The next few days at work fly by for Betty. She has given up on wearing her "pre-pregnancy" clothes and is wearing maternity clothing. She is getting many an odd look, especially from female coworkers. Betty still has not disclosed the pregnancy to people at work, other than Kelly accidentally, due to her wanting to tell Mr. Dunne first, and he has been out of town until Friday.
"I'm so glad Mr. Dunne is back today," remarks Betty to Matt as they prepare to leave her apartment. "Luckily, no one at the office is as bold as Amanda, but I know some of them are wondering what is going on. Kelly has not said anything, but she admits that has been hard. My line about you liking to buy me things seems to be wearing thin."
"I agree, I think it will be a relief to have our news out in the open where you work," Matt replies, as he gives her a kiss.
"How do you think people will react?" he asks.
"Honestly, I'm not sure," responds Betty. "Many of them seem overprotective and may grill you," she teases gently, "while others may be concerned about how it will impact their jobs. At least Mr. Dunne agreed to meet with me first thing this morning. Will you wait in my office just in case it goes poorly?"
"Of course, I'll wait in your office to see how your conversation goes. I think he'll likely ask you some tough questions to see where you stand about being a working mom. I certainly don't think he'll fire you, if that is what you are worried about" answers Matt, briefly embracing Betty.
"You are probably right, I'm just preparing for the worst," responds Betty quietly, as they have gotten off at her floor.
She adds, in a whisper and with a smile "at least, with your trust fund, we won't be on the street if we are both unemployed."
Before Matt can reply, Mr. Dunne, who is retrieving his messages from the front desk, sees Betty and says, "I am eager to hear what you want to speak with me about, Matt's not taking you away from us so soon-is he?"
Matt, looking somewhat uncomfortable, responds, "No, Sir, I am not taking Betty from her job. She is very happy here, working on pieces that have meaning, and I would never consider her giving that up."
"Good," replies Mr. Dunne with a smile, "I didn't think that was it, I have my suspicions and all, but I don't see how the timeline would work for what I am thinking of. Betty, please come in."
"Sir, what is it that you are suspecting, if I may ask?" inquires Betty as she enters his office. She is blushing thinking of the information she is about to disclose.
"Well, based on the change in your clothing and the glow about you I'm wondering if you are going to tell me you are pregnant," answers Mr. Dunne.
"Actually," replies Betty taking a deep breath, "That is exactly what I was going to tell you. Yes, Matt has only been in town for a week. I am actually a little over 6 months pregnant… I just didn't suspect anything because I had no symptoms. I plan on continuing to work as long as allowed and then returning to work full time once the baby is old enough. Matt and I are figuring out the details because he knows that my career is very important to me."
"Well, I guess congratulations are in order. While being a working mother won't be easy, I'm sure you can handle it. It sounds like Matt is very supportive and that will help. We'll need to get together in the next few days to match up our publication deadlines with your pregnancy ones so that things go as smoothly as possible," remarks Mr. Dunne.
"So you are OK with this?" asks Betty.
Mr. Dunne answers, "If my employees are happy, then I am happy since that makes for better workers. Would I have chosen this for my magazine or even you right now, no, but perhaps it will even lead to new ideas and perspectives for the magazine. Now, go get back to work while you have the energy to do so."
"You can also tell the staff that those who were betting on you being pregnant all get a gift certificate to the Café as promised," adds Mr. Dunne, with a smirk despite trying to appear serious.
Betty replies, with a shy smile, "Yes, Sir. While I have many people telling me that I am carrying small, I suspect my wardrobe change and seemingly suddenly starting to show gave me away."
"You are correct, many in the office, especially the women, were suspecting your news and, to stop the rumors, I am sending out an email regarding such right now," says Mr. Dunne.
Matt, as he is sitting in Betty's office awaiting her return, gets the thumbs up sign from a few people who walk by. Betty comes back into her office and shows Matt Mr. Dunne's email and then tells him the conversation went well. Matt then kisses Betty, with the staff, many of who have gathered outside her office, giving them a round of applause, which makes them both blush.
Kelly pokes her head into Betty's office and says, "So, now I don't have to keep this a secret anymore. I was ready to burst! Congratulations. I will need some idea of when you want a baby shower, since I suspect your baby will become the office mascot."
"Thanks, Kelly," replies Betty, "We'll let you know when we are at that point. I don't know how I feel about my daughter being a mascot though."
"A little girl, how exciting and something I didn't know yet, much more fun to buy clothes for girls than boys, not that boys are bad or anything," replies Kelly, looking at Matt.
Matt remarks, "No harm at all in your statements about girls. As I've told Betty, I imagine having a little girl who looks just like her. Now, not to be rude, but I have a meeting with a potential investor that I need to get to. See you at closing time." Matt then gives Betty a quick kiss before he leaves her office.
Betty agrees that she and Matt will go out with some of her coworkers after work to celebrate their news. Matt gets along well with Betty's coworkers, who gently tease both of them regarding the fact that they didn't know she was pregnant. Both Betty and Matt thank them for their support. They say their goodbyes, with Kelly joking about what new maternity outfit Betty will be wearing on Monday.