Broken

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 41

Ella starred at the alarm as it went off and switched it off.

“When are you going to get some sleep?” Roman asked her not even opening his eyes.

She looked over at him before shaking her head and climbed out of bed. He looked then and watched her stalk into the en suite. Within a couple of minutes he heard the shower come on and he climbed out of bed following her. He looked at her profile and sighed before looking in the mirror and lathering his face with shaving foam.

“So you are talking to me?” he asked quietly.

“Stop nagging me and I might talk to you.” Ella shot back.

Roman shook his head as he finished his shave. He checked for any missed spots before taking off his clothes and stepping into the shower with Ella.

“Hey.” She gasped out.

“Now then lets talk about your not sleeping nights.” He said softly taking the sponge out of her hands.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” she muttered.

“Ok.” he told her.

Ella turned and faced him.

“Ok?” she asked.

He grinned before leaning down and kissing her.

“Stop.” She gasped out putting her hands on his chest and pushing.

He chuckled and put his hands on her waist.

“What are you doing?” she asked and then gasped. “No!” she cried out as he began tickling her.

“I’m tired of you being grumpy all the time.” he murmured. “So I’m going to tickle you until you can’t stop smiling.”

“No.” she gasped. “Oh god stop.”

Roman paused and looked at her.

“Well now. Do I have to start again or are you going to relax a little?”

“How can I relax?” she asked him the hot steamy water cascading over them. “It’s been a week and nothing.”

“You can relax because we know that they are alive and out there somewhere. You can relax because it’s only a matter of time before we find them.” he told her quietly. “But it’s not going to do them any good if you are exhausted and hating yourself because you haven’t spent enough time with our other children.”

She looked at him and sighed.

“I hate you.” She muttered. “I totally hate you.”

Roman nodded and kissed her again.

“Now then we’ve got ten minutes what say we do some fooling around?” he asked her a glint in his eye.

Ella drew back and looked at him.

“Are you serious?” she gasped out before feeling him start to tickle her again. “Roman no.” she called out. “Stop.”

He continued to tickle her mindful of her squirming in the slippery shower grinning as she laughed and began to tickle him back.

“El.” He called softly when they both sobered.

She looked up at him.

“Point taken Roman. Only next time can you be less violent.” She murmured a half grin on her face.

“Nope. Anytime you start getting all stressed on me now I’m going to tickle you.” He threatened.

He bent down and collected the sponge from the floor of the shower where it had fallen and rinsed it off under the hot water before adding a generous measure of shower gel. He reached out and began soaping her back before sliding his hand around her and soaping down her front watching the bubbles tease down her skin.

“Ok I need to turn this shower to cold for a minute.” He whispered slowly, his lips very close to the pulse point on her neck that fascinated him. Each time he kissed it he felt shivers down his spine as she made that little moaning sound.

“Roman Harris.” She whispered.

“We have to take the kids to school.” He pointed out.

“You started this.” She muttered stepping forward and rinsing off.

“I could finish it too.” He murmured.

“Don’t bother.” She snapped out climbing out of the shower.

“Ella Harris.” He cried out when she flicked the shower to ice cold on the way.

“Sorry what did you say couldn’t hear you in all the girlie screaming.” She murmured grabbing a towel and walking out of the bathroom.

Despite the freezing water pouring down on him, he smiled.

Nic smiled as Mira and Lily ran over to her.

“Mummy.” Mira called.

“Hello sweetheart.” She said to her daughter. “We’re going to take Lily home.” She explained.

“Home?” Mira asked.

“To her home. See Liam?”

“Liam.” Lily said smiling happily.

“Want to see your brother?” Nic asked leading both girls over to her car.

“Yes.” Lily lisped.

She lifted them into car seats and got behind the wheel and drove them over to her parents house grinning as she thought of the place as belonging to her parents.

“Mama.” Lily called as soon as they pulled into the drive.

Nic smiled at her in the rear view mirror before easing the car to a halt. She climbed out and opened the back door helping both girls out and over to the front door. She knocked once before opening the door and grinning as the two girls ran inside.

“Hello.” Nic called out.

Ella moved out of the kitchen at her voice.

“Hello what brings you here?” she asked.

“Well bringing Lily home.” Nic murmured slightly puzzled.

“Last message I had was that you were keeping her this afternoon. I’ve got plans.” Ella said folding her arms.

Nic frowned.

“El.” She said softly.

“Oh never mind.” Ella cried. “Want a drink?”

Nic nodded slowly.

“We can go if its too much trouble.” She said quietly feeling strangely hurt.

“You want a drink don’t you Lils?” Ella asked turning around and walking into the kitchen. She opened the fridge and took out juice for the two little girls and then poured out some for Liam. “Coffee?” she called out to Nic.

“Please.” Nic murmured quietly.

Ella added 2 cups of coffee to the tray along with a plate of cookies and carried them through to the lounge. She smiled at Lily and Mira already sitting next to William in front of the tv.

“Here you go.” Ella said softly.

She handed the coffee to Nic first before giving the drinks out to the babies.

“Mama cookie?” Lily asked.

“If you can say the magic word.” Ella told her.

Lily smiled.

“Please.” She lisped.

Nic chuckled.

“She turns that lisp on and off doesn’t she?”

Ella nodded before handing out a cookie to each of them and then offering the plate to Nic grinning as Nic took two.

“I know.” She said guiltily. “But I’m going to the gym later with Geoff. He’s on this new health kick.”

Ella smiled.

“It’s good that you are finding time to be together.”

“I think so. It’s nice just to do something as a couple.” Nic smiled as she spoke thinking of her husband.

“Is that a hint?” Ella asked folding her legs up and tucking them around her.

“It wasn’t but if you and dad need to spend some time I don’t mind babysitting.” She told her. “You’ve been through a lot recently Step-mama, only natural that things might be a bit tough right now.”

“Nicole has your father been saying anything?” Ella bit out starring at the other woman.

“Nope.” she said softly. “Apart from telling us to keep an eye out for anything unusual.” She took a sip of her coffee and looked at Ella. “But well it seems to be the fact that he hasn’t been talking that’s quite telling.”

Ella shook her head.

“What is there to say. A madman is after us and my babies were stolen.” She drained her cup and placed it on the table with a noticeable shake to her hand. “Same ole same ole.”

Nic looked at Ella and gave her a brief smile.

“Exactly. You’ve dealt with it before and come out ok. Is this you saying you give in?”

Ella shook her head.

“Nic that reverse psychology BS doesn’t mean anything right now.”

“It means what you want it to mean Ella. If you want to be all bitter and take this out on everyone then that is what you’ll do or you can accept that we’ll do anything to help you get your babies back.” Nic told her softly.

“That doesn’t help either. My babies shouldn’t have been taken Nic. I didn’t do anything to deserve this.” Ella snapped out.

“Neither did my Dad.” Nic interrupted.

Ella stood and walked out of the room without saying anything else.

“Mama?” Lily called after her.

“She’ll be back in a minute Lils.” Nic told her sister. “Do you want another cookie?”

Lily nodded and accepted the chocolate chip cookie. Nic chuckled when she broke off a piece and gave that it Liam and then another piece for Mira.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 42

Roman looked up to see Charlie walk into the diner. She nodded slowly and he excused himself to Colleen and Leah and moved over to the other woman.

“Yes?” he asked quickly.

“We have a lead. We’re heading out to a motel near the highway we think we have your Dr Andrews.” She said softly. “I was wondering if you wanted to come along.”

Roman starred at her.

“What?” he shot out. “I’m more likely to….”

Charlie held up her hand forestalling his comment..

“We need you to identify him Roman and anyway do you think we’ll let you get that close to him?” She asked wryly.

“Lets go.” He murmured before heading back into the kitchen. He took odd the apron from around his waist and grabbed his phone switching it on to silent. He was back by her side in under a minute and following her out of the diner. She indicated that he should get into the back of the police car grinning at his expression.

“Should be used to it now.” She told him.

“Thanks Charlie.” He murmured. “But well maybe if you used handcuffs I’d feel a bit better.”

Charlie laughed even as she blushed.

“Want me to tell your wife that one?” she asked him as her colleague started the car.

“Well that depends on how long you want to live.” He murmured grinning.

Charlie shot him a look.

“How is she doing?” she asked seeing his tired expression.

“Not good.” Roman confessed with a sigh. “And that is an understatement.”

“I know it’s a cliché but I’m doing everything I can Roman.”

“I know Charlie. And the boys are in the city checking out Gardy’s possible brother angle.” He sighed once more. “I want to think the two are connected. That way we only have to defeat one bad guy.”

“Why would this Gardy want to take the children?” Charlie asked him.

“I don’t know. I can only think that its part of the plan to screw with us. It was bad enough thinking they were dead but knowing they are out there somewhere and we have no idea.” He shook his head.

Roman was surprised when he looked out the side window and saw they had pulled up round the back of the motel near the rooms. He saw the other patrol car parked nearby and smiled.

“Ok.” she said softly. “Roman stay here ok.”

He nodded watching as they climbed out of the car. Within the space of a minute they had convened near the door of room number 12 with weapons drawn. He watched as Charlie knocked on the door and called out.

“Police open the door.”

She waited a heartbeat before knocking again. The door swung inwards at that point and she gave the others a look before carefully stepping inside. She gasped as she saw the body stretched out on the bed a gunshot wound to the stomach.

“Call the coroner.” She told one of her officers moving to the side of the corpse and checking for a pulse. She holstered her gun and moved out of the room and over to Roman.

“Ok I’m going to escort you inside. You are here to identify him only. Do not touch anything.” Charlie said quietly to the man.

“Charlie?” Roman asked.

“He’s dead.” She said softly. “I will need to make a note of you entering the room in my report.” She told him with quiet emphasis.

Roman leaned forward.

“I didn’t do it if that is what you are thinking.” He muttered bitterly.

“Roman.” Charlie called quietly.

He pushed his hand through his hair and faced the other woman.

“Lets go.” He said without further comment.

Charlie nodded and led him into the room. He took one look at the pale face of the man on the bed on nodded.

“That’s him.” he said turning and walking straight out.

Charlie followed and went over to the car with him.

“His real name was Andrew Philips. He was a doctor until he was struck off last year for operating while drunk.” She told him.

“So you need to find out his last movements.” Roman said looking out in the distance away from the scene in the room behind him.

“And all known associates.” She said softly.

Roman nodded.

“Is it ok if I make a phone call?” he asked looking at the skyline.

Charlie hid a grin knowing that he was about to ring one of his friends to find out more information about the dead and nodded grinning some more as she saw him dial Pete’s number. She moved over to one of her colleagues and pointed to the office before murmuring some instructions to the other officers.

Roman sighed as the call went to voicemail. He left a message and told the other man to call him back.

“Ok I’m going to take you back.” Charlie said quietly once he’d finished his call. “My officers are going to sort this out.”

Roman nodded and climbed back into the car. He sat next to Charlie in silence for most of the trip.

“Do I tell Ella?” he asked out of the blue.

“Why are you asking me Roman? I’m the last person to talk about your wife.” Charlie told him a hint of something in her voice.

Roman looked over at her profile.

“For what it is worth Charlie I did love you in my own screwed up way.” He said softly.

