Elliot's Return

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 60

Roman walked slowly down the stairs. He saw immediately Jacko and Pete waiting for him at the bottom. He stepped forward and looked at them.

“Morning Hardcore.” Jacko said quietly. “You ready for this?”

Roman nodded before moving into the kitchen he poured out a cup of coffee for himself and then he did likewise for the two men.

“What’s going on Roman?” Pete asked softly.

He shook his head.

“Just not been sleeping too well.” He confessed. “I’m ok.” He added and saw the other man nod.

“Ella mentioned you were having a few problems.” Jacko said softly.

Roman immediately felt himself get angry.

“Maybe if my beloved wife stopped interfering then I would be ok.” he bit out.

Jacko looked up quickly accepting the cup of coffee from the other man he took a sip before commenting.

“Ella said you were kinda mad too.” He murmured.

Roman spun around and stormed over to the door. He opened it and looked out on the back garden. Ella was out there with the children playing some kind of chasing game with Sammy and Meggy. He should have smiled at her when she saw him and smiled but all he felt was a rage that wouldn’t go away.

“Ella.” He shouted.

She stopped dead and looked back up before she walked over to him.

“What’s up?” she asked breathlessly.

He reached out and caught hold of her arm dragging her inside. With a quick movement of his other hand he slammed the door shut. The sound it made was so loud that she flinched.

“Stop talking about me.” He muttered angrily. “Stop trying to fix me.”

Ella pulled at her arm.

“Hardcore.” Jacko said and quickly stepped forward.

“Stay out of it.” Roman snarled.

“Roman.” Ella said softly. “Let me go please.”

He looked into her eyes.

“Get out of my head Ella.” He snarled. “You can’t mend this.”

“What?” she gasped. “What can’t I mend?”

“Me.” He muttered. “Me.” He added again in a quieter tone.

“Roman.” She said quietly placing her hand on the side of his face.

“You can’t fix me Ella.” He told her.

“Why can’t I?” she asked him.

She saw Jacko stepping forward and she gave a half shake of her head and he stopped.

“Because.” He said shaking her.

“Because?” She asked.

“Because I don’t deserve it.” he shouted. “I killed him and I deserve this.”

“This?” she questioned.

“To feel like this. To be damned.” He shouted again.

“Why?” She murmured.

“I murdered him.” Roman ground out.

Ella could see Pete and Jacko looking at each other.

“In cold blood right.” She said. “I mean you wanted him dead.”

He looked at her and shook his head.

“But you must have done. You could have talked him down, found a way out of there. You wanted to kill him.”

He groaned.

“No.” he said.

She nodded.

“I don’t believe you Roman. You’re a killer. You wanted him dead so you shot him. There was no warning shot. You just pointed your gun at him and fired.” She said trying not to wince at the pressure he was exerting on her arm. She knew she would have a set of fresh bruises in the morning.

“No!” he shouted. “It wasn’t like that. I didn’t want to kill him I had no choice.”

She looked up at him.

“You had no choice?” she asked slowly.

He nodded.

“I couldn’t do anything else.” He said his tone normal.

“You couldn’t?” she asked him.

He shook his head before dragging her into his arms and holding her.

“I couldn’t do anything else.” He said again and his voice sounded somehow lighter.

She wrapped her arms around and held him tight.

“Now go see Elliot.” she said quietly. “It’s time to let this lie in the past where it belongs. We have a life to live.”

He nodded wiping at his eyes.

“El.” He said quietly.

“We can talk later. I have to go chase Sammy round the garden.” She said with a smile.

She stood up on tiptoes and pressed a kiss to his lips before turned and going out the door.

“Hardcore?” Jacko asked. “Are you ready now?”

Roman nodded.

“I have to get something and then we can go.” He said and ran up the stairs.

He came down a moment later with the photo album from the other day and they set off heading for the jail in Yabbie Creek. Charlie showed them into the pale grey painted interview room and they sat at the scarred wooden table waiting.

“What’s in the album?” Jacko finally asked.

Roman smiled and handed it to him watching as the other man flicked through the pages. He paused at one shot and pointed it out to Pete who grinned.

“Those were some ugly shirts.” Pete said looking at the picture of them posing in their Hawaiian shirts.

Roman looked at them.

“I think I still have mine.” He confessed.

“Why in god would you hang on to it?” Jacko muttered.

“Well.” Roman said a hint of colour on his cheeks.

“Ella.” Jacko said to Pete.

Roman looked at the ceiling and wished he hadn’t said anything.

“Probably some kinky sex story behind it.” Pete pointed.

“Er Gentlemen.” Roman muttered glaring at them.

“But to keep it all this time?” Jacko asked. “Especially as you didn’t see her for 11 years.”

Roman blushed at the comment and was saved from them teasing him some more when the door opened and Elliot walked in. He was wearing the orange jump suit and his hands and feet were cuffed, a chain connecting them. His shuffled steps brought him over to the table and he eased down into the chair.

“Hardcore.” He said focussing on Roman.

“Elliot.” he murmured looking at the other man and making sure he maintained eye contact.

“Why are you here?” Elliot asked him and then looked at the others.

“Because of this.” Jacko answered and put the album in front of the other man.

Elliot looked at them and then when curiosity got the better of him he began to turn the pages. He looked dispassionately at the photos until it came to one of his brother.

“What the hell is this? Some kind of trick?” he muttered.

“He was one of my men Elliot.” Roman said quietly. “We laughed together. We fought together.”

“And then you shot him.” Elliot burst out with.

“Because there was no other choice.” Roman said softly. “I am sorry you have no idea how mush this has haunted me.”

“It haunted us all.” Jacko said quietly.

“We were wrong to lie.” Pete murmured. “But we wanted to have his family believe he was a hero.”

“That he died trying to save us.” Jacko added. “And we are sorry about that.”

“More than you could ever know Elliot. He was one of us and he turned.” Pete said softly. “He ran when we needed him.”

Roman looked at their faces finally understanding that they had been just as haunted by this as him. He wished he had talked to them sooner.

“I shot him and I’ve paid for that.” Roman told him.

Elliot sneered.

“You call a year in prison paying for your crime?” he muttered.

Roman shook his head.

“No. I’m talking about all the years since it happened when I wouldn’t let anyone close. When I moved around Australia because every time I got to a place that felt like home I would move away thinking I didn’t deserve it.” Roman said quietly. “And the eleven years that I missed out on being with Ella because I didn’t deserve her.” he added and saw Jacko looking at him with a half smile on his lips at the admission.

“But you have a family now Hardcore and my brother will never have that.” Elliot said into the sudden silence.

“No he won’t.” Roman told him.

“And that is your fault.” Elliot spat.

“Yes.” Roman murmured. “And you are deluded if you think I won’t carry that around for the rest of my life.”

“Hardcore.” Jacko murmured.

He looked over at his friend before focusing back on Elliot.

“But it was him or us.” Roman said quietly. “He gave me no choice.”

Elliot shot up out of the chair slamming his hands on the table. The two constables in the room with them stepped forward.

“You had a choice!” Elliot shouted.

“No he didn’t.” Pete murmured. “The radio was down and we were surrounded. If Mark had taken the truck we would be dead.”

“You’re saying that because he told you too.” Elliot spat out.

Jacko shook his head.

“We would have died Elliot.” he said softly. “We were low on ammo, no radio, James was injured, a shot through his shoulder.”

“We can rehash this until we are blue in the face.” Roman murmured. “You don’t want to face up to the face that your brother was going to leave his mates stranded. He wasn’t the hero you wanted him to be. But that was one mission Elliot.” he paused his mouth dry. “Look in that book. See who he was. Ella took those photos.”

Elliot eased back. He reached for the album ready to throw it against the wall but instead he turned the pages. He saw his brother standing with the others by the bar in his own awful shirt and a reluctant smile crawled on his face.

“Ella bet us she could drink more than us.” Jacko murmured. “Those drinks were so sweet.”

Pete laughed.

“I threw up.” He confessed. “all that pineapple.”

Roman smiled watching Elliot.

“Gardy passed out in the bar.” Pete said. “and we got that marker pen and drew on his face.”

“Mark put a false moustache on him.” Jacko said quietly. “And a goatee beard.”

“God that was funny.” Pete said smiling. “Especially as it was a pink permanent marker.”

Elliot eased down in his chair and turned the page. He saw a picture of his brother and James bare chested practising some kind of martial arts.

“I didn’t know he was into that.” Elliot said before he could stop himself.

“James was teaching us all.” Roman said. “Mark was better at it than us.”

Elliot nodded turning the page.

“The boat?” he asked. “In Afghanistan.”

Jacko moved around the table and looked at the photo before bursting out laughing.

“We had a competition with some Americans.” He began. “We put the boat in their briefing room just in time for their Secretary of State’s visit.”

Elliot laughed.

“I suppose that was my brothers idea.” He said.

“As a matter of fact it was. We kept telling him he should have joined the navy. He was so mad on diving.”

Elliot nodded.

“He was.” He murmured. “Said he went out with you a few times in Japan.” He added addressing Roman.

The other man nodded.

“We did the Great Barrier Reef too.” He murmured.

Elliot looked at him.

“This little trip down memory lane doesn’t change anything.” he muttered.

Roman met the other mans gaze.

“Don’t expect it too Elliot. You don’t want to bury your ghosts and move on and have a life.”

Elliot shook his head.

“Gentlemen.” Charlie said from the doorway. “Time is up.”

Roman nodded and reached for the album. He opened it and took out a picture of Mark standing with the sunset behind him and handed that to Elliot.

“That’s the man I remember Elliot. Not the one who panicked and would have left us stranded.” He said softly before moving out of the room. Jacko and Pete followed him.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 61

Roman walked through the house and out the back. Ella was holding Lily in her arms while sitting with the Danni and Sophie on a blanket on the garden. He heard the others rather than saw them, their chatter coming from the pool.

“Hey.” He called out.

Ella smiled at him and handed Lily to Danni before standing up and moving over to him.

He reached for her and pulled her in his arms.

“God I love you.” He whispered, his lips against the side fo her neck.

He raised his head and looked into her eyes before kissing her.

“Love you too.” She murmured.

He found himself smiling.

“It’s over.” He told her.

She nodded.

“I’m glad. I’ve got everyone coming over later for a get together. Thought we could do with some company.”

He nodded.

“Jacko and Pete are here.”

“Great they can set up the BBQ while we go upstairs and talk.” She murmured talking hold of his hand and leading him indoors.

“Just so I know is this talk or talk?” he asked smiling.

She gave him a look under her lashes.

“Well.” She murmured and watched as he laughed.

They passed Jacko and Pete in the kitchen.

“We’re having a BBQ.” Roman told them.

“Pete duck.” Jacko murmured. “We’re about to be volunteered for something.”

“How astute of you Jacko. Go set up the BBQ.” Roman ordered as they moved out of the kitchen and up the stairs.

They heard the two men still laughed as they went into the bedroom. Roman turned and locked the door before moving over to the bed.

“Oh!” Ella murmured.

He grinned.

“Come here,” he murmured.

She walked over to him and he lifted her and pulled her to sit on his lap.

“Thank you for pushing me Ella.” He said quietly. “But don’t ever do it again, eh?”

She smiled.

“Well don’t be so stubborn just acknowledge I am always right and we’ll get along fine.”

He looked at her.

“I’m going to find someone to talk to.” He told her. “I need you to stay out of my head ok. I don’t want to be mad at you.”

“You still think that you hurt me don’t you?” she asked.

He looked into her eyes.

“I think I was capable of it.” he said quietly. “I couldn’t come back from that.”

“And you think I could?” she asked him.

He shook his head.

“I wouldn’t expect you too.” He said sadly.

“You didn’t ok. It was just a dream and now I would like to make love because I’ve been missing you.” She said quietly.

He kissed her and somehow they ended lying on the bed. He pulled her clothes off kissing the bruises he’d created on her arms when he’d shook her earlier. She felt those gentle kisses and smiled.

“I’m sorry.” He said quietly. “I don’t deserve you.”

She caught hold of his face and looked into his eyes.

“Why?” She asked quickly.

Roman smiled sadly.

“The amount of times I’ve hurt you.” He whispered. “I shouldn’t do it. I know I’m stronger than you.” His finger traced the area he’d bruised when he’d put his hand on her throat. Then moving down to her arm and finally using a finger to trace round her lips.

“I do like you passionate.” She smiled at him.

He chuckled just like he was meant too.

“Uh huh.” He said softly.

She leaned up and kissed him.

“Have you noticed anything?” she asked.

He looked into her eyes.

“You’re wearing your ring again.” He said smiling.

She nodded.

“I was thinking that maybe we should get a blessing and some new rings.” She suggested.

“Ouh goody another wedding night.” He said quickly.

She laughed the sound bubbling across his skin.

“Think you can handle it?” she asked.

He smiled.

“Handle it or you?” he asked in turn. “I love you Ella and if you want to have a blessing then I do.”

She snuggled against him.

“It’s not just that it’s “ she stopped unable to phrase it.

“Committing to you without my ghosts.” He suggested.

She nodded.

“Something like that. Anyway we have time to figure everything out.” She told him. “Now are you going to keep talking or make love.”

He grinned.

“Oh I’m going to make love to you.” He told her.

He began to caress her rubbing his hands all over her body before letting his lips loose kissing her first then his tongue tracing smooth circles on her skin. He loved all the little moans and sighs she uttered when he was loving her. The way she moved her body. He loved the length of her legs and the colour of her skin where those tan lines were. He ran his finger along her thigh and watched, as her legs seemed to fall open. He began to caress her intimately and he groaned out his own arousal as he touched. He felt her fall apart under his stroking fingers before moving to lie between her legs. He immediately felt her legs wrap around him.

“Greedy.” He murmured. “I’ve just pleasured you.”

She smiled.

“But you know I only really like it when you are inside me.” She told him.

He chuckled against her lips before looking into her eyes. He sank into her body and felt her gasp her pleasure against his lips.

“You feel amazing.” He said quietly.

She smiled and ran her hands over his body.

“This is amazing.” She whispered.

Nicole and Geoff pitched up with their kids. They moved round the house and saw everyone already there.

“Where’s …” she began to ask and saw Aden pointing behind him to the house.

“Ok.” she said a blush on her cheeks.

Belle grinned and handed her a glass of wine watching as the other girl took a sip.

“How are they?” she asked. “Although I don’t suppose you’ve seen much more of them than us lately.”

Belle chuckled.

“Danni mentioned that’s it been a struggle.” Aden said quietly.

Miles came out of the house with a tray of meat and handed it to Jacko. He muttered something before putting it on the BBQ to cook.

