Chapter 29:

Lou woke up wrapped in Peter's arms. Last night had been a whirlwind, they got their Chinese takeout and carried on talking for hours. Last night was the closest they had been in months; she couldn't help but wonder whether they were doing the right thing or not by separating. There were definitely still feelings there between them, they obviously still loved each other. What was it that went wrong, was it the fact Peter had been working more? Or had they just not gotten over the whole Caleb incident? She didn't know, it was just so confusing. Here she was in bed with the man she loved, who not less than 12 hours ago had told her it was best they separated, to which she agreed. Was separation the right thing? She wasn't just saying it because of the girls either. She wanted it to work too, she felt so confused. Did Peter want it to work also, or was he just confused by the emotional wreck of a wife he had? This was the most confused she had ever been in her life. This was way too hard. She felt herself getting upset again so rolled over and went to get out of bed. She was stopped by a familiar hand grasping her arm, "Hey, where do you think your going?" Peter asked with a tired voice.

Lou sniffed, "Erm just to get some air, I just need to get out for a bit."

"No you don't, we need to talk. I know we spoke yesterday but I feel like something… something has shifted. Lou look at me." Peter said looking at her, Lou turned around and looked him in the eyes, he saw she was now crying, "Are we doing the right thing? Just giving up. I know we thought it was a good idea yesterday, but I just can't help but think that we are giving up too soon. I am not even saying it because of the kids because I know they would be ok with time. Are we? Are we doing the right thing?"

"I really don't know. Last night was the closest we have been in a very long time. I can't help but feel we are giving up too quickly. For months we have been dancing around each other, not bringing it up. If we had spoke properly, took some time together months ago, then all this could have been avoided! Ever since what happened with Caleb, things just haven't been the same. I am not blaming you for that, I promise you. We haven't had any time alone together since before then. I actually feel that is where we have gone wrong, we have both been miserable because of it. If only we had spoke openly about everything back then, then yesterdays conversation wouldn't have even happened." Lou said solemnly.

"So, what are you saying? We should give it another chance? Try and work through these problems together?" Peter demanded. He too was getting really upset at the confused emotions that he was having.

"I think we should… see how it goes? Give it 6 months and if nothing has changed, then we can talk about other options. Last night made me realise how much I actually love you Peter. I love you so much, you are the oil guy I tried to hide from my family for all them months, you are the guy who gave me my child and adopted Georgie with. What do you say? We should start talking to each other more? Give it another go? See how it goes? And hopefully put the past 6 months behind us?" Lou asked, this was more than anything she wanted in the world. She loved him so much.

"I am willing to give it another go, if you are? I have never been in love with anyone as much as I am with you. I don't want to give up on you, on us, this family. From now on, I will be home as much as I can, I am going to try and find a job in Calgary or at least somewhere nearer. I am going to try my best to be here more for this family, for you. I love you so much Lou Fleming-Morris. I really do hope we can get through this, not just for the girls' sake, but for mine as well. I don't know what I would do without you. I really don't. As you said, lets put these past 6 months behind us." Peter smiled at Lou, who's tears had subsided. He got off the bed and pulled her into his arms. They just stood there for a while, just enjoying being close to one another again. This was what both of them had missed these past 6 months.

"This is definitely the right thing. I think everyone will be happy we have come to this conclusion because they were all upset at the fact that it was happening, but they were all going to support us in whatever way possible. Plus, the kids aren't going to be messed around. I hope we can work this out Peter I really do. Another reason I feel this all happened is because we never had time alone, we always were at the house, with the kids. But now I think we should definitely do date nights and have time to ourselves. Amy, Ty and Grandpa have all said they would help with the kids. So we are going to have more chance to have time together. Just us." Lou smiled, giving him a kiss.

Peter smiled, "So, this is it. We are giving it another chance. I can not tell you how happy I am with this. So what is the plan for today? When is everyone returning?"

"Grandpa and Lisa will be home around 2 and Amy and Ty are coming home at around 3, so I was thinking we could go up to the house and cook a big dinner for everyone, I will even invite dad over. That will show everyone that we are united." Lou replied.

"Sounds like a plan. We haven't done anything like this together for a while, I think it will be fun!" Peter laughed, "Right, it is 11 now, so what do you think about going back to the house, having some breakfast and starting the cooking?"

"That sounds amazing. Let's do it," Lou replied.

They both got dressed and packed their things up. They went into Ty's truck, "Hmm lets see what CD's he has in here then, Rock anthems 101, The Rolling Stones and aww a mix CD that says 'Amy & Ty's mix' How sweet." Peter laughed while going through the extensive CD collection.

"Aww, they are sweet aren't they? Wonder if he has any sweets in here, I need a sugar fix. Open up the glove box," Lou instructed.

Peter did so, "Erm... yeah no sweets in here, some old receipts, couple of pennies and oh whats in this bag?" He asked reaching in the bag (which looked like one of those sweet shop bags) and he found condoms. Peter laughed and threw the bag back in the glove box, "Yeah, they are definitely not sweets! One good thing is that he is always prepared."

Lou shook her head, "Right, lets just ignore that and go. Don't really want to think about my little sister and her fiancé sleeping together. Thank you very much! There is some breakfast stuff and sweets back at the ranch for us."

Lou started the truck and they went to Heartland. She was actually really happy and so was Peter. This was the first time in months they were actually smiling and happy together on their own, rather than putting on a front for the kids and other family members. In the past 20 odd hours, her life had changed completely. She had gone from an unhappily married woman, to a separated and happy woman and then to a happily married woman. This weekend had helped with everything, they were happy. Finally, the whole family was in a place where everyone was happy with everything. Amy and Ty were happy, Ty had moved in and was doing really well at school. Grandpa and Lisa were happy doing their own thing. Georgie and Katie were both doing well. From this day forward, this family was going to be together again, everyone on the same page.