Family Life

The pattern of life in the McKenzie-Elliot household settled around the innocent tyranny of the two infants. Their feeding schedules, nappy changes, bathing and sleep patterns governed all aspects of life, as they do in homes around the world where there is a new baby. Everything else became subordinate to the needs of these two and they all loved every moment of it.

Callie's arrival had shifted the dynamics of the extended family on both sides. As if she were a magnet, visitors arrived to hold her, often bearing gifts. In the McKenzie family it had been quite awhile since there had been an infant in their circle. During Callie's first weeks at home, family group by family group the aunts and uncles then the cousins had arranged to stop in to see Kate's long awaited little one. Callie had been cuddled and kissed then passed from one to another as they all admired her and exclaimed over each perfectly charming feature.

Edie was in and out often. She and Kate, always close, had become closer still in the weeks when Kate had been free to go with her Mum to see Alistair three times a week. They'd often lunched together and then stopped to shop for household items or to select something to prepare for supper. During the weeks after Callie's birth when Kate had been struggling with hormonal issues, Edie had grown accustomed to spending time in the flat and came to know her way around her daughter's home as she'd helped them through that period. Now that they had passed this stage, Edie still visited more frequently than before when she'd hesitated to intrude on the newlyweds. Kate had come to rely on her mother's support more than ever now that there were two babies and Edie's experience with twins became invaluable to Kate and Caroline.

Celia and Alan were in and out of Harrogate often for one reason or another. The Mums suspected that Callie, and now Thomas too, were the real attraction but the older couple continued to offer excuses for stopping in for a visit. Since they limited themselves to daytime driving, more often than not Caroline was not home for these short impromptu drop-ins so on Sunday's the women would cook a mid-day meal and invite their parents to spend the afternoon. The Greenwoods had a standing invitation but the demands of the farm and Gillian's schedule at Greenhough's often kept them away.

With the addition of Thomas Kenneth to the family, word traveled through the McKenzie clan and another round of congratulatory calls were made to arrange to see the newcomer and once again there was a flurry of entertaining. The love of her family surrounded Kate like a warm blanket. Always a serenely poised woman, a new peace and contentment settled over her. In spite of the demands of two infants Kate was one of those unflappable mothers who have a knack for soothing an infant and bringing a sense of calm and order to the whole family.

Kate and Caroline now formed the nucleus around which the boys and their parents revolved. Without any of them realizing, the McKenzie-Elliot household became a center for Edie, Celia and Alan with the Greenwoods and McKenzie's seasoning the mix regularly. There was always a warm welcome for those who arrived at their door whether they were expected or not. The kettle sang and the biscuit supply was replenished frequently.

William

William had learned of developments surrounding the baby born to his Dad and Judith via his usual source, Laurence. His brother had become so richly informative that William told him that he should prepare for a career in journalism. The series of texts and calls that emanated from Harrogate over the course of events made Will realize that he was missing an important episode in the life of his family and made arrangements to travel home the next weekend.

Saturday morning found Will seated in an armchair feeding a bottle to Thomas as his Mum, on the sofa, coaxed a burp from Callie. Trying to get his head around all that had transpired since his last visit home, "So, you've signed papers to adopt him already? Isn't that rather quick?"

"Well, obviously it isn't final yet but, yes, adoption proceedings are underway."

Trying to understand, "Kate agreed to adopt this baby? Dad's baby?" Wondering, "Why would you want to adopt Dad and Judith's baby?"

Meeting her son's eyes, Caroline realized again how strange this seemed to others. Of all people, she wanted William to understand. "It isn't about who his birth parents are. Well, other than I knew about him and his circumstances since not long after he was conceived."

Seeing that William was waiting for more, "When your Dad told me Judith was pregnant it was not long after Kate had told me she'd passed the twelve week mark in her pregnancy. As you know we'd been estranged all summer. She only told me because I was her boss and she needed to make arrangements for leave." William could see that even now remembering that awful day put strain in his Mum's face. "All emotions were running pretty close to the surface for me then."

Giving Will a wan smile, "I'd just sent my first baby off to university." Gravely, "I was rethinking everything in my life. Losing Kate was… still quite raw, her pregnancy and the effect on her health and the baby's health were on my mind. The news of another baby, this one being born into what I knew to be less than ideal circumstances went into the reel that played endlessly in my mind. I couldn't stop worrying about those two babies." Tilting her head wryly, "Kate says I got them entangled in my mind. I suppose that explains it as well as anything."