“What’s up with him?” Nic asked as Miles moved back towards the house.

“He’s upset that Roman appears to be busy.” Miles murmured.

Nic laughed.

“He should be used to it.” she murmured.

Belle giggled.

“I wish I had their energy.” She said softly and watched as Nic choked on her wine.

Miles laughed.

“Me too!” he said.

“You too what?” Roman asked moving outside with them.

“The energy you two seem to have.” Miles said with a grin.

Roman chuckled.

“Much as I would love to say Ella and I have been at it like rabbits for the last three hours she actually went to pick up something a while ago.” He murmured.

He looked at his watch and eased his phone out of his pocket checking for messages. He has expected her back by now and was starting to worry. He quickly dialled her number. The call went straight to voicemail and he groaned before leaving her a message.

“Dad?” Nic said.

He shrugged.

“She should have been back by now.” He said, a worried frown on his face.

“Maybe she got delayed.” Aden murmured quietly. “Let’s not panic yet.” He added and pressed a beer in the other man’s hand.

Roman took a sip before moving over to the BBQ.

“Enjoy your nap?” Jacko muttered.

“Yes thanks.” Roman replied ignoring the sarcasm.

“So why did you keep that Hawaiian shirt?” Pete asked.

He was sitting in a chair next to the BBQ.

“Yes Hardcore.” Jacko grinned. “It’s got to be some sex thing you did.”

“Gentleman.” Roman smiled at them. “Forget it I’m not going to tell you.”

“You keep a shirt for 20 odd years gotta have a hell of a sentimental value.” Jacko pointed out looking over at Pete. The other man nodded.

“I don’t know anyone who would do that.” Pete replied.

Roman laughed.

“I said I might still have it.” he began. “Not that I do.”

“Bet you do.” Pete said with a sideways look at Jacko.

Jacko winked.

“We’ll ask his Mrs about it!”

Roman gave an unconcerned laugh.

“Go ahead.” He said. “If she tells you I’ll buy you a case of Malt.”

He drained his bottle before checking his phone for messages. He checked his watch again and that feeling that something was wrong wouldn’t leave him now. He looked round the garden at everyone and tried to smile but there was one person missing from the line up and he needed her there if only to stop him worrying.

“Can I get in on that?” Miles asked overhearing the last part of the conversation.

Roman laughed.

Jacko smiled.

“We were looking at old photos today.” He began. “And there was one when we were…”

“The Hawaiian shirts?” Miles asked interrupting him.

Jacko and Roman looked at him in shock.

“I told you Roman when you were away while she was expecting the twins we spent a lot of time together. She showed me every picture she took in Afghanistan. Every story going about you. Well the non-x rated ones anyway!”

Roman glared at him.

“I once asked you how much time you spent with my wife.” He began and the others laughed at the jealous tone in his voice.

Miles patted him on the back.

“Just the odd evening.” Miles said quietly. “Maybe a couple of nights.”

Pete spat out the beer he had been drinking.

“Nights?” he questioned.

“We took it in turns.” Miles said.

“Oh god this is just getting worse!” Jacko muttered.

“Because that was when Gardy was about so we tried to made sure she wasn’t on her own for too long.” Miles said glaring at them.

Jacko flushed.

“Oh!” he murmured.

Roman laughed.

“Don’t worry Miles some people just have a dirty mind.” He grinned.

“So anyway the case of malt?” Miles asked.

Roman looked at him and shook his head.

“You’ll never get the reason so forget it.” he muttered and disappeared to get another beer. He picked out a bottle from the cooler they had set up on the veranda and checked his phone again.

“You getting worried?” Aden asked with a grin.

Roman shook his head.

“Lily is crying and there isn’t a bottle in the fridge.” Danni muttered.

“Make up some formula.” Roman said. “Can you manage?” he asked.

She nodded and moved back in the house.

Nic stood and went after her.

“That’s not like El.” Aden murmured and caught Roman looking at him.

Geoff moved over to them.

“I could go have a drive around and see if she’s about.” He suggested.

“No we won’t panic.” Roman said despite the fact he was now starting to panic.

Geoff grinned at Aden.

“I just love the way he said that but you can tell he’s worried sick about her.” he murmured.

Aden chuckled.

“I bed she’s off shopping.” He said. “And stopped for a sneaky cup of real coffee.” He added.

Roman gave them both a look but made no comment.

“We must be slipping normally we get the folded arms by now.” Geoff murmured.

Aden laughed.

“Quit it you two, can’t you tell he really is worried about her.” Belle said softly.

Nic came out of the house with Mira followed by Danni with Lily. They put the two babies in the bassinet.

“Ok?” he asked Danni.

She nodded.

“She was fine.” She told him. “Took the bottle ok.”

Roman smiled.

“She’s a greedy one. I can’t believe how big she’s got since she came home.” Nic told him.

Roman grinned.

“She’s a beauty.” He said.

“You really are doting over her aren’t you.” Nic muttered a note of jealousy in her voice.

“Afraid so Princess.” He told his eldest daughter. “But only because she is a miracle baby.” He moved over to Nic and put his arm around her. “Still think you are special too.” He whispered for her ears alone.

She blushed and smiled up at him.

They heard the front door go and Roman breathed out quickly moving into the house.

“El.” He called.

“In here.” He heard her call from the study.

He moved quickly and gasped when he saw she wasn’t alone.

“El?” he asked.

“Sorry, I go the call while I was out. I didn’t know what to do so..” she murmured her voice still shaking.

“Gabriel?” Roman asked.

He wanted to hear her speak. Wanted to know what her voice was like.

“You are Roman?” she asked and he nodded.

He found his heart thumping in his chest. How could she sound like Ella when she hadn’t spoken to her before, he wondered. She looked exactly like her, same height, same face, same hair and same smile.

“I’m called Gabby.” She told him.

“Thank you for coming to us.” He said unable to think of anything else to say and almost groaned at the stupid words.

“I understand I’ve picked an interesting day to show up.” She murmured again with the uncanny Ella voice of hers.

“Well you will be able to meet everyone in one go.” He said. “That is if you want too. It might be a bit overwhelming.”

Ella chuckled.

“I do believe you’ve shocked him into gibberish.” She told her daughter and Roman had to watch as both of them gave him identical grins.

“God!” he said.

Ella smiled at him and moved over to take hold of his hand.

“Isn’t she beautiful?” she said to him.

“Meggy is going to be so jealous.” He replied. “Now she has someone else to compete with.”

Ella laughed.

“Not only that but Gabby has her own horse.”

“That would be Sophie taken care off.” He paused. “She does know about everyone doesn’t she?”

Gabby chuckled.

“Yes, Ella has been telling me all about them. Apparently it was Sophie and Danni who were responsible for sending me the letter.”

He nodded.

“So.” He said and felt Ella squeeze his hand. “Do you want to meet them?” he asked.

Gabby looked form one to the other slowly before nodding.

“I haven’t come this far.” She said.

Ella smiled and moved over to her.

“Can I just do something first?” she asked her.

Gabby nodded.

Ella put her arms around Gabby and hugged her for a second before pulling back.

“Sorry I just…” she said and stopped.

“It’s ok.” Gabby murmured. “But well we weren’t very demonstrative so I er…”

“Well I’ll try not to hug you too much.” Ella said and blinked back tears. “Come on.” She said taking hold of her hand and leading her through to the back.

“OH MY GOD!” Nic exclaimed.

“Nic.” Gabby guessed.

Ella grinned.

“And here is Belle and there you have Geoff and Aden. Over there cooking you have Jacko, Pete and Miles family friends.”

“Dad!” Nic said in an urgent whisper.

Roman looked at her and smiled.

“It’s her.” he confirmed.

“Oh like you can doubt it.” Nic exclaimed.

He found himself grinning and watched as Ella led Gabby over to the children.

“Can I have my children here please.” She called and they ran over to her.

Sammy was wrapped in a towel only just out of the pool. He starred at Gabby his mouth open.

“Ok.” Ella murmured. “Sophie and Georgie.” She began pointing them out. “Then Meggy and Sammy.”

Gabby smiled at them nervously.

“You’re here!” Sophie said excitedly running over to hug her.

Gabby caught Sophie and found herself having to step back with the force of the younger girls exuberance. She reluctantly hugged her back.

“They know about me?” Gabby asked and then answered her own question. “Obviously.”

Sophie looked up.

“Yup.” She said. “We’ve been wanting Mum and Dad to find you for ages. Are you staying because you can sleep in our room?”

“Sophie how about you let her go for the moment, ok.” Ella suggested.

Meggy looked at her and bit her bottom lip.

“I don’t want her to stay Sophie.” she muttered.

“Meggy.” Ella said quietly.

She looked up and pouted.

“Fine.” She said.

Ella grinned and held out her hand to her daughter and smiled even broader when Meggy ran to her.

“Love you Meggy girl.” She said quietly and bent down to press a kiss to her head.

Meggy smiled.

“Right then the one you haven’t met is Danni.” Ella murmured.

“She and Amy-Belle are upstairs chatting about boys.” Sammy said to them and made disapproving face.

Gabby laughed.

“Talking about boys is ok.” she told him. “Especially talking about kissing them!” she added and she saw Sammy sticking his tongue out.

“Yuk!” he said.

Gabby laughed.

“You ok if I leave you here?” Ella asked Gabby. “Sophie will look after you.”

Gabby nodded.

“Meggy?” Gabby murmured. “I’m so jealous of your name.” She said.

Ella smiled as she moved away. She saw Roman and she went over to him.

“Is Lily ok?” she asked.

He nodded.

“Danni looked after her.” he murmured.

She nodded.

“Well.” He said.

She nodded again.

“She’s beautiful.” He said emotionally.

Ella smiled at him before putting her arms around his neck and kissing him before looking over at her kids.

“She needs to learn how to hug.” She said with a sigh.

Roman laughed before he picked her off her feet and kissed her again.

“Hardcore put her down for god’s sake you’re putting us off our food.” Jacko called out.

Roman smiled.

"No mate.” He replied. “That would be your cooking!”

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 62

Roman rolled over and looked for Ella. He saw the empty space in the bed and groaned before standing up and moving through to the bathroom. After a moment he pulled on his bathrobe and headed to check the nursery. She and Lily were not there and he muttered something before heading down the stairs. He found Ella sitting on the back veranda with Gabby. The baby nearby, safely tucked up in the bassinet. He watched them for a moment thinking how strange it was to see them using the same hand movements as they talked.

“Hello.” He said softly.

“We’ve discovered one thing she gets from you.” Ella told him a smile playing on her lips.

“What’s that?” he asked.

“She likes getting up in the morning.” Ella murmured.

“Well you get used to it when you have a horse. You have to spend a lot of time taking care of them.” Gabby told him with a smile. “But that isn’t all. I have your eyes.” She added.

Ella laughed.

Roman smiled but inside he felt a sadness he couldn’t ignore. He should have been there for Ella and not let her lose the chance to raise this beautiful girl.

“So is there anything else you want to know?” He heard Ella asking.

“Who is Mike?” Gabby murmured.

“Depends which context you heard the name really.” Ella was saying.

Roman turned and went into the kitchen to put water on to boil and make coffee. He put the dishwasher on to clean the pots used the night before and then looked in the fridge to make a start on breakfast.

He looked up and saw Gabby walking into the house and past him. She disappeared into the study where she'd stayed the previous night.

“Ella?” Roman asked moving outside.

“It’s ok.” she told him but he could see she was about to cry.

“What is it?” he asked moving over to her.

“Gabby is a bit upset with me that’s all.” Ella mumbled.

Roman pulled her into his arms and held her.

“Does she know what happened?” He asked.

Ella shook her head.

“I don’t want to burden her with that.” She said, her voice muffled against his chest.

“So she thinks that you gave her up but kept Mike?” he asked.

Ella slowly nodded.

“Elizabeth.” He said.

She looked up at him pulling back at his use of her full name.

“Go and tell her. It’s better that she knows the whole story.” He instructed.

Ella shook her head.

“I can’t.” she said softly. “And it’s no good you getting angry with me.” She added with a sigh. “Why don’t you go tell her about Mark?” she muttered after a moment.

He flinched.

“Low blow Addison.” He told her stepping away.

“Same thing for me Harris.” Ella replied folding her arms across herself.

He turned and went into the house without further comment and began doing what he always did when he got upset he started cooking.

Gabby found him there after a time.

“The letter said you were a chef.” She began.

Roman looked up and nodded.

“Yes.” He told her. “My family owned a restaurant so I learned to cook at an early age.”

“Are your parents still alive?” she asked. “Do I have grandparents?”

Roman bit his lip.

“I don’t know.” He said after a moment.

“You don’t know?” she muttered. “Great so I’m thrown away so she can keep her precious Mike and you don’t even know if your own parents are still alive.”

“Gabby.” Roman said calmly.

She looked up at him and blinked suspiciously.

“I fell out with my family a long time ago. And you are right maybe I should go and see them. But Ella didn’t throw you away. She thought she had a miscarriage and was very ill and her mother was responsible for your adoption. Up until a few years ago we didn’t even know you existed. “ he said softly. “If Ella had any idea that you were around there is nothing on this Earth that would have stopped her finding you.”

Gabby looked at him as she listened to his passionate declaration.

“But you do have a wonderful Grandfather. His name is George.” Roman said softly.

“Ella dad right.” Gabby muttered.

Roman nodded.

“But not her biological dad.” She added trying to get it straight in her head.

Roman grinned.

“Exactly how long has she been out of bed? Because normally she’d…”

“Normally I’d what?” Ella asked him walking into the kitchen behind them.

“Still be in bed at this time dear.” He answered her with a grin.

She looked at him for a moment.

“I have to take Lily upstairs and change her.” she murmured. “Want to help me?” she asked Gabby.

Gabby smiled and reached out to take Lily in her arms. She turned and headed for the stairs.

“Elizabeth.” Roman said as she made to follow.

“That’s twice.” Ella muttered spinning around.

“Is there anything you want to tell me?” he asked softly nodding towards the stairs.

Ella looked at him.

“Number one, do not call me Elizabeth again.” She hissed at him. “And number two if there was something then it’s not for me to tell you.”

She stormed past him and up the stairs.

He groaned watching her go before turning back to the cooker and taking the pan off the heat. He had a feeling this was going to be a long day.

“Daddy!” he heard Meggy murmur from behind him.

“Hey sweet girl.” He said softly.

“Is Gabby still here?” she said moving to the table.

“Yes she is.” He said quietly.

Meggy nodded and watched as Roman put her breakfast in front of her. She ate the omelette and picked at the toast without saying anything.

“I don’t like her.” Meggy decided.

