At the start of this episode, Nick and Jo try to talk, but get interrupted again. Nick's mum Ruby turns up in Aidensfield. Aside from visiting the family, she's keen to meet Jo.

This scene comes at the end of the episode.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Jo and Nick sat in the snug in the Aidensfield Arms, safely locked away under Ruby's instructions. Having got the original awkwardness out of the way, they were finding their way back towards the closeness they'd had before their break up. Nick took a deep breath, determined to open up to Jo more than he had previously.

"I know the job comes with some pretty terrible hours. I'm sorry. It was easier in the Met, I guess. You clock on, do your job, clock off. Plenty of overtime if you want it, but it doesn't come knocking on your door. Or chatting to you in the pub."

Jo cocked her head, trying to understand. "But?"

"But I didn't enjoy it. I like people, not just job numbers. I like it here. And if I'm really honest, I sometimes like the interruptions too."

Jo bristled a little, and he looked sheepish, trying to explain himself. "I feel needed here. And it's exciting, never knowing what's going to come through the door next. Look, I know it gets in the way of things, and I wish it didn't. But it's part of the job. Or at least, part of the way I want to do the job."

Jo nodded. "I'm getting used to that, or I'm trying to. I'll keep trying. But sometimes… even when you're here, it doesn't feel like you're really here. You're thinking about work. Or something else."

Nick sighed. "Yeah, I know. I'm sorry. Sometimes my mind does run away with me. I can't seem to help it. Especially in the last year." He looked at her apologetically, willing her to understand what he couldn't yet explain.

Jo appreciated his effort and tried to supply the words for him. "If it's needing time to get over Kate, I can understand that. I'll wait, if that's what you want." Jo's mind was in turmoil. As much as she didn't want to rush Nick, she needed some sort of idea of where she stood.

Nick shook his head. "No, I don't want you to wait. I mean, I don't know if I'm 'over' Kate. But I want to be with you. My mum waited for years for the right man to come along again, and he never did. So, no more waiting, hey? Let's just… keep on going, and see what happens from here."

Jo took a deep breath. She knew that they still had a long way to go, but she was willing to keep exploring their relationship on those terms.

Nick reached across the table and took Jo's hand. Kate was gone, forever. Jo was here, beautiful and caring, full of sparkle and freedom and fun. Maybe he could let himself let go again. Maybe he could love her.

Nick's eyes slowly traced up from Jo's hand to her face. He took in her furrowed brow and the quirks of her lips as she tried to read his thoughts. Holding her gaze, he slipped around to the bench seat beside her, and cupped the back of her neck, bringing her lips to his in a long, lingering kiss. He could do this. He felt the tightness inside unwind as she wrapped her arms around his neck, and he sighed deeply. He could let his guard down. He would learn how.