A/N Well this is my last finished chapter so it might be awhile before the next update. Thanks to those of you who leave even the briefest of notes. That's what keeps us going.

I don't own...

The next morning at 10:00, John and Anna stood on the platform waiting for his mum to get off the train. Their fingers were entwined and they were chatting amiably. But when John saw his mum, he dropped Anna's hand and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. He took a few steps toward his mother with a big smile on his face.

Leaning down to embrace her he said, "Hello, Mum. How was the ride?"

"Fine, lad. Fine."

He turned and lead her back to where he originally stood, "You remember Anna?"

Margaret pushed her son out of the way, "Don't be daft, of course I do. How are you, lass?" She wasted no time in pulling Anna into a firm embrace.

"Hello, Mrs. Bates," Anna laughed, looking over the older woman's shoulder at her smiling son.

John's mum held Anna away from her and gave a scowl, "When are you going to start calling me Margaret?"

"Um… I'll try."

By now, John was in the group with them. He couldn't help but think how perfect, how right this situation was. This little family unit was all he wanted in his life. It was so close, but so out of reach just now. He shook his head, reminding himself that this was a temporary situation. He would go see Matthew tomorrow and ask for an update on the settlement proposal . For today, he was going to relax and have fun with his two favorite people in the world.

He put one arm around his mother and the other around Anna, "Where do you want to start mum? Anna and I are planning on taking you to lunch later but it's the shops for now, unless you want a cup of tea first?"

"On no, I've had tea on the train, Johnny," his mother seemed to realize what she'd said and turned to Anna, "I call him Johnny."

"You're not the only one," Anna smirked, remembering Sandra Duckers-Wellington from the night before.

"What's this?" Margaret inquired.

"Nothing Mum," John groaned, "She's teasing me."

"Do I get to know what it's all about?" his mum asked.

John gave a firm "No" and kept them moving forward.

"I hope I'm not intruding on your time with John, Mrs. Bates. It was nice of you to let me tag along."

"I suspect I'm the one who's tagging along," Mrs. Bates answered sagely looking from John to Anna and back.

The three of them walked slowly from the station and into the heart of the shopping district. They hit many, many shops and accomplished a great deal. One of the last places they went before lunch was a little book shop that John proclaimed was his very favorite. John and Anna made their way inside, just the two of them, Margaret having insisted that she would sit at one of the little tables out front with all the bags and wait for them.

"I know how my Johnny is in a bookstore," she smiled fondly, "he won't be out for at least a half an hour and I don't think I can stand around that long just now."

"We'll go to lunch after this, Mum. That should give you your second wind. And we can go back to my flat anytime you say."

"I'll be good for a few more hours after lunch. Right as rain, you'll see. Now you two go look at your books."

As soon as the two of them got inside the store, John took Anna's hand again. She smiled softly causing John to ask, "What?"

"Nothing, it's just, I assumed your mother knew we were seeing each other as more than friends, that's all."

"She does," John explained, "I told her last weekend."

"Oh. I thought… well, you only seem to be holding my hand when she can't see us."

John huffed out a breath, "I do don't I? It's not because she doesn't know. Or even that I don't want her to know. She figured it out all on her own. It's just that she teases me so. I still feel like a little boy when I'm around her. Isn't that ridiculous?"

"Not at all. I think everyone feels that way around their parents. I still can't watch the racy parts of movies if my mum and dad are in the room."

Laughing together, they made their way to the very end of one of the stacks and John backed Anna against the wall.

"Speaking of racy," he rasped, placing his hands on the wall either side of Anna's head. He leaned his body into hers and kissed her deeply.

"How was that?" he asked.

"Rather lovely. But," Anna ducked under his arm and down the row a bit, "best not get carried away in here."

"Ahem," John cleared his throat and ran his hand through his hair, "best not."

Anna made her way out of the row and stood in front of the magazine rack while John perused more books. She flipped through a few and took one to the till. When she had paid for it, she made her way outside and over to Margaret.

"I don't know if you like this one or not, but I figured you could use something to glance at while we're inside. I know how John can be in a bookstore too."

Margaret patted Anna's hand, "That was very thoughtful dear, thank you. No wonder John thinks so highly of you."

Anna blushed at her praise and Margaret took pity on her, "You'd better get back inside before Johnny misses you."

Anna nodded and went back inside the shop. John greeted her almost immediately, "There you are. What do you think of this?" He held up a leather bound diary. It was beautiful and just this side of posh.

"That's lovely."

"I thought I might get it for Mr. Carson's gift. What do you think?"

"I think that might work. It's almost, but not quite stuffy. Just like he is."

"Yes, he's a man from a different time."

"Much like you, in some ways."

"Really? I wouldn't say so."

"Your sense of honor? Your chivalry? They're a bit old fashioned."

