Keep them safe

Morning chaos

"Shall I show you your room sweetheart" asked Jac
Katie nodded
Jac took her hand and led her upstairs to Evie's old room. She had been more than happy to give her room to any foster children. She didn't get much time off anyway and was happy to take the sofa if her visit overlapped with a placement.
Katie quietly brushed her teeth and got into bed with her cuddley dog
"How are you feeling Katie"
Katie shrugged
"In the morning would you like to come swimming with me and Emma ? We can get you a new costume if you need one and I think we still have armbands around here somewhere"
"I can swim. I had lessons" Katie said proudly
It was the first time she'd spoken above a whisper
Jac beamed at her "well that's great. And in the afternoon I am going to ring the ward where your mummy is and see if we can go and visit her" Katie responded with a small smile
"Will you stay with me until I go to sleep please?" She asked
Jac bent down to hug her "of course I will sweetie"
Jac tucked her in. "If you need me or Fletch we're just in the next room"
It had been a long day for the little girl and it wasn't long before her breathing became deep and regular and she was asleep.
Jac quietly left the room and joined the others back downstairs
Jac flopped down next to Fletch on the sofa "it's a long time since I've tucked anybody in"
"Ah well if you miss it I am happy to oblige- you can tuck me in any day" joked Fletch. Jac chuckled
"She settled then?" Asked Fletch
"Under the circumstances she is yeah. I'm taking her swimming with me and Emma tomorrow and then if the ward says it's ok I'll take her to visit her mum"
"I feel like I'm not being much use babe" Fletch said putting his arm around his wife
"You're keeping everyone else going" she gestured at the 3 kids watching you've been framed
"She's used to just being with her mum or her childminder. Both female. It's only the first day I think she just feels more comfortable with me. Don't worry no female can resist your charms for too long Fletch. You'll win her over soon enough"
"I am very loveable" he stated modestly.
Katie had a settled night and was up early.  Jac  helped her get dressed  and plaited her hair. They went downstairs to find Fletch making pancakes with bacon and maple syrup. He was singing and dancing to some cheesy tune on the radio. Jac smiled at her husband he was crazy but she loved him
"Ah two more customers. Good morning Katie. Do you like pancakes?"
"I don't know I've been never had one" she said quietly
"What!" Said Fletch with mock horror. "You're gonna love them. Take a seat"
Katie sat next to Emma who offered her orange juice.
"Hey" Jac said to Fletch and gave him a peck on the lips "coffee?" She offered " mmmn please"
Breakfast was soon over
"Right swimmers with me" Jac said. They had managed to find an old swimsuit of Emma's that would fit Katie "footballers and dancers with Fletch"
Katie stood wide eyed watching the family race around getting everything ready. Her house was so quiet compared to this.