HEY! It's been a while since I last updated. I've had really bad writers block and I feel like this has become a bit of a jigsaw puzzle story but I think I've just kind of ended up expressing my emotions that I have or have had in it. Alex is now appearing in the story! This chapter is set a couple of months from the last chapter, Connie is around 21 weeks pregnant now! Thank you for all of your reviews on the last chapter- they always make me smile :) Please read & review this one! Beth xxx

The fresh autumn sun shone brightly through the metal blinds, causing a series of lines to cascade across the cream walls in the master bedroom of the modern house. The birds sang happily whilst perched on the branches of the huge oak tree that sat in the front garden as the postman, who was whistling to his hearts content, shoved Mrs Beauchamp's post through the letterbox rather loudly.

Connie's eyes fluttered open as the letters hit the floor in the hallway. A small groan escaped her lips, she stretched her arms out above her head and wriggled her toes. She reached out for her phone, one eye struggling to stay open, her hand patted her bedside table ferociously as she searched for her mobile. Once retrieved and firmly in her hand, she glanced at the time.

09.35

She sat up, rubbing her eyes whilst trying to figure out what day it was. Tuesday. And she had a long day ahead of her, most definitely. The clinical lead yawned as she dragged herself out of her big comfy bed and padded into her en suite, hoping that a nice hot shower would wake her up.

The water trickled down her body, she listened to the radio as her thoughts travelled to the night before.

"He walks on, doesn't look back.

He pretends he can't hear her.

Starts to whistle as he crosses the street.

Seems embarrassed to be there." Phil Collin's infamous song played, accompanying the thoughts and feelings running wildly through the woman's mind. The lyrics seemed perfectly fitting for the previous night's happenings.

After Michael had passed away, she'd taken a whole new perspective on life itself and her own. She hadn't expected her ex husband's death to have such a powerful effect on her, she felt and thought that she'd already lost and grieved for the man years ago when their divorce was finalised. And sure enough, she had. Connie had just had a sudden realisation that life is far too short.

So this had aided her decision to tell an almost-stranger, that she was pregnant with his child. Connie had expected the doubt, the 'is this a joke?' scenario, but she did not think for a second that Alex would hang up on her. Of course, Mrs Beauchamp knew that she was perfectly capable of bringing this child up as a single parent, which she had all intentions of being although she felt slightly disappointed for her child that their father obviously didn't want to even know them, let alone have contact with.

Connie was forced to abandon her thoughts for a moment as the doorbell started ringing repeatedly. She frowned before she switched the shower off and wrapped a white towel around herself.

"I'm coming! I'm coming!" She shouted, sighing as she tiptoed hurriedly down the stairs, the doorbell still ringing angrily.

She turned the key in the door and opened it slightly, peeping through the crack. Her eyes widened, more awake than ever when she realised exactly who the person behind the persistent doorbell ringing was.

"Morning Connie, it's not like you to be late. Everything ok?" Charlie asked Connie as they walked side by side into the ED. She glanced at her watch and sipped her coffee, before surveying the waiting room completely oblivious to what her colleague was saying.

"Connie? Is everything ok?" He repeated as he place her hand on her arm gently.

"Mm? What? Yes, yes. Fine, did Hansen specify a time for the inspectors arrival?" She replied with a question, looking at the nurse.

"Yes, 11AM remember? You wouldn't stop reminding everybody yesterday.." Charlie's eyes darted to the side of his head, trying to figure his boss out.

"Of course, of course." She nodded turning to the reception desk before flicking through some paperwork, "No Dr Keogh today?"

"He's just nipped out to Greggs to get some refreshments for the inspectors." He replied, looking down at Connie, "Now are you going to tell me what's wrong or are we just going to carry on with this small talk?"

The brunette's eyes tore away from the paper in her hands and met the gaze of her closest friend, "Not here. Let's go to my office."

"Alex? As in the baby's father, Alex?" Charlie repeated, nodding towards Mrs Beauchamp's fast growing rounded bump.

