Jamie went off to bed, Alec promising they would talk in the morning.
"Sorry I was so nervous," Jamie told him.
"It was only natural," Alec assured him. "I hope I don't remind you of your other dad too much?"
"I know you're different," Jamie replied. "Night Gran, Mum."
Rose got up and gave him a hug.
"We all have a lot to discuss, you'll get a say in anything we decide," she promised, looking at Alec.
"Yes, your mum is right, no need to worry," Alec agreed, putting his hand on Rose's shoulder and rubbing his thumb over it. "Get some sleep, tomorrow you meet some of your relatives."
"I can't wait to see John again," Rose told him excitedly as Jamie went off, putting her arm around his waist and her head on his shoulder.
It made Jackie smile to see them back together again. She knew Rose had been fairly happy with James but when she'd been with Alec, there had been something about them, they had belonged together.
"Well I'm off as well," she told them. "It'll be nice to see John again, I bet he's not changed?"
"Not much Jackie and you'll both love Sarah-Jane and Luke," Alec promised, going to give Jackie a hug.
"We missed you," Jackie told him.
"I know Jackie, I wish things had been different and I know how much I hurt Rose. I hope she's forgiven me?" he then turned towards Rose.
"Ya wouldn't be here if I hadn't," Rose smiled. "Mum, it wasn't his fault, it was Tess, it was always her. Even if I'd gone up there, she'd have made trouble and he wouldn't have been able to escape it by getting a transfer. She knew that."
"How did you know?" Alec wanted to know as he let Jackie go off, Jackie thinking this was between them and not for her ears.
"Alec, there was only one reason she made a play for ya," Rose began to tell him. "She could have chosen anyone but you were an easy target. I was a long way away and reluctant to join ya so she knew she didn't have much to do to turn your head. Ya really didn't stand much of a chance against her."
"I should have seen what she was up to Rose, I was training to be a detective," Alec admitted, resting his head on the top of hers. "How did I miss it?"
"Alec, ya were missing me, it didn't take much doing on her part. What I don't get is why then? Why was she in such a hurry?"
"I found out she got a transfer there from Sandbrook. She heard about the training opportunities when she had to get out in a hurry. Rose, she had an affair with a senior officer, she had to get out," he explained.
"Wow. Why am I not surprised Alec?" Rose was shocked. "So you were her escape?"
"Yes and not only that, I was her ticket back home. I fell for it Rose and I hate myself for it," he further admitted. "Rose, I have no idea why you have been so forgiving."
Rose held him even tighter.
"I never stopped loving you Alec, even when I married James. He was so good about it but I broke his heart when he found out I'd been hiding the fact he looked like you. That night, when he went off. Well I don't know if he'd have forgiven me and come back."
"He loved you Rose, he would have talked it out with you," Alec tried to assure her. "Come on, get some rest eh? Do you have a spare room?"
"What?" Rose held him at a distance.
"Well, I thought, if you were unsure about me sharing in what was yours and James's room?" he wondered, thinking he'd now put her off for good.
"Alec, it was a long time ago, it's okay, really," Rose then smiled. "No, the bedroom's not haunted," she teased him. "Well so far anyway."
"Now you are teasing me love," Alec smiled back, putting his finger on her chin and going to kiss her. "I think he will be happy we found each other again."
"I really hope so Alec," Rose tried to agree. "He always seemed jealous of you but Donna didn't help. I suppose she meant well though?"
"Yes love, I expect she was trying to please both of you?" Alec replied. "So, how big is this house? Since I have only seen the kitchen so far?"
"Well the front room's quite large but the living room's smaller, we had the kitchen extended," Rose explained as Alec turned out the kitchen light, his other arm around her shoulder.
He followed her upstairs, carrying what they needed and Rose led him into the front bedroom, switching on the yellow lamp.
"Last chance if ya wanna sleep in the spare room?" Rose reminded him.
"I think you already assured me," Alec replied. "Unless it makes you feel uncomfortable?"
