The moonlight streaked across Laura's bed, revealing her sleeping form, and as Robbie padded into Laura's bedroom she stirred slightly. "Robbie?" she murmured sleepily, and he stooped to press a kiss to her forehead. "Just turning in for the night, pet," Robbie told her and Laura smiled. "S'okay," she replied, settling back onto the pillow and pulling the covers around her, eyes closed. Robbie sat on the edge of the bed and gazed at her, enjoying the brief moment to watch her sleep. She looked so peaceful, cozy and the sight made him feel warm inside. It was a strangely warm evening for February, and the night was settling down, a little breeze drifting in through the window. They'd driven back from Manchester that afternoon, and he knew Laura was tired. It had been a lovely couple of days, albeit strangely emotional. Lynne and Laura got on well, and he was always keen to spend time with his daughter. The distance between them and Patrick was a source of considerable sadness to him, though, after two years in the British Virgin Islands, he understood very well the lure of sunshine and the outdoorsy sort of life which Australia offered. He lifted the covers and slid into bed, smiling as Laura rolled over and settled her cheek against his collarbone. He wrapped his arm around her, cradling her closely and Laura sighed sleepily. "I do love you," he murmured and he felt Laura relax against him.
Robbie settled back against the pillows, his arms still around Laura and he nudged his nose against her hair. They'd driven up to Manchester on Thursday night, making the most of a free weekend for Lynne, and a bit of annual leave for them both. Jack was toddling around and was developing from a cheerful baby into an adorable toddler. Laura doted on him, and he loved seeing them all together. Laura had taken some lovely photos of him and Lynne and Jack, and he'd been delighted with how well they'd all got on. Their future marriage didn't seem to come as any surprise to Lynne. She'd hugged him happily, murmuring her congratulations with genuine affection, before greeting Laura with similar joy and demanding to know the details. Several times, he'd found Lynne and Laura perched on the kitchen counters, clutching mugs of tea and chatting in her kitchen, in a way that seemed both time-honoured and endearing. Late the night before, after Laura had retired to bed, Lynne had come and perched on the arm of the sofa, tucking her toes under his leg as she had often done over the years. "It's nice to see you so happy Dad," she'd told him and he'd considered his oldest child. "I mean it," she continued "you've been so sad for so long for Mum. Obviously, I still miss her horribly. I've cried more about not having her here than ever since Jack was born, but it's been lovely to see you becoming happier again, with Laura." He'd stretched out his hand to her, and she'd firmly entwined her fingers with her own. "She's brought you back to life, Dad. There's something more than sadness and fear in your eyes these days, and it's like having the Dad I remember back," Lynne told him, and he half grimaced at the memory. It was late though, and he needed to get some sleep before the working week began. He kissed Laura's hair and closed his eyes, entwining his fingers together around Laura's and relaxing into sleep.
"Dr. Hobson's invited me for dinner," James announced carelessly as he and Robbie worked their way through a stack of pre-court paperwork in their office the following morning. Robbie considered this statement for a moment before he looked up. "Oh aye," he replied before returning his attention to the file in front of him. " This Friday," James continued and Robbie nodded absentmindedly. "Has she invited you?" James asked and Robbie pondered, amused. "Now that you mention it she did say something about it," he said slowly and James frowned. "Perhaps I should be glad it isn't some kind of hot date..." he mused and Robbie snorted. "I'm pretty sure you're not her type," Robbie replied, entertained and James looked smug. "I'm reliably informed she thinks I'm dishy," he retorted and Robbie snorted. "Aye," he murmured with a small smirk, "well she did four years ago." James laughed. "Touché, sir," he replied "touché.
