''What did my mum want Alec?'' Rose asked as he joined her in the lounge, putting her phone on the coffee table.
''She wants to see you. I said fine as long as she doesn't bring Mickey with her, she never said when though. Do you want to go out?''
''No, I'm tired after standing in that box, you'd think they would let me sit down?''
''Well there should be no more questions, it should be all over tomorrow. I hope the jury really didn't really take any notice of the defence. She was a real piece of work.''
''I couldn't believe that she suggested I left you to die and chase the suspect instead.''
''If there had only been us Rose, what would you have done?''
''Are you even being serious? We knew who it was, we would have got him sooner or later, I wouldn't have left anyone to die Alec.''
She sat up and leaned into him as he put his arms around her, getting as close as they could.
''I know, I'm sorry. That's what you do Rose, you care about people and maybe that was what finally made you decide to marry Mickey, because you felt guilty he had stuck by you all that time and waited for you. We have to forget all that now. Why don't you lie down and we'll watch some TV for a while or do you want to do some snogging?''
Rose giggled and stretched out, leaning back on the corner cushion and putting her feet across his legs. Then she waggled her finger for him to lean over her and he put his arm behind her and pulled her close. After kissing her senseless, they settled to watch TV then he had something to ask her, putting his hand on her tummy.
''We should really think about names now, we've put it off long enough. I'm serious Rose, we decide now but one thing is certain, she has my surname, agreed?''
Rose looked at him and stroked his chin, the little bit of his beard soft under her fingers. Then she pulled him forward and they kissed again.
''Wouldn't have it any other way, Columbo. Did you think I would object?''
''You mean considering you never took Mickey's name? I've been thinking about that Rose, I thought it was what you told everyone else, it was for professional reasons but it wasn't was it?''
''Mmm, less of the detective work and rub my feet, please but I want another snogging session first.''
''You'll have one later because I've worked something out. It was always in the back of your mind, that you made a compromise, to marry him to keep the peace, maybe even for stability but it was so you get out of it easier with very little fuss like changing your name back. I got you there Tyler.''
''You are too clever for your own good, do you know that? It doesn't mean I was ever happy about it though, I got tired of all the nagging, I just wanted a quiet life and everyone knew me. We never even moved off the estate when we moved in together, do you know that? We would have stayed there if I hadn't got that promotion and moved us down here. Can you imagine what that was like? Everyone knew I was with him, no-one else would have asked me out, they were all his mates and me being in the police, they all stayed away from me. I was going nowhere with it Alec so when I took the exams, I said yes but I was keeping my name. That was my only concession.''
She leaned into him and if he could have picked her up and carried her to their bedroom, he would have gladly done so.
''It's ok Rose, I don't blame you. People get married for all sorts of different reasons, years ago, women were forced to marry for money, for business and it still goes on but you're free now, free to make up your own mind and when you're ready, we can talk about it. I love you Rose, I'm not going anywhere.''
''I know Alec, I love you too. So, shall we go to bed and do some more snogging then?''
''Oh no, you are not getting out of naming this baby, come on, think of some names.''
''Can't we go and get a book of baby names and their meanings?''
''We could use your laptop, I'll connect it to my phone but what about something simple? She's due in May so why not have that form part of her name?''
''Yeah, that would be nice. Are there any family names you might like?''
''I had a great aunt called Hannah, never saw much of her, she lived right up on the Island of Mull, my mum used to tell me about her. We went once, had to go on the ferry, it took all day to drive to Oban, we stayed overnight then went to visit.''
''Hannah May Hardy? Mmm, I like it. Agreed?''
''Agreed. Now there's only one thing left to discuss?''
''Really? I thought we'd just about covered it?''
''I want you to think about something Rose. I said I wanted to take things further, when you were free and we never anticipated you'd be pregnant when you first filed for your divorce but I do Rose, I want to take things further, if you do? The baby will have my name, I wouldn't want you to feel left out so think about this. Rose, think about taking my name?''
Rose didn't know what to say, the ink on her divorce papers was hardly dried and he may have been right about why she hadn't wanted to take Mickey's name, that a tiny part of her had been rebellious and against giving her own name up. He was looking at her, she loved him, she knew she did, he was completely in love with her, there was no doubt about it and there were two months to go before this baby made them a real family. She had grown up without her father, their daughter was not growing up with hers and even if they didn't get married, he would still dote on the baby growing inside her.
''Alec, I'm not saying I'm against it but I don't know how long I'll have to wait before I can even go there, legally and the fact I'm free for the first time I think since I met Mickey, well at least since he first suggested we got married. It's just a lot to think about.''
