Caleb grinning down at one of the twins nestled in his arms, while Gabriel stands next to him, the other nestled in his. Both brothers are looking proud as punch.
I know Caleb and April are waiting. She’s just got her business off the ground, and they now want to ensure Lofton House has been renovated before they think about starting a family. With April being fostered, I know they’ve even discussed fostering. And knowing how they’ve both worked closely with the young adults and children in the community, I can see it being a serious possibility.
Children and a family are not something I’ve thought too much about. Emma and I discussed it, but after our relationship ended, I pushed all thoughts aside. Since then, my relationships have been more friends with benefits than anything stable or long-term. As an only child, from a broken marriage, it’s not something that has driven me. Before bringing a child into this world, I want to know I’m in a stable, loving relationship.
This time, when my phone pings, it’s pictures of April holding one of the twins. Francesca grinning down at her latest grandchildren.
Is Kat there?
My mind always wanders to her. Where she is, and what she’s doing, it simply can’t help itself.
My laptop pings this time with a notification.
PERMITS.
Something I can get my teeth into.
I click on the attachment and begin going through the details, pushing all thoughts of Kathryn Frazer and babies out of my mind.
CHAPTER 45
KAT
“Ant-ie Kat, look,” Callum pulls on my skirt, holding up a picture.
It’s brightly coloured squiggles from the crayons I gave him at Christmas.
“Wow, little man, that’s amazing,” I say, dropping down onto one knee to take a closer look.
He scowls at me, looking so like Gabriel and Caleb that it takes my breath away.
“Not ickle.”
He pats his chest. “Big bruv-er.”
I grin, pulling him in for a hug. “That you are. And big brothers are so important.”
He rests a hand on my chest. “You, big sister to Daddy.”
“That’s right. I’m your daddy’s big sister. And uncle Caleb’s and Aunty Harper’s.”
I stand up, picking him up as I go, giving him an enormous squeeze. He squirms, the paper flapping in his hand.
“Big-bruver,” he says, patting his chest again proudly.
“I know you are. The best big brother. Daddy was telling me how much you’ve been helping him and Mummy.”
I kiss his cheek as I transfer him to my hip. He’s getting so big.
Callum grins. He’s growing up fast, and now with the twins, Gabriel and Leah have their hands full.
My brother appears, carrying one of the twins, freshly changed. The tiny bundle looks even smaller against his enormous frame.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Gabriel look as content as he does surrounded by his family.
Callum squirms in my arms, and I put him down. He takes my hand and pulls me forward.
“Hey Callum, are you showing Aunty Kat your picture?”
