Teacher’s Pet

by Wendy Smith

  The phone buzzes again, and this time, I pick it up.

  Come and visit us later today. Ginny wants to see Constance.

  Will do. Congrats, Dad.

  “Ginny wants to see you.” I put my phone back on the cabinet and roll toward Constance.

  She smiles. “I’d love to see her.”

  “Let’s get some sleep, and we’ll go late morning.”

  “They want us to go today?”

  I shrug. “So says Owen. I’m sure it’s been a crazy night, and Ginny would appreciate some female company.” After reaching over, I run my fingers through her hair. “You two grew close when you were both pregnant. I’m sure she just wants someone to talk to, especially when it was you a month ago.”

  Constance nods. “If she’s ready for visitors, I’ll be happy to go.” Her smile grows. “I’m so happy for them, Corey. We were so lucky with Eli, and Ginny’s been through so much to have her baby.”

  “I want to have more babies.”

  She laughs. “Can we just enjoy the one we have first?”

  “Sure, but you were so horny when you were pregnant. I liked that.” I reach for the lamp, flicking it off to leave the room dark.

  Taking a deep breath, I wrap myself around Constance and close my eyes.

  Owen’s eyes are bloodshot.

  I grin at the sight of them. The night has been exhausting for them, but I bet it was worth it.

  “Congratulations.” I beam as I walk into the living room with Eli in his capsule. Constance follows.

  Owen grins. “I’m so tired, but it’s all worth it.”

  “How’s Ginny doing?”

  He nods toward the hallway. “Go and see. Ava’s in her room playing if you want to see her too.”

  “Ginny first.”

  Owen turns toward Constance. “I’m about to put the jug on for another coffee. Want one? I grabbed a bunch of things from the bakery if you want something to eat too.”

  I place the capsule on the floor.

  “I’ll go sort it out, Owen. Take a seat. You look so tired,” Constance says.

  “Thanks, Constance. Violet has a shitty sense of timing. Wait until you see Ginny. She seems as high as a kite after giving birth.”

  Constance laughs, giving Owen a quick hug. “Sit down with Eli and I’ll make some coffee for all of us.”

  “Ginny will want a hot chocolate.”

  She nods. “I’ll take care of it.”

  I turn and head up the hallway toward Owen’s bedroom, sticking my head around the doorframe. “Hey.”

  Ginny’s radiant. She cradles that baby in her arms as if it’s the most precious thing on the planet. And I guess she is. “Corey. Is Constance with you?”

  “She’s in the kitchen sorting us all out a drink, but she’ll be through in a minute.” I nod. “You’re looking good.”

  “I’m exhausted, but I appreciate the compliment.”

  “How did it go?”

  She shrugs. “Most of it is a blur. I thought we’d have plenty of time, but it was all very sudden in the middle of the night. I’m glad we didn’t have to go anywhere.”

  I laugh. “I can understand that.”

  “Want to see your niece?”

  Grinning, I take a seat on the bed. “I’d love to.”

  “This is Violet.” She hands the baby over, and I cradle her in my arms.

  “Hello, Violet.” Her blue eyes stare at me. Will they become green like her mother’s? She’s got a shock of light hair on her head. So different from Eli. “Ginny, she’s beautiful.”

  “I think so too. But I’m a bit biased.” She smiles.

  “That’s my sister.” Ava appears in the doorway.

  I nod. “I know. She’s as gorgeous as you are.”

  Ava climbs onto the bed beside me, looping an arm in mine. I lean over and press a kiss to the top of her head. “What do you think of her, Ava?”

  She shrugs. “She’s a bit useless.”

  Ginny and I laugh. “She will be for a little while,” I say. “But you just wait. She’s going to think you’re the bee’s knees.”

  Ava rolls her eyes. “Bees don’t have knees.”

  “Are you sure? They’re pretty small. Maybe you just can’t see them.” I lean her way. “You’re still my girl. Even if I love your sister too.”

