Not sure if this is good news but I have finally finished writing this story! This is the penultimate chapter, hope you enjoy reading it as much as I've enjoyed writing it. Please review to let me know your thoughts :-)

Jasmine's funeral took place on the fifth of January. The snow had finally melted away and day was bright and crisp. Jac marvelled at the bright sunshine as they exited the church after the service.

'It's almost as if she were smiling down us' Granddad George commented on the weather as he squeezed Jacs arm lightly before wondering off in the direction of some of his friends from Bath. The old man had been a tower of strength, reasoning with Jac that Jasmine wouldn't want wallowing, she'd want them to find ways to carry on without her.

Jac looked down at Ava, who was holding tightly onto her hand. The child had behaved beautifully in the church sitting quietly on Jac's lap. Jonny had held Jac's hand tightly throughout the service and mid-way through Jac had felt Ava's place one tiny hand on top of hers and saw the child's other hand was underneath their held hands resting on Jonny's. The child's simple offer of comfort had made Jac feel braver and she found she could get through the service with only a few tears being shed. As the curtain had closed, shielding the coffin from the view of mourners, Jac hadn't looked choosing instead to focus on Ava.

'We should do your coat up Ava' Jac spoke as she squatted down in front the child and did up the buttons on her small pink wool coat 'it's still quite cold'

'Your face is cold' Ava smiled at her auntie as she placed her small cold hands on her aunties cheeks.

'No, I think your hands are cold pumpkin' Jac laughed softly as she pulled them off her skin and held them in her own. 'You should put your mittens on too' she helped the child to put on the small woollen garments hanging from a mitten minder threaded through the sleeves of her coat.

'Your grandmother used to call you pumpkin' a woman's voice spoke behind Jac. It was a voice Jac had never forgotten. She didn't look up from her task, continuing to calmly help Ava get her fingers into her gloves.

'Don't you remember Jac?' the woman spoke again.

Jac stood up and scooped Ava onto her hip still not turning around the face the woman behind her. She spotted her husband talking to Reverend Alice, Sacha, Mo and Ric at the entrance to the church. She called out his name to get his attention as she walked the few steps up to him. She watched as his face turned into a look of horror as he recognised woman stood behind his wife and child. 'Can you take Ava?' she spoke quickly and quietly to him, passing the child into his arms.

'Jac let us deal with her' Jonny pleaded with his wife, trying to get her keep Ava in her own arms 'you take Ava and go with Mo'

Jac shook her head firmly 'no if I don't sort this once and for all she'll always be there. I need to do this myself Jonny' she looked her husband in the eye as she pleaded with him 'please just take Ava for me?'

'Jonny, Ric and I will stay with her' Sacha nodded to Jonny, indicating he should do as Jac asked 'just take Ava to the wake'.

Jonny reluctantly let Jac pass Ava into his arms as the confused child asked 'who's that lady?'

'Come on, sweetheart let's get you and Uncle Jonny into the nice warm car' Mo spoke to the child as she firmly guided her friend away from the scene.

'I see it now, how your marriage works. Clearly by you calling all the shots' Paula Burrows spoke as her daughter finally turned around to face her.

'I beg your pardon?' Jac asked as anger flashed in her eyes.

'Your marriage. I wondered how on earth it worked when I met your husband, he seems so normal'

'It works as a partnership' Jac crossed her arms 'if you really wanted to know'

Paula shrugged 'your husband seemed to think it was based on love, what was it he said to me?' Paula tilted her head as though she were recalling a distant memory 'that's it, he said he loves you for all that you are and as a result you love him for all that he is. It would seem your attitude to the relationship is rather more business-like.' Paula chuckled nastily 'I did warn him you thought only with your head and never with your heart.'

Jac took slow breaths to control her anger 'Why are you here? I thought Jasmine had told you to stay away?'

