Not long after her birthday, Christmas rolled around the corner, in a riot of carols, twinkling lights and festive cheer. Luca and Libby found themselves back in Kent at her mother Miriam’s house for the festive season. They had debated whether to stay in England or fly back to Italy, but Libby had argued that she needed to spend time with Helen while she was back from Hong Kong. She had told Luca he could go to Italy without her, but he had been reluctant to leave her should anything happen to her or the baby while he was gone. The good news was that Helen seemed to have completely come to terms with the fact that Libby was having a baby. She was clearly very excited when she put her hand on Libby’s swollen stomach, trying to detect any small movement, and she was besotted when she saw the picture of the baby from their recent five-month scan. Libby was so relieved that her news hadn’t caused a downward spiral in her sister’s depression, as she had feared it might.
‘It’s actually starting to look more like a human now,’ she said. ‘That first picture you sent me looked more like a small alien!’
‘I know. It’s like a proper little baby now,’ Libby beamed, resting her hand proudly on her bump.
‘I should be back for the birth, you know,’ Helen added casually.
‘What do you mean? The due date is April the twenty-ninth.’
‘I know. I’ve handed in my notice. I’ll be back in March, for good.’
‘That’s wonderful news for us, darling,’ Miriam said. ‘But… are you sure that’s what you want?’
‘I’m not really enjoying myself over there, Mum. It’s quite lonely. I miss having people I know who I can call up and see if I want to. And the work is hardly thrilling.’ Helen was rarely this honest about her feelings, which Libby took to be an encouraging sign.
‘That’s great for us! So long as you don’t mind babysitting,’ joked Luca.
‘I’m sure I could be persuaded. Though you might have to pay me! I don’t know what I’ll do for money when I get back.’
‘Surely you can teach English over here? There must be plenty of opportunities now that you’re qualified,’ said Libby.
‘Yes, you’re probably right.’
Christmas had always been a tough time of year for the Saunders since losing Ronald, but this year had a different feel to it for the first time in a long time. It was lovely having Luca there to restore their depleted numbers a little and add a male perspective. They were all very excited that next year they would have a baby to spoil and fuss over; it would add to the fun enormously. There was something about having children around during the festive season that gave it a new dimension, some sort of purpose. Miriam in particular seemed to have a new energy about her. She had started knitting all sorts of blankets, tiny baby socks and cardigans, all in neutral colours that would suit either a boy or a girl. She was clearly going to be a wonderful granny. And though Libby was sorry that Helen’s change of career and of scenery hadn’t worked out as she had hoped, she was glad that Helen had decided to move back home. She was sure she would be an amazing aunt.
