Broken

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 70

“Hey.” Ella murmured into her phone. “We’re going for a coffee.”

“No worries.” James said in response. “Had Pete on the phone seems your husband doesn’t like you being here alone.”

Ella gave a tinkling laugh.

“Did you tell him I’d already been in touch with you?” she asked.

“Of course not that would spoil the fun. Meet you in the café.” James told her hanging up.

Ella was still grinning when she manoeuvred the buggy into the café. It was heaving with customers but she managed to get to a table in the back, scanning the other customers as she waited for James to appear.

“Mama juice please?” Liam asked her smiling.

“That so little man? You thirsty?”

“Takes after his dad.” James murmured suddenly appearing next to her.

“How did you do that?” she muttered.

“Trade secret.” He said sitting opposite her.

“Can I get you folks anything?” a waitress asked coming over to them.

“Two orange juices and a black coffee.” Ella ordered. “James?” she asked.

“A black coffee for me too.” He told the other woman watching as she moved away.

Ella lifted out Liam and sat him next to her at the table before reaching for their beakers.

“I don’t think anyone has followed you Ella.” James said softly keeping his tone even and calm. “I’ve got someone coming in to escort you.”

“Are they trustworthy?” Ella said immediately.

James nodded.

“Absolutely.”

“I need to…” Ella stopped at the waitress came over with their order waiting until she placed their drinks on the table before she continued.

“He was part of another unit. I’m sure he won’t be offended if you don’t recognise him.” James grinned at her watching as she poured juice in their beakers and handed over drinks.

“Does he know Roman?” she asked curiously.

James nodded slowly.

“Roman used to go out with his team sometimes.” He confessed.

“Ok then.” Ella said.

“Ella.”

She gave James a look and smiled.

“Roman did what Roman did.” She told him quietly. “He’s not that Roman anymore.”

“Wow I was expecting…”

“Drama?” she asked looking down at Liam as he shook his breaker at her.

“Empty.” He pronounced.

“That’s because you drunk it all little man.” Ella told her son. “You can have some more soon.”

He looked at her and opened his mouth when he saw her place her finger on her lips.

“Shush.” She said softly.

“In a word yes.” James said quietly. “It’s no secret how you reacted when you found out.”

Ella shook her head.

“Yeah, I was pretty upset. But so was he. I think that he bottled up a lot of stuff because he thought…”

“That he would lose you?” James supplied.

Ella nodded.

“So what are you doing here?”

Ella looked up at James as she sipped her coffee.

“I needed to do shopping. And.” Ella looked past him to the door where she saw a man walking towards them. “I needed to get some space. I thought if I missed him then there was something to go back to.” She finished focusing on the other man walking towards them.

“And do you miss him?” James asked. “And that is my man.” He added without turning around.

Ella raised an eyebrow.

“I’ve already had a phone call and couple of texts from him.” she said with another laugh relaxing now she knew who the man was coming towards them.

“Doesn’t answer the question. Yes or no Ella?” James said before he stood up and turning, shook the man’s hand as he stood next to the table.

“Good of you to come.” He told him. “This is Ella. And Ella this is.” James paused. “John Smith.”

“Nice name there John.” Ella said softly. “This is Lily and Liam.” She indicated her children.

“It serves me well on occasion. “ he told her sitting next to James. “Where are we going this afternoon? Do we have a plan?”

“We’re shopping and no there is no plan.” Ella said to him.

“I was afraid you’d say that.” John muttered.

He reached into his pocket and drew out a plan of the shops placing it in front of her.

“Now then the shops on this level are these.” He told her. “Do you want to go into any of these?”

Ella exchanged a look with James.

“Is he always like this?” she asked him.

James nodded.

“And you didn’t feel like warning him about me?”

“Now then Ella did Roman fill me in on you being able to do gymnastics?” he asked her.

Ella sighed and looked at the plan of the shopping mall without answering. She pointed to three of the shops on the bottom floor and then about six on the upper floor.

“Ok then we have a plan of sorts.” John said. “Gymnastics huh?”

Ella blushed as she felt his eyes travel over her, assessing her body. She lifted her cup with her left hand letting him see the platinum wedding band she was wearing ignoring the look that James shot her.

“So is that a yes?” he said to her.

Ella gave him a long look.

“Yes ok yes.” She muttered.

James gave a laugh and stood draining his cup.

“See you later.” He told her turning and walking out of the restaurant.

Ella smiled and half-waved before looking closely at his temporary replacement.

“So lets go.” She said to him. “Jewellers first.”

John nodded and stood letting Ella place her son back in the buggy with Lily before she went over to the counter and paid the bill. She wheeled the buggy out and across to the next store.

Roman opened the door to Nic’s boutique and stepped inside.

“Hey Dad.” She called out from the back.

He stood to one side and let the kids pile inside.

“Hope you’ve got some hard work in line for these.” He said.

She walked through to them and grinned.

“Of course.” She told him. “They don’t look too happy.”

“We’ve just been shopping.” Sammy pronounced.

“Food shopping.” Georgie emphasised.

“Bit boring was it?” Nic asked with a smile.

Sammy nodded exuberantly not noticing Roman grinning at his son.

“Right I’m going. I’ll be back in about forty minutes.”

Nic smiled.

“No worries.” She told him.

Roman leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her cheek before turning on his heal and heading out of the shop striding back to the car. With any look the furniture place would have exactly what he was after and if he had time he would be able to get to the antiques shop to pick something up for Ella.

Ella smiled as John tried to look as though he blended in when she’d brought him to the lingerie section.

“Really?” he asked her again.

“It’s a present.” She told him.

“You give that kind of underwear as a Christmas present?” he questioned looking at the red set she’d picked up.

Ella blushed as she collected a matching set of satin robe and nightdress adding that to the pile.

“Yes.” She muttered quietly.

“I’d like to see their face when its unwrapped.” he told her.

She gave him a look.

“So do I.” She said before she could stop herself.

“Wait.” John said quickly glancing at the sizes and then over at her. “Is this…

Ella flushed bright red.

“A present for my husband yes.” She hissed at him. “And I did tell you to wait for me outside.”

He gave a small laugh out of embarrassment rather than humour.

“Er ok… I’ll just…. Over … here.” He muttered finally.

“So you don’t want to come into the changing room with me?” she asked.

He looked as though he was going to have a heart attack before flushing dark red.

“I’m joking.” She said to him smiling at his discomfort.

“Of course.” He muttered stepping away slowly.

Ella grinned before joining the queue for the tills.

Roman tucked the receipt for the desk in his pocket; delivery promised Christmas Eve, before heading along the street to the Antiques store. Every year they said they didn’t do presents and every year he liked to surprise her with something. He looked in the window and sighed when it was gone from the display. He’d had his eye on it for a while. Walking inside he immediately went to the counter.

“You had a handbag.” He announced.

“You mean the 1940’s clutch bag?” The shop assistant asked him,

“Was that the black one?” Roman said.

She nodded at him and moved to another display cabinet noting that he followed.

“That’s the one.” He said followed by. “I’ll take it and the mirror thingy. Oh and those beads look nice.”

She gave him a look.

“Ok these are a string of crystal beads from the 1930’s complete with case and I’d like to point out that the mirror thingy is a compact. It also comes with this lipstick case see.” She added demonstrating. “And this small perfume bottle.”

“Yes I’ll take them.” he told her before looking around.

He saw the box of baby clothes that Ella had once looked in a long time ago and sighed before heading over to it captivated by a pair of matching pink cardigans and booties. Taking them out he held them up.

“Add these too.” He told her.

She glanced at him holding the small garments before taking them form him and placing them on tissue paper wrapping them carefully.

He gave her a smile as he pulled out his wallet and paid for them.

“Thanks.” He told her taking the bag from her after she’d wrapped them all up. He carried it out of the shop and over to his car. He got behind the wheel and set off back to the Nic’;s shop with time to spare.

“You made it back quick.” She told him. “Was just having the girls do some modelling for me.”

Roman glanced at Meggy and Sophie dressed in party clothes.

“Want to keep them longer?” he asked her.

“Can we stay Daddy?” Meggy asked excitedly.

Roman nodded.

“If it is ok with your sister.” He told them grinning at the way she turned and pinned her pleading eyes on Nic.

“Of course it is.” Nic murmured.

“Right come on boys unless you want to stay and try on dresses too.” Roman murmured to Sammy and Georgie.

Georgie fixed him with a stare.

“You know it’s almost worth the humiliation just to watch the expression on your face.” He told his dad.

“Yup. But then I’d have to take photos and show your mother and you know what she’s like with facebook and everything.” Roman murmured leading them out to the car. “Anyway you have shopping to put away.” He told them watching as Sammy groaned. “And I thought that after that we could get changed and hit the beach. Maybe do a little surfing.”

“Really Daddy?” Georgie asked grinning and forgetting to look cool. “You’ll take us?”

Roman smiled at his son and decided not to tell Ella that she was right. “Yup I’d love to.” He told him putting his arm around Georgie’s shoulders struck by how tall his son suddenly seemed to be.

“Cool.” Sammy muttered. “But you know we aren’t very good.” He warned.

“Been about 3 years since I got my board out..” Roman murmured. “Bet I fall off more than you!”

He got in the car smiling at Georgie let Sammy sit in the front while he got in the back.

“I’m so excited.” Sammy squeaked out.

“Me too.” Roman told him. “I need to spend more time with you.”

“It’s cool Dad.” Georgie murmured.

“Still…” he murmured pulling the car into the drive.

“Is this bag going in?” Georgie asked changing the subject.

“Yes needs to go in the bedroom.” he said looking at the bag from the Antiques store that Georgie was holding.

“Ok.” he murmured.

They got out the car and began getting the shopping in. Georgie disappearing upstairs. Roman began putting everything away glad that he’d made room earlier.

“That’s the lot.” Sammy said with a groan.

“Thanks. Why don’t you go get changed?” Roman smiled at him.

Sammy nodded and ran up the stairs.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 71

“Hey you.” Roman murmured stretching out on the bed.

“Hey yourself.” Ella grinned as she lay flat on her bed in the studio. “Did you have a good day?”

“I did. How did you know?”

“You sound happier.” She told him.

“No about Georgie wanting to go surfing with me and aside from you not being here I am happier.” Roman confessed putting his arm under his head as he spoke into his phone.

“Because you silly man you are our children’s hero.” Ella told him with a tinkling laugh. One he hadn’t heard in a long time.

“I am?” he murmured quickly.

“Of course you are.” She said softly.

“El.” He protested.

“Shut up and let them worship you a little.” She bossed him, rolling over on the bed and stretching out placing the pillow under her.

“So.” He murmured. “What did you buy?”

Ella giggled.

“Earrings for Danni and Gabby.” She began. “Princess dresses for Lily and Mira. Plus something for Millie.”

“And for Sammy? I got a desk by the way.”

Ella grinned.

“I got him some books and a memo board and some office type stuff so he can set it up.” She chuckled when she heard Roman groaning.

“I’ll give them a ring in the morning and tell them I do want the matching bookcase.” He said to her.

“Might be good. I got him some magic tricks to put in his stocking.”

“About Georgie I want to get him a surf board.” Roman said quietly.

“Ok. You want to pick it out?” she asked.

“Yes.” He murmured. “I have just the one in mind.”

“Like your blue one?” Ella guessed.

“I’m not even going to ask how you knew about that.” He said with a laugh, referring to the first surfboard he ever owned which would have been back when he was about 15.

“I have my ways you know Roman Harris.” Ella told him.

“You sound happier El.” Roman said finally.

“I do feel happier. I’m liking this.”

“I hope you aren’t talking about the distance because it sucks not having you beside me.” Roman said sitting up in the bed feeling tension go through his body.

Ella laughed again.

“No.” she said quietly. “The space to sort out my head a little.”

“Oh El.”

“No Roman don’t try to justify anything or defend anything. I don’t want to get into an argument with you over the phone.”

“uh huh.” He murmured.

“I’m going to be home soon.”

“I like the sound of that.” He confessed.

“Have they been behaving themselves?” she asked him changing the subject.

“Yes. Meggy and Sophie stayed with Nic while I took the boys surfing.” He said to her via the phone.

“Meggy is turning into a girl.” Ella told him.

“I noticed that. She and Sophie were talking about painting their nails earlier.”

“Better not take my nail polish.” Ella warned.

“You might be too late.” He cautioned remembering the running around the girls had done earlier. That and the shrieking and also the smell of perfume everywhere.

“uh huh.” Ella said quietly followed by a yawn.

“Sounding tired.” He commented.

“A little. Nice talking to you though.”

“Its making me smile too.” He said softly.

“I’m glad.”

“So.” He said.

“So.” She mirrored.

“I love you El.”

“I know.” She told him with a grin imagining his face right then.

“Thanks for that.”

“What you don’t like the uncertainty?” she asked with another of her amazing laughs.

“No just tell me.”

“I love you too my husband.”

“Still want me as your husband?” he asked suddenly serious.

“I do.” She whispered. “It just got a …”

“Little too hard for you to deal with?” he murmured.

“Yes.” Ella said. “I don’t want to keep taking it out on you.”

“Ok.” he told her after a long silence. “But I am to blame.”

“We’re dealing with a lot of things. We. Together.” She said before she yawned again. “I’m going to have to go I’m tired.” She told him.

“I suppose I should do the nice thing and hang up.” He gave another smile.

