A/N 1. I couldn't resist writing more. Before we begin a couple of things for clarification.

1. This follows on from "A Life Beginning/ Together so will refer to things from those stories. There will also be a few running themes and events e.g Christmas birthdays etc. Not for repetition, more tradition.

2. It is impossible (for me) to write short chapters for this version of Constance and Imogen I have created, especially with a family.

3. As before I will reference a couple of episodes but there are some differences. So apart from my OC's, Davina, Fenny & Grissy are going nowhere this year.

4. Apologies for the long note and I hope you enjoy Here we go.

Everybody tells you that having a baby changes your life. Everybody was right.

For Constance and Imogen the five weeks since Ava's birth had been the most exhausting but rewarding time in their lives. Even with the incredible amount of support they had, having a newborn was hard work. Ava fed about ten times a day so she was very reliant on Constance. She was a good feeder though and both Mama and baby had bonded so well. Though she had been nervous at the beginning she was now completely confident in holding the little one, kissing her and telling her stories as she fell asleep.

Imogen had also bonded with her tiny baby. Even though she couldn't breastfeed she looked after her in so many other ways. Her favourite was bath time. That feeling of wrapping Ava in a soft towel before holding her close and singing to her was beyond compare.

And if she sometimes used the opportunity to style her little poppet's mop of dark hair into a quiff or some other style that didn't exactly please her Mama, so what? Everyone else thought it was funny and it made for some cute pictures.

Despite the tiredness neither mother would have changed anything. Ava was sleeping relatively well and only really cried when she was hungry or wet. She seemed to like being outside, especially in her sling which meant she was very close to whoever was holding her and she was still wiggling her arms and legs constantly which was both amusing and adorable.

Her grandparents and Aunty Davina were a massive help in that first month. They helped the couple by cleaning, cooking and just being there when they were needed. Tom was still staying at the castle and he and Amelia were delighting in spending time with their family and getting to know the newest addition. They would normally take Ava for an hour every afternoon to give her mothers a break or just to allow them to spend time with Abby.

Unsurprisingly Abby was in love with her little sister. She was very gentle and loved holding her, talking softly and feeling the little hand grip her finger.

In many ways she was the greatest help her parents had. Although she was of course too young to look after the baby by herself, she helped them to not get too caught up in the new arrival. Their eldest daughter was just as important and they were determined she would know that.

It was the summer holidays and neither wanted Abby to feel that she was stuck inside so they made sure there were plenty of activities for her. In the mornings she would cycle down to the village with Imogen to pick up the papers. While Ava was having her long afternoon nap she would often pop down to the lake for a swim with one or both of her mothers. In the evenings they carried on their Italian lessons or she would crochet with Constance, always keeping a close eye on her sister. She had been so excited for Ava's arrival and that excitement remained. She just sometimes wished the baby would do a bit more.

In August it was time for Ava to make her first longer car journey. Jamie was going away for a week and he had suggested to his friends they come and stay. After all it was their house too. He had of course been to the castle several times in the past few weeks and thought the baby hair styling was hilarious. The fact that it annoyed Constance made it even funnier.

Deciding that it was a good idea to get away and knowing that there were a lot of baby essentials there already, Constance and Imogen packed up the car with their cat and children and got ready to make the trip.

"I'm going to miss them, well all of you." Tom said as he went to see them off.

Imogen hugged him, "Dad, it's two weeks then we'll come to yours. You're going back to your place. It's not that far, much closer than here. You can come see us, and by us I mean Abby and Ava, whenever you want to. Anyway, your girlfriend is a witch. I'm sure if you ask really nicely she'll bring you over on her broomstick. It's faster. You have a new relationship to think about. You and Amelia have been amazing but you deserve some time alone."

Although was a bit strange to be referring to Tom as having a relationship, Imogen was pleased for them. Ava had brought them even closer and they seemed extremely happy.

Tom smiled. "You're right pumpkin. Phone me if you need anything at all. We'll come on Thursday evening. Don't worry about dinner. we'll look after that."

There was one last thing he had to say before his daughter got into the car.

"I love those girls, but I love their mothers just as much."

