Passion in Paradise

Welcome to the family

Weeks pass by...

Cate and Rooney have seen a lot of each other. Cate had even took Rooney back to her home, they sat down with Andrew and the children. It was like they were becoming a family, a new and evolved family. Everyone got on great, Cate loved that Rooney wasn't only great with Edith but connected with all her boys too.

Later on that evening, they sat down together with Andrew, Cate felt like she owed him an explanation despite him telling her to go and explore. She owed it to her husband who she loved very much, what she thought could be the next step and if he was going to be ok to move forward with it all.

The three of them sat down in the living room, which was so cosy and so homely. The light bright but not penetrating to the eye, the sofa which held your body like a warm hug. Cate made them all a drink, an adult drink as they all thought they may need it.

Cate was nervous and Rooney even more. And as for Andrew, while Cate was worried she was going to offend him or even lose him, he didn't mind a bit because he loved Cate dearly and he loved Rooney too because of how she made Cate light up, how she spoke and acted with the children, how she was so kind to him too.

"Listen, I am so glad that you two reconnected. Rooney, you are welcome here anytime you want. Cate, my love... I love you with all my heart and more. I love how you fit so perfectly into the family Rooney." Andrew spoke first, breaking the silence.

Rooney smiled, gratefully but also almost embarrassed as her cheeks filled with blood, making her blush. She had always liked Andrew.

"Oh, Andrew. I love you too! I have spoke to Rooney, we didn't want to leave you out the loop. I am in love with you Andrew, but I am also in love with Rooney. You mean the world to me, as do our beautiful children. I wanted to talk to you, we wanted to talk to you to see if you would consider perhaps having an open marriage, to include Rooney into our family unit?" Cate said nervously her voice shaking at every syllable.

Andrew looked out the window, and breathed deeply, taking a minute to absorb the decision he is about to make.

"Cate... Rooney... it would be my honour. If you are comfortable with that Rooney. The kids love you, you are so respectful, you're just perfect for all of us. There is no doubt about it that Edith I think loves you the most out of all of us", they all laugh "So how about, this weekend we set you a room up here, you can have your own space. You don't have to live here, but you are welcome too. Then, if you would like, you could come into our bedroom but there is no obligation. Cate can come and sleep with you, spend time with you then without leaving the family..."

Cate looked at Andrew, falling more in love with him than she thought was possible. She looked to Rooney smiling, tilting her head asking for her opinion.

"An...Andrew, that is so kind of you. There is nothing I would love more, thank you so much for welcoming me with such open arms. You are such a good man." She smiles, with her hand on her chest.

"Welcome to the family..." Cate and Andrew say in sync.

"Yayyy!" The children come running into the living room, from round the corner. Edith jumping into Rooney's lap.

They had been listening to the conversation, they were delighted. All four of the children loved Rooney.

"Can you come and read me a bedtime story with Mommy and Daddy?" Edith asked angelically.

Rooney looked at Cate and Andrew unsure of what she should reply.

"Of course, come on let's go and get you to bed and read you that story." Cate said picking Edith up and walking up the stairs with Andrew and Rooney behind her.

Months passed and things couldn't have been going better in the household...

"So, I have to go away this weekend. I am starting to film for Oceans 8. But you can all come and visit as usual, and I can come back home some nights. But kids, you know how it goes when I am filming, I can be tired and away for a couple of nights consecutively but I will still be here and you definitely can come and see me." Cate smiles at the children and then looks to Rooney and Andrew.

Andrew smiles and hugs her and gives her a kiss on the cheek. Rooney stands there biting her fingers anxiously.

"Rooney." Cate calls her over into the office. "Whats the matter, are you ok darling?"

"Yes, yes I am fine but shall I go back to my place while you're filming, I wouldn't want to intrude. You know with it just being me and Andrew here..." Rooney asks politely.

"No, Rooney you are part of our family now. If you feel comfortable to stay I am comfortable having you here. We all love you." Andrew appears.

Rooney nods and gives Andrew a hug.

Later that night, when everyone has gone to bed. Cate and Rooney are sat in the kitchen talking.

"Can I go over the script with you? Just read some lines, get a feel for my character?" Cate asks.

"Of course." Rooney sits up straight and smiles.

"So, my character is called Lou Miller. She owns a bar but cons her customers with the alcohol by filling them up with more water than alcohol, quite smart." Cate giggles.

"Who else is in the cast, I assume there will be eight of you from the title."

"Right, so there is Sandra Bullock, Sarah Paulson we all had a great time on Carol, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, Mindy Kaling and Awkwafina."

"Wow, what a cast! I love it already. It's great to have another female led film, especially a heist film, we still don't get many of them!"

"I know, this is why I am so excited! It has a reason for it! The cast is diverse in so many different ways, I really think we will all learn from each other. I really can't wait. And I haven't had the chance to work with Sandra Bullock, I hear she is amazing to work with. I love the work she produces." Cate says like a child in a sweet shop.

Cate runs her lines with Rooney, continuously making each other laugh and enjoying the script.

Rooney stays the night and sleeps in the spare room and Cate joins her. Cate falls asleep almost immediately in Rooney's arms but no matter how hard Rooney tries she cannot get to sleep, her thoughts are attacking her like an army giving her a headache.

Rooney's thoughts get the better of her.

Sandra Bullock... Cate's right she is amazing. I love her work, she is a goddess! I love Sandra, I mean I wouldn't mind her joining us but I don't want Cate to leave me. I don't want to be but I am jealous, what if something happens between them and I am cast aside. Cate didn't do that to Andrew though and she does love me. I really love this woman, I can't lose her and what we have and the family too... I am sure everything will be great, Cate will be fantastic as usual. I am just spiralling and overthinking. Just go to sleep Rooney, go to sleep.

Rooney slides down the bed, nuzzling Cate's head into her chest, stroking her hair and kisses her on the forehead. She couldn't live without this...