Jake lay on the sofa in his study, his mind awash with shame, confusion and distress. Unable to comprehend what had happened, How had he managed to fuck this up so badly. He should have told her at the beginning he should never have let it get this far. He had never made such a huge mistake in his life and he had no clue had to resolve or fix what had happened today. He looked up as the door swung open and his Mother walked in.

'Jake I've made you a sandwich, you need to eat dear.'

He laughed to himself his Mother had never been a kitchen goddess and now here she was getting all domestic. He dragged himself slowly to a sitting position and wiped his eyes.

'I've lost her Mum haven't I? I should have been honest from day one, not kept any secrets, told her all about Will and dated her properly. Maybe if I had things would be different.' His voice tailed off as he looked out the windows into the darkened sky. He had no idea where she was. Her bag was in the hallway with her phone inside. He'd discovered that very quickly ringing her mobile and hearing the ringing coming from the hallway. Ellie's phone was going straight to voicemail and Jules had told him Laura was staying somewhere locally but for his own good stay away. He'd tried to engage in a conversation but Jules had been abrupt, polite but definitely telling him to back off.

Anna took a seat opposite him and spoke quietly. 'Its my fault. I don't know why I said all those things today we will find her Jake. I guess I didn't realise how much you cared for her. I well…'

'I don't just care for her Mum I love her, I cant function without her, I need her in my life. And now she…' Jake sniffled and hung his head, his hands running through hair that had been ruffled a lot the last few hours. His Mother stood up and slowly walked over to him she sat down beside him gently pulling him to her. 'My poor boy you've always had to be the strong one I let you down this is my doing Jake and I will fix it I promise you that.'

Jake sat in Anna's embrace for a few minutes before pulling away as he stood up. 'Thanks Mum but I need to fix this and I cant do it in this state. Im going to take a shower and see if I can clear the fog in my head. Will you stay tonight?'

Anna nodded. 'I'll stay as long as you need me to.'

'Right well pick any room they are all made up I had Jules do it wanted to show Laura how wonderful this house was going to be as our home. But, I don't even think she saw them. To be honest I don't know what she saw. I did all this for her, for our family. For the first time in my life I felt genuinely happy, content almost thinking about stepping back from the business. Now, well I've got nothing…' He looked at her as he stood at the door his face pale and drawn, his eyes pained and full of tears. He wiped his hand across them as he walked out, a groan escaping his mouth as he saw all the boxes from Laura's house sitting in the huge hallway.

Anna dropped her head as tears filled her eyes. Her wonderful son who had never put a foot wrong, had always been the strong boy was broken and she didn't know how she could fix it but fix it she would. Anna jumped up and walked quickly to the open door calling to Jake as he slowly climbed the stairs.

'Get some sleep Jake lets formulate a plan in the morning, let me help you darling. I'm as much to blame here.'

'Okay Mum and thanks.'

Jake stood under the hot shower, the shower they had picked together. He thought back to that day Laura laughing quietly when he had whispered into her ear it needed to be big enough for the two of them. This was not how he envisaged the first night in their new home…..

24 hours earlier:

Laura climbed into bed. 'I am bushed I had no idea directing all you lot to pack boxes would be so exhausting.' Jake chuckled as he dried his hair with the towel fresh from a shower. He had spent the afternoon humping boxes around packing, unpacking, repacking as Laura directed from the sofa.

'Hmmmm Mrs Harrison this is it last night, tomorrow a whole new world at Netherfield awaits us. I couldn't be any happier.' The bed creaked as he climbed in and scooted towards Laura his head resting on her burgeoning belly. He lay quietly hopeful that the baby would kick. His wish coming true a few minutes later when she kicked to say hello. He thought back to the day they had found out it was a girl he had cried, he hadn't been able to control his emotions watching the screen as his baby lay there in front of them her hand up as though she was waving to them.

Holding Laura's hand as they walked out he had been the happiest man in the world. He hadn't been able to contain his excitement dragging her to Tiffany straight away to buy her an it's a girl present.

Jake sat up to look at Laura, her eyes were closed although her lips twitched at the corner into a smile as she felt him hover over her. His lips gently touched hers and she opened her mouth allowing him to take possession of the kiss. Her fingers pushing through his damp hair. He felt his pulse quicken as passion overtook him and his exhaustion disappeared as his wife ran her fingers down his back letting him know she was not that sleepy.

Waking in the morning he had reached for Laura but found the bed empty and hopped out to find her. He could hear voices in the kitchen and quickly pulled on his jeans and an old tee shirt. Jules had given a wolf whistle as he walked in much to the delight of Charlie who had tried to copy her. He was off to school and was disappointed to be missing out on moving day. Jake had wanted to keep him off school but Laura had put her foot down saying she was not risking a telling off from the head mistress. The movers had arrived soon after and Charlie had reluctantly left with Ellie. Jules was staying behind to lock up the house. With some things going into Netherfield and some going to storage.

Jake had got Laura into the car cursing silently that he should have changed it so she didn't have to struggle climbing up. But then smiling to himself as he got to admire his wife from all angles as she shifted in the seat.

