The Family Origin

Chapter Fifty-Seven: JOSEPH POV

 I lingered in the doorway of Miles's bedroom for too long, but I was frozen as I watched them hold their son. For the first time since Briar became sick, Miles had a look of pure joy. Maisie was also smiling, but there were tears rolling down her cheeks. Seeing them together brought back to the memories of Clara and I holding our newborns. My chest ached as I thought about Clara's beautiful face and forced myself to walk down the hallway.

My new grandson was heavy on my mind as I spent the day doing the necessary chores on the farm. I let Miles stay inside to take care of Maisie and their son. I heard Maisie call him Jasper. His cries were strong, and I felt confident he would not become ill like Briar.

When I came back inside, the sun was starting to set. The house was quiet, and all I could hear was the creak of the floor underneath my feet. In the living room, Miles was sitting in the rocking chair. Dark circles were under his eyes, and his dark hair was ruffled. Jasper was in his arms, still wrapped in Clara's knit blanket. Miles did not look up at me. He had a small smile as his attention was focused on his baby.

"How's Maisie?" I asked.

Why was that my first question? Why was I not asking about Jasper? It seemed to slip off my tongue.

"She is sleeping," Miles said. "She is exhausted."

He did not look up when he spoke. I stepped closer to them, and my heart fluttered. Jasper looked just like Miles when he was first born.

"Get some rest," I said. "I can look after the baby."

Miles was silent as he bit down on his lip. I took another step forward. The floor creaked louder than usual, making him finally look at me. I held my arms out, and he let out a deep breath. He stood but hesitated before passing the baby over to me. He watched as I readjusted Jasper's weight in my arms and sat in the rocking chair. I did not look up from Jasper, but in the corner of my eye I could see that Miles had not moved. He continued to watch us for a few extra minutes before leaving the living room.

I rocked Jasper as I whispered to him softly. Clara would have loved this moment. This was always wanted she wanted. Tears pricked the back of my eyes, and I took sharp breaths to stop myself from crying as I held my grandson.

–

The next time I saw Maisie, she was coming down the staircase and into the kitchen. Her cheeks still had the full roundness from her pregnancy. The freckles seemed more pronounced on her pale skin. She was wearing Clara's white nightgown, which was now too large for her small frame. Her blonde hair was falling out of her braid. Jasper was in her arms, and I could see her slightly wince with each step she took. Miles pulled out one of the dining room tables and motioned for her to sit.

"How are you doing?" I asked.

She sat, and Miles ran his hand over her hair. He leaned forward so he could have a better look at Jasper.

"I am good," she said. "I love being a mother again."

Miles leaned down to kiss the top of her head before walking toward the stove. We had made some porridge this morning, but much like the cooking I had to do when we forced Maisie to rest, it had very little flavour. Miles set a bowl in front of Maisie, but she did not look up from Jasper.

"You need to eat," he said.

"I will," she said.

Throughout breakfast, all three of us stared at Jasper. Miles had to prompt Maisie a few times to eat, but each time she only took one spoonful of the porridge. It was great to see her so happy again. Hopefully, she keeps herself and the baby healthy.