Harper's Finale

by F. C. Clark

  I can hear her breathing alter.

  ‘Kate, I have some more news.’

  ‘Me too, but you go first.’

  She chuckles. ‘You’re not pregnant?’

  I say nothing.

  ‘Jesus, you are! Oh my God! Declan?’ she calls to the love of her life. ‘Kate’s pregnant.’ She begins to laugh.

  ‘I’m pleased to entertain you.’

  ‘I can’t help it, babe. But baby number four… Tell me, how many do you intend to have?’

  ‘This is the last and then Luke will visit the doctor…’

  I feel an arm around my waist. Of course Luke is awake and listening to my conversation – especially since it concerns him and his most amenable body part.

  ‘It’s a girl, Luke.’

  ‘Tell me your news. I need a diversion.’

  ‘Declan has asked me to marry him.’

  ‘That’s fantastic.’ I hold the phone away from me. ‘Declan proposed.’

  ‘About time,’ Luke mutters.

  ‘Oh Kiki, I’m so pleased, what did your dad say?’

  ‘He was too emotional holding Willow. I’ll need to remind him that I’m going to be a Sutton.’

  ‘Two extra independent women around the Sutton table… How exciting.’

  Once again Luke pulls me tight. ‘I would say stubborn and argumentative.’

  I glance at my husband, who has far too much to say at four o’clock in the morning.

  ‘When did he ask you?’

  Kiki begins to laugh. ‘Just as Willow’s head popped out!’

  I can’t help laughing. ‘Who ever said romance was dead needs to meet Declan Sutton.’

  ‘At least I won’t forget it.’

  ‘I guess not.’

  ‘I have to go. Willow needs a feed.’

  ‘OK. I love you so much – well done.’

  ‘Kate, come and see me as soon as you can. I need you.’

  ‘Try and stop me.’

  I lie back down, crying happy tears.

  ‘How are they?’ Luke rolls to his side.

  ‘Happy. I think that’s what hit me – she sounds happy for the first time ever. She just needed someone to love. Willow Catherine Sutton.’

  ‘Willow?’ Luke looks at me, slightly confused.

  ‘I love it.’

  ‘I’m not saying a word. I have girls named after herbs.’

  ‘Oi. You said I could choose.’

  ‘And I wouldn’t change it.’

  ‘Declan proposed just as Kiki pushed Willow’s head out.’

  Luke leans up on his elbows. ‘He’s always had a mind of his own, never was one to conform.’

  ‘Runs in the family.’

  Luke digs me in the ribs.

  ‘You think so?’ he says.

  I can’t stop laughing.

  ‘Yes, and you know it, that’s why I love you.’

  He kisses my lips. ‘That’s why I need you.’

  ‘Are we made for each other?’

  ‘Yes, baby. Souls together forever.’

  ‘Kiss me, Luke.’