Episode
Xmas special - Funny familiar forgotten feelings

Review
Meryl takes a shine to the new doctor Daniel Travis but feels guilty because of David. Daniel helps Sister Bridget get toys for poor children, but he is harbouring a secret. Jill and Gordon arrive home from their honeymoon.

Cast list
Robert Daws, Amy Robbins, Paul Fox, Polly Maberly, Wendy Craig, Michael Starke, Andy Wear, Zoie Kennedy, Linda Armstrong, Michelle Hardwick, Dennis Lil, Daniel Feltham and Sophie Foster

It's the day after the wedding, work is going on at The Royal pretty much as usual despite the temporary staff changes. Mr Harper was manning the reception desk, Julian Caldwell had been going to call an agency and hire a receptionist until Lizzy got better, but Mr Harper had complained saying that would cost to much and that everyone would have to muck in and help. Mr Caldwell had then promptly given Mr Harper the job, 'As you said we all have to muck in and your office is just across the hall.'.

Dr Daniel Travis was covering Jill's patients, a few people grumbled about how they would have preferred to see a female doctor but they understood that they were few and far between and Daniel was nothing but polite and courteous putting even the most embarrassed and nervous patients at ease. Dr Alway had been meant to cover Gordon's patients but many of his old patients having heard that he was back albeit temporarily had requested to see him bringing a tear of pride to his eye when he was told.

"Good afternoon staff nurse." Daniel greeted, holding the door open into reception for her, they had both been out to lunch, Daniel to the pub and Meryl to the seafront and they were just getting back.

"Good afternoon doctor, how are you finding The Royal?" Meryl asked politely, Daniel smiled at her.

"The Royal, well I can safely say I've never worked at a hospital like it. They way you can all pull together is amazing, I mean when Charlie told me her idea yesterday I didn't think it could be done, but in less than five hours everything was in place. It was amazing, nothing short of a miracle." Daniel replied shaking his head in disbelief, Meryl laughed.

"That's The Royal, a hospital that cares."

Meanwhile Alun is at Lizzy's flat, he'd brought round the piece of cake she'd been promised along with all the news about yesterday.

"So then just when we think it's all over and ruined you know. Charlie comes along with this new doctor in tow and tells us that the wedding is going to happen but at The Royal. Ken and me we found chairs out in one of the back sheds, they were a bit damp but no-one seemed to notice and we set them up in reception along with that red carpet we got when the queen mother visited that time, we also got that old lectern to do as an alter. Mr Caldwell and Matron kept all the guests in the conference room, some of them wanted to go home but Matron wouldn't let them." Alun told her, Lizzy started to laugh, but the laugh quickly turned into a racking cough. Alun concern in his eyes passed her some water and waited until the coughing subsided before continuing.

"Dr Goodwin and Nurse Taylor kept Dr Omerod and Dr Weatherall out of the way all afternoon, apparently it wasn't that hard, neither of them wanted to see anyone. Then by deceit and trickery both Dr Omerod and Dr Weatherall were brought to reception in turn. You should have seen their faces when they saw what had happened. Dr Omerod well he was, well he looked relieved I suppose and really happy. And Dr Weatherall well her face was a real picture, it all lit up in wonderment at how we'd done it and then she looked just like any bride I guess, completely happy."

"Awww that is so sweet." Lizzy exclaimed, "I wish I'd been there to see it, ah . . atchoo. That's even better than a wedding in a church."

"You will be able to see it, Charlie took so many pictures you'll be able to see everything." Alun smiled, "She took one just as the ceremony finally began, it might have been the last one she took, the flash blinded the vicar, everyone there yelled at her." Lizzy smiled, remembering not to laugh this time.

The next day Dr Rose called in sick with the flu, so Daniel took over all his operations that were scheduled for today, luckily there weren't many as his patient load was enormous, the holiday bugs making there presence felt. Dr Alway took as many patients as he could and the rest would have to come back after lunch or Daniel thought darkly he'd have to work through his lunch hour.

"He didn't sound very ill." Matron remarked to Sister Bridget while she was inspecting Milner Ward

"He's probably just got a slight cold Matron." Sister Bridget replied while handing Matron the next chart to check. Matron smiled nodding wholehearted. "And poor Dr Travis has to take up the slack, he doesn't even know his way around yet."

"Yes," Matron frowned, that worried her a little, Dr Travis had been fully booked up with patients that morning and now he had surgery as well, she didn't want him rushing the operations.

