So here is an update - it's dedicated to Kat, and I think I shall continue to dedicate this fic to her because it's her own fic that I draw a lot of inspiration from and the promise of her wonderful updates genuinely spur me on! Just keep swimming bro ;)
I actually realised a big error in my writing.. in the chapter 26 it may have come across as though Simon and Carla had barely spoken.. having not updated in a while I forgot about my earlier chapters where they had made a cake together and interacted - so I'll stick to my original portrayal of Simon knowing Carla as Peter's friend, and it won't be quite as awkward next time I write them together!
'Oh Peter, baby, this is so perfect' Carla said taken aback by his lovely romantic gesture.
He'd driven her down to the coast, and left her browsing in a shop as it got dark and he set up his little plan for her.
When he'd come to collect her and walked her down to the beach she'd blushed and melted at the sight of several blankets scattered on the sand, with cushions and candles.
'I wasn't sure it would be your thing or not..' he said as she shook her head.
'I might be a hard face cow 99 percent of the time but I've still got a heart' she said as she turned to him and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing his lips eagerly.
He led her over to the blankets, taking her hand as she kicked her heels off and snuggled up to him, her body nestled into his as he reached and pulled one of the blankets over them.
'You're a proper romantic aren't you' she said, looking up at him, her eyes sparkling with love and happiness.
'You make me romantic' he chuckled as she shook her head.
'Soppy git' she said resting her head on his chest.
'Look Carla, about the other day..' he said as she pressed her finger to his lips and narrowed her eyes in a sexy manner.
'Car..' he mumbled against the pressure of her finger.
'Wait..' she whispered softly, removing her finger and gently parting her lips, letting them gently mould against his.
He let out a soft groan and responded, kissing her slowly, the sound of the waves in the background and the amber glow of the candle light making the moment all the more special.
'I love you' she said, pulling away and looking into his eyes.
'And I'll do whatever it takes to make this work, me and you.. and Simon, I love you Peter and you showed me what it's like to feel loved again, I wasn't sure I'd fine that again.. so thank you' Carla said as he slowly gave her a lopsided smile and looked at her almost in awe.
'What..' she said feeling awkward at his silent response.
'You.. you're amazing Carla' he said as she giggled nervously.
'Why..' she said picking at the fabric of the blanket.
'Because.. because I know this is hard for you, Simon.. it's a massive change to your lifestyle' Peter said.
'Oh Peter, when I first started having feelings for you.. and as it got more serious I knew Simon would have to come into it.. if it ever became serious, I just never imagined it would and so I wasn't prepared and I'm not good with kids' Carla said.
'Yes you are, Carla you're so much better than you think you are with them, Simon likes you Carla, he really does, he's just awkward at the moment as he's trying to get to grips with me and Leanne not being together and he's a stubborn little thing' Peter said.
'But when he finds out about us..' Carla said.
'He'll be difficult, I'm sure but he will understand, eventually.. and so will everyone else.. as long as we make it seem we got together after I left Leanne..' Peter said.
'You reckon we can?' Carla said with a little smile.
'Yeah, I do.. because we love each other, we just have to be careful' he said as she smiled and allowed him to gently push her down onto the sand so she was lying on her back. He leaned over her and kissed her lovingly under the stars, hoping that it would indeed be alright..