Thanks once again to the fabulous Jazzola for being my beta. Without you, this story would be rubbish!

As a crack of thunder sounded directly overhead, Imogen sat bolt upright in bed. She'd had another nightmare. Breathing deeply and clutching her teddy, she shuffled through to the lounge. Alex was still up watching the TV.

"Alex," she said shyly, "I had a nightmare."

"Come here, sweetie," Alex said, lifting Imogen up onto her lap. "Were you scared?"

Imogen nodded. "Very scared."

"It's alright," Alex soothed her, holding her tightly. "It's nothing to be ashamed of." This reminded Alex of when Pete left and Molly had nightmares about him coming back and taking her away.

They sat in silence for some minutes. Imogen's breathing returned to normal and she started to feel sleepy again.

"Do you want to go back to bed now?" Alex asked.

Imogen nodded, so Alex picked her up and carried her back to bed. "Will you read me a story?" she asked, as Alex tucked her in.

"Which story would you like?" Alex asked.

Imogen chose 'The Tiger Who Came to Tea'. Alex sat on the edge of the bed and Imogen cuddled up to her side.

As Alex read, Imogen's eyes became heavier and heavier. She eventually dropped off and, for the first time, the nightmares stayed away.

In the morning, Imogen padded into the kitchen to see Alex sat at the table. Alex looked different than usual. She was wearing old slacks and a baggy jumper and her hair wasn't styled. It was different, but still nice.

She turned her head when Imogen entered the room. "Morning," she said. "Did you sleep ok?"

"Yes thanks," Imogen replied. "No more nightmares."

Alex hugged her briefly, and then whisked off to wake Alfie up and bring him through for breakfast.

As Imogen munched on some toast, she took the time to fully survey her surroundings. Alex's flat was much more modern than their old house had been. She loved all the red and white features and especially the stripy sofa. It was quite small, but that made it cosier.

She looked over at Alfie, who seemed thoroughly engrossed in making a mess with the jam. "Do you like it here, Alfie?" she asked.

Alfie nodded vigorously. "Nice," he said. "Love 'Lex."

Alex smiled and looked down nervously. "So would you like to stay here?" she asked slightly awkwardly. "I know it's a bit cramped and you're not used to it, but I'd love to have you here."

Imogen looked back at Alfie briefly, but she didn't have to think about her answer for a second. "We'd love to stay with you, Alex," she replied, tears forming in her eyes.

Alex enveloped Imogen in a hug. "In that case," she said, "we've got things to do."

Half an hour later, a loud knock at the door signified a welcome visitor.

"I'll get it," Imogen shouted, running to the door.

"Hi, Imogen," Gene said, looking slightly surprised. "Alex called me. You 'er assistant now?"

Imogen giggled as they heard Alex shout from the other room "I'm in here, Gene."

They walked through and Gene sat on the sofa next to Alex. "What's up then, Bols?" he asked gruffly.

"The kids want to stay with me," Alex responded, smiling broadly. "So I thought I'd better introduce you properly."

"We already know him, Alex," Imogen interrupted.

"But he's much more important than you know," Alex said, wrapping her arms around Gene. "Gene's my partner. Think you can manage to get along?"

"I don't think that's gonna be a problem," Gene said, winking at Imogen.

"Good," Alex replied. "I'm going out."

Before Gene could protest, she kissed his cheek and made for the door.

Alex sat in Kirsten's office feeling extremely nervous. This was it, the moment she had been working towards all day. She prayed that Kirsten would see how she cared for the kids. They couldn't stay in the home a moment longer. A stable family environment was what they needed. She knew that Molly would have supported her, were she able to join her. She missed her daughter, but she hoped she would be given a new start.

"So, Alex," Kirsten's voice broke through her thoughts. "Have you made up your mind?"

"Yes, I have," Alex answered straight away. "I want Imogen and Alfie to stay with me. I know that's what they want too. Gene and I can provide a safe, stable environment."

"That's wonderful," Kirsten replied, beaming. "You have no idea how difficult it is to place 2 children together. We'll get the forms drawn up now."

The whole process was gone through in a matter of hours, a fact which astonished Alex. She had always assumed that it took much longer. She left building feeling as though she was floating on air. At last she was getting a second chance at motherhood. She would give Imogen and Alfie all the attention she had never been able to give Molly. Her career would no longer be the central focus of her life. And, most importantly, she would have the support of a partner. Gene wouldn't run. She knew it.

This was confirmed by the scene that met her when she walked into her flat. Gene was sat on the sofa with Alfie snoozing in his lap. Imogen was snuggled up to his side, telling him about the time she went into outer space with her teddy.

Alex stood watching them in the doorway. This was going to be perfect.