This was going to be two chapters for obvious reasons but the length was too short, so I've combined them. x

It had been just a week; Zoe already had her head around the idea of having this baby. She loved Max too much to complicate his life, he texted her every day, clearly enjoying his new found passion. It is what it is she thought, she would embrace raising his daughter. While he would embrace his career and maybe someday their paths would cross but at 18 Zoe would give her daughter the option of finding him but until she felt differently she would not be sharing this information with him.

For some reason her baby definitely had an aversion to car-parks, it made Zoe laugh a bit. Her little girl was obviously already letting her feelings be known but it really made arrival to work awkward. Zoe also realized she would be starting to show soon, she needed to confide in someone and just like Zoe she didn't want to do anything by halves.

When she got into work that morning, she called a brief meeting and matter-of-factly let them all know.

"I didn't even know she was seeing anyone." Zoe heard Louise loudly whisper to Noel.

"Well Louise you're right, I'm not. I'm doing this on my own but thank you!"

As Zoe walked off, Tess called out to her.

"Zoe do you have a minute? Congratulations by the way."

"Yes Tess, for you anything."

"So how far along are you?"

"About 17 weeks, I'm so excited!"

"Wow, so you really were glowing then the other week! You should have said..."

"I only just found out Tess, a little girl!" Zoe beamed.

When they arrived at Zoe's office, Connie was already in there.

"We can do this another time Zoe." Tess looked a little wary.

"No it's fine come on in." Zoe beckoned.

Connie offered Zoe her congratulations, Connie's 1-900 number voice always made Zoe just want to roll her eyes but for now Zoe would welcome any kindness. She certainly needed all the friends she could get right now, even the fake ones.

"So do you have any names picked out yet?"

"I do!" Zoe took a sip of her water, while taking a minute to think if she wanted to share. "I'm calling her Serenna, the middle 'e' is 'eh' pronounced like Henna."

"Oh that's so pretty Zoe!"

"Thanks Tess."

"Yes that's a lovely name Zoe, when is she due?" Connie asked.

"End of February, not too long to wait."

"And the father?" Connie just couldn't help herself.

"Is nobody's business; I'm going to be raising her on my...on my own." Zoe's voice cracked as she felt the guilt hit her. Keeping this from Max would crucify him if he ever was to find out.

...

Max had been in London for nearly 6 months now, having no idea that Zoe had recently given birth to their baby daughter back in Holby. He had texted her every day for the first few months, hoping she would change her mind and they could have continued dating with a little distance. However true to her word, Zoe had not visited him and their texts and communications had definitely dropped off more recently.

He was trying to move on, he was so busy with studying and partying it wasn't too hard but he still longed for the simple days, the love that they had shared, he missed their long talks into the night, their ease of being together, the fun they had in the hospital cupboards and even the serious stuff.

He'd had a couple of one night stands, possibly. He was so drunk on two of the occasions he wasn't even sure if he got that far but there was no one in his life that mattered, not like Zoe.

He was doing very well with his training and studies it all seemed to come naturally to him; it was a fantastic hospital to be able to work. Living in London was pretty amazing too, he really had no complaints. Life was pretty sweet.

Max hadn't texted Zoe for a good week but she was never really off his mind. Reaching for his phone he sent her a quick message.

Hey babe, what you been up to?

Zoe reached for her phone. Just having an early night.. you off on the raz tonight? She knew him too well, as she looked down at their daughter finally sleeping soundly.

:D

Have fun, be good and don't be drunk texting me later ;) xx

I will xx

Zoe lay down to try and get some sleep before Serenna's next feeding which was still every 3 to 4 hours if she was lucky. When Zoe got up a couple of hours later, sure enough there were 3 texts from Max. Apparently he loved her, still loved her and really really loved her.. Weekends were usually when she got the drunk love texts but she knew deep down that those would stop eventually. He would meet someone new, probably a nurse or two. So for now she treasured his texts it still made her feel like they were together and now a little family. Sighing a little she cuddled Serenna close, kissing her fluffy little head and breathing in her gorgeous scent.

"I love your silly daddy and I know he would absolutely adore and love you, just like I do."