Caroline felt the sunlight on her face. She could hear the morning sounds of the countryside. She felt a movement in the soft white linen next to her and opened her eyes slowly. In her heart she knew she hadn't been dreaming when she danced and passionately kissed Kate the night before. She felt the warmth against her skin under the covers, reflecting the feeling in her heart. The sensuous bare shoulder of Kate lay before her as she curved around Kate's back.

She snuggled in closer to Kate, smiling to herself. She had the best Christmas present anyone could wish for, right here, now. No wrapping or bows to make it somehow prettier. Kate was just beautiful.

Kate turned over to face Caroline. It was getting more difficult as her belly grew. There weren't many positions she could lay in now without feeling uncomfortable. Sex was also technically difficult but they'd managed.

Then it happened. A small kick out from her bump which made her and Caroline smile simultaneously.

Caroline moved her hand on to Kate's tummy, gently stroking her. "Morning little one".

Kate smiled and stroked Caroline's face. "Did you sleep well?"

Caroline gazed into Kate's eyes. "Mmmmm. Did you?"

"On and off. I was just thinking about dancing with you again."

Caroline smiled at Kate. "I don't think Alan's heart would take a repeat of last night. And maybe Lawrence would actually die of embarrassment."

Kate laughed at the memory of Lawrence's comments to them when they finished dancing.

"Okay! So when I said you need to stop kidding yourself mum and you look like a hypocrite. I didn't mean snog your girlfriends face off in front of everyone!"

Caroline laughed at the memory. "He'd obviously had too much Champagne."

Kate moved a strand of Caroline's hair out of her eyes. "You know he was so sweet when he stayed over at mine the night we couldn't find you."

"Really? I thought he wasn't nice to you."

"Oh god no. He asked me if I loved you and he asked me why we weren't together. He told me you were boring to live with lately."

"What ... What did you say to him?"

"Well... I told him I did love you and that it was... Well ... complicated. He then asked me why. I said ... we both wanted ... well, different things."

Caroline felt her heart lurch at Kate's words. "Kate. I know I'm an arrogant, stiff, self-centred bitch but I've only ever wanted you. I realise now that you have needs and wants too and in the past I just ignored them. I promise I won't ignore your needs again."

Kate smiled at Caroline and herself analysis. "I've not been very considerate with you either Caroline. We've both been very stubborn with our own needs. I wanted this ... our baby, so much I became frightened at the thought of missing my one real chance. Greg was the chance but I realise it must have been hard for you. I asked myself how I would feel if you went off with a man, who was a stranger to me."

Kate, I... I can't lie... look the thought of you and Greg really hurt me inside. I couldn't stop thinking about it. I knew why and I understood the desire and the need you had. ... I just felt pushed aside, like you'd chosen him over me. I realise now that it was really not about him but simply your desire to be a mother. I took being a mum for granted. I just thought how I would be without William and Lawrence and I realised I would just be empty."

Kate smiled and kissed Caroline gently. "How do you feel now about being a mum again?"

Caroline smiled. "Terrified ... Apprehensive ... Proud... Happy ... excited!"

Caroline kissed Kate again and smiled as she stared lovingly into her eyes. "God I've missed you so much. You are so beautiful. I'm sorry I was such a jerk on your birthday. Look what I missed."

Kate laughed. "So you would have danced with me on my birthday and snogged my face off in front of everyone!"

"Well... Maybe not the snogging part. They'd probably have thrown us out without a wedding to cover it!"

"Is that a proposal?"

Caroline smiled, "The divorce papers came through last Friday!"