Hi everyone, thanks for the reviews.

There's probably going to be about 5 more chapters left of this story, just to let you guys know. I'm currently working on a different one though, which i'm going to try and write the majority of before uploading the first chapter.

Hope you enjoy this :) x

After a while of simply holding Susan in her arms, Rachel noted that her mother was beginning to fall asleep. Not for the first time that day, Rachel considered how emotionally and physically exhausting this whole ordeal must have been for her.

Eddie caught her gaze out of the corner of her eye, and immediately offered up one of his spare rooms.

"Mum," Rachel spoke hushly, the last thing she wanted to do was startle her after that morning's events, "do you want to go lie down for a bit, Eddie doesn't mind at all."

Her mother smiled and nodded, before turning to face Eddie as she stood.

"First door on the right."

"Thank you," Susan said, placing a light hand on Eddie's forearm.

Hearing Susan's steps recede up the staircase, Eddie shifted his position from the arm chair to join Rachel on the sofa.

"How're you? I know I haven't really had a chance to ask you since this morning," he queried, maintaining a slight distance but equally wanting to be as close to Rachel as humanly possible. Following recent hours, Eddie felt as if their trust and love had heightened once more, but he still didn't want to push her.

To his delight, Rachel shifted closer to him so that they were almost touching.

"Better than I thought I would be. I've never really admitted it before, but I always craved a proper relationship with my mum. Perhaps now, that's a possibility."

"I'm glad you feel that way Rachel, you certainly deserve some happiness."

She glanced up at him then and smiled, a look which made Eddie weak at the knees. Seemingly, he was still adjusting to her presence after so long apart, and it felt rather surreal.

"So do you Eddie."

He brought a hand up to her face and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, a mannerism which Rachel fondly remembered from their past relationship. Adjusting to the heat of his hand now resting on her neck, Rachel only just realised how close they were. The need and desire for one another was intoxicating, and both Eddie and Rachel were aware of this.

Irritatingly, something was holding Rachel back. She wanted this, more than anything. So why was she not letting her heart lead this one?

"Rachel if your not ready for this then I'm not going anywhere. I'll wait for you as long as it takes."

"I wish I could let myself jump straight back to where we were. It just feels too soon, after Melissa and now everything with my mum today. There's too much going on in my brain. But I love you Eddie, and I do want this, more than anything."

Rachel's heart was beating faster than ever, and she was certain that Eddie must be able to hear it too. Before Eddie could speak his response, Rachel leant forwards slightly, and brushed her lips lightly against his cheek.

It took her mind back to the previous evening, and the way she mirrored her actions now. The gesture was identical, but that contrasted perfectly with how far they had come. In the space of 24 hours their relationship has blossomed once more.

"Thank you Eddie. I know those words feel like a regular occurrence to me at the moment."

She watched as his smile widened, and sensed the chuckle which emanated from his lips.

"And me saying 'you don't need to keep saying thank you' also feels like a regular occurrence."

Rachel allowed herself to tip her head back and laugh. Possibly for the first time since yesterday's tragic events was the sound pure and genuine. Having said that, it could never not be when around Eddie.

"Good point," she managed to murmur through the giggles, sharing a huge amount of joy with Eddie in that moment.

"Why don't you go pick Philip and Isabelle up from my place. I'll wait here, just in case mum wakes up."

"Are you sure you'll be alright?"

Hearing those words escape from Eddie's mouth caused her heart to soar that little bit more. Just like his actions over the past twenty four hours, it reiterated his words on the last day of the summer term. Evidently, Rachel was his first priority, his primary focus. Nothing in the world could make her happier than that.

"I'll be fine Eddie," she spoke softly, brushing a thumb across his cheekbone, "I'll be here when you get back."

With a squeeze of her hand, and a reciprocation of her earlier 'I love you,' Eddie had emerged from the living room. It was the first time they had been apart since reuniting. Except now, Rachel was left with the knowledge that he would return, and be a huge part of the rest of her life.

….

