"Another Sunday morning call out, no rest for the wicked…" Laura murmured as her phone trilled, before she rolled over and answered it. Shifting herself into a sitting position, she answered her phone, confirming her attendance at the scene and as soon as she hung up, Robbie's phone began to ring. They exchanged a knowing look and Laura swung her legs out of bed and padded over to the bathroom, retrieving her dressing gown as she went. When she came back a few minutes later, Robbie was already getting dressed. He held a hand out to Laura and she came to stand between his legs, as he perched on the edge of the bed. "Morning," she murmured as he rested his forehead against her stomach, and she ran her fingers into his hair. He murmured something grumpily against her skin and Laura chuckled. "I'll make it up to you later," she said softly and he looked up at her. Robbie sighed and then smiled at her. "We can make it up to each other," he replied "Hardly your fault we've been called out." Laura cupped his cheek affectionately. "Perks of the job, eh?" she replied and Robbie sighed again before standing up. "Something like that, pet," he replied and Laura smiled broadly. "Let me do your tie at least," Laura said softly, and Robbie lifted his chin so that she could reach. Laura turned up his collar and looped his tie around his neck, deftly knotting the silk to her satisfaction before folding his collar back down and then pressing a kiss to his cheek. Robbie brought his hand to her cheek, caressing her skin with his thumb and then kissing her lovingly. "Thank you my love," he murmured and Laura smiled at him.
As Robbie got out of his car, James was already loitering. "What have we got?" Robbie asked, and James leant in as though to keep his voice down. The private ambulance was just pulling up, so Robbie knew Laura would be keen not to keep them waiting too long. "Babysitter, Jessica Lane. 18, found by Mr and Mrs Adams, the parents of the toddler she was minding. The child is unharmed," James told him, unfurling his hand to reveal two pairs of gloves. Robbie glanced around the cul-de-sac. "Anyone see anything?" he asked, his tone slightly disbelieving. "Door to doors are underway. There was a party next door last night," James replied "loud music, lots of coming and going. Uniform are compiling a guest list. Point of entry is a conservatory door, forced according to SOCO. Back of the property goes out onto the Arcadia Park golf course." They made their way into the property. Laura was just tidying up into her case, resplendent in scene suit when Robbie walked in and then stopped, staring at the body. "Smothered," Laura pronounced efficiently "somewhere between midnight and four this morning."
"It's a bund line hitch aka a four in hand knot," James explained and Laura looked up at him, bemused. "Popular with yachties, boaties," James continued with a certain degree of disdain. "This was planned. Symmetry. Each, tied with the rope six times, the neatness of it. He thought about this, a lot." Laura and Robbie looked at each other, and Robbie raised an eyebrow barely imperceptibly. He glanced about the room and Laura returned her attention to her kit box. Laura was still sorting the last few bits and pieces she needed to do in the final processing and Robbie felt somewhat awkward loitering while she finished. Almost as if she sensed this, Laura looked over at him and flashed him a smile. "You're fine," she murmured. Robbie stood back respectfully as the undertakers brought the body out of the house, followed by Laura. She flashed him an affectionate smile as she passed him. "Bye Robbie," she said warmly and then headed off to her car, as Robbie and James accompanied Mr Adams back into the house.
"Beautiful singing in the chapel," Robbie mused in the car on the way home and Hathaway smiled to himself. "One of my favourites," he replied simply and Robbie nodded. "There's something that captures you about choral music," he said wistfully. Hathaway considered this. "Opera's your thing?" he commented and Robbie snorted in amusement. "Aye, if I'm in the right frame of mind," Robbie said and James smirked. "I'd hazard most people need to be in the right frame of mind for Wagner," James observed wryly.
"This is her? The Ashmolean presents Marion Hammond Fallen? A meditation on post-Lapsarian female gender identity…" Robbie read the details of the exhibition aloud, and James concealed his amusement at Robbie's disdain. "Opens this week. I've got tickets," James replied jubilantly. "The same Marion who's left messages on her answerphone?" Robbie wondered aloud. " Professional iconoclast. Social photo anthropologist. Cultural pundit," James explained. "Ah, Oxford type then?" Robbie replied. "Oh yeah," James said gravely.
