2 hours later.
'Here' Roy said handing Hayley a freshly heated up baby bottle.
'Thanks Roy' Hayley said gladly taking it as Henry squirmed uncomfortably in her arms.
'You are a grumpy little thing' she commented as she studied his little face, an intent little frown set firmly.
'Come on, there you go' she whispered soothingly as she pressed the teat of the bottle agains his tiny lips. He began to suck on the bottle readily, his little arms slumped by his side, his eyes closed in bliss.
'Peter, what can I get you?' Roy asked as Peter came into the cafe.
'Oh, just a bacon butty, and a coffee thanks Roy' Peter said.
'Coming right up, take a seat' Roy said as Peter nodded, turning to find an available seat and smiling when he saw Hayley.
'Who's this little mite then?' Peter asked, nodding asking for permission to sit in the spare seat beside her.
'Henry, he's a darling isn't he' Hayley said, tipping the bottle slightly as the milk began to run out.
'And who do you belong to little fella?' Peter said, reaching over to run his finger tip over the baby's soft cheek.
'To tell you the truth Peter, I don't know. Michelle was in a right state, you know, balancing this little one and on the phone, so asked me to take him for her, didn't get a chance to ask' Hayley said.
'Oh, right' Peter chuckled, knowing how disorderly Michelle could be. He and her didn't speak that often, but occasionally. He'd asked her how Carla was, several times, and tried to contact Carla through her when she first left, but now their contact wasn't very abundant.
'He's a grumpy little thing bless him' Hayley said.
'How old is he, doesn't look very big' Peter asked.
'I think she said three weeks' Hayley said.
'Oh, newborn then, he's very sweet' Peter said smiling at Hayley.
'Yes he is. I hope Michelle get's back soon though, doubt he'll be happy with me for much longer' Hayley said.
'Can I have a hold?' Peter asked.
'Course, give my arms a rest' Hayley said as Peter stood up, bending down to scoop the little boy into his arms.
'Come here little man, you all sleepy now' Peter said, finding himself going all soppy over the baby.
'Lea would be jealous of this' Peter said, thinking about how much his wife wanted a child. He wasn't so keen, but Leanne's persistence had become to weather away at him, and he didn't want to hold her back. She'd discovered she had fertility problems, and he was beginning to consider IVF. But something was still holding him back. Carla. He couldn't forget their time together, and although he'd moved on, as he assumed she had, it still felt hard to let go.
'Ah, she'd be good with a little one. How is Simon?' Hayley asked.
'He's good. Rehearsing for his school play, tiring us out!' Peter said.
'Bless him. Let me know if you need any outfits made, I'm sure Michelle would let us use a couple of Machines' Hayley said.
'Ah, thanks I will do, although Lea tends to be in charge of that department' Peter winked.
'Well, pass it on' Hayley said with a smile.
'Here, one coffee and a bacon butty' Anna said bringing a plate over for Peter.
'Cheers Anna' Peter said, tipping Henry in his arm.
'Shall I take him?' Hayley asked.
'No, it's okay, he looks comfy here!' Peter said. He'd missed out on a lot of Simon's babyhood and childhood, and so relished spending a few minutes with this little baby.
'You star' he heard Michelle's voice over his shoulder.
'It wasn't a problem Michelle, did you get everything you wanted to do done?' Hayley asked.
'Yes ta, I see this little man has made a friend' Michelle chuckled.
'He's won me over. He's gorgeous' Peter said.
'You here that Mr, your spoilt' Michelle said reaching down, gesturing she wanted to take him.
'There you go' Peter said passing him up.
'You coming home with your aunty Chelle, going to have a cuddly night in' Michelle said in a squeaky voice.
'Aunty?' Hayley said.
'Yeah, sorry, I didn't tell you before, he's Carla's, believe it or not' Michelle said.
Hayley grinned. 'Miss Connor's! Why didn't you say?' Hayley said.
'Carla wasn't too keen on people knowing. You know, she's got her life away from the street now, I suppose I should have said something' Michelle said.
'How on earth did you manage to keep it to yourself?' Hayley gushed.
'I don't know!' Michelle grinned.
Peter meanwhile, stayed very silent. Not taking his eyes off the baby in Michelle's arms