Falling back against the wall, Kate wrapped her arm around him for support as he lifted her carrying her down the darkened corridor to the bedroom. Lying on the bed she smiled softly looking up into his eyes glinting in the low light, she nodded softly. Nestling into his arms she rested her head against his bare chest listening to the rhythmic beating of his heart.

Slowly waking she could feel the sun against her face. Rolling over she opened her eyes to find the space next to her empty. pushing herself up she pulled the sheets around her looking out at the water wondering if the previous night had just been a dream, one she had had many times since joining Hammersley and being back with him.

"Good morning" Mike smiled walking in holding 2 mugs of what smelt like fresh coffee

Placing the coffees on the cabinet next to her he sat next to her.

Reaching out Kate ran her finger along his jaw unsure if this was still part of a dream.

"Please say this isn't a dream" she whispered

Leaning in he moved her hair off her shoulder, "does this answer your question" he whispered leaning in kissing her pushing her back against the pillow

"Defiantly not a dream" she whispered

Sighing softly, she reached for the coffee Mike had brought in sipping it. Looking back out of the window at the water.

"Is everything alright?" Mike asked

"children's services asked if I want to foster baby Fraya"

"What did you say?" Mike asked

"That I needed time to think" Kate paused

"What do you want to do?"

"i don't know" she paused "part of me wants to but the other half of me is saying things could go wrong again and the other half is saying its disrespectful to Elizabeths Memory"

"Kate" Mike said softly enveloping her into a hug. "What happened to Elizabeth was something no one could see coming and as for being disrespectful I think she would have liked to be a big sister. She would probably want to have the baby in her pram" Mike said softy.

Kate smiled looking up at Mike "i know but that little baby has been through so much and we don't even know the half of it"

"And we can cross that bridge when we come to it" Mike said

"We?" Kate said pulling back looking into his eyes trying to read where his train of thought was going

"I want to be there for you Kate." he said "I still love you"

"Ditto" Kate said softly

"so why don't I go and make some breakfast" Mike said

"Perfect" Kate smiled watching as he walked out of the room.

Lying back against the pillows she sighed, in one sense it was like the last 5 years hadn't happened and everything was like it was before and yet it was so different. now it was just a case of talking to NAVCOM and that she was dreading especially with her previous conversations with Maxine.

Walking up the path to NAVCOM Kate sighed, the last time she was here was still raw in her mind and she was dreading having to speak to Maxine again especially asking for leave and a shore post so she could foster this baby especially given Maxine's beliefs that the baby was biologically hers. closing her eyes, she bit her lip telling herself she needed to be brave

Heading up to the second floor she paused looking in Maxine's office, she could see her inside looking at the computer. Walking straight past she paused outside the office of Commander Marshall, knocking she paused waiting for a answer.

"Enter" he called from inside "Lieutenant McGregor" Marshall smiled "is everything alright?"

"I. Umm... I was wondering if I could have a word" she said chewing her lip.

"of course," he smiled offering the seat in front of his desk. "What can I do for you?" he asked

"Well, you know that baby we found the other day..." Kate said

"Yes." Marshall replied leaning forward curious to where she was going

"Well Childrens services are struggling to find a suitable foster home and the social worker asked if I would like to Foster her" she said

"Right." Marshal paused "you know you really should be discussing this with Commander White she is the one now in charge of Hammersley"

"I know and I would, but she made some comments the other day about the baby being mine and that I cooked this whole thing up to cover up the fact I got pregnant and didn't inform brass. And that she was going to find some way to prove it" Kate said

"okay" Marshall said softly looking at his computer

"She isn't mine! I have no idea why knock...Commander White would say that."

"It's Alright Kate, I know you wouldn't break any regulations. So why don't we start with 6 months leave so you can get settled and into a routine with the little one. And then we can see about a shore post with regular hours, so it fits round childcare"

"really" Kate smiled

"i wouldn't say it unless I meant it. She is a sweet little thing from what I have read. I just hope the AFP can find out what happened"

"Thank you, Sir," Kate said standing to leave

"Kate, you have a whole family to help here. Just promise you will bring her in for cuddles some of us might be old school sailors but even we can't resist a cute baby"

"i will Sir" Kate smiled turning to leave

Walking out back past Maxine's office she could see she was no longer there, which wasn't unusual, but she hoped she didn't bump into her in the corridor as she didn't really want another encounter like the other day.

Walking out into the sunshine she looked at her watch she had one stop she wanted to make before heading to the hospital where she was meeting the social worker to give her answer. She just wanted to make sure she was doing the right thing so needed to clear her head and find some space in her mind. She was just grateful that she didn't bump into Maxine

so i hope you like this (if you can see it that is)

just a not to clarify (sorry if this is triggering ) but Kate didnt loose twins; Elizabeth was a baby who died at 6 months and Thomas was the name they gave a baby that she miscarried i should also note i have never had children so i am basing this all on what i have watched in other shows and films

anyway i really hope the issues on the site sort them selves out soon so i can see when you all review and traffic stats