'Where you off to?' Nick asks smiling as he watches Carla grab her bag.

'I've got to pop into work so I'm going to drop Esme off at nursery early.' She replies.

'Are you sure you should be going to work?' He asks, his hand resting on her shoulder.

'I'm only going in to sign some paper work... I'll be in half an hour tops.' She replies bending down to put a blanket over Esme who is fast asleep in her buggy.

'Why don't you leave her here? I can look after her for today?' He suggests.

'Nick, really? You've been looking after the two of us for days now.' She says smiling up at him.

'She's my daughter and you, well I love you don't I?' He replies.

'W-What?' She asks standing up.

'I love you. I've only ever loved you.' He replies.

'Nick...' She whispers.

'Honestly? Life would be so much easier if I didn't, Carla... But I do.' He says reaching out to touch her cheek.

'Nick, please... I can't do this.' She replies stepping back from him.

'I-I'm sorry... I shouldn't have said that.' He says shaking his head.

'Don't apologise... You're hurting, you've not long broke up with Mia.' She replies.

'I didn't love Mia... I was using her to get over you.' He says.

'Nick, I can't do this... I'll pick Esme up later.' She mumbles opening the front door and rushing out of it.


'Hey... What's up?' Aiden asks as Carla rushes into the office and leans back against the door.

'Why didn't he tell me this sooner? I can't do this. I don't know what to do.' She mumbles, tears streaming down her cheeks as she shakes her head.

'What? You're not making any sense, Carla. What's happened?' He asks instantly making his way over to his sister.

'Nick loves me... He actually told me he loves me.' She replies.

'Okay? And your problem is?' He asks.

'I waited months for him, Nick... All I have ever wanted was him.' She replies quietly.

'So what's the problem?' He asks.

'Danny.' She replies.

'Do you love him?' He asks.

'I don't know. I definitely care about him... I don't want to hurt him.' She admits.

'Do you see a future with him?' He asks.

'I just lost his baby.' She whispers.

'What?' He asks.

'I had a miscarriage, a couple of days ago.' She replies.

'Oh Carla...' He says pulling her into his arms.

'I'm okay...' She whispers.

'Could've fooled me. You don't look okay.' He says.

'I-I'll cope... Always do, don't I.' She replies quietly.

'Why don't you go get Kate and go out for lunch? We can do without her here for today.' Aiden suggests.

'I can't... I've left Esme with Nick.' She mumbles wiping her eyes.

'He's her father, I'm sure he can cope for an hour or so.' He says.

'Are you sure you can cope without Kate?' She asks and he nods his head.

'I wouldn't have suggested it if we couldn't.' He replies.


'Why didn't you tell me about the baby, Carla? I would've been there for you.' Kate asks reaching for Carla's hand.

'Honestly, I just wanted to get drunk. Then Nick let me stay at his which is where I've been for a couple of days.' Carla replies.

'That was nice of him.' Kate says and Carla smiles.

'I miss him, Kate... I miss just being able to go to him for a cuddle. I miss being able to wake up in his arms.' Carla admits.

'Do you love him, Carla?' Kate asks causing Carla to sigh.

'I always have.' She whispers.