'She did' Paula nodded 'and I was going to but then I thought about Ava and I couldn't possibly let that little girl grow up not knowing her grandmother'. Paula gave Jac a sickly sweet smile 'she's very pretty.'

'Yes she is' Jac frowned determined not to give away any details about Ava to this woman.

'How old is she?' Paula continued to smile at Jac despite the anger displayed clearly on her daughters face. She waited for an answer to her question but Jac was not forthcoming. 'I suppose she must be about three, they grow fast at that age. The wool coat you've dressed her in looks expensive, I hope you realise she won't get a lot of wear out of that.'

'I can afford it' Jac narrowed her eyes scarcely able to believe this woman was willing to give her practical child rearing tips.

'Of course you can, that's right' Paula nodded as she remembered some information she'd gleaned from the internet 'you're a consultant now aren't you? A fairly successful one to I gather.'

'You won't be seeing Ava so if that's what you've come for then you've had a wasted journey' Jac decided she'd had enough and wanted this meeting to end.

'Jasmine said the same but at the time she was rather angry. I was hoping you'd reconsider' Paula gave Jac a hopeful look.

'So you thought you'd wait around until she'd died to ask me?' Jac looked at her mother incredulously.

'Don't say it quite like that Jac, but what the eye don't see the heart won't grieve over as they say. Jasmine won't know I haven't kept my promise to her.' Paula smiled again at her daughter 'I just want the chance to meet my granddaughter.'

'Unfortunately for you, I intend to keep the promise I made to Jasmine so no, you cannot meet your granddaughter, not now or in the future.'

'How can you be so cruel Jac?' Paula's face dramatically turned into a picture of hurt. 'I've lost a child and you would deny me the chance to meet her daughter, the last piece I have left of her?'

'Yes, is there anything else you wanted?' Jac asked coldly.

'I thought you would understand what it's like to lose a child Jac, after all didn't you lose your own not long ago?' Paula responded nastily 'but then again I suppose you wouldn't have had a lot of time to fall in love with it.'

Ric placed his hand on Sacha'a shoulder to prevent the man from wading into the conversation. He knew Jac had to finish this for herself however painful it might be. There was a moments silence before Jac began to speak.

'My child was a little girl called Amelia and I fell in love with her from the very first moment I felt her move in my womb' Jac angrily wiped away her tears 'the pain I feel for her everyday sits right here' Jac placed her hand on her chest 'and its heavy and refuses to go away. So yes I understand what it's like to lose a child but I don't believe you are capable of ever feeling this way.'

'I loved Jasmine' Paula crossed her arms defiantly

Jac shook her head 'you loved the idea of Jasmine, a permanent companion you could toy with. Until she grew tired of your games and left you.'

'I see the pair of you had been getting to know one another rather well' Paula scoffed 'comparing notes on childhoods with Paula Burrows were you?'

'Well mine were considerably shorter than Jasmines but yes it would seem Paula Burrows you'll never change'. Jac suddenly found a renewed strength from somewhere 'I loved Jasmine; she was an incredible and beautiful young woman. I am proud to be able to say she was my little sister. If you loved Jasmine like you say you did you'll honour her memory and leave. You will not be seeing Ava and I would very much like this to be the last time you see me.' Jac turned away from the woman and walked towards Sacha and Ric.

'Wait!' Paula suddenly called after her daughter, her voice desperate 'I can tell you who your father is!'

Jac turned back around 'excuse me?' she stuttered.

'I can tell you who your father is, if you let me see Ava' Paula spoke hopefully.

Jac suddenly laughed 'is this a joke? You're going to attempt to bribe me?' her face had a determined look about it Paula had never seen in her daughter before 'if you think I'm going to let you anywhere near that beautiful little girl so you can manipulate her, belittle her and fill her head with your own brand of claptrap nonsense then you are sadly mistaken'

'But wouldn't you want to know where you came from?' Paula asked desperately now.