'Most of them are people with holiday viruses, we get them every year.' Matron thought to herself, 'Most of them don't need to see a doctor at all, a bit of common sense and one of those leaflets Mr Harper got from the DHA would do it.'

"Sister, I don't have time to finish the ward round this morning. I know already everything will all be in order, it always is." Matron handed the chart back, Sister Bridget could practically see the cogs whirring. "I'm going to set up a clinic, nurses can see those patients that don't need to see a doctor." with that short explanation Matron went to organise it.

By lunchtime Daniel was exhausted, 'Though' he reflected, 'he would have been completely dead on his feet if Matron hadn't come up with that clinic idea, that had really taken the heat off.' First order of his lunchtime break was to have a big cup of coffee, it was disgusting because it had been on the boil for so long but at least it would keep him alert, he hadn't been able to have any that morning because of the tremors it caused, he couldn't risk that while he was operating. He met Meryl at the coffee machine, she to was fuelling up for the busy afternoon ahead.

"Busy morning?" Daniel asked, he already knew the answer she'd been working with him for most of it and had then gone and worked with the clinic, but it was a good icebreaker.

"About as busy as yours." Meryl replied smiling, Daniel smiled back and his smile made her legs feel weak, she knew at the point that she did most definitely have a crush on him. Daniel continued drinking his coffee, trying desperately to think of something else to say. Meryl finished her cup and made as if to leave.

"Would you er, like to get a sandwich or something?" Daniel asked, as soon as he'd finished his sentence he was kicking himself, any number of things could happen now. Meryl smiled instantly, but then a hint of uncertainty crept into her mind, what if he was just asking as a colleague, what if he didn't really like her, well time would answer that.

"I'd like that, there's this nice cafe near the seafront, I go there most days." Meryl replied, a flash of uncertainty crossed Daniel's mind, what if she just thought of them as colleagues, what if she didn't really like him, well time would answer that.

"Sounds great, shall we go."

Everyday for the rest of that week Daniel and Meryl had lunch together, they talked and joked and laughed becoming good friends, both of them though wished it was more than that but neither of them could pluck of the courage to take that step forward. By Saturday lunchtime when they'd had lunch together five times Daniel decided to take the initiative, they were walking along the seafront in companionable silence when Daniel took Meryls hand and pulled her over to an unoccupied bench.

"Meryl. I'm not any good at this but I really like you and if um, if you're not doing anything tonight there's this new film on at the pictures, would you like to come see it with me?" Meryl looked at Daniel, his face was a picture of uncertainty, apprehension and nervousness, without thinking about it Meryl replied.

"I'd love to come." Hearing her reply Daniel beamed broadly

"So I'll pick you up at 7.30." Meryl nodded and they resumed walking along the seafront, this time holding hands

All that afternoon Meryl couldn't think about anything else, she'd wanted Daniel to ask her out ever since she'd first met him but now he had she didn't want it after all. The prospect of going on a date with him frightened her, not because he wasn't a nice man, he was lovely, but because it meant that she had forgotten David. At six o'clock Meryl's shift ended, she hung around till 6.30 just finishing jobs up, even creating a few. No-one noticed except Ken, he should have gone home at six but he was waiting for a delivery of kettles that he was going to hold for his brother in-laws nephew for a couple of days.

"You alright Staff?" Ken asked kindly, "Aren't you have meant to have knocked off by now?" Meryl looked at Ken with tears in her eyes, suddenly remembering last Christmas when the TV crew had been there. 'If you ever need to talk I'm always here you know.' "What is it Staff, what's the matter?" Ken guided Meryl over to the bench that for some reason was outside the entrance to casualty.

"Ken, Daniel Dr Travis asked me to the pictures tonight and I said yes." Ken frowned, that should be good news, why was she so upset. "But that means I've forgotten David." At that Meryl couldn't hold the tears back anymore and she wept, Ken put his arm round her and let her cry on his shoulder, he made soothing noises until the crying stopped.

"Just because you like someone else doesn't mean you've forgotten Dr Cheriton, it just means you're getting on with your life. I'm sure that he would have wanted that." Ken told her.

"You think." Meryl sniffed, looking hopefully at Ken.

"I know." he replied smiling gentley. "Now, shouldn't you be going to get ready for your date." Meryl laughed.

As promised Daniel was there at 7.30 to pick her up, Meryl realised then that she'd never seen his car and what a car, it was a 1965 pearl blue soft-top Cadillac. The other nurses who couldn't help but notice that Meryl was going out, and for the first time since Samantha died, were all peering out of the windows to see what was happening. there were many admiring glances and some looks of pure jealousy when Meryl got in the car, she wasn't the only one who had a crush on the new handsome doctor.

