Chapter 34
…
Andrea heard the front door, turning the oven down as she made her way in to the hallway to see Kate taking off her coat.
"Hey, how did it go?"
"Mmmm? Oh well, he said he would give it some serious thought."
Andrea could sense the disappointment in Kate's voice and she came up to her, wrapping her arms around her waist.
"I know it doesn't seem like it, but I'm sure everything will work out in the end."
"I hope so dearie."
"Are you hungry?"
"Not really."
"You should eat something?"
"Then why ask me."
Andrea heard the frustration in Kate's voice as she released herself from Andrea's embrace and walked in to the bedroom, closing the door behind her. Andrea sighed before leaning against the wall for a few moments before pulling out her phone and sending a text.
…
Liz was just grabbing her jacket when she felt Red's arms coming around her, causing a smile from her.
"You shouldn't sneak up on people you know." She said.
"Sorry, where are you off too?"
"I just have some errands to run and then I'll be back, what about you?" She asked, turning in his arms.
"I've just had a text from Andrea, she's asked me to go around and see Kate."
"Is she okay?"
"I think so, I hope so. I don't really know if I'm honest, but considering Andrea asked her to marry her last night, I don't really see what she should be upset about anything."
"Hey, remember and don't let on that you know about that, le them be the ones to tell you. They'd kill me if they thought I'd said anything."
"I told you before, I'll act completely surprised."
"You'd better, otherwise I won't cook for you tonight."
"You can cook?"
"Yeah okay, I know it's not something I do a lot but on the odd occasion I like to make the effort."
"Well then I look forward to it Lizzie."
"Good, well…have fun at Kate's and I'll see you later okay?"
Liz kissed him goodbye before she made her way out the door, Red watching her leave.
…
Andrea put down her coffee when she heard the knock at the door, rushing off to answer it, Red smiling back at her.
"Hey." She smiled.
"I came as soon as I could, your message sounded urgent."
"Yeah, come on in."
Andrea stood aside as Red entered the apartment, seeing the worried look on Andrea's face.
"What's happened?"
"I'm not really sure to be honest, I think she might be a little depressed."
"Is that your medical opinion?"
"No, it's my honest opinion as her partner."
"What's she depressed about?"
"She went to see Tom Keen earlier, she's still worrying about the possibility of you not being there with her when the baby comes."
"I see."
"Maybe I've been fussing around her too much, I don't know. Until today she seemed fine."
"Where is she now?"
"She's been in our room for the last hour, I thought I'd give her some time to herself."
"Leave her to me."
Andrea looked sad for a brief moment, Red placing his hand on her arm.
"I know I just…worry about her."
"I know you do, she's very lucky to have you."
"When you're ready, there's some warm rolls in the oven."
"Thanks."
Andrea smiled before she walked back towards the kitchen as Red made his way to the bedroom, knocking lightly on the door.
"Come in."
Kate sat up when she heard the door opening, expecting it to be Andrea, only to find Red closing the door behind him and walking over to the bed.
"Raymond?"
"I hope I'm not disturbing you?"
"No, I was just…have a rest."
Kate moved herself to the side of the bed as Red took a seat beside her, placing his hat to the side before he took hold of her hand.
"What's going on Kate?"
"What do you mean?"
"Andrea's worried about you."
"She called you?"
"Don't be angry with her."
"I'm not, I think I took my frustration out on her earlier."
"What happened?"
Kate closed her eyes tightly for a moment before turning to Red, a weak smile on her face.
"I went to see Tom, I thought I could perhaps convince him to allow Elizabeth to take Agnes to Italy."
"Kate, you can't force the man, it is his daughter we're asking him to part with, for long lengths of time."
"I know, I had no right to go there, to ask him."
"Listen to me, no matter how any of this turns out…I will be there when your baby comes."
"You won't leave without her?"
"I will for a short time, until your daughter's arrived and then, I can come back and you and Andrea can keep the house going for us."
"I'm so scared Raymond, I thought I could do this but the closer I get to her arrival, the more anxious I get."
"You're entitled, you think all new mothers don't feel like that. Lizzie was the same, you were there."
"And she handled it well."
"As will you. Kate you didn't ask for any of this and I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of you."
"Proud?"
"You didn't have to go ahead with this pregnancy, you could have ended it, no one would have blamed you given the circumstances."
"I couldn't Raymond."
"I know, which is why you will always be a better person than I ever will."
Kate sighed before she felt Red's arm going around her shoulder, bringing her close to him, as she lay her head on his shoulder.
"There's a woman out there in the kitchen who's worried sick about you, go and talk to her."
"Will you stay for lunch, I think she's cooked."
"She has and I will, I'll go in to the front room and get a drink."
Kate stood up, kissing his cheek before she left the room to find Andrea.
…
Andrea stirred the soup before moving to slice up some tomatoes, jumping when she felt Kate's hand come to rest on her back, turning to see the older woman with a look she couldn't quite read.
"Hey….you okay?" Andrea asked.
"Kate took the towel from Andrea's hand she was holding and put it to the side, before taking Andrea's face in her hands and kissing her.
"I'm so sorry dearie." She whispered.
"You don't have to apologise."
"I do, it was unfair of me to take it out on you…I had no right."
"I do understand."
"I know you do."
"I hate seeing you worry so much."
"Raymond has told be that no matter what, if Tom decides not to allow Agnes to go with Elizabeth, that he will be there when the baby comes regardless."
"So…it's helped, me phoning him?"
"It helped."
"Next time…talk to me, that's what I'm here for."
Andrea leaned in kissing Kate again, Red smiling from his spot in the doorway.
"Nothing I like to see more that two people in love."
Kate turned, taking hold of Andrea's hand before speaking.
"Actually Raymond, there's something you should know."
"Oh, and what might that be?"
"Well, That little trip that Andrea and Elizabeth went on yesterday, well it was ring shopping. Andrea asked me to marry her last night."
Red smiled, putting on the fake surprised look.
"And?"
Kate held up her hand, Red spotting the ring on her finger.
"Obviously I said yes." She smiled.
Red walked over to them, hugging Andrea before bringing his arms tightly around Kate, kissing her cheek.
"I'm so happy for you Kate, for both of you, truly."
"Thank you Red." Andrea said.
"Thank you dearie, it means a lot. Now, I might just go to the loo before lunch, I won't be a moment dearies."
As Kate left the room, Andrea stood, arms folded, looking at Red oddly.
"What ever is wrong Andrea?"
"Nothing at all, you're good a acting surprised, I'll give you that."
"What are you…"
"Oh come….Liz already told you, right?"
"Okay she did, don't be angry at her. She was just so happy for you both."
"I'm not angry, you're okay with it?"
"Seriously, Andrea I couldn't be happier. I never thought I'd see Kate happy again, you've been so good for her and I know you will continue to make her happy."
"I will, I promise."
"Everything okay dearies?"
Andrea and Red looked around, smiling towards her.
"Perfect." Andrea smiled.
…
To Be Continued…
