Longing

By Marie S

"Finally. They’re late. That’s not like them, Lach." They’d heard the slamming of car doors a moment before as Bud and Marie arrived.

Ashley stopped to watch Lachlan. He was cooing at Katie Marie who had a huge gummy grin on her face. She loved to watch her husband with their infant daughter. He was a wonderful father.

"You’re right, Ash. That’s not like them. It’s more like you." Lachlan chuckled and reached out a finger for his daughter to grasp. "Just remember my wee sheila. Don’t pick up that bad habit of yer Mum’s."

Ashley humphed. "You’re implying that I have bad habits? Hmm, I guess our honeymoon phase is long gone. You used to think I was perfect." She pouted prettily.

"Ah, love. You’re still perfect. It’s those little flaws that make you even more perfect."

"Katie Marie, this is something you have to learn about men. They are very good at back pedaling when they know they’re in trouble. First it was bad habits and now its flaws." She flashed a smile at their bubble blowing child and then stuck out her tongue at her husband.

"Katie girl. Did you see what yer Mum just did to yer Da?" The baby giggled to the delight of both Lachlan and Ashley.

"See she agrees with her mother." Ashley giggled.

"She’s very smart and already knows where her tucker comes from, Ash."

Before Ashley had a chance for her next retort the doorbell rang.

"I’ll get the door since our daughter has you literally wrapped under her little fingers." Ashley skipped to the door as Lach admired the sway of her shapely derriere. His daughter tightly gripped his index finger.

Lachlan whispered conspiratorially to his baby. "Katie lass. You came into this world because of your Mum looking just like that. I intend on getting started on a wee brother or sister as soon as this six weeks of torture is over."

Ashley returned carrying a covered pot, which she plunked down on the stove burner. Marie trailed in on her crutches with Bud carefully spotting behind her with one hand at her waist. Ash whispered to Lachlan.

"Look at them. Now we know why they’re late. They’re both glowing." She giggled.

Lachlan groaned. They both had that look of satiation about them.

"What’s the groaning for, Curry?" Bud inquired.

At that moment Egan and Jessica entered the back door from the yard to greet Bud and Marie. Egan was in charge of grilling the meat for the evening meal and had been preparing the grill.

"I was just lamenting the fact that bloody well all of you except Ash and I are having sex," Lachlan grumped.

Everyone started laughing while Ashley covered her daughter’s ears…and Bud glared at Egan.