Having caught up with Ruby, Charlie had decided to join Hugo and Watson for morning tea at the diner.

"How's Joey?" Leah asks as soon as they were through the door.

"She's a little sore and stiff this morning, but she's doing ok."

"I'm surprised you're not with her."

"My mum is with her," Hugo says, finding people's reactions to him amusing.

"Sorry," Leah shakes her head to stop herself staring. "I'm so used to thinking of you as gay, so it's just weird seeing you standing there with your arm around Georgie."

"Believe me Leah, you won't be the first to feel like that."

"So let me get this right. You're a cop and you're also Joey's brother." Leah scratches her head, "You're also engaged to Georgie who is Joey's sister and you're the father of her baby, right?"

"We really need to leave the brother and sister part out of the explanation," Watson mumbles. "Well anyway Leah, it's time you were properly introduced," Watson says. "Leah, this is Snr Sgt Hugo Austin, my fiancé."

"Wow, so you outrank everyone."

"Don't encourage him Leah," Watson warns her. "He tends to lord it over us."

"I do not."

"You're always pulling rank, especially on Joey."

"You know how hard it is to get Joey to listen sometimes."

"Pulling rank on your sister at a family function doesn't always go down well."

"You order Joey about?" Charlie asks in disbelief.

"He tries to, then when that fails, he pulls rank and it usually ends up with Joey saying a few choice words."

"That's something for you to look forward to, Charlie," Leah teases, "All those family functions." She sniggers at Charlie's worried look.

"Now look what you've done Georgie," Hugo says. "You're going to scare her off."

Charlie glares at them. "Are you guys just making all this up?"

Hugo and Watson look at each other and then back at Charlie. "No," they say together.

Charlie rolls her eyes, muttering, "God, what the hell am I getting into?"

Leah chuckles, putting her arm around her shoulders. "Just remind yourself why you're willing to put up with them."

"It is a good thing I love Joey."

"It looks like Irene's getting a bit rushed off her feet, so I'd better go lend a hand."

"Where's Colleen?"

"She's gone into hiding since she heard about Madge Wilkins being involved."

"You're kidding."

"You know what Colleen is like. She's perfectly happy to be judgemental and gossip until she loses her voice, but it's like a cone of silence goes over her when it's someone close to her that is the centre of gossip." Leah smiles wryly, "She's worried people will be gossiping about her being friends with Madge."

"At least you have some peace and quiet."

"For which I am grateful, especially with all the gossip she could be gossiping if she was here. Tell Joey I'm glad she's ok," Leah calls out as she rushes away.

"Will do."

Charlie follows the others to a table. "Charlie, our family isn't a nut house," Hugo assures her. "We do get kind of full on at times but we're all incredibly close."

"I never really had much in the way of family and we certainly weren't close so I'm a little wary about everything."

"You get used to them," Watson says, smiling at her fiancé. "They tend to grow on you."

Hugo leans in, stealing a kiss.

Charlie shakes her head, still trying to get used to seeing her friend like this. "Don't worry so much Charlie."

"That's easy for you to say Hugo, I'm the one who's going to be interrogated by your mother later."

"You love Joey, that's the main thing Charlie," Watson tells her.

"So what can I expect from Gina?"

"Just be yourself Charlie."

Charlie nods, still feeling nervous about talking with Gina.

"Why don't you take a couple of days off Charlie, spend some time with Joey," suggests Watson.

"Are you trying to keep me away from the station?"

"Yes. Charlie, you were nearly raped and your girlfriend is in hospital, so take some time off."

"Georgie's right, Charlie. We can oversee the rest of the investigation into Martha and Angelo and you really shouldn't be involved anyway."

"Is that an order?"

Hugo grins, "If it has to be."

Charlie nods, conceding defeat. "I have to admit, my head really wouldn't be on the job."

"Then take a couple of days off."

Charlie narrows her eyes at him, "You're not after my station, are you?"

"I have an offer Charlie and it's not Summer Bay."

"You and Georgie are leaving?"

"You might as well tell her, Hugo."