“I know, I just wasn’t Ella. I actually can’t imagine what it’s like to go through half the stuff you two have done.” She said quietly. “Losing one child is bad enough but then to be told you’ve lost two more and on top of that to later find out they’ve been kidnapped.” She gave a low whistle under her breath. “I’m always going to be grateful to Ella for persuading Ruby to come home.” She said changing the subject. “And giving her a roof over her head.”

Roman nodded once rubbing his hand over his face.

“Ruby is like one of her daughters Charlie. She’d do anything to help her.”

“I know.” Charlie said quietly. “That’s why I’m going to get Ella’s babies back for her Roman.”

He turned and looked at her just as they pulled up outside the diner.

“Thanks.” He said softly getting out of the car and moving over to his own. He got behind the wheel and sighed before setting off home.

“Hey Nic.” He called out seeing his daughter sitting with the children in the lounge. “Where’s Ella.”

“I’m in here.” Ella called out from the kitchen. She walked out and over to him giving him a brief kiss on the lips.

“Hey.” He said quietly before smiling at her.

“Well I didn’t want you to start tickling me again.” She murmured.

“Hey Daddy.” Nic said softly easing up from the sofa. “My evil step mama has agreed to a sleepover with my kids even though it is the middle of the week.”

“Really?” Roman asked.

“Nic and Geoff have been doing a lot for us lately so I’ve booked them into a restaurant in Yabbie creek as a thank you.”

“It beats the gym.” Nic said with a moue of distaste.

Roman laughed before looking over at Ella.

“You feeling a bit better?” he asked her.

She nodded.

“Your daughter pointed out that you were going through this too.” She told him softly. “Which of course I already knew but never really appreciated.”

Roman gave a small nod.

“I have some news.” He told her after a minute.

Ella looked at him.

“What is it?” she asked a feeling of dread coursing through her veins.

He put his hand in the small of her back and led her into the kitchen.

“They found the doctor.” He began.

“Where is he? Has he told them where my babies are?” she burst out with questions immediately.

“I’m sorry Ella but they couldn’t ask him anything. He was shot.” Roman watched as the words sank in and he found himself having to hold her up as she collapsed at the news.

“No.” she burst out.

“El.” He gasped holding her tight. “I know ok, but we can still trace a lot about him yeah.” He said quickly. “Don’t give up hope.”

She kept her eyes closed for a long moment before looking up at him.

“Do you think he took my babies as part of some plot with whoever is after us?” she asked finally.

Roman nodded.

“Then we need to find out who it is.”

“We will. I promise you we will.” He said feeling her shake.

“Promise me we’ll get them back.” she whispered.

“Ella. I love you so much my wife.” He said quietly.

“You can’t can you?” she shot out. “You can’t promise me we’ll get our babies back.”

Roman looked up at the ceiling before meeting her gaze.

“I promise you Ella that I will do everything I can to get our babies back.” he told her.

She nodded and leaned against him for a moment.

“Better go get the children.” She whispered. “I’ve got to finish cooking.”

Roman eased away and looked at her.

“You still want to do the sleepover?” he asked.

She nodded slowly.

“Need to be normal.” She whispered after a time.

“Ok then. Do we need anything from the shop.”

She shook her head.

“No we’ve got pretty much everything.” She told him.

He gave her another look before heading through to the lounge.

“Is everything ok?” Nic asked.

“Yeah it’s fine.” Roman said with a wry smile. “Shall we go get the hoard?”

“Angel will be psyched.” Nic told him with a smile.

“Yeah?” he asked. “You want to see Sophie’s face when we tell her!”

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 43

Roman climbed tiredly into the bed next to Ella. He gasped when he reached out and found her naked.

“Oh.” He said quietly.

“Oh?” she asked.

“Is this to stop me tickling you?” he asked.

“Do you want to tickle me right now?” she asked him in a husky voice.

“Tickling isn’t really on my mind right now.” He said softly pulling her back against him. He ran his hands down her body and sighed into her hair.

“Wow.” He whispered.

She turned in his arms and kissed him winding her arms around his neck.

“El.” He murmured after a time.

She pulled back and looked at him.

“If we’re going to make love I wish you’d told me a couple of hours ago.” He said with a moan.

“What is it?” she asked him frowning.

“I don’t have anything.” He explained.

It took a moment for his meaning to get through to her.

“Oh.” She said with a blush. “Nothing in the drawer.”

Roman shook his head.

She looked at him and bit her lip.

“Stop that.” He grumbled.

“Well you could go borrow some.” She suggested.

Roman raised his eyebrow and looked at her.

“Who exactly do you suggest I borrow some condoms from? I warn you now if you say Sophie she is grounded.”

Ella looked at him without saying anything.

“Or well Georgie.” He added.

“Sophie has already discussed going on the pill.” Ella announced.

“But she hasn’t….” Roman shot out looking at her. He took in the smile she had on her face and the teasing glint in her eyes. “Ok fine.” He said slowly.

“I was thinking about Mike.” she said softly. “Or…”

“If the next words out of your mouth are we can risk it I’m going to go sleep voluntarily on the sofa.” Roman grouched.

“Well we could.” She whispered.

“Ella I am not going to get you pregnant again.” He shot out. “I’m not going to see you go through that again.”

She nodded still biting her lip and he groaned leaning over to kiss her hating the sudden sheen of tears in her eyes and the sad expression on her face.

“I want you so much.” He whispered against her lips. “I want you safe and happy.” He whispered kissing down her neck.

He felt her hands slowly begin to touch him again and he sighed once more.

“Mike?” he asked.

She nodded.

“He’ll never let me live it down.” Roman grouched.

“Do you want to make love?” she asked him. “We can do…”

Roman shook his head cutting her off.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes.” He told her kissing her again.

Ella smiled watching as he grabbed his dressing gown and pulled it on. He found slippers from the bottom of his wardrobe and put them on. He turned around and gave her a last kiss before heading out of the room.

She eased out of the bed tugging on one of her wraps and tying the belt around her. Moving over to the dresser she lit a couple of her candles. Watching the flickering flames for a second she smiled thinking of Roman.

“Mummy.” Sammy called out from upstairs.

Ella spun around and raced out of the bedroom. She climbed the stairs and moved into the bedroom he was sharing with Robbie and Georgie.

“Hey.” She whispered. “Shush.”

“Mummy I had a bad dream. I thought…” Sammy stopped and began to cry.

“It’s ok Samson.” Ella said easing into the bed beside her son.

“I dreamt someone took you.” He sobbed. “Like they took the babies.” He finished with a hiccup.

“It’s ok my boy.” Ella told him hugging him to her.

He wrapped his arms around her hugging her to him. She rubbed his back with soothing circles.

“I’m right here Sammy.” she whispered to him. “No one is going to take me away from you.”

“Will you sleep with me?” he asked after a minute. “Just for a little while.”

Ella nodded snuggling up to her son.

“Of course I will Samson.” She told him pressing a kiss to the top of his head.

“Mum.” Georgie called softly.

“Yes?” she asked looking up to the top bunk and her elder son.

“He’s been crying for the past few nights.” Georgie told her. “He wouldn’t let me tell you.”

“Georgie.” Sammy groaned.

“Its ok you two. “ Ella said giving Sammy another kiss. “Now how about a story to get us all sleepy again?”

“Please Ella.” Robbie murmured.

She began to tell them all a story her voice low as she spoke.

Roman walked slowly over to the pool house surprised that he’d been talked into this so quickly. He walked through the door and over to Mike’s door ignoring the fact that Jacob was sleeping on the sofa. He’d have to mention that to Ella and let her sort it out.

“What is it?” Jacob asked sleepily.

“Go back to sleep.” Roman said softly before knocking again.

Mike opened the door and looked at Roman before glancing back over his shoulder a sheet wrapped around his waist

Roman leaned forward keeping his voice low.

“I need to borrow.” He began.

Mike gave him a look.

“What?” he snapped out. “I was sleeping.”

“Mike I need to borrow some condoms.” Roman bit out his face bright red.

Mike blushed immediately.

“Er…” he stuttered.

“Well.” Roman muttered his arms folded.

“I er.. your…” Mike tried to speak past the lump in his throat. “Yes.” He got out in a strangled tone.

He disappeared inside the bedroom and returned a second later with a box placing it in Roman’s hands.

“And tell my mother that I will get her back.” Mike shot out a little more composed.

Roman inclined his head and turned around walking quickly out of the pool house and back the way he came. He moved upstairs switching off the lights and back into the bedroom. He saw the candles immediately and grinned before heading into the en suite. He frowned when he saw it empty and moved out to check the other rooms. She wasn’t in the nursery so he made his way up to the kids rooms. He heard her voice coming from the boy’s room and he peered round the door.

“Hey.” He called.

“Hey.” Ella whispered. “Sammy needed a hug.”

Roman nodded and eased out of the room and moved slowly back to the bedroom. He settled himself in bed and waited. Before he knew it he’d fallen asleep not even stirring when Ella eventually got in beside him.

He woke when the alarm went off climbing automatically out of bed and into the en suite. It took him a moment to realise that the bed had been empty and he spun around grabbing his bathrobe. He paced down the stairs hearing voices coming from the dinning room.

“Hey.” He heard Ella call out from the kitchen.

“El.” He murmured walking over to her.

She reached up and kissed him.

“Need a shave.” She pointed out.

He turned and looked at the kids around the table eating a fry up.

“Hey I thought they only got that at weekends if they were good.” He murmured and then caught Mike starring at him glaringly.

“ I know but it was a sleepover and Sammy needed some pampering.” She told him.

Roman nodded and accepted the cup of coffee she handed him.

He moved over to Mike and lifted the packet out of his pocket.

“Thanks.” He told him sliding it discreetly to the other man. “But they were too small.”

Mike coughed choking on his fried egg and glared at the other man as he turned bright red.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 44

Ruby dressed carefully moving through to Irene’s room to check herself in the other woman’s full length mirror. She shook her head as she looked at her reflection sighing at the dress.

“Knock knock.” Nic called out walking in through the door.

“Hey Nic.” Ruby called.

“How are you Rubes?” Nic asked.

“She’s driving me nuts.” Annie called out from her room.

“Annie.” Ruby gasped.

”She’s nervous about meeting up with that husband of hers.” Annie added unrepentantly.

“Ruby come out here.” Nic said slowly.

Ruby reluctantly moved out of Irene’s room and stood in front of Nic in her green dress.

“Wow, I didn’t realise it was St Patrick’s day.” Nic murmured.

“Nicster I hate you.” Ruby groaned.

“How about you try on this one?” Nic suggested with a smile. “And I have shoes and a handbag to match.”

Ruby turned and looked at Annie.

“Did you tell her?” she asked quickly.

“That you were going to meet up with Xavier at the Sands?” Nic said. “No you did.”

Ruby did a doubletake.

“How did I tell you?” Ruby gasped. “And when.”

“Just now.” Nic grinned and dodged the cushion that Ruby threw at her. “But Annie told me that you needed a dress. She wouldn’t say why.”

Ruby found herself smiling at her friend who was way more than a friend.

“So what have you got for me?” Ruby asked.

“An A line dress with rose print.” Nic murmured zipping open the dress bag. “Designed especially for you.”

Ruby gasped looking at the dress, it was white cotton with black rose print. She reached out and touched it before noticing the roses down one side. Nic had placed silk roses in a delicate arch along the side of the skirt. She took the dress from Nic and moved into the bedroom with it.

“That was an amazing dress.” Annie murmured.

“Thanks.” Nic said with a hint of blush on her face.