Roman hid a smile at his daughter’s pronouncement.

“Well it may take some time to get to know her.” he pointed out.

She shook her head.

“Her eyes don’t smile.” She said simply.

Roman looked at her in shock.

“What do you mean Meggy?” he asked sitting next to her.

Meggy looked up.

“She smiles like a cat. All teeth but her eyes are funny.” Meggy murmured.

She stopped talking when Sophie came into the room with Danni. They were chattering about Gabby and Roman saw Meggy roll her eyes. He smiled at her and pressed a kiss to her head before going into the kitchen to get the other’s breakfasts.

They were all eating when Ella came back down with Gabby. She moved into the kitchen and pointed Gabby towards the table watching as she sat down.

“I have omelettes.” He said to her.

She picked up a piece of toast and nibbled on a corner.

“I don’t eat breakfast.” Gabby said with a smile.

Roman found himself watching her and thought of what Meggy said. He tried to analyse what he was suddenly feeling anxious and couldn’t pin down the reason.

Ella leaned down next to Meggy and said something to her and he watched as the girl stood up and Ella sat down. She lifted Meggy on to her lap and wrapped her arms around the girl. He found himself smiling at her.

“So what are we going to do today?” Sophie asked. “Can I take Gabby to the Stable and show her my horse.” She said quickly the words rushing out of her mouth.

“Ok, take a breath. No. I’m sure Gabby would love to go to the stables and see the horses there but how about you let her settle today.” Ella told her daughter.

Sophie turned to Gabby.

“Ok.” she said trying not to sound too disappointed.

“Anyway you are back to school tomorrow so you need to make sure all your homework is done and you have clean uniforms.” She pointed out. “Then I want your laundry down and it’s tidy up rooms.”

“So Sunday then.” Sophie muttered.

“Yes.” Ella murmured.

“We spend Sunday getting ready for school and doing chores.” Sophie explained to Gabby.

“Do you go to college?” Danni asked her.

Gabby dropped the toast.

“Not anymore.” She said.

“Oh that will change with Ella.” Danni told her with a smile. “She made me go back and get my HSC.”

Gabby looked at Ella.

“Yes. Education is important.” Ella murmured tickling Meggy who was laughing.

“Hey!” Meggy protested. “I do my homework.” She added between giggles.

“Occasionally.” Sammy added. “Can I get some more toast please?” he asked.

Roman stood up and moved into the kitchen getting more bread out to toast.

“Are you sure you don’t want anything Gabby?” he called out.

“No.” she said and caught Georgie looking at her. “Thanks.” She added.

Georgie smiled.

“Manners don’t cost anything.” He quoted.

Gabby smiled.

“Ok if you’ve finished then you can leave the table. Let’s not crowd Gabby too much. Georgie your turn to clear the table please.” Ella told them and lifted Meggy to the floor before standing up.

She moved out of the room and went back up the stairs.

Roman placed the toast on Sammy’s plate before heading up the stairs and into their bedroom.

“Ok am I getting the silent treatment?” he asked softly.

Ella spun around and looked at him. She had been looking in the wardrobe.

“I wasn’t aware I was 5 years old.” She replied.

Roman shut the bedroom door behind him.

“Well if you 5 I could get to spank you when you get into one of your childish spats.” He muttered.

“Like you can talk.” She ground out glaring at him.

“Ella what is going on?” he asked softly and sat on the bed.

He tried to ignore the growing alarm in the pit of his stomach.

“You had no right to tell Gabby…” she began.

“About your mother?” he finished. “I gave her the bare bones of the story El,”

“It wasn’t your story to tell.” She muttered folding her arms across herself.

“Look.” He began. “Gabby is our daughter. Mine and yours. Are you going to tell me that if you had known you were having her things wouldn’t have been different between us.”

She glared at him.

“Well you tell me!” she said angrily. “There was still Mark and then there was Nic. You remember Nic, the daughter you didn’t even bother telling me about even though you were ready to marry me.”

Roman stood and moved towards her stopping when she held up her hand.

“Don’t touch me.” She said. “I’m not happy with you at the moment.”

He flinched and spun around storming into the bathroom. She hear the shower come on and she sighed.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 63

Roman eased into bed beside Ella.

“Is the alarm set for morning?” she asked her voice still like ice.

“Yes.” He said. ”Ella.” he added after a moment.

“Don’t bother I’m not interested.” She muttered and pulled the covers up.

“Interested in what exactly? What did you think I was going to say?” he said rolling over on his back.

“In talking to you.” She said and then gave a bitter laugh. “There is no way you are stupid enough to think I’d want to sleep with you right now.”

He counted to ten but it didn’t seem to help.

“I’m going to go get a drink.” He said sitting up and climbing out of the bed.

“Good idea.” She said and rolled away from him.

“God I hate this.” He ground out. “Why do we keep doing this?” he asked her. “What happened to talking things through?”

She sat up and looked at him.

“I would talk to you Roman but you called me Elizabeth twice and then you called me Addison. I loathe being called Elizabeth.” She glared at him.

“I’m sorry.” He said quickly.

“No you aren’t. The first time I can consider a slip but the second time was loathsome. And then calling me Addison?” she sneered at him. “And you have a nerve to tell Gabby about my mother when I said I didn’t want that dragged up. Why don’t we explore your family relations Roman?”

She pushed the covers to one side and climbed out of bed and moved into the bathroom. He heard her being sick and felt his heart beating in his chest. Without thinking he ran into the bathroom and saw her kneeling on the floor by the toilet.

“Oh for gods sake Roman just leave me alone” she gasped out.

“No.” he bit out.” You’re ill.” He looked into her eyes.

She glared at him before being sick again. He reached for a glass of water and rinsed out the facecloth under the cool tap before kneeling down beside her. He reached out and bathed her face.

“El.” He said quietly.

She looked up.

“What?” she asked her tone bitter.

“Well I’m wondering why you are being sick.” He said.

She caught the light in his eyes.

“No chance.” She said bitterly. “And anyway you didn’t want anymore children remember.”

He smiled.

“Well.” He said.

She reached out and pushed at him weakly before leaning over the toilet again and retching.

Roman tried not to smile but it was difficult not to have a stupid grin on his face.

“Maybe you need to do a test?” he suggested.

She eased back and glared at him.

“Go to hell. And leave me alone. Seriously the way I feel about you right now you if Elliot had killed you I would be smiling.” She said.

He flinched.

“Now that was harsh.” He said and moved out of the bathroom.

She heard the bedroom door slam and groaned.

Roman moved down the stairs and reached into the cupboard for a bottle of whisky. He saw his hand touching the bottle and he pulled back instead putting the kettle on to boil. Within moments he’d made some ginger tea which he took back up the stairs. He placed the cup on her bedside cabinet and moved into the bathroom.

“Come on.” He said softly.

She lifted her head and looked at him.

“Leave me alone.” She said softly.

He rinsed out the facecloth once more and bathed her face before lifting her up and carrying her through to the bedroom. He placed her gently in the bed pulling up the covers around her.

“You’re cold.” He murmured. “God Ella, you aren’t ill again?” He burst out with connecting the dots.

“No.” she said softly and lifted her hand to his face.

“You sure?” he found himself asking.

She nodded then moaned as a wave of nausea washed over her.

“I brought you up some tea.” He said.

Ella smiled.

“Even after I wished you dead?”

“I may have poisoned it you’ll just have to take your chances.” He said trying to smile. “Will you go see Rachel.” He added.

“Roman I’m fine. Normal blood work.“ She told him.

He nodded.

“Yeah but still.”

“I’m not pregnant and I’m not ill.” She muttered.

He picked up the cup and placed it in her hands for her to drink leaving her for a moment to go straighten up the bathroom. He came back in the room and looked at her.

“Feeling better?” he asked.

She nodded and smiled at him.

He moved over to the bed and climbed in next to her. She finished the tea and eased down in the bed. He tugged her gently into his arms and snapped off the light.

“So why don’t you like being called Elizabeth?” he asked her his breath ruffling her hair.

He felt her sigh.

“She called me that. Didn’t like abbreviations.”

“That’s why he was always Michael.” Roman murmured and felt her nod. “I’m sorry for dragging up a bad memory.”

She sighed.

“I love you. Thank you for looking after me.”

Roman chuckled.

“Love you too.” He told her.

She snuggled into his arms and fell asleep and knowing he was watching over her made her smile.

He woke up just before the alarm went off and grinned before easing out of bed. He checked to see if Ella was still asleep and gently pulled up the covers around her. He made his way to the bathroom and took a quick shower before getting dressed and heading downstairs. He made coffee and then set out breakfast on the table. The kids started coming down the stairs with their usual Monday morning gripes. He seated them at the table and watched them get breakfast before they went back up the stairs to get ready.

“Where’s Ela?” Gabby murmured coming in from outside.

“In bed. She wasn’t feeling very well.” He murmured. “How about you can I get you anything?”

Gabby grinned.

“Nope. When does Sophie go riding?” she asked. “I would have thought that she would have gone to sort her horse out this morning.”

Roman laughed.

“It’s a stable. We won’t let her get a horse until she’s been into riding for two years. She goes Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings.” He said.

“is that your choice or Ella’s?” she asked a note entering her voice.

“More Ella than me.” He confessed. “But it make sense. She might be into something else next year she only got into horses because her best friend did. “

“She’s strict.” Gabby said moving away before Roman could say anything.

He looked at her departing back with an expression of puzzlement on his face.

“Gabby.” He called out.

She turned and looked at him.

“Ella is the best mother and I’m sorry you are only getting to know her now. But yes obviously we have rules for the kids. They do homework when they get home from school and their chores on Sundays. Apart from that they can do pretty much what they want.” He told her.

She nodded.

“Ok.” she said quietly and continued into the study.

Roman sighed finishing clearing the table and loaded the dishwasher. He grabbed a bottle of water and took it up the stairs to the bedroom.

“Hey.” He said softly.

Ella rolled over.

“Hey, is Lily ok?” she asked quickly.

Roman chuckled.

“Yes and so are all the other kids. I’m about to do the school run do you want me to take her with me?”

She looked at him.

“I think you better I don’t want to give her this bug.” She half smiled.

“Are you still mad at me?” he asked perching on the side of the bed.

She looked up at him.

“Why?” she asked without answering his question.

“Because I may have upset Gabby a bit.” He confessed. “I was trying to explain that yes we’re strict on the kids but its because we set boundaries. She was asking about Sophie’s horse.”

She looked at him and folded his arms.

“I suppose I came off as the worst mother in the world.” She muttered.

“We both agreed that Sophie wasn’t allowed her own horse until she proved to us it wasn’t a passing fancy.” He said.

Ella leaned back against the pillows and he was struck by how pale she was.

“El.” He murmured.

She looked up at him and forced a smile.

“I’m ok Roman it’s just a bug.” She said. “Now why don’t you get the kids to school and let me get up.”

He leaned over and pressed a kiss to the top of her head before moving slowly out of the room. It took an age to get the kids and Lily sorted but eventually he left.

Ella climbed out of bed and moved down the stairs slowly. She got to the kitchen and took out the milk to pour a glass for herself.

“You look pale.” Gabby told her.

“I also feel like death. How are you feeling?” she asked.

“I’m fine if I get a lot of fresh air. Are you going to tell Roman?”

Ella looked up.

“That we’ve just found our daughter and she’s dying?” she said.

Gabby nodded.

“I can’t break his heart like that.” She said.

“He..” Gabby began and trailed off before forming the sentence.

Ella looked at her.

“Come sit down.” She said quietly.

Gabby held out her hand and Ella took it leading her over to the sofa. They both sank into the deep cushions still holding one another’s hands.

“My mother had problems.” Ella began. “She didn’t like me but she adored my brother. And as you know Michael was killed in Afghanistan. I brought home his body and found out I was pregnant. So I flew back out and tried to see Roman but there, well there was stuff going on for him.” she paused taking a deep breath before continuing. “Well anyway I felt some cramps and they thought I’d lost you. I was pretty ill and messed up and my mother placed me in a hospice where I gave birth. They wouldn’t even let me hold you.” She had to stop again as the emotions took over. “And well until a few years ago I thought that I had just miscarried.”

“I don’t’ really understand that bit.” Gabby said with a frown.

“My mother drugged me.” Ella said biting back nausea.

“Ella I’m sorry.” Gabby said. “All these years I thought…”

Ella shook her head.

“I can imagine. Well anyway when we found out you existed we tracked you down. You’re parents said you were happy. The adoption was not legal Gabby because neither Roman nor myself gave our consent. But we didn’t want to barge into your life. And selfishly we were in a bad place in our relationship and we thought we’d do more damage than good.”

Gabby blinked back tears.

“I was happy with them. I was their chosen princess.” Gabby told her. “They showed me your letters and told me the story and let me know that it was ok if I wanted to get in touch.”

Ella nodded and gave her hand an encouraging squeeze.

“Then I got my diagnosis.” She murmured.

“I’ve told you that even if I’m a match they may not be able to use my bone marrow but we’ll get tested today. Roman has Lily.”

Gabby smiled.

“When did you find out?”

“That I had cancer. It was a Monday afternoon. Roman and I were separated. He had the kids here and I was in my studio. The first person I thought of calling…”

“Was Roman?” Gabby guessed.

Ella nodded and saw Gabby grinning.

“I’m glad that my parents are still together.” Gabby murmured. “Sammy told me that sometimes you two don’t stop kissing.”

Ella blushed.

“But that does explain all of my brothers and sister’s I guess.” She added watching as Ella went a dark shade of red.

“None of you were planned.” She confessed.

“Oh that just makes it worse.” Gabby chuckled.

“You, my daughter, are teasing me.” Ella said softly and then bit her lip at the daughter part of the statement.

“Both are true.” Gabby said to her. “I am your daughter and I’m teasing you.” She paused looking at her mother. “I get the feeling that a lot of stuff has happened over the years.”

Ella nodded and eased off the sofa. She retrieved her glass of milk and finished it.

“Shall we get ready?” she asked Gabby. “It’s a long drive.”

Gabby nodded and retrieved her bag from the study She waited by the door, turning when she saw Ella coming down the stairs. They moved out of the house and into the car. Ella waited until Gabby had fastened her seatbelt before setting off ignoring Gabby’s knowing smile.

“Ok.” she muttered after a while. “I do the same thing for the others.”

“I didn’t say anything.” Gabby denied still smirking.

“You have his smirk.” Ella told her after a minute.

Gabby burst out laughing.

“What would have happened if you’d kept me?” she asked eventually.

“I don’t know. You would have grown up with Mike for a start.” Ella sighed. “I’ve been thinking about this a lot in the past couple of days.”