"I got a call last night. I've been offered the Snr Sergeant's position at Area Command and I've decided to take it."

"Shit, you're going to be our boss."

Watson chuckles, "That was my reaction. But as it's only a 45 minute drive for Hugo to get to his office, it means we can stay in Summer Bay."

"That's great news, Georgie."

"Yeah it is. I really thought that once the investigation was over, we'd pack up our lives and head back to the city but this place has kind of grown on the both of us and when it came down to it, neither of us wanted to leave."

"Georgie loves her job here and after her putting up with me being away so often, it was time that I was the one who made the change. Besides, I wanted back in uniform and it was too good an opportunity to pass up."

"Well I'm glad you're staying, now I just wish I knew what Joey and I were planning."

"You still don't know if you're staying or leaving?"

"No. We both have careers and lives in different places." Charlie shrugs, "One of us is going to have to make a sacrifice."

"Would you make the sacrifice?" asks Watson, curious as to how far Charlie was willing to go.

"Yes," Charlie answers without hesitation.

"Chances are Charlie, that you wouldn't get a Sergeant In Charge position in the city, you'd be giving that up."

"I realise that Georgie, but it's just a job and it's not like I'd be accepting a lesser position. I'd still be a Sergeant," she smiles wryly, "Without all the shit that goes with being in command and it's not as if I'd be giving up the chance to have my own station again; I can still work towards that again but giving up Joey, that's something I can't do."

Watson smiles at the obvious love and determination Charlie had for her sister. "I'm glad you're willing to make the sacrifice Charlie but it may not be necessary."

"You think Joey will stay with me?"

Watson shrugs, "Just talk to her."

"We were going to wait until we got Angelo, but I don't think I can wait that long."

"So Georgie, when are you going to join the Sergeant ranks like the rest of us?" Hugo asks.

"Being a Sergeant is for arseholes who want to boss people around," she says.

"That's showing respect for your superiors," Hugo jokes.

"Seriously, I'm happy being a Snr Constable and with the baby on the way, I really don't want the extra responsibility and shit that comes with being a Sergeant."

"Don't discount it Georgie. You can sit your exam and it could still be a few years before a Sergeants position becomes available."

"I think there's enough Sergeants in the family, Hugo and I really do love my job as it is."

"As long as you're happy, that's all I want for you."

"I am happy Hugo. I have a career I love, we're having a baby and pretty soon, we're getting married." She shrugs, "Right now, I have everything I want." She glances at Charlie who was watching them intently. "You're still finding this a little weird, aren't you?"

"Just a little. I'm really not used to seeing you like this, especially with a guy I thought was gay."

"Most thought I was gay because no one ever saw me dating," Watson says with amusement.

"I'm also used to seeing you so serious and proper."

Hugo snorts. "God, you have no idea what she's really...ow," he rubs his arm, glaring at his fiancée.

"Charlie doesn't need to know everything."

Charlie chuckles, having a feeling she was going to enjoy finding out more about her friend. "I suppose I should be heading back to the hospital," Charlie says with reluctance.

"Charlie, just be yourself with Gina and you'll be fine."

"Thanks Georgie. I'll see you guys later."

"Knock, knock," Charlie says as she pokes her head into Joey's room. "Is it safe?"

Joey chuckles, "Gina's just stepped out to make a call."

"Oh, then she'll be back."

"Charlie, don't worry so much."

Charlie trudges over to the bed, "I'm not used to meeting the parents.'

"Gina's great, you have nothing to worry about."

"Ah, here's my next victim," Gina says as she swans back into the room.

"Gina, she's nervous enough."

Gina looks at Charlie, "Are you nervous?"

Feeling trapped, Charlie just nods.

"Those kids of mine really do love to make me out to be some ogre."

"I wouldn't go that far."

"Maybe not this time, but they do love to scare new people about me."

"Actually, just knowing you're a school principal would be enough for most people."

Gina smiles at that. "I have heard that quite a bit and my kids certainly don't help with the perception." Gina frowns when Charlie snorts. "What?"

