What Should Have Been

Part 66

Grace woke early that morning, looking up at the window at the darkened skies. Moving carefully from her bed she traipsed towards her window glancing up through it. Turning back she moved pulling a box in front of the window before standing on it and sitting on the window ledge.

She pulled the fleece blanket over her legs as she leant against the wall staring at the outside world. Next week she started school and it was something the young girl was excited for but also worried about.

Grace watched as the few cars drove along their street, their lights illuminating the dark road as they went. Sighing to herself she focused on a man who was walking his dog through the field opposite their home.

Sam had heard movement from Grace's room but no further noises. He turned onto his side seeing Connie still fast asleep, wrapped up tightly in the covers keeping herself warm. Getting up he walked silently out of the bedroom and across the landing.

Stopping in his daughters doorway, he saw the gentle glow of the lights above Grace's bed turned on before seeing her bed empty. Grace sat on the window, her head facing the window. Sam watched her for a moment before moving into the room and sitting himself opposite his daughter.

"Gracie why are you up here?" "I couldn't sleep Daddy." He nodded holding his hands out to her as she looked at him. Grace shuffled from her position to sit across his lap, her head resting against his chest. Sam positioned the blanket back over her to keep her warm as they watched from the window.

Leaning down he placed a kiss to the top of her head holding her close. "What's wrong Grace?" "I'm scared about school, what if they don't like me?" Sam ran his fingers through her hair speaking quietly.

"It's okay to be scared sweetheart, it's a big step going up to school but you know what? You're going to be fine, and you'll make plenty of friends who will love you..." Grace nodded gently hugging into his chest further. "I love you Daddy." "I love you too Grace, and so does your Mummy."

They remained entwined beside the window, watching and waiting as the sun began to rise hours later. The colours of the sky moulding into one as morning became apparent. They watched the sunrise before both settled comfortably into the same positions they had been before.

Connie slowly woke up as the sun became brighter that morning. Before she turned over she could tell the bed beside her was empty. Checking the time she noticed how early it still was, Sam would never normally get up before now.

Sitting up she picked up her dressing gown pulling it around her still slim figure. Running a hand back through her hair she wandered across the hallway towards Grace's room where the door was ajar.

Looking around it, she saw them both sat on the window sill. A smile came to her lips as she disappeared to her bedroom, quickly returning with her phone. Staying where she was by the door she took a photo of the pair asleep with one another.

Sam's head was resting back against the wall as he took slow, deep breaths. Grace was curled up, her knees to her chest as she lay against his chest. His arms were wrapped around her, the blanket across them both to keep them warm.

After watching them for a few minutes Connie stepped into the room quietly, standing beside them. She lay a hand to Sam's shoulder before placing a warm kiss to his temple. He didn't stir causing another smile to come to her lips. Running her fingers back through Grace's hair she walked to her daughters bed picking up the duvet, placing it over them both before walking downstairs.

She sat herself at the kitchen table staring down at the photo she had just taken of the two of them. Grace was growing up so quickly and she couldn't quite believe that she was doing so alongside her father. Connie sighed lifting her head to look out of the kitchen window with an easy smile.

It was a Sunday morning and neither of them had anywhere to be. Connie was under the watchful eyes of both Sam and Charlie now that he knew about her pregnancy. Although she was thankful for it, she was still her stubborn self when it came to what she could and couldn't do.

Holding the warm cup of coffee between her hands she looked down to the silver engagement ring Sam had given her almost three months ago. So much had changed in the time her and Sam had reunited that it was hard to think about the situation they started in.

Sam's treatment was bound to finish this Tuesday, and from that they would have another meeting - hopefully his last. It was a nerve wracking thought, but one that Connie welcomed. Being able to carry on with their lives, no longer looking back or thinking about the next appointment.

She was deep in thought, watching as birds flew over the garden and into the trees when Sam strolled quietly into the kitchen. "Morning you-" "Oh hey, Sam..." He came closer, a warm hand pressed into the small of her back before leaning down and kissing her.

Connie smiled against his lips before responding to him, her arm wrapping around his back. "Enjoy your sleep?" Sam smirked with a laugh as he stood back up moving towards the kettle. "She was scared about starting school, so we spoke about it and just fell asleep."

Sam sat opposite Connie with a grin as she reached forwards for his hand. "Thank you-" "Stop thanking me, she's our daughter Connie... Our responsibility, not just you anymore, okay?" Another smile passed her lips as he leant up to place a kiss on her lips once more. "I'm going to take a shower, care to join me Mrs Beauchamp?" "Hmm could I ever refuse Mr Strachan."