Great Expectations. - Now Complete

Chapter 25

"Good morning Mrs Harrison." said George to his wife on the third morning of their honeymoon. They were having a 7 day break back in Windermere. The place was where Alice felt her happiest because of the memories and significance to their relationship.

She rolled over to face him, smiling sleepily. "Hello Mr Harrison. How are you today?"

"I'm fine," he beamed at her. "I bring breakfast! Ta Dah!" He whisked a cover from the tray he was carrying. Alice smiled.

Slipping back into bed beside her, they breakfasted together, chatting as they did.

"I wonder how Alexander is?" she mused, her thoughts on the little boy they had left in Liverpool.

"He's probably enjoying the fuss and being spoilt rotten by Nanna and Grandpa!" laughed George, "You know what mum's like!"

Alice looked wistful. "I supposed....George?" she said suddenly.

"Mmm?"

"Can I ask you something?" she was looking at him earnestly.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing but..." she paused, "George, how would you feel if I said I would like to have another baby?"

He looked at her, stunned. "Another baby? You're not pregnant are you?"

"No, no I don't mean that but..." she paused, "How would you feel if I was?"

"Shocked! I think it would be too soon for us."

"Oh."

"Why love?"

She smiled. "George, I want another baby. You and me, a baby of our own."

"Seriously!"

"Why does that sound so strange? Alexander isn't a baby anymore. I thought you wanted a large family one day?"

"Well I do, but like I said, one day." He saw her expression change. "Alice my love, we've only just got married. What's the rush? Why can't you, me and Alexander just enjoy being the Harrison family?"

"We still can, even if I was pregnant." she took his hand, "Remember how tiny and wonderful Alexander was? Think about that George? Your own little baby. A part of you in your arms. It would be wonderful!"

Slowly it dawned on him. "This all goes back to Alexander doesn't it?" he said suddenly, "You wanting to get pregnant. You want to have a baby that's truely mine rather than adopted like Alexander has been! How many times does I have to tell you? Just because there's no biological link between us, I still see Alexander as my son. I watched him being born Alice. My first born whom I held when he was a few minutes old and I always will. I don't need a new baby to make me feel like a dad. I am Alexander's dad!"

"I know that but you'd be a proper father too."

He looked hurt. "I thought I was already?"

"You are it's just that...." Her voice tailed off.

George took her hands and kissed her. "How many times do I have to reassure you that you and Alexander are my life. In everyway that matters. Alice my love, I don't want to have another baby...not yet. You're just 23 years old. You're beautiful and I love you. I don't want you to become a baby machine. " He stroked her cheek softly, "One day, you and I will have our own amazing family. But just not yet. Let's take our time to enjoy each other first."

"But I..."

He silenced her with a kiss. "I'm not saying no Alice love. It's more not yet! OK? Please love. I'm not ready for another baby yet. I want to be us for a while." He smiled softly, "Ask me again in, let's say, six months time. Then we can discuss the idea."

Alice swallowed her own disappointment and gave a wobbly smile. She nodded. "OK. You right I guess. But you promise me, it's not a no, you will think about it?"

"I promise!" He kissed her again then put both arms around her. "There's one thing about us thinking about a new baby."

"And what's that?" Alice couldn't help but smile.

"Well, we'd have to make sure we're making love properly. We're going to need very regular baby making practise before we get down to it for real. What do you think?"

She smiled, going along with his suggestiveness. "Mmmm, they do say practise makes perfect don't they? You're right! We will have to practise!"

George grinned. "I'm glad we agree on that Mrs Harrison, so how do you fancy practising now?"

Alice smiled. When George was in this kind of loving playful mood, he was irresistable. "How can I say no!"

"Now that is music to my ears Alice Harrison, perfect music."

Taking her into his arms, she closed her eyes as he began to kiss her.

October 1967.

"George love," said Alice one afternoon when he wasn't working, "We need to start thinking about Christmas!"

"Christmas? That's ages away!"

Alice shook her head, smiling. "Typical man!" she laughed. "I'm talking about giving me some ideas of the type of gifts your parents would like. What about your brothers and sisters and all those nephews and neices? There's loads of them. It'll take ages."

"I usually just buy mum and dad something then give the others money." he shrugged.

"We can't do that!" said Alice. George noted she seemed very determined. "No. Proper presents. It's more personal."

"Yeah, and more work and Alice. Just how do you expect me to go shopping without being mobbed?"

"Yes, but I can!"

"Does that include my pressie for you?"

She looked at him, her face serious. "Actually my gift would be really easy."

"Would it?"

She nodded. "It wouldn't cost you anything, at least, not at first. Infact it would give us both great pleasure."

"Would it?"

She nodded.

George studied her face for a moment. "You're talking about trying for a baby aren't you?" he asked suddenly.

He watched as Alice's face lit up in delight. "You remembered! Does that mean you think it's a good idea!"

"Whoa, slow down! I didn't say that!" George immediately regretted this comment as Alice's face fell. He could see how she was fighting back tears. The disappointment in her face was enormous.  He stopped. "Would it mean that much to you? To be pregnant again?"

Alice looked at him. She nodded. "It would mean everything George," she whispered, "I long to hold a baby in my arms again. And it's not because of you and Alexander either! I am so broody...I need a baby George. Please!"

He looked at her. He could the desire. It was real he could see that but he still had his concerns about the link to this desire and himself and Alexander. He took hold of her hand and kissed it. "OK Mrs Harrison, we'll try for a baby. You and me!"

Alice stared at him in disbelief. "You will? Seriously?"

He nodded and kissed her hand again. "But I'll remind you of this once your the size of a house, tired, aching and fed up like your were at the end with Alexander." He started laughing.

"Bring it on Mr Harrison! I can't wait!"