'You know I do, but my love for Ava more than outweighs my curiosity of my parentage' Jac gave the woman a superior look 'besides if you had any morals you'd just tell me anyway'

'If I leave now, that'll be it. You'll never get the chance to find out this information again' Paula tried once more.

'Goodbye Paula' Jac spoke coldly. She was surprised to see her mother finally give up, angrily turning on her heal and marching out the church yard, her furry at being unable to manipulate her daughter any longer perfectly clear for all to see. As they watched her walk out of sight Jac's legs finally gave way from the shock of this unexpected meeting, forcing Sacha to rush forward to help her to support her weight.

'It's ok Jac, I've got you' Sacha spoke to her softly as he helped her to walk over to the church steps.

'Come back inside' Reverend Timmins spoke softly, still in her own shock from the conversation she just witnessed 'you need to sit in warm place'. Jac braced herself against Sacha as they walked back into the church following Alice into the vestry.

'You need a sweet tea' Ric spoke kindly to Jac 'have you eaten today?'

Jac shook her head as she looked down at her lap. 'I lied to Jonny, I told him I had eaten a slice of toast but I hadn't. I just couldn't, not today'

'Is there somewhere nearby I can get Jac a tea and something to eat?' Ric asked the reverend.

'There's a small café just around the corner in the church hall, I'll show you' Alice spoke softly guiding Ric back out of the room.

'I doubt that'll be the last I see of her' Jac sighed as Sacha sat down next her putting his arm around her skinny body in an attempt to warm her.

'Well if she does at least you now know you can cope with seeing her' Sacha spoke as he rubbed Jacs arm 'I have to say I'm impressed and Jasmine would have been so proud of you'

'Michael said something to me on Christmas day along the lines of me not being the twelve year old girl she'd abandoned anymore and I guess I've realised he's right' Jac admitted to her friend 'I've had to realise that I've grown up and I can chose to not let her manipulate me anymore.'

'I think she got that message loud and clear' Sacha chuckled 'I'm proud of you Jac.' They sat in silence for a couple minutes until Jac fidgeted herself lose from Sacha's grasp.

'So how are you?' Jac asked her friend 'anything new happening with you?' Jac was slightly irritated her friend hadn't discussed his important news with her yet and she'd become bored of pretending she didn't know.

'I have got some news' Sacha fidgeted with his hands 'promise me you won't be too shocked?'

'Spit it out Levy' Jac rolled her eyes at her friend.

'Mo is pregnant; I'm going have another baby.'

'Yeah I know, its great news isn't it?' Jac smirked at her friend.

'You already knew?' Sacha huffed 'why didn't you say?'

'Why didn't you tell me earlier yourself?' Jac raised a questioning eyebrow at her friend

'Because you've got a lot on your plate and , I dunno, I guess I'm little embarrassed that I've once again showed my ineptitude with contraception.'

'Please tell me you have not used the second half of that sentence with Mo?' Jac shook her head at Sacha.

'Of course not, what do you take me for?' Sacha sighed. 'I am pleased at the news, ecstatic in fact but this is my fourth child with a third woman. It's taking a little while to sink in that's all'

'You'll be fine, wait until the twelve week scan and you actually see the foetus' Jac smiled at Sacha 'that should help to bring a certain reality to the situation'

'Do you think I should ask Mo to marry me?' Sacha looked down at his hands as he asked this question.

'Sacha, have you even told Mo you love her yet?' Jac watched as Shaca shook his head. 'But you do love her?' Jac watched as this time Sacha nodded. 'I think you should start with that and see how things progress, it's a bit soon for marriage don't you think?'

Sacha laughed as he listened to his friends advice. 'How do you always know the right things to say?'

'Just so you know when you do eventually make an honest woman of Maureen I'll be much less opposed to this marriage than the last one.'

'Thanks' Sacha laughed 'that actually means a lot coming from you. I think I'll just start with telling her how I feel about her and maybe suggest living together first though.'