"Ah, Hathaway," DI Peterson stood in the door way of the CID kitchen as James waited for the kettle to boil, and James groaned inwards. "Inspector," he replied curtly, instantly regretting the offer he'd made to Lewis five minutes previously and knowing that the kettle was only partway to boiling. Damnit, he thought."Your case sounds interesting," Peterson remarked, leaning against the doorframe and James shrugged easily. "I suppose," he replied slowly. An awkward silence sat between them for a few moments. "Must be a bit of a shift change for you after Sunderland?" Hathaway observed, as the kettle clicked off and Peterson shrugged his shoulders. "Well, you know. Can't be too unkind about the North East. Expect your boss has taught you that," he said as Hathaway poured boiling water over the tea bags and then set the kettle down, letting the tea brew. He momentarily rued needing to wait for a couple of minutes before removing the tea bags. "Is Dr Hobson working on your case?" Peterson enquired and James poked the tea slightly. He frowned. "Yes, she was on duty when the call came in," James said, wondering where this line of questioning was going. "She seems great," Peterson ventured and James frowned. "She's an excellent pathologist," he replied slowly and Peterson nodded. "Oh yes," he replied airily. James turned his attention back to the tea, stirring each mug and then beginning to extract each tea bag, squeezing the water out and disposing of the tea bag. As he went to the fridge to retrieve the milk, Peterson shifted his stance slightly. James got the impression he was trying to come across as completely cool about whatever it was he was about to ask.
"So, er, Dr Hobson and Lewis," Peterson began and James inhaled slowly, as he added milk to each mug and then stirred them again. James glanced up at Peterson, unimpressed, and then returned the milk to the fridge. "Are they, er… together?" Peterson asked hurriedly, and James picked up both mugs, walking over to the door that Peterson was holding ajar. He took the weight of the door, and then made his way out into the office. "It's really not my place to say," James replied solemnly, and turned back to head towards his office, briefly catching the flash of annoyance which glanced across Peterson's expression. Back in their office, James deposited Lewis' tea on his desk. Robbie looked up at him, bemused. "That was kind of ye, Hathaway, but you didn't have to," he said and James set his own tea down on his desk. "Peterson," he muttered and Robbie nodded. "Ah," he replied and James laid his forehead on his desk in exaggerated horror. "I don't know what I ever did to deserve such purgatory," he complained, dramatically and Robbie smirked. "That bad, eh?" he enquired and James muttered something unrepeatable.
"Hello love, it's your Dad,"
"I know it's you, Dad, it's called caller ID."
"I know, I just like to hear myself say it sometimes,"
"How are you? How's Laura?" Lynne asked and Robbie smiled to himself. "Aye, all well here. Laura sends her love. How's the little man?" Robbie heard Lynne sigh and he huffed out a breath quietly. As she began to tell him about how things were with her and Jack, and the prospect of Tim having to go away for work soon, Robbie was rapidly coming to a decision. When Lynne had talked herself out, Robbie cradled the phone against his ear. "You sound shattered love," he said sympathetically and Lynne stifled a small sob. "How about we come up as soon as we can? Help you out a bit?" he offered and Lynne sniffed. "I'd really like that," she said and Robbie smiled to himself. "Let me talk to Laura, and we'll sort it out. Promise we'll be with you this weekend if we can," he promised and Lynne nodded. "Thanks Daddy," she said quietly and Robbie was almost overwhelmed with the need to go to his daughter. She might be a fully competent adult, but she was still his little girl and sometimes, just sometimes, she still needed her old Dad. He'd talk to Laura later, but now, now he needed to put it to one side and concentrate on getting this case resolved.
