Kevin

After the scurry and bustle of last week when they had been making all of the arrangements for the wedding, this week of waiting for Kevin to arrive had seemed to drag for Kate. He had called her before his conference began and was as excited at the prospect of coming home, as she and Edie were to have him there. He was taking the train from London on Friday morning and would be going with their Mum directly to see Dad. He would then be stopping over for the next week with Edie. There would be plenty of time in the week before the wedding for them to catch up. Edie had insisted on cooking for them all on the Friday of his arrival. Kate, Caroline and the boys were all invited to meet Kevin for the first time.

Last week she had gone through her family directory calling everyone to share the news that she was marrying Caroline and inviting each family group to the wedding. She had found it a more difficult task than she had thought it would be to do this on the phone. Explaining again and again about Caroline who none of them had yet met. They had all known that she had been seeing women since her divorce from Richard but she had never been in a relationship lasting enough for her to want to bring someone to a McKenzie family gathering. Now she was informing them of her wedding plans.

And of course at Christmas a month ago… was it only a month ago? Well, a month ago she had only just gotten back together with Caroline and hadn't said much to anyone except Margo. They had all seen the reality that she was pregnant and were pleased for her in a subdued rather worried way, knowing her history. There hadn't been any baby showers as they were all afraid of what might happen and didn't want her to have the burden of a lot of baby things if…

Now she was calling them with news of an almost immediate wedding. Margo had of course, been her first call. They had talked about Caroline, last year in the early days when she was so elated that Caroline had seemed to be in love with her. Then more than once during the dark days when it had seemed that all was lost. She hadn't gone into great detail but Margo knew the structure of her issues with Caroline. She had seen Kate's happiness at Christmas and they had exchanged emails since about the progress in the relationship and Margo was happy for Kate. But Kate could tell that her cousin was still a little cautious about it all in her own mind. She did however promise to perform the marriage and to meet Kate and Caroline on Saturday. She had also offered to explain things to her father and mother in advance of Kate's call. Auntie Sylvia had never quite recovered from Donnie's death and everyone in the family took great care not to upset her if at all possible.

So, she had gone down the list, calling Auntie Eileen first. She and Kate's mother were closest in age and had over the years become one another's confidants. Eileen was a great support to Edie as she cared for Alistair, they spoke frequently and so this aunt was often privy to news about Kate and Kevin that others might not hear. Eileen would have heard by now from Edie about her meetings with Caroline and her boys and what she thought of them all. She was still surprised at how quickly they were moving and as family members often do hadn't hesitated to say so, believing that she was protecting Edie and indeed, Kate herself. Kate had then put on her quiet dignity and assured her aunt that she and Caroline were very much in love and that she was confident that this was the right thing for them both.

She knew Auntie Eileen had not been convinced when she received a rare call from Uncle Gordon that same afternoon, ostensibly to offer his congratulations, but also in his subtle McKenzie way asking questions about Caroline and her family. Kate had been very touched by this call. Gordon was so like her father and he missed Alistair as much as she and Edie did, visiting him frequently at the residential home where he lived. After that call she'd had a good cry because she missed her Dad so much. She'd been careful to erase all traces of her tears by the time Caroline arrived home. Kate didn't want Caroline to worry about her anymore than she did already.

The calls to Scottie and Duncan had been easier. They had been happy for her, asked after her parents and learning that Kevin would be home next week became much more interested in this than the wedding. Smiling as she got off the phone following these calls she knew that it wouldn't be long before their wives called her and sure enough that same afternoon she'd taken calls from Brenda and Patsy who had demanded details and organized that the three of them should all lunch together on Wednesday of this week and that had been the highlight of her week so far. They'd been light and fun, wanting to know all about Caroline who had so obviously swept the down to earth Kate off her feet.

Now, on Thursday afternoon all of these family personalities swirled around in her brain plus she was a little nervous about Kevin meeting Caroline for the first time tomorrow, Kate found it impossible to drift off into the afternoon sleep which had been coming to her so readily in recent weeks. Finally, picking up her book she read until she drowsed.

