Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1674

At Number One Mansion, Winona felt a flutter of unease after hanging up the phone.

"Mr. Bradford, could you call Keaton and check on him? I feel like something's wrong on his end."

"What's the matter with him?" Tarquin asked.

Winona shook her head. "I'm not sure, he just didn't sound right."

Tarquin handed freshly squeezed juices to her and Elysia. "I'll call him now. You two chat. Don't worry about him."

Tarquin stepped outside with his phone, and Elysia sat down with Winona on the sofa. She placed a comforting hand on Winona's wrist. "You look good. Everything's fine."

Winona took her hand, her expression serious. "Elysia, I want to have this baby."

Elysia was taken aback. "Are you sure?"

Winona nodded firmly. "Yes! I'm sure!"

"...Here's what I'm thinking," she continued. "I've already decided I'm not getting into another relationship, let alone getting married and having kids. Sooner or later, I'm going to be lonely. Having a child with me would be... nice."

"When I'm old, my child might not always be by my side, but I'll have someone to care about. No matter where they are in the world, I'll be thinking of them."

"When you have someone to care about, you don't feel so alone, right?"

Elysia nodded. "That's right. A child gives you a tether. When you have that, your heart feels full."

"Then let's not say anything for now. It'll save you the stress of him trying to change your mind."

Winona nodded. "Exactly! And I hear that stress can affect the baby's health and... well, even how cute they turn out! I need to stay happy!"

Elysia smiled. "What about your work?"

Winona shrugged helplessly. "It's definitely going to take a huge hit. I'll have to pay a penalty, too. I can't film now that I'm pregnant, so I have to break my contract. Oh well, so be it. The baby is what's most important."

Elysia sighed softly. "If the penalty is too high, you can use my money."

Winona smiled again. "Thanks! If I need it, I won't be shy about asking. Oh, and besides Keaton, please help me keep this from my parents for now. I want to wait until I'm further along to tell them."