'Surprise!' Carla says smiling as she makes her way into the factory where Kate, Aidan and Johnny are all sitting.
'Carla!' Kate squeals instantly rushing over her to her big sister and wrapping her arms around her.
'Where's the kids?' Aiden asks.
'At Gail's. I just came to see if you three want to go for a family meal tonight? I'm going to invite Chelle and Steve as well.' Carla replies causing Johnny to smile.
'We'd love to.' He says and both Kate and Aidan nod in agreement.
'Okay, Bistro at say 7?' She suggests.
'Sounds perfect. How long are you back for?' Kate asks.
'Two days then we fly out to Paris.' Carla replies smiling.
'Ah, you looking forward to it?' Johnny asks as Carla sits on the edge of his desk.
'Yeah... It'll be good to just get away for a bit. I can't wait to see Eliza's reaction.' She replies smiling.
'Mmm... She'll love it.' Johnny says and Carla nods her head.
'How are the kids?' Aidan asks.
'They're great... A bit crazy but great.' Carla replies smiling.
'And Nick?' Aidan asks causing Carla to sigh.
'Nick is getting there... Ever since they changed his medication he has days when things are just so bad but the restaurant is keeping him going and I tend to deal with the accounts so we're doing okay.' Carla replies.
'Anyway, I should be getting back. I'll see you all later.' She adds smiling. She hugs Kate once again before quietly leaving the office.
'She looks exhausted.' Aidan says glancing at Johnny who sighs.
'She's got two kids, is running a business and is dealing with Nick's illness all on her own. She's bound to be tired, Aidan.' Kate replies.
'But she shouldn't be. She should have help.' Aidan says.
'How is anyone supposed to help? They live in Devon, we can't exactly just pop round for a coffee can we?' Johnny replies.
'Yeah well maybe Eva and I will take a trip to Devon when they get back from Paris, give her a little break.' Aidan says.
'She would tell us if she needed help.' Johnny says and Aidan shakes his head.
'No she wouldn't. She hates admitting she needs help.' He replies.
'Mummy!' Two year old Eliza shouts as Carla enters the Platts' carrying a bag of cakes from Roy's.
'Hi, sweetpea... I got you a choccy muffin.' Carla says smiling as she places the bag on the table and lifts the little girl into her arms.
'Where's your daddy at?' Carla asks and Nick peeks his head out of the kitchen area.
'Hi, babe... Sorry mum was just showing me the new wallpaper in her annex.' He says rolling his eyes as he makes his way towards her, their youngest balanced on his hip.
'Mmm... How exciting.' She replies quietly.
'I've arranged for us to have dinner with my lot at the Bistro tonight, is that okay?' She asks as he moves some hair out of her face.
'That's fine.' He replies curling his arm around her waist.
'Are you sure? We can go somewhere in town if you'd rather?' She asks and he shakes his head.
'The Bistro is just fine.' He replies causing her to smile.
'I do love you, Nick.' She says.
'I love you too.' He replies.
'Mama!' A little voice says causing them both to smile.
'Hi, Gracie...' Carla whispers leaning forward and kissing her one year old's forehead.
'Carla, love... Would you like to come see the new wallpaper in my annex?' Gail asks making her way out into the living room.
'Mum, I-' Nick begins and Carla shakes her head.
'I'd love to, Gail.' She says. She places Eliza down on the floor.
'Let's go see gran's annex.' She says smiling.
'Carla! Nick! It's great to see you both.' Leanne says smiling as the pair make their way into the Bistro.
'You too... We've booked a table.' Nick replies as Carla gently bounces Grace on her hip.
'A table for eleven?' Leanne asks and Nick glances at Carla who nods her head.
'Yeah, eleven.' She replies.
'Okay. Just follow me.' Leanne says smiling. She leads them over to a table and watches them sit down.
'Can I get you some drinks while you wait?' Leanne asks and Nick glances at Carla who smiles.
'Can I just have a pineapple juice.' Carla replies quietly.
'You not wanting wine?' Nick asks and she shakes her head.
'Okay, I'll just have an orange juice.' He says smiling at Leanne.
'Okay.' Leanne replies.
'So is it strange being back here or does it feel like home?' Caz asks as she sits across from Carla.
'It's not strange but it doesn't feel like home. I think Weatherfield stopped feeling like home a long time ago.' Carla replies glancing down at Grace who is fast asleep curled up on her knee.
'So you're liking Devon then?' Caz asks, the rest of the table caught up in different conversations.
'I love Devon. It's great for the kids and the restaurant is doing so well.' Carla replies causing Caz to smile.
'Well Kate and I will need to come down and visit the next time I get some time off.' Caz says and Carla nods her head.
'You will. It's beautiful down there and we're not far from the beach which is beautiful.' Carla replies smiling.
'I bet it is. How's Nick getting on? He enjoying it?' Caz asks.
'Yeah. It's been really good for us both. It's quieter, less drama happens... Although it can be quite lonely when he's at work and I'm on my own with the girls.' Carla admits.
'Have you not met anyone down there?' Caz asks.
'I've not had the time, Cahz. Everything has been so hectic especially with the girls.' Carla replies.
'Well we'll definitely come down soon.' Caz says smiling.
'That'll be good. Liza will love that, she adores Kate.' Carla replies smiling as she glances over at where Kate is playing peek-a-boo with Eliza.
'Kate adores Eliza, I think she's getting broody... Especially with Eva and Aidan expecting now.' Caz says quietly.
