"mama" Hope toddled across the room to Lauren, at just over one she had taken to walking really well, just like both parents had guessed. She shouted Lauren and tugged on her foot on the sofa.

"What is it baby?" Hope pointed to the hall way making noises, Lauren frowned at joey "Show mommy baby," Hope took her hand and walked her to the hallway, showing her what had caught her interest.

"Oo oh" Hope pointed to the pile of letter on the floor. "No no"

"That's the post hope" Lauren giggled as Hope attempted to pick the letters up, managing a few she toddled of back towards the living room. "Show Daddy what you got", Lauren followed close behind encouraging her in Joey's direction.

Joey held out his arms picking her up as she held the letters out to him "What you got there?... they all for Daddy?" Hope nodded as Joey sat back on the chair, hope watching his every movement. He began sorting the letters "That ones for auntie Al, and that one is for Mommy and daddy… Lo you got the rest of the letters babe?"

"Ye… Just some junk mail and a couple for Al" her voice echoed from the kitchen "Anything in Hopes pile ?" Joey could hear the smile in her voice.

"Ye one for the both of us looks important" Hope climbed off Joeys knees and left the room, speeding to Lauren. "Incoming Lo" Joey chuckled to go Lauren some warning. Last week Lauren broke three glasses because Hope had made her jump when she was washing up.

This time however she was prepared thanks to Joeys warning, and she turned scooping Hope into her arms. However the movement sent her dizzy, going from static to movement, was never a strong point to Lauren. She giggled and placed Hope back on her feet, she took a moment to compose herself before bending down to Hope "Want some food ?" Hope nodded "What you want? Banana or orange ?"

Hope grabbed the banana causing Lauren to chuckle as she shot a "ta" in her direction before she went back to Joey. 5 minutes later Lauren felt a warm breath on her neck.

"What's up?" Joey wound his arms around Laurens waist but she didn't react. "Lo?"

"Hmmm?"

"Your dead distance babe… what's going on in that beautiful head of yours?" Joey turned Lauren in his arms so she faced him.

"Nothing" she shook her head and smiled pecking his lips. Hoping this would satisfy him.

"Well I know there's something; I'm here when you're ready to talk" he kissed her gently and left the room. Over the time they'd been together Joey know Lauren hated sharing her troubles until she really had to or she could really trust someone with it. Joey knew it was best to let her come to him when she was ready.

"I'm going o go to my Moms for a bit? do you want me to take Hope?" Joey shook his head

"No we'll be alright here, go talk to your mom" she nodded and kissed him before going to the living room and Kissing Hope. "See you in a bit baby"

Hope turned and waved her hand casually, Lauren and Joey both smiled "Bye, love you".

Joey watched as she walked across the square with quite some speed, His concern grew as he was sure she was wiping tears from her eyes.

*J&L* *J&L* *J&L*

"Mom… I need to talk to you" Tanya rushed to the hall hearing the desperation in her daughter's voice. It only took one look and Lauren's defences were down, the tears ran freely from her eyes, yet they stayed glued to the floor. Tanya stared at Lauren she knew there was something wrong, it was more than clear to see. There was a shared silence between the two before Lauren spoke her voice rocky and concerned.

"How would I know if I was pregnant?"

Tanya immersed Lauren in a hug and felt her body shake. "It's alright darling; everything's going to be ok… Have you taken a test" Lauren shook her head "Well I think you should, at least then you'll know."

"I've been sick, felt dizzy more than once, my Period's over a month late"

"Lauren how haven't you noticed earlier" Tanya sighed pulling Lauren down to a kitchen chair.

"I'm really scared Mom … What if I'm pregnant… I can't cope with two kids, I don't want things to change between me Joey and Hope Mom"

"Listen here you… If you are pregnant, you have options, but you can do it and I know you will, nothing will change between you, other than Hope will have, big brother or sister. Now go to the shop get a test and take it to Joey."

Half hour later Lauren went back to number 23. Joey greeted her as she walked through the door.

"Where's hope?"

"Having a nap upstairs she wore herself out after you went" Joey took her hand "You Ok?"

"Erm… ye kind of"

"What you mean kind of?" Joey pried as they went to the lounge as Lauren collapsed to the sofa. "Lauren your scaring me now babe, what's wrong?"

"I'm pregnant" Joey's eyes widened as Laurens once again filled with tears.

"I took a test – it was positive and now I'm scared Joey…" Joey pulled Lauren to his chest and kissed her head.

"We'll cope with it, you know I'd love another baby Lo, you don't need to be scared …"

"What if I feel something different for this baby then I do for Hope"

"Never think that Lauren… You have something special with hope and anyway she's now legally yours"

"What?" Lauren lifted her head from his chest

"The letter came through today… we just have to sign the papers at the registry office tomorrow" Lauren smiled letting out a happy cry.

"Looks like I'm legally going to have two kids then" she looked up at Joey hoping he would catch on.

"Ye babe looks like we are" He held his hand to her stomach and kissed her. "I think this is Amazing"