"It's just funny hearing you call Joey and Hugo kids."

"Well they are my kids and so is Georgina. I may not have fostered her, but I've always considered her one of mine. She was always around when Joey came to live with us and then when she started having sleepovers with Hugo." She smiles again at Charlie's expression. "You're shocked that I let my son have his girlfriend over."

"Well, yeah."

"They were both nearly 18 by the time they started sleeping together and I'd rather they had sex under a safe roof than be busted again for having sex in the back seat of a car."

Charlie's eyes widen, "Georgie got busted with Hugo in the car!"

"Best you forget that you heard that." Gina grins conspiratorially, "It was three times, by the way, but you definitely didn't hear that from me."

Charlie chuckles.

"Actually, if I thought it was just a physical thing between them, I may have objected but it was always obvious that there was something more between those two." Gina glances over at her foster-daughter. "Joey, you look like you could do with a rest, so why don't Charlie and I go and have that talk."

Joey squeezes Charlie's hand when she throws a panicked look her way. "Best you get it over with."

"God, you make it sound like I'm going in front of a firing squad."

"Gina won't hurt you," she peers around Charlie at Gina, "Right?"

"Only if I don't like the answers," she says with a straight face.

"Ok, that's enough," Charlie says. "I'm going to talk to Gina right now, before I lose my nerve."

"You really don't have to be nervous Charlie," Gina assures her as they walk the hospital grounds.

"You're my girlfriend's mum and I'm really not used to being in this position."

"Are you worried about making the wrong impression?"

"Yes," admits Charlie.

"Charlie, do you love my daughter?"

"Very much and I want to spend my life with her."

"Then you're off to a good start." They continue on in silence for a minute or two. "Everyone has been filling me in on what's been going on with my kids and with you. How are you holding up Charlie?"

"I'm getting by. Joey was great with me the other night after Angelo had come after me."

"She's a very special woman."

"Yeah, she is."

"She's also not as tough as she makes out, especially where her heart is concerned."

"I know and I've been guilty of hurting her myself but I love her, more than I've ever loved anyone."

"You don't need to convince me of that Charlie, I've seen your love for Joey every time you've looked at her or spoken about her and I know Joey feels the same." Gina takes a moment before continuing. "It took an incredible amount of trust on Joey's part to tell you about her childhood."

"I hate that she went through that, but I admire her for what's she become and that she's finally been able to move past the pain and anger."

"Your own childhood was quite abusive."

"It wasn't abusive."

"Charlie, it may not have been physical, but it was abusive."

"You don't think that's why I found myself falling for Joey, because I sensed something similar in her?"

"Not at all. It may allow you to understand each other better, but I think what attracted you to each other, is that you're both strong, capable women who have quite a bit in common." Gina glances at Charlie, "I take it that you're aware of what you're getting yourself into with Joey?"

"She warned me that she's not always the easiest person to be with, that she struggles with relationships and that she finds it hard to open up at times."

"And knowing all that, you're still willing to be with her."

"I can't imagine my life without her now."

"I don't know if Georgina said anything to you, but I do have one concern and that's about you leaving your fiancé for a woman at this stage in your life."

"I never expected this myself, but Joey is the first and only woman I've ever been attracted to, let alone fallen in love with. If that makes me gay or bi, I don't really care, because for the first time in my life, this just feels so right."

"I think I'm going to like you Charlie," Gina's words surprising Charlie. "I think you may have also been the first person one of my kids has introduced me to who actually stood up to me at the first meeting."

"I was putting Joey first."

"Which is why I allowed you to kick me out."

"It wasn't quite like that."

"I'm joking Charlie."

"So, do I pass the test?" Charlie grows nervous at Gina's continued silence, finally breathing a sigh of relief when she smiles at her.

"You pass." She chuckles, "You more than pass. Charlie, you make Joey happy, that's all I've ever wanted."

"She makes me happy too."

"And your daughter seems very happy about it. She's really looking forward to being a family."

Charlie smiles wryly. "So she keeps telling me. While Grant has been a good father to her, my own father wanted nothing to do with her, so it's always been pretty much just the two of us, even when I was in a relationship."

