April stood beneath the branches of the gnarled apple tree in the cottage garden and watched the sun dappling through the blossom onto the pram. She’d been living with Stan and Ethel ever since she’d been discharged from hospital back in September, and had brought Paula home here just before Christmas.
That first Christmas had been the best she’d ever experienced, for although there were no expensive presents and rationing meant they’d had to go without a turkey, the warmth of family and the delicious weight of her child in her arms made her heart sing.
Now spring was in the air, there were bright heads of daffodils bobbing in the light breeze, and drifts of pink and white blossom floated like confetti across the vegetable patch she and Ruby tended under Stan’s watchful eye. Distracted from her musing by Paula’s chuckle, she smiled fondly as the little girl laughed up at her, kicking off her blankets to wave her chubby little legs and arms about.
The doctors had warned her that Paula would always be small for her age, but she’d put on weight, and looked marvellously healthy. Her hair was still dark and the curls were silky around her sweet face, and there were faint reminders of her father in the delicately formed nose and cheekbones, and in her olive skin, but her eyes were the darkest, deepest brown without any hint of that treacherous tawny gold.
April gazed at her. She was the most beautiful baby in the world as far as she was concerned, and in very great danger of being spoilt rotten by everyone, especially Ethel and Stan. She became aware she was being watched and turned to see Ethel standing in the doorway with an indulgent smile, tapping her watch rather pointedly.
‘Yes, I know, I’ll be late for work if I don’t get a move on.’
She smiled back, then kissed her baby’s irresistible little feet and fingers, nuzzled her sweet neck and reluctantly headed for the telephone exchange. Vera Gardener had surprised her by offering to take her on again when the unpleasant Bertha had suddenly decided she’d make more money working in one of the factories. The smelly Winston had passed away and Vera had turned her affections to Paula, proving to be an attentive and caring babysitter when Ethel had to be at the factory.
April kissed Stan on her way through the station – he was looking very much healthier now he’d lost so much weight – and then crossed the bridge. As the sunshine warmed her face and the sea sparkled at the end of the High Street, she felt she’d at last found her rightful place in the world. The continued silence from her mother was almost a blessing, for she’d realised a while ago that she didn’t need her approval, or even her love. She had all the love she needed right here in Cliffehaven.