Chapter 5
As Jack leaves for the station, Phryne allows her concern to filter back into her psyche full force. Her blue eyes shimmer as she pulls a soft blanket knitted by Dot across her body hoping its warmth will seep into her bones. Just a few hours ago life was completely different. Things were, well, not normal perhaps, but on an understandable track. Now things are chaotic and uncertain. For all Phryne's adventures, which to others may seem chaotic, there was generally a choice; controlled chaos. In this situation she has no control, none at all.
She feels a bit like she is suffocating, memories of being forced into the cupboard raining on her – she is two years old and struggling against her father's vise-like grip powerless to stop him as he shoves her into the dark cupboard and slams the door, locking it with a decisive click that echoes in her ears as do the screams her two year old self refused to utter out load. Phryne jerks awake still in the cupboard, her hands fisted against her mouth, her body curled in the fetal position, her eyes glazed with a sadness so deep that were anyone to see it they would not believe it belongs to the effervescent Phryne Fisher Robinson. She returns to the present as a light knocking at her bedroom door penetrates her ear and an insistent kicking along with a growling stomach make her hands move to the swell of her belly and the very insistent reminder that she is no longer in the cupboard.
Dot brings in a tea tray quietly moving across the room as Phryne's back is to her. "Hello Dot," Phryne's voice is slightly subdued.
"Miss Phryne, I thought you might be asleep."
"I was," Phryne pushes the memory away and turns over, but I'm glad you are here. I am hungry and I need company."
Dot smiles at Phryne and immediately notes the slightly wan expression on her mistress's face. "Mr. Butler's tea will fill you up. This baby is really hungry it seems."
"Yes, you are correct Dot. Join me for tea?"
"Of course," Dot smiles again as she sets the tray on the bed and goes to bring a chair over. "The Inspector told us a tiny bit about Dr. Wilson coming this evening and that we are having a family dinner."
She pours tea handing Phryne a cup and taking one herself. They sit a few minutes in silence sipping tea and munching on rolls filled with chicken.
"Dot," Phryne says, "I want you to know what is going on before the others come."
"Yes, Miss."
"Jack and I are still getting used to the idea; it is overwhelming and scary yet so amazing. Dr. Mac hears at least two heart beats and possibly a third."
Dot squeals softly, "Twins or triplets?! This is wonderful news!"
"It is if we can get them here safely. I am a bit scared Dot. I know you know a great deal more about babies than I so I am counting on you to keep me grounded, to be my strong right hand. What if they don't make it? Jack will be devastated. You see how he is with Jane, and he is so excited about the babies. What if I don't survive the birth? Who will take care of them – Jack and Jane and…?" Phryne falls silent her hands twisting the knitted blanket convulsively.
Dot nodding her understanding begins fingering her rosary. Childbirth is fraught with complications and it is a real concern that there may be complications. "We will all help Miss. You won't be alone. We will figure out a way to get through whatever happens."
"Thank you Dot," Phryne says smiling at her. "That means a lot to me. It will be a long four months attempting to make it to thirty-six weeks – for all of us.
Phryne and Dot pass the rest of the afternoon pleasantly enough, distracting themselves with droughts; talking about how to pass the next months and what to tell the others and what maternity clothes she will need. Phryne takes a short nap and Dot helps Mr. Butler with dinner and before they know it, it was almost time for Mac and Dr. Wilson to arrive.
Meanwhile Jack stops in Miss Lee's bookshop to purchase a leather bound journal for Phryne. After exchanging pleasantries with Miss Lee and making his purchase he gets to the station.
He applies himself to the tasks at hand pushing his concerns down until they meet with the doctors. At 4:45 Jack leaves the station giving Hugh instructions on filing several reports and following up with the coroner to hurry some autopsy results.
Dr. Wilson meets Mac as he arrives at the St. Kilda home.
"Good evening Dr. Wilson. Have you had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Robinson at any of the hospital board's fundraisers?