''I know love, that's why I was giving you time to think about it but the baby will be along in around another two months and I know you agree she has my name so all I want is for you to consider it and I'll say no more about it, we'll still be together, that's what counts. Let's get you ready for bed eh? You still want your feet rubbing?''
Rose smiled as he took her shoes off and began rubbing her aching feet. She swore if she got called to the witness stand once more she was going to insist she sat down, couldn't they see it was a strain having to stand there? Alec helped her get undressed, pulling her nightdress down and putting his hand on her tummy, feeling the baby moving and smiling then helping her into bed. Once he joined her, they got as close as they could, Rose whispering she missed him so he made a suggestion that may enable them to be together, not by too much so moving her gently, he swung her legs so they were across him and slowly pulled her underwear down, then did the same to his.
They both gasped as they touched and Alec called her name.
''Rose, trust me?'' he asked.
''Do you need to ask? I miss you Columbo.''
''I miss you too Tyler, I hope soon I might be calling you Hardy?''
Keeping her legs where they were, he moved onto his side and the gasped again as they touched and gently made love.
When he turned away so he could reach over to kiss her, he whispered, ''I love you Rose.''
''I love you too and yes, I want you to call me Hardy. Why didn't we think of this before?''
''I didn't know if you still, you know, wanted to? I thought you might have gone off it?''
''No Alec, it was only the fact we couldn't really get close, I told you I missed you. I'm not sure how much longer we can actually do this but we can just get close enough to touch and it's only for a little while. Did you actually hear what I said?''
''Oh, you mean you want to be Mrs Columbo?''
Rose giggled. ''No you idiot, no-one ever saw her, well maybe once, I can't remember. I meant yes, I want to take your name.''
''Really? Don't you need time to think about it? I don't want you to think I'm trying to talk you into it, you had enough of that the last time. I want you to make your own mind up.''
''I have, I don't need anyone to talk me into it. Maybe while we're in the court tomorrow, we can find out how long I'll have to wait. So does that make us official then?''
''Rose, we were always official, you being married was just a technicality and yes, we'll get there early tomorrow and go and ask, just bring your divorce papers with you and we can get the forms while we're there.''
''Whoa, can't we at least get engaged first?''
''We'll get engaged, it will be a few weeks, we'll go into the town after the court gets out and you can choose a ring, is that ok?''
She put her arms around his neck. ''Yeah, ok Columbo and yes, this time I will use my married name because I finally got something right. Best not set off too early in the morning, we still have Ellie to call, she'll have to make her own way there or go ring shopping with us.''
Alec chuckled. ''She would just love that wouldn't she? You can call her and break the news to her but we'd best stay away from her nephew all the same.''
They were up early the next morning, Alec helped Rose out of bed and she called Ellie, just saying they had something to do but Ellie guessed and said she had better be invited. They both made sure they had their divorce papers with them and arrived at the court and made their enquires and they were pleasantly surprised since the magistrate had signed off personally and the divorce was final since Mickey had only raised verbal objections but done nothing legal about it. As they came away from the counter to discuss if they were going to go ahead right away or not, Ellie was waiting.
''Hey you two, don't do anything too hasty, don't you think you'd at least better get engaged first?''
''You been talking to Rose, Miller? We are getting engaged, we've got plenty of time before the baby comes, we still have to find another place to live yet.''
''That's not gonna stop us is it?''
''No, I was just saying. It's not practical to still be in the caravan when the baby comes, that's all.''
''Why not? It's big enough for the three of you. Why not move into a three bedroom, you can both claim housing allowance with a baby on the way, Rose hasn't left altogether, you're going back aren't you?''
''Only part time but we may lose the allowance soon, I mean we're both more or less permanent now.''
''You're both away from home, you should still get it, have you been claiming yours Rose?''
''No, it's gone on Alec's.''
''Then go see them on Monday, get them both put together then get an upgrade, tell the management you want room for a crib.''
''Is that what you want Rose?'' Alec asked.
''It's not a bad idea you know, most of the caravans up at the top are residential, they may move us up there. If we get a three bedroomed one, they can move some of the beds out of the way, they must fold up then we can get the crib in.''
''Why don't you two just organise it then?'' Alec joked, leading Rose back out into the main area in time to see Mickey and Jackie.
Rose thought they would have gone home by now but her mother had rung last night, wanting to see her and now she had told Ellie before her mother that she was considering getting married again so soon. Was it too soon? Perhaps they should get engaged and put it off for a while, surely Alec would agree to that? She took his hand and he led her to the lift and they all went to the next floor and waited to be allowed inside the courtroom, hopefully for the last time.
