Chapter 25

Apologies for the wait! Have had a busy few days meaning I've got nothing done, so here's another chapter! Will update again soon :) Hope you enjoy...

It was quiet through the house as Connie began to wake up. When she opened her eyes she noticed she was facing a peaceful Jacob. She let a smile grace her features as she watched him sleep beside her.

After a while she got up from the bed careful not to wake him before walking to the bathroom. She looked into the mirror at herself as she took a deep breath steadying herself. It sounded like the stupidest thing she'd ever thought, but as she looked at herself, she could have sworn there was something different about her appearance.

Is this what happens when you really love someone?

Connie smiled looking down into the sink again before she rested a hand against the side of her neck. Slowly she ran a finger across her bottom lip before dropping her hands again. Pushing away from the sink she stood in the doorway looking at the bed.

She savoured it while it lasted because she knew soon things were going to change. First of all he would wake up and it wouldn't be peaceful anymore, but secondly they had to face the rest of the department. Maybe she should say something before they go back.

Connie smiled as she noticed Jacob roll over facing her waking up. "Hey gorgeous-" "Hey handsome. Aren't you supposed to be working this afternoon?" She crossed the room and sat beside him as he placed a hand on her leg. "Lofty's covering it for me, he owed me." Connie let herself fall down to his level before kissing him.

"What was that for?" She just seemed to shrug lightly before resting her head on her hand looking at him. "Do you need me to have a reason because I can think of several-" "No but go ahead."

"You're incredible-" "Is that the best you can do?" She stuck her tongue into her cheek before lying on her stomach. "You're pretty hot-" "Pretty?" Leaning slightly closer to him she smiled again. "You're amazing in bed-" "Can't fault you there-" "And you're mine." He smiled before allowing his head to nod sideways "I think that's good enough for me." Closing the space he kissed her moving a hand to rest in the back of her hair.

It was boxing day but none of them had much energy. Instead of rushing around all day they decided to stay inside and spend some time together.

"So if you're getting married does that mean Jacob would be like my Dad?" Connie took her daughter's hand "Jacob will never be your Dad sweetheart. He'll be whatever you want him to be baby." Grace smiled before a thought crossed Connie's mind.

"Not that I'm not loving having you here but where is your Dad and when are you going home?" Jacob moved beside Connie. "Dad's at home still, he took me to the airport and Uncle Elliot picked me up…" Connie glanced sideways towards Jacob who had his arms crossed against his chest knowing Connie wouldn't be happy with her daughter travelling alone. "Care to explain Staff Nurse Masters?"

Jacob wormed his way out of an argument with Connie before speaking about the arrangement he had made with Sam. "She's here until Monday, I know it's not long but I thought any time was good." Connie smiled nodding before facing Grace again. "I guess we better make sure you enjoy yourself then!"

The day passed as they watched numerous films together curled on the sofa. Jacob disappeared to make them all something to eat leaving the girls to themselves. "Mum?" "Yes sweetheart."

Grace played with the bottom of her t-shirt as she looked down avoiding her Mother's gaze. "What is it baby?" "Well if I go back and live with Dad, are you going to forget about me? Now that you have Jacob-" "Grace I could never forget about you… You're my only child and I will always love you. Come here." Connie pulled her into a tight hug resting her chin on the top of her head.

"But what if you had another baby, then I wouldn't be your only child and you'd have a happy family." Connie placed a hand on her daughters cheek. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves shall we… But even if that ever did happen, you'll always be my little girl and it will never change. Besides now that I've had you back I'm never going to let you go for ling enough again, okay?"

Grace smiled as she sat herself on Connie's lap. "I love you Mum-" "I love you too Grace." "Will I be able to come home for the wedding?" Connie laughed "Er yes, who else is going to be my bridesmaid?" "REALLY!?" Connie laughed nodding as Grace stood up and began talking about colours and dresses while spinning around.

"Somebody's cheered up-" "I told her I want her to be my bridesmaid, you don't mind do you?" Jacob laughed "I didn't expect anyone else!" He leant in to kiss her before scooping Grace up and moving about the living room with her laughing.

Connie was happy watching her daughter laughing with Jacob. It had been a while since she'd seen her happy. The last thing Connie remembered was Grace leaving her because she never had the time for her. She made a promise to herself that she'd never let that happen again, she wanted nothing more than Grace to come and live with her again but it wasn't right for her.

Instead she was content with knowing that whenever Grace did come home, she'd be coming home to a family. Not a broken version of herself who tried covering up the truth of everything in her life. Jacob would never really understand how much he had done, and she was sure there'd be times where she nearly throws it all away but if one thing was for sure it was that she loved him. She loved him more than she thought was physically possible for her.