Still smiling Imogen buckled her seat belt and went to turn the engine on. As she did so she looked at her wife who was nervously biting her lip.

"What's wrong Sweetheart?"

Constance sighed. "Maybe I should sit in the back? What if she needs me?"

The journey they were about to make was between sixty and ninety minutes depending on traffic. Ava had been fed and changed and was currently fast asleep. That was little consolation to the nervous mother.

There was something that might be though.

Imogen looked in the rearview mirror and grinned at what she was seeing.

"If you want to of course you can but I think she'll be okay." She indicated to the backseat.

Constance turned around and smiled herself. Ava was asleep in her carseat but was gripping her big sister's hand.

"It's ok Mama. I'll look after her. You can trust me."

As Imogen drove out of the grounds Constance answered honestly. "I know I can dear."

It was Sunday and traffic was light so they arrived at the house in just over an hour. Jamie had left that morning and the rest of the day was spent settling in. Luckily Ava didn't notice that she was somewhere new and went right to sleep when her Mama placed her into the cot that night.

On Monday they took Abby to the park where she could enjoy the good weather and burn off some of her excess energy. She was excited as she was going to spend the night at her best friend Lily's house. Ever since Abby's move to the castle the two girls had kept in touch and saw each other regularly. Still, nothing beat a sleepover and she couldn't wait.

She was also excited to show off her baby sister. That evening when Lily and her mother came to collect her she was very proud when they came in and spent some time admiring Ava.

"You're so lucky." Lily thought the dark haired baby was adorable.

Although they would miss Abby, her mothers were feeling excited as well. Well, one was excited, the other was feeling a bit nervous.

Despite being blissfully happy, one area of their marriage had been neglected over the past few weeks. The doctor had cleared Constance for any bedroom activities weeks beforehand but they simply hadn't had the chance. Tonight was different though and the anticipation, though lovely, was causing a bit of anxiety.

"Will she notice that my stomach is looser? Those stretch marks look bad. What if I leak? Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if I'd been younger when I'd had a baby?"

Even as she had the thought Constance felt guilty. She wouldn't change a thing about their situation or about Ava and she knew it had been right not to take a potion to shrink her stomach back, It was just hard not to feel a little self conscious, especially in comparison to the most desirable person ever.

Once Abby was gone, Imogen put the final touches to the romantic dinner she was preparing while Constance fed Ava. Both were finished at around the same time and as it was such a nice evening decided to eat on the patio.

"That was lovely Darling. Thank you."

Imogen smiled over the table. "You're welcome. This is nice isn't it? Don't get me wrong, the girls make me so happy but I've missed having time alone. Speaking of which, we can't do what I really want to do out here. Come inside with me? I'll make it worth your while."

Constance smiled but it was a bit shaky. She knew Imogen loved her but even though she felt a bit silly, she had to ask the question.

"Do you still find me attractive? You're so perfect and I'm, oh i don't know what I am"

She wanted this so much but she couldn't help being a little nervous. During pregnancy she had felt so desirable, right up until the end. Now? She just felt a bit deflated.

"What you are Sweetheart, is the woman of my dreams. I love you, I love your body, even more now because it's produced Ava. The first time I touched you I felt so lucky and that will never go away. i'm certainly not perfect, though thank you for saying so but you and me, together, making love. That is perfect."

Imogen had guessed this might come up and she wasn't lying. Even if Constance had gained fifty pounds she would still be madly attracted to her. As it was, the weight she gained had nearly gone thanks to breastfeeding and running around after a baby and a nine year old. Yes, her body had changed, she was even more curvy and in her wife's mind, sexier than ever.

Deciding actions spoke louder than words she stood and held her hand out.

"Come on, let me show you what I've been thinking about every time I've sneaked a look at you getting changed."

To her delight that caused a proper laugh. "Sneaked? You're hardly discreet Darling. I know what you've been thinking."

"Then why are we waiting here?"

They ended up on the couch with Constance relishing in the feeling of her wife in her lap. The kisses were hot as were the caresses and whispers of desire.

"You know what this reminds me of baby?" Imogen whispered with a smile.

They both knew she was referring to the time they started to try for a child. Perhaps the night Ava was conceived. There was something her lover had done that night that still remained one of the sexiest things Constance had ever seen.

