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Chapter 21
A Fresh Start
2000 – Hereford, UK
"What did you reckon?" Debbie asked as the three eventually made their way back into the flat. She was perplexed because no conversation was taking place amongst them until Elvis brought up the rear and closed the door.
"Nice whip ya two got there." He said noting Laura in the room and he was determined this bullshit would end now.
"It's Reginald's, but it is fine isn't it?" Debbie said.
Elvis smiled grimly. Reginald braced for a scalding remark and Georgie said, "I really fancy the color. What shade did ya say it was Reginald?"
"Alpine white."
"White! Just like Newton, huh Reginald!" Laura said happily.
Elvis smiled genuinely at that. He will never forget the joy on her face after she discovered the kitten in her room. Reginald was taking a hard look at the child and then he noticed Elvis scrutinizing him. He realized he would be a fool to think Elvis would have no part in his daughter's life. He did not think twice about taking the child away during Christmas Holiday because he wanted a trip with Debbie, knowing full well that Elvis had recently returned from a tour of duty and had been injured. Reginald loved Debbie, but he had not bargained for a ready-made family. Especially with the child's father very much active in the background. Debbie had given him no choice however. He came from money and owned an affluent Club in London. He really had no concept of the work Elvis and Georgie got up to in the military. When he had first been introduced to Elvis a year or so past. He never quite grasped what exactly the army captain did for a living and was oftentimes intimidated by the lack of details.
"Do ya have everything Laura?" Georgie asked as Debbie packed away the litter box.
"Yes ma'am."
Reginald looked at Elvis. He had to admit the child had proper manners despite running around like a little commando at times. Elvis' often steely reservedness was enough to give Reginald the sense to back off. This military man was too intelligent and was a trained combatant. Debbie had warned him about getting into it with Elvis today because she had agreed to the kitten and Laura was already in possession of it. He would make a total twat of himself if he chose to retaliate….and unfortunately, he did just that. Now Elvis was uncomfortable about him and that made Reginald massively uncomfortable about Elvis.
"Angel….don't forget." Elvis said coaxingly. Laura looked at him, then at Georgie.
"For mummy…." Georgie said softly.
"Oh! Wait! Daddy, please hold Newton!" The child scampered off to Georgie and Elvis' bedroom and darted back out with a lovely potted cluster of purple hyacinths. "For you mummy. Happy Easter!" She said holding the flowers up to Debbie.
"How beautiful!" Debbie said obviously touched. She blinked back tears and crouched down to hug Laura. "Thank you sweetie. I love them!"
Elvis brushed against Georgie and they beamed at each another. Reginald dropped his head.
"I have a chocolate egg for you Reginald." Laura said handing a brightly colored box to him. "Happy Easter!"
Reginald was stunned as he looked at the contents of the box. "Milk chocolate. My favorite. Thank you Laura."
Georgie poked Elvis. "All is well." She whispered to him.
"Yeah. Ya scared the shit out of him." He whispered back with an endearing smile. Georgie poked him again.
"I watered it this morning, so ya should be good for the journey home." Georgie informed Debbie.
"Daddy and Georgie said we can plant them mummy!"
"That's right honey. We can plant them together."
There was a moment of calm. Everyone was sorting their emotions. The Harte's Easter Holiday was winding down. Elvis clapped his hands together to roust everyone. "Gettin late now angel. Road be callin." He said to Laura. She looked up at him and their gazes lingered. Their similar brown eyes silently communicated. She went to him then and he picked her up for a hug.
"I'll see ya soon honey. Don't forget the photos." He said.
"No. I won't. I can't wait to show you all the tricks Newton will learn."
"I'll be waitin." He said smiling and kissing her cheeks. Laura giggled and kissed both of his cheeks.
"Wait till Nonna Sofia sees my baby!" She said. Georgie and Elvis looked at each other and chuckled.
Reginald helped Debbie into her coat. "See, I told you." She said quietly to him.
