Page 29 of Forgive Not Forget

“Do you mean that? It’s just that…” Laura fidgeted.

“Of course, what do you need?” Anna reached forward and placed an encouraging hand on her arm.

“I finally have an appointment with the consultant. A private one, as you suggested, but it’s this week and at a time when the kids are due home from school.”

“Do you want me to meet them at the bus stop?”

“Would you mind? Tom has a key. He doesn’t need watching. I’m more concerned for Abi.”

“It’s fine.”

Katherine had a better idea. “Why don’t they come back to ours? I’ll make dinner, and then you can join us when you return.”

Laura’s face dropped. “Are you sure? I don’t want to take advantage.”

“What are friends for?” Anna flashed Laura a smile.

Her hand slipped into Katherine’s and gave it a squeeze. Her plan obviously met Anna’s approval.

“Thank you both,” Laura said. “I can’t express how much I appreciate it.”

“Text me the details,” Anna called as they edged their way back down the path.

They followed the path up to the pub for a much-needed meal. Katherine had only nibbled a ham roll when she’d prepared the picnic, expecting to return to Abbey House for her lunch. Instead, she’d been unable to resist the urge of popping to her office to get some work done.

“What do you think of Abi then?” Anna asked, interrupting Katherine’s thoughts of a roast.

“She’s sweet. I think you might have been much the same at that age, full of questions.”

Anna spat out a laugh. “You’d have to ask Dad. I’m sure he’ll delight in telling you…” The creases of laughter fell from her face. “If he can remember, I suppose.”

Tom shot past them on his bike, heading back up the high street.

“Must be tough on them all,” Katherine observed, “losing a father and husband.”

“Hmm. Have you…” Anna hesitated.

“Have I what?”

Anna shook her head and looked down. “Never mind.”

“Come on, it must be something?” Katherine squeezed her hand to encourage her.

“Have you ever… thought about kids? Since Helena I mean. You know… us having kids?”

Katherine stopped in her tracks, lightheaded at the unexpected question.

“Have you ever thought about filling the house with little voices?” Anna took her hand. “Kat, say something?”

All thoughts of children had been pushed deep into the back of her mind; Helena’s accident had suggested it just wasn’t something that was supposed to happen for her. And Anna had given no indication before now that she wanted a family.

Katherine managed to shake her head. She felt blindsided. “I don’t know,” was the only response she could find.

“That’s okay. Have a think, that’s all.”

Anna walked on, still holding Katherine’s hand. She let herself be guided as they entered the pub.

“You settle in,” Anna said. “I’ll see if Chris can rustle us up a roast.”