Obvious from the outset

It's fast approaching Matt and Zoe's wedding and preparations are well underway, but will a secret be uncovered that could change Zoe and Alice's relationship forever?

A/N – Another one in the sequel! This is actually the one that has the plan I have always had for Zoe and Alice's relationship... until I got carried away lol! Anyway, it's set about 2 years in the future but I'm seriously gonna mess with the kids ages. So Lyndon is 8 and Sam is 7, Charlotte is 16, Olivia is 21 and Evan is 22. Everyone else's ages are pretty much the same. Oh, and Bethany is nearly two – you'll find out who she is soon.

If you haven't read the other parts you aren't gonna understand this one, so the sequel of stories goes... Scared but Here, My Hero, All I ever needed, Built on Trust, Time moves on, Still There.

Hope you enjoy :)

The picturesque Leopards Den was bustling with activity as usual. Outside a herd of wildebeest were chewing lazily on the grass as a couple of giraffes elegantly made their way around. Inside the grand house that housed the complicated family breakfast was being served. The clashing of cutlery could be heard all around as children's laughter echoed though the hallways. The groans of the older children were in the bass line as the adults desperately tried to get them all sat at the breakfast table.

Danny and Alice were down in the animal hospital completing all their usual chores before they; themselves sat down for breakfast. The couple had never been more in love or happier than what they were now, and were extremely settled in their life together. Nothing seemed to unearth their strong roots, no matter how bad it was.

The family had yet again changed and there was of course a new addition that everyone had been surprised about, no one more so than Zoe. Zoe and Matt had been on course to get married when they'd learnt they were expecting yet another child. The plans had been put on hold once more and as soon as Bethany, or Beth as everyone called her was born, the plans were immediately back in action.

"Mum, dad. Gran wants to know if you're coming to breakfast?" Lyndon smiled as he stood at the door of the animal hospital. He looked a lot like Danny now, except for his blue eyes and dark hair which was so obviously Alice's influence. He was growing to be a superb young man. Intelligent, a humble confidence and an undying love for animals and his family, he never failed to make his parents proud.

"We'll up soon. We're pretty much done anyway." Danny replied as he washed his hands at the sink. Lyndon nodded before running off to tell Caroline. He'd always called her Gran, and Dupe Granddad from a young age, it had simply stuck with him.

"We should probably make our way up." Alice laughed as she too washed her hands, catching the towel as Danny threw it at her. "I don't fancy an hour long lecture on healthy eating!"

Danny laughed as they left the animal hospital, wrapping one of his arms around her. She returned the gesture as the loved up pair made their way up to the main house.

"Good morning!" Zoe beamed walking through into the kitchen where she found the family all sat down, just finishing their breakfast. "You ready Lyndon?"

"Yeh, I'm coming." He replied grabbing his school bag before hugging his mum and dad.

"You want a lift Charlotte or you wanna catch the bus?" Zoe asked her.

"Sure..." Charlotte replied.

"And anyone else whilst I'm heading that way?" Zoe enquired looking around. "Ok, see you all later. Oh Alice! I need to talk to you later as well before Super Zoe rushes off to Mara."

"Ok." Alice replied with a nod. "See you later."

There was a chorus of 'bye' as Zoe and her passengers left, just as Matt walked through.

"Morning." Danny smiled as Matt sat down at the kitchen table and began to pick at bits of food the family had left behind.

"Hey." Matt grinned. He still worked at Leopards Den for Danny and Alice and he was more settled than ever. Zoe worked at Mara again, she and David were back as the veterinary team and it seemed they had Peter, who still owned Mara, right where they wanted him.

"So, how's the wedding prep going?" Alice asked him leaning forward.

"Fine, in actual fact, I need to ask you guys something. See, I'm gonna need a few days off soon." Matt explained, "Is that ok?"

"Yeh sure." Danny replied. "Why where you going?"

"England, Zoe wants to go see her dad. I mean, he's meant to be coming out here but well I dunno... Zoe said something about asking him to give her away. I don't get it, why does she need to ask?" Matt frowned. "She keeps saying he hasn't said anything to her, but we all know what he's like!"

"Well, if there was a problem that was serious I'm sure Zoe would have told you. Maybe it's some sort of family tradition?" Alice suggested, "Anyway, come on, we have work to do, and you Mr Trevanion are going to be late for your call out."

Danny looked at his watch before jumping out of his seat and rushing off. Alice chuckled to herself as she and Matt followed him out, walking at their own pace. As they arrived at the animal hospital, they saw Danny running round like a madman.

"Alice, I can't find the address." Danny exclaimed holding one hand in the air. Alice shook her head as she noticed what was in his hand.

"Try looking in your hand." Alice replied. Danny did so and rolled his eyes in disbelief at his own stupidity, as Alice chuckled. Matt decided to walk off, he so did not need to be here when they said their goodbye!

"See you later Mrs Trevanion." Danny smiled.

"Goodbye Mr Trevanion... see you this afternoon." Alice beamed as they kissed tenderly. Danny smiled at her once more before rushing off on his call outs.

A/N – Just a starter really to give you some background on the story :)