"Do you know Robbie, considering that you claim three years in Tyneside vice knocked the choirboy out of you, this case seems to have you all hot and bothered…" Laura mused from the passenger seat, an amused expression across her features, and Robbie rolled his eyes as he pulled into the station car park. "It's not the kink which has me bothered," he replied and Laura smirked. "Goodo," she replied lightly and he looked over to find her smiling broadly at him. He gave her a knowing look and Laura giggled. "It's the thought of that lass, no family. This whole bunch of kids. No families, no one to look after them. They're all so alone in the world. That's what bothers me," Robbie replied and Laura considered her hands for a moment. "Can I walk you to court?" Robbie enquired as they got out of the car and Laura considered this. "Mmm, alright. You can buy me coffee and I'll talk you through the PM as we go?" she replied and he smiled broadly. "You drive a hard bargain, Doctor," Robbie replied and Laura grinned. It was rare that they shared a lift to work, but today Laura was in court, and since they were planning to have dinner together, should the case allow and Laura wasn't on call, they'd thrown caution to the wind. Laura supposed that if anyone asked, she could always come up with a believable scenario as to how Robbie came to be playing chauffeur. It was a pleasant enough morning, and they both enjoyed their stroll through the centre of Oxford together.
"I had my suspicions but the PM confirmed it. Her wrists were bound to the bedstead post-mortem," Laura explained. "The pose was staged then?" Robbie replied "but for whose benefit? His? Or ours?" Laura shrugged. "Both, possibly. Maybe the idea of discovering her as she was leant some kind of frisson, so, assuming it was a man." Robbie glanced at her as they turned towards the court building where Laura was due to be giving evidence shortly. "Wouldn't you say?" he asked and Laura smiled. "I'm an equal opportunities pathologist," she replied levelly "Jessica was attacked while she slept. It would have taken no particular strength to smother her." Robbie considered this. "Well, there was no obvious funny business, was there?" he thought aloud and Laura looked amused. "Not a medico-legal term with which I'm familiar," she replied, clearly entertained "but no, no obvious funny business." Robbie snorted in derision and Laura smiled. Over his shoulder she spotted Hathaway. "Here's your other half," she observed and Robbie glanced in the direction she was looking. "Gotta go," Laura said and he smiled at her affectionately before she headed over to the court. "Something I said?" Hathaway enquired, coffee in either hand. "Perish the thought," Robbie replied, taking his coffee gratefully. "Nah, she's up before Mr Justice Crowther this morning," Robbie explained "how did you get on with Mrs Massey?" James took a long glug of his coffee. "Maternal instincts this side of Medea," he replied. "She's the one that did her kids in, right?" Robbie asked as they began to walk back towards the station. "Well done you," James replied and Robbie snorted. "Well, I never know when you're going to spring a test," Robbie retorted. As he reached the station, his phone buzzed in his pocket and he retrieved it, scanning the message with a smile creeping across his face. You owe me coffee sweetheart x
"Another early start," Laura murmured, swinging her legs out and reaching for her dressing gown. The November chill was just starting to creep in and she was in no mood to be walking round her house, scantily clad. Robbie's hand crept around her waist, lazily pulling her back towards him. He pressed a kiss to her shoulder and Laura sighed as she sat on the edge of the bed. "Remind me why you're getting out of bed?" Robbie enquired, kissing his way along her shoulder and then pressing a kiss under the sensitive spot under her ear, causing Laura instinctively to arch her neck. "I need to get to the lab, Robbie," Laura protested and he chuckled. "So early?" Robbie replied "surely there's not so much on that you need to be in this much earlier?" He tightened his grip around her waist and Laura sighed in a resigned sort of way. "Are you actually complaining about me keeping you in bed?" Robbie asked, amused and Laura laughed, leaning her head against his. She turned her head to look at him, amusement evident in her features. "Never," she murmured, leaning in for a long, sensuous kiss. "Much as I'd love to crawl back into bed with you, and make love to you for the rest of the morning," Laura murmured against his cheek "I have so much to do today. And then, once I've cleared my desk, I am all yours for the weekend." She kissed his cheek, and Robbie sighed. "Don't pout, sweetheart," Laura said softly "I'll make it up to you later." Robbie smirked and kissed her cheek, still holding her close. "Promises, promises, Dr. Hobson." As Laura made her way out of the house, she closed the door carefully behind her and tucked her scarf in a little more. It was unseasonally chilly this morning and she was already looking forward to a nice cup of tea when she got to her desk. It was never much fun leaving Robbie sprawled in her bed, alone, when she could be cuddled up with him. But if she wanted to be able to get away for the few days of leave she had pencilled in, Laura knew that she needed to get her desk clear and that required early starts or she hadn't a hope of being able to escape for the weekend. It was a bright Sunday morning and Laura considered the city around her as she drove toward the station. As she drove began to approach the final streets, her phone began to ring and Laura activated her hands-free earpiece. "Hobson," she said wearily, and indicated to pull over and take the details of the call out.