Alec went to get Rose some tea, Ellie declining and they shared the drink since they both took it the same way, them having lots of things in common and just as they finished, they saw Beth and Mark coming out of the lift, holding a new baby. Rose nudged Ellie.
''Blimey, she's just given birth and she's back here, I wonder when that happened?''
''I don't know, she doesn't look in too bad a way though.''
''I hope I'm like that when I have mine. Did I tell you we'd decided on a name?''
Ellie looked at Alec. ''No, you neglected to mention that when you told me to make my own way here and you two went off to make your arrangements and then planning on sneaking off afterwards to get engaged, I hope we can all go out later, I'll get Olly to look after the boys.''
Rose really wished Ellie had kept quiet as there were people within hearing distance.
''Go on then, tell me it's not going to be another name of a flower?''
Rose smiled and Alec put his arm around her, taking the empty cup from her.
''Hannah May, what do you think?'' Rose asked her friend.
''It's lovely Rose, she couldn't have better loving parents, you're going to be great at it so get your acts together and don't think you have to rush into anything, neither of you are going anywhere anytime soon.''
Rose squeezed her now fiancé's hand. ''She's right Alec. We don't have to rush to prove anything, let's have some time being engaged?''
''Whatever you want Rose, you already said yes.''
''Well sort of, you still have to do it properly. Maybe tonight, we'll go out and celebrate and we can make it public?''
''I could just stand here and do that now Rose, if you want?''
''Don't you dare!''
Alec smiled and leaned over to kiss her cheek. ''Relax Rose, I don't want this baby to be two months early you know.''
They were called to go into the courtroom where both the defence and prosecution made their closing statements, Rose relieved she wasn't called to the witness stand again and they were ushered out when the jury went to make their deliberation. They were called back in but the jury couldn't reach a majority so they were all sent out again, being directed they needed at least ten to make the same decision. Since it was lunch time, everyone had to wait and Jackie took the chance to cross to where Alec was fussing over Rose and Ellie was pretending she wasn't with them.
''Honestly Alec, you fuss too much over her,'' Ellie observed. She looked up at Jackie approaching. ''Mrs Tyler, will you join us? I was just leaving, I have to check on my youngest son.''
Ellie got up and Jackie took the empty seat.
''How are you Rose?''
Alec was sat sideways holding both her hands, imagining seeing a diamond ring on her finger in a few hours time.
''I'm fine but I'll be glad when this is all over. Why are you still here?''
''Mickey wanted to see what happened to his friend I suppose, we're going back afterwards but I wanted to see you, see where you were living.''
''I told you where we were last night Mrs Tyler, you can visit on your own at any time.''
''Well I was still here last night, wasn't I? I was gonna get Mickey to stop for an hour after we get out of here so I could come and visit with you.''
''We have somewhere to go after we leave here.''
''Alec, can't we leave that until tomorrow? We could go down to Dorchester in the morning.''
''Ok, if that's what you want.''
''What's so important you have to do today?''
Rose would rather not tell her but Alec apparently had no qualms about it.
''I'm buying Rose an engagement ring if you must know, we have no reason to hide the fact we are together.''
They were interrupted by the court being re-convened so Alec helped Rose up. The sooner they got out of there, the sooner he could buy Rose that ring and hoped her mother wasn't going to tag along but if anything was going to put her off, that piece of news certain would. Everyone in the court was stunned when Joe Miller was declared innocent, only two people had decided he was guilty and Alec was furious after all that work they did to see it go to waste.
As they exited, an angry Beth Latimer launched herself at Ellie, Alec only just managing to get between them as Mark tried to hold her back.
''I hope you're pleased now Ellie,'' she cried.
''No I'm far from pleased, I have to keep him away from my boys now, I'll never be able to rest. I swear if he comes anywhere near them I'll kill him myself.''
Alec intervened. ''Calm down Ellie, it's not doing anyone any good by saying things like that. It's up to all of you now to make sure he stays away from you and Broadchurch, if you get my meaning?''
Mark and Nigel were already formulating a plan since Nigel owed him no favours for being hauled in by the two detectives on several occasions and he had lost revenue by not being able to steal any more pheasants, Alec had warned off the local butcher himself but it wasn't his concern, he would leave them to it and take no action if any complaints came from the newly released defendant, he deserved any and all punishment from the town residents. All he was concerned about was Rose and seeing Beth being handed her new baby by her older daughter made him wish the two months Rose had still to go would hurry up and if she was his wife then, he'd be happy and if not, she would still use his name wherever she could and they would be engaged, a promise from her she would be one day, he could live with that.
