Chapter 26

Louisa was shocked by his outburst and remained quiet on the way home.

"Do you want a drink, Martin?"

Brought back from his thoughts he went over to her and held her. "I'm sorry Louisa, for snapping at you."

"Was there something else wrong which you couldn't say in front of Lucy?" Louisa was still puzzled by his outburst.

"The situation could have ended differently, that's all."

Comprehension dawned for Louisa. "You thought it might be a fatality, didn't you?"

"It crossed my mind, yes. These situations are always hard for me, but at this time of year, especially so."

She looked up into his eyes and saw the anguish still lurking there. Hugging him harder, she reassured him that everything would be fine.

He sighed and went to put his bag away. When he came back his tea was on the table but she'd disappeared. He began to drink the tea and waited for her to reappear.

She returned carrying a wrapped present and a card. "I thought we'd exchange cards now, instead of later."

"Oh, right. I'll just go and get it." He swiftly returned and then accepted the card from her before handing over his.

She looked at him. "You open yours first, Martin."

He smiled when he saw she'd found a card with a picture of an elf tinkering with a watch and grumbling about children wanting them. Inside she'd written All my love to my handsome elf, this Christmas!

"Now you," he said.

She opened the envelope and withdrew the card with a little bit of apprehension. His previous attempts at giving her cards could not be termed spectacular successes. She saw the couple sat in front of the fire and Christmas tree, drinking a toast. It reminded her of their honeymoon when Martin had actually drunk some of the champagne.

She opened it out, expecting a printed verse, but found herself looking at his flowing script. She read what he'd written and she began to shake as she re-read it.

Louisa,

For the love in my life, I thank you.

For the laughter in my life, I thank you.

For those sparkling moments you bring to me, I thank you.

Let me be your reason to hope.

Let me be your reason to love.

Let me be yours, forever.

Always,

Martin

When she looked up at him her eyes were streaming with tears.

"You don't like it," he said. "I can go and get another one."

"Martin, these aren't sad tears, they are happy ones. This is the most beautiful card I've ever had. Did you write this yourself?"

"Erm yes. So, you do like it?" She got up and went to embrace him.

Yes Martin, I do like it. I'm just emotional, that's all." She wiped her eyes.

"I see," but really, he was somewhat bewildered by her tears.

Turning back to the table she picked up the package and gave it to him. "This is for you. It's a future-present. Please open it and I'll explain once you've seen what it is."

He sat back down and tore off the paper. When he saw the box of solitaire, he was even more confused. He looked up at her.

"Have you ever played this, Martin? Do you know what it is?"

"I think it's a game, isn't it? I've seen them but never had one myself. What's it for?"

"Well, it's a way of concentrating your mind and using logic to solve the puzzle. Open it up and then put all the pegs into each of the holes."

Still looking baffled he did what he was told. She took out the peg from the centre and showed him how to jump the pegs around the board. "Now the object of the game is to remove all the pegs one at a time by jumping over them. Then the last peg remaining should land in the centre hole."

He still looked perplexed so she told him just to have a go while she made their meal. It had looked to be an easy game when he'd first seen it but as he tried to get the peg into the centre, he found it surprisingly difficult to only have the one peg left.

Surreptitiously she watched him and noted that he hadn't got it right immediately. She saw him set them up again and have another go. He took his time and studied where he would have to have his last two pegs in order for them to align properly. Nodding to himself he began the moves. Annoyingly he still hadn't got the last peg into the middle, at the end. He began again.

Louisa made salad sandwiches with a fruit cocktail to follow. She smiled as she could hear him muttering to himself. "Tea's ready." He looked up, surprised at how involved he'd been with the game. He went over and sat down, still thinking about his strategy. Louisa noted his concentration and was satisfied by it. He hadn't condemned it out of hand as childish nonsense and he seemed determined to solve it.

"Louisa, why did you call it a future-present?"

She swallowed hard and then launched into her explanation. "I know you've been having doubts about your ability to be a good father, Martin. I've also seen that when you come into the school you find it a little difficult to talk to the children at their level. I expect you are concerned that you won't know how to connect with Junior when s/he arrives?

Martin looked at her, "Go on."

