I took awhile to update, Sorry!, things got complicated for awhile, but I am back on track now :-)

"What's the plan Batman"

Caroline sat in the pub talking quietly, this was the first time that she had been so open in speaking of her wants and desires to Kate. Who was thrilled that Caroline was confident enough now in their relationship to share with her her innermost thoughts. Whilst Kate had fought tenaciously for her life choices in her teens. Caroline was only now facing the reality of what she wanted, what she knew she needed. Holding Kate's hand she fixed her gaze into Kate's gentle brown eyes.

"I realise kate, you must think I am a whimp, for over twenty years I have denied who I am. I have fought with every thing I had within me to be successful In my professional life. But failed miserably in my personal life, In my choices." she spoke with anguish. "In fact if it wasn't for you I would still be hiding," she admitted. "I never imagined I would fall in love. I never saw it coming. And it has. With You!." she smiled.

"What have you turned me into Kate McKenzie. I seem to be pouring my heart out to you, in a pub of all places,"

Kate understood that Caroline for all her outward showing of confidence was a very private person, who found talking about herself difficult. She determined also to be the best friend Caroline ever had or ever needed. In kate's opinion Caroline always shouldered other peoples problems, and nobody seemed to look beneath the surface and see the vulnerable person beneath the confident persona of Caroline Elliot. Who just may need a kind word or two on occasions.

"Caroline!. You have no idea how much it means to me to hear you say you love me. In fact, as we seem to be sharing our inner most thoughts, sitting in a pub of all places." she smiled. "I never dreamed you would ever say them to me. So let me state here and now Caroline Elliot, I love you too, I have from the first time I layed eyes on you, I know that sounds cheesy, but it's true." kate blushed.

Holding hands and smiling at the joy both of them felt voicing their feelings so openly. They went silent for a few minutes savouring the moment.

"Right, the plan is then to show anyone and everyone we are a couple. albeit we are not living together. Yet!" Kate laughed.

Kate didn't have any problems with this plan, but she knew Caroline would find it harder, her life was more complicated. She had her two sons and her narrow-minded mum, as well as being the prominent Headtacher of Sulgrave Heath Independent school.

"Are you sure caroline? this is a huge step for you. I understand that you will be showing your boys, and your mum about us. But once we begin on this path everyone will know, and I mean everyone."

"Kate I am sure, if it was just myself I was concerned about, we wouldn't even be here sitting and discussing this, But I do have my boys to consider. I want you and I to have a future together, that includes William and Lawrence of course."

"I want to do this, I know you and I are only starting on our relationship, why we haven't even .. err you know", she bravely continued whilst blushing

"Made love!" kate filled in the unspoken word with a gentle smile.

"Yep". replied caroline turning a brighter shade of red

Kate loved it when Caroline got tongue tied with her words, not to many people got to see this vulnerable side to her personality

"I can only imagine what you will look like when we do make love, when even talking about it now turns you a brighter shade of scarlett". Kate lent into Caroline, rubbing their shoulders together with a teasing smile.

"Yes well!" Caroline started to say then noticing Kate's grinning face, she found herself returning the grin.

"Right Batman, the plan is?... Caroline spoke up quickly changing the subject.

"Right this thursday, as it is a half day at school, I am coming to supper at yours." Kate smiled.

"Saturday morning we are going to the Halifax Borough Market, that has over a 100 stalls and traders offering everything from mouth watering food to interesting and not so interesting goods." She laughed. That should interest William and Laurence, if they decide to accompany us." Kate said hopefully.

On Sunday you and the boys are invited to my home. Ostensibly to help me erect a bird cage in my garden, for my bird rescue project." Kate laughed.

"That's a good start, don't you think Caroline?"

"Yes I do!" Caroline agreed. "We can decide later on what direction we can take, but for now this is a good beginning. I know this feels a little ridiculous, you have to agree! Here we are in our forties, and we're making plans like school children, so we can spend time together. I know your doing this for me, and I do appreciate it.. this won't last long I promise you".

"A wise woman said to me recently Caroline. Trust your instincts. I feel this is the way for us to go at the present time."

"Hopefully this introduction to us as a couple, will be accepted without to much ado, then we can settle down to a more mature and enjoyable loving relationship." Kate grinned.

Looking at their watches, they knew they had run out of time. Grabbing their belongings they headed briskly out the door.

"Come on I will give you a lift home." Kate dragged Caroline by her elbow to her parked car, bundling her into the front passenger seat of her small car she leant in as if to appear she was helping with the seat belt, and took Caroline's lips in an almost bruising passionate kiss. "You cannot tell me you love me and not expect me to react Caroline." she whispered nibbling on Caroline's bottom lip.

Caroline had never felt so wanted, nor so aroused by just a kiss before. "Oh kate! what you do to me!" she groaned as she felt Kate's fingers slip inside her shirt, stroking her hardened sensitive nipple, feeling an immediate pooling of wetness between her legs, she reflectively tightened her thighs from the sudden ache.

Caroline bought her hands up and cupped kate's face, returning the unexpected kiss with her own passionate reaction.

Slowly realising where they were they reluctantly separated.

Sitting in the drivers seat, preparing to start her car, Kate paused and looked over at Caroline who was sitting looking stunned, and deliciously like someone who had been thoroughly kissed. She leant over and stroked Caroline's cheek.

"My! My! Caroline Elliot, such passion! you make my heart sing,"

"My! My! yourself Kate McKenzie," Caroline smiled

Stopping her car at Caroline's house, Kate waved bye as Caroline trod throught the stone-laden driveway to her front door.

Driving home kate turned the music up in her car, and sang along to a golden oldie, the four tops singing. Cant help myself laughing at the lyrics, whilst bopping in the driving seat to the music as she drove along. Kate was happier than she could ever recall...