Behind The Curtain - When Cameras Are Off

[ilovekateritchie]

This one is for all the Jodi/Paul fans.

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

PART 60

“I can’t believe they’re even looking at us.”

Jodi turns around, downing another shooter.

“Jodi, go a little slower on those.”

Jodi sighs.

“You’re right. I’m just so mad at him…”

“You’re not exactly innocent here… you should have told him the whole truth.”

Jodi looks over at Paul and shakes her head.

“I know. But I was scared… I thought you were going to side with Paul.”

“Yeah, until Chris made women sound like well shaped incubators.”

“Yeah. A wife’s duty, eh?”

They look up when a tall, masked man walks to the middle of the floor.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we have a surprise for you… it’s going to be a long night.”

Jodi grabs Kate’s arm when she notices a few men in the room, holding up guns.

“Kate… I don’t think this is a joke…”

Kate looks around nervously.

“Neither do I…”

They jump when Chris and Paul appear behind them.

“Hey, stay low okay.”

Paul and Chris carefully help Jodi and Kate to slide to the ground, before sitting down next to them.

One of the masked men looks around him.

“Great. Now that you’re all on the ground. You call me Vice. Be sure to remember that… because I have the feeling we are going to get to know each other really well.”

“What time is it?”

Chris checks his watch and sighs.

“Almost three. You have to try and sleep, Kate.”

Jodi looks at them, tears forming in her eyes.

“We’re never going to get out of here, are we? We’re going to die in here.”

Paul holds her closer.

“Jodz…”

Kate looks at them for a while.

“Paul. Jodi has Premature Ovarian Failure. That’s why she said that she doesn’t want kids. It’s because she can’t have any.”

“What?”

“Kate!”

Kate looks at Jodi and shrugs.

“There’s a chance that we’re not getting out of here, Jodi. He deserves to know.”

They all look at each other silently, not knowing what to say in the face of death.

Then Paul looks at Jodi sincerely.

“Jodz?”

“Hmmm?”

“Marry me.”

Jodi, Kate and Chris all look at Paul. Jodi blinks twice before taking Paul’s hand.

“What?”

“If we get out of here… will you marry me?”

“Yes.”

They share a quick kiss before she leans on against him, closing her eyes.

“Do you think we are going to get out of here?”

“I have no idea. It depends on what they want.”

Nic opens his eyes groggily when the phone suddenly starts ringing next to his bed.

“Bishop?”

“Nic, it’s Scott.”

Nic sits up, rubbing his eyes.

“What’s going on?”

“The function… that Kate, Chris, Paul and Jodi went to… they’re being held hostage.”

Nic is immediately awake and he reaches for Amy, who is lying next to him, shaking her awake.

“Aimz, wake up… Scott, where did you hear? Why? What do they want?”

On the other end of the line, Scott’s voice is breaking.

“Apparently it has something to do with a mate of them who’s in jail… they want the guy released.”

“What’s he in for?”

“Murder. They won’t hesitate to kill anyone, Nic.”

Nic rubs his eyes, speechless.

“Okay, thanks for letting me know. I’m off to the police station… there has to be something we can do.”

“Try and sleep.”

Chris pulls Kate closer and she shakes her head.

“I can’t… I’m too scared.”

“I’m scared too, Kate. But this might go on for long. Come on.”

He lies down, pulling her into his arms. Kate holds onto his hand, closing her eyes. Just beside them, Jodi and Paul are lying in a tight embrace. Paul is stroking over Jodi’s hair reassuringly.

“I love you, Jodz.”

“I love you too.”

[ilovekateritchie]

Thanks for all the feedback!

And just because I'm so nice, I'm going to update now!

PART 61

Chris opens his eyes when Kate suddenly gasps sharply.

“Kate… what’s going on?”

“The baby… I think… the baby’s coming…”

Chris is immediately wide awake, looking at Kate in shock.

“It’s not possible, it’s only eight months!”

She closes her eyes, her face whitening as another contraction hits her. Chris looks around.

“Is someone here a doctor? Please!”

One of the armed men glares at him.

“Where do you get off…”

“She’s in labor, we have to do something!”

A middle aged man near by stands up bravely and walks to them.

“I’m Doctor Liam. How far along is she?”

“Eight months… it’s way too early…”

“No, it can happen. Especially under stress, but the baby can survive, eight months isn't that early. Her name is Kate, right?”

“Yeah.”

