"So, this is a bit different to our first New Years Eve together isn't it?"
Imogen was mixing a salad to go with the dinner they were having with Tom and Amelia. They had spent a couple of days with Jamie after Christmas before travelling to her childhood home for New Year.
Constance sneaked a slice of pepper. "Well, we did have dinner that night as well."
They both smiled as they worked on the food preparation. Their life together was continuing in a remarkable way and neither would change a thing.
After a couple of minutes there was a slight hiss.
'What's wrong? Did you cut yourself?"
"I've just got a bit of a tummy ache." Imogen saw her wife's mouth opening and pre-empted what she was going to say. "And no, it's not from my alleged rough-housing with the kids earlier. I think I've just eaten a bit much over the past couple of days, I'll be eating lightly later"
Constance moved closer, wrapped her arms around her love and stroked her stomach. She didn't think Imogen had eaten too much, she never really over-indulged, just ate small portions of what she liked.
"My poor Darling. Do you want me to take over, you could go and lie down for an hour?"
"No, I'm okay Sweetheart. What you're doing is helping. Plenty of water and I'll be fine tomorrow. To be very honest I'm a bit stressed out about the whole house situation as well"
As she kept up her gentle stroking Constance kissed Imogen's neck. When they had stayed at Jamie's he told them that he and Sarah were planning on moving in together when her lease was up in June. This led to a conversation that they had been putting off for quite some time about the house they owned together. Right now it was looking that the best option was to sell.
The couple had discussed it in bed that night with Imogen sharing her thoughts.
"As much as I would love for us to buy it, I don't think we can justify taking out a mortgage or using our saving on a house we can't live in all the time. And I got the impression from Jamie that he'd like a fresh start in a house they can make their own. I just hate the thought of selling, I love this house, I love having somewhere away from the castle where we can be a family. Still, it had to happen sooner or later."
Constance felt the same. They had shared many special times in this house, it was where she had met Abby for the first time and where she still thought Ava had been conceived. It had also shown her that the non- witch world was not as scary or overwhelming as she had often thought it was. She would miss it terribly but Imogen was right, the expense could not be justified even though Tom had offered to help them out.
"Dad, we're not going to be in debt to you although we appreciate the offer. We might look at buying somewhere in a few years, it's not like we're homeless."
Tom was letting the subject drop for now but he'd revisit it when the time was right. He wanted his daughter and her family to have security and still felt that property was a good option. He had the money to give them but unfortunately he had raised a stubborn girl who had grown up and married an equally stubborn woman.
Right now wasn't the time for these conversations though. It was time to celebrate the New Year as a family.
While her mothers finished making dinner, Abby set the table. She was feeling very grown up as she folded the napkins. Although she ate with her parents and grandparents all the time, this felt like a special occasion. Plus, she was getting to stay up until midnight at least.
"Will we feed Ava before dinner?"
Now that she was six months, Ava was being introduced to solid food. They had started to give her baby rice a couple of days ago and so far she loved it.
"Yes honey, in fact pass me the bowl now and I'll start making it, you can help me feed her." Imogen was excited to start making proper baby food for Ava. She had already bought some recipe books and marked the pages she wanted to begin with.
Thirty minutes later Ava was sat in her high chair at the dining room table while her sister spooned some creamy rice into her mouth. Her Mama had mixed feeling about this milestone. She loved breastfeeding and was certainly not ready to give it up. However, she was happy that their daughter was developing so well and open to new experiences. Besides, she would hopefully be continuing to nurse in conjunction with the solid food for at least another six months.
Once Ava had eaten she remained her her chair and happily watched while everyone else ate their dinner. The subject turned to plans for the new year.
"I'm going to practice my guitar so I get really good. And I'm going to get another twelve badges at scouts, play lots of basketball, keep up my Italian lessons and help Ava learn to walk. Oh and I'm going to get better at using the watercolour paints Jamie got me for Christmas."
Always a teacher, Constance looked meaningfully at Abby. "And school?"
"Oh yeah, I'm going to go there too."
Nobody was very worried. Despite all her extra curricular activities Abby still did well at school.
"So, how about you two. Any plans for the year ahead?" Tom asked the question as Abby skipped off to get herself another drink. "You've done so well with Ava, I'm sure she'd like a little sister."
Imogen gave her father a steady look across the table. He wasn't alone in his questioning, Amelia had asked something similar earlier.
"You'll just have to wait and see won't you. Just like we'll have to wait and see if you two decide to get married."
She smirked as her father huffed. The thing with Tom was to play him at his own game. And despite still missing her mother she would be happy if they did decide to marry.
Later that night, after they had seen in the New Year and Abby had gone to bed, Constance and Imogen were back in their bedroom watching over a sleeping Ava.
"That teething gel you made up is a miracle Sweetheart."
They had spent a couple of rough nights with the teething baby. Thankfully the gel seemed to be soothing her pain and she was as back to her normal cheery self.
