1 month later
*Maddie*
I am nervously pacing the floor, looking at the clock, forcing myself not to look at the thing on the table... wait ... wait Maddie, patience... don't get your hopes up... probably there is nothing... another fluke, another case of a couple of days late... okay five days late cause I kept telling myself it was about to come.

Yeah, I am waiting for the pregnancy test, hoping against hope that there is a reason my period is late this time.

I am alone, Tom and Anele are out, Vera has her day off and even the dogs are out in the garden. I wanted to do this alone, in case it is another let down.

Part of me hopes so badly for the, the thought of telling Tom makes my heart flutter with excitement. But part of me is scared, what if something goes wrong again ? I am not sure I can take that, and I know Tom can't, it would crush him completely.

So my feelings are in uproar as I keep pacing, to stop myself from looking too early, I want to be sure that the result is trustworthy before looking. And Maybe the fear plays in a little too... okay yeah, I am scared to look.

I hear the door open and for a moment I wonder who it is. Tom Said he would take Anele to the playground, but they left only twenty minutes ago and usually they are gone for at least an hour. But then I hear Anele's voice. "Mom... mooom ?"

"In here sweetie". I answer, for a moment forgetting all my worries as my darling girl comes running into the room, throwing herself into my arms. "Hi, you are home fast".

"Daddy has something to tell you". She says in a secretive voice.

Now I feel curious. "He does ?"

"Yeah, he said so... that we had to hurry home, because he had something to tell you". She smiles at me. "He promised me pizza because I only got to play so little".

"Oh he did, did he now ?" I put her down, now feeling very curious as to what is going on.

She nods, smiling happily. Her absolute favorite food is pizza. Then she turns and picks something up off the table. "What is this ?"

"No Anele, give me that". In my panic I raise my voice, instantly seeing her eyes go wide and she sprints off, clutching the test in her little fist.

I hurry efter her, trying to keep my voice calm, not to scare her. "Anele, sweetie... come back... I am not angry, I just need the thing you took".

"What do you have there". I hear Tom's voice and feel like screaming as I hurry out there.

Anele runs out the other door to the hallway, calling. "Sorry mom".

"Tom !" I stop watching him as he stares at the test in his hand.

He looks up at me, his eyes huge. "Where did she get this ?"

"From me... it's mine". I bite my lips. "It was on the table while I waited for the answer, my period is late so... I hoped".

"It's yours ?" He looks at the test. "You... you just took this ?"

I nod. "Yes, I haven't even checked it yet, I mean I know chances are...".

The test slips from his hand and in one giant step he is with me pulling up in his arms and kissing me deeply.

When he finally breaks the kiss, I pull back, seeing tears in his eyes. "I take it that it says...".

"Pregnant... we are having a baby". He kisses me again. "Thank you, thank you so much".

"No need to thank me". My voice breaks, and I have to swallow. "Did it really say 'pregnant'"

He nods, the most glorious smile on his face. "Yes... yes it did... oh Cookie I am so happy".

"Me too Tom, but... you need to remember, things can happen ... and I need scans to confirm that everything is okay". I say softly.

"I know darling... I know". He puts me down on my feet, brushing the hair from my forehead. "But I can't help being happy".

Anele shows up. "Why is daddy happy ?"

He holds out his arms and when she runs over he lifts her up. "Daddy's happy because mommy is pregnant, just like Molly was, remember ?"

I know why he mentions the dog instead of my last pregnancy, as he wants her to remember something positive, and himself too probably.

"Like Molly ? Is mom having puppies ?" She looks all excited.

"No darling, not puppies". Tom grins. "A baby brother or sister for you".

Anele claps her hands, smiling at me. "Yeah, much better, we already have puppies, but I have no brother or sister... can we have one of each ?"

I can't help but giggle. "We don't get to decide that sweetie, but no matter what you will be the best big sister in the world".

"Yeah, big sister". She claps again.

Tom puts her down. "Run get the pizza brochure sweetie".

"Sure". She grins and runs off.

"Anele said you had something to tell... that it was the reason you came home early". I suddenly remember.

Tom looks confused for a moment, then he lights up in a huge smile. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot... I got a call and wanted to share with you... this totally overshines it though".

"But what is it Tom ?" I look up at him. "I am all curious now".

His face lights up. "We did it baby, the movie, we did it... eight Oscar nominations".

"For real ?" I feel happiness bubble inside, and explode when he nods. "Oh Tom I am so proud... you deserve it".

He laughs happily when I hug and kiss him. "This is the best day ever... Anele sweetie ?"

"What is it dad ?" She shows up at the door.

"Forget the brochure, I am taking you and mom out to a restaurant". He tells her.

She looks worried for a moment. "Can we still have pizza".

Both Tom and I laugh, and he says. "Yes, of course you can still have pizza".