Author's note: You will follow this more readily if you begin with the first two chapters. My apologies to readers for the long gap between the second and third chapters.
Thanks to all who have commented by post and email. My deepest gratitude to my careful editor, and to a new friend who has also helped.
*****
He flicked off the alarm; immediately realised he was alone. Lay for a bit, reflecting on what Melanie had told him about life with George. And on the sex they had shared last night. God, he'd loved giving her the pleasure of fucking his arse. It hadn't aroused him at all physically, but her need had been palpable. Especially when she'd stopped trying to be careful, had used him for her own release.
He wondered why she'd left before the alarm. Considered going back to sleep; realised he couldn't. He showered, noting the stinging tenderness when he washed his arse. Shaved, dressed, and headed for the kitchen. Phil was waiting for the kettle to boil:
- Good morning young man. You're up early?
- Good morning Phil. Yes, I woke and couldn't get back to sleep.
- Uhuh. Conscience troubling you?
He started:
- Not particularly, no...
- Look Sandy, you promised me that you'd take care with the children, both of you. Frances spent the night in my bed after nightmares, because her mother wasn't there for her.
- I'm sorry...
- Shut up and listen to me man. I told Frances an untruth. Said you were ill last night, and that her mummy was looking after you. That was the first time I've told a lie to a grandchild. I will not do it again, ever. Do you understand me?
For the first time he couldn't meet her eyes:
- Yes Phil. I understand. I am sorry... The inadequacy of his words seared him.
- Do me the decency of looking at me when we speak Sandy. His shamed eyes rose to hers. -- Now, Melanie tells me she wants to accompany you to Sydney tomorrow. I'm fine with that, and I don't care what you do together when you're alone. I do know what it's like to be in love. She smiled, remembering. - But. You will please remember that in this house the children come first. They were traumatised by George's death. They can't cope with their mum not being available for them, for any reason, when she's here. And know this: I agreed to look after the children when Melanie's in Sydney mainly because it's an important literary function, and it might help her get noticed, get her poetry noticed.
- Yes Phil. It won't happen again. And that's why I suggested that she accompany me to Sydney...
- We'll speak no more of this Sandy. I know it won't be necessary again.
- No, it won't. I'm ashamed of my selfishness...
- Melanie forgot herself too. I'm sure it wasn't all your doing.
He was surprised when she moved to him, put her hand on his shoulder, and pecked him on the mouth. Knew her absolution.
- Well, maybe you'd better take them both some tea and toast now?
*****
She was lying awake when he entered her bedroom, her fingers entwined in the hair of her sleeping daughter. She whispered:
- Good morning darling. Had your lecture? I have to tell you that she gave me hell.
- I didn't get hell love, he bent to kiss her -- but she was very forthright.
- It was my fault sweetness. I shouldn't have stayed in your room. But I was totally drained...
- Aye, I noticed.
- But not so drained that I was unaware of your need darling. Glad you used me to relieve yourself. My cunt's still spunky.
- Ohhhhh. I really thought you were asleep... it excited me intensely, to take you like that.
- That's why I didn't 'wake up', dill. Now, where's my tea?
Frances stirred with her mother's movement to take the mug, and a drop of tea spilled on her freckled arm. Fortunately it wasn't boiling any more, but the sensation woke the girl. She snuggled into her mummy, turned:
- Oh. Good morning Sandy. Um, Gran said you were ill last night. Are you better now?
He leaned to kiss her brow and an arm went round his neck.
- Yes lassie, thank you. Your mummy took very good care of me and I'm fine now. Want some tea?
She nodded and sat up as he passed her the mug:
- One sugar, right?
The girl yawned a nod. Melanie said:
- She didn't get much sleep dear. And neither did I. What's the day like?
Sandy peered through the uncurtained window:
- It's a beautiful day woman. I think we're on Plan A?
Frances sat up fast, sleepy look gone:
- Ohh, that sounds exciting! What's Plan A?
- Well... Melanie stroked her daughter's brow -- I thought it was time Sandy saw some Aussie wildlife, beyond what's in the garden. So as it's a lovely day I thought we might take a picnic to Tidbinbilla.
- YESSSS! Must tell Maria and William...
The girl's excited calls sounded through the house. Sandy smiled at his lover:
- Well, so much for her catching up on sleep darling?
