The morning brought a new energy all its own. Louisa was bustling around with last minute packing while Martin stoically went about his own preparations. The surgery was opened for a half day but Dr. Pennick was handling things there. The movers would show just after noon to pack everything in a van and take their possessions around to the new house. Some items were staying in the old cottage of course, and Martin was carefully separating those from the things that were to move.

James, sensing the energy and excitement, was unusually active, drawing Louisa's attention away until Emily showed up to help. "I thought I'd help with the packing but I think the best thing I can do is take James off your hands for a few hours," she told Louisa.

Martin watched the exchange, almost inserting his own opinion, but when he saw James calm immediately in Emily's arms, he held his tongue. Perhaps the woman was correct and they would all do better if James was out of the confusion.

Once the American woman left Martin turned to Louisa. "How much longer are they staying?"

"What? Who? No one is staying…" Louisa replied as she seemed to be looking around for something or someone.

"Her…the American… Emily."

"Oh, um… they are leaving in a few weeks. They want to be back home for the holidays."

"Oh, right. Then we'll need to find someone…"

"Yes, but I thought we'd get moved first."

Martin scrutinized Louisa's face and saw that already she was tiring so he decided the conversation should wait. Besides, there was more to do before the movers arrived.

Jennifer stopped by in the late morning to bring an early lunch. "Bert and I thought you might like a few bits and pieces to eat instead of a full meal," she explained. "We know it is a busy day for the both of you." She was all smiles and cheerful which often grated on Martin but Louisa noted that he seemed genuinely appreciative. "Erm, thank you… and also Bert," Martin told her as he took the box from her and set in on the kitchen table. "Yes, we won't have much time to eat; that was very thoughtful," he said softly.

"Yes, very thoughtful," Louisa chimed in. "Thank you both."

Jennifer beamed, obviously happy that their gift was received so warmly. "Well, I'll be off then," she said as she turned to exit.

Once she had closed kitchen door behind her Louisa turned to Martin. "That was very nice," she commented.

"What?" Martin asked as he inspected the contents of the box. "Oh, right; it was very nice… thoughtful," he replied, glancing over at the door.

"No Martin, I meant you… you were very nice to Jennifer. When she came in I was afraid you might be gruff with her but you were very nice."

Martin looked at her, startled. "Why?"

"Because I always seem to expect the worst in you, don't I? But that's not really you is it? I mean, you are all gruff and grouchy with people but it is only to hide what's underneath, isn't it? That night, here… the night we drank wine and you fell asleep…" Martin groaned at the memory of that night; he'd been such a fool. But Louisa continued on. "I said you were the same through and through and I was right but I was wrong too. There's a good man underneath all that, a kind man, a man most people only get to see rarely. But James and I, we're the lucky ones because we get to see that side of you a lot. And I should remember that, trust you more… trust your inner self, I mean."

Martin looked at her in confusion. "I don't understand."

"No, no I don't suppose you do Martin. But that's alright. We're alright, aren't we?"

He stepped over to her and put his arms around her. "Mmmm, yes; alright. Better than alright, I would say."

The movers showed up as scheduled, just after noon. The surgery was closed and it proved to be a good thing, since they scattered items all over the house as they sorted through all that was to be moved to efficiently pack the van. There really wasn't much furniture that was moving, Louisa realized; mostly just boxes of their personal items, clothes, and the like.

Finally the van was packed and Martin was doing a last walk through to be sure everything that was to go was indeed in the van. Louisa was standing on the front porch looking at the van pensively when Martin stepped outside. Seeing the glum expression on her face, he hesitated but moved beside her. "Louisa?"

"Mmmm?" she answered, her eyes still on the van.

"Everything alright? I checked the house for anything we might have forgotten."

"Mmm, oh yes," she said, snapping out of whatever thought she was lost in. Glancing up at him, she sighed. "It's just…"

"Just what?"

"Well, it is sad to think the entirety of our lives can be packed in the back of a van."

Martin tilted his head and frowned. "But it isn't; at least, not for me. My life is right here in front of me. You and James are my life now, Louisa….and the new baby. What is in the van is just… well they are things. You are my life."

Louisa looked up at him with tears in her eyes. "Really? Not your job…being a doctor or a surgeon?"

"No. Once that was true and I still have a duty and I enjoy what I do, well except for …." He paused, swallowing his usual diatribe about the villagers. "But no, being a doctor is not my life, Louisa; it is what I do but my family is my life."

"Oh Martin," she whispered as she threw her arms around him and kissed him right there on the front steps where anyone passing could see. For once Martin, who usually was uncomfortable with such public displays, ignored the surroundings and returned his wife's sentiments wholly.

All of their possessions from the cottage were in their new places in their new home just in time for tea. Louisa was pleased with all the arrangements, which made Martin content. As he perused the main room, however, he felt the larger size of the house. Of course, the arrival of their new furniture the following day would address that. As things stood now, the house was still mostly empty. James' room was set up, of course. But his cot would soon be moved to the nursery for the new baby and he would have a bed more suitable for a growing toddler. But that was a few months away. Martin and Louisa agreed that it would be best for the boy to have his cot while he adjusted to his new surroundings.

Their bedroom furniture had made the move as well. Where it had seemed to fill the small bedroom before, it seemed much more in place in the new house. Martin was gratified to see that Louisa had the bureau placed near the bathroom. Because of the design of the house, there were no sloped ceilings and Martin would not have to stoop to enter a room or take a shower. That would be an appreciated adjustment. The closet was larger too, giving him plenty of room for his suits and Louisa would have enough room for her clothing as well. All in all, Martin was satisfied with their new home.

Louisa spent the evening opening boxes and examining the contents to decide where they should go. Martin was in the front room with James, sorting some of his boxes when he heard a squeal from the kitchen. Rushing to the room, he feared a rodent or some other pest had been uncovered. Instead he found Louisa standing in the middle of the room, a large smile on her face. "Louisa?"

"Oh Martin, there is so much room in the cupboards! Everything will have a place and there won't be any doubling up. The countertops will be clear except for your coffee machine. Isn't it wonderful?"

Martin looked at his wife and wondered first why she hadn't thought of this before and secondly, why it excited her so. "Yes, I suppose… but you're alright?"

She turned her face to him and nodded. "I am. I think we are going to be very happy in our new home."

"Mmmm, yes, so do I," Martin replied. Then suddenly filled with emotions he couldn't really identify other than that they were good, he glanced away. "Well erm, I still have some unpacking to do."

"Yes Martin. I'm fine, just very happy is all…. You finish what you were doing and then it'll be time to put James down.

Martin wasn't certain but he thought he caught a certain glimmer in her eye. Happy in their new home? Oh yes, he thought.

Later that night, Martin's suspicion was proven correct. Louisa did have a certain glimmer and as they initiated their new bedroom, Martin was very aware of how very happily his life was finally coming to be; almost too happy a small voice in his head warned him.

Everyone is always so kind with reviews and I do appreciate each one. There are so many wonderful stories in progress right now that I keep getting distracted from my writing to catch up on the latest posts. And of course, I am thrilled with the news that series 7 is filming. We have so much to look forward to!