Caroline stood for a while letting the hot steaming water cascade down her face. Eyes closed, she didn't want to move from the warmth and heat of the shower. She felt her hand being held and opened her eyes to see Kate naked, in bloom and beautiful. She wrapped her arms around Kate's back mirroring their dance the night before.
"Hello."
"Hi. You look beautiful."
Kate frowned, "I don't feel beautiful. I feel like a beached Whale and frumpy."
Caroline smiled. "Its just your hormones. I remember my hormones running riot. Carrying Lawrence was the worst. One minute happy and the next crying for no reason. Kate, you are extremely beautiful and very sexy."
Kate laughed. "You're kidding. I don't feel very sexy."
"How do you really feel Kate?" Caroline wanted reassurance and security. She was losing the house she loved, William had left home and her mother was looking to leave too. Everything was changing around her. She was in the middle and she wasn't in control.
"I feel scared, happy, apprehensive, hopeful and secure too. How do you feel Caroline?"
"Oh god. Where do I start? I'm all over the place."
Kate frowned. "What's wrong Caroline?"
"Nothing. Everything." Caroline smiled at Kate not wanting to spoil things. She kissed Kate gently on the lips. "Come on let's get dressed and get some breakfast."
Caroline took hold of Kate's hand as they left their room. She paused at the top of the stairs and turned to Kate. "I feel very emotional Kate. I'm so happy that you're pregnant and your deepest wish has come true. You look so radiant and happy. I want to be with you and share in that. I'm also frightened of facing the world together with you and all that attention. I don't want anything to spoil it. I don't want to lose you again."
Kate smiled back at Caroline. "I'm not going anywhere Caroline... I want us to be a family... The five of us... You, me, William, Lawrence and our baby." Kate kissed Caroline on the lips and they descended the stairs smiling.
"Are you ready to face the world together?" Caroline whispered as they passed through the reception to the dining room.
"I can cope with the world. It's just your mother I'm bothered about."
Caroline laughed as they walked into the dining room full of people. They were greeted by the sight of tables full, mostly of the wedding guests. Caroline blushed at the clapping and wolf whistles aimed at them both. She turned to Kate who was smiling and blushing too.
Caroline held both palms up in surrender. "Alright everyone shows over. Merry Christmas." She turned back to Kate and pulled her into a gentle hug.