*”She’d Made Up Her Mind”*
*”Why aren’t you ready yet?”* Tanya stood in the doorway, barely holding back her irritation. *”Have you forgotten what today is?”*
*”What’s today?”* Liam didn’t even glance up from the telly, lazily flicking through channels. *”Are we meant to be somewhere?”*
*”We’re supposed to go to the hospital! Emma’s had the baby—you heard. First in our group to become a mum. We *have* to go and congratulate her!”*
*”Congratulate her on what?”* He smirked, still clicking the remote. *”On sleepless nights? A screaming newborn? On life never being her own again? Doesn’t sound like much of a celebration to me.”*
*”What are you *on* about? You were the one who *wanted* kids! You went on about little feet running around the house, tiny arms hugging your neck. ‘Three, at least’—remember? Or did I imagine that?”*
*”Yeah, I said it. But come on, it’s what women *want* to hear. Worked on you, didn’t it?”* Liam shrugged.
Tanya sat down on the sofa, stunned. Her whole face went rigid.
*”Look, I just don’t want kids. What’s the big deal? Most blokes don’t, deep down. Ever think we could just *live* a bit? Travel, hobbies, freedom… But no, it’s always ‘baby this, nappies that.’”*
*”Are you taking me or not?”* Her voice went icy. She couldn’t hide the hurt—not today, of all days, when she’d planned to tell him *her* news.
*”They’ll manage without us. All that cooing and crying—not my scene. Go later. Might even put you off the whole idea.”*
Without another word, she walked into the bedroom. Fifteen minutes later, she emerged in a sharp, elegant outfit. The taxi was already called—thank God she wouldn’t have to listen to Liam’s gloom.
And she’d been *so close* to happiness… Just that morning, she’d seen those two lines on the test. She’d planned to tell him over dinner. But now? Now she wasn’t sure he *deserved* to know.
Tanya had always played it safe. Worked through uni, graduated with honours, landed a great job, steady income—even a flat her parents helped her buy. She’d done everything *right*. And she was ready. But the man she’d imagined as the father? Just a good actor.
Liam had seemed mature, steady, dependable. His age, his words, his views—all so *certain*. Only today had he dropped the act.
*”I’ve made up my mind,”* she whispered to the empty taxi. The driver, an older bloke, glanced at her, then unexpectedly said, *”Congratulations.”*
Flustered, she thanked him and hurried inside. There, glowing, stood Emma with a tiny bundle. Her husband was already cradling the baby. The room hummed with love.
*”Congratulations, love!”* Tanya hugged her friend. *”What’s his name?”*
*”James, after his grandad. And *you’re* to be godmother.”*
*”I’d love that,”* Tanya smiled, though her chest ached. Everything she wanted was right here—just not *hers*.
*”Something wrong?”* Emma murmured when they stepped aside.
*”Liam’s been lying. He *never* wanted kids. And the worst part? I’m pregnant. Found out today. Now I’ve got to choose.”*
*”Tanya, men are *plentiful*. But *this* chance? My sister *can’t* have kids—she wept when I told her. Don’t walk away from what *you* want.”*
*”I won’t. If he won’t change his mind, I’m leaving. My parents will *thrive* as grandparents.”*
Liam *didn’t* change his mind. Went on about kids being a drain—time, money, freedom. Tanya didn’t argue. Inside, her decision was made.
**Three years later**
*”Liam? *Bloody hell*—*congratulations*!”* A former neighbour practically collided with him at Heathrow. *”Heard about your son!”*
*”You’ve got the wrong bloke,”* he said coldly.
*”Eh? Saw Tanya with a pram last month. Baby’s about four months old—I *can* do maths.”*
Liam went pale. He *hadn’t* known. Or hadn’t *let* himself know. And now? Now it was too late.
*”Where is she? *Where’d you see her?”*
*”Not telling. Was just passing through. So *you’re* one of *those*—won’t own up to your own kid.”*
He stood there, frozen. Only now realising what he’d lost.
But when he *did* track Tanya down? Too late. The little boy called another man *Dad*. And Liam couldn’t compete—not in love, not in action, not in heart.
The ending was set. Tanya had chosen right.