“Unless I hang up first.” She murmured.

“Or we hang up together.” He suggested.

“Are we doing this?”

“This?” he asked.

“The teenage thing.” She murmured.

Roman chuckled.

“Maybe. There is …” he lowered his voice. “Something else we could do.”

“Oh no you don’t. I’m tired.”

“This will guarantee you get a good nights sleep.”

“I’m hanging up now Roman Harris.” Ella said blowing him a kiss.

“Love you.” He said quietly.

“Me too.” She said.

He heard the click as the call ended and smiled goof-ily before sinking down in the bed and switching of the light.

Roman woke up and immediately looked at his phone. He saw messages waiting and took the time to read them smiling as he did. He typed back a message blushing with what he wrote! He moved out of bed and straight to the shower.

Ella woke slowly and stretched. She looked over at her phone and picked it up reading the message and blushing. Climbing out of bed she pulled on her robe and moved into the nursery seeing Lily already awake and looking at her.

“Hey Lils.” She called out. “Want breakfast?”

“Me’s hungry.” Lily cried out holding up her hands.

Ella bent down and picked her up cuddling her close.

“Ok then. Lets have eggs.”

Lily nodded.

“Liam eggs?” she asked looking over at her brother.

“When he wakes up.” Ella said carrying Lily through to the kitchen. She put the kettle on before getting out a pan and holding it under the tap.

“Lily turn the tap on?” Ella asked grinning as Lily reached out and turned the tap. Water splashed upwards before it filled the pan.

“Turn it off?” Ella asked her.

Lily chuckled before turning the tap off.

“Ok we’re ready to put this on.” Ella explained placing the pan on the cooker before turning it on. She moved over to the fridge opening it one handed before reaching for the bread.

“Toast?” she asked Lily.

“Please.” Lily lisped causing Ella to smile at her.

“You are a little madam aren’t you?” Ella said to her kissing her daughter’s nose.

“Me cutie.”

“Who says?” Ella asked her.

Lily looked at her and smiled.

“Dada.” She told her.

“Oh really? And what else does Dada say?”

Lily tilted her head to one side.

“I look like Mama.” She confessed.

Ella laughed and kissed her cheek before setting her down on her feet.

“Go find Liam.” She told her daughter. “Ask him if he wants eggs?”

Lily giggled and ran back into the nursery.

Ella placed two slices of bread into the toaster smiling automatically when her phone beeped with an incoming message. She pulled it out of the pocket of her robe and read the message flushing dark red at the explicit content. She dialled his number and held the phone to her ear.

“Hello.” He murmured.

“Behave yourself Mister.” She told him laughing.

“Now why would I want to do that?” Roman said softly, his voice lowering as he spoke betraying his desire for her.

“Because I told you so.” Ella said with a giggle.

“You know you don’t mean that.” He protested.

“You really think you can do what you put on those messages?” she asked.

Roman looked around the kitchen where he was cooking breakfast and his mind flashed back to that scene just a week ago when they had been hot for each other and he had to suck in a sharp breath as he felt urgent arousal.

“I think.” He began slowly. “That I am going to make love to you until you beg me to stop giving you orgasms.”

Ella gasped and felt her legs go weak at the knees.

“Look I’m in the middle of cooking breakfast for your children. Behave.” She said sternly spoiling it only slightly when she couldn’t stop smiling.

“Georgie and I have already been out surfing this morning.” He told her. “Just got back.”

“Who looked after the others?” Ella asked immediately.

“Irene.” Roman told her grinning. “Like I would leave them home alone.”

“You would.” Ella said softly. “And then be surprised that the house had mysteriously burnt down.”

“Ah but I would only have to look at Meggy and see if she’s trying to look innocent or not to find out if she did it.” Roman pointed out.

“Right my eggs are going in.” Ella said changing the subject.. “What are you doing today?”

“Sophie has told me that we are cleaning the house today so it’s spotless for your return.” Roman said with a chuckle.

“That would be because she needs to tell me she borrowed something.” Ella guessed.

“Well her fingernails are painted red.” Roman muttered. “And also black.”

Ella giggled.

“When did you get black nail polish Ella?” he asked.

“Oh ages ago.”

“But you never….

“Never have time to do my nails. My husband keeps giving me wonderful babies and keeping me busy.” She interrupted him knowing that he would be mentally kicking himself over the issue. “Eggs need to come out. Love you.”

“El…” he called out.

“Seriously I have to go. Speak later. “ she told him smiling.

Back in the Bay he nodded and hung up the phone first reaching for his cup he drained it before refilling it. He looked in the utility room and gathered together all the cleaning stuff taking out the hoover.

“Dad can we….” Georgie began to ask then caught Roman with the hoover.

“Were you going to ask if you could hoover?” he asked his son. “Because the answer is yes. Every room.” he told him.

“I knew there was a reason you were surfing with me.” Georgie groaned. “Wanted to put me in a good mood before you made me a slave.”

Roman looked at him about to say something when he saw the grin on his son’s face and realised he was joking.

“Where is that Sophie?” he asked instead.

“I’m here.” Sophie called out walking through to them with Meggy beside her.

“Dusting.” Roman told them. “Every room. And I need the beds stripping.”

“I’ll do the beds.” Sammy offered.

“Great leaves me with the bathrooms.” Roman said with a half groan. “But if we get done by lunchtime I’ll treat you to lunch in the diner.” He promised.

“This was so your fault.” Meggy muttered to Sophie as she took a handful of dusters and the polish.

Sophie smiled and took some dusters for herself.

“Let’s start in the study.” She suggested.

Meggy nodded and the two girls disappeared.

Roman grabbed the things he needed and his coffee heading up the stairs.

“Come on Samson I’ll give you a hand with some of the beds while I wait for the girls to finish.” Roman heard Georgie tell his brother.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 72

Roman looked around the house and smiled with satisfaction.

“Are we done yet?” Sammy asked with a groan sinking on to the sofa next to Meggy and Sophie.

“Just need to finish the laundry.” Roman said hiding his grin as he teased his son.

Sammy hid his face behind a cushion and swore.

“Samson.” Roman murmured still grinning.

“Sorry.” He said peeping out the top of the cushion.

“Right we have Aden and Belle in your room Meggy.” Roman began.

“All toys tidied away and the bed is made.” Meggy told him. “I put some of Mum’s smelly stuff in too.”

Roman gave her a look.

“She means a bowl of pot pourri.” Sophie translated for him.

“Sammy?” Roman said.

“I’ve made the double bed.” He said his room having a bunk bed with the lower bed being a pull out double bed. “Everything is put away.”

“Including the smelly sports kit you had stuffed under the bed?” Roman asked him.

Sammy flushed and nodded.

“I’ve done the spare room for Nic and Geoff.” Sophie said quietly.

“Thank you all.” Roman said to them smiling. “Do you want to go to the diner now?”

Sammy shook his head looking at the others.

“I’m too tired.” He said with a sigh.

“When are they getting here?” Meggy asked sounding excited.

“I would have thought you’d want your Mum home first?” Roman asked her.

“Well durh Daddy.” Meggy muttered with a roll of her eyes. “But it’s really Christmas when everyone is here.”

Roman laughed before heading into the kitchen. He pulled out ingredients and began assembling toasted sandwiches.

“Where did Georgie sneak off to?” Sammy asked the others.

“He’s speaking to Mike to arrange that thing we talked about.” Sophie muttered keeping her voice down.

“Oh.” Sammy murmured his mouth making a round ‘o’ shape.

“Sandwiches.” Roman called out.

Sammy put the cushion to one side and moved into the kitchen. He grinned at his Dad when he saw the plate of toasted sandwiches on the side.

“Thanks.” He murmured.

“Can you take them to the coffee table.” Roman asked him smiling at the look of surprise.

“Ok.” Sammy said quickly and picked it up carrying it through.

Sophie walked into the kitchen.

“Want me to get drinks?” she asked him.

“Please.”

“What can I do?” Meggy asked.

“Take plates and napkins.” Roman told her.

Meggy nodded and moved over to the cupboard. Roman watched the two girls work together sorting out drinks and plates and taking them through to the lounge.

“When is Mummy coming back?” Meggy asked after a minute.

“Not sure.” Roman confessed. “Sometime today.”

“In time to wrap our presents.” Sophie suggested.

“Don’t you have stuff already under the tree.” Roman said looking at her and frowning.

“Well yes but…” Sophie began.

“That’s all we’ve got. Don’t forget we just had a wedding and had to buy a new car.” Roman told her taking another sandwich for himself.

Sophie pouted and looked down.

“Well ok then.” She said quietly.

Roman gave her a smile before clicking on the television and going through the channels. He found a film on and chose that smiling when he heard Sammy give a cry of excitement.

Meggy moved off the sofa and sat next to her dad grinning when he put his arm around her.

“Ok Megs?” he asked quietly.

“I’m just excited.”

“Even though you don’t have many presents?” he asked her.

She gave a nod.

“Well Mummy will be home soon and we have each other and everyone is coming so presents aren’t really important.” She told him in a rush.

Roman smiled at her and lifted her into his lap giving her a hug.

“How did I get so lucky to have a special daughter like you?” he asked her.

Meggy grinned and wrapped her arms around him.

“Love you Daddy.” She told him.

“Love you too.” He told her feeling overemotional.

“Hey!” Sophie protested.

“Shush.” Meggy murmured. “We’re bonding over here.”

Roman laughed and kissed her cheek.

“Am I interrupting something?” Nic asked walking in through the door.

“Angel.” Sophie cried out jumping up and running over to her niece.

“Just some father daughter time.” Meggy explained. “I’m the favourite daughter now.” She told Nic grinning at her.

“Oh really squirt?” Nic asked her.

Meggy jumped up and ran over to Nic hugging her.

“Just joking.” She explained quickly.

Nic knelt down and looked into Meggy’s face.

“I know that squirt.” She murmured.

“Well I know you know that but I wanted to make sure because it is Christmas you know.” Meggy pointed out.

“Ah.” Nic said. “Is that about presents?”

Meggy shrugged.

“Might be?” she grinned and looked over to the tree. “We don’t have many you know.”

Nic followed her gaze before laughing.

“Megan Hope Harris.” She called out kissing her sister.

Meggy giggled and ran back over to her Dad sitting next to him.

“Hello daughter number one.” Roman called to her.

“Hello Daddy.” Nic told him.

“Want a drink?” he asked her.

She shook her head and turned watching Geoff as he walked in carrying a large box full of wrapped presents.

“There’s another one out there.” he explained at Roman’s enquiring look.

Roman stood then and moved out to the front veranda picking up the second even larger box. He carried it inside groaning comically and he walked over to the tree.

Nic giggled looking over at Robbie pulling in a suitcase.

“You’re in the spare room.” Roman told her.

“Ok Robbie let me take it now. Go sit with Sammy?” Geoff said to his son.

“Where Lily?” Mira asked toddling over to Roman.

“She’s with her Mummy. She’ll be here soon.” Roman told his little granddaughter.

Mira looked at him and big fat tears appeared in her eyes.

“Don’t you dare cry Missy.” Nic cautioned. “We’ told you Lily and Liam were with Ella.”

Mira pouted one of the tears escaping and running down her face.

“B….b..but….” she muttered.

Roman chuckled.

“Not a bit like you.” He told Nicole causing her to give him a glare.

Meggy moved over to Mira and knelt in front of her.

“Want to go see my barbies?” She asked.

Mira nodded.

“Is it ok if we go to our room?” Meggy asked him.

Roman nodded watching as all the children disappeared up the stairs. He walked over to the table and cleared it off carrying the pots through to the kitchen.

“Want any help?” Nic asked him.

”Everything is done. Just waiting for Aden to pitch up before I put it out.” Roman told her referring to the buffet dinner they had on Christmas Eve.

“Does that mean I should go back to the studio?” Ella asked from the doorway ushering Lily and Liam in ahead of her.

Roman took one look at her and groaned before striding over to her. He picked her up and held her tight against him for a long moment before kissing her.

“Don’t you dare.” He told her his voice breaking.

“Hey I’m going away more often if this is the welcome home I get.” She grinned kissing him again.

Lily ran over to Nic and tugged at her skirt.

“Mira?” she asked.

“She’s upstairs with Meggy.” Nic explained softly.

Lily grinned and ran back over to Liam taking hold of his hand and leading him to the stairs. She undid the first stairgate and gave her parents a sly little look before moving up the stairs.

“I didn’t know she could do that.” Roman murmured.

“She didn’t want us to know.” Ella grinned up at him smiling because she was still in his arms.

“Do we need to leave you two alone?” Nic asked with a discreet cough.

Roman pinned her with his intense gaze.

“Do I need to remind you what tomorrow is?” he pointed out raising an eyebrow as he looked at her.

Ella laughed.

“Want to help me carry stuff in.” she asked him.

“I did tell them that we didn’t have a lot for them.” Roman said with a smile.

“We could put it in the study. Everything is wrapped.

“Can I help?” Nic asked quickly.

“Kids.” Roman said with a groan.

“Thank you Nicole.” Ella said softly. “But no!”

Nic grinned.

“We’ll grab some drinks and go over to see Irene then.” She said looked at Geoff and seeing him nod at her suggestion. She moved to the fridge and took out the wine pouring some for herself and a beer for Geoff and the two moved out the back.

“Hey you.” Roman said quietly.

