DISCLAIMER...I own nothing, i just wanted to write a fic as i always wanted Nick and Maggie to end up together...

Picking up Katie from her bassinet , Maggie cooed at the baby as Eileen walked in she smiled at the interaction and looked in the mirror. "Right you get off, I'll stay till Nick gets back" smiled Maggie, she shifted Katie to her hip and looked over at Eileen.

Smiling and shaking her head Eileen replied, "oh Maggie thank you, Oscar is coming over early so we can grab a bite to eat, are you sure you don't mind staying with Katie?"

"Not at all, we will be just fine, won't we Katie" grinned Maggie as she kissed the baby's cheek. " ok then thank you" Eileen smiled as she hugged Katie then Maggie and headed out the door.

"Right little miss rowan let's get you some toys to play with" cooed Maggie as she walked into the living room and placed Katie on her play mat.

Katie who was already bathed and ready for her bed , began to fuss after a hour and Maggie smiled. "Looks like it's bed time for you young lady" picking the baby up Maggie walked towards the stairs and smiled at the picture of Kate that was on the side unit. She missed Kate and always felt sad that she was missing out on seeing her daughter growing up, the daughter Maggie was currently cradling. The baby shifted in her arms bringing Maggie out of her daze and they headed up stairs.

Once the baby was down In the cot , Maggie headed back down the stairs and tidied up the few toys that lay around. Sitting on the couch she grabbed her book and began to read.

A few hours later Nick who had been called out on a case arrived home. He had bumped into Eileen who had told him that Maggie was looking after Katie so he knew the baby was in safe hands.

Looking into the living room he was surprised to see Maggie asleep on the couch , her hair was down and covered half her face, Nick grabbed a thin blanket from the back of the couch and place it over her before he headed to check on Katie. Returning to the kitchen he made a cuppa and sat lost in his thoughts. He lost track of time and looked up as Eileen walked in the back door.

Nick placed a finger over his mouth and pointed to the living room, confused Eileen walked to the door and stuck her head around the corner, she was surprised but happy to see Maggie who was asleep on the couch, she turned back to Nick and smiled.

"I didn't have the heart to wake her, she's been busy lately" he smiled, nodding in agreement , Eileen made her self a cuppa and joined Nick at the table, "how was the date , or dare I ask" smiled Nick as he sipped his tea.

"It was nice, we chatted away and just relaxed" replied Eileen with a smile. "It was nice of Maggie to stay with Katie so I could get away"

Nick smiled " yeh she's good with her and I knew she was being well looked after"

Eileen smiled back she leaned closer to Nick and spoke softly, "you know I love you Nick and I know you love Kate and how you wish she was still here" Nick looked on confused and let Eileen continue, " Kate would want you to be happy Nick" placing her hand upon his Eileen continued, "you and Maggie" she smiled with a small nod.

Nick dipped his head and looked up, "We are just friends" he replied, shaking her Eileen let out a small laugh, "Nick I see how you are around one another, there's a connection, and what ever that connection is, it won't take away the love you have for Kate, she loved Maggie and she would approve"

With a sigh Nick leaned back, " why do I feel guilty then, yes I do feel something for Maggie but it's too soon is it not, and I'm not sure she feels the same, plus she's married"

"oh Nick" replied Eileen as she stood, "things work in mysterious ways, your happiness and Katie's is what's important and if Maggie gives you that then why deny it, yes she is married but she's been separated for a number or years I believe, I think she feels something for you, I see how you are together, talk to her" Eileen gave Nick a hug and kissed his head. "Thank you" he sighed as she left the kitchen.

Maggie who had woken up and heard the conversation lay her head down when she heard the footsteps and felt Eileen walk past her. Then there was the soft creak of stairs as she went to bed. A few moments later she felt another presence, a small hand lay upon her cheek and a soft kiss to her head.

"Wake up sleeping beauty, this couch won't do good for your back " whispered Nick. Slowly opening her eyes Maggie smiled as she saw Nick keeling by her side. She sat up as he joined her on the couch. "Thank you for staying with Katie" he smiled as he looked over at her.

Brushing some hair from her face Maggie smiled back. "It was no problem , she's a good baby and I love being with her. Nick smiled and looked away then back at Maggie. They both sat looking at each other until Nick broke the silence.

"Could we have a chat about us?" He asked.

Maggie tried to look non the wiser replied "us, what about us"

Moving so his body faced hers Nick continued to speak, "I love Kate I always will she is Katie's mum and I miss her, but just recently I've had these feelings for you but you're my friend and your married and I don't know what to do"

Maggie felt her heart melt, "oh Nick, I know you love Kate you always will, she will always be with you and Katie" pausing to catch her thoughts Maggie continued to speak. "Neil and myself are no more, we haven't been for over four years, he's actually with someone else who he met at the Red Cross" seeing the sad look in her eyes Nick pulled Maggie closer. "I had no idea, when did this happen"

"A few months ago, they have been together for two years, I didn't say as it was full on with Kate and other things happening" laying her head against Nicks chest she sighed and enjoyed the comfort. Nick closed his eyes and sighed , he felt guilty , Maggie was going through this alone she had put her own turmoil aside to be there for him.

Sitting quietly embraced , Maggie was the first to speak, "I do have feelings for you Nick, I don't know when it started, I think I felt a sense of duty to take care of you and things slowly changed. I didn't want it to happen as I know you are grieving and I had no idea you'd even feel the same way but hearing you confess was a shock but with happiness and guilt"

Pulling apart Nick smiled , "Id like to take things slow but I want to explore this, what ever this is we have between us" he gently cupped maggies cheek.

"I'd like that also" came the soft reply, Nick was delighted, he leaned in to gently kiss maggie on the lips and pulled back. "Thank you." He said with tears, "for all you've done and do, and for taking this step forward together"

The next morning Eileen walked into the living room to find Nick and Maggie both asleep cuddled on the couch , she smiled at the sight, they both deserved this. Looking at Katie who was babbling away she carried the baby to the kitchen ready to start breakfast.

With Katie in her high chair and Eileen at the stove Maggie walked in and smiled, "Morning she said to them both"

Eileen smiled back "good morning Maggie can I get you anything" taking a seat Maggie smiled a cuppa would be nice, "A cuppa sounds perfect" smiled Nick as he walked through the door way. He stood by the high chair and smiled at Eileen.

"so anything you'd like to share" the elderly lady asked.

Nick turned to Maggie who nodded , turning back to Eileen Nick started to speak.

"Maggie and myself are going to take things slow, we have both confessed to feelings towards each other and are going to explore it"

"Oh I'm so happy , this is wonderful news" grinned Eileen who hugged Nick then Maggie. Nick then walked to Maggie and wrapped his arms around her. Katie who was in her high chairs squealed and played with her toys.

This is not whyat he pictured his future would be like thought Nick , but he was happy he had someone special in his life to share moments with and he had his baby daughter…