Hey everyone,
I should have probably explained the time line. I kinda shortened the time between Mike and Kate sleeping together and Jim dying to about 4 months apart. In the series I'm presuming it was portrayed as about a year? They slept together Season 4 episode 2 and Jim and Kate starred to see each other round season 5 episode 6ish?
So it's set at the end of season 5 but obviously Mike and Kate didn't work out.
I know a lot of this happens quite fast, I'm not very good at dragging time lines out! I'm too impatient lol
Enjoy!
Disclaimer – I don't own any of the characters
Because of You
Chapter 2
Kate sat there shocked. They had only been seeing each other for a month, maybe 2. How was this possible? She didn't know what to say, the silence was unbearable.
Mike waved his hands in front of Kate.
"Kate? Did you hear me?"
Kate had to say something to hide her shock.
"Yes. Well umm congratulations! I didn't realize you guys were that serious?"
Mike avoided Kate's gaze.
"Ahh Yeah, we actually caught up a few times when you were seeing Jim..."
She was surprised; he had never told her that.
"Oh, well fair enough, we all needed to move on! Anyway, I'm happy for you Mike."
Mike smiled
"Thanks Kate, I really want you two to become friends. It will make everything a lot easier for the baby! We can all do this together!"
Mike sounded excited. Kate put on a smile but on the inside she was in real pain. 5 months ago her and Mike were attempting to give it another go, it didn't work but not in a million years would she have predicted that she would be pregnant with his child and he was marrying someone else. It was all too much she needed to be anywhere else but where she was right now.
"I'm pretty tired Mike, I might head home"
She stood up, Mike followed.
"Let me give you a ride"
Kate wasn't in the mood to argue. The car ride home was silent, awkwardly silent. Mike pulled up in front of Kate's house. She got out the car without a word. Mike looked confused.
"Ah bye!"
Kate waved without making eye contact. She couldn't wait to get inside, away from his stare. She shut the door and collapsed in a heap and began to cry. She didn't know if she was upset about him moving in so fast, or the fact it was her? She hated this, she didn't feel in control.
An hour later Kate picked herself up off the floor and made her way to the bathroom.
"It's just the hormones Kate. You do not have feelings for him! Remember what happened all those other times? What he did to you when you were with Jim."
She splashed her face with water and looked into the mirror.
"I can be a single parent. People do it all the time, you've got this! "
She threw the face washer at her reflection.
"You're even lying to yourself now!"
She didn't know if she could cope with Mike and HER playing happy families with her child.
Kate went back down stairs. Damn it! She left the photos in his car. She sighed and picked up her keys and drove to Mike's house
Mike's house
Kate knocked on the front door. Ursula answered it, Kate took a deep breath in and flashed a fake smile.
"Hey Ursula! I hear congratulations are in order!"
Ursula smiled and shoved her left hand in Kate's face.
"Yeah! Have you seen my ring? Aren't I the luckiest girl on the planet?"
Kate grit her teeth and gave her a hug. Ursula whispered in her ear.
"I won"
Kate separated and looked at her funny.
"Excuse me?"
Ursula wrapped her arm around Kate and ignored Kate's question.
"Wow Kate, you look great! Got the lovely pregnant glow! And hardly any weight gain!
Kate wasn't sure if that was a compliment. Mike got up from the couch and looked surprised to see Kate.
"Oh Mike, I left my photos in the car!"
Mike laughed
"Yeah I know, I opened them to show Ursula and the piece of paper with the sex dropped out"
Kate walked up to Mike, forgetting Ursula was there.
"So you know?"
A huge smile appeared on Mike's face. He picked Kate up and spun her round.
"A girl! It's a girl! We're having a girl!"
Ursula looked less than impressed. Mike saw her expression and put Kate down. Ursula walked up to Mike and kissed him.
"We will make a beautiful family! So have you guys figured out custody? I mean normally the guy gets the short straw!"
She put her hand on her hip and gave Kate a strange look. Kate was not impressed, was she trying to provoke an argument?
"Well we don't but I'm sure we will be fine."
Kate faked another smile and headed for the door. Ursula wrapped her arm around Mike.
