Return to normal ?

The church had been packed, which although Ronnie was surprised by he was pleased to see. He felt Lucy slip her arm though his, resting her head against his upper arm. He smiled slightly, despite being a very lapsed Anglican he still had his faith. Part of him knew Denise would be relying on him to look after their girls. Sighing he hugged his youngest child as she began to sob.

Xxxxxx

The church yard had been desolate for a while as the various friends, family and other mourners had made their way back to the pub. The wake was usually the worst part of any funeral in Ronnie's experience. He had always hated them. It seemed ridiculous to him to go for a drink when the star of the show wasn't there. Looking out over the graveyard he paused, lost in thought as Sarah walked up to him.

"Penny for them."

"When did you get so grown up? When did I miss that?" He smiled at her. Sarah was the image of his own mother, something that had perturbed him at times.

"Dad. I've left college, I'm going to be a mum." She paused. "I have responsibilities now. If I'm going to be the best mum I can then I need to get my act together."

"You'll be fine."

"Mum would have loved being a gran. Once she got used to it. Lucy wants me to call the baby after someone in One Direction if it's a boy or Littlemix if it's a girl." She shook her head. Ronnie smiled.

"You're not keen?"

"Er, what do you think?" Sarah smiled as they turned their attention back to their surroundings. "I miss her so much."

"I know luv." He squeezed her hand. "Den was a good woman."

"Why did you get divorced?"

"Honestly? Because she and you and Lucy deserved someone better."

"Dad."

"I was a stupid, selfish man but I've grown up a lot since Den kicked me out. She was right too. Everything she said was right." He looked away. "I loved you and Lucy so much. I was proud to be a dad; tell the world about my little girls. I loved your mum too. Don't ever think I didn't. We just didn't work out."

"You're a good man, dad."

"I hope so."

"I saw the bottle in the cupboard. It's gone."

"Ah." Ronnie closed his eyes. Lucy was too young to remember his drinking days but Sarah was. "Matt saw me pour it down the sink. It was old, out of date probably. I won't go back there."

"You'd better not. You mess up this thing with Natalie then I'll scream. She's good for you. I think mum would approve, seeing you happy and settled. Natalie is lovely."

"She is."

"But?"

"But, I dunno. Losing your mum, I dunno."

"Do you want to be with her?"

"Yes."

"Then don't let anything stop you. Andrew and Michael are ok with it. Me and Lucy are ok with it too. Stop hiding it - I know the rest of the team think you make a good couple."

"Sarah Brooks! You been discussing your old dad?"

"Cmon, they're waiting for us." Sarah got up before walking away from him. Ronnie shook his head sadly as he turned back towards Denise's grave.

"I'll look after them. I promise. I won't mess up again." He ran a hand over his face. "I ain't the man I was, Denny. I'll be a good dad now, I ate saying goodbye, you know that. So I'll say see you, Den." He turned, walking towards Sarah hoping he could keep his word.

"Alright Dad?"

"Yeah." He hugged her. "Yeah, cmon lets get you out this cold." He ushered her towards the car, knowing people were rely on him and that this once he wasn't worried by that.

Xxxxxx

A/N that's all folks. Next fic - a Christmas wedding for Kate & Jake? A shock from Matt's past and can Ronnie and Natalie continue as they are? Should I write it? Please review.