William put Thomas on his shoulder to let his wind come up, "I remember in the car, driving to Oxford after the wedding, you told me how much you were looking forward to Callie's birth. I could see you loved her already." Moving forward with the thought, "and you were feeling the same for Thomas only you couldn't say that."

Tears filled Caroline's eyes as her heart overflowed with love for this son who always seemed to understand her, "Yes." Then in a voice filled with awe, "And the amazing thing is, Kate understood that. She's taken him in and is as loving with him as with Callie. She is beyond anything I could hope for, William."

"Just as you took in Callie and love her," pointed out her son.

"Well, yes but…" dismissing this as only natural. "I don't deserve Kate and the way she has made all of this possible." Caroline dropped her cheek to the curly haired head that rested on her shoulder as Callie drifted off to sleep.

Smiling warmly, "I think you deserve each other." Mother and son exchanged a long look then William went on to the part he still didn't understand. Rather incredulous, "And Dad and Judith have agreed to this adoption?"

"Your Dad tried to talk Judith out of having the baby in the first place. He never wanted another child. It's never been clear why she insisted on going through with the pregnancy." Looking fondly at the baby now sleeping peacefully on Will's arm, "We wouldn't have had him though if she hadn't." Meeting Will's eyes again, "We don't know why she wanted to have him or why she's decided to give him up for adoption."

Caroline added, "I do think that the adoption lawyer got through to both of them on the issue of child abuse and its consequences. I don't think they'd thought about that aspect of it before."

"So, this afternoon you take him to Judith's flat for them to have a last look at him and say their goodbyes?"

"We thought about inviting them here but the contrast is… Well, we thought it wouldn't be very kind to Judith. What do you think?"

"I dunno." Then, "Would you like me to along?"

Relieved, "Would you? None of us is looking forward to this. I'd be glad to have you there." Worried, "You don't think Judith will think we're ganging up on her, do you?"

"Her place is very small." Brightening, "There's a little park up the block, maybe we could meet there. I remember some tables with benches. It's a nice day. It might not be so overwhelming if we gathered there."

Smiling, "Brilliant! Laurence wants to go since he feels that he brokered the adoption. Which he did, I think."

"Will we all fit into the Jeep?"

Ruefully, "Not with two car seats. Maybe Kate will let you drive her car and you can take Laurence with you. It's a little crowded for him to fit in the back seat with these two anyway."

At that, the door opened to admit Kate and Laurence, their arms filled with shopping that they dropped on the breakfast bar. "All of this entertaining is certainly keeping us in the shops. If I could find time to bake sweets it would cut down on the number of biscuits we'd need to buy." Caroline was beside Kate as she emptied her arms of packages to fill them with Caroline and Callie.

Blue eyes twinkling Caroline remarked dryly, "I'd think you could manage baking in your spare time."

Receiving a sharp squeeze, which pressed their hips together sending a thrill through them both, Kate replied with a lifted chin, "Do you, now?"

The boys exchanged a look and quietly made their way to Laurence's room.

Seeing they were gone, Kate dropped her head and covered Caroline's mouth with a sensual kiss as her hands slid down to cup her bottom, drawing her even closer. She felt Caroline stiffen, her arms still occupied with holding Callie to her shoulder, so Kate whispered, "They've gone," before resuming her kiss and the pleasure of Caroline relaxing into her.

With Kate's mouth on her arching neck, "Um, you have me at a disadvantage."

Muffled, "Do I?"

After a little gasp as Kate reached a sensitive spot, "You know you do -oo. Ohhh." Breathlessly, "Kaa-te."

Smiling between kisses, "We could go to the Nursery so you could put her down. And close the door so we could…"

Feeling hands beneath her shirt, progressing toward her breasts, "Mmmm. Ahhh, Ka-te! Um, lunch. For the boys. York."

After another kiss to match the first, Kate stepped back leaving her hands on Caroline's waist to assure she remained upright since she was still clutching Callie to her. A little breathless herself, Kate admired the dreamy look she'd left on Caroline's face and waited for blue eyes to focus on her again.

Swallowing, Caroline took a deep breath as she watched the smirk on Kate's face intensify. "God, Kate!"

