A/N: For the next couple of chapters, I have borrowed certain aspects of some scenes from the episode which aired on the 4th of September 2011 however, I have put my own spin on them to make them fit my narrative. I hope the people who read this are finding it enjoyable and as always, reviews are greatly appreciated and encouraged. x


The rest of the summer not only flew by, but it also seemed to pass without any major conflicts amongst the family. After that fateful night when Rachel had opened up to her mother regarding her feelings of doubt over Frank and the wedding, Carla had spoken to her fiance and had seemed to have gotten through to him after much convincing.

"Sweetheart, if you're done with that can you please go up and pick out an outfit for today? Don't forget today is show and tell at holiday camp so you need to figure out what you're taking." Carla instructed Rachel who simply nodded in response and got up from the dining room table.

Once the little girl was out of sight and hearing distance, Carla turned to her fiance who remained engrossed by the morning newspaper. She took a few moments to think about how she was going to broach a certain topic of conversation.

Apparently, she had been staring at the man so intently that he sensed her green eyes burning into the side of his skull after a while. Frank looked up from his morning activity and took a sip of his coffee.

"See something you like?" He asked wryly. Carla stuttered and looked away, slightly embarrassed at the fact that she had just been caught staring at him.

Frank placed his mug back down on the coaster, "Don't tell me...I've got egg on my face?" He joked light heartedly and swiped at his face in jest.

Carla shook her head and forced out a chuckle. "No. You look fine." She assured him.

Her fiance's head tilted to one side questioningly, "then why the intent staring?"

The dark haired woman took in a deep breath before releasing it. "We need to talk." She stated.

Frank's brow furrowed thoughtfully, "I kind of gathered. Is it about a certain little eight year old? If so, she seems fine this morning. Better compared to yesterday, at least."

Carla nodded in agreement and bit into her bottom lip. "She's definitely in a much better head space now."

The man beside her smiled in triumph and Carla could have sworn she saw his chest puff out – a sign of typical male pride.

"See, what did I tell you? She just needed an early night." He stated matter of factly.

Carla closed her eyes and shook her head, "She didn't sleep all the way through, Frank. That's why you found us both out here on the sofa this morning." She reminded him and tried not to sound too exasperated.

Frank frowned in confusion and shrugged. "Yeah, what was that all about?" He asked.

His fiance let out a sad sigh, "I came out here for some water around one. Then I started to hear whimpering and rustling coming from the living area. I went over and there Rachel was. She was having a nightmare." She paused briefly as a reminiscent smile took over her lips, "In her dream, she called out for her mummy. I think it was me she was calling out to but I couldn't be sure. She was calling out for 'CC' and 'Mummy'."

Frank smiled and reached out so he could squeeze her hand. "Just be patient, love. The 'M' word will be for real in time." He assured her. "I hope that's not what you're worrying about?" He enquired as an after thought.

Carla shook her head quickly in the negative. "No. That is the least of my worries. I'm more than happy to be her 'CC' for the rest of my life if that's what she wants. She'll be my baby forever either way and she knows that." She rambled. "It's just...I dread to think of her suffering in silence. Imagine if I hadn't come out here for a drink? She would have been on that couch terrified and all alone."

"Yeah...I just don't get why she didn't come into us? She usually does." Frank questioned.

Carla smiled sadly at him and hoped to god that what she told him next wouldn't upset him in any way. "Yes, under normal circumstances she would have come to our room but, Frank, nothing about yesterday or the past few weeks have been 'normal'. Not for that little girl, anyway."

Frank shook his head and gave Carla a questioning look, "I don't understand."

"The reason why she didn't come into our room last night is because..." she paused and studied him briefly before deciding that Frank was a grown man and would be able to handle what she was about to say next, "Frank...she thinks you don't care about her. She told me she thinks you would prefer it if she wasn't around. She even asked me if I thought she was ruining my life."

Frank scoffed in disbelief and sat back in his chair. "That's ridiculous. Who's been putting those silly ideas in her head? Did you ask her? Maybe it's one of the-"

Before he could continue his rant, Carla rested her hand on his forearm comfortingly and raised her voice an octave so it was just above his own, "Frank, listen to me." She waited until he looked at her before she continued, "No one's put these 'ideas' into her head. It's just how she feels. I told her that what she was thinking wasn't true." She hesitated before explaining further, "I think she just felt a bit pushed aside by us both in the past few weeks. We've both been busy with the factory and the wedding planning. We just dropped the ball a bit with her that's all."