"I know you had a crap childhood and missed out on a lot of things which most boys would take for granted. Things which would help them connect with their children in the future. So, the solitaire game is for you to conquer and once you've done that you can put it somewhere for safe-keeping until you deem the time right to hand it on to Junior."

She looked at him and saw he was struggling to speak. "I'll be finding other things for you to do so that you have a way of connecting with Junior. She held a hand up, "No, not sport or camping or anything else you don't like. However, there are lots of things a father/child can do which don't involve them at all."

It was Martin's turn to look weepy. "How did you know I had doubts about being a good father? I've struggled with that thought ever since you told me you were pregnant."

"You had no brothers or sisters, parents who didn't know the meaning of the word and too little contact with the only people who did love you. What you need is perspective. You won't be thrown in at the deep end and told to swim. You will take it one step at a time. Your caring, nurturing self will show itself immediately. You've dealt with bigger messes than the ones likely to be engendered by a toddler. Gradually you will come to realise that your biggest worry is just that, worry. I'll be with you and I can assure you I will need your support just as much as I do now. I've never been a mum before, either."

Martin looked stunned at this outpouring from Louisa. She had given voice to many of his fears and reduced them to manageable levels. He nodded and then looked across at her. Holding out his hand he said "Come here."

She rose and put a hand in his when he pulled her into his lap. "Thank you for that my dear, beautiful, smart wife!" Then he kissed her thoroughly. She stroked her fingers through his hair and almost purred.

Even though it was Christmas morning, Martin was awake early. He lay there thinking about Louisa and her beautiful gift last night. He smiled to himself recalling the perfect moments they'd enjoyed after going to bed.

He heard her breathing change and turned to look at her. She smiled back at him, "Merry Christmas, Martin." Then she stretched up to kiss him. He responded in kind and felt her stroking his back. Their thoughts were no longer on getting up.

Eventually Louisa got up and showered before going back into the bedroom. She saw Martin was still asleep and took her clothes across to the little bedroom to get dressed there. She went downstairs to begin making breakfast. Joan was expecting them at midday, and they'd agreed to take their presents there before opening them. She had time to eat hers and was washing the plates when she felt his arms go around her. "Morning Louisa, happy Christmas," rumbled through her as he nuzzled into her neck. Turning in his arms she reached up and kissed him once more.

"What would you like for breakfast, Martin?"

"Boiled egg and soldiers, please Louisa." He sat down at the table and watched her moving around the room. She was so graceful and beautiful.

Later in the morning they collected the presents and set off for Joan's.

"Hi Joan, Merry Christmas!" Louisa beamed at Joan and walked into the kitchen. She was assailed by the scent of cooking chicken and pudding. "Ooh, that smells good!"

"Merry Christmas, Auntie Joan," said Martin more soberly. He bent down and kissed her on the cheek.

"Merry Christmas, you two! I hope you're ready for a splendid dinner?"

"Definitely, Joan," smiled Louisa. I'm looking forward to this. Proper food, none of your 'optimally nutritious' fare." Louisa's impish smile robbed the words of any malice towards Martin. He managed to keep quiet, but his look spoke volumes.

"Would you like a drink, now?"

Martin declined but Louisa elected to have some tea. They went into the lounge and waited for Joan to join them. She came in carrying a tray and Martin jumped up to take it from her before putting it on the table.

The tea was soon poured out and Joan picked up the first of the wrapped presents at the side of her chair.

"This one's not for you, Louisa, but you may open it."

Louisa looked mystified and set about opening the package. Inside she found a gorgeous layette of baby clothes and cot bedding. "Oh Joan, these are beautiful. Did you make them?" She held up the tiny lacy white coat for Martin to see. Looking further she saw the matching mittens and little socks. All made from the same wool.

"Yes, I've been busy ever since you told me!" laughed Joan. "The blanket was easy as I made that from a thicker gauge wool. The pattern for the coat was not easy to follow either, but I got there."

"Thank you, Joan, these are wonderful. The first clothes we have for the baby."

Martin looked over at his aunt and congratulated her on her dexterity. Inside he was very nearly overwhelmed when he saw how small the clothes were. "Erm, yes Auntie Joan, they are lovely. Thank you."

