Richard looked down at Adam bouncing along beside him tugging on his hand. He'd really grown fond of the boy and after a slow start Adam had taken to him and now wanted to be around him all the time.

Richard's thoughts wondered back to earlier that week. On the first day they took him to play pooh sticks Adam hadn't spoken to Richard preferring to be with Audrey.

When she kept winning at pooh sticks Adam had decide it was because she was taller, "You're cheating Aunt Audrey, you are to tall to play pooh sticks"

"I do not cheat Adam and height has nothing to do with it" Audrey told him firmly

Frustrated he looked to Richard holding his arms up to him "Uncle Richard lift me up then I'll be taller than Aunt Audrey pleeeeease"

Richard smiled down at Adam, he'd never been called Uncle Richard before, he hoisted him up in his arms turning him so he could drop his stick in the water.

Adam was delighted with this higher position "Ok I'm ready to play now"

When adam's stick came out first he bounced happily in Richard's arms laughing. Holding him high in the air Richard spun him around in celebration. This delighted Adam even more and he held his arms out enjoying being in the air. Audrey watched the pair with happiness her husband really would make a brilliant father.

Bringing Adam back down to his chest Richard was surprised when the boy threw his arms around his neck and hugged him.

"Thank you Uncle Richard you're the best"

Richard patted his back "You're welcome Adam"

"Right I think it's time to go home" Audrey said

"Aunt Audrey I'm hungry" Adam whined

Audrey chuckled "I'm not suprised you've been running around all day, come on then let's go"

Adam didn't want to let go of Richard and clung on to him when he tried to put him down. Richard stood back up with him still in his arms.

"Don"t you want to walk home Adam" Richard asked him

Shaking his head he rested it back on Richard shoulder. Audrey melted at the scene.

"Well you have had a busy day I'm sure Uncle Richard will carry you home" she said smiling as Richard nodded he would.

Walking back to the manor carrying Adam in one arm and holding Audrey's hand Richard couldn't help but imagine the future with their own children.

He was brought back to the present when Adam tugged on his hand.

"I want to be just like you when I grow up Uncle Richard" Surprised Richard stopped walking and squatted down in front of Adam.

"What about your Dad don't you want to be like him"

Adam shook his head "No he's boring you're fun"

Richard ruffled the boys hair then stood "Come on we better get you back to the manor Aunt Audrey will be back soon"

Adam yawned "I'm tired"

Richard reached his arms out to him "Come on then up you come."

After dinner and bath time, which had resulted in Richard getting wetter than Adam had, they were settled in the drawing room.

Adam was sitting on his lap looking at a new brochure Richard had had printed for Cavendish showing the head office with Richard sitting behind his desk.

"You own all this Uncle richard" Adam asked with awe in his voice.

"Yes I do, now how about we read some more of the famous five" taking the book from beside him on the settee he opened the book to where it had been marked. Adam snuggled further into him as he began to read.

Knowing it was past Adams bedtime Audrey went to the drawing room to find Richard intent on apologising for leaving him to deal with bath time and reading duties on his own.

When she opened the door she found Richard asleep on the settee Adam in his arms, his little head rising and falling with Richard's breathing. It was a beautiful site.

Quietly moving over to them she sat down and stroked Richard's cheek "Darling...darling..."

Starting at her touch Richard opened his eyes "Mmm...you're back"

"Yes, I'm sorry I'm late, here I'll take him up" she gently lifted Adam from Richard's lap to rest in her arms.

Smiling down at her sleepy husband she said "You go up darling I'll meet you up there after I've tucked Adam in"

Ten minutes later and Adam was safely tucked up in bed and Audrey was opening the door to their bedroom. Richard was on his side facing away from her already asleep, smiling she quickly changed and got into bed.

Coming up behind him she spooned him, her arm resting across his middle. Richard stirred at the contact "Darling?"

Kissing his neck she whispered "Go back to sleep darling"

The only reply she got was a muffled "Mmm"

The next morning was the end of Adam's stay with them and a row was breaking out between Adam and his parents.

Adam stamped his foot "But I don't want to go home"

"Adam come in its time to go" his Mum told him quickly losing her patience with the little boy.

Richard decided to defuse the row before it got out of hand, kneeling down in front of the boy he touched his arm "Adam look at me"

Adam immediately turned his head to look at Richard.

"Now your aunt and I will be in London next week, if your a good boy how about you come and look around my office and then we'll take you for ice cream, how does that sound"

Adam smiled "You mean I can come and see the big tower in the picture."

"If it's alright with your parents yes...you can even sit in my chair."

Turning to his Mum Adam pleaded with her "Oh please can I mummy please. I'll be a good boy"

She relented "Alright then but now it's time to go home"

Adam hugged Richard then said goodbye to Audrey before getting in the car without further protest.

Laura thanked Richard for his help then took Audrey to one side "Thank you Audrey, your Richard is a diamond"

Audrey smiled "Yes I'm very lucky to have him"

Standing together as they watched the car leave, Richard put his arm around her

"Everything alright darling" he asked

"Yes, everything's perfect darling"