“Thought I wasn’t coming back didn’t ya solider?” Ella said to him smiling.

He nodded before taking hold of her hand and leading her into the study. She looked over at the sheet-covered objects and gave him an enquiring look.

“His desk and bookcase?” she asked.

Roman nodded letting go of her hand so she could go have a look at it watching as she moved the sheet to one side and looked at it.

“Matches his wardrobe.” She murmured. “Good job mister.”

Roman smiled and held out his hand to her.

Ella giggled and ran over to him, chuckling some more as he drew her down to sit on his lap on the large sofa.

“I missed you.” He told her.

“But you spent some time with the kids.” She pointed out.

“Georgie is going to be a good surfer.” Roman said quietly. “And Meggy was a sweetheart today. They’ve all worked hard helping me give the place a clean.”

Ella nodded grinning some more when Roman captured her head between his hands and kissed her again. She kissed him back putting her arms around his neck.

“Are you planning on starting something mister?” she asked with a sassy grin.

“Might be.” He said softly.

“Come on lets get the other stuff in. I might put a couple of things under the tree.” Ella told him.

“El.” He whispered.

“I love you and I was always planning to come home. I didn’t want to keep arguing with you.”

Roman nodded.

“I hate arguing with you except…” he smiled at her. “the making up is pretty good sometimes.”

“Oh you.” She muttered slapping his arm and trying to stand up.

“El.” He said again slowly.

“What?” she asked him.

Roman reached into his pocket and handed her an envelope.

“Rachel gave me this.” He said quietly.

“Is it the results?” Ella asked trepidation in her voice.

Roman nodded.

“You’ve read them?” she asked.

He shook his head.

“Thought we should be together to do it.” he told her.

Ella looked at him and took the envelope.

“Is it ok if I do it later?” she asked him.

Roman gave a little sigh.

“It’s been burning a hole in my pocket for two days.” He pointed out.

“Let’s get this stuff in ok?” she asked him.

Roman looked searchingly at her and nodded letting her stand up. He watched as she folded the envelope and placed it in her back pocket before holding her hand out to him.

“Come on Grandpa.” She grinned at him.

“Age jokes.” He muttered. “Like I’m not going to hear enough of them tomorrow.”

She gave him a grin.

“And don’t you love it.” she told him.

“I love you.” He murmured putting his arm around her and pulling her closer to him.

“Me too.” She said softly kissing him again.

He led her out and to her car giving a groan at the amount of presents that were in the back.

“Ella Harris.” He muttered.

“It’s just a few things.” She defended.

Roman gave her a look as she piled things into his arms.

“Good job I’ve been working out.”

“I noticed that.” She said taking a pile of presents herself.

“Oh you did, did you?” he said to her.

“Move it Harris. There are more presents to take in.”

“That’s right treat me as your slave.” He grumbled.

“Now that is an idea I might save for later.” She told him and laughed as he blushed.

“Ella Harris.” He muttered again putting the presents down in the study.

She put her pile next to them and stroked down his back before kissing him softly.

“Now I know you are home.” He said quietly.

“Next load.” She instructed.

They worked together carrying everything in from the car before Ella selected a few things and placed them under the tree.

“Do you want a drink or anything?” he asked her.

“I’m going to take a drive.” She told him. “Something I forgot.”

“Ella.” Roman protested stepping forward.

“I won’t be long honest.” She put her hand on his waist and kissed him.

“Why don’t I….”

She raised an eyebrow.

“It’s girlie stuff.” She told him.

He nodded stepping back and looking at her.

“Fine.” He told her.

She gave him another grin and kissed him once more before turning and going out to her car. He watched her drive away frowning because she’d run out on him again.

“Was that Mum?” Georgie asked from behind him.

Roman turned and glanced at his son standing at the French doors and nodded.

“She’ll be back in a bit.” He said not realising how uncertain he sounded.

“Ok cool.” Georgie spoke quietly, heading through the house and up the stairs.

Roman moved to the kitchen and took a beer for himself wishing he could ahve a whiskey instead.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 73

Ella drew the car up outside Martha’s farm. She saw only a couple of lights on inside and gave a little groan at how unloved the place was. Stepping out of the car she walked carefully through the long unkempt grass until she was at the front veranda. She stepped quickly over to the front door and knocked loudly. The waiting for the door to be opened made her heart beat faster. And she bit her lip feeling nervous all of a sudden until the door opened a little way.

“Ella.” Marcus called out happily.

He flung the door open and ran at her hugging her.

“Hey babes. Is your Mummy here?” Ella asked him her tone gentle.

Marcus nodded easing back.

“Can I see her?” Ella asked him.

“She’s asleep.” Marcus confessed looking worried.

“Well I’ll come in and wait.” Ella said stepping past him before he could say anything/ She moved along the hallway and into the lounge seeing Martha laying on the long sofa. A card game lay abandoned on the table indicating that she had fallen asleep suddenly.

Ella stepped forward and placed her hand gently on Martha’s forehead checking for a temperature.

“What…. “ Martha came awake at her touch and flinched, fussing at her clothes as she tried to sit up.

“Easy.” Ella told her. “How long?”

“Weeks.” Martha responded knowing what the question was.

“That’s why you came back?”

Martha nodded.

Ella sighed and stepped back and away moving into the kitchen. She took a glass from the side and rinsed it out before getting a glass of water and taking that over to Martha.

“Marcus you should get packed.” Ella told him and almost grinned at the conflicted expression on his face.

“You can’t take him from me.” Martha groaned trying to stand up.

“I’m not taking him.” Ella denied. “I’m taking the both of you. It’s Christmas tomorrow and you don’t even have a tree here.”

Martha flushed.

“Couldn’t’ afford it.” she said quietly.

“And you can’t be alone.” Ella continued. “Marcus go and get your things. I’m going to pack your Mummy’s stuff.”

Martha reached out and caught hold of Ella’s wrist holding her still.

“Why are you doing this?” she asked her.

Ella pulled out the envelope from her pocket.

“Because we did a DMA test and Marcus is Roman’s son.” She told Martha watching as the other woman paled at the announcement and dropped hold of Ella hand. Ella put the envelope back in her pocket and took hold of Marcus’ hand leading him out and down the corridor.

“Is this Mummy’s room?” she asked him and saw him nod. “Off you go and pack your stuff babes. Don’t forget your bear and toys.”

He nodded and ran over to his room leaving Ella to pack Martha’s things. She shook her head at the too few clothes and the worn shoes. Before heading to the bathroom collecting all her things from there and adding those to the suitcase before closing it and taking it out to the car. She made another trip helping Marcus with his things and getting him settled in the front seat.

Leaving him there clutching tight to his bear, she moved back to help Martha.

“I got some things for Marcus.” Martha told her pointing to a bag she’d collected.

“Ok.” Ella said softly. “Is there anything else you need?”

Martha shook her head and stood unsteadily sighing as Ells rushed over to her side and helped her. She picked up the bag with her other hand and they moved out to the car, switching out lights on the way out. She helped Martha into the back of the car and placed the bag next to here before getting in behind the wheel and setting off.

“You’ll like Christmas Eve.” Ella explained to them. “We have everyone round and Roman does a buffet. Bound to be something you like.”

“Mummy doesn’t eat a lot.” Marcus said quietly.

“Maybe we can tempt her with rice crispies?” Ella said quietly to him.

“You got me rice crispies?” he called out happily.

“You should have told me sooner that you liked them for breakfast.” Ella said to him. “Although maybe now you prefer Sammy’s toast.”

“No way.” He exclaimed. “I still like my crispies don’t I mum?”

“Yes Marcus.” Martha told him. “It’s the only breakfast cereal he ever ate.”

Marcus nodded looking from one to the other.

“Now this is why you’re Mummy had to come and stay.” Ella explained. “So that we know what to feed you.”

Marcus nodded solemnly before grinning.

“I like peanut butter too.” He murmured.

“That’s probably a good thing.” Ella told him as she pulled up in the driveway. “Now let’s got your Mummy settled yeah?”

Marcus nodded again and opened his seatbelt grinning as Ella shot around the car and opened his door helping him out before helping Martha out. She placed her arm around her waist and helped her walk over to the front door.

“Why are you being so nice to me?” Martha whispered self-consciously.

“Because I am a really nice person.” She told Martha with a grin opening the door moving through to the lounge with Ella helping Martha over to the sofa and seeing her settled. She glanced around the room seeing everyone watching and grinned at the lack of noise.

“El?” Roman questioned, finally breaking the growing silence.

“It’s Christmas.” She told him moving over to his side.

“Marcus!” Sammy called out running over to him.

“Hey.” Marcus said shyly.

“Are you here for Christmas?” Sammy asked excitedly. “Come and see Robbie and Tyler.” He added grabbing hold of Marcus’ hand and drawing him over to the table where the other two boys were.

“Oh Ella may I have a word?” Roman asked her.

She nodded and moved out of the room with him. He saw Aden standing nearby and took hold of Ella’s hand leading her upstairs.

“Spoilsport.” Aden called out.

Nic glared at him before walking over to Martha.

“Want a drink?” she asked her.

“I didn’t want this you know.” Martha whispered.

“Ok.” Nic told her. “Now what do you want to drink. There is food in the kitchen want a hand getting some?”

Martha gave a small nod and stood walking with Nic into the kitchen.

“Ella Harris.” Roman bit out storming into their bedroom and slamming the door.

She smiled at him.

“No you don’t.” he snapped out.

“Don’t what?” she asked innocently.

“Stop it.” he muttered folding his arms.

“Stop what?”

“Elizabeth!” he shouted out angrily. “Stop trying to seduce me/”

She smiled at him and sat on the bed beginning to undo her blouse.

“I mean it.” he told her watching her carefully.

“Ok then.” She murmured licking her lips and tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear. She saw him watching the movement carefully and lowered her lashes before biting her bottom lip.

“You…” he groaned and moved to her side before pinning her down on the bed and kissing her. She eased back after a time and looked into his eyes before she spoke again.

“Ok,” she began stroking his face. “Martha has cancer. She’s dying.” She told him.

“Oh El.” He groaned out pulling her into his arms and cradling her against him.

“It’s ok.” she said before easing away and looking into his eyes. “Except that Marcus is your son.”

Roman flinched and stood up pacing away from her to the window across the room.

“Are you sure?” he asked in a hurt voice.

Ella stood and walked to his side taking his hand in hers.

“Yes.” She said quietly. “She didn’t have anything there, no tree, a few presents for him but nothing that really made it Christmas.”

“So you brought her here because?” he muttered. “Maybe you thought she hasn’t done enough damage?”

Ella tugged on his hand forcing him to look at her.

“Because we are going to look after Marcus when she is gone and I’d like him to have happy memories of his last Christmas with her.” she told him quietly.

“Are you sure I’m…” Roman began to ask.

Ella pulled the envelope out of her pocket and placed it in his hand.

“You didn’t open it.” he said puzzled.

“I didn’t need to.” Ella told him. “You have to be his father.”

Roman gave a slow nod.

“Because he’s going to need me to be.” He said answering his own questions.

“Exactly.” Ella said quietly. “We can open it if you want to know.”

Roman handed it back to her and watched as she turned and placed it in her jewellery box.

“What happened to the woman who wouldn’t have Marcus in her house.” He said pulling Ella back into his arms.

“She mellowed after getting some very racy texts off her husband.” She told him unable to control her blush.

“Oh really?” Roman asked her.

She looked up at him and nodded.

“I kinda liked them.” she admitted.

Roman smiled at her before taking a step towards her and kissing her. He felt her arms wrap tight around him and sighed.

“I’ll bear that in mind.” He murmured.

“Love you husband.” Ella told him.

“So we’re adding to the family.” He said and then paled as he looked at her.

“I still haven’t…” Ella stopped. “been able to take another pregnancy test.”

“It’s ok. Lets have Christmas and …”

“Sort it out after?” she finished for him.

“Something like that.” He said quietly.

“Let’s go I’m hungry and I want to get something before Aden eats it all.” She said tugging on his hand.

Roman gave her a smile and walked downstairs with her.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 74

Ella eased out of bed and stepped barefoot over to the blanket box at the end of the bed. She took out Roman's stocking and hung it on the end of the bed with a little grin. Looking over at him she gave another smile and waited.

"Am I supposed to be asleep?" he asked her quietly.

"Yes." she told him.

"Come here." he instructed lifting the covers and smiling over at her.

"Sorry I need to go play Santa." she told him.

"I believe I said come here." he told her sitting up and switching on the bed side lamp.

Ella looked over at her husband and gave him a smile.

"Again?" she asked him and saw him nod. "Better hope that the kids sleep in tomorrow because I'm going to need some rest." she said easing back into bed and once more in his arms.

"Now what did my last text say to you?" he asked her grinning before kissing her again.

"That one doesn't count," she cried out quietly. "You sent it an hour ago."

"But I had to put a lot of thinking into it." he told her. "Thinking about how you like this here kissing and then when I use my tongue here." he added stroking his fingers down parts of her body to demonstrate.

Ella gave a little moan before pressing him down on the bed.

"I have to play Santa. Now then you should hold that thought for about ten minutes." she told him. "And just to keep you thinking."

She eased down his body pressing kisses as she moved until her lips enclosed him and she began loving him with her mouth.

"Ella Harris!" he groaned her name and gave a little chuckle as he remembered how back in the day he used to mentally call her that before they even discussed marriage.

