Three years later.

'Hey, sit down... Carla will be down in a minute. She's just getting the kids ready.' Nick says smiling as he leads Kate, Aiden, Eva and Johnny into the lounge were Michelle, Steve and the Platts are already sitting.

'Did you have a nice Christmas?' Kate asks glancing around at the toy filled living room.

'Yeah. It was eventful.' Nick replies smiling.

'Was Santa good to the kids?' Michelle asks and Nick nods his head.

'He definitely was. They were spoiled rotten.' He replies as footsteps are heard making their way downstairs.

'Oh here they come.' Nick says smiling. Hallie is the first through the door followed by Teddy before Arlo makes his way into the room holding Evie's hand.

'BeBe!' Evie shouts grinning as she rushes over to Bethany.

'Hi, baby girl.' Bethany says smiling as she lifts the little girl into her arms.

'Where's mummy, Arlo?' Nick asks glancing at his oldest son.

'I'm right here.' Carla replies making her way into the room.

'Oh my God...' Michelle says, her hand covering her mouth as she spots the little pink bundled cradled in Carla's arms.

'Everyone, meet Belle Neva Tilsley. Born at home around 4:58am yesterday morning.' Carla says glancing down at the baby in her arms.

'Oh my goodness... Congratulations! Why didn't you tell us?' Kate asks instantly rushing over to her sister.

'We wanted to surprise you.' Carla replies smiling.

'She's beautiful... What did she weigh?' Kate asks gently touching the baby's cheek.

'6lbs 1oz. Do you want to hold her?' Carla asks.

'Yes please.' Kate replies smiling.

'Meet your Auntie Kate...' Carla whispers as she passes the baby over.

'Congratulations! How are you feeling?' Johnny asks making his way over to her.

'Thanks... I feel fantastic, it was probably the best labour I've had. Wasn't it, babe?' Carla says glancing at Nick.

'Yep. An hour and twenty minutes from the time her waters broke to the time this little lady was born.' He replies smiling.


'Auntie Carla...' Bethany says making her way into the nursery where Carla is sitting in the rocking chair with Belle in her arms.

'What's up, darling?' Carla asks smiling up at the blonde.

'I just wanted to check you were okay.' Bethany replies causing Carla to smile.

'I'm fine. How are you?' Carla asks.

'I'm okay. I've been going to counselling and it helps that he's been sent down but sometimes I just get these flashbacks, please tell this gets easier?' Bethany says and Carla takes hold of the blonde's hand.

'It does sweetheart. I know it really sucks right now and I know you have a constant reminder of what happened but you will get through this and if you ever need to vent or just cry then you know where I am...' Carla says gently squeezing her hand.

'I love Indi, I do but sometimes I look at her and all I can see is him.' Bethany admits.

'You're going to be okay, Bethany. Look you've got your family and you've got Indi... How was her first Christmas?' Carla asks gesturing to the little girl balanced on Bethany's hip.

'It was good. She was well and truly spoiled... Thank you for our presents by the way.' Bethany replies and Carla smiles.

'You're so welcome. I'm so proud of you Bethany. You've been through hell these past few years and you've coped so well. You are also a great mum, Bethany... Indiana is so lucky to have you.' Carla says gently squeezing her niece's hand.

'Thank you, Auntie Carla.' Bethany replies smiling.


'Did you ever think we'd end up like this?' Carla asks as she curls her body against Nick's side as Belle sleeps on his chest.

'What married with six kids? No, I didn't but I wouldn't have it any other way.' He replies and she glances down at her bracelet.

'What do you think Caelan would've been like?' She asks.

'I think he would've had his mummy's eyes and been a cheeky monkey. I know he would've had his mummy wrapped around his little finger and I know he would've made the best big brother.' He replies as a tear falls down her cheek.

'Can we go see him tomorrow?' She asks as he wipes her tears away.

'Of course we can.' He replies.

'I'm so glad we made it.' She says smiling up at him.

'Me too, babe. Now we're going to grow old and watch our babies get married and have babies of their own.' He replies.

'I love you.' She says.

'I love you more.' He replies.

All of the best love stories have one thing in common, you have to go against the odds to get there.