"I have not," he replies, "I have however seen her across the room on two occasions. She was very animated and quite breathtaking."
"That is an apt description of Phryne," Mac laughs, but sobers quickly. "I am worried. I am anxious for your opinion. I have already told Phryne that I need to turn her over to an obstetrician. I am hoping you will agree to take her case. I don't know of anyone I would entrust my oldest friend to but you."
"You're making me blush Dr. Macmillan," he laughs. "I haven't had the challenge of multiples in some time so I am already intrigued by the case. Postnatal care will be vital as well and that will be an area you can help with Mac. You know the chance of success is small especially if we have more than two babies. That said I am up for the challenge, how about you?"
Mac nods bravely though her eyes are bright with unshed tears. "I want this so much for them. If you knew their story you would totally want them to have a happily ever after."
Dr. Wilson took her hand in his, "We will do our best Mac. That is all we can ask of ourselves. The rest is in God's hands. You know that."
Mac nods again and knocks on the stained glass side light.
Mr. Butler answers the door and takes their hats and coats. "Please wait in the parlor while I let Mr. and Mrs. Robinson know you are here. I have refreshments for you."
Mac leads Dr. Wilson into the parlor where they find delicious looking biscuits and small sandwiches along with tea, lemonade and water. They help themselves to tea and munch while waiting, Dr. Wilson taking in the paintings and décor.
When Mr. Butler knocks on Phryne's door she and Jack are holding one another listening to the beats of their hearts, the rhythm soothing and calming. Had Mr. Butler been a couple of moments earlier her would have heard Jack using his best policeman's voice instructing the babies to be good and not be like their mother always in a big hurry to arrive, the response of the babies against his hands as he spoke reassuring.
"Yes Mr. Butler," Jack calls moving away from Phryne, "come in."
The door opens a bit and Mr. B pokes his head through. "Doctors Wilson and Macmillan are in the parlor. I took the liberty of preparing refreshments."
"Thank you Mr. Butler, you always know just the right thing to do," Phryne gives him a winning smile although he notes that her features are still slightly drawn. "I'll send Jack down when I'm ready."
Mr. Butler nods and retreats. "I need the loo first Jack."
Giving her an understanding and sympathetic look before lifting her easily in his arms he carries her to the bathroom.
Still bleeding she notes glumly. She splashes cold water on her face and opens the door. As Jack once again lifts her, she can't resist a cheeky comment, "When I picture you carrying me to bed Inspector, it has absolutely nothing to do with doctors…"
"I can assure you Mrs. Robinson that when I think of carrying you to bed there are definitely no doctors involved," his deep bass smooth and warm in her ear his breath tickling her skin.
He places her on the bed and they share a kiss and hug before Jack moves lithely down the stairs to meet Dr. Wilson and Mac.
"Dr. Wilson, Jack Robinson." Jack shakes the doctor's hand. "Hello Mac," he greets her with a brief kiss on her cheek. "Phryne is ready – or as ready as she can be."
He leads the way up to Phryne's room and once there introduces Dr. Wilson to Phryne. "I'll leave you to it then."
"Jack, I want you to stay. I need you to stay," her eyes are imploring and her voice vulnerable. Jack's heart contracts painfully knowing he is ultimately responsible for the situation they find themselves in.
"Dr. Wilson? Mac?" he questions.
"It is unusual for a man to be in the room; however, I think I can cope. Mrs. Robinson's comfort is of a great deal of importance." The relief on Phryne's face is almost palpable.
"Please call me Phryne, Dr. Wilson," she says.
"Very well Phryne," he responds in his kindly confidence inspiring tone, "tell me what happened."
Phryne proceeds to tell the doctor what transpired the previous day and earlier this morning.
"I see," Dr. Wilson says. "Let's see what is going on now. While Mac and I wash up Inspector why don't you move a chair up and sit and talk to Phryne as we do the exam. I'll let you know if I need you to be quiet. We will start with listening to the babies, so quiet is essential.
