The luckiest

Chapter 11

Jamie and Emma’s wedding is beautiful. My brother is genuinely happy with her and she with him. The ceremony is held at McGraw Farm instead of the initial venue and it rings true to their no-fuss relationship. Luckily it isn’t too warm yet as the ceremony I held outdoors. 

A marquee has been erected next to the pond and its decorated in thousands of fairy lights. Emma looks exquisite and my big brother can’t take his eyes off of her. Amy luckily, has kept her eyes off Charlie. The girl is a glamazon and I can’t deny my husband had good taste in looks, but not personality. She’s as mean as a rattlesnake and bosses poor Connor about all evening. 

Charlie never confronted Cane. Well, he never found him home when David drove him there. I never saw him either. He completely ignored my texts and I haven’t seen him since our run in months ago. 

Charlie and I are dancing to a slow song, when he leans down and kisses me, “Ginny King, I fall in love with you every day and today, its happened twice. Once, when you woke up in my arms and now. The way you look at me is the way every husband should be looked at.” 

My heart bursts with love for this beautiful man and I want to devour him right there, but settle for a really nice kiss. 

Summer is along to a great start. Mrs Cork has joined us full time, Mondays through to Fridays, until three in the afternoon. I help Charlie at the pub from morning until after lunch rush and then head home to be with the girls. He’s actually a really tough boss and won’t even let me have a break to get a lunch date in with Holly. 

Emma and Jamie are in Cancun for their honeymoon and my parents have gone to Lake Michigan for a week. I note that we haven’t even used the Vermont house since buying it and wonder whether Charlie would consider a getaway with the girls this time. 

The summer is a blur of activities and before we know it, its time for Hope to leave for New York. David and Marie have sent her to a few sessions with a child psychologist in Portland. Its done wonders. They have even decided to tell her the truth about her biological father. David has made peace with the fact, but is terrified him that she might reject him totally. 

We have a little farewell party for her at the pub with the entire family, sans the Harpers of course. It’s a balmy evening and we are all at the outside tables. She clings to David and Holly most of the night and spends loads of time with the girls and Liam too. 

“Aunt Ginny?” 

“Yes, favourite niece?” 

“Will you try and visit New York?” 

I smile, “Promise! You had better e-mail me about everything that’s going on in New York!” 

She throws her arms around me and laughs, “I promise.” 

We end the evening early enough and head home to relax. Charlie has some work to do and heads to his study while I put the girls to bed. Once they’re asleep, I slip into something slightly revealing and head down to the study and knock on the door. Charlie is sitting at the desk, his eyes fixed on the screen. I owe my husband a gratitude or two and something I want to offer him. 

“Ginny. Wow!” he manages to say. 

“Just coming to see if you’d like some company.” 

“Always. Especially when the company I keep is dressed like you.” I can’t help, but giggle. 

He slips the grey satin robe off my shoulders and then kisses me softly in the neck. He smiles at me, a wolfish grin on his face and proceeds to cover my body in kisses. His hands are hungrily groping at me and I find myself quivering at his touch. 

Before he can continue, I am upright on his desk, “Charlie, there’s something I want to talk about.” 

“What? Now?” I catch my breath and move to his chair to get some distance. 

“Yes, now. It kind of has to do with what we’re about to do.” 

He looks perplexed. “I want to know if you’d want to try and have another baby.” 

He looks puzzled, “Ginny, are you sure?” 

“Yes. I am. Now. I feel ready and I know how much you want a bigger family.” 

He shakes his head, “Not if you don’t want a bigger one.” 

“Its not just about my wants you know. I also want our kids to grow up closely with everyone else’s.” 

“I know you do, but I don’t want you to feel trapped again.” 

“I won’t.” I don’t think I will with me having a job now and feeling more secure. Gosh, why is he not hopping on the baby-train already? 

“OK, let’s do this.” He says with a smile, “When do we actively start?” 

