Author's note: Thank you for all of the kind reviews, I'm glad to hear you are enjoying it. Hopefully I won't disappoint!
Chapter 4: A generous offer
The last week of school had been a complete whirlwind and Caroline was more than thankful it was finally over. Greg had left for Manchester the Saturday after term, with plans to return a week before fall term began. William and Lawrence had planned to come together for a visit towards the end of the break.
The last two weeks, the first of the break, had been wonderful. They were full of relaxing days at home and a number of play dates with Emma and Fiona. The women had taken the girls on multiple trips to the park, two trips to the children's discovery garden and even a day trip with Celia and Alan to visit Gillian and Robbie on the farm. Flora and Emma had the time of their life that day, playing with the baby sheep and running through the fields and all of Caroline's family raved unanimous approval of both Fiona and Emma. The two women had even managed to get a few night outings in, in addition to the lunch they had shared a few weeks ago; mostly dinner at small restaurants or at one or the other's home where they could sit and talk over wine without the company of little ears. Their bond of friendship grew quickly, the trust growing ever stronger between them and Flora and Emma had become practically inseparable.
oOo
It was the fourth week of break, and Caroline and Fiona had planned another play date at the discovery garden for the girls. There was a live show,"Peppa Pig and Friends" and Emma and Flora just about burst every ear drum on the block with their shrieks of excitement when the two women told them they would be going. Fiona and Emma were to be at Caroline's at nine so they could all ride to the show together.
After breakfast, Caroline took Flora upstairs to get ready. Flora insisted on a pink pair of shorts and the Peppa pig shirt Celia had gotten her for the event. Caroline pulled her soft curls back from her face with two clips and slipped a pair of white sandals on her adorable little feet. She pulled the Peppa pig book from the bookshelf and brought Flora to her room, sitting her on the floor with the book, so she could dress. She selected a flowing white skirt and soft pink sleeveless top for herself. She pulled her blonde hair into a small low ponytail. A touch of mascara and she was ready.
As Fiona and Emma pulled into the drive Caroline's phone rang.
"Hi Greg, how are you? Enjoying your summer holiday? Flora and I were just leaving to see Peppa pig" trying to nicely hint it was a bad time.
"Hello Caroline, I'm great. I, umm, I was actually calling to tell you something" the nervousness apparent in his voice.
"Greg is something wrong, are you alright?" Fiona walked in the kitchen to hear this and cast a worried look toward Caroline. Caroline gave a confused gesture and returned her attention to the call.
"Oh no, no, everything is fine. I just, well….I've asked Anne to marry me…and she said yes" he takes a long pause before continuing. "…And she's pregnant, we found out yesterday, so I've decided to stay here permanently. She can't leave her job and, you know, my work is mobile. I know I should have told you in person, but I wanted to give you time to find a nanny before you go back to school. I'll come down as soon as I can get a break, to collect my things and say goodbye. This doesn't mean I don't want to see you or Flora anymore, it's just, well…you understand?" It's clear he's trying to be as gentle as possible, but Caroline is in total shock and getting more angry by the second. She manages to congratulate him and wish him well before ending the call, slamming the phone on the counter.
"Jesus bloody Christ, that…..asshole!" She's yelling, the flush rising in her face.
"Caroline, what's wrong. Calm down and talk to me." Fiona tries to sound soothing, but her concern makes her voice crack around the edges.
"Greg, that plonker, he's getting married and Anne's pregnant. He's going to stay in Manchester. What the hell am I going to do for childcare now!? The last time I hired a nanny Flora ended up at the police station!" her anger beginning to manifest itself into hot tears, the panic rising in her voice. She trusts Fiona now, so she's not ashamed to let her see her cry.
"Caroline, calm down, we'll think of something." She moves to her friend, taking her hand and rubbing the back of it with her thumb to soothe her. Caroline absent-mindedly jerks her hand away, distracted by her anger and panic. Fiona is deeply hurt by the gesture, but manages to keep the hurt off of her face. The two girls, having heard the commotion, are now standing by the counter, worried looks on their faces. Caroline sees them, wipes her face and forces herself to calm down.
"Mummy, no yelling." Flora walks to her mother, taking her hand. Her bright brown eyes melting Caroline's anger away.
"I know sweetheart, I'm sorry. Mummy was upset, but I'm better." She takes a moment to pull herself together. Breathe Caroline, you'll think of something. "Now, I believe we have a date with Peppa pig!" She picks up her daughter and brings her in for a snuggle and soft kiss on the cheek before putting her down again. Fiona casts a silent glance of concern and Caroline nods to say she's alright. The group collects their things and load into Caroline's car.
