Chapter 3: Target, Part 3

Michael - Eleven Weeks

In the kitchen, I find James extending the breakfast table. "Six for breakfast." His face is suspiciously straight. "We need more space."

Mitch joins us, heading for the jar containing her peppermint tea. She's wearing an expression which hovers between a twinkle and a question. She turns her gaze on Charlotte. "Yes?"

"Yes, Michael accepted."

Mitch nods, her expression thoughtful, then turns to help James set out the table. "I'll do that."

"Thanks." He collects eggs from the fridge... "A good breakfast all round, I think." Then brandishing a bottle, "And perhaps some bucks fizz by way of celebration."

"Sounds good to me." In truth, I feel a little awkward, pinned under Mitch's gaze. She's barely arrived with us, learning that her long lost daughter has two 'husbands', and now one of them has...

What?

... an arrangement that he has a second 'wife'.

But she doesn't look annoyed. Her mouth is twitching as she smooths the tablecloth. "You lead an adventurous life, don't you," she comments, taking cutlery from the drawer and laying out six sets.

"Are you alright with it? You obviously knew about it. And before I did too."

"I'm happy if Jenny is happy."

We're interrupted by the arrival of Beth and Richard, both casual in jeans and tee-shirts.

Richard, one hand in the small of Beth's back, gestures her to a chair. "Good morning, James, Michael. Good morning, Mitch."

Ignoring the heat on my cheeks, I take my place at the table, a seat between Charlotte and Beth. Beth meets my eye, then looks away, a flush rising up her neck.

At least it's not just me...

I give Charlotte a peck on the cheek as, bland-faced, she butters a stack of toast then pushes the rack to Beth, who sits, eyes downcast, face pinking.

Charlotte speaks through a mouthful of crunch. "Aren't you going to kiss your new wife, 'Good morning'?" Beth's eyes roll to her, and back to me again.

"Morning, Beth." I give her a peck on the cheek too. The flush deepens, but she returns the kiss with a muttered 'Morning'.

Richard says nothing, simply cradling a steaming mug, but the devil dances in his eyes.

James bustles around the kitchen area. "What would you like for breakfast, Beth?"

"What Mitch is having looks nice."

"Coming up." James deposits cereal, a bowl of chopped fruit and yoghurt by her. Then he hovers over the table with the jug. "More coffee, Richard?"

Richard winces, then rises, heading for the hob. "No, thanks, James. I'll make another pot."

"No need. There's plenty."

Richard clicks his tongue. "I've tasted your coffee, James. And I value my stomach lining. I'll make my own."

The six of us around the table makes for a very convivial breakfast. Half an hour and about ten thousand calories later, we all settle back drinking tea, peppermint and coffee.

"Ah..." James tops up his horrendous brew. "So... where do we go from here?"

Where indeed?

Richard pours for himself from a second jug, then offers it to Beth. "I'd say, let's take things gradually. There's no need to force any kind of pace. However, our group relationship develops, there's no hurry. And we all have different lives." Putting his cup down, he steeples fingers. "Whatever's going to happen between us, we should let it happen organically..."

Thank God for that...

Charlotte, wiping crumbs from her lips, mumbles agreement through a mouthful of egg. Beth follows. Mitch simply watches with a cool gaze.

Richard continues, "Just now we are two separate families, in two separate homes. Perhaps as a start, we should spend the occasional weekend with each other?"

"A good idea." James waves his coffee cup, punctuating his words, putting it down again as it slops over. "And I have another suggestion. How about a couple of weeks at the beach house? We're in June now. We could make arrangements, organize our workloads for some time off in July or August."

Richard arches his brows. "Sounds good to me. Elizabeth?"

She looks down, dimpling. "It sounds lovely." Her hand slips into mine, squeezing my fingers. I squeeze back.

"They do say," comments Mitch, "that the way to really find out if you get along with someone is to spend a holiday with them."

Richard nods into his coffee. "There's a lot of truth in that. And with what we are proposing with our 'family' of five, plus extras..." He nods down to first Beth's belly, then Charlotte's... "We'd better be sure we have something workable."

He pauses. "You're very quiet, Michael, considering your role in all this."

"Richard, I'm still reeling. But I'd say a vacation at the beach house is an excellent idea."

"Good. Mitch, will you join us?"

A porcelain cup poised between her fingers, she hesitates. "I don't think so, no. This is about the five of you. Whatever Jenny's life-choices are, it is for her to make them work. My being there would simply be interference."

James exchanges a glance with me, frowning. "Mitch, you're part of the family now. You're welcome to join us."

She sips. "Thank you, James. And I appreciate it. But no-one takes the mother-in-law on the honeymoon."