The Final Chapter
This chapter draws to a close this little story. It was my intention to offer a scenario which could see Kate back in series 4, whilst taking nothing from the series 3 storyline, and to demonstrate that there is enough drama in happiness to keep most of us engaged. I hope I have gone some little way to achieving both. Thank you for your support during the process.
Caroline pulled Kate down on to the lounge in Ginka's apartment. "Ok that's enough, wrapping presents, preparing food, I'm tired Kate."
They had decided to have Christmas in New York as Caroline had been lecturing and tutoring at Columbia before the Christmas break. Kate had opted to go with her, as had Lawrence. Ginka was thrilled to have them come and she was enjoying having the sound of family around her, something she had missed for so many years. The last two days had seen a flurry of shopping, wrapping and setting up the tree and decorations. Flora was crawling now and it was a full time job to keep her out of everything. The atmosphere in the flat was one of excitement and fun. Lawrence was in awe of New York and had dragged Kate around to all the places a seventeen year old would want to see.
Caroline was in her element lecturing and tutoring her post graduate students. It was so stimulating for her and they were very appreciative of her input. Kate was well into her role as Head of Languages and her health was improving all the time.
Now, everyone else had gone to their room and Kate and Caroline sat down to enjoy some relaxation and a glass of wine before going to bed.
"I can hardly believe that this half term is over Caroline, it seems so much has happened. Nine months ago our life together was on a knife edge, and since then we've had so many things to navigate." Kate said. "You are so right. It feels like a whirlwind but you know what, so many loose ends have been tied up and I think we are ready to move on with a lot less baggage don't you." Caroline mused. Kate nodded in agreement.
The transition at Sulgrave had been very interesting. Margaret Connor had proved to be a formidable educator, equal to Caroline, but had also proved to be very black and white on many issues. The first day back after the half term break she had called Kate into her office. Margaret had said to Kate," I have no doubt you heard from Caroline, the conversation about you being on the stage?" Kate nodded." I suppose she has also told you about our time at college and what I shared with her." "Yes she did, but I want you to know that I won't be sharing your private business, Margaret. Caroline and I have both been in that space, that time of questioning, and we just chose a different outcome."Kate replied.
Molly continued," I didn't really have any choice Kate, I had to just put my feelings aside and get on with what others would see as a 'normal existence'. I have always put my family and religious belief first. It is possible with God's help to accept what you are given. My husband is a very steady and loving man and has been a good father to my two children. I couldn't really ask for more. Any other life I might once have contemplated , could never have been. However, I was moved by the staff and student response to your wedding to Caroline and the child you have together. It did make me stop and consider my attitudes to some things. I hope you know that your sexuality will not make any difference to your professional life here. However I can't lie and tell you I support your choices."
With that they had both agreed to differ and there had been no ill feeling between the two of them, jus a respectful distance.
"Caroline, are you sure you are happy with the decision we have all made regarding Flora and Greg?" Kate asked. Just after Kate went back to work and Caroline finished at Sulgrave, they had invited Greg and his partner Louise to come over from Manchester. They had enjoyed a lovely day together and it had given Louise an opportunity to get to know Flora a little. They had discussed all the pros and cons of Greg having a role in Flora's life. In the end they had come to a place they were all in agreement with. Greg and Louise would continue to be in Flora's life, rather like an aunt and uncle. Caroline and Kate would always be her parents and make all the decisions about her life and bear all the financial responsibility. Flora would have the relationship explained to her when they all felt she was old enough to understand or, if she ever questioned her mothers about who her father was. That way, if she wanted a different relationship later, he would not be a stranger. They had come to visit just before Kate and Caroline left for New York and had spent the afternoon at the park with Flora, who seemed quite happy and comfortable in their company. She had developed a strong bond with Greg during Kate's recovery time.
"Yep I really am darling. I regret what I said about him. You know he's not my cup of tea, but he is a good and trustworthy man, just like you said he was. I have no qualms about him and Louise being in her life as long as they don't stretch the boundaries."Caroline replied.
They sat for a while longer quietly sipping their wine and talking about all kinds of other things. After a while, Caroline looked deep into Kate's eyes and said, "Have I told you how grateful I am to you for pushing me to see Amy? It has been one of the most profoundly helpful relationships I've ever entered in to".
Kate kissed Caroline deeply and passionately. "Have I ever told you how proud of you I am, working your way through all your pain and trauma, opening yourself to the raw emotions you were experiencing and then coming back to me a calm and reassured woman. My wife, my lover, my best friend and the only person I would want to raise my child with."
Amy and Caroline had continued the therapy up until the time Caroline was leaving for New York. They had both agreed that Caroline had reached a point where she felt able to move forward, not totally fixed, but with all the resilience and skills she needed to deal with anything that might come up. Caroline knew it was the right time to separate herself from Amy, but she also knew that this woman had become very special to her. Apart from Kate, she was the only person Caroline felt able to be fully vulnerable with. Somewhere in the back of her mind was the consoling thought that Amy was only ever phone call away.
Caroline drained her glass and got up off the couch. She walked over to her ipad and pressed a couple of buttons. She then gently eased Kate up and into her arms, walking her over to a space in the room. The music began to play and the two of them began to sway, their bodies close and in unison. As they held each other looking deeply into each other's eyes, they could hear Roberta Flack singing just for them as she had this time a year ago.
Tonight you're mine completely
You give your love so sweetly
Tonight the light of love is in your eyes
Will you still love me tomorrow.