“Well, I went off my pill a few days ago. It won’t happen immediately, but should sometime in this year. I’ll see my ObGyn later this month.” 

“So, we start now?” 

“Yes, we start now.” 

“That’s what I like to hear.” He pulls me up and takes me over to the chaise in the study, laying me down. His eyes transfixed on mine as he slips my black silk panties off me. 

I feel completely vulnerable and also liberated at the same time. He slips into me, my body responding immediately and his gaze not shifting from my eyes. It feels so raw and honest. I could never have this with anyone else. I wouldn’t want to try. 

The end of July has come too soon and it’s a day before the twins’ first birthday. Everything that could go wrong, has. Its rained for two days and according to the weather center, it won’t let up for another day. 

“Great!” I say, tears spilling onto my cheeks. 

Charlie has me in his arms, “Hey. Its OK. Its just a party.” 

As if triggered by his words, I really let rip, “Just a party? Just. A. Party?” 

“Well, uh, its just their first birthdays.” What is wrong with this man? 

“Just their first birthdays? Its important. Its your twins’ first birthday. Your only children and you say its not a big deal?” 

“Now Ginny, I didn’t say it wasn’t a big-“ 

“Don’t breathe another word, Charles King!” 

“Charles?” 

“Yes, Charles and I told you not to speak!” I am full on crying now. I look at the e-mail from the rent-a-ride company, saying they can’t risk they rides outside, so will have to cancel and I bawl even harder. 

Charlie puts a comforting arm around me and I collapse into his arms. “I’m sorry, honey.” He apologises and I love him even more because its me that’s lost my cool again. “I’m sorry things aren’t going the way you planned.” 

“What do we do now?” 

“We go back to Plan A.  A simple get together at home. No frills.” 

“But that’s so boring.” 

“Yes, but its better than not doing anything to commemorate the day.” 

We’re sitting on our newly enclosed deck that David did for us. Holly is due towards the middle of the month and everyone is excited to welcome baby Sean. I have a look at the patio thoughtfully. “Hmm.” 

“What?” Charlie looks nervous. 

“I was thinking we could decorate the deck area and I could hire a balloon artist. The girls would love that.” 

“See? You’re good at this.” 

“Thank you, honey.  Now, Holly just needs to not go into labour tomorrow and everything will be perfect!” I joke. Well, half-joke. 

Everything is a breeze the next day, including my mood. I have been all over the place since going off the pill, especially since we aren’t pregnant yet. The girls are dressed in matching grey cotton smocks with white headbands and look even more like Charlie now than before. He loves it when people tell him so. 

Caitlin is miserable because of a cold she has, while Cara is all smiles and won’t stop saying ‘Dada’. 

“Daddy’s girls for sure.” Charlie muses. 

Liam is all smiles and quite the handful. Poor Holly doesn’t manage to keep up with him. He’s just turned ten months and is walking, albeit in between a lot of falling down. The girls are still cruising and just so content to still crawl everywhere. 

Holly assures me that I should count my blessings while they aren’t walking. Liam is now a beautiful combination of both parents. His blue eyes stand out against his dark hair like Holly’s and he definitely has David’s mouth and nose. He’s already as tall as the twins, but quite stocky. Carol insists he gets it from her late husband. I have gone from not wanting another baby, to now staring at Holly’s huge bump and feeling slightly envious. 

Charlie notices and rubs my back gently, “It’ll happen. We just need to have patience. Also, there are loads of things doctors can do to help should we need it.” 

“You’re so optimistic. I love you.” 

“What do you say we make use of the lake house after our nephew is born?” 

“Really?” 

“Yes, really. I don’t plan on letting it just stand there you know.” 

“OK.” 

“It will take our minds off things and we could have fun trying in our new place.” He winks at me. 

“I like the sound of that.” 

“Also, I think you’ll like this bit; I think we should ask Mrs Cork along so we could have someone watch the girls should we want a date night.” 

