/
AN:
Thank you for all the lovely reviews, they have meant so much to me! And to all those who have followed and favourited. I'm so happy people have loved this story as much as I have loved writing it. This is the penultimate chapter and this story will only follow the Advent period but please look out for a special epilogue one-shot on Christmas Day.
/
The One With the Man Beside Her
Caitlin's alarm went off for the second time in what felt like seconds but as she'd already cancelled it, it must have been fifteen minutes. It could have been seconds for all she felt like she'd slept. She was so tempted to fall back into bed and just snooze the morning away. But she'd had a day off yesterday and knew she couldn't take more time off without feeling guilty.
It had been a lovely day at home, using all the bath products and giving herself a spa at home, basically. But she'd stayed up too late doing facemasks and that plus the toll her body had been through meant she really needed more sleep than she'd ended up giving herself.
She felt her eyes closing again even as she told herself off for it, but before she could fall asleep properly a chime disturbed Caitlin again. She grumbled into her pillow as she reached for her phone. A picture text was waiting for her and if it had been from anyone else then she would have ignored it. But it was from Barry.
She selected the message and opened it up to see an image of a wooden box with the number 23 written on it in red and gold.
Caitlin frowned as she propped herself up to better study the image. It was definitely one of her advent boxes and it was today's date but why was he sending a picture of it? Was it another day with her advent delivered via clues or challenges?
Her phone chimed again and this time it was a normal text message waiting to be opened, again from Barry.
Trust me? ;) Please wait where you are.
Caitlin frowned but she was already lifting her fingers to reply her only answer.
Of course. Okay.
She wondered what he could be up to and a little thread of excitement wove itself through her. She snuggled back down into her bed, a part of her also glad she had an excuse to stay in bed for a few more minutes.
A sudden noise from the direction of her kitchen made Caitlin straighten up and stare in worry. Was someone in her apartment? There were clunk's and chink's of China and Caitlin was about to get up and let Frost say hello to whoever was inside her home when she looked down at her phone. Barry said to trust him and stay where she was. Did that mean…? He wouldn't be…
Her hair was suddenly blown back as a piece of folded paper was dropped on her lap and Caitlin felt her anxiety fade - it was now obvious Barry was the one in her apartment - even as her curiosity was piqued; why was he there?
She picked up the piece of paper and unfolded it to read... a menu. Fruit selection, followed by pastries and then a choice of hot food was written down.
A voice cleared itself from her doorway and Caitlin looked up to see Barry standing there in a white shirt and black pants holding a silver tray.
"Is madam ready for her breakfast in bed?" He asked, in what she guessed was supposed to be a posh voice but just made him sound nasally.
Caitlin couldn't help her giggle. "Breakfast in bed?"
"First for madam is a selection of fruits," he said in the strange tone, bowing over the plate in her direction. And almost dropping it in the process.
Caitlin full-on laughed as he quickly righted it with a grimace. She pulled herself up into a sitting position against her headboard as he made his way closer to her.
"What is all this?" she asked in disbelief.
Barry smiled sheepishly. "I think it was a good idea until a few seconds ago."
"No it's amazing, I love it," Caitlin gushed, looking up deeply into Barry's eyes. "This is incredible. I can't believe you did this for me."
"Haven't you figured it out yet Dr Snow?" Barry said teasingly. "There's not a lot I wouldn't do for you."
Caitlin felt her heart trip and blood rush to her face as she blushed. "There's nothing much I wouldn't do for you either," she answered softly.
Barry's face broke into a smile and the two just stayed where they were, grinning and not taking their eyes off each other.
It should have been awkward but instead if felt right. They were so close to taking that next step, to making a decision on their feelings and what to do about them. But right now Caitlin was happy, content in the emotions she could see in Barry's eyes and that she knew were shining from hers.
They had time. And she'd finally thought of a way to show that to Barry.
For this morning though they were going to spend some time together and that was enough.
Caitlin moved over in the bed and patted the space on top of the duvet next to her she'd just created. "I hope you brought enough for yourself as well."
Barry's eyes shifted guiltily and Caitlin laughed.
"Come on then," she said. "Breakfast in bed for two."
Barry grinned and came and sat next to her, holding out the platter of fruits so they could both eat from it. As they giggled around strawberries and melon, and started a teasing argument about the merits of their favourite fruits against each other's, Caitlin couldn't help but think this was a perfect way to start the day.
And there was nowhere else she wanted to be than with the man beside her.
/