A SERIES OF THUDS AND muffled shouts woke him. Alek twisted in bed, body tense. Beside him Cat sighed and turned her head his way, eyes glassy.

'Noisy lot aren't they,' she commented.

He relaxed, reaching a hand to cup her face. 'They are. It's an exciting day. Lots to do.'

A tentative smile touched her lips but no more. 'Hmmm.'

A brief flash of annoyance made him shake his head before leaning forward to press a firm kiss to those pouting lips. 'C'mon, ...