They strolled through the park pushing prams. Oliver was sitting up looking around whilst Heather kicked her legs and sucked on her thumb.

It was still early in morning. Later the temperature would be too high to have the babies outside. Already Julie felt the dampness forming especially under her breasts. She wore a tee shirt and shorts. It had been unusually hot for weeks.

"Arthur hates that she loves her thumb. I like that it helps her fall asleep," Kate explained.

"She is certainly happy," Julie concurred.

"Except when the heat bothers her. She has got a rash. Arthur says it's common."

"Ollie's had a bit of one too."

"How's your mum?" Kate asked concerned.

"Not good. She gets tired after the smallest task. She'd tell you she's fine if you asked, but she's not."

"And you?" Kate asked.

"Alright. It helps that I'm not there. I feel guilty, because I am very happy. I love my job and…"

"Tim," Kate teased.

"Yes, completely."

Julie sighed because her life was perfect except for her mother. "I've got to go home for Carole's wedding. She's not going to Australia because of Mum."

"I thought Walter was afraid of your dad."

"I guess not. I told him that he had nothing to worry about because my dad was too busy hating Tim."

"Will Tim come with you?" Kate asked.

"Yes, he'll come to the moon with me if I asked. It's only right."

"My mum never mentioned the wedding."

"It's a small do on account of my mum being sick and my dad being tight. Tim will be happy because he can have cake."

"I don't think cake can make up for your father."

"No, but you know Tim, he likes to focus on the bright side of everything."

Heather was fussing. They stopped their stroll so Kate could pick her up. Julie watched as she bounced her.

"She's not due to eat yet," Kate complained.

"Paula wasn't as strict with Ollie's feeding schedule," Julie added. She wasn't a mum, but she knew all about mothering.

"Do you want to come back to mine for a bit?" Kate asked.

"No, I should get him home for his elevenses and a nap."

"You and Tim should come around some evening. We can play some games."

"I'll let you know. We've got the wedding first."

####

Tim sighed, he was tired, but he knew Julie was exhausted. They had survived Carole and Walter's wedding and the only highlights for Tim were Julie looking gorgeous in her dress and the cake. It was very superior cake.

Mrs. Miller's condition had deteriorated. It took all her energy sitting for the ceremony, so she never went to the church hall. Mr. Miller did and called him out for not marrying Julie.

"Dad, I've told you we'll be married when Tim starts practising. It's less than a year now."

"He'll leave you used and alone."

His tune hadn't change, but Tim felt a bit guilty, because he had compromised Jules. Still he had every intention of marrying her.

Julie spoke bringing Tim out of his unpleasant memories.

"I forgot. Kate wants us to go to theirs for a game night."

Glad to be thinking of something other than their visit, Tim replied, "Last time Arthur cheated worse than Teddy."

"Teddy doesn't cheat anymore. He's not a little boy. He's growing up."

"According to Ange, the girls are chasing after him. Girls never chased after me," Tim pouted.

"It's the footy. I would have chased, but you didn't give me a chance."

Julie put her hands on his cheeks and kissed him. Snogging seemed like a good way to pass time until they were home. Unfortunately, his mind was full and he abruptly pulled away.

"What's wrong?"

"I won't leave you. The only thing I want is you as my wife."

"I know that silly. Don't let my father bother you. He's wrong." They sat in silence and then Julie said, "Tim, my mum isn't going to be alive when we get married, is she?"

"No love. I doubt she has months left."

"She hardly eats and it's eating that got her so ill."

"Jules, I'm sorry."

"I know. I think I've come to terms, but that doesn't mean when it happens it will be easy. Once my mum is gone, Carole will move away. I was thinking that we should get married at All Saints. My life, my family is in Poplar."

"What about your father?" Tim asked, feeling shocked, but secretly elated by this idea.

"He can come, but he won't which is just as well. I imagine that Albert and Linda would come and Charlie if he hasn't run off with Carole. The others won't."

"You've thought about this haven't you?" Tim added, "I wouldn't want you to regret it. You have friends in the village."

"I haven't really kept up. Kate's my best friend. I want to start a new life with you. I'm not the girl who grew up in that cottage with that unhappy man."

"You know my mum loves you. She'll never be your mum, but she'll be there for you. Just like she was for me."

Tim worried that as pragmatic as Jules seemed, she could be in denial.

Julie squeezed his hand and he didn't know who was reassuring who.

####

It was a month before they were both free to have a games night with Albert and Kate. Julie laughed when Kate brought out the Yahtzee. She didn't even hope to win with lucky Tim by her side. Sure enough he won significantly. She thought she might need to start cheating too.

Next they played Parcheesi and Tim didn't have as much fun because the rest of them ganged up on him. Kate pulled the victory.

Julie didn't mind not winning, because they had lots of laughs and Tim was beside her all night. She liked when he'd put his arm around her waist. She would have liked to go back to his, but Tim had early rounds.

When they entered the Jeffers', it wasn't yet eleven. David and Paula were waiting up.

Julie started to greet them, but she saw the strain on their faces.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Your sister called. Your mum's taken a turn. You should go home. Don't worry about us."

Tim spoke up and said, "Maybe Kate can help with Oliver. Jules, I can't go with you just now. Damn it, I want to."

"I can't drive you. I'm needed at the hospital," David added.

Tim asked, "Can I ring my father?"

"Of course," Paula answered. "Isn't it a bit late?"

"Dear, he's a GP," David reminded her.

Julie couldn't hear Tim's conversation, but it was brief. He turned towards her and said, "My dad will come round at eight."

Julie felt grateful. She knew that Dr. Turner had an associate helping him out. She suspected if he wasn't waiting for Tim he might have already retired. In the three years she had known Tim, she's seen the older doctor's schedule reduced.

"Well that's sorted. We're going up? Tim lock the door behind you whenever you leave," Paula said.

Once they were gone, Tim asked, "Do you want me to stay until you fall asleep?"

Julie nodded. She needed him. Still she couldn't sleep yet. "I have to pack. How long do you think?"

"I don't know love. Not very long, my dad may be able to tell you, especially if he sees her."

Tim held her as she tried to sleep. She slept fitfully, but she felt secure. She woke with a start and saw it was five. Then she felt Tim's arms and panicked.

She shook him awake and said, "You have to go!"

He looked at the clock and mumbled "Shit!"

He kissed her before jumping up to put on his shoes.

Before he left he said, "I love you."

Julie missed his embrace. She realized they had spent their first night together quite by accident and it was perfectly innocent.

This is really the first of a two parter. Look a bonus chapter next Wednesday to give any US readers a break from making pies and getting ready for Thanksgiving.