  She beams. “I saw Eli. He can’t do much either.”

  “I don’t know about that. He eats, poops, and sleeps. Same as Violet will for a while.”

  “I’m just hoping for the sleep.” Ginny grins.

  “I would too. Eli’s not that bad, but we’re still looking forward to sleeping the whole night again.”

  Ginny leans back. “I’m just so glad she’s here. Even if she doesn’t sleep, she’s my little miracle.”

  I grin. “I’m so happy for you two.”

  “Three,” Ava says.

  I laugh. “Sorry. Three of you.”

  She rolls her eyes, climbing off the bed and disappearing into the living room.

  “Ginny.” Constance stands in the doorway, a smile on her face a mile wide. “How are you doing?”

  “Feeling a lot better now she’s here,” Ginny says.

  “I bet.” Constance walks in and places two cups on the bedside cabinet. “Your coffee is in the living room, Corey.”

  “Is that a hint?” I laugh. Standing, I pass the small bundle that is my niece to Constance. Her mouth falls open as her eyes land on the baby. “She’s so precious.”

  I peck Con on the cheek, and nod at Ginny. “I’ll leave you ladies to it.”

  When I get to the door, I turn and look at the three of them. Constance sits on the bed, cradling Violet. It causes a surge of confusing emotions in me. We literally just had a baby boy, but I want so much to have a baby girl with her too. Maybe fate won’t see things the same way, but I’d love one of each. I could teach them both how to live off the land, how to hunt, and how to take care of themselves.

  A year and a half ago, I had nothing.

  Now I have everything.

  I take in the sight of Owen on the couch with Eli.

  He’s taken him out of the capsule and is rocking him like a pro, Ava watching on. Eli appears to be fascinated with Owen.

  “I can’t believe we’re both here with our children. Whoever thought we’d be like this a couple of years ago?” Owen says.

  “Like what?”

  “All settled down and having babies.”

  I chuckle. “It’s a beautiful thing.”

  “Corey, look,” Ava says.” She holds up a large teddy bear.

  Joining Ava on the couch, I smile. “Who’s that?”

  “Daddy bought it for me. He got Violet the same one, but it’s smaller.”

  “Did he? That’s pretty cool.”

  Owen nods toward us. “We wanted to make sure Ava knew she was just as important to us as the baby. And that she’s going to be an awesome big sister.”

  I stroke her hair. “You’ll be great, Ava.”

  “Can I see Eli?” she asks.

  I hold out my arms, and Owen passes him over. “Here he is.”

  Her lips twist. “He looks a bit like Violet. But his hair is dark.”

  “Well, they are cousins. I bet Violet looks a little like you do when she’s older.”

  She beams. “Really?”

  “You’re sisters. There’ll be similarities. Are you proud to be a big sister?”

  Ava nods. I shift Eli to one arm so I can wrap the other around her. She snuggles in against my side. Eli yawns.

  “Is Eli tired?”

  I nod. “I think the car ride wore him out.”

  “Ava, do you want a hot chocolate?” Owen asks as he stands.

  She rolls her eyes as if he’s asking the dumbest thing in the world. “Yes.”

  Owen laughs. “Now I’m going to have three girls looking at me like that. Just as well I love you all so much.”

  “Can I have marshmallows too, Daddy?”

  “Of cou
rse you can.” He bends, giving her a kiss before standing and walking up the hallway.

  “Corey?” Ava asks.

  “Yes, sweetheart?”

  “I think you’re a good daddy.”

  I grin. “That’s nice of you to say.”

  She leans in to take a closer look at Eli. I can’t wait until he’s old enough to play with his cousins. “When will he be able to walk?”

  I shrug. “Maybe a year? It’s hard to say.”

  Owen comes back into the room with a plate of pastries and Ava’s hot chocolate.

  Ava shakes her head with a dramatic sigh. “I have to wait a whole year.”

  Owen and I chuckle as she takes her hot chocolate.

  “I guess so.”