Dr Liam takes Kate’s hand, looking at her calmly.

“Kate… you need to take a deep breath for me, can you do that?”

She tries to breath deeply, but her breaths are shallow and terrified.

“Chris take her hand.”

“What are you going to do? Can you stop it?”

“No. She’s in labor. The baby is on its way.”

“Kate, take a deep breath. It’s important.”

“It’s not going to work…”

Kate curls in pain as another pain rips through her stomach and Jodi looks at one of the hostage takers nearby in tears.

“You have to get her to a hospital!”

The guy smirks and walks off. Chris bends over Kate, stroking hair out of her face.

“How are you doing?”

Her only answer is a heart wrenching groan, which attracts a malicious look from the nearest hostage taker.

“Shut her up, already!”

Jodi glares at him and Chris softly kisses her on the forehead.

“Kate… I know it’s hard, but you are going to have to try to be very quiet…”

“Chris?”

“Yeah?”

“Have you ever tried to give birth very quietly?”

“No.”

“Then stop talking!”

“Okay, I’m done.”

She closes her eyes tiredly, tears starting to form.

“I can’t do this…”

Jodi looks up.

“Please, you can’t do this… she’s going to die if it goes on like this!”

“It’s okay… Jodi, I’m going to need you to help me. Paul, you need to try to go to the bathroom and get water.” (The doctor)

“Got it.”

Paul disappears and Jodi looks at the doctor.

“Now what?”

“Now we deliver this baby.”

Amy looks at Nic, her face unnaturally pale.

“They have to do something! This is going on too long.”

“I know, I feel so helpless… what if this isn’t solved soon?”

“I don’t know. They should at least do something to help Kate, she’s pregnant! This can’t be good for her!”

“I just wish we could know how it’s going. Whether they’re still all right.”

“You’re doing great, Kate! We’re almost finished!”

Dr Liam turns his head to Jodi.

“We need to get her to a hospital. She’s not well, the stress, the premature birth… it’s counting against her.”

“What are you saying?”

“I’m saying that if we don’t get her to a hospital tonight, she’s going to die.”

[ilovekateritchie]

I'm bored and depressed so here is the next update. Thanks for all the feedback.

PART 62

Mark hits the wall with the fist, staring at the police officer angrily.

“They’ve been in there for hours! Have I mentioned that my PREGNANT friend is also there?”

“We’re doing everything we can…”

“This is ridiculous! You’re not doing anything, you’re just sitting here! Just talk to the guys!”

“It is against our policy to negotiate with terrorists.”

“I don’t give a stuff about your policy! You better do something!”

“One more push, Kate, just one more.”

“I can’t!”

“Yes. Yes, you can. Come on now.”

Paul dabs lightly at her head with his wet shirt and she groans, squeezing Chris’ hand until it is numb.

Then there is a soft cry and Dr Liam smiles, holding the baby.

He turns around and walks off to cut the chord (what the hell do they cut the chord with anyway? Well whatever it is, it’s there.) and kneels next to Kate.

“How are you feeling?”

She shakes her head, her eyes closed and the doctor looks at Chris, worried.

“Could you take the bub, mate?”

“Sure…”

Chris takes the baby and the doctor helps Kate to sit up, splashing her face with water. He looks at Jodi seriously.

“We need a miracle.”

Chris hands the baby to Jodi and looks at the doctor.

“I have a plan. It’s tremendously risky, up to the point of being stupid. But we have to do it.”

Jodi shifts uncomfortably, holding the baby – wrapped in Chris’ jacket – in her arms while Kate’s head lies on her lap.

She closes her eyes, tears dripping from them.

“Please, God… let it work. It has to work…”

She closes her eyes when she hears a thump, some screams and a shot. When she looks up, all the male hostages had worked together, and successfully overpowered the hostage takers. Chris is towering out over one of them, holding the gun.

“You deserve to die, you piece of…”

Paul grabs Chris’ arm, pulling him away.

“It’s not worth it, mate. Let the police handle it.”

Chris nods and rushes to Kate, bending over her.

“It’s over, Kate… everything is going to be fine.”

Jodi starts crying when people come running in and the realization that it is all over hits her.

Paramedics are there quickly, taking Kate and the baby out. Chris follows them, looking worried and Jodi puts her arms around Paul’s neck as he swoops her into his arms and she buries her head against his shoulder.

“It’s over, Jodz. It’s really over.”

