Broken

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 90

Ella looked up as Roman moved over to her.

“I’m going to take the boys now.” He told her.

She smiled and nodded at him.

“Mike going?” she asked.

Roman grinned.

“Yup.” He declared. “And Aden.”

“Should be good.” She murmured.

“Are you ok with this?” he asked her looking around the room she was painting.

“You know I am.” She replied giving him a grin.

He leaned forward and kissed her again feeling her hand graze down his back. He eased back and smiled.

“We’ll grab a few things and do a BBQ?” he murmured.

“Sounds good.” She said quietly. “Geoff is bringing Nic and the kids over in a bit.”

Roman smiled before easing back and out of the room. He watched for a moment seeing her paint the wall in the soft cream colour she’d chosen. She was engrossed once more and he smiled again.

“El.” He called softly.

She turned and looked at him a smile on her face.

“Are you ok?” he asked her.

She nodded.

“I’m feeling better.” She said quietly.

He strode over to her and pressed another kiss to her lips.

“I’ve missed you.” He whispered. “Glad you’re home.”

“Unless you want to paint I suggest you get out of here.” Ella muttered at him waving the brush around.

Roman gave a chuckle before he turned back around and strode down the stairs. He saw Mike in the car with Georgie, Sammy and Brett.

“Toby is meeting us there.” Mike told him.

“Yeah he’s at the hospital again.” Brett said rolling his eyes.

Roman laughed climbing into the passenger seat.

“Has Amy-Belle named the baby yet?” he asked Brett.

“No she can’t think of anything. Hopefully she’ll come up with something before it starts school.” Brett murmured.

Roman chuckled.

“That is your nephew you are talking about.” Aden said getting into the car and sitting next to his son.

“And your grandson.” Brett replied quickly grinning at his dad.

“His great grandson.” Aden murmured tapping Roman on his shoulder. “Are you sure you don’t need a zimmer frame pops?”

Mike laughed casting a sly look at Roman.

“I’m sure some people need a reminder about the fact I’m trained to kill.” Roman mused glancing back at Aden via the rear view mirror. “Any time you like I’ll be happy to give you a demonstration.”

Aden laughed.

Mike joined in before he started the car and drove them down to the beach.

Ella opened the window wide before turning and looking at her handiwork. The walls were now painted with a soft cream and looked bright and fresh. She bent down and saw to the paint tin before collecting the tray she’d used and the brushes and rollers. She carried them carefully out of the room and down the stairs to the utility room, using the sink in there to wash everything clean. Next she scrubbed her hands clean noting with a moue of distaste the chipped and broken nails. It really was time she started paying a bit more attention to herself.

“Ella.” Nic called out coming in through the front door.

Ella eased up one hand pressing on her aching back and moved through the house.

“Hey daughter.” she called out back a smile on her face.

“You look like you’ve been busy.” Nic commented.

“That must mean I have paint everywhere.” Ella shot back still smiling.

“Just a touch.” Geoff told her walking up to stand behind his wife. “Kids have gone running out the back.”

“Figures.” Nic smiled. “Now then what is all this about needing us to write on a wall?”

Ella smiled and explained as she moved around the kitchen making drinks.

“Sounds good.” Nic looked at Geoff seeing him smile at the suggestion. “Looks like you’ve already decided what you want to write.”

“I have.” He agreed with her.

Nic laughed before accepting the cup that Ella passed over to her.

“So what room have you been painting?” she asked her.

“Lily and Liam’s new bedroom. Only don’t tell Lily.”

“Having problems adjusting?” Geoff asked and saw Ella nod.

“Oh and if you are talking about the new baby you should spell the word baby.” Ella instructed handing Geoff his coffee.

She walked through to the back veranda and smiled at seeing the kids in the garden playing a game of tag.

“How is Gabby?” Nic asked her moving to sit in a seat.

“Desperate to give birth. I think she’s a little jealous of Amy-Belle.”

Nic laughed and gave Geoff a long look.

“We’ve had a discussion.” She said softly. “Someone wanted to have another baby.”

“Speaking personally they are alright until you realise how much it’s going to cost at Christmas and Birthdays and in allowance.” Ella said tucking her feet up under her.

Geoff and Nic shared a look.

“You sound happier.” Geoff commented. “We’ve been worried about you.”

Ella sighed before she spoke again.

“I’ve had better times.” She said softly.

“Dad told us about the letter.” Nic murmured glancing over at Meggy. “What are you going to do.”

“It’s a solicitors letter not a court summons and as the police want to talk to him I don’t think he’ll go that far.” Ella said her voice quiet once more.

“Shall we change the subject?” Nic asked her.

“Nah, I’m fine really.” Ella promised them.

“So are we having a party tonight?” Geoff said quietly.

Ella nodded.

“You could do me a favour and give Miles a call see if he wants to come over.”

“No worries.” Geoff grinned and pulled out his phone. He scrolled through the menu before making the call, standing up and moving away as he spoke into the phone.

“El.” Nic began looking over at her.

“Your Dad and I are fine.” Ella told her. “Really good in fact.”

“So you talked things through? To be honest when Sophie casually suggested we went home early at Christmas I was a bit worried.” Nic confessed.

“So that’s how come we got an empty house so soon.” Ella said with a tinkling laugh.

Nic nodded.

“Apparently they had been talking about doing that dinner for you for ages.” Nic murmured looking over at her sister across the garden.

“Well we did a lot of talking that night. Sorting through a lot of issues.” Ella said biting her lip.

“You do look happier.” Nic said after a moment. “How is Martha?”

“She’s staying with Rachel. Not sure how long she has.”

Nic nodded.

“Think you were amazing to take her in over Christmas Step-mama.”

Ella shook her head and stood up.

“Wasn’t anything special.” She murmured before heading into the house. She placed her cup on the side and moved up the stairs before going up the second set of stairs and through the children’s rooms to the door that led to the attic. She moved into the room coughing as the dust entered her throat. Switching on the single bulb that lit the room she moved the old dinning room chairs to one side and went round them to the back of the small space. Sighing she looked at the crib Roman had bought for Lily. She’d adapted it when she’d had William and had taken off the lace frill. Lifting it out she moved it nearer the door before searching for the box that would have the other baby stuff in.

“Hey Mum.” Sophie called out from the doorway. “Wow, Mike was right you do have everything up here.”

“Was there something you wanted?” Ella asked her daughter ignoring her comment.

“Er…” Sophie moved deeper into the room and saw a trunk with her name on. The trunk was antique, painted white with a hint of pale green underneath. “What’s this?” she asked her mother.

“I told you I saved stuff.” Ella muttered feeling strangely embarrassed.

“Is there one of these for all of us?” Sophie asked bending down and opening hers. She gave a gasp as she took out a small battered teddy bear. “Piglet.” She cried out.

Ella laughed.

“I can’t believe you kept him.” Sophie cried happily.

“You mean you can’t believe I was sneaky enough to keep him after you told me to throw him out.” Ella pointed out.

Sophie flushed before looking deeper in the trunk. She took out a tissue wrapped object and slowly loosened the wrapping to reveal a pale blue cotton dress.

“I loved this dress.” Sophie cried out. “Oh Mum.”

“I know you did it’s why I kept it.” Ella told her moving to her side and kneeling in front of the trunk. “Then there is this.” She added as she took out a small lace pouch that contained a small unicorn ornament.

“This is like Christmas.” Sophie muttered. “Only instead of presents you get memories.”

Ella laughed at her daughter.

“I didn’t have a lot of stuff from when I was little so I knew how important it was that some things were kept.”

“Well this is amazing.” Sophie said flinging her arms around her mother and squeezing her in a hug. Ella hugged her back before letting her look in her trunk as she moved back to the other side of the attic and lifting the box with the baby stuff in. She carried it over to where she’d placed the crib before heading back and picking out a box of her material bits.

“Mum.” Sophie called.

“Remembered what you came up here for?” Ella asked her.

“Miles is downstairs.” Sophie told her. “The boys want to set up a bar like they did on your diner night but as they aren’t here can Meggy and I do it?”

“Don’t see why you can’t.” Ella said carrying the box towards the door. “As long as you don’t drink the beer.”

Sophie nodded grinning. She placed the beat carefully in the trunk and closed it before standing and walking over to the door with her mother.

“Want anything carrying?” she asked.

Ella shook her head.

“I’m going to send your Dad up later for that stuff.” She said pointing at the crib.

“Ok.” Sophie said walking through the door.

Ella turned out the light and walked through the rooms and down the stairs. She placed the box she’d picked out of the attic into the utility room and gave her hands a quick wash before heading out the back.

“Hello Miles.” She called out. “Did they offer you a drink?”

He gave a quick nod before looking over at Leona and Millie.

“You ok?” Ella asked him.

“Sorry a bit distracted. Jai is coming home. Wants to meet Lee and Millie.”

“About time.” Ella smiled at him. “Be nice to see him.”

Miles grinned.

“Actually he only mentioned coming home when I said Annie was back in the bay.”

“Ah.” Ell chuckled. “Maybe Lilly will get to be a bridesmaid again after all.”

Miles looked around before leaning close to Ella.

“Pete is dating Charlie.” He whispered. “But don’t say that you heard it form me.”

Ella laughed.

“So that leaves Jacko.”

“Leaves me what?” Jacko asked from behind her.

“Oh did someone tell you there was free beer?” Ella asked him.

“I’m stunned you would say a thing like that to me Missy.” Jacko said with a mock groan.

Ella laughed.

“I think I’ll go into the house and start on the food.” She glanced over at Lily and Liam watching them playing with Mira and Millie before heading into the house. Opening the fridge she took out the makings for a salad before grabbing a selection of potatoes. She washed them before putting them on paper towels to dry before putting them in the oven. Next she made a bowl of salad and a big dish of coleslaw.

“So we aren’t having pizza?” Belle asked walking through the door with Tyler and Amy-Belle.

“Not tonight.” Ella said softly. “How are you?”

“I’m fine. Baby is doing well.” Amy-Belle told her looking around.

“Everyone is out back.” Ella said putting wrap over the two bowls and tidying the kitchen. “The girls are setting up a bar if you want to go see them for a drink.”

Belle nodded and headed out the back, guiding Amy-Belle in front of her. Ella followed and looked around seeing everyone gathering. She gave a grin and nodded to Jacko and Miles to follow her as she headed to the shed and started lifting out extra chairs and tables.

“I love this. We get invited over and have to do all the work.” Miles groaned.

Ella laughed at him.

“Shut up and get on with it.” she told him.

He grinned.

“Want us to start the BBQ?” he asked her.

Ella nodded before wheeling that out next. She stepped to one side watching as Jacko and Miles took it to the other end of the garden and began setting it up.

“Mum do you want a drink?” Meggy called out.

“No thanks. I’m just going to nip up and take a quick shower.” Ella told her. “Excuse me.” She murmured to the rest of them before heading into the house. She ran up the stairs and into the bedroom. Heading through to the en suite she stripped off and stepped under the hot shower.

Roman moved into the house. He heard voices come through from the back and headed to the kitchen placing the bags of food on the top. Mike followed his action before leading Aden and Brett through to the garden. Georgie and Sammy followed.

“Boys.” Roman called out.

“Yeah?” Sammy asked.

“Can I have you head up the stairs and get showered and changed please?” he asked them and saw Sammy give a groan before the two of them moved back into the house and up the stairs. He followed heading into the bedroom. He heard the shower running in the en suite and moved into the bathroom himself.

“El.” He called out seeing her sitting under the hot spray.

She looked up and wiped at her eyes before hastily standing up.

Roman stepped forward towards her.

“No.” she said holding out her hand to him. “I’m fine.”

“Don’t look so fine.” Roman said in a half growl.

“It’s just that.” She stopped and reached for the controls turning off the water before stepping out and wrapping a towel around herself.

“Just?” he asked folding his arms across his chest. “El please talk to me. You said you were happy earlier.”

“I am happier.” She murmured but still looked sad as she said it.

“Ella.” Roman cried out.

She stepped forward and sighed when he automatically opened his arms and wrapped them around her.

“I’m not pregnant.” She whispered into his chest.

“Ah.” He said with understanding. “That’s a good thing though isn’t it?” he asked her.

She nodded before bursting into tears.

“Oh El. We can’t afford another baby.” He sighed feeling slightly sad himself.

“I know that too.” She sniffed against his chest.

Roman sighed again rubbing her back as he let her cry.

“I could point out that you’d be struggling with being pregnant and looking after twins.” He told her.

“uh huh.” She mumbled.

“And that we’d have no where for the baby to go.” He added.

She nodded.

“And that I really can’t afford for you to be ill.” He murmured hiding his grin as she nodded again.

“And that we have enough wonderful amazing children.” He told her.

“Know.” She whispered before sniffing again.

“But you aren’t listening to me are you?”

“S’am.” She whispered.

He gave a little chuckle before picking her up and carrying her over to the bed. He sat down and lifted her into his lap holding her close.

“It’s ok.” he told her.

She nodded her arms wrapping around his neck.

He held her against him and rocked her as she cried his ahdn rubbing her back.

“I’m ok.” she mumbled after a minute.

“Uh huh.” He said looking at her.

She nodded and wiped her eyes.

“I was so scared I was pregnant so being sad that I’m not is silly.” She muttered not quite meeting his eyes.

“I’m a little sad too.” He confessed. “But I really want my wife healthy and ok and seriously I’m feeling guilty enough about spending quality time with our kids as it is.”

Ella gave a small laugh before easing off his lap. She took hold of his hand.

“Thank you for letting me cry.” She told him.

“Thank you for telling me why you were upset.” He said back.

“We need to stop with this communication you know.” She murmured to him. “And all this being happy. People won’t recognise it’s us.”

Roman grinned at her before he stood up and led her back into the bathroom. He pressed a kiss to her lips running his fingers down her cheek.

“I love you Ella Harris.” He told her gently.

“Love you too.” She murmured leaning against him for a long moment.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 91

Roman looked over at Ella as she sat talking to Belle and Amy-Belle. He could tell from the look on her face she was talking about the new baby and he smiled sadly remembering her tears of earlier and then he laughed at seeing her turn and give him a smile, as if the witch knew what he was thinking. He murmured something to Mike before turning and walking over to Ella.

“Ok what are you plotting?” he asked her.

“Nothing sinister. Just telling Amy-Belle that as I have Fleur and soon, hopefully August home, we can help out with day care. It won’t be too much extra hassle to have another baby around some days. Plus I mentioned giving her Liam’s old cot.” Ella explained looking up at Roman.

“We bought new ones for the babies.” Roman explained softly. “matching ones.”

Amy-Belle looked at her mother and saw Belle nod.

“Once you are sorted with everything I’m sure you’ll be able to help if we need a sitter.” Ella added quietly.

“Assuming of course we ever get a social life.” Roman pointed out grinning at Ella.

“Stop being all grumpy.” Ella told him grinning back.

Belle laughed.

“You don’t fool anyone Roman Harris. Your idea of a romantic night is going to the diner.” She teased him.

Ella nodded and looked up at her husband.

