Piper checked the time. It was 6 p.m., which meant it was around 11 or so where her mum was. She'd probably still be awake, and she'd want to know this news for sure. "That's a great idea," she replied. "Let me go and get my computer." She went and retrieved her laptop, plugging it in and placing it on the counter. She booted up Skype and waited for it connect to her mum, tapping her fingertips on the counter as the seconds rolled by.
The screen changed to an image of her mum in her robe and pajamas, sitting in front of her own computer. "What's wrong, love?" she asked.
"Nothing, mum, I promise," Piper assured her. "I just wanted to talk to you. Is now a bad time?"
"It's fine," Maria waved her hand. "I've got tomorrow off, so I've just been watching telly. But you've got my attention. What's going on?"
"Uhm, well," Piper began, reaching for Charles' hand. "How would you feel if I told you you're going to be a grandmum?"
The shriek that came out of the speakers almost knocked her backward, and Piper started to laugh at the look of delight on her mother's face. "Piper! Love, that's wonderful! When did you find out?"
"Just tonight," Piper answered. "I wanted to tell Charles first, and then he suggested we call you."
"Smart man, that one. He can stay." Maria laughed, brushing away a happy tear. "Oh Piper. I'd always hoped...I would never have pressured you, you know that-"
"Of course I do, Mum," Piper said softly, wishing she could've hugged her mum right then. "And hey, now you won't have to."