'As you can see, there is an expansive lawn with a children's play area,' the estate agent noted, her eyes glancing automatically at Jess, who was standing wide-eyed on the patio, gripping Becker's hand tightly. She knew instinctively that this would be their home – it was exactly what she had imagined.
'We'll take it,' she whispered, her smile growing by the second.
Becker wrapped an arm round her waist, grinning. 'Maybe we should see inside the house first?' he suggested, but Jess was decided. She just knew this was where she wanted to grow old, with Becker, and her child.
The woman chuckled and led the way into the large kitchen. As Jess and Becker followed her from room to room, their feelings became more and more apparent.
'This would be the master bedroom.'
It was huge. There was no other word for it! They had come from a tiny box to this. Large, bay windows, huge four-poster bed... It was more like a hotel suite than their bedroom!
'And this room is currently occupied by the younger residents of the home.'
Jess inhaled sharply, seeing the pastel pink walls, the cot in the corner, the toys scattered across the carpet. This was Bella's room.
'Oh, Becker, it's...'
'Perfect,' he finished for her, resting his chin lightly on her shoulder and kissing her neck. He couldn't believe they had found this place so easily – it was exactly what they wanted.
'Would you like a moment to look around?' she asked, but Jess shook her head. There was no need.
'We'll take it. Whatever the price, we'll take it.'
Becker chuckled, entwining his fingers with hers, and pulled her close.
'Welcome home, Jess,' he whispered.
xxx
Back at the ARC, Jess had been told that the only thing she was allowed to do was light paperwork. How paperwork in this place was supposed to be light, she had no idea! Invoice after invoice, bank statement after bank statement... It was incredible how much money they actually spent! However, in truth, she was actually quite glad of the rest. She had become increasingly tired over the past few weeks, and had actually fallen asleep at seven the other night while watching the soaps, waiting for Becker to come home. She knew how much his job meant to him, but she also wanted him with her every second – demanding, yes, but at least she had pregnancy as an excuse!
'Having fun?' She had expected it to be Becker, but after turning, she saw Matt leaning against the banister, smiling.
'Oh, you know, there's never a dull moment,' she quipped, pushing the pile of documents away from her. It could wait till later.
Matt chuckled. 'I don't envy you. Though I'm sure many of us would love being pregnant as a way out of this bloody security check!'
Jess remembered what Emily had said, about how much she wanted a family, and wondered whether she should say something.
'I don't think it'll be too long before we hear the pitter-patter of tiny feet coming your way,' she joked, waiting for some kind of reaction. His face remained poker straight.
'No, I doubt that very much, Jess,' he finally replied coolly, and she knew she had put her foot in it.
'I just meant-'
'I know what you meant, Jessica. But Emily and I have both agreed that it isn't a good idea.'
Jess' eyes widened in shock. That was certainly not what Emily had told her! 'But you would make such an excellent dad!' she exclaimed, knowing full well this was none of her business.
Matt sighed. 'Maybe I would, but it's out of the question. Think of the risks – for mother and child.'
'I don't understand...'
'Jess, I'm from the future. Emily is from the past. Who knows what would happen if we had a child together – there could be all kinds of complications. It's not like this has ever happened before!'
Jess instinctively put a hand over her bump, trying to protect Bella from over-hearing. If this was true – if there was a chance of complications involving time-lines and the like – then what did that mean for her own child? Though she didn't want to imagine the possibility, there was every chance that Bella's father was from the future as well!
'But you can't know for certain,' Jess said, her voice having risen in panic as fear took hold.
Matt shook his head. 'No, I don't know for certain. But would you take the risk?'
Jess froze, having no way of answering that question. She had already taken the risk, though she had never even thought about it like that before! Was there really a chance there could be problems with her pregnancy?
'Look, I know you want to help, and I know Emily confides in you about things she wouldn't dream of telling me, but please, don't put ideas in her head. OK?'
Jess nodded, feeling suddenly light-headed. What if Bella didn't make it? What if she did, but there was something wrong with her? How would she cope? How would Becker cope? What if he stopped loving them?
'Matt!'
He turned quickly, his eyebrows raised questioningly.
'Is there any way of knowing for sure?' she asked, sounding almost pleading.
He smiled sadly. 'I doubt we'll ever know – not until it actually happens to someone, but I don't think anyone would be that stupid.'
As he walked away, a grief-stricken look in his eye, Jess turned round to face her desk, feeling as though she had just been slapped in the face.
What have I done? She thought, before bursting into tears.
Ok, so like I said, I didn't want to forget completely about the whole "impending doom" thing, so this is just a quick reminder to everyone that we shouldn't get too comfortable. Anyway, sweet first half so focus on the positives! Hope you enjoyed and... like always, please review!