After the doctors return, Dr. Wilson takes quite a lot of time listening to Phryne's stomach with a stethoscope. Jack watches, fascinated by the way the doctor moves the stethoscope all over Phryne's stomach and sides and up high around her ribs.
"Listen here Dr. Macmillan," indicating a spot very high and just under Phryne's ribs.
Mac warms her stethoscope chest piece before placing it on the spot Dr. Wilson indicates; concentrating, her brow furrowed. She maintains the contact for several long moments before a slight smile crosses her lips, "I thought so."
"Well Mr. and Mrs. Robinson," Dr. Wilson begins, "you are definitely expecting three babies. It goes without saying that this is a perilous situation for Phryne and the babies. We have a lot of work to do, most of which you will have to do Phryne. The rest of us can support you, but only you can do the things that give the babies the best chance of survival."
He pauses a moment gathering his thoughts, "They will be small at birth no matter what we do, but the longer the babies stay in utero, the better their chances of survival regardless of their weight. I am hoping we can get close to three pounds."
He stops and gives Phryne a measured look, "Phryne, I need you to eat lots of nutritious foods – meat, vegetables, fruit, milk, eggs some bread and dessert on occasion. You are eating for four now so don't be concerned about the amount of food. This is not a time to be concerned about your weight. Dr. Mac and I will let you know if you need to eat less." Phryne nods, her eyes huge, her mind going at once to barn size and big as a whale analogies.
"Let's do you internal exam." Dr. Wilson moves with purpose, "Inspector you are free to converse with your wife now."
Jack takes Phryne's hand and holds it gently in his much larger one, capturing her gaze with his excited, concerned one. "What are you thinking?"
"Well, Jack," her voice is subdued, "it sounds serious."
"It always is with you Miss Fisher." She smiles at this while wincing slightly at Dr. Wilson's continued examination. "I have no doubt in your ability to tackle this challenge just as you tackled me," Jack remarks suppressing a chuckle.
"I seem to recall the tackling quite differently Inspector," she says in mock disbelief.
"Yes, I am sure you do," his thumb stroking the sensitive skin of her palm he continues more seriously, "You have me on your team Phryne and you know the rest of the family will be on your team as well."
She nods a soft "Ouch!" escaping her lips and a grimace crossing her face.
"Sorry Phryne," Dr. Wilson's says apologetically, "I know this is uncomfortable."
"Do you now?" her voice contains barely suppressed sarcasm.
Dr. Wilson's laughter fills the room. "How right you are Phryne. Still, I do apologize that my hands aren't smaller."
Jack is looking a bit discomfited at this point and is studiously avoiding turning to fulfill his curiosity with the procedures. Phryne shows him no mercy, "Jack are you certain you don't want to investigate?"
"No," he chokes out giving her a murderous glance, "I will let you give me a full report later."
"All done," Dr. Wilson says at last. "Let me wash my hands, and then we will have a talk."
Phryne sighs steeling herself, her grip on Jack's hand almost bruising, her eyes dark with concern.
"Breathe Phryne," instructs Mac, "he is the best baby doctor I know."
Phryne nods expelling a deep breath, relaxing her hold on Jack a fraction and giving Mac a tremulous smile.
Dr. Wilson taps lightly on the door before returning to the room and approaching the three of them, wasting no time in filling them in, "Now Phryne, Jack, I am certain there are three babies. Also you are dilated about one centimeter and you are slightly effaced. This is not unusual when carrying multiple babies, nor is some light spotting; however, erring on the side of what is best of all of you, I want you to come to the hospital for close monitoring." Dr. Wilson does not miss the look of horror on Phryne's face.
"But Dr. Wilson, what about Puerperal Fever and God only knows what else could be caught at the hospital?" she screeches. "Must I? Can't you, Mac and our family provide adequate care here?"
Dr. Wilson considers her request, "Let me consult with Mac privately for a few minutes. Sit tight."