I look over at Mrs Cork, who’s formed such a bond with the girls and smile at Charlie, “Sounds like a plan. I’ll speak to her this week.” 

The rest of the day goes off without a hitch and I'm happy with girls just having had a bit of fun with loved ones around.

Charlie and I are out to dinner one evening, just a few days after the twins’ birthday, when we get the text from Carol Forbes. 

*Holly in hospital. Already dilated to eight cm.* 

I look up at Charlie, dropping my fork in the process, “Its happening!” 

“What?” he looks terrified until I laugh. 

“Holly! She’s in labour!” 

“Come on! Let’s get going. I’ll settle the cheque. Get the valet to bring the car around.” 

“OK. Can you call Mrs Cork and ask her to stay a bit longer?” 

“Sure.” 

We make it to the hospital in record time. Carol is in the waiting area, along with Mom and Dad. They all look a bit worried. “What’s wrong?” I ask immediately. 

“They’ve wheeled Holly into theatre.” My Mom says quietly. 

“What? Why?” 

“Little Sean was in distress and her doctor insisted on a C-section.” 

“Oh my God.” No one admonishes me for my language. Charlie puts a comforting arm around me. “Is Holly OK? Is David in there with her?” 

“He’s just gone to put on scrubs. She seemed good when she passed by.” Mom says quietly.

I nod, trying to reassure myself they’re all OK. Knowing my brother, he’s panicked, but hiding it well. Carol is sitting on the couch, nursing a cup of coffee, “Bet you wish that had something a bit stronger in it, huh?” I whisper, putting my arm around her. 

She laughs, “You’re telling me!” 

“Holly’ a fighter and David’s with her. She’ll be OK.” 

“Yes, you’re right. Thanks Ginny.” 

Charlie goes and gets everyone some more coffee and then joins me on the couch. We’re all quiet and wait patiently for David to come out. 

It feels like an eternity until he comes through the swing doors looking as proud as the dad of newborn can. “She’s beautiful!” 

I laugh, “Yes, we know Holly’s a stunner. Now tell us about your son!” 

He throws his arms around me, “No, it’s a she. My daughter is beautiful!” 

My Mom and Carol squeal at the announcement. 

“What?” my Dad and Charlie both say at the same time. 

“Seems Ginny was right. The baker must have mixed up our envelope with someone else’s. Dr Link says she wrote down ‘girl’ and remembers this clearly because she found it hilarious that I was certain it was another boy.” 

We all laugh. “So, we have a little girl, weighing eight pounds and six ounces.” He looks at me, “Ginnifer Mae Cleary.” 

I feel all teary and hug my brother, “Oh, you big goof! Now you’ve made me cry.” 

“When can we see them?” Carol asks. She and my Mom are clutching at one another with excitement and relief I think. 

“Well, Ginny junior,” we all laugh at this, “has been sent to the nursery while they sort Holly out. We can go and have a peek through the windows.” 

It doesn’t take more than that for all of us to head to the nursery. They only let in four of us at a turn and I insist my parents and Carol go with David first. 

Charlie hugs me, “It’ll be our turn again soon.” 

“I know. I’m just so happy for them.” 

“I can’t wait to have a go at David about thinking it was a little Sean.” Charlie laughs.

David comes out and he is still beaming, “Man, she is gorgeous!” 

“Ooh, I can’t wait to see her!” I exclaim. 

“She has Holly’s eyes from what I can see and this shock of black hair. She’s just amazing.” 

“Looks like someone’s going to need another shotgun now that you have two daughters.” 

Almost like a lightbulb’s just gone off in David’s head, he takes his phone out, “I should message Hope.” 

The grandparents come out and we go in. Mom says she is in the first bassinet at the window. 

She is sleeping so soundly and has the rosiest cheeks. She’s swaddled in a blanket with a little beanie on her head, but I spy the long black hair peeking out on the sides. “Charlie! Look. She’s so precious.” 

He puts an arm around me and kisses me on the top of my head, “She is. No arguing there.” 

