CHAPTER SEVENTY-FOUR

Martha couldn't believe that her mother was in the bay already. She was so happy to see her. She hadn't seen her since before she moved to the bay with her grandad.

"I didn't think you were coming until a few days before the wedding," she said as she sat down next to Roo. Alf had stayed for a few minutes, but then left; wanting to give the mother and daughter some time alone.

"Well, I wasn't," Roo told Martha. "But then I thought, why not come earlier. That way I'd get to spend even more time with you, Laila and your grandfather," she explained.

"I'm glad you decided to come earlier. I've really missed you," Martha said as she hugged her mother again. "I can't wait until you meet Jack and Laila," she smiled.

"Where are they anyway?" Roo asked.

"Oh, Jack took Laila for a walk. They should be back any minute now," Martha answered.

Roo sighed and then smiled. "Look at you; you've changed so much since I last seen you. You've grown into a beautiful young woman. And I can't believe that you now have your own family to look after," she said. "I really wish that I could have been around for you during your pregnancy," Roo added.

"I was fine," Martha assured her. "I had plenty of people helping me out. Grandad and Sal were great. And Beth, she lives next door with Jack's dad, she was really good aswell. They made sure I had everything I needed," she explained.

"Dad told me that you had trouble coping after Ray, your adopted father, died. He said that you had trouble accepting it," Roo then said.

Martha nodded. "Ah yeah. It was really hard for a while. But I had Macca; he looked after me," she told Roo.

"Yes, Macca," Roo laughed. "Your grandfather introduced me to him just before we came over here actually. He seems like a great young man. He thinks very highly of you," she said.

"Macca's a tool," Martha grinned. "No, I'm kidding. He's amazing. He's really good to me. My other brothers will be arriving just before the wedding, so you'll get to meet them aswell," she said.

"Great," Roo exclaimed. "I'm looking forward to it. I really want to thank them for taking care of you over the years," she smiled.

Martha was just about to talk again when she heard a noise coming from the front patio. "That's Jack," she jumped up and ran to the door. Jack walked in with the pram just as she reached it. "Guess what? My mum's here. She came early," she said excitedly to Jack.

"That's great," Jack smiled as he walked further into the house.

"Mum, this is Jack," Martha started to introduce. "And Jack, this is my mum, Roo," she grinned.

Jack and Roo smiled at each other and said hi; shaking hands. "It's great to finally meet you," Jack said.

"Likewise," Roo nodded. "Now, I don't mean to be rude, but I really need to see my granddaughter. I feel like I'm about to burst," she laughed.

Martha took Laila out of the pram and walked towards Roo. "Oh my goodness," Roo gasped. "She's stunning," she exclaimed as she took the baby from Martha's arms.

Martha noticed tears forming in her mothers eyes, and she couldn't help but cry a little herself. "You okay?" Jack whispered to Martha.

Martha nodded. "Yeah. This is all just a bit overwhelming," she answered. "I'm just really glad that she's here," she said, as a tear slid down her cheek.

Jack gave Martha a quick hug and a kiss. "I'll get us some coffee," he announced.

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Martha walked along the beach with her mother; watching the waves crash. Roo was cradling Laila in her arms. She couldn't seem to get enough of her granddaughter.

"I'd forgotten how beautiful this place is," Roo sighed. "Being here brings back so many memories; some good, some bad. It reminds me of how carefree life can be," she said.

Martha nodded in agreement. "I know what you mean," she said. "I love this place. It's my home now and I don't plan on leaving anytime soon. The Bay is going to be a great place to raise Laila. And Jack really loves it here too," she told Roo.

Roo smiled. "You have done really well for yourself here. And I can see how much Jack loves you. I can tell by the way he looks at you when he thinks no one is watching," she said.

"Mum," Martha blushed.

Roo laughed. "I'm serious sweetheart. The two of you look so in love. I am so happy for you," she began. "Jack is a great guy. Don't ever let him go. His family is great too. I can see that they adore you. And of course, little Laila, she's the best thing to come from this. I'm really proud of what you've gotten for yourself," Roo finished.

"Thank you," Martha smiled.

"You deserve it," Roo exclaimed.

"Alright, enough of this mushy stuff," Martha laughed. "I'm going to end up crying. Let's head over to Sal's and talk weddings," she suggested.

"Sounds good," Roo nodded.

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ONE WEEK LATER

Jack placed a sleeping Laila into her crib. He picked up her white blanket and gently tucked it around her. Jack heard a tiny sigh escape her precious lips; he smiled and stroked her cheek.

Jack walked out into the lounge room and looked around for something to do. The house was so quiet; it was just himself and Laila at the moment. Martha had gone down to the diner to get them some lunch, so she'd be back soon. He was actually quite hungry now that he thought about it.

Jack sat down on the couch and switched on the TV. He flicked through the channels, but groaned when he couldn't find anything decent to watch. He stood up and walked into the kitchen. He got himself a glass of water and sat down at the kitchen bench.

"Where are you Martha?" he asked out loud. "I'm bored," he said.

Maybe I could go and wake up Laila, Jack thought to himself. Surely she would do something that entertained him. He jumped up and walked to the bedroom. He was just about to push open the door when he stopped.

He couldn't go in and wake the poor thing up; at least not for his amusement. That was just wrong. Jack scolded himself for even thinking of waking his daughter.

He turned around and walked back into the lounge area, but paused when he found someone standing at the front door.

"Hi Jack," she smiled at him.

"Megan," Jack spat out. He was shocked. "What are you doing here?"

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