"Make it more like that night. Strip for me Darling. Please?"

Just as Imogen reached for the hem of her dress and was about to show off the tan she had acquired from her time by the lake, they were of course interrupted. The monitor let out a loud cry, signalling that their baby needed them.

"She'll either need to be fed or changed. We can take up where we left off as soon as she's done."

Unfortunately it wasn't as simple as Constance had thought. Ava wanted to be fed and changed but she did not want to sleep. Every time she was put down in her cot she would whinge. Whether it was that she realised she was in a new place or she was just extra hungry it didn't matter, for once she was not a happy baby. Everything else was forgotten as her mothers spent the night cuddling and feeding her.

Eventually at 4AM she fell into a proper sleep after one last long feed. Her Mama was exhausted and fell asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow.

Imogen was also tired but also feeling more frustrated than she had in a long time. She missed making love to her wife, how could she not? She'd known things would change with a baby and It was a small sacrifice to make but it was still hard.

That morning she went to collect Abby, leaving Ava in bed with Constance.

"Try and get some more sleep, both of you. I'll take Abby swimming. We'll go shopping later. I love you."

"Love you too." Constance mumbled sleepily. She was still tired, thanks to the wiggling baby next to her. "Come on little one, you're tired too. Let's sleep."

They both dropped back to sleep and seizing the opportunity, Imogen quickly snapped a picture of her two dark haired loves. It was a perfect image for this years memory book.

A few hours later everyone was feeling more awake, apart from Ava who was napping again and it was time to do the shopping.

"Honey, if you don't stop dragging your feet I'll put you in the trolley and push you around like the baby"

Abby sighed at her Mummy, "You know I don't like the supermarket. This place doesn't even have eel noodles, just boring flavours. Isn't that right Mama?"

At the mention of eel noodles Constance went a bit green and excused herself to get the cereal. She had eaten them every day in her last few months of pregnancy and now even the thought of them made her feel ill.

Imogen tried to hide her smile but couldn't. "Who taught you to be so mean? Now, make yourself useful and pass me those peppers."

The Drill family weren't the only usual Cackle's residents who were in the supermarket. Maud Moonshine also lived in the area and was enjoying the holidays at home with her family. Especially this week as her best friend Mildred Hubble had come to stay. Her Dad was away with work and her mother had said that the girls could choose whatever they wanted to eat for dinner that night. They had decided on pizza and were choosing their toppings.

"Maud. Doesn't that look like Abby? Hang on, it is. And Miss Drill."

With that the two girls were running up the aisle to see their younger friend.

Abby was very excited to see them. Suddenly the supermarket wasn't so bad. They hugged and chatted happily for a couple of minutes. Mrs Moonshine was happy to see Miss Drill, she had been very helpful when Maud was going through a tough time and they had build up a good rapport."

"Looks like you have your hands full." She smiled as she looked in the pram.

Maud and Mildred had been so busy catching up with Abby that they hadn't had a chance to look at the baby.

"Oh, is that Ava? She's beautiful."

"We've hardly had another baby in the past month Mildred."

Constance had returned and couldn't resist teasing the girl, just a little. It was said with a smile, especially when she saw that her daughter was awake and waving her arms around.

"Yes Miss Hardbroom. I mean no."

It was strange for Constance to hear herself referred to as Miss Hardbroom now. Everything had now been changed from a legal perspective and she was now officially Constance Drill. Still, they had agreed she would keep her maiden name for work so what else would Mildred call her?

What was strange for Maud and Mildred was seeing HB outside school. For some reason the sight of her in a supermarket carrying breakfast cereal was even stranger than seeing her carrying Ava. She looked so happy as she leaned into the pram and fixed the baby's little hat.

They stayed chatting for a couple of minutes before each group went off in separate directions. They met again near the checkouts where Maud's mother called Imogen aside.

"It's just an idea but I'm taking the two girls to a safari park tomorrow. I thought that Abby might like to come. I know the girls would love it and I'm sure you could both do with a break."

Imogen smiled, it was a lovely thought. There was just one person she needed to check with. "Honey, would you like to go?"

