It's a little after 11am when Carla arrives home after Ottilie finally got discharged from the hospital. Smiling Nick leads her up to their front door only to find Michelle sitting outside it with tears streaming down her cheeks.
'Chelle, what's wrong?' Carla asks.
'It's all such a mess.' Michelle cries burying her head in her hands causing Carla to sigh.
'Chelle, come inside. It's freezing out here.' Carla says. Passing Ottilie to Nick she helps her friend off the ground and leads her inside.
'I'll go change Ottie.' Nick says softly and Carla nods her head.
'Are you going to tell me what's wrong?' Carla asks sitting down beside Michelle on the sofa.
'We're losing everything, Carla…' Michelle mumbles.
'What do you mean?' Carla asks.
'He's gambled away everything… The Bistro, the flat; we're in so much debt.' Michelle admits shaking her head.
'What? How did it get this bad, Chelle? How long has this been going on for?' Carla asks.
'Weeks. I don't know what to do anymore; I don't want to leave him but I just- We're going to be homeless, Carla.' Michelle replies and Carla shakes her head.
'No, you're not… How much debt is he in, Chelle?' Carla asks.
'A lot.' Michelle replies quietly.
'Okay; I am going to transfer some money over to your account. You pay his debts and if you need more come to me but do not give him any of that money.' Carla says.
'Carla, that's not why I came here.' Michelle replies and Carla shakes her head.
'I know it's not but I'm not about to see you out on the street and Nick worked so fucking hard on that Bistro so I'm not about to watch that go down the drain either.' Carla says gently squeezing her friend's hand.
'I don't even know what to say, Carla… Thank you.' Michelle says wiping her eyes.
'You don't have to say anything, Chelle.' Carla replies.
'Do I get to find out where we're going?' Carla asks keeping Ottilie balanced on her hip as Nick places the last of their bags in the boot.
'Nope, it's a surprise.' Nick replies gently nudging her shoulder as he sees Roy rushing over to them.
'Oh Carla, I'm so glad I caught you before you left. I have a few things for you to take with you.' Roy says holding up the numerous different bags he's carrying. He stops directing in front of Carla and passes her two brown paper bags.
'These are just some snacks for on the way; some sandwiches and cakes.' He explains causing Carla to smile.
'Oh Roy, thank you…' She says and he nods his head slightly.
'And this is just a little something from me. It's not much but I wanted to get you something.' He replies.
'Roy, you shouldn't have.' Carla says instantly hugging him.
'I couldn't not get you a gift; I just want to say how proud I am of you, Carla. You are the most amazing mother and watching you grow over the years has been a pleasure. Have a good trip and I shall see you all when you get back in a few days.' Roy says and Carla nods her head.
'Thank you, Roy. We'll see you when we get home.' Carla replies smiling. Nodding his head Roy turns and begins to walk back to the café as Carla passes the bags to Nick.
'You ready to head, babe?' Nick asks watching as Carla straps Ottilie into her carseat.
'Yep.' Carla replies smiling. She tucks a blanket over Ottilie before closing the door causing Nick to smile.
'Hey, c'mere…' He says softly as he grabs her hand and pulls her closer to him. Resting her hands on his chest she glances up at him causing him to smile.
'Happy birthday, love…' He says leaning down and resting his head against hers.
'Thank you.' She almost whispers.
Glancing over at Carla, Nick can't help but smile as he sees her fast asleep with her head resting against the car window. Ottilie got discharged from hospital around 10am and immediately went home so Carla could pack before they finally left the house at 12pm. It's now a little after 1:30pm and they've finally arrived at their destination although Carla and Ottilie have slept practically the entire way.
'Carla…' He says softly reaching over to run his hand down her arm. She mumbles something as her eyes flicker open and she glances up at him.
'Hey.' She almost whispers causing him to smile.
'Hi… I hate to wake you when you look so peaceful but we're here.' He says and she stretches her arms above her head.
'Really? Already?' She asks and he nods his head.
'Yep, you slept practically the entire way.' He replies watching as she leans forward to look out the window.
'Where are we?' She asks.
'The Lake District; the Belsfield hotel to be precise.' He replies causing her to smile.
'Oh wow… This place is beautiful, Nick.' She says.
'I wish I could've taken you somewhere like New York or the Maldives but maybe one day.' He replies.
'Don't be silly; this is absolutely perfect, Nick. Better than I ever could've imagined.' She says.
'Shall we go inside? Check out our room?' He suggests and she nods her head. They both get out the car and Nick can't help but smile as he watches Carla effortlessly get Ottilie out and balance her on her hip.
'Why are you staying at me, Tilsley.' She asks smiling over at him.
'You just amaze me.' He replies causing her to shake her head.
'You're so cheesy.' She mumbles.
'Yet you still love me.' He says and she nods her head.
'Yes I do.' She replies biting her bottom lip as he makes his way round to her side of the car.
'I love you.' He says.
'This is absolutely amazing, Nick.' Carla says softly as she stares out the window at Lake Windermere.
'I'm glad you like it.' Nick replies wrapping his arms around her waist from behind and resting his head on her shoulder.
'Ottie and I have some gifts for you.' He says.
'You shouldn't have, Nick… You've already done so much for me.' She replies and he shakes his head.
'I would give you the world if I could, Carla.' He says.