This week I got to thinking about the birthdays of these two women and how prominently they figured in the series. Speculating on the contrasts between this year and previous birthdays resulted in this chapter, which is rather gratuitously being inserted here, although the end of Kate's birthday weekend does just precede the next chapter. Thanks for indulging me.

Kate's Birthday

This year, Kate's birthday fell on a Sunday. Deprived of her original plan for taking her back to the hotel where they had broken down then reunited, by Kate having taken her there on her birthday, Caroline had searched out alternative plans. What she hadn't counted on when she'd planned this weekend was that they would now have two babies. It wasn't insurmountable but had required some thought. She'd mentioned this aspect of the weekend to Gillian during one of their phone conversations and been quite surprised when Gillian offered to keep Laurence and both babies as well.

She'd carefully explained to Gillian just why she was mad for even making such an offer but Gillian had had an answer to everything and insisted that she bring them all to hers on Saturday before they set off. She assured her that Robbie would be there as well and Laurence was always good help. This being as good a plan as any she'd considered, Caroline finally agreed.

It would mean a good deal of driving for her and Kate but they always seemed to find plenty to talk about whenever they were in the car together. Kate had told her that Margo and Graham were in a chamber orchestra so weeks ago Caroline had reached out to Margo to see if there was an upcoming opportunity to see them in performance. It turned out that on the Saturday before Kate's birthday they were in concert in Leeds with a meet and greet reception to follow. Margo was as delighted as Caroline and invited them to spend the night with her and Graham if they could arrange childcare and wouldn't need to drive straight back to Harrogate.

Debating with herself whether to tell Kate in advance or not, Caroline finally decided that she would knowing that Kate would enjoy the anticipation, plus she and Margo would have fun discussing the weekend. It would also give Kate time to prepare herself for leaving the babies overnight.

On the Saturday of Kate's birthday weekend, Caroline woke Kate with kisses, soft words of love and gentle caresses. She'd arranged for Roger to work an extra night this week to assure that they would not need to rise too early today knowing there would be a long drive and a late night ahead for them both. With Roger and Laurence in the house the babies were in good hands. For the first time in weeks they had the leisure of staying in bed on the weekend and enjoyed the benefits of Caroline's careful planning.

Kate, emerging last from the ensuite following their shower, to find a dazzlingly wrapped package on the freshly made bed. Caroline from the foot of the bed met Kate's eyes as she looked up at her. Then she said softly, "Yes, it's yours. Open it."

Lifting the lid, Kate found a stunning sleeveless pale yellow crepe cocktail dress. Holding it before her, she saw Caroline's face light up.

"The color is perfect for you. Try it on," she urged. Approaching to run the zip, Caroline revolved her slowly admiring the fit of the dress. With Kate facing her, Caroline ran her fingers over the prominent collarbone so cleverly revealed by the sheer fabric above the bust that ended demurely in a simple round collar. "Your beautiful," she concluded. "Do you like it?"

"Are you kidding? I love it." Turning to the full length mirror, "It's very elegant." Watching Caroline's reflection, "I'm afraid its extravagant, I don't often have occasion to wear such lovely gowns."

Smiling, "You will tonight, besides," Caroline held up a pale blue envelope, "that's about to change."

Caroline handed her the envelope. Inside were season tickets to Opera North at the Leeds Grand Theatre. "Caroline! The opera! I love the opera!" Kate wrapped her arms around her wife and kissed her excitedly. "How did you know?"

Bursting into laughter, "You are kidding aren't you? Opera is the new soundtrack to my life."

"Oh," said a subdued Kate. "Do you mind?"

With a loving smile, "No. Not if it pleases you." Then looking rueful, "I may live to regret buying these tickets though."

Excited again, "Oh Caroline, I'll explain all about each opera before we go so you'll know what it's all about."

Dryly, "Yes. That's what I was afraid of."