“Would you and Roman…” she asked her.

“I don’t’ know is the honest answer. I loved him then otherwise you would never have been conceived.” Ella said and then blushed.

“Was he like…” Gabby grinned.

“I am so not answering that question.” Ella burst out with and concentrated on overtaking a car in front.

“He so was!” Gabby said. “Wow.”

“Change the subject.” Ella muttered.

She gave Gabby a sideways glance and saw her laughing.

“So er… Mum…” she said.

“Now I know you want something.” She said.

They burst out laughing at the same time. Ella turned up the volume on the Sat Nav and let it direct her to the clinic where they had the appointment.

“Was he like the only one?” Gabby asked her after a few minutes of silence.

“No. I two other relationships and….” Her voice trailed off.

“And?” Gabby said.

“I was attacked.” Ella said finally after a significant pause.

“I’m sorry I shouldn’t have asked.” Gabby said her voice quiet.

Ella reached out and touched her hand.

“It’s ok it was a long time ago. Just after the twins were born.” Ella murmured. “We got past it.”

Gabby nodded and then did a double take.

“But Meggy was born when the twins were 8 months.” She gasped.

Ella pulled the car into a parking spot and stopped the engine. She unclipped her seatbelt and turned towards her.

“Roman was away, he was in the army. And I went into premature labour with the twins. Just after they were born he came home and we made love. Within days of that I was attacked.” Ella stopped and took a deep breath. “We both thought that Meggy was the other mans but when she was born I loved her anyway.”

“Did you think about putting her up for adoption?” Gabby asked.

Ella felt the old familiar guilt over Meggy swap her for a second.

“If I’m honest yes. The first few months I was ok even though Roman was struggling with me being pregnant as a result of the attack. But then we went through the trial and seeing the attacker again, well it made me question whether I could love her.” Ella sighed at the flood of memories. “So yeah we thought about it, discussed it until we were going round in circles.” She added.

“And she’s Roman’s?” Gabby said.

Ella nodded.

“I know I would have loved her anyway but with the constant reminder everyday.” She shook her head. “I just didn’t want to risk her ever being hurt.”

Gabby nodded and found she had to wipe away a tear.

“Thank you for telling me all this stuff.” She said her voice filled with emotion.

“This is your history too. You have the right to know it. “ Ella murmured. “I was wrong not to tell you about my Mother yesterday when you asked why I kept Mike and not you. And that is a killer because now I’ll have to go home and apologise to Roman.”

Gabby chuckled and undid her seatbelt and they moved inside the clinic. After checking in with the receptionist they were shown to a small room where they had to wait for the doctor to come in. They were offered drinks and Ella asked for some water. The receptionist coming in a moment later with a beaker.

“So the apology.” Gabby began when they were once more alone. “Is it verbal or does it involve some kinky sex thing I don’t need to know about.”

Ella choked on the water she was drinking.

“You so can’t ask me that I’m your mother.” She burst out.

“Of course I can.” Gabby murmured. “I’ve got years to catch up with asking you embarrassing things.”

“It’s verbal” Ella told her primly.

Gabby chuckled.

“And you young lady had better deny all knowledge of sex. Roman is very old fashioned.”

“He is?” Gabby asked in surprise.

“He is when it comes to his kids.” Ella murmured. “Well his daughters anyway.”

“Do I detect a double standard?” Gabby asked raising an eyebrow.

Ella laughed.

“You get that look from him too.” She said. “He’s naturally protective more than having double standards.” Ella told her. “He’d rather you respected yourselves than rushed into doing something for the sake of doing it.”

“And what about you?” Gabby asked.

“I was brought up Catholic by my mother. So everything was pretty much a sin. But well I decided pretty early on that I was going to wait until it was someone special. I’d like to think it would be the same for my kids, both boys and girls but well I’m not going to get upset if it doesn’t turn out that way.” She added with a shrug.

Gabby nodded.

“It’s nice that you thought my Dad was the someone special.” Gabby said after a pause.

Ella grinned.

“Just don’t tell him, eh.” She said. “He’s already got a huge…”

“Don’t’ finish that sentence!” Gabby said teasingly. “I’m too innocent!”

“Ha!” Ella murmured. “I was going to say ego.”

Gabby looked at her and they both burst out laughing just as the door opened and the doctor came in.

“Hello Gabby.” He said quietly.

“Dr Matthews.” She said. “This is my biological mother, Ella Harris.”

“Nice to meet you.” He said and leaned over to shake her hand. “Now you understand what is involved with these tests.” He added slowly releasing her hand.

Ella nodded and reached into her bag. She pulled out a small folder and placed it on his desk.

“I do indeed. These are a copy of my medical notes. I had Leukaemia nearly four years ago. My blood work has been clear for the past two and a half years. “ she said calmly.

He took the folder and leafed through it.

“We can certainly do the test.” He said.

Ella nodded.

“Don’t’ worry I understand I may not be a match, or I may match and you won’t be able to use my bone marrow.” She said and felt Gabby reach out and give her hand a squeeze.

He nodded.

“Shall we go through to the other room.” he said and directed them through a different door to the one they came in.

Ella moved over to the bed.

“The gowns are over there. It you can get changed.” He said and retreated back into his office.

Ella looked at Gabby before reaching for the gown.

“These just never go out of style.” She said with a smile.

She stripped off her clothes and pulled on the gown. After a moment she peeled off her underpants. She eased up on the bed and watched as Gabby folded her clothes and placed them neatly on a chair.

She caught Ella looking at her and smiling.

“Him?” she asked.

Ella nodded.

“I have the messy gene and he has the neatness gene.” She told her.

Gabby chuckled.

“And the others?” she asked.

“All neat freaks except Meggy. She’s on a loser though she shares with Sophie.” Ella told her.

Gabby found herself laughing again.

After a time Dr Matthews came back in followed by a nurse.

“Ok then. Now you understand what’s involved?” he asked Ella.

She nodded.

“You are going to drill a series of holes through my bone and retrieve marrow for testing.” She said.

“There will be a lot of pain.” He cautioned.

She nodded once more.

“Do you need me to sign anything?” she asked smiling at Gabby.

He nodded to his nurse and she presented her with the consent form for her signature. Ella picked up the pen and scrawled on the bottom line. She lay down on the bed and the procedure began. He marked a series of points and began to drill. Ella screamed with the first hole more out of shock than the pain. She blinked back tears and clutched the side of the bed trying to breathe through the pain.

“I’m sorry Mum.” Gabby said grabbing hold of her other hand.

“Hey this is just like child birth.” Ella said trying to grin. “Except more painful.”

“Well the good news is we are all done.” Dr Matthews murmured. “We’ll get these samples to the lab.” He added and then went through what she would need to do for the nest couple of days.

“How soon will we know whether I am a match?” Ella asked.

He leaned over and pressed a hand to her shoulder.

“We are planning to do a rush on the tests. You should know within 24 hours.” He said.

Ella nodded.

“Rest here.” He told her.

Ella nodded and sank back on the bed. She closed her eyes for a moment and woke an hour later.

“Hey.” Gabby said. “I am so sorry.”

“Hey yourself. It’s ok. Let’s go home before Roman panics.”

Gabby smiled.

“In a minute the Doctor wants to check you out.”

Ella eased up on the bed.

“I trust you mean as in my medical condition.” She said and watched Gabby laugh again before she moved out to fetch the doctor. He came back in and gave her a quick exam.

“Perfect.” He told her.

She smiled.

“So I can go home?” she asked.

He nodded.

“Just remember what I told you.” He cautioned. “Speak to the receptionist on the way out and she’ll make the next appointment for you.”

Ella nodded and he moved out of the room. Gabby handed her clothes over and she eased into them slowly. She pulled out her phone from her back and saw she had 7 missed called and a dozen texts. Gabby leaned over and read the screen.

“I think we’re too late and he is panicking.” She said.

“Hey!” Ella muttered as she reached into her bag and gave Gabby her car keys. They collected the appointment card on the way out and climbed into the car. Ella struggled for a bit to get comfortable and found herself drifting off as Gabby drove.

They pulled up outside the house after a time and Gabby leaned over and shook her awake.

“We’re here and well, he doesn’t look happy.” She told her.

“He’ll be fine after a couple of…”

“Days.” Gabby suggested.

“Years.” Ella told her.

Gabby burst out laughing before sobering.

“Can you get out?” she asked her.

Ella nodded.

“I’ll get out.” She told her and gritted her teeth as she moved. It took a couple of minutes for her to get into the house and she looked at Roman standing in the hallway his arms folded.

“Hello.” Gabby murmured.

“Ella.” He said quickly.

She straightened up and looked at him wincing at the pain.

“Sorry. We had to do a thing. I’m feeling a little rough again. Perhaps you could help me to bed.”

Gabby spun around and looked at her as Ella began to sink down.

Roman gasped and ran forward catching her before she hit the floor. He heard her moan and felt his heart hammering in panic. He lifted her up and she whimpered in pain.

“You stay here.” He said to Gabby. “I want a few answers.” He added and carried Ella up the stairs. He lay her on the bed and groaned when he saw how pale she was.

“Ella.” He murmured.

She leaned up and looked at him.

“I’m ok. I haven’t eaten though and I could do with a drink.” She told him, hoping that would distract him.

“And is that why you are in pain?” he asked folding his arms.

“I don’t know. I just ache.” She said and forced herself to shrug.

He looked at her and then turned around and moved down the stairs. He saw Gabby sitting on the sofa with Meggy and Sophie and he forced himself not to grin like an idiot at seeing her there. He made his way into the kitchen and got a tray ready for Ella. He carried it back up the stairs and saw that she was in bed. She had her eyes closed and was breathing evenly, if he didn’t know her so well he would have been fooled that she was asleep.

“Nice try.” He murmured placing the tray down next to her.

She opened her eyes and looked at him.

“Tell me.” He added.

“It’s nothing. We went ice skating and I fell over.” She said. “I didn’t want to blurt it out because well the others might get a bit jealous.”

Roman looked at her and folded his arms.

“Fine.” He said. “And not texting me or answering my calls?”

“My phone was in the car.” She told him.

She looked at him and forced herself not to look away or bite her lip.

“Fine.” He said again. “I’ll leave you here. If you feel like telling me the truth or asking if your other children are ok just let me know.” He said and moved out of the room slamming the door on the way out.

She heard Lily start to cry and she eased out of the bed groaning as she stood up. She got as far as the door before she screamed and collapsed in pain.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 64

Roman walked quickly down the stairs fuming. He knew Ella was lying to him and it was something to do with Gabby. If he weren’t going to get answers from her then maybe Gabby would be more forthcoming. He stopped when he heard the scream and the thump from the bedroom. He spun around and rushed back up the stair and into the bedroom and found Ella collapsed on the floor.

“Ella.” He muttered before bending down and looking at her.

He found himself checking she was still breathing before he lifted her back on the bed.

“What happened?” Danni asked from the doorway.

“I don’t know.” Roman said calmly despite the fact he was panicking like hell. “Can you see to Lily for me please?” he asked her again keeping his tone of voice calm.

He watched as she nodded and moved out leaving Gabby and Sophie standing in the hallway.

“Gabby.” Roman murmured calling her into the room.

She eased forward and stood before him.

“That must have been a hell of a fall she took today when you were roller skating.” He said softly.

She nodded.

“It was.” She said softly avoiding eye contact for a moment.

He nodded.

“Perhaps you could bring me a glass of water?” he suggested. “On second thoughts Sophie could you go fetch me some water for your mum please.” He added moving to the door.

He waited until Sophie had moved away before he slammed the door shut and trapping Gabby in the room with him.

“Start talking and you two must be so stupid if I’m going to swallow the pack of lies your feeding me.” He said his voice like ice.

“Roman.” Ella murmured from the bed.

He moved over to her and pressed his hand on her head.

“Leave her alone.” She gasped out through dry lips.

“I do not believe this.” He bit out. “You collapsed Ella. You are clearly in pain.”

He looked at her suddenly and then paled.

“What did you do?” he asked her.

“Roman.” Gabby murmured.

“Ella what did you do?” he asked again ignoring the pleading look in Gabby’s face.

Ella eased slowly up in the bed wincing from the pain.

“Gabby can you fetch my handbag please.” She asked her.

The girl nodded and spun around opening the door and yanking it towards her as she tried to get away. She took a last frightened look at Ella before disappearing through the door.

“Ella.” He said looking at her.

She looked at him.

“As you said Roman I am clearly in pain and I collapsed and you seem intent on cross examining me and interrogating my daughter.” She said quietly. “Perhaps you should think about that.”

He looked at her and turned away folding his arms across his chest.

“Since you obviously don’t need me I’ll go see Miles.” He said softly. “Maybe Gabby will be responsible enough to take care od you.” He added and moved out through the door.

Ella gasped but said nothing to stop him leaving. She heard Sophie on the landing with Gabby and closed her eyes for a moment before pinning a smile on her face.

“Come in girls.” She called out keeping her voice light.

Gabby came in first.

“There are a lot of worried people out here.” She said.

Ella nodded still smiling.

“Its ok.” she said watching as Sophie moved in the room with the glass of water. “Hey babes, thank you.”

Sophie placed the glass carefully on the bedside table.

“You’re not ill again are you Mummy?” she burst out with looking worried.

“No sweetheart. Just a bit poorly.” She said and held up her arms.

Sophie launched herself at her and wrapped her arms fiercely around her causing Ella to wince.

“I’m fine really my babes.” She said. “But you need to go make sure Sammy is ok for me, yeah.” She added feeling Gabby’s eyes on her. “You know how he gets.”

Sophie nodded.

“Good girl.” Ella murmured and pressed kisses all over her face causing her to giggle. She watched still smiling as Sophie moved out of the room and heard her talking to the others and nodded at Gabby who moved over and closed the door.

“Here.” She said and handed over the handbag.

Ella nodded closing her eyes for a moment before opening the bag and taking out the bottle of painkillers the Doctor had prescribed and taking two out she put them in her mouth before taking a long swallow of the water.

“I’m sorry.” Gabby said quietly. “I seem to be causing a lot of trouble.”

Ella smiled.

“Making up for lost time aren’t you. Three days and your turn our life upside down.”

Gabby shook her head.

“It’s not fair. We should tell Roman.”

Ella held out her hand and moved over on the bed.

“Roman didn’t react well to my having cancer.” Ella murmured. “And of course he deserves to know but ..” she trailed off.

“Is it worth this hassle?” Gabby said.

“It is if we can tell him that I’m a match and will be able to donate because then his fear that I’m going to get ill again will fade away.” She told her. “Plus all the reasons you had for wanting to keep it quiet.”

