Disclaimer: see previous chapters.

Author's note: part two of the holiday

The next morning, Lindsay awoke and got changed before grabbing a drink from the kitchen and sitting next to Rachel on the sofa.

"Morning Linds, did you sleep okay?"

"Perfectly; erm, last night, me and Phil slept together"

"As in 'share a bed' together or 'together' together?" she asked, eyebrows raised.

"Together" she repeated with an expression.

"Oh...did you want it to happen?"

"Yeah, I started it; he didnt pressure me or anything. Said, if I wanted to stop, he would and it was great"

"You dont regret it?"

"No, he was gentle and loving and made sure we had protection but...do I tell my mom or not?"

"That's upto you but you're old enough to make that decision now you're 18; and it proves you are finally starting to move on"

"I think I am; last night was a big deal for me but...it felt right, you know? It's been nearly three years since he died and that was the first time I felt...suitable, felt comfortable in what I was doing" she smiled.

"Good; did you have fun at the arcade?"

"Yeah, been a long time since I've been on holiday"

"We'll make sure you have fun then"

"Mommy, mommy" Michael called, running over to sit on Lindsay's lap whilst Rachel was still holding Ronnie.

"Yes honey"

"Can we go to the beach today?"

"Course we can; we're going into town so we'll spend some time on the beach so you can play"

"And can we go swimming?"

"Course"

"And on the rides at the funfair?"

"Yes"

"And have ice cream?"

"Yes" she laughed "And if you dont keep quiet, you're gonna wake daddy and Phil up"

"Too late" Eddie said as he came into the room and sat next to them.

"Sorry daddy...for waking you"

"It's okay buddy"

"Michael, why dont we go and find your clothes for today and leave mommy and daddy to talk?" Lindsay suggested.

"I wanna wear my jeans"

"Let's go and find them then"

As they disappeared, Eddie turned to Rachel and kissed Ronnie before kissing her.

"How you doing? You fell asleep rather quickly last night; you were quiet and upset too"

"I'm sorry; I didnt mean to be so enclosed with you"

"That's okay"

"No, it's not; I promise, I'll try harder to not get upset"

"Hey, you dont need to try harder; the one promise I made to myself when I first met you was to get you to open up to me and talk about your feelings...to not, just, shut it off"

"I'm used to be alone, have no one to talk to; this is still strange for me. I'm sorry"

"Dont be sorry, it's gonna be okay'

"Can you do breakfast this morning? I dont feel like it"

"Course; can I get you a coffee"

"No" she answered quietly, looking back at her daughter.

He kissed her forehead before going into the kitchen.