"Alec, I've been on my own for six years," she reminded him. "I'm fine with it so don't disturb my mum by standing in the hallway."
"Sorry love, I was only making sure. I know it may take a while to get back what we used to have."
"I've just been nervous Alec, I told ya I don't take anything any more," she reminded him again.
"Rose, so what if something does happen eh? Would we regret it? I want us to get married when I get things sorted but until then, we can get engaged again, if you want?"
"Alec. Well yeah, if ya want? I still have my ring, I couldn't part with it."
"Did James find that as well?" Alec wondered if that had been partly why he'd left.
"He never said," Rose answered him as she went to get her nightdress, a silky pink one with lace straps and a lace edging.
Alec thought it was a pity she'd never had something like that with her when she'd gone to find him.
"He was too angry about the photos," Rose then admitted. "I'll be back in a minute."
With that, she picked up some matching underwear and a pink dressing gown from the back of a chair and went off, Alec thinking this was a step backwards but what did he expect? He was in her house, her bedroom she'd shared with James and maybe he shouldn't push her away.
He got undressed, taking a white t-shirt from his bag and a clear pair of boxers and thought he should maybe get into bed before he changed his mind and sought out the spare room, which judging by what he'd seen was next door. He wondered what side the attic bedroom was, if they'd had it converted for Jamie. Just how much money did James have left to him and had passed on the Rose and why had the man worked in a department store?
Had it really been to be near Rose? He was waiting for her return but Rose was debating if she'd been rushing back into a relationship with Alec, now he wanted to talk about getting married again. It was what she had been wanting though since she'd gone to find him. She splashed some water on her face, put everything away and gathered her clothes.
"Rose!" her mother called from across the hall. "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah Mum, it's fine. It's just taking some gettin' used to again, that's all, I mean having Alec here," Rose tried to explain.
"Well okay then, I get that it must be a bit strange?" Jackie had to agree. "Think how it is for Alec as well?"
Rose went back to her room and saw Alec sat on the edge of the bed, having changed his mind about getting in first when Rose had shared it with James.
"Ah, I was waiting to use the bathroom," Alec told her, having thought about it as the door opened.
He went to get what he needed and hoped Jackie wasn't still at her bedroom door, having heard her talking to Rose. Then he stopped.
"Rose, are we going too fast?"
"No, please don't think that Alec. We all have to get used to the changes but nothing's changed how I feel about you."
"Then I am glad to hear it love," he replied with some relief and going to kiss her cheek.
He had to believe her or it could make things difficult. Maybe it had been too soon to mention getting married?
"Was I presuming too much when I said we should get engaged again?" he then asked her.
"Well?" she teased him, putting her things on the chair and going to put her arms around his neck.
"Now you are teasing me again," he smiled, going to kiss her. "We will just go back to taking it slow then?"
"We don't have to Alec but a lot of time has passed. We're not teenagers any more."
"If only we were love, I would give anything to go back and never leaving you."
"Stop it Alec, it was never your fault, it was several things," Rose tried to convince him. "I promise I won't go off in the morning to get changed."
"I did not blame you love," he leaned his chin on the top of her head. "You are still just as beautiful as I remember you were."
They still took things slowly until they fell asleep, Alec just lying with her in his arms and wondering how he had ever got fooled into thinking he could love Tess as he had done Rose. He was now certain Tess had indeed made him think he loved her instead of Rose and he'd not realised until it had been too late.
"Morning love," he greeted her as he felt Rose moving.
"Mmm, hi. Remember when we used to scramble to get in the kitchen before my mum did?"
"Yes, how could I forget?" Alec replied, turning to her. "No more of that then?"
"No, no more, she'll already be around though so I'd get changed before ya go to the bathroom if I were you," she teased him.
"Is that an excuse to stay in bed and watch?" he decided to tease her as he waggled his eyebrows.
Rose moved and went to pull the pillow from under him then got on top of him. He took hold of her and pulled the straps down on her nightdress. Half an hour later, Rose was giggling as he got out of bed, trying to pull the back of his shorts up.
