Chapter 6 – China Doll
Chapter 6
“I can not believe how she has taken to that doll,” Irene said to Edward.
“She was never one for dolls when she was younger. I just hoped she might like something to display in her room. I not sure I can figure it all out. She’s just crazy about that doll.”
Edward smiled. “I’m just happy that you and Sarah are happy. That’s all that matters to me. The doll is beautiful and Sarah loves it. So perhaps there is nothing to figure out. It was a good choice. So let’s talk about this gathering for Sarah’s birthday, now that we don’t have to worry about finding her birthday gift.” Edward chuckled. “It’ll be good to see everyone. I’ve been so busy of late that I wouldn’t even see my brother if I didn’t work with him.” Edward’s office was nearby, He and his brother William owned real estate and managing the properties was a full time endeavor.
“Do you think your brother will come? It would be nice if he would bring the family over.”
“I’m sure he will. Did you decide on Saturday or Sunday?”
“I think Saturday will be the better day, since it seems everyone wants a day to themselves before they do back to work.”
“True. I know I do. I love to have a little extra time with my family.” Edward playfully pulled Irene to him, wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her softly on her mouth. Her lips softened and parted, teasing him and allowing him to explore. “Some things I never can get enough,” he said as he kissed her again more firmly this time as he slid his hands down the curve of her back and along her hips. She leaned into him, giving him a promise for more to come later. He responded.
Irene laughed softly and whispered, “Me, too.” Her breathe was shallow and butterflies fluttered in her stomach. After all these years, he still could make her want him. Edward ran his fingers over the bodice of her dress feeling the outline of her breast. Irene held him tighter and pushed her hips against him feeling his desire getting stronger.
“I think we should wait a bit until Sarah is in bed.”
“Then let’s tuck her in,” Edward encouraged and guided Irene to the bedroom door and out into the hall.
Outside their door, they could hear Sarah talking away. The conversation was quite lively and the words were indiscernible. Laughter followed with more conversation. “My goodness! You would think the was really talking to someone in there,” chuckled Irene.
At that moment a second voice, mirroring that of their daughter, spoke and laughed. Irene opened the bedroom door to see Sarah sitting on the floor with Miss Ginger. “Who are you talking to Sara?” Irene asked.
“Why Miss Ginger. Who else?”
“And what did Miss Ginger have to say?”
“Not much. We were just talking. She likes it here.”
“That’s nice, honey. It’s getting late, and it’s time for bed.”
“Already?” She looked up appealingly at her father. “It’s still early, Daddy?” Sarah whined.
“Not really. By the time you change and brush your teeth, it will be late enough,” her father responded.
“Okay,” Sarah bemoaned. She rose and scooped up the doll and hurried off to the bathroom to attend to her needs. Irene looked at Edward.
“Did you hear someone else with Sarah, or am I losing my mind?” Irene asked her husband.
“No, I heard Sarah talking. That’s all.”
“I could have sworn that I heard another voice.”
“Irene, there is no one else here but Sarah. You saw that for yourself. Now come on I’ll tuck her in, and you can get ready for bed.” He slipped his arm around her waist and kissed her gently, his tongue touching her lips and her mouth. He was ready to collect on that promise.
Sarah walked into her bedroom ready for bed with Miss Ginger in tow. “Goodnight, Darling,” Irene cooed to her daughter and gave her a kiss on her forehead.
“Say ‘Good night’ to Miss Ginger, Mommy,” said Sarah.
“Good night, Miss Ginger,” Irene replied.
“And kiss her good night, too.” Sarah held the doll out for her mother to kiss.
Irene leaned forward and kissed the doll’s forehead. It felt warm. Irene looked at the doll and then at Sarah. Sarah returned the doll to the crook of her arm and started for the bed. Edward scooped her up before she had taken several steps and spun her around. “Now is my big girl ready for bed?” Edward asked. Sarah nodded and laughed with her doll held tightly and spinning along with Sarah. Her hair flared as she threw her had back and laughed even harder. Irene watched the doll.
“Edward, you are going to get Sarah all riled up, and she will never get to sleep,” Irene cautioned. Edward understood what Irene’s comments meant. If Sarah did not fall asleep soon, their time together would be postponed to another time at best.
“Okay, your mother is right. You have had a busy day and need your sleep.”
“So does Miss Ginger,” Sarah added.
“So does Miss Ginger,” her father agreed.
As he tucked the blankets around her and the doll, Irene stood in the doorway watching her daughter and husband. Edward idolized Sarah. She was definitely “daddy’s girl.”
“…and tomorrow, you and mommy, and I will plan your very special day.”
“Okay, daddy, I can’t wait!”
“But now it’s time for bed.”
Surrounded by feather pillows, Sarah snuggled into her comforter, keeping Miss Ginger nearby. Miss Ginger sat on the mattress, leaning up again the feather pillow, arms at her sides, legs out straight, with her eyes wide-open…watching
“Good night, sweetheart.”
“Good night, Daddy.”
Edward leaned over the kissed Sarah on her forehead. Then he left the room with Irene and closed the door gently behind himOnce in the hallway, Edward turned to his wife and kissed her. “Time for bed,” he whispered. Holding his hand, Irene followed him into their bedroom. Edward closed the bedroom door.