“Bette’s been trying to make her see reason “ Tina explained

“Niall says that you are the peace maker “ Gemma looked at Bette “He really appreciates you that and he says that the two of you are really well suited “

“We are “Tina replied

Gemma saw Tina glancing at the stroller

“I brought Adam along – I wasn’t sure if you would want to see him – do you ?”

Tina looked at Bette who nodded encouragingly

“Yes please – I would love to hold him if you don’t mind “

Gemma smiled “Sure “

She got up and lifted her son out –

“He’s 4 months old now – and he’s growing all the time “

“How is he sleeping ?” Tina asked looking at the small baby who was dressed in a blue baby-gro

“Still keeping us awake all night – I was hoping he would sleep through but no such luck . Niall gets up with him – he insisted that he wanted to at the start. I told him I didn’t mind but he insisted “ she laughed “ He’s too proud to tell me that its shattering him. If he just says its wearing him out I will do the 2am feeding for him. Its kind of cute that he won’t admit that he’s tired “

She turned and held Adam out to Tina. Tina sat up and accepted the small baby from his mother. Tina looked at him – he was sleeping – Tina smiled – he was cute. All babies were cute but he was her half brother

“I can remember holding Finn when he was born – I must have been 4 or 5 “ Tina said.

Bette smiled – Tina looked very right holding a baby. She wondered if Tina was also aware of how good she looked holding a baby . Tina looked at Gemma

“He’s lovely “

“He is – he’s really placid – takes after his father – Niall is a great dad “

“Do you mind if I ask you a question ?” Bette said

Gemma looked round at the brunette –

“Sure “

“You are roughly the same age as Tina “ Bette began

“And you want to know what I am doing with Niall who is old enough to be my father ?”

Bette nodded – she appreciated Gemma’s openness

“I am not sure how it happened – younger men are boring – I have always gone for men who are older – not as old as Niall but he’s got a very youthful attitude. He’s just like no one else I have ever dated – he’s old fashioned in how he wants to act but he’s advanced enough not to be a male chauvanist. He’s very sweet and loving “

Tina stroked Adam’s hair – he was just the most lovely baby. He felt so soft and pure – Tina looked at her half brother and then looked at Bette – they both wanted a family. They had talked about it often enough – maybe when they sat down to discuss their wedding they should widen the conversation to include when they wanted to start their family and what where they going to do about a sperm donor

“I know that you all hate me for what has happened with Niall and Sarah but I tell you both that he was just looking for a way out. He was unhappy and he wanted a relationship with someone who wasn’t prepared to give him permission to do other women. He knows that he is out on his ass if I catch him “

Bette smiled – Gemma seemed a little immature but smart enough to have Niall well worked out.

“Do you want to hold him Bette ?”

“I would love to “

Tina got up and handed Adam to Bette. Bette took hold of him as he opened his eyes – he looked up at Bette and smiled. Gemma watched

“He likes you Bette “

“Same here “ Bette replied. She looked at Tina – they didn’t need to say it – they both wanted a baby of there own. It was just a matter of when and how

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