Hi All, another bonus chapter. I really wanted to write this. It may have some errors here and there. Sorry, I will fix them tomorrow.

The Closing Stages

Three years ago

Phoebe POV:

"Daddy, won't the glass elevator break, when it lands?" Carrie asks as she finally finishes reading the book, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory as assigned by her teacher.

"No, I think that the glass in the elevator was very special and couldn't break." Josh explains.

"Like the glass on the windows on Grandpa's jet. They don't break either"

"Yes you are right. Very clever! Also, congratulations! You have finished the book!" Craig praises our daughter.

"Excellent. Does that mean I don't have any more school work to do? I did all my maths, history and writing yesterday." Carrie is so hopeful that l hate to cease her excitement.

"That is right, until Monday, so you have no work this weekend. Your teacher is going to email me your next set of assignments" I swear you never saw a seven year old mood change so quickly.

"Great. I swear that I do more work and read harder books, than I would have if I was going to school at the moment." Carrie apparent unhappiness instantly alarms us.

"Angel, you can go back to day school any time you want. Your mom and I don't want you to be sad"

"I am not sad, just overworked" Carrie says over dramatically, making Josh, and I laugh.

"I will be sure to contact the proper authorities to report your unfair child labor, but until then it is time for you to go to bed." I inform Carrie.

"Okay. Daddy can you tuck me into bed?" Carrie inquires. Josh and I both frown.

"I am sorry Angel I can't." Josh's voice is sympathetic and gives away how poignant the scene is.

"I know. I just wish you could." Carrie says though then gives her father a smile. "Good night daddy. I love you"

"Love you too my special angel. Sweet dreams" I give Josh a small smile while I exit our bedroom with Carrie.

I adore my daughter's bedroom, which was recently redecorated. In my daughter's words, she didn't want a "little toddler's room" anymore, which prompted my parents to revamp it for her as a gift for her seventh birthday. The room is painted in a fresh pale pink with an elegant white textured feature wall. In the middle of the room is her queen sized princess style four poster beds. The furniture is a light wood color, and of course everything matches. Though my favorite part is the tea set. It is a replica of the one that my parents gave at a similar age to my daughter. This bedroom was an extravagant gift even by my parent's standards, but I suspect that they were trying to do something to make Carrie feel cherished and loved, in light of what they future had for us.

"You need to go straight to sleep. Your grandparents are going to be here at nine in the morning to pick up." I remind Carrie as she gets into her too large bed and I pass her bear. She has had this one toy since she was two and still to this day sleeps with it.

"Okay, but what are you and dad going to do this weekend with me?" Carrie asks.

"Oh I don't know. I am sure we will find something. Anyway Marcie is going to be at your grandparent's house for the weekend too. Your grandparents I believe intend to take you swimming, sailing and spoil you all rotten" I say tucking her into her bed. My parents are taking Carrie and also Macie, Ted and Lilly's youngest child, for the weekend, but what the girls don't know is that the purpose of this weekend is to give Carrie some time out. We don't want her life to revolve around her father's deteriorating health, any more than it has.

"Mom, is daddy going to be able to play with me again?" My heart starts to break at my innocent daughter's question.

"Daddy still plays with you now. Didn't you both play junior scrabble today?" I reply not actually answering my daughter's question.

"I mean in terms of playing soccer and coming outside with me" I fight to hold back the tears that are threatening to pour out of my eyes.

"I don't think so honey." I tell her softly, brushing the hair from her face.

"Daddy is really sick, isn't he?" Carrie looks into my eyes, and she no longer looks like my little seven year old daughter. I don't know what to say. Do I lie to her, so she isn't upset, or do I tell her the truth?

"Yes he is. That is why we see the doctor a lot day, and we have a nurse" I answer.

"Is Daddy going to go to heaven?" Carrie asks ever so concerned and seriously. When my grandfather passed away, we told Carrie that he had gone to heaven.

