Page 34 of The Baby Plan

Samson was soon back, setting up the cot and then the baby monitor while Sophie put the sheets and blankets in the cot ready for Alana’s nap.

“I don’t know who’s happier down there, Mum or Alana,” he commented.

“We’d better get lunch into Alana soon,” Sophie said, “or she won’t stay happy for long.”

“Good point!” Samson laughed.

They went back downstairs to the kitchen to discover Alana being doted upon, adoringly.

“Would you both like a cup of tea, and then I’ll get us some lunch?” asked Maggie.

“Sounds great, Mum.” Samson put his arm around her shoulders and squeezed her affectionately. Sophie wondered if Maggie was feeling as nervous as she was; it was certainly a very strange situation Maggie found herself in. How often does your son bring his newly discovered daughter and her aunt to stay?

“Do you mind if I give Alana her lunch now?” Sophie asked.

“Of course!” said Maggie. “Can I do anything to help?”

“Well... would you like to feed her? Be warned — it can get quite messy.”

“I’d love to!”

Samson attached a portable little seat he’d bought for Alana the day before to one of the kitchen chairs and popped her in while Sophie got out a jar of Alana’s favourite food, her spoon, a bib, and her beaker of water.

Alana made short work of her meal much to her grandparents’ delight and was thrilled when she received applause for drinking out of her beaker by herself. The smiles were wide and enthusiastic all round.

Sophie and Samson sipped their teas, catching each other’s eye now and again when Alana did something particularly endearing.

The star of the show was cleaned up with wet wipes and cheerfully gnawed on rice cakes while the adults tucked into a delicious Salade Niçoise.

While Alana napped, Sophie was given a tour of the garden by Peter, and then when the baby woke, they all set out for a walk around the village. Maggie pushed Alana’s buggy proudly. There was a playground in the corner of the village green which they took Alana to. She loved going down the toddler slide on her daddy’s lap and all the grown-ups were in stitches laughing at Samson getting wedged at the top.

Sophie spent a lot of the time watching the others and their family dynamic. Samson was obviously much-loved by both his parents, and it was very sweet to see how supportive they were of him.

She had vague memories of similar times with her own parents and grandparents, and Natasha of course. Not necessarily big events but just having fun and being with family.

Naturally, whenever they’d been at a playground, Natasha was always the child who swung highest on the swings, went down the slide backwards and climbed to the very top of the rigging, encouraging Sophie, who was more inclined to caution.

Supper for the grown-ups was lasagne and salad after Alana had been put to bed. It was a while before Alana would settle in the unusual room and cot. Sophie played sous-chef for Maggie while poor Samson went up and down the stairs, comforting his daughter until she finally fell asleep after an hour.

* * *

“He’s very good with Alana, isn’t he?” Maggie commented to Sophie as they loaded the dishwasher together once everyone had finished eating, and Peter and Samson walked Mutt through the fields at the back of the house.

“He really is,” agreed Sophie.

“It’s come as a shock. A lovely shock though,” she added quickly. “I can’t believe my baby has a baby. She’s so gorgeous.”

“Yes, she is.”

“It must have been very hard for you, your sister dying so suddenly.”

“It was.” Sophie took a moment to get her emotions under control after the mention of Natasha. “But Alana helps,” she managed to continue. “I feel like I’ve still got part of my sister with me.”

Maggie drew Sophie into her arms.

“Thank you,” Maggie said. “Thank you for everything you’re doing. Samson told us how supportive you’ve been, how you’ve helped him, taught him how to look after Alana.”

“I’m not sure he was the one who needed help,” said Sophie honestly. Feeling embarrassed, she returned to her job.

---