“And that is only because he gets a discount.” Ella added.

Roman laughed.

“I do romance Mrs Harris.” He murmured tugging her out of her seat. He pulled her into his arms dancing around the garden before he dipped her.

“Yuk stop.” Mike called out from across the garden.

Ella laughed out loud easing back up to stand upright. She looked up at him and felt her heart leap at the sight of her handsome husband, he was smiling at her, that wonderful happy smile of his that creased up his eyes and made him look amazingly handsome. She gave a little gasp realising that she had just fallen in love with him again.

“Steady solider.” She murmured to him, loving the feel of his strong arms around her. She knew that he would be holding her all night when they went to bed later, chasing away the sadness she’d felt earlier and she loved him for that too.

“uh huh. How long since you saw me in uniform?” he asked her, his lips close to her ear.

“I can’t remember.” She answered him grinning. “Since I prefer you out of uniform as often as possible.”

Roman threw back his head and laughed.

“Any guesses as to what she just said to him?” Jacko muttered.

“None whatsoever.” Mike said. “But I have learnt that usually its best not to know.”

“Heard that.” Miles added casting a sly look over at Roman.

“What have we missed?” Nic asked walking out of the house.

“Nothing you should worry about.” Aden called out.

He took a long drink of his beer and smiled over at Belle.

“Did you write your message?” Ella asked Nic and saw the other woman nod before she gave a grin.

“Geoff …er…. Wrote something interesting.” She said raising her voice slightly so it would reach everyone. “About a tattoo.” She added.

“Oh no he didn’t.” Aden muttered running past everyone and into the house.

Roman looked over at Miles and the two men laughed.

“Something you want to share?” Ella asked Roman.

“No nothing.” He said quickly.

“Uh huh.” She murmured giving him the look.

“That isn’t going to work this time either.” He told her.

“So there is something.” She said with a grin.

“I’m getting a beer. Do you want a drink?” he asked her changing the subject.

“Oh, is it something that interesting?” she murmured. “I’m going to take the children in and get them settled for the night. If you boys are feeling strong can I point out there is man work to be done in Lily’s and Liam’s new bedroom.”

Roman groaned before casting a look over at where the others were standing.

“Sgt Thompson and Private Addison.” He called out quickly. “Front and Centre.”

Miles laughed when he saw the two men immediately stand to attention.

“I’m going to have to remember that one.” Ella threatened.

Roman shot her a look, grinning himself.

“Sir, yes sir.” Mike called out sarcastically.

“Follow me.” Roman barked out.

Mike looked over at Danni before he threw his shoulders back and proceeded to march towards Roman stopping just in front of the other man before saluting.

Roman chuckled and returned the salute.

“At ease.” He ordered.

Mike immediately moved to the ‘At Ease’ position, separating his feet shoulder width apart and putting his hands behind his back, hands clasped loosely.

“Well go on.” Miles said to Jacko.

Jacko muttered something before he too marched over to stand next to Mike. He shot a look at Roman and grinning he gave him a lazy salute.

“Is that the best you can do Sgt?” Roman barked out stepping forward and closer to him.

Jacko sniggered.

“I don’t believe I gave you permission to breath let alone find something humorous about this situation.” Roman said to him.

Jacko laughed some more before turning to Mike.

“He’s still got it.” he commented.

“I noticed.” Mike murmured laughing.

“Roman.” Ella said quietly.

He turned and looked at her trying not to swear when he saw a hint of sadness about her.

“Think two volunteers will be enough?” he asked quickly.

“Should be.” She murmured.

“Come on.” He told them. “Won’t take long.” He promised them leading Jacko and Mike through the house and up the stairs.

Ella watched them go before walking over to the children.

“Time to get ready for bed.” She called out. “Especially you Lily girl.”

Lily looked at her and grinned.

“And Liam.” She said pointing to her brother.

“And Liam.” Ella agreed. “Come on.”

She smiled at the reluctance that some of them had as they began following her. Bending down she picked up Lily and balance her carefully on her hip before gathering Liam to her and lifting him to her other hip.

“Practising the two baby pick up?” Nic asked her as she bent and picked up Mira.

“Something like that.” Ella said on response.

She glanced over a Lee and smiled.

“Bringing Millie?” she asked her. “You and Miles can go in the study.”

Lee looked at Miles and saw him grin.

“Up to you.” He told her.

Lee smiled.

“What do you say Millie? Would you like to stay?”

Millie nodded and toddled over to her mother.

“I think that is a yes.” She murmured.

Ella led them all into the house and up the stairs. She groaned with the weight of the two babies feeling her back give her a warning twinge.

“You is going to have to stop eating chocolate.” Ella said softly.

“Not me’s” Lily cried out looking heartbroken.

Nic giggled at her sister as Ella eased them to the floor just inside the nursery. She turned around and looked for Roman seeing him inside the other bedroom.

“Roman?” she called out.

“Yes?” he asked quickly.

“Can you bring the mattress in from that room?” She asked him referring to the bed they had bought for Liam. “Mind out the way babes.” Ella said to them as she picked up the rocking chair and moved that out of the room and on to the landing. She lifted Lily’s mattress off next and put that on the floor.

“Uh huh.” Roman muttered from the doorway.

“Can you take the bed out please?” Ella asked him. “I’m going to put both mattresses on the floor and let all the babies sleep together.”

“Hear that Millie?” Lee spoke softly to her daughter. “You are going to sleep with the other babies.”

Millie chuckled and waved at Lilly.

“Mama?” Lily asked looking puzzled.

“Just a minute Lils.” Ella said as she helped Roman with the bed. As soon as it was out of the door he was able to lift it by himself leaving Ella placing both mattresses flat. She moved to the cupboard in the bathroom and took out fresh sheets and the baby blankets, returning to the nursery and making up the new mattress. She put Liam’s pillow and cuddly toy down before going over to the chest of drawers in the corner and taking out night clothes for them.

Nic put Mira on the floor and grinned as she ran over to Ella.

“This one?” Ella asked her holding up a pink nightdress.

“Yes please.” Mira asked.

“Here you go, give it to Mummy.” Ella handed her the nightdress and chuckled as she ran over to Nic. “Which one for Millie.”

“Blue.” Lily told her. “Millie likes blue.” Lily told her lisping her “s” again.

Ella looked up at Lee.

“That is true.” She told Ella. “Millie’s favourite colour is blue.”

Ella laughed and leaned over to kiss Lily.

“Clever girl.” She complimented her before changing her into her favourite yellow nightdress. Ella had a feeling that her daughter liked it because it reminded her of her bridesmaid dress. She took out pyjamas for Liam and beckoned her son over to her.

“No.” Liam cried out giggling. “Mama ickle.”

Lily giggled and looked at her brother.

“What’s ickle Millie?” Lee asked her daughter.

Millie laughed.

“Ickle.” She murmured wriggling her fingers. “ickle.” She added softly.

“Does Millie ickle?” Lee asked her.

“Daddy ickles.” Millie grinned. “Mummy ickles.”

“Daddy?” Ella said softly grinning at Lee.

“Is that Miles?” Nic asked also grinning. “Lee you are wonderful. I bet he is over the moon.”

“It took some time for me to accept his help with her.” Lee said quietly. “You know, that he really wanted to be with her and wasn’t feeling sorry for me.”

“Which I could have told you like ages ago.” Nic murmured. “Miles is amazing. I’ll always think of him as my other Dad.”

Lee nodded grinning.

“That’s what we think too isn’t it Millie, Daddy is amazing.”

Millie nodded solemnly.

“But he ickles.” She announced.

Mike glanced over at Roman again sipping from his drink.

“You can stop now.” Roman said quietly out the corner of his mouth.

“I could but you and Mum haven’t said two words to each other since you did the army thing.” Mike said with a sigh.

“I have noticed.” Roman admitted. “But you are reading too much into it. This is a party and she is busy. She’s only just come down from seeing to the beds and making sure the children are ok.”

“As long as that is all that is.” Mike muttered glancing at his mother.

Roman gave him a look before walking over to where Ella was standing.

“Hey.” He said to her.

Ella smiled up at him and reached out placing her hand in his. She waited until the others she had been talking to disappeared before turning to Roman.

“Is our son worrying?” she asked him.

“Not as much as I’m beginning to.” Roman replied.

“I’m not upset about the army stuff, I’m just a little sad because it reminded me of my brother.” Ella tried to explain.

“I’m sorry I didn’t think.” Roman gasped.

“Roman look at me.” Ella muttered quickly.

He turned and looked at her.

“I’m happy that you did that ok, the army is a part of you and you’ve been denying it for a long time. Because of the Mark stuff and because you know I’ve got a problem with anything army.” she said to him imploring him not to retreat inside himself again. “I’m not upset by you doing it but the reminder of my brother made me a little sad. Apart from that I’m ok.”

“Promise?” he asked.

Ella nodded.

“I also happened to see our son’s face when you did it. I think he is missing the army a little.” She told him glancing at Mike.

“You could be right.” Roman said with a sigh. “It’s weird. You make such deep friendships because you trust your life to these men.”

“Yeah I can get that.” Ella told him with a grin. She glanced over at Jacko sitting talking with Miles. “Mike has always be so independent. He made friendships at boarding school but apart from a few trips they didn’t last. I always put it down to his being so smart and somehow being aloof because of it.”

“Brett is a good friend.”

“I know. But Brett can’t understand what he went through simply because he never did anything remotely like it.” Ella said with a sigh. She walked over to a couple of vacant chairs and sat in one smiling up at Roman as he sat in the one opposite her.

“Do you want me to talk to him?” Roman asked her.

“I would love for you to do that.” Ella said to him lifting her free hand to his face and stroking his cheek. “But I don’t want to put that on you.”

“You really are amazing.” Roman said to her.

“Uh huh.” Ella muttered a tinge of red on her cheeks.

Roman leaned over and kissed her.

“Oi less of that.” Jacko called out whistling at them.

“Could be a reason to invite Pete and Jacko out for a drink. Might be easier if all three of you were talking with him.” she suggested.

“Easier on me?” Roman scoffed.

“On all of you. If I thought about Michael tonight don’t you think that maybe Jacko did? Might be some stuff he wants to talk about too.” She said with a shrug. “Easier if all of you were there.”

“You are very sneaky Mrs Harris.” Roman said throwing back his head as he laughed.

“I love the way you’re always surprised by that.” She said softly before kissing him again and standing. She walked over to where Toby was standing and grinned at him. “Going home tomorrow?”

“Yup.” He said with a sigh. “Funny.” He commented. “I sorta think of this place as home too.”

Ella nodded.

“Summer Bay doesn’t have a book shop. There are a lot of students here.” She pointed out to him.

“I have noticed that myself.” He said to her grinning.

Ella chuckled, reaching up and stroking his cheek.

“I so can’t get over how much you look like my husband.”

“You can’t?” Toby laughed. “Every time I look at him I think I’m looking in a mirror.”

“Whatever she is talking you into, say no.” Gabby called over moving over to stand near them.

Toby laughed again and put his arm around his sister smiling at the look on their mother’s face.

“She was just commenting on the resemblance between me and Dad.” Toby said to her. He flushed as they both stood there grinning at him for referring to Roman as his dad. “But she should get you and her in front of the mirror sometime.”

“Nah I have his eyes.” Gabby said grinning at her mum.

“But you do the voice.” Danni called out coming to stand next to them.

Ella smiled before yawning feeling suddenly tired.

“Mum?” Danni asked quickly.

“Just tired.” She said to her.

“You’ve been doing a lot today.” Gabby said to her.

Ella nodded.

“I think I might turn in actually.”

“We should…” Danni began glancing around.

“It’s ok.” Ella said to her. “Just let Roman know I’ve gone up.” She told her pressing a kiss to Danni’s cheek. She did the same to Gabby before turning and moving into the house. She climbed up the stairs slowly pausing outside the nursery she listened for a couple of moments before heading into the room.

“Shouldn’t my babies be sleeping?” she asked them softly.

“Mama hugs?” Lily cried out.

Ella moved voer to her and hugged her.

“now then do you need a story?” she asked softly.

“Yes.” Mira cried out excitedly.

Ella grinned.

“Ok, once upon a time a long long long….”

“Long.” Millie said grinning.

“Long time ago, in a faraway land there lived a little boy called….”

“Liam.” Liam called out grinning.

“Liam.” Ella said. “And he was a fairytale prince. With a sword and crown and a pet cat.”

“Biscuits.” Lily supplied.

“A pet cat called Biscuits. And he had three special friends called Lils squeals and Millie….”

“And me’s.” Mira called out.

“And Mira. And they were all fairy princesses.” Ella told them smiling as they grinned.

“But there was a wicked fairy out there called …..”

“Fred.” Mira called out.

“Called Fred.” Ella smiled. “Now Fred saw the three pretty fairy Princesses playing and he went and sprinkled them with his fairy dust making them very sleepy.” She murmured faking a yawn. As if by magic the children copied her. “And they lay down in their beds under magical blankets.”

“marical.” Lily lisped.

Ella tucked them in again.

“Very magical. They make all bad dreams go away.” She whispered. “And they protected the fairy’s until Prince Liam came and rescued them.”

She eased out of the room seeing the four babies finally settling down into sleep before heading into their bedroom. She moved over to the bed and sat down kicking off her shoes. Lying back on the covers she sank into a deep sleep straight away.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 92

Roman eased up the stairs quietly. He checked the babies were asleep before walking into the bedroom. He frowned looking over at Ella seeing his beautiful wife stretched out on the bed still in her clothes. Sighing he closed the door and moved over to her to begin easing out of her clothes. He looked down at her before reaching under her pillow and finding a nightdress. It seemed to take a long time to get her into it, which made him giggle as he thought about how easily he usually got her out of them.

“S’drunk.” Ella mumbled.

“Shush.” Roman muttered. “Don’t wake my wife.”

Ella rolled over away from him.

“Go away.” She cried out still half asleep.

“Can’t this is my house.” He said collapsing on to the bed. He frowned some more as he attempted to get his shoes off. Next he tugged at his T-shirt laughing some more as he fell backwards on to the bed when he overbalanced.

Ella sat up and glared at him.

“You are disgustingly drunk.” She cried out. “Get off me.”

“Look I told you to be quiet you’ll wake the wife.” Roman said again suddenly finding something was fascinating him about his fingers.

“That is so not funny Roman Harris.” She snapped out kicking at him until he fell off the bed.

“What did you do that for?” he muttered moving until he was sitting up. He pushed the blanket that had fallen with him away from his face and looked at her.

“Maybe I don’t find it funny that you are joking about another woman whilst you are trying to get into bed with me.” She bit out folding her arms across herself.

Roman gave her a smile as he picked himself up. He sat again on the bed and tugged off his top and dumped it on the floor. He tossed his shorts and boxers on top with an over arm throw and climbed into bed naked.

“G’night.” He muttered.

“You are beyond belief.” Ella cried out.

“Shush.” Roman said rolling over. “I’m a little drunk, ok. Blame the boys.”