Caroline, coming in from work went in search of Kate who usually greeted her from the kitchen or living room. Finding her still asleep, propped on pillows, she quietly changed and made her way beside Kate on top of the duvet, vaguely disquieted by this change in their routine. At the movement of the bed Kate woke, smiling to find Caroline already so close.

Stroking with her fingertips the warm cheek flushed from sleep, concern in her eyes, "Are you alright, My Brown Eyed Girl?"

Barely opened eyes tender with love, "Much better now."

Her voice soft with concern, "Why? Is something wrong?"

Quickly, "No." Brushing the backs of her fingers against Caroline's face comforted by her presence. "I'm just excited about Kevin coming home tomorrow and the wedding getting closer."

Still on an elbow gazing into Kate's face, "How was your blood pressure today?"

Eyes on the fingers, which were combing through blonde tresses, "Fine."

Finger on chin until brown eyes met penetrating blue ones, "Numbers please."

Wrinkling her nose, "same as Tuesday."

Unsatisfied, "Yes and Tuesday was higher than last Friday." Collapsing onto her back, "This bloody wedding."

Rolling over, within the arm Caroline raised at her approach, Kate's amused eyes, amber in the failing winter light find stunning blue ones, reminding, "Whose idea was it to get married?"

Making a face at her accuser, "Mine but just now it seems like a stupid thing to do."

Deciding not to take offense at this. "Why?"

"Well, its got us both wound up, hasn't it? All the families are roused and anxious for us. It's upsetting everything. Our quiet life."

"Our quiet life?!" Her face striving to keep from laughing into Caroline's face, "you are joking, right?"

Seeing the humor now, Caroline smiled prettily too, "Well, OK. So, it hasn't been that quiet." Unrelenting, "But it could be."

Eyes still twinkling, "All evidence to the contrary."

Blue eyes suddenly serious, "How do you do it? You always make me feel better."

Interested, "How were you feeling before?"

"Anxious."

"Why?"

Admitting, "Meeting your whole extended family." Letting go one of her big sighs, "Meeting your twin brother. Tomorrow!" Rubbing her temple, "Kate, it gives me a headache just thinking about it."

Taking the spotted hand from the flushed forehead and clasping it to her chest, Kate placed a sweet kiss on downturned lips and she felt Caroline's arm tighten around her. Pulling back slightly, "Kevin is going to love you. Everyone is going to love you."

Not comforted, "Right. Because you're not biased at all."

"My Mum already loves you. And you know she isn't easy," Kate pointed out.

Considering this, Caroline admits a little proudly, "She does like me doesn't she?"

Drinking in the beloved face, "You really don't get it do you?"

"What?"

"How much people admire you. How beautiful you are. So charming and elegant and humble about it."

Pulling her chin down and giving her a reproving look, "If I believed any such thing I wouldn't be humble at all, would I?"

Knowing she would never convince her Kate gazed on. It felt so good to be here like this with Caroline. "I love you, Caroline."

Blue eyes on curved lips with the delicious point at the tip, Caroline said urgently, "Kiss me." Breathless from the intensity of this kiss, "How long before Laurence gets home?"

Regretfully, "Not long enough."

By the time Caroline came home on Friday with Laurence, William had arrived and Kate had taken him through the flat, showing him all the changes they had made since he left for Oxford after New Year's Day. Now the two sat chatting while Kate played softly on the piano, it helped her relax. She was more anxious about Caroline and Kevin meeting than she had let on to Caroline yesterday.

Hearing the key in the lock she began the theme to Lawrence of Arabia. Laurence, as usual first through the door, rolled his eyes at his grinning brother. Tipping his head in Kate's direction, he explained, "She does that now. Mum's is Sweet Caroline. Or that sappy song from the sixties, what is it called again?"

Smiling at him sweetly, "Dear Heart." Her fingers running over the keys to change melodies she began the opening strains to prove Laurence's point, letting her eyes move to the sound at the door which would be Caroline.

Rolling his eyes at Will again, unimpressed, "That's it."

But Will was watching the silent interplay between his Mum and Kate. He went to his Mum, giving her a hug and a kiss on the cheek as she grabbed his lapels holding him close for a moment searching his face to read his state of being. "It is good to see you so happy," he said quietly under the strains of the piano.

