The realisation hung with regret in their expressions as they pulled apart. There was never enough time for everything. And time for things like a wedding would be impossible.
There it was again. The subject that Olivia had tried to keep from bubbling over. That desire to put a band of gold around this.
“Let me take her,” Kate smiled.
And they unhooked the side of the carrier and carefully passed the bundle of sleeping baby between them.
There was a shuffle, and a num num num of mashing lips, then Zoe sank into Kate’s cradling arms, resting her tiny, light brown fingers on Kate’s white chest.
Sigh. How much could you love two people.
“Marry me.”
It almost shot out of her lips, and Olivia clutched her chest in panic.
“Do you want to marry me?”
The thought was clear in her mind.
Kate rocked her hips from side to side, gazing down at Zoe, oblivious to the turmoil.
Olivia swallowed. What if she did ask this woman who she admired, trusted and deeply loved. Who was solid in this relationship and communicated with her through thick and thin.
They had dancing planned at a salsa club, a rare night out with Kate’s children, Bea and Ralph, with their father, and Olivia’s mother offering to look after Zoe for a few hours.
Maybe when they were out and relaxed, with a glass of Christmas Champagne, the subject might come up? Didn't they have a wedding to attend in January, so the issue could arise naturally? This was a plan.
“I know what you’re thinking,” Kate said.
What?
“And what you’re going to ask.”
What?!
It was rare, but both Olivia’s eyebrows shot up in alarm.
"Hmm?” she said, more nonchalantly than her internal thoughts. She knew she looked calm to others, even when she panicked.
“We should pay your mother for looking after the kids, she does it so often.”
“Oh.”
Thank god. Her heart rate descended again. Because talking about it right now was not part of the plan. She wanted at least some preparation.
“She’ll try to say no,” Kate continued, “but there are expenses at least. And I don’t want to take her for granted. She’s incredible with Zoe. With them all. And I know she’s keeping a part-time job rather than job hunting to make more time for the kids.”
“All true.”
Then a gentle smile from Kate at their agreement.
Padam, padam, padam. Always when Kate looked at her like that.
“Good,” Kate whispered, “because I want a night with you.” Kate cupped her cheek again.
“I love you so much,” Olivia gasped, docile and comforted by Kate's hand on her face.
“I adore you.”