Constance bent down to straighten a blanket. "You can thank Davina's sister. She's the one who gave me the potion details. I'm just glad it worked, I hated seeing her in pain."
After giving Ava's hair a final stroke she was lead back to sit on the bed.
"So, now that it's just you and me, tell me what your wishes are for this year." Imogen was hoping they were the same as hers.
"Well, it would be hard to top last year. Apart from one low it was everything I could have wanted. I've been a mother for a year now and apart from meeting you nothing, not even magic, has given my life so much meaning. So I would like to think that we might start the process of giving Ava and Abby a sister. That is if you would still like another baby?"
Imogen placed a gentle kiss on Constance's lips. "Oh I do. I think we'll know when the right time is, but definitely this year I'd like us to start trying again. When you were stroking my stomach earlier it reminded me of doing the same to you when Ava was inside there. I just…"
She was silenced with another kiss. "I know. I want to watch you carry our next baby so much. I'll happily carry another but I know how much you'd love the experience. Davina's sister was right about the teething portion, I'm going to guess she's also right about using a contraceptive spell but we'll talk to the doctor beforehand. In the meantime, can I interest you in some practice or are you still not feeling well?"
Imogen still felt a bit bloated but was certainly up for some practicing, especially when she felt the hand that was running along her thigh. Maybe some gentle exercise would help.
"I feel fine baby and I know I'll feel even better in a few minutes."
New Years Day was spent very quietly. Imogen decided to give running a miss as she was again feeling a bit achey. Instead she did some yoga practice with Constance in the morning and the family went for a walk in the afternoon.
"Are we still going into town tomorrow?"
They had told Abby that she could spend part of her Christmas money on some things that she wanted. Imogen also knew one of those things was a birthday present for Constance.
"Yes honey but we won't be in there for too long. You know what the shops are like at this time of year. We'll go in the morning then come back after lunch okay?"
Abby was happy with that. She knew exactly what she needed to get. When her Granddad had taken her into town on New Years Eve she had seen the perfect gift for her Mama. It just needed the Mummy seal of approval.
It was a successful shopping trip. Constance needed some wool and took Ava with her while Abby dragged Imogen along to view her present idea.
"Oh, she'll love them."
It was a set of four purple and black patterned china teacups with matching saucers.
"There's a teapot, sugar bowl and milk jug as well but I don't think I can afford them." Abby sighed. The entire set would have been the perfect gift.
Imogen hugged her daughter. "How about you buy the cups and I get the rest?"
Abby thought that was a great idea but had a question. "Haven't you bought her a present yet?"
"Yes. I bought her a new handbag, her old one is getting a bit worn, but I think I can stretch to these as well."
What Imogen certainly wasn't telling her daughter was that she had another gift for Constance and not quite the additional secret gift she usually gave her. She was a bit nervous about this one but hoped it would go down well.
Once they had paid for the tea set they dropped the carefully wrapped packages back to the car and walked to the cafe where they were going to meet Constance and Ava for lunch. Abby sat down while Imogen went to order some drinks. She still wasn't feeling great, her stomach was very bloated and she didn't really have any appetite.
"May I have one normal tea, a peppermint tea and some orange juice please? I'll take three menus as well."
"Imogen, is that you?"
She looked up to see a familiar face. "Jess? Well this is a surprise."
The strained smiled on Imogen's face as they hugged was not just down to the stomach ache she had. She hadn't seen her ex in a long time and this was neither the ideal time nor place.
"I thought it was you but you've cut your hair so I wasn't sure. When did you do that? I forgot, your Dad lives around here doesn't he? Are you visiting for the holidays? Why don't you join us?"
As a barrage of questions were thrown at Imogen, Abby wandered over to the counter. "Mummy, can I have some water as well please?"
"Of course you can honey. Jess, you remember Abby don't you? Abby, Jess and I used to be friends a few years ago, you met her a couple of times but you might not remember."
Abby had her suspicions about what the word "friend" meant in this case. She knew her Mummy had other girlfriends in the past, she had met a couple of them but in her mind Mama was the only one who Mummy had ever really been in love with.
"Abby, of course. We went to the cinema together once. So you still live with Imogen and Jamie?"
The ten year old shook her head. "No, I live with Mummy, Mama and my baby sister Ava."
Jess' eyebrows raised as she finally noticed the rings on Imogen's left ring finger. "You got married. Wow, I never thought I'd see the day. Congratulations."
Imogen grinned. "Thank you. I've been married to Constance for a year and a half, we adopted Abby a year ago and we have a six month old as well. We're just waiting, oh, here they come."
Constance entered the cafe, nodding at the young girl who held the door open while she manoeuvred the pram inside.
The introductions were made. Constance kept her face neutral but recognised the name. After a moment Jess excused herself to go back to her friend.
As the family went to sit down Constance whispered a question to her wife. "Isn't she the one who?", she indicated to Abby.