"You ready?" Daniel asked looking across at her unable to stop an admiring smirk crossing his face as he checked her out, she was dressed in a modest sea green dress that complimented her well. Meryl reading his expression fidgeted nervously, it had been a year and a half since her last first date and this one was extra difficult anyway.

"Yes." Meryl replied, she then realised she didn't actually know what film they were going to see. "What film are we watching?" Meryl asked, Daniel shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

"Well you have a choice, the pictures here are showing a French language film, however the pictures in Asfordly are showing the latest James Bond." Daniel paused then, long enough to let his feelings on the matter known before he added, "Naturally you can choose of course." Meryl smiled, she knew when she'd been had, neither films were really her thing though so it didn't matter.

"I've never liked French foreign films, they were more Samantha's thing, James Bond sounds fine." Daniel breathed a silent sigh of relief, he looked at Meryl and flashed her a grin.

"Names Bond, James Bond." Daniel joked raising his eyebrow trying to look like Bond, Meryl laughed this was going to be a good date.

After the film they went for a walk on the seafront, it had a different atmosphere at night, it was private and romantic. They soon found a private spot that overlooked the sea, Daniel leant on the railing and stared out to sea, Meryl watched him suddenly becoming aware of how cold she felt. Involuntarily she shivered, Daniel noticed and immediately took off his jacket which he draped over her shoulders.

"Here, you're freezing." Daniel told her. "The sea breeze, chilly in summer, it is December." Meryl nodded agreement clearly still cold, Daniel put his arm round her. "Come on lets walk back, there's a very good heater in my car." In no time at all they'd walked back to Daniel's car, he put the heater on, he was right it was very efficient, soon Meryl was warm again.

Sorry about that." Meryl apologised not looking at Daniel, that had been really romantic and she felt like she'd ruined part of the date.

"No problem." Daniel replied glancing across and smiling then looking back at the wheel, after a minute of uncomfortable silence Daniel reached across and stroked Meryl's face, Meryl looked into his eyes and on impulse both of them leant forward and they began kissing, at first it was nervous just brushing of the lips but soon became passionate, they both felt an instant connection, after a few minutes Daniel drove her back to the nurses home.

"Morning Staff Nurse." Daniel smiled at reception, picking up his patient notes from Lizzy.

"Good morning Doctor." Meryl replied, not looking in Daniel's direction for fear she might burst out laughing, even though everyone knew they were an item it was easier working together if they were formal, it made for a funny charade. With a wink Daniel made his way to Milner ward, he had a patient he wanted to check up on before morning surgery, to get there he had to pass the staff kitchen, inside he could here someone crying.

"What's the matter Sister?" Daniel asked, handing Sister Bridget his hanky.

"Every year I collect unwanted toys to give to the poor children so they can have a real Christmas, but this year what with one thing and another I haven't been able to get very many. It's Christmas eve tomorrow, that's when the children come and we'll have nothing to give them." Sister Bridget told him wiping her eyes. "I'm sorry doctor, it's just thinking of their faces." Daniel nodded sympathetically, thinking about how he could help.

"Leave it with me Sister, I'll sort something out. What time do the children come?"

Christmas eve was the last day Dr Alway was working at The Royal, he hadn't realised until he'd come back how much he'd missed it, retirement didn't suit some people and he was one of them. The way everyone had treated him, he felt like he'd never been away, unfortunately there was no longer a place for him in the practice, there wasn't enough work for more than three doctors, so he couldn't come back even though he wanted to.

"Ah Dr Alway, I've been looking all over for you." Julian Caldwell smiled, "Just a couple of things, one you er haven't seen Dr Travis anywhere have you?" Dr Alway shook his head.

"Sorry no." Dr Alway looked at his watch, raising his eyebrows "He should be in by now, have you tried his office?"

"Yes, he hasn't arrived yet, or at least he hasn't checked in, that's why I was asking you. If he's not in soon, you'll have to pick up the flack and Matron will have him scrubbing bedpans or something." Dr Alway laughed, if he knew Matron that would be exactly what she might do, it was Dr Travis's last day he really should be here. "Oh and the second thing, you remember you spoke to me about how much you'd like to rejoin the practice. Well as I told you then there's not a place, however another positions come up and I really think you'd be interested. Could you come to my office this afternoon before you leave. I'll tell you all about it then."