"Don't wanna stay for a cuppa Kate?"
Kate shook her head.
"Nah I'm fine! See you later"
Kate almost ran to her car. She got in and let out a scream.
"Bitch!"
Navcom the next morning
Kate was trying to avoid Mike. Maxine handed her some files.
"Deliver them to Commander Flynn would you! Haven't been able to catch him all day"
Kate let out a deep breath. Maxine stopped.
"Something wrong Lieutenant?"
Kate shook her head and walked off hoping she wouldn't ask more.
"Kate! My office!"
Kate stopped and turned, she dragged herself in to Maxine's office.
"Sit, Lieutenant!"
Kate obeyed
"You told me you 2 would be fine to work here"
Kate went to interrupt
"Let me finish Kate, Is there something going on? When this situation started I had every faith that you two could work together!"
Kate sat there in silence
"Well?"
"Mike and I don't have a problem"
Maxine got up and sat next to Kate.
"Kate, I know this can't be easy. You and Mike have history and now you have to share this with someone else"
Kate tried to hold back tears
"They're engaged Ma'am"
Maxine placed her hand on Kate's shoulder.
"Yeah I know, but wasn't this your decision?"
Kate raised an eyebrow
"Kate he talks to me, we share a child remember?"
Kate laughed
"Yeah! Maxine I'm trying. All he wants is to see is us get along. There's just something about her! Like she's so smug"
Maxine laughed
"Kate I think that's a little bit of jealousy I hear! And that's totally natural! Look I'm here to have a chat, any time!"
Maxine squeezed her hand
"You know you and I aren't that dissimilar!"
Kate looked embarrassed. She's right in the past it was nearly the same situation with Ryan.
Kate got up to leave.
"Ahh Lieutenant, don't forget the paperwork!"
Kate smiled and picked it up
"Yes Ma'am"
Kate turned around to leave
"And Kate"
Kate stopped and looked at Maxine
"You'll figure this out! She's probably feeling just as insecure as you are"
Kate smiled and nodded she walked out closing the door and let out a sigh.
She walked over to Mike's office hoping he was in a meeting or preoccupied, she knocked on the door.
"Come in!"
Kate walked in and dumped the paperwork on his desk.
"This is from Maxine"
She headed straight to the door.
"Kate! Come back for a minute!"
Kate reluctantly stopped and turned around but stayed close to the door.
"Sit down Kate"
Kate sat but barely made eye contact
"Is there something wrong Kate?"
Kate still didn't make eye contact, she couldn't.
"No, Sir"
Mike grabbed Kate's chair and dragged it toward him, their faces were inches apart.
"I feel like you have been avoiding me all day!"
Kate looked around the office trying not to focus on him.
"Mike I've been busy, busy doing my job, which I should get back too!"
Mike let go of the chair. Something was wrong but he didn't want her to get upset at the office.
"Ok... hey so umm you wanna come round for dinner one night this week? You and Ursula seem to hit it off the other night! I saw you two hugging, that was nice!"
Kate fiddled with the paperwork.
"Ahh, I'll have to check my diary and get back to you Mike"
Mike's phone rang; Kate scurried out the door before he noticed. Mike turned around to try and get Kate to wait but she was gone.
Over the next week Kate avoided Mike at work and screened all his phone calls.
Friday night - Kate's house
Kate had just got out the shower after a long week. She was glad to have the weekend off, not to have to see Mike, just take some time to relax. There was a knock on the door, she quickly wrapped her towel around her and looked through the peep hole, it was Mike. She rolled her eyes and lent on the door and called out.
"Not a good time Flynn!"
Mike pounded on the door.
"Kate, open up! Please!"
Kate opened the door
"What is it Mike?"
Mike walked in to her house
"What's going on Kate?"
Kate pretended not to know what he's talking about. She didn't want to have this conversation.
"What do you mean? Mike this is not a great time! I'm in a towel!
Mike ignored her.
"Kate you have been avoiding me all week. You haven't replied to any of my calls or messages"
"Ahh baby brain I guess?"
