Two Halves (Cate & Kian Book 2)

by Louise Hall

Suddenly, Ben looked down at his watch. “I need to get to the hospital.”

  CHAPTER 27

  When Cate walked past Lola’s bedroom, she saw Barbie dolls scattered across the carpet. She knelt down on the carpet and picked them up; one of them was wearing a wedding dress.

  She closed her eyes and she was Lola’s age again, sat on the floor playing dolls with her best friend, Sinead. Their dolls did everything together and that day they were having a double wedding. Cate didn’t want her doll to get married but Sinead insisted. So they set up the pews made from empty cereal boxes, leaving an aisle wide enough for 4. As they dressed their dolls in matching dresses and did their hair, leaving the Ken dolls stood at the altar, they chatted about what it would like when they grew up and got married for real.

  “I’m going to have a huge wedding,” Sinead said dreamily. “My husband’s going to be rich and famous so lots of celebrities will be at our wedding and the photos will be in all the magazines.”

  “But don’t worry,” Sinead said to Cate. “I’ll still want you to be my bridesmaid.”

  Cate shook her head, bringing her back to the present. Today was Sinead’s wedding day and it was almost everything she’d said it would be when she was a little girl.

  The wedding was going to be huge – they’d hired the Malvern Estate in the heart of Cheshire and already the paparazzi were camped outside the gates, waiting for a glimpse of the many celebrity guests. Sinead’s fiancé Fabrizio was rich and famous, a Premier League footballer and the younger brother of Katya Corelli, who’d been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress only a few months before. Sinead and Fabrizio had sold the rights to their wedding to one of the celebrity magazines.

  “How are you feeling?” Liv asked. “Any butterflies?”

  “I wasn’t this nervous before my own wedding,” Cate admitted. She was going to tell Kian today that she wanted to come home.

  “Well, you look gorge,” Liv grinned, tugging at a strand of Cate’s newly shorn hair.

  The morning after their ‘sleepover’, after Ben left for the hospital, Cate felt restless. Waiting at the hospital, she’d had a lot of time to think. She’d had enough of trying to follow everybody else’s rules. She looked at herself in the mirror and realised that she’d had her inky-black hair in exactly the same style since she was 13. Every 2 months she’d obediently go to the hairdresser to get the ends trimmed. Every time, they’d ask what she wanted and every time she’d give the same answer, “just an inch off the ends.” She worried that she was becoming boring.

  Liv tried to talk her out of it; she didn’t want Cate to fall into the trap of thinking a haircut would solve all of her problems.

  “It’s not like that,” Cate tried to explain. “It’s not about Kian. I just feel like I’ve never been young, you know? I’ve always been such a good girl – I’ve never smoked or taken drugs. The most rebellious thing I’ve ever done is get knocked up and married at 18. I want to do something shocking.”

  Liv laughed. “Cate, if you think getting your hair cut is shocking; you’re still a good girl.”

  Tara, a friend of Liv’s was a hairdresser and agreed to come to the house to cut Cate’s hair. When she arrived, Lola was fascinated with the bright red streak in Tara’s jet-black hair. “Mummy, you should get one of those.”

  Cate smiled at Tara, thinking no way did she have the courage to dye her hair bright red.

  “You totally should,” Liv chipped in. “But not red, what other colours have you got?”

  Tara took out the various bottles and laid them out on the kitchen counter. “That one,” Lola said, pointing to one of the bottles. It was a vivid shade of purple.

  Cate picked up the bottle and looked at the colour, could she do it?

  “Do it,” Liv said, putting her hands on Cate’s shoulders. “If you don’t like it, you can always grow it out.”

  “Do you really think I can pull it off?” Cate asked them, chewing on her bottom lip.

  Tara picked up a strand of Cate’s hair and studied it. “I think it could be really cool.”

  “Do you ever regret not having a big wedding?” Liv asked Cate as they stepped inside the Malvern Chapel. It was quiet, there were just a few photographers setting up their equipment. Most of the guests had opted to wait outside, craning their necks, looking for celebrities.

  Cate didn’t even have to think about it. Standing in front of Kian in that simple chapel in Vegas had been one of the happiest moments of her life. “No, I really don’t.”