"Yes of course, what kind of position?" Julian Caldwell just smiled in response before hurrying off, leaving Dr Alway more than a little curious and a little concerned.

Meanwhile over at the convent the poor children were arriving, looking at them Sister Bridget didn't know how she was going to break it to them, Dr Travis had never showed and she hadn't told any of the other nuns of her failure. The children would be so disappointed, they looked forward to this year after year, it was what made it Christmas for them rather than just another day. All bright-eyed and excited the children went into the room they called 'The Presents room', they all stopped at the entrance, they couldn't believe their eyes. Sister Bridget and another nun, Sister Mary weaved through the crowd of children and their parents to see what the hold up was, what they saw made them blink, pinch themselves and look again. Sister Bridget had been to caught up to notice that some men had been delivering things that morning, Sister Mary and the other nuns had noticed but had thought nothing of it.

In the corner there was a Christmas tree, that reached up to the ceiling, it was covered in lights, baubles and tinsel, but also in sweets. By the fireplace there were brightly-coloured wrapped boxes and packages all spilling out of a red sack. The whole room was brightly lit with candles and fairy lights, and decorated so beautifully, it had never looked so festive. In the far corner of the room, sitting in the tired old armchair (one of only three bits of furniture that had been in there) sat Father Christmas.

"Ho, Ho, Ho!" he boomed, the children screamed in delight and ran forward to talk to him, several tried to sit on his knee at once and a squabble broke out. The noise level raised considerably, Mother Superior actually had to shout to make herself heard, before the children remembered the drill. They formed a neat and orderly line, Sister Bridget went forward as she did every year to hand out the presents. This time though, the child went to sit of Father Christmas's knee first, he talked to the child for a minute and asked what they wanted for Christmas, he then directed Sister Bridget to a certain box or parcel.

By the end of the morning every child had a present, it was either what they wanted or something very close to it, they were all brand new as well, a first for any of them, this toy they would treasure for years to come. There were a few presents left over which Father Christmas explained were for the children in the children's ward at The Royal, the children then left, clutching their new toys tightly, their eyes bright, the magic of Christmas having been made real for them.

"Dr Travis?" Sister Bridget asked, looking at Father Christmas, she couldn't tell under the costume. Father Christmas shook his head and removed his beard and hat.

"No Sister, I'm from an agency." he produced a card "Santa's for hire."

"Who hired you?" The hired Santa frowned

"You did, or this convent did, that's what it says on my orders anyway." the hired Santa produced his order sheet from an inside pocket in his jacket. Sister Bridget looked at it, he'd already been paid, by check.

"Who played for your services?" the hired Santa shrugged.

"I don't know, I don't take the orders, if it doesn't say I don't know. I go where they send me." the hired Santa then picked up, the few things that were his. "Oh and I won't be at that hospital this afternoon, I got told to say that was where they were going," he gestured to the extra presents, "if anybody asked, perhaps some doctors hired a costume. Have a nice Christmas Sister." the man left leaving Sister Bridget confused, but she didn't have long to dwell on it because Mother Superior was back after seeing the children off.

"How did you do it and why didn't you tell me?" Mother Superior asked, her smile lighting the room up just like the children's had. "That was magical."

"I um I got given everything by a anonymous doner." Sister Bridget replied, she was telling the truth, she suspected Dr Travis but had no idea where he'd get the money, true he had the newest, fastest, most expensive car she'd ever seen but if he was rolling in it that much surely he wouldn't be working. Mother Superior nodded excepting her answer at face value.

"Well we must thank the lord, there are some generous people out there."

Daniel was just going on his lunch break with Meryl when Sister Bridget found him, she'd come straight over from the convent to see him, despite the fact she wasn't working today, she needed to find out if it was him.

"Dr Travis." Sister Bridget called, "Can I talk to you?"

"Sure go ahead." Daniel told her, moving away from the door so Mr Harper could come in, he was dressed in his balaclava again, Meryl followed.

"Was it you?" Sister Bridget asked, Daniel frowned.

"Was it me what?"

"Sorry, was it you who got all those presents and hired that Santa Clause for the poor children?" Meryl looked at Daniel, she didn't know anything about it, she'd know that Sister Bridget was collecting for it, she did every year but what did Daniel have to do with it.

"Heavens no, I couldn't afford it. No I um just told a friend you know about your situation. He told a friend and that friend happens to work for one of the richest men in England, who despite what many think of his actually rather generous and has a big heart. The Santa's were all booked up for this afternoon so they couldn't give any presents to the children in the children's ward, so he bought an outfit for a doctor to wear, I'm trying to get Jeff to do it but I know it'll be me. What made you think I could afford something like that?" Daniel explained smiling.

