It was slightly warm in the morning so JJ had decided to only wear a thin sweater. However now the clouds were taking over and she pulled her jacket around tighter as she walked up the stoney pathway. With a sharp exhale she pressed the doorbell. "Hi," JJ greeted when Stephanie opened the door for her. She stepped aside and let JJ in.

"What do you want to talk about? I've had a stressful weekend with my boy. He has chickens pox so I hope you had them when you were younger."

"Is he here?"

"Yes. Now are you gonna step in?"

JJ nervously giggled as she stepped in. "Do you want coffee or something? And how long do you want to talk for because I swear if you made me wake up for some random girl to girl chit chat then I'm not gonna like it."

"No I just-"

"Mummy," a little voice said. Stephanie rubbed her forehead before she turned around. "Mummy I'm itchy and it hurts."

"I know sweetheart. Just be brave for me okay?"

"Have you got the lotion?"

"Of course I do."

"There really isn't a limit to that so I would put it on him whenever you can. And when you do, don't do it with a cotton bud or wool, rub some onto your hands and pat it onto his skin. That way it's faster and you're not rubbing it onto his skin."

"Anything else?" Although it was sarcastically said, JJ knew she wanted some advice.

"Get rid of his clothes. Only make him wear light cotton stuff. And I know it's cold, but don't put the blanket on top of him. His spots are still coming out so the heat won't be nice."

After Stephanie had put her son to sleep again, she walked into the kitchen. She took a seat opposite JJ and sighed.

"I just what to start off with I know you're looking out for Neil and Lara. You're his big sister and she's your niece. I was a stranger and you're right, you knew nothing about me and Neil only went on trust and you had every right to worry. But I assure you that I have never harmed or will harm a child like the way you think of me."

"I know you're not a sex offender. I made a friend check."

JJ raised an eyebrow as she looked over Stephanie. "I'm pretty sure that's illegal but okay. I just...I love Lara, I really do. She is an amazing little girl and Neil is such a great father."

"I know he is."

"I want you to give me a chance. I know it's a lot to ask but I help out at the orphanage, I give money to kids charity. I am the godmother of two cute kids and I babysit for them every chance I get. This isn't a normal relationship with Neil. I know that and have known from the start. It's starting to become a family and I welcome Lara with open arms. I don't see her as a burden. And truth be told, I think Neil's a little jealous that I spend too much time with her."

Stephanie smiled. "My brother has been hurt before- before he had Lara. And after he had her there were a few times he was made feeling like shit because he had a daughter and couldn't give his all. And you know, he's right. None of us really understand because we had it the conventional way. But he's my little brother and its my job to look out for him."

"I know that and I respect that. Neil's told me about what happened with Lara's mother. He told me about his previous relationships and he's apologised so many times for not giving me enough even though I've told him numerous times that he gives me a lot more than I deserve. He always thinks he's not good enough for me but he's way too good. I have never met a man that has treated me half as good as he has. Most nights I stay over because sometimes it's the only time we get to spend with each other and he hums a song, plays with my hair until I fall asleep and I have never felt so safe. And I'm not blaming you, I really am not but as much as he hates to admit it I know that under the whole I don't care what she thinks, he values your opinion and approval on our relationship."

"Is it money? I mean he's in accounting, there's pretty decent-"

"No, no, no. I swear to you I am not after his money. I didn't even know what he did as a job until the second day we met. By then I had already agreed on a date. I offer to pay him back every time but he never gives me his card details. Which reminds me, I need to ask you for his account details so I can pay him back for stuff. I run my own bakery and everything I put into that is my own money I made. If I need money I have family and friends I would go to first. Neil has his daughter to take care of so I would never ask him for money like that." JJ laughed softly. "I actually hide money around the house. Like when we order food and he doesn't let me pay, I put some cash hidden somewhere. It's in the storeroom in the packet of his new pillowcases."

Stephanie glanced at the smile on JJ's face. "You really like him huh?"

"It's dumb to say but I have been falling in love with him since our first date."

"That's where I find it ridiculous. He's been saying the same thing."

"Didn't your grandparents fall in love and get married like super quick?

"Yeah...but things were different. Nowadays people get bored and move on. I don't want you doing that to them."

"Trust me, a day with Lara is never the same. But without sounding too mean, Neil knows what he's doing. And sometimes even the best of relationships don't work out but that's something we have to face together as a couple. On Sundays I know you guys have family time most of the time and he gets happy because he's a family guy but then it's like something clicks in him and he gets upset because you're gonna be there. The last thing I wanted was to come between you guys. You're his sister."

