“As sure as I can be while he’s still inside me.”
“They’re certain there are no genetic issues?”
She turns her head slightly toward me. “He’s perfect. I would tell you if he wasn’t.”
I nod, but it doesn’t fully settle.
“And you?” I ask. “You’re okay this time?”
“I’m okay. The midwife says everything’s exactly how it should be.”
The worry doesn’t leave. It probably won’t. It just settles into the background—a quiet, constant question about what shared blood might mean, whether it changes anything.
Maybe that’s what this is. Being a parent. Carrying the worry even when you’re told not to.
I don’t push it. Don’t give it more weight.
I keep my hand where it is and feel him move again. It’s… unbelievable. There’s no better word for it.
She shifts slightly against me, deliberate this time. “Christina and Marcus and the girls are here. They’ll be back soon. Do you have another round in you before they get back?”
I let out a quiet breath against her hair. “After six months apart?” A small pause. “I’ve got plenty.”
The soundof voices drifts around the side of the cottage.
A moment later, Mum comes around the corner with Marcus, Zara, and Isla behind her.
Her eyes find me immediately.
She stops for a second—just a flicker—then closes the distance and pulls me into a hug.
I hold onto her.
Six months is six months. Whatever’s between us, she’s still my mother. She’s been here for Charlotte. For my son. She’s here now.
That’s enough.
“I’ve missed you,” she says into my shoulder.
“I’ve missed you too.” I pull back and look at her. “Thank you. For being here—for them—when I couldn’t be.”
“She didn’t need much taking care of. She really is...” She hesitates, then smiles. “Extraordinary.”
“I know.”
Isla comes next.
Her hug is brief and slightly awkward, like she’s reached the age where she’s not entirely sure what to do with affection anymore.
“Good to see you,” I tell her.
She nods. “You too.”
Then Zara is there.
No hesitation. No restraint.
She launches herself at me, arms around my neck, and I catch her easily, lifting her off the ground.
