Hello!

So this is it for this story. It's been fandabbydozy and I've loved working on it and hearing feedback. Thanks to Emma S for her invaluable help and a full case of Bolly from Luigi's is on its way ;). Would love one final review to finish this off.

On we go with the epilogue and as the old phrase goes, "and they all lived….?"

4 months later.

x~x~x~x

"Gene Hunt, get your lazy arse up here now! I need your help."

Ignoring the snorts of laughter and from his son, Gene threw down his paper and sighed.

"Bloody 'ell, what's she done now? Oi you shut it! Seeing as yer just lying about doing nothing, yer can start the washing up. I'm going up to check on Mrs Whale Woman."

As Gene walked upstairs to the bedroom, he smiled as he heard Alex cursing under her breath, no doubt most of it was aimed at him.

Opening the door, he tried to hold back laughter as he saw Alex, heavily pregnant, and struggling to bend down to put on her shoes. As she looked up to face him, he tried not to laugh as her face was one of pure annoyance and frustration. He approached her and bent down to help her.

"What 'ave I said woman? Swear yer don't listen to me most of the time. I told yer to call me if yer needed owt."

Turning to face him, red in the face with exhaustion or anger, Gene couldn't tell, he tried to take a step back but Alex, despite being eight months pregnant, was still too quick for him and she hit him on the shoulder.

"I did call for you but you were obviously far too busy to look after me so I had no other choice. C'mon help me downstairs and you get me a cuppa."

Gene gave her a mock salute and took her hand guiding her out of the room.

"It's a good job I love you a Gene Hunt, otherwise you'd be dead for sure by now you know!"

Bending to kiss her, Gene smiled and ran his hands up and down Alex's spine. As they pulled apart for air, Gene traced her cheek with one hand, while the other stroked her engagement ring.

"Do yer? Honestly love, I don't know how you can put up with a miserable git like me sometimes. Must be me aftershave!"

Laughing, they descended the stairs and Gene walked towards the kitchen, reaching into the cupboard for three mugs.

X~x~x~x

Life had gotten better for the three of them and they were all looking forward to the baby's arrival, Adam especially, which had been a huge surprise to both Gene and Alex. Since the fallout with his mum, he had gotten closer to Alex and she now thought of him as her own. Smiling, Gene thought back to his reunion with Alex and the developments between the three of them as a family. Adam had persuaded Alex to move back in with them permanently and with the encouragement and help of Adam, Gene had proposed to Alex shortly after reuniting and both of them were looking forward to their wedding day, which would be happening soon after the baby was born.

Adam was doing well. He had cut all contact with Sandra and had permanently moved in with his dad and Alex and much to Gene's surprise, he had applied for an apprenticeship at the local garage and was working hard. Past events had all been forgotten and forgiven as the three of them looked to the future as a family.

Or so he'd like to think. He hadn't told either Adam or Alex but recently Sandra had gotten back into touch with him. She had written to him a few days ago and he was unsure of what to do. She wanted to meet up with him and was hoping for him to reply. He was torn as he knew full well what the reaction of the two most important people in his life would be if he told them and he didn't want to stress Alex out.

X~x~x~x

Looking out into the garden, Gene touched the letter in his pocket and sighed wearily. He didn't hear Alex enter the kitchen and come up behind him until she rested her head on his shoulder.

"You ok honey? You look like you were away with the fairies."

Reaching for her hand, Gene smiled and sighed.

"Hm? Yeah, I'm fine. Just been thinking. We're happy ain't we? The three of us. We're settled?"

Alex looked at him in confusion. What was wrong with him? Why was he being weird all of a sudden. Turning him to face her, she stroked his cheek and kissed him softly.

"Yes Gene, we're more than ok. The three of us are a family and in about three weeks, you'll be doing all the night feeds with our baby. Whatever's going on inside that head of yours Gene, forget it. It's not important. What's important is us, your family. Now stop day dreaming and bring in my tea. And don't forget my chocolate biscuits!"

Throwing her a grin and a wink, Gene raised his hand in a mock salute, making Alex giggle.

"Yes ma'am! Go on love I'll bring it in to yer."

As Alex walked back into the sitting room, Gene heard her and Adam laughing at something, probably him, and he smiled. She was right, as always. They were a family now and he wasn't going to let Sandra or anyone for that matter, ruin their lives anymore. Taking the letter out of his pocket, he opened the back door and dropped the letter on the ground.

Bending down, Gene flicked his lighter and set the alight. Watching as the paper disintegrated before him, he smiled in satisfaction as he re-entered the kitchen. That was it. It was finished. He could now look to the future with his family.

"Gene! Where's my bloody tea?!"

Smirking, Gene picked up the mugs and walked out into the hall with a snort of laughter.

"Alright woman! Keep yer 'air on! I'm coming."

X~x~x~x

So that's that! Hope you've enjoyed and please let me know!

I might be back but it depends on the muse... She can be quite temperamental at times!

Em x