The next day, Rachel woke up to the strong smell of Bacon

'Hmmmm' she quickly threw on her dressing gown and made her way downstairs

'What do we have here Mr Lawson?'

'A special treat for my wife, who's finally dragged herself out of bed'

Rachel mocked offence 'maybe your wife was tired' she then stuck out her tongue at him

She went over to the fridge and poured two orange juices, whilst Eddie placed the two plates of bacon sandwiches on the table, they munched away happily, they were content - marriage life suited both of them

'Ok Rach don't get mad...'

Rachel laughed 'I knew there'd be a reason for this'

'Hey I can be romantic and kind, but seriously don't get mad.' Eddie took a big breath 'I went to see Martha yesterday'

Rachel didn't say anything straight away, Eddie could see it in her eyes that she was thinking things through

'Umm ok what did you think of her?'

'Oh Rach, she's one of the loveliest kids I've ever met and bright too'

Rachel had a small smile 'good, I wanted to go today and introduce you to her' Eddie beamed at his wife

'But Eddie go behind my back again and trust me you'll be sorry' she said with a minxy glint in her eye

'I'll make sure I don't' Eddie chuckled

Visiting time opened at 10 and Alicia wasn't surprised that her door hadn't been opened, so instead she read one of the hospital's 'real-life' magazines, and tried to district herself from all the greetings Of family in the wards opposite e room

'Eddie come on we're going to be late'

'Calm down Mrs Lawson'

'You take longer than I do to get ready' Rachel said with an exasperated laugh

'Well I like to look my best'

Rachel turned around and Eddie patted her bum

'Eddie!'

They were on the way, Eddie was driving Rachel's car as he had noticed she was shaking, it was true Rachel was very nervous.

'Eddie can we stop at the shop?'

They went inside

'Right I'm thinking we should get Martha some books to read'

'Oh now now Miss Mason, I'm sure a girl like Martha would rather a magazine'

The finally came to a compromise, Rachel brought her Sense and Sensibility and a Sherlock Holes novel (her personal favourites) and Eddie brought her a magazine all about celebs (originally he had picked one about cars, however the look he received from his wife suggested that was a bad idea)

'Martha might get hungry' Rachel suggested

'Lets go buy her some treats' Eddie said excitedly

'Calm down Mr Lawson, and she's not a dog'

After debating for a long time on what chocolate to buy, they finally bought some plain chocolate, a carton of smoothie and some squash. They then made there way to the hospital, and then Parry ward

Rachel's steps became smaller and she became quieter, Eddie noticed

'Hey Rach you ok? We don't have to do this you know?'

'No I want to Eddie and I have something to say to her'

'Ok we'll let's get moving we don't want visiting hours to end!'

Martha had finished her magazine and she was bored, the room was dull and there was only so much looking at the marks on the wall she could do

Nurse Cooper then opened the door 'hey Sweetie, how ya feeling?'

Martha smiled 'good thanks, better than last night, still a bit painful round here though' she pointed towards the bottom of her ribs and her stomach

'Well you have had major surgery darling, but I want you to call me if you need anything and later on I'll explain everything from the op, now just promise me don't move about too much and don't get too excited'

'I don't think I'm going to get any excitement round here ...no offence' Martha added the last bit on and smiled, she didn't want to hurt the nurse' feelings

'Ok pet, well like I said ring me if you need anything using that buzzer'

Time dragged by for Martha, she guess she'd built her hopes up that Eddie would keep his promise and come see her today or that Rachel would contact her, a tear slid down her check, she was most surprised as he had successfully learnt not to show her feelings a long time ago

Several minutes passed and then suddenly the door opened

'Hello kiddo' Eddie almost bounced into the room

'Eddie! You came!'

'Of course I did'

Eddie sat down, and grasped Martha's hand 'so how was your night?'

'A little bit painful but ok I guess'

Eddie noticed her tear stained cheek 'hey kiddo what's up?'

'Hay fever I guess from them' Martha pointed towards the flowers

'Wow whoever bought them had cash to splash bet there a right stuck up...' Eddie had finished reading the note and tried to cover his tracks 'they're lovely'

Even though it hurt, Martha couldn't stop laughing

Eddie was about to open his mouth to speak, but Martha cut in

'Look Eddie I really like you and I'm so glad you came here, but I don't want to get in the middle of you and mu..Rachel, you two are perfect for each other'

'Well the thing is Martha...' Eddie was disappointed and looked at the floor, Rachel had backed out at the last minute nod had stayed by the car

However both Martha's and Eddie's thoughts were interrupted by a voice at the door

'The thing is Martha, that won't happen' Rachel walked in and smiled at the girl and then Eddie

'Rachel! I didn't think you'd come back'

'Well I have, here Eddie and I have bought you these'

Martha took the bag from Rachel and looked at all the items

'Oh wow sense and sensibility - my favourite book! Thank you so much!'

Rachel cast her husband a very smug look and then turned back to er daughter

'Ooo smoothie I've never had that before'

Eddie choked on his drink he had been sipping 'Martha you've been missing out how've you never had smoothie before?, here pass it and I'll put you some'

'Ive never been food shopping before, and school only had squash' Martha noticed how uncomfortable Rachel looked. Bit uncomfortable 'it's ok though I like squash'

For two hours the three of them talked, until a bell signalled for the end of visiting hours

Eddie hugged the small child goodbye, and Rachel stood and squeezed Martha's hand

'Before I go Martha, Ive thought of a plan but I'll only set the ball rolling if I know you consent to it'

Both Martha and Eddie looked confused

Rachel laughed at the puzzled faces staring at her 'and the fact you two get along makes it easier - Alicia I'm going to put you into care and-'

She was interrupted by Eddie 'Rachel have you thought about this?!'

Martha's head had sunk, she didn't want to show them her tears so looked at the clean hospital floor

'Eddie wait' Rachel then had noticed the girl's reaction, she walked up to her and gently pulled her head to look at her own 'hey wait for what I need to say... Once a week, we'll spend the day together, just us three, then you can spend a weekend at our house, an gradually build the time up. I also want you to start at Waterloo Road in September - now I know I lost the right to control your life a long time ago, but I want to regain it. What do you say?' She said gently to the frail girl

'I absolutely love the idea, it's what I've wanted for so long, thank you' however much Martha wanted to reach out and hug her mother, she knew Rachel wouldn't be comfortable with it so restrained herself

Rachel and Eddie made their way out, promising they'd return the next day. Just before the door shut, Alicia called after Rachel.

Once her mother was there she continued 'I meant what I said the other day, I don't blame you, at all. You never lost the right to control me, as you're always going to be my mother. Thank you for coming to see me I know it must have taken a lot'

Rachel smiled at the girl, she felt something stir inside her, a need to protect someone and care for them. At long last Rachel felt like a mother