They went off together after he got Rose something to eat and found a jewellery store and found just a single solitaire Rose took a liking to and getting it put in a box for later, they drove back home and had arranged to meet Ellie around eight in the caravan park's bar and Jackie would call. They had just got back around five when Rose got a call from her mother.
''Rose, are you back home yet?''
Rose didn't think her mother sounded so good.
''What's wrong Mum, where are you?''
''Well I don't know, I'm in Broadchurch somewhere, Mickey dropped me off and I thought he was going to get out of the car but he drove off without me and he's not been back, I've been here for hours.''
''Mum, tell me where you are and Alec will come and find you.''
Alec was already picking his car keys back up.
''I'm on a street, just by a hotel, The Traders. I've just come out of a café because they were closing. I didn't want to call before since you said you were going somewhere.''
''Mum, just stand by the side of the hotel, ok? Alec will be there in five minutes, he drives a black SUV type car, just watch out for him.''
''I'm sorry Rose.''
''It's ok, he's leaving now, it takes a few minutes to get out of the caravan park, just stay there.''
Alec was ready to leave and despite rejecting her, Jackie Tyler was still her mother. He kissed Rose and set off to get who was most likely to become his mother in law and soon had her back. They had something to eat in the bar and Ellie came to join them then Alec slipped the ring onto Rose's finger to clapping from nearly everyone in the bar when Ellie told him to do it properly and get down on his knees. They hadn't wanted to make a fuss out of it but it ended up that way.
ooooooooo{silversurfer60}ooooooooo
Two months later, Rose had just a few days to go, she was booked into the local hospital, her mother was arriving later that day, Alec meeting her at the railway station and Daisy had been for a visit over the Easter weekend, Alec pleased how she and Rose got on together. They had moved into a three bedroomed caravan, with their combined housing allowances more than covering the cost so they had got two doubles and a twin room, the staff having taken away the mattress in the large room and folded the bed out of the way and Alec with some help from Ellie, got the crib all set up and Ellie had bought some toys for what was going to become the nursery.
Alec was about to finish work when the CS called him into her office, he was on six weeks leave and Ellie was taking over, Elaine already having spoken to her.
''So Alec, the big day approaches? Your lives are going to be turned upside down.''
''I have done it before you know, it's not that long ago. I just wish her mother wasn't coming down, I'm nervous enough and with her hovering around, I'm going to be worse and I'm not sure if my scheme is going to work.''
''Of course it will, since Ellie is clearly in on it, it will work. What have you told Rose's mother?''
''That we're all going to Weymouth for the day and Ellie is meeting us there. I just have to get them into the venue, it wasn't easy getting the room at short notice for such a small party. I just hope my daughter gets down in time, her coach cuts it close but she gets dropped off at the bus stop with an hour to spare and she knows where to meet us, it's all arranged.''
''Well good luck and send me a photo of you getting married and some of the baby though I'm sure Ellie will have plenty.''
''Aye, she will.''
So Alec went off to meet Jackie at the station and filled her in on his little scheme and Jackie agreed to go along and Alec was really hoping Rose wouldn't go into labour during the ceremony, that would be all they needed and before he went into the caravan, he checked with Daisy she was all ready.
''Don't worry Dad, I'm sixteen now, I can get to Weymouth on my own,'' she assured him.
''Well that coach had better not be delayed or they'll get a complaint from me, right?''
He went in after Jackie and just hoped she wouldn't tell Rose and ruin the surprise. They were getting married at two, he had been down to Weymouth and got a special licence, having to sneak out Rose's divorce papers though they should have been on record he would have thought and arranged for a registrar to meet them at a sea front bar that had a function room for free hire and had paid for the drinks and a small buffet and since it was in the afternoon, there was no rush for them to leave. So he had informed the registrar and he had agreed.
Now all he had to do was get Rose dressed up without her noticing and thinking she was having some time out before going into hospital, he just hoped she didn't wonder why he would be wearing his suit on a day out at the end of May, the bank holiday was coming up which was why Daisy had been able to get away as she was on study leave.
Not saying a word to Rose as they went to bed and acting normal, well normal for him anyway, Rose never suspected and Jackie had got settled in the double room, Alec getting the mattress back for the weekend and the crib would have to somehow stay in the lounge since Rose probably wouldn't get out hospital until Daisy left the following Monday.
The next morning, they set off for Weymouth, Alec parking by the railway station just after eleven and Jackie wanted to go get yet another teddy bear, in pink for the baby, they sat on the sea front after lunch, an hour before the ceremony and Alec was looking at his phone, hoping for a message to say Daisy had got off the coach and she was meeting them by the bandstand, which would be easy for her to find and just across from the wedding venue.
