He didn’t realize she was asleep until he brought over the tea. He frowned, placing the cup down and picking her up as Miriam entered. "Oh! The poor dear. She can go in the guest bedroom," she said, giving him a warm smile.
Jack nodded tiredly. "Thank you, Miriam," he said, as she took Aubrey from him and he pulled Avice up fully. "Seriously." She waved him off, bouncing the baby on her hip. "Don't worry, Jack. Go ahead and take her upstairs." He nodded slowly before carrying her up the stairs, shifting uncomfortably as his hands complained.
He brought her into the bedroom and set her down on the bed, brushing her hair out of her face. He sighed before heading downstairs to grab Aubrey.
He came up a few moments later and carefully set Aubrey next to Avice, the baby turning instinctively towards her mother. He sighed, looking down at them longingly before shaking his head and heading down the stairs.
She sighed standing up with aching legs. Putting pillows to both sides of Aubrey, she went downstairs quietly.
Miriam was bustling around in the kitchen, filling the room with smells of freshly baked bread. Jack was asleep on the couch, dark circles under his eyes with his head resting on his hand.
Avice pursed her lips, sitting next to him while she hoped not to wake him. She kissed his cheek gently, her brows furrowed.
Miriam glanced back at her as Jack mumbled, his battered hands clenching in his sleep. "Oh! Good evening, Avice."
She rested her head on his shoulder, rubbing his back. "Hi Miriam," she said warmly. "Thank you for letting us stay here.."
"Of course, my darling," she said easily, turning back to her cooking. "You two have had a hard time. You wouldn't happen to be vegetarian, would you?"