To her surprise Abby was a a little reluctant. "What if you need me? What if I miss something?"

It hadn't been so bad staying in Lily's as she knew Ava would, or should, be asleep. This was different though.

Her Mummy hugged her. "All you're going to miss are lot of sleeps and dirty nappies honey. You'll love the safari park. There'll be loads of interesting animals and you'll get to see them really closely."

It did sound good to Abby, especially when Mummy had an offer for Maud's mother.

"Tell you what, the last thing you'll want to do after that is cook. How about you bring the girls to dinner at our house when you're done? I'm guessing they'd enjoy spending a bit of time with the baby."

Plans made, Imogen gave directions to their house and her phone number just in case. Maud and Mildred were thrilled that Abby was coming and only slightly nervous about dinner the following night.

At 9AM the following morning the car pulled up outside. There was no danger of Abby not being ready, she had been hovering around the window since around eight.

"They're here!"

Imogen carried Ava out from the kitchen, opened the front door to wave and indicate that Abby was on her way and then popped the baby into her swing.

"Have you got everything?"

Abby nodded and impatiently waited as her Mummy applied sunscreen before giving her a kiss and going to say goodbye to her Mama.

"Have a lovely time dear. Be good." Constance hugged her daughter, it had been very nice for Mrs Moonshine to make the offer and she knew Abby would enjoy the trip.

Before Abby left she reached into her purse and gave her some money.

"But Mummy gave me my pocket money."

They gave Abby a small allowance each week. This was different though.

"I know, but you've been so helpful I think you deserve something extra. Spend it on something you really want. Now, you'd better go. I love you."

"Thanks Mama, love you."

Abby hugged her again, ran downstairs and made one more stop. 'Bye Ava, I love you. Don't do anything cool while I'm gone.'

Once Abby was gone the house was very quiet. Imogen was cleaning up after breakfast and Constance was using magic to deal with Ava's nappies. The baby had been awake for a bit and looked as though she might sleep now.

Constance gently rolled the cot into another room, along with the baby monitor. "I don't think your sister will mind if you sleep in her room, just for a while."

Both mothers knew that making love with a baby in the room wasn't an issue. She didn't know what was happening. It was just after their last thwarted attempt this mother didn't want to take any chances. Besides, her wife was rather loud.

Imogen was drying her hands when she felt those wonderful arms snake around her waist.

"I hope you're thinking what I am Sweetheart?"

Smiling into the blonde hair Constance whispered a version of the words from two nights before. "I know I am. Come upstairs with me? I'll make it worth your while"

It didn't matter that it wasn't in the evening. Or that they hadn't been terribly romantic beforehand. It just mattered that they had a chance to be together and they were going to take it.

They moved swiftly to the bedroom where they eagerly proceeded to remove each others pyjamas. The kisses quickly turned hot again as they fell onto the bed.

"I loved when you were pregnant. Sex was amazing then but it did mean there were a couple of things we couldn't do. Like this."

With that Imogen rolled onto her back and pulled Constance on top. The rhythm quickly came back and soon they were kissing, touching and moving together, everything culminating in a very powerful, mutual orgasm which they both badly needed.

Ava woke up after her nap to two very happy mothers who decided that seeing as it was too hot to take her out, a day in bed in a room cooled slightly by magic was allowed. Once she had received her fill of cuddles, entertainment and milk she was back down for her long afternoon sleep which her parents took full advantage of.

"Darling. I know things have changed but surely we can find some time to be alone? Not just to make love, although now that we have I never want to go without again, I just mean to be together."

Imogen snuggled close to her wife who was now feeding Ava. "Of course we can Sweetheart. We have no shortage of babysitters. I know you want to feed Ava yourself, I want the same, but she's six weeks now and expressing sometimes isn't a bad thing, she'll still get your milk. Once things have settled we can start having date night again. Besides. Jamie will be back next week and I'm sure he'd be willing to take them. We could go for lunch or maybe if he took the girls out stay here and….?

Constance smiled. She still wasn't used to leaving the baby and was glad Imogen had suggested lunch, It sounded easier than a night out. She handed a kicking Ava over to her Mummy who was waiting with her arms outstretched.