Mike could tell she was lying. She was never a very good liar
"Ok... so dinner... the 3 of us"
Kate sat down and ran her hands through her hair trying to think of an excuse.
"Oh I'm not really feeling up to it tonight"
Mike sat next to her
"Kate what's the matter? I don't understand. We said we would do this together..."
Kate couldn't hold it any longer
"Yeah I didn't count on a third"
Mike crinkled his brow
"But you said that you didn't care who I dated as long as we made decisions together. I thought you and Ursula got along now?"
Kate stood up
"Mike, there's something off about her!"
"Are you jealous Kate? You were the one who didn't want to give it another go!"
Kate was on the defensive
"She just said something weird to me the other day when she hugged me that's all"
"What do you mean?"
"I'm sure she whispered in my ear 'I won' "
Mike stood up
"Don't be ridiculous Kate! You're being a hypocrite don't you realize that! You're doing exactly what you accused me of doing with Jim!"
She knew that he wouldn't believe her.
"Just leave Mike. It's clear that we probably can't do this together. Well probably have to get some type of custody arrangement drawn up!"
"Kate you can be serious!"
Kate walked toward the door and opened it.
"I think it's best Mike, for everyone"
He walked out the door shaking his head
Later that night
Kate was sitting on the couch flicking through the TV. There was a knock on the door. It startled Kate, she wasn't in the mood for company, she didn't answer it.
"Kate, it's Ursula, can we talk... please. I can hear your TV!"
Kate sat there for a moment. She eventually answered the door
"Ursula, it's late and I'm tired"
Ursula barged her way in
"Listen Kate, Mike said you had a disagreement he didn't say what about but he's really upset. Surly you guys can work things out! I'd really like us to be friends"
Ursula smiled
"You know he thinks the world of you. And he's so excited about this baby! Do it for him! Please!"
Kate sat on the couch, her legs were killing her. She winced as she sat down. She couldn't be bothered arguing, it was just easier to agree.
"I'll try and sort things out with him!"
She hugged Kate
"Thanks Kate, this means so much!"
Ursula sat down next to her
"You know I think we got off on the wrong foot, I'd really like it if we could be friends?"
Kate was rolling her eyes in her head.
"Ursula, it's just that..."
Ursula interrupted
"You know I'm completely intimidated by you, it took a lot for Mike to get over you. I always felt that I would be second best. When we started dating 3 months ago something was different, I think he felt it was over between you two for good, I finally felt that I was the love of his life"
Kate sighed, at least she felt Ursula was being honest. She sounded genuine but Kate didn't know if she could trust her.
"Ursula you don't need to explain"
"No Kate I do, I want you to see that I'm being genuine with you! When he told me you were pregnant I was sure he was going to end it but he proposed. I know this baby means everything to him. I umm, I can't have children"
Ursula started to cry. Kate sat there not knowing what to do. She wanted to hug her but it felt strange. She put her hand on Ursula's back.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know"
"We had discussed adopting which we will still do but I'm happy he gets to have a child that has his genes. I think the reason I've been acting weird is that I'm worried that I won't be able to live you to the baby's amazing mother! I'm sorry if have been rude, I just don't want to lose him"
Kate smiled, maybe she wasn't that bad. Maybe Ursula's tactics had just been a defensive mechanism and after what she had told Kate she couldn't blame her. Kate remembered what she felt like when she discovered that Ryan was Mike's son.
"You know Ursula, I think we can make this work"
Ursula wiped her face and smiled at Kate
"Kate this will make Mike so happy! You know I've got a pretty handsome brother I could set you up with!"
Kate laughed
"Thanks but I think my bump will be a man deterrent for a while!"
Ursula got up and hugged Kate
"Thanks for listening! Next time you have a day off let me know, we have to go shopping for the baby ok?"
Kate nodded
"It's a date!"
Ursula left. Kate stood there trying to comprehend what just happened. Maybe it was all in her head. She had to give her a chance, she did want Mike to be happy and Ursula really cared about him.
The next morning - Navcom.
Kate walked into Mike's office
"Hey, can we have a chat?"