A little while later, when James made a round of tea, he brought the mugs back into their office and set Robbie's down on his desk. "Oh, cheers," Robbie said, flashing his sergeant a grin. James perched on the edge of his own desk, facing Lewis and considering his Inspector. "So this dinner at Hobson's…" he began and Robbie looked up at him before tossing down his pen and picking up his tea. "I don't know why you're asking me," Robbie said reasonably "if you're got questions, you need to ask Laura." James took a sip of his tea and wrinkled his nose. "I was going to pick your brains about what to take," James said reprovingly and Robbie shrugged his shoulders. "Well, I always assume it's polite to take a bottle," he replied and James rolled his eyes. "Obviously, " he said in a slightly surly tone and Robbie glanced at him, as if to silently remind Hathaway that he was still talking to his senior officer. "I wonder if she's changed her alarm code," James mused and Robbie laughed. "You'd have to ask Laura that. I'll watch…" he replied, amused. "You'd have to ask Laura what?" a voice enquired from the doorway and the two men turned their gaze to find the aforementioned Dr. Hobson in the doorway, hands in the pockets of her chinos and a bemused expression across her face. "Dr. Hobson," James said politely and Robbie grinned at her. "Laura," he greeted her "James and I were just discussing what we should bring on Friday." Laura smiled broadly "Well saved, DI Lewis," she remarked and he raised an eyebrow at her, amused. "I think what James is trying to determine," Robbie continued smoothly "was red or white?" James sighed in exasperation and Robbie and Laura looked at him. "I was planning to make some chilli con carne, James, so red or beer will be fine. Thank you for asking," Laura replied warmly and Robbie huffed out a breath. He met Laura's bemused gaze and she raised her eyebrow ever so slightly. "Can I bring anything?" Robbie enquired and Laura folded her arms, leaning back against the door frame. "Hmmm, how about I entrust you with acquiring pudding? Something with chocolate perhaps," Laura suggested and Robbie shrugged easily. "Alright, grand," he replied easily and Laura nodded. "That was painless," Robbie remarked and Laura looked at him with a mix of derision and amusement present in her features. He chuckled to himself, and then glanced at his watch. "Ah, excuse me, I've got to go and see Innocent," he explained, shrugging his jacket on and making his way out of the office. "Mmm, yes, Senior Staff," Laura observed "I've also got the pleasure. Shall we?"
Robbie cast a glance at Laura as they waited outside Jean's office. She glanced up at him, and he smiled at the affection he observed in her gaze. "You alright?" he murmured and she smiled and nodded. "I'm good," she replied softly and Robbie allowed his hand to rest next to hers, so that their fingers touched ever so slightly. Laura smiled to herself at his caress. "Later?" he said quietly and Laura nodded, straightening up as the voices of their colleagues carried into the room. "I wonder what Innocent wants," Laura mused as various of their CID colleagues loomed into Innocent's outer office. Robbie shrugged. "Something big, I think. Some kind of national review, judging from the pile of paperwork on her desk. Cold cases mebbe?" he suggested, and Laura bit her lip. "Ah," she said "that would certainly explain my presence." Robbie's eyes twinkled and Laura sighed. "I was hoping for a quiet few weeks," she murmured as one of their colleagues lumbered towards them. "Laura," Peterson said cheerfully and Laura smiled at him. "Hello Alan," she said with a degree of cheerfulness she wasn't sure she actually felt. "How are you?" she enquired politely and Peterson began a lengthy answer, as Robbie smiled to himself.
Later that afternoon, Laura returned to her office and set a significant briefing file down on her desk. She turned her laptop on, and took herself off to the kitchen in order to make herself a large mug of tea. Her phone buzzed in her pocket and she pulled it out to read the message as she waited for the kettle to boil. She smiled when she saw the name. Robbie. Of course. Dinner at mine tonight? She tapped her phone to her lips as she considered her answer. Menu in mind? She tapped out, and then her phone buzzed in response. Whatever M&S have on Dine in for £10? Laura laughed and then she turned to the kettle as it boiled and clicked off. Inspector, you have a deal.
