Hannah had so much to do that afternoon. She was having a barbecue in the evening, and there was a lot of food to prepare. But once Grace had drifted off to sleep in her cot, she sank down onto the rocking chair and wondered why she’d ever thought she didn’t want to have a baby.
She’d been adamant for most of her life that she never wanted to be a mother – but Grace was adorable, and Hannah couldn’t have been more smitten with her if she’d tried.
Her heart felt as if it would burst every time Grace looked up with her beautiful, trusting eyes, and there was nothing she enjoyed more than holding her until she fell asleep.
In fact, she quite often held Grace for much longer than was necessary. She just wanted to be with her all the time, and Grace wasn’t going to be a baby forever.
As Hannah gazed at the sleeping child, she thought how much she was going to enjoy teaching her to talk. She’d already read up on the best way of going about it, and she’d told her husband how much she was looking forward to it just a few nights before.
‘OK,’ Craig had said.
‘I don’t think she’s going to be talking just yet, though.’
‘No, but it won’t belong. What do you think her first word will be?’
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Patchwork PROJECTS
Easy ideas to show off English paper-piecing techniques
Night train to BERLIN
Germany's exciting and varied capital is now reachable by train from the UK
French FANCY
Raymond Blanc's right-hand man, Benoit Blin's favourite bakes
Are you missing out on BENEFITS?
Here's how to find out what you are eligible for
TRAY bien
All-in-one tray bakes, packed with flavour
We took a grown-up GAP YEAR!
Who says taking time out is just for students?
'I'm obsessed with reality TV!'
THIS WEEK'S COLUMNIST Author and presenter Louise Minchin
What to eat and do for A HEALTHIER GUT
Fix those problems and boost your wellbeing
Picture palaces
In an age of cinema complexes, we celebrate five historic and beautiful picture houses that have stood the test of time
'My diet during Bake Off is cake and alcohol!'
Dame Prue Leith on the popular baking contest