Teacher’s Pet

by Wendy Smith

  It’s been on the market for a couple of weeks, and there’s a lot of interest. The auction’s in a month, and then we’ll know exactly how much she gets and how big our budget is to buy a place here.

  In the meantime, none of that matters. We’re together and she’s safe. And in a month, her divorce will be final.

  Nothing will stop us then.

  When all the boxes have been brought in, we’re left alone in our new place for the first time.

  It’s liberating.

  “Oh, crap.”

  “What?” Mia asks.

  “Owen locked the door to the bakery kitchen. No sneaking in for a loaf of bread.”

  Mia laughs, rolling her eyes. “That’s probably a good thing.”

  “What if I want something sweet? For my sweet tooth?”

  She sighs and shakes her head. “I guess you’ll have to walk around and buy something.”

  When she turns away, I wrap my arms around her waist from behind and pull her into me.

  “What are you doing?”

  “You’re sweet. I’ll just nibble on you.”

  She shrieks with laughter, turning, her mouth falling open. “Do you think we’ll have to keep quiet with your brother right next door during the day?”

  I laugh. “I didn’t think about that. That might be a problem. Maybe we can soundproof the bedroom?”

  “At least they won’t be here at night.”

  “No, but they start at something like four in the morning.”

  “What on earth would we be doing at four in the morning?” She grins.

  “I can think of a few things.”

  Her eyes shine with happiness. “I love you, James Campbell.”

  “I love you too. Let’s get the rest of this stuff unpacked.”

  There are still books to put on shelves, and pots and pans to put away, but for today we can get the basics out and set up so we’ll be comfortable.

  And tonight, we can sleep in our own bed.

  After a takeaway dinner, I flop on the couch and flick on the television while Mia takes a bath. We’ll sleep well. Today has been exhausting.

  Closing my eyes, I drift off, sleep tugging at me.

  The couch sinks, and I jolt awake, giving Mia a sleepy smile. “Hey. Nice bath?”

  She nods. “It was just what I needed.” She chews on her bottom lip, and I frown.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Umm. There’s something I need to tell you.”

  She’s pale, and my heart freezes.

  “Mia, what’s going on?”

  Mia licks her lips. “You know how we said it was okay if we didn’t have any children?”

  “You want one?” I’d give her the moon if she wanted it.

  “We’re having one.”

  I stare at her. “What?”

  She holds out a white stick. “This morning, I realised I was late. I’m never late. So, when we made our toilet stop …”

  “You went into the supermarket to get snacks.”

  She nods. “And I bought a test.”

  I swallow hard. It didn’t matter to me that we weren’t planning on having children, but now it’s right in front of me. I’ll do whatever Mia needs to support her. “How do you feel about this?” I ask.

  “That we’ve been through so much together, and this is just one more thing to add to our crazy relationship.” She smiles. “How do you feel about it?”

  I pull her into my arms. “I am insanely in love with you, and I promise to rub your feet when they’re tired.”

  Mia laughs. “I’m sure it won’t just be my feet that get tired.”

  “Hey, I’m an equal-opportunity rubber. I’ll rub anything of yours.”

  She rests her head on my shoulder. “I’m happy. I think you’ll be a good father.”

  “You’ll be a great mother. We got the life we wanted, Mia. This is just icing on the cake.”

  “So, you’re happy then?”

  I nod. “Yeah. I am.”

  “Me too. I might be in shock, but I’ll be okay.”

  “Are you sure?”

  For a moment, she says nothing. She raises her head from my shoulder, and I see the fear in her eyes.

  “Mia, if you’re not sure …”

  “I’m sure. I’m just scared.”

  I take her hand in mine. “I’ll be with you the whole way.”

  She nods. “I know. I just wish I was even a few years’ younger.”

  “We’ll make sure you get the best of care. My brother’s an obstetrician, you know.”

  A smile spreads across her lips. “I’m so lucky to have you, and your family.”

  “Our family. You’re a part of us now.”

