She had never kept the identity of her father from her, she always sat down and showed her pictures and talked about him all the time to her even though she probably didn't understand. She wanted her to know her father and she had no doubt that she would recognise him if she saw him even at such a young age as she talked about him to her all the time. June wished things had been different as she knew Jim would have been over the moon if he had known about Mia but at the time she did what she thought was best for all of them.
As June was walking past the local market she saw Polly and approached her, June knew she could no longer keep her daughter quiet as someone was bound to see them.
'Polly' June smiled
'June, how are you?' Polly hugged her 'And who is this sweet thing, your sisters?'
'No, this is Mia my daughter'
Polly looked shocked 'She's yours, how? When? Why didn't you tell anyone?'
June laughed 'I knew you would react like that. She was born nearly 2 years ago now, I found out I was 5 months pregnant before I left Sun hill. I wanted to tell you Polly but at the time I thought it was best to keep quite'
'Oh June she is gorgeous and there's no need to tell me who's the father she has Jim's eye's and hair' Polly laughed
'Yes she has'
'I take it Jim doesn't know' Polly said
'No and for the time being I would like to keep it that way'
'Ok I won't say anything but June I think you should tell Jim, he would be delighted'
'Yeah maybe'
'So are you coming tonight?' Polly asked
'I am, my sisters having this monster'
'Oh June I can't believe it' Polly smiled as she kneeled down by Mia 'Hello Mia'
'What do you say?' June smiled
'Ello'
'Oh she is so cute'
'This is auntie Polly'
'Oh I like that' Polly laughed 'Auntie Polly'
June laughed
'Right well I had better be off' Polly said 'I'll see you tonight. Bye bye Mia'
'Bye' Mia said as she chewed her hand
'Bye Pol see you later' June added as Polly walked off
Later that evening June bathed and put Mia to bed 'Good night sweet heart' she smiled as she kissed her goodnight 'Mummy will see you in the morning, be good for Auntie Julie'June turned the light out and closed the door before going downstairs
'Wow sis, who are you out to impress' Julie smiled
'No one is it too much' June replied as she pulled her beautiful black dress down
'No you look gorgeous'
'Ok, right well I have put her to bed and she should sleep right through'
'June she will be fine, go and enjoy yourself'
'Ok but you've got my mobile number, if there's any problems any at all just��'
'Ring you I know, June she will be fine honestly, I have two of my own remember'
'I know I just�� I never thought I would end up like this but I couldn't bare it if something happened to her'
'I know, now go, go on' Julie ordered as she practically pushed June into the taxi.
15 minutes later June arrived at the station and surprised Tony
'June, oh this is a wonderful surprise' Tony beamed 'I am so pleased to see you, how are you? How's Leeds?'
'I am fine thanks and Leeds is fine too' June smiled 'You are looking well'
'And you but then you always did' Tony said
'Oh don't' June blushed
'Look get yourself a drink I will be back in a minute' Tony said before leaving to go and talk to Gary
Jim saw June from across the room and he walked over to her with Marie
'June' Jim smiled
'Oh hi Jim, Marie'
'Your looking well'
'And you, both of you. How's married life?' June asked
'Fine thank you' Jim said as he looked to the floor.
He still had strong feelings for June and now seeing her again brought them to the surface again.
There was an awkward silence before Polly interrupted 'June, sorry to interrupt but Bob would like a word'
'Ok, um��I'll see you around then' June said
'Yes' Jim replied
June followed Polly over to the other side of the room
'Well she looks well' Marie said
'Yes, yes she does'
'And she seemed alright about us'
'Yes she did didn't she'
Later that evening June was having a lovely time catching up with her old relief and Polly was getting slightly drunk
'Well June is looking well for her age' Gina said
'Yes she is' Polly replied as she sipped her wine
'She hasn't changed at all'
'Oh she has believe me' Polly laughed
'Oh yes do tell'
'She has a daughter' Polly blurted out before collapsing into the chair
'A daughter!' Gina said
Tony overheard Gina 'Who has a daughter?' Tony asked
'June' Gina replied looking gob smacked 'I never knew she had it in her' she laughed
'June no you must be wrong' Tony said looking shocked
'Well Polly told me'
Tony walked over to June who was sitting alone in the corner watching everyone.
