Chapter 35

6 1/2 Months

Andrea was packing up the bed linen and dishes in to the cardboard boxes, ready to have them flown out to Italy, Andrea looking up when she heard the front door.

"Kate, I'll get it." Andrea called through to her.

Making her way to the door, she opened it to find her best friend on the other side.

"Fiona." She smiled as she hugged the older woman.

"Hi, sorry for just dropping by like this."

"Don't be silly, come on in."

Fiona stepped inside, following Andrea through to the front room to see all the boxes lying about.

"Still at it I see."

"It never seems to end, so…how was the break."

"It was great, Nikki and I really connected again. It was just what we both needed, it's like we were never apart."

"Oh honey, I'm so happy for you, for both of you. If anyone deserved a second chance it was you and Nikki."

"I just wish we could erase all the bad stuff we went through."

"You don't want to do that."

"Why not?"

"Because all that pain you both went though when you lost the baby, it's made you both the stronger women you are today."

"Thank you Andie." She said hugging her friend.

Both women turned around when Kate came in to the room, carrying one of the boxes in her arms.

"Jesus Kate…what are you doing." Andrea said, rushing to take the box from her.

"Relax dearie, it's only clothes inside."

"It's still not exactly light."

Kate looked over at Fiona and offered a smile her way.

"Hello Kate."

"Hello dearie, how are you?"

"I'm very well, thank you. You look wonderful." She smiled, eyeing the baby.

Kate without thinking placed her hand over the baby, smiling when she felt the small movements inside.

"I feel wonderful, thank you for saying."

"So….tea for everyone?" Andrea asked.

"Oh look I don't want to bother you if your both busy?"

"Don't be silly dearie, it's nothing that can't wait. Tea for all of us Andrea." Kate smiled.

"Good, won't be a minute."

As Andrea left the room, Kate signalled for Fiona to take a seat on the sofa, before Kate joined her.

"So, you're nearly packed then?"

"It's been a few hectic weeks but yes, I think we're nearing the end now."

"Good, I'll bet you can't wait to get there."

"I wasn't sure it would happen, Raymond was very unsure about the move when I first mentioned it."

"Well, I only met him a handful of times but from what I've seen, you mean a great deal to him. If it was something that made you happy and feel safe again, I'm certain he wouldn't hesitate."

"I never really thanked you properly for all you did for me on the few occasions I was brought in to the hospital."

"Kate, I was only doing my job."

"You could have reported many things, but you chose not too."

"Yes well, Andie's my friend and she's in love with you. You weren't the one at fault in any of this, it was all down to Reddington."

"I know you won't believe but…Raymond isn't all bad, I assure you. There's nothing he wouldn't do for the people he loves and I promise you that no harm will ever come to Andrea."

"I believe you, I do."

"You'll miss her?"

"Of course I'll miss her, from going to see her pretty much every day to not being sure when I'll see her again, I won't lie…it will be tough."

"Dearie, you are free to visit any time. I don't want you to feel like you can't, I know how important you are to Andrea, if you're important to her then you're important to me too."

"I will visit, I promise."

"When ever you want too, we are always happy to pay your flight out."

"Oh Kate I…"

"I insist, don't just make it once a year when you can afford it, Raymond can and it's the least he and I can do."

"Well thank you."

"And thank you, for all you've done for me and this one." Kate smiled as her hand ran over her abdomen.

Red had Agnes in his arms, bouncing her about when Lizzie came running in to the room, smiling from ear to ear.

"Lizzie?"

"You're not gonna believe this."

"Surprise me."

"He said okay."

"I'm sorry?"

"Tom…he's agreed to the arrangements regarding Agnes."

"Seriously?"

"I know, I thought the same. I honestly didn't think he'd say yes t any of this."

"Why did he, I mean…he's not doing this for my benefit and I'm almost certain he's not doing it for you so why?"

"Well you're right, it's not for us. Apparently Kate went to see him, to talk to him, beg him I think to let me take Agnes with us."

"Yes she did."

"You knew?"

"I did, I'm sorry I didn't tell you. Kate was worrying about me not being there when the baby arrived and she thought she could perhaps try and change Tom's mind."

"Yeah well, he made it perfectly clear that he was doing it for Kate. He said she didn't deserve to lose out because of out anger towards one another."

"He always liked Kate, I think the feeling was mutual."

"I'll have to thank her."

"Indeed."

"So we should go round there, give them the good news."

Red placed Agnes on the floor to play with her toys before he wrapped his arms around Lizzie's waist.

"I agree, but not tonight."

"Oh?"

"Tonight we spend some time together when this one goes to bed, I plan to spoil you."

"Oh really, well then I look forwards to it."

Lizzie leaned in, her arms going around his neck as she kissed him.

To Be Continued…