"Hey Emma, what would you say if I told you we were going on a little holiday with Fletch and Theo and his brother and sisters"
Emma considered the proposition "where would we go Mummy?"
"Just to uncle Elliot's house. Do you remember darling? The big house with the stream and the wood at the bottom of the garden where we saw the tadpoles"
"I think so" Emma frowned trying to remember "but I don't know Theo's brother and sisters"
"Neither do I honey but we know Theo and we know Fletch and they're both nice so I'm sure the rest of their family will be too"
"And Fletch is your boyfriend mummy" Emma giggled
"Come on cheeky madam lets go home and pack a bag. I'll just go and let Fletch know that we're going"
Jac found Fletch upstairs in his bedroom throwing clothes in a hold-all. She stood in the doorway and spied the green shirt she'd worn the last time she was in this room and felt a rush of desire at the memory
"Don't forget the shirt" she said
Fletch looked up, having not seen her before
"Not sure that would be a good idea with kids in the house" he went to her and pulled her in close.
"What are we going to tell them Fletch" she asked "Emma and Evie know about us so it's only fair we tell the others"
"I know. This is forcing us into moving faster than we would have. How do you feel about that?" He knew that Jac was not accustomed to family life and her own childhood had been less than idyllic
"You know, surprisingly I feel OK"
"Sure?"
"Yes even though I am 'Mrs scared of commitment and sharing feelings' Actually I'm quite excited to be part of your family Fletcher"
"Mmm" he agreed kissing the top of her head "just wish we had a bit more control over the circumstances"
"It is what it is Fletch. I'm going home now to pack a bag. We'll come back ASAP"
"Ok babe" I need to sort out picking the kids up from school"
"Well then genius you better come with me and I'll drop you at the hospital to get your car"
"Oh yeah, forgot about that" Fletch said
sheepishly
"You'll have to be careful with your hand" Jac touched his bandages hand gently
"It's fine. Honestly. Now go on go get organised Naylor" he chuckled
"Alright bossy boots"
He laughed placing his hand to his ear as if making a phone call "hello pot? This is the kettle - you're black"
"Idiot" laughed Jac
With that she dropped Fletch off to pick up his car and took Emma home where they packed a bag for a few nights.
As they drove back Emma stated
"I like Fletch mummy"
"Me too baby"
"When you get married can I be bridesmaid?"
Jac burst out laughing
"I don't think we'll be getting married baby, I've only been his girlfriend for a couple of days"
"But you love him mummy so you have to get married"
I wish I had uncomplicated 4 year old logic because if I did I would be saying yes to any such proposal thought Jac
"Well he hasn't asked me baby"
"He will" Emma said resolutely "don't worry mummy"
Jac just smiled to herself
This had been the weirdest day