John chuckled bitterly, "I think you mean 'old' not 'old fashioned'."

"I meant it as a compliment," Anna explained, running her hand down his arm.

"Anyway," John continued, putting the diary back in it's place, "I know something I should be buying you today," he said with a twinkle in his eyes.

"Oh, and what's that?" Anna placed both hands on his chest and looked up at him.

"A pair of slippers, based on my data from the other night."

"You're the one with cold feet, Mr. Bates."

She meant it as a joke, but as soon as the words slipped from her mouth she regretted them. John's face fell and the light left his eyes completely.

"We'd better go get my mother."

Anna gripped his arm and pulled him back a step, "I'm so sorry. I meant it as a joke."

"It's fine," he took a few steps and then turned back, "You don't have to wait for me Anna. I know it's a lot to ask and I wouldn't blame you if you moved on." The pain in his eyes was undeniable, although Anna didn't know if it was there because she had hurt him with her words or if he were blaming himself for hurting her. If only she could go back five minutes and take back what she'd said.

"John I…" she began to apologize.

"My mum's waiting. Let's go."

They got outside and John gave his mother a tight smile which she knew immediately was fake. She was about to ask what was wrong when she saw Anna's face and decided to let them be. It was probably a lover's spat. She knew her son was a wonderful man, but she didn't necessarily have faith in his instincts with women.

Vera had been, and still was, a total disaster. Their relationship was toxic, though passionate she assumed, from the very get go. He had changed a lot since those days but she hoped he realized that Anna and Vera were polar opposites and that he needed to keep his fiery temper in check.

They walked on in frosty silence. John lead them to a fairly upscale restaurant for lunch, rationalizing that his mum didn't come to London very often and he wanted to treat her. The food was wonderful, but the conversation was was stilted. It was clear that both Anna and John were still thinking about whatever had happened in the bookshop. Margaret did her best to keep the conversation going and eventually the mood lightened bit by bit. Eventually, the conversation got onto the quickly approaching Secret Santa exchange. John told his mother about drawing Carson's name for the second year in a row and how difficult the man was to buy for.

"I think you should go back and get the diary," Anna suggested.

"Do you?" John asked.

"It was lovely. If he can't appreciate it then that's his problem," Anna smiled meekly.

"Thank you," John smiled in return. He felt badly about his prickliness and determined not to let his hurt and guilt get the best of him, "Want to come with me then?"

His mother quickly interjected, "Why don't you go, Johnny? Anna can stay here and keep me company while I have a second cuppa. Would that be alright dear?" she asked Anna, taking her hand and giving it a squeeze.

"Oh, um, of course," she looked to John and smiled more broadly, "That would be lovely."

"Alright then," John stood and pulled out his wallet, placing several notes on the table, "I'll be back before you know it." He made his way around the table and kissed his mother on the head. To Anna's surprise and delight, he did the same to her. He also ran his hand along her back as he walked past her.

"I wish he wouldn't insist on paying for everything," Anna said when John was gone.

"Ah, that's my Johnny. Always trying to spoil the people he loves."

Margaret had chosen her words carefully. She studied the look on Anna's face intently as she said 'love.' She wasn't surprised when Anna's cheeks turned pink and her eyes darkened with doubt.

"He does love you, you know," Margaret commented matter of factly.

Anna looked down and fiddled with her napkin, "Mrs. Bates…"

"No, Anna, let me speak. John loves you. I've known it for quite awhile. He didn't even have to tell me the two of you had started dating. I sussed it out all on my own just by his good mood. And if I'm not mistaken, you're in love with him too."

Anna looked up and met Margaret's eyes, so like John's. All she could do was nod her head once.

Margaret reached over and patted Anna's hand, "I know something happened in that bookstore. Don't you give it a second thought. I don't know what it was, but I'm sure it was John's fault. His temper, and his feelings, they get the best of him at times."

"It was my fault, Mrs. Bates. Entirely my fault."

"I doubt it," Margaret smiled kindly.

"You shouldn't. I made a joke and it went badly." Anna hesitated, but then decided she could trust John's mum completely, "You're right. I am in love with your son. I have been almost since the day he walked into Grantham Industries if I'm honest. But sometimes… I just don't know. I tell him I can wait, that there's no hurry, but then I act just the opposite," she sighed miserably, "I don't know how I feel half the time."

"Don't be so hard on yourself Anna. I don't think John knows how he's feeling just now either."

Again, there was worry on Anna's face at Margaret's words.

"Oh not about his feeling for you dear," she amended, "I think he's known that for quite sometime. I think that's part of the problem. He's pushed his feelings for you down for so long he's not sure what to do now that they've surfaced."

"I never wanted to force him into anything."

