'Are you sure you're okay with me taking her over to my mum's?' Nick asks as he keeps Ottilie balanced on his hip while Carla pulls a little red pom-pom hat onto the little girl's head.
'I wouldn't have said I was okay with it if I wasn't. Just remember to be back in time to go to my dad's.' Carla replies leaning forward and kissing the tip of the little girl's nose.
'I will. Say bye-bye to mummy…' He says and Ottilie waves her little hand before he places her in the pram.
'See you later.' He says softly. He leans over and kisses his cheek before running his finger down her cheek.
'You get have some me-time; pamper yourself for a bit and have a glass of wine.' He adds causing her to smile.
'You enjoy the time with your family.' She says.
'It would be better if you were there.' He replies.
'Nick…' She says softly and he shakes his head.
'I understand why you're not coming and I completely stand by you. I just wish things could be different.' He replies causing her to sigh. Moving closer to him she wraps her arms around his waist and rests her head against his chest.
'Maybe one day it will.' She replies quietly.
'Only me…' Nick shouts as he makes his way through the front door and into the living room where his entire family are.
'Hey, Uncle Nick… Where's Auntie Carla?' Bethany asks instantly making her way over to the pram.
'She's back at the flat.' Nick replies.
'Couldn't even make the effort to come over for Christmas then.' Gail mumbles causing Nick to sigh.
'Actually, she just doesn't feel comfortable being around you and I don't even blame her. You should be grateful that she allowed me to bring Ottie over here.' Nick says.
'Allowed you? You're her father, Nick. You can do whatever the hell you want with your own daughter. I'm quite surprised Carla hasn't just given you her all the time.' Gail says and Nick laughs slightly.
'Yes allowed because believe it or not Carla has practically raised this little girl on her own and she's done a fantastic job. I came over here so you could spend time with your granddaughter on her first Christmas and the first thing you do is slag off her mother? I'm so over your attitude, mum. If things don't change you're not going to be in mine or Ottie's life. I'm sorry guys but I'm not going to have my daughter around this… I'll arrange a day for us all to get together before I go back to Canada but I'm gone.' Nick replies shaking his head as he glances over at Gail.
'Nick, darling… Don't go. Your mum didn't mean what she said.' Audrey says as Nick pulls out some presents from under the tree.
'Yes, she did. I'm not willing to bring my daughter up around someone who constantly slags her mum off; do you not think there was a reason I didn't tell you I had a daughter?' He asks directing his question towards Gail.
'I'm done. These are presents for you all and I'll see you all another day.' He adds as David makes his over carrying a large bag.
'These are gifts for you, Ottie and Carla from us all. Merry Christmas.' David says and Nick smiles slightly.
'Merry Christmas, David. I'm sorry I couldn't stay long.' Nick replies.
'Nick, is that you?' Carla asks as she hears the front door open and close.
'Yeah, only us.' Nick replies smiling as he spots her lying on the sofa.
'You're back early… You've only been gone like twenty minutes.' Carla says glancing up at him as he makes his way over to her.
'Yeah well mum was being mum and I just couldn't be bothered with it.' He replies shrugging his shoulders.
'Where's our bubba?' She asks.
'Sleeping… What have you been doing?' He asks leaning over the back of the sofa and kissing the top of her head.
'Nothing really; I felt a bit lost without you two around.' She admits.
'Well it's a good thing we're back then, isn't it? I was thinking once Ottie wakes up we could go for a walk before going to your dad's. My family sent presents over tonight but we could open them tonight.' He suggests as she stares up at him.
'What's that look for?' He asks.
'You never gave up on me…' She almost whispers.
'After everything I put you through I wouldn't have blamed you if you ran for the hills but you didn't.' She says.
'I think you'll find I said some awful things to you.' He replies and she shakes her head.
'Nothing that I didn't deserve.' She says.
'I don't think you realise just how much you mean to me, Carla. I never want to live my life without you in it and I don't just mean as in the mother to my child.' He replies running his hand down her face.
'I've missed you.' She says softly reaching her arms up to wrap around his neck.
'I've missed you too.' He replies.
'Look who's up from their nap.' Carla says smiling as she lifts Ottilie out of her pram and glances at Nick who turns the music up.
Waking up to kiss you and nobody's there, the smell of your perfume still stuck in the air, it's hard. Yesterday I thought I saw your shadow running 'round. It's funny how things never change in this old town so far from the stars.
'Come dance with me.' He says putting his hand out.
'Daddy's being silly.' Carla whispers cuddling Ottilie against her.
'Daddy just wants to dance with his girls.' He says.
'I don't dance.' She replies.
'Come on? There's no one else here.' He says. The song continues playing as he makes his way towards them. Carla can't help but smile as he stops a little in front of her, his hand still extended towards her and a small smile on his face as he looks at her so lovingly. Matching his smile she places her hand in his and lets him pull her against his chest with Ottilie still balanced on her hip. He wraps his arms around her waist and kisses both hers and Ottilie's head while swaying them slightly from side to side.
If the whole world was watching I'd still dance with you, drive highways and byways to be there with you. Over and over the only truth, everything comes back to you.
'Our little family means the world to me.' He says softly.