Embracing Caroline again, "You'll love it, I just know you will." Kissing her, "Caroline, I'm so pleased. I love both presents. Thank you." Then sobering, "This must have been very expen-"

Caroline covered her mouth saying firmly, "Uh, uh, these are birthday presents. We're not talking about what they cost." Smiling again, "Just so long as you like them."

xxx

After brunch, with help from Roger and Laurence, luggage for the five of them was packed into the boot of the Jeep and Laurence inserted himself between the car seats for the drive to Halifax. An hour later, Gillian and Robbie greeted them in the farmyard, helping to carry in babies and their mountain of gear. Having heard that Callie and Thomas were to be at the farm overnight, Celia and Alan had invited themselves, pulling in just a few minutes later. After a cup of tea, Kate kissed each of the babies and hugged Laurence as Caroline followed behind doing the same.

"Gillian, are you sure everything on their schedule is clear? I can go over it again. If there's anything your unsure about just call me. My mobile number is on the bottom."

"And on the top," teased Gillian. Seeing the embarrassment on Kate's face, she hastily reassured her, "I used to be the same with Raf when we left him with Mum and Dad. Really, we'll be fine. We will call if there is anything you should know."

"Anything we should know?' Kate looked in panic to Caroline.

By this time they were on the terrace and Caroline reached for Kate's hand partly to reassure her, partly to be sure she didn't misstep in her anxiety over leaving her babies. Speaking softly and gently, "Kate, Gillian and Robbie are all practiced up, they've been helping raise Emily Jane this past year, you know. Everything is going to be fine." Handing a still worried looking Kate into the Jeep Caroline closed the door. Grabbing Gillian by the shoulder and pulling her toward the back of the car, "You will be careful, won't you Gillian?" Caroline was having second thoughts herself about the wisdom of this plan. "The two of them can be quite a handful. And you have Emily Jane here as well. Are you sure this isn't all too much on you and Robbie?

Realizing that she needs to be as reassuring to Caroline as Caroline has just been to Kate, Gillian assumed a similar tone, "As you say, we are all practiced up here. Besides, at the present time we have seven adults to three babies. I've seen how good Laurence is with them. We're all going to be fine."

Gripping Gillian's arm, "You call me if anything goes wrong, do you hear? Gillian? Me, not Kate. I'll find a way to tell Kate face to face."

"Caroline. Really, nothing is going to happen. The babies will be fine. Laurence will be fine. We're all going to be fine. The two of you go off and have a good time." Opening the driver door for Caroline, "It'll only be a little over 24 hours. We'll see you again tomorrow afternoon." Leaning so she can see around Caroline to Kate, "Bye Kate, have a good birthday weekend. Bye, bye bye. Drive safely!"

'Drive safely.' What does she mean by that? Caroline began obsessing in her mind, Oh my God! What if we get hit on the highway and both of us die on the way to Leeds? They'd made no provisions for their family. What if something were to happen to them instead of the babies. Realizing all at once how quiet it is in the car, Caroline glances over at Kate and sees the worried look hasn't left her face. "Kate?"

Turning a stricken face to her, "Caroline, we've never left both of them for this long before. Not overnight."

Stopping the car below the hill where they are out of sight of the farmhouse, Caroline twisted in her seat to take both of Kate's hands. "I know My Brown Eyed Girl, I know. Do you want to cancel Leeds? We could go back up the hill, put them all back in the car and take them home." She's half hoping Kate will say yes.

Taking a deep breath, "No. We have to be brave. At some point we have to let them out of our sight don't we?"

Squeezing her hands and smiling wanly, "Yeah, we do don't we?"

Kate gives her a sharp look. "Caroline McKenzie-Elliot! You're as worried about them as I am, aren't you?"

Tucking her chin and giving her bashful smile, Caroline gave up trying to fool Kate. "Maybe."

Leaning in to kiss her, Kate whispered, "I don't know why but that makes me feel better." Resolutely, "No, we're not canceling. We're going to Leeds. Put the car in gear Caroline."