"Come on my wriggly poppet. Let's snuggle while Mama showers."

Having prepared a lot of the dinner in advance, Imogen only had to assemble the lasagne and pop it into the oven before their guests arrived. She was in the front garden picking tomatoes for the salad when the car pulled up and Abby came running out.

"Mummy, I had such a great time."

She didn't need to be told. The smile on her daughters face said it all. "I'm glad honey. Why don't you show everyone into the living room and I'll be in when I've washed up."

Once their guests were settled with drinks Abby had a question.

"Where are Mama and Ava?" She was excited to see them.

"She's feeding Ava honey. Go up and tell them everyone is here."

Abby ran upstairs sighing at the "No running" that followed her. She found Mama lying on her side while Ava had her own dinner.

"Hi" Abby whispered.

"Hello dear. Did you have a good time?"

"It was brilliant. I want to tell you and Mummy both together though. Everyone is here for dinner. Are you coming?"

Ava had nearly finished, once she had they would be down.

"Can I show Maud and Mildred my room?"

Constance agreed that she could and half sighed half laughed as she heard Abby thunder down the stairs to get her friends. "No running."

Once they had admired the room Maud and Mildred were back in the sitting room. Maud's mother had gone to help Miss Drill and the girls were nervously waiting and looking at the pictures Abby was pointing out to them. The latest one that Jamie had put on display was his two best friends and their children.

"That was the day after Ava was born. She's teeny there."

As much as the girls were enjoying themselves they couldn't help being anxious. They were essentially in HB's house and she was nowhere to be seen. Miss Drill was being very nice and popped her head back into the room.

"Dinner is nearly ready girls. You can wash your hands in the cloakroom across the way."

Abby ran upstairs to wash her hands and call her Mama again while Maud and Mildred used the downstairs sink.

"Where is she?" Mildred whispered.

As they left the room they found their answer. HB was walking downstairs carrying the baby in her arms. Her sleeveless arms? This was even more extreme than seeing her in the supermarket. She was dressed in a mid length dark green skirt and a sleeveless white blouse. Her hair was tied back but loosely, not in her typical school bun.

"Hello girls."

They gathered themselves and managed to reply. "Hello Miss Hardbroom"

There was a slightly awkward atmosphere which Abby ignored as she gently passed her Mama. "Is Ava eating with us?"

That was the plan. Constance adjusted her hold on the baby and considered her options.

"Girls. Could you please carry Ava's swing from the sitting room into the dining room for me please?"

She had sounded so kind, so different that Mildred especially was surprised. Still, they did what was asked and watched as their teacher sat her baby in the swing and pressed a button that caused it to move gently.

"There little one. You like that don't you? Now, let Mama and Mummy have dinner with their guests and we'll play with you again later. That's my good girl."

Her two students were shocked. They had both seen HB being nicer, especially to her family but she was so tender talking to the baby. She stroked Ava's hair and even leaned down to give her a kiss.

She also knew that she had an audience and turned to face them.

"Girls, I know you're used to seeing a different side of me. That will always be there in the classroom. However, we are not there now. You're here as my daughter's friends so please do not worry that I'm going to give you lines or an essay. "

She smiled at the shocked faces and couldn't resist adding. "We'll save that until September. Now please sit down. Would you like some juice?"

The two girls were stunned for a couple of minutes. Right up until they started eating.

"This is the best lasagne I've ever tasted. Sorry Mum but it is." Maud was genuine in her praise. Fortunately her mother didn't mind.

"No arguments from me. How did you learn to cook like this?"

Imogen blushed happily as she explained about her time studying in Italy and how she loved to cook.

"You're so lucky. I wish I could speak another language."

Constance considered the point. Always a fast learner, her own Italian skills had developed a lot over the past year, she wasn't fluent like Imogen but she was getting there and they practiced a lot together and with Abby in the hope that Ava would also develop in both languages. Maybe not now but in the future they could look at the school curriculum. She was so busy thinking she missed a question.

"She does cook Mildred. She didn't always but she's very good now. She makes a very nice curry actually."

It was now Constance's turn to blush and she distracted herself by gathering up the plates and helping to serve dessert.

