Caroline served up the Christmas lunch and she and Celia found they were doing the table clearing and washing up. She actually didn't mind she'd really enjoyed the dinner with everyone around. Alan had retired to the living room with Angus, Lawrence, William and Roxy. She thought about next year when she would have Christmas dinner with Kate and their little girl. She'd need a bigger table for her expanding family.

"So, I guess you and Kate are back on then!" Celia made a statement and not a question and Caroline chose not to respond.

"It was quite a show you two made last night. Everyone was watching you." Again Celia was making statements and not asking for a reply.

Caroline stopped wiping down the kitchen top and looked across at her mother. "Mum. Yes Kate and I are back together... As for the show. I really couldn't care less what everyone thought, said or did. It was the most enjoyable dance I've ever had with anyone. If that causes embarrassment then tough."

She carried on wiping down the top and cleaning out the sink. She felt upset inside that her love for Kate was not just accepted the way her mum's love for Alan was. She didn't want a caustic reply from her mother and didn't seek one out.

Celia looked at her daughter. "Well you do seem much brighter today. And I was worried about you... I still am worried... Caroline you're going to have a baby at 46!"

"Yes. I'm well aware of that." Caroline stopped herself. She'd snapped but didn't mean to.

"Mum please be happy for me. I want to be with Kate and our new baby. I'm fed up of having to justify it to people. I split with Kate because I was trying to make sure I didn't upset or displease anyone. I failed on that part with everyone and I lost Kate too. I've been miserable without her and now I feel so happy. I'm not ruining it again. So what people think is not something I care for anymore. Lawrence told me everyone knew at work so I was just kidding myself. I want you to be happy for me mum... For the both of us ...for your new soon to be granddaughter."

"Oh. It's a girl then?"

Caroline nearly kicked herself. Shit she did it. "Yes. But please don't tell anyone. We didn't want anyone to know until she's born." Caroline smiled at the thought.

"Well you look much happier talking about it now than you did before. You seem much more sure now. When is she due then?"

Caroline smiled at her mum. "I love you mum. She's due in another 4 weeks."

They doorbell interupted them. "Ooo. That will be Kate. She's staying over tonight."

Caroline walked towards the hall but Lawrence got there first. "Mum. It's Kate."

Caroline passed Lawrence in the hallway and went to great Kate. Lawrence smiled and winked at Kate "You need much more practice by the way!"

He went back into the sitting room leaving Caroline with a puzzled look on her face. "What?"

Kate laughed "I'll tell you later. Hello Celia."

"Hello love. Did you have a nice dinner?"

"Yes thank you. I spent it with my mum."

Celia went into the sitting room to find Alan fast asleep next to William and Roxy on the sofa. Lawrence and Angus were on the floor playing video games on the laptop computer. The news was on the TV. Celia was left with the chair in the window.

Caroline took Kate's bag and took it upstairs to her bedroom. She came back down to find the kitchen empty and no Kate. She walked in the sitting room to find her playing a video game against Lawrence. Much to Angus' amusement Kate was winning.

"Anyone want another drink?"

Celia got up. "I'll have a tea love and come and help you."

"Kate? What would you like to drink?"

Kate was engrossed in the game. "Just water please." It wasn't exactly what Caroline had in mind for their second night back together, but she was just happy to have Kate there.

"Can I have a beer mum?"

"No Lawrence. You've got a match tomorrow and we don't want you hung over again like last-time do we!"

Caroline looked at Angus who had a shy grin on his face. "Besides what time is your mum coming to pick you both up?"

"Any minute now. I rang her about half an hour ago."

"Have you packed your things in your bag Angus?" He nodded feeling like Dr Elliot was back in the room. "Has Lawrence packed his?"

Angus didn't answer. "I'll take that as a 'no' then. Lawrence upstairs and pack your bag and rugby kit before Angus' mum arrives."

"Mum. I'm catching Kate up."

"Tough. Angus can take over from you."

She pushed Lawrence gently along the hallway to the stairs. "Looks like you're the one who needs practice if Kate was winning!"

"Not really mum. It's you who needs the practice. Not me!" Caroline was confused again. She was about to walk in the kitchen when the doorbell rang.

She answered and found Felicity, Angus' mum at the door. "Hi. Please come in. Lawrence is just fetching his things. Thanks for allowing him to stay."

"Oh Dr Elliot. He's no bother. How was the wedding?"

"Please call me Caroline. It was just brilliant. Angus was a real gentleman. I'm sure he'll fill you in on his starring role. Would you like a drink whilst we wait for Lawrence?"

"Thank you but no. I've got a nice red waiting for me when we get back."

"Please go in the sitting room. Angus is trying to beat Kate on the video game. Excuse me whilst I go find Lawrence."

Kate looked up to see Felicity looking around the room. She had just beaten Angus who was laid on the floor accepting defeat. "Stick to singing Angus."

"I think I will. You know you're not bad for a girl miss Mckenzie."

"Angus. Please call me Kate outside of school."

"Sorry. I keep forgetting." Angus got up and went to hug his mum. "Hi mum. I'll just go get my bag."

Kate got up and went to great Felicity. "Hi its Felicity isn't it?"

"Yes. You're Miss Mckenzie. Languages right?"

"Yes. That's right. I also do music and the Choir."

Felicity noticed Kate's bump. "Oooo congratulations. When are you due?"

Kate beamed with joy. "About another 4 weeks if all goes to plan."

Felicity looked around the room and turned back to Kate. "Who's the happy father?"

Before Kate could answer, Angus moved in, "Come on mum. Time to go." He turned to Kate and mouthed, 'Sorry'.

Kate smiled and nodded. She was then joined by Caroline and Lawrence. They all walked to the front door. Kate and Caroline stood and saw them off. "Good luck tomorrow."

Lawrence smiled. "Thanks mum. Keep up the practice! Bye Kate."

Caroline closed the door as the car drive off. "What is Lawrence talking about all this practice business?"

Kate laughed. "He's talking about this." She pulled Caroline's chin in and kissed her lips gently taking in her desire. Caroline melted enjoying the moment.