Chapter 29

Elizabeth turned over in bed when she heard her cell ping, sitting up she grabbed the phone and saw the text message from Andrea. She read the message, a small smile appearing on her face before she placed the cell on the bedside cabinet. She felt Red's arm around her waist as she turned to look down at him.

"Hey." She smiled before leaning down to kiss him.

"Who was that…work?"

"No, it was Andrea. She wants to grab lunch this afternoon."

"Sounds good, what's with the smile."

"I can't tell you, it's a surprise."

"For?"

"Mr Kaplan."

"I see, and I'm not allowed to know?"

"Not yet, anyway…you might tell her."

"I am capable of keeping a secret Lizzie."

"Mmmm, all men crack eventually. No way, I'm saying nothing until Andrea gives the go ahead, sorry."

"No need to apologise, so would you like me to look after Agnes?"

"Would you mind? Tom's still not back from…well where ever it is he went off too."

"I don't mind at all." He smiled, letting out a yawn.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean for my cell to wake you."

"No, no it's fine. I was awake anyway."

"Liar."

"Who needs a lie in anyway."

Elizabeth had a look Red couldn't quite read, about to ask the question when she lay back down beside him, her head on his chest as he placed a kiss to her head.

"I love this, I could stay here all day."

"Well, I don't think Andrea would like that, clearly you're needed today."

"Maybe you could ask Mr Kaplan over, I'm sure she'd like to spend some time with Agnes too."

"I'll call her."

"Hey, remember…what happened to her, it wasn't your fault."

"I know, I can't help feeling like it is though. Why don't I go and make us some breakfast."

"Sure."

Red got out of bed, Elizabeth watching him closely as he made his way out of the room, smiling when she saw him turn right in to the room Agnes was sleeping in.

Andrea was in the kitchen, tea boiling, eggs placed on the plates when she heard a noise behind her, turning to see Kate in the doorway, arms crossed in front of her.

"What are you doing up, I didn't wake you did I, with my banging? I know I'm not the quietest person in the mornings."

"Not at all dearie, I couldn't sleep."

Andrea put the cup she'd been holding down and walked over to Kate, wrapping her arms around the older woman's waist.

"She's growing fast."

"She is, we really need to decide regarding Italy soon, I'm not sure if I'll be able to fly further on?"

"Seven months at the latest, I'd say just to be safe."

"That doesn't give us much time."

"Look, we don't have to go to Italy this second, if you want to stay here until after the baby's born then…they'll all understand."

"I don't want her born here Andrea, I want a fresh start, far away from here."

"Okay, well I have to go out today so why don't I drop you off at Red's and you can discuss it with him. I'll leave whenever you want too, just say the word."

"But your work…"

"It doesn't matter any more. The only thing that matters to me now is you and her…you're all I need."

Kate looked up at Andrea, leaning in to place a small kiss to her lips.

"I love you so much, I really don't deserve you."

"Don't talk rubbish, you have made me so happy and I completely understand you not wanting to be around here any more…all the pain you've been through."

"Thank you dearie…you said you were going out today? Where?"

"Oh, with Elizabeth…just something I want her help with."

"Something?"

"It's a surprise."

"Dearie…"

"I'm saying nothing else, don't worry…it's nothing scary, I promise."

"Okay then."

"Now, why don't you sit down over here and I'll bring you your breakfast."

Andrea escorted her over to the counter as Kate got comfortable, Andrea passing her some tea. Kate looked over at the younger woman who's back was turned, a smile on Kate's face as she realised how lucky she was to have Andrea in her life.

Reddington was at the table, finishing off his coffee when Elizabeth walked in with Agnes in her arms.

"Now…are you sure you'll be okay with her for a few hours?" She asked.

"I think I can handle a baby Lizzie and Kate will be here too, I'm sure she will keep me right."

"Of course she will, sorry I…"

"Don't, you don't have too. She's your daughter and you worry, after everything that happened to her after she was born, it's understandable."

"Yeah but, I think I need to try and relax a bit more, it's all over now. Listen, I've left a message for Tom so hopefully he'll get back to me soon. This whole Italy thing needs sorting now, the sooner we know, the easier it will be on Mr Kaplan."

"I understand…speaking of Mr Kaplan, I thought she said you could call her Kate?"

Elizabeth sat down across from Reddington, Agnes moving around on her knee.

"I know, it just…feels so weird calling her that."

"It is her name?"

"After so many years calling her Mr Kaplan, it's hard to break the habit but…I will try."

"Good, so are you still keeping quiet about today's plans with Andrea?"

"Definitely, she'd kill me if I told you. Some things are better kept as a surprise."

"Fine."

Reddington got to his feet, taking Agnes from Elizabeth, holding her close in his arms as he spoke to her.

"We'll have a good time on our own, won't we Agnes. We might even go down to the park and see those ducks in the daylight."

"Well have fun." Elizabeth said, standing up and kissing him before she went to grab her jacket.

To Be Continued…