Examining the crime scene, Laura glanced up to see James stalking about. He looked agitated and although they made eye contact, he wasn't smiling. As Robbie appeared on the scene, James began to explain and Laura couldn't help overhearing. "I saw him last night at Arcadia Park," James began. "What the hell was he doing there?" Robbie asked flummoxed. "He got this idea in his head that he was going to find Jessica's killer," James replied and Laura glanced in their direction again. "What's with the poles?" Robbie asked, and Laura slid the swab into the tube. "They're mooring spikes," she corrected. "Another homage to Marion's work. Her take on St. Sebastian, tied to a post and shot through with arrows," James continued. "The spikes were post mortem," Laura said "as was tying him up. But it's the throat wound that did for him." Laura stepped away from the body and gestured that they should follow her. "He would have been unconscious within thirty seconds and dead soon after." Laura set the swabs carefully in her case and turned back to them. "There's less blood than you'd expect because he wasn't killed here," Laura began to walk away from the scene, and Robbie and James followed her. Handing the final swabs to one of her staff, with instructions to hurry it up, Laura set off back down the canal path, the two police officers trailing in her wake. "It would have been as black as pitch under here last night. You could pass within a hand's breadth of someone under here and not know it," Laura observed and Robbie glanced around them as the flash of the SOCO's camera echoed around the scene. "Get the underwater team down here. Dredge this for a weapon," Robbie instructed, gesturing at the river. Laura watched him, still stood at the edge of the path. "And the clothes," Robbie continued "What the hell was he doing here?" James frowned. "More of a question of where he was going, wouldn't you say?" Robbie turned to Laura, raising an eyebrow and she shrugged her shoulders, still gazing around the scene.
"We should invite Dr. Hobson for a drink," James mused and Robbie glanced up at him for a moment, and then continued to tap at his keyboard. "If you like," he said easily, attention still on the screen. "Bit of a grim one, think she's probably earnt her G&T," James continued and Robbie stifled a yawn. "Probably," he agreed amiably and James grinned. "I'll drop her a line," he said cheerfully, pulling out his phone and typing a message while leaning back on his chair. A few moments later, Robbie heard James' phone ping in response. James grinned. "She says you owe her gin and chips, and that she'll see us at the Trout." Robbie shook his head and chuckled. "Aye," he replied "I probably do." There was a rap at the door and Robbie and James looked up. Alan Peterson stood in the doorway and they both looked at him in a resigned fashion. "Alright boys?" Peterson enquired jovially and Robbie shrugged. "Fine, thank you, sir," James said politely, shuffling the papers on his desk and giving the general impression that he was in the midst of a heap of paperwork. "You, er, seen Dr Hobson?" Peterson enquired and Robbie studied the desk in front of him, before composing his expression and looking up, completely neutral. "I imagine she's down in the mortuary," Robbie replied slowly. "Oh, yes, of course," Peterson said cheerfully "I might try and catch her before she leaves. Righto, have a nice weekend." As Peterson sauntered off towards the other end of the station, making his way through CID, Robbie produced his phone and tapped out a message to Laura. Peterson descending. Evacuate! He shook his head and James considered him, amused. Robbie's phone buzzed again and he glanced at it. Thanks for the warning. Have snuck out through the loading bay. On my way to the pub. See you soon Lx "Right, Jim," Robbie said decisively "Let's make a run for it. Before Peterson returns."
