Author's note: Thanks for the reviews:) Keep on sending 'em!

Part 2

Hours later Sara began to stir in her sleep, and not long after, her eyes fluttered open. Looking over at the red gleaming numbers on her alarm clock she noticed it was round 4 am.

She turned around to face the other side of her bed. She thought –well, hoped– she would find Catherine next to her in bed, but when it dawned upon the brunette that she was alone she wondered where the other woman would be.

Pulling away the covers she decided to look for the strawberry blonde. Her body felt rested, but as soon as she tried to sit up straight it quickly reminded her of the state she was in.

Stifling a groan of pain, Sara swept her legs out of the bed, and pushed herself onto her feet. Taking careful steps she went in search for the older woman.

As she walked into the living area she noticed a deserted pillow and blanket on the couch. Sara's mind started to wonder why Catherine wouldn't have come to sleep in the same bed as her. Then she noticed the door to the guest room stood ajar.

Walking over she heard soothing words coming from the strawberry blonde, and as she opened the door a little further she could see Catherine sitting on the bed, lightly stroking through Lindsey's hair, hoping her little girl would get some sleep.

Taking in the scene in front of her Sara felt a warmth spread through her whole body. Seeing the display of affection in front of her a feeling of pride washed over her –pride of becoming a part of both the Willows women's lives.

Catherine, who hadn't acknowledged Sara's presence yet, felt the brunette's eyes on her. As Sara walked into the room and placed a hand on her shoulder she looked up and gave a brilliant smile.

Putting her finger in front of her lips she pointed to the now asleep form of Lindsey. Sara grabbed one of Catherine's hands and entwined their fingers. Catherine pulled Sara's body closer and placed arm around the brunette's waist.

Enjoying each other's touch they just stayed in that position for a while, both intently watching the young Willows woman.

When they knew for sure Lindsey had gone back to sleep again, Catherine placed a kiss on her daughter's forehead, and hand in hand the blonde and brunette walked out of the guestroom.

Walking over to the couch Catherine spoke up, putting an end on the silence that filled the air. "Linds had a nightmare. She just kept screaming, she was so scared"

Pushing the blankets aside Sara sat down. Picking at the blankets she looked over at the older woman. "She's lucky to have you as her mother"

Catherine cuddled up against Sara, and once again entwined their fingers. Looking up into the brunette's eyes she spoke "And she's also lucky to have you, as am I…we both are."

A small smile came on Sara's face, but as she remembered how jealous she had felt she saw Catherine wasn't in her bed, but at her daughter's side, the smile evaporated and she cast her head down –avoiding Catherine's piercing blue eyes.

"I thought you would've come to sleep with me…I mean, in my bed…just sleep"

Catherine reached for Sara's face, cupping her chin and making the brunette look up and into her eyes before she answered. "I really wanted to, but I knew I probably couldn't keep me to myself, and your body needs the rest" a sexy smile curled the blonde's lips.

Sara felt a heavy weight fall of her shoulders. Thoughts of Catherine not wanting to be with her were quickly erased as soft lips captured hers in a loving kiss.

Opening her eyes again –their foreheads still touching– Sara noticed Catherine still had the same smile plastered on her face. Although they both knew how they felt about each other they had not yet said the 'magic words'.

Sara's lips inched closer tauntingly, and her breath touched Catherine's soft lips causing a shiver to go through the older woman's body. Right before their sensitive flesh touched Sara mustered up all her courage to say something she hadn't said in a long, long time.

"I love you"

It was almost a whisper, and Catherine had to strain her ears to hear it, but she had. Pulling back just before they kissed Catherine looked into Hazel brown eyes that held so much love for her.

"I love you too" she exclaimed, before finally planting her lips on Sara's, resulting in minutes of making out.

About half an hour later, Sara noticed Catherine's breathing became regular, indicating the blonde was asleep.

Feeling her body wasn't appreciating the uncomfortable position on the couch plus the weight of Catherine who was leaning onto her more and more, the brunette decided to take her lover to her bedroom.

"Cath" she tried, placing kisses atop the strawberry blonde's head. "Wake up" Hearing the hoarse voice of the younger woman Catherine's mind was fully awake within seconds.

"Hey" she said as she sat up, "sorry I fell asleep on you"

"That's ok. I kinda like it. However, my body wants a more comfortable position." Standing up she held out her hand.

Catherine hesitated and didn't accept Sara's hand immediately. Looking over at the guestroom where her daughter was now sound asleep Catherine debated what to do. But before she had to make up her mind, Sara spoke up.

"Come on, we'll check on Lindsey and then we're going to bed." Sara said before quickly adding "Just to sleep"

Entwining their fingers, Catherine also got off the couch. Reaching the door to the guestroom Sara carefully opened it.

Pulling their bodies closer to one another, both of the women saw the young Willows woman was still peacefully asleep. Both of them started to realize how they were becoming a big part of each other's life.

After seeing Lindsey was ok, they headed for Sara's bedroom. Pulling away the covers Catherine helped Sara to get in bed before she cuddled up to the brunette's body.

Lying in each other's protective embrace both of them fell asleep within minutes.