"Well you're car, it is a very nice one apparently, I don't know about these things so I could be wrong. Who is this anonymous doner though, we need to write and say thank you?"

"The car was a present from the anonymous doner when we were on good terms, as for saying thank you, I'll make sure he knows how grateful you are, he does prefer to stay anonymous." Daniel lied, there was nothing better that this anonymous doner liked than publicity, he knew which strings to pull.

"Oh I see, well make sure he get's our thanks." Daniel nodded confirmation, glad she hadn't picked up on a number of things, but he'd forgotten Meryl.

"A friend of a friend huh, the car was a present when we were on speaking terms, sounds like you're pulling strings. Who is it anyway?" Meryl asked.

"It doesn't matter, oh and this string pulling never hurt anybody, in fact it did a lot of good. I just had to go through a different route to get the information there, like I said we're not on speaking terms."

"I'm going to find out you know." Meryl told him, intrigued by the secrecy. Just then Daniel noticed his lights were up and Lizzy came looking for him.

"You're wanted in casualty doctor, emergency." Meryl opened her mouth to ask if she was needed but Lizzy showing a rare sense preempted her. "You're not needed Meryl, Matron wants you on milner ward after lunch because Sister Bridget is helping with the children's ward."

"I'll be right there Lizzy." Daniel told her, he then turned back to Meryl. "Looks like lunch is off, still on for tonight though?" Meryl nodded smiling, Daniel glanced about, no-one was around, he gave Meryl a quick kiss before hurrying off in the direction of casualty.

That evening Jill and Gordon pulled into the driveway of their house, it looked so warm, cozy and inviting, compared to the cold, snowy atmosphere outside. Gordon got the cases out of the boot then they went inside.

Meanwhile inside the house Henry, Charlie, Katy and Tom had just finished dinner, Henry and Charlie were clearing up while Tom and Katy played in the sitting room. Charlie had the record player on, it was playing Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow by Dean Martin when Gordon's key scraped in the lock.

He and Jill entered without anybody noticing, Gordon put the cases down quietly on the hall floor and they tiptoed to look first in the sitting room. It was festively decorated with lights and tinsel everywhere, on the mantelpiece there were what looked like a whole shop full of Christmas cards, the tree looked like the decorations had been thrown on it rather than placed but Gordon wouldn't have it any other way, smiling they went back to the front hall.

"We're home." Gordon called, almost instantly Tom and Katy hurtled out of the living room and jumped on him, giving him a massive hug, they'd missed him. Henry then came out of the kitchen a tea-towel draped across his shoulder beaming.

"I thought with all the bad weather you might not get here." Henry told them, Charlie then appeared, she'd turned the record player off first.

"How was Paris?" Charlie queried, raising her eyebrows slightly, giving Jill then Gordon a welcome home hug.

"Lovely." Jill replied moving into the sitting room and sitting down on the settee, Gordon sat next to her Tom on his knee.

"Yes, really romantic." Gordon added, smiling at Jill, as he squeezed her hand.

"Did you see the Eiffel Tower?" Katy asked, her eyes wide open in excitement.

"Yes, we climbed it." Gordon replied, "We also . ."

Meanwhile back at The Royal Jeff was just finishing seeing to the last patient of the day. He yawned as he checked his chart, Sister Bridget came up behind him. She was on duty tonight so that other nurses with families could have the day off, she was also working tomorrow for the same reason.

"Go home doctor, it's Christmas eve, I'll look after Mr Taylor for you." Sister Bridget said firmly, taking the chart away from Jeff and steering him towards the door.

"Night Sister." Jeff smiled. "Merry Christmas."

"And Merry Christmas to you. I'll see you Tuesday." Jeff nodded, he had two days off, Christmas day and boxing day, he wasn't even on call, Julian Caldwell had decided to keep Daniel Travis on until the new year, so he'd drawn the short straw. Still Jeff thought tiredly, Christmas was always quiet, if he was lucky he wouldn't have to come in at all. Yawning he turned the handle on his office door, Lucy was inside waiting for him.

"Long day huh?" she asked, handing him his bag and picking up hers, he switched off the light and they started to leave.

"Yeah." Jeff replied.

"Not to tired to have dinner with me?" Lucy smiled as they walked out into the parking lot.