“Why are you still in that little shop you could do runway shows?” Annie asked her tone still awed.

“Because I’m happy with my shop and my husband and my family.” Nic told her. “I still get to dress up in amazing clothes and my wonderful guy buys me something designer every year.”

Annie sighed.

“Sounds very amazing.”

“Well you should know how wonderful your brother is.” Nic told her.

“Oh I do.” Annie said quickly. “He never missed a birthday or Christmas even though I was around the other side of the world for most of them.”

Nic nodded.

“He chose the gifts too.” She added quietly after a moment.

“He did?” Annie asked a smile appearing on her face.

Nic nodded before the pair of them turned to look at Ruby coming out of the bedroom. Nic stood and moved over to her handing her the shoes to try on. She knelt down and helped her slide her feet into them before tying the ankle straps.

“Ok?” she asked. “Not too tight?”

“Perfect.” Ruby told her. “How do I look?” she asked looking over at Annie.

“Awful.” Annie replied. “Take it off immediately.”

Nic looked at Annie and bit her lip before pointing Ruby in the direction of the mirror back in Irene’s room. She grinned as Ruby took tentative steps testing out the shoes and then chuckled when she heard Ruby’s gasp.

“It’s so beautiful.” She cried out.

“You are beautiful you numbskull.” Nic told her moving to stand next to her.

Ruby looked down for a second before looking into the mirror. She lifted her hand to touch her hair and noticed the time.

“My god.” She cried out. “I need to be there in like twenty minutes.” She muttered

“Go.” Annie said.

“My bag.” Ruby murmured. “And I haven’t booked the taxi.,”

Nic walked over to her handbag and pulled out a set of car keys handing them over.

“Geoff thought that the two of you could make use of his car. Its parked out front.” She told them.

“How will you manage?” Annie asked.

“We used to manage with one car so it won’t be too bad.” Nic told them. “We changed the insurance so the both of you could drive it so it’s all legal.”

Ruby gasped once more before running into the bedroom. She returned a second later with her handbag and swapped things over to the handbag that Nic had brought over.

“Thanks.” She said hugging both women before yanking the keys and heading out of the door. They heard her mutter something as she tackled the stairs in the new shoes and she was gone.

“I hope he doesn’t hurt her again.” Annie said slowly.

“It will be fine. Now all we have to do is find someone for you.” Nic told her.

Annie blushed.

“And I think Ella should be told that you need someone to keep that pretty blush on your face because she is really good at matchmaking.” Nic continued.

Annie looked at her sister-in-law and groaned before picking up a cushion and throwing it at Nic.

“Don’t you dare Nicster or I’ll set my brother on to you.”

Nic chuckled.

“Now then are you going to offer me a drink because I’m stuck here until my husband picks me up later.” Nic told her.

“That was bad planning.” Annie said. “I might not have been here.”

“Well there is you or Mike and Danni or Ella.” Nic pointed out.

“Great third choice.” Annie grumbled.

“But not last Annie.” Nic told her with a half smile.

Annie grinned before heading into the small kitchenette and putting the kettle on to the hob.

Ruby walked confidently through the hotel lobby. She made her way to the bar and saw Xavier immediately. Her heart thumped nervously in her chest and she felt her mouth go dry. She found each step towards him painful because she reminded herself of all the arguments and the lost causes she fought just to oppose him in some way. The independence she fought so hard for had driven them apart twice now but then she reminded herself of all the laughter they shared and all the times he held her when she was sad. Those memories drove her forward and gave her confidence.

“Hello.” She said finally from behind him.

He turned and looked at her, a blaze of passion in his gaze.

“I was starting to think you were going to stand me up.” He told her softly.

Ruby nodded.

“You should remember I’m never on time.” she whispered shyly.

“You look beautiful Rubes, well worth the wait.” He said finally breaking the silence that had stretch between them.

“My god Xav are you as nervous as me?” she gasped unable to keep the smile from her face.

“Yeah pretty much.” He confessed. “But you do look beautiful. I’m not so good at the words Ruby but you are…” he stopped and gestured to a table at the back of the bar and watched her nod. They moved over there together and sat down in the plush red seats.

“Finish what you were saying?” Ruby asked.

Xavier looked at her, his eyes meeting hers in the dim light of the room. The dark shutters kept out the heat of the day and the sun but the discreet lighting highlighted her high cheekbones and the sheen of the lip-gloss on her lips. He thought that he would remember this moment forever and almost laughed out loud at the stupidly romantic thoughts going through his head.

“You are the love of my life.” He told her quietly his words dripping with earnestly.

Ruby gave a little moan combined with a sigh and literately had to catch her breath. She never thought that could happen, just something a romantic novelist thought up but here and now, her in a beautiful dress and Xavier in a dark suit that made him look so very handsome just made it that most perfect of moments,

“I love you.” She responded. “I always have.”

“Then why can’t we work through the bad stuff.” He asked her. “I don’t expect it to be easy but I expect our love to cope with anything.”

Ruby gave a delicate shrug.

“I don’t know Xav. Sometimes it easier to shout at you than to listen to what you want to say.”

“Is there a chance Ruby? Can we…” he stopped looking at her.

“Do you want to get back together?” she asked him.

Xavier nodded.

“But I do want a baby.” He told her. “I want to be able to watch you with our baby.” He finally broached the subject that had broke them and waited to see what she said holding his breath.

“I wasn’t ready to be a mum.” Ruby said softly.

“And now?”

Ruby shook her head.

“Still not ready. But I’ve thought about it.” she told him.

“I don’t know if I can be in a marriage without kids Ruby. I want to say I’ll try but I don’t want us to be hurt again.” He told her after a time.

“I don’t think it would be right to bring kids into a marriage that is struggling.” Ruby said back her tone calm even though her heart was racing.

Xavier found himself looking at her.

“Does that mean?” he began to ask his voice sounding more confident. “That you want to try?”

Ruby nodded.

“But I’ve only just come home Xav I really want to spend time here.”

He nodded and reached into his pocket and placed a set of keys on the table between them.

“I put a deposit on a house here. I thought that if things didn’t work out today I could at least hang around a while and see what happens.” He said finally.

She looked down at the keys.

“It’s got a spare room for Annie if that is what you are worried about.” He added.

Ruby shook her head.

“No that spare room should be our nursery.” She stated looking up at him.

“Are you serious?” he gasped out.

Ruby nodded.

“I want us to be together and in a few months I don’t’ see why we can’t try.”

Xavier shook his head/

“What you don’t want that?” she gasped out.

“Not in a few months.” He began.

“I can’t try for a baby now it’s too soon.” Ruby protested her eyes filling with tears.

“No silly, I think we should give it six months or a year. Let’s have a proper reconciliation.” Xavier told her taking hold of her hand.

“You’ll do that even though you want a baby?” she asked him.

“Ruby when I was alone I missed you so much and more than I want a miniature Ruby around I want my wife with me.” He told her his eyes boring into hers.

She smiled and leaned forward to kiss him.

“Let’s go see our house.” She murmured.

Xavier smiled and kept hold of her hand as he led her out of the hotel and to their new home.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 45

Roman walked down the stairs just in time to see Ella walk through the door with Lily and William.

“Hey you.” He murmured grinning as she walked over to him and kissed him.

“Hey.” She replied. “I was thinking it’s time we got William in a big boy bed.”

“cot back.” Lily said to them.

“No Lils. You have your big girl bed.”

She frowned at them.

“Mine.” She told them

“How sweet is that?” Roman murmured. “Lily wants to be a baby again.” He said followed by “Oummpf”

“Lily don’t kick Daddy.” Ella said quietly.

“Not baby.” Lily muttered folding her arms and walking into the lounge.

“Guess we got told.” Roman said smiling. “Where are we going to put the twins?”

Ella looked up at the question before blinking back tears.

“I suppose having them sleep with us until they are about 20 would be wrong?” she asked after a moment.

“Well I don’t know. I mean serial killers in the family could make a guy proud.” He murmured his head tilted to one side.

“Roman Harris don’t even joke like that.” She glared at him and moved into the lounge away from him.

He followed her quickly walking over to her.

“Is this because we don’t know who has them?” he asked her quietly.

Ella nodded her lips pressed together.

“Gabby is so scarred by what happened to her. She’s rushed into marriage with Jacob because she craves stability and a family.” Ella said softly.

“You know that Jacob is …”

“Sleeping on the sofa?” Ella finished.

Roman nodded.

“What are you going to do about it?” he asked with a half smile.

“I think my daughter needs a few tips in seduction.”

Roman groaned.

“Speaking of that I went to the pharmacy today.” He told her.

Ella giggled.

“You mean after telling Mike they were too small?” she asked him a hint of colour on her cheeks.

Roman nodded stifling a chuckle.

“He asked you?”

Ella nodded at him before sinking on to the sofa.

“I had to tell him the truth.” She said looking at Roman from under her lashes.

Roman sighed and sat next to her on the sofa. He looked over at Lily and smiled at her. She turned her head away and picked up one of her toys.

“Lily.” Ella said warningly.

Lily pouted and put the toy down.

“Two things. One was she going to throw that? And two what did you tell Mike?” Roman asked.

“Probably yes and I told him that yes, it was enormous.”

“Lily come here.” Roman called.

He watched as his daughter folded her arms and looked at him.

“Lily Daddy is talking to you.” Ella said quickly.

“No like Daddy.” Lily said back.

“Don’t care.” Ella murmured. “He told you to come to him.”

Lily glared at her before walking slowly over to Roman.

“Lily.” He said looking at her. “It’s wrong to throw things. You wouldn’t like it if I threw things at you. Is Lily a baby?”

Lily looked at him and shook her head.

“Only babies use cots. Liam isn’t a baby anymore so he needs a big bed.” He continued.

Lily kept her arms folded and didn’t say anything.

“Do you understand Lily?” Ella asked.

Lily nodded.

Roman shared a look with Ella and bit back a smile.

“Ok Lily you can go play with Liam.” He told his daughter.

Lily ran off back to her brother.

“If you say she is like me we will never have sex again.” Ella threatened.

Roman laughed

Ella gave her husband a look and then gasped as he lifted her into his lap. She sat straddling his legs and facing him.

“Hey you.” He murmured softly before kissing her.

Ella smiled at him.

“Hey you.” She mirrored.

“What say we take the kids to the beach later.” He suggested.

“Beach.” Lily called out.

“Oh so she’s talking to me now.” He said smiling at Ella.

“Pity we aren’t taking the babies to the beach.” Ella said and felt something hit her back.

“Lily.” Roman muttered picking up the toy. “You ok?” he asked Ella.

She nodded.

“Time out Lily. Go and sit on a chair in the corner.” She told her daughter.

“No, beach.” Lily shouted.

Ella climbed off Roman and stood up looking at her daughter.

“Are we going to have a tantrum Missy?” she asked her.

“Want beach.” Lily said. “Liam want beach.”

Ella moved over to the dinning table and pulled out a chair. She pointed to it and Lily reluctantly moved over to her and sat on the chair.

“Thank you Lily.” Ella murmured.

Lily looked up at her.

“Beach?” she asked slowly, pouting.

“Maybe.” Ella said to her before going to sit back with Roman.

“Now where was I?” Roman asked her.

“I think you were about to kiss me.” Ella told him. “Before we went upstairs and got changed to go to the beach.”

“Oh yes.” He said smiling.