“I was so scared…”

“I know… so was I…”

“I love you so much…”

“I love you too.”

“How is she?”

Chris stands up when the doctor comes out.

“She’s fine. Do you want to see her?”

“Yes… where’s the baby?”

“Oh, of course… come with me…”

Chris smiles at the baby who is looking at the roof, waving his little hands in the air.

“How is he?”

“He’s doing great. It’s not unusual for babies to be born on eight months, so he’ll be all right.”

“Can I take him to her? She still needs to name him and everything…”

“Of course.”

One of the nurses go into the babies’ room and comes out again, carefully placing the baby in Chris’ arms.

“There you go…”

Chris looks down at the baby who is now trying to grab his fingers unsuccessfully.

“Oh… he’s beautiful… Thank you…”

He walks to Kate’s room, holding the baby closely against his chest.

[ilovekateritchie]

And secondly, I was in labour for nearly three days with my first child. It does happen.

*Faints*

Thanks so much for all the feedback! Here is the next part.

PART 63

Paul looks at Jodi silently.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I… I don’t know. I was being an idiot.”

“That doesn’t excuse it.”

“I know.”

They look at each other silently.

“When… when you asked me to marry you in there… did you mean it?”

“Yes. When you said yes… did you mean it?”

“Yes.”

They kiss and Paul smiles.

“I could never stop loving you.”

“And I could never stop loving you. When I thought we were going to die tonight… All I could think of was that there was no way that you could know how much I love you.”

She puts her arms around his neck, looking at him.

“You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“Vice versa. I love you more than anything Jodi Gordon. And we need to hurry up with that wedding.”

“You can say that again.”

Kate looks up when Chris comes in. Her smile fades however when she notices the baby in his arms.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m bringing your kid to you so you can give him a name.”

She shakes her head.

“Take him away.”

“Why?”

“I’m scared that I’m going to hate him…”

“You won’t. Just… hold him.”

She holds out her arms nervously and Chris places the baby in her arms, helping her to hold him correctly.

Kate smiles down at the baby against her body.

“He’s so small…”

“Yeah they’re called babies. So have you thought about a name yet? I thought you might want to name him Callan…”

“No. Hayden.”

“Hayden?”

“That’s what Callan would have wanted… Hayden Mulvey.”

She looks down at Hayden.

“He smiled!”

“He’s too young.”

“Shut up, he did! Didn’t you, Hayden?”

Chris shakes his head and sits down on the bed, putting his arm around Kate.

“So I take it you don’t hate him?”

“No… I don’t… he’s so beautiful…he’s perfect…”

“He is… and he has your nose… and the shape of your eyes…”

“And he has Callan’s mouth…”

She turns her head to look at him and softly kisses him on the cheek.

“Thank you. For being here for me.”

He looks at her caringly before leaning closer to her and kissing her softly.

Kate hesitates for a minute before kissing him back, her one hand grabbing onto his hair. They pull away from each other, blushing, when Hayden starts crying loudly.

Kate looks down at him and lifts him up, holding him against her chest.

“Okay, sweetheart… I guess I need to… try and feed him…”

Chris looks at her.

“Yeah…”

“Could you…”

“Yeah of course…”

He turns around while Kate holds the baby in feeding position. He immediately starts drinking and she holds his head steadily.

“Chris, I’m sorry about the…”

“Yeah, so am I… It was silly, we’re friends…”

“Yeah… and it was just… a moment because of everything we’ve been through, we weren’t thinking straight…”

“Exactly.”

He looks at her over his shoulder.

“I should go… I’ll see you later…”

“Yeah…Bye…”

He leaves and Kate softly strokes over Hayden’s head.

“I just wish your daddy could see you. He would have been so proud.”

She sighs and hugs him tightly.

“I miss him, sweetie… I really do… And I’m scared of what’s happening between me and Chris… I’m just… scared.”

[ilovekateritchie]

Where you been!!!!!

You still got flu!?

Sorry, my friends and I were a little busy this weekend... Hehe... I'm healthy again, yay!

Isnt a nurse meant to be present during the first feeding session !!

I have no idea... LMAO!

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

PART 64

“Chris? What’s wrong?”

Ada looks at him curiously and he shrugs.

“I’m an idiot, Ada.”

“Why? What happened?”

“I kissed Kate.”

She sits down next to him.

“And?”