Giving her head that quarter turn and looking at Caroline coquettishly out of the corner of her eye as she so often did, Kate reminded, "We have to take our pleasures where we find them these days, don't we?"

Closing her eyes as she drew her shoulders down to regain some composure, Caroline opened them to say, "Erm, you put away the groceries while I lay Callie in her cot."

"Mmhmm," smiled Kate as she held her place to watch Caroline move down the passage. Watching Caroline walk was something she never tired of doing but it didn't much help her own recovery.

Transitions

The boys had set off for York in Kate's car ahead of the rest to visit with their Dad. Babies latched into car seats, diaper bag within easy reach, the McKenzie-Elliot family set off to give Thomas' birth parents the opportunity to take their leave of him. Neither woman was looking forward to this afternoon and wondered what lay ahead of them. Given John and Judith's past history this had a fairly good chance of becoming a disaster. At the same time, they were grateful for the decision the two had made and it was only fair to let them say goodbye to the son they were giving up to adoption.

Caroline drove directly to the park William had described. Each taking a baby carrier, Kate with the diaper bag over a shoulder, they made their way to a table, placing the carriers on top. Across the park they could see the foursome approach. Laurence walked beside Judith and John beside Will.

Judith was the most subdued that Caroline had seen her since their trip to York after Judith's visit to Casualty. She kept looking at Caroline as if seeking something from her. Caroline took a sleeping Thomas from his seat and placed him in Judith's arms as John looked on. Sensing that their presence was not needed, Will signaled Laurence to walk on with him.

By way of greeting John had nodded to Caroline and Kate, saying their names. This was more acknowledgement than Kate ever remembered having received from him. Turning from watching the boys off John said with a nod to the baby boy, "Thanks for bringing him over today.

"Of course," Caroline smiled, "We're very grateful to both of you for allowing us to adopt him."

Judith had sat down with the baby in her lap, studying his features, lifting his tiny hands, touching his cheek. Looking up, "You have him dressed so nicely."

Kate smiled kindly, "It's a special day. For all of us."

Caroline asked softly, "Would you like us to leave you alone with him for a bit?"

Judith met her eye, "No. I don't think so. I… No." Placing a kiss on his head she lifted him for John to take. Tears welling in her eyes, Judith turned to Caroline, "Um, could I talk to you? For a moment." Glancing at Kate, "Alone."

Squeezing Kate's hand before letting go, Caroline nodded to the sidewalk, "Shall we walk this way?"

John, left alone with Kate looked from his son to the child sleeping so peacefully in her seat. "She's quite beautiful. Congratulations."

"Thank you."

Letting his gaze follow Caroline, "I can see she's happy." Meeting Kate's eyes, "You're good for her. I can see that." Pausing, "I was always in awe of her. Never really got over the fact that she'd actually married me. It wasn't a good balance."

Watching Thomas stretch in his arms, John glanced at Kate again and with a tilt of his head in the opposite direction said, "I'll just…" Turning he slowly walked toward the path that circled the playground.

Kate's eyes followed him for a moment considering what it must have cost him to say to her what he had just admitted. Swiveling, she found Caroline and Judith on the sidewalk next to the street turning the corner toward Judith's flat. Both heads were bent and Judith was speaking. As they disappeared behind the shrubbery she turned and watched the boys tossing a discarded Frisbee they'd found at the edge of the playground.

Judith

They had set off in silence as Judith took a couple of breaths to steady her voice after handing over her baby. "I've been doing a good deal of thinking recently. Even before the night Laurence…" Looking at Caroline briefly Judith saw her nod then wait for her to continue. "I think I had the baby as a way to keep John. We were finished, really. I'd started to panic at being alone again when I found out I was pregnant. I could have terminated it but I thought if I told John I wanted it, maybe he would stay." Looking at Caroline who was watching her face, "And he did. Only it was no good. We argued our way through the pregnancy. Whenever he'd stop paying attention to me I'd start drinking and he'd do whatever he could to stop me." Turning a stricken face to Caroline, "I didn't want to hurt him, the baby. But when I got lonely I couldn't stop myself from drinking.

Looking off into the distance, "I thought once the baby was born it would be different. We'd be happier. A family." Shrugging, "It was different. It was worse. We argued over everything especially who was going to care for him." Looking into Caroline's face for understanding, "I really did try. At least at first. It's so relentless though, isn't it? A baby? He was constantly needing something. I got so tired. As time went on John did more and more for him. I kind of checked out."