Laura had secured a favoured spot adjacent to the fire when Lewis and Hathaway strolled in and as Hathaway headed to the bar, Robbie wandered over to Laura. She looked up at him, her eyes crinkling up a little as she smiled at him. "Hello," she said warmly and Robbie grinned at her. "Hiya," he replied, sitting down next to her and sliding alongside her. Laura allowed her hand to drift to his thigh momentarily, squeezing it affectionately before returning her hand to the table. "Nice spot you've picked here," Robbie mused as James approached with a pair of pints in hand. "Next one's on me," Robbie said, nodding to Laura's drink and she smiled. "Lovely, thanks," Laura replied as James settled down on a stool opposite them. "Cheers," James said, raising his pint to them and Laura smiled broadly. "Case closed?" she enquired and James nodded. "Yup," he replied, taking a long sip from his beer and Robbie blew out a sigh of something akin to relief. "Glad that's resolved," Laura said steadily and James nodded. "Yeah," he replied listlessly and Laura considered him for a moment. "You taking some time for yourself this weekend?" Laura asked kindly and James shrugged. "Something like that," he replied, and Laura frowned. "It's important to get some downtime, take a break and get some perspective," Laura reminded him gently, taking a sip from her G&T and James glanced over at her. Robbie suspected he was resisting a witty retort. "Nice plans for your weekend?" he enquired lightly, and Laura considered for a moment. "Catching up with family, mostly," she replied easily and James grimaced slightly. Laura had a pang of sympathy. She didn't know a great deal about James' domestic arrangements but she knew his family life bore very little resemblance to her own happy existence. Although, she knew that James would assume she was spending time with her nieces, rather than the reality of a weekend in Manchester with Robbie. She was overdue some time with her nieces though, she mused and she made a mental note to invite them over for her next free weekend. She was meeting her brother and his wife for drinks and dinner later in the week, so she would make sure to arrange that with them. "We've lost you, Laura," Robbie's voice broke into her thoughts and she smiled at them both. "Sorry," she said "miles away." James smiled "Somewhere nice, I hope," he observed and Laura chuckled. "Just thinking about my nieces," she explained and James smiled. He'd heard Laura talk affectionately about her brother's children on a number of occasions. "You headed back to your East Anglian roots anytime soon?" he enquired and Laura thought about it. "No, no plans to," Laura replied thoughtfully "perhaps in the Spring. I'll probably be on call over Christmas and New Year, I usually am." James sipped his pint and considered her answer. "It's nice of you, to take those shifts," he observed and Laura shrugged. "That's Laura through and through," Robbie said and Laura glanced at him. "What? You're always looking out for your team," Robbie continued. Laura looked slightly awkward and James grinned at her. "Squirming under the spotlight, eh, Dr. Hobson?" he observed and Laura smirked.
"Thanks for the warning about Peterson, by the way," Laura said to Robbie and James chuckled. Robbie and Laura looked at each other and then at James, who was clearly very entertained. "I, er, get the impression that DI Peterson thinks he might able to persuade you out on a date," James continued and Laura looked aghast before taking a large gulp of her G&T. "Right," she said warily and James shook his head. "Not your ideal man, eh Doctor?" he enquired, entertained and Laura glared at him. "Should I be concerned that you actually need to ask that question, James," Laura said and Robbie bit in his lip, resisting a retort. "He seems perfectly pleasant," Laura began and then sighed heavily. "Let's just leave that there, shall we?" James suggested brightly and Laura rolled her eyes before taking another swig of her drink. "Let me get you another one of those," Robbie offered and Laura nodded fervently. "God, yes,"
After another drink, Laura declared herself shattered and announced her imminent departure. "Thank you for the drink, boys," Laura said warmly and they both glanced up at her cheerfully. "Pleasure," Robbie said and James grinned. James was banking on Robbie offering to walk Laura home. He always did, and usually Laura accepted. It was sweet, James mused, that Robbie was always so chivalrous, and while he couldn't pretend to understand the dynamic of their relationship, he could admire the genuine friendship between the two of them. He considered himself rather privileged whenever Laura extended her nurture to him, whether that was tea and solitude in her staffroom or gentle chiding over a pint to take better care of himself, for he knew that very few were within Laura's inner circle. Robbie drained his pint and set his glass down on the table, then glanced at Laura. "I'll, er, walk you home if you like," he offered and Laura smiled. "Thanks Robbie," she said softly and James smiled to himself. Robbie clapped James on the shoulder as he came past him. "I'll see you next week," Robbie said to James and James nodded. "Night Sir," he said and then inhaled sharply as Laura ducked down to kiss his cheek affectionately. "Take it steady, Jim," she said kindly and he grinned at her. "Have a lovely weekend Laura," he replied and Laura squeezed his shoulder.
