Gary woke up and found himself under a duvet, in a strange place. Gone are the days of tropical Asia, of streets buzzing with people and liveliness. Life in Surrey is coming back, serene and tender. He whistled happily whilst preparing for the work.

First, he wanted to show Miranda his new muffin recipe. He brought them over and saw Miranda fussing over going to a funeral not knowing who it is for. She grabbed a muffin to taste, and immediately disliked it. 'A savoury muffin? Life is full of enough disappointments, Gary. A savoury muffin? I don't know you anymore.' He exchanged looks with Stevie.

- First time I have seen Miranda not enjoying food. Anyway, how have you been the past few months Stevie?

- I have been fine, thanks. How was Hong Kong?

- It was great, similar to the times I was in Malaysia really. I made some good friends. Let's not mention Tamara now.

- Why did you decide to come back?

- I...I got the sack. I can't say it's because of Miranda. We did say we were just friends yesterday.

- Oh. Sorry to hear that.

- It's ok. It's good to be back actually.

- Really? - Stevie smiled and he had a feeling there was something behind her smile. He did not know how to approach the subject of Miranda, wanting to know how she has been. However, he was curious about Danny, so he tried to bring up the subject casually.

- So...I suppose Danny has been hanging around here often?

- Yes. He actually just started working in the restaurant last week. It's a pity to see him go, he's so good looking.

- Yeah ok... so he and Miranda were dating?

- I'm not entirely sure. As far as I know he's been up the flat one night.

Interesting. I wonder if something happened between them. It's not my place to ask, I know. Yesterday we said just good friends. Not knowing what to think, he came back to the restaurant. A few hours later, Miranda came in looking terrified.

- Can I please get a strong drink? Some brandy, perhaps?

- Sure, what happened? Didn't you go to a funeral?

- Yes, I was there. It was for great uncle Jim, and I had to do an eulogy for him but of course I didn't know that until I turned up, so I improvised. Then I broke into singing. It was mortifying. That's not even the worst bit! A few minutes later I fell into a grave!

- Gosh, ok wait here I will get you the brandy.

He came away to the kitchen, trying not to laugh at the ridiculous but absolutely Miranda-trademarked story. She was sitting on the couch just next to the bar and could hear him, so he had to keep a straight face. He sat down next to her and gave her the drink. 'Better?'. 'Yes, thank you.' Clive came over and burst out laughing hearing Miranda fell into the grave. Gary could no longer hold it and let out some giggle.

- Gary!

- So sorry!

- Seriously it freaked me out. If I died tomorrow, what would I have achieved? Would I have a good eulogy?

- Of course you would. - she raised her eyebrow motioning him to go on - oh ok, here lies Miranda, she was warm...

- Very warm - Clive butt in - because she carries that little extra bit of weight. She was a sweaty woman, but nice!

- Sweaty but nice? Is that what you would say in my eulogy? - Miranda was indignant.

Gary was still lost in thoughts about the funeral business when Chris and Alison came in the restaurant. Hearing Miranda speaking annoyedly, he shushed her. 'They're sweet and really like you, ok?'. Being the oversharing couple they were (is one of them a doctor?), Chris and Alison were pretending baby sounds 'Hi Aunty Miranda!'. They also had some news - they wanted him to be the godfather. He was thrilled when hearing that Miranda might be chosen as godmother - being godparents together sounds nice - only to hear that she was 'in the running'.

The next day in the restaurant, he heard Tilly making fun of Miranda again. However this time, she retorted, saying that she would do a charity parachute jump. Well that's a change. Miranda is more assertive now instead of constantly putting herself down. And a parachute jump? Wow. That is extremely brave of her. He would give Chris a call later to give a good word for Miranda, so that she could be the godmother.

Chris and Alison gladly agreed to choose Miranda as godmother - but there's a twist. The godmother will also be Alison's birthing partner. Well, she would probably hate that. However, I don't know how to get out of the situation now. She has changed a bit so maybe she won't mind? They came to the shop and broke the news to Miranda, and Gary spotted her disgusted face. Backfired. Miranda tried to convince Chris and Alison that she's not a good choice, only to be told she had low self esteem and no chance of having a child herself. 'I will have to do something intrinsically evil'.

The restaurant was busy for a party, and Gary spotted Miranda trying to get out of the godmother situation. 'Coping?'. 'Yes, shame Mr & Mrs Empathy Wee are here. I swear, if they say one more gross thing, I will do something drastic to get out of being godmother'. He smiled, only to be interrupted by Penny trying to introduce Miranda to the local vicar. I forgot that her mum is still trying to set her up with people. Well certainly Danny did not need being set up. He walked away. Shush Gary, that is not necessary. Remember Tamara? You still don't know if you should tell Miranda. And don't forget, you have no right to interfere with her love life. We are just friends.

A few minutes later, he was back at the bar to witness a chain of 'drastic' events. Miranda punched the vicar, Chris almost denounced her as godmother. Penny and Tilly told her to leave. Miranda tried to explain herself when someone recognised her as having read to his late aunt before she died, whilst another remembered her participating in the parachute jump. He looked at her in amazement and pride. Ever the intriguing girl. I'm proud of you Miranda. All these months, you have made so much progress. You're becoming more confident. The music was on, and he wanted to experiment with this 'new' Miranda. He wanted to dance with her.

- May I?

- You may!