Turning to look Caroline full in the face now. "I know what that makes me. A horrible person. A neglectful mother. Whatever you think, your right and I've already said it to myself."

Caroline spoke for the first time to protest, "Look, Judith. You aren't a horrible person. You had a lot to deal with and you knew John was there to take care of him."

They had reached a bench at the far edge of the park, Caroline indicated for Judith to sit down then sat beside her.

"I was glad when you offered to take him. Especially after that lawyer was so explicit about the trouble we could get into." Once again meeting Caroline's eyes, "So, I'm glad for you to have him. I wouldn't want him to go into the care system. You hear the horror stories." Tears welling in her eyes again and Judith wiped them away before continuing, "But your boys are terrific. I'd like to think that my little boy would have that kind of life ahead of him."

Smiling gratefully, "Judith, we are so pleased to have him." Caroline found she needed to swallow to go on, "We…, we love him already. We'll do our very best for him, Kate and I."

Recovering, "I admire the two of you. You're always so well put together. So… grown up." Smiling ruefully, "The way I'd like to be."

Hesitantly, "Judith, I know it isn't my place to say this and tell me if I'm overstepping but in my work I often recommend counseling for children and sometimes for their parents to help improve a family situation. I wonder if you might not benefit from some personal counseling." Pausing to see how Judith is taking this Caroline saw she was waiting for her to go on. "You have a bit of money now. It seems fitting for you to take this opportunity to make a new beginning as you give your son a new start." A little embarrassed, Caroline reached into her purse and pulled out a paper that she handed to Judith. "I took the liberty of doing a bit of research in case it seemed appropriate to give this to you. These are some qualified people here in York. You'll want to make inquiries and find one that you think you could be comfortable talking with."

Unfolding the paper to look at the list of names and addresses, Judith refolded it then continued to fold it into ever-smaller sizes. "Thank you. I ah… You've been very kind to me considering all that I've put your family through." Straightening to face Caroline, "I'm sorry for everything. Turning up drunk on your doorstep and bleeding all over you and your car, coming to your home when you weren't there to create messes and upset your boys, getting involved with your husband in the first place." Sincerely regretful, "This hasn't been the finest episode of my life.

Smiling humbly, "The last couple of years, maybe none of us have been at our best. It would please me now to think that you and John, together or separately could find a way to be happier, healthier."

"John's accepted a position at the University of Leeds for the autumn term. He's taken a flat there, moved his things from mine already."

Genuinely concerned, "Are you alright?"

"Oh yes, John was very generous, he's signed over all of the adoption money to me. Said he had the proceeds from the house on Conway Drive to see him through."

A little impatiently, "No. I mean are you all right on your own? Do you have someone to turn to?" Skeptical of Judith's shrug, "Would you like me to help you find a good counselor? Is counseling something you're willing to do?"

"I…" Looking at Caroline who was willing her to say yes, Judith swallowed, "I can't go on like this. I know that."

Realizing something of what it had taken for Judith to admit this to her, Caroline decided that she couldn't let this woman flounder. "What if I make some calls on Monday to arrange introductory visits to a few counselors here in York next week. I'll come with you and help you choose one to see. Would that be helpful?

"Why would you do that? I mean, why would you do that for me?"

Shrugging a shoulder, "In gratitude for Thomas?"

"Thomas. You're calling him Thomas?"

"Thomas Kenneth after Kate's father and mine."

Seeing the smile of love on Caroline's face, one she has seen there for Laurence and William, "You actually do want him don't you?"

With a smile, "We really do. That's why I would like to help you take the first steps toward a new life. We'd feel happier about having him if we thought you were having a good life too." Turning more serious, "I'm sorry, I can't promise much beyond first steps, we have our hands rather full at the moment but I would like to do that if you'll let me?"

"Thank you Caroline, you've been more than kind. I appreciate that you even offered."

Smiling her professional smile, "Right. I'll call you on Monday once I have something arranged. Oh, perhaps you should give me your number." That accomplished, "Shall we go back?"

"No, I'm halfway home, I'll just head on from here." Seeing the look of worry that came over Caroline's face, "It's OK. I'll be fine. Really. Talk to you on Monday."

