A/N: Honestly, wasn't deliberately being evil and taking my time with this, just struggling a little, that's all. Probably because I'm hating myself right now for splitting them up in the first place. Oh, well. What must be and all.

'So, what's this kid's name?' Phil questioned as he put the drinks on the table. 'Something decent, I hope. Not Kylie or Britney.'

'No, nothing like that. Belinda Niamh, she went for something nice actually.'

'Niamh?' he repeated. 'Ain't that the name of Sheelagh's daughter?'

It was a miracle he'd remembered, she certainly hadn't expected him to. 'Yeah, well, they've grown close. I think Abi thought it was a nice gesture.'

'It is. I suppose you've heard Sheelagh's news, what with you two being mates and all.'

Her mouth went dry. 'News?'

'Yeah, her pregnancy?' He looked expectantly at her. 'Don't tell me you didn't know.'

'Oh, I knew,' she answered quickly. 'I just didn't think it'd be public news yet.'

'Well, it probably weren't meant to be. Reg Hollis got wind she'd been put on light duties and you know what he's like.'

'Oh, right.'

After a moment he continued, 'I suppose it's Kent's?'

'Don't dig, Phil,' replied Sam as she reached for her drink, realising just in time her hand was shaking. 'Anyway, how are things with you?'

'Abi, you look awful.'

'Thanks,' the young woman answered dryly as she led Sheelagh into the living room where Belinda was happily gurgling away in a small cot. 'Mum's not here but I guess that's why you came now.'

'Don't sound so bitter towards her,' Sheelagh said as she took a seat among the baby clothes and nappy supplies. 'I'm assuming you've had words?'

Abigail looked up. 'Are you two talking again?'

'I just saw she was working, jumped to a conclusion.'

'Well, I just told her what I thought, that's all. I'm allowed an opinion.'

'Of course you are,' answered Sheelagh. 'But I told you yesterday, I don't want this driving a wedge between you two.'

'She's being unreasonable!'

'She's being true to herself. I wouldn't expect anything less from your mother.'

'I don't think she cares about you at all, you know,' Abi said quietly. 'She's acting like you never existed.'

'It's her way. You should know that better than me.'

'I hate this! She was happy when she was with you. Now she's back to normal.'

Despite her resolve to maintain her brave face Sheelagh felt her grip slipping. 'Listen, you'll need her now, more than you can imagine. Arguing over me isn't going to help.'

The young woman glanced over to her daughter. 'I keep thinking... The way she's treating you is exactly how I thought she'd be over Hugh and Belinda. But she wasn't and I can't understand the difference.'

'Honestly, I don't either. But to her there's a difference, we have to accept that.'

Before Abi could speak Belinda let out a wail. 'Sorry, it's feeding time. I'll grab a bottle.'

As Abigail disappeared into the kitchen Sheelagh picked up the baby, holding her close. 'Are you hungry, little one? Mummy won't be long.' Looking in Belinda's eyes she found them the exact shade of green that Sam's were. 'You're a lucky little girl, not that you know it yet. But you'll be so loved, I promise you.'

'You're good with her,' said Abi from the doorway. 'Do you want to feed her?'

Sheelagh smiled. 'I suppose I need to get back into the swing of it. You go put the kettle on, we'll be fine.'

Once Abigail had gone again she settled on the sofa, Belinda gurgling happily as she ate. It was like riding a bike, Sheelagh supposed, looking after children wasn't something you could forget. That was why grandparents made such good childminders.

A few minutes later, just as Belinda was showing signs of tiredness, keys turned in the front door. Sam, undoubtably. Abi came back in as male laughter echoed around the house. At a guess Sheelagh would specify it was Phil Hunter.

It turned out she was right as both he and Sam came into the room. The detective's smile faded as she took in the scene while Abi seemed to be concentrating on holding her glare towards her mother. Phil, obviously, didn't feel anything was wrong. Sheelagh quickly stood, being careful of Belinda in her arms. 'Hi.'

Sam was obviously struggling to maintain the impartial face that she thought she needed. 'Sheelagh. What are you doing here?'

'She came to see me and Belinda,' Abi put in quickly. 'That's allowed, isn't it?'

'Abi,' Sheelagh warned before looking back to Sam. 'I just thought I'd pop in.'

'Fine,' answered Sam though she still looked like she'd swallowed a lemon. 'That's fine.'

Phil, naturally, was completely oblivious. 'This the little one is it?'

'How'd you work it out?' Abi mumbled so quietly that Sheelagh was positive only she heard.

Taking control the way she did best, Samantha moved forward to take her granddaughter. Inevitably, their arms brushed and Sheelagh looked up, meeting eyes with her ex. For a moment everything was like it had been only a week earlier then Belinda squealed and turned into the barrier between them.

Moving away quickly, Sheelagh tried her best with a smile. 'I better be going.'

'Don't leave on my account,' said Phil.

'No, I really should.'

He shrugged. 'Okay. Oh, I hear congratulations are in order.'

She glanced at Sam questioningly. 'Pardon?'

'Reg got hold of it,' supplied Sam softly.

'Oh, I didn't know. Well, I really have to...'

'Thanks for coming, Sheelagh,' Abi said, smiling apologetically.

'I'll see you again. Bye, Phil, Sam.'

Not waiting for a reaction she escaped into the hallway. Just as she reached the front door a voice behind her said, 'Sheelagh?'

Though all she wanted was to get out of there, she turned. 'I didn't mean to cause any trouble.'

Sam shook her head. 'You didn't. How are you?'

'I don't like light duties, I can tell you that.'

'It's for your own good.'

'If I'd wanted to sit at a desk I'd have become an accountant.' Realising how formal she sounding, Sheelagh smiled to soften the effect. 'I should go.'

'Come by anytime. You're more than welcome.'

'Thanks.'