“Little drunk?” Ella scoffed glaring at him.

Roman opened one eye and looked at her.

“I had a little drunk but I’m fine.” He murmured slurring his words. “I’m sad.”

“And why are you sad?” she ground out.

“ ’Cause you is still unhappy. And I can’t fix you.” He said quietly.

“It is not your job to fix me.” Ella bit out between tight lips, still glaring at him.

“I broke you I should fix you.” He stated looking and sounding strangely boy like.

“You broke me?” she echoed.

Roman nodded.

“I made you live in Summer Bay. I forced you to give up photography. I kept getting you pregnant. I turned you into a housewife.” He stated counting off things on his fingers. “I made you cook. You hate cooking. You’d rather do a hundred other things than cook.” He added.

Ella sighed.

“Not a hundred.” She said quietly.

Roman looked over at her.

“Well ninety-nine things then.” He qualified.

She looked at him taking in the sad expression on his face before leaning over and kissing him.

“But on the plus side you do give me a lot of orgasms.” She whispered against his lips.

Roman sighed pulling her into his arms and snuggling down in the bed.

“I love you so much Ella Harris and I’m so sorry for all the things I do that hurt or upset you.” He said to her.

“You are so drunk Roman Harris.” She told him.

Roman nodded before he closed his eyes and lapsed into unconsciousness.

Ella eased out of the bed and moved as quietly as possible into the en suite. She showered before pulling on clean clothes and tiptoeing out of the bedroom closing the door behind her. She saw the babies still asleep and moved down the stairs and through to the kitchen. She saw the chaos that was left in her kitchen and grinned. Moving some of the empty bottles out of the way she moved to the kettle, filling it up before switching it on. She opened the back door and looked out into the garden seeing more chaos out there. The chairs were still out scattered all over the grass along with plates, cutlery and bottles in random places.

“See what happens when you go to bed early?” Nic asked from behind her.

“Yes I do and you know what I’m going to leave it.” Ella declared putting her hands on her hips.

“Really?” Nic murmured looking at the kettle.

She was silently urging it to boil quicker.

Ella reached into a cupboard and took out the headache tablets handing them to Nic.

“How did you guess?” Nic muttered.

“You were mouthing the words hurry up to the kettle.” Ella said turning and taking out a bottle of water from the fridge and passing that to her.

“I was?” Nic said.

Ella nodded pouring out orange juice for herself. She looked at Nic and poured some out for her before heading back to the kettle and making a pot of coffee.

“Is that coffee?” a muffled voice from the sofa in the lounge called.

“It may be.” Ella responded.

Jacko gave a groan before standing upright and walking through to the kitchen. He looked over at Ella and gave her a rueful grin.

“Expecting something Jacko?” Ella asked quietly.

“Just you to hit me with a blunt object.” He replied.

“And why would I do that?” she quizzed him.

Jacko pointed to an empty bottle on the top.

“We ..er…” he muttered.

“You got my husband drunk. “ Ella supplied.

Jacko nodded his face flushing with colour.

Ella laughed before handing Jacko a cup of coffee smiling as he sighed gratefully.

“Dad was drunk?” Nic asked.

Ella nodded before passing a cup to Nic.

“He was very drunk.” Ella told her.

“Cool.” Nic grinned and cast a look at Jacko. “Mind you that must mean that Mike isn’t going to surface for a few days.”

“Mike?” Jacko muttered. “Last time I saw him he was asleep in the garden.”

Ella looked over at Jacko.

“Presumably someone made sure he was ok?” Ella bit out.

Jacko gulped before heading out into the garden.

“And while you are out there you can tidy up the garden.” Ella added.

“Step-mama?” Nic asked looking past her and to where Jacko was standing.

“Mike was on a sun lounger near the pool. Looked fine a minute ago when Danni poured a glass of water over his head.” Ella grinned.

“I bow down to your sneakiness.” Nic said with a laugh.

Ella grinned and moved over to sit at the table. She sipped at her coffee and looked out as Jacko glared at her. He moved over to her and sat opposite.

“Missy it is a good job that we love you.” He muttered.

She smiled at him.

“So you got my husband and my son drunk?” she pointed out.

“Hardcore got hisself drunk.”

Ella leaned over and kissed Jacko on his cheek.

“He’s going to have some fun in a moment when I get him out of bed to cook for you lot.” She murmured.

“I’ll put some stuff together.” Nic offered.

“I think the kitchen will need a little work before then.” Jacko said glancing at the filled tops.

Ella shook her head before draining her cup. She moved into the kitchen and poured out a second cup before looking around. With another sigh she headed into the utility room and collected a box putting the empty bottles into it for recycling. She saw Jacko give her a look before he moved to her side. She pointed to the utility room and he collected a box heading outside and collecting bottles from the garden.

“What can I do?” Nic asked.

“Go pick up plates and stuff from outside?” Ella suggested.

Nic nodded and head out. She started by putting glasses to one side on a table on the veranda. Next she stacked up plates and cutlery.

Ella took the filled box and put it in the utility room before heading back and opening up the dishwasher. She filled it with the plates and cutlery before heading to the veranda and collecting glasses. She stacked the last of these just as Nic brought the rest of the plates.

“Thanks.” Ella said. “These should be done by the time the food is cooked.”

Nic smiled before she spoke.

“Full fry up?” she asked.

“Of course.” Ella chuckled.

She put the dishwasher on before reaching for a cloth and wiping down the counter tops.

“I think I might have a quick shower before the kids wake up.” Nic said quietly.

“Can you check on the babies?” Ella asked taking out the frying pans.

Nic nodded before heading up the stairs leaving Ella cooking in the kitchen. In minutes she had bacon grilling, mushrooms chopped and frying, and tomatoes and beans brought to the boil. She piled up buttered toast on to a plate before taking eggs out of the fridge and cracking them into a bowl.

She whisked them quickly before tipping them into a hot pan. Taking out the bacon she placed that on a plate and placed it on the table. Next she dealt with the baked beans putting them into a bowl.

“Cool breakfast.” Sammy said with a grin.

“Help put it on the table.” Ella said to him.

She saw Marcus standing behind him.

“You can have cereal if you want.” She murmured with a grin.

Marcus gave her a hesitant smile walking over to her before reaching out and tugging on her sleeve. Ella bent down and listened as he asked her a question. She looked at him and nodded.

“Do you want me to put juice on the table?” Sammy asked.

“Please.” She said serving up the last of the food. She walked over to the intercom and pressed the button. “Breakfast.” She called out.

She saw Sammy plating up his and walked over handing a plate to Marcus before buttering two pieces of bread for him. He went over and put bacon in between them to make a sandwich. Ella stepped to him and sliced it into two.

“You can sit in front of the tv.” She told them. “Put cartoons on.”

Sammy chuckled and walked over placing his plate to one side as he switched on the tv to his favourite channel. He looked at Marcus sitting next to him and smiled. Ella turned to see Jacko loading up a plate. He gave her a grin.

“Thought I better get mine before the kids come.” He explained.

Ella gave a laugh before heading up the stairs and into the bedroom. Roman was still asleep the covers pulled over his head and she avoided the urge to wake him. Moving into the en suite she changed into a swimming costume before heading back down and out to the pool. She dived into the cool water and swam lengths easing the ache in her back.

Roman sat up in bed and looked at his watch. He groaned and staggered into the bathroom heading under the shower. He felt the hot water jet stinging his skin as he showered. He felt slightly more human as he moved out and dried off. Moments later he was dressed and walked out and down the stairs. He heard music playing from the garden and walked out through the doors.

“Morning Daddy.” Nic called out.

“Yeah morning.” Danni added looking at him.

“Girls I do think you mean afternoon.” Ella said. “In fact another hour and a half and we could have called it evening.”

Roman looked round them and shook his head. He walked into the kitchen and poured out coffee for himself.

“Hey.” Ella said from the doorway.

“Hey.” He said back.

“Want to talk?” she asked

“Not really.” He said. “Nothings going to change. I presume you cooked breakfast.”

Ella starred at him before shaking her head. She walked back out to her seat and picked up her sowing.

“Step-mama?” Nic asked glancing at her.

“Your father is not in a good mood.” Ella said quietly.

“Great we can shut him in with Aden and Mike and see which one comes out alive.” Belle grinned at the suggestion that came form Danni.

“I’m not even going to bother. “ Ella said

“Ouh step-mama?” Nic said glancing at Ella before casting a sly look at Roman still standing in the kitchen.

Ella shook her head in warning.

“Ok.” Danni muttered. “Do you want another drink?”

Ella nodded.

“Maybe a bit less vodka this time I’m trying to sow straight here.” She said with a grin.

“Nic? Belle?” Danni asked in shorthand smiling as both women held up their glasses. She collected all the glasses and walked into the kitchen and placed them on the top. She caught Roman watching her as she poured out white wine for herself, Belle and Nic and then tipped a measure of vodka into a glass with ice before adding coke to it. It took two trips to take them back out before she sat nest to Ella.

“So what are you making?” Danni asked her.

Ella shook out what she had sown so far.

“It’s a patchwork quilt for Lily.” Ella said quietly.

“That is so cool. Can you make one for me?” Danni blurted.

“Not today.” Ella grinned. “I’ve got enough material for Lily’s and also for Liam.”

“Liam’s getting one too?” Nic asked.

Ella nodded.

“It’s part of my strategy to encourage them into their new rooms.” She grinned looking over at the babies as they were playing tea party. Liam wearing his pirate suit with Mira and Lily in their princess dresses. The other kids also playing there.

“I love this song.” Nic cried out jumping up and turning up the stereo. She started dancing on the grass. Belle took a look at Danni before she stood and began dancing with Nic. Danni chuckled and grabbed hold of Ella’s free hand pulling her up, all four of them dancing.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Another amazing update Tele.

How you can update this often is beyond me! You're too good.

Drunk Roman was funny yet he said some really sweet things to Ella.

Love Roman & Ella.

Well done & I look forward to more.

Love Carina xxx

I update so often by not sleeping, not having friends, not having a life..... but it's worth it because you don't lynch me....

Brilliant Tele, another great part, we want happy roman and ella though, grumpy Roman in the morning and after she being nice and letting him lie in.

Didn't I ban you already?? Look the story is called Broken.... do you think it's going to have a happy ending??

Now then I suppose you'd like another chapter.....

Chapter 93

Ella looked over at Roman sitting silently on the other sofa before she sighed. Looking down at her sowing she focused on hemming the quilt before she glanced at him again.

“So.” He said finally.

“So.” She murmured.

“I said some stuff last night.”

“Yeah.” Ella agreed deciding not to go easy on him.

“We should talk about it don’t you think?” he said looking at her finally.

“What would be the point nothing changes.” Ella said to him putting her sowing to one side and standing up.

“Maybe I deserved that.” He spoke softly standing up too.

Ella shook her head and moved into the kitchen. She tipped more vodka into her glass and added coke. Next she opened up the fridge and took out the leftover salad from dinner placing that on the top.

“What are you looking for?” he asked from the archway.

“It’s alright I’m good at cooking. I get a lot of practice.”

“So not going to let me forget what I said are you?” he muttered folding his arms.

Ella turned and looked at him putting her hands on her hips.

“Not only am I not going to forget it I’m planning to point out all the things that you have issues with and make a point of making you feel like crap every occasion I get.” She snapped out.

Ella…” he said quickly taking a step forward.

Ella held up her hand and looked at him.

“I’m sorry. “ he finished.

Ella nodded.

“And that is for what?”

“Being grumpy with you earlier?” he asked.

“I should think so too. Now go away and leave me alone. I’m planning to do some cooking and I wouldn’t want you to think I’m in any way demeaning myself be being in the kitchen.”

Roman groaned and looked at her.

“How long is this going on for?” he asked.

“Until the divorce comes through.” She snapped at him.

“Ella I’ve apologised.” Roman pointed out.

She looked at her watch and raised an eyebrow.

“Ok I gave you a really lame apology really late but it’s still an apology.” He clarified.

She stayed silent and looked at him.

“El.” He murmured.

“Well that is a first.” She muttered.

Roman looked at her puzzled.

“Using El to try and get you out of a tough spot. Am I supposed to go all gooey?”

“Mummy.” Sophie called coming down the stairs and into the kitchen. She stopped dead and looked at them. “Er ok.” she said turning around and heading back up the stairs. “Forget it they are arguing again.” She called out.

“Has he apologised yet?” Georgie asked.

Ella bit the inside of her cheek not to laugh keeping her gaze on Roman.

He walked over to the bottom of the stairs.

“I’ve said sorry but your mother is being stubborn. Again.” He called up them.

“Yeah but did you apologise first or when you realised you had stuffed up?” Georgie asked coming partway down the stairs.

Ella picked up her drink and took a sip before opening the fridge and taking out the bread. She began spreading a couple of slices and making a sandwich with the left over salad.

“It’s complicated.” Roman tried to explain to Georgie.

“How can it be complicated Dad? You were drunk and said some stuff” Sophie began moving to sit on the stairs next to her brother.

“What do you know about it?” Roman asked folding his arms.

“Only what Nic said.” Sophie murmured. “And well that you’ve been grumpy all day.”

“Mega grumpy.” Meggy added.

“Not all day though, because he didn’t get out of bed until this afternoon.” Sammy added glancing at Marcus who moved to stand next to him on the landing.

“Look I’m not going to discuss this with you lot.” Roman muttered.

Ella moved through to the table taking her drink and sandwich. She picked up a half of the sandwich and took a bite enjoying the fresh crisp lettuce.

“Seems like you are discussing it with us.” Georgie said glancing at the others.

“That might be true. Look.” Roman began raising his head and looking at them himself. “What is between your mother and me….”

“Oh he’s coming out with that.” Meggy said glancing at Sophie.

“Yeah.” Sophie agreed. “Like what they do doesn’t affect us.” She added with a shrug.

Roman flinched.

“But it is.” He tried again.

“Uh huh.” Sophie said sounding just like Ella.

Roman glared at her and did the arm thing.

“Look it’s the arms.” Sammy said to Marcus.

“Does he do it a lot?” Marcus asked back.

Roman looked down at his arms and unfolded them putting his hands in his pockets. He felt his shoulders creep up and frowned at the defensive body language.

“Yeah.” Sammy and Meggy said at the same time.

“So what did you want to ask Sophie?” Roman addressed his daughter making eye contact with her.

Sophie looked at him before glancing at the others.

“Don’t think it matters now.” She said and saw the others nod.

“Look I’m sorry.” Roman began. “But it really isn’t ….”

“Another apology.” Georgie said grinning at Sophie.

“Two in one day.” Meggy added.

“And it’s not like he said the lame stuff to us. Just Mum.” Sammy pointed out.

“Well she’s not talking to him and I can’t blame her. He’s been horrible all day.” Meggy said to Sophie and the two girls nodded.

Ella finished her sandwich and took the plate through to the kitchen. She took out the ice cream and the bowls before serving it up. She added cream and sprinkles before picking up two of the bowls and walking them through to the bottom off the stairs. She passed a bowl to Roman seeing his puzzled look as he accepted it.