Watching this solitary figure walk up the street alone made Caroline sad for her and a little guilty for the happiness in her own life. Knowing that she had done all that she could for the moment she headed back to the table where she had left Kate alone with John. Looking across the way she could see Kate sitting with Callie in her arms watching John pass Thomas to Laurence. He turned to wave to Kate and then, seeing Caroline approach walked to intercept her.

"Judith go back to the flat?"

Nodding, "Just now."

"I'll just go…" Turning back, "Um, I'm glad it's you who has him Caroline. I couldn't want anything better for him than that." Meeting her eyes for a moment, "Thanks."

"We're so very pleased to have him, John. Thank you." She saw him tip his head to indicate his direction as he turned to set off. After waving to his sons, who had joined Kate, John put his hands into his front pockets and hunching his shoulders loped across the playground to the sidewalk that led to Judith's flat.

There's That Done

The Mums saw to the babies needs, as they were both wet and hungry. Enjoying the end of a warm sunny afternoon, they all felt more relaxed now that the ordeal of John and Judith saying goodbye to Thomas was over. After helping load the babies and their gear into the Jeep the boys set off for Harrogate in Kate's car, to get a burger then on to the cinema.

On the way home the two women had a chance to exchange perspectives on their afternoon. They were both grateful that it had gone as well as it had, thanks to John and Judith both being sober and in a rather subdued mood. The lack of drama left them feeling that adopting Thomas had been in the best interest of everyone involved. Now they could look to the future confidently.

Approaching the lift from the parking garage, laden with babies and their gear, the couple spotted Gillian leaning against the reception desk chatting with young Martin, the desk clerk. Raising a speculative eyebrow at this behavior as Caroline caught Gillian's eye, she then watched as her step-sister's gaze went from one baby to the other before coming to rest just as speculatively on Caroline. They both broke into grins as Gillian neared them.

"Well, well, what have we here?" teased Gillian looking from one to the other to find them both looking a little uncomfortable which pleased her no end.

Grateful that the lift gates opened just then Caroline ushered her party inside. Once on their way she replied, "Meet Thomas Kenneth."

Bending to inspect the mite, "He is very cute." Looking at Caroline, "Laurence?"

Ruefully smiling, she briefly closed her eyes and nodded.

Once inside the flat Gillian continued, "Intrepid is the word that comes to mind."

"Too late, it's been used," replied Kate.

"Hmm. I imagine so," teased her sister-in-law, "since I'm apparently the last to be told."

Straightening from lifting the little boy from his carrier to place him in Gillian's arms with the hope that the presence of the baby would quell Gillian into not carrying on too long. "Tell me Celia didn't ring you on the way back to Bradford when they left here last Tuesday."

"Of course she did. But that wasn't hearing it from you," Gillian ribbed her.

"We've um… been a bit busy." Caroline indicated a chair to Gillian as she turned to make some tea.

"Yes, I can see that," replied Gillian wryly. Looking at Kate who had taken a seat on the sofa with Callie in her arms, "You're really up for this?"

Laughing, "I think we're committed now." Meeting Gillian's eyes, "We wanted a family. I've always wanted a family." Looking up lovingly into Caroline's face as she perched on the sofa arm, "We couldn't be happier or more pleased."

Watching the two who couldn't take their eyes off one another, "I'm tempted to say better you than me but seeing the two of you together, I'm not sure I might not volunteer myself if I could be as happy as the two of you appear to be."

At the sound of the kettle, Caroline dropped a kiss on top of Kate's head before going back to the tea. "Where's Robbie?"

"He and Raf are motor biking. They asked me to go but I can't stand to watch either of them at that. Since I hadn't been formally notified of your new arrival I decided to head over to find out for myself what's happening."

Later in the Nursery as Gillian and Caroline each changed a baby nappy while Kate tidied the kitchen Gillian asked what she'd come to find out. "So, John's baby. You and Kate. What's that all about then?"

Knowing she wouldn't get out of telling this to Gillian, "Alright, this is the absolute last time I'm saying this to anyone." Caroline one more time told the story as she'd outlined it for her Mum and William.

Marveling, "And Kate was willing to adopt John's baby with you." Eyeing Caroline, "What the two of you have is… amazing. Almost unbelievable." Shrugging, "Well, I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it before my eyes."

A little embarrassed that her intimacy with Kate was so apparent, Caroline lowered her shoulders and admitted, "I don't deserve her but I don't know what I'd do without her."

Gillian only nodded as she followed Caroline back to join Kate.