"And you're prepared to take on a step-mothering role with Harley?"

"Yes I am and Harley seems like a great kid."

"That she is, she's also very much like both of her mothers."

Charlie chuckles, "You mean I've got a mini-Joey on my hands?"

"Harley's far more even tempered than Joey ever was when she was younger, but Harley definitely has both their stubbornness and attitude."

"If I can handle big Joey, I think mini-Joey should be easier," Charlie says confidently.

Gina smirks, "Don't bet on it. That girl has grown up around not just Joey, but also Hugo, Georgina and lately, Dex."

"Dex?"

"He may play the innocent boy, but watch your back, he loves his practical jokes."

"I've seen a bit of that between him and Joey. Can I ask you a question?"

"Of course."

"I've noticed you call Georgie and Graves by their full names, yet you still call Joey, Joey."

"That's because Joey isn't actually short for anything."

"Oh. I suppose I could have asked her but I'm still a little wary asking things about her early childhood."

"That will change. Joey trusts you but she's not the most forthcoming with personal things so just give her time."

Charlie nods. "You do know that Graves hates being called Penelope, right?"

"Of course, but that girl took herself far too seriously when I first met her."

Charlie frowns at her, "So what, you call her that to annoy her?"

Gina grins, "I'm still actually waiting for her to tell me to stop."

Charlie chuckles, "You may be waiting a while for that."

"A little more time around my kids will probably change that." Gina comes to a stop, "Charlie, my kids are cops, so I worry but with Joey, I tend to worry a little more. It was hard for everyone when she came to live with us, especially that first year. She was so lonely and she pushed away anyone who tried to be friendly to her because she just didn't know how to trust. Over time, she became a part of our family and we've all become a little overprotective of her." She looks Charlie in the eye, "Treat her well Charlie or you'll have me and the rest of the family to deal with."

"I promise."

"See," she smiles, "This wasn't so bad, now was it?"

"Actually no."

"I'm going to go catch up with the others, leave you and Joey with some alone time."

"Thank you."

Gina surprises Charlie with a hug, "Welcome to the family."

Overcome with emotion, Charlie hugs her back. Gina chuckles as she steps back, "You're really not used to this sort of attention, are you?"

"I was never close with my father, so after mum died, there wasn't a whole lot of love or support."

"Well our family is all about love and support, so you'd better get used to it. Now go and keep that daughter of mine company."

Walking over to the bed, Charlie stands there, just watching Joey sleep, amazed at how relaxed she seemed, despite her injuries.

"You survived I see," Joey says, her eyes still closed.

"How did you know it was me?"

Opening her eyes, she grins at her. "I just did. Are you going to join me up here?"

Settling on the bed beside her, Charlie rests her hand on Joey's belly. "Joey, I know I said we should wait till after Angelo..."

"Charlie," Joey interrupts. "I've already made a decision."

Charlie props herself up on her elbow. "I'm staying Charlie."

"Are you sure?"

"This is the place where we fell in love, it just seems so right to make this our home."

"I would have followed you to the city."

"I know and I love you for that but I want Summer Bay to be our home."

"Harley won't mind the move?"

"According to Gina, she hasn't stopped talking about this place. Charlie, aside from my family, there really isn't anything in the city for me."

"What about your career?"

"Something can be worked out."

"Ok, I'm going to admit now that it's a relief to be staying."

"We'll make this work Charlie."

"I know we will. I love you Joey."

"I love you to and you know what, I'll love you even more if you lock the door."

"Joey, you're injured."

"You're point being?"

"That I want you home as soon as possible, which means, you're going to get as much rest and take as much care as possible not to overdo things."

"So making out is out?"

Grinning at Joey's pout, Charlie leans in, pressing her lips against Joey's. "A little bit of making out should be ok."

"Then why are you talking?"

Shrugging, Charlie moves in again, their kisses long and languid. Groaning, Charlie relaxes against Joey, ignoring all the hospital sounds as she loses herself completely in their kisses.