He tugged her down to lie back on the sofa and leaned to kiss her feeling her hands wrap around his neck and slide down his back.

“Enormous?” he asked her after a moment.

Ella looked up at him her eyes huge in her face a smile on her rosebud lips.

“Oh, really big.” She said slowly.

Roman laughed and kissed her again.

“Come on Mister lets go get ready.” She said after a time.

“I don’t want to move I’m really comfortable.” He said with a sigh.

“I can tell that you are squishing me.” Ella murmured grinning at the flush of colour on Roman’s face.

He eased quickly away from her and helped her stand up.

“Come on Lily Squeals, lets go get ready for the beach.” Ella called out.

“I can go?” Lily asked.

Ella nodded.

“Come on Liam, you too.” Roman said helping his son over to the stairs.

Lily waited a moment before running over to her mother chuckling as Ella swung her up in her arms and cuddled her.

“Is Lily going to be good now?” Ella asked her.

Lily tilted her head to one side and looked at her frowning as she thought about it. She lifted her hand to her mouth and giggled.

“Maybe.” She told her mother.

Ella laughed.

“Well I suppose that is better than nothing.” She said carrying her up the stairs and into the nursery. They saw Liam already changed and sitting on Lily’s bed.

“My bed.” Lily cried out.

“Liam is trying it out.” Roman told his daughter.

Lily frowned and opened her mouth to say something when she caught her mother looking at her.

“Really Lily Squeals?” Ella said to her.

“Me no squeals.” Lily replied a smile on her face.

“Not even if I tickle you?” Ella asked.

Lily giggled and squirmed in her arms.

Ella smiled and lifted her daughter to the floor before opening the drawer and taking out her swimming costume.

“I’ll change her.” Roman offered.

Ella gave him a nod and handed over the swimming costume. She watched as Lily ran away from Roman and giggled. She smiled innocently as Roman gave her a look and left him to it. She walked into the bedroom and got changed moving back into the nursery to see Lily squirming in Roman’s hold as he tried to change her.

“You got that?” Ella asked him.

He gave her a look and nodded.

She heard muttered swearing from him as she climbed up the stairs to the kids rooms and collected their swimwear. She walked back down and saw Lily finally dressed in her swimsuit.

“Ready?” she asked.

“They are.” He groaned.

Ella smiled at him as he moved past her to get changed. She blushed at the touch of his hand on hers grinning stupidly at how the brief contact made her feel girlie.

“Come on babes.” She called out to them.

“Daddy coming?” Lily asked quickly.

“Yes he’s coming.” Ella told her. “We need to get into the car.”

Lily nodded and followed her down the stairs with Liam. She moved out to the car and lifted them in before fetching a bag to put the other swimwear in and collected a bunch of towels from the laundry.

“Hey.” Mike called out walking in through the back.

“Hey.” Ella murmured.

“Are you off out?” he muttered taking in the bag and the pile of towels.

“Yeah we’re collecting the kids and going to the beach.” Ella said to her son. She watched him push a hand through his hair and give her a grin. “Want to come along?” she asked him.

“I was thinking of it.” Mike told her. “Think you’ll be ok with Jacob coming?”

“Made friends with him?” Roman asked coming through to them.

“Trying to.” Mike shrugged. “For Gabby’s sake.”

“I think if Sophie is ok then we should put it in the past.” Ella said quietly to the pair of them.

Mike nodded.

“Going to your favourite spot?” He asked them.

Ella nodded.

“See you there.” She told him and moved out the door with Roman. She handed him the keys and climbed in.

“I’m driving?” he asked.

She nodded.

“Kids first or shall I collect them and bring them to the beach?” Roman asked as they pulled out of the drive.

“Either.” Ella said placing her hand on his knee she caught him grinning and chuckled.

“What!” he exclaimed. “I missed you.”

“I know.” Ella smiled. “I’m ok.”

“El,” he began sliding a look at her. “I don’t want you to say that if it’s not true. You don't have to pacify me."

She sighed and looked over at him.

“How about today I’m fine.” She told him.

He grinned at her.

“That will do me.”

He headed the car towards the school chuckling when he heard Lily protest in the back of the car.

“We’re getting the others Lils.” Roman told his daughter as he slowed the car looking for a parking space. He found one after a couple of minutes and eased the vehicle into it.

“We’ll wait here.” She told him.

Roman gave her a look before climbing out of the car. He walked over to the school gates and waited.

“Hey Dad.” Georgie called out.

“Oh my god you’re first.” Roman exclaimed mock clutching his heart.

“Thanks Dad.” Georgie told him rolling his eyes.

“Cars over there.” Roman told him reaching out and ruffling his hair as he walked past. He heard Georgie swear and raised an eyebrow looking over at his tall son.

“What?” Georgie asked him. “You and Mum swear.” He added in a mutter heading towards the car.

Roman smiled and reminded himself that if Georgie was growing up then so was Sophie and a teenage daughter was not something he was looking forward to.

“Daddy.” Meggy called out coming over to him Sammy walking next to her.

“Hey you two.” Roman said to them. “Car is over there.” he said again pointing to it.

“Can we have a sleepover this weekend?” Sammy asked him. “I’d like Marcus to come over.”

“Not sure that is a good idea Samson.” He told his son. “We’ll have a talk though.”

Sammy nodded and sprinted after his sister to the car. He turned and looked over waiting now for Sophie. She was never normally last and he felt a frisom of fear run through him until he saw her in the distance.

“Sophie.” he called watching her and Angel walking out together.

“Hey Grandpa.” Angel called out.

“Hey indeed.”

“Mum asked if you can give me and Robbie a lift home tomorrow?” she said to him.

“No problem. Who’s picking you up today?” Roman asked glancing around for Geoff or Nic.

“Daddy but he’s going to be a bit late. We’re going to an after school club.” Angle told him. “Sophie wanted to come too.”

“Sorry but we have plans.” Roman told her sighing at the look of disappointment on his daughters face.

“Oh ok.” Sophie murmured.

“See you tomorrow Angel.” Roman said hugging his granddaughter.

He watched her run back the way she’d come and steered Sophie over to the car.

“Hey Sophie.” Sammy called out excitedly. “We’re going to the beach. All of us.”

Sophie gave him a half smile and got in the back of the car.

“I suppose the beach is ok.” she said slowly.

Ella smiled at her daughter.

“Wanted to hang with Angel?” she asked her.

“Yeah, Geoff isn’t picking them up until later so they are going to the after school club.” Sophie explained giving Georgie a look when he crossed his eyes and stuck his tongue out at her.

“How about we go to the studio on Saturday and do some girlie shopping?” Ella asked her.

“With Angel?” Sophie asked quickly.

“No fair I already asked Dad if I could have a sleepover.” Sammy cried out.

“Did you?” Ella asked him.

“Yeah I want Marcus to come over.” He told her not noticing that she went pale at the mention of the other boy.

“El.” Roman said quickly.

“Well that could work. Me and the girls shopping and you with the boys.” She said sounding brittle.

“I don’t want to go shopping.” Meggy cried.

“That’s ok Megs.” Roman said to her.

He pulled up in to a parking space and stopped the engine turning around and looking at the kids.

“We’ll talk about this later.” He murmured. “Your swimming things are in the bag so I want you to get them out and to go get changed.” He pointed to the changing rooms at the top of the beach. He grinned as they charged out of the car and ran to get changed.

“El.” He said quietly.

“We’ll talk later.” She murmured. “Sammy likes him.”

Roman nodded.

“He’s very quiet.” He commented.

“Oh come on every kid is quiet compared to ours.” She gave him a grin and lifted Lily out of the car before getting the bag from the back.

Roman moved to her side and kissed her before helping out William. He led them all over to a spot on the beach enjoying the moment of quiet before the rest of the kids descended on them.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 46

Ella watched Lily paddle in the sea with William beside her. She grinned as Meggy moved over to their side and began playing with them.

“I’ve got to go.” Roman announced coming back over to the towels where she was laying.

“Why?” Ella shot out unaware she was pouting.

Roman looked at her.

“Just need to go.”

“Nothing to do with that phone call you just had?” she shot out sitting up and folding her arms across herself.

“I won’t be long.” He said without answering her question.

“Roman?” Ella called watching with frustration as he walked away from her.

“You two fighting?” Mike asked walking out of the surf and coming over to her.

“Not yet.” Ella said shading her eyes as she peered up at her son. She looked carefully at the surf board he was holding. “That got enough wax on it?”

Mike nodded.

“Its good. The surf is wicked. Didn’t want to come in.”

Ella stood and walked over to him.

“Why did ya?” she asked her hand stroking the edge of the board longingly.

“To give you the board so you can have a go.” He told her quietly. “Show us how it is done Ma.”

Ella nodded.

“No.” she said in contradiction. “Got the kids.”

“We can look after those.” Mike told her gesturing to Danni and Gabby sitting nearby.

“I could just go for a bit.” She said talking herself into it.

“When was the last time you went for a surf?” Mike asked her.

“I don’t know.” Ella answered after a minute.

“Go on Mum.” Mike told her softly handing her the surfboard.

She grinned at him and dropped her sarong on to the beach near her bag and took the board under one arm splashing through the shallows as she ran out. Mike grinned as he watched her place the board down and lay on it paddling out deeper. She waited there for the first waves to come feeling the swell before tackling it. She swung up on to her feet on the board wavering in her balance. A breath was sucked hastily in as she felt the spray hit her face. She tilted alarmingly to one side and over compensated falling into the water. She felt the power of the wave pushed her down and she grinned foolishly swallowing sea. Popping up as the wave passed. She collected the board and paddled back out. It took minutes for the next wave to come. She waited and waited her heart pounding, feeling the swell rise and break and rise once more. Paddling with the wave she found herself again on her feet on the board. She balanced carefully letting her back leg take the wait for a long moment before altering her balance to guide the board along the crest of the wave. She felt salty sea spray hit her face and laughed as the pure joy from riding the waves ran through her veins.

“Mum is pretty good.” It was Georgie who spoke.

“She is.” Mike told his brother. “She used to spend every spare moment out there once upon a time.”

“Why did she stop?” Sophie asked from near Danni. She sat up and looked out at her mother.

“She had kids.” Mike told them.

Sophie gasped and looked at her brother feeling a strange resentment for him.

“Found something else she loved more I guess.” Mike continued giving Georgie a grin and wrestling him playfully on to the hot sand.

“Soph? What are you thinking?” Danni asked her.

Sophie blinked a couple of times before she realised that Danni had spoken.

“What would her life had been without having to look after us, I suppose.” She answered finally.

“Empty.” Gabby said softly.

Sophie looked at her pregnant sister and the way Gabby had her hand on her bump.

“Come feel.” Gabby told her.

Sophie swallowed and approached her grinning as Gabby reached out impatiently and caught hold of her hand pressing it to her bump.

“Feel that?” she asked her sister.

Sophie nodded.

“That is why surfing or photography or anything is never as good. There is so much love here for this thing growing inside of me. And Mum had that with all of us. She had so much that she could take in Danni and Mike.” Gabby murmured and then looked out to the sea and Ella. “And even though she is having the time of her life out there it would mean nothing if she couldn’t come back and hold anyone of us.”

Sophie wiped at a tear falling down her face and then looked out at sea.

“I wonder if she’ll teach me?” she asked quietly.

