They entered the hospital hand in hand, once again, attracting the attention of Lizzie, though it wasn't the same open-mouthed stare as before, this time it was more sympathetic, though curious all the same. However, despite Lizzie's seeming endless hunger for gossip, she was tactful and sensitive enough not to question them. To this, Jill was grateful, her earlier resolution still strong that as few people as possible know about the events of the day.

She flashed Lizzie a smile was they passed, and continued on their way to Milner Ward, pausing only to check in on Jeff's office, only to reveal his wasn't there.

Jill's grip tightened on Gordon's hand as they neared the green double doors, separating the corridor from the ward. She couldn't help the fear that was building within her, though she couldn't explain why. She knew Alex would never hurt her, and she knew his injuries were far from life-threatening. Perhaps it was the fear of seeing the state he was in emotionally, revealing further, the extent to her actions.

Jeff exited the ward as they reached the doors.

"How's Mr Heath? Can I see him?"

Jeff shook his head. "Physically, he's fine, but emotionally... We had to sedate him."

Her heart sank, and a wave of nausea, passed over her, as it had done before, but she managed to swallow it down. It was worse than she had imagined. She couldn't begin to comprehend what Alex must be going through, having lost practically his only companion for years.

She turned her head away, and tuned out Gordon and Jeff's conversation as she peered through the small circular window in the door. Her eyes scanned the beds until she found him at the end of the row of patients, furthest away from her. He was on his side, his back towards her so she couldn't see his face, but she could still remember the expression from earlier. She shuddered and squeezed her eyes shut tightly, trying to force the image of the distraught man to the back of her mind.

She didn't know how long they'd been stood there before she heard Gordon utter her name and tug on her hand gently. "Let's go home sweetheart."

She nodded numbly and allowed him to lead the way. She didn't take note of her surroundings, and was surprised when she found herself outside, Gordon leading her into the little staff carpark. She slipped her hand from his, and stopped, bringing her bag up to rummage through it.

"Jill, what are you looking for?"

"My keys..." She muttered, her rummaging becoming increasingly frantic.

"Sweetheart," he stepped up to her and gently took hold of her arms, "PC Younger took them, he's going to bring your car back for you." His tone was gentle, not mocking, but still, it didn't prevent a blush from creeping into her cheeks and making her turn her face away, embarrassed. "Come on love," he said, slipping an arm around her waist, and urging her towards his car. "Let's go home."

Jill didn't say much on the drive home, nor did she say much when they arrived, though she drew Katie and Tom into a huge hug as soon as she saw them. She was pretty much silent through dinner aswell, but indulged the children with her full attention as they relayed their antics of their eventful day at school.

After all the pots had been washed, and homework had been done, Jill insisted they all do something together, and so Katie and Tom had pulled out the Monopoly box, since they'd had such fun playing with Mr Rose the previous evening.

Jill and Gordon had both been called out to an emergency birth at the hospital, leaving Mr Rose to look after the children. They had arrived home some hours later, both tired, but happy, having saved both mother and baby. It was hard to believe that less than 24 hours previously, they'd stood at the foot of the stairs, flirting, sharing a kiss, oblivious as to what was waiting for them the next day.

Gordon sighed as he glanced at Jill. They were sat on the floor, him with his back resting against the settee, and Jill leant against him. His hand rested on her shoulder, partially hidden by her cascade of dark hair. The Monopoly board lay in front of them with Tom and Katie on the other side.

Jill leaned forward to roll the dice. He trailed his hand down her back, tracing her spine, feeling her arch at the slight ticklish feeling he knew he'd created. Having moved her piece, she moved back against him, and he wrapped his arm around her, his hand now spread on her stomach as he allowed himself to slip back into the memory once again.

He remembered the sparkling in her shining eyes as she'd looked at him, the teasing, flirtatious curve of her lips, and her gentle kiss, just before she'd followed Tom and Katie upstairs. Yet, he knew, now, if she turned to him, he'd see none of the sparkle, none of the shine, and no smile.

"Dad!"

A voice broke through his thoughts.

"It's your turn!"

"Sorry." He was picked up the dice, but caught sight of the clock, realising how late it was. "Right, off to bed now I think."

"But Daaaaaaad! I was winning!" This came from Katie who pouted at him.

"No buts. It's late. We can finish it off tomorrow."

Both children sighed, but they got to their feet nevertheless and trudged towards the stairs.

"If you're quick, I'll read you a story!" Jill called. The only response she received was the thundering of running footsteps ascending the stairs.

Gordon chuckled and stood up, stretching before holding out a hand and helping Jill to her feet. "I don't know how you do it." He said, before making his way to lock up.

It wasn't long before stories had been read, and all four occupants of the house were tucked up in bed. Jill had snuggled up close to him, clinging to him tightly, murmuring something about just wanting him to hold her. And he'd obliged, not that he'd have had it any other way. He held her firmly yet gently, hoping he was making her feel safe and secure. He had waited for her breathing to slow and deepen, before closing his eyes and giving in to the pull of sleep.