"Now here I am giving you the most romantic present that is supposed to blow your mind..."

"Amongst other things." he interrupted looking down at her.

"And you are laughing."

He reached down and pulled her to lie with him on the bed noting not for the first time that night how they fit together so perfectly.

"Because I was remembering how I used to say your name back then." he explained kissing her cheek first before his lips met hers in a sensual kiss.

"That cute little stutter you had." she whispered.

"You thought I had a stutter?" he asked easing back so he could see into her eyes.

She nodded.

"You used to say Ella A..a..addison." she told him smiling up at him.

"No." he said softly. "I used to have to stop myself saying Ella Harris before I'd even thought about proposing to you." he contradicted her.

"Oh my god Roman Haris." she gasped out, her heart melting with love right at that moment.

He smiled and kissed her again.

"But well I did let you think that it was because your beautiful mouth was teasing me beyond endurance." he whispered in her ear.

"I did notice that you seemed to enjoy what I was doing." she giggled kissing him again. "And I really must leave you to go sort out these stockings." she added regretfully her limbs having grown heavy with her own arousal.

Roman kissed her again smiling as she wriggled against him trying to get out of bed.

"Well ok then." he said after a few minutes. "We'll be waiting right here." he told her.

"We?" she asked him.

Roman looked down at his aroused body before he answered.

"Me and the Org...."

Ella put her hand over his mouth stopping him from finishing what he was about to say.

"You never refer to it like that you'll jinx it." she told him unable to stop her laughter.

"Oh go on." he said kissing the palm of her hand.

She moved over him for the briefest moments before kissing him again and finally climbing out of bed. Puling onher bathrobe she padded barefoot out of the bedroom and down the stairs. She smiled over at him when he joined her there.

"Thought you might need some help putting things under the tree." he explained softly

She nodded and switched on the light before opening the study door.

"Thank you." she told him softly.

They worked together in silence carrying packages through to the lounge and placing them underneath and around the Christmas tree. Roman moved out to the utility room and came back with the wrapped surfboard.

"Roman Harris." Ella groaned when she saw it.

"I put a bow on it." he said with a grin.

"I like how you didn't disguise it." she murmured.

He lent it against the wall near the tree and smiled being careful to make sure that it wasn't going to fall over.

"You do realise that the kids are going to go nuts when they see all this stuff don't you?" he asked her.

"They deserve a little spoiling this year." Ella said, again speaking softly. "Been through a lot."

Roman nodded.

"They are good kids. You did a good job raising them." he complimented her smiling as she automatically blushed.

He knelt down and looked at a package she'd bought for Marcus before looking back at her.

"How did you know Ella?" he asked softly.

"When Marcus came to tea he told me." she whispered sitting next to him and taking hold of his hand knowing that this discussion wasn't easy for him. Too many reminders of her own dealings with cancer. "He said they came here because she was ill and then said that he wanted anything except brown rice for tea."

"That was it?" Roman looked at her. "Two innocent sayings from him had you convinced she was ill." he shook his head and looked at her.

"There were clues there. She needed IVF to ge pregnant with Jack so how did you father Marcus? and I went on that health food diet remember? Lots of brown rice. If you are a kid and you eat that a lot it's going to be the thing that sticks in your mind."

"Still doesn't seem a lot for you to go on." he said to her.

"His nightmares." she said quietly. "He was convinced that he wasn't going to see her again. Reminded me of the way Sammy was when I "came back" after my car crash."

"You are one scary witch." Roman said shaking his head.

"And yet you still try to get things past me." she pointed out shakign her head.

Roman drew her towards him and kissed her before easing her down to the soft carpet.

"Do you think if I make love to you under the Christmas tree I'll get my Christmas wish?" he asked after a long few moments hand passed.

"Depends what is your wish?" she asked him.

"That you never get sick again." he told her. "And because I'm greedy, that we get our babies back and have the next forty years making love and being at peace."

"It's worth a try." she whispered kissing him.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 75

Roman moved into the lounge and over to the table at the end of the room.

“Morning Sleepy.” Ella called out softly lifting her head for his kiss.

Roman sank into a seat beside her and smiled knowingly as Ella blushed at his look.

Georgie grinned at him.

“Can’t think why you are so tired Daddy you went to bed early.” He murmured.

“Maybe I was up late helping Santa put out presents.” Roman told him.

“He’s been very interested in one of the presents next to the tree.” Ella murmured.

“That so son?” Roman asked him.

Georgie nodded.

“Very interesting shape under the wrapping paper. But there isn’t a label on it to say who’s it for.” Sammy piped up grinning over at his brother.

Georgie groaned and speared a piece of his bacon with his fork.

Roman gave a small laugh sobering when Jacko peeped round from the kitchen.

“Merry Christmas Hardcore.” He called.

“Jacko.” Roman said a noted of enquiry in his voice.

“The Mrs suggested that we should come over.” Jacko said quietly.

“So she got you on kitchen duty?” Roman asked him.

Pete moved out of the kitchen then and brought over a cup of coffee placing it in front of Roman.

“Don’t worry she’s warned us that we have to keep it clean.” Pete told him.

“Want a full breakfast Hardcore?” Jacko asked waving a spatula around.

“Yup.” Roman murmured.

“Daddy.” Sammy whispered.

Roman turned and looked at him.

“What is it?” he asked softly.

“I was just thinking that if Marcus doesn’t have any presents then maybe you can put his name on a couple of them.” he suggested quietly.

Ella smiled and ran her hand down Roman’s back, knowing that he was touched by Sammy’s offer.

“That’s a good idea. How about that big one over there.” Roman said pointing to the gift-wrapped surfboard.

“What that one?” Aden asked from his seat next to Tyler.

Roman gave a nod.

“Isn’t that mine?” Aden continued.

“Stop teasing Georgie.” Ella said to them. “I think if you look under the tree Sammy you might find some presents that have Marcus’ name on.”

“Woah!” Nic exclaimed walking into the room and seeing all the presents around the tree.

“Woah yourself. er.. Princess.” Aden grinned over at her.

“Like it?” she asked pointing to the tiara she was wearing.

“Elizabeth Harris.” Roman groaned out.

Ella smiled.

“You told me that I should buy them tiaras.” She pointed out grinning at him.

“Pretty’s.” Lily called out reaching up to Nic when she pressed a kiss to Mira sitting next to her.

“Ah bless Lils.” Ella said reaching out and stroking her daughter’s cheek.

“Brid’smaid.” Lily said pointing to herself.

“Want to be a bridesmaid again Lily?” Sophie translated grinning as Lily nodded.

“Jacko.” Ella called out.

Roman laughed and looked at her.

“Yes?” Jacko asked form the kitchen.

“Lily wants to be a bridesmaid again.” Ella said to him.

“Well she’ll have a long wait with me.” Jacko muttered and walked back into the kitchen.

Roman looked at Ella and laughed.

“Here that Lils.” Ella told her daughter. “You’ll have to convince Jacko to get married.”

“Strewgth!” Jacko exclaimed in the kitchen.

“Jacko!” Lily called out.

“Don’t start with me Missy.” Jacko said waving a spatula at her from the safety of the kitchen.

Lily chuckled and clapped her hands.

“Now look what you’ve done.” Roman murmured to Ella.

She grinned over at him before kissing him again.

“Shush.” She told him. “Let Lily work her magic.”

Roman sighed.

“Has everyone got their first present ready to open?” he asked quietly.

“Seriously? Durh!”

Everyone turned and looked at Nic.

“Well it’s Christmas.” She defended herself.

Ella chuckled.

“Go on kids.” She said. “Sophie, Georgie do you want to help sort out gifts into piles?”

Sophie nodded and stood from the table moving over to the tree.

“Morning.” Jacob said softly from the open French doors, he was standing next to Gabby.

“Morning.” Roman responded. “If you want breakfast tell the kitchen elves.”

“Hey.” Jacko muttered.

“Which one is Dobby?” Georgie asked.

Sammy giggled at the reference and led Robbie and Tyler over to the tree.

“You ok Megs?” Roman asked seeing that his daughter was still sitting at the table.

She nodded.

“I’m just thinking.” She began.

“Oh dear.” Roman said.

“Behave husband.” Ella scolded him. “What is it Meggy?”

“We didn’t get the babies anything.” She murmured quietly.

“That’s ok Megs.” Ella said gently. “Doesn’t mean we didn’t think about them.”

Meggy nodded before standing up and moving to the tree.

“Well.” Roman said softly.

Ella looked at him expectantly.

“You should look under the tree.” He told her.

“What did you….” She began to ask.

“Go look.” He interrupted her.

Ella stood and moved to the tree searching through the packages. She found them at the back, one labelled for Fleur and the other for August.

“Roman.” She cried out.

“Wasn’t going to leave them out. I figured that we could spoil them when we got them home.” He pointed out kneeling beside her.

Ella turned and placed the two packages in his hand before standing and running out of the room.

“Dad.” Nic gasped out.

“It’s ok.” he said having no idea what to say but needing to say something before picking up the two packages and placing them to one side. He moved over to the table and picked up his cup taking a long drink before turning towards the door seeing Ella walk back in. She stepped over to his side and handed him two giftbags.

Roman met her gaze before he peered into the bags and saw teddy bears and baby clothes.

“I wanted them to have something too.” She told him.

She moved towards him and kissed him softly.

“Thank you.” She said.

“Way too much slushy stuff.” Mike muttered walking in. He cast a look round at Danni and Toby walking in behind him.

“Where is Amy-Belle?” Ella asked.

Toby gave her a look groaning when she grinned back at him as he realised that the question was directed towards Mike.

“She’s sleeping in.” Mike told her. “Irene and Annie should be over in a minute.”

Ella smiled and held out her hand to Danni chuckling as she ran over to her.

“Hey daughter.” Ella said softly

“Hey.” Danni said before giving a puzzled look to Nic. “What an earth are you wearing?”

“It’s from my Christmas stocking.” Nic explained.

“We both got one.” Belle added moving into the room. “And I was hoping for another diamond bracelet.”

“I told her she couldn’t give out diamonds anymore.” Roman muttered folding his arms.

Danni and Gabby exchanged a look.

“Er…that isn’t what you said.” Ella said quickly.

Roman did a doubletake.

“Elizabeth Harris.” He muttered again.

She gave him an innocent look.

“So that is where Meggy gets it from.” Roman said softly.

She grinned at him.

“They were only small diamonds.” She defended.

“See?” Danni murmured showing him one of the earrings.

He shook his head in disbelief before Ella moved to his side and stood on tiptoe whispering in his ear.

“Ok.” he murmured grinning as she blushed.

“Morning.” Martha called from the doorway.

“Come on in.” Ella said quietly. “Want breakfast?”

Martha walked into the room leading Marcus in. His change of expression when he saw the presents stacked into piles around the tree was comical.

“Can I have some crispies?” Marcus asked slowly.

“Course you can. Just ask Jacko and Pete.” Ella told him pointing to the kitchen. “You too Martha.” She added watching the two of them moving through to the kitchen.

“So what are you opening?” Roman asked breaking the sudden silence.

“Well.” Georgie began his eyes once more going to the wrapped surfboard.

Roman laughed and moved over to his side ruffling his hair.

“From those.” He told him pointing to the pile of gifts that had his name on.

Georgie gave a groan before selecting one. He tore the wrapping off slowly and smiled when he saw the watch inside.

“Thanks.” He cried out excitedly.

“Me next.” Meggy cried out picking one of hers. She tore the wrapping quickly and laughed when she saw another Barbie doll. “Thank you Mummy.” She said rushing over to her mother and hugging her.

“You’re welcome.” Ella said hugging her back.

Roman chuckled moving to sit on the sofa to watch the orgy of present unwrapping around the tree.

“Martha, we always open one present at breakfast.” Ella explained to the other woman. She moved over to the tree and picked up a small item and took that over to her. “Here.” She told her.

Martha looked at her in shock before she unwrapped the gift.

“Thank you.” She said quietly looking at the selection of fruit flavoured lip balms.

“You’re welcome.” Ella said before smiling at Marcus. “I think that there are some with your name on.” She told him.

“Can I Mummy?” he asked Martha springing up from his seat when she nodded.

“What have I missed?” Geoff asked walking into the room.

“Opening presents.” Nic told him. “I think you should chose to open this one.” She added giving him one that was for both of them.

Geoff looked at her.

“Yeah right.” He said picking up another one that had his name on.

Ella giggled at Nic’s expression before moving to sit with Roman. He put his arm around her and kissed the top of her head.

“Soph.” He called out.

“Daddy?” she asked looking at the curling tongs she had unwrapped.

“Can you pass….” He began.

“I’ve got it.” Meggy cried standing up and bring a gift wrapped item over to Ella.

“Hey we don’t do presents.” She cried out.

“Open it.” he growled out kissing the spot near her ear.

“Thank you Megs.” Ella said taking the package and undoing the ribbon before carefully removing the tape.

“You have to be one of the most frustrating….” He said to her.

“Just because I don’t like ripping pretty paper.” She grinned over at him. She finished opening the gift and cried out. “Oh wow.”

“Like it?” he asked her.

“It’s amazing.” She said softly looking at the bag.

“Maybe you want to open it.” he said to her.

“There is more?” she asked looking at him.

He nodded chuckling as she undid the bag and looked inside.

“Roman. Its absolutely perfect.” She cried out moving and kissing him. “Amazing, thank you.”