"Yes angel, Daddy is probably going to go to heaven." I tell her softly.

"I thought so. Is Poppy Carrick going to meet him there?" Carrie asks a little hopeful. She used to refer to my grandfather as Poppy and refers to my grandmother as nanna. I don't know how these names came about, but I think Ruby and Eli commenced to use this names first.

"Yes he is. Your Poppy Carrick is undoubtedly waiting for daddy to go up and talk about the law with him. They use to do that a lot before your poppy passed away"

"Good. I don't want daddy to be alone in heaven." Carrie says taking a deep breath. I offer her a small smile, happy that she is able to find some solace.

"When?" Carrie then asks sorrowfully.

"When what?" I ask to have her clarify, exactly what she means.

"When is daddy going to die?" Carrie's question hits me hard. I have avoid thinking about how long we have, and I don't know whether to lie or tell my daughter the truth, for the second time in the space on minutes.

"We don't know. We just have to spend the time we have as best as possible" I reply softly, desperately keeping myself composed for the sake of my daughter.

"I want to go to sleep." Carrie says acting brave. "But can you stay with me until I am asleep?"

"Of course." I lie next to my daughter and wrap my arm around her. I wipe a couple of tears that escape and comfort her as much as I can in the current moment.

As Josh's health has deteriorated, we have made several changes at home. Carrie, after consultation with her teachers, a child psychologist and sitting down to talk to her, has doing a home school programme. This way she gets to spend as much time as possible with us as a family. I have taken a leave of absence of sorts, from Grey Enterprise. I am working from home, but my workload has been modified dramatically. This way I can stay involved with the company, help Carrie with her school work and we can spend time what time we have as a family. Though I have come to accept that our time together is dwindling quickly.

When Josh started to get sick again, he was still able to carry on with everyday family activities, but now that seems to have become a thing of the past. He is more or less bed ridden now. Josh use to be able to get out of bed to tuck Carrie into bed, but he no longer can. I am struggling to accept that soon Josh will end up at the hospital or at a hospice due to his medical needs. Actually I refuse to allow that to happen. The benefit of being a Grey is that we have numerous of resources at our fingertips. I will keep Josh in our home until the final minutes.

My father has taken on a lot of my workload to help support me, Ted and the company. My mother has done everything humanly possible to support us. Often dropping in, taking control of my domestic staff etc. In fact, the whole family has been incredible. Ted and Eli come over every weekend to watch the baseball. Josh and Ted have made it their personal goal to convert Eli into a Yankees fan.

Once I return to our bedroom, I change into a silk camisole and slip into bed with Josh. We are still sharing the same bed, and intend to do so, for as long as possible.

"Hey there beautiful" Josh greets me.

"Hey there yourself" I reply lying on my side and place soft kisses on Josh's lips. Josh raises his hand and tucks some loose strands of hair behind my ear.

"You are still and always will be the most beautiful woman, ever. How did I get so lucky? I doubt that I deserved you. Then, if I hadn't been the luckiest bastard, I got to be a father to our child."

"Carrie and I have been lucky also don't forget." I commence to kiss Josh lips, relishing this time, and then allow my right hand to explore his body.

"Phoebe, we need to talk." Josh states seriously.

"I don't want to talk right now." I frown playfully trying to throw him off. I think I know what he wants to talk about, and I am not ready for this conversation.

"Phoebe, stop. We have to." Josh struggles but manages to sit up a little, which prompts me to sit cross legged on the bed.

"Okay, let's talk" I reply in a low voice.

"I don't want to die at home" Josh states.

"What?" My heart has stopped beating, and commences to break.

"You and Carrie are going to live here at our house after I die, aren't you?" Josh asks to clarify.

"Yes" I shake my head in confusion. Josh knows this. Neither, Carrie or I wants to move.

"Then I don't want my daughter to grow up in a house where her father died. I don't want you living in the house that I died in. It will make it too hard on you to move on, which eventually you will need to!" Josh declares.