Stepping out into the night, Laura linked her arm through Robbie's and they strolled back towards his flat. "Poor Monty, will he tolerate being abandoned for a couple of nights?" Laura enquired and Robbie shrugged his shoulders. "My neighbour'll pop in, feed him and so on," he replied and Laura smiled to herself. "Goodo," she said warmly. "Monty's a big lad," Robbie said breezily and Laura laughed. "He certainly is," she replied, entertained "I woke up the other morning convinced I was dying, because I couldn't breathe, and it was your bloody cat, all six kilos of him, sat on my chest." Robbie snorted, amused and Laura shook her head. "So what time should we head off in the morning?" he enquired and Laura considered this for a few moments before she replied. "We may as well head off first thing," she said thoughtfully and Robbie nodded. "Aye, grand," he replied and Laura squeezed his arm.
"I can't understand it meself," Robbie mused "leaving a wee bairn like that little lad with a girl barely out of childhood herself, when you profess you barely know her. Seems a bit, you know, weird." He took a sip from his mug of tea and leant back against the window, perched on the sill. Laura glanced up at him, and then back down at the snoozing baby in her arms. "Yeah, not sure that I'd have wanted to leave my child with a girl I wasn't even sure I knew the surname of," Laura replied thoughtfully, rubbing her thumb across Jack's back as he slept on her. Robbie smiled at them. Jack always settled well for Laura, and he looked remarkably content, thumb in mouth and chubby cheeked, snuggled up on her chest. With the case closed, and both of them in need of some time off, Robbie and Laura had made the trip up to Manchester for the weekend, bringing company, food and respite for the new parents. Lynne had wearily opened the front door to them earlier that morning and promptly burst into tears in relief. Once Robbie had made them all a cup of tea, Laura had taken Jack and walked him round the flat until he'd eventually fallen asleep. She'd sent Lynne back to bed too, gently reminding her that they'd look after Jack while she slept and that they'd be fine for an hour. So here they were, sat on Lynne's sofa, chatting quietly whilst the baby slept. "Your poor Mummy, eh Jack? You picked an opportune moment to decide sleep is for the weak," Laura murmured to him and Robbie chuckled. He liked seeing them together, and even more, liked being able to be involved in his grandson's life, to get to know this little lad. Laura was such a natural with Jack, and he smiled at her. "Reminds me of when my nieces were babies," Laura said wistfully "I used to love looking after them. Nonnie is hardly my baby any more. She'll be taller than me before I know it." Jack sucked his thumb noisily and Laura shifted her weight slightly, cradling him closer. God, Laura thought, cuddling Jack really wasn't helping how broody she was feeling at the moment. And yet she couldn't help herself. He was such a gorgeous baby and she had a reasonable amount of experience of grumpy babies after years of looking after her nieces and godchildren. But holding Jack again set a funny sort of longing thrumming through her and Laura knew that she was going to have to talk to Robbie about this properly. "You alright love?" Robbie asked, his voice breaking into Laura's thoughts, and she smiled at him and nodded. "Want me to take him for a bit?" Robbie asked and Laura considered the baby, before gently passing him to Robbie and settling him on his chest. She eased Jack over, keeping her hand on his back, and then gently replacing her hand with Robbie's. "There," she murmured and Robbie grinned down at his grandson. "He's a smashing little lad, eh?" he observed and Laura smiled, picking up her cup of tea and taking a sip. "You're looking at me funny, Laura," Robbie observed after a little while and Laura pursed her lips, slightly taken aback. She wasn't really sure whether she could even voice her thoughts. She was fairly convinced that it was all going to come out wrong if she spoke right now so she shrugged. Robbie glanced over her again and decided to let the matter drop, for now. Whatever was going on in Laura's thoughts, she'd let him know in her own time.