'June is this true?' Tony said
'What?'
'Gina said you have a daughter'
'Oh��um Tony keep your voice down please'
'So it's true' Tony whispered
'Yes'
'Oh June why didn't you tell anyone, how old is she?'
'She will be two in 3 weeks'
'So you mean you were pregnant when you left'
'Yes I found out just before I left' June said
'June is she mine?'
June laughed 'No Tony she isn't'
'What's so funny?'
'The look on your face'
'How do you know she isn't mine I mean we did sleep with each other'
'I know Tone but I just know' June replied
'How can you be so sure?' Tony asked
'I just know'
'June I would like to have a DNA test'
June looked a little taken back but agreed as she knew Mia was Jim's. She didn't want to cause a fuss and if a DNA test was what Tony wanted then she wouldn't stop him.
'Have you got any photo's?' Tony asked
'Not on me'
'What is her name?'
'Mia Hope'
'Oh June why did you keep this from us all, how have you coped?'
'It has been hard but I love her and she is what keeps me going. I wanted to tell everyone but at the time I thought saying nothing was for the best'
'Will I get to see her before you go back?' Tony asked 'Even if she isn't mine, I would like to get to know her'
'Of course I will bring her to the station tomorrow'
'Are you sure what about everyone finding out?'
'Well maybe it's time we came out of hiding' June smiled
'Ok thank you' Tony said as she hugged her
The next morning June dressed Mia and put her into the car
'Are you sure about this sis?' Julie asked 'What if Jim walks in and sees her?'
'Maybe it's time he found out, maybe I was wrong not telling him'
'Ok but you know I am always here for you'
'I know thank you' June smiled as she hugged her
June got into the car and drove off.
15 minutes later they arrived at the station
'Right then, lets go and see Uncle Tony'
'Daddy' Mia giggled
'Well maybe we will see him too' June smiled nervously
She got Mia out of the car and got hold of her hand. She walked into reception
'Morning can I help�� June' Robbie smiled 'And who is this beautiful thing'
'Robbie this is my daughter Mia'
'Yours?'
'Yes'
'Oh well you kept that quiet'
'Yes' she laughed 'Your uncle knew though'
'Uncle Bob knew I can't believe it, oh she is beautiful June'
'Thank you'
Robbie came and opened the door 'Hello little one' she said as she picked Mia up 'Oh you look like your mummy don't you'
'Do you think?'
'Definitely but she has Jim's eye's'
June laughed 'Yes she has'
'Are you going up to the canteen?'
'Yes I am here to see Tony'
'Oh you've come to see Uncle Tony have you' Robbie smiled
'Yes' Mia replied
Robbie carried Mia up to the canteen followed by June.
As they entered the canteen Kerry and Honey walked over to them
'Who's this Robbie?' Kerry asked as she played with Mia's hand
'This is June's daughter Mia'
'Oh June' Kerry smiled as she hugged her 'She's beautiful'
'Thanks'
Tony walked slowly over to them, June took Mia off Robbie
'Mia this is Uncle Tony' she smiled
'Can I hold her' he asked
'Of course' June said as she handed Mia over.