Gabby nodded slowly.

Ella smiled again and took another drink of the water. She placed the glass down and reached for the business card the Doctor handed to her on the way out. Taking out her phone she dialled the number waiting impatiently for the call to be answered.

“Hello Bill Matthews.” She heard him say when the call connected.

“Hi it’s Ella Harris here.” She murmured.

“Ella what can I do for you?” he asked.

“Well you can tell me if this amount of pain is normal.” She said. “I’ve collapsed twice and I can’t seem to walk.”

“Normally we are able to collect the samples using a needle but because of your bone density we had to resort to other methods.” He began.

“So you are saying I have thick bones.” She said half smiling.

“Something like that.” He said laughing. “But obviously the level of pain is dependent on the individual. If it continues tomorrow please call me back and we look at pain management.”

“It won’t affect donation will it?” she asked quickly.

“We will probably make the decision to do it under a general anaesthetic in that instant which obviously has its own risks.”

“Thank you.” She murmured.

“Is that all?” he asked. “do you have any more questions?”

“No thank you. I just needed to double check.” She said and rang off after saying goodbye.

“See no problems.” She told Gabby.

“Uh huh.” Gabby said and watched as Ella burst out laughing. “I get that from you too?” she asked.

“Yup, I’m not quite sure which one of us started it but we both say that.” Ella said and eased slowly around. She was able to stand up and began moving cautiously to the bathroom. She came out a moment later and collected the tray from the side of the bed. The pasta dish he’d prepared was cold and inedible.

“Here.” Gabby murmured and took the try from her.

Ella smiled pulling on the bathrobe and tucking her phone in the pocket. She didn’t see the Doctor’s business card fall down the side of the bed.

“Are you up to this?” Gabby muttered.

“I’m hungry and the tablet have kicked in so I’m ok. “ she said with another smile.

Gabby moved over to the door and opened it smiling when she saw all the other children waiting on the landing.

“Ok.” Ella told them. “If you brush your teeth and get in your night clothes you can have an extra half hour.”

They looked at each other and ran upstairs to their room with the exception of Danni who was standing with Lily in the nursery doorway.

“Danni thank you.” Ella murmured. “Is she alright?”

“She’s fine but you’re not.” Danni replied.

She rocked the baby and then turned and lay her back down.

“Danni.” Ella called softly moving into the room. ”I’m fine.” She said.

She shook her head.

“I can’t stand the secrets ok Ella. Admit you are ill.” Danni said unable to make eye contact.

Ella moved quickly trying not to wince at the stiffness in her hip.

“I promise you I am not ill.” She said quietly. “I love you Danni, ok.”

“Then why are you lying?” Danni asked.

“Because it’s not Ella.” Gabby burst out.

Danni looked up.

“Oh no.” she said. “No. That is not fair.” She burst out emotionally.

Ella reached out and pulled her into her arms.

“It’s going to be ok.” she said. “We’re going to be ok. We just don’t want to worry everyone just yet.”

Danni shook in her arms before giving into sobs.

“Shush baby girl.” She murmured. “We have to be strong, just like I know you can be.”

After a time Danni eased back and wiped at her eyes.

“Ok?” Ella asked.

She nodded looking at Gabby.

“I’m going to be ok.” Gabby told her with a smile.

Ella moved over to the cot and gave Lily a kiss on the top of her head before moving out of the nursery and down the stairs. Danni sat her on the sofa putting the throw over her before fetching her some fresh dinner.

“She loves you.” Gabby said after coming back in from the kitchen where she dumped the tray.

Ella grinned.

“I’m lucky with my kids.” She said.

Gabby nodded.

“I’ll leave you for a bit Ella I have to call..” she stopped.

“Your parents.” Ella told her. “It’s ok to call them that Gabby they raised you.”

Gabby flushed and nodded before disappearing into the study just as Danni brought through a toasted sandwich and some salad.

“Thank you.” Ella said.

The others came into the room and sat next to her while she ate. She asked them what they had been up to and listened to their chatter. She gave them several hugs and kisses reassuring them before they were sent up to bed.

“He won’t be home tonight.” Danni told her. “He was in a stinking mood.”

Ella nodded even as she grimaced.

“I know.”

“Please mum.” Danni begged huskily. “Tell him.”

“It’s going to be ok I promise. Of course I’m going to tell him just in a few days when we ..” she stopped as the front door opened.

Danni looked at her before collecting the plate from earlier and moving into the kitchen.

“Ella.” He said quietly.

“Roman.” She replied.

“I’m going to bed. Are you coming up?” he asked.

She nodded and moved the throw to one side. He moved then and came over to her helping her up. He sighed and instead of waiting to see if she was able to walk he lifted her into his arms and carried her. Danni watched them go biting her lip. She waited a moment before switching off the lights and heading upstairs herself.

He helped Ella into bed and undressed in the bathroom before coming out and getting in his side of the bed. He switched out the light and eased back on the pillows.

“Do you want a cuddle?” he said after a few minutes went by.

She sighed and eased slowly over to him.

“Yes please.” She said.

He moved being careful how he put his arms around her.

“Good night.” He told her.

She sighed again.

“I love you.” She murmured and bit her lip anxiously

“I don’t understand.” He said. “How could you?”

“How could I what?” she asked him,

“Abort our baby.” He said to her.

She gasped and felt his arms tighten around her as he sighed into her hair.

“I know we didn’t want anymore but..” he broke off. “It’s ok Ella. I just wish you could have spoken to me first. We’ll find a way to get through this.” He murmured.

She groaned needing to tell him it wasn’t what he thought and at the same time protect Gabby.

“Roman.” She began.

“Go to sleep Ella.” He said. “Maybe things will be different in the morning.” He muttered under his breath.

“What do you mean by that?” she found herself asking.

“I mean that right now I don’t want to hold you I want to shake you and tell you that I hate you. My baby Ella and you did that to it.” he bit his lip and pulled away from her. “sorry I thought I could do this.” He added getting out of the bed.

He stood and paced over to the wardrobe pulling out fresh clothes he placed them on the bed and looked over at her. He sighed and held out his hand to her.

She eased up on the bed and placed her hand in his.

“Wait!” she muttered. “What are you doing?”

“It’s so symbolic isn’t it the way we throw out rings at each other. “ he told her pulling off the eternity ring. “We say we love each other but then we do stuff and it all fades doesn’t it.” he looked into her eyes. “I tried Ella. To put myself in your shoes. To think that maybe we have enough children and perhaps it’s too soon to having Lily, but that hasn’t stopped us before has it?” he asked before carrying on without waiting for an answer. “You went out and destroyed our baby behind my back and then have the gall to lie in my arms and tell me you love me?”

He shook his head and picked up his clothes before disappearing out the door. He paused when he heard her sobbing a part of him wanting to turn around and comfort her but he pushed his shoulders back and went into Mike’s room and collapsed tiredly on the bed.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 65

Ella watched as Roman took the kids out for the school run He even had Lily with him. He looked at her for a moment before leaning over and kissing her cheek.

“I’ll see you later.” He said and moved out.

She nodded watching him go with each breath she wanted to call him back but knew she couldn’t tell him the truth and hated having to tell more lies.

“So who do I get my stubborn streak from?” Gabby asked from behind her.

“Me.” Ella said but all humour was gone from her voice.

“We are going to tell him tonight aren’t we?” she said.

Ella nodded biting her lip.

“Sorry.” She gasped out and moved quickly up the stairs.

Gabby sighed and felt Danni’s eyes on her.

“I hope you are happy.” Danni muttered. “Here five minutes and already causing trouble.”

Gabby spun around to say something and was struck dumb when she saw Danni was smiling.

“What?” she gasped out.

”Beat my record.” Danni murmured. “Come on lets go to the diner and give Ella some alone time.” she said quietly moving out the door.

Gabby sighed and followed her out the door. She climbed into the car next to her and they drove off.

Ella looked out of the window before turning to the bed. She reached over and started stripping the sheets off. She changed the bedding and carried the laundry out and was about to go down the stairs.

“Stop.” Roman burst out shocking her to a standstill.

He took the stairs two at a time and took the basket out of her hands,

“You shouldn’t be carrying stuff.” He told her.

“I’m fine.” She told him and bit her lip again. “What are you doing back?”

“I bribed Danni to get Gabby out so we could talk. Lily is at Nic’s. I thought…” he stopped. “I thought maybe a few hours without her might do you some good.”

“Gabby or the baby?” she asked him.

“The baby. I thought that it might be painful to be around her after…”he stopped. “Never mind.” He added carrying the basket down the stairs and through to the laundry. He began sorting the washing and found the business card amongst the load and ended up putting it in his pocket without reading it.

“Roman.” She said from behind him.

He spun around looking at her.

“I didn’t have an abortion. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you last night.”

He looked hopeful and saw her shake her head a half smile on her face.

“Sorry, I’m not pregnant. And we agreed no more babies Mr Broody.” She murmured.

He grinned feeling the tension leave him.

“Sorry.” He replied. “You are beautiful when you are pregnant.”

“Uh huh and I suppose you think that soft soap will get round me.” She said.

He reached around and pulled her into his arms.

“It worked for Sammy.” He told her.

She eased back and looked at him.

“Now the exact quote was I wish I could make you pregnant now.” She told him a smile playing on her lips.

“Well that’s true. If I had my way half the time we so wouldn’t bother talking.” He said grinning at her. “I’m sorry I jumped to conclusions.” He said softly. “I just ..” he paused looking into her eyes. “All that stuff about your mother and Gabby turning up I thought it got into your head and maybe it made you make a wrong decision.”

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a jewellery box.

“I picked up these this morning.” He said. “an apology for last night and well just because.”

She looked at the box for a moment.

“Go on it won’t bite.” He told her softly.

Ella looked at him before finally opening the red velvet box. She gasped at the diamond engagement ring and wedding ring.

“Why?” she asked her lips trembling with emotion making the words come out huskily.

“Because I love you and I decided that even if you ..” he couldn’t say the words. “Well we would find a way through it. And then there is this.” He held up the eternity ring.

She slipped them out of the box and slid them on her finger grinning as all three rings fitted together as one.

“I’m sorry.” She said.

“Sorry because you can’t tell me what’s going on?” he asked.

She nodded and looked tearfully into his eyes.

“Ok.” he said and pressed a kiss to her lips.

She wound her arms around his neck and felt him sigh against her lips pulling her close to him.

“I’m sorry for not being with you last night and for..” he stopped. “For not coming back in when you were crying.”

She eased back and looked at him before kissing him again.

“I love you.” She murmured. “Still. Always. Forever.”

He chuckled.

“Did you make the bed?” he asked her.

“Of course. It’s all neat.” She said looking at him. “And it’s going to stay that way.” She added glaring at him.

He laughed before lifting her up and carrying her up the stairs.

“I’ll remake it.” he promised.

“Roman please.” She said and saw the look of disappointment on his face as he lowered her to her feet. “I’m sore.” She added. “So you’ll need to be careful.”

He chuckled again pressing kisses to her lips as he peeled off his clothes. He eased off her dressing gown and began to caress her. He reached for the bed covers and peeled them back before he lay her gently on the bed. He joined her after a moment and began kissing her before running his hands over her body. She winced when he caught her hip and missed the horrified look on his face.

“El.” He said softly.

“Its alright.” She murmured placing her hands on either side of his face and pulled him towards her to kiss her again.

“uh huh.” He murmured against her lips.

He eased to one side and framed her face with his hand looking into her eyes.

“You have forgiven me way too soon.” He said softly. “And that can only mean that whatever is going on is big.”

She closed her eyes for a fraction of a second before looking at him once more.

“I’m sorry. If it’s any consolation I’ll buy you jewellery too.” She told him.

He sighed and putting his arms around her he pulled her close to him and eased back on the pillows. She lay her head on his shoulder and sighed.

“What happened to my sex?” she mumbled.

“Sorry I kind of got turned off by the fact I was causing you pain.” He muttered.

She looked up at him.

“Dammit and I was going to suggest we start using whips and chains.”

Roman let out a shout of laughter.

“I love you Ella.” He murmured.

She ran her hands down his chest.

“Really love me?” she asked.

He looked deep into her eyes.

“With all of my heart.” he promised.

“Then please make love to me.” She asked.

He chuckled and lowered his lips to hers.

“No.” he murmured. “I just wasn’t to hold you right now.”

She sighed again before laying her head back on his shoulder. He pulled the covers up and settled down with her safe in his arms. After a few moments he could tell she was asleep and he smiled before closing his eyes too.

Roman woke first and eased out of bed. He scrambled to get his clothes and pulled them on before moving down the stairs. He headed to the kitchen getting himself a coffee. After a moment he remembered the laundry and went through to the utility room to put the wash on before moving back to the kitchen to the make a start on dinner chopping and preparing vegetables and putting them in a slow cooker to make a casserole. He hummed as he worked and then chuckled.

“Hey.” Danni called walking through the door with Gabby. “Is it safe.”

Roman looked over at them.

“Ella’s asleep.” He said.

“Did you sort everything out?” Danni asked quickly moving into the kitchen and opening the fridge to pull out a couple cans of drink.

“More or less.” He said. “And how many times do we….”

“Oh about another 50.” She replied without letting him finish the sentence.

“50 what?” Gabby asked accepting the can of soda from her.

“I’m not supposed to interfere blah.” Danni told her. “But what they don’t understand is that our sister Nic was an extremely bad influence. She got us all plotting to get them back together once. Poor Meggy was telling so many fibs that if she’d been Pinocchio her nose would have reached England.”

Gabby burst out laughing.

“God that is so funny.” She said.

“Not for us it wasn’t.” Roman said folding his arms and glaring at them.

“Shut up Dad!” Danni told him with a grin. “You weren’t exactly innocent of your own plots so I’ve heard.”

Roman groaned.

“I am never leaving Jacko to babysit again.” He muttered.

Danni chuckled.

“Do you want to go in the pool?” she asked Gabby.

“I can’t.” Gabby said quickly. ”I don’t have a suit with me.” She added after a minute.

Danni looked at her and nodded.

“Ok.” she said with sudden understanding.

“You’re the same size as El.” Roman murmured. “She has plenty of swimsuits.”

Gabby shook her head quickly.

“I can’t swim.” She burst out with and looked at Danni who was trying not to snigger.

“Ok.” he said peacefully deciding not to push it and left them together in the kitchen while he began tidying up the lounge.

“You are so lying!” Danni told her. “I saw your swimsuit earlier.”

Gabby looked at her.

“Danni.” She said quietly. “This is a wig.” She pointed out. “I lost my hair because of Chemotherapy.”