Mike swung around in his chair
"Yeah as long as it's talking and not yelling"
Kate sat next to him
"I'm sorry about the other night. I mean it"
Mike stopped what he was doing and looked at Kate.
"Kate, I just want us to be able to do this together, you me and Ursula"
"Yeah she came and saw me last night, she really loves you."
Mike nodded.
"Yeah she really helped me Kate"
Kate looked at Mike, she knew he didn't want to say it but she needed to move on so she did.
"Helped you get over us?"
Mike nodded.
"It's ok Mike, we had a good chat. I think we will able to do this. We've got a clean slate"
Mike smiled
"That's great Kate! You know she's really excited about this baby!"
Kate laughed.
"Yeah we're actually going shopping on my next RDO"
Mike's phone rang, he answered it. Kate got up and left his office. She stopped and turned at the door to look at Mike, he was happy he had moved on, it was her turn to let go.
Over the next couple months Kate and Mike's working relationship was back to normal. It was also reflecting positively on her. Maxine called Kate into her office.
Kate and Maxine sat on the opposite sides of her desk
"How's everything going Kate?"
Kate smiled, she was actually in a good place.
"Great ma'am!"
Maxine smiled
"That's good Kate, I've noticed you're a lot happier around here"
Kate nodded
"Yeah I've made peace with Mike and our situation and Ursula and I actually friends"
Maxine raised her eyebrow
"Really? I didn't expect that!"
"Neither did I but she's actually been really good to me and the baby"
"Good, well I wanted to talk to you about your position. Upstairs have been thrilled with your progress and the fact that you and Mike are working together like old times they want to offer you this position as a secondment for at least the next year. Mike of course gave you a glowing recommendation. We don't have an office for you yet but Mike has graciously offered to share his."
"That's great Ma'am, of course I accept"
"Good! I'll let them know"
Kate nearly skipped into Mike's office. He was sitting at his desk with his back towards her. She quickly checked if anyone was looking and hugged him from behind and gave him a kiss on the cheek, it startled him
"Ah, what was that for?"
He turned to face her.
"Thanks for the recommendation! I've accepted!"
Mike got up and hugged her.
"That's great Kate! You don't mind sharing for a bit?!"
Kate laughed
"Nah! It'll be fun!"
2 months till due date
Kate was meeting Ursula in the city to do some shopping. Kate was waiting at the coffee shop for her. Ursula ran up to her and hugged her.
"Today is going to be so much fun!"
Kate smiled.
"I don't even know where to start!"
Ursula took out her phone
"It's ok, there's an app for that!"
Kate laughed
"What?"
"So when you have a baby shower you can register for gifts so you don't end up with 2 of the same thing! Here give me your phone!"
Ursula fiddled with Kate's phone
"There! Done! So we can tick stuff off as we buy it! Cos there will be things you will want to choose!"
Kate smiled at Ursula, who would have thought that she would have been grateful for their friendship. Kate didn't have a lot of girlfriends, the Navy was mostly men and no one else had kids. Ursula had been a great help, it seemed that she was nearly as excited about this baby as Kate was.
"What would I do without you?"
Ursula laughed
"Probably get a whole lot of ugly stuff you didn't need! C'mon let's go! I've got Mike's credit card!"
After they couldn't carry anymore Kate and Ursula went back to Mike's house.
Mike was home. They walked in the door, barely able to fit through with all the bags. Mike went to help them. He took the bags from Kate.
"Ahh, is there any baby stuff left in Cairns?"
The girls laughed. Kate sat on the couch exhausted.
"Umm no, I don't think so!"
Ursula's phone beeped
"Oh Kate are you staying for dinner? No let me rephrase that. Kate you're staying or dinner, my brothers coming over too!"
Ursula winked at Kate
"Oh Ursula, I told you not to..."
Ursula cut her off
"Hey, all I had to do is mention that a cute, single, navy girl was coming over and he jumped at the chance"
Kate rolled her eyes
"Did you mention I was pregnant? And anyway I'm not dressed to meet people"
Ursula grabbed her arm
"Yes I did, and anyway it's ok you can borrow something of mine!"
Ursula dragged her into their bedroom.
She rummaged through her wardrobe.