Frank sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, "so what are we going to do about it?" He asked.

Carla grinned and squeezed his arm in appreciation, "well I said I would speak to you about maybe going away one weekend soon. That way we could spend some quality time with her before she goes back to school. A weekend of no factory or wedding talk. Just the three of us. Maybe somewhere in Wales? I've heard it's lovely along the coast there this time of the year."

Frank thought over her suggestion and nodded in agreement. "That sounds like a fantastic idea. I'll start looking into places today." He told her.

Carla's grin widened and placed her free hand on the back of his neck. She played with the fine pieces of dark hair there as she leaned towards him. "This is why I love you. You're a big softie at heart. You should let your daughter see this side of you more often, you know?" She whispered teasingly. She then placed a kiss to his lips which Frank took the opportunity to deepen.

However before their morning make out session could get out of hand, they were reminded of the subject of the deep conversation they had just taken part in.

"CC?! Can you come and do my hair, please?!"


The trio did indeed go away for the last weekend of the summer holidays. Rachel was delighted when her parents surprised her one Thursday afternoon and picked her up from holiday club earlier than the normal time with a couple of suitcases in tow. She almost bubbled over with excitement when they informed her that they would be going on a weekend adventure by the sea.

They rented a cottage in a secluded area along the welsh coastline. The cottage came with a front facing view of the sea front and a huge backyard which was kitted out with not just a hot tub but also a kids play set and tree house.

The weekend was peaceful for all three. They mostly spent their time in the back garden or on the beach during the day. In the evenings, they stayed in with a home cooked meal and a movie. On their last night there, they decided to leave their happy little bubble and drive into town for their final dinner of their impromptu mini break. The closest town happened to be a forty five minute drive away from where they were residing. After the exciting adventure and the late night drive after the restaurant, Rachel ended up falling asleep on their way back to the cottage.

Neither parent was able to rouse the child so Frank took it upon himself to lift her out of the vehicle. However, the surprise came not long after that as instead of stiffening in his arms like she normally would have, Rachel rested her head into the crook of his neck and hugged him tightly. Not once did she stir or protest.

Carla winked at her fiance and lead the way to the cottage door. They tip toed their way through their little home away from home and crept into the room Rachel had been staying in for the duration of the weekend.

Standing by the bed, Frank swayed gently back and forth and side to side as he cradled the little girl's head as if she was the most precious thing in the world. He had almost gone into a trance which was abruptly broken when Carla cleared her throat.

Frank continued the soft rocking motions but gave his partner a questioning look. She looked at him teasingly before glancing down at the bed. Whilst he had been lost in his thoughts, Carla had turned down the quilt and turned the bedside lamp onto its lowest setting so the room was encased in a soft warm glow.

Rather reluctantly, Frank placed a tender goodnight kiss to Rachel's temple before he placed her on the bed. With a soft 'goodnight, blondie' and a quick peck to Carla's cheek, he left the room in order to let Carla change their daughter into more comfortable sleeping attire.


It was now the following day and the family of three had just pulled up outside their apartment building. It had just gone past midday and, as much as none of them wanted the weekend to be over, they were glad to be home after the long drive.

"We'll get the bags taken care of and then I'll head out and grab us some lunch from the chippy." Frank suggested as he killed the engine and they all piled out of the car.

Rachel 'whooped' with joy and fist bumped the air at his words. The two adults couldn't help but chuckle at their child's predictable response.

They all grabbed a bag each and made their way up to their family home. Once inside, Frank left to collect their lunch whilst Carla began the task of sorting out their dirty clothes into separate loads for the washing machine.

Rachel tugged on her mother's top lightly, "Can I have some juice and watch some cartoons until Frank comes back with the food, please?" She requested politely.

Carla smiled and cupped the child's cheek gently. "Sure you can, darlin'. Just please be careful not to spill anything on the rug. It took me ages to get the last stain out."

Rachel made the sign of the cross over her chest before scampering off to get herself a beverage. She made quick work of locating a glass in the dishwasher before pouring herself some apple juice. The little girl then made her way over to the living area, took a sip of her juice as she mindlessly flicked through channels until she settled on the 'Disney Channel'. She then placed her drink on the coffee table and situated herself in the cosy corner of the couch. The little girl absent-mindedly watched the TV and let out a yawn. Before she even knew what was happening, her eyes slid shut and she promptly fell asleep.