The other girl gasped and put her hand over her mouth.

“I am so sorry.” She muttered.

“It’s ok. I’m used to it now but I didn’t want Roman to find out.” She shrugged. “Well you know what I mean.”

Danni nodded.

“Well hopefully one of us is a match.” Danni murmured and moved quickly over to give her a hug.

“Thanks.” She said uncomfortably.

“I can tell you so don’t mean that but seriously you are going to have to get used to being hugged. This family are big on love.” Danni said with a grin.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 66

Ella woke up slowly. Her mouth was dry and she was alone. She looked at her finger and wiggled it letting the light catch the large diamond on her finger. She sighed, feeling that she didn’t deserve it because she was still lying to him and although she knew that a part of her was angry that he could jump to such a horrible conclusion it was amazing the way he “forgave her”. Buying her these beautiful rings and trying to take care of her even though she could practically sense his hurt and bewilderment. She felt a rush of love for her wonderful husband and promptly burst into tears for hiding such a big thing from him. She knew that if the tables were turned she would hate him keeping it from her.

“Hey.” Roman murmured easing into the room. “Its ok.”

She shook her head and wiped childishly at her eyes.

“Don’t come near me.” She said. “I’m such a horrible person.”

He grinned before sitting next to her on the bed.

“Feeling a little guilty?” he asked and watched as she nodded. “It’s going to be ok.” he murmured and ignored her attempt to push him away and put his arms around her.

“Stop.” She muttered. “It’s making me feel worse.”

He eased back and wiped her eyes.

“How do you think I’m feeling? It’s been so incredible between us lately and yet I accuse you of having an abortion?” he began softly. “And I think how patient you were with me over the Mark stuff. Not many wives would have been able to wait so long for their husbands to get their head sorted.”

She shook her head.

“It’s going so wrong between us at the moment. I’m scared.” She confessed. “there’s this thing and I know I’m doing it for the right reasons but it’s going to hurt.” She paused and sighed, admitting to herself how sad she was feeling. “And there is that woman out there somewhere.”

“You mean Leona.” He said. “I don’t even remember ..” he stopped.

“Whether you slept with her or not?” she asked him.

“No.” he shook his head. “Who she was.” He confessed with a wry grin. “I know she is going to hurt us but Ella you need to know that if anything happened then it wasn’t.” he stopped looking at her. “Because I wanted it or I planned it.”

“Are we mad to want to know?” she asked him.

He grinned.

“I went to a clinic and got tested for stuff before Lily was born.” He said quietly.

She looked up at him.

“You did that?”

He nodded once more.

“I hoped that we would be making love and I wanted to be sure that it would be ok.” he told her. “And just like you needed to know if anything happened between you and Elliot, I need to know.”

“Do we promise that whatever happens we work through it.” She asked him.

He sighed.

“I want to, more than anything El.”

She caught the wistful note in his voice.

“But?” she asked.

“Can you deal with me being unfaithful?”

She gasped and paled as she felt pain wash over her at just the thought.

“See.” He pointed out.

“I’ll find a way.” She said. “And anyway I was dead.”

Roman looked into her eyes.

“Not dead enough.” He said. “Ella you are my wife and my soul mate. How am I supposed to deal with getting drunk and sleeping with someone else only months after you were dead?”

“Well thanks for correcting the not dead enough part of that statement.” She grinned. “We’ll find a way to deal with it Roman. Isn’t that what we do?”

He nodded.

“Are you well enough to get up?” he asked.

She nodded.

“I need to find my phone too.” She murmured. “What time is it? Are the kids home?”

He chuckled.

“It’s half 2. Not yet.”

She held up her hands and he tugged her gently towards him wrapping his arms once more around her.

“We have some time.” she told him with a grin.

“No.” he laughed. “Come on up you get.”

She eased slowly out of bed giving him a disappointed look before she moved to the bathroom. He heard the shower come on and he chuckled before bending down and remaking the bed straightening the covers and plumping the pillows. He found Travel Bear hidden near her side of the bed and grinned. She’d obviously finally managed to get it back off Sammy. He tucked it in the bed resting it against her pillow with a grin.

“You.” She muttered catching him in the act.

“Just putting your bear back.” He said with a smile looking over at her watching as she blushed.

She shook her head before reaching into a drawer for underwear.

“Planning to watch me get dressed?” she asked him.

He moved to sit back against the pillows smiling at her.

“Maybe.” He said with a grin.

She looked at him before turning her back and slowly loosening the belt on the dressing gown letting it fall slowly down her body until she was standing naked. She could feel his eyes watching as she pulled on a pair of small red briefs pulling them up with a little wiggle of her hips. She heard him chuckle as she reached for the bra next and slide the straps up her arms before hooking up the fastening. She lent forward and adjusted the cup before turning around and looking at him, licking her lips.

His eyes roamed over her body looking at the full breasts, the curve of her stomach, the curvy hips and her very long legs. He smiled before noting the bruising on her hip. He launched of the bed and moved over to her.

“What the hell happened?” he bit out his fingers tracing the blue smudges.

“Nothing.” She gasped out.

“Did I do this?” he said horror struck.

She shook her head.

“No.” she said quickly.

She tugged at his fingers and pulled his hand away.

“Ella.” He murmured looking into her eyes.

“It’s nothing.” She told him and moved away to the wardrobe. She pulled out clothes and put them on before moving to the door.

“Ella.” He said again.

She turned and looked at him.

“Please Roman.” She said her lips trembling.

He saw her press her lips together and her eyes fill with tears and as much as he wanted to stop cross-examining her he knew he needed to know what had happened.

“Don’t expect me to be able to let this go.” He warned.

She reached out a hand towards him before yanking it quickly back and folding her arms across herself.

“It’s nothing I banged into something.” She said and he knew that she was lying.

He shook his head and moved past her and out of the room. She heard him go down the stairs and out the door. She shook her head as the first tears fell. Looking at her hand she moaned as a wave of pain washed over her. She wanted to crawl back into bed with Travel Bear and hide away. Instead she moved slowly down the stairs retrieving a pair of sandals form the closet in the hallway she went out the back.

“Roman.” She gasped.

He looked up from where he was sitting drinking a beer.

“Expecting someone else?” he asked and gave her a brief smile.

She shook her head biting her lip.

He held his hand out to her and grinned as she took it and pulled her over to him. He placed the bottle on the decking near his chair and rested his head against her stomach.

“Hey you.” He said softly.

She stroked his head and bit her lip to stop herself crying again.

“I was scared.” She admitted finally.

He looked up at her for a moment before pulling her onto his lap and wrapping his arms around her.

“I can’t say I wasn’t tempted to storm out but that’s the old us Ella. I have to believe that whatever is going on you are going to tell me.”

“Even if it’s big?” she said.

He nodded.

“Keep wiggling like that and we can guarantee something getting bigger.” He said softly.

She gasped at his words before blushing.

“Roman Harris!” she choked out, giggling.

“It’s Gabby isn’t it.” he said quietly.

She nodded.

She looked into his eyes and sighed.

“She’s ill.” Ella began. “She has leukaemia.” She confessed finally.

She felt his arms tighten around her as he pulled her closer.

“I love her El but I don’t know her that well. How unfair is this? I want to get to know my daughter.” He said and placed his hand under her chin so he could look into her eyes. “Have you been protecting me?” he asked.

She nodded.

“I didn’t want…” she stopped when he kissed her.

“I love you El.” He said looking deeply into her eyes. “What can we do to help her?”

She eased away from him.

“I got tested.”

“Bone marrow transplant.” He said putting all the clues together.

She nodded.

“El you can’t. You aren’t well enough yourself.” He protested. “I’ll get checked.”

”We might need you to but I should be getting my results back today.” She told him gently.

“And if neither of us are? What about the kids?” he asked.

“I can’t even think that. Roman how can I ask my children to go through testing and donation for a sister they barely know." she said quietly. “And putting them through this again.” She shook her head and felt him pull her close against him and kissed her gently again, one hand stroking her hair.

“It will be ok. We will get through this and I love you.” He murmured. “Hear that El, I love you.”

She eased away and looked into his beautiful blue eyes. The same wonderful eyes that all her kids had. That Nic had and that her children had. She saw sadness in his eyes and love. Love for her and for their daughter even though she had only just come into their lives.

“I love you so much.” She told him pressing her lips to his.

After a time she eased off his lap and stood up looking out on to the garden. She saw a couple of their cats dozing lazily in the garden and the orchard beyond.

“Its funny.” He began. “When you bought this place I thought it was because you needed a safe place but its not that is it.” he paused to stand and move over to her. “You came here because it was a place to make into our home. It was always in the back of your mind that we would live here and have our family.”

Ella looked up at him and felt his arms wrap around her once more.

“Maybe.” She confessed remembering that long ago day when she’d moved in and texting him as she went to bed that night despite previously telling him they were over.

He smiled slowly.

“We need to tell everyone.” He said.

“We can’t its up to Gabby.” Ella said with a sigh.

“Hey, first you were feeling guilty for not telling me and now you’re feeling guilty for telling me?” he asked.

She nodded.

He chuckled and kissed her again before moving away and picking up his bottle. He took it inside and rinsed it out before adding it to the recycling. Opening the fridge he began to scan the contents.

“Can we go to the diner?” she asked him.

“Need company?”

She nodded.

“And I need to hold Lily so can we go get her too.”

He laughed and picked up his keys and leading the way outside to his car. He held the door open for her and smiled when she kissed him before getting into the car.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 67

Ella eased out of the car when they reached the beach house. She took hold of Roman’s hand and felt him smiling at her and grinned herself.

“Hey.” Nic called out.

“Hey daughter.” Ella replied.

She saw Mira on the floor trying to get up on all fours.

“She’s trying hard.” She commented.

She went to ease down to her but winced at the pain in her hip.

“Hey.” Roman said softly and guided her to a seat on the sofa.

“Ella?” Nic asked and bit her lip.

She looked over at her dad and then back at Ella.

“I’m ok. I had some tests done at the hospital.” She began and saw Nic pale.

“She’s not ill, Nic.” Roman told his daughter quickly. “It was just routine but she didn’t want to worry us.”

“Well.” Nic murmured. “Does this mean that you have come to collect Lily?”

Ella nodded quickly and blushed as Roman laughed at her.

“I haven’t seen her properly for two days.” She burst out her cheeks still red.

“It’s ok.” Roman said softly giving her hand a squeeze even though he was still smiling.

He stood and moved up the stairs and along to the nursery to fetch her.

“So you expect us to believe that bulldust about routine tests?” Nic asked.

Ella smiled.

“Of course I do.” She murmured.

Nic smiled but shook her head. She bent down and lifted Mira from the floor and cradled her in her arms.

“Promise me you aren’t ill Ella?” She said suddenly.

“I promise my daughter.” Ella said softly and eased up of the sofa to put her arms around the both of them.

“And you didn’t…” Nic stopped.

“Your Dad has been a bit of a gossip hasn’t he?”

Nic shook her head.

“He cried.” She began. “He came here this morning and he was grey and looked so unhappy. I haven’t seen him look like that ever.”

Ella eased back and looked at the other woman.

“I begged him to tell me and he said that you’d, well anyway he left Lily here saying that he was going to go sort things out and hoped that you would never feel that unhappy again.”

Ella sighed and saw Roman coming down the stairs with Lily. She smiled up at him as he reached her side before lifting Lily out of the capsule and cradling her in her arms. She moved back to the sofa and sat down with her.

“Missed her much?” Roman asked.

“Go away now.” Ella murmured to him.

He chuckled before sitting next to her and putting his arm around her.

“How could you think that I would do something like that?” she said her voice full of hurt.

“Oh I don’t know it made sense at the time and I still have all those taunts in my head after we lost Francesca.”

She looked up and pressed a kiss to his lips.

“I’m sorry.” She said quietly.

He smiled slowly before kissing her and then Lily.

“So Gabby.” Nic murmured sitting opposite them.

“Ok Nic what do you want to know?” Ella asked.

“Well is it going ok?” she began.

Ella nodded.

“She’s wonderful.”

“What would have happened if you’d kept her?” Nic burst out with the question she had been trying not to ask.

Roman looked at Ella.

“I would have raised her and Mike.” She said softly. “It would have been a different life.”

“El.” He said softly seeing her blink back tears.

“I’m ok.” Ella said placing her hand on his knee and stroking his leg. “I would have wanted us to get to know Nic too.” She told him quietly.

He smiled and kissed her cheek.

“Supposing I didn’t let my stupid pride get in the way.”

“There is that.” Nic murmured to her Dad.

He chuckled.

“We’re heading to the diner for some food. Want to come with us?”

Nic looked at her watch and nodded.

She gracefully eased up off the sofa and placed Mira in her Dad’s arms and went upstairs.

“Just give me five minutes.” She called out.

Roman looked at Ella.

“You would have gone for custody of Nic wouldn’t you?” he asked seeing her smile.

She nodded.

“Oh yes, I don’t doubt that Natalie loves her but she would have had a home with us.” She told him. “And just think how many kids we would have had by now.”

He shook his head.

“No chance I would have wanted you to myself for a bit.” He said grinning. “You would probably have had your degree too.” He added. “I think you should go and finish it.”

Ella looked up at him in shock.

“What?” she gasped out.

“Prove to those kids of ours that you mean what you say and finish your degree.” He told her.

“I can’t Roman it’s been too long and well, the kids.” She looked down at Lily in her arms. “They come first.”

“We can cope.” He said catching hold of her hand and pressing a kiss to her palm. “Think about it at least.”

He watched her nod and then his attention moved to Nic coming down the stairs. He smiled at his elder daughter thinking how lucky he was that she had decided to come to Summer Bay. She moved over to him and collected Mira. Roman stood too and took Lily placing her in the capsule before holding out his hand to Ella to help her up. He put his free arm around her as he led her outside to the car. He set off once they were all seated safely inside the car pulling up outside the diner in minutes.

They walked in and grabbed a table near the back.

“What can I get you?” Leah called out.

“Can I get a veggie burger.” Ella asked.

“Just a coffee for me.” Nic told her.

“Roman?” Leah asked.

“Make that two veggie burgers.” He murmured with a grin feeling Ella place her hand on top of his.

Nic looked down at there joined hands and did a double take.

“You bought her a diamond!” she shouted out waking Lily.

Ella reached for her daughter and soothed her.

“Nic.” She murmured when the other girl grabbed hold of her hand and dragged it towards her to look at the ring.

“It’s huge!” she gasped out.

“Nic.” Ella muttered feeling self-conscious. “Give me my hand back please.”