"He said he wanted us to be a family. I barely know the man and he is offering to leave his home, his career, his whole entire life for me. So that we can be a family, together, whole as one."

"And what do you want? Do you want that, Connie?"

"No, of course not. I could never invite somebody, an almost complete stranger, with open arms into my life to be part of-to make a family with."

Charlie stifled a giggle, trying to keep his face straight, "Well darling, you've already done the making part." He sat down on the sofa next to his friend, "You can be a family without being a couple. Look at you, Grace and Sam. You're a family. You both love Grace, and no doubt care for each other. Families come in all shapes and sizes, it doesn't have to conform to society's version of normal. And listen, if the man has travelled thousands of miles overnight just to tell you that he is going to support you and your child then he obviously cares and his heart is in the right place. You've just got to give him the chance to show you this. I'm not suggesting for you to have a relationship with him, just give him the chance to be a father."

"But what if it backfires?"

"In the end, we only regret chances we didn't take." The white haired nurse whispered, gently patting Connie's arm before rising to his feet, "Talk to him. Sort something out, I don't want to see you sat on The Jeremy Kyle show in a few months." He added smiling, with a glint in his eye.

She rolled her eyes, trying to hold back the giggle that was desperately trying to escape her lips, "Mr Fairhead, I can promise you that it will never come to that."

It had been a long day at the ED what with the inspection that had gone very well to Connie's delight but that didn't stop Alex's words and actions playing on her mind. Charlie was right, her, Sam and Grace had always been a family so maybe things could work out with Alex? Of course, she didn't know him half as much as she had known Sam but what was stopping her from getting to know him? Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all.

Connie reached for her phone to call Alex, but just as she scrolled through her contacts, an email from Grace popped up making her jump. She smiled at the screen. Alex could wait a moment.

Hey Mum :)

ITS NOW FINALLY THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS! Dads being boring and wont let me stay at londons tonight because im coming home in only 2 more days, he said he wants 2 spend loads of time with me but I want to see London because im not going 2 see her for 2 hole months! and thats so longgggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg.

I can facetime dad, I cant facetime London because she hasnt got an iPhone because her mum said that she cant have 1. dad just doesnt understand !

I liked the pic of the baby. it looks like an alien. have u got a big massive belly yet? do u look like your going to explode? I cant wait 2 see u! :) ive sent u a pic of the sculpture I made in art class, I made it 4 u and I was going to bring it home with me but dad said that it wont fit in my suitcase. Grandma is picking us up from the airport at 2 so I will text u when we get back to grandmas.

im going to have to go now mum. dinners ready! i cant wait to have my fav dinner again, dads cooking isn't as good as yours lol

see you soon!

love you xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx :)

Good Evening Gracie!

Ah don't be too upset, sweetheart- your dad just wants to make the most of the time you have together, you're not going to see each other for 8 weeks! That's a long time. Enjoy the next two days with dad, I know he'll have something tremendously fun planned for the both of you!

Yes, it does look a bit like an alien ha! You looked like that once, too. A little bit. I'm hoping not to explode anytime soon though, thanks baby! I'm so excited too! Yes, I've got it! It's amazing! You're so clever and talented, you always make me proud. Well done Grace! You and Kieron? Is that right? I'm sure you mentioned him visiting your grandma a while ago? I finish work at 4pm and then I'm all yours!

HA HA! Mama knows best. Mama cooks best. Mama IS the best ;-)

I'm joking. Not about the cooking though...

See you very soon darling!

I love you loads and miss you loads.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The mother grinned from ear to ear, emails from Grace always brightened her day. She was growing into the most wonderful, beautiful and incredibly happy child and the clinical lead wished the exact same for the baby growing inside of her.

"Hi Alex. It's Connie. I was just wondering if we could talk?" She whispered.

Life is a huge journey, with winds, bends and bumps that throw you into the unexpected that can lead you into darkness. But even the darkest night ends with sunrise. So keep going and you'll reach it.