"Alex, where are the guys? And Paige? Where is everyone?" Bella wondered as she watched Alex pack her bags, ready for the three of them to go home.

Alex stole glances of his beautiful baby daughter, and his beautiful wife-to-be. He smiled softly as he watched his daughter in her slumber, flinching her hands with her fingers curled up tight - the way she looked so adorable in her little one-piece sleep-suit that Paige and Zack had bought for her. He came back to reality and faced Bella, sitting down next to her on the hospital bed.

"They've gone home and they're getting the house ready for the welcome party. Okay, so it's not much of a party, more of a social gathering, but it will be a great chance for everyone to meet Isobel. And then.. when they've all fucked off.." Alex leaned in closer, "..we can put Isobel to bed and go upstairs." Alex winked as he kissed Bella on the cheek, standing up to return to packing.

"Alex, you do realise I've just had a baby, right?" Bella raised an eyebrow, wondering whether Alex understood the situation.

"Yes.."

"And you do realise that there are stitches.. down there, right?"

"Really?"

"Yes, Alex."

"Fuck."

"How do you think I feel? It hurts to pee, so bad!" Bella winced in pain at the thought. "You are getting nothing until I am healed up. Or until I am in the mood again." She teased, with every ounce of truth and sincerity behind her voice.

Alex pouted. "How long will it take the stitches to fully heal?"

"The Nurse said about four to six weeks, depending on how my body heals.. I don't know, I've had stitches before but -"

"Really? Where?" Alex pulled a face of confusion.

"- that was different." Bella finished her sentence. "I had them.. on my.. on my er.. leg. Once." She looked down at her leg, on show as she was wearing shorts to accommodate the June weather. Bella frowned. Alex walked over to her slowly, beginning to understand what she was referring to. He looked down at the same place on her leg that she was focusing on. Bella flinched as Alex put his hand over the thick white scar. She regained focus on that moment and looked up at him with a slight tear in her eye.

"Bella, you don't have to worry about it now. Don't cry. That part of your life is over. At least, I hope it is." Alex soothed as he reached his other hand out to stroke her cheek gently. "How long has it been?" He asked with a kind smile.

"I can't remember. Ever since I threw my erm.. sharps box away, probably." She faltered.

"You had a box?"

"Yes."

"When did you throw that away?" He questioned, stroking her cheek with his thumb.

"When me and Paige had a clear-out of the house, before you and Zack rung us and asked us to move with you." She smirked and chuckled quietly to herself, remembering that day.

She remembered how Paige had run around the house like a child on Christmas day, as they got themselves ready to go to the hotel to meet Alex and Zack. She remembered how refreshing it felt, meeting her tenant and letting him move in - the realisation hitting that she was finally getting away. She still remembered every single feeling from that day and it was the greatest thing ever. She also remembered how frantic Paige had been when Bella had said she had no idea where her passport was. Paige had stood there with her mouth agape, demanding that she needed to find it in an instant but Bella had refused and said that it could wait. Paige had insisted that was not the case.

Bella smiled to herself. She looked up to find Alex face to face with her, his lips just inches from her's. His body begged her to close the distance as she gave in and leaned forward slightly, their lips meeting halfway as they shared a soft, gentle kiss. Bella pulled off and smiled as Alex stroked her hair, bringing her into his chest.

This moment, was perfect.

- - - - - - - - - -

Paige and Rian were darting and dashing around the house, making sure that everything was perfect for the arrival of the special guests. Funnily enough, Bella and Alex knew nothing about it and it would be the greatest surprise ever, they were positive. Jack had been the one to arrange it, knowing that it would make Alex the happiest boy alive, if he wasn't already. Jack and Zack were currently sitting on the sofa, not sure whether they should try and help or not. Because every time they had made the slightest attempt to help, Rian had come over to them and told them to "sit the fuck down". Apparently, they were more of a hindrance, which they didn't mind so much because it meant that they didn't really have to do anything.

Rian and Paige were exasperated as they collapsed on the sofa; the house was sparkling, every single part of it and there were banners and balloons, that had been hung up neatly around the house. The banner read "Welcome Home Baby Gaskarth" and the balloons had a cartoon baby girl on them. Zack and Jack had made themselves breathless as they blew up every single balloon, wishing that Paige had let them have their own way and get a helium tank to save them the energy.. and maybe so that they could have fun in the process.

Paige continued to lay half passed out on the sofa. "I think I've worked myself sick." She gasped for air.

Zack gave her a funny look. "What do you mean?"

"I feel like shit, man. I'm gonna go have a shower. I need to cool off and.. chill out." Paige gave Zack a sly wink. "And then maybe get something to eat. I'm feeling rather peckish."

"Do you want me and Rian to cook some food whilst you're in the shower? Because let's face it, you're not showering alone." Jack mocked.

"Yeah, we saw that wink." Rian glared at Paige, returning his face to the cushion of the sofa, refusing to move until he was forced.

"That would be fantastic. Thanks. Come on, Zack." Paige stuck her tongue out as she stood up and walked towards Zack, outstretching her hands and pulling him up from his seat. He leaned in to kiss her and they headed upstairs for the bathroom.

- - - - - - - - - -

"Y'know, I feel a lot better now, for some strange reason." Paige laughed as she pulled Zack closer, as the water ran over the both of them.

"Hmm, me too. I have no idea why though.." Zack laughed as he groped Paige.

"I love you, baby." Paige swooned as she nuzzled his nose, giving him the sweetest smile ever.

"I love you too, my princess." Zack held Paige tight, bringing her closer to his chest and holding her there. They both wished that the moment could last forever, but unfortunately it couldn't. Paige burrowed closer to him and then frowned slightly, staring into space. "What's wrong, sweetheart?" Zack asked as he stroked Paige's hair.

"Oh.. nothing, baby." Paige lied through her teeth.