"I don't want to talk about this. I am tired and have had a long day. I am going to go to sleep" I am a mixture anger and sadness as I slip into our bed and turn my back on him.

"Phoebe, please don't be mad at me. I just want to make sure you and Carrie are going to be able to be as happy as possible" Josh explains.

"Then agree to the surgery. Let me donate a kidney to you, and then you won't die. That would make Carrie and me happy." I argue.

"Phoebe, you know that is too risky! You will put your life in danger, if not now than in the future, and there is no guarantee that it will extend my life. I refuse to put your life at risk and harm my daughter's future." Josh is so adamant and passionate in his explanation that I know we will never be able to convince him otherwise because he is right.

# # # #

"I hope I have packed everything Carrie needs" I tell my partners as I pass Ryan, Carries overnight bag.

"If not, I am sure your father will only be too happy to take his two youngest granddaughters shopping" my mother's comments grinning at my father who is besides her.

"Very true" My father says in a matter of fact tone.

"Princess do you or Josh you need anything? I can have anything bought over" My father inquires. Even at the age of 32, my father still calls me princess.

"No. Thanks to you both, we have everything we need. Thank you. We truly appreciate everything and thanks for taking Carrie out for the weekend. She has been coping remarkably well and enjoying this time with her dad, but I am worried that..." I stop talking immediately as I hear my daughter rundown the stairs.

"Hi Grandma and Grandpa. I am ready" Carrie says running towards them. My parents immediately embrace their youngest grandchild. Just as they were astounding parents to me, they are equally astounding grandparents to Carrie.

"Finally!" I comment.

"Sorry, But I couldn't find my bear, and I didn't want to leave him behind" Carrie informs us.

I bend down, so I am on the same level as my daughter. "Be good and you can ring me whenever you want? Okay?"

"I know. Can I go now? Grandpa told me he has a surprise for me and Macie." Carrie is so excited that she is about to jump out of her skin.

"Sure. Love you"

"Love you too mom" Carrie practically sprints out the house, with my mother and security chasing after her.

"She's only seven, and I can hardly keep up with her" I state smirking.

"She is a lot like you were at that age" MY father tells me

"Really? I had that much energy?"

"You had more, and at times we never knew what you were going to say" My father cringes but then obviously smiles at a memory.

"Are you sure you don't need anything this weekend? I can easily make any arrangements" My over controlling father is back.

"No, we are fine. It will be nice to have some quiet time. Ted is coming over today to watch the game with Josh so I may go out for a ride. I haven't ridden my horse for a while now. So no, we are fine!"

"Phoebe, please let us help. We know how sick Josh is getting, and you don't need to be a martyr. We can get him..." I immediately put my hands up to make father stop. He is trying to take control of the situation, and whilst his heart is in the right place, we need time. I need time.

"Dad STOP!" Even I am taken back by the tone in my voice. It is so reminiscent of him. "You and Mom, have already helped so much with doctors, nurses and everything. Now you are even taking Carrie with Macie, for a weekend, in which I am sure you are going to spoil her horribly, so thank you Dad." I look up at my father confidently and smile, to reassure him that we are fine, but he just narrows his eyes as he starts to read me.

"We will call you this evening. I am sure Carrie is going to want to talk to you" My father informs me as I now commence to walk my dad out to where my mother and my overexcited daughter are now waiting.

"Of course, and it will give you a tremendous opportunity to check up on me. Right?" I say a little sassy.

"You may be in your early thirties missy, but you are still our little girl" my father says partially scolding me.

"I know." I wave goodbye as the Audi SUV drives away.

I spent the morning with Josh, lying in bed with him, reading and watching TV. Even these simple activities exhaust him. Josh is getting so weak. I get up and go downstairs to make some lunch. I want to make him the first thing I ever cooked in Seattle for him, which happened to be the time that I took him to my Aunts old apartment in the Pike District. I organize the pasta, olive oil, parsley, garlic, chilli and the non-alcoholic wine. I know they say that the alcohol burns off in the heat, but I don't want to take the risk. Josh is awake when I get back upstairs with the two bowls of pasta.

