The next morning, after a significant amount of snuggle time, the girls got out of Kelly’s nice soft bed to find three very hungover girls still trying to sleep it off upstairs.

“Where’s Jenny?” Abby asked them. According to the grunts and groans they figured she had gone down for breakfast.

“Kelly, if mum asks, you were not drinking last night and you are not hung over right? Do you understand me?” she got a vague yes from the bottom of the sleeping bag. Apparently she had decided to crawl in head first after visiting the toilet during the night.

“And Mae…” she looked at the girl and shook her head, deciding against berating her.

“Just, try not to look too hungover when you come down? There are headache pills in the bathroom cupboard.” she said and left them to sleep.

They greeted Anne’s father downstairs, joining in the ritual paper read.

“Late night last night?” Pete asked, knowing the answer.

“Yeah, pretty late.” Anne answered.

“Slept in Kelly’s bed?” He casually asked.

“Yeah, mine was occupied.” Anne replied, trying to stay casual. “And Heather was snoring like a freight train.”

“Yes, we heard.” Pete said, knowingly. “You and Abby looked fairly… comfortable.”

Anne looked at Abby and took a deep breath, “Yeah?” she said, her voice coming out a little squeaky.

“Something I should know?”

“Nope, no, not really.” Anne replied instantly.

“Hmm…” he said, looking over his non-existent glasses, “Is that so?” Anne nodded furiously.

Pete breathed a sigh. “I wasn't born yesterday, but I’m not going to push it. If there hypothetically were something going on, I would not stop you moving in together. Just so you know.” He returned to reading the paper.

“Me and Abby have been dating since last year.” Anne blurted.

“Hmm.” Pete said, continuing to read his paper.

Anne looked at Abby who shrugged. “Sorry.” She said, casting her eyes downward.

“What are you sorry for?” Pete asked, looking at her again.

“Not telling you.” she mumbled.

“Hmm.” he nodded and returned to his paper.

Anne looked again at her girlfriend, her face crinkling up. “Dad?” she squeaked.

He looked at her and laughed, “Oh come here! I was just winding you up. Come on.” He hugged her close. “I don't mind you didn't tell me. It's a big thing and I'm glad I know.” He held his other arm open for Abby and she came in to join the hug. “Now, can I tell your mother?” Anne nodded into his neck.

Jenny was smiling like a lunatic at the display.

They said nothing as Jane came in a few minutes later, the scene having returned to a normal Sunday morning. They finished their breakfast quietly reading until the three hung over girls appeared, bleary eyed and shuffling.

“Didn't sleep well?” Pete asked them, they gladly accepted this excuse and Kelly poured them all a glass of milk.

Pete timed it so that both Kelly and his wife were taking drinks and said, “So, it turns out Kelly’s your only hope for grandchildren now dear.” Before smiling into his mug as he took a drink.

Kelly almost lost milk out of her nose, Jane however was far more poised, she simply paused with the cup at her lips for several seconds before swallowing and saying. “I think you may find that boat sailed dear. Kelly told me some time ago that she is batting for the other team.”

Apparently squirting hot coffee out of your nose is far less pleasant than milk.

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FIN

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