My sincerest apologies for the lack of update lately! I've been extremely busy, but hopefully I should be able to update a few more of my fics soon. As always, let me know what you think and if you'd like me to write more! dcmasters x

Later that evening, Jo cuddled up with Sam on the sofa, still distracted by her earlier thoughts.

"You ok?" Sam asked some moments later.

"Yeah, sorry, just thinking and slightly drowsy from those painkillers," Jo replied.

"And thinking about how we're going to work around shifts and Toby?" Sam asked.

"I guess so. It's just always been Toby and me, so there's never been a problem, he was either in day care or staying round at Heidi's..."

"Well maybe he won't have to spend so much time away from home now... I mean, if you don't mind me here when you're not?"

"Of course I don't Sam, why would I?" Jo asked, "Besides, I want you to be part of my life and Toby needs to adjust to having you here."

Sam smiled. "Ok then... what happened? With you and Tess?"

"I went away to Notts, discovered I was pregnant, had the baby, stayed undercover and Tess looked after him. I saw him as much as I could though... After all the time I'd spent away, when I did finally return to Sun Hill, Tess decided children wasn't what she wanted... We rowed... lots... About various things. All along all I ever had in mind was Toby's welfare and that's what came first. He's the best thing to happen to me in a long time so I split with Tess and until now, brought him up on my own."

"That must have been horrible for you, just returning then suddenly being single with a child... I mean, it was difficult enough when I had Abi at such a young age, but when you're trying to manage a full-time job and a baby... God knows how you've done it Jo, and it's no wonder you've looked so tired lately!"

"I guess it just all catches up with you eventually."

Sam nodded and heard Toby stirring upstairs. "You want me to go?"

"No, it's ok," Jo smiled, kissing Sam gently before going upstairs to the nursery, picking Toby up. "Hey, shh little man..." she said, trying to settle him, and finally managing to put him to sleep half an hour later after many cuddles and tears.

"Hey, you ok?" Sam whispered.

"Yeah, he's just being a pain, wants some attention..." Jo replied as she carefully put him back into his cot and crept out the room, "I don't know about you, but I'm knackered. I don't know what they've put in these tablets but I don't think I can stand for much longer."

"Bed?"

"Sounds brilliant," Jo smiled, hoping they'd get a peaceful night's sleep without too many interruptions from Toby.