"My favorite pasta dish ever" He replies.

"I am glad you approve." We both sit quietly and eat. Relishing that fact that we do both get to enjoy the simple things together still.

"That was a brilliant meal. But it has made me realize something" Josh says looking contemplative.

"What's that?"

"You have to stop teaching Carrie to cook!" I look at Josh confused. "Our daughter is going to be as beautiful as you when she is older. Carrie is also bright and talented, and then with the ability to cook like you, she is going to have more men chase after her than even a CPO is going to be able to manage. I am going to have to get a gun to fight off all those fuckers!" Josh elaborates.

"Good thing then that she has you too then" We both start to laugh when we realize what we have both said. Josh isn't going to be able to fight off all those men, and Carrie is not going have her father when she starts to date and becomes interested in boys.

"I better take these dishes to the kitchen," I say unemotionally and quickly move out of the bedroom before my threatened tears commence to gush down my face. I can barely hear Josh call out my name as I swiftly move out of our bedroom. I place the dishes on the counter, and when I lean against the kitchen benches, I find myself sliding down until I reach the floor and weep.

I knew Josh's health failing was always going to be a possibility, though part of me thought that maybe; just maybe, it never would have happened. That maybe since we had a difficult period when my family didn't accept our relationship. So now that we had overcome that period, then we should be happy. The thing is that we were more than happy, but fate caught up with us.

The front door bell rings and security answers it, startling me. My eye catches the clock on the wall, and I realize the time. Shit! It will be my brother. I can't let him see me crying, but I don't have time to wash my face or put makeup on. I don't want him to see me like this. Ted's brotherly over-protectiveness of me will just kick in. I frantically look around and then decide there is only one thing I can do.

"Phoebe you're crying!" Ted says walking towards me.

"Ted, it's these onions. I must have gotten some of the juices in my eyes" I state, hoping that this little fraud is working.

"Why are you peeling and chopping all those onions?"

"Because I am going to teach Carrie to make soup" I say the first thing I can think of.

"Carrie is at our parents' house, with my youngest daughter for the weekend" Ted reminds me.

"I know, but I want to get a head start. I am just going to put these onions in a container and put them in the fridge." I quickly put the onions away and then face my brother. "Josh is upstairs waiting. There is some staff around who can help you if you want any drinks and snacks. I am going to go outside and go for a ride"

I bolt out of the house, thankful that I am wearing jeans and jumper. These are not exactly the clothes I usually wear when I go ridding, but they will do nicely. I mount my house and commence to trot, but then pick up speed. I allow myself to forget everything that is happening and escape in the moment. I am forever thankful to Josh for giving me the courage to ride again, on the day he proposed to me. Not only did he teach me to have courage, he gave me a means of escape and relaxation.

Two hours later, I return to the house and head off upstairs. I can hear Ted and Josh conversing, but mainly I can hear my brother yell at the TV. It is a bittersweet sound. I know that Josh would be doing same, if only he was strong enough.

I do have to hand it to my brother, he has been an extraordinary friend to Josh since we have been married and more so whilst he has been sick. Ted has helped keep some level of normalcy for Josh, still watching baseball games together, though now in our bedroom rather than our main room.

"Yankees losing again?" I tease my brother and husband

"It is the umpires" Josh groans.

"Phoebe, these umpires don't know the difference between a safe base and an out is" Ted complains.

"Sure." I laugh. I lean over and kiss Josh. I have been away only a couple of hours, but I missed him still. What am I going to do after he is no longer here?

# # # #

The next day, I wake up from the best sleep I have had in months fueled by the joyful times I had after my ride. Ted, Josh and I watched the end of the baseball game together, and regardless that we were in our bedroom, life felt normal. The good mood was heighten by the Yankees managing to win the game in the last innings. It was felt exactly like the times we had spent together over the past several years though sadly minus Lily.