Upon seeing Eddie arrive back with Philip and Isabelle, Rachel left the house to greet them. This was mainly for two reasons, to help with bags and to talk to Philip. She still very much stood with her earlier decision. It was up to Phil to determine whether or not to meet his grandmother, and Rachel didn't want to risk that decision being made for him should Susan wake up.

Exchanging a smile with Eddie and taking a long glance at Isabelle, Rachel turned to Philip.

"Hi… Philip, do you fancy popping to the shop with me? I could do with some milk."

A slightly confused expression flashed across the boys face, before he nodded.

"Yeh sure."

Rachel shared a knowing look with Eddie before she caught up with her nephew, preparing herself for what she had to say.

"You know that my mum was… attacked earlier don't you?"

"Yeh. How is she?"

"Better. The injuries weren't as bad as first thought."

Philip nodded once more, and Rachel couldn't help but wonder if it was a coping mechanism.

"The thing is Philip, I'm looking after her at the moment, she's got no one else. And well, she's asked if she can meet you."

"She wants to meet me?"

The boy sounded baffled in a way, but in his tone Rachel could detect a sense of something else. Happiness perhaps? Curiosity?

"Yes. I know we talked briefly about this yesterday. But I wanted to ask you again how you felt about it. When she asked, it didn't seem right to answer for you."

Philip stopped for a moment, turning to face Rachel momentarily.

"Thanks Rach," he said, shuffling slightly on the spot, "Well… for caring, and actually asking me."

"Philip, it's second nature to me. I'm always going to be here for you. Don't you worry about that."

A beam tugged at his lips, and Rachel witnessed true joy in his features for the first time in several hours.

"I'd like to meet her… my grandma. Thing is, she's a part of mum…" he stopped for a moment and closed his eyes, evidently fighting back the tears. Only when Rachel placed a hand on his shoulder did Philip continue, "so yeh. I think I'm ready to meet her."

"Come on then, let's get back. I didn't really need milk you know," Rachel grinned, pleased that her humour had the desired effect on Philip.

"Really Rach? We could've just sat in the car or something?"

She laughed once more at her nephew's antics, before turning around and retracing their steps.

….

"We're back," Rachel announced as she poked her head around the living room door.

She had expected her mother to be sound asleep still, but that wasn't the case. Instead, the sight that greeted Rachel automatically pulled on her heartstrings.

Susan was perched on the sofa, with Isabelle resting in her arms, having a bottle. Eddie was sat adjacent to her, simply smiling down at his daughter. At the sound of Rachel's voice, both adults glanced up, Eddie making a move towards her.

"Hey," Eddie spoke, resting a hand on her arm. He mouthed 'is he alright' referring to Philip, who appeared behind Rachel with perfect timing.

"Hi Phil, your grandma's just in there."

Suddenly, Rachel felt a surge of pride at how well Philip was dealing with this whole situation. He nodded curtly, and Rachel realised that this was exactly what he wanted.

"Hi," Philip said as he entered the room.

"Oh hello, you must be Philip," her mother's voice was shaky, and Rachel was glad that she genuinely cared about this scenario.

"Yeh that's me."

Realising Isabelle remained (now happily sleeping) in Susan's arms, Eddie made a move to pick her up, guessing that she and Philip would want some space.

Susan murmured her thanks, before turning her attention to Philip.

"Shall we leave them to it?" Eddie whispered in Rachel's ear, causing the all familiar feelings to swirl around in her being.

Rachel nodded, glancing at Eddie briefly before setting her eyes on Isabelle. She was sleeping peacefully, her small chest rising and falling slowly with every breath. She was beautiful, and Rachel was glad that events had subsided for now, and she could focus her time on her niece. Spending time with Isabelle would be precious for Rachel, she would treasure every single moment.

Unbeknownst to Rachel, Eddie was watching her with a similar expression to her own. He thanked his lucky stars that this woman was once again in his life. Isabelle and Rachel were the two shining lights in all of this darkness. They were people Eddie would cherish forever, and he found himself realising how grateful he was to have them both in his life.