18 Monday - Beginning Again

Monday before New Years

Kate's appointment with the consultant was one of the first of the day. Once she had signed in, Kate seated herself snuggly against Caroline on the rather hard settee in the waiting room, clutching her purse in her lap. The worry over the bleeding episode which she had managed to push to the back of her mind for so many days was now her primary focus.

Sensing her anxiety, Caroline leaned into her shoulder a bit to comfort both of them. Looking up just then, Caroline saw the receptionist do a quick double-take to see the two of them sitting so close. As quickly as it happened it was over, the receptionist bent back to her work. Caroline smiled to herself wryly. She was going to need to get used to this sort of thing, wasn't she? Even when people weren't bothered by the two of them together there was likely to be some sort of a reaction. It was natural she supposed.

They did not have long to wait. Kate introduced Caroline to the assistant who ushered them in and to the consultant as her partner. The consultant turned out to be an avuncular older man who obviously thought a lot of Kate. Once again Caroline saw the surprise register but he shook her proffered hand and was back on task.

Once the physical part of the exam was complete he left Kate to dress telling them that he would return shortly to discuss the health of Kate and the baby with them. As they had sat waiting for his return, Kate's stress was palpable and Caroline could not resist placing a small kiss of support to her temple. Naturally, this was the point at which the doctor had tapped at the door immediately entering. Catching this scene he had inquired a little more after the nature of their relationship. Kate explained that they planned to raise the child together and that he could freely discuss her case with Caroline.

At this Dr. Kent seemed glad and told them so since much hinged on Kate's behavior in the coming weeks. Going on he explained that Kate's blood pressure was higher than he liked and may have been the cause of the bleeding she had experienced. He went on to discuss the seriousness of gestational hypertension and its risks, outlining the precautions she should take. Looking to Caroline as often as to Kate to make sure they were taking in the gravity of the situation. When he recommended that Kate consider going part time in her work, Caroline answered for her that this could be arranged, not noticing in her focus on the doctor, the startled look Kate gave her.

Satisfied that they were not taking Kate's situation lightly, he gave them a few other precautions then turned to his computer to make some notes asking if they had any questions.

Caroline looking at Kate saw that she had nothing to say. Raising her eyebrows and tipping her head in the direction of the doctor. Kate just smiled and nodded once, almost imperceptibly. Caroline widened her eyes at Kate, then determinedly turned to the doctor again starting bravely, "As regards sex…"

The doctor, well used to this question didn't even look up, continuing to make notes he said, "Nothing too strenuous please, given the recent bleeding episode it might be best to keep things external until the baby arrives." Looking up, "Anything else?

Caroline, feeling more comfortable with this question, "Kate's told me there is a higher than usual risk for post partum depression. Can you tell us anything more about that?"

Dr. Kent, seeing her genuine concern, replied kindly, "We won't know until the time comes. We'll make recommendations if and when they are called for. I'm sorry, these things just aren't predictable." With that he asked Kate to stop in on Friday so that they could monitor her blood pressure again to see if any additional steps were indicated. Shaking hands with each of them he took his leave.

Once they were alone in the room, Caroline gave Kate an 'I told you so' look. Kate only laughed, "very articulate, Caroline."

Caroline, smiling ruefully at herself, took Kate's hands, pulling her to her feet and out of the room.

Once in the car, Caroline looked at Kate almost shyly, "We have quite a lot to talk about in terms of our future. Dr. Kent has confirmed my worries for you. "Seeing Kate's face she knew that she too was considering the implications just outlined for them and dared to go on. "Kate, I know we have just gotten back together and I don't want to rush things, you…" It was still so hard to know the right things to do and say in spite of all the talking they had done this weekend. The pain of the months apart was still so recent that fear of getting it wrong again was very strong in her.

Kate seeing that look, realized anew that the shadows of the last year would take time to dissipate for both of them. Raising a red-gloved finger she brushed under the blonde fringe to smooth the furrows she knew were there and prompted gently, "Tell me."

"Kate, I want to take care of you. I'm afraid that no matter how fast we make arrangements, circumstances may overtake us. I have some ideas to share with you. It's too cold to talk in the car but there's a little café not far from here. Can we get some tea and talk?"

Kate started the car, "Which way?"

xxx

Tea and scones before them, "First. The substitute I have lined up to take your Language classes is available at any time. I know this may seem sudden but I'd like you to start considering the part time schedule you'd like to keep. Once you decide, we can implement that immediately. OK?"

"Caroline, I don't feel poorly, I'm not sure this is necessary just yet," Kate protested.

Giving her a firm look, "Second," she underscored with her voice. "I'd like us both to move into a new home together as soon as we can, by the end of the week if possible."

Kate's jaw dropped and she let out a short laugh, "end of the week! Caroline, you must be mad."

Smiling excitedly, she took Kate's hand, "No listen, I've been thinking-"

The clear notes of Kate's laughter rang through the small shop, drawing a couple of glances, but both women were oblivious to this. "Caroline. Dear Caroline, I have missed you."

There it was, that disarming smile, "What?"

Admiringly, "It is all just so perfectly... you. I have truly missed you, you know. The way you are always thinking, planning, anticipating all the ins and outs of things." Swallowing the lump in her throat at the thought of Caroline planning for her now. This time, she was a priority to Caroline. She was no longer in this alone. Misty brown eyes conveying her love, "You really are magnificent."

Caroline basked in the warmth of that look for a moment and taking courage from it went on to explain, with that trademarked ever so slightly crooked smile. "Do you know the old Lion Hotel? Overlooking The Stray?"

Not following, "Yes."

"Well, it's been renovated into flats. They're very nice. I had my eye on one for Laurence and I to move into when the house sells. Just until we could find a new little house but," eager now, "I happen to know that the top floor has been divided into only two flats rather than four as they did on the other floors. They are spacious and I think one of them might be just the ticket for us, at least temporarily. We can think again after the baby is born. Would you like to go and see?"

Kate, still more taken with Caroline and her infectious excitement than anything she had said, breathed her assent through a smile she could not keep from her face.

xxx

Caroline, turned in the seat as much as the safety belt would allow so she could see Kate's face as she drove. Continuing where she left off, "They've done an excellent job of maintaining the original charm while upgrading all of the amenities. The manager showed us the top floor suites just for the fun of it the day we were there. It seems they are having trouble letting these two because it turns out that the people who can afford them, prefer to live in a house rather than a flat. I may be able to negotiate the price down a bit - if you like it."

Kate listened while Caroline enthused about the location, the view, the lift that would put her at the door to the suite so she would have no stairs to navigate and the other amenities of the building. Kate smiled quietly to see Caroline so happy. This was a Caroline that few people ever saw; even Kate had hardly seen Caroline this ebullient before.

Caroline's phone rang as Kate parked the car. After exchanging greetings, "You're kidding! Really? No problems with the financing this time? Fine. Yes, that's fine. We accept the offer. No, you'll remember I have authority to accept on behalf of both parties. I'm sure he will. Yes, thanks." Her eyes on Kate as she ended the call, "You won't believe this. After all this time with the house on the market, there has been something of a bidding war and we've ended up with a bit more than the asking price." Placing a resounding kiss onto Kate's surprised face, "Come on!"