Ten minutes later, Carla had just finished putting on the first load of laundry and had made herself a coffee. With a mug in one hand and a packet of biscuits in the other, she made her way over to the couch.

"I thought we could have one of these whilst we wait for lunch. Just don't tell-" Carla trailed off when she realised Rachel had fallen asleep. A soft smile made it's way across her face as she gently lowered herself onto the couch beside her daughter. They had an early start that morning and even though she didn't go to sleep until later than usual the night before, Rachel had refused to sleep during the drive home. Carla decided a little cat nap wouldn't hurt and she was just about to cover the little girl with a blanket when she felt her phone vibrate in her back pocket.

Carla took the device out and realised she had a text from her fiance which read: 'Got a couple of surprise visitors – my parents! Will be home shortly.'

The dark haired woman frowned at the message and let out a huff. 'So much for a lazy Sunday.' She thought to herself in disappointment. Looking down at her attire, her frown deepened. She had decided to travel in comfort for the ride home and had opted to wear her most comfortable – and worn – jeans along with an oversized jumper. It wasn't the most presentable outfit she would have liked to be wearing when she met her future in laws for the first time.

Carla shrugged to herself in resignation and pulled her hair free from the loose ponytail she had thrown it up into earlier that morning. She then went on to run her fingers through the dark tresses hoping to get any kinks out as she stared blankly at the TV.

A few short months ago, Carla would have sprinted to her en suite and taken a shower before changing into something glamorous for this situation she suddenly found herself in. However these days she was a completely different woman with a completely different life and priorities. She would rather spend the last few minutes of peace with her slumbering daughter. She just hoped that said daughter would be ok with meeting her new grandparents at such short notice and with no warning.


Not long after receiving the text message, Carla heard a key being turned in the front door. She silently jumped up from the couch and made her way towards the entry way. There was just enough time for her to give herself a quick once over in the mirror before she came face to face with her fiance.

"Rachel is taking a little nap." Carla warned Frank in a hushed tone. The man nodded in understanding and looked over his shoulder towards the elder couple and raised his pointer finger to his lips in the universal sign for 'shhh'.

The couple who beforehand had been practically vibrating with excitement, visibly stilled in response to their son's signal. Frank greeted his fiance with a kiss to the cheek as he came to a stop and stood by her. Carla grinned at their guests and gestured to Frank's mother, "So...this is my scary mother in law, is it?" She joked with a nervous laugh.

"Every brides nightmare." Anne Foster quipped back and Carla inwardly sighed in relief when the older woman didn't take offence to her unconventional greeting. Carla held out a hand towards her but instead of receiving the expected handshake, the woman gushed and grabbed her soon to be daughter in laws face in her hands and kissed her on each cheek jovially.

Although Carla was slightly uncomfortable with the exuberant display of affection from someone she had just met, she was still able to plaster a smile onto her face. "Oh, two kisses." She commented as she felt her face flush in embarrassment.

Anne stepped back from Carla when she seemingly realised she might have been a bit pushy just moments ago. "Well we just stepped off a plane from France." She mentioned offhandedly as she gestured to her husband who had yet to utter a word.

"For the third time this year." Frank cut in teasingly.

Sam chose that moment to join in on the banter, "you can't take it with you." He shrugged towards his son and then turned to Carla, "you're not marrying him for his inheritance that's for sure."

Carla didn't quite know what to say to the offhanded comment and Frank, after he realised his fiance felt slightly unsure on how to respond, decided to formally introduce the pair, "Dad, this is Carla. Carla this is-"

"Sam." Frank's father introduced himself and shook Carla's hand.

"Pleasure to meet you, Sam." Carla returned politely.

Sam shot her a wink, "believe me it's mutual. We thought he was destined for ping dinners and the single life." He joked as he gestured towards Frank who rolled his eyes. It was safe to say that he was used to his dad ribbing him about his bachelor status.

"Well I did tell both of you to be patient. I've hit the jackpot here." Frank claimed as he gestured to his new home and his fiance.

Anne smiled proudly at her son. "Look at him, Sam. Our little Frank – the family man." Just then a thought suddenly occurred to her, "speaking of, where is our granddaughter? We've got a few presents for her. Just some things we picked up on our travels." She told the younger couple and gestured to one of the cabin bags sitting by the door.

