"My God Dad, she's fantastic and so sweet. How on earth did you get so lucky?" Graham marvels at the new woman in his dad's life.

"I don't know how I got so lucky, but I know I don't take anything for granted anymore. Ruth has been in and out of my life for various reasons and I'm never going to let her go again and if that mean I have to leave the service to protect the two of us then I will." Harry says firmly.

"Wow, you're really certain about this, dad. I'm really impressed." Graham says seriously.

"I'm so serious that I'm thinking about proposing to her, but I don't know how to do it. I was thinking about proposing over Christmas. Do you want to see the ring?" Harry asks as he smiles when he thinks about Ruth.

"Yeah, of course I do! I'm so impressed with how mature you're being." Graham smiles at his dad.

Harry listens upstairs to make sure that the water in the bathroom sink is still running before he goes over to the liquor cabinet and digs into the back for the velvet box he stashed in there. He carefully pulls it out and shows it to his son.

"Wow dad, you did a good job! It's beautiful! Ruth will love it!" Graham is happy for his dad.

"I'm so nervous about proposing to her. I was never this nervous when I proposed to your mother." Harry admits to his son.

"When you propose to her just speak from the heart. She adores you. I can see it in her face and her actions when she interacts with you. She's special if she's willing to take you on." Graham reassures his dad.

"She is special. I've been saying that for years. She doesn't believe it, but I wish she would. She's wonderful." Harry stashes the ring back in the liquor cabinet.

"I've never heard you be so open and emotional, dad. Ruth has really gotten into your heart. She's changed you for the better. I'm glad we're back in each others' lives again." Graham says seriously.

"So am I. You know, when things were really bad between me and your mum I never thought I'd have a relationship with you again because your mum was so determined that I would. I hated that I couldn't talk to you when I wanted to. I never wanted to leave you as abruptly as I did." Harry admits to his son.

"Somehow I already knew that deep in the recesses of my mind. When you were around when I was a kid we were close. I knew you wouldn't leave unless you had to. I'm sorry mum has made things so difficult." Graham says gently.

"I haven't exactly made things easy in my relationship with your mum after we separated. I became very angry when we separated, but I don't think I ever told her that and maybe I should have." Harry thinks carefully.

"Dad, let's forget about the past. We can't change what we did or said. We just have to move on now and have a positive relationship. We both need this."

"You've grown up so much, Graham. I'm so proud of you. I know I don't say that often enough."

"Isn't that the whole point of life, dad, to grow up? I only hope I'm someone you can always be proud of."

"I always have been proud of you and I always will be. You are my son and I am so proud of who you've become."

Ruth leans against the doorframe and listens to Harry and Graham talking to each other. "I'm so glad you two are getting along so well. It's so nice." Ruth says as she comes into the room.

"You look nice, Ruth." Harry says as he looks towards his girlfriend.

"We should go Harry. You have to drive me to work and then go off to your meeting." Ruth gently reminds Harry.

"I need to go too. I have to go to work. I can't be late. I'll walk out with you." Graham smiles at his dad.

Harry tightens his tie and helps Ruth into her coat and pulls his coat on. "All right, you two go out and I'll set the alarm."

"Come on Graham. We'll wait for Harry outside." Ruth ushers Graham out the front door.

"He's so protective of you, Ruth. It's sweet." Graham says honestly.

"Yeah, he's really sweet." Ruth smiles happily.

"What are you two gossiping about out here?" Harry asks as he comes out, puts his arm around Ruth's shoulders, and kisses Ruth's cheek.

"Nothing at all." Ruth smiles cheekily.

"Mmhm," Harry chuckles. "All right, it was really good to see you, Graham. Please keep in touch."

Graham hugs his dad tightly. "It was good to see you too, dad. I promise I'll stay in touch." Graham turns towards Ruth. "Look after him. I know he doesn't look after himself."

"It's so good to meet you, Graham. I know you dad is very glad you came to visit. We'll see you again soon." Ruth hugs Graham.

"Thank you, Ruth. Bye dad. See you soon." Graham goes and gets in his car.