“I love her, Ada. I really was over her… but last night… when we thought we were going to die… it changes you. And when I saw her and Hayden… for a second I could imagine that we were a family. I wanted to.”

Ada hugs him tightly.

“What did she do?”

“She… she kissed me back actually.”

“She did? What’s the problem then? If you both love each other…”

“I said she kissed me back. I didn’t say she loves me too.”

Ada frowns.

“It’s not like Kate to go around kissing people… Unless it’s on screen, of course. But that’s acting. Look, the point is – if Kate felt absolutely nothing for you, she wouldn’t have kissed you back.”

“What about Callan?”

“Callan… Callan is dead, Chris. And yes, four months is soon. But I’m not saying you should start a relationship now. Just… be there for her, you know.”

“Yeah.”

Ada grins.

“So what does Hayden look like?”

“He’s so beautiful, you have no idea… he looks so much like Kate. Except for his mouth, he has Callan’s mouth. And he has these gorgeous little hands… He’s so lovely…”

Ada smiles at Chris.

“I’m so curious now… think we can go see him?”

Chris nods.

“Yeah, let’s go!”

The nurse stops Ada and Chris before they can go into the babies’ room.

“Sorry, ma’am, only the father can go in.”

Ada looks like she wants to say something, but Chris is too quick.

“Can I bring him out then? I want to brag.”

“Sure, sir.”

The nurse enters, followed by Chris. He immediately walks to Hayden’s bed, picking him up.

“Hey, Hayden… There’s my boy… Oh, look, he’s smiling, I think he recognizes me!”

Ada rolls her eyes but rushes forward when Chris comes out with him.

“Oh, he is beautiful!”

Chris beams.

“I know.”

He strokes over Hayden’s soft cheek with his thumb, looking like as proud father. Ada taps him on the shoulder when the nurse leaves.

“Eh, Chris… you do realize that it’s not your baby?”

“Of course, I’m just playing the part. Yes, daddy’s big boy…”

Ada nods.

“Okay, you can stop now! When are they leaving the hospital?”

“They want to keep them here tonight – just to make sure Hayden is okay, since he was born a little early… But he’s very strong, so they don’t think they’ll have to keep him here for much longer.”

“I see. Well, I’m going to check on Kate. If you want to bring… eh… your son?”

“Sure!”

Ada shakes her head and Chris follows her to Kate’s room.

“Hey guys!”

Kate smiles when she sees Hayden in Chris’ arms.

“You brought Hayden?”

She holds out her arms and Chris carefully hands Hayden to her. Kate snuggles him up against her chest, kissing his soft head.

“Isn’t he the most beautiful baby in the world, Ada?”

Ada smiles.

“He’s gorgeous… He really is.”

“Yeah, and he likes me!”

Ada laughs and Chris sits down on the bed. He shares an uncomfortable look with Kate and stands up again.

“He’s the cutest baby in the world… those little hands… and he smiled at me!”

Kate looks at Chris.

“You said he was too young to smile!”

“Maybe he’s a genius.”

Ada rolls her eyes.

“Okay, you two are ridiculous. He’s a day old!”

She checks her watch.

“Great, I have to go. I heard you were going home tomorrow?”

Kate nods, not taking her eyes off Hayden.

“Yeah. I can’t wait to show him his room… Yeah, you’re excited, aren’t you?”

Hayden lets out a soft wail and Kate grins.

“I think that was a yes!”

[ilovekateritchie]

Thanks for the feedback, here is the next part!

PART 65

“Next week? Paul, are you crazy? We can’t pull it off, there’s too much to plan!”

Paul grins, looking at Jodi happily.

“Look, we want to get married and we’re doing it next week. We can pull a few strings, you know.”

“I don’t even have a dress yet! I don’t know where to start looking… or who I’m going to ask to be my bridesmaids… Who are you asking?”

“I don’t know… we should decide together.”

“Yeah, good idea… Okay, I want to ask Jess to be my maid of honour…”

“Great, then Mark is best man… if he wants.”

“Okay, and I want to ask Isabel. I’ll phone her tonight.”

“Then I’ll ask Chris Hemsworth. And I want to ask Rhys.”

“Great, then I ask Indi.”

They smile at each other and Paul lifts a brow.

“Who said we couldn’t do it, eh?”

“Yeah, I hate to burst your bubble, Paul. But the wedding is far from organized. We have the groomsmen and bridesmaids, that’s it.”

“Okay, so let’s do the guest list.”

