Zoe's dad had died in his sleep in the early hours. Her mother had laid with him, she'd known what was happening, she couldn't get Zoe, she couldn't ruin her perfect day. It had been a peaceful death, that was somewhat comforting to Anne.

"No! No, he can't be!" Zoe sobbed into Max's arms.

"I'm so sorry Zoe," he'd tried to comfort her, he seen the clock on the bedside table, 6.30am. "He's still in the room if you want to see him. The ambulance hasn't arrived yet."

Zoe nodded, she'd put on her dressing gown and walked down the hall way to her parents room, she entered the room and her mother got up. "Zoe," her mother had said.

Zoe remained silent, she walked over to the bed where her father was laid, he'd been covered with the duvet up to his neck, "I didn't want him to be cold." Anne had said.

He looked so peaceful, like all the pain and suffering had evaporated from his being. Zoe kissed the top of his head whilst tears ran down her face. Her mother took her hand.

"He knew it was time darling, he wanted your day to be his last memory and it was, he was so happy, he loved you so much." Anne told her heartbroken daughter.

"I know." Zoe said simply.

The funeral had been arranged a week later, the newlyweds hadn't been due to go on honeymoon until a couple of weeks after the wedding because of time off work.

Max had supported Zoe throughout this time, he hated seeing her so sad and there was nothing he could do, she'd tried to put on her usual brave face but he'd heard her sobbing in the bathroom when she thought he wasn't listening. He'd held her hand when she'd read the eulogy at the funeral, he kept one last promise to Richard and handed Zoe a letter he'd written her shortly before his death.

"What's this?" Zoe asked.

"It's a letter, it's from your dad, he wanted me to give it to you after the funeral." Max explained.

Zoe began to read.

'My beautiful darling Zoe, if you're reading this then the inevitable has happened. I don't want you to be sad, I want you to keep smiling that wonderful smile. I had a happy life, in fact I had more than a happy life, it's true when they say real love happens once in a lifetime. That was the love between me and your mother. I'd never really seen that replicated until I saw you and Max. He will look after you, I made him promise and he knows what will happen if he doesn't.

I'll never get to meet my grandchild but I'm hoping you'll tell them all about their grandad and you can be certain, I'll be with you all the way, watching over you all and knowing you will all get it right.

Now, chin up Zoe love, go and be happy.

Ps, don't worry about your mother, we have an agreement!

All my love,

Dad ️xxx '

Zoe couldn't stop the tears.

"Hey, remember what he said." Max gave her a gentle nudge.

"I know," Zoe said, "these are happy tears."

Zoe's grief was still there deep down but she had something else to focus on, the baby. They had the 12 week scan booked and the day had arrived.

"Are you excited Zo?" Max had asked as they'd arrived at work.

"I am, I'm obviously just a bit anxious," Zoe told him honestly.

"It'll be fine, you'll see. I'll come and get you at half one ok? Drink plenty of water!" Max instructed.

The morning seemed to drag for the pair of them, Zoe had gone for a break mid morning, she'd gone outside to find Max sitting on the bench eating a chocolate bar.

"No cigarette?" she asked.

"No, I've been thinking Zo, it's not fair for you to have to give up and me carry on, so I'm going to stop." Max told her.

"You don't have to do that." Zoe said.

"I know, I want to though, besides think of all the money we'll save!" Max laughed.

"This is true." Zoe responded. "I'd better get back inside, I've got a patient coming back from X-ray, probably waiting for a porter!"

"On it! Not long now!" Max kissed her before running back inside.

1.30pm finally arrived, Max knocked on the door of Zoe's office, "ready Mrs W?" he asked.

"As I'll ever be," Zoe replied, "let's go meet our baby."