Rose was looking at him. ''Alec, why are you even wearing that suit? You don't normally.''
''Can't I wear a suit now darlin' it's not that warm really.''
His tie wasn't quite fastened, which was usual for him since he never fastened the top button and he then heard his phone buzz with the message that Daisy was off the coach and heading their way, she was just going to grab a sandwich from the bakery she was passing but Alec knew they had plenty of time still and at least she was there.
''Alec love, I could really fancy an ice-cream, can you get me one of those strawberry cones?''
''Ok love but don't let it melt down your dress, will you?''
Rose smiled at him over the top of her sunglasses, she always made him melt when she did that as he pushed them back on her nose then kissed the tip of it. She was wearing a pink flowery dress and Jackie had opted for floral cotton trousers and a white top and she just hoped Rose hadn't noticed she had two boxes of confetti in her handbag, one for Daisy as Ellie was bringing her own plus a red rose buttonhole for Alec and a small bouquet of pink and red flowers for Rose. Ellie was meeting them at one thirty, just after Daisy should get to them so her eating would delay them though how Rose was going to react when she saw the girl, Alec just hoped he wouldn't be getting a taxi to the local maternity unit.
He wished he'd told Daisy to eat where she was now, he could delay Rose with the ice-cream. He went off across the road to the stall and came back with three strawberry cones and spied Daisy walking towards Rose and her mother. Ellie should also be showing up shortly so the game would soon be up anyway. He waved to Rose but Daisy thought he was waving to her and waved back and just as he checked the road was clear, she was almost at the bench they were sitting on and Rose just happened to turn her head as Alec reached the pavement and turned towards his daughter.
''Someone's here to see you Rose.''
''Daisy, what are you doing here honey?''
''Surprise! Didn't think I'd miss out on you having that baby did you? She's my half-sister.''
''Alec, this has you written all over it, bringing me here and saying we were having a family day out.''
''Ok, you got me but that's not the only reason so eat your cone before it does melt all over your dress.''
Rose was doing as he asked when Ellie saw them from across the road and waved. Rose stopped eating.
''Ok, Columbo, what's going on?''
Jackie and Daisy had got used to her calling him that.
''Eat up and you'll find out love. Ellie, hope you brought your own ice-cream?'' he quipped as she sat beside Jackie, Alec still standing and Daisy sitting holding on to Rose's hand.
With twenty minutes to go, Alec stood in front of Rose and held out his hand but crouched down so she didn't have to stand up. She clasped hold of it and he really didn't have to say anything, she knew why Daisy and Ellie were there.
''Rose, we've been engaged for two months and I know we said we'd wait, that I said it was up to you but the baby is due any day now, hopefully not actually today but see that bar over there? The town registrar will be arriving soon so, Rose Tyler, will you marry me, today?''
Rose looked in his brown eyes, eyes she could get lost in and knew she loved him and she had delayed her decision to marry Mickey because she wasn't sure but she was sure about him, Alec Hardy, father of the baby she could have any minute now and she no longer wanted to wait any longer. If you know something is right, you don't keep putting it off.
The three women were all looking at her as was probably everyone passing by, wondering what was going on.
Rose let him help her up and Ellie brought out a bouquet from a carrier Rose hadn't even noticed and handed it to her. Rose had a tear in her eye.
''Yes Alec, I would love to marry you today and you have waited, long enough. I know what I want, I want you, the father of this baby who I hope will at least wait until after our wedding night. You mean that bar over there?''
They exchanged vows and the certificate was signed and giving Jackie the key, Ellie drove Daisy and Jackie back to Broadchurch, Alec booking himself and Rose into a hotel he had reserved for the night, a few doors down from the bar. It wasn't easy but they got as close as they could, Rose saying they could make up for it when she ok again and Alec knew she would keep her word. The next morning, they were getting ready to leave the hotel when Rose felt a twinge and Alec rang ahead to the hospital, not wanting to go to the one where they were but when they were almost in Broadchurch, Alec already calling ahead to tell Jackie to bring the bag from their bedroom that had Rose's things in it, they were approaching the main roundabout which was always busy, Alec reached for the siren and plugged it in, making Rose forget the pains she was getting and making her smile.
They got to the hospital as Rose announced she thought the baby was about to make an appearance and as she was taken to the ward, Jackie and Daisy joined them. Two hours later, with Alec holding her hand all the way through and never letting go, Hannah May Hardy made her appearance, her proud parents, Rose and Alec Hardy posing for photos they got one of the nurses to take.
The End!