Mistaken Consequences

Chapter 33: Home

Hamish sat in the living room alone, a movie playing on Vera's laptop beside him as he lay on the couch. Lily was asleep on his chest, her tiny hands tucked up by her face, balled into little fists inside her gloves. Truthfully, he was watching her more than the movie.

Vera had retreated to her bedroom after feeding Lily, hoping that being back in her own bed would allow her to nap for a bit. Hamish had readily encouraged her. He could see she was beyond exhausted and he worried that he wouldn't be here when she finally crashed.

Hamish had decided he would do whatever he could to make things easier for her as she recovered from giving birth to his daughter. He could do the cooking and the cleaning up for her. He could do her laundry or run to the store. He could take care of Lily between feedings so that Vera could rest. He would keep his phone on him at night, in case she needed him.

Truthfully, he'd already considered selling his apartment complex, or at least renting out his own, and buying something closer. He knew he couldn't continue living at the Den though. It wasn't a place he could bring Lily to when she was older. He needed a home, where Lily could have her own bedroom. Maybe with a little park nearby, where he could take Vera and Lily some afternoons.

He was daydreaming about that future, watching Lily's silent breaths as she slept, when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and glanced at the message on the screen. His parents were outside.

He'd nearly cancelled on them. Vera needed sleep and they both needed time to sort out a routine, but Vera had insisted, pointing out that she'd have to wake up to feed Lily anyways and Hamish had promised her dinner. Dinner that his parents were bringing the ingredients for.

Hamish carefully sat up, supporting Lily with both hands – she didn't even stir - and made his way over to the front door. He could make out his parents through the frosted glass door, facing each other as they waited. He turned the key, then pulled open the door.

His mom's eyes were already shining as she took in the sight of him standing there, her first grandbaby cradled against his chest. Niall Duke was less visually emotional, but his hand was on his wife's back, seeking the comfort of her presence himself.

"Vera's finally asleep," Hamish quickly informed them. "She said you're welcome to come in anyways."

"We'll be quiet. Won't we, Niall?" Helene eagerly agreed.

His father nodded, then held up the shopping bags he was carrying. "We brought what you requested."

"Thanks. Come in."

Hamish guided them into Vera's open living/dining area and instructed Niall to put the bags on the counter for the moment. His intention had been to get them seated, then allow them – or most likely his mother – to hold Lily while he put the groceries away.

Helene quickly overruled him, however. She pushed past him and began puttering around, unloading the bags onto the counter before opening every drawer and cupboard as she figured out where things were meant to go.

She froze when she opened the freezer, stuffed full of pre-made meals that Vera had prepared for herself before going into labor.

Hamish glanced down, ashamed. "She thought she'd be alone," he told her.

Helene scowled and Hamish knew it was him that the disappointed expression was directed towards. She pushed the freezer closed without a word, though.

Niall, of course, always had something to say. "I hope you're planning on keeping her fed more than just tonight."

Hamish nodded in agreement. "I'm making a list of things she likes and then I'll go to the store in the next day or so."