“Who’s winning?” she asked.

“I’m not sure.” Roman replied.

“Do we have ice-cream?” Georgie asked quickly.

“Well did you apologise?” Ella asked him spooning some ice cream and putting it in her mouth.

“I tried to apologise but they weren’t interested in that.” Roman said quietly.

“Maybe you should have been clear what you were apologising for?” Ella pointed out.

“Did we get ice cream?” Meggy asked.

Ella glanced at them before looking back at Roman.

“I wanted to apologise for the stuff I said last night.” He stated.

“Maybe it wasn’t the stuff you said last night that upset her.” Sophie said before Ella could say anything.

“Sophie Nicole Harris.” Ella murmured quietly.

“Is that true?” Roman asked. “Because I remember what I said and it felt pretty horrible.”

“But maybe that isn’t what the problem is.” Georgie pointed out glancing at Sophie.

“So what is the problem?” Roman asked starring down at his ice cream. He stirred it slowly before taking a spoonful.

Sammy sighed.

“Well I don’t think Mummy was upset with you until you got up.” He said and looked over at Ella. She smiled back at him and nodded.

“So what did I do?” Roman asked looking at Ella. His mind flashed back to what she’d said at the beginning of the argument and he swore.

“Daddy.” Meggy gasped.

Ella chuckled.

“Ice cream in the kitchen.” She told the kids walking through to the lounge.

Roman turned and followed her.

“So you weren’t upset last night?” he asked her quickly.

“Don’t ask me as my posse.” Ella said with a grin.

“El.” He said with a sigh. “I said about all this domestic slavery and I come down and find you sowing and the house immaculate.”

“I didn’t do the cleaning alone.” She told him. “And I like sowing. It’s very relaxing.”

He frowned.

“Roman.” Ella murmured putting her empty bowl to one side. She caught sight of the children peeking round the archway trying to overhear and grinned. “You can’t fix me.”

“Then what can?” he asked rapidly.

Ella leaned forward and made sure he was looking at her.

“Time, love, patience.” She told him quietly. “I’m not a mission that you can complete and everything will be fine. Our other baby is still out there and I know he hasn’t finished with us. I don’t care about cooking or cleaning I care about making sure my family is ok.”

“Well that leaves me feeling like crap.” He muttered.

“That’s nothing to do with me.” She told him quietly. “You’ve got this picture inside your head of a perfect life and because ours doesn’t match that you keep pushing us to conform.” She added. “Pushing me.”

Roman groaned and rubbed at his face.

“So what…” he began.

“Take wet towels.” She said curling her feet up under her and sitting back on the sofa. “It used to be funny. A joke between us. I would leave the towels and you would moan at me but I knew you didn’t really mind that much. Then you really began nagging me about them and I began to resent it. But instead of saying something I just trained myself not to drop wet towels anywhere. It wasn’t a big deal really, it saved time.”

“Wet towels.” Roman muttered.

Ella nodded.

“So it started then?” he asked frowning.

“That and having a lot of kids. I just did with them what I did with Mike.” she began softly. “Keeping things organised so that we could enjoy better time together.”

“So…” Roman looked at her.

“It just takes more time now because we do have a lot of kids and a big house and a lot of land. We have pets too. I spoke to Leona and she’s happy to come back and start cleaning again.”

He nodded absorbing the information.

“El.” He murmured unable to think of something that would explain what he was feeling.

She gave him a smile.

“I don’t mind what you said last night because it’s only what you’ve been trying to say to me for ages. You were just a little bit more.” She paused and looked at him. “Enthusiastic in your speech. It was the way you were today that upset me.”

“Grumpy?” he asked.

“Yes.” Sammy called from the kitchen.

Roman smiled ruefully.

“So….” He murmured.

Ella grinned at him and uncurled her legs before she moved over to sit next to him. She took hold of his hand and leaned over to him pressing her lips to his.

“Very grumpy.” She told him. “Very very grumpy.”

“I get that I’ve been grumpy.” He said slowly a grin on his face.

Ella nodded her hand stroking his cheek.

“And you need a shave.” She said before kissing him again.

Roman smiled at her.

“I’ll shave before bed.” He said his eyes gazing into hers. She picked up the inference and blushed.

“We’ve finished the ice cream.” Georgie called from the kitchen.

Ella rolled her eyes.

“I think Toby is going to miss his brothers and sisters. We should send them to him for a visit.” Roman suggested.

“Cool I’ll get to look at his bookshop.” Georgie shot out with before covering his mouth with his hand.

“Come on in.” Ella said with a laugh. “What have we said about eavesdropping?”

Sophie chuckled.

“Don’t send Sammy to do it because he always gets caught?” she murmured cheekily.

“Uh huh Missy.”

“So anyway we were going to ask if we could watch another movie before bed?” Sophie said at last.

Ella looked at her watch.

“If you get showered and ready for bed you can watch one. Remember school starts again on Monday.”

“I know but that’s ages away.” Meggy said with a pout.

“Er that’s the day after tomorrow.” Sammy pointed out sharing a look with Marcus.

“See ages away.” Meggy said frowning at him.

“Ok Meggy.” Sammy said.

“Ages. Days.” She muttered.

“Not looking forward to school?” Ella asked her.

“It’s won’t be the same. Sophie, Angel and Georgie will be in highschool.” She said sounding sad.

“Well they are growing up.” Ella told her. “You’ll be next.”

“Then me.”

“And that leaves me alone.” Marcus groaned.

“Don’t worry, Lily is learning so fast she might join you.” Roman said with a grin.

“Its ok to be sad. Things are changing.” Ella said pulling Meggy to sit next to her. “But they are changing in a good way.”

“How is it good?” Meggy interrupted. “We sit together at lunchtime and that’s stopping.”

“Well it might be good to sit with other people. Or you could use the time to get a head start on your homework.” Ella said to her. “But things have to change its part of growing. Look at your hair.”

Meggy put her hand up to her hair.

“I had no idea you wanted to be blonde.” Ella said softly. “It was a big change for me to realise that you were growing up too. You’ve always been my Meggy. My troublemaker. And now you are a young lady. I miss the scrapped knees and the ripped shorts. When did you get so tall?”

Meggy sighed.

“I suppose we do have to change.” She murmured.

“It’s ok to be nervous.” Ella added. “But don’t be scared of it. Change is a good thing. It keeps things interesting. It lets you try new things. Sometimes it lets you try things you never thought you would.”

Meggy nodded understanding.

“Ok then. Upstairs and get ready for bed.” She told them.

Meggy gave her mother a hug before she sprinted up and was one of the first out of the room. Roman watched them go before he put his arm around Ella.

“Ok?” he asked her.

Ella nodded and wiped at her tears.

“Kind of hating them going to highschool yourself aren’t you?” he asked her.

She nodded once more.

“It’ll be ok.” he said lifting her into his lap and holding her.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 94

Ella looked around the room again. All of the babies toys had been moved. The beds were made up including the two quilts she had spent the past two days making. The wardrobe she’d had Roman make up from flat pack was at the far wall, their clothes already transferred. The curtains were shop bought but she’d added a patchwork trim that matched the material used in both quilts. Liam’s had a cut out of a train on whilst Lily’s had a big yellow flower.

“She’ll love it Mummy.” Sophie murmured. “Makes me jealous.”

“I’m sorry you came along too quickly for me to do all the things I wanted to do before you were born.” Ella said softly. “One of the first things your Dad did when he came home was decorate your nursery.”

“When I’m older will you tell me everything?” Sophie asked slowly.

Ella paled.

“What do you know?” she asked her.

“Well Meggy was born just after us. And when you talk about that time sometimes you look very sad.” Sophie explained.

“Oh Soph.”

“I don’t want you to feel guilty Mummy.” Sophie said quickly.

“But I do.” Ella explained. “Just after you were born. You were in an incubator. Your brother was a bit better than you.” She started, looking at her daughter. “Your Dad came home and we made Meggy. But then I was kidnapped.”

“And attacked.” Sophie said trying to save her mother some pain.

“Yes.” Ella said, again her tone of voice was quiet. “But I got better and your Dad was wonderful. He helped me with you and your brother. Things were going ok until I found out I was pregnant. I thought, well neither your dad or I remembered making love before I was taken so I moved out thinking that the baby wasn’t your Dads.”

Sophie nodded absorbing everything.

“Your Daddy tried really hard to accept her but all he could remember was how hurt I’d been. We found out that the bad man was going to be in court and it made him realise that he didn’t care how she was made he had to protect her. When she was born I was so scared that if anything happened I would …” Ella stopped and took a deep breath.” I was scared that when I had my sad times I might hurt her. That’s when I considered giving her up. As soon as I saw her I wanted her so much I didn’t care who her father was.” Ella moved over to Lily’s bed and sat down smiling as Sophie moved to sit next to her.

“Why would you think you’d hurt her?” Sophie asked puzzled. “You’ve never hit any of us.”

“Because my mum used to hit me.” Ella said finally sharing the secret. Aside from Roman and Rachel she hadn’t ever told anyone.

“Oh Mum.” Sophie cried out.

“You know I’m only telling you this because you asked. Just because I’m telling you doesn’t mean that you should think it’s your job to try and make me feel better. You’re the daughter and I’m the mother, ok.”

Sophie chuckled and took hold of her hand.

“Thank you for telling me. It makes me very proud of you Mum.”

“Me?” Ella asked. “Whatever for?”

“All the times you had bad stuff happen and yet you keep smiling. Keep taking care of us all.” Sophie sighed.

“Does this mean that when you are officially a teenager you won’t do anything that will annoy me?”

“Of course not.” Sophie said with a sudden grin. “But maybe I’ll understand where you are coming from when you ground me.”

“Well if that is all it took.” Ella rolled her eyes before looking serious again. She lifted her hand and stroked Sophie’s face.

“My beautiful daughter.” she murmured. “I want so many good things for you.”

“I know Mama.” Sophie grinned at her. “I’m ok you know.”

“Really?” Ella asked.

“Jacob scared me Mum, not because he did like yucky things to me, I mean he only kissed me and said some stuff but well really because I wasn’t ready.”

“Well your Dad would be pleased to hear that part of the sentence. Could you like keep saying it until you are 25?” Ella said to her.

Sophie giggled.

“I think I want to wait like you did.” Sophie announced.

“I would like that.” Ella said softly. “But you might change your mind.”

Sophie shook her head.

“No I want what you and Daddy have.” She announced.

“What the fights and the divorces and the hating each other?” Ella said looking at Sophie and crossing her eyes.

“Oh yeah.” Sophie said nodding.

Ella laughed.

“But you know that you and Dad are like incredible don’t you?” Sophie said seriously. “I know I love your Dad very much and he’s my hero.” Ella said quietly.

Sophie nodded.

“But I don’t expect you to do what I did. You are your own person Sophie Nicole Harris and if you find a nice guy and the time is right and you know you can trust him it will be ok with me.” Ella explained slowly.

Sophie nodded.

“And this is why you are so cool. You haven’t given me a lecture on safe sex or anything.” Sophie grinned.

“I’m planning on leaving that lecture to your Dad.” Ella murmured.

“Oh great.” Sophie rolled her eyes and gave her mother a goofy smile. “Should I let him talk for a bit before I tell him that I already know everything.”

Ella grinned.

“Up to you.” She said.

Sophie laughed before she leaned over and kissed her mum on the cheek.

“Thank you for telling me.”

“Thank you Sophie. You made it easy to tell you. It’s always been a struggle for us on how much we say. We didn’t want it to be this big secret, at the same time we didn’t want you to worry about what happened.” Ella said quickly.

“We know Mama.” Sophie leaned against her mother both of them lost in thought for a few moments.

“Come on lets get Lily and see what she thinks.” Ella said after a moment.

“She will love it. Especially still being able to boss Liam around.”

“You noticed that huh?” Ella asked standing. She waited while Sophie stood next to her before straightening the cover on the bed. “You’re going to be taller than me.” She predicted.

“Really?” Sophie asked standing up a bit straighter.

“Yes.” Ella said with a smile. “You get that from your dad.”

Sophie grinned.

“Georgie is going to be taller than me though isn’t he?” she asked.

Ella nodded.

“Sammy has needed his school trousers replacing twice last term he grew so fast.” she told her daughter as they walked down the stairs to fetch Lily.

“What do you do with our old uniforms?” Sophie asked tilting her head to one side.

“They go to the school so that they can be recycled.”

“So Marcus won’t be able to have old ones.” Sophie asked.

“No.” Ella said. “He’ll have to use his old one until we go shopping. Are you ok with him here?”

“It doesn’t make a lot of difference really.” Sophie said grinning. “Sammy really likes him.”

Ella smiled and looked over at Lily sitting on the sofa next to Liam.

“Lils can you come here.” Ella asked her.

Lily frowned looking at the tv. She gave Liam a look before rolling over on her stomach and easing backwards off the sofa and then toddling over to Ella.

“Showing her the room?” Roman called from the kitchen.

“Yes.” Ella said. “It’s all finished.”

“Wait a minute I’ll bring Liam up.” Roman offered. He turned the cooker off and rinsed his hands under the tap before drying them on a cloth. A moment passed before he walked over to the sofa picking up Liam.

“Come on babes.” Ella said to her daughter leading her up to the stairs. She guided her to the new bedroom stopping just outside the door.

“Now then sweetie, Mama has worked very hard here.” Ella began.

Lily frowned at her and put her hands on her hips.

“I don’t think she’s impressed with that.” Roman murmured.

“Anyway.” Ella continued ignoring Roman. “We’ve made a new bedroom for you.”

She opened the door and gave Lily a gentle push inside. “See.”

Lily took a step forward and saw her bed with the new cover on. She frowned even more at seeing the second bed.

“No baby.” She stated turning and glaring at her parents.

“What do you think Liam?” Roman asked his son taking him over to the new bed and sitting him on it.

“No baby.” Lily shouted.

“I think you’ve been rumbled.” Roman said quietly.

Ella sighed.

“Look.” She began touching her hand to the bed. “Mama made this for you. It’s special.”

Lily shook her head and stamped her foot.

“Me no like sneaky mama.” She told her.

“Was that a sentence Lily?” Roman asked.

Lily turned and looked at him scowling as Liam climbed off his bed and toddled around it to the toy box. He pulled out his favourite toy with the rings on and placed it on the floor before playing with it.

“Do you like your new room Liam?” Roman asked.

Liam nodded.

“Guess Lily will be sleeping alone then.” Ella said.

Lily turned and pinned her with a look before moving to her bed and dragging off the patchwork quilt and pulling it to the floor before sitting on her bed.

“El.” Roman said stepping towards his wife.

“So why don’t you want babies?” Ella knelt down in front of her daughter and asked her.

“Make Mama sad.” Lily murmured eventually.

Ella gave a little gasp before pulling a squirming Lily into her arms.

“Mama is happy.” Ella told her. “Mama is very happy especially because she has Lily squeals.”

“Me not squeals.” Lily cried out.