  25

  James

  In the past year, Mia and I have been through a lot. Falling in love, all while keeping it as secret as we can. The death of my mother. Now, the birth of my niece and nephew.

  I’ve never been so happy or so homesick.

  I moved into Mia’s place after Christmas. Most of my stuff is in storage in the garage because she had everything. Garrett’s occasional flybys are irritating, but we’ve managed to keep under his radar.

  So far.

  When he has seen her, he’s been quite aggressive about them getting back together. But Mia’s strong, and she knows she has me behind her.

  We both know we should declare it all. But we’re so close to the end and being able to leave Auckland for good.

  Now I get her all to myself for the break between semesters, but home’s on my mind.

  “You’re brooding.”

  It’s day two of the holidays, and she’s right. I am. “We should go to Copper Creek.”

  “We?” She joins me on the couch. I want my family to meet her. The only reason they haven’t yet is in case anyone in town from uni sees us together.

  “I want to visit my family. And I don’t want to go without you again.”

  She plays her bottom lip between her teeth.

  When she gives me a small nod, I grin. I place my hands on her arms. “I know you’re scared, Mia, but we’re so close. My family want to meet you, and we can trust them.”

  “I know we can.” Tears form in her eyes. “It’s not just fear. I think we need to declare our relationship when uni starts again.”

  My mouth falls open. “Are you ready for that?”

  “It’s all I ever think about, James. We’ve hidden for so long, and I hate it. Garrett is just proving he’s going to be a pain in the arse no matter what, so let’s do it.”

  I lean over, kissing her so hard she pushes me away.

  “I can’t breathe when you do that.” She laughs.

  “Sorry. I just want to go and meet Eli and Violet. And show you off to my family. They’ll love you, Mia. I promise.”

  She gives me a timid smile. “I can’t wait to meet them.”

  On Saturday morning, we pack her car. It’s more economical over a long distance, and I like driving it. It’s newer than my Toyota and bigger.

  “Are you going to tell anyone we’re coming?” she asks.

  “I sent a text to my dad earlier in the week. There’s a barbecue at Adam’s this afternoon, so we’ll go there first and then onto Dad’s afterward, if that’s okay. It means you get to meet everyone.”

  “That’s a little overwhelming.”

  “I’ll be by your side. I told you they’ll love you. It’s easier than going to see them all individually.”

  “I guess.” She shrugs.

  “Let’s get going. Sooner we’re on the road, the sooner we’re there.” Leaning over, I press a tender kiss to her lips.

  “Okay.”

  “It’ll be fun. I’m not sure when the last time was that they were all together.”

  “Any particular reason this time?”

  I shrug. “I mean, it could be because I told Dad about you coming to visit.”

  She laughs. “Great. No expectations whatsoever.”

  “We’ll be fine.”

  Once we’re on the road, she grows more relaxed. Last time we were down this way, we were in separate cars. This is our first road trip.

  “I like not having to drive,” she says as we make our way out of Hamilton. “It’s nice being the passenger.”

  “We should get out of town more often. It’ll be good to see the country together.”

  “Maybe we can when the year is up.”

  I grin. “I love that idea. I’ve seen from Copper Creek to Auckland, and that’s about it.”

  She sighs. “I went to Christchurch for a conference once. And I’ve been to Australia a few times.”

  “I’ve been to Samoa. With you.”

  “Maybe we should go again to celebrate my divorce.” She laughs.

  By the time we take the final turn off to Copper Creek, she’s fast asleep.

  It’s good to see her stress-free. There’s always a part of her that doesn’t turn off, knowing that Garrett can and will still make her life difficult.

  I’ll be glad when I can take her away from all of that. She’ll never have to want for the love and affection from me.

  Coming up to the last few twists in the road, I nudge her arm. “Wakey, wakey. We’re nearly there.”

  She blinks a few times, and gives me a hazy smile. “Where?”

  “Copper Creek. We’ll be at Adam’s in just a few minutes.”