'Sounds like a plan' Jac agreed with him.

'You're a good friend Jac' Sacha nudged her with his elbow as Ric and Reverend Alice came back into room armed with Styrofoam cups of tea and paper bag containing croissants.

'Eat this' Ric commanded to Jac holding out a croissant towards her 'and I'll promise not to tell Jonny you fibbed about skipping breakfast'. He watched as Jac obediently took the pastry and bit into it.

As they arrived at wake at Albies they were greeted by a highly anxious Granddad George and worried Jonny outside the entrance. Sacha, Ric and Alice entered the bar to give Jac some privacy to explain what had happened.

'I doubt that will be the last we see of her' Jac finished recounting the conversation she'd had with her mother sadly.

'You did better than I did the time you'd given her your kidney. I had to pay for her air fare to get her leave and a bit more as well' George shook his head at his own stupidity 'I wish I hadn't but at the time I was so angry I just wanted her gone.'

'If she does come back we'll deal with it' Jonny kissed the top of Jacs head lightly 'Although I have a feeling the fact you stood strong in front of her might make her think twice about trying it again'.

'Will you two be ok if I had back to Bath tomorrow?' George asked watching the way Jonny held his granddaughter's hand protectively. 'I think it's time I got my life into some sort of order and I'm sure Sacha will be pleased to have his spare room back.'

'Of course its ok' Jac smiled at her grandfather 'you need to get back to your friends and chess club. Life has to return to some sort of normal at some point.'

'You'll keep your promise for weekly visits though won't you?' Jonny smiled at the old man he'd come to love 'we'll miss you otherwise.'

'Right well' George coughed to cover up the emotion in his voice 'I'm going to go back in to see how Ava's getting on with her colouring in'

'I'll follow you in a bit' Jac smiled at her grandfather as the old man entered the bar. She waited until the door had swung shut on her grandfather before wrapping her arms around her husband and kissing him passionately.

'What was that for?!' Jonny exclaimed in surprise as they broke apart.

'For telling Paula Burrows that you love me for all that I am.' Jac answered him with a shy smile.

'Well its true' Jonny smiled back at his wife before giving her a soft kiss.

'You got it right about me loving you for all that you are too' Jac spoke as the kiss ended 'I love you Jonny'

'I know' Jonny pulled Jac close against him, enveloping her in his arms 'I'll always love you, my beautiful wife'

'We'll be ok won't we?' Jac asked him as she buried her head against his neck.

'Of course we will, as long as we're together we can survive anything' Jonny answered her.

Ric and Sacha headed over to the corner occupied by Elliot, Malick, Michael, Serena and Mo. Mo had Ava sat on her lap and the little girl was happily colouring in pictures with wax crayons.

'What happened after we left?' Mo asked Sacha as he sat down next to her.

'That woman' Sacha shook his head with disbelief 'the things she said to her own daughter, unimaginably hurtful things, to a daughter who not so long ago saved her life. I have to be honest I am speechless'.

'How is Jac coping?' Elliot asked softy.

'Magnificently' Ric shook his head with his own disbelief 'I thought this would have made her crumble but she was so strong, it's as though she's made herself untouchable to Paula Burrows'.

'Well I have to say I am relieved to hear that at least' Serena sighed 'and at least she has Jonny and Granddad George to talk to.'

'I think letting her return to work is a good idea too' Malick added in 'it'll be a good distraction for her and it'll help Ava if they're more in a routine'

Serena nodded her head in agreement 'Yes well Mr Hannsen was clear with me that any sign of Jac not taking care of herself and she's banded from the operating theatre'

'Sounds like another task for team Naylor then. When is the great man returning from Sweden?' Michael asked as he admired a picture Ava held up for him.

'Oh he's being a bit vague' Serena smirked 'I think he's a bit infatuated with his new granddaughter to want to leave just yet'

'When are you going to give Jac the letters Jasmine asked you give her?' Sacha asked Michael, noticing his friend had the small box containing Jasmine's writings sat on the seat next to him.