  Her smile grows. “I am, aren’t I?”

  I nod.

  “I love you, James.”

  I lean over and plant a lingering kiss on her lips. “I love you too.”

  It’s our first night together in our new home.

  And we couldn’t be happier.

  42

  James

  Eight months later

  * * *

  “How are you doing, Mia?” Drew asks.

  We must look a sight: Drew on one side of the bed, and me on the other, each holding one of Mia’s hands.

  “I’m okay.”

  He nods. “I think I should check your blood pressure again.”

  She smiles. “I’m glad you’re here.”

  As he stands to grab the blood pressure cuff, he smiles at her. “Me too. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now.”

  Mia laughs. “Liar.”

  He shrugs. “The most important thing is that you and the baby are safe. I’m happy to be here.”

  Mia’s pregnancy has been difficult. There were always going to be increased risks to both her and the baby simply because of her age. But Mia’s struggled with her blood pressure the whole way through. There were also the repeated tests for gestational diabetes that were borderline, and now we’ve reached the point where she’s in labour, she’s bloated and exhausted, and we can’t wait for the baby to be born.

  Which is also why we’re in Tauranga Hospital.

  While we would have preferred a home birth, this is the safest place for her right now. Drew’s not a part of the hospital staff helping her deliver the baby, but he’s here as part of her support team. It was Mia’s idea, and I just wanted her to be happy and safe.

  He grins at her as he attaches the cuff to her arm.

  “Can you stop flirting with my girl and check her blood pressure?” I ask.

  “Hey, this is my bedside manner. I’ll charm that baby out of her.”

  Mia giggles.

  I narrow my eyes. “I’m so telling your wife on you.”

  He chuckles. “Hayley knows I only have eyes for her. Besides, your lady asked me to be by her side, and I’m not just here to check out her vag.”

  I gape at him. “Drew.”

  “I’ll be at this end, little brother. You can watch your daughter being born. I promise you, it’ll take your breath away, and nothing will ever be the same.”

  I shift my gaze to Mia. She’s smiling at Drew, and her eyes are glistening with tears. I might be giving him shit, but I’m glad he’s here to help reassure her.

  “And you.” He looks at Mia. “That baby is going to change your life.”

  “I can’t wait. What’s my blood pressure?” she asks.

  “Higher than I’d like, but given it’s been a few minutes since your last contraction, I’d say that’ll be helping it rise.”

  As if on cue, it hits her. Mia’s expression contorts, and she grips my hand tight.

  “I’ve got you,” I say.

  I know when the pain fades a little as she gives me a small smile. “You always do,” she whispers.

  “Always.”

  “I’m so tired.” She leans back on the pillows.

  “I know you are, babe.”

  Drew’s phone buzzes, and he picks it up off the cabinet
beside the bed. “Hayley’s after an update.”

  He taps his phone, sounding out the text. “Last check, she was at eight centimetres. BP still high. James accusing me of hitting on his girl. Love you.”

  Mia laughs before screwing up her face again. “You must drive her crazy.”

  “I try my best. If anything, she should be here with you. She’s a great midwife. Though, I’m not sure if or when she’ll be practicing again.”

  I cock an eyebrow. “I thought she was talking about going back when the twins were a bit older.”

  He nods, uncertainty crossing his face. “She was. But we’ll have an addition to our family in about seven months’ time. Don’t you dare tell her that I told you that, though.”

  Mia lights up. “Really? That’s wonderful.”

  He gives us a wistful smile. “We’re both over the moon. She went through a lot having the twins, and I just hope that this all goes smoothly.”

  The door opens, and Mia’s midwife comes back in, followed by a doctor.

  “Hi, Mia, I’m Doctor McRoberts. I hear you’re having some blood pressure issues, so I’m here to help things go smoothly.” He meets Drew’s gaze. “Drew Campbell?”

  “Hey, Jason.” Drew grins.

  Doctor McRoberts holds his hand out, and Drew shakes it. “Long time no see. If you’re here, why am I?” He laughs.