'What?'

'Nothing I'm just admiring your flexibility. Cant wait to test it out once the baby is here.'

'Hmmm you really have sex on the brain Jake.'

He leaned into the car. 'Nope I have you on the brain my darling.' His voice husky as he dropped a kiss onto her lips. Her giggle infectious as the baby kicked at the same time. 'You see even she knows her Dad is obsessed.'

He stepped back laughing and closed the door. Waving to Jules as he ran to the drivers side. Happiness radiated from them he thought, nothing would spoil this day it was the start of their life in their family home.

Approaching Netherfield the gates were closed as he pulled up to them. He reached for the remote to open them. Laura squealed as they opened. 'When did this happen?'

He smiled as he looked across at her, she looked like a small child clapping her hands together. 'Think they were last week couldn't keep opening and closing the rusty old gates in place. Charlie loves them we spent fifteen minutes here opening and closing them one day.'

'Ha I bet. Do I get a gadget too?' He nodded. 'Yep and well I got you a new car its at the house baby seat an all.'

She slapped his shoulder. 'Jaaake, really what is it, is it a Ferrari? No thats not practical maybe a Volvo estate? No too boring maybe a hummer?'

He lifted a hand and turned it over to kiss her wrist. 'Wait and see Laura.'

He drove slowly through the gates wanting Laura to get a full view of the house as they turned the bend. He stopped the car as they reached the lake and turned the engine off. He slipped an arm around her shoulder pointing to the house.

'We live here now.'

Laura turned a smile on her face and tears building. 'Cant believe it, cant believe any of this. We are lucky eh?'

'We certainly are. I love you and I like you Laura Harrison.'

'Ha ha I love you and I like you too. You are never going to let me forget that are you?' She laughed as he shook his head his eyes twinkling as he smiled back at her. 'Now lets get inside I want to see everything before anyone else arrives. Drive us home babes.'

'Babes?' He raised an eyebrow as he gave her a wink and started the car.

Pulling up in front of the house. He helped Laura out and despite her protesting swung her easily into his arms as he carried her into the house. She punched him on the shoulder as he dropped her onto her feet in the hallway.

'Muppet I weigh a tonne don't think you'll get any sympathy from me when you cant walk tomorrow.'

Jake laughed and took her hand. 'Okay lets do a quick tour so you can tell me if you approve. If you like it, its down to me. If you don't blame Jules.'

'Well, so far I love it, just wish Charlie was here now.'

'You said no remember that.' She nodded and smiled. 'I know just kinda miss him right now.'

Jake reached for her hand and pulled her into the drawing room. They had picked lots of green and creams Laura had wanted to remember Italy in this room and with the sun shining through the tall windows it gave a good impression of almost being back there. It was stunning and they sat together on the sofa admiring their choices. 'We did well eh?' She laid her head on his shoulder and he kissed her forehead. 'We did indeed. Maybe we can hire ourselves out.'

'Hmmm no thanks this has been enough and we still have that whole other side to sort out after the baby. It will take us years to finish it all.'

'Im not in a hurry Laura we can take as much time as we need eh?' She smiled as he pulled her up and reached up to kiss him. Her kiss soft as she touched his lips. 'Thank you for this, for loving me and Charlie. I never knew I could be this happy.'

He wrapped his arms around her. 'Me neither Laura. Its been the best year of my life and thats because of you.'

The next couple of hours were spent wandering around downstairs. Laura had squealed every time they entered a room and there had been much hugging and kissing as they explored.

Jakes study had been designed by Laura and he was stunned when they had walked in. It was his first time seeing it. She had said she needed one surprise for him. Rows upon rows of old books she had found online or in local shops lined the bookshelves. Two big overstuffed sofas sat opposite each other and by the large windows sat a desk that he recognised. 'Is this my Dad's desk.' He had swung towards her in shock as she leaned against a sofa. 'It is Lauren helped me find it. It had been put in storage so we got it down here and I cleaned it up. I thought you might like it here.'

'This is amazing.' Jake walked towards the desk running his fingers over the wood he could feel the nicks that displayed its age. He sat behind it a feeling of emotion washing over him as he remembered the days he would watch his Dad working. Laura was behind him and he swung the chair towards her, he pulled her down onto his lap. 'You have no idea what this means.' He whispered into her hair as he spoke. The emotion in his voice hard to hide.

He reluctantly had let her stand up, she was complaining of her back and so they had headed towards the kitchen. Laura had found a fully stocked fridge so had prepared lunch for them. With the excitement of the morning he had known she would start getting sleepy and rather than have her climb the staircase he had walked her back to the drawing room settling her on one of the sofas so she could nap.

He had been out at the car unloading bags when his mobile had rung. 'Hi Mum everything okay?'

'It will be dear when you open this gate and let me in.'

'Whaat? You are here we didn't arrange this?'

'Jake can we discuss this inside I have a driver listening to my call and well just open the gate please.'

Jake walked into the house and pressed the entry button for the gate watching on the CCTV as the car snaked up the driveway. He walked outside to meet his Mother. He didn't want anyone interrupting their day today he had wanted it to be just the two of them. He shook his head to rid the disappointment he felt and went down the steps to greet Anna.

