Page 38 of The Me I Left Behind

While she hated rushing and feeling two-steps behind, she was going to cut herself some slack today. Some things just couldn’t be helped. Sleeping in this morning was one of those things.

Sleep when the baby sleeps, they say. Advice heeded.

Slipping into her heels, she glanced once more at the quiet scene just off the deck and smiled.Tomorrow.Tomorrow morning she’d have a cuppa, the view, and a peaceful start to her day.

“Breathe, Lilly. Just breathe.”

She took in a cleansing breath, then let it out slowly.

The rapid knock came on the door in the next instant, and before she answered it, she rushed across the hall to Leo’s room, smiling down on the chubby, sleeping baby.

“You little sausage,” she whispered. “Daddy will be so proud of you for sleeping in your own bed, in your own room.”

She stepped back just as the knock came again, glancing toward the sound. She had to get moving.

Heels clicking the wooden steps, she navigated the stairs and opened the door at the downstairs entry.

Poppy stood on the other side, waiting.

She smiled and waved her inside. “Hi, Poppy. I’m running a bit slow this morning.”

“G’day, Lilly. No worries.” Poppy entered, grinning widely. The woman was always happy. “You had brekkie? I brought a couple of scones from the bakery.”

Lilly eyed the pastries. What she wouldn’t love right now was savoring one of those with tea sitting on the deck.

But no. Not today.

“Ah, no thanks, Poppy. I’m watching the carbs these days.”

“Suit yourself.” Poppy headed up the stairs to the main level. She took the stairs slowly, huffing a little. “I wish my knees werebetter,” she said. “But no worries, I can chase after your little one when he gets moving.”

“I’m not worried, Poppy.” Lilly followed her, glancing at her watch. She could spare another minute or two.

“How’s the bub this morning?” Poppy asked.

“Sleeping, thankfully.”

“His nappy changed?”

“When he last fed at six o’clock, earlier. He’s probably due, but I didn’t want to wake him.”

Poppy nodded, setting her bag on the countertop and smoothing her gray hair back with her palms. “Ah. Good.” She read over the list of instructions Lilly had attached to the refrigerator with a fancy shell magnet last night.

“And he slept in his room, too. Victory!”

“Good news.” Poppy swiped at her forehead and turned. “It’s too hot for this early.”

“Stinker of a day. Thank God for the coolers.”

“Right-o.”

Lilly gave her a smile and a few last comments. “Short day today. I’ll be home late afternoon. I have two showings and need to spend some time in the office downtown.”

“Are you stopping for lunch? You look thinner.”

Lilly glanced down at herself. “Baby weight. It’s still coming off.”

Poppy simply nodded. Lilly didn’t think she believed her. “Freya’s in town and I’m taking lunch with her, so no worries. She always makes me eat.”