Chapter 60

Surprises Abound

1300 – Hereford, UK

Elvis unlocked the front door, pushing it open and stepping aside so Georgie could enter first. "Welcome home babe…."

She smiled broadly, cuddling Daniel close to her chest as she stepped inside. The aroma struck her instantly and she paused to further inhale the delicious scent. "Daddy has been in the kitchen Daniel." she said knowingly.

"Yeah. I put a little something together." Elvis admitted sheepishly as he lifted the jacket from around her shoulders.

"You never put anything little together Elvis." she said tilting her head back with an arched brow.

Grinning and casually shrugging his shoulders he said, "I reckoned you'd be hungry."

"Definitely. Hospital rations are a bit dull."

"Roger 'at. I'm glad you two are home." he said fiddling with the car keys. "Are ya feeling OK?"

"Yeah. It'll take some time. My body is still adjusting." She said bouncing Daniel gently as she walked through the arched doorway into the lounge. Georgie stilled when she saw the huge bouquet of brightly colored wildflowers on the coffee table. "Awwwww Elvis! They are gorgeous!" she gushed lightly touching the varied petals. She looked up at him, eyes twinkling.

He tried to hold back his excitement at surprising her. "Was a special delivery…."

"What?! Who are they from?"

His expression coaxed her to check the attached card. She eyed him and handed Daniel over. Elvis carefully cradled him in his arms, tickling him under the chin, watching Georgie intently. She pulled the little card from the envelope and smiled noting Elvis' natural ease with the baby. She looked down and immediately recognized the handwriting. It was from Elvis but the sentiment caught her off guard…..

"For you mummy….Love Daniel P."

She burst into a toothy smile, "You are unreal." She said with a giggle.

"I think she likes them." Elvis said, lowering his face close to Daniel's as if sharing a secret.

"I love them!"she clarified, going to both and lifting herself up on her toes to kiss her husband. Daniel began to whimper so Elvis gently bounced him.

"Maybe he fancies a kiss as well." he said.

"Nah. I reckon he is getting hungry."

"Yeah?"

"I'll take him upstairs." Georgie said as she took the baby back into her arms. Daniel began to sputter then the soft cries started.

"Alright. Is there anything ya need from the car at the moment?"

"No. I think we're good." She said heading to the hallway. Elvis followed her. She gave him a questioning look but he simply smiled and carried on up the stairs behind her.

"Ya sure he doesn't need a nappy change?" he asked.

"I changed him before we left, but I reckon we'll both find out, yeah?"

Elvis chuckled breathily. He had his motives. Georgie walked into the nursery but came to an abrupt stop and gasped. He did it! Elvis went and bought that antique rocking chair she had fallen in love with. The intricately carved chair had been re-stained and re-upholstered. "Oh you! When did ya do this?!" she asked, bouncing Daniel in her arms.

"At's classified."

When she gave him a look he laughed. "I had it tucked in the shed. Would ya believe Peters has a hobby refurbishing furniture?"

"No way! Peters?!"

"The same."

"It's beautiful." Georgie said running a hand over the floral print upholstery.

"Indeed. He does top of the line work." Elvis said thrilled that she was happy with it. "Were ya surprised?" he asked moving in close to her.

"Yeah! Thank you! I love it!" she leaned into him as he kissed her temple. Daniel's cries became more insistent and Georgie handed him over. "Here…check him whilst I get ready."

"Come to daddy Dano. Let's see if ya 'ave any presents."

Georgie rolled her eyes and chuckled as she got herself ready for the feeding.

"Affirmative." Elvis drawled, deftly handling the nappy change. "We do 'ave a bit of a mess 'ere."

"You called it captain." Georgie said walking back into the room drying her hands with a small towel. She was impressed that Elvis had everything sorted. All supplies were exactly where they needed to be. It gave her a sense of calm. His military organization and experience with Laura helped her to feel less over-whelmed. She peered around his shoulder, smiling at Daniel's facial grimaces and whimpers. She had helped mothers during several humanitarian missions but this was different. This was her child. A child born of the love she and Elvis shared, and he meant the world to her. "High marks for your skills there boss." She said smiling as Elvis pulled the tiny vest down over Daniel's belly. The little legs were kicking out and Georgie's eyes widened. Was he kicking me like that?" she wondered.

"Look at him go!" Elvis exclaimed. "Reckon he'll score loads of goals!"

"At the moment the ball is bigger than he is…" she joked.

"Before ya know it, he'll be kickin arse!" Elvis said, oblivious to Georgie's open-mouthed stare as he lifted Daniel in the air. "He's a solid little bloke." Then he noticed his wife's look. "Wha'?"

"He's only one day old….." she dramatically whispered, reaching for the baby.

"I know'at."

"Give him a few years, yeah?" she said settling in the rocker. "Could ya hand me those flannels please."

"Sure."

"Next thing you'll be bringing camo nappies home." She muttered good naturedly.

Elvis threw his head back with a sniff and looked down at her. She gave him a sugar-coated smile in return. He backed off to dispose of the soiled nappy. "Anything ya need there?"

"No. I'm good thank you." She said adjusting her top.

"I'll get the car unloaded then." He said sauntering out of the nursery. Elvis glided down the stairs swinging his arms and chuckling to himself. The house was truly a home now. As Daniel began to feed, Georgie hummed a soft melody. It was not any song in particular, just something that came from her heart.

Elvis closed the car boot and heard his name called out. A quick turn and he discovered his neighbor Thomas Brinkley approaching. "Alright." He answered as Thomas met up with him in the driveway.

"Sorry, could not help notice Georgie's return. Congratulations to you both." Thomas said.

Elvis reached out to the offered hand shake. "Cheers."

"The Mrs. has a little something for the baby but we will wait until Georgie gets settled. If you ever need a sitter we would love to help."

"Thank you. I will let Georgie know. Her mum will be comin to stay for a bit." Elvis said hoisting Georgie's bag over his shoulder.

"Of course. We are here if you need anything. Now, let me help you get these to the door." Thomas said.

"Cheers mate." Elvis watched as Brinkley picked up the two bags of supplies then led them both to the front door.

Xxxxx

Georgie laid Daniel in the cot bed. He was groggy and satisfied after his feeding. Her fingers gently stroked the fine dark hairs on his head. She smiled remembering the baby photos of Elvis Nonna had shared with her. The smile grew as she recalled Elvis' expression when she mentioned camo nappies. Georgie's face crinkled, oh the joys that were ahead for them. Daniel was asleep now and she watched his relaxed breaths, pulling herself away from the cot. She looked out the window. She loved the back garden, even if the sky was gray today, inside the home there was only sunshine. She went to the chest of drawers and opened the top drawer. She had received so many cute sleep suits, which one would she use first? Her heart lurched when she saw the completely unexpected olive camo one neatly folded on top. She lovingly picked it up, letting it fall open, clutching it to her chest. "Ahhh Elvis….." she murmured. "My two boys…"