"You seem quiet tonight," Robbie observed lightly as they spent the evening together. Laura was curled up in the armchair in the bay window of his flat, drafting something and he was stretched out on the sofa trying to finish the crossword he'd abandoned on the previous Sunday. Laura considered him over the top of her glasses, intrigued. "Just planning out a journal article, requires all my brainpower," she replied easily "makes me terrible company too." He grinned at her and she blew him a kiss before returning her attention to her notes. Robbie returned his attention to the crossword but it quickly meandered back to Laura. He liked watching her work. It amused him to see her so engrossed in her work, hair awry where she'd tucked it behind her ear half a dozen times and then given up in frustration, chewing her lip in concentration. She hand drafted all her writing, often with her favourite fountain pen. Laura, it turned out, was surprisingly picky about her choice of pen if she was given any choice in the matter. And he often found her curled up in an armchair scribbling away. When her insomnia was bad, she'd often creep downstairs to make herself tea and then write through the early hours of the morning. At her house she had an armchair in her bedroom, but at his she'd end up in the living room if he couldn't cuddle her back to sleep. He liked watching her write but he knew it unnerved her. "You're staring, Robbie," her voice broke through his thoughts and he met her gaze. "Guilty as charged," Robbie replied and Laura smiled, amused. "I like watching you work," he owned. "Fortunate given how long I keep you waiting at crime scenes," Laura observed smoothly and Robbie laughed loudly. "I am never going to be allowed to live that down, am I?" he remarked and Laura returned her attention to her notes. "Nope," she replied, a smile dancing at the edge of her lips.
Robbie sat back on the sofa, still watching Laura but allowing his thoughts to wonder. It was early February now, and he supposed that if they were going to follow through on their agreement to marry this year that they probably ought to try and make some arrangements. He knew the simple answer was just to ask Laura, but it dawned on him that he had no idea how they might want to get married. Neither of them was desperately religious and he thought a simple civil ceremony but probably the order of the day. But obviously, it was his second marriage, and Laura's first. He'd had a wedding day and all the surrounding fuss, and wasn't terribly keen to go through the whole rigmarole of a big white wedding again. But Laura hadn't, although he wasn't sure that "big white wedding" was Laura's style. She was pretty stylish, and she liked things to be done well, and so did he. He quite enjoyed scrubbing up for the right occasion, and he was always proud to have Laura on his arm. He thought, given her preference for discretion, that she too would probably want a small wedding. Her nieces were already excitedly planning their bridesmaids outfits, and the thought made him smile. They were nice kids, well-mannered and nicely brought up. He enjoyed spending time with Laura's family, though it made him miss his own kids. It was ages since he'd seen Patrick, though they talked more these days than they had for a while. Laura had gently encouraged him to rebuild their relationship, and they were closer than they had been since Val had died. He owed Laura a lot for that. And Lynne and Laura were genuinely fond of each other. It would be nice to have the kids together, and Jack of course. He knew that Lynne and Patrick skyped each other regularly but Patrick hadn't met the wee lad yet, nor had he met Laura, or at least, he hadn't seen her since he was sixteen years old.
Robbie wondered idly what his kids would think if he and Laura had a baby of their own. He supposed it was rather awkward to have to confirm to your grown up children that you did in fact have a sex life, and very nice it was too. He grimaced slightly at the thought of that conversation. But it seemed unkind to potentially deny Laura something he treasured so much himself for the sake of a slightly awkward discussion. He was confident both Lynne and Patrick would come round to the idea, if necessary. Maybe that would be a conversation they might be having sometime soon. He and Laura had decided that they'd just leave it for six months. She'd had her coil removed. They weren't using contraception. They'd just see whether anything happened. He knew Laura was trying her damndest not to overthink it, but he also knew she was worried that this wasn't going to be possible for one reason or another. He sighed. Only time would tell. Robbie was stirred from his musing by a pair of hands sliding over his shoulders and a soft kiss being pressed to the side of his head. "You're sighing," Laura murmured, leaning her head against his and he smiled, leaning into her touch. "Just pondering," Robbie replied and Laura smiled. "Happy thoughts, I hope?" she said, and he clasped her hands in his and turned to look up at her. "Marriage and babies," he replied simply and Laura smiled. "Or more specifically, marriage and babies with you," Robbie continued and Laura kissed his cheek. "Very happy thoughts," he told her and Laura smiled. "Good," she said softly. "I'm going to have an early night. I'm going to have to spend all tomorrow working through the archive to find cases for these reviews. Going to join me?" Robbie smiled. "Yeah, alright," he replied, getting to his feet. He pottered around the living room, turning off the lamp and putting his glass in the sink, before turning off the light and following Laura down the corridor to the bedroom.