"Absolutely not," Jeff looked at her in mock indignation, "I haven't made any reservations though, so it'll have to be my place or yours. Don't worry I'll cook."

"Your place and I'll cook, I've tasted your cooking." Jeff laughed.

"It's not that bad, it wasn't my fault that you distracted me." Jeff tried to defend himself as he unlocked his car.

"Oh yes, what an excuse." Lucy smiled remembering, she got in the passenger side of Jeff's car. "It is a reasonably good excuse, one I'll have to remember. Maybe tonight you can distract me." Lucy gave Jeff a lingering look, he smiled to himself, he didn't feel that tired after all now.

A little later back at Gordon and Jill's house, Katy, Tom and Charlie were all in bed, Tom and Katy were asleep but Charlie was tossing and turning, this was her first Christmas without her mum, her first Christmas with her new family, thinking of her new family brought her a warm and happy feeling, like she'd never known before. Charlie turned over for the last time and putting all thoughts of her old life firmly to the back of her mind she fell asleep. Downstairs Henry was making preparations to leave, he'd already put his presents for the children under the tree, he would have liked to see them open them but he wanted them to have them on Christmas day.

"Please stay Henry." Gordon tried one last time, he'd been trying to persuade him all evening, ever since he'd told them he was leaving, but he wasn't having it.

"Henry we want you to stay with us. Tom and Katy would love you to stay." Jill added, Henry shook his head.

"No, my brother said I could stay with him and that's where I'm going. Maybe if you invite me I can stay next year, but this year you need to be on your own." Gordon nodded understanding, it was the second Christmas after Caroline's death, but last year hadn't really been a Christmas, he hadn't put the effort in, but this year everything was as it should be, this would be the first proper Christmas, the Christmas where he put the past behind him and welcomed in the new year with his new wife and daughter, for that was how he'd come to think of Charlie.

"Well have a safe journey, call us tomorrow, or we'll call you. Katy and Tom will like to say thank you for their presents and happy Christmas." Henry smiled and tipped his hat.

"Merry Christmas." He then got in his car and drove off, Gordon and Jill stood at the doorway and waved until he was out of sight. They then went back into the living room, earlier just after the children had gone to bed Gordon had got all the other presents out from the cupboard under the stairs, at Christmas time it was called 'Santa's magic cupboard', Katy and Tom believed that once presents were put in there they were magically transported to Father Christmas so he could deliver them. Gordon poured two glasses of wine, he handed one to Jill and they stacked the presents under the tree, in piles, a pile for Katy, a pile for Tom and a smaller pile for Charlie.

Gordon picked up a small wrapped box and handed it to Jill, she ripped off the green wrapping paper to expose a felt covered box, she opened it. Inside was a gold plated necklace, designed to fit closely around the neck. Gordon slipped it out of the box and put it around her neck clasping it. Jill went to look in the mirror, she blinked away a tear before turning around to kiss Gordon.

"You like it?" Gordon asked, he wasn't known for his taste in presents for women, he'd enlisted the help of Jeff and Lucy, them and a very patient shop assistant had helped him.

"Like it, I love it. I haven't got anything like this for you though." Jill told him.

"That doesn't matter, you've already given me the best present there is. When I wake up every morning with you lying next to me I know I'm the luckiest man alive. This past two years we've had more ups and downs than we'll probably ever have again, I couldn't have got through it without you. Thanks for being my wife, thanks for letting me love you." Jill couldn't blink fast enough to get rid of the tears that started running down her cheeks, tears of happiness. Gordon held her close and they kissed.

On the other side of Elsinby Daniel and Meryl were at Daniel's flat, he'd cooked her dinner, nothing very special, he handed her a glass of wine.

"I thought you were on call." Meryl said gesturing to the glass of wine in Daniel's hand.

"Two glasses of wine aren't going to make me unfit to work, besides I can't let the most beautiful lady in town drink alone."

Meryl smiled, taking a sip of her wine, she put it town on the coffee table. She'd been thinking a lot over the last week, Daniel was a locum, he went where he was sent, he wasn't going to be here after the new year, so she had to make the most of every minute she had with him. It would hurt when the time came for him to leave, Meryl knew she couldn't delude herself that much, but she hoped she could cope with it, trying to shut out the feelings of love she had for him. Meryl snuggled up to him, Daniel put his arm round her and they kissed. "Meryl, I've got something I need to tell you." Daniel told her, finishing his glass of wine and putting the glass down on the table. Meryl put a finger to his lips.

"Shush." she then leant forward and they kissed, this time not stopping.