Realizing that suddenly she felt better too, Caroline kissed Kate again and complied.

xxx

The concert was marvelous. The two women sat, shoulders touching, sometimes holding one another's hand, enjoying the program all the more for knowing two of the performers. It was amazing to watch Margo in the violin section and Graham with the cellists playing so well. After the ensemble left the stage for the last time, the audience made its way slowly to an adjacent room where drinks were available and soon the performers would join them. As the two made their way to the reception, Kate avidly shared with Caroline details of the musical selections and their composers. Caroline was glad to hear about the music but more pleased simply to see Kate so animated and enthusiastic.

By the time they had drinks in hand, Margo and Graham joined them and were congratulated warmly on the success of the evening. Margo told Kate, "Madame Balakin, is here tonight. Would you like to say hello?"

"My old piano teacher? Really? She must be 100 by now!"

Laughing, "I think she is only around 90 but come on."

Graham interjected, "There is such a crush, maybe Caroline and I will just wait here for you."

Caroline smiled and squeezed Kate's hand before releasing it, "Sure. We'll wait here. See you." She and Graham had just begun discussing the program when one of the other performers came up to Graham asking him to come meet someone. Caroline waved away his concern at leaving her on her own and watched the two move into the throng. By taking a few steps to the left, Caroline found that she could see Kate and Margo across the room talking with an elderly woman. She was quite surprised to suddenly hear the voice of her ex-husband right next to her.

"Hello Caroline, what a surprise."

Her head had snapped around at the sound of his voice and she found him at her elbow looking better than she had seen him look for quite a long time. "John." Recovering quickly, "Judith told me that you were moving to Leeds but I didn't think to see you tonight."

"Judith did?"

"That day at the park. So, your not together anymore?"

"Right. Erm, no. No. It was over long ago. Without the baby…" allowing his sentence to trail off as had long been his habit. "It seemed like the right time to…"

"Right." Looking him over speculatively, "New suit?"

"Hmm? Oh." Smiling, "Yeah, about time for that too. Time to clean up my act, don't you think? New position, new town…"

Smiling back, "Very nice. I'm glad for you."

Belatedly, "You're looking very nice tonight too. Not that you didn't always. Not that I ever…" Hesitating for a moment, "How is the boy?"

"Thomas?" At his nod, "Thomas is fine." Her face softening, "He thrives. He's a very good baby." Meeting John's eye, "We love him very much. Thank you for letting us adopt him."

Nodding and looking away, groping for a new topic, "Where's Kate?"

Gesturing across the room through the thinning crowd to Kate, being introduced by Margo to a broadly smiling couple about their own age. "Margo Southerland, Kate's cousin and her husband Graham are part of the ensemble." By this time, Kate was looking up to find Caroline. Seeing her standing beside John, the smile slid from her face.

Caroline said quickly, "I've got to go." Eyes only for Kate she said over her shoulder, "Good talking with you." Reaching Kate, she took her hand and was introduced to the smiling couple who turned out to be Janie, the friend Kate spent her gap year with in France, and her husband. Gripping Kate's hand as she tried to free herself, Caroline shook hands with Janie and Ned who greeted her warmly.

"I'm so pleased to finally meet you Caroline. Kate emailed me when the two of you married last winter. Congratulations!" enthused Janie. "Oh and a photo of the two of you with your boys and the new baby, Callie is it?"

"Yes, Callie." Looking up at Kate, raising her eyebrows in an effort not to grin, "Then she hasn't told you about out newest edition?" Seeing Kate unable to keep the mirth from her face and her imperceptible nod, Caroline opened her handbag as she heard Janie's puzzled question.

"New edition?"

Producing her phone, Caroline pulled up a photo of all six of them, including Thomas that Edie had taken of them last weekend when William was home from Oxford. "Yes, Thomas Kenneth, after Kate's Dad and mine." The two women leaned back, not daring to look at one another for fear of bursting into laughter, watching the couple sputter in confusion for a moment before Kate put them out of their misery by explaining that they were adopting Thomas. This hardly improved the situation as the pair, obviously appalled, began contemplating a household with two babies as they looked speechlessly from Kate to Caroline and back again.