She stepped out of the car glancing around the grounds and the house exterior as the driver unloaded two bags.

'Erm Mum whats going on?' Jake nodded his head towards the bags. Anna swept towards him wafting Chanel No5 as she kissed him on the cheek. 'I thought I would stay a few days get to see the new house, spend some time with you and Charlie.'

He gritted his teeth as he carried the bags in behind her. He was not happy but she was here now and having an argument to get her out was not going to be good for Laura or the baby. He would just have to grin and bare it for a few days.

'Where is my grandson?'

'Charlie is at school Mum and please keep your voice down Laura is sleeping.'

'Jake I came here to see you and Charlie. You have done a pretty good job of keeping him away from me the last few months. Im tired of it to be honest. Do you have any idea what its like for me to know he is here with you.'

Jake sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. He hadn't meant to keep them apart he had just wanted to be able to tell Laura in his time about Will and Charlie. His Mother was only hampering the plan if she was around too much.

'Mum its not deliberate we've been busy what with the baby and getting this place ready to move into.'

Anna laughed. 'Oh yes I'm sure you were busy hanging wallpaper everyday.' As she gazed around the study her eyes stopped and narrowed as they fixed on the desk. 'Is that…?'

He nodded. 'Yeah Laura found it in the storage area at the office and brought it here. I only saw it for the first time today.'

Anna had walked over to the desk her long fingers following the same path Jake's had traced earlier that day. 'I'm glad to see it getting some use it was always a lovely desk. I gave it to him you know. Our tenth wedding anniversary he had seen it in some shop in Camden you know how he loved to wander around. I went back the next week bought it had it renovated and had it delivered on our anniversary.'

'Mum erm, is it okay for me to have it. I can get another desk if you would rather have it?'

She shook her head. 'No don't be silly dear. It was nice of Laura to find it. Now is there a kettle in this wonderful house I'd love a cup of tea. Ten minutes later and Jake had a tray placed between them as he poured them both a cup.

'So how is Laura? Baby is okay?'

'She is great, tired complaining of back ache, neck ache you name it actually but we are happy. I mean for the first time I feel happy truly happy. I never thought it could be like this.'

Anna stared at him he could see the shock on her face as she tried to take in his words. 'Jake this was not part of the plan. You were to marry her to get to Charlie he's my grandson I need to know him.'

'Its complicated Mum. I, well I want to tell Laura everything I cant keep this a secret any longer it's not fair on her, on us, on Charlie. To be honest I hate myself for not telling her. I should have done what Jim said approached it from a legal perspective. But I got emotionally involved and now I'm in too deep.'

'What are you saying Jake?'

'What I'm trying to say very inarticulatly is that I want this marriage to work, I want to be a good husband to Laura. A father to Charlie and the baby. So my only option is to come clean and I need to do it before the baby comes.'

'Right so you are just going to tell her? Oh Laura just need to let you know I found out you had my brothers son so I bought the hotel you worked in; In order to get close to you and get custody of him.'

'Mum, please this is not helping. I know I've made a hash of it. The longer it has gone on the worse I've felt but I need to tell her.'

'Jake I wont lose Charlie I've already lost my son, I wont lose his son too. You promised me you would take care of this. You said it would be a piece of cake to get custody of Charlie. I know getting married was extreme but we will have two Harrison's to carry on the family name now. This is important. Its what your father would have wanted.'

Jake stood up and shook his head. 'No Dad would be ashamed of me and what I've done. He would never have let me do this. I don't know what I was thinking it was a harebrained idea in the first place. What the hell was I thinking?'

'Jake dear sit down you are giving me a headache with the pacing back and forth. She will be fine buy her another bauble from Tiffany or something. And once she has the baby she will forget everything that happened.'

'You don't know Laura, loyalty and integrity are everything to her.'

'Fine whatever, just sit down please.'

Jake flung himself onto a sofa looking at the picture frame on the small table next to him. It was a picture of the three of them in Italy. He reached over and picked it up remembering that day as his fingers traced the happy faces staring back at him. He looked up smiling and was stunned to see Laura standing in the doorway. Her face in shock with tears falling down her cheeks. He couldn't move paralysed by fear and wondering how much she had heard. 'Laura.' His voice a scratchy whisper as his eyes locked on hers. Her hand flew up to stop him speaking and she stepped back before turning away.

He heard Anna gasp as she jumped up looking from one to the other unsure what to do or say.

It took him several seconds to gather himself enough to get up and run after her. By the time he reached her she was already in his car the doors locked as he tried to open one. The engine was started and she was driving forward. He ran to the front of the car and placed both his hands on the bonnet calling for her to stop, open the door, let him explain. His eyes pleading with her as he begged her to hear him out. She didn't stop and he knew it was no use chasing her down the drive so he moved out of the way. Laura sped off down the long gravel driveway gravel flying in all directions as she disappeared out of the gates and out of his life.

Uh oh what happens now….

Thanx so much for the kind comments and sticking with the story.