James

I watch from the doorway: my Jade-Eyes, in the nursery with the daughter she gave me, rocking her, cooing over her, talking to her.

She doesn’t see me, engrossed with Cara. Our baby goos and gurgles at her mother, a tiny hand reaching for a long copper lock of Charlotte’s hair, swinging loose draping over Cara’s creamy wrap.

So beautiful…

Both so beautiful…

I think Charlotte must have just given Cara her feed. She still has the towel over her shoulder she uses when she’s burping her. Even from here, the towelling looks damp. The top she’s wearing, not quite buttoned up, is stained too.

As I watch, Charlotte rises from the rocking chair her mother painted so beautifully for her, lays Cara in her cot and brushes herself down. As she turns to drop the shoulder towel into a laundry basket, she sees me.

“Oh!” And then she laughs. “Sorry, Master. I didn’t see you there.”

“I was enjoying watching you.”

She looks towards the cot, eyes alight. “I know I’m her mother, but I don’t think there’s ever been anything so wonderful ever.”

I pull her into my arms. “You’re wrong there. Cara’s mother takes first place on that one. But Cara runs a close second.”

She yields into my embrace, then making a face, pulls away. “Um… better let me change. Or you’ll smell of cheese all day too.” Still smiling, she strips off her soiled blouse, tossing it at the basket. The heavy-grade maternity bra follows. She lets out air. “It’s wonderful doing this. But I’ll be happier when I can put on clean clothes and stay that way. It would be nice to feel sexy again.”

wakes. Meanwhile, we can have a glass of wine down by the fire. You, me and Michael. We’ll leave

great. Actually, I did get some new clothes. Just give me a

but she flaps hands back at

clothes is an event rare enough to rate headlines. I’m happy to humour her. From the bedroom next door,

straight for the

to show me some new

“And when is the rain of

“I’ll let you know.”

reappears, beaming.

In shades of warm brown and dark green, the fabric of the skirt is heavy: winter-weight but cut to flare, swishing around her legs in an elegant swirl. The pullover seems plain at first, but as Charlotte moves, the knit is of some complicated pattern giving a subtle knot-work effect over the front. It smooths over her full bosom and narrowing waist, emphasising everything she has. She pauses, sucking at

My Jade-Eyes…

And it suits

“I hoped you’d

the label. “First time I’ve seen you pay for designer wear…” She stands back, appraising her daughter. “… But

pay a lot, so I’d like to get some wear

the pullover, feeling the yarn between thumb and forefinger. “The top should shrink a bit with you too, but right now

blushes, hugging arms around herself. “Awww…

heads swing her way. Over ten seconds, her burbles turn to cries and Charlotte is already picking

down... “Shhh… it’s alright, Baby. Shhh…” … patting her on the

a warning hand… “Jenny…” But Cara abruptly flushes bright red, opens her mouth and spews. Milky vomit fountains over Charlotte, splurging over her shoulder and down her back. Another geyser-like burp, and a second shower splashes over her front, soaking the pullover then dripping glutinously down over the

arms. Her entire output has ended up over Charlotte. Her pink onesie is still fluffy and clean. Mitch wipes her face with a tissue then pops her

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