A/N. So following a request I received from someone who has kindly been reading my stories, I have decided to do a focus on some of the other characters who are part of the "A Life" Universe. This will be semi regular story over the next few months and you can also expect to see several familiar characters having a focus in each chapter. I have a few things in mind but as always, please let me know if you have a prompt or request and I'll add in what I can. I hope you enjoy this Easter fluffiness. (Also, "A Different Start" will be back next week)

"Goodbye, we'll see you all in a few days."

Amelia waved at Constance, Imogen and the children as Tom backed the car out of the driveway. Zara was jumping up and down while she waved frantically in front of Abby. Meanwhile Ava was looking rather downcast as she cuddled up to her Mummy's side.

Seeing his wife looking quite forlorn herself Tom reached over and patted her hand, "She'll be fine, you know she hates saying goodbye to anyone. Imogen said they're going to go swimming and then for lunch, that will cheer her up. Plus they have lots of other nice things planned for the next few days so she'll be well occupied."

"I know, I hate seeing her upset though. Not just Ava of course, I hate seeing any of our girls look sad for even a second."

Tom nodded, "Same here but she'll be okay I promise. And I don't know about you but I am very much looking forward to this trip. I love having our grandchildren with us but a few days alone will be very nice won't it?"

As a thank you for looking after the children so much, Constance and Imogen had gifted the couple with a few days away in Cornwall. They often made gestures like this knowing that they were exceptionally lucky to have such kind family members who more than willing to take an active role in their girl's lives.

"It certainly will, it looks like such a beautiful location. A few days of relaxing, walks, good food and good company, I think we're going to have a marvellous time."

"We sure will. Now, open up the glove compartment and pass me out a sherbet lemon please. We've got a long drive ahead and I need the energy."

Amelia shook her head as she opened up the glove compartment and saw the variety of sweets that were inside. "Imogen would have a fit.", she thought to herself as she passed out the required hard sweet before popping a toffee into her mouth.

It was a long drive but she enjoyed these trips they took together so much that she never would have even considered offering to fly them. Tom loved to drive and they passed the time by chatting, playing silly games and listening to the radio. Her husband had a beautiful voice and she never missed the opportunity to hear him singing along to their favourite songs.

It was a little over five hours later when they found themselves pulling up at the hotel their girls had booked for them. It was right on the coast and the views were breathtaking. Tom took their bags from the boot and went to check in while Amelia stayed for a moment to look out to sea. Five minutes later he was back empty handed.

"That's us checked in and the bags are being brought up to the room. Those little sneaks paid for dinner here on whatever night we wanted. I thought we might go and explore tonight though, just see what we find. What would you like to do this afternoon love? Are you hungry?"

Amelia thought for a minute before shaking her head, "Surprisingly no, it must be all those sweets we ate. It looks like they have a nice pool, I do quite fancy a swim. Maybe we can eat after that?"

After five hours of driving Tom thought a swim sounded perfect. They made a quick stop at their room to collect their swimwear before enjoying the warm indoor pool, jacuzzi and steam room for the next couple of hours.

"Now I'm hungry. Oh look, afternoon tea. Shall we?" Amelia pointed to the sign as she walked through reception holding her husband's hand.

"Why not? I get a feeling that this is going to be a food focused few days. Let's not tell that daughter of mine though."

Over scones, sandwiches, tiny cakes and tea while looking at the waves crashing against the cliffs, they agreed that what Imogen didn't know wouldn't hurt her. And they were on holiday after all. Holidays also meant relaxing so once they had eaten their fill it was time for a little sleep before going to explore the town.

"You look beautiful.", Tom grinned broadly as the bathroom door opened.

"Do I? Oh thank you, Abby helped me pick out the dress.", Amelia felt both relief and pride at the genuine words. Clothes and make up had never been high on her agenda but that had changed slightly over the past few years. Tom wouldn't care if she wore her grey cardigan every single day and she loved him for it, but with such a handsome man on her arm she wanted to look her best.

"She did a good job but it's not just the dress, it's who's wearing it." Tom leaned down to kiss the smiling lips before holding out his arm. "Let's go."

"I love these narrow little streets, it's all so pretty.", Amelia was glad she had cast a comfort spell on her feet as they wandered through the streets looking in the windows. Although it was late evening and the shops were closed the shop windows were full of colourful displays and pretty objects. "Oh, look at these.", she stopped as they passed a children's clothes shop.

Tom sighed in a joking way, knowing as soon as he saw the display that they would be back here over the next few days. "Come on, they'll still be there tomorrow. I'm getting hungry and that restaurant the hotel recommended is just up there."

Making a mental note of the purple pinafore that would be perfect for Zara and the pink dress that Ava would adore, Amelia made her way to the restaurant. She was also feeling quite peckish and looking forward to a nice glass of wine with dinner.

The hotel's recommendation certainly didn't disappoint. Each course was better than the last and along with the wine, their conversation flowed freely over dinner.

