A/N: Don't know, Gem, the attempted murders always cheer me up a bit though! Good to have you back, Trixie, hope you had a nice break. As for you, Claire, you might have hit on something with Abi... Till next time, guys.

'You fractured his jaw?'

'He did it himself! He shouldn't have ducked.'

Despite herself, Sheelagh found a smile slipping onto her face. 'You really shouldn't have done that.'

Sam was grinning too. 'Probably not.'

'Is he alright?'

'It's only a tiny fracture. He still bit through the pain to suspend me.'

Until then the thought hadn't occurred to her. 'Oh, no. This is all my fault.'

'Sheelagh, it doesn't matter!'

Staring at her, she wondered just where DS Nixon had got to. While this personality transplant was all well and good, it was starting to concern her a little. First there was the change of heart regarding the baby, a choice Sheelagh herself was overjoyed with, it was just it had happened so suddenly. Though Gina had confirmed Sam had already changed her mind before the car accident it still seemed convenient timing- part of her wondered slightly whether the baby surviving wasn't in Sam's game plan. Then there was this flippancy towards a suspension, it didn't seem right at all. 'Is everything okay?'

'Of course!' When Sheelagh failed to continue Sam's smile faded a little. 'What's wrong?'

'This is just all very sudden.'

'I thought... Did I take too long?'

'No, it's nothing like that. I'm just concerned. Don't get me wrong, if this is really what you want then I'm delighted but I just...'

Sam cut her off with a deep kiss. 'I don't care about the suspension, it means I can look after you for a while. You might not believe me, you've got the right, but I truly want this. I think I did all along. I was just being a pathetic kid and I really am sorry.'

Heartfelt, what she needed to hear. 'I wasn't trying to be awkward, you know.'

'Well, that's my job, isn't it? Now, did the doctor give you the all-clear?'

'She said I could go anytime.'

'Good. You're coming to stay with us.'

Sheelagh raised an eyebrow. 'Do I have a choice?'

'Only if you make the right decision.'

What she'd failed to mention to Sheelagh was the look on Manson's face as he'd clutched his jaw. Perhaps it had struck him as an opportunity to get rid of her but whatever it was she was almost certain he'd press charges. So he'd get his wish of ending her career then.

Across in the passenger seat Sheelagh had her eyes closed, a satisfied smile on her lips. Somehow that made things better. Even if she found herself with no job to speak of she could cope, watching her family grow would do her. But she couldn't tell that to Sheelagh, she wouldn't be believed. Yet was it any wonder given how badly she'd acted recently?'

Drawing up outside the house Sam placed a hand on her partner's knee. 'We're here.'

Sheelagh opened her eyes. 'What do you think Abi'll say?'

"About time' probably,' she smiled. 'Well, she thinks I've been a fool so she'll have some choice words but she wants you around. Can't think why.'

After kissing her lightly Sheelagh frowned. 'Sam, I don't want her knowing about last night. I feel like I betrayed her trust letting you see Belinda and... Can we keep it quiet?'

'I was thinking the same thing actually. Why make waves?'

'I appreciate it. And hopefully things'll get back to normal.'

'That might imply they were normal to begin with,' Sam answered. 'And this is me remember.'

'How could I forget?'

'Are you ready?'

Sheelagh nodded. 'Yep.'

Abi was definitely in, Sam discovered that as the sound of crying echoed before they had time to close the front door. It wasn't a surprise that her daughter didn't shout a greeting, reaching behind her she took Sheelagh's hand before going into the living.

Belinda was in the middle of being changed so Sam cleared her throat. 'Hi, Abi.'

The young mother didn't look up straight away, instead trying in vain to stop her daughter from wriggling around. When she did though her jaw almost dropped. 'Sheelagh! What's going on?'

'There was an accident,' Sam said quickly. 'She'll be staying with us for a while.'

'What kind of accident?'

'I'll tell you all about it in the kitchen,' Sheelagh offered, squeezing Sam's hand.

'What about..?'

'I'll do it,' Sam volunteered.

Abi looked dubious. 'You can't change nappies, Mum.'

'You'd be surprised.'

'She'll be fine, Abi,' Sheelagh added. 'Come on.'

As the duo disappeared Belinda let out a small cry just to remind someone she was still around. Kneeling down, Sam tried to recall everything Sheelagh had laughingly explained the previous evening, though it felt a little like a lifetime ago. 'We're going to have some fun, you and me,' she whispered as she reached for the baby wipes.

'So Mum just turned up at the hospital?'

'Well, you know what she's like, barrelling in, all guns blazing.'

'You're back together then?' Abi asked hopefully.

'Apparently.'

'You don't sound happy about it.'

'Oh, Abi, don't think that. I am but...'

'You're scared she doesn't mean it?'

'I'm terrified she thinks she means it.'

A slight cough from the doorway alerted Sheelagh to Sam's presence. 'I think she wants her mum, Abi.'

After glancing at Sheelagh the young mother nodded, leaving the kitchen in silence.

Sheelagh was a little reluctant to look up as Sam sat down but she forced herself. 'You're not covered in anything this time.'

'I had a teacher.'

'At least you realise it.'

'You look tired, why don't you get some sleep?'

Nodding, she stood. 'I think I will.'

Sam also got to her feet, pulling her into a hug. 'Everything's going to be fine.'

As much as she wanted to hear that it still struck her as an untruth. Burying her face in Sam's hair to dry her sudden tears, Sheelagh composed herself before pulling away and kissing her girlfriend briefly. 'I know.'