“Dad I cannot believe that you chose this.” She said to him. “It’s flawless and at least 2 carrots. Baguette cut with diamonds on the shoulders in a Platinum setting. “ She whistled under her breath.

“So that was two veggie burgers, a coffee and a couple of tranquillisers for Nic.” Leah murmured. “And my god let me get a look at that next.”

Ella laughed.

“What’s the fuss?” she asked them. “It’s just a ring.”

“It’s a beautiful ring.” Leah told her.

Ella looked at Roman.

“See what fuss you’ve caused now Mister.” She grumbled.

He chuckled.

“You’re right I’ll have to stop buying you jewellery.” He said and leaned over and kissed her still flushed cheek.

Ella smiled at him before presenting her hand to Leah for her to look at the ring.

“Nic’s right it’s beautiful.” Leah told her.

Ella nodded.

“I know.” She told them and ignored Roman’s smug look. “And the way the rings fit together.” She sighed.

“I guess you won’t be able to complain about him now.” Nic said. “I wish I had an eternity ring.” She added looking at her finger with the sapphire engagement ring and the wedding band.

Ella and Leah chuckled at the wistful expression on the other girls face.

“Nic stop moaning you have a diamond bracelet.” Roman pointed out to her. “I would have thought that was enough sparkly stuff.” He finished and could feel all eyes on him including Lily’s and Mira’s.

“But Daddy you can never have enough sparkly stuff.” She told him after a significant pause.

“It’s alright dear.” Ella told him and patted his leg under the table.

He laughed.

“That really is a beautiful ring. Is there any special occasion?” Leah asked after a moment.

Roman smiled.

“Just thankful that my wife loves me.” He said quietly.

“Awh!” the three women chorused.

Ella leaned over and kissed him.

“Enough of that.” Leah told them as they broke apart. “Now do you want any drinks.”

“Just a couple of coffees?” Roman said with an enquiring look at Ella.

She nodded.

“I have to see to Lily.” She told him and moved away to the ladies with her daughter.

Leah moved over to the kitchen leaving Roman with his daughter and granddaughter.

“Is everything ok?” she asked him.

Roman nodded but not before Nic caught a look of unhappiness in his eyes.

“Dad?” she asked him.

“It’s nothing.” He said quickly.

“She’s not sick again is she?” Nic asked quickly.

“She told you she wasn’t. Did you believe her?” he asked Nic.

She shook her head.

“Not when I see you look like this, no.” she told him candidly.

“She’s fine.” He said.

“And the rings? Not that it isn’t time you bough her one but well.” She said.

Mira looked up at her and she bend down for a moment to see to her daughter missing the look on his face.

“I’m always going to have pay for that mistake aren’t I?” he asked a note of bitterness in his voice. “Yes, I should have made sure she was ok then maybe we would have raised Gabby together.”

“Dad!” Nic gasped out.

He stood and looked at her.

“You don’t think that I curse all the mistakes I made in my life? All the wasted chances? Gardy or Elliot should never have hurt Ella. We should not have lost those babies. And dammit why are we getting to know our daughter only to…”

“Roman!” Ella said quickly moving over to him. She placed Lily’s capsule on the table and put her arms around him.

“It’s ok.” she told him. “Please Roman.”

She placed her hand on top of his and he eased back down on the seat.

“I guess that this stuff is ..” Nic stopped looking at them and biting her lip.

“Its dragging up a load of old hurt.” Ella said looking into Roman’s eyes.

He sighed, his frame shaking with emotion.

“Gabby was conceived the night my brother died. And I went to tell him I was pregnant but the Mark stuff happened.” Ella said softly. “So yeah the ‘What ifs’ are driving us nuts.”

She placed her hand on his cheek and he turned his face to look at her.

“But we are here now.” She told him in a voice full of love. “And we will make it through everything.” She added. “I promise.”

He sighed once more and kissed her.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 68

Roman dropped her at home before going to collect the children. She moved inside the house with Lily and saw Gabby and Danni sitting at the table.

“Sorted things out then?” Danni asked, barely looking up from the magazine she was reading.

“Yes thank you.” Ella murmured primly lifting Lily out so she could hold her again.

Gabby grinned.

“I need to talk to you Gabby.” Ella said quietly after a moment.

“Did you hear back from the doctor?” she asked.

Ella shook her head.

“And that reminds me I need to find my phone.” She muttered and saw Danni look at her in shock.

“You never lose your phone it’s always next to you or in your hand.” She said quickly.

Ella looked up.

“Well I have.” She muttered. “Anyway I told Roman.”

Gabby nodded and then grinned at Danni who handed over some money.

“You bet on me?” Ella asked shocked and moved over to sit with them at the table.

“Yeah” Danni said blushing. “Gabby said you’d tell him and I said not even if he does some kinky sex thing would you confess what you’d been up to.”

Ella blushed.

“Danni how many times do I have to tell you to…” she began stopping when the door opened and a rush of kids came in.

“Hello.” Sammy said “Are you feeling better Mummy?” he asked with a worried frown on his face.

“Yes my babes.” She said softly giving him a brief hug and pressing a kiss to his head.

“Tell them.” Gabby murmured.

Ella looked up.

“Not yet.” She told her eldest daughter. “I want to know what the results are first.”

Gabby shrugged and was unprepared when Ella grinned and leaned over and kissed her.

“See what did I tell you?” Danni murmured watching the conflict on Gabby’s face. “You are going to have to get used to these demonstrations!”

Gabby grinned.

“You never know I might at that.” She said and leaned over and kissed Ella back.

They could tell from the look on her face that she was happy but tears squeezed out of the corners of her eyes.

“Mum?” Sam asked.

“It’s alright Babes.” She said to him and eased up from the table. “Can I have you do your homework please?” she asked and heard the collective groans.

Gabby stood and moved over to the sofa with Danni watching as the rest of her siblings claimed the table. They got out schoolbooks and sat down to get their work down. Roman moving out of the kitchen with a plate of chocolate bars and drinks for them. She found she was smiling at the way they were together.

“Mum.” Meggy called.

“Just a second.” Ella told her and placed Lily in the bassinet before moving over to the table. Meggy held up her book and showed her the marks she had gotten in a test.

“Oh my God Meggy that is so good.” Ella cried out and picked Meggy off the chair and hugged her.

“What?” Roman asked.

“Meggy got a gold star 100 out of 100.” Ella said proudly.

“It doesn’t mean I’m a superbrain like Sammy.” Meggy warned them.

Ella smiled.

“I really don’t care Megan Hope Harris I’m just so pleased that you tried your hardest and wow, this is amazing. You should be proud of yourself.”

“Huh!” Sammy muttered. “I get gold stars all the time.”

“So you do Sammy babes. But you don’t have to work so hard and you like school.”

Meggy stuck her tongue out at her brother and watched as he frowned back at her.

“No gloating Megs.” Ella whispered to her.

“Sorry Sammy.” Meggy said immediately.

Ella lowered her to the floor and watched as she moved back to the table becoming flustered when Roman moved out of the utility room and handed her a ringing phone.

“The laundry basket?” she asked.

He nodded.

“Hello?” she said quickly into it moving outside to talk.

“Laundry basket?” Danni echoed.

Roman grinned.

“I distracted her this morning.” He murmured.

“I bet.” Danni muttered under her breath.

He continued to smile as he moved away back into the kitchen. He checked the casserole he’d cooked earlier for their dinner before putting it in the fridge. Second-guessing that Ella would order a pizza. He looked up and saw her pacing before she moved into the kitchen.

“Yes?” he asked.

She nodded.

“It’s not going to be easy but I’m a perfect match.” She told him.

“How not easy?” he forced himself to ask calmly.

“I have to go under a general for the donation.” She said.

He held out his hand to her and she moved into his arms.

“No chance that you’ll let me get tested or one of the kids.” He said and felt her shake her head. “I thought not.”

“They want Gabby in tomorrow to begin full body radiation and then they will implant the donor marrow at the end of the week.” She told him.

He nodded and sighed into her hair.

“It’s going to be ok” she told him. “Both of us are going to be ok.”

“I know I’m just not so good at this stuff.”

She nodded and leaned up to press a kiss on his lips before moving into the lounge.

“Gabby.” She murmured calling to her daughter.

She looked up and saw the expression on her face and suddenly burst into tears.

Ella moved quickly over to her and put her arms around her.

“It’s ok I’m a match.” She said quietly.

Gabby stood up and moved away into the study. Ells took a breath and followed her.

“Hey.” She said quietly.

“I didn’t want you to be a match.” Gabby burst out. “It hurt too much.”

“Hey Babes.” Ella murmured in the same voice she used with Sammy.

Gabby took one look at her and burst into sobs.

“Stop being so nice.” She gasped out. “I’m trying not to like you so much.”

Ella smiled slowly and reached out to take her into her arms.

“Because I’m not your mother.” She told her stroking her back in comforting circles.

Gabby nodded.

“I’m not trying to take her place.” Ella murmured sitting them down on the sofa.

Gabby put her arms around her and clung to her.

“I know.” She said. “And that makes it worse. They were so possessive.”

Ella eased back and wiped at Gabby’s tears.

“Do they know you are here?” she asked quietly.

Gabby shook her head.

“They were planning to write to you to ask you to get tested without letting us meet.” She said. “I didn’t think that was fair.”

Ella smiled.

“I need their number Gabby. I need to let them know you are ok and I’m a match. You’ll need them at the hospital.” She told her.

Gabby shook her head and began to sob again.

“I can’t. How can I be so horrible to you and them?”

“Babes, it’s ok they are your parents.” Ella said quietly. “And of course you’ll want them there. Roman and I aren’t going to be upset.”

Gabby sobbed harder.

“But you should be I lied.” She said. “I lied to you and them.”

Ella eased back and stood up. She tugged on Gabby’s hand until she stood up and got her walking back to the lounge. She saw cups of hot chocolate on the coffee table next to more biscuits.

“What’s this?” Gabby murmured.

“Well when one of us gets upset this is what we do.” Danni began to explain.

Sophie moved over to the sofa and sat down.

“We have a snuggle on the sofa and drink chocolate. Daddy has made us biscuits.” She told her. “And it always makes us feel better.”

Gabby looked at them and then turned as Georgie handed her a box of tissues.

“When you say made are they like hot from the oven?” Gabby asked softly.

Sammy nodded.

“He makes the best cookies.”

He reached over and picked up the plate and offered them to her.

Gabby took a biscuit and bit it cautiously.

“Its lovely.” She said. Ella smiled at her and reached up to wipe at her tears.

“Now sit down.” She said watching as she did so. “I think that we should have a pizza night.”

Sophie smiled.

“We knew you were going to say that.”

Roman came through handing out extra cups of hot chocolate. He sat down and patted the seat next to him smiling as Ella sat close to him their legs touching. He put his arm around her.

“Are we..” he began.

“It’s up to Gabby.” Ella replied, knowing what he was really asking.

“I can’t.” Gabby said quickly.

“They will understand.” Roman told her. “We’re a family Gabby.”

She looked at him before sighing.

“I’m sick.” She began.

The kids looked at her.

“How sick?” Sammy asked. “Sick like Mummy?”

She nodded.

Meggy was the first to go over to her and hug her.

“Are you going to be ok?” she asked quickly.

“I hope so.” Gabby told her hugging her back. She ignored the knowing twinkle in Danni’s eyes at her hugging back.

“Gabby needs a bone marrow transplant.” Ella began.

“Test me.” Sophie said quickly.

“Sophie do you know what’s involved?” Gabby asked her.

Sophie nodded.

“They stick a big needle in you and it hurts. But I’m your sister so I might be a match.” She shrugged.

“And me.” Meggy muttered. “but not Sammy because he doesn’t like needles.”

“I hate needles too but I might be a match.” Georgie told her.

“How do you know all this?” she asked them.

“Because when Mummy got sick she told us all about it so we wouldn’t get scared. “ Sammy answered the question. “She started giving us double hugs to make up for the days she felt too poorly to do single hugs.”

“Ah bless Sammy my babes. Do you want double hugs?” Ella asked him.

He nodded and put his thumb in his mouth before catching himself doing it and stopped. Ella held out her arms to him and lifted him onto her lap.

“I don’t want you to be sick Gabby.” He said.

Ella gave him a quick squeeze and kissed him.

“Well thank you for offering, but Gabby has a match. I’m her match.” Ella told the quietly.

“That means you aren’t sick doesn’t it?” Sammy said quickly.

“I told you babes I’m fine.” She said softly near his ear and smiled when he started grinning.

“So when are we going to do this?” Sophie asked.

“We?” Gabby asked quickly.

Sophie nodded.

“We are a family and we stick together.” Sophie and Georgie said together.

“Ok that wasn’t at all spooky.” Gabby told them.

They looked at each other and grinned.

“Well?” Sophie asked.

Gabby looked at Ella and Roman.

“I guess we do it this week.” She murmured.

Ella nodded.

“Does this mean we’ll get to meet your parents?” Georgie asked her.

“My parents?”

“Gabby needs to drink her chocolate now and I need to check homework.” Ella told them. “We’ll answer your questions later.”

Danni reached out and took hold of Gabby’s hand.

“You can meet them if you want.” She said quietly.

“Maybe they’ll adopt Sophie because she’s really bossy.” Meggy said giving Sophie a grin to show she was joking.

“No way we need to get rid of you because you are messy.” Sophie countered and blew her a kiss.

“Homework.” Ella said quietly.

Sammy scrambled off her lap and moved over to the table. He brought his books over to his Mum and sat back on her lap while she went over his work.

“Daddy for maths.” She said and kissed him.

Roman reached out and picked Sammy up placing him on his lap before looking into his workbook.

Danni gave Gabby’s hand a little squeeze.

“Now the secret is out can we go swimming.” She asked in a whisper.

Gabby looked over at Roman and blushed.

“Well I guess there is one more thing.” She said and reached up to peal off the wig.

“Cool.” Sophie murmured. “You should have seen the wigs Mum had. She would be blonde one day and black the next.”

“So you aren’t upset?” she asked them.

The children looked at each other and shook their heads.

“We are kind of upset because you are poorly.” Sammy told her. “But apart from that it’s just stuff.”

“Just stuff?” she asked.

“Yes it’s just stuff. We can’t change it and to worry about it will make it bigger than it is. So it’s just stuff.”

“And you shouldn’t worry about just stuff because it will go away in the end.”

They told her in chorus.

Gabby smiled and looked round the room.

“I’m so lucky to have finally met you.” She told them emotionally.

“Ok that’s enough guys. Why don’t you get changed and go in the pool for a bit.” Roman suggested to them. He kissed Sammy before putting him down and easing up from his seat and cleared the table.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 69

Gabby lay in the hospital bed, a large teddy bear sitting on her bedside table a gift from her brothers and sisters. Her parents were on their way and she was chewing anxiously on a fingernail while she waited.

