Thank you to every one who has read, followed and reviewed this story. This is the first time I have shared any of my writing, so I was really nervous about the response this story would get. Also, forgive me for the delays in updating, I'm a second year University Student, and so my studies will be my priority, so please stick with me.

Without further ado, Enjoy the next chapter, and rest assured that I am currently working on the next chapter.

II

Shrill shrieks filled the air moments after thunder boomed overhead, she's not sure which it was that woke her or the baby. Rolling out of bed she slowly, she made her way to the cot sitting in the corner. Reaching around flailing limbs, Emma lifted her screaming infant into her arms, gently bouncing him as she made her way to the kitchen to make a bottle.

It was nights like this that she was grateful to live in her brothers small secluded cottage alone, especially now that Henry had started teething. However, she is glad that her self-imposed house arrest is over. She will finally be able to meet some of the locals her brother has told her so much about.

Sitting on the worn, overstuffed lounge she adjusted her hold on the now whimpering boy and lowers the bottle to his perfect cupids bow lips and he hungrily begins to guzzle the milk down.

When she found out she was pregnant, Emma was filled with a sense of fear. Her partner at the time was a heavy drinker, and prone to fits of violence over trivial things, so telling him she was pregnant landed her in the emergency room with demands to never contact him again. She was lucky she didn't miscarry, and the whole experience led her to realise that she needed to get out while she still had the chance, and so she made her way to the last known address she had for her brother. Thankfully, he had taken her in, and both of them had agreed that it was best that Emma lay low for the duration of her pregnancy and for a while after as well to ensure the safety of her and her baby.

Henry knocks the bottle from his mouth and begins gurgling and grunting as Emma sits him up and starts to gently rub and pat his back, encouraging him to burp. Standing, she cradles him in her arms, as she makes her way back to her bedroom. Once there, she can't bring herself to put Henry back in his cot, and so she lays him in the middle of her bed, constructs a small pillow wall behind him to ensure he won't roll off the edge, and finally lays down next to him. Looking at his peaceful face, she runs her finger over his cheek, kisses his forehead and closes her eyes, letting sleep consume her again.

Walking into Granny's after so many years was refreshing, if only for the fact that the establishment hadn't changed at all, and either had the patrons. Leroy was still sitting at the bar nursing a black coffee and a hangover, Ruby was sporting firetruck red streaks and short shorts, Ashley and Sean were still as in love as they were the day she left, and David was decked out in his signature plaid shirt, with his nose buried in the daily newspaper.

As she makes her way over to him, Emma has a sneaky suspicion that the purpose of the newspaper is to hide the not so subtle glances he's throwing across the room at a petite brunette with a pixie cut. He's so preoccupied that he doesn't notice her approaching him.

"Read about anything interesting this morning?" Emma asked, failing at keeping the laughter out of her voice.

David startles, spilling his coffee on the table and his lap. Emma notices the tips of his ears and his cheeks turning pink. She chanced a glance over to the pixie haired brunette and noticed her gaze had strayed over to them.

"Emma, it's good to see you. When did you get to town?" David asked after clearing his throat, falling effortlessly into the act they had planned.

"Just got in actually, thought it was time for my big brother to meet his favourite nephew" she answered in what she hoped was a casual tone.

"favourite, you mean only" he chuckled, reaching out to take Henry from her arms, "and you're right. It is about time. It's been too long"

They sat down across from each other and it wasn't long before Ruby came to their table, throwing her arms around Emma's shoulders.

"What the hell are you doing here? And who is this handsome man here?" she asked, only joy in her voice as she questioned her.

"I've decided to move back. I think its what's best for me and Henry to be here with family" Emma answered, watching as David handed Henry into Ruby's eager arms

"Well I know of several people who will be thrilled to hear that. And Henry is just the cutest" Ruby finished her sentence in a coo aimed at Henry.

At that moment, the bell over the door rang, exposing Graham Humbert. It was no secret that Graham and Ruby were infatuated with each other, but it was also known that neither of them was going to make a move without serious encouragement. The shell-shocked look on Grahams face at the site of Ruby smiling down at a baby told Emma and all the other patrons at the diner one thing, the two of them getting together was totally inevitable, and wouldn't be hard to instigate.

"I think so, but then again, I'm biased" David replied.

"What can I get for you Emma? David, I assume you'll have the usual?" Ruby asked, still rocking Henry

"The usual is correct Ruby, and Emma will have French toast with fresh berries and maple syrup and a hot…"

"Hot coco with whipped cream and cinnamon" Ruby finishes "I'll give you this back and go put that order through for you"

Emma feels instantly calmed when Henry is placed back in her arms. Ruby's warm reception also calmed her nerves about how readily she'd be accepted back into the town she'd previously turned her back on.

As their breakfast progressed several other patrons came over to greet Emma and took turns nursing Henry. There was only joy and acceptance when they realised that this would not be a quick visit, and that was enough to put Emma's anxious soul at ease.