"You've still got a cute ass Alec," she told him. "You never gain any weight. It took me ages to lose any after I had Jamie."
"Then I regret not having been around," he replied. "I regret so much Rose."
"I know ya do, it's okay Alec. So are ya taking Jamie out for a while before we go see John?" she asked him.
"If he wants?" Alec replied as he changed his shorts and knowing Rose was still watching.
"Yeah but be careful Alec, a lot of people knew James. Maybe ya should go somewhere else?"
"Rose, as you have pointed out, it has been several years love. It is very unlikely that people will think Jamie is with his other dad," Alec assured her.
"Sorry. I suppose ya right?" Rose had to agree.
Alec stopped as he fastened his jeans and leaned over, helping Rose sit up.
"Stop worrying about him love," he urged her, helping her out of bed. "And stop staring at my unfastened zip," he then grinned.
"Ya can't really blame me," Rose replied as he helped her and knowing he was getting a good view as her nightdress straps were still down.
"Ah, the same here love but maybe we should get going?" he agreed, loving that they both seemed happier and Rose was beginning to relax around him.
They went downstairs to join Jackie and Jamie, Alec asking if Jamie wanted to go out for a while.
"I might see some of my friends and I've not said anything yet," Jamie told him.
"It does not matter to me, they will all find out when your mother explains it to your school," Alec replied, hoping Jamie wouldn't keep being nervous around him.
"Well okay, if you explain, Dad," Jamie agreed, looking at Rose.
"Ya can start telling them," Rose told him. "Why don't ya help your dad choose something for Luke? Alec, can ya get a bottle of wine and some flowers for Sarah-Jane while you're out?"
"Sure, Jamie can show me around," Alec agreed. "Do we walk or take the car?"
They went off, leaving Rose and Jackie in the kitchen after Rose kissed them both goodbye.
"Have fun you two," Rose had laughed. "Jamie, don't take advantage."
"I'm sure he won't," Alec tried to assure her as he put his hand on Jamie's shoulder.
Over at John and Sarah-Jane's big house, Luke was just as nervous about meeting his cousin.
"I hope he likes football," Luke was reeling off a list of his hobbies.
"I'm sure he will. I'm surprised you don't go to the same school," Sarah-Jane was telling him as John was reading the newspaper.
"Luke, is the attic tidy?" he looked up from the paper.
"Yes Dad. What do you think he'll make of Mister Smith?" Luke wondered.
"I'm sure uncle Alec will explain it to him," his mother replied, wondering herself how to explain John's invention which he was always adding to it.
"Rose knows what I'm like," John told her as Luke went off.
"I should think so, the way you and Alec used to go on about her," Sarah-Jane laughed. "You were really good to her, helping her at school as well."
"I felt sorry for her, especially after we found out about what was going on where she lived. We were all worried about her," John told her. "Ask Alec about the surprise she sprung on him for his birthday once. They used to be really happy."
"I can't wait to see them together," she replied, putting her arms around him from behind the chair. "How much did he change after he lost her?"
"You have no idea," John recalled. "He was just like when you met him. Tess has a lot to answer for if you ask me."
"I never liked her, it always seemed like she thought she was better than us," she agreed.
Jamie and Alec were at the local shopping centre and went into a café while they decided what Alec and Rose should get for Luke.
"I've not seem him for a good while," Alec admitted. "I always stayed away from London, it reminded me of when I used to visit your mum."
"She said you used to visit a lot," Jamie told him. "I wish you'd found her after my other dad died."
"I am sorry I was never there for you when you lost him," Alec assured him. "Your mum says he loved you like you were his own and I know it made you all sad when he was gone. I am trying to make up for it, if you will let me?"
"Yeah Dad, I just need a bit of time," Jamie promised. "So what are we getting for Luke?"
Alec could hardly believe Jamie would accept him so quickly but he should have expected Rose and James had raised the teenager properly. Tess had always given in to Daisy's demands and now it was showing. They decided what they were going to get then Alec went to get some wine and flowers, wondering if he should get chocolates as well but Jamie just grinned and shook his head.
