Dressed in a pair of fitted jeans, a blue and white stripy coloured long-sleeved shirt and navy blue loafers Caroline walked freely down the street with baby Florence strapped to her chest in a Bjorn contraption. The sky was blue; bluer than the woman could ever remember it being. Birds sat in the trees singing the morning chorus joyfully. 'Morning' she replied or spoke to the passing members of the village as they went about their early morning business. Flo sat inwards, facing her mother. Over the past weeks she had become far more interactional with those around her. Each time Caroline spoke she would gurgle, and if she was ignored for too long she would wave here arms around freely.

'Morning Caroline' beamed the local area Vicar.

'Morning Vicar' replied the blonde haired woman 'How are you? Everything okay?' her usual polite self. The headmistress was well known, as was her entire family, for their bright and friendly exterior. People often wondered what is what like to be inside of the four walls of their house; what a happy environment it must be for the three children who seemed to thrive so much.

'We're not so bad at the vicarage, just running errands for my wife before she serves up her famous full English' he licked his lips at such words 'Thought I ought to make the most of this glorious weather before the end of Summer is amongst us. Are you alright? How's baby Florence here? She certainly seems to be full of herself' he indicated to the child she was carrying who seemed to be watching the male carefully. His waves to the infant weren't reciprocated but instead she babbled loudly.

'She certainly is!' look at her daughter she talked to her 'You're turning into a right little madam aren't you? She's got her older brothers wrapped around her little finger' Finding her excuse Caroline left the male to his business 'See you around Vicar' she finished; the two walked off in their separate directions.

Since moving into the village with Kate and the children Caroline had experienced a whole new way of life; they all had. She had made a point of fitting in more time for her family. Her long hours still existed, of they did, this is Caroline Elliott-McKenzie we're talking about, but she always tried to ensure that either Saturday or Sunday was dedicated entirely to those she cared about. Whether it was taking Lawrence to football practise, playing on the floor with Florence or catching up with Kate's week, it was just simply joyful.

Entering the bakery, the door knocked the bell above the door and alerted the owners that they had company. 'Ah, Caroline! We thought it might be you!' spoke the female baker who walked out from the back 'Is it the usual?'

'Morning. Yes please, that would be great, and Lawrence has instructed me that I am to get him two pain au chocolats or else I fear I may go down in the book of worst mothers; not for the first time I can assure you' her comment received a laugh from the woman and her husband. 'Thankfully Florence here hasn't started demanding anything yet, but it's only time'

'You won't know what's hit you! Our Sophia y is far worse than Louie' added the male as he wrapped up the freshly baked requested items and then placing them all into a carrier bag making it easier for their customer to carry.

After quick polite chit-chat Caroline left the pair to their day and made the ten minute walk home with Flo. The woman pointed at objects and labelled them; it was too early for the girl to repeat what was said but she wanted to give her the best start in life. 'There's a dog, Flo' she guided the girl's eyes to the Labrador on the other side of the street with its owner. 'And look at that big, red car.' The girl didn't care about the information, just that she could hear her mother's warming and loving voice. The child looked do much like her mummy with her big brown eyes and slightly browned skin. But in so many respects, although not genetic, so held some of Caroline's mannerisms and behaviours as well; her need to be constantly busy was one of them.

On entering the house it was clear that nobody else was yet to wake up and join the pair of them. Slipping her loafers off and leaving them out of the way she carried on into the kitchen. Firstly she lifted Florence out of the Bjorn carrier and placed her in her highchair where she could be watched and interacted with. The carrier was placed on a hook in the cloak room for the next time it would be needed. Then the contents of the bakery bag was emptied onto the kitchen top; one white unsliced loaf, half a dozen croissants, two breakfast muffins and Lawrence's pain au chocolats- the smell was glorious.

'Right, I imagine your brother will want several bacon sandwiches. Mummy will have a muffin with egg and beans and I shall have two croissants. What about you, sweetheart?' She asked, smiling at the child. Florence had titled her head slightly whilst her mother had been talking. 'A bacon sandwich? Caviar? Or just good old breast milk and pureed baby food?' The organised woman fired up the stove and went about creating her family's breakfast whilst spoon feeding her daughter pureed porridge in the form of the infamous plane talent. 'Open wide Florence, the plane is coming' before alternating to the train when that got a little tedious.

Lawrence popped his head around the kitchen door having being aroused by the smell of cooking bacon. Florence automatically noticed her big brothers appearance and her eyes lit up similarly to that of the lights on a Christmas tree. 'Boo!' he shouted to which she giggled merrily. 'How's my little Florence Olivia?' he took up the kitchen stool next to her high-chair and carried on the job his mum had started of feeding her. Kissing the child's head, he inhaled her still noticeable baby smell. 'What's for breakfast, mum?'

'Morning to you too' she quipped, gleaming at him; her son 'This morning, Lawrence Elliott, we have bacon sandwiches and pain au chocolats for you, croissants for me and breakfast muffins for Kate. Is she awake yet?'

