Page 17 of The Baby Plan

“Let’s discuss that if you decide to stay for any length of time.”

Sophie nodded. “That’s sensible. When would you like us to move in?”

“When can you?”

“Today?” asked Sophie, laughing. Now she’d made the decision, there seemed no point in spending any more time than she needed to in Natasha’s flat, which was so full of her sister’s presence it made her feel morbid, plus the truth was she didn’t feel safe there. The area was rowdy with plenty of pubs around the blocks of flats, and having drunks walk by the window after throwing out time wasn’t pleasant at all. And renting out her own place would ease her financial situation significantly. “If you can watch Alana, I can pick up our stuff from Natasha’s flat. It won’t take me long.”

“Of course, but are you sure you wouldn’t like a hand?”

“Thank you for the offer, but I’ll be fine. I can fit it all in the car. I’ll get off now while she’s sleeping if that’s all right?” They hadn’t heard a peep from the room next door; either they’d worn Alana out or she really loved her new cot.

* * *

A couple of hours later, and Sophie had returned with a carload of stuff which Samson helped her to unpack. It was amazing how much she’d brought back with her. Alana’s walker had taken up a fair bit of space by itself. Well, it would all need to have been taken from the flat soon anyway, so she saw it as doing part of the clearing out of Natasha’s home early.

Sophie’s own possessions only amounted to a couple of small suitcases at the moment. She’d been back to her own flat only the once to pack clothes for herself and to get her laptop.

Between them, they got everything inside and put away before Alana’s teatime. The sky had clouded over and was now threatening rain, so Sophie fed her in the kitchen.

“Are you happy with a risotto for supper?” asked Samson, as he rooted around in the cupboards for inspiration.

“That would be lovely, but you don’t have to cook for me! I can pop out to a supermarket and pick something up for myself.”

“I’m going to be cooking anyway, and it’s your first night here,” replied Samson amiably.

It was rather sweet how domesticated he was and how hard he was trying to be agreeable and build a friendly relationship with her. He was going out of his way to make her feel welcome.

“What if I run out and get us a bottle of wine as my contribution? It’ll give me a chance to have a little wander around the area.”

“That is a very good idea. There’s a Tesco five minutes’ walk away, turn left out of the house and right at the end of the road. Keep going and you’ll come to it. I’ll finish off with Alana if you like.”

“Thanks. Red or white?”

“White. And could you pick up some parmesan?”

“Sure.” Sophie grabbed her purse, pleased at the ready domesticity and ease of their new-found truce. Long may it last...

The rain held off for her little jaunt. Already after only a short time looking after Alana, it felt like a wonderful luxury to be out by herself, to merely grab her purse and her mobile and walk out of the house alone and explore a little.

She’d been right about the area being far nicer than that around Natasha’s flat, and she enjoyed checking out the beautiful, old houses. She passed a park with a playground, thinking she might take Alana there the next day, and felt the lightest she had since the night Natasha had died.

* * *

Sophie got back and ran Alana’s bath and asked Samson if he’d like to wash the baby.

“If you teach me how!” he answered and she laughed. Who would have thought a month ago that anyone would ask her to instruct them in anything to do with caring for a tiny person?

She called Samson in to see his little girl splashing away happily in the water and showed him how to wash her hair and make her giggle by squirting her with her rubber duck. She could tell he was nervous lifting the slippery baby out of the tub, but he managed it and wrapped her in a towel to carry her through to her bedroom. He even seemed to take pleasure choosing what sleepy suit to put his little girl in. He was so gentle with Alana, seeming to marvel at her.

Samson read The Gruffalo to Alana while Sophie went downstairs to sort out the bedtime bottle. As she added the scoops of formula to the water, she couldn’t help but notice how relaxed she felt. It was so different having someone else to share the bedtime routine with.

She’d worried she might feel jealous or usurped having Samson take part in everything with Alana, but, for the moment at least, she didn’t. She felt less alone in her troubles.

* * *

Samson tidied up and got Alana’s cot ready for her while Sophie gave the baby her bottle. Sophie insisted the room be darkened for the last bottle of the day, it was what the experts said, so Samson was working by the weak beam of a night light. Sophie knew the fact he wasn’t complaining about this, was a real testament to how much he wanted them staying with him to work.

Once the room was ready for Alana to sleep in, he came over and bent down to kiss his daughter on the head. Sophie moved as far back as possible to give him space, but found she held her breath until he stood up again and went downstairs to begin cooking.

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