"Well you can give your aunt the chocolates," Alec suggested, not to be outdone.
Jamie just laughed as he chose a box of popular chocolates with roses on it and put it in the wire basket.
"Get some more for your mum and your nan," Alec then suggested.
"I call her gran," Jamie corrected him as he got two different brands. "She says it makes her sound old, calling her nan."
"Yes, I can imagine," Alec agreed. "It took some getting used to calling by her first name when I was old enough, trust me."
Jamie just laughed as they went to the checkout.
"We'd better get back Dad or mum will call you," Jamie warned him.
They paid for everything, Alec using his card then he went to find a cashpoint and once in the car, offered Jamie some notes.
"I can't take it Dad," Jamie objected as he fastened his seatbelt.
"Why not? Jamie, I am not trying to buy your trust. I just thought maybe you could buy yourself something? A media player or a new phone maybe or some new trainers. Oh, your mum gets you what you want does she?" Alec realised as he fastened his seatbelt and started the car.
"Well she does but she makes me work for some of it," Jamie replied. "So does gran."
"Yes, I just bet she does," Alec agreed, knowing Jackie so well.
They both laughed as they set off back, Alec knowing this was only going to get easier. Rose had finished tidying up and was talking to Jackie.
"Just think Rose, they can come round and visit," she was getting enthusiastic at seeing John and meeting his wife and adopted son. "I wonder why John never tried to find us after he moved here?"
"Mum, it would have put him in an awkward position," Rose reminded her. "If ya think about it."
"Yeah, I suppose so? I expect it was difficult for him not to be tempted though?" Jackie agreed as they waited for Jamie and Alec to return. "Do ya think those two are gettin' on?"
"I don't think we have to worry about it," Rose laughed as she heard Alec's car outside.
"I hope Jamie's not been cheeky," Jackie remarked.
"He's only cheeky with you Mum," Rose replied as Jamie opened the kitchen door.
Jamie handed the chocolates to them, having left the flowers and wine in the car but had brought in what they'd got for Luke.
"Mum, dad offered me some money to get some trainers or something," Jamie admitted when Rose asked him what else they'd got.
"Well okay, you can maybe get something then?" Rose had to agree. "Go get ready to go see your aunt and uncle then? What time are they expecting us?"
"I just got a message," Alec told her as he got his phone out. "We should get going soon but I don't think it is far from here."
"Well I can't believe he lived so near," Jackie was still going on about it. "I still say I wish we'd known."
"Mum, it wouldn't have done any of us any good," Rose reminded her.
"Rose is right, it would have been difficult for John to keep the fact to himself and not tell me, especially about Jamie," Alec agreed. "He never agreed with me marrying Tess, he tried to get me to change my mind."
"Alec, I'm sorry," Rose went to hug him.
"Forget it eh? No need to be so gloomy," Alec told her, holding onto her. "Jackie, can you give us a moment?"
Jackie knew when those two were together she wasn't wanted. Jamie was just on his way down when he saw her.
"Gran, what's wrong?" he wanted to know.
"Nothing sweetheart, they're just talking, give them a few minutes," she told him. "They always used to be like that when your dad used to visit. Can ya imagine he and ya uncle both used to stay for weeks sometimes, in that flat I used to live in?" she laughed.
"Really?" Jamie also laughed.
"Yeah, on the sofa and the chair," Jackie continued, thinking it wasn't a good idea to say Rose and Alec had started sharing. "They used to turn up at all hours."
"So why did dad stop coming then?" Jamie then wanted to know.
"Oh Jamie, ya have to ask them that, it's not for me to tell," Jackie replied. "Get ya jacket on."
"Rose, you need to know all my family objected to me marrying Tess," Alec was telling her as they sat at the kitchen table. "They all loved you and Tess never made an effort to fit in, she just expected everyone to accept her. Tess even objected when I had to go see my aunt when she started getting ill."