Stephanie sighed. "I'm sorry. I know it's not an excuse but every since I gave to my son I haven't been the same. Everytime I try to go off the meds something happens and from the bottom of my heart I do apologise for making you feel like shit. I just...there's a better way I could have brought up my issues."

"Listen to me," she said with a smile. "You never have to apologise for being unwell. I have seen my friends go through this and trust me when I say the most important thing is your own health. Take care of yourself first and your family. It's not your job to look after Neil. He's got the rest of your family. And plus he's a big man, he can take care of himself."

"Can I ask you something?"

"Shoot."

"Don't get me wrong. But you're absolutely gorgeous and you've got a killer body and everything. Neil, however, isn't fat but he's a got a belly and hasn't got a six pack and whatnot. So why are you so into him?"

JJ giggled. "His smile. And his eyes. He says the same thing about me but everytime I see him smile I honestly feel like it's just us in the room. And don't tell him I told you this but he's funny. And he's sweet and cute even though he hates it when I call him that. It's just little things to be honest but I see how he is with Lara and seeing guys with kids has always been a soft spot for me. He knows what he wants and he works hard for it. He's got a strong work ethic and he's so smart. Sometimes we just lay in bed and read books. He will rest his head on my thighs and I would play with his hair." She shook her head and sat up. "I'm sorry, got a little carried away."

"Let's start over then shall we?"

"You really mean it?"

"Take the offer while it lasts."

* * *

Neil stood up and groaned. He heard the bell ring again before a constant knocking on the door. With a frown, he stood up and cautiously went to the door. JJ stood there with a huge smile on her face and when he opened the door, she jumped in his arms and he had to quickly hold her thighs to stop them from falling.

"I did it! I spoke to your sister and we're starting from fresh."

"Wait, wait." JJ giggled as she cupped his face and leaned down to kiss him. "Not that I don't like seeing you this happy but what on earth?"

"So I went to her house. Spoke to her and we sat down and talked things through." Neil shut the door and walked over to his room. He gently lay her down on the bed before kissing her.

"You went even after I told you not to?"

"Like I was gonna tell you. You would have stopped me. But Neil, everything is fine. Everything is gonna be fine."

"Cara...I swear you are amazing." He leaned down to kiss her and smiled into the kiss when he heard her start to laugh. "Just let me kiss you before I have to go back to doing work." He leaned down to kiss her again and sighed when he pulled away. "You are truly brilliant in every way. But I've gotta get back to work so if you don't mind, you gotta be sexy in another room."

"I'm gonna cook for you guys."

"No, no."

"Yes, yes." She pecked his lips before rolling out from under him. "Come on, you cook for me all the time. I'll make mac and cheese, one of your favourites."

He thought for a few seconds. "With the breadcrumbs?"

"Of course. And I'll add in some fried mushrooms and some vegetables on the side." She leaned down to kiss his cheek. "I've got some stuff in my fridge that needs to be used up. I'll be right back." Neil's phone rang and he looked at the caller ID before answering.

"Hey, Steph."

"Well someone actually seems happy to talk to me." JJ smiled before helping him up from the bed.

"Go and get the stuff before I say no to cooking." He pecked her lips and she giggled before walking away

"JJ?"

"Yeah. She said she wants to cook for us and-I swear she always slams the door. But yeah she's just gone to get some ingredients from her house."

"Listen...I'm sure she already told you if she's there but we had a talk. And I would like to do this face to face but you know Matteo got the chicken pox so over the phone will have to do. I am truly sorry for everything I've said to you you are an amazing father to Lara and I know you wouldn't do anything to hurt her."

"I know," he said with a sigh.

"And she really likes you, Neil."

"I hope so. I'm falling in love with her more and more every day."

"That's sweet." Stephanie sighed. "I'm really sorry, Neil. For everything. I swear I'll make it up to JJ. Everyone gets along with her and she's actually really sweet. I've got catching up to do."

"You do. But I just want to move on now Steph. I mean you still have to make it up with JJ but I wanna go back to how it was with us. I miss you and your stubborn ass."

"I know. And hey I'm not supposed to tell you this but JJ hides money in your house." Neil chuckled when he heard the door open. JJ walked in, a bag in her hands.

She put the bag down on the floor and kissed his cheek before walking to the door again. He heard it close and then walked back." She hides money?"

"Yeah she said sometimes when you don't let her pay for something she puts money somewhere."

"Stephanie, no!"

"Wait you actually hide money?"

"I'm not telling you where."