A/N: So it is that time! The Final Chapter. Thank you for all the wonderful reviews and I hope you will not be disappointed with the ending...

Joe had been released from prison and was relieved, the real murderer had confessed and Joe couldn't believe his luck. The few months he had spent in prison had taken its toll and he had found it more than difficult, especially as people knew he was convicted for child murder. It had made him an easy target and he had been through some most horrific situations whilst in there. He was more than grateful to be stood in the street now outside his house. He had been disappointed that Ellie hadn't come to meet him but just assumed she hadn't wanted to drag the children to such a place. Taking a deep breath he opened up the gate and headed up the garden path expecting to walk back into the life he had left behind.

The Latimer's attended the first day of court in force, Beth, Mark and Chloe, all recovering well and Chloe was in as a witness. She was quite scared to be giving evidence but had been told that a conviction was guaranteed so she had nothing to worry about. Nigel was walked out into the box as it all began and he was sweating nervously. He too had realised the hell that could be found in prison when other inmates found out that you were a child murderer. Having been placed in isolation for his own protection and safety, Nigel had managed to survive so far but he swore being there on the stand was worse.

All eyes were on him as the judge got the case under way and the first witness was called. Dean was shaking as he came up and into the witness stand. His throat was dry and rough as he listened carefully to what he was being asked after swearing on oath. He had the most evidence out of all the witnesses and like Chloe he knew this trial was just to determine the sentence Nigel would receive and nothing more. Stating what he knew he could feel his palms sweating and he felt intimidated every time he glanced at Nigel, which left him stumbling on his words. Chloe was next with the same feeling as Dean, she looked a lot worse for wear but seemed to be recovering nicely from her injuries. She spoke of how suspicion had gotten the better and she had followed them and then all that she had overheard whilst hiding in the back of the van. She was asked a lot more questions than Dean because of their family history with Nigel and how she felt about him as a character.

After Ellie was also questioned and her son Tom and after just a few hours the judge had all the facts he felt he needed to make the correct decision about the term of Nigel's sentence. He was charged with two accounts of bodily harm, one count of manslaughter, one of perverting the course of justice and most importantly the charge of the murder for Danny Latimer. Nigel stood nervous as the judge went to return to his chambers and called a break. It was decision time and Nigel would have to sweat it out in a holding cell below as everyone else waited anxiously.

Collecting in the hall outside a sad Ellie with Tom at her side approached the Latimer's and was apologising for all the added stress they had been through when Alec came up behind her and gently snuck his arm around her. As of yet their relationship wasn't public knowledge but Beth Latimer smiled upon seeing the gesture and knew instantly which resulted in Ellie blushing. Fred was too young to understand but they had consulted Tom about the idea and he was pleased. He still didn't want to be on speaking terms with his father after finding out what had happened between him and his best friend. Talking away it was as if they had never fallen out months ago and the baby was a main topic of conversation. Beth had been lucky not to lose it and she had only a few months to go and her and Mark were really trying to make a go of things. Becca Fisher had felt so guilty for coming between them she had called things off with Mark for good and insisted that he try for the sake of his children and Danny's memory to make things right with Beth. It hadn't been easy for them especially with finding out it was actually Nigel who was responsible for the death of their son but somehow they were managing to return everything to normal.

"Court back in session" announced one of the officials as they stepped out into the hall to make them all aware.

Beth and Ellie locked hands and Ellie gave a reassuring smile, justice was finally going to be done. Alec took Ellie's hand and Mark did with Beth and one after another the couples walked back into the gallery followed by Chloe and Dean who were keeping young Tom company. They all took their seats and then rose moments later as the judge and barristers came back in. When instructed there was a nosy shuffle as everyone took a seat and Nigel was bought back out. He turned round and looked up to the gallery, scanning the crowd he saw no one there for him except for Susan Wright squirrelled away in the far back corner and when she made eye contact she smiled down at him and finally it touched his heart that his biological mother was there for him.