“I’m sure she will.” Danni murmured. “But if you don’t pick up a camera or do gymnastics or surf it does not mean that you aren’t like her.”

“Yeah, you are so like her.” Gabby grinned.

“Well I’m not having ten kids.” Sophie shot out. “So I hope I’m good on one of her things.”

Danni giggled and reached out to hug her sister before falling silent and looking over at Roman walking towards them.

“I wonder who that is.” Danni said.

Gabby followed her gaze and stood unsteadily to her feet.

“Gabs?” Danni asked standing too and putting her hands out to steady her.

“I don’t know.” Gabby murmured.

Georgie looked up from where he and Mike were wrestling and moved quickly away. He had his mouth open as he looked at the newcomer.

“Hello.” Roman greeted them. “Where is your mother?”

Mike pointed out at the sea.

“Oh.” Toby said catching a glimpse of her on the waves.

“Dad.” Gabby said slowly placing a hand on her bump.

Roman grinned and whistled causing everyone to look in his direction.

“Here.” He called out.

Sammy and Meggy moved over to him bringing Lily and Liam with them.

“Ok everyone this is Toby.” Roman announced. “Toby, in order, Mike, Gabby, Danni Georgie, Sophie, Meggy, Sammy, Lilly and William.”

Toby looked around the circle of grinning faces.

“Hello.” He said to them.

“Dad he sounds like you.” Georgie blurted.

Roman chuckled.

“You’re like my twin right?” Toby murmured to Gabby.

She nodded at him.

“Explained why I’ve been feeling sick in the mornings.” He said to her looking at her stomach.

“Really?” she asked him.

“Nah, but like seriously as if I don’t have enough names to remember.” Toby told her grinning. He stepped forward and put his arms around her hugging her to him. “Guess this is a bit overdue.”

“Well it has been twenty years since we last hugged.” Gabby shot back grinning at him.

Toby chuckled before releasing her and turning to the others. Roman watched his long lost son talk to each sibling in turn before moving down the beach and watching Ella on the surfboard. He saw how absorbed she was, how focused. He couldn’t think of the last time she went surfing. Even from this distance he could see the absolute joy on her face as she tackled each wave and he sighed thinking of all the sacrifices she made for him and the kids.

“She’s pretty good.” Toby commented.

“She’s fantastic.” Roman found himself saying his voice breaking.

“Bet she doesn’t get much time to do this.”

“Not a lot.” Mike spoke from somewhere behind them. “Still she doesn’t mind.”

He put his hand on Roman’s shoulder as he spoke the second part of the sentence.

Roman gave his son a grin before watching as Ella swam in towards them.

“She probably thinks she has concussion looking at the two of you standing together. Double vision.” Mike murmured.

“Hey cut that out cousin.” Toby told him. “Bad enough I’ve been accused of sounding like him.”

“At least your hair is curly.” Meggy grumbled. “We girls get straight hair.”

Toby grinned once more and knelt down in front of his little sister.

“For a boy curly hair is a bad thing. If I don’t get it cut I end up with ringlets.” He told her.

“You could borrow Sophie straighteners.” Sammy piped up.

“Er guys, Toby is staying awhile you can give him some space.” Roman told them looking at them all gathered around their brother, including an awe-struck Lily. He did a double take looking at her.

“Lily.” He called out.

His daughter looked at him briefly before focusing back on Toby.

Roman grinned before turning and looking over at Ella.

“Have to keep surprising me, don’t you soldier?” she said leaning up to kiss Roman.

He smiled at her putting his arm around her and helping her pass the board over to Mike.

“Hello.” She greeted Toby.

“Feeling better?” he asked her.

Ella nodded.

“Much thanks and I hate that one of your first impressions is that your mother is a mental case.” Ella gave him a grin. “But well you’ve met the rest of them now so no hiding it. We’re all loony.”

“Hey!” Mike protested.

Toby grinned over at him before putting his arms around Ella and hugging her.

“I got my surfing skills from you, I see.”

She drew back before she was tempted to squash him with her hug and looked at him.

“So you sticking around a while?” she asked.

“Are you like totally this cool?” Toby asked back a measure of shock in his voice.

“Yes.” Mike told him.

Toby looked around and saw Danni and Gabby nodding.

“Yes I’m staying. Got me for two weeks.” He murmured.

“Great.” Ella said. “Seems like its an excuse for a BBQ.” She announced.

Roman grinned.

“Sounds good I’ll give the others a call.” He said.

Ella moved over to the towels looking at Lily following Toby slavishly.

“Lils come here.” She called out.

“Toby.” Lily said pointing.

“Where’s Liam?” she asked her.

Lily blinked and looked around.

“Liam?” she called out.

Liam looked over from where he was sitting with Sammy.

“I think Lily wants you.” Sammy murmured to his brother.

Liam shook his head and focused on his sandcastle again.

Lily grinned and continued to follow Toby.

“Guess you have an admirer.” Roman told his son, he turned to Ella. “And we can slip her into his car when he leaves.”

Ella paled before pinning a smile on her face.

“El.” Roman groaned.

“Just wondering how you were going to explain to Liam where she is.” Ella said sounding brittle once more.

Roman sat next to her and put his arm around her.

“Don’t be silly dear, I was going to put him in the car too.” He murmured keeping the smile on his face with difficulty. “Three days of babysitting him and I need a holiday. We can collect them back in a few weeks.”

Ella nodded and leaned over to kiss him.

“Can we get rid of the others do you think?” she asked.

“Hey.” Meggy cried out.

Toby laughed and looked around the group.

“Up.” Lily demanded holding her arms up to Toby.

“What do I do?” he asked.

“Pick your sister up.” Roman advised. “She kicks.”

Toby gave him a startled look before picking Lily up and holding her like she was about to explode.

“Cradle her on your hip that way you won’t get backache.” Mike advised.

“Like this?” Toby asked him.

“Yup.” Mike grinned.

Gabby turned to Danni and Sophie.

“Think he’ll be trained before he has to babysit?” she asked them.

“With us lot?” Sophie gestured around. “I think so.”

Toby gave her a look and then grinned as Lily leaned forward and planted a kiss on his cheek.

“Wow.” Roman murmured.

“Guess I’m not her favourite brother anymore.” Mike said earning a laugh from Danni.

“Hello!” she murmured. “Remember Liam?”

Mike chuckled and pointed to the little boy running away from Meggy and Sammy along the beach.

“That Liam?” he asked.

“Liam!” Roman called out grinning as Liam looked at him and laughed before carrying on running. He stood up and starting chasing his son.

Ella laughed before she too stood up. She placed her fingers in her mouth and whistled loudly. Lima stopped dead and looked at her before walking slowly over to her.

“Oh my god!” Mike groaned.

“Flashback son?” Ella asked.

“Seriously Mum you still do that?” he asked her.

“And it still works.” She said jogging over to Liam and scooping him up in her arms. She carried him to where her bag was and offered him a sweet. He took it from her before smiling.

“Juice?” he asked sweetly.

Ella nodded handing him a drink. She took the straw from the back of the carton and pierced the little foil section so her could take a drink.

“Ok?” she asked him.

He nodded.

“Mama?” Lily asked.

“You want juice too Lily squeals?” Ella murmured.

“Please.” Lily asked.

Ella raised her eyebrow as she looked at her daughter being so polite and took out a drink for her.

“Anyone else?” she called out.

Meggy nodded running over to her.

“He’s so quick.” She groaned.

“I know.” Ella told her daughter letting her help herself to a drink. “Why do you think I’m so worn out.”

Meggy laughed.

“Here you go Lily Squeals.” Ella passed over a drink to Lily watching as Toby lifted her down. She accepted the drink but kept a hold on Tony’s leg.

“Why is she Lily Squeals?” Toby asked.

“Cause she ickles me.” Lily told him.

“And when you tickle a Lily she squeals.” Ella murmured raising her hands and wriggling her fingers towards her daughter.

“No.” Lily cried out running behind Toby and peering through his legs.

“Yeah, you have to be introduced to Tickle wars.” Sammy said.

“We should do it now.” Meggy said.

“No.” Ella told them. “We don’t want to frighten him off do we?” she asked them.

Meggy looked at her and then groaned as Ella reached over and tickled her.

“Mummy no.” she cried out laughing.

“Too late Tickle wars.” Ella announced.

Sammy pounced on his mother and tickled her

“Sammy no.” Ella cried out.

Roman caught Toby’s gaze and then looked back at the laughing Ella. He found himself smiling at how happy she seemed and promised himself that he was going to get their babies back no matter what.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 47

Toby wondered into the diner with the note from Roman, he’d been instructed to collect the dessert for tonight slightly surprised and also relieved that they had been so chilled about him coming and going on his own. Mike had also told him about some pubs and clubs to go to and the best places to go surfing. There had been an instant rapport between him and his cousin-slash-brother.

So lost in his thoughts he nearly bumped into a petite blonde standing directly in front of him.

“Sorry.” He murmured quickly.

“That’s ok.” she told him raising her head to look at him.

“No I really need to be more careful especially as well…” he cast a meaningful glance at her stomach.

She flushed and pulled out her top disguising the bump once more.

“Shush.” She cried out placing her hand on his chest and pushing him backwards away from anyone who could overhear.

“Oh it is supposed to be a secret?” he asked giving her a smile.

“Yes.” She hissed at him.

“Then maybe you want to think about eating less?” he suggested.

“You!” she gasped out.

Toby gave her a smile and reached out placing his hand on her bump the way he had with his sister just a short while ago.

“He’s active isn’t he?” he murmured to her and saw her pale.

“I er…” she murmured a note of something indescribable in her voice.

“Here.” He said meeting her gaze noting the pain in her eyes. “This is my number. If you want to talk give me a ring.” He handed her a business card with the details from the shop on along with his personal numbers.

“Why would I want to talk to you?” she gasped out some of her usual fieriness back in her voice.

“Because I’m a good listener.” He told her smiling down at her.

She glared at him before pushing past him and out of the diner. He watched her go before heading to the counter and the dark haired woman standing the other side.

“Hello.” Leah called out.

She did a quick double take as she took in the curly slightly too long blond hair, the blue eyes and the general build.

“Van I help you?” she asked eventually.

“I don’t know are you Leah or Colleen?” Toby asked grinning at her.

“Leah.” Leah responded immediately. “Do I know you? You remind me of someone.”

“Er… do you know a Roman Harris?” Toby asked biting back a grin.

“Er…yeah he works here.” Leah admitted after a moment.

“I think he’s my dad.” Toby told her keeping his face straight. “I’ve come to find him.”

“Oh my god!” Leah exclaimed loudly.

She looked him up and down and found herself thinking that Colleen was going to kick herself for deciding to go home early today.

“Yeah, do you have an address or something? I’d like to meet him.” Toby was saying. “And he er owes me some back allowance.” He added at her shocked face.

Leah chuckled.

“You really are Roman’s son?” she asked him.

Toby nodded.

“I’m Gabby’s twin. They tracked me down a while ago.”

“I’m still so very shocked.” Leah told him.

“I can tell. Look they are having a BBQ tonight and wanted some deserts.” He said to her. “This is his list.”

Leah accepted the piece of paper from him and scanned the words grinning at the sentence Ella had penned at the top.

“Did you read this?” she asked.

Toby shook his head before looking at the paper as Leah held it up for him to see. He laughed as he read it.