“Not even if I ickle you?” Ella leaned back and looked at Lily. “You are my special daughter Lily squeals and I love you so much. I know you are going to be very good friends with your baby sisters.”

Lily shook her head.

“Mama no cry?” Lily asked.

“Mama make no promises. Does Lily like her room?” she asked.

Lily stood and walked round the bed. She touched the wicker unit inbetween the two beds that had a small lamp on before touching the curtains with the frill on the edge. Moving to Liam’s bed she touched the cover and saw the new teddy’s sitting on his bed nest to his special bear. Walking slowly she went over to the wardrobe and opened one door to look at the clothes hanging up. She did the same with the other side and saw more clothes. Banging the doors shut noisily she went over to the dolls house Ella had brought down form the attic, both Sophie and Meggy having grown out of it. Above that were shelves containing Lily’s storybooks and hers and Liam’s moneyboxes with a few other precious items.

Lily walked back over to her bed and picked up the cover she’d thrown on the floor. She sat on the bed and pulled the cover over her.

“Is that you saying it’s ok?” Ella asked her.

Lily reached for her toy cat and hugged it to her before nodding.

“Really?” Ella asked her.

“Me likes.” Lily declared.

Ella smiled at her blinking back tears as she hugged her daughter.

“Phew.” Roman murmured.

She gave him a look before easing Lily on to the bed and tucking her under the quilt.

“Lily naps?” she asked her.

Lily nodded before remembering her film playing downstairs. She looked over at Liam.

“Nemo.” She called out.

“Jus keep swimmin.” Liam cried.

“Off you go then.” Ella murmured moving the quilt aside and letting Lily out of the bed. The two babies ran out the room and down the stairs.

“El.” Roman murmured.

“I just need a moment.” Ella said standing up and looking at him.

“Need a hug to go with that moment?” he asked.

She nodded and ran into his arms before bursting into tears.

“Is this a goof time to mention that for a moment I thought Lily was going to put on white gloves and do a full military inspection. I had this image of her making me scrub the bathroom with my toothbrush.” Roman said quietly.

“You.” Ella gave a groan and slapped his arm.

“Hey.” He protested.

He eased back and looked at her.

“Ok?” he asked.

She nodded.

“Better.” She promised.

“Ok then.” He said kissing her. “Dinner won’t be done for another hour if you want a lay down?”

“I can’t I need to get started on the nursery.” She gave a groan. “I want Fleur home.”

Roman nodded.

“Well you could have a lay down and we’ll get started after dinner.” He suggested.

Ella looked at him and nodded.

“Hold me for a bit?” she asked.

“Of course.” He murmured guiding her into the bedroom. He kicked off his shoes and moved over to the bed lifting the cover. Ella climbed into it and lay her head on the pillow smiling when she felt the mattress dip as Roman climbed in beside her. HE pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head.

“Sleep.” He told her.

She gave a yawn and closed her eyes tiredly.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 95

Roman looked over at Ella and bit back his sigh. He walked over to her and took hold of her hand.

“Highschool.” He murmured.

Ella looked at the school gates and nodded.

“Highschool.” She agreed.

“Come on.” He murmured softly tugging gently on her hand and leading her away and back to the car.

“Do you think they’ll be ok?” Ella asked looking over her shoulder back towards the school.

“They will be a lot better without their mother barging into their class and checking on them.” he stated.

“I so wasn’t.” Ella gasped.

“And that story that Mike has told for the past how ever many years isn’t true?” he asked her.

Ella blushed immediately know he was referring to her standing outside the school gates the whole morning of Mike’s first day at school.

“No it isn’t.” she said lying and blushed even more at the look he gave her that said I know you’re lying. She mumbled something and carried on walking to the car.

“Hospital.” He said opening the door for her.

“Hospital.” She said sounding excited.

Roman smiled at her before lifting her hand to his lips. He placed a gentle kiss to her fingers before standing back and letting her climb inside the car. She fiddled with the seatbelt as he climbed in behind the wheel.

“All set?” he asked.

She nodded slotting the clasp into place finally. A look in the back at the new car seat made her smile.

“Do I have to stop you drinking coffee for a few days until you calm down.” he asked her.

“I’d like to see you try.” She muttered in a fierce voice.

“So that is where Lily gets it from.” He said quietly.

Ella looked at him and laughed.

“Threatening my coffee?” she asked him.

Roman grinned.

“Like I would dare. I was SAS we didn’t do suicide missions.” He murmured.

Ella looked at him again before she giggled.

“Yes you were supposed to laugh.” He stated.

She reached out and put her hand on his knee.

“Think that the others will like her?” she asked him.

“I’m sure they will.” Roman told her back. He indicated and swung the car around the junction travelling along the road that would take them to the hospital. “We have all day to get her settled too.”

“We have until lunchtime.” Ella corrected him. “Then Lily and William will be home.”

Roman sighed.

“Surely they can keep Lily for the rest of the day?” he murmured casting a glance in her direction.

“Haven’t managed to yet.” Ella said with a plaintive sigh, which made him laugh. He flicked his eyes at her before once more focusing on the road. The next turning they made would take them to the hospital. Rachel had already told them to take the car to the back entrance and park there.

“El.” He began casting another look at her.

“Ok what is it?” she asked him turning and looking at his profile.

“Are you going to book an appointment for a check up?” he said quickly.

“Am I what?” she gasped out.

“You heard me.” He murmured. “It’s just that….” He stopped feeling embarrassed.

“Is that you asking if I’m going back on the pill?” she muttered folding her arms across herself.

“No.” he said immediately. “I mean a general check up. Make sure you are ok. “ he added quickly.

Slowing the car to a stop he parked it in the area Rachel had pointed out and turned the engine off before turning to her.

“I just want you to be ok. It’s taken some time for your system to …” he stopped wondering how to put the next bit. “Anyway I think that you should just go and get a check up. Make sure everything is ok.”

Ella sat looking at him.

“And how long have you been thinking that? Let me see. Maybe when you were talking to Rachel about me or talking to Aden?” she snapped out. “Why do you have to ruin everything?”

Ella climbed out of the car and slammed the door behind her. She opened the back door and took out the brand new car seat before slamming that door. Roman took a deep breath before he got out of the car and walked over to the door. He glanced at Ella and bit back another sigh as she deliberately turned her head away. Stepping to one side he held the door open for her and watched as she stalked through. He had to hurry to keep up with her despite his longer legs. She stalked ahead all the way to the nursery. He glanced around spotting Rachel at the main desk the other end of the ward.

“We should check what forms we need to sign.” He murmured.

“Yeah, you go do that.” Ella snapped. “I’m sure you’ll appreciate the chance to have another cosy chat with Rachel about me.”

Roman looked at her before turning on his heel and walking over to Rachel. He pinned a smile on his face as he greeted the other woman.

“Hello there. Big day today?” Rachel said smiling at him.

Roman nodded.

“Do we need to sign anything?” he asked her.

Rachel nodded.

“My nurse here has all the paperwork ready.” She said with a gesture.

Roman took the folder offered to him and glanced at the white page seeing the sections requiring signature.

“Amy-Belle has been in to see her when she was here feeding her baby.” Rachel murmured.

“Really? She thought of a name yet?” Roman asked as he signed.

“No. Just between you and me, Aden is getting a bit of stick about being a doctor and not realising his own daughter was pregnant.” Rachel said with a small grin.

“Don’t start with the teenagers and secrets bit we just dropped Sophie and Georgie off at highschool.” Roman said grinning. “I swear they get taller overnight.”

“Tell me about it.” Rachel laughed. “My eldest is doing his HSC this year.”

“When exactly do they stop being babies?” Roman murmured. “I can remember getting up when Sophie was teething. That was just yesterday.”

“Uh huh Mister. You’ll be doing all that again pretty soon.” Rachel promised him.

He sighed and placed the pen on the top flashing a grin at the nurse before he and Rachel began walking down the corridor together.

Out of earshot of the nurse Rachel gave him a look before she spook softly.

“How is Ella?” she asked.

“Probably best that I don’t answer that on the grounds that my wife will kill me.” Roman said quickly, the sting of the earlier argument with Ella still at the front of his mind.

“Is there a problem?” Rachel asked quickly stopping and putting her hand on his arm.

Roman looked down at her and grinned suddenly.

“She’s a little.” He stopped wondering how to phrase it. “testy.” He tried out the word. “Yeah, testy.”

“The depression?”

Roman sighed and pushed a hand through his hair before he answered.

“I think its easing. She still has moments but they don’t seem to be ….” He paused and shrugged. “On the other hand is that what I want to believe Rachel? I was totally taken in at Christmas. She did everything, make love, look after the kids, all the normal stuff you know.”

“So that is why you were so ..”

“Completely at a loss when you saw us Christmas night.” Roman told her. “I’ve seen some reactions but never total hysteria.”

Rachel nodded.

“Will she come and see me?” she asked him.

Roman shook his head straight away.

“How about Aden? Or someone else?”

“I don’t think so.” Roman said.

He moved over to the nursery door and opened it stepping through. Ella looked at him and then Rachel standing just behind him and her mouth tightened a fraction. He tried to give her a smile.

“Paperwork sorted?” Ella asked.

Roman nodded frowning that she didn’t even acknowledge Rachel’s presence.

“It’s signed.” He said slowly.

Ella nodded before picking up her daughter from the changing table. She’d dressed Fleur in a pink sleepsuit and wrapped her in a pale pink blanket and placed her in the car seat. Roman watched feeling separate from the pair of them, feeling as though he didn’t matter and he frowned at that.

Ella turned and tidied up after herself gathering her bag to her before picking up the carrier.

“Shall we go?” she spoke to him.

Roman glanced at Rachel before he nodded.

“Ok.” Ella said looking down at the baby.

Roman waited for her to speak to Rachel feeling himself growing madder with each passing second that Ella gave her the silent treatment.

“Aren’t you going to say anything?” he asked pointedly.

Ella shook her head.

“Why should I when you’ve been talking enough for both of us?” she asked him.

“Ella.” He protested. “Regardless of you being mad at me I expected you not to be rude.”

“And I expected my husband not to gossip about me behind my back.” she snapped out. “Now are we going home or should I organise a taxi?”

Roman swore under his breath before stepping back.

“Lets go.” He said catching Rachel’s concerned gaze.

He moved ahead of Ella back through the hospital and to the car pausing beside it. Ella looked at him and handed over the car seat with Fleur in.

“Ella?” he murmured.

“I won’t be a minute.” She said turning and walking back into the hospital.

“Ella?” Rachel exclaimed seeing the other woman walk back in.

“I’m mad at you.” Ella said quickly. “I don’t want to talk to you. How could you have let this happen in your hospital? And then to talk to Roman about me behind my back? I’m supposed to still be friends with you through all this? Tell me how I do that because right now I just feel this anger.”

“I get that Ella. But the thing is the silent treatment and the rudeness isn’t you.”

“How the hell do you know what is me when I don’t know Rachel Holden.” Ella snapped out. “I’ve got Roman wanting back the woman he married and everyone plotting to “Snap” me out of my depression. And as quick as our relationship is being repaired it breaks down again. And you know what he wants today? To have me see a doctor and get a check up just like he would put the car into the garage for a service.”

“Ella he is worried about you. He’s worried about the seesaw of emotions.” Rachel interrupted.

“Then maybe he should be there for me and listen to me instead of telling Aden to write me a script for some happy pills.” Ella snapped out. She put her hand in her handbag and pulled out her organiser opening it up and taking out the prescription that Aden had written out and placing it in Rachel’s hands before she turned on her heel and stormed out. She reached the car and saw Roman seated behind the wheel and felt a childish urge to run in the opposite direction for the briefest of moments before climbing into the car herself.

“Ella.” He said.

“I don’t want to talk to you right now. I’m angry but I don’t want to fight.” She said not looking at him.

“I’m not too happy myself.” He bit out.

“Don’t push it Roman.” Ella warned.

“Or what? You’ll throw your ring at me? You’ll shout you want a divorce? You’ll leave me?” he snapped out.

Ella bit back a reply and snapped her seatbelt closed before folding her arms across herself. He looked at her profile before sighing and starting the car. Neither of them spoke the whole way home.

Gabby looked over at the jar of pickled cabbage and took the lid off taking a fork and moving to the sofa. She took a big bite and sighed with pleased as the sour taste ran across her tongue. Jacob moved out of the bedroom and looked at her.

“So we’ve done sex, spicy food, pineapple, exercise, hot bath. Anything else you can suggest?” he asked her.

Gabby nodded and looked at him.

“Yes, you never touch me again.” She told him with a quick grin. “They should be home with the baby soon. It’s an old wives tale but I thought I would try that next.”

“That?” he asked moving to sit next to her.

“Holding the baby.” She said grinning. “Apparently it starts the process off.”

He smiled and then frowned as he looked at her. A dribble of red tinged vinegar trickled down her chin.

“Tissue?” he asked.

“Urm.” She nodded chewing slowly.

He reached over for the box of tissues and handed her one smiling as she wiped her face and then her fingers. Placing the jar and her fork down on the table beside her.

“Thank you.” She grinned at him.

“You are eating some strange things.” He murmured.

“I know. One minute I want sweet stuff and the next I want sour. Apparently Ella bans all chocolate in the last months of her pregnancies because its all she wants to eat.” Gabby told him.

“Are you sure about the names?” he asked her.

Gabby nodded.

“Laura Sophie for a girl and Ellis Roman for a boy.”

“Still sounds good.” He said after a moment.

Gabby grinned and reached a hand up to his head. She teased the curls of his hair.

“I know I need a haircut.” He murmured before he captured her hand and kissed it. “But I’m trying to save some money.”

Gabby nodded.

“Why don’t you ..” she began.

“I know what you are going to say but I can’t go back to teaching.” He sighed.

“Seems to me if you are innocent then you’ll be able to return to teaching with no problems.” Gabby pointed out raising her eyebrow as she looked at him.

“Nice try Mrs Smith.” He said leaning over and kissing her.

Gabby sighed.

“It’s just that you loved teaching Jacob. Sophie has forgiven you shouldn’t you forgive yourself?”

Jacob sighed, an echo of hers.

“I know but I just can’t ok.” he muttered.

“Well then you need to find something else you like to do. Speak to that friend of yours about publishing.” She suggested.

“Not going to give up on me are you?” he asked her.

Gabby shook her head.

“Nope that what wives do and also daughters of Ella.” She told him.

“I knew I should have run away the moment I met your mother.” He said with a mock groan.

“And to think it’s my Dad who’s supposed to be the scary one.”

[TelephotoMarigold]

Thank you Laura... (and you get an extra for the page of comments!) Carina and PollyMoon....

Here's the next one....

Chapter 96

Ella eased back into bed next to a half asleep Roman.

“S’ok?” he mumbled.

“She’s fine.” Ella said with a yawn fluffing her pillows and snuggling back down.

Roman sighed and rolled over his back to her.

“Got next one.” He mumbled.