"You know Cornwall was the first place that Rose and I ever came for the weekend?"

Amelia shook her head, "I didn't. When was that?"

Tom thought for a moment, "Just before we got engaged. I told my parents I was going on a training weekend for work. Obviously Rose's parents were in Ireland but she was living with her aunt and told her the same thing. We got the train down and stayed in the cheapest hotel we could find, nothing like where we're staying of course but it was enough."

"I'm sure it was marvellous."

"It was, we had a lot of fun. I was already in love with her and knew I wanted to marry her but that weekend sealed it for me." Tom paused to take a sip of his wine and look across the table, "I'm sure some people would think it's strange how I can talk about Rose so easily with you. It surprises me at times if I'm honest."

It may have been surprising but it was true. Throughout their courtship and now that they were married, Amelia always encouraged Tom to talk about his first wife, to keep her memory alive. Not alone had Rose been part of his life, she was also Imogen and Stephen's mother and although they had never known her, Abby, Ava and Zara's grandmother as well. The last thing she wanted was for anyone to feel like they couldn't talk about her.

"My dearest, I love to hear your stories. I've told you before, she sounds like a wonderful woman and I wish I'd known her. So go on, finish what you were telling me, I assume you got away with your deception?"

By the time they had eaten dessert and finished a second bottle of wine Tom had told several stories and both were full and slightly tipsy.

"Ready to head back?"

It was dark but the streets were still busy as they made their way back to the hotel with a sense of anticipation between them. Although they had been together for some time now, Amelia still felt a flutter of excitement pass through her body as they entered the bedroom and she moved into her husband's arms.

Until she had met Tom, she had been a virgin. That may have surprised some people but after seeing how her twin sister had conducted herself over the years, Amelia had made a private vow that she would save herself until she met the right man. It had taken many years for that person to come into her life and when he did she had found herself embarrassed to admit the truth to him. Knowing she needed to confide in someone she had poured her heart out to the person closest to her. Constance had not been in the least bit judgemental, had listened to her fears, given advice where appropriate and encouraged her to speak to Tom.

The advice had been correct of course and her fears were completely unwarranted. Unsurprisingly, Tom had been nothing but kind and understanding. He too had his fair share of nerves having thought that part of his life was over. But from the very first time they had slept together it had been both gentle and passionate which helped them both to build their confidence in this side of their relationship.

"Well, I think we more than worked that cake off.", Tom laughed as he held Amelia close to him, gently stroking her hair as he spoke.

"Oh I think so.", she responded with a yawn. "Thank you for a perfect evening, I love you."

"I love you too. Goodnight, sweet dreams."

The next couple of days passed in a similar way. They made the most of their break away by swimming, walking along the coast and through the town, just spending time together. Of course they went back to pick up the clothes they had seen for the two youngest girls as well as a handbag and a paint set that Abby would love. Constance and Imogen along with Stephen weren't forgotten of course but the grandchildren were a priority.

"Tom, look at this." Amelia had immediately been drawn to the fairy wand that was on display in the handcrafted toyshop they had wandered into.

"I can customise it if you like." The friendly looking woman behind the counter had wandered over to them.

"Hmmm, what colour would she like? I really can't think.", Tom winced as he was lightly punched for his sarcasm. They both knew the answer to that which was how a couple of hours later they came back to collect a pink sparkly wand for Ava and a yellow and white moveable toy bear for Zara.

That night they had chosen to have dinner in the hotel. They had befriended a couple of a similar age named George and Annabelle over breakfast and had made plans to eat together before attending a dance that was being held in the function room.

"So you're both retired?, George asked as they waited for their main course.

"Well, not quite. Tom is but I suppose I'm semi-retired. I do still teach a few classes each week, I enjoy it too much to give it up entirely. But the rest of the time we're kept busy with two dogs and three wonderful grandchildren. We're certainly never bored are we love?"

Tom shook his head but was still thinking about the conversation as he twirled his wife around the dance floor later that evening.

"Do you think you'll ever fully retire?"

Amelia thought for a moment before replying, "I do, although as I said I enjoy teaching and I'm not ready to retire from that just now. And Myths and Legends is an easy subject for both me and the students so there isn't the same pressure I had with Spells, Gabrielle is welcome to that. Constance is doing a great job of running the school, I have no worries on that count. If I'm honest she is far more organised and efficient than I ever was which helps a lot."

Tom laughed, organisation was not his love's greatest strength. "So you don't miss being principal?"

"Sometimes I do but I'll get a chance to do it again. I've already told Constance I'll step in when she needs me to."

"Why would she need you to…. Wait, are they?" Tom stopped dancing and stared at Amelia.

"No, not yet. Don't tell them I told you but one more baby is very much on the cards and according to Constance, in the not so distant future. I would guess once Imogen has gotten her next marathon out of the way." Amelia smiled at the look of joy on Tom's face. Another granddaughter would be a very welcome addition to their family indeed and they were both busy trying to imagine what she would be like as they swayed together to the music.