“Leah do not believe anything he says we do not have a long lost son called Toby but he better bring back a cheesecake (hopefully toffee) or I’m going to ground him Love and kisses Ella.” He read. “She’s certainly something.”

“Yeah.” Leah agreed with him. “And she is in luck we have a cheesecake left.”

“That’s a relief.”

Leah turned and walked into the kitchen coming out with a box. She handed it to him and went to fetch a chocolate cake.

“Here you go. I’ll put them on Roman’s tab.”

“No that’s ok. I’ve got it.” Toby replied.

Leah looked at him and shook her head.

“Too late I’ve already balanced the till for the night. It’s gone on Roman’s tab.” She said with a smile. “Are you planning on sticking around for a while?”

“A couple of weeks this time.” he stated.

“So we’ll see you in here again?” Leah asked grinning at him.

“Definitely.” He told her collecting the boxes and turning around. He walked through the door and over to his car. He noticed that the petite blonde he’d spoken to earlier was sitting on the beach starring out at the sea and he debated going over to her before a glance at his watch told him to make a move towards Roman and Ella’s place. He glanced at the address and the rough drawn route map that Mike had drawn for him before setting off.

Ella took Lily and William into the bathroom and peeled off their swimmers as the hot water poured into the bath.

“Need any help?” Sophie asked from the doorway.

“No I’m fine.” Ella said softly. “You can join us if you want.”

Sophie nodded and moved over to her side watching as her mother poured in a measure of bubble bath.

“More Mama” Lily cried.

“More Bu bu’s madam?” Ella asked her.

Lily nodded and laughed when Ella tipped in more bubble bath and swirled it in the water.

“More Mama.”

“No more or you’ll slide right out of the bath.” Ella said.

She tested the water once more before picking up Liam and placing him in the bath. He immediately smacked his hand on the water causing it to splash up.

Sophie laughed and reached out grabbing Lily.

“In you go madam.” She told her sister and made out she was going to drop her in head first.

“No!” Lily cried out giggling.

Sophie laughed and lifted her in the bath.

“There you are.” Sophie said softly.

Ella handed Sophie the sponge smiling as her daughter took it and began washing Lily.

“Mum.” She began.

“Yup?” Ella asked her.

“You ever think about running away so you can do your stuff?”

“All the time.” Ella said in response smiling at the shock on Sophie’s face. “But I know that even if I did it would never be as good as being here with you guys.”

“Really?”

Ella nodded.

“Sophie, when I was pregnant with you and your brother and your dad was so far away, I knew that my life was changing in a whole lot of ways and I couldn’t wait for that new life to begin.”

Sophie sighed and handed back the sponge in exchange for the baby shampoo. She poured a small amount into her hand and then lathered up Lily’s hair.

“But what about your photography. You never do it anymore.” Sophie asked her.

“I know and I do miss it. I’m so really lucky in that I can disappear to the studio if I wanted to knowing that you will take care of each other.” Ella smiled at Sophie and then gave Liam a grin before she poured out shampoo to wash his hair. She ran her fingers through his curls grinning at her son. “Now then what about you? Are you going to arrange to go horse riding sometime?”

“I don’t know. I miss Princess.” Sophie admitted her voice quiet.

“Still want to go shopping?” Ella asked.

She took out the sprayer and rinsed off Williams’s hair. Sophie accepted it from her and rinsed off Lily’s hair grinning as Ella placed some of their toys into the water. William laughed before grabbing his favourite, a toy boat.

“Yes, is that ok? Only I want Marcus over too.”

“You do know who Marcus is don’t you?” Ella asked quietly.

Sophie nodded.

“If we get to know him it won’t be so big a shock if he is Daddy’s.” she told her mother.

Ella nodded looking at her daughter.

“You lot are too clever for your own good.” She told her.

“Mum?” Sophie asked. “I know that it might not be very nice for you but when we figured out who Marcus was we thought you’d like him anyway because he’s really like shy.”

Ella nodded once more.

“Ready to come out?” She asked William.

He shook his head.

“I’ll stay and watch them for a while.” Sophie offered.

Ella looked at her and then at the two babies.

“Ok.” she said slowly.

Ella stood and moved into her bedroom closing the door quietly behind her. Within seconds she’d thrown herself on the bed and was sobbing.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 48

Ella looked once more into the mirror. She added more concealer hoping to disguise the fact she had been crying and then extra blush. Looking critically into the mirror she groaned and stood racing back into the bathroom. She scrubbed at her face wiping off the clownish makeup and groaning at the black streaks coming from her smudged mascara. Standing and looking at her reflection she shook her head again and stripped off her bathrobe heading back into the shower.

“Ella.” Roman called walking into the bedroom. He saw the make up spread out on the dressing table and frowned, knowing that she didn’t normally bother with it. He heard the shower running and headed in to the bathroom.

“Want to tell me what’s wrong?” he asked slowly.

“Nothing.” She murmured.

Ella turned off the hot water and stepped out of the shower. She pulled on her bathrobe once more and grabbed a towel to wrap around her wet hair.

“Ok than, I’ll pretend nothing is wrong shall I?” he asked her.

“Do what you like.” Ella snapped out and stepped past him.

Roman’s hand snaked out and caught hold of her arm freezing her in place.

“Ella Harris.” He murmured. “Stop lying to me. “

“What makes you think anything is wrong?” she muttered pulling uselessly at her arm.

“Make up.” He shot out.

“I want to look nice.” Ella said desperately.

“And the red eyes are from?” he asked.

She frowned at him before tugging her arm free and looking in the mirror.

“Must have got some shampoo in them.” she said after a minute.

“Fine.” He muttered folding his arms across his chest.

“Is the food done?” she murmured.

Roman nodded.

“I spoke to Irene. Ruby has moved out to be with Xavier.”

“Cool.” Ella said.

“So that leaves a bedroom free. I thought Toby might like to stay over there instead of with us give him some freedom.”

“Good idea.” She murmured.

She handed him the eye drops from the bathroom cabinet ignoring his grin.

“How come I’ve seen you deal with just about everything but you can’t put your own eye drops in?”

“Because it’s like yuk.” Ella muttered.

“Head back.” he instructed.

He held open her eye and let a couple drops of the solution into her left eye and then the right watching as she shuddered and blinked.

“There you go, now you don’t look as though you’ve been crying at all.” He told her.

She gave him a look before putting the drops back into the cabinet.

“Thank you now I’m going to go put make up on because I want to look nice.” She said haughtily moving over to her dressing table. She ignored him laughing at her.

“Mum.” Sophie called out crashing in through the bedroom door.

“What’s up? Did you drop one of the babies?” Ella asked.

“No.” Sophie said getting herself distracted.

She gave her mother a look before running around the bed.

“Can I wear Make-up?” she asked slowly.

“Is Angel wearing some then?” Ella asked her daughter looking at the phone in her daughter’s hand.

“Yeah.” Sophie murmured.

Ella nodded.

“Really?” she asked her.

“Come sit here.”

Ella patted the dressing table stool and watched as her daughter sat down in front of the mirror.

“Stay there a minute ok.” Ella said.

She walked over to the wardrobe and took out Roman’s bathrobe and walked into the en suite.

“Sophie is in the bedroom.” She cautioned him.

“Better not run around naked then.” He said from under the shower spray.

“Yuk Dad.” Sophie cried out.

Roman laughed and watched as Ella carefully closed the bathroom door as she moved back into the bedroom.

“Now then. Let’s do you hair.” Ella said.

“My hair too.” Sophie squeaked.

Ella nodded at her daughter giving her a smile. She went over to her wardrobe and came back a moment later with her curling tongs and hair things. She brushed through Sophie’s hair and sectioned off parts of it while she waited for the tongs to warm up. It took a good ten minutes to curl her daughter’s hair and style it.

“Wow Soph.” Roman said walking out of the bathroom and over to the wardrobe.

Sophie blushed.

“Now turn around and lift you head up/” Ella instructed.

Sophie did as she was told wincing when the cool moisturiser was smoothed over her face. Ella grinned and applied pale blusher, brushing it over her eyelids too.

“Pout.” She instructed.

Sophie grinned before trying to pout. She kept getting convulsed by giggles every time she felt the make up brush touch her lips.

“Sophie Nicole.” Ella sighed smiling at her daughter.

“Sorry it tickles.” She murmured. “Here.” She pouted once more.

Ella grinned and put the brush to her lips quickly brushing the pale pink colour on her lips.

“Ok finally.” Ella said easing back and looking at her.

Sophie smiled.

“Can I wear mascara?” she asked slowly looking over in the mirror.

Roman sucked in a deep breath the other side of the room.

“Here.” Ella said handing Sophie the mascara wand. ”Just brush it on slowly.”

Sophie nodded and peered into the mirror before carefully applying the black colour to her lashes.

“Like that?” she asked nervously.

“Perfect. All done.” She told her.

Sophie nodded and looked in the mirror again before standing up and moving into the hallway.

“She is growing up.” Roman said quietly.

Ella nodded as she sat in front of the mirror herself. She caught Roman’s looking pensive in his reflection in the mirror and turned towards him.

“What is it?” she asked.

He moved over to her and kissed her.

“Nothing I’m fine.” He dismissed his sudden depressed mood.

“Ok then.” She told him turning back around. “But I would have thought the fact that Mike is about to get married and Gabby is about to give birth would be the triggers to make you feel old.”

“Thanks for that wife.” He said dryly.

“Hey I didn’t include your 21 year old grandson.”

“Brett is just my foster Grandson.” Roman muttered glaring at her.

“Or that your army buddies are about to collect pensions.” She added grinning.

“Ella Harris do you want to get divorced?” he muttered glaring at her some more.

She spun around and stood up walking over to him. Standing directly in front of him she undid the belt of her bathrobe and let it drop to the floor.

“Ella Harris.” He murmured feasting his eyes on her body. He reached out and caught hold of her pulling her hard against him before kissing her.

“Mummy you let Sophie wear oh…” Meggy cried out storming into the bedroom and coming to halt staring at them.

“Did you knock?” Roman asked turning so that Ella’s naked body was shielded by his.

“No but then I never knock.” Meggy told him frowning. “Oh, do you want me to go out and knock now?”

Ella giggled before bending down and gathering her bathrobe. She tugged it on and tied the belt tightly around her.

“Let me guess Megan Hope Harris you want make on too.”

“No.” Roman said immediately.

Ella grinned at him and pointed to her dressing table giggling as Meggy ran over to it.

“I’ll get dressed in the bathroom them.” Roman announced to no one as he watched Ella move to stand next to her daughter.

“Lipstick and blush only missy.”

“Thanks Mummy.” Meggy murmured. “I didn’t mean to stop you and Daddy kissing.”

Ella smiled before kissing the end of Meggy’s nose.

“I’m sure we’ll kiss later.” Ella told her grinning as Meggy blushed.

“Is it nice?” Meggy murmured.

Ella nodded.

“It’s very nice.” She whispered slowly.

“Robert wants me to kiss him but he’s smelly.” Meggy announced.

“Is that a boy in your class?”

Meggy nodded.

“He eats a lot of garlic.” She said wrinkling her nose up. “I don’t want a boyfriend anyway.”

Ella laughed.

“That will stop your Dad having a heart attack.” Ella told her daughter. “Now then you’re done.” She added.

Meggy looked in the mirror and smiled.

“Thank you Mummy.” She announced and climbed off the stool and disappeared out the room. She made a show of shutting the door carefully.

