Chapter 7

When Charlie and Laura got home just after 3pm, they were greeted by Caroline as soon as they walked through the door. Taking Laura by surprise.

"Caroline, what are you doing home?"

"Well I couldn't really concentrate so I decided just to leave early for a change, so…how did things go at the doctors?"

Charlie and Laura smiled at one another, a look that didn't go unnoticed by Caroline before Laura took a seat beside her daughter on the sofa.

"I take it the news is good then?" She asked.

"The baby's fine Caroline, Eve was more than happy with my progress so far."

"Oh thank god, sorry it's just, well I was concerned."

"Why don't I go and make us all a coffee, well…except you." He smiled towards Laura. "Decaff for you."

Laura let out a short laugh as Charlie walked in to the kitchen, Caroline taking note of the way Laura looked at him and vice versa. She turned her attentions on her mother before she spoke again.

"So, everything is good?"

"Yes, I have to say it's a huge relief. I did have so many horrible outcomes running through my mind."

"Oh mother, I'm sorry I wasn't as supportive as I should have been when you first told me."

"You were in shock dear, I think it's safe to say we all were."

"Charlie seems to be taking a big interest."

"He's been great, I don't think I could have done this on my own."

"Is there really no chance of the father being involved?"

"I don't think so, Jake made it very clear that children were not something that he's ever wanted and never would. I suppose that's what I get for dating a younger man."

"How can you joke about this mother?"

"Oh Caroline, if I don't, then I'll fall apart and…I won't give Jake the satisfaction. The strange thing is that I can't even be mad at him."

"Well you're a better woman than I am then."

"He offered to help our financially if I needed it, he just didn't want to be a part of it's life. He even offered to go with me if I decided not to have the baby. He was young Caroline, he wasn't the kind of man who wanted to be tied down with a baby, and not with a woman old enough to be his mother. I knew what I was getting in to when I met him, it was ultimately just fun."

"It just didn't end as such."

"No, no it didn't. Still, it's happened and there's no point in dwelling on what ifs. This is happening and I just have to move on and deal with it."

"Well, you know we're all here for you."

"I was talking with Charlie at the appointment, I was thinking that perhaps we ought to tell Tom and Jo about the baby tonight. Jo already thinks something is going on anyway and as you've said before, I can't hide it forever."

"Well if you're really sure, there's no rush."

"I'm so sick of secrets, I just want it all out in the open."

"Fine, then we'll tell them at dinner."

"Thank you dear."

"Listen, before Charlie comes back, is there something I should know?"

"Such as?"

"Mother, don't be coy. I think you know what I'm referring too. You seem close, closer than before."

"The truth is Caroline that, I don't really know. Yes, he's been very supportive though this but I just don't know."

"Has he said anything?"

"Just that I wasn't to worry, that's he's always be here to help me with whatever I needed. He has kissed me."

"Kissed you?"

"Only on the cheek a few times but, I don't know…it felt different."

"Have you spoken to him about it?"

"I've has a few other things on my mind dear."

"Mother, be honest….do you feel something for him?"

Laura looked towards the kitchen door before turning back to Caroline, a smile appearing on her face.

"I think I do, it's that stupid?"

"Of course it isn't, but maybe you two should talk. Get things straight between you, so that you both know where you stand. I don't want to see you get hurt, you have enough to deal with."

"I will, thank you Caroline."

"What for?"

"For everything, but mainly for coming around to the idea of this baby, I was beginning to worry that you might never accept it."

"Oh mother I'm sorry, I was acting like a fool."

Caroline leaned over and hugged Laura, just as Charlie came though with the tray of coffee.

"Right ladies, drinks are up." He smiled.

Tom and Jo were in the front room with Caroline, doing their homework, while Laura and Charlie were in the kitchen making dinner. Laura had her back to him as she sliced some potatoes for the home made chips Charlie was making to go with their burgers.

"How's the chips coming along?" He asked as he came up beside her.

Laura felt his arm going around her waist, trying hard to remain normal at the feel of his touch on her.

"Mm-mm, good I think."

She got distracted when he leaned closer, causing the knife to slip, Laura gasping as the knife came in contact with her finger.

"Damn, damn, damn." She muttered.

"Oh dear, hang on."

Charlie took hold of her hand, running the cold tap and placing her finger under it while he went to get her a plaster. He came back, grabbing some tissue and pressing down on her cut. She let out a hiss of pain, Charlie apologising before placing the plaster over her finger.

"There you go, good as new." He smiled, looked in to her eyes.

"Thank you Charlie."

The pair stood, just staring at one another, before Laura felt Charlie's hand on her waist, feeling herself pull back a little.

"Laura." He asked concerned, when she moved back.

"What are we doing Charlie?"

"What do you mean?"

"This, us…I'm not sure what's been happening between us. You've been great with the baby and coming with me to my appointment. I know you've kissed me a couple of times but I…"

Laura was cut off when Charlie's arm went around her waist, pulling her to him and kissing her firmly on the lips, leaving her in no doubt what he wanted.

"I didn't want to be too forward, you had enough going on. I like you, I think you already know that Laura."

"But the baby?"

"The baby doesn't change how I feel about you, Jake's a fool to have walked away from you. You're one of a kind, and if you'll have me, I'd like to be here with you, through everything."

"Are you absolutely sure about this? It's a lot to take on."

"I know you'll want to talk to Caroline but yeah, I do."

"She already knows, she notices a lot. She told me to talk to you and she said you'd better not hurt me."

"Never, so Caroline's really okay with this?"

"I know, I'm beginning to think she's swapped bodies with someone else."

"I suppose the kids should know too then?"

"Maybe we should tell them everything tonight then, us…the baby. Get it all out of the way now."

"Sounds like a good plan, come on…we'd better get dinner ready."

Charlie placed a kiss to her forehead before the pair went back to preparing dinner for the family.

To Be Continued…