- Um yes, she's awake now for sure.
- But you don't need to be. You get a bit more kip and I'll organise the picnic. Don't worry, Phil'll keep me right.
- Yes, I'm sure she will. OK sweet, I'll try and get a bit more sleep. Kiss me Sandy. Do you know how much I love you? Mmmmm...
- God you melt me sweetheart. But enough of this or I'll be getting hard again...
Her hand snaked down between them:
- You already are. But now let a girl rest, picnicman.
- Aye boss.
He resisted the temptation to stroke her wet cunt.
*****
Phil was organising breakfast for the excited children.
- Your daughter's instructed me to organise the picnic. What's best for sandwiches?
- Chicken salad, they all like that. Some without onion. Madame, nodding at Frances - doesn't like them. Maybe some peanut butter. And some cheese and tomato. I'm just making breakfast for the littlies now; we can have ours when Melanie surfaces. She's nodded off again?
- Yes, how I envy her the ability to do that.
- You have to learn when you breastfeed constantly for four years.
Presently Melanie joined them, bright as the morning, and the adults ate together whilst the children played outside. Phil was light and cheerful, and no more was said about what had happened during the night. Sandy washed the dishes as the others packed the car.
Soon they were negotiating roundabouts on their way out of the city. His cock twitched at the sight of Melanie's thighs beside him, but sex was off-limits today. Sandy had acquiesced when she asked him to drive, knowing his inexpertise with her car would have the bairns in fits of giggles. It did.
*****
All were tired when they got home, the children utterly worn out, but still high. Phil volunteered to put them to bed:
- I'm less indulgent than either of you, and they need their sleep. We have to be up well before six to get you two on the train. It wouldn't do you any harm to get a decent sleep either. For once.
Melanie squirmed on her seat when they were alone:
- God I want you to fuck me. Wanted you all day. My cunt's dripping.
She lifted the sundress and parted her legs. Silk panties transparent at the crotch. Sandy knelt between her legs and licked there, through the fabric, but she pushed his head away:
- Darling, we just can't. Not after this morning. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have tempted you like that.
- No, you fucking well shouldn't. He was intense with frustration. -- Have you any idea how much I need you? Now! I've been hard all day, watching you in that skimpy sundress. And you tell me cunt's off the menu tonight? Is there anything on it?
There was just an edge of anger in his voice: not something she was used to hearing. But she was consumed with maternal guilt that Frances had needed her the previous night, and she hadn't been there. And her mother's words of fury still stung. Phil had used language Melanie had never heard from her lips. Had immediately apologised when her daughter crumpled before her, but it had been said. There could be no hint of sex tonight: Melanie knew she'd crossed a line with her mother. No sex before they reached the hotel in Sydney. Mmm, unless... She rose and kissed her man:
- No darling, there's nothing on the menu tonight at all. We have to wank in our separate beds. But a thought just crossed my dirty mind. One you might like to think about when you play with yourself for me.
Sandy knew it had been unreasonable to want her, regretted his outburst. He perked up at her words:
- Uhuh, and what might that be?
- Well... we'll be over four hours on the train...
- And? We can't fuck in the train darling. It's not as though we have a private berth.
- Dillbrain! This is a civilised country you know. Your trains might not have toilets, but ours do.
- Jesus Melanie. You are a dirty girl sometimes; I love you for it. But... we'll not be the only ones on the train. Folks will notice. There might even be someone who knows you.
- Hardly likely, I've only been in Canberra a few months. And anyway, the risk excites me. I want to do it Sandy. I'm wet just thinking about it.
He couldn't resist, his fingers moved up her thigh. Her needjuice was running down it. Slid under the silk and touched her heat. She pushed his hand away:
- Mum's coming.
They parted like guilty teenagers as Phil came into the room:
- All fast asleep! As you two should be.
Melanie turned to her, smiling. The instant transformation from vixen in heat to dutiful daughter was delightful.
- Yes mum, I'm just going.
She kissed her mother, then Sandy, and moved to her bedroom with goodnights floating over her shoulder.
- I'm going too Phil. Had a wonderful day. Never seen Australian wildlife before. And it's a long time since I've shared such joy with children. Thank you for everything.
She offered her mouth for a parting kiss, as one bestowing a great gift.
