There was a rap on the door. Connie glanced up from her paperwork as Sam walked into her office.

"Hi"

"Hi" Connie answered in the soft, friendly tone, the two of them had become accustomed to lately.

Sam automatically closed the door behind him. These 'visits' to her office, had become a regular occurrence since Grace had come through her physio. Although Connie's relationship with her daughter was now back on track and Grace was accepting her mother's love again, Sam knew that the rejection had really hurt when Grace chose to continue living with him rather than moving back in with her mother. Sam had seen the devastation in Connie's eyes and how she'd been struggling to fight back the tears as their daughter had told her mum - albeit in a positive way from Grace's point of view, that she no longer believed her mother was capable of giving her the attention she wanted.

It hadn't been Connie's fault. That day had been a particularly bad one, what with Scott Ellison's accident and subsequent death. Sam knew that Connie's hands had been tied. She was the clinical lead and the whole department were looking to her to make it right. She had been so excited about going out with him and Grace as a family - not that Connie would ever openly show it, but Sam could tell that she was bitterly disappointed when she was told she was needed to stay on and pick up the pieces.

Connie had a strong suspicion that Sam's frequent appearances in her office - during which he talked about 'nothing in particular', were to check she was 'ok'. and she appreciated the concern he was showing for her.

Sam moved around the desk and perched on the edge next to her.

"Happy Birthday!" Connie said softly.

"Oh...thanks...you remembered..." That made this conversation easier - he hadn't been absolutely certain that she knew when his birthday was.

"You sound surprised." Connie remarked, sounding a little hurt - but trying her best to hide it. "You thought I'd forget."

"No" He answered hurriedly, putting his hand on hers by way of apology. "Not forget - I just didn't think you knew when it was in the first place."

She sighed. "Of course I know when your birthday is, Sam. Who did you think sent you a birthday card every year from Grace before she was old enough to write them herself? Besides, we actually dated for a number of months, if you remember." She rummaged around in her desk drawer for something. "I'm afraid I didn't get you a present, I...um...didn't know what to get..." she said hesitantly, "...but I got you this." Sam looked surprised as she handed him a card. "I hope it's alright." She muttered as he opened it.

Truth be told, Connie hadn't been sure whether it was appropriate to give Sam a card or not. Though their 'relationship' had seemingly changed since their encounter in the store room, they hadn't openly acknowledged anything. Three times, she had been back to the hospital shop, bought a card and written a message inside, before tearing it up and throwing it away. She didn't know what the shop assistant must think of her. She had finally settled on a message that sounded a bit cheesy, but it was heartfelt and reflective of how they felt about each other - when they weren't pretending.

"It's lovely." Sam murmured, unable to resist leaning down and kissing the top of her head.

Connie was surprised at how natural it felt. "mmm," She squeezed his hand, which was still lying on top of hers.

"I'm going for a meal with Grace tonight." Sam hesitated. "I'd really like you to come to." He paused. "That's what I'd like for my birthday - a meal out with you and Grace. The three of us. It's what Grace wants too. The restaurant is her choice."

"Ok. I'd like that to." Connie whispered, standing up next to him. "I'll drive, though - then you can have a drink, if you want to."

Their eyes connected. Again, what happened next seemed surprisingly natural. Connie instinctively leaned forward and pressed her lips against his.

"What was that for?" Sam whispered, breathlessly.

Connie smiled. "Your birthday present."