“That’s what you said before the last two.” She whispered as she closed her eyes and drifted asleep. The alarm woke her next and she looked over at Roman’s side of the bed seeing it empty. Groaning she moved out of the bed and into the nursery grabbing her bathrobe on the way. She saw the nursery empty and did a check on Lily’s room seeing both of them gone too. Sighing she walked down the stairs and through to the dinning room.

“Morning Mummy.” Meggy called out.

“Hey, told you I’d get the next one.” Roman said giving her a smile.

She nodded and looked over at Lily.

“Mama?” Lily called out.

“Hey Lily girl how did you sleep?” Ella asked her kissing her.

“Baby cry.” She announced frowning.

“You used to cry.” Meggy told her sister.

“S’not.” Lily muttered. “Me’s good.”

Ella laughed before heading into the kitchen and to the coffee pot. She poured out a cup for herself.

“Ok I’m going to take the kids to school leaving you with the babies and Fleur.” Roman murmured. “Then come back for Lily and Liam and take them to nursery.”

Ella nodded sipping from the cup.

“Well.” Ella began and looked at him.

“Is that ok? I thought the extra time with Lily could be good. Let her get used to Fleur?” he said quietly.

Ella nodded.

“We need to get organised.” She said softly.

Roman nodded.

“I’ll speak to Leah about taking some time off.”

“That isn’t going to help Roman.” Ella said and saw his face change as he frowned at her. “Not if we want to get into a routine.” She added.

He gave her a long searching look before nodding.

“Ok time to check on them.” he muttered walking through to the dinning table.

Ella followed and looked at the kids.

“I want your timetables today. Meggy you need to ask about the gymnastics club.” Ella said to them.

“Can we come to the diner at lunchtime?” Sophie asked.

“No. Stay in school.” Ella answered. “Your Dad will have to pick up the babies so he won’t be there.”

Roman nodded.

“So everybody we have our orders.” He began. “I want you to go brush your teeth check you’ve got your bags and get in the car.”

Ella watched the almost comical procession of kids as they moved from the table and then up the stairs. She placed her cup down and lifted Lily and Liam out of their high chairs letting them go down.

“Are you going to eat something?” he asked her. “Maybe some toast?”

Ella shook her head.

“Not hungry.” She told him picking up her cup.

He nodded looking over at the crib where Fleur was sleeping.

“I put the laundry in the washer.” He told her moving over to the table and clearing it. He moved into the kitchen and loaded the dishwasher.

“I had a call from my mother this morning. She wants to come see the baby.” He murmured from the kitchen before moving back to look over at her.

“It’s best she leaves it until we are in a routine. I’ll see if I can shoot some pictures to send her.”

He nodded before walking over to her.

“Ok then see you in a bit.” He murmured kissing her before heading to the door. He opened it and called the kids down smiling as Meggy was the last to get in the car.

Elal watched them go before turning her attention to Lily and Liam.

“Come on.” She called out leading them up the stairs. She took them through to the bathroom and helped them wash their hands and faces before brushing their teeth.

“Mama.” Lily called out. “Me poorly tummy.” She murmured.

“Well we should take you to the doctor. Maybe they’ll give you a big injection and make you better.” Ella told her softly leaning down and hugging her.

“All better now.” Lily said quickly.

Ella bit back her smile and looked at her.

“Are you sure Lily squeals?” she asked her.

“Poorly tummy gone.” Lily announced with a grin.

“What about you Liam?”

“Me’s play.” Liam said grinning. “Fred.”

“Fred?” Ella asked him,

Liam nodded.

“Is Fred another baby at nursery?”

Lily nodded frowning.

“Fred noorties.” She declared. “Me no like. Millie no like. Mira no like.”

“Me like.” Liam said. “Boy.”

Ella smiled at them and led them downstairs just as Roman pulled up outside. She held their hands and led them out to the car.

“All ready for nursery?” Roman asked.

“Can you ask who Fred is when you take them inside?” she asked him.

He nodded strapping Lily into her car seat. He did the same with Liam before turning to Ella.

“I’ve got my phone. I’ll be home at lunch.” He said to her. “Enjoy your morning and don’t do too much please.”

Ella gave him a look.

“I said please.” He murmured before kissing her.

She gave him a small smile watching him go before heading up the stairs and grabbing a record breaking quick shower and then getting dressed. From there she moved into the kitchen where she made another pot of coffee before checking on Fleur. Heading into the study she opened her laptop and read through emails before pulling up the calendar. Checking against her organiser she began drawing up a schedule. She picked up Sammy’s appointment card and put his dentist’s appointments in before she heard Fleur give a cry. Saving it, she moved over to her daughter.

“Coming Fleur.” She called out to her.

Next came the blur of feeding her and changing her before settling her down once more. She sorted the laundry next, placing the wet washing in the dryer before heading into the kitchen where she made up extra bottles of formula and placed them in the fridge. That led her to tidy it up and write a few items on the shopping list. She emptied the dishwasher then and put the pots away before heading back into the laundry and taking the clothes out the dryer. She folded them, sorting them into piles before carrying them upstairs and placing them in the various rooms. She refreshed the towels in all the bathrooms next carrying the others down and putting them in the washer. She added detergent and softner and set it on before washing her hands and moving into the kitchen. A Check at the time told her that they would be home soon so she made sandwiches for them all before sorting through the food bowl and selecting an apple. Chopping it into pieces she added that to the babies dinners.

“Hey.” Roman called softly walking in through the door with Lily and Liam.

“In here.” She replied. “Just in time.”

He walked over to her and saw the plates with the sandwiches on and smiled.

“Perfect.” He grinned. “Been busy today.”

“No time to sneak that toasted sandwich?” she asked him.

“None.” He grinned before lifting Lily into her highchair. He did the same with Liam chuckling as Lily immediately started looking over at the crib set up in the room.

Ella walked through and gave the babies their dinner.

“Want coffee?” she asked him.

Roman nodded.

“I’ll get it.” he stated.

She shook her head.

“It’s already done.”

He sighed and sat down.

“How has she been this morning?” he said looking over at the baby.

“Good as gold.” Ella said from the kitchen. She walked over to the table with a couple of plates before making a second trip to fetch the cups for herself and Roman and also juice boxes for Lily and Liam.

“Fred is Liam’s friend apparently. The girls don’t like him because Liam gets to play with boy stuff.”

“That explains it.” Ella gave him a grin.

“Did you see to the laundry?” he asked.

“Yeah and tidied the kitchen. I made extra bottles of formula.” She told him. “Oh I started working out a calendar can you add your shifts to it?”

Roman nodded chewing a bite of his sandwich.

“I’ve told Leah to keep me on mornings for the next few weeks.” He commented. “See how that works out.”

Ella nodded.

“What do you want to do this afternoon?” he asked her.

“I thought about taking these for a swim if you look after Fleur.” She said quietly. “Then when they go down for a nap I’ll have a lay down too.”

“Sounds ok.” he stated.

She smiled before finishing her lunch and stood picking up her plate. Roman handed over his, their fingers touching for the briefest moments.

“Where is the calendar?” he asked.

“On the computer.” she called from the kitchen. She took out a pot of yoghurt from the fridge each for the babies and took spoons to them smiling at their expressions before heading into the study and over to the desk. She saw Roman typing into the computer and click with the mouse.

“Done.” He told her.

She caught sight of his cheeky grin and walked over to him.

“What have you done?” she asked.

He reached up and pulled her into his lap smiling as she looked at the calendar.

“Funky hot sex?” she read out.

He chuckled.

She clicked on it and looked at the calendar options.

“You’ve made it into a reoccurring appointment. Every two days.” She muttered. “You’ll be lucky if it’s every two weeks.”

She scrolled down and read out the next one.

“That thing I do with my tongue? You actually put that.”

Roman leaned forward and kissed a spot behind her ear before whispering.

“Read the description.” He encouraged her.

She opened it up and read it before blushing.

“That’s.” she stuttered going bright red.

Roman chuckled.

“Look at Sunday mornings.” He murmured.

“Surfing?” she asked.

Roman nodded kissing the side of her neck again.

“Yes please.” He said. “Just us no kids.”

She looked at it before clicking on the file options and then the save as. She titled it as ‘Roman's dream world’ grinning as she felt him chuckle before taking off the sex and the tongue thing and saving that under the original name.

“Thank you.” He told her.

She printed it off and eased off his lap moving over to the printer.

“So you are taking them swimming?” he asked.

Ella nodded.

“Or I could put them down for a nap now?” she suggested reading his expression.

“I think I like the idea of a nap now.” He told her.

She laughed.

“Every two days?” she asked him.

“I was going to make it every twelve hours but that interfered with Sammy’s dentist appointment.” He explained.

Ella giggled before heading out of the room and over to the babies.

“Nap time.” she told them.

Lily giggled.

“That too.” She said pointing to the new baby.

“Want to help me with her?” Ella asked.

Lily gave a quick nod.

“Uh huh.” Roman murmured. “Hide the knives.”

“Roman Harris.” Ella muttered at him.

He grinned and lifted the babies out of their highchairs cleaning away their lunch watching as Ella led them up the stairs carrying the crib. He went over and picked up the base taking that up with him and putting it in the nursery. Ella handed the baby over to him as she settled Lily and Liam down. He waited as she tucked them in smiling at the exuberant way Lily hugged her.

“Love you Lily Squeals.” Ella called softly blowing her a kiss. “Love you too Liam Squeals.”

“I not squeals.” Liam said sleepily.

Ella smiled before she gasped as Roman picked her up and threw her over his shoulder.

“Oumpf.” She gasped out before giggling.

“Woman shush.” He muttered striding into the bedroom. He kicked the door shut before placing her on the bed.

“Lock the door.” She told him.

“Like you have to tell me.” He answered back with a grin. He turned and locked the door before turning around. He saw her lying naked on the bed and chuckled.

“Uh huh.” He grinned at her.

“What is taking you so long?” she asked him.

He kicked off his trainers taking off his t shirt at the same time. By the time he stepped over to the bed he was naked his shorts thrown to the floor with his top.

She reached up and kissed him grinning as she felt the first touch of his hands on her body.

“I want to make you feel amazing.” He told her kissing down her neck.

“You do.” She promised him.

He leaned back and smiled at her looking into her deep blue eyes. He kissed her rosebud lips and then feasted on her neck kissing and licking and teasing all the wonderful spots that made her gasp.

He felt her hands touch him tentatively and he laughed softly.

“I don’t know….” She began.

“I want you to touch me.” He said to her leaning on one arm as he stroked the hair back from her face their eyes meeting again.

She ran her hands up his chest, her fingers teasing his nipples. She heard him breath in sharply and smiled.

“Love that.” He whispered.

“What?” she asked him.

“That cat got the cream smile of yours.” He said kissing her. She wound her arms around his neck grinning as their legs tangled together.

“I want to be in you.” He said kissing her again and again.

“Yes.” She told him.

“I want to drive you insane.” He added in the same husky voice.

He heard her giggle again and smiled before kissing down her body. She squirmed underneath him laughing as he tickled her before she stilled and pulled him back up. She kissed him again.

“I love you El.” He said softly.

She looked into his eyes and lifted her hand to his face stroking his cheek.

“Love you.” She told him.

He smiled and kissed her once more before they made love.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 97

Ella looked over at Roman standing on the back veranda, his back to the house and bit her lip before she walked over to him.

“Hey you.” He murmured to her.

She stepped to his side and sighed as he put his arm around her.

“You’re not angry?” she asked him.

“A little disappointed.” He confessed. “I’d rather you didn’t fake it but I obviously put pressure on you to make love.”

Ella sighed again.

“I should get the kids sorted.” She muttered.

“In a bit.” He told her. “Let me hold you first.”

“I don’t want you to.” She muttered and bit her lip as she caught the flash of hurt on his face.

“So what was it?” he asked ignoring what she’d just said. “Because you were …”

“Stop, ok, I don’t want to talk about it.” Ella cried walking away from him and on to the grass.

“Tough Ella.” Roman called over to her. “We certainly talked enough when I had the problem.”

She turned and looked at him and even from that distance he could see her eyes shooting sparks at him. Stepping down from the veranda he walked over to her and caught hold of her hands knowing that would make her have to wrestle him to get away. Her eyes shot to his.

“Tell me why you just faked your orgasm?” he asked bluntly. “What did I do that turned you off?”

“Nothing you did.” She cried her gaze drawn to the window of their bedroom.

“Then what did I say?” he asked working it out.

“Nothing.” She cried. “Oh please leave it.”

“No Ella. I want to make love to my wife and have her enjoy it. I want us to be ok.”

“It was just sex.” She shot out.

“Why?” Roman asked clamping down on the hurt inside him.

“Because.” She said childishly.

Roman sighed.

“Because?” he asked still trying not to grin at her stubbornness and she wondered where Lily got hers from.

“Because you don’t love me.” Ella shouted angrily.

Roman dropped hold of her hands in shock, his mouth dropping open. He swore and then swore some more as she pulled away from him and started running back to the house. He sprinted after her and caught her by her waist.

“Stop.” He told her.

She clawed at his hands trying to get away from him once more.

“Ella stop.” He called out lifting her off her feet and holding her against him. “I’m not going to let you go off. We’re finishing this discussion.”

She called him a few unsavoury names getting angrier that he wasn’t letting her go.

“Enough.” He said calmly.

“Fine.” She muttered.

“I mean it.” he told her.

“I said fine.” She said.

Roman let her go and took hold of her hand leading her over to the veranda. He sat down and waited. Ella sat down sulkily, not meeting his eyes.

“Now then.” He began. “Something about me not loving you.”

“You don’t.” she muttered.

Roman bit back his temper again losing count of how many times he’d down that in this one conversation.

“Why would you think that?” he asked her softly.

“Because.” She said again.

“Ella.” He snapped out.

Her head shot up at his tone and she looked at him.

“Because you say stuff to me.” She said flinching at the scathing look he gave her.

“Such as?” he asked reeling in his temper.

“Such as.” She began taking a deep breath. “About divorce and me leaving you.”

“And the amount of times you throw it at me?” he asked getting off track.

“See.” She cried out. “I can’t talk to you.”

“Ella Harris I am going to put you over my knee in a minute and spank you.” He muttered rubbing his face before he looked at her. “You throw that at me all the time.”

She looked at him without saying anything for seeming the longest time.

“Yeah I do it. You know why. But why have you started doing it?” she asked him in a quiet voice.

“Ella.” He cried out.

“I’m mad at you. I admit it. You talk to everyone about how to mend me except me. If I do something that I used to do or smile a bit more you congratulate yourself that I’m all better and then get mad at me because I’m not.” She told him. “So no Roman I don’t feel that you love me. I don’t believe that you love me. I’m trying so hard to.”

Roman looked at her and stood up his hands stiffed in his pockets.

“I do love you.” He told her.

She tilted her head and stood up.

“That is the babies.” She told him.

He looked at her.

“Go on then.” He said.

She walked into the house and up the stairs leaving him looking out at the garden. He gave a sigh and moved into the house making a coffee sipping from the hot brew as he thought about the conversation. He heard Lily and Liam coming down the stairs and he pinned a smile on his face as he turned to them.