Margaret chuckled, "You didn't. No one can force my Johnny to do anything he doesn't want to do. Stubborn as an ox, that boy. Don't get me wrong, he can be manipulated. And he can be made to feel guilty. All too easily. Vera was a master of both. She still is I suppose." Margaret stared across the restaurant for a moment, "But I know you would never try to manipulate him. I feel better seeing John with you. Somehow it seems right."

Anna played with her tea cup, "You may have too much faith in me, Mrs. Bates. I think making him feel guilty is exactly what I did in the bookshop. But I didn't mean too. I would have taken it back if I could."

Anna looked miserable and Margaret patted her hand once again. When Anna looked up, there was nothing but kindness in the older woman's eyes, "Of course you didn't. And John knows that too. He's a wonderful man, my son, but his pride and his honor sometimes get the best of him. All too often, if you ask me. I'm sure we share that frustration, you and I."

They both laughed lightly. Anna was feeling better and better by the second. She was thrilled that Margaret seemed to be pointing out the things they had in common regarding John.

"So you think it's alright? John and I dating even though he's still married?"

Margaret smiled again, "It's not ideal. But then again, I don't think it's ideal for you either. Please be patient Anna. Don't give up on him. I have no right to ask, but I love my boy and I want him to be happy. He loves you so much."

Anna frowned, "I wish I was as sure of that as you are."

"Has he told you he's giving Vera the house?"

"Yes."

"That's no small thing, Anna. They've fought tooth and nail over that house for a year or so now. You should have seen him the day he signed the papers. He was so proud. And then he hardly ever got to spend a day there. Well, not happily anyway. I was… well, not exactly shocked, but I was certainly surprised when he told me last week that he wanted to let it go. He's making plans for his future, Anna. Finally, moving on with his life. And that's down to you."

Anna was stunned. She wasn't sure how to feel or what to do. On the one hand, it was rather forward of John's mum to have this conversation with her at all. On the other hand, Anna felt honored that Mrs. Bates had been so frank with her. It was almost as though Margaret considered them equal in John's life and welfare. She was just about to ask how someone like John had ever married someone like Vera in the first place when he strode back to the table.

"So," he smiled broadly, "what have you two been talking about?"

Margaret heaved herself from her chair, "Never you mind, Johnny. That's between me and Anna."

John turned, "Anna?"

"Not on your life. It's just between us," Anna answered him.

"You're supposed to be on my side," he grumbled, but before he was even finished speaking, Anna had thrown her arms around his neck and was holding him tightly.

Instinctively, John wrapped his arms around her waist and returned the embrace, "I don't know what you're on about, but I'm not going to argue."

"Best you don't," Anna smiled up at him and the feelings shining in her eyes were undeniable.

"I don't deserve you," John answered back in wonder.

"That, Mr. Bates, is a conversation for another day. Now come on, we mustn't keep your mum waiting."

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When they finished their shopping, Margaret insisted that Anna come with them back to John's and join them for dinner. Anna tried to protest, but she couldn't hold out against the elder Bates' Scottish determination. John just smiled and stayed out of the argument.

When they got to John's, he helped both women out of their coats and stored the packages for he and his mum. Then he began to discuss what they would have for tea. They decided that John would heat a few tins of soup he had in his pantry as they had eaten such a large and fancy lunch. Margaret suggested that Anna and John walk down to the bakery to buy a loaf of 'good crusty bread' while she took a little rest. John suspected that she was just trying to give them some time alone, which he thought was a fabulous idea.

As they left his building, he took Anna's hand and entwined their fingers.

"Alone at last," he laughed, "You didn't have to let my mother bully you into coming over, you know."

"Actually, I think I did. She's a very strong woman. It doesn't do to thwart her," Anna answered, thinking of their conversation in the restaurant.

"Don't I know it," John agreed, "She's been convincing me my whole life."

Anna stopped for a minute, "Besides, don't you think I wanted to come over?"

John's lip twitched into the half smile Anna loved, "I hope so. Can I kiss you?"

"I thought you'd never ask."

He gave her a quick kiss and they resumed their walk. When they got to the bakeshop, they picked out their loaf of bread and then John bought himself a tea and Anna a latte. While they were waiting, John stepped behind her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her into his body.

"Is this alright?" he whispered in her ear.

"More than alright," she sighed, tucking her head under his chin.

All too soon, their drinks were ready and John was forced to let Anna slip from his arms in order retrieve them. When they got back to the flat, John's mum was dozing on the settee.

Anna followed him into the kitchen so as not to wake her. John opened the soup tins and began heating them, "Sorry I'm not making you a better meal."

"I'm like your mum. I couldn't eat much anyway after that lunch we had."

John turned and smiled at her softly, "I'm glad you came over."

"Me too," she beamed, "How can I help?"

"Why don't you set the table and I'll slice up the bread," John suggested.

