Damaged Goods by Diane McNab - HTML preview

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

EASTER AT JANE'S

It was Easter and Jane decided to have Sunday lunch at her place. Madge offered to come and cook and Jane told her a firm no.

“Everyone should have a day off and you have definitely earned it” said Jane.

“So no-one is eating then” asked Madge in all sincerity.

“Actually I have been online Madge and so I have decided to give a shot at cooking all by myself. I am going to surprise everyone” Jane said.

“God have mercy on us all” thought Madge silently.

Easier said that done thought Jane on the day. She was trying to replicate Madge's perfect lasagne with tossed salad and garlic bread. The tossed salad was easy, all she had to do do was throw it around for a bit, but the lasagne had so many herbs and spices she had to go to the supermarket and beg for help to find them.

“I can do this, I can do this” she repeated to herself unsure what the end result would be and if it would be even edible.

With that she went to the back deck to decorate her outdoor setting remembering Zac's words of wisdom. “Some times when dressing a table less is more”. She stood back and was happy with what she had achieved.

Uncle Ethan and his Wife Amy arrived first with their beautiful girls.

“Thanks for inviting us” said Amy walking in “your place is drop dead gorgeous. Did Zac have a hand in this?”

Jane laughed and said “I handed him the keys and walked away.”

With that the rest arrived with Madge declaring she had brought enough antacid to look after everyone.

“Thanks for the vote of confidence” said Jane.

“You are very welcome” said Madge with a cheeky grin on her face.

Michael arrived and helped Jane pour the drinks.

“Girls there is a Easter egg hunt in the garden, see how many you can find” said Jane handing them two wicker baskets.

Jane wondered if the girls were perhaps a little too old for such shenanigans but with that they were both running around the garden squealing with delight, with Louie managing to find his fair share.

“We have an announcement” Zac declared.

“You boys and your announcements. First of all it's your house, your dog, your Wedding and now, whoa............what is it?” asked Madge.

“Alex and I have hired a Surrogate.” answered Zac. “You are going to love her Mum. She has the same mind set as you. Open to everything happening in the world and just want's to help me and Alex achieve our dream.”

“So does this mean I am going to be a Grandmother?” asked Summer with goosebumps running up both her arms.

“Well Mum it is definitely on the cards, hope you are up for it.”

“Madge laughed and said “Keep the announcements coming.”

“So which one of you is the donor?” asked Ethan putting his Doctor's hat on.

“We both are” answered Zac “and neither of us want to know who the biological Father is. Mind you if the child turns out to be out short, or tall and built like the Hulk, we will have the answer.”

After they had all left Jane took herself to bed. It had been a wonderful day but curling up under her doona she wondered why she was feeling a sense of loss.

“Oh for God's sake Jane Collins go to sleep” she thought punching her pillows.