Later that evening, back in their hotel room, Robbie and Laura were cuddled up on the bed, and with his arms around Laura, holding her close, Robbie decided that this was as good a time as any to get to the bottom of his partner's musings. He pressed a kiss into her hair and felt her smile. Robbie took her hand into his, and Laura leant her head against his shoulder, closing her eyes and then inhaling slowly. "You alright? You've been thoughtful all day…" Robbie murmured and she smiled to herself. "I'm fine," she replied and he smiled. "I do need to talk to you though," Laura said and Robbie frowned, as Laura sat up. "I need to have my IUD removed," Laura explained and Robbie looked completely confused. "Internal Uterine Device," Laura explained "I had it fitted five years ago, long before we were together, but it needs removing, and, or, replacing. You had noticed that as far as you were concerned, we weren't using contraception, and yet, miraculously, I've not fallen pregnant in the last sixteen months?" The amusement was clear in Laura's voice and Robbie looked at her reproachfully, causing Laura to chuckle. "Well, anyway, they only last five years, and it's been almost five years, so we need to make a decision," Laura continued and Robbie's expression shifted into a frown. "We? Laura, it's your body," he began to protest and Laura exhaled slowly. "I know," she replied "but I'd like to think we're in this for the long haul." Laura smiled as Robbie interlinked his fingers more closely with hers "And so, this is an important conversation," Laura continued "because we have options, and I want to know what you think."
Robbie set his wine glass down and turned to Laura since it was apparent that the conversation required his full attention. "I want you to think about this carefully, Robbie, and it doesn't require an answer right now," Laura said seriously "but ultimately, it boils down to two options. I can get it replaced, and that's set for another five years, or I can look at other options, less invasive, less long term options." Robbie considered this, and Laura looked at him straight before she swallowed hard and continued. "Because the thing is Robbie, I haven't been in a relationship that I thought was going to last the course for a long time, and I hope that's what we have here. And I want us to think about what I'm going to say next carefully because I'm afraid this is going to scare you off completely," Robbie frowned at Laura's words. "Laura, my love," he began and Laura laid her hand on his knee, hoping it might still the tremor which had suddenly developed. "Let me finish" she said softly "You have kids, Robbie, and they're fabulous people, both of them. You and Val raised them wonderfully and they're a credit to you." Laura hesitated and Robbie rubbed his thumb over her fingers, as what she was about to say suddenly dawned on him. "But I've never had children, Robbie, because, for the most part, I've never been with the right man at the right time, and it's never fallen into place. But being with you, for the first time in a while I've wondered… and every time I hold Jack, it just… " Laura trailed off and Robbie brought her hand to his lips and kissed it softly. "You want us to think about starting a family of our own," he finished for her and Laura met his gaze steadily. "There's no guarantee we'd be able to," she said "I'm probably too old. I just want us to think about it, talk about it before we make any decisions" and Robbie chuckled. "Honestly, love, I'd never given more kids any thought," he replied levelly "but I love you, and I want you to be happy, so let's think about it, eh? Talk it through, decide what we want to do? But in the short term, mebbe, have this IUD removed and we'll work out our short term options? If you're happy with that?" Robbie lifted his hand to cup her cheek, gazing at her and Laura nodded, both relieved and exhilarated.
"You're shaking, lass" Robbie observed and Laura half smiled, leaning into his caress. "Sorry," she said softly and he shook his head. "Don't be sorry," Robbie said and they smiled at each other. "It's a big thing, Robbie," Laura said quietly and Robbie drew her back into his arms, settling her against his shoulder. "It'll take a bit of thinking through," Robbie mused "course it will. It had just never occurred to me, that's all. I thought my days of parenting little ones were over." He pressed a kiss against Laura's hair, still holding her close. "But being with you, Laur, you challenge my perspectives on things, my expectations of meself, and you always surprise me," Robbie continued, casting his mind back to the arrival of his children, the excitement and anticipation of a much wanted baby, the thrill of cradling a tiny child in his arms, knowing that already he loved them unconditionally, and trying to imagine himself with another child. A child of their own. A child of his and Laura's. He smiled to himself, considering what the future might look like with little ones of their own. He could just imagine being outwitted by a small defiant blonde with her mother's eyes and fiery temper and the prospect made him smile broadly. Snuggled against him, Laura's heart was still racing slightly and she was profoundly relieved that he hadn't dismissed the idea out of hand. She was well aware that this might not be possible, that they might not be able to do this for a number of reasons, but the faintest hint of it as a prospect had taken a weight off her mind. Still cradled in his arms, Laura allowed herself to relax against him and enjoy the proximity of him. It was enough, more than enough, to be here together like this and Laura was most content with where she found herself.