Oh. Maths. That would make more sense. So not her subject. She took Zoe from Olivia.
“And I need a form signing for a field trip,” Ralph said to Olivia.
“Kate will have to do that, or Harry.”
“Oh yeah. Sorry.”
And they turned to the symbols on the screen.
Kate stared at them. Because that floored her again. That Ralph forgot Olivia didn’t have parental responsibility, but was the one he turned to automatically for more than just maths.
That Bea did even more. Her seven-year-old hardly remembered a time before Olivia. And Olivia couldn’t apply for parental responsibility unless they married first, and with Bea this was becoming more and more appropriate.
Oh, these conversations were well overdue.
It struck her that Ralph and Bea and Zoe could be at their wedding. And weirdly that felt more appropriate than already being married. That the kids got to see them making a commitment as part of their memories as a family.
She stepped forward, tears brimming again.
“Mum?”
Olivia and Ralph stared at her.
“Yes, darling?”
“You’re being weird.”
Shit.
“Oh. Sorry.”
Olivia tilted her head.
“I’m fine. Really.”
And she wished she could smile at Olivia, without tears, but that was the best she could do right now.
Because she’d never wanted anything more, than to go down on one knee and ask Olivia, that if she wanted to, then Kate would love to be wives together.
Chapter 9
This might be the perfect ring, as perfect as Kate could choose.
Olivia had particular tastes, and Kate always understood the appeal when she explained. But she wanted to give Olivia at least an imperfect offering to show her commitment.
A slender band of rose gold, smooth and comfortable, that would glow with Olivia’s light brown skin. And most of all the dark sapphire, almost black with a purple undertone, to complement everything she wore.
“We have a range of bright blue sapphire, admittedly at a higher price?”
Kate looked up at the woman behind the counter. Thirties, dressed in an expensive suit, curly black hair tied back tight, hands professionally and lightly clasped. But eyes wide, giving away she recognised Kate, despite her no-makeup mum-mode. And even though the shop might have famous customers, maybe not as well-known as Kate. And, that she was surprised Kate chose this apparently cheaper option.
“No, thank you.” Kate smiled, and she turned back to the ring, drawn by how appropriate this might be for Olivia. “It’s the black sapphire that I want.”
She pushed it gently onto her ring finger. It tightened above her knuckle, but not too much, a good guide to Olivia’s.
“This design is easily resized if you need it.”
Kate nodded, unable to take her eyes off the band of gold and the warm feeling it gave her.