The following day was Easter Sunday, the day they were travelling home. Although they had enjoyed every moment of their time away they decided to forgo a lazy morning in bed, opting ahead to hit the road very early so they could spend the day with their family.

"I text Imogen last night to say we'd be there sometime this morning." Tom closed the boot before in gentlemanly style holding the passenger door open for his love.

"Thank you. I wonder if she told the girls?"

Amelia received her answer as they pulled into the driveway. Ava and Zara had their noses pressed against the bay window in the sitting room while Abby stood behind them. By the time they stepped out of the car Constance had opened the front door and the girls were racing out, still in their pyjamas to see their grandparents.

"So much!", Zara spread her arms wide, indicating what they had missed while they were away.

While her sister chattered non-stop Ava ran to hug Amelia, then did the same to Tom before running back into Granny's embrace.

"I'm happy you're here", she whispered softly.

"And so am I. I missed you, I missed all of you." Amelia tightened her hold on the three year old in her arms. She loved her granddaughters equally so this was never a question of favouritism. It was true that there had been a strong bond with Ava since her birth, built largely on their mutual empathic abilities and gentle natures but never at the exclusion of anyone else. "Maybe this afternoon we can have a little snuggle and a nap together? We were up very early this morning so we could get back to see you."

Ava nodded happily, she loved snuggles with Granny and Granddad almost as much as the ones she had with her mothers and sisters, "Yes please."

"Where's Imogen?", Tom asked after kissing his daughter-in-law hello.

"She's out running but should be back very soon." Constance smiled with pride at the thought of her wife who was training hard for the upcoming London marathon. "Now, all of you come back inside and we'll have some tea."

By the time the tea was finished Imogen was back. She quickly went for a shower before coming downstairs wearing a pretty blue dress and grey cardigan. "Amelia, I was going to go to the last of the Easter Services, do you want to come with me?"

"I'd love to."

"Can I come too?", Ava looked up hopefully.

"Of course you can poppet.", Imogen ruffled her daughter's messy hair playfully. Neither of the youngest girls had been christened. She and Constance had decided instead to let them make their own choices as they got older. She knew Ava wanted to go so she could be with Granny but also she would enjoy the music and peaceful atmosphere in the church.

Abby decided to come too but Zara was too busy to want to leave the house. Stephen, who was one of her favourite people in the world, had just arrived and along with Tom would keep her entertained while Constance worked on dinner.

"Can I bring my wand?", Ava asked as her Mama helped her put on her new dress.

"Hmm, I'm not sure a church is the right place for a fairy wand." Constance couldn't bear to see the disappointed look spread across her daughter's face, "Or maybe it is. Go on then."

"Yay, thanks Mama." Ava gave her a big hug before skipping off to join her Mummy, Granny and big sister.

"You really spoiled them, there was no need but thank you.", Imogen told Amelia as they walked behind the girls who had gone ahead holding hands.

"That's our job and before you ask, the three of them thanked us profusely. And I should tell you now we have Easter eggs for them as well but you can distribute them however you see fit. I know you don't like them having too many sweets. Well, I say Easter eggs, we got Ava a plastic egg filled with the sweets she likes."

Imogen smiled at the thoughtful gesture. Ava still had a aversion to chocolate but did like sweets and cakes. Both she and Constance were resigned to the fact that their family and friends would buy the girls plenty of treats, which would of course be rationed out over the coming weeks and months. Rather than add to the pile themselves they had bought the younger girls little toys, activity books and markers while Abby had some accessories and music vouchers to open after dinner.

"Thank you, she'll love that. So you and Dad had a good time?"

Amelia nodded, "We did, thank you for arranging it, you outdid yourselves this time."

"You do so much for us, it was really the least we could do. I'm so glad you enjoyed yourselves though. Amelia, I don't say this very often but I hope you know how I feel about you. Thank you for making my Dad so happy. He was so lonely after Mum passed away, I'm glad you found each other. Even if you hadn't, which I can't even imagine now, I know you would have been part of our lives but I'm so happy that you have each other." She paused for a second as a thought occurred to her, "It's funny but for Zara and Ava you've always been Granny and Granddad together, they've never known anything different have they?"

"No.", Amelia linked Imogen's arm as they walked together. She knew how much her stepdaughter missed her mother and occasions like Easter tended to be a reminder that someone very important was missing from her life. "But they know about Nanny Rose as well and when they're older we'll explain everything to them in a way they can fully understand."

"We will.", Imogen nodded. "The main thing is that they have a proper family who love them. We may be a bit unusual but that's what we are, a happy family."

It had been late coming to her but Amelia could not have agreed more. She was part of a family with a husband, step children and grandchildren who brightened her every day.

Before she could reply, Ava came running back to walk between her Mummy and Granny, holding their hands and radiating joy as she did so.

"We most certainly are my dear and I could not be happier."