The drive is mostly silent, save for the sounds of the girls talking excitedly in the back seat. Fiona sits quietly studying Caroline's face. She'd never seen her angry before and despite her feeling that Caroline was overreacting a little and the hurt she felt when Caroline pulled her hand away, she knew her extreme protective nature of Flora so she was able to overlook her disapproval.
God, she is very pretty, even when she's angry. Those eyes are captivating. Fiona fidgets in her seat, suddenly feeling as if her inner thoughts had been written on Caroline's brain. She's moved to a full on crush at this point, but cherishes their friendship so much she's been pushing the attraction aside. She has no idea if, though she seriously doubts, that Caroline has any feelings toward her. The happiness she has felt, since meeting Caroline had finally made her feel normal again, like there really might be a life after Hannah. Having Caroline in her life now was most important, regardless of what capacity that may be in.
Caroline drives quietly, as the feeling of disappointment sinks in. She knows that Greg is entitled to his own life, and she's actually quite happy to have less of him around, but the thought of finding a new nanny makes her chest tight with worry. Her thoughts then drift to the scene in the kitchen. A deep embarrassment and shame takes over her emotions as she reflects on how poorly she had reacted in front of Fiona. She knew they were friends and Fiona would understand, but equally she knew her behavior had been sub-par. I have to apologize to Fiona, she didn't need to see that in me and I was so rude when she was trying to be so kind. God, I hope she doesn't think I'm a mad cow.
They arrive to the gardens and unload the girls, who pull them in a near run to the amphitheater. There's a place set up, just along the front of the stage for all the small children to sit. After escorting the two excited bundles to a spot on the end, the two women move off to stand within eye sight, but back far enough to avoid most of the volume from the show. Caroline looks over to Fiona and is greeted by a cautious smile.
"Fiona, I need to apologize. My behavior back there was inappropriate. I lost my temper and you should not have had to see it. I'm sorry too for pulling away from you, I didn't mean to be so callous," the shame registering across her face. She lowers her eyes to avoid Fiona's gaze. Fiona steps forward and takes Caroline's hand, causing her to look up again.
"Caroline, you don't have to apologize. I know how protective you are of Flora." She smiles warmly and continues, "So long as I'm never the recipient of that anger…..you were quite an ice queen" she cracks a sly smile, hoping Caroline gets the joke. Caroline smiles shyly and lets their gaze last a few moments more before returning her eyes to where the girls are sitting. Fiona lets go of her hand and turns her attention back to the show. A comfortable silence continues for a while as they watch in amusement at the action on stage.
"Caroline, I've an idea. Why don't I keep Flora once you go back to school? I've already got Emma, and you know they are two peas in a pod. It would be no problem at all, and honestly, I'd be happy to."
"Fiona, I can't have you do that. I'll start interviewing nannies next week" she says, not taking her eyes off the stage.
"I want to Caroline. I wouldn't offer if I didn't." She's turned to face Caroline again, her eyes intently watching the side of Caroline's face, trying to read her reaction. Caroline stands quiet, her eyes facing forward, taking in the offer she's just heard. Finally she turns to Fiona, whose look of worry is now obvious, and a broad smile moves across her lips.
"Actually, I would love that Fiona. I trust you and would never have to worry. I will pay you of course, and I won't take no for an answer" she shoots a narrow gaze as she says the last bit, still with a smile, so as to quiet any protests from Fiona.
"The only payment I need is your company, but I will take your money, if you insist." The warm smile and twinkle in her eye make Caroline laugh and lean a teasing nudge into the other woman's shoulder before hooking her arm into Fiona's. The touch of Caroline's arm against her skin sends the butterflies into a tizzy in Fiona's stomach and for the first time Caroline registers the faint tingle of attraction that she hadn't felt since Kate.
oOo
The remainder of the summer break flew by; life continuing in the same happy manner. Neither woman had dared speak of the attraction they felt for the other, each fearing the feelings would not be mutual, but even more so because of their own uncertainty or readiness to embark on anything more than a friendship.
William and Lawrence had come for their visit on the final week of break. Caroline was delightfully shocked at how much they had grown into such handsome, kind and caring young men. Both had agreed on how lovely Emma was and had even taken her and their little sister on a day trip to the discovery garden and for lunch and ice cream afterwards. Their last night home they had even told Caroline rather bluntly, but kindly, of their support if she and Fiona were to start dating. The conversation had caught her off guard, and despite her attempts to quash such a theory, her blush and quick move to change the subject had caught her out.