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CHERYL COLE spent the whole weekend with ex-hubby ASHLEY as they cemented their reunion with a barbecue yesterday. The pair, divorced last September, told pals over bangers and burgers in Ascot, Berks, that they are hunting property abroad and want KIDS within two years. The GIRLS ALOUD beauty, 28 last week, has realised her personal life is looking "empty" after her glittering television career stalled. And the professional disappointment has helped her to decide it is time to patch things up with England and Chelsea defender Ashley, from whom she was divorced last September. She and the footballer spent the weekend together and talked for hours about what their futures hold. However, the Geordie singer won't be wiping the slate clean just yet - and has asked the soccer star to prove he has changed his cheating ways. A source said: "For the first time in nine years Cheryl's looking at an empty diary. After the X Factor USA plans fell apart, she realised there wasn't much else in her life. She realised she had to embrace those closest to her - and Ashley remains the love of her life."Close pals, including bandmates NICOLA ROBERTS and KIMBERLEY WALSH, fear she may be making a mistake. But the source added: "Cheryl's bloody-minded and has made her decision. Her pals have told her, but she's been stubborn. She just wants to be happy again." The facade of Cheryl and Ashley's divorce ended last month as her agent confirmed she had stayed overnight at their marital home in Godalming, Surrey. The couple shared a "date night" in West London on Saturday - after Ashley, 30, was smuggled into the singer's 28th birthday party the previous evening. And yesterday they teamed up AGAIN at the barbecue. A family friend said: "It's done and dusted. They spent the entire weekend together and are properly dating. "They were out Saturday night for drinks, but decided against a late night and went back to Cheryl's early. "Ashley loves his barbecues and they met up at a mutual friend's on Sunday. "They have drawn a line under everything and are starting afresh. She's already talking about kids and they want a house abroad where they can get away." Ashley has finally won the approval of Cheryl's mum JOAN, who has told him she can't help who her daughter loves. He was not due at Cheryl's birthday bash at a West London hotel, but was sneaked in via a back entrance. The pair were seen kissing and cuddling, with Cheryl even performing a LAPDANCE for her cheating ex before he left at 4am. Kimberley, 29, was among guests at yesterday's barbecue. But she and fellow star Nicola, 25, made their reservations clear as they met Ashley at the birthday party. Insiders said they stood whispering in a corner as Ashley and Cheryl smooched. One source said: "Ashley made a point of going up and hugging them, but Nicola pulled back and it was very awkward. "He tried to make conversation but the girls made it very clear they weren't interested. Later Nicola said goodbye to everyone and purposely skipped Ashley. "She knows Cheryl's loved-up again, but is clearly finding it very hard to support her decision."