He stroked the hair back from her face before kissing her again.

“You are welcome my beautiful wife.” He said softly. “Love you.”

Ella smiled kissing him again.

“Love you husband.” She said back to him before standing and moving over to Lily and Liam lifting them out of their high chairs grinning as they ran over to the tree.

“Want to open presents?” Ella asked them moving to sit with them.

“Me’s wants pretty’s.” Lily cried out pointing to Nic’s tiara.

“See what you’ve started.” Roman said coming over to sit with Liam.

Elal looked at him.

“I can afford a few diamonds.” She told him.

“Yeah but Lily is a bit young.” He said.

“We’ve got diamonds.” Meggy cried out.

“No.” Ella said to her. “Not until you’re 18.”

“Bummer.” She cried out.

Roman looked at her and laughed.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 76

Roman moved into the bedroom just in time to see Ella placing the presents for the babies away in a storage box. He tried to swallow past a sudden lump in his throat as he watched her.

“Hey you.” She called out spotting him standing in the doorway.

“Hey.” He said quietly.

“How is dinner?” she asked him.

“Thank you for keeping conversation neutral.” He told her. “But I’m ok.”

“Doesn’t look like you are ok.” she said quietly.

“Just watching you…”

“I didn’t want them to stay out and keep prodding us. It’s painful enough without the constant reminder.” Ella explained to him. “Doesn’t mean that I’m trying to…”

“Sorry.” Roman said sinking on to the bed.

Ella smiled and moved over to him.

“I love my present.” She whispered kissing him.

“Really?” he asked glancing at the black clutch bag. She’d placed it on her dresser next to the compact, lipstick case and perfume bottle.

“Oh yes. I might have picked it out for myself once upon a time.” she said softly. “So I’m glad that my husband knows me so well.”

Roman gave her a slow smile.

“Funny that your present to me involved sexy underwear for yourself.” he said. “Seems like you got more presents than I did.”

Ella gave him a slow cat got the cream type of smile and blushed at the same time.

“I certainly did get a lot last night.” She commented. “But well I didn’t hear you complaining. Maybe you did a little bit of moaning though.”

Roman chuckled pulling her into his arms and holding her tight as he kissed her.

“So dinner.” He said after a moment.

“Getting distracted are you?” she chuckled.

He nodded.

“Don’t think the kids would be very happy if we hid out for a hour or two!” he said softly.

“Uh huh Mister.” Ella muttered. “When are you going to let Georgie open his present?”

Roman smiled.

“Now that is what I came up to get you for.” He said quietly.

“Come on then.” She told him pulling on his hand.

He moved with her out of their bedroom looking a little regretfully at the bed.

“By the way.” He began. “Why does Mike keep giving you funny looks.”

“Oh that would be because I bought him camouflage condoms for his stocking.

“Ella.” Roman growled out pulling her to him.

“You can’t complain because you enjoyed the glow in the dark ones.” She pointed out.

He threw back his head as he laughed.

“You Missy are asking for a spanking.” He muttered walking down the stairs ahead of her.

Ella moved quickly following him.

“So what is left to open?” he called out moving into the room.

“That.” Georgie said quickly. Pointing to surfboard.

“Better open it then.” Roman told his son.

“Really?” Georgie cried out running over to him and hugging him.

“Yes.” Roman said softly feeling himself well up all over again.

“So totally cool.” Georgie cried running excitedly to the board and moving it carefully to the middle of the room and laying ti down.

He tore off the wrapping to reveal the blue surfboard underneath.

“Oh wow Dad.” Georgie cried out. “Thank you thank you thank you.”

“Better set your alarm so we can take it out tomorrow.” Roman said to him.

Georgie nodded his hand stroking it.

“Let me take it into the garage for you.” Mike offered coming over to him.

“Thanks Mike.” Georgie said softly handing it over reluctantly. He stood and gathered up all the wrapping paper and took it out to the recycling.

“Well that was a nice present wasn’t it Sammy.” Ella said to her other son.

Sammy nodded.

“He really likes surfing.” He murmured.

“Feeling a little left out?” Ella whispered moving close to him.

“A little. I’m not so good at it.” Sammy confessed.

“But your is only little babes.” Ella said quietly.

“Mum that so doesn’t work anymore.” Sammy said with a grown.

“Well it was either that or ickle wars.” She told him in a louder voice.

“Ickle Sammy?” Lily picked up on.

“That’s right its Ickle Sammy.” Ella said flexing her fingers comically as she moved towards him.

“Quick Sammy run.” Roman said to him. “Go hide in the study I’ll stop them.”

Sammy gulped and stood up moving away. He heard Lily giggling behind him as he ran over through the hallway. He darted past Ella who’d run through the archway and through the kitchen before reaching the study.

“Quick Sammy.” Roman cried out.

Sammy looked behind him before opening the study door and stepping inside. He stopped dead his jaw dropping.

“What.” He exclaimed.

“Happy Christmas Samson.” Ella told him moving over and kissing his cheek before heading to the sheet covered desk and bookcase. She tugged off the pale cream cotton sheet and revealed what was underneath.

“Is that for me?” he asked carefully.

Roman moved over to him and put his hands on Sammy’s shoulders guiding him further into the room so he could see it properly.

“Like it?” Roman asked him.

Sammy nodded.

“It’s cool. I’ll be able to do my homework in my room and do my book and study just like Mike.” he said without pausing to take a breath he lifted his hand and touched the pale wood of the tall bookcase.

“Here you go Sammy.” Mike called out walking over to his brother and placing a box on the desk.

“What’s that?” Sammy asked still sounding shocked.

“Thought you might like a few of my old books.” Mike said slowly.

“Really? But Georgie likes reading.” Sammy gasped looking as though he were about to burst.

Mike knelt down next to his brother and smiled.

“Yeah but he will only read these. You’ll treasure them.” he told him. “And we can talk about them when you’ve read them.”

Sammy gasped and rubbed at his eyes.

“This is the bestest Christmas ever!” he cried out hugging Mike.

“Why don’t you and Roman take them to his room and help him set them up.” Ella said softly to Mike and saw him nod. She smiled proudly on seeing the sheen of tears in Mike’s eyes.

“Come on Samson.” Mike told him standing and moving over to the desk. He lifted off the box and put it to one side before he and Roman picked up the desk and carried it up the stairs.

“You can go set up your other stuff now can’t you?” Ella asked Sammy.

He nodded and looked once more at the box of books.

“I’m like Mike aren’t I?” he asked suddenly sounding uncertain.

“Oh babes,” Ella cried moving over to him and picking him up.

“Mummy I’m too heavy.” He protested.

“Samuel Rapheal Harris you are my wonderful babes.” Ella told him. “And I love you the way you are. A little bit of me and a little bit of your Dad, and a whole lot of you. You don’t have to be anyone but who you are for us to love you a whole load.”

Sammy mumbled something his arms going around her neck.

“You make us so proud Sammy. Anybody would have been jealous when their elder brother got a surfboard for a present but you were happy for him.” she said softly.

“Maybe a little jealous.” Sammy pointed out.

“But you didn’t let him see it.” she whispered back to him. “And you were even going to give up your presents for Marcus. How amazing is my wonderful son?”

Sammy shook his head flushing bright red.

“Hey you’re supposed to carry the books up not Sammy.” Roman grumbled from the doorway.

“Sorry.” Sammy cried out. “Mummy needed a hug.” He added in explanation.

Roman smiled and walked over to him kissing Sammy’s head.

“That so Samson.” He murmured. “Going to go help us?”

Sammy nodded and kissing his mum before she lowered him to his feet. He moved over to the box and took out a few items before Ella picked up the box. He moved up the stairs smiling as he watched Roman carry the bookcase single-handed. Together they went into his room looking at Georgie and Mike standing in there.

”What?” Sammy cried out.

“Remember that I gave you guys my old laptop?” Mike asked him.

Sammy nodded.

“Well since I have mine we though that you’d like it in here.” Georgie said to him. “So you can be a proper writer.”

“But what about when the girls….”

“We already talked about that and if they want to use mine it’s ok.” Georgie said to him.

“Wow.” Sammy cried out.

“How about you guys move a little so I can put this down”? Roman asked softly referring to the bookcase.

“Can you put it over there?” Sammy asked pointing.

Roman nodded lifting the bookcase to the other side of the room. He put it flush to the wall and smiled over at Sammy.

“Need a chair bringing down from the attic.” Ella said.

“I’ll do that.” Mike said moving out of the room.

“Mummy want to help me?” Sammy asked going over to the bookcase.

“I’ll go check on dinner then.” Roman said.

“Yeah go do that dear.” Ella commented kneeling next to Sammy and placing books on the shelves.

“Oh.” Sammy said after a minute. “Thank you Georgie.”

“No worries little bruv.” Georgie grinned at him. “But don’t stay up late reading tonight we’re going surfing in the morning remember.” He added as he walked out of the room.

Sammy opened his mouth and gasped.

“Close your mouth honey.” Ella whispered to him.

“He wants me to go surfing?” Sammy muttered. “But I’m really bad at it.”

“Sounds as though you should go surfing so you can get better.” Ella said quietly.

Sammy gave a slow nod.

“This is way the bestest Christmas ever. Thank you for fetching Marcus Mummy.” He told her.

“About Marcus, how would you feel about him staying here a bit longer?” she asked carefully.

“That would be wicked.” Sammy exclaimed.

Ella grinned.

“We might just do that then.” She told him kissing his cheek.

“Less talk more putting books away.” Sammy said with a smile.

Ella chuckled, moving some books and placing them on the shelf.

“Where are you going to put your desk stuff?” She asked him.

Sammy stood and walked over to it touching the desk slowly before heading to his bed and picking up some of the things he’d bought up earlier. He placed the penholder on one corner before adding the two desk trays.

“It looks like a proper writers desk now.” Ella told him.

“That’s what I want to be Mummy.” Sammy whispered.

“Really?” she asked him.

He nodded.

“I like writing.” He confessed.

“Then you shall be a writer.” She said hugging him.

“Thank you for all my things Mummy.” He said before picking up the big encyclopaedia and putting that next to his dictionary on his desk.

“Perfect.” Ella told him taking hold of his hand and leading him down the stairs.

“You are spoilt Sammy.” Meggy called out rushing over to him and hugging him.

“I know. Is it ok Megs?” he said quietly.

“It’s perfect. We all got things we wanted.” She told him smiling.

“Everyone dinner is going to be ready in a few minutes..” Roman announced. “Can we have table cleared?”

“I’ll do that.” Sammy jumped up immediately.

Martha stood slowly from her seat on the sofa and walked to the table.

“What can I do?” she asked.

“Not a lot for a minute. Roman.” Ella called.

“More room?” he asked peeking out of the kitchen.

She nodded.

“Mike.” Roman shouted.

“I’m here,” Mike said easing down the stairs. “I just found out my mother keeps everything in the attic.” He grumbled.

“Not everything.” Ella said with a blush.

“More or less.” Mike said turning to Danni. “I just found some of my old schoolbooks.”

Danni laughed.

“I have no idea why you are surprised.” She told him. “Ella is a packrat.”

Ella coughed glaring at them.

“She’s got our baby clothes up there.” Sophie said.

“Not all of them Missy just some of the special ones.”

“Yeah be careful Liam she’ll take that bunny suit off you and put it in the attic.” Meggy warned her little brother.

Liam looked around them and began to cry.

“No take bunny.” He said hugging himself before stroking one of his ears.

Ella giggled running over to his side and picking him up.

“You were not supposed to like that Mister.” She told him hugging him. “What about your pirate suit?”

Liam shook his head.

“Me bunny.” He told her.

“So you are.” She said softly kissing him.

“Have you been yuk’ed out yet Martha?” Irene asked her. “All this sugary sweetness gives me toothache.”

Roman smiled at Irene.

“Just say the word and we can kick you out you know.”

“Stop picking on my step mother.” Ella called out. “At least your mother-in-law is better than mine.”

Roman took a moment working that out.

“Hey” he grumbled.

Ella gave him an innocent smile again.

“In answer to your question this is pretty good.” Martha said softly. “Isn’t it Marcus?” she asked her son. A knowing look passed between Ella and Martha before they looked over at Marcus.

Marcus nodded as he began putting some of his new toys away.

“What do you need Hardcore?” Jacko called out from the veranda.

“How about setting up a table for the kids and one for the adults?” Sophie suggested.

“No.” Ella said softly. “Move the table around so that the end is near the big doors and then place one of the patio tables this end and one the other. We should just about fit.”

Jacko nodded and with the help of Pete and Mike they began to shift them around. Aden and Geoff sorted out chairs.

“Want to fetch tablecloths?” Ella asked.

Sophie sprang up and ran over to the laundry room returning a moment later with three red tablecloths.

“Want to give me a hand Martha?” Sophie asked giving her one of the cloths. She handed the other to Nic smiling as they placed the clothes out smoothing them across the hard surfaces.

“Ok plates and cutlery.” Irene said moving into he kitchen and collecting them.

Mike smiled and disappeared through the doors. He returned a few moments later carrying some bottles.

“Ok.” he said putting them along the centre of the table. “Non-alcoholic for the non drinkers and for the rest champagne.”

Roman looked over and smiled knowing what was coming next.

“And for my mother something pink and fizzy.” He said putting a bottle of cherryade on the table.