“Okay.”

Jodi reaches for a pen and paper.

“Speak.”

“Hush little baby, don’t say a word… daddy’s gonna buy you a mocking bird – and if that mockingbird don’t sing, daddy’s gonna buy you a diamond ring. And if that diamond ring… If that diamond turns to brass daddy’s gonna buy you a looking glass…”

“Chris, what are you doing?”

Chris blushes.

“Oh, you’re awake…”

He looks at Kate with a self-conscious smile.

“Hayden was restless, so I thought I’d sing to him…”

“So I heard.”

She smiles and he sits down on the bed next to her.

“Kate, we need to talk.”

She nods.

“You’re right. We do.”

“About that kiss.”

He carefully puts Hayden in the crib next to Kate’s bed and looks at her earnestly.

“We both know that we didn’t kiss because we weren’t thinking straight.”

Kate nods slowly.

“You’re right… but it’s so soon, Chris… I don’t think I’m ready to jump into another relationship.”

“I know. Four months… it’s way too soon. But maybe we could be friends and just… wait. And see where that takes us?”

She nods, smiling.

“That sounds good.”

He leans over and kisses her lightly.

“I love you enough to wait until you’re ready.”

Hayden looks at the roof, waving his hands in the air – like he wants to tell the grown ups to remember that he’s there.

Kate laughs and bends over to pick him up.

“Hayden and I would love having you in our lives. Even if it’s just as a friend for the time being.”

Chris smiles, gently touching Hayden’s little hand.

“And I’d love to be in your lives as a friend. For the time being.”

[ilovekateritchie]

Thanks guys. Lots of wedding planning in this chapter! Here you go:

PART 66

“Colour scheme?”

Paul looks at Jodi enquiringly.

“Pink, green and silver or gold and black. I’m not sure, but one of those.”

“What about blue?”

“No, blue is lame.”

“Light purple?”

Jodi closes her eyes for a second and then opens them again, grinning broadly.

“Okay! I’m for that!”

She kisses him quickly before turning her attention to the wedding planning again.

“Hi, this is Jodi Gordon… yeah… I’m fine thanks and you? Great… Listen, I’m looking for a wedding cake, do you think you could help me? That sounds great… Yes? How much? Oh, no problem! With delivery? Okay… thank you so much! Bye!”

She puts the phone down and grins at Paul.

“It is done…”

“What did she say?”

“They’ll start planning today and they’ll deliver it. Which reminds me… exactly where are we getting married?”

Paul smiles apologetically.

“I haven’t really thought about that.”

“Paul! We’ll never find a venue in less than a week! Unless…”

She smiles suddenly and winks at him.

“Unless we make it a beach wedding…”

“Palm Beach?”

“You just read my mind. We can have a tent for the reception, Scott should be able to help us with that.”

“A tent?”

Jodi pulls a face and Paul laughs.

“We can make it a purple and white one, okay?”

Jodi laughs and looks at her list.

“Okay, but what about the songs? We aren’t going to be able to play music unless we get an extension leading from hell knows where and that’s just going to look ugly.”

“We get a band. A classical band.”

“Okay, we’ve got a deal! So we get married on the beach… Oh, screw the tent… I think I know someone…”

Paul nods slowly.

“Okay, I’m scared.”

She picks up her cell phone and dials a number.

“Hey Bill! It’s Jodi! Yes, Jodi Gordon. I’m fine thanks and you? I’m getting married! Yeah, in a week. No, it was all planned very quickly. Do you still have that amazing yacht?”

Jessica pulls away after the seventh kiss from Mark and looks at him with a smile.

“You are the personification of amazing, do you know that?”

Mark laughs, pulling her closer.

“Thanks, babe…”

He kisses her quickly, twirling a strand of her hair around his finger.

“You’re unbelievable, Jess. I’m so crazy about you.”

“Good. Because…”

Her phone rings and she reaches over to answer it.

“Hello? Oh, hey Jodz. You’re what?”

She holds her hand over the phone and looks at Mark.

“Jodi and Paul are getting married!”

Mark’s eyes widen.

“What? When?”

Jess takes her hand away from the phone.

“When? Next week? Are you serious? Maid of honour? Are you serious? Of course! Yeah, we’ll be right there!”

Jessica jumps up and pulls Mark up by his hand.

“I’m maid of honour, you’re the best man, we have to go. Now.”

