A hand, surprisingly warm in the icy evening, cupped her cheek, and she almost sobbed at the intimate concern and loving touch.
Why the hell hadn’t she thought this through before now.
“Sorry, it must be time to pick up Zoe,” Kate said, not wanting to worry Olivia.
Olivia nodded, eyebrows still furrowed. “Soon.”
“Can I come with you?”
Olivia’s expression flickered with a subtlety others wouldn’t have noticed. Amused at the question, because why wouldn’t she accompany Olivia? Still the concern, and the serene patience Olivia had for her. Waiting. Observing. Being there. Then offering her arm to Kate.
She looped her hand through, grateful, and pulled Olivia close, cosy in her smart woollen coat, the love in her eyes warming Kate further. She clung to this woman and this moment, still a mess of emotions inside.
They cut through the Covered Market to heavenly scents of pine, dried citrus decorations and spices, Olivia by her side, in a city Kate had come to love. And everything felt so overwhelmingly good, she wanted to cry.
When they headed out onto Broad Street, stone colleges on one side, and tall, colourful Georgian shops on the other, a light snow sparkled in the air, and without saying a word they both smiled at each other then looked up at the night sky. Snowflakes tickled as they landed on her cheeks and melted to blend with her tears.
How did she get so lucky? Coming to this city for a minor role, to settle her kids and hide away from the world awhile. And somehow she’d found this woman and a new life.
They called in at Blackwell’s bookshop, the lure of books strong for them both, and picked up a new picture and texture book for Zoe, an extra present for her stocking, and ones for Bea and Ralph too.
When they wandered past the golden Sheldonian Theatre, orchestral notes and choir voices wafted into the night, and Kate beamed at just how fortunate she was. Walking out one snowy evening, with a woman she adored, and hearing this, as a part of her everyday life.
Olivia gazed at her as they walked down the quiet Parks Road, along stone walls, beneath glowing streetlamps and dancing snowflakes, the concern receding.
“Tell me about your day.” Kate smiled, wishing to wipe her worry away completely.
“Actually,” Olivia's eyebrows shot up in surprise, “very pleasant.”
“Yeah?”
“My last clients were a husband and wife who wanted to separate after ten years.”
“Oh?” Kate prompted her to continue.
“Both very nice individuals determined to split up fairly. Both wanted to part ways, and were cordial about it, although sad too.”
“Does...” Kate gulped. This wasn’t subtle. “Does it ever make you jaded about relationships?”
Olivia looked at her carefully.
“You know,” Kate quickly added, “not us, but everyone. Do you roll your eyes when people talk about getting married, because you see the end so often?”
“Only when Millie talks about it.”
Kate grinned. “Because why miss an opportunity to roll your eyes at Millie.”
“Precisely.”
Kate's smile faded as they strolled. She wanted to know more, but couldn’t think how to take the conversation further, and a silence fell heavily in the enveloping night, the light snow quietening the world.
“Divorce isn’t always awful.”
Olivia said it. Quietly. And Kate’s heart tripped.
More steps. More silence.
“Sometimes,” Olivia started, staring ahead. “I see couples part as good friends for life.”
