Jac ushered everyone inside.
It was 4.30am.
"Hot chocolate in the kitchen"
Jac quickly made the drinks and steeled herself to tell the kids a version of events that would not scare them
"What's happening?"asked Evie
"It's one of Dad's friends from work. She's a bit poorly so he's gone with her to hospital"
Evie clearly was not convinced by Jac's explanation but they shared a look which said "go with it" so as not to alarm the younger ones.
It was a little exciting to be in a strange house, ambulance and police being here and now drinking hot chocolate at 4.30 in the morning.
Eventually Jac persuaded them to go to bed. Ella and Emma wanted to extend the excitement and bunk in together so she was in the bedroom by herself. After a few minutes, Evie came and sat on the bed
"What's really happening Jac. Dad comes home with cuts on his hand and then all of a sudden we're coming away for the weekend with the new girlfriend" she smirked at Jac "which was no surprise considering how much he has gone on and on about you for months" Jac returned the smirk "and tonight all this and a strange woman having to go to hospital"
Evie was mature for her age, she'd had to grow up fast when her mum and Raf died, often being called on to care for her younger siblings. Jac decided to tell her everything from her visit to the ward, right through to Abigail holding Fletch hostage to the events and of that night.
"We've never met Abigail" Evie stated "but god the way he has banged on about you over the past few months, what took so long?"
"Well it was me, I ran away?"
"But why, from what you've said you're clearly made for each other"
Jac couldn't hold back her grin "you think?"
"100%" Evie replied
They were both lying down whilst Evie told Jac about daft things that her Dad had done over the years. She clearly loved him.
Neither realised that they had fallen asleep next to each other on Jac's bed and neither were aware that Fletch had come back. He poked his head round the door and saw them both lying asleep. His heart ached with so much love for both of them.
He gently went round to the side where Jac was. He stroked her cheek softly "Hey" he whispered "I'm back"
"Hey" she said sleepily putting her hand over his
"You stay here babe. I gonna grab a couple of hours. Just wanted you to know I was back" he kissed her forehead and went to his room.
"Love you" a barely conscious Jac breathed.
"You too babe"
The next morning Jac woke to find herself lying next to Evie. Christ so much for taking it slow but inwardly she was gushing with happiness. Jac was lying staring at the ceiling when Evie awoke
"Oh hi. Sorry must have dropped off"
"Me too Evie. You Ok?" Jac tried to search Evie's eyes for any resistance to her and Fletch but could see none
"Is it too much to give you a hug Jac?"
Old Jac would have been out of that door so fast but new Jac...
"No I don't think that would be too much" and they hugged
"Fancy helping me make breakfast?"
"Ok"
"I can remember staying here when Elliott was around and if he still has the waffle maker you are in for a treat"
Evie giggled "you know that waffles are Dad's favourite don't you?"
"Nope I did not know that. But I do remember your story of waffle mix up the wall"
Fletch stretched and then opened his eyes he was so tired.
Abigail had been taken straight to resus in the ED. Fletch spent some time updating Charlie on events
"God seems a lifetime ago that I worked in this place"
"And look at you now Mr Director of Nursing"
"I know crazy right?"
"Well no more crazy than you hooking up with Jac Naylor" Charlie laughed
Ethan came over " she's stable but she's going to ITU"
"And the police are staying with her?"Logically Fletch knew she was unconscious but he still felt very uncomfortable in her vicinity
"Yes I believe she's under arrest. When she wakes I think they're planning on asking for a psych consult"
"Right. Good. I guess I can head back then"
"Want a lift. I'm finishing now" Charlie said
"That would be great. I'm shattered"
"Ah the life and loves of Adrian Fletcher"
"Well I'm pleased somebody finds all this funny"Fletch huffed
Charlie guffawed "come on mate". He slapped Fletch on the back
Fletch became aware of a fantastic smell of waffles. He inhaled deeply . Tired as he was he decided to get up and investigate. He met Theo and Emma on the landing
"Daddy do the human transporter. pleeeesse"
Theo pleaded whilst Emma looked confused
Fletch laughed
"Ok mate. Front or back"
"Front please"
"Ok . Emma " he said kneeling down"jump on for a piggy back"
Emma giggled and laughed harder when Fletch let out an exaggerated groan as he stood up.
"Jump up Theo"
And this is how Fletch descended down the stairs and into the kitchen with children hanging off him squealing with laughter
"Dad" laughed Evie "you've not done the human transporter for ages"
"I know" he said kneeling down "off you get you two" and groaned for real as he got up and sat on a chair at the large kitchen table "I'm too old for this" he stated."Jac do I smell waffles?"
"You certainly do" she smiled
"Come on you two" Evie said ushering Theo and Emma out of the kitchen " I think it's warm enough for breakfast on the patio so get the juice and plates"
"Very subtle" Jac laughed
"Well you two looked cosy when I got back last night"
"We had a good chat Fletch. She knows everything - hope that's OK"
He hugged her "That's fine"
"She's a good kid and knows LOADS of stories about you"
Fletch cringed "I was jealous of her last night" he said deploying his not so secret weapon of nuzzling her neck "mmm" Jac moaned softly.
"I just wanted a cuddle from my ice queen "
"Hey. You're not allowed to call me that now" she grumbled
"Jac you will always be my ice queen. It's a term of endearment" he grinned and pulled her in for a deep and lingering kiss
"Urgh"he said. "We really need some alone time"