“Roman Michael Addison Harris.” Ella muttered putting one hand on her hip the other arm still around Liam balancing him on her other hip.

“Full name shout?” Mike asked.

“Too many names there.” Roman said quietly.

“No about the right number.” Mike said.

“Really?” Ella asked him.

“If you want me back that is”? Mike told Roman.

Roman pressed his lips together to stop him blubbering like a girl and nodded in what he hoped was a manly fashion. He caught Ella’s gaze on him and turned away before the emotion turned him into a sissy.

“S’pose so.” He mumbled.

Mike chuckled.

“Beer time?” He asked moving into the kitchen.

Roman shook his head and went over to the drinks cupboard taking out the whisky pouring out a couple of measures handing Mike a glass.

“Thanks for everything Dad.” Mike said softly.

“Don’t mention it. Seriously don’t mention it before I start crying in my gravy.” Roman said softly.

Mike gave him a look and chuckled.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 77

Roman looked over at Ella sitting on the long cream sofa and smiled. Lily and William were sitting with her looking rapt as she read from the biggest book of fairy takes he’d ever seen. He saw Lily pointing to something on the page and Ella nodding.

“Hey.” He said after walking over to their side.

“Hey yourself.” Ella grinned up at him. “Kids sorted out?”

Roman nodded.

“Mike is organising relay races.” He told her with a look out the back.

“Want to join us for the story of the red fox?”

Roman smiled and eased down next to her lifting Lily on to his lap.

“Have you had a good day little girl?” he spoke softly to her.

Lily nodded before yawning.

“How are we going to get Liam out of his bunny suit?” Roman asked Ella.

“Nice bunny.” Lily told him.

“I know moppet.” Ella spoke next. “ But bunny needs to have a bath and go to bed.”

“Not bed yet.” Liam murmured. “Bunny not tired.”

“Really not tired?” Ella asked him grinning before she gave a really big yawn he couldn’t help but copy.

Lily sat up and looked over at her dad.

“Dada buzz.” She announced.

Roman smiled and lifted Lily to one side before pulling out his phone. He looked at the caller display before passing a look over at Ella.

“Who would be calling you on Christmas day?” she asked him. “not your mystery blonde again?”

“Afraid so.” He murmured. “Better go see what she wants now.”

He stood from the sofa and walked into the hallway and out to the front veranda before answering.

“Hello Rachel?” he said curiously.

“Roman hi, sorry for interrupting your day.” She began.

“No worries.” He said quickly.

“It’s just that we need you to come to the hospital.” She continued as though he hadn’t spoken.

“Rachel what is it?” he said quickly.

“I’ll tell you as soon as you get here. Better bring Ella.” Rachel said to him and hung up disconnecting the call.

Roman looked at his phone a puzzled expression on his face before placing it in his pocket and moving inside. He saw Ella still on the sofa with the babies and felt remorse for disturbing her.

“Hey.” He called out quietly interrupting the story.

“What is it?” Ella asked immediately.

“Not sure. Rachel has called us to go to the hospital.” He announced and felt his heart suddenly leap in his chest. The prickle of unease he’d felt at seeing Rachel’s name on the caller display returned and he tried to fight the growing dread inside him.

“We’ve both been drinking.” Ella said the first thing that came to her mind.

“El I don’t know what she wants she didn’t say.” He said instead of acknowledging her comment.

She gave both babies a kiss before standing, leaving them looking at the fairy tale book.

“I’ll go get someone to …” Roman began to say.

Ella shook her head and moved out of the room. He heard her head up the stairs and sighed before moving out himself and heading down the garden. He found everyone sitting around the pool and moved amongst them.

“Mike.” he called watching his son stand and come to his side.

“What is it?” Mike asked immediately.

Roman put his hand on the other man’s shoulder and led him away from the main group. He knew that they would find out anyway but for the moment until he had more information he wanted to try and stop the panic.

“I need you to look after the kids. Rachel has asked us to go to the hospital.” Roman said quickly.

Mike looked at him and was about to speak when Roman continued.

“We don’t know what before you ask. I’m just about to ask Irene if she can drive us.” He murmured.

“Sure Dad.” Mike said slowly glancing at the children behind him.

Roman nodded and disappeared inside the pool house heading up the steps to Irene and George’s apartment. He knocked on the door and stepped inside speaking softly to Irene. With the lift arranged he walked slowly back to the house and went in search of Ella. She was sitting on their bed looking pale.

“Ella we need to find out what she wants.” He said the first thing that came into his head.

“Maybe I don’t.” she snapped out. “I can’t take anymore. I don’t want anything to ruin this day.”

“Ella please.” Roman begged her.

“No don’t.” she muttered standing up and trying to move past him.

Roman caught hold of her arms and stopped her with a little shake.

“Ella we need to go see Rachel. So come on.”

“No I’m not going.” Ella bit out trying to wrench her arms out of his grip.

“I know you are scared but what if…” he began to say ‘what if it were about their babies’ and stopped himself at the look of raw pain on her face. He knew then that she hadn’t gotten anything sorted during her stay at the studio just camouflaged it for the sake of him and their kids so that they could have Christmas. He wanted to protect her and leave her while he sorted out what Rachel wanted but he also knew that Rachel would never have suggested Ella join them unless it was important.

“Ella please come with me?” he asked her.

She looked into his eyes and shook her head.

“Ok then.” He said leaning forward and kissing her gently before letting go of her arms and moving out of the room. He made for the stairs and began the slow walk down them hating leaving her. His instincts were torn between staying and going to find out what was going on. It was Christmas and he was walking out on his family. More than that he was walking out on Ella having realised belatedly how fragile she was. Heading out to the veranda he saw Irene sitting in the car waiting for them and he stepped slowly towards it.

“Wait.” Ella called from behind him.

Roman turned around slowly and looked at her seeing the trail of fresh tears on her face.

“El.” He said softly.

She walked slowly over to him and placed her hand within his own and squeezed tight.

“Don’t leave me.” She whispered moving to the car with him.

“It’ll be ok.” he promised kissing the top of her head.

He stopped beside the car and opened the back door letting her climb inside before closing it. Discarding the front seat he walked around the car and got in beside Ella taking hold of her hand once more and then put his arm around her shoulders.

“Soon be there Darl.” Irene told them meeting Roman’s worried gaze in the rear-view mirror more than once.

“Thanks Irene.” Ella said politely her voice sounding as fragile as she looked.

Roman gave Ella a brief smile just as they pulled up outside the hospital. He noticed a police car in the distance and checked to see if Ella had seen it too. A short of relief went though him when he saw her looking in a different direction. He bit back a sigh and waited until the car crawled to a stop before climbing out and moving around to Ella’s side and opening her door.

“Don’t wait Irene we’ll give some a call when we need a lift back.” he instructed her seeing the older woman nod.

“Ok Darl’s.” she called out.

He watched her turn the car around and head back before escorting Ella inside and over to the reception.

“We were asked to come in by Dr Holden.” He announced.

He felt Ella begin to shake next to him and realised that the last times she was in this place involved the trauma of the children’s birth. Followed then by the shock of finding out they had been kidnapped. He didn’t know how hard this was on her but if her shaking was anything to go by he bet that if she never saw this place again that would be too soon.

“El.” He whispered moving closer to her hoping the warmth from his body would help her.

“Roman, Ella.” Rachel called out walking towards them along the corridor.

“What did you want Rachel?” Ella asked her tone bitter.

“You better come with me.” She told them giving Ella a curious look.

Roman gave her a nod before putting his arm once more around Ella and guiding her forward. He found that she resisted and he sot her a look.

“Ella.” He said quietly.

“I’m going to be sick.” She gasped out before yanking herself away from him and racing over to the ladies room. He heard the door slam as she bolted inside.

“Roman.” Rachel moved quickly to his side and looked up at him in concern.

“Whatever it is Rachel had better be damn important.” He bit out.

“I wouldn’t have called you in if it wasn’t.” Rachel said her face pale.

Roman sighed and rubbed his face just as Ella stepped out of the ladies room her face still pale.

“El.” He said his voice full of concern.

“Come on.” Rachel said placing her arm around Ella and steering her along the corridor with Roman followed.

Ella walked slowly next to the other woman before she recognised where she was heading and stopped dead pulling away from her.

“Ella I promise…” Rachel began.

“No!” Ella screamed.

“Roman help me.” Rachel said quietly breaking through his shock.

He moved quickly taking hold of Ella and lift her walking down the corridor aware of the irony of carrying his wife kicking and screaming. He saw the nursery in the distance and knew in the pit of his stomach that something wasn’t right with this. The police car, the mysterious telephone call from Rachel. He felt like he was stuck in a surreal dream and finally stopped outside the nursery. There were no babies inside he thought at first but then saw movement in an incubator. He lowered Ella to her feet and felt her still immediately.

Rachel opened the door of the nursery and both of them stood back as Ella ran into the nursery and over to the crib. She placed her hand on the side of the plastic incubator and breathed out a name.

“Fleur.” She said.

“Rachel?” Roman asked.

“She was brought in last night and abandoned. We did a DNA test rushing it through.” Rachel explained.

“She’s one of the twins?” he asked double-checking.

Rachel nodded.

“That is why the police are here?” he asked.

“The police.” Ella cried out.

“They are hear keeping a check on her.” Rachel informed them.

“Why didn’t you tell us last night?” Ella asked the question once more.

Roman glanced at Rachel seeing the impact of the questions had on her and suddenly knowing now why Ella had avoided the lunch invites. Ella blamed Rachel in some way. He stepped forward towards his wife.

“I wasn’t on duty.” Rachel said quietly.

Ella looked at her for a long moment.

“What is wrong with her?” she asked turning and looking to her daughter once more. She stepped over to the sink and washed her hands with the antibacterial soap before pulling off a gown and tugging it on. The practice instilled within her when she’d come into the hospital to take care of Sophie and Georgie all those years ago. She moved back to the incubator and placed her hand inside touching her daughter at long last.

“Pneumonia.” Rachel said softly. “She’s responding well to treatment. Her oxygen stats are good.” She explained.

“Roman.” Ella called softly.

He finally stepped over to the sink and washed his hands pulling on his own gown before stepping to his wife’s side. He placed his hand into the crib and touched her.

“How did you know this was Fleur?” he asked slowly.

Ella looked at him before stroking her daughter’s cheek.

“Just did.” Ella murmured.

He gave a little sigh before glancing at his daughter memorising everything there was to know about her. He saw a smattering of freckles on her nose just like Ella’s and he gave a little laugh combined with a sob feeling Ella place her free arm around him.

“Rachel I’m sorry.” Ella said softly.

“It’s ok.” Rachel murmured stepping forward.

“Can I hold her?” Ella said quickly.

Rachel nodded.

“If you sit I’ll put her in your arms.” Rachel said. “Need to be careful of the tubes.”

Ella nodded and sank into a chair sighing when Rachel placed her daughter into her arms and she held her for the first time.

“Hey baby girl I’m your mother.” Ella said softly leaning down and kissing her daughter.

Roman found himself unable to speak at the sight of Ella holding their daughter.

“Got half of your wish.” Ella said to him picking up on his emotions.

Roman sighed and moved to perch close to her as he could, putting one arm around her and the other around their daughter.

“Love you.” He said quietly.

Ella leaned into his arm feeling the unsteady beat of his heart.

“Sorry I need to put her back.” Rachel said hating herself for breaking up the moment.

“Hang on.” Roman said.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone clicking it open and pressing a couple of buttons.

“Can you take a picture of us?” he asked softly.

Rachel nodded and took hold of the phone from him. She snapped a couple of pictures and handed it back, using a nearby bottle of antibacterial gel to clean her hands before taking hold of the baby and placing her in the incubator once more.

Ella stood and moved to look at her once more.

“I’m going to go phone Irene.” Roman told her.

“I’m not going home.” Ella said. “I’m staying here she needs me.”

“She’s safe here.” Roman said. “And it’s Christmas day. We’ve got family needing us at home.”

Ella shook her head looking at her daughter.

“I can’t leave her.” she said to him her voice rising in panic.

“Ella.” Roman said quietly. “I can’t give you reasons why you should come away when your instincts are screaming at you to stay but.” He stopped at the expression on her face.

“She’s so small and she’s ill. He threw her out because she was ill. That makes him more of a monster.” She said sounding irrational.

Roman exchanged a look with Rachel before looking back at Ella.

“You need to come home or do you want to ruin Sammy’s best Christmas ever?” he said pulling the most devious trick ever.

Ella looked at him and paled even more if he thought that was possible.

“I’m here all day.” Rachel said softly. “Dr Young is on tonight.”

Ella looked from one to the other.

“Fine.” She snapped out.

Roman nodded and stepped away looking at the pictures on his phone before calling Irene. She answered immediately and he spoke quickly asking for her to come back and get them.

“Twenty minutes.” He told Ella.

“Can I feed her? I mean is she due a feed?” Ella asked ignoring the look he gave her.

“She’s on a feeding tube.” Rachel confessed hating to have to tell her that noticing how Ella’s face fell before she nodded and turned her attention back to her daughter.

Rachel stepped out of the room followed quickly by Roman.

“She’s not doing so well is she?” Rachel said to him.

“She’s…” Roman began looking back at where Ella was standing next to their daughter. “Struggling.” He said quickly finishing the sentence, avoiding saying the word broken even though that was the word that came to his mind when he thought about his wife.

