Chapter 31

Andrea was in the kitchen putting the last preparations to the steak, while Elizabeth set table, placing the candles in the middle of the table, making sure the wine glasses were sparkling before setting the non alcoholic wine in the middle of the table.

"Lizzie, how's it coming along." Andrea asked as she entered the room.

"Yeah, I think we've done a good job today."

Andrea went in to her bag and retrieved the small box, opening it to have a look for the fourth time since she bought it.

"So…what do you think?" Andrea asked.

Elizabeth came over, taking the box from Andrea to look at it.

"Like I said before, it's beautiful. Kate's gonna love it."

"You don't think it's too soon do you, I don't want her to think I'm asking her just because of the baby."

"She's not gonna think that, she knows how much you love both her and the baby. You're moving to Italy for her for god sake, this is the next obvious step. Yes you are doing the right thing and the ring is perfect. It's time she had some happiness, I certainly haven't seen much for her in the time I've known her. You're the first woman I've seen her with and I see how happy you make her, she certainly smiles a lot more these days. I never thought she'd ever give up the work she does for Red, meeting you changed that, you've been good for her."

"You really think so."

"She would never have gotten through half of what she has so far if it wasn't for you."

"Lizzie, thanks so much for helping me out today. You've made this night even more special for us."

"Well I'm glad I could help and be a part of it, from now on…it's good things, hopefully for all of us."

"Tom will come around, it will just take time."

"Times what we don't have, I know Kate wants to make this move soon with the baby and she wants Red there with her and I get that, I can't be the one to hold any of you back. Even if I can't come right away, the rest of you can, including Red."

"He won't leave without you, you know that."

"I'll make him if I have too, right now Kate's the most important thing and I think deep down he knows that, he just needs someone to point it out to him."

"It will all work out, I know it will." Andrea smiled.

"Of course it will, come on…we better get this finished before we have to leave to pick Kate up."

"You're a good friend Lizzie."

"Happy to help."

Kate and Red walked along the path in the park, as they went back to the ducks, Red ready with the bread so that Agnes could feed them this time.

Kate's arm was through Red's as they walked, the young girl making happy noises as they made their way to the lake.

"This was such a nice idea for today dearie."

"I thought the fresh air would do us both some good."

"It's certainly helping." She smiled.

Red stopped at the lake, taking Agnes out of her pushchair as she went to the lake with Kate.

"Would you like to feed the ducks sweetie." Kate smiled at the child.

The little girl nodded her head as Kate held on tightly to Agnes's hand before kneeling down behind her, Kate keeping her arm around Agnes's waist so the child didn't run off. She passed her little bits of bread as she chucked it in to the water, the ducks rushing one by one towards the food. Red came over to them, standing by Kate as he looked down, watching the woman who had come to mean so much to him over the years with the child of the woman he was in love with. Kate looked up to see Red watching them closely.

"Everything okay Raymond?"

"Mmmm, everything is just perfect."

"Thank you for letting me spend the day with you, I've missed this, just us."

Red held out his hand to help Kate stand, as she kept her grip on Agnes's hand. Red put an arm around her shoulder, as she leaned in to him.

"I love you Kate, we're family."

She smiled to herself as she listened to Red's words, nothing but truth spoken.

Andrea picked up Kate just before four and took her home while Elizabeth stayed behind with Red.

"Did you have a good day?" Andrea asked as she drove them home.

"I did, it was nice to spend time with him again, without work in the way."

"I'm glad, the rest will have done you good at least."

"So, how did you and Elizabeth get on today?"

"Yeah, yeah it was good."

"Is that is, you're really not going to tell me what you were up too."

"All in good time, I promise."

"I don't like surprises."

"Oh you liar, there's not a person on the planet who doesn't like surprises and trust me, this one you are going to love, I swear."

"Can't you just tell me now."

"No, you need to see it. Just relax, we'll be home soon and then all will be revealed."

Kate rolled her eyes before turning her head to look out the window, the suspense killing her.

To Be Continued…