Chapter 13 – No Regrets.

"Hello?" The female voice was not one Steffi had been expecting.

"Uh, hey. Is Mr Turner there?"

"I'll just put you through. Who shall I say is calling?"

"Tell him… just tell him it's important."

"Okay madam, if you would wait two seconds…" There was a click, and then a different voice spoke.

"Cole Turner here. Who's this?"

"It's me, I'm afraid."

"Steffi? What do you want to break now, my leg? My arm? I'd offer you my heart, but unfortunately you already broke it!"

"Before you start, let me just-"

"I loved you so much, and you just threw it away for some guy you don't even love!"

"Cole-"

"If you're calling to find out if I still love you, then you're too late."

"Would you shut up and listen?? I just wanted you to know that I'm a mommy now, and I was hoping you would be happy for me. Obviously I was wrong, and you've turned into some bitter old man who can't tell the difference between not loving someone and loving someone whilst having to do your duty to another. Looks like I was lucky to get out when I could, huh?"

"You're pregnant?"

"Was pregnant. I gave birth this morning to a baby girl, Grace. I just wanted to see if you were interested in being her godfather, or whether you were going to be as childish and pig-headed as to refuse. Have I got my answer then?"

"I-I would be honoured to be her godfather… what does Phil think about this?"

"He doesn't know I'm asking you. But he knows that you've affected our entire marriage, and he still wants to make an effort with you for me; for us. Heaven knows I've tried to love him, but you have always been there and he just doesn't measure up does he now? No one measures up to you."

"Steffi, I will be Grace's godfather. So why are you telling me all this?"

"So you know how I feel before I explode with not telling anyone. And also so I can finally get over you."

"Well, the same goes for you from my point of view."

"Great. So, I'll send you the christening details soon. Bye!" She hung up and looked down at the still sleeping Grace. "Well, now that's been said, I can be a better wife to Daddy."

Phil came in a little later, and smiled when he saw Steffi and Grace curled up fast asleep. He touched Steffi's shoulder gently, and she woke up.

"What time is it?" She stretched, cat-like, and put Grace in the incubator next to her.

"Time you were awake," Phil said with a small smile and he dipped his head to kiss her. Instead of his lips touching her cheek, he found that his lips had found hers and she was kissing back. For a moment he hesitated, thinking that it was too good to be true, before slowly making the kiss more passionate. She responded happily, and wrapped her arms round his neck. Phil began to hope against hope that maybe, just maybe, her cold approach was beginning to thaw. Perhaps Cole had said something, done something to make her hate him or, even better, get over him. He sat down next to her and put his hand on her waist tentatively, trying to find his boundaries. She let him gently push her back, and was happy just to kiss and cuddle with him.

"I love you," Phil said when they finally pulled apart, keeping her arms around his neck and gently kissing her neck. What came next he didn't expect at all.

"I love you too," Steffi said, smiling at him. Soon, she thought to herself, I'll mean it.