Just as Caroline was about to lose the battle to laughter, Margo was at her elbow saying to Kate, you won't mind if I steal Caroline for a moment will you, Kate. Before Kate could answer or Caroline could do more than glance at Kate, Margo was drawing her away by the arm. Instead of moving to one of the groups of people nearby, Margo led Caroline out into the corridor. "Caroline, I've just had a call from Edie."

Immediately panicked, "The babies! Are they alright?"

"No, their fine."

Watching Margo shake her head as Caroline continued, "Laurence? Edie? Alistair."

Speaking soothingly, "Caroline, nothing is wrong. Everyone is fine."

Relieved but puzzled, "So why did you bring me all the way out here?"

"I didn't want Kate to see your face when I told you."

"Margo, please. Tell me!"

Smiling, "Kevin arrived on Edie's doorstep this evening. He's here for a few days, wanted to celebrate his birthday with his twin for a change."

"Oh this is good news, Kate will be thrilled."

Taking her arm to stop her turning, "No. Caroline, he wants to surprise her in the morning. He and Edie will be at our breakfast table when the two of you come downstairs. You can't tell Kate."

"Can't tell… Well, why on earth have you told ME then?"

Thinking it through then, "I thought you'd want to know. Kate says you don't like surprises."

"Well, no, but…"

"Surely in your work you must keep certain things from people sometimes."

Shrugging, "Sure. But not from KATE." Widening her eyes at Margo, "You know how she is. She reads me like a book."

Raising her brows back at Caroline, barely able to suppress her smile, "Well, you'd better be a closed book tonight or Edie will eat both of us for breakfast." At this the two of them burst into laughter only too aware that neither wanted to risk the ire of Edie.

"So what am I supposed to tell Kate when she asks why you brought me out here?"

Nonplussed, "I dunno."

Exasperated, "You drag me out here without a plan?"

Sheepishly, "I was excited about Kevin being home and wanted to tell you."

Skeptically, "I hope you are better at law than you are at subterfuge, Margo." Then the two of them burst out laughing again just as Kate came through the door.

"Here you are." Smiling at two of her favorite people laughing. "What's funny?"

Caroline and Margo looked at one another and went off uncontrollably, leaving Kate looking on, wanting to join in but with no idea why they were laughing. "What is it? What's so funny?"

Margo finally choked out, "I think you had to be there," before looking at Caroline setting them off once more. By this time Graham arrived to look questioningly at Kate who only shrugged, eliciting another outburst from the two who were literally bent double now, hands on one another's shoulders as they wiped tears with the other hand.

Graham took his wife by the arm, guiding her to the exit, "Alright. Come along you."

Kate, eyeing Caroline suspiciously, decided to do the same and the two followed their hosts to the car, with occasional sputtering from one or the other of the laughing duo as they tried to regain control of themselves.

xxx

After a nightcap with Margo and Graham, with Margo and Caroline carefully avoiding one another's eye and still refusing to say what had been so funny, both couples retired for the night. Once inside their bedroom Kate spun Caroline and pressing her against the door demanded, "Alright, spill it."

Amused now at Kate's intense curiosity, Caroline, eyes twinkling, "Nope. Kate, I can't, I really can't. It won't translate and it really isn't as funny as you would think by the way we were laughing."

Looking at her wife skeptically, trying to decide if she could believe this, Kate watched the expression under blonde fringe change as Caroline snugged her closer, reaching up with her face, whispering, 'kiss me'. Kate began to comply, then stopped short and with pressure from her hips said, "No. I'm not finished grilling you, yet."

Fire smoldering in her blue eyes Caroline replied, "Do that again and I'll tell you anything."

One eyebrow raised, "John?"

Cheekily, "Jealous?"

Eyes locked, "Madly"

Playfulness replaced by sincerity, "Don't be." Then softly, "He just happened to be at the same event. I told you he took a position at University of Leeds." Seeing that Kate was still waiting, "He said hello, I said, 'You've bought a new suit', he asked about Thomas, I said he was thriving and thank you for letting us adopt him."

"He was watching you."