Phryne rolls her eyes at him, but a nod, a look of hope and a sparkling smile are her only communication.
The doctors leave the room and Phryne stirs restlessly in the bed, "I'll go mad stuck in the hospital Jack. Nothing to do but listen to crying infants and other hospital sounds."
She shudders.
Jack's insides squirm with guilt, but he gives her a soothing pat on the hand and rubs her forearm gently. "You are a survivor Mrs. Robinson. You will survive if you must go. I know there are far worse experiences in your life and you survived to become the woman I can't imagine living without." He leans in and softly places a kiss against her lips.
Phryne grasps his head pulling him closer, kissing him fiercely her tongue sweeping into his mouth, insistent and needy. Jack responds in kind, kissing her back just as fiercely. The door opens and they spring guiltily apart.
Mac rolls her eyes, but Dr. Wilson smiles benevolently at them pleased to see they are moving together instead of being pushed apart by the news.
"Phryne, after talking with Mac I am willing to let you stay home, but there are conditions."
The radiant look on Phryne's face and her eager nod give the doctor a good feeling about trusting her – well her household really – to follow his instructions despite Mac leaving him with no illusions as to Phryne's headstrong and devil-may-care nature.
Bed Rest – no walking and no sitting up for more than 30 minutes at a time twice a day. Lie on your left side as much as possible.
I have observed over the years that it just seems better for mothers and babies."
Phryne's eyes widen in dismay. "I will have a wheel chair sent over."
"There is no need Dr. Wilson," she breaks in, "Cec and Bert can pick it up."
"Very well," he nods approvingly.
Record how many times a day the babies are active – especially if they seem to be having a quiet day. As they grow, there will be less room for them to move around and they will be less active. This will become more important then, but is a good practice now.
No baths – I don't want to risk any infection. You may shower if you sit or you may take a sponge bath.
The look of distaste on Phryne's face causes Jack to snigger and raise his eyebrows suggestively as if to say "I can do that for you."
I want your bed linens changed daily, more if necessary.
No sexual intercourse
The dismayed expressions on both faces cause Dr. Wilson to laugh out loud, "Jack, you and I will have a discussion outside. Mac you talk with Phryne and explain."
Dr. Wilson motions for Jack to follow him to the hallway, "Here is the deal Inspector. I am not certain it matters at all, but there are doctors who think that there is something in semen that can help trigger labor. I want to try all things to give you the best possible outcome from this pregnancy. I take from both your expressions that sex for you two is not just a duty, rather something you both enjoy." At Jack's bewildered nod Dr. Wilson continues, "Are you familiar with the Song of Songs, Inspector?"
"Yes," Jack rasps out still confused.
"Then you may know that some people believe that a portion of the writing refers to lovemaking using the mouth and hands." Jack's jaw drops in disbelief that Dr. Wilson is telling him this. He closes his mouth with a snap just looking at the doctor, waiting as words fail him.
"I hope I haven't shocked you Jack," Dr. Wilson smiles. "I wouldn't tell this to all of my patients as they would be very shocked and assume I have lost my mind. I sense a great deal of love and desire between you and Phryne. The next several months are going to be ordeal enough without depriving you of the closeness sex can bring. Orgasm is not a problem, I don't think, but I will monitor her for early contractions and you can as well. You will want to watch for hardening of her stomach. You will know what I mean if it happens.
"Thank you Dr. Wilson. I will be alert. And thank you for allowing us to engage in at least some semblance of normality in this one area. It would be most challenging for us both to abstain," Jack's smile is sincere and relieved.
"Oh, and Jack, be sure you wash your hands thoroughly prior to any intimate activity. It is important," Dr. Wilson's face is intense.
"Yes, sir I will."
In the bedroom Mac is giving Phryne the same information, but knowing her as she does she knows Phryne has no inhibitions regarding sex so she explains about the concern with ejaculation, and at Phryne's distressed groan says, "But that doesn't mean you can't engage in other less conventional activities."