'Can I have three bacon sandwiches?...please' the boy asked cheekily 'And no, I popped my head around the door looking for Flo and she was still fast asleep' Caroline nodded at the information. 'Shall I go and wake her? I could take Flo up with me and jump on the bed'

'You'll do no such thing young man. The wakeup call you gave us last Sunday was enough to traumatise us both for life' she said, indicating the way in which they had been rudely awoken the weekend before. Lawrence had run gleefully into his parents' bedroom before cannon-balling himself onto their bed, almost entirely naked. Although he was maturing, and all his parents had seen such positives changes in him recently, he still seemed to manage to maintain his childlike side. Part of Caroline was pleased with this; she didn't want her baby to grow up just yet. 'You can watch your sister whilst I take it up to her though, and no, I don't want to find any of her food on the wall like I did last night.' Lawrence had made the baby laugh just as a spoon of food entered her mouth, spraying a good proportion of the kitchen and his face in the sickly coloured liquid.

Pushing the door open, the headmistress stood in the doorway for a moment observing her beautiful sleeping wife. She was lucky; so lucky. Kate lay on her back with one arm draped off the bed and the other by her side. It was a sight her wife wished she could record and keep coming back to for she never tired of it. Placing the tray loaded with the cooked breakfast, a mug of coffee and a glass of orange juice onto the bedside table, Caroline bent besides the bed and stroked Kate's face 'Kate...Kate...' the woman awoke slowly, smiling at the face that she could see 'Morning darling, I've made you breakfast; muffins with beans and egg'

'Have you?' she kissed her older wife passionately before looking at the clock 'Why did you let me sleep for so long? I should have been up ages ago to feed Florence'

'No-no, don't worry' she reassured 'You were tired, and I couldn't sleep so I took Florence to the bakery with me and now Lawrence is downstairs doing his best train impression'

'You're too good to me, Caroline Elliott-McKenzie' the younger female added, kissing Caroline again and then moving the tray onto her lap 'Oh, and I forgot to mention that mum phoned yesterday and said she would be popping over this afternoon to see us; although what I think she really meant was she wanted to see Lawrence and Flo'

'Hello? Hello? Is anybody home?' called out Thea, having let herself into the Elliott-McKenzie property with the key they had entrusted her with.

'Hi there Thea' called Caroline in her usual bright and cheery voice. Coming into the corridor she kissed her mother-in-laws cheek before indicating out the back 'We're all out in the garden enjoying the sun. Come and join us' walking in the direction of the kitchen and then the French doors that led to the garden 'Do you want a drink and a slice of banana cake that Kate baked this morning?'

'That'd be lovely Caroline, thank you' the old woman left Caroline in the kitchen to sort out what she had promised. On walking out of the French doors she could see Lawrence and Florence seated on a picnic rug in the middle of the grass playing together. Lawrence waved to her and helped his sister to wave as well.

'Hi mum' welcomed her daughter who was swinging lightly on their garden chair, holding a glass of iced sparkling water 'Do you want a drink?' Thea joined her, kissing her just as she had done Caroline.

'Caroline's getting me one and a slice of cake. How are you? It's glorious out here' she leant her head back a little as the sun shone down on the pair of them.

'Being kept on my toes by your delightful granddaughter'

'Try having to look after two at the same time; both causing havoc'

'No-no thank you. One's more than enough' Kate smiled, watching Lawrence play so gently with his sister.

Caroline joined the pair, placing the glass and plate onto the table in front of them. She took up her spot next to her wife and placed an arm around the younger woman's shoulders. 'We were talking about your Keith before, Thea' she took the conversation in a new direction 'Kate was saying, regretfully, that it had been a while since she had been to see him-'

'I understand. It's difficult with a new baby and with such busy lives'

'Yes-yes but we really ought to pop over in the next few weeks to pay him a visit'

'Absolutely' chipped in Kate 'Is there a day you would like to go and do something, we could pick up the slack and go and visit him instead?'

'If it's a weekend' continued Caroline 'then I could join you and bring Flo and Lawrence along. We noticed last time how well Keith and Lawrence got on, especially when it came to rugby'

Thea smiled at how thoughtful the married couple were, how lucky she was to have them both. 'He did seem rather taken with young Lawrence, and I'm sure he would be more than pleased to see you all. He may not recognise you anymore but deep down something clicks- something ignites his passion for his family' She looked away for a moment whilst wiping a teat and thinking 'Next Sunday would be great if you can fit it in. I've been invited out with Elsie and the ladies group but wasn't sure how I would fit it all in'

'Next Sunday it is then!' confirmed Kate whilst rubbing her mums arm lovingly.

'We could even take him out for an ice cream by the river. I'm sure Lawrence is more than capable of manoeuvring the wheelchair' insured Caroline. Kate looked up and her and mouthed the words 'thank you.' They were needless for Caroline would do anything for her wife and family.

'Now, let's go and see those scrummy grandchildren of mine' uttered the grey lady and she got herself up from the chair and pottered over to where the two child sat; Flo sat in between Lawrence legs who was supporting the infant in keeping her head and body upright.