Ella chuckled and looked in the mirror. She collected her curling tongs and set to work on her hair. After curling it she finger combed the curls out and pinned her hair up letting a few tendrils loose. She added make up before collecting underwear and pulling on black cami knickers and a black lace bra with a silk black teddy over the top. Walking over to the wardrobe she took out a pair of black jeans and pulled them on scowling when they were too small. Discarding them she took out a black maxi skirt and added a wrap top in deep crimson.

“Very nice.” Roman commented. “Maybe a little too dressy.”

Ella spun around at his voice.

“My jeans don’t fit.” She said unaware of how sad she sounded.

“Well that skirt is nice. How about one of your gypsy tops?” he suggested.

Ella nodded shuffling through her clothes before finding a black cotton and lace top. She eased out of the wrap one and pulled on the black top.

“Better.” He told her.

She nodded and bent down picking out slip on sandals and sliding her feet into them.

“Perfect.” He declared holding out his hand.

She gave him a look before going over to him.

“I think you are beautiful.” He told her kissing her gently mindful for once of the gloss on her lips.

“It was…” she began.

“I know the reminder of the babies.”

Ella nodded.

“Lets go spend some time with our other kids.” He murmured leading her out of the bedroom and down the stairs.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 49

“Hello.” Nic called out leading in Angel, Robbie and carrying a sleepy Mira.

“Hey there. Want to put her down with Lily?” Roman asked moving over to his daughter and kissing her cheek. He brushed Mira’s cheek and grinned as his granddaughter yawned and stretched her hands towards him.

“Here you go then.” Nic told him with a grin handing over her daughter.

Ella laughed as Roman was forced to take hold of Mira. He cuddled her close and shook his head as he moved up the stairs.

“Where is …” Angel began to ask.

“She’s out the back. Follow the sound of the music.” Ella answered watching as both Angel and Robbie ran through the house.

“I brought beer.” Geoff announced carrying a tray of cans through to the kitchen.

“The boys are here too so we got extra in anyway.” Ella explained referring to Jacko and Pete.

“Haven’t you got them married off yet?” Geoff asked. “In fact invite Leah over and I’ll say a few words and get it done.”

They heard Jacko emit a squeak before he walked through the back door and glared at Geoff.

“That was not funny Bible boy.” Jacko told him glaring at him.

Ella giggled and caught Nic watching her carefully.

“I’m ok Nic.” She said after a moment.

“Sure?” Nic asked.

“Geoff get your wife some wine or something.” Ella instructed.

Roman walked down the stairs and smiled at Ella before the door opening drew his attention.

“Hello.” Aden said sounding cautious.

“Hey.” Roman called out.

“Drinks are in the kitchen.” Ella said slowly taking a step back towards Roman when she saw Amy-Belle walk in ahead of Belle, Tyler and Brett.

“I better go check on the food.” Roman murmured looking slightly puzzled by Ella’s reaction. He moved around her and through to the kitchen.

“Hello Ella.” Belle murmured.

“The others are out the back. Would you like a drink?” Ella said hastily.

Belle gave her a smile and nodded.

Ella gave her a smile in return before leading her into the kitchen and gesturing for her to go out the back. The others followed leaving Ella standing by the bottle of wine and the glasses. She poured out a drink and took it out to Belle.

“We found the beer so no need to worry about us.” Aden announced. He tilted his can towards Brett who smiled and moved over to where Mike and Danni were sitting.

“Do I get a drink Ella?” Amy-Belle asked her.

“You know where the kitchen is.” Ella snapped back. “Excuse me.” She added ignoring the questioning look from Aden.

She walked over to Roman’s side stepping close to him.

“Ok El wanna tell me what’s up?” he asked her.

“I can’t.” she whispered glancing back at Aden and Belle. “I don’t want to upset anybody, ok.”

“Not ok.” he muttered.

He turned and looked over at the people on the veranda.

“Belle and Aden.” He murmured. “They are fine you know. Worked through their issues.”

“They aren’t going…” she stopped talking as Amy-Belle moved to her side.

“That looks good.” Amy-Belle murmured sipping from a tall glass. “You two were having a cosy chat.”

Roman narrowed his gaze and gave the young girl a slow smile.

“Yes we were talking about you.” He announced ignoring Ella reaching out to him.

“Me?” Amy-Belle squeaked nervously.

“Ella was just about to tell me what you’ve done that has her so upset.” He continued.

“Roman.” Ella murmured his name.

He gave her a look before casting an eye on the BBQ checking the food cooking.

“I think this food is ready. Ella do you want to get the platter for me?”

She nodded and moved away from him reluctantly.

“Amy-Belle.” Roman began. “Ella has always taken care of you. She’s always loved you like her own. So you want to think about why she looks so hurt whenever you are near her?” he murmured slowly.

“It’s …” Amy-Belle began.

“That food ready we’re starving.” Jacko asked moving over to them.

“It is.” Roman said deciding that killing Jacko would have to wait until later.

Amy-Belle moved away from them and over to where Mike and Danni were sitting. She eased down next to her brother keeping a hand on her top so that it stayed baggy covering her expanded waistline.

“Hey.” Toby called out moving across the garden from Irene’s place.

Amy-Belle gasped as she recognised him.

“This is Toby, Gabby’s lost twin.” Mike announced.

“Cool.” Brett exclaimed.

“We meet again.” Toby murmured to Amy-Belle.

“Again?” Brett asked glancing at his moody sister. Even now she was scowling.

“We bumped into each other at the diner earlier.” She told him trying to relax her face so she didn’t look so fierce.

“Yeah.” Toby grinned. “Now where is the beer hiding?” he asked changing the subject.

“I’ll show you.” Amy-Belle offered quickly.

Toby smiled at her as she moved off the chair and followed her into the house.

“Have you told anyone?” she hissed at him.

“Nope. But don’t you think you should?” he asked back.

She shook her head at him before handing him a can of beer.

“Ok then.” He said opening the can and taking a drink. “Think you can hang with me without giving birth tonight?”

Amy-Belle reached out and slapped him before stalking away from him.

“Well you must be my new brother.” Nic drawled watching him walk back across the lawn.

“Nicole right?” he asked. “No one warned me you were blonde.”

She gave a small laugh before turning and glaring at Mike. The other man caught her glaring at him and grinned.

“Been speaking to the adopted one?” she turned and asked.

Toby laughed.

“Guilty as charged but isn’t he my cousin?”

Nic smiled.

“That’s what we told him but really we found him at the side of the road.” She said softly.

“Nicole are you drinking again? You know what your AA sponsor would say!” Mike said coming over to her side.

She laughed accepting his kiss on her cheek.

“What do you think Sis does he look like Dad or what?” Mike murmured to her looking over at Toby.

“Don’t start with that again.” Toby groaned.

Nic chuckled.

“Have you met your niece and nephew?” she asked him.

Toby shook his head.

“I can only cope with so many names at the moment. I can tell I’m going to be broke at Christmas.” He said to her glancing over at the kids in the next part of the garden.

“About that it’s tradition for me to get diamonds or other jewellery.” Nic told him smiling.

“Not this year Nicole Franklin Harris Campbell.” Roman muttered from behind her.

“Full name shout?” Mike said with a whistle.

Toby looked puzzled.

“It’s an Ella thing.” Roman told him. “Full name shout usually means someone has done something wrong.” He turned and looked over at the kids. “Samuel Rapheal Harris.” He called out.

Sammy immediately stopped and glared at him before running over to them.

“Don’t use my name like that.” He muttered. “What?”

“Stay there.” Roman murmured. “Megan Hope Harris.” He called out watching his daughter stop still and look at him before running over to them.

“It wasn’t me Daddy.” Meggy said immediately.

“I see what you mean.” Toby said laughing.

“Diner is served so can you lead the kids into the house and seat them at the table. Hands washed please.” Roman asked Sammy and Meggy.

“Full name shout for that?” Sammy muttered folding his arms across his chest and glaring at his Dad.

“Want me to do it in the playground at school?” Roman asked his son watching as Sammy paled.

“No.” he said with a gulp.

“Drop the attitude.” Roman said softly. “It is a good name and it means something very special.”

Sammy sighed.

“I’m sure you didn’t like your name sometimes.” He argued back.

“Er Samson.” Meggy said poking her brother in the ribs. “Want to get us grounded?”

Sammy groaned and turned running across the garden with his sister.

“Which one does he hate?” Toby asked.

“Rapheal.” Nic told her brother.

“I’ve got a book that he should read.” Toby said softly.

Roman smiled.

“Don’t say that to Georgie he’ll move in with you.” He cautioned.

He left them then and moved back over to the BBQ smiling at Ella standing next to Jacko and Pete.

“Going to tell me what is going on El?” he asked quietly near her ear.

She turned and glanced at Amy-Belle.

“She’s pregnant.” Ella said finally.

“It wasn’t me.” Jacko shot out.

Pete stifled a laugh.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 50

Roman sighed as he looked over at the young girl.

“Ok Ella why are you so upset? What is the story?” he turned and asked his wife.

“Nothing, just that I know and I don’t want to upset Aden and Belle by …” Ella stopped talking as Toby came over to her.

“Hello Ma.” He murmured.

“Toby stay away from Mike or you’ll end up with a tattoo and enlisted in the navy.” Ella cautioned him.

“Hey I could be used to calling you Ma already!” Toby protested.

She smiled at him.

“Wife how could you try and turn our son into a sailor?” Roman asked glaring at her.

Ella gave him a brief smile before looking down and he felt his heart lurch.

“El.” He murmured taking hold of her hand.

“I have a headache.” She whispered to him.

“Want to go and lay down?” he asked her and watched as she shook her head.

“Ok this food is ready. What would you like?” he asked her first.

“No preferential treatment!” Aden cried out from where he was stood near Geoff.

“Aden of course I would have asked you as my eldest son but well Ella kisses better.” Roman called out to him.

Jacko laughed as he watched the other man turn red.

“You don’t kiss any better Sargent.” Roman said laughing as his old comrade paled.

Aden laughed at him.

“Don’t worry dear your kisses are ok.” Belle murmured to her husband.

Roman nodded at Ella and directed her to the long table where they had set up the food. He loaded a plate for her and one for himself before leading her back to the seats sitting down next to her.

Conversation flowed around the group but all he focused on was how quiet Ella was. Smiling over at her she was forced to eat the food on her plate even though he could tell that she wasn’t hungry.

“Cheese cake?” he asked her when her plate was cleared.

She shook her head.

“Cake did you say?” Belle asked.

“Of course.” Ella murmured.

“I’ll get it.” Nic said standing up. “In the kitchen?”

Ella nodded.

“There is ice cream too.”

“Kids?” Roman asked her.

Ella nodded.

“Ok I’ll go sort them.” he murmured kissing her.

She smiled up at him before handing over her plate.

“Thank you.” She said to him softly.

“So you do this a lot?” Toby asked her.

Ella nodded.

“Haven’t done it for a while but most weekends we hang out.”

He sighed.

“I work most weekends.” He told sounding regretful.

“I’m sure you’ll be able to join us sometimes.” Ella murmured smiling at him. “I actually saw a house there but Roman told me off for trying to move.”

“No way.” Sophie groaned over hearing the conversation. “I mean I totally think you are a cool brother but seriously I’m starting High school this year I’m not leaving my friends.”