'Jasmine asked me to give them to her after the funeral but I'm not sure I should just yet' Michael looked down the white document box with a worried frown 'I don't even exactly know what's in here.'

'Perhaps it would be best to wait until after the wake' Elliot spoke practically 'that way she can open the box in privacy'

Michael took a deep breath as he rang the doorbell to the Naylor-Maconie flat that evening. He held the box Jasmine had given him just before she'd died in his hand. Jac answered the door with Ava balanced on her hip. Evidently Jac was in the process of settling the child for the night as she held Ava's Mr Bear in her other hand.

'Michael!' Jac spoke in surprise as the door fully opened.

'Sorry to disturb you' Michael smiled at the sight of Jac's domestic activity 'I'm not stopping, I've just come to give you this' he held the box out to Jac and watched as she juggled the bear into the arm also holding a sleepy Ava to free up the hand to take the box from him 'it's from Jasmine' he explained as she gave the box a confused looked 'she asked me to give it to you after the funeral.'

'Oh' Jac smiled down at the box 'well thank you for bringing it over. Are you sure you don't want to come in?'

Michael shook his head 'no I'll leave you to it.'

Jac set the box on the coffee table in the lounge, deciding she would wait to look at its contents once she had settled Ava and Jonny had returned from his walk to the corner shop for milk.

She was watching the child sleeping when Jonny returned, full of curiosity as to what the box would contain. The couple settled themselves on the sofa together and Jac removed the cardboard lid. On the top of the contents was a typed letter signed in Jasmines handwriting.

'To my beautiful and wonderful sister Jac,

Apologies this letter is typed but I find writing exhausting and the words seem to become more illegible the weaker I become. Dr Digby has promised me he will print my letters out without reading them and I have to say his fear of you is what makes me trust him.

I am hoping that Michael has kept his promise to me and passed this box to you after my funeral, although knowing him he may have decided he knows better and given you this before the event or waited six months after. However I will give the arrogant American the benefit of the doubt (as he has been as good a friend to me as he is to you) and continue this letter as though you have received this after my service.

I hope it was a good service and it wasn't sad and morbid. I am hoping the weather was fine and you laughed and smiled as directed.

In this box there are letters for Ava, one for every birthday and Christmas until she reaches the age of twenty one. I bet you didn't know I'd been so busy did you? Ha Ha!

You will also find a booklet (put together with the help of Peter the social worker, who by the by does have a minor crush on you. Don't be cross with Jonny for being right, he can't help it) full of my thoughts and opinions about raising Ava. I want to categorically state these are not instructions to you because I think you are the most wonderful mother to Ava and Jonny is the best father. I trust the pair of you implicitly to raise Ava the way I probably would have done had if my life not been cut short by this wretched cancer. However should you ever wonder to yourself 'what would Jasmine think/do in this situation?' I have written it down for you. If you chose not to follow it I'll trust your judgement because I'll be honest I fly by the cuff when I parent Ava, I have no idea if what I'm doing is right or wrong.

Granddad and I have discussed it and I have decided that I want you to change Ava's name to Ava Marie Naylor-Maconie . I'm starting to think the name Burrows is cursed so it's probably best if we just let it die out. If nothing else it will make things less confusing if your little family unit all share the same surname.

I don't know if I would have had the chance to tell you but I truly believe Ava was meant to be your child all along. I believe that my purpose was to give you the child you and Jonny longed for but could not have. I want you to enjoy Ava, she is your child to love and cherish. However should you wish to curse my name when she's being disobedient and stubborn I will completely understand.

Be happy Jac and allow yourself to be cherished. You have so many people around you who love and care for you I am envious. I love you and I am so proud of you, please remember that. I will always be pleased I found you.

I love you with all my heart, your little sister Jasmine xxx'