  When she takes a deep breath, I take her hand in mine and rest it on the gear lever. I can’t wait for my family to meet her.

  26

  Mia

  I’m not sure about this.

  James has told his family very little about me.

  Not about my pending divorce, or that I’m one of his lecturers. Or that he’s twenty-three and I’m forty-one.

  My stomach is in knots.

  As if he senses it, James reaches across and takes my hand in his. “You okay?”

  “Nervous.”

  He nods. “They’ll love you.”

  “Are you sure? You have this way of making me not feel the age gap, but if they have a problem …”

  “Corey and Constance have something like twelve years between them. It’s no biggie.”

  I let out a breath. “That’s what you say. Twelve is very different to seventeen.”

  “Babe, if we’re going public, there are going to be people who have an opinion on it. But you know what? I don’t care.” He raises my hand to his lips. “As long as I have you, that’s all that matters.”

  I nod. “I love you.”

  He grins. “Love you too.”

  We turn into the main road of Copper Creek, and I lean back in the seat and close my eyes. I can’t even remember meeting Garrett’s family; it’s like they just turned up in my life one day. His mother was so lovely, but in hindsight, Garrett took after his father: controlling, demanding, and angry.

  I’m looking forward to meeting James’s dad. And I’m sad I didn’t meet his mother before she died, although from what James has said, in her prime she would have had a problem with our relationship.

  “Adam’s place is just down here.” He slows when we approach a garage. The driveway’s full, so James pulls into the yard in front of the main building. “At least we can park the car in the shade here.”

  He climbs out of the car and comes around to my side while I’m picking up my handbag and sorting myself out. Opening the door, he extends his hand. I grin, taking it and stepping out.

  He leads me up the driveway behind the garage. It’s love at first sight when I see Adam’s house. I’d love a place like it. The verandah running around to the back of it makes me think of my parents’ house. I can’t wait to see the inside of this place. It’s a real mix of old and modern.

  “Shit. I left my phone in the car. Stay here and I’ll be back in a second,” James says.

  I smile. “You and your phone.”

  He shrugs. “Damn millennials.”

  I laugh as he disappears back
around the side of the house.

  “You must be Mia.”

  A crazy-tall man approaches. I can see a passing family resemblance. James is big, but this guy?

  “That’s right. And you’re … Corey?”

  He smiles, and his smile is so much like James’s. Even if it’s hidden behind a thick beard. “That’s right. I’m sure James has told you all about us. Where is he?”

  I grin. “He left his phone in the car.”

  He shakes his head. “I swear he’s got some attachment issues around that phone. Though the last times I’ve seen him, it’s been because you’ve been at the other end.”

  I laugh.

  He nods toward the house. “Come this way.”

  Instead of taking me through the front door, he leads me around the back of the house. He pauses at the corner. “You know, he’s been really secretive about your relationship.”

  I swallow hard.

  “But I know he’s trying to protect you. I just don’t know what from. If there’s anything any of us can do, let us know.”

  For a moment, I just stare. I never had siblings to stick up for me. Is this what it’s like?

  He smiles. “Are you okay?”

  I nod. “I’m just not used to family support.”

  Corey frowns. “That’s no good. You’d better get used to it then.”

  I can’t stop myself. I grin, and he does the same in response.

  “Welcome to the family, Mia.”

  A group of women sit at a table on the deck when we turn the corner. Nerves churn in my stomach. I’ve been alone for a long time, except for James and the odd visit with Kelly. It’s been a while since I’ve socialised with a big group of people I don’t know.

  Corey puts his hand to his mouth and lets out an ear-piercing whistle. So many eyes turn toward us. “This is Mia. Mia, this is everyone.”

  “Mia.” A dark-haired woman smiles. She stands and walks toward me. “Come over here, and I’ll introduce you properly. I’m Hayley.”

  So many faces are looking at me, but the thing I really notice is the children. I turn my head to see a blonde girl, maybe about five, running around. She’s closely followed by a smaller blonde girl, and two even smaller children.