Chapter 61
Family Bonding
1800 – Hereford, UK
….. Two days later
"Yeah mum. All is well. He's a good little sleeper, at least this afternoon." Georgie said making a humorous face. Grace laughed, her smile taking up the entire screen of Georgie's mobile. "He was pretty good last night except for the feedings and Elvis has been amazing."
"You need to get some rest Georgie." Grace said insistently.
"Yeah mum. I took a nap this afternoon when Daniel did. Elvis watched over us."
"I can't wait to see him! Ohh the pictures are too precious!" Grace said just about ready to burst her buttons.
"We will see ya tomorrow, yeah? Elvis is set to pick you up at the station."
"Do ya need anything Georgie?"
"Nope. Just you mum. We have everything we need thank you."
"Alright. Give Elvis and Daniel our love." Grace said really not wanting to end the call.
"I will and give ours to dad and the girls."
"Bye luv."
"Bye mum. Love you."
Elvis entered the lounge just in time to wave at Grace and wish her well. It felt good to hear Georgie compliment his care. He wore a happy smile as he went straight to Daniel, who was lying in a bassinett next to Georgie. The baby gurgled and grunted as he looked up at his father.
"Oi! I hope that's not wha' I think it is…." Elvis said with mock concern. Georgie chuckled, still on cloud nine from talking with her mum.
"I do smell something." she could not resist saying.
"Ermmmm…" Elvis mumbled. "Might just be wind." he said scrunching his nose, studying his son in greater detail.
"You are hoping it's just wind." Georgie said watching with delight.
"Ya wanna check?" he asked, turning to look at her, thrusting his hands into his pockets.
"No…no…you're right there…go on." She said lifting her chin.
Elvis laughed. He did not mind at all. Georgie would need to be up through the night for feedings this early on and he knew she was still recovering. They had set up a changing table on the ground floor as well and Elvis lifted Daniel up, cradling his head, but keeping his lower half away from his body. "Daddy's gonna see wha' ya been up to." Daniel cooed and gurgled and his face turned red as he let out a robust grunt. Elvis' eyes became huge and he carefully undid the nappy. "Roger! We 'ave confirmed incoming…" he announced.
Georgie began to laugh uncontrollably. "Not wind then?"
"Nah….dirty bomb."
"Elvis stop it!" Georgie held her stomach and pounded a fist on the chair. "Ya got me in stitches!"
"Just callin wha' I am dealin with 'ere." He said plucking at the soiled nappy with thumb and index finger.
"It's a nappy change. Not a bloody mission!"
"Call it wha' ya fancy. This one has taken quite a perimeter."
"Well Special Forces should be able to handle it, yeah?" she verbally jabbed, moving the bin closer.
"Fuck sake…." Elvis muttered.
"Oi! Watch your mouth." she scolded.
"You said bloody…." Elvis scowled and looked at Daniel gazing up at him. "Ah jeez Dano, pretend ya didn't hear 'at ,eh?"
"He is readin ya loud and clear boss." Georgie said now standing alongside her husband. "He may not understand the words but he can take in your tone and facial expressions."
Daniel persisted in staring at Elvis. "He's watching you daddy." she said. Elvis comically flexed his dark brows and the baby puckered his tiny lips.
"Ya reckon that's a smile?" Elvis asked giving Georgie a side long glance.
"Nah….probably more wind." She joked, twisting her mouth side to side. Elvis shook his head vigorously.
"No way! Ain't possible…."
"I'm joking….." she chuckled, running a reassuring hand across his back.
Elvis tilted his head as he gazed at Daniel. "He looks 'appy."
"Of course he's happy. He's warm and content. Two grown-ups staring at him." she said. Gazing lovingly at her child.
"I think he knows us." Elvis said extending a finger down.
"Yeah. He does. He knows his mum and dad. Don't ya sweetheart?" Georgie cooed.
Daniel wrapped his little hand around Elvis' finger and the fearsome soldier felt a tender squeeze in the middle of his chest. Beholding a child was not new to Elvis, but this was different. In the early days, when he and Georgie were engaged, they had talked about having children. The unexpected twist of events that brought Laura into their lives never changed their commitment to raise a family together. Having Laura only reinforced that desire, especially for Georgie.
She observed how Elvis reacted to the physical contact with their son. He made no effort to pull away. If anything, the corners of his mouth slowly spread into a contented smile as Daniel's grasp tightened around his finger. This was everything he had ever fought for. The reason he risked his life so many times over. Elvis wrapped an arm around Georgie and she leaned into him, circling him with her own. She fingered the fine hairs on Daniel's head.
"He looks like you." Elvis said, his voice soft and deep.
Georgie smiled. "Maybe. But he has your strength.
Elvis pulled her closer and Georgie rested her head against his shoulder. "We made it babe. On a wing and a prayer, we made it. We 'ave our family George. All is well in the world."
"All is well." she said reaching to pick Daniel up and hold him between them.
.... To be continued...
AN: A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has followed along with this story and my "Elvis and Georgie Forever" series. There will be a continuation.
Your reviews and comments are very much appreciated and have always kept me inspired. I have a WIP I hope to someday officially publish and hope you may find interest in that as well. Until we meet again for the next adventure of E & G please stay safe. Thank you all. Xx
