Gah, sorry for not updating sooner. I thought i'd already uploaded this chapter but when i checked i hadn't! So, here it is! x

--

Café et fraises

Chapter Twenty Six

Plans

Marriage was a big thing. It took time and planning and working out, but it was made all easier when you had your friends along for the ride.

'What are you eating?' asked Libby as she ran her blue nailed finger down the menu.

'I'll just take pasta,' Lucy replied absent-mindedly as she flicked through her wedding plans. The two were on a dinner date to discuss the final arrangements for the Hen Night. Charlie was sat in one of the restaurant high chairs, making a mess of the banana Libs had given him. He mashed the gooey stuff in his hands before stuffing it into his mouth, or clapping wildly and flicking it at passing people. At least it kept him quiet for a bit, Lucy thought as she ignored the dirty looks an elderly couple on the next table was giving her.

'It's rude to stare,' Libby said pointedly to them. The old man cleared his throat as the woman frowned at the table, flushed at being talked to like that. 'Anyhoo,' Libby said brightly, as the waiter took away their orders, 'let's start on these plans.'

'I've already got a few places on mind that we can go to,' Lucy said, handing a list to Libby. She scanned it, before jabbing her finger on the page.

'I haven't been there before.'

'Belgium?'

'Nope. Heard there's good chocolate and wine places there though.'

'There are a few good hotels as well,' Lucy replied, passing Libby the brochure. 'I was thinking a four day trip.'

'Who've you got on mind to come?' Libby asked, flicking through the glossy catalogue.

'You, Shannon-'

'Shannon?' interrupted Libby, glancing up. 'How are things between you?'

'We're working it out,' shrugged Lucy. 'It'll take time, as these things do, but I'm sure it'll be fine.' Libby nodded but still looked a little unconvinced, so Lucy moved on. 'And my two cousins, Kate and Lauren.'

'I didn't know you had more family.'

'Yeah, my mum's brother's kids. I haven't seen them for years, but I need a reasonable amount of people and who else can I take?'

'Fair point,' agreed Libby, before handing the brochure back, open on page 11. 'I vote this place.'

Lucy murmured as she read the description of a hotel, before looking at the picture of the pool. 'Looks good, sounds pretty good too.'

'And it's cheap so you can save money for the wedding.' Lucy felt the familiar tingle in her stomach at the word, a grin pulling at her lips.

'We'll get the other girls together and see what they think,' she said, before Charlie dropped his bowl onto the table and began to sob. He kicked his legs in temper, bottom lip pouting. 'Charlie,' sighed Lucy, running a hand through her hair as she put the bowl back on the table. Putting the baby bag on the table, she pulled out a ready made bottle and handed it to him. He took it with banana mashed fists and stuffed the teat in his mouth.

'Right, where were we?' Lucy said, putting the bag to the side and looking through the lists. 'We'll have to hire a car to get around when we get over there.'

'I'll sort that out. And… I have a surprise for you as well,' grinned Libby, her brown eyes bright. 'I can't tell you, of course,' she said, answering Lucy's questioning look. 'But, when we meet the others, I'll talk to them about it.'

'Okay…' Lucy replied slowly, not sure if she liked the twinkle in her best friend's eye or not.

'Don't worry,' Libby reassured. 'Everything will be great.'

--

Lucy Dunham only just realized how long it had been since she'd seen her mother in the flesh when the older woman opened the door.

Maria Dunham never failed to amaze Lucy; whenever she saw her, she was like a warm light that would make everything better.

'Lucy…' Maria said faintly, her blonde hair streaked with silver pulled up in a ponytail.

'Mum,' smiled Lucy. Charlie gave a gurgle and Maria's eyes widened as she looked down at the buggy.

'Oh,' she said, tears glazing her eyes. 'Do you… do you want to come in?' she asked in a small voice. Lucy nodded and her mother stepped aside to let her in. Just walking in the hallway brought back so many memories. 6 year old Lucy being chased into the hallway by Pete dressed as a werewolf for Halloween. Maria taking a photo of them, laughter on their faces.

'Do you want a drink?' she asked, leading Lucy into the living room.

'Yes please.'

'Tea, two sugars?' Maria asked with a knowing smile. Lucy grinned back with a nod and felt a little more relaxed at her mum's warm smile. When Maria left the room, Lucy unclipped Charlie from his buggy and sat him on her knee.

'Nada,' he whined, trying to struggle to the floor. Lucy put him down and watched him for a few minutes as he pushed against his buggy and waddled about.

'How long has he been walking?' Maria asked when she returned, putting the two teas on the coffee table.

'Couple of months,' smiled Lucy, tearing her eyes away from her son.

'It's been so long,' sighed Maria, her hands twirling with each other on her lap. 'Last time I saw you, you were 17 and going away to hide. And now… you have a son. Tell me, please, what's been going on in your life.'

And Lucy did.

'Bovver,' Maria said with a small smile. 'Ever since you were young I've always known this would happen. Mother's instinct or some bollocks like that.' Lucy laughed, rocking the buggy lightly as Charlie slept.

'He's good. He's always been there for me. I couldn't think of anyone better to be my husband and father my son.'

'I'm just so happy that you've got your life sorted out. After everything that happened with that Tommy Hatcher… Where is he now?'

'He's dad, mum.'

'Ah.'

It fell silence as Lucy looked uncomfortably at her feet. 'Well, I'm just glad you're okay,' Maria said with a smile. Lucy looked up and nodded.

'I love you.'

'I love you too, darling. Please, don't leave me alone for so long next time.'

'I won't. I promise.'

--

'Muuuuuummmmyyyy!' Lucy yelled at the top of her voice, her small chubby hands gripping her teddy bear by the head. 'Pete scarying me again!' The small girl stared fearfully at the werewolf in front of her, before ten year old Pete pulled off his mask with a laugh.

'Scared? Big baby.'

'I'm not a big baby!' she wailed as Steve thundered down the stairs, dressed as a vampire. He hissed at her and she backed off tearfully.

'Come on, Pete,' laughed Steve, pulling his older brother by the arm. 'All the good sweets will be gone!'

Maria came out of the living room, a camera in her hands. Steve and Pete stood together with Lucy stood in the middle, tears running down her face but a smile on her lips.

Maria held the photo in her hands, before she glanced at Lucy asleep on the sofa, Charlie nestled in her arms.

--