"Oh there you ..." Celia cleared her throat loudly at the site of Caroline and Kate kissing in the hall.

Caroline stopped kissing Kate and turned to her mother. "Oooo tea. Thanks mum. You're a star." Caroline held on to Kate's hand and squeezed it. She turned back to Kate who noticed a huge grin on Caroline's face.

Celia stood with a mug of tea in both hands with her mouth gaping open. "These are for Alan and me... Yours are in the kitchen ..."

Celia walked towards the sitting room before calling back out. "That is if you've got time to drink them between eating each other's faces!"

Caroline and Kate stifled their laughs just long enough to close the kitchen door before losing it completely.

When they had managed to calm down Kate took a seat at the breakfast table. "You're doing this to deliberately wind your mother up aren't you?"

Caroline grinned but didn't answer Kate straight away. She took a seat opposite Kate. "I'm just enjoying having you in my life again. I'm feeling ... free now. Besides you still haven't explained what Lawrence was referring to when he told you to keep practicing?"

Kate laughed this time. She relayed the antics of Lawrence and Angus in the back of her car the day before.

Caroline laughed. "The little bugger. The cheeky..." She looked down at her tea and then spoke quietly whilst blushing. "I thought you were better than a 5!"

Kate smiled. "That's a real pity. I was enjoying the practice!"

Caroline smiled. "We'll have plenty of time for that later! Come on let's join the family. We're being terribly antisocial in here."

Caroline went around the counter to Kate's side. She took Kate's hand and they walked into the sitting room. To her surprise only Celia and Alan were left. "Where's William?"

Celia looked up. "He and Roxy have gone up to bed. He looked shattered bless him."

Caroline looked at Alan who was still asleep on the sofa. "It was a beautiful day yesterday mum. But a late night. Alan looks like he had a good time."

Celia looked at Alan and smiled. "Yes it was love. He wasn't the only one! I think we're both ready for bed." Celia winked at Caroline and woke Alan. Caroline couldn't believe her mother was getting smutty playing her at her own game.

Caroline's thoughts were interrupted by Alan. "Thank you for a lovely dinner love." Alan smiled at Caroline. He kissed her on the cheek and followed suit with Kate. "Goodnight!"

Celia looked at Caroline. "Thanks love. See you tomorrow. Night Kate."

Caroline turned to Kate. "Come here. Have a seat. I'd like to give something to you and I wanted to wait until we were alone."

Kate took a seat on the sofa next to Caroline and moved up closer. She stifled a yawn; the ups and downs of the last few days had taken their toll. Her feet were swelling too.

Caroline passed a small box covered in gold paper to Kate. It had gold ribbon wrapped around with a gold bow. The small heart-shaped card attached simply stated. 'For Kate. My sweet and beautiful love. Caroline x'. "Merry Christmas."

Kate unwrapped the box carefully to find a purple velvet covered box. She smiled and looked up at Caroline. She smiled back.

Kate opened the box and gasped. "Oh Caroline it's beautiful."

Kate took out a fine rolled rope gold chain which had a heart-shaped pendant attached, which was made of a single long piece of gold sculptured into a heart. It was simple but very elegant.

Caroline took the chain from Kate and placed it around Kate's elegant neck. She fastened the clasp and then straightened it. "Do you like it?"

Kate smiled. "It's beautiful Caroline. Thank you. "Kate leaned into Caroline and gave her a kiss. "I have a little something for you upstairs."

Caroline gazed into Kate's eyes loving the joy on her face. "You shouldn't have."

"I just saw them and thought of you. I hope you like them." Kate looked worried.

Caroline took Kate by the hand and lead her upstairs to her bedroom. Caroline changed first. She helped Kate undress and kissed her bare shoulder. Kate smiled. "Get into bed and close your eyes."

Caroline obeyed. Kate placed a small wrapped package into Caroline's hand. It was similar in size to Kate's present. Caroline opened her eyes. The wrapping was silver with tiny hearts embossed in the paper. The card read. 'Caroline. With all my love. Kate xx'

Caroline opened the paper to find a brown leather box; she opened the box and saw a pearl teardrop pendant on a gold chain and matching ear-rings. "Oh Kate. They're beautiful. Thank you. I'll wear them for work."

Kate snuggled into Caroline who kissed her passionately. They were interrupted by Caroline's mobile indicating a text message. Caroline checked the phone. She laughed. "It's Lawrence the little bugger!' ARE YOU STILL PRACTICING?' "L X