Allowing her hands to wander, "Watching me watch you look stunning in a new yellow dress, as I wondered how long before I got you alone to take it off you." Feeling Kate relaxing into her, "Now kiss me before I…"

xxx

Each time Caroline tried to leave the bed, Kate pulled her back, pinning her with kisses. Laughingly, "Kate, Kate, it'll be time for breakfast."

"It's only Margo and Graham, they won't mind. It's my birthday. No babies. Only you, mmm."

"Ohhh!" Knowing that it isn't only Margo and Graham and that she has a responsibility to get Kate to the dining room she also realizes that the simplest, happiest path in this case is straight through rather than going around and gives her what she wants. What they both want.

Finally on their way toward the dining room, thirty minutes later than the time designated by Margo, they heard multiple voices. Caroline had guided Kate to precede her and moved to the side so she could see her face when Kate saw Kevin.

"Kevin!" and they were in one another's arms as Kevin waggled fingers at Caroline who looked on beaming happily.

Once both women has been hugged and kissed by Edie as well as Kevin, he asked cheekily, "So, what's kept you so long this morning?" Observing Caroline's truth telling blush as he knew he would, Kevin continued mischievously, "You'd better come sit down and have some breakfast to build your strength back up."

Caroline shot Kate an 'I told you so' look to find Kate smiling sweetly as she held out a chair for her. "Kevin, Happy Birthday! You haven't told us what's brought you home."

"Thank you, Caroline. I wrangled a couple of days from my schedule to celebrate my birthday at home with my twin sister. I'm off to Geneva on Tuesday, the conference starts on Wednesday."

"What's the conference about?"

With a wave of his hand, "We can put that into an email. I'm here to catch up with my family." Looking at the women pointedly, "Come on, what's this I'm hearing about a new baby?

"I told you about him on the phone last week," defended Kate.

"Yes. Yes, but when will I see these two?" Eagerly, "I've yet to see either one."

"Well, we have to set off for Halifax today to bring them home but if we leave early enough we could-"

Margo interrupted Kate, "I've spoken to Gillian this morning. Since you've left the car seats at the farm they'll bring the babies home to you by early afternoon. Robbie's offered to make a couple of pans of lasagna for a birthday dinner celebration and Gillian said she would alert Celia and Alan." Smiling at the two of them, "I hope you don't mind but a home invasion is underway."

"Of course not. Do we Caroline?" At her smiling agreement, "Margo, you and Graham are driving up to join us aren't you?"

Regretfully, "Sorry Kate, I spent my weekend preparing for the concert and left preparation for tomorrow's case until today."

xxx

By early evening the Greenwoods and Buttershaws had set off for home, the lasagna was history, Edie's birthday cake demolished and the remainder of the family group settled into the relative quiet for a good visit. Kevin and Edie each had a sleeping baby in their arms as Kate sat down next to Caroline on the sofa and contentedly entwined an arm and hand with her wife's.

Looking at the two of them, "Another lovely family party in this wonderful room. I can't tell you how many times I've thought back to your beautiful wedding and the good time we all had here afterward."

Smiling at one another, Kate said, "We did too for a while. Then, since Callie was born things got very busy and…" looking at Caroline, "we haven't for a while." Meeting Kevin's eye, "Thanks for reminding us." She squeezed the hand in hers and leaned in to kiss Caroline.

"Two babies. Tell me how that's going."

With a loving look at her Mum, then Laurence, "These two are our mainstays. I know we wouldn't have come through so well without Mum and Laurence doing as much as they do. We're very grateful to both of them."

Laurence, obviously pleased to be praised in front of his hero, blushed saying nothing. Edie said, "It's been my pleasure. It's a little trip down memory late to the time Alistair and I were raising the two of you." Then looking sad, "These two are the bright spots to my days now your Dad's regressing." Tearful eyes on Kevin, "The medications don't seem to be helping as much anymore."

"I'm sorry Mum. I know this is hard on you. I wish I could be here more. I'm working to see if I can change that. Tomorrow we'll see Dad's doctors, find out if there is anything more that can be done."

"Kevin, can you really arrange to be here more often?" asked his twin.