"You were right. I am sorry dear." He conceded.
Georgie hugged Laura and helped her into her jacket whilst Elvis made certain Newton was secured inside of his carrier. Soft, tiny meows could be heard until the kitten settled in on top of the towel nest. Laura peered inside. "He does seem to like it Daddy." She said. Elvis tousled her hair.
"Bet you'll nap on the ride home as well."
"No I won't!" She said with amusing defiance.
"I'll take these out to the car awhile." Reginald said but before he attempted to pick up Laura's belongings, Elvis approached him.
"Good to see ya today Reginald. Thank you for lookin out for my little girl." He said, extending a hand. Reginald was taken off guard by Elvis' decorum and he knew the statement was both an expression of gratitude and an expectation. He grasped Elvis' hand in a firm shake and nodded.
"I will do my best." Reginald said.
"'At's all I ask."
"Elvis, I apologize. Although a pet would not have been my choice, you do have a right to be involved in your daughter's life. She is obviously thrilled and Debbie is happy."
"Sorry as well mate. I 'ave and always will be a part of Laura's life."
"True enough. Well then, I will get on with these." Reginald said as he reached down for Laura's belongings then headed for the door.
Elvis followed carrying Newton. Laura walked out hand in hand between Georgie and Debbie.
"I think I'll paint my room here green and beige Daddy."
Elvis never broke his stride but laughed. "Good choice!"
Debbie looked at Georgie.
"Will match her army blanket." Georgie said out of the side of her mouth.
"Wait up Daddy! I'll have to get in the car before Newton!" Laura said as she broke free and darted after her father.
"Shake a leg!" He called back to her.
Debbie's eyes appeared stricken. "Dear Lord, next it will be camouflage sheets."
"She's already had Elvis looking online for them." Georgie said amused.
"Did he purchase them?"
"Probably."
Debbie groaned. "I do so hope you have a boy Georgie." Both women laughed. "My mother bought her a lovely dress for her first recital and Laura wanted to wear her boots."
Georgie grabbed onto Debbie's arm she began laughing so hard. "Seriously?!" She sputtered.
"Yes! It was absolute bedlam!"
"Do ya have a photo?"
"Uh…I do….but…"
"Awww Elvis would love it!"
Debbie hurriedly scrolled through her gallery. "Here it is….but…."
Georgie took the phone and splayed the photo larger, covering a burpling laugh with a hand. "You have got to show this to Elvis!"
"Georgie I do not want to encourage anything."
"What would ya be encouraging? He would love to see this."
"Alright. I'll text it to him later."
"Ya know Debs, if Laura does show a legitimate interest in the military, neither one of us will discourage her. Especially me." Georgie said. Debbie considered her words as both women finally made their way out of the building.
"There they are!" Elvis announced.
"Are you placing that in the trunk dear?" Reginald asked Debbie, referencing her hyacinths.
"Yes, I reckon that would be best."
The adults engaged in a round of hugs and handshakes then Reginald opened the car door for Debbie. Georgie leaned in to kiss Laura followed by Elvis.
"Newton bunked down?" He asked.
"Yes sir Daddy. Time for crew rest."
Elvis backed out of the vehicle clearly delighted in the little girl who once came crashing into his life. "Love ya angel. Bye."
"Bye Daddy…bye Georgie."
As the Alpine white BMW pulled away Elvis took Georgie into his arms and rocked her in a loving embrace. "Babe, we are gonna 'ave so much fun!"
"Fun?"
"Yeah. Can ya imagine holidays with a house load of kids?"
Georgie squeezed him closer. "Good that neither one of us go on tour." She said smiling into his chest thinking back to when she had asked him if he would hold their babies whilst she was away on tour.
"Roger 'at. Come on, let's get ya bunked down mummy." He said kissing her forehead.
Georgie leaned into him as they walked to the door. Mummy. The word sparked a warm spot in her chest. She could not wait for her next sonogram.