  They found their allotted seats, which were right next to the aisle about halfway back. “I don’t think I’ll ever get married,” Liv said wistfully, flicking through the wedding programme.

  “You’ll find someone,” Cate said softly. “What about Jax Taylor? He’s single again, isn’t he?” Jax was the lead singer of X13, the boy-band who’d finished 2nd on last year’s X Factor and would be playing at the reception that evening.

  “Ugh,” Liv frowned. “He’s such a man whore, no way.”

  Kian stood at the back of the chapel, waiting for his sister to finish getting ready. All of the guests were in place now. He looked down the aisle at the family, friends and fame-whores gathered inside the chapel. About halfway down on the left side, his gaze stopped on a woman with an asymmetric bob. He couldn’t see who she was sat with but his cock twitched inside his trousers. What the fuck are you doing? He couldn’t be getting a hard-on for another woman when he was trying to get back with Cate.

  The wedding march started and everybody stood up. Lola went first, her little face scrunched up, concentrating on tossing her flower petals at exactly the right place. “So cute,” Liv murmured to Cate.

  Sinead looked absolutely radiant, escorted down the aisle by Kian. Wow, he looked so handsome in his black suit. As he passed where Cate was sat, he stared straight ahead, refusing to look in her direction. That’s weird?

  After the ceremony, as Kian followed his sister and Fabrizio down the aisle, he allowed himself one quick glance at the mystery woman but she’d gone.

  “Would it be really bad if we bailed on the reception and went to the pub instead?” Cate asked Liv as they slipped out of the side door of the chapel.

  Liv smiled. “Who are you and what have you done with my sister?”

  “Shut up,” Cate said glumly. “He wouldn’t even look at me. Ugh, what if I’ve waited too long?”

  “You don’t really believe that.” Liv opened up her clutch bag and pulled out a small silver flask. “Have some of this,” she instructed, unscrewing the lid.

  Cate gulped, letting the fiery liquid burn down the back of her throat.

  Liv took a swig, screwed the lid on and put the flask back in her bag. “Better?”

  “No.”

  “Get up,” Liv pulled her up to standing. “I’ll make a bet with you. If you tell Kian you want him back, I’ll snog Jax Taylor.”

  “You wouldn’t?” Cate said, smiling a little.

  “Try me,” Liv said. “Fix your lippie and let’s go.”

  Kian was supposed to stand at the entrance to the marquee with the rest of the wedding party but he desperately needed a piss. Sinead wasn’t bothered but the bitch of a wedding planner shot him daggers.

  Cate tried to hide her disappointment when Kian wasn’t in the receiving line. She congratulated Sinead and Fabrizio and made her way inside the lavish marquee. She and Liv were sat at the same table. Liv checked out who else would be sat with them and scowled when she looked at the place card next to hers. “Did you do this?” She narrowed her eyes at Cate.

  Cate leaned over to have a look and laughed. Liv was sat next to Jax Taylor.

  “At least he’ll know who you are when you have to snog him later,” she joked.

  “Only if you talk to Kian,” Liv shot back.

  “What are we talking about?” Remy asked, plonking herself down on the other side of Cate.

  “Liv’s going to snog Jax Taylor,” Cate said.
/>   “You’d better stock up on antibiotics,” Remy wrinkled her nose up in disgust. “He’s such a man whore.”

  “Don’t be gross,” Liv said. “It’s not like I’m going to have sex with him.”

  “You’re not going to have sex with who?” Jax Taylor leaned on the back of Liv’s chair. “Don’t you dare,” Liv mouthed at Cate and Remy.

  The meal was delicious but Cate couldn’t eat much, she kept thinking about Kian.

  “Hi, we’re X13,” Jax’s gravelly voice filled the room.

  “He’s got really nice lips,” Liv whispered in Cate’s ear, “it’s such a shame I won’t get to kiss them.”

  “I’ll talk to Kian,” Cate insisted, “in my own time.”

  There were so many butterflies swarming around in her stomach, Cate felt sure that if she tried to talk to Kian now, they’d flutter out of her mouth instead of words. She went with Remy to find the children, who had their own party in a side room. “No,” Remy cried when she saw Rocco and Luca tearing around the room. “Somebody fed them sugar.”

  Cate found Lola sat at a table on her own, finishing her ice cream.