That evening Josh and I had dinner together in bed. Unbeknownst to us, my parents had organized for a highly regarded chef to come over and cook for us. Josh and I spent the evening eating our incredible meal that was delicious and complied with Josh's dietary requirements. We feel asleep after talking for hours about everything and nothing. My sweet dreams were fueled that night by the closeness of Josh's body to mine. We slept all night with our bodies were entwined.

I was looking forward to Carrie coming home from being at my parents' house last night and thanking my parents for their kind gestures. If only I knew what was happening. Maybe I could have woken up earlier, or woken up during the evening. Maybe if we had gotten to the hospital a little earlier, then maybe… But we will never know.

"Good morning" I say smiling at Josh. As I kiss his lips and look into his eye, I can tell something is wrong. Every though he has been unwell for months he has never lost that distinctive sparkle in his eye. But today it is missing. Josh tried to smile, but he can't.

"Josh? What's wrong? Do you want me to ring the doctor?" I ask panicked.

"No. I need to go to the hospital. You need to call an ambulance" My heart is beating so fast, and adrenaline is running through me that I go into overdrive. He will be alright. He will be alright! I keep repeating to myself in a chant. I repeat it so many times that I even start to believe it. Even if it is just a little bit.

Josh is immediately admitted. Before I know it he is connected to every possible machine and a battery of tests are performed. I am grateful when he falls asleep. He needs to sleep so he can get stronger. I only notify Ted and Josh's sister in New York about Josh being in hospital. I don't want to worry too many people prematurely worried.

I don't know how much time has passed when Josh's doctor, Dr Vallance, enters the room. My relief at seeing the doctor is short lived as I notice is that he looks decidedly solemn, and whilst he makes eye contact with us, it is only brief.

"Josh, are you feeling any pain? I can have your medication changed to keep you comfortable." Dr Vallance offers.

"I'm good. I have my cocktail of morphine already" Josh jokes, but then gets serious. "Tell me the truth, Doc. What's happening now?"

"I am sorry Josh and Phoebe, but we are the end of the road. There is nothing we can do now, except keep you comfortable. I honestly wish I could do something, but your body is shutting down now. Quickly" Hearing it out loud in the setting of this hospital room, hits my hard. Tears threaten to pour down my face, but I force them back.

"How much longer?" I struggle to ask.

"Not long. Josh if there is anyone you want or need to talk to, then now is the time." Oh no, it is worse than I ever thought.

"I will be back soon to check on you." Dr Vallance then offers us a sympathetic smile and walks out of the hospital room. My threatened tears have now started to pour as I commence to cry.

"Phoebe, please...baby... don't cry" Josh softly pleads. Roughly I wipe the tears from my face.

"I…. you… you should ring your parents and sister, or face time them. I am going to step outside to ring my parents and have they bring Carrie here" I start to micro-manage the situation to prevent myself from becoming a blubbering mess. "Here is your phone and the iPad"

I exit the hospital room before I start to cry again in front of Josh and lean against the wall.

"It's okay Fifi" I turn around and find my brother who has just arrived.

"Teddy… it's bad…. Josh... Is… he is…" If I can't even say the words, how am I even going to face what is about to happen.

"Hush... it's going to be okay." Ted says trying to comfort me as he hugs me tightly.

"I need to ring our parents and have them bring Carrie to the hospital. She should get the chance to say goodbye" I tell my brother.

"Do you want me to do that for you?" ted offers.

"No, but if you could go and be with Josh that would be great. He is talking to his parents and sister" Ted offers me another hug and walks inside the room. I can't watch right now as josh is talking to his family on the iPad. They came out to Seattle last week, and were planning on coming back in a few weeks, but fate has had other plans. I mount up as much courage as I can find and ring my parents.