"Here! This will look amazing on you!"
Kate took the dress. It was a beautiful floral strapless knee length dress. It had an empire waist line so it flowed over her baby bump. Mike knocked on at door. Ursula yelled out.
"Busy with secret women's business Mike!"
Mike went to speak but decided not to disturb them
Kate sat at Ursula's dresser while Ursula was doing her hair. Kate put her hand on Ursula's
"Hey, thanks for all this!"
Ursula smiled
"We're quite the odd couple aren't we? I'm just so happy that you're ok with this Kate"
"Well I'm happy that you make Mike so happy!"
Ursula stopped and looked concerned. Kate noticed the look on Ursula's face.
"Kate, you don't still have feelings for him do you?"
Kate paused, how does she explain this? She shook her head
"Ursula, he is the father of my child, I will always love him for that."
Ursula smiled but stayed quiet, she finished off Kate's hair and makeup.
"There, what do you think?"
Kate turned round to look at herself in the mirror. She gasped
"Is that really me? You're a miracle worker!"
Mike called out from the kitchen
"Urs, you're brothers here!"
Ursula squealed
"It's time!"
Ursula left her room first. Kate stood there for a minute looking at herself, she felt good. She walked out into the lounge room.
"Kate McGregor, my brother Luke Morrell"
Kate looked at Luke; Ursula wasn't lying when she said he was attractive. Kate felt like a giggling school girl. Luke looked at Kate and smiled
"Pleasure Kate! I've heard a lot about you!"
Luke took her hand and kissed it
They all sat at the table for dinner. The conversation and wine flowed, except for Kate who was on water. Everyone was getting along. Luke brought desert to the table.
"Everyone ready for my famous lemon curd tart?
Ursula smiled
"Kate, did I mention Luke can cook!"
Luke served everyone a piece
Ursula got up to clear the table, Kate stopped her
"Oh no I can't let you guys clean up, you hosted and cooked!"
Kate carried the dishes to the sink. Ursula followed her and took them off their
"Kate, go eat your dessert!"
Ursula yelled out
"Hey Luke, it's a beautiful night on the water, why don't you a Kate go eat dessert on the deck!"
Kate elbowed her
"You won't give up will you?"
Ursula laughed
"Not until you guys are married and you're my sister!"
Kate turned around and walked outside. Luke had brought out their deserts and lit some candles. They sat there in silence for a moment, Kate broke the ice.
"This is kinda weird isn't it?"
Luke laughed
"A little, I have a crush on my sister's fiancés ex girlfriend?"
Kate blushed
"But at least I know you're a good person!"
Kate was intrigued
"And how do you know that?"
Luke moved closer
"Cos you are all such good friends, I can see it. Only a good person would be able to make this work!"
Kate nodded
"I just want what's best for her!"
Kate rubbed her stomach and smiled
"So, Kate McGregor tell me, would it be too weird if I asked you out?"
Kate paused. Could she date Ursula's brother? She obviously had her blessing but... Kate stopped her train of thought. Why not? It couldn't get weirder. This was a way to move on. She laughed.
"Why not?! Can't hurt can it?"
Luke smiled and held her hand.
"So you apparently know everything about me from your sister! But I know nothing about you?!"
Luke took a sip of his drink
"Well my life is not as exciting as being in the Navy! I'm in commercial real estate nothing special. Moved up here a few months ago to be closer to Ursula, she's my only family so we're pretty close. I travel a lot so it's nice to put down some roots"
Kate smiled.
"Enough about me, seriously I don't know everything about you! What's it like bring in the Navy?"
Kate and Luke continued to talk for hours. It was nearly 1am when Kate realised the time.
"Oh Luke I better go! I didn't realize how late it was!"
Kate got up to leave. Luke held on to her hand and pulled her back in for a kiss. It caught her off guard. She relaxed into it.
"Goodnight Luke"
He slowly let go of her hand.
"Sweet dreams! I'll talk to you tomorrow!"
The next day
Mike and Kate were working in his office. There was a knock on the door. Mike called for them to come in.
A delivery guy walked in with a massive vase of red roses.
"Kate McGregor?"
