Six Months Later – Seeking Permission

"So there is nothing I can say to change your mind?"

"No. I love him."

Jackson smiled, a true smile that reached right to his eyes causing them to sparkle, something Hazel hadn't seen in a long while.

"Good. Go get him."

Hazel wrapped her arms round her little boy's neck squeezing the breath out of him.

"Mum. Enough. But thank you."

"For what?"

"For understanding and not turning your back on me. Aaron and I may have done things the hard way, but we are still together and we are happy."

"Well that is all I need to hear. Have you spoken to Chaz?"

"Not yet. I wanted to ask all the Dingles together. I don't think I could do it more than once. This may sound slightly daft, but I ran it passed Paddy. Told him I loved Aaron and I would always look after him and that we miss him like crazy."

"Why is that daft? Paddy was like his dad and that is usually who you would speak to. In fact speaking of da-"

"No. No way. Jackson cut her short. He walked out on us."

"Don't you think he'd want to know?"

"Not in the slightest."

"Let me tell him."

"Do what you want but I am not speaking to him."

"And if he wants to apologize?"

"Too little too late. He made his choice now he can live with it."

Bristling at the thought, Jackson kissed her cheek before storming out of the pub. So caught up in his own little world, Jackson collided with Chaz on the doorstep. Luckily she seemed to be in a good mood.

"Woha. Slow down or you'll do someone a serious injury. Where are you off to in such a hurry?"

"Looking for you actually."

"And you've found me so what can I do for you?"

Sitting at the picnic table she patted the seat beside her.

"It's Aaron-"

"Why what's wrong? Her smile instantly disappeared. I thought the nightmares and 'accidents' or whatever had stopped."

"Cain told you?"

He made a mental note to give Aaron the heads up.

"He's my brother."

"Everything is fine or at least better, but it isn't that I wanted to talk about."

"Right. The smile returned to her face. What is it then?"

"I want to ask you, well your family something."

"As long as it isn't for money I am sure it will be fine."

She teased good naturedly.

"No it isn't money."

"Well spill. Some of us haven't got all day."

"I want to ask him and I haven't yet so don't panic. I mean I needed to check with you first so feel free to say no, 'cos I don't even know what he thinks about-"

"Jackson spit it out."

"I want to ask him to marry me. For the first time ever Chaz was literally lost for words. Tears welling in her eyes she threw her arms around him, nearly strangling him too. I've got a ring and everything. He prized her off and placed the satin box in front of her. Have a look."

The ring was beautiful. A simple gold band, vine design and he'd paid for a personal inscription 'You've got me. We can do anything together.'

"He'll love it. She sobbed. And if he doesn't I'll marry you."

She quipped.

"I'll bare that in mind. He winked flirtatiously. But I have your blessing?"

"A million times over. Other than Paddy you have been the best thing in his life and I know you mean everything to him. I'll deal with my lot you just focus on Aaron."

"I will and thank you for your support."

"Don't be daft. Thank you for all you've done. For sticking around."

"It's nothing. I love him very much."

"I know. I hope he realizes just how lucky he is."

"I'm the lucky one. I'll see you later, there is someone I need to speak to."

"It might be hard Jackson, but at least hear him out."

"How…?"

"Female intuition. Chaz winked knowingly. You wouldn't feel right without telling him first. He'll always be your dad."

"Maybe."

Jackson sighed as he headed back into the pub hoping his mum was still there and that she hadn't already made the call.