Both Maud and Mildred noticed that HB didn't use any magic at all. They would both have expected her to use her skills constantly. Unless?

"Abs, is Ava still not allowed be exposed to magic?"

Shaking her head Abby looked at Maud. "No, that was just for a few days. Why?"

"Well, it's just we haven't seen your mother use any magic?"

"Oh. No, it's always like this. She uses magic sometimes, like for Ava's smelly nappies and for ironing because Mummy hates it. Last night when I was too hot to sleep she cast a spell to cool down my room. Things like that magic helps but this is how we live. Sometimes, when you're not in school I forget she's a witch. She's just Mama."

It was yet another revelation for the girls in an evening full of them. By the time they left an hour later it was with a different insight into the family life of their teachers. Ruby and Jadu wouldn't believe them.

Dishes done it was time for the family to relax. Imogen was putting Ava on her mat for tummy time as she asked Abby more about her day. "So, the giraffes were your favourites?"

That reminded Abby. "Yep. Hang on a second." She ran to pick up a bag from the corner.

"I bought this for you Ava." It was a little giraffe teddy bear. "I thought we could put it on her shelf until she's old enough to play with it."

Constance hugged her on behalf of the baby. "That's lovely dear, thank you. I hope you spent your money on yourself as well."

Abby grinned and reached into the bag, pulling out a larger teddy.

"I did. This is the big sister version."

Both her mothers were extremely touched by the gesture. Despite everything there was always the worry of jealously when a new baby came along, especially with such an age gap. They were relieved that this had never been the case. Abby adored her sister and they were sure Ava already felt the same.

As promised Tom and Amelia came to see them on Thursday evening bearing dinner ingredients and something else. Amelia had an agenda.

"You haven't been on your broomstick for over six months. Come on, it's a lovely evening. Let's fly before dinner."

Constance was nervous. She loved flying but since she had mastered the skill this was the longest she had gone without doing so.

"Go on Mama. I miss flying with you. Once you've practiced you can take me out again." Things like this made Abby glad her mother was a witch.

Encouraged by her family Constance followed Amelia to the nearest clearing and took off. After five minutes it was like she had never stopped. She smiled as she felt the wind blowing through her hair and revelled in the freedom of flying. The only thing better was having someone with you.

Once dinner was over it was time to go out again. She took Abby for a quick spin around the large town and then returned to take her wife for a longer trip.

"To think, I spent so much time warning you not to get on someone's motorbike, I forgot to warn you about broomsticks." Tom was only joking. He had travelled with Amelia enough by now to know how safe it was and he trusted his daughter in law implicitly.

The married couple took a spin as far as the beach, stopping in a quiet spot for a kiss and some light petting.

"I feel like I'm a teenager." Imogen whispered as her backside was caressed.

Constance agreed. "So do I. Isn't it marvellous?"

Once they got back and said goodbye to their parents they took advantage of two facts. One, their girls were fast asleep. Two, they were not teenagers but married grown ups which meant they didn't need to stop at petting.

Knowing that she hadn't granted the request that was made to her a few nights before, Imogen entertained her eager lover with a very slow, very sensual striptease. Of course, she was expecting a return show soon but for now, that look of absolute desire was exactly the aphrodisiac she needed.

Over the coming weeks they continued to enjoy the holidays. Jamie and Sarah returned and were happy to take Abby and Ava for a few afternoons out which meant their mothers could spend some time alone. Never for more than a couple of hours though, they missed their daughters too much but loved the time together.

Afterwards, they were spending a week at Tom's house where Amelia of course was staying. The grandparents were eager to take the girls and Abby was delighted to go to her favourite park. She couldn't wait until Ava was old enough to play on the swings and slides as well.

As the holidays drew to a close both Imogen and Amelia noticed that Constance had become very quiet. She denied anything but they could tell she was off. Imogen was worried, she knew that the "Baby Blues" could come on at any time. It was a relief one morning when she asked to speak to them both.

As she held her baby close Constance finally uttered the words that had been going around her head for the past couple of days.

"I cannot leave Ava. Not even part time. I'm sorry Amelia but I'm going to have to resign."