Thought I would update my fiction today as we're guaranteed some Janny on our screens tonight! Enjoy and review :)

A looming occasion took the pressure off Jonny's need to propose; Jac was elbow deep in preparations for a special day so at that moment there was no point is asking her anything of relative importance.

Ever since Sacha made the suggestion to Jac that they should throw Poppy a first birthday party, she had turned into the psychotic mother she was desperately trying to avoid becoming. The arrangements had made her want for perfection go into overdrive, and although Jonny kept telling her that Poppy wouldn't even remember it – she was determined to make it a special occasion.

The preparations had taken an obvious effect on her; the exhaustion had made her even more snappy than normal. But he expected this; she had never needed to prepare something properly special for Poppy before. They dreaded to think what she-devil she would turn into when Poppy was older, or if they had more children to fuss over! Jonny smiled, it would be worth it. And probably quite an entertaining experience. If he was honest, he would love it.

Poppy's birthday had finally loomed. Everything was going well, the baby had woken in a good mood – which was a surprising and the most important thing, and Jonny's family had arrived from Scotland without hassle. It did leave Jac a little disheartened, watching his family bond with the baby was lovely – but it was only half of the little child's family. And she wouldn't dare bring that part of her world into her life. She wouldn't be a responsible mother if she ever did, Jac thought.

Reflecting on the last time she had encountered her own mother, Jac was glad she kept her away. She didn't want that woman anywhere near her precious daughter. Her hatred for the woman had grown since having Poppy, because she learnt that she did in fact have the capacity to love – something her mother made her believe to be false. Her absence throughout the years had emotionally stunted her so badly that she was still questioning her own feelings at every emotive hurdle. Jac never wanted Poppy to be that confused about herself, so even if it saddened her deep within – it wasn't worth the pain they would possibly have to face as the child grew.

Jonny noticed the thoughtful expression on Jac's face; it had been the first chance of the day for her brain to process anything. Leaving Poppy in his mother's capable hands, he approached her from behind and as he wrapped his arms around her waist she jumped at his sudden touch. She smiled as he enveloped her, and her worries were soon replaced with a burst of happy feelings.

"Are you okay?" Turning around to face him, she smiled gratefully and kissed him.

"Hmmm, I am now."

"So you wasn't before." Jonny frowned.

"I was, but I was just thinking. Family things, it doesn't matter." As she shook her head, Jonny sighed. She was playing her usual trick, brushing off any discussion about her family. Again.

"It does if it's making you unhappy." He didn't push it further; it wasn't worth the risk of starting an argument. He loved her deeply, and so he knew when to shut his mouth. This was definitely one of those times. Their moment of silence was broken by Poppy's sudden squeals of laughter. "Look, she's happy. That's all that matters, right?"

"Oh yes, of course."

"Then don't worry about things you can't do anything about, let's just enjoy the day." She nodded, he was right. She had spent so much time stressing about the day, and she was spending it cursing that woman. She wasn't even worth the time of day.

Pecking his lips again, she pulled herself from his grasp. Jonny winked at her as she left his side to join his mother and sisters in spoiling Poppy. He watched them from the same position for a while, until a knock at the door distracted him.

He opened the door and an overly eager Daniel collided into him. Sacha chuckled at his son's behaviour, aware of how it can become an annoyance (usually to Chrissie). But when the nurse moved out of his way and started laughing himself, he knew that wasn't the case in this house.

"Sorry about that, he's desperate to see Jac for some reason!" Jonny let Sacha into the house, and watched as Daniel went on the hunt for the redhead.

"Ah, so I have competition then." Since he and Chrissie had split, the boy had been spending more time with Jac – and so he had become fixated with her. Or more so, her hair. "I think she'd actually pick him over me!"

"That's my boy!" He smirked. " I'm not sure how his mother would react if he ever brought someone like Jac home, though."

"Well at least you don't have to worry about your kid turning into Jac." Joking, Sacha patted him on the back.

"We have to love Jac for the way she is, but two Naylor's in one house. I do not envy you, mate!" He chortled, relieved.

"Speaking of Naylor's-" His voice lowered so there was a minimal chance of anyone overhearing, but he was hardly the subtle type. The Cheshire cat grin that embraced him every time he thought of Jac's life getting better was very much present. "Any sign of changing that Naylor into a Mac yet? Mo did mention you were having some trouble in that department." Truth was the two registrars had quite the giggle about his failed proposals.

"Ugh, I'm gonna kill her. It hasn't gone exactly the way I would have liked, no."

"Well it'll happen when the time is right. It's meant to be, I'm sure of it." Sacha attempted to reassure the man, but he wouldn't have blamed him if it went in one ear and out the other. "You've given her the family she has always wanted - and needed, don't worry. She'll say yes."

"I'll take your word for it."

The couple didn't get a moment alone together again until after the visitors had left, and when Poppy was fast asleep. Sacha's words had wrung in Jonny's ears since their conversation. There was definitely potential for him to propose tonight. The day had been perfect, and the wanted answer would make it even more memorable.

They were relaxed as they waited for their dinner to cook; the only sound that could be heard was the quietened noise from the television. Lounging in a contented bliss, Jac's mind rid of all the bad thoughts that were consuming her mind sporadically throughout the day. Jonny only knew she was still awake from the occasional smile, and although he would have liked more interaction – he knew she was happy the way she was.

It was only when he could hear the irritated profanities hiss from Jac that he knew that their peace had been disturbed. First the timer on their oven buzzed, and then the phone began to ring. Sitting up, Jac looked at Jonny as if it was him causing the disruption. He frowned.

"Okay, you get the phone; I will sort out the food." Clearly a lack of food was making her cranky. He kissed her cheek and headed for the kitchen. Jonny smiled. He would propose after dinner, he decided. He was quick to leave the room, the anticipation was increasing. Whereas Jac cursed again, too busy being annoyed to notice his odd behaviour.

In an almost childlike manner, she sloped off to answer the phone, sulking. She picked up the phone, and exhaled in much the same manner – before answering. But as she began to take in what information was being received, the façade dropped – along with the phone.

Upon hearing the crash of the phone hitting the floor, Jonny poked his head out from the kitchen.

"Everything okay?"

As she turned around, Jac held an expression Jonny had never seen before.