Meant To Be by Fiona McCallum Read Free Book Online

sure you’re up to heading out?’
    â€˜I’m tired, but I’m fine. I promise I’ll call you to come and get me if I’m not up to it.’
    â€˜Okay. I don’t mean to nag, I’m just concerned. And you don’t seem to be taking it easy at all.’
    â€˜I am. Just changing environments is a huge help, I think. And not having to make business decisions. I’ll check in tomorrow. But I’m sure all is well in Melbourne.’
    â€˜Well, okay, if you’re sure. Take care,’ she said, stretching up and nuzzling his neck.
    â€˜See ya,’ Jake said, giving her a final firm kiss. He walked around to the passenger’s side of the ute, where Barbara was stepping out.
    Emily returned his wave as the ute drove away and Barbara leaned into her embrace.
    â€˜I come bearing chick flicks, microwave popcorn, and soft drink,’ Barbara said, holding up a green eco shopping bag.
    Her friend didn’t look nearly as bright and cheery as she sounded. But Emily shook her doubts aside. Jake was right; if something was up, Barbara would tell her if and when she wanted to.
    â€˜It’s going to be a hot one, so let’s get inside and batten down the hatches,’ she said, leading the way back up the path. Thanks to the thick stone walls and their layer of concrete render, the house usually managed to stay cool through three days of full-on South Australian heat if kept closed up. Two more days and it would start to get stuffy.
    Emily idly wondered what it would cost to put in ducted air conditioning. She’d probably be able to afford it. But was it a luxury that should wait, or be done at all? In her three and a half years with John she could only remember a handful of nights when they had been unable to sleep due to the heat. Winter wasn’t too bad either. They’d tended to shut off most of the house and just live in the kitchen, bedroom, and lounge – all of which were clustered at one end of the house and could be heated with small electric heaters. The lounge had an open fire, which she would have liked to use more, except her husband had refused to cut wood himself or get any delivered.
    â€˜Coffee?’ Emily asked as Barbara sat heavily onto a chair in the darkened kitchen.
    â€˜Actually, I’d prefer a tea. I seem to have suddenly gone off coffee,’ Barbara said.
    â€˜Are you okay? You look a little pale.’
    â€˜Just a bit queasy. Must have picked up a virus or something. If I could just throw up, I’m sure I’d feel better.’
    â€˜God, you poor thing. You should’ve cancelled.’
    â€˜It comes and goes.’
    â€˜Well, I’m sure a nice cup of tea will help.’
    â€˜Thanks. Yes,’ Barbara said. But suddenly she was leaping up with a hand to her mouth and disappearing from the room.
    Emily had just consulted her watch and decided to give Barbara one more minute, when she returned looking even paler.
    â€˜False alarm,’ Barbara said. It was clear she was trying to sound bright.
    â€˜Have you seen a doctor?’ Emily asked. She frowned as Barbara sat down, nodding.
    â€˜I’ve booked. But of course I couldn’t get in until next week,’ she said, rolling her eyes.
    â€˜Well, you could always go to emergency at the hospital.’
    â€˜I’m not that bad. And I am feeling a bit better.’
    â€˜If you need me to do anything, you only have to ask.’
    â€˜Thanks. I know.’
    Emily was stirring sugar into Barbara’s tea when it finally dawned on her. ‘Um, tell me to back off, but would you by any chance be pregnant?’
    Barbara looked up sharply. She was on the verge of tears.
    â€˜What is it?’ Emily asked.
    â€˜Yes. I’m pregnant,’ she said.
    Gosh! Emily wasn’t sure how she felt, other than stunned and, if she was completely honest, a little nervous at the prospect of losing her best friend to a baby.
    God, could I