[ilovekateritchie]

Im trying so hard to hate Jodi and Paul but your making it so hard... brilliant update.

Feel free to hate the characters, just love the actors! Lol.

Thanks for all the feedback - keep it coming! Here's the next part:

PART 67

“Welcome home.”

Kate walks in, holding Hayden closely.

“Thanks. You kept the place spotless, I’m impressed.”

Chris puts his arm around her shoulder and kisses Hayden on his head.

“Yeah, well I couldn’t let this one come home to a dirty house. I’m just glad he’s so healthy.”

Kate nods.

“So am I. If something had to happen to him… I’d never have forgiven myself.”

Chris squeezes her shoulders and walks to the kitchen.

“Do you want something to drink?”

“Oh, no thanks. I’m not really thirsty.”

Chris comes out, holding a glass of Cola in his hand. He sits down next to Kate, looking serious.

“Kate, there is something that you have to know.”

“You look so serious… What’s wrong?”

“It’s not really bad news… It’s just… Jodi and Paul are getting married.”

“I know. I was there when he asked her.”

“The wedding is next week.”

Kate looks down at Hayden for a few seconds and looks up again.

“So?”

“Will you be okay? Going to another wedding now…”

“Yeah, I’ll be fine. I’m not a baby.”

“That’s not what I…”

“Look, Chris, I’m not going to say it’s going to be easy. Of course I’m going to think about Callan and miss him and remember my wedding. But I’ll be fine. Besides, you’re going to be there, aren’t you?”

“I am.”

He leans down to softly kiss her on top of her head and pulls her close.

“A yacht? That will never work, Jodi, it’s too small!”

Jessica looks at Jodi in surprise and Jodi laughs.

“Not this one. It’s a luxurious yacht with five floors and everything… and if we go down to the bottom one – which by the way is huge, we’ll be under the sea, seeing everything swim past us and stuff! It’s going to be so beautiful!”

“Okay, where do we eat?”

“On the second floor. Then we can clear out the fifth floor as a dancing space. The third as a dining place, we take pictures on the top floor and I get dressed on the second floor.”

Mark grins.

“What about the fourth floor?”

“Oh, that’s for Kate and Hayden. He can sleep there.”

“Damn, I thought Jess and I could use that floor.”

Jessica swats him and Jodi laughs.

“See, if Kate takes her baby monitor with her and she puts it in Hayden’s cot, she is close to him when he cries. And I already asked the doctor whether it was okay to take him out on a boat because I wasn’t sure and he said no problem!”

Jessica nods slowly.

“Okay, so how much is this going to cost?”

“Nothing. It belongs to a friend.”

Jessica’s eyes widen and she smiles at Jodi.

“So how old is this friend?”

Mark glares at Jessica and Jodi laughs.

“Forty Eight and happily married with one daughter.”

Mark grins.

“A daughter, you say?”

“Could you two focus? Anyway, what do you think?”

Jessica smiles.

“I’m impressed. You’ve organized a lot. But I have to go to bed now; I can’t believe you’re still awake. You realize we’ve been organizing for over twelve hours?”

Jodi looks at her watch.

“Good point. Thanks for coming you two. I’ll ask Indi tonight, Isabel is flying over tomorrow. I can’t believe this is really happening! I am the luckiest woman in the world!”

[ilovekateritchie]

Here is part 68 the wedding is in part 70 lol so - almost!

Thanks for the feedback!

PART 68

“Isabel!”

Isabel and Jodi run towards each other, hugging each other tightly, tears flowing freely.

Isabel looks at Jodi happily.

“I can’t believe you’re getting married! Congratulations!”

“Thank you! This is happening so fast, I’m still a little overwhelmed! And I'm thinking about Chris... do you think this is too soon?”

“No! You love Paul, right? And Chris would have wanted you to be happy. Enjoy everything that's going on - it’s going to be the best day of your life!”

Jodi closes her eyes for a second, taking a deep breath.

“You're right… Come on, you must be tired!”

The girls rush to the car where Isabel looks at Jodi seriously.

“How’s Kate doing?”

Jodi thinks for a minute.

“You know, she’s okay. After Hayden’s birth… it’s like she has a reason to live again. They’re inseparable! She only lets go of him when she’s filming a scene and then it has to be me, Paul, Chris, Sharni, Ian, Ada or Amy with him.”

Isabel gasps.

“She’s filming already?”

