Things were going better, they were laughing with each other again. The banter was back and she didn't flinch when he went to touch her. It was almost like they were back to normal. Of course harmony wasn't going to last that long, they had dinner with the Nana to face. The boys had found an excuse to get out of it so that let Kirsten on her own with Sandy to face the in-law. Everything was going fine until the worst topic was broached.

'So Sandy any word from Rebecca?' not allowing him finish and staring directly at Kirsten 'now there was a girl that could have been such a wonderful daughter in law, so intelligent and self-righteous just like Sandford'

'Ma' Sandy was trying to stop this conversation from going any further, he could tell by the increasing look of anger on Kirsten's face that this had to stop.

'No Sandy really I wish she'd come out of hiding. I don't see what she did was so wrong she was trying to protect the common good.'

'She did come back' Sandy whispered dreading where this was going

'Why didn't you tell me? I would have loved to have caught up'

Kirsten was fuming she just couldn't hold it in any long. It was bursting to come out for so long. 'Yeah well Sandy certainly had time to catch up with her when she came back. You probably would have been very happy with the amount of time they spent together. Did you know she came back, admited she was in love with him and you know what he left me for her on Valentines Day?

Sophie was gobsmacked 'What?'

'So there you go. I know I'm Sandy's second choice, the wife to come home to because the love of his life is on the run from the cops'

'Kirsten ..' Sandy and the Nana said in unison.

'You know what I'm not feeling well I think I'm going to get some fresh air'

Sandy got up to follow her.

'No Sandy I just want to be by myself' and she lef the dining hall abruptly.

'Ma why did you do that? Bring Rebecca up'

'Sandy what the hell were you thinking? Did you cheat on her'

'Of course not. I …'

'Well if you ask me she looks pretty much brokenhearted. I was only teasing her, how was I meant to know that felon was going to come back, I didn't even like the girl, she worshiped you too much'

'So your telling me after all that you didn't even like Rebecca?' he couldn't believe it.

'Oh please if you ask me the girl was all talk, world peace my ass I bet she didn't even have the guts to to blow up that building.' Judging by the look on his face she knew she was right.

'I've really screwed up Ma. What am I going to do?'

'How about apoligising and mean it. Kirsten is the best thing that ever happened to you don't loose her over this.'

'I thought you hated her'

'Oh I do, I don't know how she does what she does and still manage to look that good. Jealous I suppose but you know she's grown on me. Plus she keeps you on your toes and you of all people need that. Come lets go see if we can find her. You check your room, I'II look for her outside'

'I doubt she'II want to see.'

'No offence Sandford I think shes more annoyed with you then me at this point'

Sophie entered the grounds at the back of the hotel, and right enough her suspicions were correct. There was Kirsten, standing, leaning on the fence staring out at the sea.

'Kirsten'

She didn't turn just replied

'Sophie I really don't want to talk right now'

'I know but I just wanted to apoligise, I had no idea that Rebecca had come back I wouldn't have brought her up if I knew.'

Kirsten almost laughed 'Sure'. Sophie came up beside her ' I of all people know what its like when your husband cheats on you and leaves you'.

Kirtsen turned to look at you, Sophe continued 'but I could never see Sandy leaving you or do anything to hurt you, well not intentionally. You know my son better then anyone he gets way too caught up in things, but I know one thing for sure, he loves you more then anything.' Kirsten remained silent.

'You know I remember the first time he ever told me about you. It was I think three or four weeks after you met. He came home for Christamas vacation beaming about this beautiful girl he'd met and you know from that minute I knew I'd lost him.' For the first time Kirsten realised how lonely Sophie was. Of course she would hate anyone who made her son live on the opposite side of the country.

'I know nothing happened between them .. well I think but what killed me was the fact that he questioned my trust and I couldn't believe it'

'Kirsten you know honestly Rebecca doesn't stand a chance compared to you. Firstly, no one keeps my son on his game like you do, you're a constant challenge for him, plus you are so beautiful that everyone on the planet is probably jealous of my son. Sandy is very lucky to be with you, and I know inside he is probably killing himself for hurting you' she pulled a strand of hair out of her face and wiped her tears away.

'Well I think you should go find Sandy and work things out. You two have lasted this long no point in giving up now!'

'Thanks Sophie'

'Get out of here oh and by the way this is a rare occurence don't expect me to be this nice to you for a long time'

And for the first time Kirsten went to the Nana and gave her hug that was full of love and admiration.

She let herself into their room, and was greeted by a very concerned Sandy.

'I'm so sorry I never meant to hurt you. I was an idiot, a complete fool. I didn't know you felt so abandoned'

'Sandy you left me how was I meant to feel?'

'I didn't leave you Kirsten, I'd never do that just…'

'Just what Sandy?'

'I got caught up in everything, it wasn't about Rebecca it was about the case'

'But Sandy no case should come between us. Nothing should come between us but you let it. And that's bullshit it had everything to do with Rebecca.'

He grabbed her face 'Kirsten, I can promise you that I would never choose anything over you. The whole Rebecca thing, I don't understand it. I think I just panicked I guess. Here I am in my forties with your Dad as my best friend, defending the rich, I'm everything I detested.'

'And you blamed me for that'

'No I …'

'Yes you did. You saw Rebecca, it reminded you of what you wanted. The life you were meant to have. A life that didn't include me'

'But that's the last thing I want. Your all I want'

'But Sandy you've sacrificed everything for me. You never wanted to move Newport, work for my father. I pulled you from everything you wanted.'

'Kirsten, that's not your fault. I just realise now I should never have taken that corperate job, I should have stayed doing what I loved doing'

'Well I can't say I didn't warn you'

'See' and he pulled her into his arms 'What would I do with out you?' The tension was finally broken, she had told him how she felt about Rebecca and you know after talking to the Nana she realised that Sandy had sacrificed so much for her that he had to love her as much as he said he did. After all he was here with her, trying to embrace her for the past twenty odd years, not Rebecca and that's what counted.

'Hmm' she finally let him hold her.

'I love you' he whispered 'and I'm really sorry I made you doubt it'

She pulled away and stared into his eyes, her insides melting. 'I love you too'

'So what do you want to do for the rest of the evening?'

'Can we just sit on the balcony for a bit?'

'Your wish is my command' as he grabbed her hand and guided her towards the doors.

They sat in silence for a while, Kirsten wrapped around Sandy, her head resting on his chest as they sat on the outdoor sofa. It felt so good to have her in his arms again. Last night had been so desperate but neither had been relaxed. Now they both seemed to be content. He panicked when he looked down and saw tears flow down her cheeks.

'Hey' he whispered. 'Whats wrong?' as he wiped the streaming tears.

'I just missed this so much. We haven't just sat like this for so long. I'd tried to convince myself I didn't need it. But once I'm back here in your arms I'm terrified I'm going to loose you again and I don't think I could deal with that'

He pulled her up to him so tightly and kissed her head 'I promise I am never going to let you go again. Your going to be so sick of me you'II be asking me to leave.'

She laughed through her tears 'that's impossible I could never have enough of you'.

She suddenly stood up and stretched out her arm, he took it and they went inside both convinced that finally things were back on track.

Review and let me know! Next chapter will be dealing with the whole Carter issue he might even make a guest appearance!