"Don't forget the butter," Anna teased, taking some bowls into the other room.

She came back into the kitchen and began stirring the soup as John worked on the bread. He stepped behind Anna and reached across to get some napkins from a drawer, leaning into her. As he did so, Anna ran her hand over his forearm.

Now awake, Margaret made her way to the kitchen entryway, but instead of stepping inside, she stood and watched the scene before her. Her son was most definitely happy. He wore a huge smile and his movements were relaxed and easy. She couldn't remember him ever looking that way around Vera, although she supposed the tension between her and her daughter-in-law wouldn't have helped matters in that regard.

It was obvious that he and Anna took any possible excuse to touch one another. The two of them gazed at one another like two people who had been in love for years. Maybe they had.

John turned and saw her in the doorway, "Ah Mum. I hope we didn't wake you."

"No Johnny. Not at all. I got thirsty is all. What have you got to drink?"

John handed the napkins to Anna and opened the fridge, "Not much I'm afraid. Orange juice, water…"

"I can make a pot of tea," Anna offered.

"No milk, Johnny?" Margaret asked, raising her eyebrow.

"Enough for tea, not enough to drink," John moaned.

"What's this?" Anna asked with glee, clearly picking up on the tone between mother and son.

"Mum has this idea that I need to drink milk."

"Oh," Anna replied non-committally.

"In order to grow up big and strong," he continued.

John handed his mother some spoons and bread plates, "Take these to the table will you, Mum?"

When she had gone, Anna approached him and ran her hands up his arms and around the back of his neck, "For what it's worth, you look plenty big and strong to me."

John bent and kissed her. It wasn't exactly a deep kiss, but it was definitely less chaste than the one he had given her earlier.

"Aren't you worried about your Mum seeing us?" Anna asked when John pulled away.

"I'm getting the sense that she's going to tease me regardless, so I might as well do what I want."

"And what do you want, Mr. Bates?" Anna rasped.

"What I want, Miss Smith, is to kiss you again."

Anna stood on her tiptoes to make it easier for him and as they were kissing they heard Margaret call from the other room, "Isn't it hot yet?"

They both broke into a fit of giggles. John gave Anna the bread, took the butter himself, and they moved into the next room.

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After dinner, the three of them played a game of Scrabble. John accused his mother of cheating while she accused him of letting her win. Anna took it all in with a feeling the likes of which she had never known before. They had spent a wonderful day together, the three of them. It only served to reaffirm what Anna was finding it harder and harder to deny. She didn't just fancy John Bates, she wanted to spend her life with him. She wanted domestic scenes like this to her future and she wanted John and his mother to be that future.

"What shall we do now, Mum?" John asked as he put the game pieces back in the box.

Margaret stood and stretched, "I think I'm going to call it a night, Johnny."

He looked at his watch in surprise, "What? It's only half eight. You never go to be this early."

"Well I am tonight," she continued with a twinkle in her eye, "I'm sure you two can think of something to do without me."

"You don't have to go," Anna insisted, "let me make another pot of tea."

"Nah, lass. I'll just go and read my book for a bit. These old bones got quite a workout today. I'm not used to traipsing around London." She went and patted Anna's cheek, "It's been a lovely day, Anna. Thank you for joining us."

Anna rose and embraced her, "Thank you for including me."

"Nonsense. You're welcome anytime," she gave Anna a knowing look, "I mean that. I hope we'll be spending a lot more time together from now on."

Anna blushed, "I hope so too. Goodnight, Mrs. Bates."

"Call me Margaret."

Anna chuckled, "I'll try."

By now, Margaret was standing over her son, "Goodnight, A Stor," she kissed his forehead with infinite tenderness, "you're a good boy."

"Goodnight, Mum."

When they heard her bedroom door close, Anna said, "You mother is a wonderful woman."

John was already putting his arm around her and pulling her against his chest, "She is. I think she likes you."

"I hope so," Anna smiled.

He leaned in and brushed his lips across her cheek. "I like you," he whispered in her ear.

"Do you?" she whispered back.

"Mmmmm," he answered, nibbling on her neck.

"How much?"

"Verrrrry much," he growled.

By now, he had her pulled half on top of himself. This time when he kissed her, his tongue made insistent swipes across her bottom lip and his hands were kneading her hip and thigh.

Anna broke their kiss and cautioned, "Don't get too enthusiastic, Mr. Bates."

"Is it my day to be strong?" he grumbled.

"It's both of our days to be strong," Anna answered.

"That can't be right. I thought we decided to trade back and forth."

"Not when your mum's in the next room." She slid her hands in between them and pushed him back slightly.

"I can't even get a cuddle?" he protested.

Anna cocked an eyebrow, "How quiet can you be?"

John grinned, "I can be very quiet. And I know the perfect way for you to keep me so."