Disclaimer - y gwyll/hinterland is not mine. All copyright belongs to BBC Wales and S4C. No copyright infringement is intended nor should be inferred. This story is my third go recently. Please review if you've taken the time to read it. Reviews make the writing better.

1

Tom stared out over the water; the turbulent seas of Aberystwyth matched his mood. He loved the town he had grown up in; returning to it had ultimately saved his life. He had returned angry at the world, full of guilt and self hatred. Now things had changed. Guilt over the death of his beloved little girl, his divorce and estrangement from his older daughter, failing to protect Mared all weighed on his soul. Sitting on the grass verge as he looked out over the sea he began thinking about his life; all the mistakes he had made. He knew there had been distrust and wariness when he had first arrived but now he and Mared were together; her teenage daughter had accepted him without question.

He smiled as he thought about the dark haired detective that had initially resented him. Now she had seen through the facade he showed the world. He had fallen in love and fallen hard - Mared announcing she was pregnant had been the miracle he didn't believed he deserved.

"Mared." He smiled as she appeared next to him. She sat on the grass next to him. It was clear she was unhappy.

"I've been looking for you."

"Sorry." He kissed her hair as she rested her head against his shoulder. Neither of them were on duty - for once they had time away from the station at the same time.

"It's ok. Elin has gone into town with the girls from school. AS results and Welsh Bac results are out."

"And?" He turned to her as her smile grew.

"Welsh Bac, pass. Maths A, History B and Psychology A." Mared smiled. "My little girl is a genius."

"Takes after her mam." He smiled. Mared blushed.

"Hope so." She looked away. Tom wanted to kick himself. He knew the moment it had left his mouth he had said the wrong thing. She rested her head on his shoulder as he kissed her hair.

"She's done brilliant."

"Yeah." Mared smiled. "Yeah, she has."

Tom wrapped an arm around her shoulders, holding her to him.

"I spoke to Mam. She's not going to come around to the idea of being a grandmother again. Still thinks I'm bringing shame on my family. On her."

Tom frowned. He knew her mother had blamed Mared for the attack on her - which was ridiculous. There was one person to blame and a drunken teenage Mared Rhys was not it. He kissed her hair.

"You didn't. You never have." He felt her tense in his arms.

"I wanted both my babies. They are unexpected but that does not mean unwanted." She stated firmly. "Elin is my daughter. Not his."

"She's a lovely girl." Tom repeated. "You're right to be proud of her."

"I am." He smiled slightly at the certainty in her voice. "I hate this. Mam always sees the worst. Did you know she had my brother only five months after her and Dad got married?"

"No."

"Anyway, they are selling up. Moving to Pontypridd to be near my Auntie. Apparently Sue appreciates them more than I do. And I should try to be more like my brother."

"Who they hardly see."

"Tom." She turned to him. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be morning at you like this. It's my problem."

Tom held her gaze for a moment. She looked on the verge of tears as he brushed her hair away from her face. His brow furrowed slightly before he kissed her forehead.

"Mared, your mother can move to Mars for all I care. That baby you are carrying is wanted by both his or her parents; whether we are married or not." She blinked back a tear. "I won't make the same mistakes now. You, me, Elin and the little one. That's what's important."

Mared nodded as he brushed his hand over her non existent baby bump. Her hand gently holding his face as she kissed him.

"You're right." She pulled back. "Hurt though."

"I know." He breathed as he rested his forehead against hers. The moment was broken by the ringing of his mobile. Fighting the urge to swear he answered it; his face darkening as he heard the caller. Ending the call he got up, taking Mared's hand he pulled her with him.

"Who was it?"

"Siân. There's been a body found. Looks like suspicious death at the very least."

Mared nodded.

"No rest for the wicked; eh?"

"Oh and I've been that alright!" Mared laughed as he lead her back to the car. He had a feeling it was going to be a long day.

Xxxxxxx

A/N please review