“Dada.” Liam called running towards him.

“Hey little man.” He said picking him up. “Mama taking you for a swim?”

Liam nodded.

“Dada too?” he asked.

“Not today.” Roman said looking over at Ella as she reached the bottom of the stairs too.

“Fleur has been changed and gone back down.” she told him.

“Ok.” he murmured.

“Come on Lily.” Ella said to her.

“El.” Roman said.

She looked at him and moved over to his side.

“We’ll talk tonight.” She said quietly.

“Promise?” he asked her.

She nodded tears in her eyes.

“I’m not going to give up on us El.” He told her before putting his free arm around her and pulling her close his lips descending on hers in a searing kiss. He released her hearing Lily giggling.

“Ok my girl, come on swimming.” Ella said flustered.

“Off you go Liam.” Roman told him putting him down. He watched as Ella walked the children down to the swimming pool. He waited a couple of heartbeats before opening the fridge and cupboards and taking out ingredients for dinner. He began cooking losing himself in it until her caught a look at the time. After giving his hands a quick wash he went into the utility room and grabbed a stack of towels heading down the garden to the pool.

“Hey.” He called out.

Ella swam to the side of the swimming pool and looked at him.

“Is it that time?” she asked him.

He nodded.

“Gotta go get the others.” He said quietly.

She nodded.

“Liam.” She called out “Lily. Time to get out.”

“No mama.” Lily cried swimming away from her.

Roman caught Ella’s gaze and they both grinned.

“Come on.” Ella called out swimming over to Liam. She caught hold of and guided him to the side of the pool lifting him out. Roman caught hold of him wrapping him in a towel before he could jump back in. Ella levered herself out and stood looking over at Lily. She walked around the pool and dived back in swimming under water until she surfaced just near her daughter and grabbed her. She squirmed in her hold but was unable to escape and was lifted out of the pool. Roman grabbed her hiding his grin at Lily’s temper tantrum.

“Me swims.” Lily cried kicking him.

Ella looked at her.

“Ok you are going for a time out.” she said to her. “Can you take her straight in and put her in her room.”

Roman nodded.

“Good job I’ve been working out.” he muttered flashing a grin at Ella.

She smiled at him and got out herself. Reaching for a towel she wrapped it around herself and walked with Liam back to the house.

“Lily noorties?” Liam asked looking up at her.

“She is indeed.” Ella said to him. “Dada has to go pick up the others so Mama has to see to the baby.”

“Lily no like baby.” Liam told her confidentially.

“I know.” Ella said bending down and picking up her son. “But it’s like when you were born. She didn’t used to like you because Mama had to spend all her time looking after you.”

Liam nodded.

“Me’s smiled.” He told her.

“I know. You have a wonderful smile my handsome little boy.” Ella said kissing him. “Going to be just like your Dada.”

“Dada tall.” Liam grinned happily.

Ella grinned at him and carried him up the stairs.

“Where is she?” Ella asked Roman.

He opened the bedroom door and showed her the damage in the room.

“Hurricane Lily has arrived.” She commented. “Lily Alyssa Harris you are so picking up your toys now.”

Roman smiled.

“This might be good to watch but I really need to go get the others.”

“Coward.” Ella taunted him.

“Absolutely.” He agreed with her. “Give me a kiss.” He instructed.

“K Dada.” Liam murmured pursing his lips.

Roman looked at Ella as they both laughed before he lent forward and kissed his son. His eyes met hers before he kissed her.

“See you soon.” He promised her.

“Dada kiss me?” Lily asked running over to him.

“No.” Roman said. “Pick up your toys.”

He managed to skirt around Ella and get down the stairs before Lily started screaming.

“Lily stop it or I’ll smack you.” He heard Ella threaten just as he went out the door.

Lily looked at Ella cuddling Liam and then heard the other baby start crying. She dropped down to the floor and began sobbing.

“Liam wait here.” Ella said to him putting him on the floor. She grinned as he went over to Lily and tried to stroke her arm to make her feel better before she had to run into the other room and see to the baby.

She scooped her out of the crib and went back into the babies room.

“Lily.” Ella called in a cajoling voice.

Lily stopped and looked up in surprise expecting more tellings off and not her mama talking to her like that.

“Lily.” Ella called again. “Going to help me with the baby?” she asked her.

Lily eased up and looked around before she stood up and went over to Ella.

“Can you take this blanket downstairs?” she asked her handing Lily a blanket.

Lily nodded and moved out to the stairs.

“Me’s help?” Liam offered.

“In a bit. Can you go downstairs too?” she asked him.

He nodded and toddled after Lily. Ella followed them and carried the crying baby into the kitchen. She took out a bottle of formula and boiled the kettle. Pouring some hot water in a jug she put the baby’s bottle into it. She carried that over to the dinning table before looking at Lily.

“Can you put that down on the mat for me.” Elal asked her.

Lily nodded and spread the blanket on the floor with Liam helping her. Ella moved over to her and lay Fleur down.

“Keep and eye on her?” she asked Lily.

Lily nodded her eyes big.

Ella smiled and opened up the blanket wrapped around Fleur letting her wave her arms and kick her feet. She’d stopped crying and was looking around.

“Tell her who you are babes.” Ella said to them.

“Me’s Liam.” Liam announced reaching out and capturing her hand. He grinned as she wrapped her hand around his finger.

Lily giggled.

“I is Lils. I is your sister.” Lily told her and reached to her other hand.

“That’s right.” Ella said checking on the heat of the bottle. She tested it on her wrist before moving over to them. “It’s her dinner time now.” She told them picking up Fleur. She settled on the sofa and started feeding Fleur.

“She pretty.” Liam said. “Pretty like Lils.”

Lily blushed at her brothers comment. She leaned over and gave him a big kiss before pulling herself on to the sofa watching Fleur feed.

“Now then we are going to go upstairs in a bit and you madam are going to tidy your toys up while I change Fleur’s smelly nappy and then we are going to have a bath and put pyjamas on.”

Lily nodded.

“I is sorry.” She announced.

“You are my good girl Lils and I don’t like having to tell you off.” Ella said to her.

“Me’s good.” Liam said.

Ella smiled at them as she fed the baby.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 98

Ella looked up as the children came in and put her finger on her lips to indicate they should be quiet, grinning as they looked at Lily and the new baby asleep on the sofa. Liam was sitting watching tv with the sound turned low.

“Hey.” Roman said quietly. He looked down at his daughters and smiled.

Ella stood carefully and kissed him.

“Now you are back I’ll go get Liam changed.” She told him.

“Ok.” he murmured.

“Homework.” Ella said to the others smiling as they groaned.

“Can I use my desk?” Sammy asked.

“If you want.” Roman answered for her.

Ella nodded at him grinning as he sprinted up the stairs.

“Got your timetables for me?” she asked the others.

Sophie nodded and reached for hers out of her bag with Georgie following suite. She grinned at them as they handed them over.

“Thanks.” She murmured before heading into the kitchen. She placed the empty feeding bottle in the sink.

“Ok how did you achieve world peace?” Roman asked her.

“I asked for Lily’s help. Made her feel needed.”

“And secure in her place within the family? Sneaky wife.”

Ella smiled at him before putting her hand on the small of his back. He stilled and looked down at her.

“I’m sorry.” She told him.

“Really?” he asked. “Because I did put pressure on you and well we didn’t resolve what happened yesterday before we brought Fleur home.”

“I know but I shouldn’t you know.” She murmured rolling her eyes as she blushed.

Roman leaned down and kissed her.

“I love you so much.” He told her. “I can’t believe that you would doubt me or my love.”

“I’ve said sorry.” She whispered casting a look to the children gathered around the table.

Roman nodded.

“Ok. That makes it alright then.”

Ella stepped back and narrowed her eyes as she looked at him before folding her arms across herself.

He returned her look before turning and going over to the fridge and taking out the toffee cheesecake he’d made earlier and placed it on the top.

“Toffee?” Ella asked stepping forward.

Roman nodded.

“It’s a special cheesecake.” He told her. “Did I ever tell you the story of this?”

Ella looked at him and shook her head.

“The first night I ever made love to the love of my life we ate this cheesecake in the restaurant.” He began. “Using two spoons. I told her that using one would be more romantic but she insisted on the two spoons because she wanted to go to bed quicker.” He paused and looked at her seeing her blush. “Now and again every time I stuff up in some way I get her this cheesecake to remind her in some way how wonderful it felt to be that in love.”

She looked at him her eyes shinning with unshed tears.

“Does it remind her?” he asked.

Ella nodded.

“Then tonight when I take her to bed and hold her she’ll know that I love her won’t she because I reminded her with her favourite cheesecake.” He finished softly.

Ella walked over to him and threw herself in his arms wrapping both her arms and legs around him as he held her.

“I love you Elizabeth Laura Louise Addison Harris.” He told her kissing her.

“Dad can we have….” Sophie began to ask walking into the kitchen. “Never mind.” She added turning around and walking back to the table.

“They aren’t arguing again are they?” Georgie asked seeing her walk back empty handed.

“No worse.” She muttered. “They are making up.”

“Yuk!” Meggy cried out.

Marcus looked at them and smiled.

Gabby looked over at Mike and Danni. The couple were still arguing about Mike getting drunk the night of the party. Although she suspected there was more to it than that. She sighed and stood up rather slowly her back aching.

“I’m just nipping over to see Fleur.” She announced to them.

“I’ll come with you.” Danni said quickly walking away from Mike.

Gabby frowned at them before walking over to the door. Danni quickly following.

“She’s so cute.” Danni said.

“I know.” Gabby murmured. “I’m hoping she’ll be awake this time.”

“Could always wake her up.” Danni suggested.

The two girls looked at each other and grinned.

“Soon be you.” Danni said after a few moments.

“Well between you and me it better hurry up. I’m the size of a house and feel like a beached whale.”

Danni looked at her.

“Gabby are you worried about being a mum?” she asked out of the blue.

“Not at all. I have Ella.” Gabby said back immediately. “And anyway she had us involved with Lily and William. Practical training.”

Danni nodded.

“But don’t you think genetics is a big part of parenting?” she muttered.

“No.” Gabby said. “I mean it’s about who influences you. And now that is scary.”

“I’m sorry Gabby I didn’t mean to drag that up.” Danni said quickly.

Gabby grinned at Danni as they moved over the veranda and through the French door.

“Hello.” She called out.

“Hello what brings you over or can I guess?” Ella asked from the sofa where she was sitting with Fleur.

“Our beautiful sister of course.” Gabby grinned.

“Come on then. She’s awake.” Ella said to her.

Gabby moved slowly to her and eased down next to her. She smiled as Ella placed the baby into her arms and handed over the rattle.

Roman looked over at them from the kitchen.

“Want a drink girls?” he asked.

“Not for me but Danni would love a big glass of wine.” Gabby blurted.

“Thanks Gabs.” Danni muttered.

Ella stood and moved over to Danni pushing her towards the sofa smiling as she sat down next to Gabby.

“She’s so cute.” Danni muttered.

Roman smiled as he brought over the glass of wine.

“We think so too.” He murmured.

“I’m going to go spend some time with the others.” Ella told Roman.

He nodded before heading back into the kitchen.

Ella moved up the stairs and headed into Sammy’s room first. She saw him sitting up in his bed reading.

“Uh huh.” She murmured.

“Mummy you are so sneaky.” He grumbled.

“It’s bed time.” she said to him before easing down on the other bed next to Marcus.

“Hey.”

“I didn’t give you my timetable.” Marcus told her.

“I noticed.” Ella said softly. “We’re going to take you to see your Mum tomorrow after school.”

He nodded.

“And this weekend we are going to go shopping and get you some new uniforms.” She added.

Marcus looked at her.

“Am I staying then?” he asked looking sad.

“I don’t know.” Ella murmured. “It depends.”

“Oh.” Marcus said quietly.

“On whether you want to stay with us.” She said to him.

“Yes please.” He cried out sitting up in the bed and throwing his arms around her.

Ella smiled as she hugged him feeling his small frame shake.

“Hey there it’s ok.” she whispered.

“I thought that with the new baby you wouldn’t want me.” He confessed.

“We tried to tell him that was silly.” Sammy said from the top bunk.

“Lay down now it’s time for lights out.” Ella said tucking Marcus in. She kissed him softly before climbing up the first step on the ladder and stealing Sammy’s book.

“Hey!” he grumbled.

“The red badge of courage?” she asked reading out the title.

Sammy nodded.

“It’s ok.” he muttered.

“Ok then.” Ella smiled at him. She lifted a piece of paper from his desk and put that in the book as a bookmark before placing it on his desk. She moved back to his bed and tucked him in pulling up the covers gently. “Goodnight my sweet boy.” She told him kissing him.

“Night Mummy.” He said grinning at her.

Ella moved out of the room closing the door before she heading into Meggy’s room.

“Mummy.” Meggy muttered rolling over.

Ella smiled and leaned down to kiss her.

“Sleepy?” she asked her.

Meggy nodded.

“School is horrible.” She muttered.

“Nearly the weekend though.” Ella said to her.

“It’s only Tuesday.” Meggy protested.

“Closer to the weekend than you were yesterday.” Ella leaned down and pulled up the covers tucking her in.

“I’m too old for this.” Meggy said grinning.

“Never too old. Now go to sleep I’ve got to go over and tuck Mike in.” Ella said watching as Meggy giggled.

“Night Mummy.” She whispered.

Ella stroked her hair back and kissed her again before leaving the room closing the door softly on the way out. She headed up to attic bedrooms and knocked on Georgie’s door before she opened it.

“Hello Mum.” He called out.

She walked over to his bed. He’d decided to sleep on the bottom bunk of one of the bunk beds, pulling out the double bed.

“Hey.” Ella called sitting on the edge. “What do you want to talk to me about?”

He eased up in the bed and looked at her.

“Just that there are some camping weekends coming up.” He confessed.

“Better let me know so I can put them on the calendar.” She said.

“Are you really going surfing with Dad on Sunday?” he asked frowning at her.

“Hopefully.” Ella said.

“When is he going to take me?”

“Not sure right now. We haven’t spoken about Saturday. I have to go buy some things for Marcus.” Ella said to him. “But if you want to go ask him.”

Georgie nodded.

“If you are shopping I need some stuff.” He said.

“Add it to the shopping list.” She said grinning. “That is what it is there for.”

“You know I forget.” He muttered.

Ella pulled up the covers and leaned down to kiss him.

“Do I have to suffer this sloppy stuff.” He grinned at her as he murmured the question.

“Pretty much yeah.” Ella said kissing his cheek. “Erm.” She added before planting kissed all over his face. “Yum yum yum.” She murmured.

“Yuk.” Georgie cried wiping his face.

She grinned some more and eased out of the room moving along to Sophie’s door. Again she knocked before entering the room.

“Still can’t get used to that.” Sophie said from her bed.

“Well it’s only polite.” Ella said.

Sophie grinned.

“So I’m old enough for privacy but still young enough to be tucked in?” she asked her.

“I can go if you like.” Ella said.