Comprehension dawning on her face, Phryne states, "What a relief!" Then realizing her double entendre she and Mac burst out laughing.
As Jack and Dr. Wilson return to find the two women grinning, Phryne, eyes glowing with the one piece of good news she has been given, quips, "The situation has vastly improved Jack. And here I was thinking you wouldn't be able to take advantage of my delicate condition and inability to leave my bed." She sighs dramatically, "I am at your mercy Inspector."
Jack's eyes widen as her words sink in and he is momentarily speechless his natural reserve rising with others in the room, but Dr. Wilson guffaws. "Ah Phryne, if you can keep seeing the good things small as they may be, it will be a much more positive experience for both you, the babies, Jack and your family."
He takes her hand, "I will do my best to bring all of you through this. Every day we keep the babies inside is another day closer to their safe entry into your family." Phryne sees only total sincerity in his eyes; she feels trust fill her and she smiles solemnly at him. He squeezes her hand, "I will see you tomorrow my Phryne."
Mac kisses Phryne, "I will walk Dr. Wilson out and help Dot and Mr. Butler until you come down."
Jack shakes hands with Dr. Wilson, "Thank you very much Doctor. I appreciate you letting Phryne stay home for multiple reasons," a grin graces his mouth as he acknowledges the doctor's gift to them.
"I'll see you tomorrow Inspector," Dr. Wilson gives him a thumbs up as he leaves with Mac.
Jack returns to Phryne's side, "Well my darling, are you ready for this roller coaster ride?"
"No, but we will make the best of it. With you on my team Inspector, I can't lose."
"Mmm, I like being on your team Phryne – very much," his voice is velvety and seductive.
"I am so glad Jack," and taking his face in her hands she stokes him lightly her eyes alight with promise. "Are you going to carry me downstairs?"
"I think you have behaved very well and deserve to go down for dinner on the chaise," he says and scooping her gracefully into his powerful arms he carries her first to the bathroom and then down to the parlor.
Mr. Butler has set up a buffet on the dining room table and the others are preparing plates and wandering back to the parlor.
Jack prepares a plate for Phryne and returns to hand it to her prior to getting one for himself. For many minutes there is only eating and Bert telling of a particularly ridiculous fare he and Cec had that day. Finally unable to contain her curiosity any longer, Jane bursts out, "What is going on? Why was that strange doctor here?"
Complete silence greets her questions. Jack moves to the chaise to sit with Phryne, his eyes questioning. At Phryne's slight nod Jack explains, "We wanted all of you – our family – to be here tonight to everyone could hear the news together, and because Phryne and I will need your help even more than usual over the next several months."
"Yes," Phryne breaks in, "Dr. Wilson confirmed that we are expecting triplets." A clamor of excited murmuring breaks out among them.
"Triplets?!" Jane exclaims her voice full of wonder. Phryne smiles at her, Jane's wonder is infectious and despite the gravity of the situation Phryne's delight at Jane's reaction is obvious.
"There are complications," Jack picks up the thread of the conversation, "and Dr. Wilson is putting Phryne on bed rest. He is allowing her to stay home rather than go to the hospital because Phryne told him what strong family support we have. She was…quite persuasive." At this everyone laughs and nods appreciatively.
"Phryne is twenty weeks pregnant now and Dr. Wilson is hoping to get her and the babies to thirty-six weeks. There are several rules we must follow for her to stay home for the next several months. The most critical of which is the bed rest. She convinced Dr. Wilson she would go out of her mind at the hospital and that her support here would be far better at keeping her sane and following his instructions. "What do you say? Do you think we can do it?"
"Of course we can," Bert calls out, "We can help far better here than at the bloody hospital where they won't even let Cec and me in."
Everyone chimes in, but Aunt Prudence is uncharacteristically quiet. "Well Aunt P, what do you think?" Phryne asks quietly among the hubbub of the others.
