'Paul knows.' She says softly glancing up at where he is looking out the window cradling the baby in his arms.
'What do you mean he knows? Did you tell him? Why wouldn't you speak to me first?' Liam asks turning to face her.
'I didn't have a chance. He came to visit yesterday and started talking about how she looked like her dad. He said that he was suspicious when he saw your reaction to the news but then when he actually seen her he was sure that she was yours... He's offered to let me and baby stay at his flat.' Carla replies.
'Really? Are you planning on taking him up on that offer?' He asks.
'I don't have much choice if I want to keep her, Liam. I can't and won't take her back to my mum's.' She replies.
'I can ask mum and dad if you can stay with us.' He says.
'And where would we sleep, Liam? Your place is already so crowded and I can't exactly bunk in with Chelle like I normally do, can I? It just won't work. Staying at Paul's is the best option for now. You can come by all the time to see the baby.' She replies.
'Are you two still together then?' He asks and she shrugs her shoulders.
'I don't know but that's the least of my worries right now.' She replies as the baby begins to fuss.
'I just-I guess I thought-' He begins as he passes the baby to her.
'Look Liam, I really don't have time to even think about relationships at the moment. I'm just trying to work out how to do this, how to be a decent mum when I didn't have one. Okay?' She says holding the baby against her shoulder and gently rubbing her back.
'Have you named her yet?' He asks and she shakes her head.
'I thought we could do that together. I have a few in mind but I just- I wanted you to be involved.' She replies.
'What have you got in mind?' He asks.
'Emily.' She replies.
'I like Emily.' He says.
Sitting down on the bed, she takes a deep breath and glances down at the baby who is strapped securely into the carseat. Children were never in her life plan, her plan was always to just get as far away from home as possible.
'You ready to go? Paul is waiting in the car.' Liam says softly as he makes his way back into the room.
'As ready as I'll ever be.' She replies quietly. She winces slightly as she slowly stands up and turns to pick up the carseat.
'I'll get her.' Liam says making his way over. He picks up the carseat and puts his arm out to her.
'Thank you.' She replies softly as she takes hold of his arm. They slowly make their way out of the room and down the corridor towards the lift.
'That you away home then?' Julie asks as they reach the nurses station.
'Mmm... Yep, off home to try figure out this parenting thing.' Carla replies causing Julie to smile.
'You'll do just fine. Best of luck with everything, both of you.' Julie says.
'Thank you. Thank you so much for everything. I really don't know if I would have come to this decision without you.' Carla admits.
'You would have. You just needed someone to talk you through your options. Every new mum is scared but it just so happens it was intensified for you because you didn't have nine months to plan for it.' Julie says.
'Do you need anything? I can change things about in here if you want. I just kind of put things in roughly.' Paul asks and Carla shakes her head.
'It's perfect, Paul. Thank you so much for doing all this.' Carla replies.
'You don't have to thank me, Carla. You are both welcome here for as long as you need.' Paul says smiling as Carla yawns.
'Why don't you try get some sleep? Liam can keep an eye on the little one for an hour or so.' Paul suggests and Carla shakes her head.
'She's due a feed soon.' Carla replies.
'Liam can do that. He's perfectly capable of making a bottle plus he needs to learn because you won't be doing this on your own.' Paul says.
'The formula is in my bag and there are bottles in there as well... Please if you need anything or she won't settle wake me?' Carla says reluctantly and Paul nods his head.
'Get some sleep. We've got this.' Paul replies smiling. He carefully lifts the little girl into his arms before quietly making his way out of the room where Liam in waiting in the lounge.
'I've told Carla to get some rest.' Paul says and Liam nods his head.
'She's going to need a feed soon. Bottles and formula are in that bag.' Paul explains gesturing to the bag before holding the baby out towards Liam.
'W-What? I don't know what to do. I don't know how to look after her.' Liam says causing Paul to sigh.
'Well it's time to learn, Liam. You need to step up and be the dad that Emily needs and be the help that Carla needs right now.' Paul replies as Liam cautiously takes the baby.
'W-What do I do?' Liam asks.
'Just hold her just now. She's settled so just hold her and sit down. Let's talk about what you're doing to do from now on.' Paul replies.
'I just- I can't believe how tiny she is, Paul. I can't believe she's mine.' Liam says shaking his head as he stares down at the baby in his arms.
'You need to tell Michelle. It isn't fair on her to be the only person who doesn't know. Carla is her best friend, she's got a right to know.' Paul says and Liam sighs.
'I know. I just don't want her to hate us and I don't want Carla to lose her.' Liam admits.
'You're both more likely to lose her if you keep her in the dark about this.' Paul replies.