Kate jumped up
"Yeah, that's me!"
He put the flowers down in her desk, she signed for the delivery. She pulled out the card and read it aloud.
"A rose for every moment I thought about you last night!
Luke"
Mike laughed
"Geez, I gotta up my game!"
Kate punched him on the arm
"You either have it or you don't Mike!"
Kate picked up her phone and called Luke
"Kate, what a lovely surprise!"
"Yeah right! You knew I would call!"
"And why's that?"
"Cos I just had a really embarrassing bunch of flowers delivered to work!"
"Got you to call me didn't it? Anyway, dinner tomorrow night?"
"Yeah, sure!"
"I'll pick you up at 7"
Kate hung up the phone and held her phone to her chest. Mike cleared his throat
"So you guys really hit it if then"
"Ah Yeah, we can just talk for hours, I haven't felt this way since..."
Kate stopped it was her turn to be awkward. Mike smiled
"It's ok Kate"
Kate looked at the flowers to avoid his reaction.
"Since we met at Watson's bay"
Mike looked at her, he was happy she was happy but he couldn't help being protective of her.
"Just be careful Kate"
Kate frowned
"Mike you don't need to be protective"
"Yeah I do! That's my daughter you're carrying in there"
Kate rolled her eyes
"It's Ursula's brother!"
"Yeah exactly, have you thought about the consequences of this doesn't work?"
Kate was about to retaliate but she stopped herself. Mike was right, she was annoyed.
"It will be fine Mike"
Kate wanted to change the subject
"Well anyway I've got a meeting, see you later!"
The afternoon Luke sent Kate a text telling her to wear casual clothes for their date and he would pick her up earlier. She was waiting at the front for him. He pulled up in a Jeep Wrangler. Kate walked down to the car
"Didn't pick you for a Jeep kinda guy!"
Luke got out and opened her door
"It's good to be surprised!"
Kate got in
"Do where are we going?
Luke ran back around and jumped in his side
"It's a secret!"
An hour later Luke pulled up to a secluded beach. He reversed the Jeep so that they could sit in the back and watch the sunrise. He pulled back the blanket to reveal a picnic.
"Dinner is served!"
"Wow you know all the moves don't you?"
Luke laughed
"These aren't moves. This is a move!"
He lent in a kissed Kate. She felt so comfortable, like they had been together for months. It scared her a little.
"I do have an ultimatum behind this date though"
Kate frowned
"Oh nothing bad Kate, I just have to go away for work that's all, I might miss the birth. I don't want you to be mad!"
"How can I be mad, it's our first date!"
Luke smiled
"I know but it feels like our 10th doesn't it? I want to see you every day before I leave!"
Kate looked away. He felt it too, part of her wanted to run. She hadn't ever expected to feel like this again.
"Luke what if this doesn't work? I mean we've already established that this is weird and complicated already"
Luke sighed
"But what if it does work? Kate I'm happy to take this as slow as you need ok?"
Kate smiled and laid her head on his shoulder.
"Really slow"
Luke had spent every day with Kate this week like he wanted.
Kate's house
They were sitting on the couch watching a movie. There was a knock on the door, Luke got up.
"You stay there! I'll get it!
He answered the door and was surprised to see it was Ursula
"Sis, what are you doing here?"
Ursula looked annoyed.
"Well I was hoping to spend some time with my brother before he leaves!"
"Sorry sis, I just wanted to spend as much time with Kate as I could"
Kate walked up behind Luke
"Urs, did we have plans?"
Ursula shook her head
"I just wanted to track down Luke, feels like I haven't seen him for weeks!"
Luke smiled at Kate
"Just give us a minute, go sit back down and save your back!"
Luke stepped outside with Ursula.
Kate sat back on the couch. She heard yelling coming from the front. She wondered whether she should intervene. She got up again and walked to the door. As she approached the door she heard Luke.
"Sis, I really like her, this could actually go somewhere!"
Kate opened the door
"Is everything ok guys?"
They both looked at her. Luke started to walk back inside
"Yeah all good Kate"
Ursula started to walk away. Kate called out
"Ursula? You wanna come in for a cuppa?"