Aunt P's look is full of concern her dark eyes intense, "This is most unexpected Phryne, but you are my dearest niece and if there is anything I or the household can do, you know we will do it." She moves closer to Phryne taking her hand, "You will do what the doctor says won't you? Her voice imploring, knowing, slightly scared.
Phryne reads the concern accurately, her mind thinking about Arthur and what Aunt P has been through in her life, but wanting to lighten the moment, she quips, "Aunt P when have I ever not done what I was told?"
"Phryne!" Aunt Prudence shrieks and Phryne's laughter tinkles across the room bringing Arthur across to her.
"Cousin Phryne," he says in his endearing way, "are there really three babies in there?"
"That's what the doctor says, so there must be," her eyes sparkle at him.
"May I feel them moving around again?" he asks his own eyes alight with excitement.
"Later perhaps, too many people here now, but certainly when it is just you and me, you may." Arthur nods in agreement and wanders off to find Jane.
Jack catches Bert's eye when Alice comes to talk with Phryne. The red ragger has grown on him and he knows that Bert's loyalty to Phryne is unwavering….Miss Fisher's boots have indeed been different.
"Dr. Wilson is ordering a wheel chair for Phryne. Could you and Cec pick it up tomorrow?"
"We will pick it up first thing, Inspector."
Jack grins, "Thank you."
"Don't mention it."
Jack glances at Phryne to see her deep in conversation with Jane. Wondering what they are discussing, Jack sidles their way. He overhears Phryne ask Jane if she is really happy about the babies. "I am so happy to have brothers and sisters of my own. Yes, I am really excited not to be an only child even if I am growing up. I will be more like Cousin Robert," she states eyes alight.
"Indeed," Phryne says her mind drifting back to her own excitement at Janey's birth. She understands exactly what Jane means and shares a smile of understanding with her. She files Jane's comment about Robert away for later introspection.
Mac breaks up the merriment a short while later noting that Phryne is fading quickly.
Phryne bestows hugs and kisses on everyone. "Thank you so much for your support and love. It means so much to me and to Jack."
Jane takes off to bed leaving Mac, Jack and Phryne in the parlor. "Well Phryne, I think that went well," Mac says. "We have our work cut out for us but if love and support will help get the babies here then I think we are embarking on a successful journey."
Phryne nods, "I really like Dr. Wilson."
"I thought you might," she smiles. "Good night Phryne."
Jack sees Mac to the door, "Thank you for everything Mac."
Letting her guard down Mac stares solemnly at him, "It will take a miracle Jack. Twins are difficult, but triplets…the odds are not in our favor."
"I understand," he replies his voice very husky. "Good night Mac," and brushing her cheek with the whisper of a kiss he lets her out into the spring evening.
"Ok Mrs. Robinson, let's get you upstairs."
"Very well Jack," she says calmly. "I am going to need to bathe per Dr. Wilson's instructions."
Dot appears out of nowhere with a basin. "Inspector if you could take Miss Phryne upstairs I have put a chair in the bathroom for her and laid out the things she needs."
"Very good Dot," Jack murmurs picking Phryne up and carrying her up to the bathroom. When she is done with her ablutions, he carries her to the bed where Dot has already changed the linens. Jack notices that Dot has tucked a folded sheet across the bed and also left a stack of sheets conveniently placed in case they need them in the night. Jack silently thanks God for Dot and Mr. Butler without whom the next months would be nightmarish.
Jack places Phryne gently on the bed and tucking her hair behind her ear he smiles his crooked smile at her, "I'm going to wash. I'll be back soon."
"Ok Inspector," she acknowledges, her eyes drooping as the adrenaline of the day wears off.
Jack hurries to clean up paying special attention to his hands and rejoins Phryne. She looks like an angel lying on her left side, her hair splayed across the pillow, her eyes closed, and her alabaster skin glowing. Thinking she is asleep he crawls in beside her but he doesn't touch her.
