'So Aiden and I were thinking... Why don't we have a family dinner tonight? You can all come over to mine and we can order take out?' Carla suggests glancing between Kate and Johnny.
'Really?' Johnny asks.
'Yeah. I know things I haven't been easy between all of us but Aiden and I know that we could maybe make a bit more of an effort. Kate you can obviously bring Caz, Aiden is bringing Eva and Nick will obviously be there... You can bring someone if you want, Johnny.' Carla replies.
'That would be great... Are you sure though?' Kate asks glancing between her sister and brother.
'Yeah I mean you're going to have a baby, Carla's having another two... I think we need to be able to be in the same room as each other... I'm not saying I don't have questions and I'm not saying I forgive you but I'm willing to try.' Aiden replies glancing at Johnny.
'So why don't you all come to mine for around 7ish?' Carla says and they all nod their heads.
'Good... Well Kate and I are going baby shopping so we'll see you later.' Carla says linking her arm through her sister's.
'What? She's supposed to be working.' Aiden says causing Carla to smile.
'Oh come on Aiden! You would grudge your two highly hormonal pregnant sisters a shopping trip would you?' Carla asks and Aiden sighs.
'On you go then.' Aiden replies and Kate hugs him.
'Thanks Aiden!' She says smiling. Johnny smiles as he watches them both exit the office before turning to Aiden.
'She's got you wrapped around her little finger...' Johnny says and Aiden raises his eyebrows.
'Who?' He asks.
'Carla.' Johnny replies.
'Yeah well we've got close over the past few years... She's had a hard life so I'd do anything to make her happy.' Aiden says.
'Are you going to breastfeed, Carla?' Kate asks as she stands staring at a shelve of bottles.
'Yeah, definitely. I loved doing it with Esme and I'm hoping it'll be just as good this time around.' Carla replies smiling.
'How did Nick feel about you doing it? Was he annoyed that he couldn't feed her? I'm worried Caz won't bond with him if I breastfeed.' Kate admits picking up a box of Tomme Tippee bottles.
'Nick and I split up Kate just after Esme got out of hospital so it didn't really matter but I've spoke to him this time around and yes fine with it. I'll start pumping at some point and he will get the chance to feed them... There's so many other things Caz can do to bond with the baby, Kate.' Carla says smiling.
'Did it hurt?' Kate asks.
'Honestly? At the beginning yes but you do get used to it. It gets easier.' Carla replies.
'I think I'll buy some bottles just in case.' Kate says placing the box of bottles into her basket.
'Do you know the thing you can only try it. If it doesn't work for you then it doesn't work.' Carla replies.
'Yeah I guess... Is there anything you think I should buy?' Kate asks.
'Nipple cream. Apply it before and after every feed. It works wonders honestly.' Carla replies smiling.
'What one did you use?' Kate asks.
'Lansinoh Lanolin.' Carla replies.
'I definitely think I give it a go... Like you said if it doesn't work then it doesn't work.' Kate says smiling.
'What time is everyone coming at?' Nick asks watching as Carla changes Esme into a fresh pair of pyjamas.
'Around 7.' Carla replies smiling.
'Okay. Are you sure you're okay with this?' He asks as she takes Esme's hair out the two pigtails and runs her fingers through her hair.
'We need to move on, Nick... For the kids sake. I might not have had him in my life but I'd quite like them to have at least one biological grandfather in their life... Plus the whole situation is still really getting Kate down.' She replies.
'Okay well you just let me know if at any point you're feeling uncomfortable.' He says and she smiles.
'I will.' She replies.
'Dinner was lovely, Carla...' Johnny says and Carla smiles.
'I'm glad you enjoyed it.' Carla replies.
'I'll go get her.' Nick asks as Esme's cries come through the baby monitor.
'It's okay. I'll go.' Carla replies smiling slightly. She slowly makes her way upstairs and into Esme's bedroom.
'Hi sweetpea... What's wrong?' She asks kneeling down beside Esme's bed.
'Mumma cuddle.' The little girl cries throwing herself into Carla's arms.
'Oh deary me... Let's have a cuddle.' Carla says wrapping her arms around her daughter.
'I wonder what's taking Carla so long...' Nick says.
'Can I go up and check on her?' Aiden asks and Nick can sense just how uncomfortable Aiden is.
'Of course.' Nick replies smiling. Aiden makes his way upstairs and into Esme's room.
'Hey... You okay?' He asks finding her sitting in the glider with Esme curled against her bump.
'Yeah... She's just being fussy and I needed some time away from down there.' She admits.
'I know the feeling.' He says and she smiles.
'Come sit down and we can hide out for a little bit.' She replies taking her feet off the foot stool.
'It's just so awkward.' He says and she nods her head.
'I don't know what to say to him.' She admits.
The family dinner will be continued in the next chapter.