"Nigel Carter. You have been charged with the murder of Daniel Latimer. Attempted Manslaughter of Chloe Latimer and intent to cause grievous bodily harm to Ellie Miller and Tom Miller. You have also been charged with perverting the course of justice and have pleaded guilty to each of these counts" he stated clearly so all could hear.

"Upon hearing the evidence myself, the counsel and I have made a decision about the terms of your sentence that we believe are fair punishment for the crimes committed. The murder of Daniel Latimer carries the sentence life, added to this will be five years for the attempted murder and charges of bodily harm and an additional sentence of three months for perverting the court."

Nigel was escorted back down to start the journey back to prison as the court erupted in happy conversation. A celebration was what was called for. Hurrying out of the court the Latimer family headed straight to the local pub for a proper celebration of the justice amongst friends and the community as Ellie and Alec snuck back to hers to relieve her sister of looking after Fred and to settle down for the evening. Walking in Tom had gone straight to his room where he had stayed for the rest of the night. Ellie and Alec had thrown on a film and finally relaxed satisfied that they had done their bit in securing and bringing to justice the real murderer. They had fallen asleep like that and woken in the early hours of the morning quite happily in each other's arms. That was the first full night Alec actually spent at the house and in the bedroom.

Morning came quickly and it had completely escaped Ellie's mind that today was Joe's release now that Nigel had been sentenced and sent to prison. Making breakfast she happily smiled and laughed as she served up a cooked breakfast to her three men. It was the happiest she had felt in a long time and she was truly pleased with life. That was when there was a knock at the door. Ellie didn't give it another thought as she made her way from the noisy kitchen to the front door not realising how much of a shock she was about to get.

"Joe!" She exclaimed as the smile dropped from her face upon seeing him.

He smiled and walked in to see the little family scene happening in his kitchen as DI Hardy sat feeding his youngest son. Infuriated by the sight of it he looked to Ellie with a questioning expression as he released his bag of belongings from prison so that they dropped to the floor. Ellie felt nervous and unsure how to handle the situation when suddenly upon noting how quiet it was out in the hall Alec appeared to investigate. He stopped at Ellie's side and greeted Joe knowing full well he was not in knowledge of their budding relationship. He offered out his hand to shake Joe's and Ellie was grateful that Alec had taken the lead. As he led Joe through to the kitchen Ellie quietly followed behind and took a seat at the table as Alec asked a scowling Tom to fetch an extra plate. He did so out of respect for the new man in his life but then went running from the room.

"So what's going on here then?" asked Joe. He had an assumption but just wanted it confirmed.

"Well Joe…Alec and I are…." Ellie started to explain but found herself getting choked. Alec hated seeing her so upset and took over, picking up where she left off with the explanation.

"So you two are…?" Stammered Joe as he backed out of the room after having got out of his chair.

"How could you Ellie? We are still married" yelled Joe as he headed to the living room and passed their son Tom hiding on the staircase listening to everything.

Ellie shied away hiding partly behind Alec as Joe just aired his frustrations regarding the news and then he mentioned the kids and Tom suddenly appeared to put in his own views on the situation. He didn't need a father he had disowned to voice what he thought his son's opinions were to his mother. Ellie caught sight of him first as he interrupted Joe.

"Mum is happy with Alec, and I am happy and Fred is too" he innocently shouted before running up the stairs to hide away and cry in his room.

"Is that actually true?" Asked Joe feeling a broken man. There was nothing worse in the world than losing your family.

Ellie stepped forward and linked fingers with Alec as she bravely stood at his side to face Joe. This was it time to tell him it was over for good and time to move on with her future. Taking a deep breath she looked down at her feet and shuffled awkwardly for a second before looking up and finding herself on the verge of tears as she stared at the face of a man she once loved, a man whose children she was raising and a man who had changed before her very eyes. She didn't regret her decision.

"Joe I want a divorce"