“Gabby.” Ella murmured moving to sit next to her on the bed.

“I can’t help it I’m nervous.” She said to them.

Roman smiled.

“It’s going to be ok. “ he told her.

“I’m sorry but you really don’t know them. They will go nuts because I lied.” She muttered starting on the next fingernail.

Nic looked at her and tutted, pulling out a large nail file she grabbed hold of her hand and shaped her nails.

“Now don’t bite them again.” She instructed her before reaching for the other hand and doing the same.

Gabby laughed.

“I’m a mess aren’t I?” she asked Nic.

Roman chuckled.

“Just ask Nic about cleaning.” He said softly.

Nic glared at him and muttered something under her breath no one managed to catch before putting the nail file away in her bag.

“I was nervous ok, but I worked through my issues.”

“And several bottle of cleaning stuff.” Roman teased.

Nic glared at him some more and then told Gabby the story causing the other girl to laugh.

“And you still married him after he stood you up?” she asked.

Nic nodded.

“Geoff is the best thing to happen in my life. He always tries to see my point of view even when I’ve done something to make him mad. If it wasn’t for him I think I would have made an awful lot more stupid mistakes.” Nic told her. “I hope that someday you find a Geoff.” She added. “Not mine of course you can keep your hands off.”

Gabby laughed just as the door opened. She looked up and her mouth dropped open.

“Hello.” Ella said first easing off the bed.

She was treated to a frosty glare from the couple.

“These are my parents.” Gabby said quietly. “Sarah and David Williams.”

“Nice to meet you.” Ella said softly moving over to them and holding out her hand to Sarah. She kept the smile on her face when her hand was ignored by the other woman and only the fact that it would upset Gabby did she allow the rudeness to go.

David stepped forward and put his hand briefly in hers before letting go and stepping back.

“This is my husband Roman and our daughter Nicole.” Ella said gesturing to the other occupants in the room.

“Hello.” Roman said quietly.

He wanted to shake them and tell them how lucky they were to have a daughter like Gabby and yet they were causing a scene and upsetting her. Not to mention worrying her when she was ill and didn’t need the stress. He had a brief flash back to when Ella was ill and he fell apart unable to cope with her being so ill and couldn’t do anything to really help her. He looked at her now and she gave him a smile, that special smile that she only ever gave to him. He smiled back before looking at Nic.

“Lets give them some privacy.” He told her.

She nodded and eased off the chair handing Gabby a giftbag full of magazines and books.

“Something to keep you occupied.” She said to her and pressed a kiss to her cheek before easing out the room.

Roman smiled and winked at Gabby before he turned and moved out of the room too.

Ella reached over and pressed a kiss to Gabby’s cheek.

“Don’t leave.” Gabby said desperately clinging to her hand.

“It’s ok.” Ella said softly.

Gabby shook her head.

“Ok.” Ella said smiling at her.

She perched on the side of the bed and pressed her hand to her cheek.

“It will be fine.” She said to Gabby.

She looked into the girl’s eyes so like Roman’s and smiled confidently.

“Perhaps you’ll have to good manners to leave our daughter alone so we can speak to her.” Sarah muttered folding her arms across herself.

Ella counted to ten before walking around the other side of the bed and sitting in the chair.

“I have excellent manners Mrs Williams.” She said. “Gabby asked me to stay.”

“It’s Gabriel.” She muttered glaring at her daughter.

“You are aware I chose that name aren’t you?” she asked the other woman. “Because when she was born she had blonde hair and those lovely blue eyes just like an angel.”

Ella watched in satisfaction when the other woman flinched.

“She wants to be called Gabby.” She added and saw Gabby’s grateful glance at her. She smiled back and held out her hand.

Gabby reached out and clutched it compulsively.

“She is our daughter not yours. You gave her up.” Sarah Williams said snidely.

“As I explained and also my lawyer, the adoption was not legal. You have seen the affidavit from the nun at the hospice regarding the circumstances of Gabby’s birth.” Ella told her in a calm but cold tone of voice. “You were lucky that 4 years ago I didn’t decide to pursue things through legal channels.”

Gabby inhaled slowly.

“Why didn’t you tell me that they wanted to see me?” she gasped out to her adopted parents. “You would have been happy enough to contact them when I needed a transplant but not let them see me. How cruel are you?”

“Gabby.” Ella murmured.

“I’m sorry El.” She said quickly.

Sarah Williams surged forward.

“How could you?” she shouted. “You apologise to her but we are your parents. We raised you.”

“Enough.” Ella bit out seeing Roman step back into the room. He stood just inside the door, his feet planted firmly on the floor and his arms folded across his chest. He looked over at them before looking straight at David and then Sarah, narrowing his gaze slightly. Ella bit back a grin recognising the stance from his army days. Quiet intimidation.

“I haven’t heard you ask her how she is yet? Or what the plan is for the treatment. And most parents wouldn’t be worried about manners they would be showing some affection or even a modicum of concern for their seriously ill daughter.” Ella said quietly trying not to grin at the look of surprise on the other two people’s faces. “Oh, I’m sorry. Did you believe the hype that I was a poorly educated girl that got herself into trouble and needed to get rid of a troublesome mistake?” She asked them quoting the blurb that had been on her file at the hospice. “My child was stolen from me and I believed that you were taking care of her from the touching heartfelt letters you sent out.” Ella looked over at Roman and saw him take a small half a step forward his stance still protective. They all turned at the knock on the door and watched as Dr Matthews came in.

“Hello.” He said brusquely ignoring the tension in the room.

“Bill.” Ella said.

She ignored the looks from Sarah and David.

“Now then Gabby have you had time to think about it?” he asked coming over to her.

“Think about what?” Sarah asked him.

She took a step forward and sat down on the other chair. David moved too, placing his hand on the back of the chair and staring at the Doctor.

“They have asked if I want to store some of my eggs.” Gabby told them nervously. She clutched Ella’s hand tighter as she waited for her parents to say something.

“Surely there is no need for that.” Sarah told her.

Bill Matthews turned to them and gave them a brief smile before focusing once more on Gabby.

“You are aware that there will be full body radiation. Where in the case of Chemotherapy there is often a good case that fertility will not be diminished that is not necessarily the case with Radiation treatment.”

Gabby looked round at them.

“I know it is a big thing to consider at your age Gabby but think about the future.” He continued. “If you decide you want children at some point it could be that its no longer an option for you.”

“I don’t’ know.” She said looking round the room. “What do you think?” she asked Sarah. “I mean you had to adopt because you couldn’t have kids it wasn’t a big thing was it?”

Sarah did a quick double take before looking at her husband.

“The time for lying is past.” He said to her. “This is your daughter asking for our help.”

She shook her head and stood up beginning to make her way out of the room.

“Sarah didn’t want children Gabby. Not her own anyway.” David told her.

“How could you?” Sarah gasped out.

Ella looked at them and saw a deeply unhappy couple. Sarah was blonde with dark eyes. Shorter than her and very slim, impeccably dressed in a grey suit with a high neck blouse. David was more her height, again quite slim and his eyes were brown. He had a receding hairline and a small moustache. He was dressed in a suit and Ella was stuck by how they were dressed to visit their ill daughter.

“Very easily Sarah. I think you’ve caused enough damaged.” He said and watched as she paled.

Gabby took in what had just been said.

“What do you think Mum?” she said and looked at Ella.

“I think that you should store your eggs. And then if you decide you don’t want children you can offer them to a couple that can’t have their own.” Ella murmured.

“That sounds like some good advice.” Bill said smiling at Gabby and then Ella.

“How could you call her your Mother you’ve only know her a couple of days? I disown you.” Sarah gasped out before storming out of the door.

Ella stood and glared at the other woman’s back biting back her angry words. She caught Roman looking at her and saw him smile. He knew just how angry she was but wasn’t interfering and she found herself smiling at him before bending down to give Gabby a hug.

“I’m going to go talk to her and calm her down.” She said to her daughter.

Gabby shook her head.

“It’s ok. David I’d like you to keep in touch if that’s ok but I’m going to live with my parents.” She announced.

David looked at her and nodded before leaving the room.

“Are you sure Gabby?” Ella murmured.

She nodded.

“You are my parents.” She told them.

Roman moved over to the bed and pressed a kiss to her lips.

“Thank you.” He said to her.

She looked up at him and blinked back tears before focusing on the doctor.

“I want to do the egg harvest.” She said.

He nodded.

“We’ll get it done now.” He said.

Ella smiled.

“We’ll leave you for a while.” She told her.

“You don’t have too.” Gabby said quickly.

Ella nodded.

“Yes we do. I have to get settled in my room and I need to rest for a bit ok?” she murmured to her and leaned over to hug her. “It’ll be ok.”

Gabby nodded before she watched them leave.

Roman took one looked at Ella’s face when they were outside the room and put his arms around her.

“Ok?” he asked her.

“I am now.” She murmured and lifted her lips for his kiss.

He smiled before pressing his lips to hers. They broke apart slowly and he led her to her room down the hallway.

“Are you ok?” she asked him. “With all this.” She gestured to the hospital.

He smiled.

“I’m doing ok.” he said. “All things considering.”

She nodded.

“Uh huh.” She murmured.

She looked up and saw Sarah striding towards her.

“Well I hope you are satisfied.” She shouted at her.

“Sarah.” Ella murmured feeling Roman’s arm tighten around her waist.

“You’ve got no idea what it is like to raise a child that’s not your own.” She sneered. “They turn on you just like this.”

“Actually.” Came a voice from behind them. “She does. She’s done it twice now and we’ve both turned out ok. I’m surprised that Gabby has with your influence”

Mike stepped forward and leaned down to press a kiss to his mum’s cheek.

“Sorry I’m late.” He told her. “I had a small detour on the way here.”

She looked at him and took in the small cut on his forehead covered by a plaster.

“Do I need to know about that?” she asked.

He shook his head.

“And don’t hug me too hard either.” He cautioned. “Now then when do I get to meet my sister?”

Ella beamed at him.

“She’s beautiful.” She said forgetting the other woman was there.

Mike grinned before leaning over and giving Roman a quick hug.

“How did you know that we were here?” he asked.

“Danni wrote me.” He said and avoided the look that his mum gave him.

She turned looking at Sarah then.

“This is my son. My adopted son and Danni is my adopted daughter.” She told her. “Along with them I have Sophie Georgie Megan Sammy and Lily. You met Nic who is my stepdaughter but she’s treated the same as all my other children because I love her. I love all my children equally regardless of whether I gave birth to them or they came into my life because of other circumstances. And just maybe Gabby wants to come to us is because you never showed her you loved her."

She looked at Roman and then Mike before moving into her room. They followed her.

“Mum?” Mike asked.

“Sorry kiddo, they just upset Gabby and well.” She murmured.

He chuckled.

“In that case I’m surprised you went so easy on her.” he said tongue in cheek.

She turned and glared at him.

“Broken or cracked?” she asked.

“Is that a preference or are you asking what I’ve done to them?” Mike asked sitting down in a chair by the side of the bed.

Roman chuckled.

“So Danni?” he asked him.

“Yes I know.” Mike grinned. “She’s been writing and emailing. And a good thing too because you don’t.”

Ella looked at him.

“And when do you write back?” she asked back.

He shrugged.

“Fine.” He murmured. “Point taken.”

Ella grinned before leaned over and hugging him.

“Hello Mum.” He said kissing her cheek and hugging her back.

He felt her hands running down his back and arms checking him out for injuries.

“Mum I’m ok.” he said to her.

She eased back and looked at him.

“Seriously. I’m like 20.” He told her.

“Yes but you are still my baby.” She said to him.

He chuckled.

“And how exactly do you manage to put up with her fussing?” he asked Roman.

The other man grinned.

“It’s easier to let her fuss than argue against it.” Roman told him with a shrug.

Mike laughed.

“So how long are you here?” Roman asked him.

“For a couple of weeks. “ he said. “I’ve still got a lot of leave to use up and a weeks sick.”

Ella looked at him and he smiled at her.

“Car accident.” Mike said to her.

Roman let out a shout of laughter and saw both Ella and Mike glaring at him.

“Sorry.” He said.

They used the term car accident when there was a roadside bomb that took out their vehicle and they were talking to civvies.

Ella looked from one to the other before sitting down on the bed and she could help grinning.

“Nic’s gone home. She’s going to check on Danni and the kids.” Roman told her.

She nodded.

“I think it might be a good idea for you to take Mike to meet Gabby.” She told him.

Roman stepped forward.

“Feeling tired?” he asked.

She nodded.

He pulled back the covers and helped her get into the bed watching as she lay back on the pillows and closed her eyes.

“We’ll let you get some rest.” He told her and led Mike outside and back along the corridor.

“So how was it?” he asked.

“Rough. I lost a couple of guys. I would have been here sooner like I said but I owed it to them to go see the family’s.”

Roman nodded and placed his hand on Mike’s shoulder.

“Got no wise words for you. It never gets easier.” He murmured before sitting down on a chair in the corridor and telling him what happened with Elliot and also Mark.

“Thanks.” Mike murmured to him. “I’m glad you and Mum got through it.”

Roman nodded.

“She helped me a lot.” He confessed.

Mike grinned.

“Did you expect anything else?” he asked.

Roman shook his head.

“At one point I thought we were over.” He said quietly. “You’ll never know how grateful I was to come home and see her there.”

Mike chuckled.

“She loves you. Always has.”

Roman looked at him then.

“That’s right. I thought it was a fear of commitment that kept her from marrying Chris and Dane but it wasn’t it was you Dad. She was waiting for you. I remember her and Chris sitting down and asking me if I would mind having a brother or sister and I said I didn’t mind but not long after that they split up.”

Roman took a hasty breath.

“But if it wasn’t for you wanting to see me…” he pointed out.

“Never mess with a superbrain.” Mike told him with a grin.

Roman stood and moved toward Gabby’s room. He knocked on the door and waited until he heard her call come in before opening the door.

“Hey.” He said quietly. “Do you think you are up to meeting someone?”

She nodded before leaning back on the pillows.

He pushed open the door and showed Mike in.

“Oh my god it’s Mum.” He gasped out with a grin.

Roman chuckled.

“Gabby this is Mike.” He introduced them.

Mike moved over to the bed and leaned forward to press a kiss to her forehead.

“I am so glad to meet you.” he told her.

“So you are the missing brother.” She said tiredly.

He nodded.

“Yup..” he said grinning. “And finally you’ve come home.” He told her.

She smiled.

“That I have.” She told him.