"Welcome back!" Danny leapt up from the sofa where he'd been sitting anxiously for the past day and a half, running to take his six month old son from his mother, Stacie. Mickey was holding the bags.
"Oh, it's so good to be home!" Stacie exclaimed, breathing out. "Albie didn't sleep at all on the flight, in fact he screamed the whole way back. I think it's a good job we weren't in first class…" Stacie ran her hands through her hair, flashing the diamond ring Mickey had placed there a matter of days ago, while in Paris.
Albert Senior looked up from his crossword.
"Is that an engagement ring I see?" He asked, smiling at the love struck couple, as Danny engaged in baby talk with his son.
Mickey looked coy. Stacie beamed.
"At the top of the Eiffel Tower! It would have been romantic, except little Albie was intent on throwing himself over the side…Mickey thought he'd better propose before someone arrested us for child abuse."
Albert laughed; it was perfect for the couple who were perfect for each other.
Mickey held Stacie's hand and kissed her cheek, before looking around the flat, confused.
"Where's everyone else?"
Albert looked up.
"Ash is out with Delilah, Billy's romancing a particularly delightful young redhead, so there's just us two I'm afraid. We can give you some time to settle in?"
Danny looked up, wounded.
"But Albie's only got back!"
Stacie rolled her eyes.
"Can you take him out? He's only just stopped crying!"
Danny beamed.
"Sure thing. Nice to have you back."
Danny put the small denim jacket that was hanging on the hook onto his son and grabbed the pram, and walked out to Eddie's.
"Oh before I go," Albert started, "I could do with a word with Mickey?"
Stacie grabbed the bags and went through to the bedroom.
"What's up Albert?" Mickey smiled at his old friend.
Albert didn't return the smile.
"There have been some messages left on the phone while you've been gone."
Mickey felt bemused- they had an answer phone, surely that's what it was for?
"Who from…" Mickey suddenly felt a pang of fear.
Albert stared Mickey in the eyes and said one word.
"Angel."