Carla gaped at the piece of luggage and hoped to god that the bag didn't just contain items for Rachel. The bag was practically bursting at the seams! She didn't know how her daughter would react to being showered with trinkets from people who were practically strangers to her. The child tended to get unusually shy around new people despite her being a bit of an extrovert.

Realising Sam and Anne were waiting for her to respond, Carla absent-mindedly waved in the general direction of the living area. "She's just taking a little nap. She had a late night last night and an early morning today." She said and gestured for the pair to follow her.

"I'll make us all a brew and sort the food out." Frank called out to them softly and shook his head in amusement at Carla's slightly shell shocked state.

Carla stopped behind the couch and gestured towards the young girl who was still deep in her slumber. Anne let out an excited squeak and sat down beside the child. "Oh, Sam. Just look at her. She looks just like an angel." She fawned and then looked down at her watch before turning to Carla. "You should really wake her. She won't sleep tonight otherwise."

Carla went to say something but before she could, Anne reached out and shook the little girl's knee. Rachel's eyes burst open and a look of panic replaced the serene expression she had whilst asleep. "CC?!" She exclaimed and shrunk back into the corner of the couch when she came face to face with a seemingly random old lady she had never met before. It was as if she was frozen into place and all she could do was stare at the woman in front of her – the perfect image of a deer caught in headlights.

The child's mother hurried over to her side and wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulder. "It's ok, sweetheart." Carla soothed as she rocked them both slightly. Once she felt the eight year old's breathing even out, she began to make the introductions. "Rachel, this is Anne and Sam. They're Frank's parents – your grandparents. Anne, Sam, this is Rachel...your granddaughter."

"Hello, darling. You can call me 'Nana'." Anne smiled softly at the little girl who shrunk into Carla's side.

"I already have a Nana. Her name is Hayley. She works with CC and Frank." She mumbled out.

A look of disappointment settled briefly on Anne's face but she quickly brushed it off. "Well, that's ok. I'm sure we can figure something else out. I won't have my grandchild call me by my given name."

Rachel tightened her hold on Carla's waist and tensed up. It was clear to Carla that Frank's mother was being a little too overbearing and it was making her child uncomfortable. "We don't tend to force the use of monikers, Anne. Rachel is still kind of used to getting used to having two stable parents."

"But-" Anne was about to push the issue further but her husband was quick to stop her in her tracks.

"Anne love, why don't we see if Frank needs a hand laying the table? Give the girl a chance to wake up." Sam suggested. Anne looked from her husband and then to the two other females on the couch. Carla was running her fingers through Rachel's hair and whispering soothing words to her whilst the little girl sucked her thumb and nodded along to what her mother was saying. Anne wanted to make a comment about Carla coddling the child but Sam squeezed her shoulder and shot her a pointed glare. She sighed and stood up from the couch.

"We can't wait to get to know you, little one." Sam called softly and Carla gave him a grateful smile and watched as the couple left to help Frank.


"That was great scran, Frank. I wish your mother and I had a chippy like that round our neck of the woods." Sam announced as he sat back in his chair at the dining table, completely satisfied with his meal.

Frank scoffed as he took a sip of his beverage. "Who are you trying to kid, Dad? You have to travel about ten miles until you come across any type of restaurant where you are. All you two have got around your way are trees and farmers fields." He teased referring to his parents main house which happened to be deep in the countryside.

Sam chuckled and gave a reluctant nod in agreement. "What can I say, son? I like a quiet life." He stated.

His son sighed wistfully, "I've got a fat chance of ever having one of those any time soon, what with these two." He teased and gestured between Carla and Rachel with his fork.

Carla gave him an affronted look and Anne gasped as if she had just heard about some big scandal. "Frank! Behave yourself. That's your future wife and your child you're talking about." The older woman scolded.

Frank laughed and a boyish smile crossed his face. He looked over to Carla who was still glaring at him and he gave her a subtle wink, "I'm only messing, Mother." He assured as he reached out and lifted Carla's left hand into his. He pulled the delicate hand up to his lips and placed a tender kiss on the knuckle just below her engagement ring. "I feel blessed every day I open my eyes and see this beautiful woman's face." He announced proudly as he looked deep into Carla's glossy green eyes. Carla raised an eyebrow at him and gave a sideways glance towards their daughter who had remained quiet throughout the entirety of the meal. Frank followed his fiance's gaze and grinned. "I should also let you guys know that you have a very intelligent granddaughter. Rachel's end of year report was the best in her class...maybe even the whole year so it's safe to say Carla and I are expecting great things from her in the future."