Laura was in the ensuite, doing her teeth when Robbie came in to the bedroom, depositing the book he'd been reading on the bedside table. He changed quickly into his pyjamas, and then swapped with Laura as she returned to the bedroom. She set her phone down on the bedside table and he frowned. "You're not on call?" he said through a mouthful of toothpaste and Laura shook her head. "Not today," she replied, and he nodded. He finished doing his teeth, before coming back into the bedroom. He was drawn to Laura as she changed and he snuck up behind her, sliding his hands around her waist and kissing the side of her neck. "Robbie!" Laura exclaimed, surprised and he chuckled before pressing a line of kisses under her ear. "Mmmm?" he enquired, pulling her against him and she closed her eyes, arching her neck so that he had more access to her skin. "You coming to bed then?" he asked and Laura nodded. She turned in his arms, entwining her hands around his neck and pulling him down for a kiss. At length, they broke the kiss, resting their foreheads against each other, and smiling at each other happily. "Come to bed, sweetheart," Laura murmured and Robbie kissed her cheek. "You've convinced me," he murmured in response and she smiled happily.
As Friday dawned bright and clear, Laura stretched and sat up in bed. alone for once. Robbie and James were coming over for dinner, and both she and Robbie had Friday evening off call so she was very much looking forward to a large glass of red and some homemade chilli. She'd prepped it all the previous evening and it would be a matter of moments to put it into the slow cooker before she went to work. It would be nice to have a relaxing evening with the boys, and she was fairly confident she'd finish the evening in Robbie's arms. Laura smiled to herself and then glanced at the clock. She needed coffee and a nice hot shower before she headed into the office and the sooner she was at her desk, the sooner she could be home and enjoying her Friday night. She swung her feet out, and got up before padding sleepily to the bathroom and into the shower, turning the water on, before undressing and stepping under the hot water. When she'd dried her hair and got dressed, Laura headed downstairs, flicking the radio on in the kitchen as she boiled the kettle for her much needed caffeine hit. Her phone buzzed and she turned to it, smiling as she saw a message from Robbie. Morning my love. Hope you slept well? x The kettle bubbled and sang as it boiled, and Laura reached for the cafétiere absentmindedly, making the coffee out of habit before she tapped out a response. Mmm, yes thank you. How about you? Looking forward to seeing you later. x As the coffee steeped, she retrieved the slow cooker pot from the fridge, put it into the slow cooker and turned it on low so that it would simmer throughout the day. Her phoned buzzed again and she glanced at it. Yeah fine. I've got a chocolate tart for pudding which I hope will meet with Madam's approval. I'll stop in for in on my way home, and then come over. x Laura smiled to herself. Lovely, thanks. She poured herself some coffee, and clasped the mug in her hands, inhaling the aroma happily. Her phone buzzed again. I'll try and bring you coffee mid-morning, under the guise of cold case analysis. Laura chuckled, and returned her attention to her coffee, sipping it slowly and savouring the caffeine hit.
Later that morning, there was a rap on her office door. "Come in," Laura called, scrolling through the database as she had been for the previous day and a half. She looked up as the door opened to reveal Robbie, clutching two cups of coffee. "Can I tempt you, Dr. Hobson?" he enquired jovially and she arched an eyebrow at him, amused. "How are the searches going?" he enquired, passing her a cup and she took it gratefully. "Mmm, well. The cold case database isn't set up with the same search term parameters as this review, so it's taken longer to identify possible cases which fit, but it's thrown up some options" Laura replied and he nodded. "Unusual to be given such a long time span to look at, but there we are," Robbie replied. "Ho hum," Laura said, sipping her coffee and they exchanged a look. "It's a big one, this" Robbie observed and Laura nodded. "I can't remember when I last worked on something on this scale. It's a full national review, isn't it?" Laura said and Robbie nodded."Horrible business, but he had a known address in our area, so there's every likelihood that he was operating here while he lived here. God knows we've as many cold cases as the next county." Laura took another sip of her coffee. "Are you leading on this?" she asked and Robbie nodded. "Aye," he replied and Laura smiled. "I'll send Hathaway a list of possible cases from my side," she said "and you can compare notes with whatever list you come up with." Robbie considered her, sat on the opposite side of the desk to him. "What?" she asked demurely and he shook his head. "Oh, nothing," he replied "I'm just being daft. What time do you reckon you'll be done here tonight?" Laura considered this, fingers elegantly clasped around the cup. "I was in at eight, so I'm hoping to finish about half four," she replied and Robbie nodded. "I'll come over about six?" he suggested and Laura nodded. "Great. I'll let James know the same," she agreed and he flashed her a smile. "Right," Robbie said, getting to his feet. "I'd best be off," he told her and Laura nodded. "Back to the grind," she said wistfully and he flashed her a smile. "See you later," she murmured, and his eyes twinkled. "Aye, pet," he replied, before turning and heading back up to CID.