"It is good to have you home again," kissing him in turn and releasing him. "I've missed you." Heading toward Kate her eyes shining with happiness she watched Kate's gaze taking her in and felt a little embarrassed by her physical reaction to it in the presence of her suddenly grown up son.

Seeing this too, Kate's face broke into her disarming smile and she accepted Caroline's brief kiss leaning back against her gratefully as Caroline moved into place behind her.

Will, who had tenderly watched them move together gave a small wave now and pointed down the passage as he started in that direction, "I'll just visit with Laurence for a bit."

Watching him go, "He is always so thoughtful."

"He is really maturing Caroline. We've had a lovely visit since I picked him up at the station this afternoon."

"It's wonderful to have him home. I only hope it won't take too much out of him coming home two weekends in a row."

"He really wants to be here. I think he feels a little left out of our family life. Apparently, Laurence is keeping him well up to date on our antics."

Pretending shock, "Antics! Well, I like that." Then, "Are you going to keep playing that over and over?"

"I never seem to get tired of it."

"No." Caroline agreed. Taking her wrist, "Come with me while I freshen up, you can stretch out on the bed for a few minutes and rest your back."

"Should I change do you think?"

"Not unless you really want to." Letting her gaze travel the length of the vision that was Caroline, from her reclined position, "I'd rather like Kevin to meet you like this if you don't mind."

Seating herself beside Kate on the bed, "Would you?"

In a dreamy voice, "This is how you looked when I fell in love with you. Professional and devastatingly attractive all at the same time."

"Stop. I'll be embarrassed all evening now." Exhaling deeply and lowering her shoulders in an effort to relax, "As if I'm not panicked enough at the thought of meeting your brother."

Kate, nervous herself but trying not to let Caroline see, "Please don't be. It's only my family tonight. Well, minus Dad."

Bending down to kiss Kate's cheek, "I know this is especially hard for you when your Dad can't really participate in it all. I am sorry."

"I know you understand how hard it is and that means so much to me. I only wish you could have known him before…"

Sadly, "I know. I wish I could have known him then." Realizing that time is slipping away and she has to get up but wants to distract Kate from sad thoughts, "Tell me about Kevin again." The smile returned and as the words flowed Caroline could go about freshening up.

"He is tall, taller than me. Very handsome, all the women want him and he is charming and gracious to them all but…"

Coming to the door of the ensuite, "Do you think he is gay?"

"I have wondered. We see so little of him though and he never talks about anyone special, male or female. I think he may be one of those men who marry his work. He is certainly in it up to his eyes every day. He's either working in the field, liaisoning with the home office or attending conferences all over the world. Even when he is home he often gets calls that he says he must take."

Helping Kate to her feet and seating her at the dressing table while she goes in search of Kate's shoes, "Just being in Doctors without Borders is impressive enough but it sounds like he is doing more than just medicine."

Thoughtfully, as she reties her hair, "Yes, I think he does but he never says much about that either. I think he tries to protect me and Mum by not telling us too much."

Pulling Kate to her feet again, smiling, "Are you ready?"

Calling out imperatively, "Boys!" as she heads through the bedroom door, she has to smile as she sees them patiently waiting at the door, coats in hand. Will takes down Kate's coat holding it for her while he gives Laurence a pointed look to do the same for their Mum. With another roll of his eyes Laurence does comply, then lovingly gives her shoulders a little squeeze as he finishes. Caroline grabs his hand for a moment without daring to look at him, her emotions running very high tonight.

Arriving at Edie's, she greeted them at the door as usual. Kate is the first one inside and her Mum nods toward the kitchen where Kevin stands waiting for them in the bright light with his arms out. She flies to him and they embrace for a long moment while he watches William take Caroline's coat, then Edie take the hand of the statuesque blonde and kiss her cheek before drawing her toward him and Kate.

Releasing Kate, Kevin stepped toward Caroline and took both of her hands in his, "You must be Caroline. I'm very pleased to meet you at last."

Caroline once again found herself pinned by penetrating dark brown eyes, even more like Edie's than Kate's. Resolutely returning his searching gaze, she pressed his hands briefly saying with that trademark shy smile, "Kevin. I've heard so much about you."