She shook her head and walked off. Kate looked at Luke
"What was all that about?"
"Oh she's mad she didn't get to spend a lot of time with me, I'm only gonna be gone a few months."
"I'm sorry, I've taken up a lot of your time!"
"Don't worry Kate she'll get over it! She's just being over protective too!"
Kate frowned
"Why do you mean?"
"I guess she might be getting oversensitive with the whole your Mike's ex and having his baby! But it's fine with me!"
Kate was confused. She was so what to set her up with Luke and now she didn't think she was good enough?
"Don't worry Kate! It's not her business! Anyway I leave tomorrow, let have a relaxing night together!"
Navcom - A week later
Kate had received and email from Luke.
"Hi Kate,
I didn't want to do it this way but I'm going to be away for a lot longer than I thought. I do have feelings for you but I think it's unfair to continue this while I'm away for so long. You I'll have a lot on your plate in the coming months and I don't want to add to that stress.
I hope you can understand,
Luke Morrell"
Kate sat there and sighed. Mike noticed Kate's change in body language
"Everything ok Kate?"
"Ah yeah, Luke is going to be away for longer and he thinks that we're better off just leaving things for now"
Mike slid his chair over to Kate and hugged her.
"Sorry Kate, I knew you liked him"
Ursula walked past Mike's window and saw them hugging. She immediately went into his office.
"Mike? What's going on?"
Mike and Kate separated, Kate stood up
"I just got an email from Luke, he said he was going to be away for longer and maybe we were best to cool things off!"
"Oh, that sucks Kate I'm sorry!"
She didn't sound that sorry
"Umm actually while your hear. The other night when you came over Luke said that you were concerned about our relationship?"
"Yeah he's my brother Kate; anyway I guess it doesn't matter anymore!"
Kate didn't want to argue, something was a bit off but she didn't know if she was just imagining it. She went back to her work
Mike and Ursula stepped out of the office
"What are you doing here?"
Ursula frowned
"What can't I come visit? I thought we could do lunch?"
Mike looked back at Kate
"Mmm do you mind if we take a rain check. I just want to keep an eye on her, she really liked your brother..."
Ursula was annoyed
"Mike..."
"Tomorrow! I promise!"
Mike kissed her on the head and she left. Mike went back into the office
"You wanna talk about it?"
Kate shook her head
"You were right hey?"
Mike wished he wasn't. He wanted Kate to be happy, he couldn't help feel a bit guilty that he was.
"What happened the other night at your house?"
"Oh nothing we were hanging out and Ursula came over and had argument with Luke out the front. He mentioned that she was being over protective. I was just confused cos she encouraged it but then we were actually together she didn't like it?"
Kate shook her head
"Sorry Mike, don't worry probably just my crazy hormones?!"
1 month till due date.
Kate was sitting on her couch, something wasn't right, she felt a pain in her stomach.
"Oh god! Just breathe!"
She sat there for a minute, another pinch. She grabbed her phone and called Mike.
Mike and Ursula were out at dinner. His phone was face down. It rang. He went to grab the phone. Ursula put her hand over his
"C'mon Mike this is the first time we've been out alone for a while. Can't it wait?"
Mike smiled and lent over to kiss Ursula. He switched his phone to silent
"Yeah I'm sorry! I know I've been busy..."
Ursula looked sad
"I know it's just with the baby coming there's gonna be less time for us that's all"
Mike grabbed her hand
"I promise I will make time!"
Kate's house
"Damn it Mike!"
She sent him a text message "call me ASAP having contractions"
Kate didn't know who to call. She sat there for a minute picked up her phone and called Maxine.
"Ma'am so sorry to call but I didn't know who else to call! All the crew are on patrol and Mike won't answer his phone!"
"It's ok Kate, are you ok?"
"I think I'm in labour!"
"Ok, I'll be there soon!"
An hour later
Kate had been admitted and she was with the doctor. She wasn't labour but they wanted to monitor the baby's it heart rate was a little fast.
Maxine was in the corridor waiting. She picked up her phone and called Mike. He was paying for dinner and Ursula was in the bathroom
"Mike Flynn...oh hi Max, what's up!?"
