His Family (7)

"Of course, if it's best for Thalia and the baby, then she would gladly do that because Thalia did not want her to have a difficult birth." Thalia looked at him in disbelief that he had fallen for that trick, but she had vowed that she would not sow discord in her new family, as even her mother had abandoned her.

Thalia added sweetly, "Of course, I will help out whenever need be, for my own sake," she glanced at her new mother-in-law and did not miss the glint in her eye.

"Okay, Mum, as that is settled, I will take Thalia upstairs for her nap. It's already late, and I'll come down in a few minutes."

Joy nodded and watched them leave the room, and her smile disappeared from her face. She had to make sure to – 

She did not finish her thought, but her mind was already made up!