  “Hey,” she sat down beside her. “You having fun, little one?”

  “Meh,” Lola shrugged her shoulders. There weren’t many children at the wedding and most of them were boys.

  “Do you want to come back to the other party with me?” Cate asked.

  Lola’s eyes lit up. “Yes, please,” she nodded emphatically.

  Liv was by herself at the table watching X13. “Look at you,” Cate nudged her, “all dreamy-eyes.”

  “I’ve not got dreamy-eyes,” Liv protested. The next song was more upbeat. Liv looked at Lola, “do you want to dance, Lotus Flower?”

  “Can I Mummy?” Lola asked.

  Cate smiled, “sure.”

  “Oh no,” Liv said. “You’re not going to sit there all by yourself. Get up, you’re coming too.”

  “No, really, I’m fine,” Cate said.

  “Get up,” Liv commanded. “Come on Lolo Ball, let’s get your Mummy out on that dance floor.”

  “Fine,” Cate scowled. “But I’m not going to enjoy it.”

  But she did enjoy it. It was a nice distraction from thinking about Kian. It was almost a shame when X13 announced they were taking a break. Liv kept her eyes on Jax as he weaved through the clusters of tables towards the bar at the back of the marquee. “I’m just going to… Wow, I’m really thirsty.”

  Cate took Lola back to their table. “Cate?” They had just sat down when she heard Jean’s voice.

  “Hi,” Cate smiled.

  Jean sat down next to her. “Wow sweetheart, you look beautiful. I love your hair.”

  “Thanks,” Cate blushed, touching the purple strand for courage.

  She couldn’t help looking over at Kian, who was sat by himself at the top table, nursing a glass of water. “He hasn’t recognised you yet,” Jean said softly. She gently lifted Lola up off Cate’s lap. “Go.”

  Cate walked across the dancefloor to where Kian was sat; her heart was pounding out of her chest.

  “Dance with me?” Kian looked up to find his wife holding out her hand. She’d cut her hair. He should have known she was the Mystery Woman in the Chapel. Kian put his glass down on the table, afraid he’d crush it with his tight grip. She looked so fucking beautiful.

  Cate was anxiously biting her bottom lip. “Please say something,” she murmured.

  Kian took her hand and held it where it was supposed to be, inside his own. “You’re trembling?”

  The DJ played one of Sinead’s favourite songs, “A Thousand Years” from the Twilight movie. Kian kept their hands intertwined, pressing them over his heart as he placed his other hand on the small of her back. Cate laid her head on his shoulder as they swayed softly with the beautiful music. She closed her eyes, breathing in his unique scent.

  “Are you OK?” Kian whispered, savouring the feel of her soft curves pressing against him. “You seem quiet.”

  “I…” Cate willed herself not to cry. “I need to talk to you. Will you come outside with me?”

  After the song had finished, Kian led her outside the marquee. They continued walking through the grounds until they reached a dark, secluded spot, hidden by tall trees.

  “Is this OK?” Kian asked softly.

  “Will you…” Cate faltered. “Will you take me home?”

  Kian was flooded with disappointment; holding her close on that dancefloor, he’d hoped… “OK,” he turned his back on Cate to try and compose himself. “I’ll… drive you.”

  “No,” Cate said, quickly realising he’d misunderstood her. “I mean, I want to go home with you.”

  Kian turned around slowly, scarcely able to believe what he’d just heard. “What did you say?”

  “I want to go home with you,” Cate couldn’t stop the tears now falling freely down her cheeks.

  Kian put his hands on her shoulders. “Don’t fucking tease me,” his voice was hoarse. “You really mean it?”

  “I do,” Cate nodded. “I want it more than anything. I love you Kian.”

  “Yes!” Kian picked her up and spun her around until they were both dizzy. They tumbled backwards onto the soft grass and rolled over so Cate was lying on her back and Kian was on top. “I love you,” he said, in between kisses. Kian dragged his fingers through her short hair, tilting her head back so he could kiss her more deeply. “Mm,” Cate moaned, her hands gripping onto his hard back. She’d missed the weight of his body pushing her into the ground; the taste of his tongue in her mouth; the feel of his erection hardening against her stomach.