"Jack Robinson if you don't come snuggle up with me this instant, I can't be responsible for what might happen to you."
Jack laughs softly, "I don't recall that being part of Dr. Wilson's instructions."
"Humor me," she responds silkily.
"I will Phryne, but first, since you are awake I have a present for you."
She is suddenly wide awake, "A present?"
He kisses the back of her neck feeling her shiver against his lips before sliding from the bed and padding quietly to his room. He returns quickly carrying a package wrapped in brown paper and string and kneels on the floor by Phryne's side of the bed placing the package on the bed.
Phryne's curious expression and excited grin cause Jack's heart to beat faster. How he loves this woman. Phryne pulls the strings and unwraps the beautifully bound leather journal looking at Jack for additional information, "This is lovely Jack."
"I thought you could use it to record things about the pregnancy, and record your memories of Janey if you still want to share them."
Her radiant smile is all he needs to cause a swell of pride that he purchased the journal. "Jack, this is perfect. I can read to you at night when we aren't discussing cases. How did you find Miss Lee?"
He moves the journal to the bedside table and swiftly slides back into bed facing her. She scoots over to give him more room, noting his thoughtful move to make sure she stays on her left side. She places her hand lovingly on the side of his face her thumb stroking his strong jaw, "Thank you Jack."
"You are most welcome Mrs. Robinson," leaning in he brushes her lips with the lightest of kisses watching her eyes darken with desire, "and Miss Lee is well, not that I have any desire to talk about her right now." He allows his hand to stroke lightly down her side brushing the swell of her breast causing her to gasp lightly. She strokes her hand along his chest and down his body stopping just short of where he longs for her touch. His own eyes darken and he kisses her again gathering her close to him. "I love you Phryne. I am really sorry you are sacrificing so much because of me. I can hardly explain how awed I am by you and the fact that you are nurturing our children and doing as much as you can to get them here safely. It is very humbling. You are so brave my darling."
"Not so very brave Jack, but resolved. Jane said something tonight that reminded me of how happy I was when Janey was born, and it makes me realize that the babies aren't just about you and me. They are about family – all of our family is invested in these babies. I know that if something happens to you or me they will be loved cared for and some of my fears of being a bad mother dissipate when I think of the wonderful family that will be supporting us. I love you Jack; always," her voice trails off and she kisses him again her lips hungry against his, insistent in their assault.
Jack is nearly swept away molding her close to him, wanting her so that he nearly loses his restraint. She moans softly against his lips bringing him back to reality. "Phryne, I obviously really want to continue this, but I think given the events of the day perhaps we shouldn't indulge."
"Are you serious Jack?" Phryne huffs, "After the day I've had you would ask me to give up the very best of what we do together?"
"When you put it like that Mrs. Robinson, it would be positively ungentlemanly of me not to give you what you want," his voice velvety smooth as he allows his hands and lips to ghost over her and against her and in her until everything is Jack and what she feels in his arms. He relentlessly loves her until wave after wave of pleasure crash over her and she is shaking in his arms and mumbling and moaning incoherently.
Once Phryne calms she proceeds to torture Jack until he is unable to hold back any longer and he is lost in the ecstasy of her warm mouth and nimble hands, groaning loudly as he is overcome and his powerful release surges through him.
Phryne curls against his chest as his body settles delighting in the tremors that run through him.
"Perhaps, Miss Fisher, we can survive with no intercourse if we continue to diligently apply our skills to creatively solving the problem we face," his voice is throaty and very satisfied as he wraps his strong arms around her and rolls them to their sides nestling her against him and kissing her shoulders his hand splayed across her stomach.
"I'll take your word Inspector," Phyne's sleepy sated voice answers and she snuggles against him his warmth enveloping her.
As they drift off toward sleep Jack feels the insistent kicking of at least one of the babies against his hand; his last conscious thought of little girls with dark hair and blue eyes and little boys tugging on his hands.