Chapter Seven

Joseph knew he was going to be late back to the surgery, but right now he didn't care. He felt at a loss, not knowing what move to make next. He was going to lose Jac for good. That future he had pictured in his mind was slowly slipping away and there was nothing he could do about it. Tears began to form in his eyes as the image of his child slowly faded. He desperately wanted to be part of his child's life but if he couldn't sort out his problems with Jac then he never would.

As kind hearted and affectionate as Joseph was he had always been taught to keep his emotions hidden away. If you were hurt then suck it up and get on with it and for gods sake don't start crying. Weak little boys cry, not children of Lord and Lady Byrne that would never do.

He had always promised himself that he would never let a child of his think that they weren't allowed to cry. If they wanted to get upset, cry, scream, throw things he'd be there to hug them and make it alright. As brave as he tried to be, the weak little boy in his father's eyes came through and the tears began to fall fast. He let out a small sob as he tried and failed to stop the tears.

"Doctor Byrne," A small voice called concerned behind him.

Joseph turned around and quickly tried to wipe his tears away. "Is everything ok? It's not your wife is it?"

"My wife?" Joseph asked confused.

"Yes," The young woman in front of him confirmed "Lucy from the shop meet her yesterday. She said she seemed like a lovely woman and very pretty,"

Joseph was dumbfounded; he had no clue what this woman was on about.

"Oh by the way congratulations, Lucy said she was pregnant,"

The only person Joseph could think she meant was Jac. Why on earth did she think Jac was his wife? Noticing his confused look the girl decided to probe further. "Lucy said her name was Jac. She is your wife isn't she? She told Lucy she was,"

"Err yes, Jac's my wife," his smile was genuine, he loved being able to call her his wife, and it seemed so natural, so right. He had always imagined his wedding to Jac as a simple one. A few close family and friends. Jac looking both beautiful and elegant in a simple but stunning dress. The thought warmed his heart and he knew what he had to do. "Thank you,"

"What for?" The girl asked extremely confused.

"For making me want to save the future," He grinned, "I have to go," he squeezed her shoulders before running off in the direction he had come.

Jac had taken Greg to the pub she had met Joseph in last night. Sitting down at a table they both began to scan through the food menu.

"So," Greg began "What's going on with you and Joseph then?"

"I don't want to talk about it," Jac answered abruptly. She took a sip of her lemonade. Oh how she wished it were wine. Part of her loved being pregnant, but most of her just missed alcohol, especially when she was stressed.

"Tough!" Greg responded causing Jac to look up at him in surprise.

"Really Greg?" She asked her tone full of authority "Are you seriously trying to pick a fight with me? And not just any me, but a pregnant hormonal me,"

Greg laughed "Granted you are scary enough without being a girly hormonal mess," Jac scowled at him but he carried on "I shall be brave and put you in your place because if you want to be happy Jac then you need to sort this out with Joseph,"

Jac sighed, "I know,"

"Then are you going to let Uncle Greg fix things?" he grinned.

"Maybe," Jac answered slightly unsure "What's the catch?"

"If I managed to do turn your relationship into a Disney romance you have to call your first born after me,"

"Ha!" Jac laughed, "What if it's a girl?"

"I think Greg would be a fetching name for a little girl,"

"Your crazy," Jac laughed

"And your going to tell me what happened between you and Joseph. From the start ok,"

"Yes sir," Jac mocked.

They had both gotten through lunch by the time Jac had finished her tale.

"So how did he take the sight of a very pregnant you standing in his office?"

"I think he was too shocked to say anything. He called me after he finished work and we met up,"

"And?"

"Well it started out well enough. I turned up to meet him and vomited everywhere,"

"Nice," Greg laughed "Then what?"

"We went for a walk and ended up going back to his place,"

"Ha! Ha!" Greg grinned with delight "That's my girl!"

"What?" Jac asked confused "Nothing happened," Off his slightly cynical expression Jac carried on "Not how you're thinking anyway. We just fell asleep together; he held me and kept me warm. Well that was until a very annoying Irishman decided to call at stupid o'clock to tell me he loved me and that I was pretty," she gave him a pointed look "After that it kinda went down hill,"

"Sorry," Greg said sheepishly "Does it help that this Irishman will pay for lunch?"

"It's a start," Jac grinned.

Ordering two more drinks Greg sat back down at the table "So then what happened?"

"Joseph heard me talking to Harry and came in," Jac answered, "We talked about my mom and about his insane idea about me moving here. That's when it got heated,"

"Right, now I think I'm up to speed," Greg confirmed "How about you let me talk to him?"

Jac laughed, "I don't think that's a good idea Greg. Joseph doesn't like people knowing his business,"

"I'm not just people though am I?" he told her "I'm Uncle Greg, future godfather to this little one," he indicated to her rounded belly.

"Of course you are," Jac agreed "Just tread carefully with Joseph Greg. He might look mild mannered but believe me he has a temper on him,"

"I can handle myself Jac don't worry," Greg grinned, "Right Ms Naylor we are going out,"

"We are out," Jac observed.

"No I mean out out," Greg explained yet Jac still looked confused.

"A club," he grinned.

"NO!"

"Yes," he said getting up from the table "We are going back to your hotel, you are getting dolled up and we are going out this evening,"

"Are you forgetting that I'm pregnant," she sighed.

"Just because your pregnant doesn't mean you can't go dancing, just wear sensible shoes,"

"Aww Greg," she groaned as he pulled her up from her chair. Following her out he heard her complain "I should of called Sasha instead,"