The Pirate & The Porcelain Doll (WAYHAUGHT)

Chapter 8

The families gathered in the drawing room to distribute presents. Nicole the first to approach the Christmas tree, retrieving a rectangular box wrapped in red and white striped paper, a large red bow completing it. She handed the present to Waverly, who accepted it, not quite knowing what to do.

Nicole guided her to a chair, kneeling before her. "This is to keep Ellie company."

Waverly slowly unwrapped the present, removing the lid, staring at the contents. Her mouth fell open, wide eyes taking in the gift Nicole brought back for her. "It's a pirate. You got me a pirate. Thank you."

"A sea captain, I guess it's a pirate too. It even has a telescope. Do you like it?"

"I do. I do. It's the best present ever," she replied, removing the doll, hugging it to her chest. "We can sleep with her tonight."

Wynonna came over to see what Nicole had given. "You'll have to get a bigger bed if you keep having all these babies," Wynonna teased.

"Très amusant," Nicole replied, realising what she had let herself in for. "Come, shall we see what other presents are for you," taking Waverly's hand.

Waverly tugged at her mother's sleeve, asking where Nicole's present was. They found it underneath another present their mother had chosen for Nicole, Waverly watching eagerly as she opened hers first. Nicole knew before the wrapping was removed it was a book. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, with an inscription inside in Waverly's own scratchy hand:

To Red, I love you. From Waverly

"How wonderful," Nicole said after reading the first few lines of the story. "Thank you. We can read this together."

"Oh yes. We can read it to baby."

Gift giving over, they listened to Nicole's mother play the piano, then Willa. Nicole played three pieces, much to the delight of Waverly, who was allowed to sit next to her on the piano stool, turning the sheet of music when prompted. She wanted to be able to play as well as Nicole, making a mental note to practise even harder. By ten o'clock Waverly was fading, the long evening and all the excitement too much for someone so young, her mother suggesting she should go up, Nicole offering to take her. As they left the room, Nicole spotted Edward and Wynonna by the garden door, Wynonna laughing at something he said, Edward looking pleased with himself.

Waverly's eyes were heavy as she sat on the bed, clutching her new doll. "This is Red," she said, her eyes closing.

"Wiggle you need to get ready for bed. Do you need me to help you?"

Waverly nodded, her eyes now closed, her head drooping. Nicole began to undress her, struggling to remove her dress while Waverly was sitting on it. "Can you help me? Otherwise, you'll end up having to sleep in your clothes."

Waverly revived a little, raising her arms as if in surrender, her doll remaining in one hand. Nicole smiled at the sight, realising how much she loved this little girl, as much as any sister would. Wynonna appeared in the doorway. "She's over-tired. Don't be surprised if she starts crying. Waverly, it's Wynonna. You need to get undressed."

The pair lifted her up, making quick work of changing her into her nightgown, Nicole pulling back the covers to let her lie down. "Baby Red will look after you, until I return."

Waverly nodded, her eyes closed, ready to fall asleep. The older girls tiptoed out, closing the door, heading downstairs. "So, you and Edward," Nicole said, as they reached the bottom flight.

"I don't know what you mean," Wynonna replied.

"I saw you. He looked rather too pleased with himself."