ODDS OF LOVE SEASON TWELVE

Episode 37

Friday September 5 ,    2025

" So you done went and got yourself cut all up , I see , me laddie ," Nance Glover chortled merrily as she sat on the bottom of Nigel's hospital bed. " Let me tell you about the one time I got meself all sliced and diced back in Dublin way. It was me man's fault anyway......"

Matilda sighed loudly as she came into the room along with Nicholas and the children. " Mum , please don't" entertain " my son with more of your otherwise enchanting fairy stories. He's already in hospital. "

Nigel smiled at his mother. Well , at his whole family really; all coming into the room with masks on and ready to give him big hugs. Especially Richard who was at the end of all of them holding a paper bag of breakfast sandwiches for the two of them.

Rebecca and Tanisha ran over to him , all smiles and holding hands like they had been sisters all their lives.

Rebecca said," Daddy Nigel, are you okay? We've been so worried. "

Tanisha whispered," Me too. Miss you, ' Igel. "

He hugged his step daughter and foster daughter tightly. Then his step son and foster son. Then his father and mother. Finally his husband, food bag and all. He was feeling especially weak today but loving being with the most important people in his life. If he could go back the past few months and remake everything he had done wrong he would. The late nights. The missed calls and unreturned texts. Missed family dinners. Right now he hated himself for missing so much then. He did not want to miss another moment with his family. He didn't know how long he had with them but he was going to make it last.

" I want a picture," he said so softly they had to strain to hear him. He coughed and spoke a little louder. " A family picture. "

And that was what he got. An impromptu family picture with everyone crowding around him in the hospital bed as Richard took the selfie from hades.

Nigel kissing the side of Richard's face.

Richie gazing with almost wonder at Lewis in the hospital wheelchair.

Matilda glancing at Nicholas who looked lost in deep thought.

Rebecca and Tanisha giggling at each other.

Nance doing bunny ears and making a face behind Nigel's head.

Once the picture had been snapped and Richard showed it to him Nigel just smiled and said," It's beautiful. "