Chapter 17: Back In the Game
Diane's POV
Morning came as I stood in front of the full-length mirror in Joan's guest room, smoothing down my navy blue blazer. The woman staring back at me looked familiar, yet somehow different.
My eyes, once clouded with confusion and hurt, now held a determined gleam. I placed a protective hand over my barely visible baby bump.
"You've got this, Diane," I whispered to my reflection.
A soft knock on the door jolted me from my thoughts. "Come in," I called out.
Joan poked her head in, a warm smile on her face. "How are you feeling, honey?"
I turned to face her, taking a deep breath. "Nervous. Excited. A little terrified," I admitted with a shaky laugh.
Joan crossed the room and took my hands in hers. "That's perfectly normal. But remember, you're Diane Ashton. You're smart, capable, and stronger than you know."
I squeezed her hands gratefully. "Thank you, Joan. For everything. I don't know what I would have done without you these past few weeks."
"That's what friends are for," she replied, pulling me into a hug. As we separated, she asked, "So, are you ready to make that call?"
I nodded, my resolve strengthening. "Yes, I think I am."