Chapter Forty-Seven

Diane and Sarah were making dinner in the kitchen together that night, while Will was finally spending some quality time with his kids. They had told Sarah what had happened and she'd reassured them she'd been ready to help with anything. It felt good to have someone they could count on in such a difficult time, but Diane knew Sarah needed their support just as much as they needed hers.

"Do you mind if I ask Roger to fly over for the weekend? I really shouldn't break the news to him on the phone and I feel braver with you around."

Diane was glad to hear Sarah's question, that she was ready to take this step now, to tell her husband about the baby and their presence gave her the courage she needed.

"Why would we mind? You are both welcomed here anytime."

Even with what they were going through it was their principle that family came first and right now Sarah's baby was the most important issue.

"I know this might be the worst timing ever, I'm sorry I'm causing you so much trouble."

"What are you talking about? You couldn't have come at a better time and you won't leave here until your husband comes to his senses."

"I hope he will."

"I'm sure about that, Will can be pretty persuasive," Diane chuckled.

"I know," Sarah replied with a smile, "Let's hope we won't need his intervention though."

"I don't think so, unless Roger wants someone else to be the baby's godparents, because we've called that already," Diane made a threatening move with a spoon, accompanied by a smile.

"That's non negotiable."

"That's what I wanted to hear. Emma's so excited, she's already collected some of her old toys to give to the baby."

Diane was really proud of her daughter when she had seen the little package Emma had put together for her future cousin.

"I know, she is the sweetest, you've done a great job with both kids, I have no idea how you did that with your busy schedule."

"I honestly have no idea either, but I'm sure it won't last forever. We'll have our share of mother-daughter fights in the future and your job as an aunt and godmother will become even more important."

"And the time will come when my kid will need you the same way."

Their conversation was interrupted by the doorbell and Diane went to see who their unexpected visitor was. She was even more surprised to find her aunt standing at the door.

"Aunt Diane," she hugged the elderly lady "Did we schedule something for today?"

"Can't I just come to visit you if I feel like it?" she entered the door and Diane closed it behind her.

"Of course you can," Diane replied, even though she wished her aunt had announced her visit beforehand.

"I had to come when I heard the rumor."

"What rumor?"

"That your stupid husband quit his job at one of the city's top firms."

Diane was shocked that the news already reached her aunt, of course she had friends everywhere.

"Not so loud, please, the kids don't know anything about that."

"So is it true?" the accusation in her voice was quite clear, even though Diane couldn't understand why.

"Yes, it is."

"How could he do such a thing?" the aunt raised her voice and Diane got quite upset hearing her tone.

"He did it for me," she said in an attempt to calm her down, but it didn't reach the desired effect.

"How could you ask something like that from him?"

"I didn't ask him anything, he has his own will you know," Diane couldn't believe she had to justify Will's decision to someone who never even cared for him that much.

"That was a stupid decision. Now everyone will talk about him as the quitter. They already refer to him like that."

Diane was hoping her aunt was just exaggerating, even though she knew how such rumors were able to spread around the city quite quickly. She had been busy worrying about her own reputation, she hadn't even considered how this would effect Will's. She would never have admitted that her aunt made a valid point though.

"You shouldn't judge him, you have no idea what happened."

"Did she sleep with someone at the firm?"

"What?"

The question couldn't have sounded more ridiculous. Anyone who knew Will just a little was aware that he would never do anything like that.

"I have always thought him capable of such a thing. Did he get sued for sexual harassment?"

Diane finally lost her patience and raised her voice, ignoring the fact that the children might have heard what she said.

"I don't want to listen to you anymore. It's my house, so do me a favor and show some respect towards my husband or you are no longer welcomed here."

The older lady's eyes widened, she wasn't used to her niece talking to her like that, but she'd left Diane no other choice.

"Fine. I'll go, but don't expect me to jump the next time you need someone to look after your kids."

"I won't."

Diane slammed the door after her aunt and for the second time that day her eyes filled with tears again. The last thing she needed was a lecture like that from someone who was supposed to be on her side. Fortunately the next moment she felt a pair of strong arms around her, it was Will.

"Have you been here all this time?" she asked as she turned around in his arms to face him.

"I came down when I heard the doorbell."

"You shouldn't have witnessed this."

"I've always known she doesn't like me too much, and the feeling is mutual."

"I'm so sorry."

"It is not your fault," Will stroke her face gently.

"Did the kids hear anything?"

"I don't think so. Emma's busy with some drawing and Nat's playing in his room."

"Thank god," Diane tried to calm down and breathe normally again, she was grateful for Will's arms still supporting her.

"Thank you for defending me," he smiled at her.

"You would have done the same for me."

Will pulled her into a much needed hug and Diane could see Sarah standing at the kitchen door smiling.