"I'm not sure. I am working on it. Best case though it will take several months to set up. Then with a twinkle in his eye, "Do you think you could stand to have me around?"

Grinning, "Oh, I think we might be able to stand it. Just barely."

Tracing the lines of Callie's face then looking over to Thomas on his mother's arm, "I would like to see more of all of you."

Caroline's Birthday

On Monday as Kate moved around the flat putting the final touches to setting it to rights following the impromptu birthday celebration for her and Kevin that had been provided by the extended family. The babies were sleeping and Roger had just left for his first class so she was free to muse and relive the lovely weekend just past. Then her mind went back to the Monday in April after Caroline's birthday when she had sent her off to work in a speechless state. Again…

It had been inevitable because she'd just watched her wife dress in the lace knickers, bra and camisole set she'd given her for her birthday. The thought of Caroline dressed just for her beneath that tailored business attire had been such a turn on that it was impossible not to pull her back into their bedroom as Laurence headed for the lift.

Closing the door she'd pressed Caroline against it with her body to deliver a long deep sensuous kiss, releasing her only once she felt her prey slacken into submission. Stepping back then, Kate watched as Caroline leaned inertly for another minute, smoldering blue eyes taking in the gap of her robe where the tie had come loose. Saw her draw a deep breath as she straightened, pulling down her shoulders and wagging her head ruefully at Kate. Finally, she'd recovered to the point of reaching to open the door, eyes never leaving Kate until, taking another deep regretful breath she moved into the passage heading for the foyer.

From the bedroom door, the vision Caroline's high heeled, pencil skirted form moving away was as effectively devastating on her as her ploy had been on Caroline. With one last melting look back, Caroline had closed the door behind her. Resting against the door jam and closing her eyes to seal that mental video into her mind Kate heard her phone. Caroline's text tone. Snatching it up she saw, 'God, Kate!' and a pop-eyed emoji with its tongue hanging out. Eyes alight; she sent back the smirking face with a halo above. Waited the moment it took to get a reply, a smiley face with hearts for eyes and the word, "Tonight!"

Nursing Callie a little later Kate's thoughts reviewed Caroline's birthday week. The flowers she'd had delivered to Caroline at the office, which had announced to all who entered that this was a special day. In contrast to prior years when only Beverley had known it was Caroline's birthday and been under penalty of the wrath of Caroline to keep the fact under wraps, the news circulated the building at lightening speed. Much to her chagrin for the rest of the day as she made her usual rounds of the school Caroline had been greeted with birthday wishes by teachers and students alike. Caroline had called Kate to thank her for the flowers upon their arrival but by noon she was texting her, 'u r in so much trouble!' Kate laughed now as she had laughed then knowing exactly why she'd received this message. Her flowers had neatly circumvented Caroline's habit of keeping herself and her personal life out of the venue of school. She'd wanted Caroline to realize that she was better liked around the school than she thought.

That afternoon, Kate, Callie and Edie had greeted Caroline with a birthday cake and presents when she'd arrived home and clearly, Laurence had been in on the plan. After this ritual was completed, Kate had asked Caroline to have dinner with her at one of Harrogate's finest dining establishments that evening, saying that her Mum would stay to see to the baby and dine with Laurence. Caroline had been especially touched since it was the first time that Kate would be separated from the newborn Callie.

Kate had been a little apprehensive about Caroline's reaction to dinner for the two of them in a posh restaurant. Between the bitter winter weather and her complicated pregnancy the two of them had not been in public together very much since their wedding. Also worrying, was that she had sprung this on her at the last moment, Caroline wasn't always that keen on surprises. Reflecting now, Kate thought perhaps it had been better that way since Caroline had had no time to worry about anything in advance.