“Yeah. She really wanted to come back to work, so John let her. But Hayden is going to grow up on set. He’s the sweetest little thing, Iz, you should see him.

Isabel grins.

“Good idea. Think we can make a stop?”

“Of course! Let me just call Kate.”

“Don’t worry, I will.”

“Why does he only stop crying when you’re singing to him?”

Kate stares at Chris and he laughs.

“Because he likes me.”

He takes Hayden and starts singing to him softly. Hayden immediately stops crying and stares at Chris with big blue eyes.

Kate giggles.

“Oh, now I get it.”

“What?”

“He stops crying when you sing because he hopes that it’ll make you stop.”

Chris looks at Kate for a few seconds and shakes his head.

“No way, he can’t be that smart.”

“Guess what? He is! Aren’t you, sweetheart? Yes!”

She kisses his belly and looks at Chris.

“He’s a miracle.”

“He is.”

Their eyes draw each other nearer and her phone suddenly starts ringing.

The sudden sound causes Hayden to start wailing and Chris walks off, jiggling him comfortingly, while Kate answers her phone.

“Hey Iz! How are you? I’m great thanks. No, Chris is living with me, so he’s helping. Long story. Yeah, of course! Okay, bye!”

She walks around the corner to call Chris, but stops in her tracks when she sees him softly talking to Hayden, looking magically adorable.

He looks up and winks at her.

“He’s sleeping.”

“Okay… eh, Jodi and Isabel are on their way, so…”

“Okay, I’ll just put him in his cot then.”

“Thanks.”

[ilovekateritchie]

The wedding will be happy, promise! Lol here is the next update:

PART 69

“Oh, he’s gorgeous!”

Isabel looks at Hayden, smiling.

“He’s so beautiful, Kate.”

Kate grins.

“He is, isn’t he?”

Kate looks at her son with motherly pride and smiles when he wakes up, takes one look at the strange faces and lets out a sharp wail.

She picks him up, holding him against her, but he keeps crying until Chris comes into the room. Chris laughs.

“Oh, he wants me.”

“No he doesn’t.”

“Of course he does, look.”

He takes Hayden from Kate, holding him so he can see his face. Hayden looks up at him and spits out some milk on Chris’ shirt, causing Isabel, Kate and Jodi to burst out in laughter.

Chris glares at them.

“Not funny.”

He hands Hayden back to Kate and takes of his shirt, looking slightly disgusted.

“Okay, I’m going to throw this away.”

Kate rolls her eyes.

“Jodi, can you hold him please?”

“Of course!”

Jodi takes Hayden, gushing over him, and Kate grabs the shirt from Chris.

“I’ll wash it, stop whining.”

“Yes mommy.”

Kate walks out; shaking her head and Chris follows her.

Isabel looks at Hayden, smiling.

“Oh… he’s quiet now…”

“Yeah…”

Jodi smiles, jiggling him contentedly.

She puts him down in the cot when he closes his eyes and Isabel leans over to get a better look at him.

Kate eyes Chris awkwardly where he’s standing against the wall. He looks down at his naked torso and looks up at her again.

“I could put on another shirt if I’m making you uncomfortable.”

Kate frowns.

“Who said you were making me uncomfortable?”

“The look on your face.”

“Well, you’re not.”

“Okay. But we could make this fair, you know.”

She looks at him and returns the washing machine.

“How?”

“Take off your top. Then we’re both shirtless.”

Kate laughs against her will and shakes her head.

“You are impossible, do you know that?”

“Yes, my mom used to say it twelve times a day.”

They look at each other quietly for a while and then Kate turns around.

“Okay… it’s in the washing, so…”

“So now we wait.”

She pushes past him.

“I think I hear Hayden crying.”

Chris grabs her arm, looking at her seriously.

“Kate, you can’t avoid me. There’s sexual tension between us, so be it. We both know that we’re attracted to each other and we chose to wait. Just… don’t try to hide it from yourself. Or me.”

She looks down and frees her arm from his grip.

“I have to go, Chris. See you later.”

“Kate!”

She rushes away though and Chris turns, hitting the wall with his fist angrily.

“No flirting with my son, Isabel!”

Isabel laughs when Kate comes in, her eyes still fixated on Hayden.

“He looks a lot like you.”

Kate smiles.

“Yeah, he does. I’m going to give him a bath now if you want to keep me company?”

Isabel and Jodi both jump at the chance, running to the bathroom like kids with a new rubber duck.