Sophie sat up in the bed and looked at her.

“Don’t you dare.” She muttered.

She walked over to her daughter’s bed and sat on the edge.

“How is school then?” she asked her.

“It’s ok.” Sophie grinned. “It’s not as bad as I thought.”

“See.” Ella grinned at her. “Now then time to settle down it’s getting late.”

Sophie nodded and put her arms around her mother giving her a hug before laying back in the bed. She smiled as Ella pulled the covers up.

“Night my lovely daughter.” Ella said to her kissing her cheek.

“Night Mummy.” Sophie said her voice sounding tired.

Ella eased out of the room and clicked off the lights on the way back downstairs.

“They asleep?” Roman asked her when he saw her.

“Are you joking?” Ella asked back.

He grinned and handed her a beer.

She smiled back at him and moved through to the lounge.

“Still here?” she asked the girls.

“It’s not working.” Gabby said looking over at Fleur lying in Danni’s arms almost asleep.

“That really is an old wife’s tale.” Ella murmured sitting opposite them. Roman moved to sit next to her.

“What is?” he asked.

“Holding new babies brings on labour.” She explained to him.

“I just want this thing out of me now.” Gabby told them.

“Is this going to end up on of those discussions where I’m going to want to be somewhere else?” Roman asked her.

Ella nodded.

“Ok then I’ll take Fleur up.” He murmured.

He kissed her.

“Don’t be long.” He said to her.

“I won’t be.” Ella promised, running her hand down his back.

He smiled at her, standing up and collecting Fleur from Danni before walking out of the room.

Gabby looked over at her.

“So come on then?” she asked. “What is the secret?”

“Well with Sammy an orgasm worked.” Ella said. “The others were all early.”

“I’ve already tried sex.” Gabby groaned.

Ella chuckled.

“That’s it I’m going to bed.” She muttered draining her beer.

“Mum.” Danni said quickly.

“Danni of course Mike is going to miss the army.” Ella told her leaning forward. “But that isn’t what he wants.”

Danni sighed.

“How did you know?” she asked.

“I’m a witch.” Ella murmured and grinned as Danni rolled her eyes. “Alternatively I saw your face when Roman did that Army thing the other night.”

Gabby looked at her sister.

“That explains it.” she murmured.

“You sensed the tension huh?” Danni asked her mockingly.

“About time you used that wedding dress and married him.” Ella pointed out to her.

“I can’t.” Danni protested. “I need to know where I come from.”

“Danni you come from us.” Ella supplied. “We love you and gave you a home and want so much for you to be happy.”

“I know. But where does the name Donnatella come from? Am I half Italian?” Danni murmured.

“You might never know.” Ella warned. “Or you might find out and regret it.”

“I need to know. If I’m going to marry him and have kids I need to know.” Danni said her voice rising.

“Then we’ll go back to the hospice and find out.” Ella promised her.

“Really?” Danni asked.

Ella nodded.

“And we’ll do it sooner rather than later.” She said to her.

Danni nodded.

“Ok then I’m going to bed.” Ella said standing up.

She chuckled as Gabby half rolled off the sofa.

“See.” Gabby said with a groan.

Ella leaned over to her and whispered in her ear.

“Really?” Gabby asked her.

“Apparently.” Ella said.

“I’m going to try it.” Gabby said.

Danni chuckled at her expression before hugging Ella.

“Thank you.” She said to her.

“Good night.” Ella said to them watching them go out the back. Gabby asked Danni about the name Donatella and she smiled as she waited for them enter the pool house before she turned off the lights and headed up the stairs to bed. She glanced in on Lily and Liam before checking Fleur and then finally moved into the bedroom.

She smiled as Roman sat up in the bed waiting for her.

“So you waited up.” Ella said softly.

“I did.” He told her.

“For anything in particular?” she said.

“Maybe.”

She looked at him before heading into the bathroom. He heard the shower come on and he smiled. She came out a few minutes later wrapped in a towel. She grinned at him as she dropped the wet towel by the bed and got in beside him.

“I hope you locked the door.” He told her.

“I may have done.” She whispered back.

“Good.” He murmured kissing her.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 99

Roman rolled over in bed and sniffed at the coffee.

“Is that for me?” he asked softly looking at her walking back to the bed with the cup.

“No. Yours is downstairs.” Ella said sitting back in the bed.

“I think we need to talk.” He muttered. “You coming back into bed without coffee for me.”

Ella smiled over at him before taking a sip.

“You said you’d take him surfing. I suggest you go downstairs now before he comes back up here.”

“You are cruel and inhuman.” He muttered hiding his face under the pillow.

“I’m sorry.” Ella said. “Who’s fault is it you didn’t get a lot of sleep.”

Roman moved his head and looked at her grinning.

“Mine.” He began. “And yours.”

“I’m pretty convinced that I wasn’t…”

He sat up and reached out taking the cup from her hands and draining it.

“I’m pretty convinced that you enjoyed it quite a bit.” He told her, putting the empty cup back in her hands before shooting off the bed and dashing into the en suite.

Ella looked over at the closed bathroom door and grinned. She climbed out of the bed and pulled on her swimsuit before grabbing a pair of shoes and ran out down the stairs.

“Georgie.” She called. “Change of plan. I’m taking you surfing.”

“Mum?” Georgie asked puzzled.

Ella nodded.

“Quick. Is your board in the car?” she asked him,

He nodded still frowning at her.

“Great. Just got to write a note for your Dad.” She muttered going over to the wall unit and taking out paper and a pen. She scribbled on it and left it stuck to the fridge with a magnet before grabbing keys and heading out the front. Taking Roman’s board out of the car she carried it to the garage and swapped it for her own putting that in the car. “Hop in.” she told Georgie.

He still looked puzzled as he climbed up into the car. Ella walked around it and set off heading to the beach.

“Mum.” Georgie began.

“Your Daddy stole my coffee.” She explained.

“And what is that….”

“If he can take my coffee he can handle my day.” She told him.

“So I get the deranged parent to take me into the sea. Goody.”

Ella nodded.

“The deranged and caffeine deprived parent.” Ella told him with a grin.

Georgie laughed.

She pulled up and parked in the car park nearest their favourite beach and took out their surfboards. She grinned as Georgie carried his straight to the beach while she grabbed towels and her beach bag from the back. She moved down the beach with him and set out the towels on the hot sand before running her hand down her board.

“Ok show me what you are made of.” She told him.

Georgie grinned and picked up his board running down to the sea. He skipped through the surf and placed his board in the water. Pushing the board ahead of him he glided it through the waves until it was deep enough for him to climb on and paddle. He grinned and turned slightly shocked that his mother had kept up with him.

“Ok.” she said sitting up on her board and looking out at the waves. “It’s good this morning but there’s a strong undercurrent.”

Georgie nodded.

“It’s pushing towards the rocks.” He commented.

“Good.” Ella said smiling at him. “Always check where the undertow is and how many others are out.”

Georgie looked along the sea.

“Only a few today.” He muttered.

“What does that tell you?” she asked him.

“That the water may be cold. That there may be a weather warning.” He guessed shrugging.

Ella nodded.

“So you need to what?” she asked.

“Let people know where I am and take note of the conditions and any changes.” He said bobbing on an incoming wave.

Ella nodded once more.

“Great.” She told him. “now lets catch some waves.”

He chuckled and turned to look noting that there were some waves heading for them.

“Leave this one catch the next one.” Ella advised.

Georgie nodded.

Ella waited letting the wave pass them.

“Ok paddle.” She told him.

Georgie began paddling. He felt the incoming wave start pushing the board along and he grinned. He waited and waited and then as the wave began to crest he sprang up on his blue board and let the wave take him using his balance to guide the board along the length of the ride.

Roman walked downstairs and into the kitchen. He looked round for Georgie and frowned when he couldn’t see him immediately. Thinking he had gone back upstairs for something he decided to get himself another cup of coffee and poured out the black liquid. Reaching for the milk he saw the note on the fridge door and frowned. Taking the magnet off he took the note down.

“Taken Georgie surfing.” He read aloud. “So you have the babies.”

He swore before reading the next bit.

“Take Marcus shopping for uniforms. Sophie to diner, she’s meeting Angel and Nic is taking them shopping and Sammy to see Robbie. Shopping list is on memo pad, don’t forget Georgie’s spray”

Roman narrowed his eyes as he looked around the kitchen. He pulled out his phone and started dialling when he caught sight of the letters PTO at the bottom of the page. He turned over the sheet and saw more of Ella’s handwriting.

“PS you steal my coffee you get my day. Don’t bother to phone I’m surfing!!!”

He finished dialling anyway and heard her phone ringing from the dinning table and he muttered some more walking over to it. He found another note and picked it up reading it.

“And anyway I don’t have my phone with me!!!” he read out on the second piece of paper. Roman couldn’t help the grin on his face as he walked back into the kitchen and clipped both notes back on to the fridge before draining his cup of coffee. He put out bowls cereal and milk on to the table and took out a bottle of formula from the fridge and began to heat that. He walked up the stairs and into the babies room seeing Lily and Liam already awake and playing together.

“Hey.” He called softly. “Do you want breakfast?”

Lily nodded.

“Narna?” she asked grinning at him.

“I think we can do that.” He told them watching as they ran over to him.

“Carry Dada?” Lily asked.

“Sorry got to take the baby down.” he murmured.

Lily frowned.

“Baby brek’ast?” she asked.

“Yes.” He told her.

He stood aside and let them walk ahead of him. Moving down the hallway he went inot the nursery and collected Fleur. He carried her downstairs smiling as Lily watched him with the baby.

“Ok?” he asked Lily and saw her nod. “You can put cartoons on if you want.” He added.

Liam grinned and ran over to the tv pressing the button and turning it on. He picked up the remote and turned the volume down before putting it on the children’s channel.

“Good boy.” Roman told him watching him grin. “Now then Fleur you stay here a minute” He placed her in the crib set up near the sofa and went into the kitchen to get Lily’s banana. He sliced up a couple and added some strawberries to it before putting it in bowls and taking it through to the table. He pulled up their highchairs and put the bowls on them.

“Lily.” He called. “Liam.”

The two babies ran over to him and he lifted them in their chairs giving them bowls and pouring cereal into them. He added milk and chuckled as he realised he’d forgotten spoons.

“Dada.” Lily cried.

“I know you need spoons.” He murmured running into the kitchen. He returned a second later and handed them spoons each.

“Ta.” Liam called out.

“Ok?” he asked.

Lily nodded her mouth full.

Roman grinned and went back in the kitchen checking on the formula, he poured himself another coffee while he was waiting and took both into the dinning room with him and reached for Fleur cradling his daughter close as he began to feed her.

“Morning.” Sophie called walking into the room. “Thought you were taking Georgie?”

“Change of plan.” Roman murmured to his daughter. “I’m on Mum duty.”

“Er ok.” Sophie muttered going to the table.

She poured out museli and added milk before sitting down at the table.

“She’s getting bigger.”

“I noticed.” Roman said grinning. “She’s like you.”

“Really?” Sophie asked leaning forward and looking at the baby.

Roman nodded.

“You were small when we brought you home but then in the space of weeks you seemed to double in size.”

“Must have been tough when Mum moved here.” Sophie murmured taking a spoonful of museli.

“Has your Mum been talking?” he asked.

“I asked her Dad.” Sophie said quickly.

“It’s ok.” Roman murmured hurriedly. “We’ve been through a lot over the years.”

“I know and you are still cuckoo about each other.” Sophie smiled. “That’s right isn’t it Lils?”

Lily nodded even though she didn’t really understand what was said.

“I missed you.” Roman said quietly. “which felt really weird because you and your brother were only home a few weeks and I’d barely got to know you.”

“But you moved in pretty quickly though didn’t you. I can’t really remember you not being here.” Sophie said frowning.

“There was a spider in the bath and your Mum called me over to deal with it.” he said. “I kind of stayed on and off until it was right for me to move in. But your mother, well she put my name on the deeds when she bought the place. She always wanted us to live here together.”

Sophie chuckled.

“She’s so sneaky.”

Roman nodded.

“I think you’ve had enough.” He said to Fleur putting the bottle on the table. He placed a cloth over his shoulder and began to burp the baby rubbing her back in smooth circles.

Fleur let out a big burp making them all laugh.

Amy-Belle placed her little boy back in his crib. The nurses let her feed him now but it scared her how she was suddenly responsible for another human being. Feeding him, changing him making sure he was warm enough.

“Ok AB?” Aden asked walking into the hospital nursery.

“Does it get easier?” she asked him.

“Never.” He grinned at her. “You worry about them just as much at this size as you do when they are grown.”

He walked over to his grandson and let him grab hold of his finger.

“Time to give him a name AB.” Aden told her. “He needs to know who he is.”

“Dad I’ve got so many doubt about bringing him home. I really don’t think I can do it.” Amy-Belle gasped out looking at her son.

“I’m sorry Amy-Belle but you had sex and this is the consequence.” He said quietly. “It’s not like you weren’t aware of that.”

She sighed and stepped forward looking at him.

“Ok.” she murmured.

“You won’t be alone.” Aden said. “You have your Mum and Danni and Gabby.”

“But not Ella.” She said bitterly.

“I think what you did was incredibly wrong and you are lucky that Roman has forgiven you.”

“I’m sure you mean Ella there.” Amy-Belle said puzzled.

“No, Roman doesn’t like things that hurt Ella. He gets violent tendencies.” Aden pointed out. “But you are lucky in the fact that it can go in the past. Now you have to focus on him.”

“I think I have a name.” She whispered.

“Really AB?” Aden asked her.

She nodded.

“I’d like to call him Kai.” She said.

“Kai?” Aden looked over at his grandson. “I think that is a good name.” He added after a couple of minutes and heard Amy-Belle sigh.

“Really?” she asked him.

“Don’t ask me.” Aden grinned at her. “Ask him.”

Amy-belle took a deep breath and picked her son up moving over to the rocking chair nearby and eased down into it. She rocked her son gently in her arms and looked down at him. She took a deep breath seeing his blue eyes and small nose. Seeing his pale red lips.

“Hello Kai.” She began talking to him feeling self-conscious. “I’m your Mummy. I’m going to take care of you.”

“That’s right Kai and she’s going to be wonderful.” Aden said moving over and kissing the top of Amy-Belle’s head.

“Oh no I’m not. I’m going to muck up so many times you’ll wonder why you got stuck with me for a mum but I promise you that I will always do my best.” Amy-Belle told him. She blocked out her Dad standing near her as she looked down at her son and fell in love with him seeing his eyes looking up at her. Kai blinked and yawned. He stretched his little body out before snuggling back up in her arms and closing his eyes. Within a moment he was asleep.

“Guess he likes his name.” Aden said quietly.

“Yeah he does. “ Amy-Belle agreed. “I think I’m just going to hold him a bit Dad.”

Aden smiled at her before reaching for a blanket. He draped it over her and smiled when she snuggled down, struck suddenly by the image of doing this for her just a little while ago when she was Kai’s size and he sighed.