"Oh, that's so good to hear!" Anne commented, "and what school is it that you go to, sweetheart?" She asked Rachel who whispered out her response. "Bessie Street?" Anne looked between her son and daughter in law, "that's a public school isn't it? Have you thought about going private? Sam and I would love to contribute towards the fees if that's what is stopping you from going down that route."

Carla choked on a piece of battered fish and quickly took a sip of her water. Her eyes widened in shock and looked at Frank as if to say 'say something!'. Frank stuttered as he looked between his future wife and their daughter who was shifting uncomfortably in her chair. He then turned his attention onto his mother who was gazing at him expectantly. "Uh...we haven't really discussed that, Mum. Rachel is doing perfectly fine where she is at the moment. The teachers have assured us that she's getting challenged more than enough to keep her stimulated and engaged. We might look into going through the private education system when she goes to high school."

The raven haired woman gaped at Frank and couldn't help but put in her own two pennies on the subject. "This is the first time I'm hearing about any of this. Anyway, that's almost three years away." She brushed off the idea.

Frank squeezed her hand tighter in reassurance, "exactly. We have plenty of time to discuss it."

Carla shook her head. "There's not much to discuss. Public schools are just as good as private schools these days. The only difference between them is that the private schools are full of spoiled and entitled kids who think they deserve the world and I don't want our child turning into that kind of person. I didn't go to private school and I've done just fine with my life." She had to stop herself before she accidentally insulted someone at the table. She was aware that Frank had gone to a private school and she couldn't help but feel like some of his mannerisms showed it at times.

Anne cleared her throat and put down her silverware, "with all due respect, Carla but didn't you inherit that factory from your first husband?"

The younger woman glared slightly at the woman. She didn't want to snap at her future mother in law but her judgemental attitude had started to get on her last nerve. "Paul and I had a relatively similar upbringing. We were both from working class backgrounds. We even went to the same high school." Her tone was biting and paired with the glare fixed onto her face, she hoped that she got across the point that Rachel's education was going to be decided by herself and Frank and them alone. She'd be damned if this woman was going to have a say in how their daughter was brought up, grandparent or not.

"I want to go to weathy high. Just like Faye. That's where she said she wants to go." Rachel piped up and looked at her mother pleadingly. She wasn't exactly sure she understood the whole debate but she was sure she got the jist of it. This annoying lady, Anne, wanted her to go to a posh school and her mother didn't sound too happy about it. Naturally, the little girl was on her mother's side.

Carla's facial features softened as she focused on her worried looking daughter. "It's ok, darlin'. When it's time for you to go to big school the three of us will discuss it together as a family. It's not for a very long time anyway so you don't need to worry about any of that right now." She placated as she rubbed the little girl's back comfortingly.

Before Anne could comment on the matter any further, Sam decided it was time for a change of subject, "Frank, Carla, I couldn't help but notice that quaint looking bistro near your factory. Is it any good? I thought we could go there for dinner tonight? Our treat of course."

Frank gave his father a look of appreciation and nodded his head. "Sounds like a plan, Dad. I'll go make the reservation now. Carla and I happen to know the owner so I'm sure we could get a good table last minute." He said and winked at Carla who gave him a small smile.

"Whilst you're doing that, I'll clear the table and do the dishes." Carla told him.

Sam and Frank exchanged relieved looks when they realised they had successfully de-escalated a potential disaster akin to a volcanic eruption. Frank left the table to make the phone call whilst the other four remained seated. "Rachel, would you like to see the presents Anne and I have got for you whilst your mum and dad sort everything out?" Sam questioned his unsure granddaughter softly.

Rachel – deciding to ignore Frank being referred to as her 'dad' - shrugged and looked at Carla as if she were checking it was ok. Carla smiled and brushed a thumb along the girl's cheekbone, "go on, baby. I'm sure they've got lots of goodies for you. I've seen the bag and its practically overflowing!" She joked, hoping it would be able to excite her daughter.

Carla then got up and started gathering everyone's plates and cutlery into a pile and watched out of the corner of her eye as Sam led her daughter over to where the bag of gifts was still waiting by the door.