Carrie is walking in between my parents when they arrive at the hospital, but runs towards me when she sees me. I kneel down and open up my arms. "Hey there angel"

"Hi Mom" I try to smile but Carrie just frowns.

"Your dad is extremely excited to see you. He is going to love you in this dress." I praise her.

"Grandpa and grandma bought it for me yesterday. Macie and I both got four new dresses each"

"Four dresses?" I say raising my eyebrows at my father, who looks at my mother.

"Your father wanted to buy more, but I though enough was enough" My mother comments.

The door to the Josh's hospital room opens, and out comes Ted. He looks a little pale and had obviously been crying.

"Uncle Ted" Carrie calls out. Ted sweeps Carrie into his arms and holds her for dear life.

"Where is Macie?" He asks parents.

"She is still at our place. Ruby and Lily are over there also." My mother informs him. Ted nods and continues to hold Carrie. I step closer to them so I can hear their whispers.

"Uncle Ted"

"Yes Carrie"

"My daddy is going to heaven to keep Poppy Carrick company. But then we won't be able to talk or see dad"

"I know, but he will always be with us." Ted says comforting her.

"Can I go and see dad now?" Carrie asks.

"Of course. I will go in with you" I inform my daughter.

"Can I go in by myself? I will be okay" I nod and watch as Care enters the room. She careful gets up on the bed and snuggles up to Josh. I can't hear what they saying, but they are both sharing the same expression.

"Phoebe, what can we do?" My father asks and puts his hands on my shoulders.

"Can you conjure up a miracle?" I inquire.

"If I could, I would" My father tells me sorrowfully. My parents and I stand at glass wall and watch as Josh talks to Carrie. They are both smiling, then a little crying, then even laughing. I will never know exactly what they said to each other, but I do know that Josh had Carrie make a promise to him. Our daughter was really into crossing her heart and pinkie swearing at this age, and she has just done those two exact things in the space of several minutes.

Carrie walks out of the hospital room keeping a brave face on her face. We all give her a few minutes, and then she looks up and sigh.

"You are so brave, my angel" I praise her.

"Are you going to stay at the hospital?"

"Yes, unless you would rather I go home with you" I offer.

"It's okay. Daddy wants to talk to you. Can I go back to Grandpa and Grandma House and finish our weekend?" She requests, then looks at Ted. "Uncle Ted, can Macie still stay with me and the evening?"

"Anything you want" Ted agrees.

"Phoebe do you want one of us to stay with you?" My mother offers. I consider it but decline. I want as much family around Carrie right now.

I give Carrie a long hug goodbye and promise to ring her before Ted offers to buy her a treat at the café below to give me a few moments alone with my parents. My father enters Josh's rooms, whilst my mother has pulled me into a tight embrace and I start to cry.

"Mom. I can't believe it is actually happening" I state.

"I know princess. You and Carrie are going to be fine, we will make sure of it" My mother says to encourage me.

I catch a glimpse of my father in the hospital room. Josh is listening carefully as my father does all the talking. My father looks emotional, and I don't think I have seen that look on his face before. When my father walks out of the hospital room, he doesn't talk. He just hugs me and my mother.

"Are you sure you don't want one of us to stay with you?" My dad offers.

"Yes and no. I am more worried about Carrie. If you both are with her, then it will make me feel better"

"I will have some food brought up. Please eat." My dad requests. My mother and I then giggle lightly at my father's request.

"Sure dad. I promise I will eat, or at least try to" I thank my parents and take a deep breath as I walk back into the hospital room.

"Hey your back!" Josh actually manages a smile.

"There was a few people who wanted to talk to you. How was your parents and sister?" I inquire.

"Emotional, sad, but composed, would be the best description. I think Carrie is trying to be brave, but she is going to be emotional soon. You should be prepared for that." Josh says debriefing me.

"I will be there for her. Always."

"Of course you will be. You are a brilliant mother." Josh compliments me

"What did you have Carrie promise?"