Rachel nodded.

“We debated telling you that we had one of the twins.” Rachel confessed. “It wouldn’t have seemed right not to tell you but well, with her being so ill and everything we were scared that you couldn’t handle this.”

Roman looked at Rachel quickly.

“You saw the state of her.” he said and she nodded.

“She needs help Roman.” Rachel said simply.

“I know. But she won’t…” he stopped uncertain how to phrase what he was thinking.

“Talk to me.” Rachel finished for him. “She blames me doesn’t she?”

“I think so. But she hasn’t said anything to me.”

Rachel looked back at Ella.

“To be honest Rachel we’ve been pretty bad.” He said feeling relief at getting it out. “We tear each other to pieces.”

“That sounds natural.” Rachel pointed out. “But seeing the way you come back from that and support each other.”

Roman shook his head.

“You think supporting each other for five minutes can make up for trying to destroy one another?” he asked. “I look at her as we say the most horrible stuff to each other and a part of me knows if I heard someone else say something like that to her I’d punch them but it’s me. This is coming out of my mouth. I’m thinking it. And god help me sometimes I’m feeling that I hate her. “

“Why?” Rachel prompted after he went silent.

“Because she got pregnant so easily and then hid the fact she was ill from me. She ran out on me during the pregnancy. Maybe if I’d been there then I could have been with her when she went into labour and this man wouldn’t have got hold of our babies.” He said softly. “Any number of reasons.” He added with a shrug. “It doesn’t really matter what does matter is that I’m fine with her one minute and the next I’m so angry. “

“Do you think it could be transference?” Rachel asked him when he fell silent. “You can’t get to the real person who’s caused all this heartache so you are taking it out on the one person you can. The one person you know can take it and come back to you.”

Roman shook his head.

“She can’t take it.” he protested.

“And yet you say that you’ve thrown some really bad stuff at her and she’s still here.” Rachel pointed out.

Roman looked about to say something when he saw Ella standing in the doorway of the nursery. She’d taken off the protective gown and was ready to go. He couldn’t tell if she’d overheard anything he’d told Rachel from the expression on her face but he felt that he’d betrayed her anyway.

“Is she here yet?” she asked softly.

Roman looked at his watch.

“She should be.”

Ella nodded.

Roman pulled off the gown he’d put on and moved over to the laundry bin placed it inside closing the lid.

“When can I come back?” Ella asked.

“Tomorrow.” Rachel told her. “We need to keep her monitored but more importantly you seem exhausted.”

Ella tried to refute that statement with a shake of her head but she could feel her strength leaving her even as they stood there.

“Thank you Rachel.” He said and began leading Ella out. They stood near the entrance in silence each of them lost in their own thoughts.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 78

Ella sat on the back veranda watching everyone as though from a distance. She kept flashing back to the hospital and her baby daughter. A part of her wanted her other daughter to be ill so she would end up in hospital too and hating herself for thinking like that.

“El.” Roman called out quietly.

Ella stood and moved over to him.

“Here.” He said handing her something.

She looked down and saw a wooden photo frame with the picture of them together with Fleur.

“When…” she began to ask.

“Mike helped me work your laptop. I’m sure you could do it better but I wanted you to have that.” He said simply.

“Thank you.” She said softly. “I’m going to keep it in our bedroom.”

He nodded.

“No I mean it. Thank you.” She said again leaning up and putting her free arm around him as she clutched the picture to her.

“El.” He said quietly his arms going around her automatically. “When we get through this we should go on our honeymoon and spend some time ok.” he said softly. “I think we need to…”

Ella sighed before stepping away from him.

“What would be the point?” she asked him. “It’s over between us.”

She looked into his eyes giving him the chance to contradict her. When he remained silent she stepped away from him after a minute and walking past him heading for the stairs. She made her way to their bedroom putting the picture on the dresser so they could both see it.

“El.” Roman called from the doorway.

She turned and looked at him smiling sadly.

He took in her expression and the words she’d spoken just before leaving the room and kicked the door shut behind him before striding over to her and taking her tight in his arms he kissed her passionately.

“Stop.” She said as soon as he eased back.

He looked into her eyes before kissing her again feeling her beginning to struggle against him before she relaxed into the kiss and put her arms around his neck. He kissed her slow then teasing her lips with his own before guiding her back to the bed. He found his hands running up and down her body before putting them up her blouse feeling her silken skin. Sighing he eased them down on the bed feeling her move restlessly underneath him. Easing one leg between hers he felt her hands running down his back and he moaned before tugging the buttons undone on her blouse. Looking down he tore his lips away from hers long enough to blaze a trail of fiery kisses to her breasts. Cupping them gently in his hands he loved them with his mouth feeling her arch up from the bed. She wound her fingers in his head as she held his head against her.

His hands went to the waistband of her jeans and he snapped open the popper before lowering the zipper. Kissing down her body her began easing the jeans down until she restlessly kicked them off. He eased back and looked at her laying on their bed waiting for him to make love to her. Moving over the top of her he kissed her again feeling her hands touching the beck of his neck before moving down his body and reaching for the hem of his T-Shirt. He helped her lift it off him kicking off his shoes at the same time. Lifting her in his arms he moved them on the bed before reaching for protection for himself.

He heard her little sigh and bit back a matching sigh of his own.

Ella woke slowly looking around the room. Her eyes found the picture on the dresser and she gave a muffled sob before stretching and climbing out of the bed. She saw that Roman had picked up her clothes and folded them neatly at the end of the bed and blushed when she saw the red lace thong she had been wearing on top of the pile. Roman had removed it with his teeth. She dressed hurriedly before moving slowly downstairs.

The children were seated in and around the lounge either in the midst of playing games or sitting in front of the tv. She gave them a quick smile and moved into the kitchen.

“Hey.” Roman called out softly.

He stepped towards her and placed the gentlest of kisses to her lips.

“Are you hungry? You should eat you’ll need to keep your strength up.” He said softly. “I spoke to Rachel and we can take a visit tonight after the children go to bed.”

“Roman.” Ella spoke at last before lapsing into silence and looking at him.

He glanced around checking that they weren’t overheard.

“I’m not prepared to do anything about a separation until we have both babies back.” he said quietly. “So I’d appreciate it if you refrained from talking about it until then.”

Ella eased back from him and moved away into the lounge without talking to him. He swore under his breath before turning and loading a plate with salad and a slice of quiche and collecting cutlery on the way past he took it through to Ella.

“Here you go.” He told her.

Ella looked at him before reluctantly accepting the plate from him and placing it on her lap.

“Thank you.” She told him not meaning it.

“Mama hungry.” Liam said to her.

“You hungry too?” Ella asked him. “Did no one feed you?”

Liam shook his head and gave his dad a sly grin before reaching over and taking a cherry tomato from her plate. He put it in his mouth and chewed it slowly.

“Oh Liam.” Meggy laughed at him.

Roman smiled and tried to meet Ella’s gaze so he could share that moment with her but she looked everywhere except at him. He knew then that it really was over between them and that even their earlier lovemaking didn’t mean anything to her. Moving back into the kitchen he returned a few minutes later with a plate of nibbles for the children and a bowl of popcorn.

“Are you finished?” he asked Ella.

She nodded and handed him her plate.

“Would you like a coffee?” he asked her. “Or something else?”

“Maybe some water?” Ella said forcing herself not to jump up and get it herself.

He nodded and walked back into the kitchen fetching a bottle of water and a glass returning to her side. He sat next to her knowing it would odd if he sat anywhere else. He covered up his feelings by picking up Lily and sitting her on his lap.

“What film are we watching?” he asked.

“Well you said we could watch two if we decided quickly and as it’s Marcus first Christmas here we thought he should choose the first one.” Sophie announced grinning at him.

“So what are we watching?” Roman asked this time looking at Marcus.

He smiled and looked innocently at him.

“Finding Nemo.” He said.

Roman gave a groan.

“Jus’ keep swimming.” Lily cried out clapping her hands.

Ella smiled before seeing Roman look at her and her smile faded.

“Seriously?” Roman asked rolling his eyes.

Marcus shared a look with Sammy and laughed.

“No we’re watching The Sorcerer’s apprentice.” Georgie said mentioning one of the films they had been given for their Christmas presents.

Roman forced himself to laugh.

“No Dory?” Lily asked looking sad.

“You can watch that tomorrow.” Ella promised her.

She looked up at her mother and gave her a smile.

Roman glanced at Ella before looking back at the tv.

“Put the film on then.” He called out.

Sammy reached for the remote and clicked it on.

“This better be good.” Nic called out.

“Where is everyone?” Ella asked.

“Irene is having an afternoon snooze. Geoff, Aden and Brett are with Mike and the others in the pool house having a few drinks.” Nic explained.

“Where is Toby and Amy-Belle?” Ella asked.

“With them.” Roman said meeting her eyes finally. He saw a light in them and couldn’t stop his grin.

“What are you trying to say?” Nic asked glancing at Belle who was sitting next to her.

“Nothing.” Ella said grinning. “Just that Toby seems to like spending time with her.”

Annie laughed.

“You know I’ve only been back a little while but I can already recognise that look. She plotting something.”

“So not.” Ella cried out.

Nic and Annie exchanged a look before grinning.

“Uh huh.” Belle murmured.

“Shush.” Sammy called out, the film beginning now the trailers had ended.

Ella leaned back on the sofa trying to watch the movie. She was conscious of Roman sitting next to her and would have normally snuggled up to him. She could sense a certain tension coming from him and sighed.

Liam climbed up into her lap and put his arms around her.

“Tired bunny boy?” she whispered stroking his back and smiling at the feel of the soft fur of his bunny suit.

He nodded and nuzzled tighter to her.

Roman watched them before risking putting his arm around Ella. He felt her eyes on him and kept his firmly focused on the tv.

“So what are you planning to do?” Toby asked her.

Amy-Belle looked panicked for a moment before giving him a fake smile.

“The baby is going for adoption.” She murmured sipping from a glass.

“How does your mother feel about that considering her history?” he asked sitting down next to her. He caught Mike looking at him and flashed him a grin.

“What do you mean?” Amy-Belle asked quickly a note of uncertainty in her voice.

“Wasn’t she adopted? I heard her and Nic talk about it earlier.” He said frowning.

Amy-Belle flushed and pressed a hand to her stomach.

“My mother?” she asked paling.

“Hey” Toby said springing to his feet. He placed his glass to the side and took the glass from her hand adding that to his. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to reveal any skeletons.” He murmured quickly.

“No it’s ok. Explains a lot.” She said her voice sounding strange to her own ears.

“Amy-Belle.” Toby said quickly. “Are you ok?”

“I don’t feel so….” She began to say colour draining out of her face.

“How far along are you Amy-Belle?” he asked her placing his hand on her stomach.

“Six and a half months.” She said slowly breathing in and out trying to stem the faintness that was going through her.

Toby nodded and looked over to where Aden was sitting.

“I think we need to see your Dad.” He told her calmly.

“I can’t be in labour.” She gasped out.

“So I’m imaging that you are having contractions?” he asked her.

“How would you oi!” she cried out.

“Your stomach was rippling under my hand. It was kind of cool in a Ridley Scott alien type of way.” He said distracting her from her panic. “Aden.” Toby called out

Aden looked at them and stood up moving over to them. In the few steps it took to reach his daughters side he felt himself sober up.

“Hey AB.” He murmured.

“I think she’s about to have her baby.” Toby told him.

“It’s too soon.” Amy-Belle said. “Shouldn’t I have felt something.”

“So you aren’t feeling any kind of stomach ache or back ache?” Aden asked her.

“My back has felt kind of funny for the past two days.” She admitted.

Aden nodded his fingers on her wrist as he felt her pulse.

“Ok I’m going to call an ambulance.” Aden said after a minute.

Amy-Belle paled.

“Am I really having the baby?” she asked.

“You might be. We want to check you out ok?”

“What if the baby isn’t really yet can you stop it?” she asked her voice rising. “I want Mum.”

“What’s that sis?” Brett asked coming over to them.

“There is an issue with the baby we’re going to take her to the hospital to be checked out.” Aden said softly keeping the panic out of his voice with difficulty.

“I’ll get Irene she hasn’t been drinking.” Mike pointed out overhearing the conversation.

Aden nodded.

“Brett can you go get your Mum?” he asked.

He watched his son nod and move out through the door.

“Hey there Amy-Belle.” Gabby called out moving to her side. “Thought I was supposed to pop first?”

Amy-Belle paled and looked at hr before grabbing hold of her hand.

“You want your baby?” she asked.

Gabby nodded.

“I don’t have any choice. I had a horrible childhood with my adoptive parents.” She told her quietly. “I think you want the baby too.” She added. “And that you are scared.”

Aden looked at Gabby and silently thanked her for saying what had been going through his head for ages.

“But you have Jacob and a place to live.” Amy-Belle gasped out.

“We can’t stay here when the baby is born it wouldn’t be fair on Mike and Danni.” Gabby pointed out. “And you have my brother.”

Amy-Belle looked at Toby and flushed.

“Look around you Amy-Belle, look are Ella and Roman who have so many kids but are dying inside because they are missing their twins. I know I can’t speak for you but I think putting a baby up for adoption would be similar. Especially if you think you are doing it for the wrong reasons. We’ll help you Amy-Belle. All of us.” Gabby promised her tears in her own eyes.