'I'm relieved that she and Lawrence get on so well' whispered Kate as he mother walked off and sat on the ground beside the adored kids.

'We're-I'm very lucky- blessed in fact, that she treats the boys as if they were her own grandchildren' smiled their mother 'Although both Willie and Lawrence would fully understand if she favoured Florence over them, it would only be natural'

'I think she's just grateful to have children in her life to adore and surround with love, and to see that I've finally settled down' explained the darker woman, holding her wife's hand 'Dad would love this; rolling around with his grandchildren. Watching the three of them grow up- I wished I'd been able to give him that'

'I know darling-I know' Caroline kissed her head and held her close whilst searching for the right words to say 'But he would-he is happy for you. Even though he's oblivious to whom Lawrence and Flo are he still adores them'

'I wish you could have met him- met him before it took hold. He would have loved you, Caroline; to see how happy you make me'

With Kate carrying Florence in her carseat and Caroline shepherding Lawrence around the building, after a hectic morning of rugby practice and a teething baby the Elliott-McKenzie family had made it to the nursing home where Kate's father was being cared for. Having signed in and been updated by the nurses on his condition they went to his room. Kate entered first, knocking the door gently beforehand so as not to startle him.

'Hello dad' she uttered, tearing up at the sight of her beloved father in his armchair with the newspaper he had read over five times in the past hour.

'Darling!' his eyes lit up briefly, he recognised her but unable to work out where from. He knew she was family, but who? Kate placed the carseat on the floor and walked up to him, kissing his cheek. Keith embraced her in a hug and kissed her back before looking her ago 'You look well'

'Dad, you remember Caroline don't you?' it was a pointless question, of course he didn't 'And this is her son Lawrence, the one who plays rugby and then' lifting up the car seat so her ailing father could see 'this is your baby granddaughter Florence'

'My Granddaughter?' he repeated, questioning her 'No-no, I'm too young to be a granddad' he replied, unable to comprehend the news. Kate didn't fight back; instead she took Florence from the seat and, carefully, helped her dad to help the child. He looked at her wishfully, taking in all her details; her beautiful curls and big eyes. 'Look Thea' he carried on, forgetting she was in fact his grandchild 'She looks just like you darling, I'm so proud of you' He held Kate close, like she had observed he had done with her mum so many times before. Caroline and Lawrence watched on. The boy had become only too aware of his step-granddads condition and why he acted the way he did. 'Wait until she's older, I'll teach her to ride a bike' Kate looked at him, a little saddened by his words but also delighted that he was able to take such comfort in the baby.

'Yes dad, yes you will' she replied quietly, watching the pair of them.

An hour later and the five of them were strolling along the river bank. Keith was wrapped up in several layers to protect him from the summer chill. Lawrence pushed his wheelchair, talking to the elderly man and answering the same questions over and over. Caroline walked besides them to support Lawrence when he became unable to answer things. Kate walked a bit behind pushing Florence in her pushchair. She loved to watch Caroline and Lawrence interact with her father. She always found herself imagining what could have been; how it would have been if he hadn't become ill.

'So, young man, what's your name?' he asked, turning his head to look at Lawrence

'I'm Lawrence' he replied once again

'Do you like rugby Lawrence?'

'Yes-yes I do. I play in fact'

'Do you? That's marvellous! I used to play in my younger days. Maybe one day I can come and watch you play? Show you how it's really done?'

'I'd love that' Lawrence added as Caroline put a hand on the old man's shoulder. It would never happen but as long as it kept Keith content then it didn't matter.

'I have a son, but he's not into rugby, Lawrence. I'm still trying to get him out on the field. I fear I have more chance of getting my daughter playing than I have with him' explained Keith, referring to his children whom he thought were much younger than reality. 'My daughter, she's a pretty thing. She has such beautiful big brown eyes; takes after her mum. She'll make a fine mother herself one day' Caroline's heart swelled at such words; if only Keith could understand the woman his daughter had grown into. 'What about you...'

'Caroline' the woman filled in her own name for him.

'Do you have any children? Are you married?'

'I'm married to Kate and I've got two sons; Lawrence here and William who's studying at Oxford. Kate and I have just had a daughter, Florence'

The old chap switched between the years as he always did, muddling information 'My daughter's called Kate, such a nice name. She's just had a baby as well- my first grandchild'

Sitting on the sofa that night, both children fast asleep in their bedrooms above them, Caroline and Kate recalled the day. 'He seemed well didn't he, darling?' questioned Caroline, starting the conversation 'So happy and contented. They do a brilliant job there with him'

'Yes-yes. It was good to see him smiling and enjoying himself. He got so excited when he was talking to Lawrence about rugby, as if he was back in his younger days'

'And he still recalled his family- you and your mum and brother'

Kate shuddered a little, letting out a sob to which Caroline hugged her 'I miss him so much, Caroline. I miss his advice, his love but most of all I miss his presence'

'I know darling. He's still there somewhere, we just have to make the most of the little moments when they break through, don't we?'

'Soon enough those will disappear as well, and we'll be left with a complete shell. I'm not sure how I can cope with that'

'We'll face it together, I promise'