"I can't tell you. It's a daddy and daughter secret." I frown but secretly I am happy that Carrie has something to hold on to that only she and her father know.

"What did my father tell you? He was looking…different"

"Yes. Your father thanked me. He thanked me for loving you so much and for giving him and Ana a brilliant granddaughter. He then promised me, that you and Carrie, would always be cared for no matter what".

"That's my dad," I say grinning.

"Now Phoebe, I need you to promise me something. I need to tell you something, and I want you to listen."

"Alright" I respond and look into Josh's eyes. They look tired but serious.

"Phoebe, thank you for giving me my life. You and our daughter have meant everything to me. I never thought I would have so many happy days in my life, but because of you, I did. I am sorry that I can't stay with you forever, but my love for you and Carrie is will never fade. It is eternal. Please don't spend the rest of your life alone. I want you to be happy and smile again. I want you to experience the world and find love again. I know you say it is never going to happen, but you are a spectacular woman and finding someone to share your life will only honor the love we have had." Josh start to take deeps breaths as if he had run a marathon and in a way he did. I allow the josh's words to sink in, but I can only shake my head. NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!

"I can't. I don't want to." I state horrified. I can't ever imagine being with someone else.

"Phoebe, you have to. You are going to live a long and glorious life. Eventually, you need to find someone else and love them. Let them love you. Be happy" Josh begs.

"I can never love anyone else. You're the love of my life." I say impassioned.

"And you are the love of my life. Every time we love it is different. You have to promise me that you will be open to being with someone else in the future. Please! Promise me" Josh request.

"No, I can't".

"Phoebe, I want you to be happy. Promise me that when you are ready, you will not close yourself off to other men. That you will allow yourself to be loved. Please Phoebe, it is my last wish" I am about to say no again until Josh finally manages to put his finger on my lips.

"Please Phoebe, say yes!"

"Yes." I reply.

"Say it. Say it for me"

"I promise to find love again, one day"

"Thank you" josh whispers, his breathing terribly hoarse. "I love you Phoebe Grace Harris."

"I love you too"

And moments later, Josh closed his eyes for the last time. He loved me so much that the last thing he did was make me promise to find love again. So I won't spend the rest of my life alone.

Present time:

I wake up and feel the faint tickle of Craig's chest hair on my back and his arm around me. I realize that I have kept my hand on his all night, ensuring that we have stayed close all night. The words Josh told me repeat in my mind, and I know that this is what he would want.

"Good Morning" I say as Craig starts to nibble on my ear making me giggle.

"Yes it is." I say now laying on my back. My naked chest exposed.

"Do you want some breakfast? I always make pancakes for Carrie when she has a match" I inform him.

"I quite like the look of these instead" He comments salaciously as he runs lounge over my nipples. The feeling is incredible. "We don't have much time do us?"

"No., but I am hoping you will give me a rain check for tonight."

"Tonight hey?" Craig says excited.

"Yes. I can cook again"

"Deal."

I throw on a pair of sweat pants and a top and offer Craig my robe. He only has the clothes he wore last night, and they are still in my dryer. He is covered so it won't be a problem.

Craig and I walk, hand in hand as we walk down the stairs. But as we reach the doorway of the kitchen we then see them. My father is reading the paper and drinking a coffee, Carrie is laying out the place mats and that my mother is finishing making pancakes, bacon and eggs.

"Morning, I didn't know you were both coming over this morning, before the game." I tell my parents.

"Apparently." My father says eying us off, and mainly the fact that Craig is wearing my robe.

"Carrie, go and get another place mat" My father requests and mother then winks at me.

"Craig, tell me how is work in Seattle progressing for you?" My father questions politely and gesturing for him to sit next to him. I grab us both a coffee and sit next to my daughter and mother.

Josh was right, I needed to be open to the possibility of new love. I don't know if Craig and I are going to work out, but I know that I need to move on.