"Good, I'm glad you like them. I'll do a couple of more coats in pastel colours, and then repeat the trio in a larger size. I expect Junior will grow rapidly in the first three months or so."

"Joan, that's wonderful. I can't thank you enough. Knitting isn't something I ever learned when I was young."

"If you'd like to learn, I can teach you the basics," offered Joan.

"Well, I would like to learn but I'll probably not be as good as you. My artistic talent doesn't stretch very far!" Louisa laughed at her perceived shortcomings.

"Nonsense, Louisa, you just need 40 years of practice!" retorted Joan.

At that moment Martin picked up a parcel and handed it to Joan. "This one is for you."

She opened it and was immensely gratified by the soft blue twin set. "Thank you both for these. I was just thinking I needed a new matching set. They are just the thing for Muriel's soirees."

"There's more Joan," as Louisa handed her a rectangular package.

When it was opened, she found the latest who-done-it-mystery by her favourite author. "Thanks for this. There's not much on the TV these days, for me. A cup of coffee and this, will keep me occupied for ages!"

Joan then handed Martin a small square package which he opened to see a new recording of one of his favourite pieces of classical music. He smiled at Joan and said to no-one in particular "Decent music. Not the constipated rubbish I've heard recently."

Luckily for him, Louisa didn't have anything near enough to hand, to throw.

He picked up two small packages which he gave to Louisa. The inscription on the labels read "To the love of my life". "Open the small one first, Louisa."

She did and was enchanted with the filigree bracelet, putting it straight on, twisting and turning her wrist to see how it looked. She stood up and went over to give him a peck on the cheek. He blushed rosily at this display of affection in front of his aunt.

Returning, Louisa picked up the bigger parcel. "Oh Martin, this is simply beautiful." She picked the necklace out of the box, holding it up to him – "will you do the honours?" She turned her back as he gently encircled her neck with it, and fastened it securely. Then she went over to a mirror and looked at it, in position. Eyes brimming with love she thanked him very much. She was facing him and not Joan, and mouthed "later" at him.

Martin gave Joan an envelope and just said "the usual." She took it and gave him her thanks.

Finally, Louisa gave Martin his other present. He opened it and a half smile crossed his face. Louisa's 'start as you mean to go on attitude' was very much in evidence. "Thank you, Louisa, I'm sure I'll find this instructive."

"I know you could have written the medical side of it, Martin, but I thought you might find some of the hints and tips, useful?"

"I'm sure I shall."

Joan looked at the time and gave a small gasp. "If I don't get the veggies going, they won't be done and the pudding needs looking at too."

Louisa hopped up to follow her into the kitchen but Martin grasped her hand as she moved next to him. She looked down smiling, "OK?"

"Thank you for my gifts. I love the fact that you have really thought about them. I know I'm difficult to buy for." He gazed at her before pulling her towards him and giving her a 'proper' kiss. It was Louisa's turn to look flushed as she entered the kitchen.

"Now Louisa, will you check the chicken, please? If it's done, I can remove it to get the roasted veg in."

Joan made sure the pan with the steamer for the pudding was adequately filled up and then took the cutlery to the dining room table. She'd put a white linen cloth on, then sprigs of holly decorated the centre. Candles were ready to be lighted and the whole ambience was very festive.

"Joan this looks perfect!" Louisa was very impressed.

When all the preparations had been completed, Martin was called to provide his piece de resistance. "What 's the use of having a surgeon laying around and not using his skill?" Joan asked of nobody! Martin gave her a dark look and proceeded to carve the chicken.

When everyone was served, Joan raised her glass and toasted the family and the much anticipated, new addition. Martin and Louisa raised their glasses of orange juice and echoed her.

The food was delicious and the pudding which followed had been set on fire as it was brought carefully to the table. Portions were allocated and Martin told to eat his all up, as though he were a schoolboy. A brandy sauce accompanied it. There wasn't that much brandy in it so Louisa felt safe to eat hers. They all retired to the lounge to let their meal settle. They were just in time for the Queen's Speech, an item of TV which Joan usually did watch. Afterwards Martin went and washed up while Louisa and Joan "rested their eyes" for an hour.

He woke them with a freshly prepared cup of tea and then they took their leave of Joan with heartfelt thanks of appreciation for a lovely day.