Another update :)
The words had left her mouth without thought but watching Kate's face, she knew she meant it. She had said it without thinking because it was what she wanted she loved Kate, she wanted her to be happy and she would love this baby as part of Kate.
"Oh Caroline" her mouth agape "do you mean it, do you think you could?" He voice excited but wary. Kate felt her lips touch upon hers as Caroline's hand rested upon her stomach "yes Kate I love you and I will love your baby". "But would it be our baby" Kate voice apprehensive "I don't think I can choose Caroline", Caroline's eyes glistened "yes our baby". "Kate I love you and we once talked about having a baby together this is no different, we will be its parents and we will do it together". Kate kissed her lips "But Greg" her voice cracking slightly as she saw Caroline wince at his name "Kate don't, it was a mistake I know that but every mistake has a silver lining somewhere, this can be ours".
They sat in the car for some time, holding each other just taking it in this was huge. Caroline squeezed her hand "come on you let's go to the solicitors and then we can go for lunch and talk about it, ok?" Kate smiled "ok, Caroline I really do love you and I ..", "I know" Caroline smiled.
As they drove she watched Kate's hand rested upon her tummy the smile so wide she doubted Kate could have hidden it, she knew this was the right thing and the smile spread across her lips. She was surprised at herself she really must have changed for the better being with Kate because the logistics and practicalities of the situation were not at the for front of her mind. She knew they would need to discuss it but at this moment she didn't care, she loved Kate and they were going to have a baby and Caroline smile widened, she was happy.
They sat in the solicitors, Tony Green their solicitor got out the paper work passing it to Caroline "As you can see Lucy is willing to testify that her father was conspiring against you and Miss Mckenzie to create damaging allegations. I've spoken to the previous case worker on his previous convictions and they will be used to back up your assault complaint. I've had the permission through to get his details under his previously used name and can now present them in the defense, he went to great lengths to hide his past. This will substantiate your defense in his dismissal rather than a personal vendetta against him, as he should never have been in the position of influence in the first place".
"I can see us only being in court for a day or so it's very straight forward he's not got a hope". He smiled as he gazed across at the two women in front of him "I'm betting he never thought you would take it this far as he hasn't got a leg to stand on, I'm guessing his scare tactics usually work and he hadn't pre-empted this. He has got plenty of positive character references so he is obviously a very good liar but as their is proof of deception in his identity and he managed to go through all the legal checks to become a teacher. I'm sure they won't be worth the paper their written on, so if there's nothing else you need to ask I see you Thursday".
As they walked to the door Caroline let Kate step out first as she pulled the young man aside "one other thing actually, we found out today Kate's pregnant I don't want anything to cause her more stress than necessary. Would it be possible for him to not be present while she is in court?". "Congratulations" "thank you" her smile wide it was congratulations the more it sunk in the more elated she felt, it was her baby too.
He watched her " And yes I'll arrange it of course, it's mediating circumstances and as it's sexual assault charges there will be no issue with it being carried out that way".
"Thank you, I know this going to be hard for her so I'm sure that will take the pressure off a little". Caroline shook his hand and stepped from his office, Kate looked at her quizzically, then he popped his head out into the hallway and smiled "congratulations on your news".
Kate laughed "thanks", she took Caroline's hand "you telling everyone already Caroline" she smirked. "It's a great feeling Kate I want to shout it to the world" her heart beat a little faster, things were finally taking full circle they were going to be ok.
"I'm so happy you feel that way, but it is early days" Caroline saw the flicker of worry cross Kate's face "think positive I'm sure it will all be ok, we will just have to look after you properly. I've just spoken to Tony he said because of the stress you won't have to be in the room when he is on Thursday". "Oh good, I didn't really want to face him and especially now", "well that's sorted then, I've got to look after you and them" she glanced at her stomach.
"Come on lunch" Kate tugged her slightly towards the exit.
They finished there sandwiches and Kate sipped at her coffee "god I feel like a glass of wine" Caroline laughed "well you could have a small one". "Its strange because I didn't know I've been drinking the whole way through, so I probably should go cold turkey". Caroline looked guiltily at her glass of wine "sorry it's a bit insensitive of me, I'll stop drinking too". Kate felt so loved so happy as she chuckled "you don't have to do that Caroline, I know you love your wine". Caroline laughed "well yeah, ok maybe I won't give up just won't drink around you then". "That's probably a good idea as one hormonal grumpy woman around the house is enough for everyone without a T Total Caroline as well". "Hey" Caroline prodded her playfully "I am truly happy about this Kate, I love you", "I love you too sweetheart, but I know how much you love me just by how supportive your being. I really did win the lottery when I fell in love with you on that first day of term". Caroline acknowledged the compliment shyly "I think I knew the first day I met you, yes your cv was the most impressive but, I think I always knew I couldn't have offered the job to anyone else. Once I saw your smile I knew I had to see it everyday". They sat closely together enjoying the spring sunshine, content in their own little bubble for most of the afternoon.