Reasons Why

Chapter Twenty-Four

So go there! She laughed to herself. It sounded so easy, but as soon as her mother was assured that Chloe was going to find Luke, she did what mother’s do best. She took over! Firstly there was an appointment with the doctor. And in the five days since she’d admitted both her condition and intentions to her mother, nothing had stayed the same. Before the flights, she was tested, scanned, prodded and poked. The consultant at the local hospital had confirmed that she was indeed pregnant, fortunately not with twins, which had been a silent fear, but the surprise was that she was a lot more pregnant than she’d realised.

Standing in the Montpelier hotel, she looked at her reflection in the full length mirror. It was hard to deny her condition now; in just her underwear the gentle dome of her stomach was more than obvious. It was seventeen weeks since that fateful separation in New York, but she was twenty one weeks pregnant. If she gave birth in just over a week’s time, there was a great chance that the baby would be viable, would be developed enough to live. A scary thought!

As she’d left the doctor’s room with the information her mother had smiled. Being a grandmother would never replace losing Owen, but it was something that gave her parents optimism. And her mother a reason to knit! In the last six weeks as a family their world had turned on its head, now there was reason to be optimistic, something to look forward to, for all of them.

Chloe had spent the last few days trying to work out just how she could make this work, be with Luke, have her own independence AND still spend time with her parents. Not easy. Tonight was the greatest day of Luke’s career, and Phil, her wonderful brother had not just secured her a ticket, but was also flying to Vermont to go to the game with her.

This afternoon was a training session from the All Star Team for young developing players, later came the game. She knew that he’d be going from the game to a special dinner or presentation, after all hospitality ruled at these events. Then tomorrow was more meeting fans, training youngsters. That was where Phil had come in, he’d found out which hotel the team were staying at. Hence her being booked into a room there too. Phil had wanted to contact Luke in advance, tell him she was coming, but Chloe had wanted to rely on the element of surprise. She’d told Phil that she didn’t want to jeopardise Luke’s finest moments, this was about him and she didn’t want to rain on his parade. Phil bought that, but secretly Chloe was hoping Luke would still be pleased to see her... there was that doubt. How much pain could one man tolerate?

At her hands.

With a sigh, she got dressed, and was ready when there was a knock at the door. Pulling back the door Chloe grinned before collapsing into Phil’s arms, she’d not seen him since leaving his house so many months ago but they’d spoken increasingly frequently during the trial, and in her weeks of revelations since. And she’d missed him, and would always be beyond grateful for all that he and Didi had done for her when she really needed family support.

After a long hug where Chloe knew Phil was as close to tears as she was, they pulled apart and he held her at arm’s length.

                “You look amazing. Are you happy? I mean really? You’ve sounded it on the phone these last few days, but I never know with you!” His eyes took in every inch of her and she could see how much he loved her in that moment.

Chloe grinned, “Ask me tomorrow once I’ve tried to sort this mess out!”

Phil laughed, “He can’t resist you Chlo, you know that!”

She sighed, “We’ll see. How are Didi and the boys?” He regaled stories of Mikey and Carter as a proud father should as they left the room.

The training session was being held at a local college campus, and whatever Chloe had been expecting, what greeted her was a million miles from it. Banners and bunting coloured the sky in a myriad of swirls and glitter, it was so magical. Dozens of stalls offered everything from kit to energy drinks, local radio stations, TV booths, everyone wanted to be part of this event, and the place was packed to the rafters. It was amazing to observe, but to be the pinnacle of this, to be one of the chosen few that spearheaded this event must be the greatest feeling. Luke had always told her he loved playing in Canada as it was much lower key and relaxed, in his winter season he was far more acclaimed, recognised and revered and life became more of a circus. As she walked through the park she could begin to glimpse how true his words were.