“Yeah, that was the reason Roman pointed out too.” Ella said with a half smile.

Toby laughed.

“I’ll just have to make sure I visit a lot.”

“By friends she does mean Angel you know.” Georgie pointed out moving to sit next to Ella.

She gave him a look a smile playing on her lips.

“Have you all had ice cream?” she asked him.

He nodded.

“Ok. Half an hour then I want you to go get ready for bed.”

“Do we have too Mummy?” Meggy cried out.

“It’s a school night Megs, “ Ella explained softly. “You don’t want to be over tired tomorrow do you?”

Meggy nodded and moved back into the house.

“Whew you are strict!” Toby murmured.

“Isn’t she just?” Gabby murmured to her brother. “Glad I was adopted or I’d still be going to bed at 8 now.”

Ella paled at the comment and stood unsteadily from her seat.

“Mum?” Gabby called out watching as Ella walked slowly into the house. “I better go and tell her I was joking.” She murmured quickly.

“Gabs leave her.” Nic said softly. “She knows that it’s the babies that are upsetting her.”

“Dammit I should have thought,” Gabby berated herself.

“Must be hard to lose two babies.” Toby commented.

“Even harder to cope with them being kidnapped.” Gabby told him. “We only found out a little while ago that they didn’t die at birth and that someone has taken them.”

“Is that true?” Amy-Belle asked hurriedly turning to her parents.

“Yes.” Aden said simply.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” she burst out with the question. “I was so horrible to her.”

“Amy-Belle what is it?” Belle asked standing up from her seat and walking over to her daughter.

“Mum, don’t hate me.” Amy-Belle began. “I’m pregnant.”

“Is that what’s been bothering you AB?” Aden asked her gently.

Amy-Belle nodded and looked quickly around the assembled group. She caught sight of Toby grinning at her and she blushed.

“Are you healthy?” Belle asked her. “Have you seen a doctor?”

She nodded once more and then burst into tears.

“ Come on.” Belle murmured to her daughter. “It’s going to be ok.”

She put her arms around her and led her inside and away from the group. Aden followed after a moment.

“So does that happen often?” Toby asked. “Announcing pregnancies?”

“God I hope not!” Danni said sounding drunk. “I think I’m next on the list.”

“Or it could be Nic.” Mike pointed out.

“No freaking way.” Nic cried spitting out her wine.

Geoff smothered a laugh and patted his wife gently on her back as she choked.

“Well don’t look at me it’s Meggy who has a boyfriend.” Sophie muttered.

“I don’t. We haven’t even kissed yet.” Meggy shouted from the lounge.

Mike laughed.

Roman moved out of the house and sat down a bottle of whisky in his hand and a glass.

“Is that single malt?” Jacko asked quickly.

“Just found out that my daughter has a boyfriend it certainly is.” Roman said.

“But Daddy I haven’t kissed him.” Meggy called out.

“Meggy shush Daddy is feeling old and decrepit.” Ella said to her daughter walking back out.

“Thank you wife.” Roman muttered.

“You’re welcome.” She told him with a smile.

She placed extra glasses on the table grinning at Jacko as he leant forward in his seat.

“Toby?” Roman asked.

“Thanks.” Toby murmured watching as Roman poured out a measure in the glass and Ella handed it to him.

“Don’t have to ask them two.” Ella said to her husband handing drinks to Jacko and Pete.

“Why thank you don’t mind if I do.” Jacko said in a posh accent.

“Geoff?” Roman asked.

“Who is doing the school run in the morning?” Geoff asked Nic.

“Who is taking us home?” she asked back.

“Stay.” Ella said. “We can find enough beds.”

Nic shrugged.

“I’ll do school run.” Gabby offered patting her bump. “I’m not drinking.”

Nic looked over at Geoff and saw him nod.

“Ok.” she said softly. “Does this mean Ella is going to break out the vodka?”

“I’m not drinking I’ve had tablets.” Ella said softly. “But I might let you sniff the bottle.”

Nic grinned at her.

“A long sniff or just more like looking at the bottle?” she asked her.

“Is this something I should know?” Toby asked.

“Apparently we don’t drink Ella’s vodka.” Danni told him.

“I don’t know why.” Brett chimed in.

“Oh ask Nic.” Ella said looking on as she blushed.

“Look ok, I did it once.” Nic muttered defensively. “I learnt my lesson.”

“Was that when you kissed Aden or thought you were late for school?” Geoff asked her.

“You were drinking it too.” Nic burst out with. “And you wore my school uniform.”

“Yeah but I didn’t ask Aden to strip.” Geoff replied.

“Anyway we no longer drink her vodka.” Nic said blushing.

Ella smiled before handing drinks to Geoff, Brett and Mike.

“Jacob, sorry I don’t know what you drink?” Roman murmured to his son-in-law.

“Whisky is fine.” Jacob told him. “I normally drink vodka but I think I’m scared now.”

Gabby grinned.

“My husband made a joke.” She murmured.

Aden and Belle moved out of the house and made to sit down.

“She ok?” Ella asked quickly.

“She’ll be out in a minute.” Belle told her. “She has to make a few apologies to you apparently.”

Ella shook her head.

“As long as she’s ok that is the main thing.”

“Looks like we’ve run out of seats.” Aden said accepting the generous whisky from Roman.

Roman looked round the group before catching hold of Ella’s hand and pulling her on to his lap.

“Saved some space.” He murmured.

“You idiot.” Ella grumbled hitting his arm.

Gabby grinned and stood up moving over to her husband and sat down on his lap.

“Hey!” Jacob groaned.

“If my Mum can do it I can.” Gabby murmured.

“But your Mum isn’t pregnant.” Jacob groaned.

“You just said the magic word. Pregnant.” Gabby grinned again at her husband. “I’m sure you don’t want to upset your pregnant hormonal wife do you?”

Mike laughed as Jacob crossed his eyes and pulled a face.

“No dear.” He said meekly.

Gabby laughed and leaned down kissing him.

“Wow is that my baby?” Jacob asked his hand moving on her belly.

She nodded.

“He kicks a lot.” She murmured. “Or well she does.”

“Wow.” Jacob said again.

Mike laughed.

“Soon be you.” Brett teased him.

“Not after the other night, I now have an inferiority complex.” Mike announced.

“Oh my god what happened?” Brett asked.

“Don’t look at me.” Danni muttered. “Was nothing to do with me with me was it Mother?”

“I think I need to put the kids to bed.” Ella announced trying to stand up.

“You’re not leaving me to deal with this one Ella Harris.” Roman murmured laughing as he held on to a squirming Ella.

“Well as you know with neighbours they borrow stuff.” Mike said with a chuckled when Ella muttered “oh my god.” And buried her face in Roman’s neck.

“This is going to be good.” Jacko said with a grin.

“One night my dad over there popped over. He was wearing a bathrobe.” Mike murmured. He paused to sip at his drink. “I think he was wearing his pj’s underneath but I didn’t really want to ask.”

“Stop dragging it out.” Brett called out.

“Well he stands there and coughs all embarrassed and leans forward. ‘Mike can I borrow…’ he began.”

Roman groaned.

“Ella Harris.” He muttered looking at her as she giggled and went bright red.

“Spit it out dad. I said to him and he goes. Mike can I borrow some condoms?”

Geoff choked on his drink laughing.

“Classic.” Jacko said with a grin.

“So I hand him a box and he disappears with it.” Mike murmurs.

“Oh you haven’t heard the best bit.” Roman said flushing bright red himself. “I get back to bed and Ella is no where to be seen. I track her down and she’s with Sammy because he had a nightmare.”

Mike laughed so hard he started crying.

“But why the inferiority complex?” Brett asked.

“Oh yeah.” Mike said sobering. He wiped his eyes and looked at Roman. “That would be because he handed the box back to me the following morning telling me they were too small.”

“OMG!” Nic gasped out laughing.

Roman shook his head looking at Ella.

“And I think on that note it’s time to get them all in bed. The kids that is.” She muttered blushing.

“That Mrs gets you into a lot of trouble.” Jacko said grinning as Roman continued to blush.

Ella shook her head and stood up.

“Dad why didn’t you ask me?” Sophie murmured. “I’ve got some in my drawer.”

“What?” Roman asked spitting out his whisky.

Sophie looked at him innocently and nodded.

“Yeah.” She said.

“Sophie.” Ella called. “Lets leave your father to his nervous breakdown it’s time for bed.”

Sophie laughed and moved to stand with her mother heading into the house.

“She has ….” Roman said slowly.

Mike chuckled and stood up pouring out more booze into Roman’s glass. “It’s fine she probably hasn’t used them yet.” He said to his Dad.

“What?” Roman asked glaring at Mike. “She better use them. I mean…”

Nic sank off her seat and on to the veranda holding on to her side as she laughed.

Mike laughed and handed round the bottle before heading into the kitchen and fetching the wine for Nic, Belle and Danni.

“What would you like Gabs?” he asked her.

“I’m fine.” She grinned. “If I drink too much I’m up all night.”

“I so remember those days.” Belle said softly. “Poor Amy-Belle.”

“Hey I’m fine.” Amy-Belle muttered from behind her.

“Hey you coming out?” Aden asked her.

She nodded and moved over to sit next to her Dad smiling as Aden put his arm around her shoulders and pressed a kiss to her head.

“Why is Nic sitting on the floor?” she asked him.

“Because my legs are numb.” Nic announced.

Geoff laughed and reached down lifting his wife on to his lap smiling as she pressed a sloppy kiss to his cheek.

Ella moved out of the house and back to Roman.

“She was joking wasn’t she?” he asked her.

Ella gave him a grin before sitting on his lap.

“All kids in bed. Aden, Belle you are in the study and Geoff you are in Gabby’s old room.”

“What about me?” Nic asked frowning as she realised she had been missed out.

“I assumed that you would be unconscious by that time and Geoff would carry you up to bed.” Ella said to her.

“Yes please.” Nic said and blushed as everyone looked at her.

Ella laughed.

“Amy-Belle you are in with the kids. You have a choice of the sofa in their sitting room or in with Meggy Angel and Sophie.”

“She could sleep with me.” Toby pointed out laughing as Amy-Belle blushed.

“Enough of that thank you.” Aden growled out.

“Daddy.” Amy-Belle groaned.

“Well if Toby kips on the sofa in my place Amy-Belle could have his bed.” Mike suggested with a glance at Jacob.

“Suits me.” Toby murmured.

“Thanks.”

“IS this a party or what?” Irene called out walking around the house with Annie.

“Hey.” Geoff called out to his sister.

“We finally got Ruby settled in.” Irene murmured. “I think she’s a bit nervous about being with that husband of hers.”

Ella smiled casting a glance at Gabby.

“We’ve got Amy-Belle in with you guys tonight.” She told Irene.

“Ok Darl.” Irene smiled at her.

Amy-Belle nodded blushing at the attention.

“Anyway we have food left if you want any and I have your special wine.”

“Darl, no food but I wouldn’t mind a drink.” Irene said.

“What about you Annie?”

“Just a drink too. Some of that wine maybe.”

“I’ll get you a glass.” Ella murmured getting up from Roman’s lap and moving into the kitchen. She returned a moment later handing Irene a glass of non-alcoholic wine and a glass for Annie tipping the last of the wine into her glass before sitting back on Roman’s lap.

“Now then back to Sophie.” Roman murmured.

Ella grinned at him as everyone laughed.