Page 34 of Return to the Waratah Inn

She went to kiss his cheek. “I’m feeling a little better. I don’t know if I’m getting more sleep or just used to being deprived of it. But I still feel like I’m in some kind of daze most of the time.”

“He’s sleeping?” Jack asked. “How old is he now?”

“Two weeks. And yes, right now he’s sleeping. Probably not for long, though. I hoped to look over some of the bills and paperwork, then I’ll head back home before the crying starts.”

“I remember those days. I want to say I miss it, but I really don’t,” Jack quipped.

“Thanks a lot,” Kate replied. “Since you’re the grandfather, I might just let you deal with him, so I can get a break.”

“Where’s that no-good husband of yours?” Jack sat at the kitchen table with a grunt.

“He’d booked himself into a life-saving course over the summer. So, that’s where he is today. He says it will help him with surfing, but also at school. He’s done it before, but wanted a refresher.”

“Great timing,” Bindi said.

Kate shrugged. “His life hasn’t changed much. Not the way mine has. No one tells you that when you have a baby, suddenly your marriage will no longer be a fifty-fifty division of responsibilities. We used to share everything. Now it all lands on me. The modern woman who shares the load with her modern husband is a myth—and no one warned me!”

Jack shook his head. “Sorry, honey. It might be the nineties, but there’s still not much Dad can do for the first few months. It will get easier, I promise you. Although I have to admit, my wife did most of the domestic stuff. I was too busy building houses and making money to support our family.”

Bindi shook her head. “You’re not making it sound very appealing.”

Kate laughed. “It’s hard, but wouldn’t change it for a thing. I love being a mum. But I guess I didn’t realise how all-consuming it would be, and how little Alex would share the load with me. I should’ve known, of course. I don’t know how I missed that. But I thought times had changed.”

“I guess they haven’t changed as much as we believed.” Bindi’s brow furrowed. “On another note, I need you to look at the orders for next month and make sure we have everything covered.”

Kate carried a large glass of iced tea to the office, ready to help Bindi with the paperwork. While they worked she thought about the things she’d said. It was true. Motherhood had taken her somewhat by surprise—the intensity of it, the demands on her body and mind, the way she never had a spare moment to herself. She hadn’t expected it to be like this—everyone always said it was hard work but she’d imagined something different. She felt like a woman drowning who could only emerge from the water every now and then to gasp for air before being submerged all over again.

After they were done with the orders, she and Bindi met Reeda on the back verandah for another glass of sweetened iced tea and a slice of apple cinnamon tea cake.

Reeda leaned back in her rocking chair, chewing slowly with her eyes shut. “This is delicious. Who made it?”

“Mima brought it over this morning,” Bindi replied.

“Mima’s here?” Kate asked as she got ready to nurse the grumbling Noah.

“She didn’t stay. Hey, do you think something’s going on with her? She usually comes to the inn every day and helps out. But lately, I’ve hardly seen her.”

Reeda gulped down a mouthful of tea. “I know what you mean. I asked her how she was doing, and she mumbled something about being late to meet Betty and rushed off.”

“I wonder if her diabetes is playing up,” Kate asked.

Bindi shrugged. “I hope not. But she seems okay health-wise.”

“Maybe we should ask her about it,” Reeda suggested.

“Or we could let her come to us when she’s ready,” Bindi replied.

Kate rolled her eyes. “You’re always so thoughtful. It’s sickening.”

Bindi sniffed. “No, I’m not.”

“Yes, you are. Stop acting more mature than me. You’re the youngest sister,” Reeda said with a disgusted shake of her head.

They all laughed.

Kate buttoned up her shirt. “Well, I’d better get home. This one needs to be changed and have a nap in his cot, and I need a shower.”

“I was gonna say . . .” Reeda sniffed.