  So into each other, they didn’t hear the click-clack of heels on the pathway at the side of the grass. They only broke apart when they heard a familiar voice, “get a room, you two.”

  Kian looked up while Cate shyly hid her face in his chest.

  Stood on the pathway was Sinead. “Kian, is that you?” She peered into the darkness. “Who’s that with you?”

  “My wife,” Kian said, proudly.

  “Are you two…?” Sinead asked, clapping her hands together.

  “Yeah,” Kian said.

  “That’s great, I’m so pleased for you,” Sinead said.

  When she didn’t leave, Kian looked up at her. “Sinead, we’re kinda busy here?”

  “Oops, sorry,” Sinead skittered back to the reception and Cate giggled.

  Kian looked down at her, “I love you.”

  “I love you too,” Cate said. “Let’s get our girl and go home.”

  As they walked back to the marquee, Kian tugged her into the shadows of a large oak tree. “Just one more,” he said huskily, pressing her back against the trunk.

  “It’s never going to be enough,” Cate slid her hands inside his jacket so she could feel the warmth of his skin through his thin shirt. She parted her lips, allowing his tongue to thrust inside. He drugged her with kisses so heady she could hardly stand up. “You’re too good at that,” Cate struggled for breath.

  “When we go back inside,” Kian whispered, unable to resist nipping her earlobe and then soothing it with his tongue. “I’ll have to let go of you. I want to make sure you come back.”

  “If you don’t stop…” Cate said. Her heart was beating out of her chest. “We won’t make it home.”

  She pushed Kian back so she could get her breath. “What’s wrong with that?” Kian asked, putting his hands on the tree trunk on either side of her head.

  Cate ducked underneath his arm. She cast a cheeky glance over her shoulder, watching her husband adjust his trousers. “I just thought you’d want the first time we make love again to be in our bed at home?”

  Fuck, Kian was in danger of jerking off in his trousers like a teenager again. The thought of Cate naked, writhing underneath him in their bed... “I’ll let you cool down,” she chuckled, kissing his cheek. “I need to speak to Mum.”

  Irene was stood at the side of the dancefloor chatting with a couple of guests Cat
e didn’t know. “Mum?”

  “What is it?” Irene looked at her closely, “are you okay, you look a little flushed?”

  “I’m fine,” Cate blushed. She watched Kian come back in the marquee.

  “I’m going home,” she said, “with Kian. Together.”

  She braced herself; she wasn’t sure how Irene would react. “Are you sure this is what you want?”

  “Yes,” Cate said. “I love him, Mum.”

  “Then I’m happy for you.”

  “You’re not disappointed?”

  “Why would I be disappointed?”

  “It’s not very feminist, is it?”

  “You’re a strong, intelligent woman making the best decision for you and your family. For me, that’s what feminism has always been about, choice.”

  “Thank you,” Cate hugged Irene, “for everything. I couldn’t have got through this without you and Liv.”

  “Nonsense, that’s what Mums are for.”

  Kian must have told Jean the news because when Cate walked back to the table, Jean had the biggest smile on her face, “is it really true?”

  Cate wrapped an arm around Kian’s waist, it felt like home. “Yes.”

  When they got back to the house, Lola was still asleep. Cate carefully lifted her up from the back seat and carried her inside the house. She took her upstairs to her old bedroom, got her changed into one of Kian’s old t-shirts and tucked her up in her bed. Lola didn’t stir at all.

  After Cate had settled Lola upstairs, she came back downstairs to the kitchen. Kian was kneeling on the ground playing with Jimmy. “He’s so big,” Cate marvelled.

  “That’s what she said,” Kian smirked. “He needs to do his business but he won’t let me put the lead on him.”

  Cate laughed, “can’t you just let him out without the lead?”

  Kian shook his head, “I tried that. It took me 3 bloody hours to get him back inside.”

  “Let me try,” Cate laughed. She knelt down on the floor, “come here, boy.”

  Jimmy cocked his head. “Come on, sweetie,” Cate cooed, keeping her voice soft and gentle, she patted her knees. Jimmy came careening across the tiled floors, screeching to a halt in front of her. “You’re a good boy, yes you are,” Cate said, letting him lick her face. He was so excited by all the attention that he didn’t notice Cate had snapped the lead onto his collar until it was too late.