Anne went to follow but stopped short in her tracks, "Carla," She called out to the woman who stopped what she was doing and looked up at the more senior woman, "I'm sorry about before. I didn't mean to be pushy. I just want the best for my only grandchild. Well...my only grandchild for now."

Carla smiled and let the last comment slide for now and nodded her head in understanding. "I know and I'm sorry if you felt like I was shooting you down. I only want the best for my little girl as well. Your granddaughter is in safe hands with me and your amazing son." She paused and bit her bottom lip as she contemplated her next words.

Her mother in law sensed her hesitation and gave her a look of concern. "Carla? Is everything ok?" She asked softly.

Carla shook her head and nodded. "Oh, yeah. Everything's fine it's just...I don't know if Frank has told you anything about my upbringing. Either way, I just want to make it clear to you that even though I didn't have the best childhood myself, it only makes me more determined to do the exact opposite of what my mother did in all aspects of her life." She stopped talking when she realised it was starting to sound like she was looking for Anne's approval, which was definitely not what she needed nor wanted. Certainly not when it came down to how she raised her daughter.

Anne offered her a smile of assurance. "Don't worry. I know she's a little shy around myself and Sam at the moment but from what my son has told me, Rachel sounds like a well adjusted and rounded child. Considering you've only had her for a short amount of time, you're both doing a wonderful job." She praised.

"Anne!" Sam called out to his wife from the couch. The woman in question looked over at her husband and raised an eyebrow, "are you coming over or should we start without you?"

Instead of immediately responding, Anne looked back to her future daughter in law who had gone back to clearing the table. "Do you need a hand with this?" She asked out of courtesy although she was eager to join Sam and Rachel and it was evident in her eyes.

Carla chuckled and waved her off, "no, don't be silly. Go and enjoy your granddaughter." She insisted.

Anne didn't need to be told twice. She was over by the couch as soon as Carla blinked. It was then Frank's turn to interrupt her efforts to tidy up. He crept up behind her as he returned his phone to his pocket and wrapped her arms around her middle. Carla was startled at first but then relaxed when she realised who it was.

"Table is booked for six. I hope that's ok." Frank whispered into her ear before placing a kiss onto her neck.

Carla hummed and placed her hands over the top of his where they rested over her abdomen. "Six is perfect." She told him.

Frank continued his feathery light kisses to where ever he could find access. "What were you and Mum talking about just now? Looked like it went well." He asked.

"Oh just a little chat mother to mother." Carla was about to expand on her comment but let out a gasp of shock when Frank nibbled on her earlobe. She abruptly turned in his arms and gave him a small whack to the chest. "Not here, Frank!" She scolded in a hushed tone and took a little look over her shoulder at the trio in the living area.

Frank shrugged and grinned charmingly, "why not?" he asked daringly.

Carla scoffed and shook her head in disbelief at his nonchalance. "Maybe because your parents and our impressionable eight year old are just a few feet away." She told him sarcastically.

He chuckled and pulled her closer to his chest. Her fiance then nuzzled into her neck and inhaled her intoxicating scent. However before she could succumb to his advances, Carla was quick to come to her senses and pushed him back slightly. She ignored his groan of disappointment and crossed her arms in displeasure. "What in the world has gotten into you?" She asked him.

Frank winked and raised a suggestive eyebrow. "I don't know. I guess it's a bit of a turn on seeing you partake in domestic duties for a change." He commented teasingly as he gestured to the half cleared table.

Carla gasped and put her hand on her chest in mock offence. "'For a change'? I'll have you know I do all of the laundry as well as the ironing and half of the housework in this house." She pointed out.

Her fiance chuckled in response to her getting so wound up. "Oh yeah? And who does all of the cooking and the other half of the housework?" He enquired full well knowing that it was him.

It only took Carla a few beats to come up with a response, "mmm, Rachel?"

Frank scoffed and shook his head at the ridiculousness he had just heard. "That little princess is more of a hindrance when it comes to household chores." He pointed out somewhat seriously.

Carla lightly thumped him on his upper arm. "Don't be mean. She's still learning." She told him.

It was Frank's turn to hum contemplatively. "Speaking of Rachel...has she got a nice dress she can wear to dinner? I know she's not a fan of them but I know Mum would just love to see her new granddaughter dressed up like a little doll."

His partner groaned and pushed the top of her head into his toned chest as she shook her head in dismay. "No." She looked up at him and shrugged. "We've just got her flower girl dress that I'm going to have to bribe her into somehow but she can't wear that."

