Sarah was still sleeping when I opened my eyes, and I threw a quizzical smile at Beth as she sat on the edge of the bed enjoying the morning sunshine. "You knew that would happen, didn't you?"
Beth grinned. "I had thought about it."
She quirked an eyebrow at me. "I take it you don't have any complaints?"
"Hardly," I shook my head, looking across at Sarah, her breasts rising and falling with her slow breathing, the duvet slipped down to her waist. "Only one thing."
"What's that?"
"Do we have to get the bed down from the attic again?" I mock-rolled my eyes.
Beth shook her head firmly. "We'll order one."
She glanced at Sarah. "We're hardly going to kick her - or you - out of our bed in a hurry, are we?"
Sarah stirred. "Oh, isn't it a lovely day."
She looked at us hopefully. "You meant what you said, didn't you?"
"Of course, darling," Beth reassured her. "Do you want us to help you fetch some stuff today?"
Sarah considered. "If I go back to the flat and spend a bit of time sorting, you can come over with the car later?"
"Perfect," nodded Beth.
Sarah sat up in bed. "But is there anything you need me to help with first?"
Beth chuckled. "You can help Tim do the dishes while I make breakfast."
We went down to the kitchen, and I washed plates, pans, while Sarah dried. I dropped a cup, splashing her with bubbles, and she pretended shock. "I'll get you back."
She dipped her fingers in the water and flicked a handful over me, and on impulse I grabbed her wrist playfully. She struggled for a moment, then moved closer, pressing her body against me and kissing me. "You win."
We took our time over breakfast, then Sarah glanced at Beth. "Could I borrow some clothes? I don't feel like putting my dress back on, at least not until I've had a shower."
The two disappeared up the stairs, Sarah coming down in one of Beth's t-shirts and a pair of jogging bottoms. "I know," she grinned, "not the sexiest of outfits but it'll do for packing."
We watched the Mini disappearing down the drive, and I turned to Beth with a soft smile. "Something tells me you missed out last night..."
By the time Sarah called to say she was ready for us, it was nearly lunchtime, and Beth stirred in my arms. "I wonder if Sarah likes McDonalds?"
When we got to Sarah's flat, she was standing by the door with boxes and cases. She hugged us in welcome, then looked around thoughtfully. "I know it's early days, but... I'd make a tidy profit if I sold this place."
I blinked, and Sarah tilted her head, smiling. "What? It's what I do for a living - I picked this place as a good investment too."
"Definitely something to think about," nodded Beth.
McDonalds was the unanimous choice, then we drove back to the house, putting Sarah's things in the larger of the two spare rooms. "You can share my wardrobe," promised Beth. "We're not quite the same size, but some of my things will suit you."
She grinned. "That'll keep Tim on his toes."
I watched the two of them unpacking, Sarah admiring Beth's clothes in the wardrobe. "That one's really lovely."
Beth smiled. "Why don't you wear it for dinner?"
"Talking of which, I think it's my turn to cook?" I queried.
"Sure," Beth nodded. "Why don't you surprise us?"
I left them upstairs, humming happily as I moved round the kitchen selecting spices and other ingredients. "Mm, I love the smell of onions just as they start to caramelise," Sarah smiled as she came into the room.
She put her arms around me as I stood at the stove. "Thanks again for last night, Tim, it was perfect."
I turned to kiss her. "So were you."
We heard Beth padding down the stairs. "Something smells good."
I chuckled. "Now I know exactly how to get your attention, both of you."
Beth kissed me, then Sarah, getting a blink of surprise then a shy smile. "Oh, I think there's more than one way you can get us to take notice."
"Mm-hm. Now, let me concentrate on cooking just for a minute or two."
They sat down at the kitchen table, and I stirred pans, then cupped a teaspoon of sauce in my palm, blowing to cool it. "Mm, I think that's ready."
I brought heaped plates to the table, and Sarah picked up her fork. "Wow, Tim, this is great."
"I opened another bottle of wine for us, too," I nodded towards the worktop.
"I'll go," offered Beth. She brought glasses for us, and lifted hers. "My turn to toast. Friendship, and more."
We echoed her words, then carried on with our meal. "'Fraid we're out of ice cream," I ventured.
Sarah grinned. "I raided my freezer before we came back - I had a blackberry pie, and I slipped it into the oven when you weren't looking."
I opened the bottom oven. "Well, well."
We made short work of the pie, and Beth glanced ruefully at the sink. "My turn today. Why don't you two go for a stroll, this'll only take me a minute."
I opened the double doors at the end of the hall, letting Sarah go ahead of me into the garden. We walked past the wooden gazebo, to the edge of the trees, and Sarah drew in a deep breath. "What a lovely smell."
She turned to me. "I love how affectionate Beth is, and I already owe her - both of you - so much... But this is all completely new to me."
Her face softened. "You were so thoughtful last night. Will Beth - I mean, is she hoping that -"