Songbird [H.S]

FORTY

A reminder to please be kind to Marley as you read this chapter. Any mean or insensitive comments will be deleted. 

That morning, Marley woke up the same way she had for the past week.

She'd had another one of her dreams where Matty had broken into her house and stolen Josie from her cot while everyone was asleep. As soon as Marley had woken up, she frantically searched for her baby, needing to hold her to calm her racing heart but of course, her cot was empty just like last time.

Realistically, she knew that Harry had her somewhere and as she searched the rooms upstairs, Marley subconsciously fiddled with the locket hanging from her neck. There was noise coming from downstairs and Marley rushed in its direction, not knowing what she would do if it wasn't Harry.

Gentle music drifted its way up the stairs, calming Marley's anxious mind the closer she got to the source of the sound. Just as she was about to enter the kitchen, she was met with Harry's deep morning voice whispering softly to their daughter who was making the occasional noise back at him. Standing in the doorway, her heart melted at the cutest sight she'd ever seen.

Harry was standing in just his pyjama bottoms, his arms cradling Josie against his tattooed chest so she was sitting upright with her head resting against his collarbone. She was in one of the sleepsuits Harry had first bought her with the crocheted patchwork blanket Marley had made pulled around her loosely to keep her warm. They were standing by the open back door, peering out into the garden bathed in the morning sun. With their backs to Marley, she was able to admire the private moment without being seen - not wanting to interrupt the time Harry had alone to bond with his daughter.

"Have we cheered up a little now, sunny? Hmn?" He cooed softly, gently stroking her cheek with his finger. "Did you just want some cuddles with Daddy?"

The way Harry was talking to Josie at that moment was almost identical to the way Matty talked to her in Marley's dream and it made her feel a little sick at the reminder. She tried to push the feeling back, telling herself that it was just a dream. She had to stop stressing over Matty, he didn't even care about her the entire pregnancy why should things change now?

Josie made a content noise, peering up at Harry with her bright blue eyes as her lips began to curl into wonky smirk as if she was agreeing with Harry. He bounced her gently to the song playing on the radio, dancing with her as the morning sunlight illuminated the kitchen with golden light. His curls bounced gently by his shoulders, tickling Josie's face occasionally when he pressed a soft kiss to her button nose. Suddenly, the dancing stopped as Harry let out a dramatic gasp, his eyes widening as he noticed something outside in the garden.

"Look Josie! Mr. Bluebird has come back to say hello." He smiled brightly, pointing out the door to where a small bluebird had landed on the ledge of an empty plant pot just a few metres away. Josie's gaze followed Harry's movement, staring curiously outside. Realistically, she probably couldn't even see the bird because it was too far away but seeing Harry show Josie the nature outside almost made Marley cry tears of happiness. He understood how important it was to Marley for her kids to grow up surrounded by nature. When she was a baby, her Mum let her explore outside from a very young age which was the root of her love of the outdoors. The fun she had exploring as a child was an incredibly special experience which created countless memories and she wanted her children growing up in that way too.

Unable to stay hidden for much longer, Marley quietly made herself known with a content smile.

"Are we having our morning cuddles with Daddy today, sunflower?" She asked lightly, going over to pull Harry in for a sweet kiss on the lips. Josie's little fingers grabbed a chunk of Marley's hair as she kissed Harry and tugged on it so she had no choice but to pull away and lean closer to her instead. Both teenagers chuckled and Marley quickly placed a soft kiss on the top of her head, gently stroking her little tufts of hair that was starting to grow longer.