We have so much going on and I of course, spend all my free time in CE. Holly loves the extra hands. Mom has Liam over almost every day and Carol and I do a few of the chores for Holly. David has asked Hope to come home for a week, but she’s declined and promised to come at Thanksgiving. He speaks to her regularly though and she seems happy in New York. She’s seen her biological father twice since leaving CE, but he’s seemed to have flaked again. 

David and Holly decide to host everyone for lunch at the Stage Neck Inn after little Ginny’s christening. Jamie and Emma are there too. Charlie and I are honoured to be godparents along with Jamie. 

“Guess you’ll have to wait for the next one to be named after you, huh Jamie?” I tease. 

Holly gives me the stink eye, “That’ll be in a couple of years, at the least!”

“That’s not what your fiancée is thinking.” Jamie laughs. 

Lunch is going great, with Emma even laughing at my Dad’s ridiculous jokes. I head to the bar to sneak some white wine. My doctor has made me cut out alcohol in our quest to fall pregnant and its as boring as can be. 

“Well, well. If it isn’t the hot Mrs King.” More a sneer than a greeting, Cane stands to the left of me, against the bar.

 “Oh God. Please leave me alone. As if you texting wasn’t bad enough.” 

He’s like Satan in a Sunday suit, all prettily packaged, but rotten to the core. He feels the need to touch my arm and it actually repulses me, “Back off, Cane.” 

“Look, I know you and I know you can’t resist a good time. You have got to be so bored with the school nerd.” He seems tipsy.

That is it! I think to myself as I raise my hand to slap him across the face, when suddenly, my arm is grabbed from behind. I turn to face a seething Charlie, “Go and have your wine, Ginny. We won’t be a moment.” 

I see my brothers now on either side of Cane and watch as they escort him out of the bar, Charlie following behind. Cane doesn’t even have room to struggle, with Jamie and David on either side of him. 

I am so angry, I am shaking. How dare he think so little of me? 

I join the rest of my family outside, but don’t say anything. My Dad sits down next to me, “Your brothers and Charlie gone for a walk?” 

“Uh, yes.” 

He squeezes my hand, “You’ve got a great man in Charlie.” 

“I know, Daddy.” 

“Good.” He kisses me on the forehead, “That Ashby boy is lucky you didn’t get him with your right hook.” 

I laugh at my Dad’s statement. I have got to love the men in my life. 

I hold my niece, who is all soft and cuddly, the way babies should be. She just stares at me as I coo at her. Her rosebud mouth in a perfect O-shape. 

David and Jamie come back first and I panic. Jamie notices and whispers in my ear, “He’s at the bar.” 

I hand Ginny to her aunt Emma, who is completely caught off guard and head inside again. 

Charlie is at the bar, nursing a whisky. “Hey.” I say to him as I slide onto the chair next to him. 

“Hey.” He doesn’t look at me. 

“It wasn’t planned if that’s what you’re thinking.” I quickly say. 

“I know that.” He says bluntly. 

“Where is he?” I ask, worried about what damage the three of them might have done. 

“He left.” 

I just nod, “OK.” 

“I didn’t do much damage, if that what you’re wondering. His pretty face is still intact.” 

I groan, “Charlie. I’m not worried about his face. I’m worried he uses his daddy’s lawyers to come after-“ 

“I can afford a lawyer and trust me, I would go after that asshole for stalking and defamation.” 

“Defamation?” 

“Ginny. He’s an ass and I won’t have anyone speaking about my wife the way he thinks he can.” 

I panic, “What’s he been saying?” 

“Nothing you should hear. You’re nothing like what he says. I know that.” I look at my husband and can’t believe he loves me the way he does. 

He turns to me, “You’re everything to me and I would defend you until I breathe my last breath. Got it?” 

I stroke his grazed, slightly bloody knuckles, “Got it.” 

He kisses me on the lips, “Not bad for the school nerd, huh?” 

“Not at all. "