Christine was not interested in hiring a nanny. Marguerite quelled under Christine’s glare. She still muttered that Christine had no idea what she was talking about, but she didn’t vociferously argue with Christine.
Harold asked her repeatedly if anything was wrong, but she just couldn’t bring herself to admit that his gorgeous assistant annoyed her. Every time Christine called, Nora answered and told her in a sultry voice that the two of them were working late.
After dinner - which involved the family arguing and exchanging cutting remarks - Christine excused herself to use the bathroom. Feeling a headache coming on, she ducked into one of the guest bedrooms to lie down for a few moments.
She inwardly sighed as she heard voices approaching outside the door – Harold’s grandmother and mother.
Christine was going to announce her presence when a few of the words sank in.
“Has she had a scan yet?” That was Marie.
“She won’t tell me anything about the pregnancy,” complained Marguerite.
Christine rolled her eyes. She never asked about the pregnancy, merely announced things that she thought Christine should be doing.
“We need to know whether the pup is a boy or a girl,” hissed Marie.
“What does it matter at this stage?”
“It’s not too late if it is a girl.”
“Marie,” scolded Marguerite.
Christine stilled as she realized what she meant. She was suggesting Christine get rid of the baby.
“We need a boy to ensure our family retains control of the pack,” replied Marie remorselessly. “It’s important.”
“If it is a girl, they may yet have a boy next – I’m not sure Christine would ever agree to get rid of the child.”
“Humph. Harold would persuade her. He agrees that having a boy is of the utmost importance.”
“When he isn’t drooling over that Nora creature,” grumbled Marguerite.
Christine slapped her hands over her mouth. She thought she was going to be sick. The two voices retreated into murmurs and Christine ran out the room, straight into Harold.
She yelped, and he growled.
“Christine, you’re white as a sheet.”
His face creased in worry.
“I don’t feel well. Can we leave?” she gasped.
“Of course, I’ll call your doctor and have her meet us at the house.”
“No, I just…” She took a moment to compose herself. “I just have a headache. I want to lie down.”
He gave her his usual disapproving glare, but he nodded, unwilling to argue and upset her even more.
Christine went home to bed and worried for her pup.
*
“Hello, Harold Buchanan’s office, how may I help you?”
Christine groaned. She could never get her husband on the phone anymore. It was always Nora. Even his cell diverted to her.
“Hi, it’s Christine, is my husband there?”
“Oh, Mrs. Buchanan how nice to hear from you again,” said the she-wolf in her politest, and fakest voice, with emphasis on the word ‘again.’
She often rang to find out where her husband happened to be, not that she ever found out.
“I’m afraid Harold…” Christine scowled as she used his first name. “Is in a meeting and cannot be disturbed.”
“Well, he may wish to be disturbed for this…”
In the last week, things between them had been strained – and she knew that was entirely down to her. She just couldn’t get the idea that his family would want her to get rid of her pup out of her head and she just couldn’t act normal around Harold. Instinct told her she should trust Harold, but fear stopped her from talking to him. Fearing that he would agree with them. Her heart would break if he turned around and told her he did. But she had to find out how he felt sometime, and she thought the best way was when she went for her scan.
He had been adamant about attending every doctor appointment with her, even though she - cowardly custard that she was – had told him she would be fine on her own. So, this was how they would both find out about the sex – together in front of a witness.
Except, it had been due tomorrow and had been rearranged due to her doctor’s mother taking ill.
Christine tapped her foot impatiently. “Well, can you interrupt him?”
“I’m afraid I can’t do that,” said Nora more than a little smugly.
“It’s important,” growled Christine.
“He said no interruptions from anyone – I believe that would include you.”
Christine sighed. Yep, this was pretty much how all her phone calls with Nora went.
“Just forget it.”
“Have a nice…”
Christine hung up. Rude and childish maybe, but the woman’s attitude grated.
She wanted someone with her. Someone to hold her hand and share in her joy as she saw her baby. But who could she ask? Maybe Jennifer? No, she would be in class today, and besides, she was in love with Arthur – she would tell him everything.
Christine wanted Harold with her. She wanted him beside her. But it was tough; she would just go on her own.
She felt as lonely and helpless as she had when they first married.