Celia smiled at her daughter. "It's a lovely name." Celia looked down in the cot at Helena's sleepy face.
Kate smiled, "Do you want to hold her?"
"No love. She's fast asleep. I don't want to disturb her. They'll be plenty of time for that when you come home."
Celia looked at Caroline. "Well, I'll be getting off love. I just wanted to make sure you ...both of ... all of you, were okay." Celia looked at Kate who looked up. "You had me really worried for a time love but you look much better now."
Grace smiled too. "Celia. Could I please be cheeky and beg a lift home? I think they need some time alone and I'm afraid I do not drive."
"Yes. Yes. No problem Grace. We can have a little chat on the way back."
Grace gave Kate a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. "You rest up now my sweet. I think you are going to need all your energy with this one!" She took a sly look at Caroline and winked.
Caroline felt sure she had meant her and not Helena. She tried not to laugh out loud at her thoughts. The cheeky old loveable minx.
Grace turned to Caroline and hugged her too. She kissed her on the cheek and smiled. "If that nurse comes and starts to make trouble with you. Tell her I will find out where she lives and I will set my Rocky on her!"
Caroline laughed. "Thank you Grace."
Caroline watched as both women walked off down the corridor. Pleased they were getting along she smiled. It would be the women who would forge the links in the family to help it merge together when challenges came. Caroline knew they had some huge challenges ahead.
She turned to Kate after Grace's comments and mouthed, 'Rocky?' Kate smiled and said, "Her dog!"
Caroline smiled, "Rottweiler?"
Kate burst out laughing. "No, no, no. Yorkshire Terrier!"
Caroline let out a loud laugh and looked around trying to recover the composure. When she settled herself she turned to Kate more serious now that they were alone. She stroked her cheek and moved some hair from her face. "How are you feeling now?"
Kate smiled. "Happy, exhausted, battered and sore."
Caroline's face changed. "Kate we need to talk about when you and Helena come out of the hospital."
Kate smiled, "I know. We never really had chance to talk because Helena was in too much of a hurry to see us!" Caroline looked down. "What's the matter Caroline?"
"I don't want to sound selfish but I'd like it if we could all live together. The house is on the market and I'm sure it will sell. I'd like us to find somewhere together. Somewhere for all of us? How do you feel about that?"
Kate smiled. "I'd like that too. Very much but I don't think it will be a good idea to move in with you at yours with Helena. I don't want to cause Lawrence anymore problems. He's had a tough time and he's at an awkward age. Have you had chance to have a serious talk with him?"
Caroline looked sad, "No. Not since we ... You know."
Kate felt sad. "I'm sorry Caroline. I think we need to think things through before we jump in. I don't want to lose you again."
Kate held her arms out inviting Caroline to her. Caroline obliged and hugged her. "I don't want to rush things but I couldn't bear you being alone. I know I'll be at work during the day but I want to rush home to you and Helena."
Kate stroked Caroline's face. "Well my mum has said she will move in with me to begin with. That is until I get into a routine. After that we'll have to see. You need to sit down with Lawrence and have an honest talk. We can then sit down and figure out what we're going to do. I'd like us all to be together too. But I need to know it's the right way."