Amy-Belle nodded and looked up in time to se her Mum looking at her with tears pouring from her eyes.

“Mum,” she cried out.

“I’m here my baby girl.” Belle said rushing over to her.

“I want to keep my baby.” Amy-Belle decided.

“Well then we better get you to the hospital and make sure everything is ok.” Belle said to her.

Amy-Belle looked over at Toby.

“Will you come?” she asked shyly.

He nodded moving rapidly to her side and helping her walk.

She gave a gasp as she felt a gush of water rush down her legs.

“What was that?” Amy-Belle shrieked out. “Did I pee myself?”

Aden laughed and leaned forward to kiss her on her cheek.

“Your waters just broke.” Belle explained to her.

“Well it’s gross.”

“What are you complaining for Amy-Belle it’s on my carpet.” Mike pointed out looking at her.

She looked at him about to snap something when she saw the grin on his face.

“Hey you don’t have carpet.” She pointed out thinking about it.

He grinned at her.

“Irene is in the car.” He told them.

Aden nodded.

“Think you can walk?” he asked his daughter.

She glared at him.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” He said softly putting his arm around her and leading her out.

Mike watched them go before moving over to the sink and taking out the mob bucket from the cupboard underneath.

“Want a toothbrush Private?” Jacko called out from the other side of the room.

“Want to take me on Sgt?” Mike called back. “I’ll give you a free go because of your age.”

Pete chuckled but placed his hand on Jacko’s arm stopping the other man from responding.

“You really want to take him on?” he asked his old team-mate. “The product of both Ella and Hardcore? Are you mad?”

Jacob and Geoff shot a look at each other and laughed.

“Ok Gabby?” Jacob moved over to his wife and asked.

She nodded.

“I didn’t know….” She began to try and express what she was feeling.

“It’s ok.” he said to her his eyes shining with love. “You did great.”

“Reminded me of Ella.” Danni pointed out.

Jacob nodded.

“Kind of glad that it was Amy-Belle having the baby and not you though.” He admitted to her.

“Uh huh.” Gabby gave him a look.

He leaned over and kissed her placing his hand on her bump.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 79

Ella looked up from where she was sitting with Fleur and saw Roman walk back into the nursery. He moved over to the sink and washed his hands before donning a clean gown.

“No news.” He told her.

She nodded and looked down at her daughter.

“I guess that could be a good thing.” Ella murmured softly.

“She’s quiet.” He commented.

“Want a cuddle?” Ella asked him.

“I’m fine.” He told her. “You both look comfortable.”

Ella smiled as she looked down on her daughter.

“I am.” She whispered. “Just need her sister back now.”

Roman looked at her and opened his mouth about to say something when the door opened.

“So this is why you are at the hospital.” Aden said. “Dr Young just told me.”

Roman nodded.

“Bit of a surprise Christmas present.” He said softly his eyes still on Ella.

Aden nodded and walked over to the sink cleaning his hands before going over to incubator. He picked up the notes and read over them.

“She’s doing well.” He commented. “They’ll probably be giving her a bottle tomorrow and take her off the feeding tube.”

Ella smiled.

“She’s a fighter.” She commented looking down at her daughter. “How long do you think it will be before we can take her home?”

Roman bit back a comment and moved restlessly.

“She continues with her progress about a week.” Aden said softly. “She’s still on the small side though.”

“But she has all her fingers and toes.” Ella said quickly.

“Will the pneumonia cause breathing problems later?” Roman asked earning a glare from Ella.

“It’s possible. She might be more susceptible to colds and flu.” Aden murmured softly glancing at Ella before he met Roman’s gaze.

“So how about a cuddle then?” Aden asked.

Ella automatically shook her head.

“Not ready to let her go yet?” Aden asked softly.

“Never going to let her go.” Ella said looking down. She missed the look that Roman and Aden exchanged.

“Won’t that be a bit difficult when she goes to school?” Aden said keeping his tone light.

Ella looked up then and paled before a tinge of colour appeared on her cheeks.

“What are the chances of her sister getting ill?” Roman asked changing the subject before Ella spoke.

“You mean like this?” Aden murmured. “Well both of them were born prematurely so that means that their lung development wouldn’t have been as far advanced. It’s likely that …” he stopped when he saw Ella had stopped listening. He glanced again at Roman.

“Ella it’s nearly time to go.” Roman said softly.

He gestured to Aden and the two of them walked out of the room closing the door quietly behind them.

“So she’s been putting on an act for the past two days.” Aden commented.

“Quite a good one it fooled me.” Roman responded rubbing a hand over his face.

“What are you planning to do about it?” Aden said with a glance behind him.

“I have no idea.” Roman confessed. “Anything you can suggest?”

“Medication and counselling.” Aden murmured. “But I know she will resist tablets.”

Roman nodded.

“Fine.” He said casting a look at the door behind him. “Write a prescription. I’ll make sure she takes them.”

“Roman.” Aden protested.

“I have to do something. She’s falling apart inside and I have to help her.” Roman groaned.

“Fine.” Aden said looking at the clock on the wall. “There won’t be anybody in the hospital pharmacy now. I’ll get something sorted and bring it out to you tomorrow.”

Roman nodded before turning and going back into the nursery. He saw that Ella had lifted their daughter back into the incubator.

She looked up when she saw him and gave him a half smile.

“Ready?” he asked.

She nodded.

“Not that I want to leave her.” she murmured.

“We’ll be able to take her home soon.” He said looking at her.

She nodded.

“Need to sort out the bedrooms.” She commented sounding to his ears anyway worn out. He put his arm around her and began leading her out of the room pulling off his gown as they walked. He stuffed it as before into the laundry container by the door and watched as she did likewise.

“Want to check on Amy-Belle before we go?” he asked and saw her shake her head.

“I’m too tired.” Ella confessed.

Roman nodded and led her outside to the car. He did a quick check of the surroundings before opening the door for her and then climbing in the other side.

“What are you planning for Martha?” he asked her.

“Me?” Ella snapped back once more on the defensive.

“El.” He murmured feeling the sting from the tone she’d adopted. “You’ve decided that we are taking on Marcus I was just asking how we are going about it. Obviously if you haven’t thought of anything past her being with us for Christmas.” He spelt out what he was thinking carefully feeling that it was hard work just being with her. It shouldn’t be like that he thought, he should want to sit with her whilst they bonded with their daughter not be afraid that anything he said would be wrong and trigger something within her. Lost in his thoughts he didn’t notice Ella turning her face away from him so that he wouldn’t see her crying.

They walked into the house quietly. The children in bed already.

“Any news?” Nic called out quietly from the lounge.

Ella moved to the stairs ignoring the question causing Roman to frown at her once more. He watched her move away before he stepped into the lounge and collapsed on the sofa.

“No Amy-Belle is still in labour.” He commented.

“So what else is going on dad?” Mike asked from the other end of the room.

Roman looked and saw Mike and Danni sitting at the table with Brett and then Gabby and Jacob, playing some kind of card game. Geoff sitting next to Nicole.

“One of the babies was taken to the hospital.” Roman said finally. “We’ve been with her.”

“Oh my god.” Nic gasped out. “Is she ok?”

“That’s like wow.” Gabby said excitedly.

She looked over at the others and saw similar expression on their faces.

“Is mum ok?” Mike asked cutting through the excited conversation

Roman nodded.

“She’s fine. Just a bit tired.” Roman said hoping the lie would satisfy them for a few days.

Mike nodded and Roman knew that he hadn’t fooled him for a second. His eyes met those of Geoff and suddenly he knew that he couldn’t get anything past them. They had all spent time with Ella today and must have seen through the cracks. Something he’d failed to do. Obviously he wanted Ella to be ok so he accepted the persona that she’d presented to him.

“So any clues as to the whereabouts of the other baby?” Jacob asked slowly. He felt Gabby take hold of his hand and he sighed softly under his breath. Their baby was due in under two months and he already felt so close to him or her that he couldn’t imagine how hard this was on the other two. He hated his own part in this plot by whoever it was.

“None. They are checking the CCTV to see who dropped the baby off apparently.” Roman murmured. “It’s more than likely that someone engaged to take care of them has medical knowledge in order to recognise pneumonia.” He murmured tiredly. “Kids been ok?”

“Good as gold actually.” Nic said with a smile. “Probably plotting something for tomorrow.”

Roman gave a grin.

“I’ve promised Georgie a surf in the morning so I’m heading up to bed.”

“Want some company?” Mike asked. “The surfing bit now bed.” He specified at Brett’s grin.

“If you are around in the morning.” Roman said. “Night all.” He called standing up and easing out of the room. He saw Ella sitting on the stairs.

“Told them then?” She said softly.

He nodded.

“Did you want me to keep it quiet?” he murmured trying to find some sign as to where this conversation was going.

“Martha is in the study.” Ella said quietly. “Jacko and Pete are in Sammy’s room. So there isn’t a spare bed you can use.”

Roman felt himself getting angry despite knowing that Ella needed him to stay calm right now.

“Well I can’t use the sofa.” He said keeping the sarcasm out of his voice with difficulty.

“Better come up to bed then. You can use a sleeping bag on the floor.” She told him standing and turning to walk back up the stairs. She missed the furious expression that crossed his face at her dismissal of him.

He bit back an angry retort and followed her up the stairs. He found his gaze slipping downwards for a fraction of a second and hated that he still wanted her. It was obvious she hated him, worse perhaps, blamed him for the situation they were in.

He followed her into their bedroom and saw her head into the en suite. He paused at the wardrobe door thinking about getting the sleeping bag out but then remembered that Georgie would be up early in the morning. No doubt their son would stumble into the room trying to wake him up. Well it was as good an excuse as any, he thought as he stripped off and climbed under the covers.

“What are you doing?” she asked frowning at him.

“Georgie will be around early in the morning.” Roman said quietly. “I wouldn’t want him to stumble in and find us sleeping separately.”

She narrowed her eyes as she looked at him.

“Want to be dropped off at the hospital in the morning?” he went on to ask.

Ella sighed and reached out to turn off the lights as she made her way to the bed.

“No I’ll have to deal with Lily and Liam.” She muttered.

“Sophie and Meggy can give you a hand.” He said his voice sounding sleepy to his own ears.

“Not fair to get them doing all the looking after the others especially when you are off playing with Sammy and Georgie.” She whispered as she climbed into bed next to him.

“Look you wanted me to spend more time…” he began.

“Shut up.” She interrupted him. “I’m not pointing fingers I’m just saying.”

She rolled over and pulled up the covers over her.

Roman groaned.

“Can I apologise or will that get me kicked out of bed.”

“Do what you like. You normally do.” She muttered.

“Well it’s just that you’ve managed to take all the covers.” He said to her.

Ella rolled over and saw that she had indeed pulled the covers over to her side of the bed.

“Well you are used to sleeping in some strange places.” She murmured feeling a tinge of embarrassment. “I’m sure you can manage without a cover.”

“I’m used to sleeping alone too.” He said quietly. “But I prefer to snuggle up with you.”

“Oh shut up with the soft soap.” She muttered.

She moved in the bed and pushed some of the covers in his direction groaning as he moved closer to her.

“Stop it I’m sharing the covers.” She said quickly.

“Only just.” He pointed out. “That’s why I’ve had to get closer.”

“I suppose I should think myself lucky that I’ve shared them otherwise you’d use it as an excuse to sleep on top of me.” She muttered then flushed bright red.

“Thinking of anything in particular right now?” he asked moving closer to her. He trailed his fingers down her spine, her back still towards him and noted how tense she was.

“Roll over.” He told her. “On your front.”

“Getting kinky?” she shot out.

“Something like that.”

He climbed out of the bed and moved over to her dresser picking up a bottle of her favourite body cream pouring out a measure in his hands.

“Should I be worried about your intentions?” she asked him.

Roman laughed before moving to kneel beside her on the bed. He let the lotion warm in his hands before beginning to massage the knots out of the muscles in her back.

“Thank you.” She said quietly.

“You’re welcome.” He told her. “But well if you did want to try anything else…”

“Oh you!” she gasped out before sighing.

Roman leaned forward and kissed the side of her neck.

“Don’t stop.” She mumbled.

Roman sighed as he pushed her nightdress down. He collected more lotion and continued with the massage working his way down her back touching along her thighs briefly before massaging her calf and then ankles. He teased the soles of her feet feeling her wiggle in the bed before beginning to massage her feet properly.

“You are …” she began to say something stopping when she heard his laugh.

“Like I would dare to tickle those feet of yours. You’d do nasty things to me for the foreseeable future.” He said his voice sounding husky to his own ears. He’d started this to relieve her tension but instead it was causing him to tense up. He wanted to continue the massage, maybe have her roll over in their big bed so he could see her stretched out ready for him. The thought made his body tense even more.

“Maybe not.” She told him. “It depends on what you’d do to make me forgive you.”

Roman leaned forward and whispered close to her ear.

“I’d do anything.” He murmured.

“Really?” She asked him as he straightened up.

“Yup.” He told her.

Ella rolled over in the bed and smiled up at him.

“Anything?” she asked again.

He nodded unable to speak. He thought perhaps he’d fallen asleep mid way between massaging her shoulders and her back and maybe he was dreaming but he watched her push her nightdress down to her waist and knew that he wasn’t. Covering her body with his own, he began kissing her and felt her hands on him.

Greedily he hoped that she’d tell him she loved him after all.