At this he laughed heartily, "I'll just bet you have." Tapping himself ruefully on the chest, "The paragon of Doctors without Borders." Looking over her shoulder now, "These must be your brothers."

Laughing now too, again meeting his assessing eyes, "Kate was right, you are a charmer. No, these are my sons. William, who is at Oxford and Laurence who is still at Sulgrave Heath with me, a rugby player." Both boys stepped forward to shake hands and were treated to warm smiles as well.

"Rugby! That's my game, or it was when I was at school and university." Kevin guided the boys to the family room, "So tell me Laurence, are you any good?" For the first time in a long time Caroline saw Laurence go speechless and Will step in to speak for him, "He is always telling me about the Tri he's scoring so he must not be too bad."

Edie had turned back to her stove and Kate was standing very close to Caroline with a questioning look. Caroline clasped her hand and nodded reassuringly before she said, "Go visit with Kevin, I'll help Edie."

The meal was delicious, all of Kevin's favorites naturally. They sat long at table talking and laughing together over stories of Kate and Kevin growing up interspersed with bringing Kevin up to date on all their news. It was clear that Laurence had found a new hero and his voice. He was fascinated by Kevin, plying him with questions about his exploits on the rugby field and as a doctor in the far-flung places of the world whenever there was a break in conversation.

Kate's yawn brought Caroline to her feet. "Right, I'll just help Edie clear away and we had better be off home for tonight." Pushing Kate back into her chair, "You stay and visit with Kevin, I've got this." But Kevin rose too and stacked plates and silverware, carrying them in and loading the dishwasher as he talked to Kate over the half-wall separating the kitchen from the dining table.

Completing this he returned to sit near Kate where he could also watch proceedings in the kitchen. "So, you are teaching part time now?" As Kate sketched the reasons for this Kevin observed how comfortable Caroline appeared to be in his mother's kitchen and the way they laughed softly together, shoulders touching often, almost conspiratorial. Looking back at Kate he saw that her eyes too followed Caroline's movements. Smiling, he said softly so only his sister could hear, "She is very beautiful." At Kate's blushing look back at him he continued, "I can see you have it very bad."

"So very bad." Kate admitted. "I told you that. Do you like her?"

Grinning now, "Very much. If you hadn't beaten me to it I might have pursued that myself."

Pushing him playfully on the shoulder, imitating shock, she said, "Kevin!"

Glancing up from her work, Caroline smiled to see brother and sister enjoying one another, her eyes rested lovingly on Kate watching to see just how tired she was getting."

Kevin saw this too and turning back to Kate, "it would have been no use, she only has eyes for you."

Blushing again, "And I only have eyes for her."

Edie, Kevin and Kate made plans for the next day. First they would visit Alistair at the home then Kevin would take them out to lunch before they came back to Edie's so Kate could rest and they would visit again. Caroline explained that she and Celia were shopping for dresses as her Mum was just back from her honeymoon trip with Alan and the boys were visiting their Dad for the day.

As they took their leave everyone hugged Edie goodbye and Kevin, standing on the porch holding the outer door, extended an arm to Caroline, "May I have a hug too?"

Smiling that shy smile again, "Of course," Stepping in she gave him a hug and surprising herself a kiss on the cheek as well, this man who was so much like Kate and yet so different.

Once again in their room, preparing for bed, "So, what do you think?"

Looking at Kate through the mirror, "You were right. He is handsome and debonair." Going back to removing her makeup, "He reminds me of you but he is very different too. Not as serene, he is very… intense, wired almost."

"Yes, he always was. He took everything very seriously. He is so sensitive. I sometimes wonder how he manages to deal with all that he must see on a daily basis." Seeing Caroline's face full of concern for her worrying about Kevin she lightened the mood. "He is half in love with you already though."

Discounting this, "Kate!"

"No he told me so, said if I hadn't beaten him to you he might have pursued you himself."

"Kate, you shouldn't say things like that."

"Yes, well, I saw his eyes following you around the kitchen."

Doing a double take to see if she's serious, "You've made me self conscious now. I'll never be able to look the poor man in the eye again."

Holding open the covers invitingly, "Why don't you come to bed and look me in the eye?"