Page 27

June 2025

“Maybe we should have had a honeymoon,” Caz said as she folded her clothes and packed them into the joint suitcase, their dresses and suits already hanging in bags to protect them. From what, she didn’t know. It wasn’t like they’d be wearing them again, was it?

“You said a hot tub was more fun,” Grace replied. She glanced at Caz through the mirror.

“Yeah, and you can’t deny it isn’t.” Caz grinned, knowing full well, in this heat, Grace was going straight in it when they got back.

Applying lipstick, Grace continued to watch Caz through the mirror as she dropped the last item into the case and then sat on the bed.

“Did you want a holiday?”

Grace finished dabbing her lips with a tissue and turned to face her.

“I would like a holiday, yes.”

“Why didn’t you say that when we were discussing the honeymoon and the hot tub?”

Shrugging, Grace turned back to the mirror and spoke to Caz through it once more.

“Because you were so excited about the hot tub and I wanted that for you.”

Sighing, Caz stood up. It took two steps before she came up behind Grace and placed her hands on each shoulder. Squeezing gently as she bent, and with their heads side by side, their eyes locked in the mirror, she said, “In future, can you remember that maybe, I’d like your happiness to come first, too, and we can always find a compromise to do both things?”

Grace reached up, stroking her face.

“You’re right, I shouldn’t decide for you what you want.”

Caz turned slightly and placed a gentle kiss to Grace’s cheek.

“I’m going to book us a holiday. We have the rest of this week off to do something.”

Grace smiled. “Nothing too expensive.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll find us a deal.” She was already reaching for her phone to start the search. “Anywhere in particular you fancy?”

“No—” she frowned, “actually, I mean…I’ve never had to consider it before but…somewhere safe? I know we’re not technically a gay couple, but to the outside world that’s what we are and—”

“I get it.” Caz smiled sadly. It was an unfortunate part of this process—others judged. “Most of Europe is fine… What about Portugal?”

“That could work. I’ve never been. It might be nice to see somewhere new.” Collecting her make-up and gently putting itall back into the bag that carried it, she peeked back at Caz again. “And then I thought we could…”

Caz stopped what she was doing and gave her all the attention, not interrupting.

“I thought maybe we could think about the baby again?”

Chapter Twelve

December 2024

“Right, where do you want to put it?” Caz asked, dragging the seven-foot monster of a tree through the door as Grace wandered in behind, carrying bags full of decorations.

“I was thinking if we push the sofa down, it could go in that corner.” Grace pointed to the spot.

“Okie dokie,” Caz answered, lifting and twisting until she could squeeze the fir through the doorway and drop it gently to the floor.

She didn’t wait, getting herself wedged into the space between the wall and the sofa, using her thighs for leverage, and pushed until it moved as far as it would go.

“I can help,” Grace said.