Back to normality?

Chapter 51

With the food eaten, he took her hand and led her back to the room where he turned on the music and wrapped his arms around her waist, swaying her gently from side to side.

"Today has been perfect, you have made it perfect" she smiled.

"You doing okay?" He asked, kissing her nose.

"This is helping; we haven't had any us time for a while"

"I know; things have been hectic with Christmas but things are starting to calm down now. We can spend some time together; how about I promise to take you out on a date night, once a week? Would that help?"

"Maybe"

"We have the room until noon tomorrow so what's it gonna be? Jacuzzi? Pool?"

"I have a better idea" she grinned, whispering in his ear.

"You naughty little minx" he grinned. "Make your call, I'll meet you in there"

After a quick call to Michelle to check on Matilda, Carla headed into the luxurious ensuite to find the large tub filled to the brim with bubbles, candles lit and Peter waiting patiently for her.

"Is this to madam's satisfaction?" He grinned.

"It will be, once we're in there"

Taking his time, he undressed her, kissing her as he went before stripping off himself and helping her in, settling her to sit in front of him, her back against his chest.

"Perfect" she whispered, feeling him massaging her shoulders. "That feels good"

"Just relax"

Allowing herself to do so, she let all the worries and anxieties from the last few days wash away; as he helped her out and into their nightwear, she was all but ready to fall asleep. Guiding her to the bed, he told her to get some sleep; sliding in next to her, he held her close, grateful that for the first time in a week, she looked peaceful and calm.

When she woke at seven the next morning, she realised she must've slept all night and actually felt like she had; glancing next to her, she saw Peter sound asleep, a protective hold against her, keeping her safe. Kissing his forehead, she carefully slid out the  bed, grabbed a coffee, her robe and phone and sat on the balcony, a blanket over her to keep her warm from the frosty morning; seeing Michelle was online, she gave her a ring.

"Hey, you okay?" Michelle asked as she put her phone on speaker so she could feed Matilda.

"I'm good, this place is magical; how's my angel doing?" She asked, hearing Matilda babbling away in the background.

"She's good, slept all night, woke half hour ago and wanted breakfast"

"Thank you for last night, for the hotel, the party, the hair and nails, and having Tilly"

"You're welcome, how did you sleep?"

"Perfect; we had the afternoon tea and then Peter ran me a bath, gave me a massage and I practically passed out, slept all night"

"Did it help?"

"I think it did, just been able to relax and not worry about Tilly waking up"

"Good, enjoy the morning but don't feel you have to rush back; we will be fine, won't we little miss?"

Hearing her daughter's giggles, Carla smiled warmly as she noticed Peter stirring; saying her goodbyes, she headed back to bed where she snuggled against him.

"Who was that?" He asked, fingering her hair.

"Michelle, just checking in on our daughter"

"She okay?"

"Perfect, just like her daddy" she answered, kissing him. "I believe I fell asleep before I followed through last night"

"You did, but you needed it and it obviously helped; I can see the sparkle in your eyes"

"We have until noon" she said, arching her eyebrow.

"What are we waiting for then?"

As they exited the hotel that lunchtime, hand in hand, the smile on Carla's face was genuine for the first time in a long time; with the bags in the boot, Peter took Carla into his arms and kissed her.

"Ready for your last surprise?" He asked.

"Peter, you've already done so much"

"Trust me, you'll love this one; it'll also help with how you've been feeling too."

"Really?"

"Yeah, even if the results come back clear, we can try different things; you didn't take a tablet last night"

"True"

"Maybe a night away, just the two of us is what you needed; a chance to let your hair down and have some fun"

"Maybe; so what's my surprise then?" She grinned.

"Get in and I'll show you"

Kissing her again, he opened her door and waited for her to get in before closing; half hour later, they were parked up outside a rescue centre. Still unsure, she took Peter's waiting hand and followed him inside until they stopped outside a particular cage; inside was a little chocolate coloured labrador puppy, standing up against the cage door.

"Meet Coco" Peter smiled, crouching down unlock the door and hold it.

"Peter, she's beautiful"

"She's all yours; she's brilliant with children, particularly young babies, she's house trained, everything"

"But..."

"I have the food and everything ready at Michelle's and she was gonna go and get it today; you told me that walking helps to clear your head so when you're feeling a little low, Coco here can help you and she's really good at comfort as well"

"You really brought me a puppy" she whispered, taking the little ball of fur into her arms.

"I did" he nodded.

"You really have spoilt me"

"You more than deserve it; how about we sign the paperwork, borrow a cage and get our new addition home?"

With a smile on her face, she followed him to the reception desk; she knew Coco would be good for her in the long term.