Imogen gave a quick nod. Jess had never understood the relationship that she and Abby had. She would get jealous when Imogen couldn't always go on nights out or weekends away because she had a child to take care of. Eventually Jess had given her an ultimatum. Imogen had of course chosen Abby and the relationship had ended. She had been very hurt at the time but eventually had realised that they hadn't been right for each other.
"Well, her loss was certainly my gain."
Constance knew Imogen had a past, they both did. It wasn't something she dwelled on though, without sounding conceited she knew she had nothing to worry about. Their marriage was forever.
After half an hour Imogen had finished her tea but barely touched her sandwich.
"Darling. Are you not hungry?"
"Not really. I'm going to go to the bathroom and then we'll head home. Don't worry, I'm fine."
Imogen smiled reassuringly at her wife and walked to the bathroom. She hoped the peppermint tea would help to settle her stomach a bit but it wasn't working yet. As she dried her hands the bathroom stall opened and Jess emerged.
"So a wife and two daughters? I guess us breaking up was the right thing for you after all. You're happily married and I'm still single."
"Honestly, yes although it didn't seem like that at the time. I hated that you made me choose. That's one reason that I knew I loved Constance. Abby wasn't living with me at the time but once I told her about our relationship she was nothing but supportive. She waited until she was ready to meet Abby and then, even before we knew there was the chance of adopting her, they fell in love with each other. I wanted children, marriage was never high on my agenda, not until I met the right woman. Now I have everything I want. I hope you find the same love some day. We weren't right for each other but there's someone who is perfect for you. Anyway, I'd better go, it was good to see you."
Ignoring her stomach ache she walked back to the table to find Ava was awake and sitting up in her pram with a big smile on her face. As they passed her table on the way out, Jess had one more thing to say.
"Your daughter is beautiful."
Constance replied "Thank you, they both are."
The subject turned to Constance's birthday as they drove home. It was two days away, the day the students returned to Cackles after the Christmas holidays and Abby went back to school.
"It's not fair, I wish we were still on holidays that way we could do something really special." Abby was conscious that her Mama hadn't had happy birthdays growing up and was determined that she would always have special ones now.
"I don't mind dear. All I want is a nice dinner with my family that evening, we can still do that."
In reality what Constance was looking forward more than anything were those cards that came from her wife and daughters, everything else was a delightful extra.
That night in bed Imogen lay flat on her back stroking her stomach. "Look at me. I could actually be pregnant. I must have eaten something I'm allergic to."
Constance sat on the side on the bed and pushed the blonde hair back, she could see the bloating now. The only thing she knew that Imogen was allergic to was milk and she definitely hadn't had any of that.
"Do you have any other symptoms? Maybe you should go to the doctor."
Imogen shook her head. "Not yet, I'll give it another day or so. I still think it was something I ate. It's just uncomfortable, especially when I can't…" She paused and blushed.
"Can't what?"
There was a sigh. "Can't go to the toilet, it's been days."
Constance smiled kindly. "Darling, there is no need to be embarrassed. I'm your wife and you went through months of my bodily functions during pregnancy. I can make you a potion that might help once we get home if you still need it."
"Thanks Sweetheart. Hopefully it will have passed by Thursday, I don't want to be sick for your birthday."
"Close your eyes and go to sleep. We'll get you sorted out tomorrow. I love you."
Imogen slept but it was broken. She kept waking up with cramps and had a dull stomach ache. Eventually she got up and made herself some more peppermint tea. Once everyone else was up the morning activities distracted her as they packed up the cars and got ready to head back to Cackles. Tom and Amelia drove ahead with Abby while she and Constance followed with Ava.
The two hour journey seemed never ending and she sighed with relief when she finally pulled into the driveway. Despite the January weather she was feeling feverish and needed her bed.
"Sweetheart, I'm going to go and lie down. Do you mind being slightly trivial and..?"
As she was speaking their things were already magically unpacked in their rooms.
"You go Darling. I'm going to make you that potion and will be up when it's done."
Imogen had only reached their bedroom when a wave of nausea hit her. She just made it to the bathroom before throwing up. After a couple of minutes she stood up shakily and splashed water on her face before cleaning her teeth.
"Maybe that will sort me out?" she thought as she changed into her pyjamas. The cramps didn't seem quite so bad now as she crawled under the blissfully cool sheets and pulled up the blanket that Constance had made for her two years beforehand. Within a couple of minutes she was fast asleep.
That was how Constance found her an hour later. She had made the potion but on seeing Imogen asleep decided to leave her rather than waking her to take it. She fixed the blanket and left the potion on the bedside table before going back to get Abby and Davina from the cupboard so they could eat dinner before putting Ava to bed.
At 4AM everyone was fast asleep. Almost everyone.
Imogen was woken by a sharp pain in her side. Involuntarily she let out a loud gasp and clutched her stomach. Instantly Constance was awake.
'Darling, what's the matter?"
She could barely talk but eventually managed to get the words out.
"I don't know but something is definitely wrong. Get my Dad, tell him I need an ambulance."
A/N It can't all be blissful living can it? Some interesting chapters to come. Thanks for reading & reviewing.
