'One minute' she managed to shout out.

She wiped away the majority of her tears and hoped her mascara hadn't run. It had.

'Come in' she finally called, as she pretended to type.

'I've waited two weeks, I suppose an extra minute won't hurt' she heard a familiar voice say. She looked up to see Phil with a large suitcase by his feet and Alfie balanced on his hip.

'Boy am I glad to see you' she squealed with delight as she ran towards him and threw her arms around him.

'And hello to you too little man. I haven't seen you since before your birthday. How are you?' she asked Alfie.

'Fine thank you' he replied in a sweet little voice. Phil let Alfie down on the floor and gave Sam a proper hug.

'You won't want to take that back will you?' he asked as he kissed the top of her head.

'Take what back?' She stepped back but kept her hands on his stomach. She was confused.

'How glad you are to see us' he took hold of her hands.

'No. Why would I?' he wasn't making things any clearer for her.

'Well we need a favour don't we spud' he said, walking over to where his son had made himself comfy on Sam's chair, in front of her computer.

Alfie nodded and pointed at the display. It was Phil and Sam sharing a moment together at the party, again when they thought no one was looking. Phil suddenly understood why Sam had been crying.

'Well,' Phil dragged his words out, 'when I moved up to Liverpool, I had to sell my house'

'And now you need a place to stay' she clicked on.

'Only temporary, just until we find somewhere else' he begged.

'In that case no' she sounded firm. Phil was taken aback. He didn't think she would object, seeing how much she had missed him.

'If you move in with me, it's all or nothing spud' she mocked him.

They were interrupted by Alfie.

'Daddy, I need a drink again, please?' he asked.

Phil was still in sock at Sam's offer, or should that be demand. He just nodded and led his child over to the door. As he opened it he was confronted by a tall, skinny brunette he had never set eyes on before.

'Water please' he said blankly, before releasing his son into this strangers care.

She was a little dumbfounded, but led Alfie away all the same.

'Didn't waste anytime replacing me then?' he said jokingly as he turned back to Sam.

'Well you're welcome back anytime. We can never have too many DSs, and besides she's not a patch on you.'

Phil took hold of Sam around the waist and pulled her in towards him.

'Oh yeah' he said in between planting kisses on her neck.

'Yeah' she said, gently pushing him against the wall. 'She can't even make a decent cup coffee' she said with a smile.

Phil tried to look hurt, but couldn't disguise the fact he was so happy to return to Sun Hill.

'Can I ask you a question?' she said in a mischievous voice.

'Yes I did miss you, no I didn't meet anyone else, and yes we would love to move in with you.' He kissed her lightly.

'No it's not that. Those questions would have come later. I meant why have you brought Alfie back. You haven't abducted him have you?'

'No' he laughed, although he soon realised she wasn't joking.

'No. Part of the reason I moved up there was that it was only an hour away from him, and Kate and I were going to share custody. But Kate's pregnant and Alfie, given the choice, decided he wanted to come back with me. I mean who wouldn't want to live with me? On second thoughts, don't answer that.' He laughed nervously.

'Oh I do. But is it going to be a permanent arrangement?' she asked.

'Well you said it was all or nothing, so I guess so.'

'No, I meant is Alfie going to be staying put, or will he decide that you weren't the best choice and that he wants to go home.'

'Oh no, he said he wants to stay. He doesn't get on with Martin or whatever his name is…'

'OK, that's settled. You'd better go home and unpack.' She took her keys out of her coat pocket and held them out in front of him

'On one condition' she said leaning in close.

'Anything' he whispered.

'You cook dinner' she said with a cute smile.

'Anything but that' he tried his luck

'Well it's up to you. I mean, I know Stuart's got a spare room going at the moment…'

'What would you like? Italian, Thai, Indian? You name it' he snatched the keys from her hand before she could change her mind.

'Surprise me' she said as he made his way towards the door and picked up his suitcase.

'Phil' she called after him as he was about to shut the door.

'Yes'

'There's one more condition' she smiled.

'Go on. I'm ready for it. Hit me. Washing, ironing, hovering, I'm up for anything.' He sighed.

'No it's nothing like that. It's just that you have to promise me you're not going to leave.'

'I swear. I'm back for good. Besides, I never was any good at goodbyes.'

I couldn't let him leave, we have to make the most of him whilst he is here. Let me know what you think x x x