"Mike, where have you been?"
"We've just been out at dinner... I've been neglecting Ursula so I promised a phone blackout while we were eating"
"Mike you can't do that when you have a baby on the way! What were you thinking?! Kate is alone!"
"Is she ok?!"
"I've brought her to the hospital... she thought she was in labour but the doctors are concerned about the baby. Her heart rate is a little fast."
"I'm on my way!"
Ursula returned from the bathroom
"We need to go! Kate's in hospital"
Hospital
Mike and Ursula come running in.
"Max where is she?"
Maxine pointed to Kate's room.
Mike and Ursula ran into Kate's room. The nurse was not impressed
"Hey, she needs her rest! Who are you?
Mike rushed Kate's side
"I'm the father!"
The nurse looks at Ursula
"Long story, I'm the child's step mum and her best friend!"
The nurse shakes her head
"Sorry ma'am, he can stay but I need you to wait outside"
Ursula left the room unimpressed
Mike held Kate's hand
"Kate! I'm so sorry!"
Kate looked frustrated and upset at the same time
"Where were you? I called like 10 times!"
The nurse was checking her blood pressure
"Ms McGregor you need to stay calm please! Sir if you're upsetting her I'm going to have to ask you to leave..."
Mike shook his head
"No, no it's fine!"
Mike took her hand and sat next to her
"I'm so sorry Kate. This will never happen again!"
She bursts into tears.
"I was scared Mike! And you weren't there!"
Mike hugged Kate. Ursula is staring at them from the corridor. Her expression said it all. Maxine looked at Ursula's face and frowned.
"He's a good guy isn't he?"
Ursula Nodded
"Sometimes too good"
Maxine stepped towards Ursula
"You know they have a history, you can't be mad at that and now they're having a child they'll always be connected"
Ursula stared at Maxine
"I don't think this is any of your business!"
Maxine was taken aback by Ursula's attitude; she thought Kate and her were close friends. She what remembered what Kate had said at the beginning. There was something a little off about her; she decided to push a bit more.
"Oh I think it is. I am their boss, Mike and I go way back! 24 years in fact! Hasn't he told you about Ryan?"
Ursula looked confused
"Who's Ryan?"
Maxine stood there and wondered if she's gone too far. She decided to stop, somehow Kate had got past it and she trusted her so she decided to give her the benefit of the doubt.
"Never mind"
Maxine breaks eye contact and looks back at Mike and Kate. Mike comes back out
"They just want to keep the baby monitored... Ursula you can go home if you want we might be here a while"
"But Mike"
Maxine interrupts
"I can give Ursula a ride home if you alike"
Maxine smiles at Ursula
"Oh thanks Max that would be great!"
Maxine ushers Ursula out the hospital.
Mike returns to Kate's room. He sits next to her. She is still sobbing
"Mike... I'm scared!"
Mike wipes the tears from her face
"Why?"
Kate shakes her head
"I don't think I can do this by myself."
Mike sat on the bed and took her hands in his.
"You won't be alone Kate. I will be here and Ursula."
Kate looked up at him.
"But you won't always be! You will have your own life, your own family."
Mike hugged Kate. She held him tight and continued to cry. Mike grabbed Kate by her shoulders.
"Kate McGregor, you are the strongest person I know! You are stubborn as hell and you can get through anything! You will be an amazing mother!
Kate looked into Mikes eyes, she was so overwhelmed and scared. In that moment she knew she had made a mistake. She had a connection with Luke but it was Mike, it had always been Mike. Why did she push him away, they could have been a family. She had to know whether he felt the same way. She was too scared to as so she slowly lent forward watching if Mike pulled away. He didn't. Their lips met, she had goose bumps. Kate felt safe for those 5 seconds. Mike pulled away.
"Mike, I..."
Mike broke eye contact with her and withdrew his ands from hers.
"Kate...we can't..."
She grabbed his arm.
"Mike, I should have never..."
Mike stood up
"I ummm should probably go... you're in safe hands. I promise I will answer my phone!"
Mike rushed out the door.
End of Chapter 2!
