'Oh, sweetpea... Come here.' Carla says softly as she instantly wraps her arms around the little girl who has just made it way into the house with Peter.
'How was it?' Carla asks glancing up at Peter who smiles slightly.
'It wasn't great but she was so incredibly brave, weren't you? I promised her we'll order her a toy and maybe dessert tonight if she's feeling up to it.' Peter replies and Carla nods her head.
'Oh, of course. Why don't we get you all cosy on the sofa and we can pop a movie on?' Carla suggests kissing the top of the little girl's head.
'Okay, mumma.' Clementine replies smiling. She makes her way into the living room and Peter puts his hand out to help Carla off the floor.
'She really did do great, Carla. I don't think it's COVID; I think she's just got a cold but I suppose it's better to be safe than sorry.' Peter says and Carla nods her head.
'Exactly. Did they say how long the results would take?' She asks.
'Up to 48 hours but hopefully it will be before that.' He replies.
'Hopefully. Let's go snuggle our little girl. River has just gone down for a nap so we've got an hour or so to just focus on Clemmie.' She says.
'Do you want a cuppa?' He asks.
'Mmm... Cuppa would be great.' She replies smiling. He makes his way into the kitchen and she makes her way into the living room where Clementine is already curled up under a blanket.
'What movie do you want to watch, angel?' Carla asks softly.
'Can we watch Frozen 2?' Clementine asks and Carla nods her head.
'Of course we can, poppet. Let's get all cosy and daddy's gone to get us some drinks and snacks.' Carla says sitting down beside the little girl. She smiles as Clementine instantly curls into her side and she kisses the top of her head. It was yesterday afternoon that the high temperature first made it's appearance and by last night the cough had appeared which is why they made the decision to book a test for their little girl.
'Remember the other day when I said I needed to go out on a top secret mission?' Carla asks softly as she glances at Peter who is sitting beside her on the sofa. Both River and Clementine are now sleeping in their beds upstairs giving Carla and Peter some time together.
'Mmm... I remember.' Peter replies and Carla takes a deep breath.
'I bought this for you.' Carla says reaching down the side of the sofa to grab a gift bag which she passes to Peter.
'I had intended to give you this last night but then Clemmie got sick and my attention was just all on her.' Carla explains and Peter nods his head. Holding the gift on his knee, he slowly begins to pull the tissue paper out of the bag as Carla bites her bottom lip.
'W-What's this?' Peter asks as he slowly pulls a little white vest with Paddington Bear on it out of the bag on his knee. He holds the vest out in front of his and turns to look at Carla who smiles.
'I-I know this is a huge surprise and I know that Riv is still so, so little but I just- It's happened. I don't know if it's going to work out but I just- We need to give this baby a shot.' Carla says and Peter slowly nods his head.
'We're having another baby? River is going to be a big sister... This is amazing, Carla. How are you feeling? When did you find out?' Peter asks placing the vest back into the bag and moving to hug his wife.
'I feel really good actually. Believe it or not I only found out the other day; I bought pregnancy tests at the shop which is when I picked up that vest because honestly? I just knew when I went to the shop that the tests were going to be positive.' Carla replies.
'This is just amazing. A-Are you happy?' He asks and she nods her head.
'I am. I mean, don't get wrong I'm absolutely petrified that it is all going to go wrong but I am so, so happy to potentially have another little baba.' She replies smiling.
'I can't wait until the restrictions are lifted and we can book a nice, sunny holiday... It's miserable out there.' Carla moans leaning on the worktop and staring out the window.
'Where will go? When restrictions are lifted where is the first place you want to go?' Peter asks, his hand resting on her lower back.
'Anywhere that isn't here.' Carla replies.
'That first holiday away is going to be amazing, isn't it? It's crazy to think it's almost a year since this whole thing happened and we're practically in the same position.' Peter says and Carla nods her head.
'Mmm... Remember we thought that this would all be over by the time Riv was one? Now she's nearly one and there are still people in our family who haven't even met her.' Carla replies.
'They will meet her though. I don't know when but they will and when they do it'll be magical.' Peter says smiling. He kisses the top of Carla's head before glancing over his shoulder at Clementine who is making her way into the kitchen.
'You okay, baby girl?' Peter asks.
'Are you having another baby, mumma?' Clementine asks quietly and Carla instantly turns around to face the little girl.
'What, sweetheart?' Carla asks.
'T-There's a vest in the living room, like River wears but it's too small for River.' Clementine replies biting her bottom lip.
'I do have a baby in my tummy but it's still very early days so we just need to hope they'll stay, okay? We're not going to tell anyone else just now; not for a little while anyway.' Carla says and Clementine nods her head.
'Okay, mumma.' Clementine replies shrugging her shoulders and making her way back into the living room.
'Oh I wasn't expecting that.' Carla says.
'I'm sorry. That's my fault, I meant to move the vest but then River woke up and I completely forgot.' Peter replies.
'It's okay.' Carla says smiling.
'She's negative... The test came back negative.' Peter says placing his phone on the bedside table and watching his wife's entire body relax back against the pillows.
'Oh thank fuck... I was certain she would be negative but I don't know- I just found myself second guessing it all and wondering whether or not it was all just hopeful thinking.' She admits and he climbs into bed beside her.
'Well now she's got the all clear so we can just relax and focus on making sure that in seven or eight months time we're walking through our front door with the final member of our family, yeah?' He says resting his hand on her stomach.
'Yeah.' She replies smiling.
