Back to normality?

Chapter 34

Later that afternoon, Carla was sat on the sofa, daughter in her arms as she breastfed her when Simon arrived home from work; both her and Peter had told him not to miss work and that he could meet his sister when they came home, as to not overload Carla as well.

"Hiya Si, ready to meet your sister?" She smiled.

"Where's dad?" He asked as he watched his hands and took his dirty jumper off.

"Went to get some dinner for us; this little one wants to meet her big brother" she said, fixing her top and burping her before placing her gently into Simon's arms as he sat next to her. "I think she likes you"

She watched as the newborn stared up at her brother and waved her arms about.

"Does she have a name?"

"Not yet, we haven't decided on one; right now, we're just focused on getting a routine sorted"

"Has Granddad seen her yet?"

"No, only Michelle and Scott; maybe tomorrow. He's giving us some space and letting me find a new normal, for all of us to find a new normal as a family"

"Anything I can do to help?"

"You're doing it" she smiled as Peter returned with the fish and chips.

With food eaten and Simon taking a shower, Carla changed their daughter before they sat on the sofa, her snuggled against Peter as he held his little girl who's hand was wrapped around Carla's finger.

"You doing okay?" He asked.

"Yeah, what are we gonna call her?" She asked, her eyes not leaving her little girls.

"I don't know, what do you think?"

"I like the name Lily or Charlotte but I'm not sure; I want a name that we can shorten at times, you know, like we do with Si"

"How about Charlotte Lily Connor?"

"Barlow, she's gonna have your name, whatever we choose"

"We don't have to pick now; we can have a think about it"

"Tonight's going to be hard, isn't it?" She asked a short while later as they settled her in the moses basket next to the bed and stood watching her sleep.

"It will...but you have me; if it gets too much, let me know. You've had your medication so try and get some sleep while she's settled; I'm just gonna check in with Simon and my dad and I'll be in soon"

Kissing her forehead, he headed for the door.

"Peter...don't be long" she said.

"Promise"

As he left the room, she sat on the edge of the bed and watched her daughter sleep peacefully.

"You made it sweetheart, we both did; I can't promise I'll be perfect or that I won't have my bad days but I'm going to try and be the mom you deserve. You're gonna be loved, no matter what; I think your big brother and auntie Michelle are so in love with you, you'll be spoilt everytime they come to see you..."

"Love, try and get some rest; she'll still be there when you wake up" Peter said as he came back, having found Simon on the phone to his Granddad.

"Matilda...Matilda Lily Barlow"

"Sorry?" He asked, slipping into the bed.

"Her name" she answered, kissing her daughter's forehead and snuggling against him. "Matilda Lily Barlow, Tilly for short"

"You sure?"

"Do you not like it? We can call her something else?" She questioned.

"If that's what you want, then we'll go for it; will you try and get some rest now? She's gonna be awake soon enough wanting another feed"