CHAPTER 81: THE BABY NEWS
Diana and James returned home that evening to find Nicodemus waiting as usual. Diana greeted him warmly, but before they could head upstairs, James stopped her. He drew her back gently and faced Nicodemus.
"Nicodemus," James said, his voice firm, "from now on, I need you to be especially attentive to my wife. She's pregnant."
Nicodemus' eyes widened in surprise, then crinkled at the corners in a smile. "Yes, sir, I understand. I'll inform the maids as well."
"Congratulations, ma'am, sir," Nicodemus said, his voice filled with genuine warmth.
"Thank you," Diana replied on their behalf.
"Oh, and please prepare some gifts in Diana's name," James added. "We'll be visiting the mansion tomorrow afternoon. You can call ahead to let them know."
"Certainly, sir. Everything will be arranged," Nicodemus assured them before bowing his leave. James held her hand as they walked upstairs.
While they were on their way home, Diana had insisted on meeting his family tomorrow, just as they had earlier planned, despite his vehement refusal. Once inside their room, Diana went straight to the sofa and slumped down while her husband took a seat beside her.
"How tired are you?" James asked her.
"101% tired," Diana replied, picking up her phone. "Is it okay if I tell my parents?"
"Of course," he replied, pulling her close. "And after that, you should get some rest."
"And is it okay if we tell yours?" Diana asked again.
"No," James responded curtly before adding, "just my grandma. She can keep a secret."
A wide grin spread across Diana's face. "Actually, I think I have a very interesting way to tell her the truth that will leave her shocked no doubt. Most amazing thing is no one else will know."
James chuckled, used to his wife's playful spirit. "Alright, surprise me then."
"You could at least give me a hint while trying to surprise me" James said with interest.
Diana smiled mysteriously. "Then it will lack the element of surprise. No hint babe. You'll see tomorrow."
Diana wasted no time dialing her mother's number and putting the call on speaker.
The phone rang twice before Katherine picked. Her voice, laced with worry, filled the room. "Diana, baby? What's wrong? Did you finally disown your old ma?"
"Ever since we came to see your new office, you've refused to call us. What did I ever do to you, child?" No matter where she went, Katherine remained a typical African woman.
"Mom, I'm really sorry about that. I called because I have news."
"News? What kind of news, honey? You sound so serious. Oh my God, are you okay? Are you hurt? I knew it. I had a dream last night where you were hurt. Oh my God, I knew it."
"Mom, can you stop gushing for a moment and listen?" Diana interrupted gently.
"Alright, I'm sorry. You know I'm just worried for you."
"Well, I'm fine, Mom."
"Alright then, what's the big news? Spill it and stop keeping me in suspense."
Diana took a deep breath. "Well, Mom..... I'm pregnant."
"What!" Katherine asked, as if not believing.
"Mom, I said I'm pregnant," Diana said a bit louder.
Katherine screamed through the phone as she called her husband, who was in the bathroom. Raymond was annoyed at the way his wife shouted his name, but when he heard it was about Diana, he quickly rushed over.
Moments later, a flustered Raymond appeared. "What is it, woman? What's all the yelling about?"
"Diana! She just said…" Katherine stammered, her voice thick with emotion. "Repeat what you just said to your father, Diana."
Diana smiled as she looked at her husband and held his hand. "Dad, you and Mom are going to be grandparents soon."
A whoop of joy erupted from Raymond. "This is fantastic news! I knew you were a keeper, James," he boomed through the phone.
Diana couldn't help but laugh as her mother chimed in, "Well, it took a while, but you finally knocked her up, Son In-law! I always knew you were a sharp shooter!"
Diana looked at her husband and saw the incredulous look on his face. She laughed and shushed her mom.
When James finally realized what Katherine had said, his eyes lit up with amusement, as he choked on a laugh, his cheeks flushing slightly. Diana reached for his hand, squeezing it reassuringly
"Diana, you have made me happy. This is amazing news and I'm so proud of you, daughter. "Is there anything you need? Anything at all?"
"I'm doing fine, Dad, but thank you for offering."
"Nonsense Diana. You're my daughter, and I'm going to spoil you rotten," Raymond declared. "Just tell me what you want, and it's yours. I know you have your husband now, but I'm still your father, and no one will stop me from giving my daughter what she wants."
Diana chuckled at her father's protectiveness. "Alright, Dad, I'll keep that in mind."
"Oh my dear daughter," Katherine started. "Now we have a lot to talk about and discuss. Welcome to motherhood, my baby. I am so going to tell your siblings this now. I can't wait for Rebecca's reaction."
Katherine said the last part and laughed. Diana laughed too, as Raymond chided, "Don't forget she is also your daughter."
"Alright, pumpkin. I'm going back to finish my shower. I will talk to you later."
"Alright, Dad. Good night."
"Diana," her mother continued, "make sure you eat tonight before going to bed, alright? So the baby doesn't starve."
"Really, Mom? Is it always going to be like this? Then I will just block you."
"There, there, don't be angry now," Katherine fawned. "How about my wonderful son-in-law? Is he there?"
"Yes."
"Well, quickly give him the phone."
"Hello, ma'am."
"Oh, my sweet son-in-law, how are you?"
Diana rolled her eyes at that. James noticed her expression and leaned forward, giving her a quick peck on the lips, making her smile again before answering Katherine.
"I'm fine, Mom. And you, how are you doing?"
"Oh, I've never been better. In fact, now I feel like I've gotten ten times younger. Congratulations to both of you. I am really happy for this piece of news. Whenever my daughter wants us to visit, we will, but she can't keep me away for long. Whether she allows me to visit or not, whenever she's nearing her term, I will definitely force my way through."
James smiled. "Alright, Mom, thank you very much."
"You're welcome. Good night, and you guys make sure you rest well and early."
"Will do." He cut the call after that.