  “Mia’s my sister-in-law. She wanted me here for moral support. I’ve been keeping an eye on her blood pressure.” He nods toward me. “This is my brother, James.”

  I grin as I shake the doctor’s hand. “Small world, then.”

  “We all end up at the same conferences, and go for a drink afterward.” Drew laughs.

  “Right, Mia. Let’s have a look and see if this baby’s ready to come out,” Doctor McRoberts says.

  “She was eight centimetres at the last check, but that was a while ago.” Drew turns to Mia. “How are you doing?”

  “You mean apart from the agonising pain every few minutes?”

  He smiles. “Apart from that.”

  “Box of fluffies.” Mia turns to me. She might hide from Drew, but she can’t disguise the way she’s really feeling to me. I know that face, those eyes.

  “I’ll just have a quick look and we’ll see how close we are.” The doctor says.

  There’s quiet for a moment.

  “Mia? Do you feel like pushing?”

  She nods.

  “You’re ten centimetres”

  Mia nods. “I want to push.”

  Doctor McRoberts smiles. “Okay. Next contraction, push.”

  “You can do it, Mia,” Drew says.

  “How lucky am I?” she asks. “Two Campbell brothers with me.”

  “Don’t you tell anyone else. They’ll all be jealous.” He grins.

  She laughs. Then her face contorts, and I know the pain’s hit her again.

  “Okay, Mia. Let’s go,” Drew says.

  Mia grabs my hand and Drew’s, and squeezes.

  It’s the first of what seems like so many pushes. And with each one, we grow closer to our child.

  I look at the clock. It feels like it’s been hours for me, so for Mia it must seem like an eternity. In reality, it’s been thirty minutes since she started pushing.

  “That’s it, Mia. Next push, she’s out. I promise,” Doctor McRoberts says.

  “I hope so.” Mia groans.

  “You can do it,” Drew says.

  Mia bears down again, and in an instant, my whole life changes. Drew was right.

  I see her.

  I see the second our daughter comes out of Mia’s body. It’s gross, but beautiful. We made this little human.

  She’s worth everything. All the months of secrecy, the sneaking around to protect Mia, telling the world about us even if it meant losing everything. This little girl is our miracle.

  “James? Is she okay?” Mia’s tone is worried, and I realise I haven’t said a word. No one has.

  I nod. “Oh, God, Mia. In a minute you’ll see what I do, and you’ll see that she’s more than okay. She’s perfect.” Tears prick my eyes.

  “Congratulations, you two.” I hear Drew, but I don’t turn to look at him. I can’t take my eyes off my little girl as she’s placed on Mia’s chest.

  “James.” She gasps.

  Drew plants a kiss on Mia’s forehead, and I look up as he walks around the bed. I take his extended hand, and he pulls me into a hug. “I’m so proud of you, little bro. I’ll wait outside for a bit, leave you two to enjoy.”

  He pulls away. “She’s beautiful, you guys. I’ll text Hayley and let her know.”

  “Thanks for everything.”

  Drew smiles. “Any time.”

  I sit back down beside Mia. Seeing our child leaves me awestruck. I’m her father. I’d reconciled myself to this moment never happening, but I’m so glad that she’s here.

  “What do you think, Mackenzie?” Mia asks.

  That was one name on a long list of names we couldn’t agree on. “You want to call her Mackenzie?”

  “I think it fits her.” Mia grins. “She’s amazing, James. We did this.”

  I nod. “We sure did. And I think her name is perfect.”

  The midwife leaves us to it for a little while until it’s time for Mackenzie to feed. It takes a couple of attempts to get her latched onto Mia’s breast, but once she does she feeds like a pro.

  “That’s my girl,” Mia whispers, stroking Mackenzie’s head.

  I pull out my phone and take more photos. There’s a part of me that still can’t quite believe all of this. I’ve done the obligatory family text with pictures and stats, and my phone buzzes from the responses.

