Blind Love

Chapter 80 • Family Names

"Be mindful of your step now," Mum warns, guiding me inside the house and I'm greeted by some happy barks. "I think someone's happy you're home."

Humming in reply, I let go of Mum's elbow and fold my white cane so I can reach my hand down.

"Hi, Maggie," I greet her and feel her cold wet nose. "There you are. Did you miss me and JJ? Yeah, we missed you, too."

"Hey, Maggie. I'll give you some lovins after I use the toilet, okay?" JJ's winded voice fades away which lets me know she's walking past me.

"Do you need help, love?"

"Nope."

"Alright, if you're sure. I'll be right here with Maggie if you need me."

"She's already made it into the bedroom, darling," Mum says with a pat to my shoulder.

"When you've gotta go, you gotta go."

"Oh yes, especially when you're pregnant because not only does the baby, or in JJ's case, babies, press down on your organs, but they're positioned right above the bladder."

"The female body is fascinating."

"Mhm. And since I know what a pregnant woman goes through, and how much JJ has already gone through, I bought a toilet assist for her to use to make it easier to . . . go to the toilet during this pregnancy."

"What? Did you discuss this with her first?"

"Not yet. I didn't have a chance, but she shouldn't have an issue with it. It's pretty self explanatory."

I exhale my nerves, "Sure, but I just don't want her to-, it's just her hormones right now-, I don't want to make her think-"

"Harry, my sweet boy, trust me. A pregnant woman will welcome any help if it makes their pregnant life easier. Shall we make our way into the living room? All I have to do is take the food out of the warmer."

"Wait, the living room? Why are we eating in there?"

"So JJ can rest comfortably on the sofa since she's still on bed rest. I have the dinner trays all set up and plastic down to protect the rug. It was no trouble, if you're wondering."

"Harry?" JJ's muffled voice echoing down the hallway earns my attention.

"Yes, love?" I call out.

"Can you come here?"

"Yes! M'coming," I reply, unfolding my white cane and I start making my way down the hallway. Using my free hand to feel the wall, I come across the door jamb to our bedroom. I count the eleven steps to the corner of the room and I reach out to knock on the door. "JJ, it's me. What's wrong? Are you okay?"

The rush of air from the door opening fans over my face and she sighs.

"I can't pull my knickers or shorts up. They slid all the way down my legs when I sat down and I couldn't catch them in time." Her quivery voice and sniffle let me know she's emotional.

"Oh, that's all? Hey, it's okay, JJ," I say in a calming voice, reaching out for her and I recognize her shoulder. "C'mere, baby." She leans into my body and I feel her head on my chest. While soothing her back, I press a kiss to the top of her head and she sniffs. "This is a simple fix and I can fix it for you. Will you hold this for me, please?"

She hums in answer, leaning back and I hold out my white cane for her to take. I feel for her arm and use it as a guide to feel for her waist and I carefully kneel down on my knees. Once I've got my balance, I reach down and feel the material pooled at her feet. With her knickers firmly grasped, I pull them up her legs and gently fit them around her bum and lower belly, careful not to snap the elastic against her skin.