"Alec, I wish I could have seen her before you lost her," Rose felt sorry for him.
"I know love, it would have pleased her so much to know about Jamie," Alec told her, taking her hands. "Go get ready eh while I read this message?"
It was from John who said Sarah-Jane was fussing that everything would be ready and Luke was babbling on at fifty miles an hour about who Jamie's favourite football team might be and what other sports he'd share an interest in. It made Alec smile to know John had so easily accepted Rose was back and that he had a nephew he'd never known about all this time.
He just hoped when they went to see Donna and her family tomorrow, they would be just as pleased to meet him and would Rose confess what had happened that night with James? It had been a burden Rose had carried on her own all that time, feeling guilty that she had caused his death in some way but in his mind, she was in no way to blame.
Surely James must have suspected long before that night that there were some similarities they had shared? He sent a message back to John to say they were all eager to visit, he'd not seen them for a while either, due to Tess being less than welcoming towards any of his family though Tess must have known how they all felt about her.
Luke was at the bottom of the driveway, waiting for them to arrive, John having ruffled his hair and telling him what car Alec would be driving, since the boy was very up on car makes.
"I hope they both get on well," Sarah-Jane was worrying as Luke went off.
"Yeah, Rose will have raised her son well," John told her as he set the large kitchen table. "This reminds me of when me and Alec used to visit Rose and Jackie. Jackie was always trying to fatten us up!"
That made his wife smile at the thought, since she had always failed on that score with them. Luke saw a black SUV coming down the road and hoped it was them arriving but looked again when a bearded Alec was checking where they were. Then Alec realised Luke had grown and waved to him, Rose next to him.
"Looks like we're here," Rose observed as Luke waved back.
"I can't believe how he's grown," Alec agreed as he slowly turned into the driveway, Luke standing back.
"Uncle Alec!" Luke was calling as Alec turned the car engine off.
"Hello there Luke," Alec greeted the boy as he got out and Luke went to hug him. "Well, meet your new family. This is Jamie," he turned as Jamie got out before Rose and Jackie did. "That's your aunt Rose and your great-aunt Jackie. Well they will be soon enough, best get used to calling them that. So, how have you been?"
"Great, Uncle Alec," Luke grinned as he went to greet Jamie. "Hey Jamie, want to see my room? I've got loads of football posters and stuff. My dad's not much on football."
Alec just hoped John had told Luke that Jamie's real dad was no longer around and not to ask any awkward questions about how did Jamie feel about having a new one. Luke was leading Jamie inside so John and Sarah-Jane had gone out as well as Alec was helping Jackie out of the car.
Sarah-Jane went to greet Rose and pulled her into a hug, John joining her.
"Rose, you have no idea how good it is to see you," John greeted her, Sarah-Jane standing back and covering her face.
She had listened to John go on about Rose ever since Alec had called to confirm he had seen her mother a few days ago.
"It's great to see you both," Rose replied, feeling a lump in her throat.
Jackie had joined them and went to greet John.
"Come 'ere you," Jackie laughed as he wasn't sure he could get used to being squeezed to death again after all this time.
"Jackie! You look just the same as I remember," John greeted her back.
"You always were a real charmer!" Jackie laughed again.
"Sarah, say hello to Jackie," John tried to get out of Jackie's grip.
"Jackie, it's really lovely to finally meet you," Sarah-Jane went to hug Jackie. "John was so excited the other day that he thought he'd passed you and then Alec called."
"I thought I'd been seeing things," Jackie admitted.
"Jamie forgot his manners," Alec told them.
"Oh he's fine Alec," he was told by John. "Rose, we were so sorry when Alec told us what happened to James. I know you used to talk about him and Donna all the time."
Sarah-Jane put her arm around Rose.
"It must have been dreadful, losing him like that? John read up about it. I wish we'd known you lived nearby. John, are you going to tell her now or later?"
"Tell her what?" Alec was worried, leading John inside. "Well?"
"When you told me, I checked up. Alec, I think I saw him that night," John went serious as he lowered his voice.