Frank's shoulders slumped in defeat. "Mum won't be too pleased. She's traditional in the sense that she thinks little girls should wear pretty little dresses to important functions." He admitted.

Carla scoffed and rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Dinner at the bistro is hardly an important function. We eat there as a family at least once a week." She pointed out.

The man before her shrugged. "My mother isn't going to see it like that. In her mind this is going to be important because it's our first time out together as one big happy family. That's enough of a reason to dress formally." He told her before resorting to underhand tactics. He gave her a pleading look and if she didn't know any better, Carla would have assumed that Frank had been getting lessons from Rachel on how to give the best puppy dog expression. "Can't you quickly nip into town and pick her something up? You've been dying to get her into one of those dresses from that kids boutique you're always banging on about."

Carla groaned and tilted her head back. "This was meant to be a lazy Sunday and now I have to run into town to pick up an outfit for last minute dinner plans?" She whined.

Frank gave her a sympathetic look and rubbed her shoulders in the hopes of easing the tension. "I know. I'm sorry, love. We just have to get through tonight and then tomorrow we can have a lazy day. Tomorrow is a bank holiday so we don't have to go into the factory and Rachel doesn't have school." He took his wallet out of his back pocket and handed her his credit card. "Look, why don't you use this and get yourself something nice to wear as well."

Carla's eyes lit up at the offer and she slowly took the rectangular piece of plastic from him. "Rachel is not going to be impressed by the way. I hope you're ready for a lot of kicking and screaming." She warned him seriously.

"Don't worry, I'm sure you'll find a way to get her into a dress without too much drama." He quipped back.

Carla scoffed in response. "Have you met our daughter? 'Drama' is practically her middle name." She joked.

The duo made their way over to the back of the couch and looked down at the trio who were surrounded by various items such as clothing, toys and sweets. Rachel looked over her shoulder and grinned at Carla. "CC, look at all this stuff Sam and Anne brought for me." She said and held up a purple beret.

Carla took the traditional hat and examined it's craftsmanship. She could tell by the quality of the material and the stitching that it must have cost a pretty penny. It definitely did not come from one of those tacky souvenir stands. "I see, baby. I hope you said 'thank you' to Anne and Sam."

Sam smiled at the woman who was soon to be his daughter in law. "She did. Many times. You both should be very proud. Rachel has exquisite manners." He said looking between his son and his son's fiance.

Carla addressed her daughter once more, "Rach, I have to pop into town very quickly. Are you going to be ok here for a bit without me?"

Rachel pouted and her eyes flashed with uncertainty when she responded to her mothers question. "I can't come with you?" She asked sadly.

The dark haired woman also pouted and shook her head in the negative. "Not this time, sweetheart. This is only a quick trip. I just need to pick up a couple of things. I'll be back in just over an hour or so." She told the little girl. Carla hoped Rachel didn't kick up a fuss as she could do without the trouble. She would have taken the girl with her but she didn't feel like spending the whole afternoon traipsing around the city centre. Rachel made it a point of stopping and staring into ninety percent of the shopws window displays whenever she went shopping which always extended their shopping sprees by a considerable amount of time – even by Carla's standards.

Anne chose that moment to lightly tap Rachel on the shoulder to garner the girl's attention. "You don't want to go on a boring old shopping trip when you've got all these lovely new things to play with." She told the child as she gestured to the various items laid out in the living area. "We could even play a game of monopoly and by the time that's over, I bet your mother will be back home."

Rachel thought about the old lady's words and let out a deep sigh before nodding. "Ok. I'll stay here." She finally agreed.

Carla smiled proudly and placed a loving kiss to her daughter's forehead. "There's my good girl. I promise to be as quick as I can. Be good, ok?"

Rachel nodded and watched somewhat sullenly as Frank walked Carla over to the door.

"Call me as soon as she shows the first sign of possibly having meltdown. She seems to have warmed a little towards your parents but you know what it's like with her triggers. I don't think we've even figured all of them all out yet." Carla told Frank in a hushed tone as she checked the contents of her bag to make sure she had everything she needed for her last minute outing.

Frank sighed and put his hands into his pockets. "Carla, relax. She'll be absolutely fine. The quicker you leave, the quicker you'll be back."

Carla sighed and pressed a quick kiss to his lips and with a quick 'love you', she was gone before she could change her mind.