Once they'd been seated and begun talking Caroline had relaxed to the point of taking her hand as it rested on the table. Just about that time the Burleson's, being lead to their table had stopped to greet them. The warmth of their hello had been interrupted as the clasped hands of the two women had been noticed and they'd stumbled over their words, confused. The Burleson's had two children enrolled at Sulgrave, and it seemed, had never heard the news about the marriage of the head teacher to the languages teacher. Kate had suavely smiled, "Mr. and Mrs. Burleson, you know my wife, Dr. Caroline McKenzie-Elliot." Mr. Burleson had put out his hand to Caroline, saying, "Yes, of course. How are you Dr. Elliot? Oops, sorry. Dr. McKenzie-Elliot. Caroline had smiled and shaken his hand, nodding to Mrs. Burleson saying "Hello, so nice to see you again." To cover any remaining awkwardness Kate had asked after the children explaining that she was on maternity leave just now and hadn't seen them for a while. Finally, they had moved on and thankfully, been seated behind Caroline where she couldn't see them whispering and looking back at the two of them. They'd resumed their dinner but there was an underlying tenseness that hadn't been there before.

Kate had gone on to describe to Caroline the rest of her birthday surprises. The overnight stay they would make at the infamous hotel on Saturday night. That they would drop Callie and Laurence with Celia and Alan in Bradford on the way, as Celia had insisted on 'equal time' once she'd learned that Edie was at the flat tonight with Callie and Laurence. Then, on Sunday afternoon they were to stop at the farm where Robbie was cooking a birthday meal for Gillian and Caroline. Celia and Alan would meet them there with the children and their reunited family could all set off for home together when the time came.

Caroline had been pleased but a little disappointed, revealing that she'd planned to take Kate back to the hotel on her birthday to erase for both of them the memory of the failed weekend of the year before. Kate had taken her hand and explained that this was exactly what she wanted to avoid, revisiting this site for the first time on that particular weekend. Better this way, they could put the ghosts to rest without the added burden of that anniversary. With a twinkle in her eye, Kate told Caroline, "We've both slept there twice now, once we were even in the same bed but we've yet to actually make love there. I'd like to correct that oversight." Then mischievously, "Besides, I wanted to make sure we booked only one room." So saying, she'd smiled her sweetest smile and squeezed Caroline's hand to underscore her cheekiness rather than any residual bitterness. "Sorry, that was too easy," she'd added.

Caroline had lifted her chin in mock injury, "All the rooms I booked for our honeymoon were double rooms, weren't they?"

Turning on a sultry look, "There is another reason I wanted to go away for the weekend. It may have escaped your notice but I've been heavily pregnant since we've been back together and I rather fancy a second honeymoon. I have plans for you, Dr. Elliot." Caroline's eyes had sparkled at that and only the formal elegance of the restaurant had prevented her from leaning in for a kiss.

Returning to the flat, once Edie had been seen to her car, Laurence off to bed and they had spent time with Callie, Kate nursing her again, she'd lead Caroline to the spacious front room. Lit now with only one soft lamp, Kate started the playlist she'd created especially for this night. Turning to Caroline she drew her into the moderate tempo of the first dance. They'd smiled into one another's eyes at the easy way they now moved into step together, enjoying the pleasures of movement, music and proximity. Gradually, musical selection by musical selection the tempo had slowed until they stood, barely swaying, melding into one another, hands and faces and lips unable to refrain from caressing until they were breathless with yearning.

Allowing the playlist to continue, knowing they could set the speakers in their room to receive this same music, Kate lead Caroline by the hand to fulfill her birthday hopes. One by one garments had been lingeringly dropped to the floor until standing naked in a pool of clothing they came together. Eyes on Caroline's, Kate had taken her hand and placed it on her need as she'd simultaneously covered Caroline, whispering, "Mirror me. Let's come together." Breathing already uneven it soon became ragged and gasping, each emitting little sounds of pleasure, as they both neared the edge very quickly. The intensity of gazing into one another's eyes while touching so intimately had Caroline croaking her name, in a tone that barely allowed her to respond, "Yes!" before they surrendered with soft cries, twisting and swaying, clutching the other tightly until, at last, Caroline dove for the bed pulling Kate with her. They continued to writhe and kiss through the remaining pent up energy to finally lie laughing quietly and nibbling at one another until they grew chilled and found their way beneath the covers to fall into pleasure drugged sleep.

Thanks to my a-muse-ing muse for reminding me about Kevin.