  There’s a tap on the door, and Doctor McRoberts pokes his head in. “Just checking on how things are going, and it all looks good. We’ll keep you and baby overnight, and if everything’s still fine in the morning, you can go home.”

  Mia nods. “Thank you.”

  “Congratulations, Mia, and you too, James.” He nods before he closes the door.

  Mia yawns.

  “Want me to stay?” I ask.

  “I’m not sure if they’ll let you.” She laughs softly. “I just want to get some sleep. It’s still early. Go and have a drink with Drew or something.”

  “I’m not sure if I can leave.” I grin.

  “Go on. Go back to the hotel and get some sleep. When we get out, it’s a long drive home.”

  Home.

  Home to our little flat with the nursery waiting for our girl.

  Home to our temporary place that just became somewhere to stay a little longer.

  Home to our friends and family.

  I can’t wait to take my girls home.

  Drew’s waiting outside, talking to the doctor, when I walk out. He claps his hand on my shoulder and grins. “I was just saying to Jason that we should go for a drink. You in?”

  I nod. “Mia told me to go out with you and then get some sleep.”

  “She needs time with the baby. It’ll take a bit to get into their routine.” Drew’s brows furrow. “I still sometimes think about how hard it was on Hayley when our babies were in the NICU and she couldn’t see them for a day or so. I’m glad things went well for Mia.”

  “So am I. That whole blood pressure thing was scary. But we knew it went with the territory.” I let out a long breath. “Mia and Mackenzie are safe, and that’s all that matters.”

  “Come on then. Let’s go and celebrate, Dad.” Drew grins.

  We sit in the hotel bar, and for the first time all day I feel like I can relax. We’ve been stressed about Mia’s health problems during these past few weeks.

  Jason’s really nice. He and Drew talk a bit of shop while I scroll through the photos I took, and when he leaves, Drew and I order one last drink and a pizza to share.

  “I’m a dad.”

  Drew nods. “Yes. Yes, you are.”

  “She’s such an angel, Drew. Her little fingers and toes—just perfect.”
/>
  He picks up his glass, and I clink it with mine. “Are you sure? Did you count them all?”

  “Are you trying to cast aspersions on my daughter?”

  Drew laughs. “No, just winding you up. You guys did good. I’m proud of you.”

  “Thanks. And thanks for being here. I know it was a little weird of us to ask.”

  He shakes his head. “I’d rather be here when you needed me than not. If anything had gone wrong, there’s no way I’d want to be back home and not able to help.”

  “You took such good care of Mia.”

  He shrugs. “I know you would do the same for me with Hayley if I asked.”

  I take a sip of my drink. “You bet I would. Congrats to you too. Another baby.”

  “It’s just one this time. Which I’m thankful for.” He leans back in his seat. “Less risk of what happened last time, but it doesn’t make me less worried. I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

  “You guys will be fine. I’m sure of it.”

  He’s quiet for a moment. “I always wanted a big family, but this’ll be the last one.”

  I nod. “Mackenzie will be our only one. Mia’s not doing this again, and I’m happy for that. Hell, we didn’t even think we’d have one at all.”

  “And now you have a beautiful little girl to love.” He grins. “It’s so worth it, James. The early days are hard, but one day she’ll give you a dazzling smile, and you’ll fall even deeper in love.”

  “I can’t wait.”

  He sighs. “Just get as much sleep as you can. And make sure Mia gets a lot of rest. She needs it. That labour took a lot out of her.”

  “Of course. I can’t wait to get home.”

  “I bet. At least at home you’ll have uncles and aunts to help with the load. And Dad. Dad’ll be over the moon to be there for the baby.”

  I grin. “I can’t wait for him to meet her.”

  “It’s an amazing feeling, that’s for sure. Are Mia’s parents close?”

  I shake my head. “No, and they don’t have a lot to do with her. They didn’t approve of her past marriage.”

  “That’s a shame. Maybe the little one will help bridge that gap.”