James scrubbed his hands across his eyes and checked his watch. 5pm. Yes, it was definitely time to call it a day. Lewis still had his nose in a file and James began to tidy up his desk. "You heading off?" Robbie enquired, looking up and James nodded. "Yeah, I need to go and get a bottle and change my clothes before I go over to Hobson's," he said and Robbie nodded, shutting the file. "Time for home, I think," Robbie declared and he shoved the file into the lockable cupboard, closing the door and turning the key before pocketing it. "I'll see you at Laura's?" Robbie asked and James nodded. He picked up his coat, and followed Robbie out of CID, falling into step with him as they made their way out of the station. "Laura said she was making chilli?" James enquired as they reached his car, and Robbie rooted in his pocket for his own car keys. "Aye, think so. Something about the slow cooker?" Robbie replied and James nodded. "See you later then," James said, unlocking his car, and Robbie raised a hand in farewell before walking over to his car. Laura's was already gone and he smiled to himself. He was looking forward to a relaxing evening with Laura and James, some good food and a nice bottle of wine. Yes, tonight was going to be a good one.
The doorbell rang, and Laura set down her glass of wine and headed through to answer it. She peeked through the spyhole and smiled. "Hello you," she said softly as she opened the door to reveal Robbie. He stepped in, handing a bag to Laura and then closed the door behind him. "Thank you," Laura said, opening the bag to reveal a chocolate tart and a tub of creme fraiche. "I have taught you well," she murmured and he laughed, drawing her in for a gentle kiss. "Yes you have, my love," he replied and Laura kissed him lovingly. Robbie sniffed in an exaggerated fashion. "Something smells good," he observed and Laura smiled, leading the way into the kitchen. "Glass of wine?" Laura offered, setting the pudding down on the counter and packing away the carrier bag. Robbie leant on the counter, and watched her busy about the kitchen. "Aye, thanks," he said and Laura reached for a glass. She'd changed into skinny jeans and an oversized jumper and the pendant he'd given her for her birthday. "You look beautiful Laura," he told her and she regarded him affectionately, coming over to pass him a glass of wine. He slipped his arm around her waist, and she pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Hathaway'll be here soon," she reminded him. "Mmm," he replied and Laura smiled. "We could just tell him," she pointed out and Robbie considered her. "Do you want to?" he asked and Laura shrugged her shoulders. "I didn't necessarily mean tonight, but if we're getting married this year then at some point, we're going to have to explicitly let a certain number of people know." she pointed out. "Well, yeah, I suppose so," Robbie replied and Laura considered him. "Don't you think?" she enquired, and Robbie rubbed her waist. "I'm not ashamed of us," he told her plainly and Laura smiled. "I've just got used to it being our thing, I suppose," Robbie said "but yeah, of course, you're right." Robbie drew her in, kissing Laura gently, and the doorbell rang. "Busted," he said and she smiled before setting down her wine glass and heading to the front door. "Hello James," she said cheerfully as she opened the front door. "Good evening Laura," James said, stepping through the door and holding out a bottle of red. "Thank you," Laura said "this looks lovely." James shrugged off his coat, before hanging it over the bannister. "Something smells delicious," James said as he followed Laura through to the kitchen. "Evening, Sir," he said as he saw Robbie, and Robbie raised his wine glass in greeting. "We're off duty, James, please," he said easily and James nodded. "Alright, Robbie," he said, turning to Laura as she handed him a glass of wine. "Dinner will be about fifteen minutes," Laura said warmly and James nodded. "I've made chilli and some cornbread," Laura continued, picking up her wine glass and taking a sip "and Robbie has brought a chocolate tart for pud, so we are all set." James leant back against her kitchen wall, and raised his glass to them both. "Thank you for this, Laura," he said easily "cheers!"