Mia giggled and chewed her hand
'Oh she's beautiful just like her mum' Tony smiled 'Yes you are'
June blushed 'June can I have a word' Tony whispered 'What I said last night, there's no need now I've seen her, I know who's she is'
June smiled 'Thank you Tony'
As everyone started to gather around Tony to have a look at Mia Jim walked in 'Oh hello June' Jim smiled 'I didn't expect to see you'
'Jim I��' June said
'What's going on over there?' he asked
'Jim I have something to tell you' June began 'Please don't be angry, just remember that what I did I did because I thought it was for the best'
'June spit it out'
Before June could say anything Mia waddled over towards them
'Daddy, daddy'
Jim looked stunned 'Jim this is Mia your daughter' June said
Jim's eye's filled with tears as he kneeled down and took Mia into his arms. June began to cry watching as this was the moment she had always dreamed of. She's beautiful' Jim sobbed as he picked her up
'I know, I am sorry Jim' June cried 'I should have told you'
'Hello sweetheart' Jim smiled as he tickled her
Mia giggled 'Daddy'
'June we need to talk properly about this' Jim said
'Yes'
'Look I will look after Mia for you tonight if you want to go out and talk' Tony butted in
'Are you sure?' June asked
'Yes, I would love too'
'Ok thank you but what about Marie?' June asked
'There's no need to tell her yet' Jim replied
'Ok do you want to come my sister's she out tonight, she's taken the kids to Alan's mothers'
'Ok about 6' Jim smiled
'Great, right come on little monkey' June said 'We had better let daddy get back to work'
Jim kissed Mia and then handed her back to June
'I'll bring her round about 5:30 if that's ok Tony'
'Fine'
'Oh great' Robbie said excitedly
'I'll see you later then' June said
'Yes later. Bye sweet heart'
'Say bye bye daddy'
'Bye bye daddy' Mia smiled
As June and Mia left tears came into Jim's eyes, he couldn't believe that had happened. All he had ever wanted was to have a child and he had one and not only that but he had one with the love of his life June.
He was angry that June hadn't said anything but delighted that he had fathered a beautiful child with June.
Jim sat down at a table and Tony sat opposite him
'You alright mate?' Tony asked
'I can't believe it, did you know?'
'No one knew. How do you feel?'
'I am angry, delighted, happy, ecstatic' Jim laughed 'She's so beautiful like June'
'Yes she is' Tony smiled
'Do you know something all I have ever wanted was a child with June but she never seemed keen and then things started to go wrong and I married Marie but now I have a daughter with June'
'But you don't have feelings for June now do you?' Tony asked
'I have always had feelings for June, I love her'
'But what about Marie'
'I love her too but it's not the same I am in love with June'
'Oh Jim'
'When I saw her last night all my feelings for her came flooding back and now we have a child I.... oh I don't know I am so confused it is a lot to take in'
'Perhaps after you have talked to June things will become clearer, I am sure there are a lot of questions you want to ask'
'Yes, I just hope June will be willing to answer them'
5:30pm
June drove to Robbie's and knocked on the door, Robbie answered
'Hi Robbie is Tony there' June asked
'Yes come in, Hello Mia come to auntie Robbie, I've got a surprise for you from me and Uncle Bob'
'Bob' Mia repeated
'Yes' Robbie smiled as she gave Mia a gold bracelet with her name engraved on it
'Oh Robbie it's beautiful, you didn't need to'
'I know but we wanted too'
'What do you say Mia?' June said
'Thank you'
'You are welcome sweet heart, right come on lets show you what Uncle Tony has got for you'
June laughed she knew Tony would have bought something 'Hi June' Tony smiled
'Are you sure about this?'
'Yes'
'Ok well I have brought a change of clothes and a few toys if you have any problems here's my mobile number'
'She'll be fine, you go and enjoy your evening with Jim'
'I am not sure enjoy is the right word' June smiled 'He probably hates me'
'He doesn't he just has lots of questions he wants answering'
'Well fingers crossed that we won't start arguing I would like it if we could be friends at least for Mia's sake'
'June things will be fine you'll see' Tony smiled
'Right I had better be off' she said as she walked to the back door to say goodbye to Mia. As she reached the door she saw the play tent Tony had put up 'Oh Tony'
'She seem's to like it' Tony laughed as they watched Robbie and Mia playing 'Who are you talking about Mia or Robbie' June smiled
'Both'
'Mia' June called 'Mummy's going now'
June walked over to Mia and gave her a kiss 'You be a good girl
'Balls' Mia said as she picked up a ball
'Yes you are lucky aren't you' June smiled 'Mummy will see you later'
June left Robbie and Mia playing in the tent. 'Bye Tone and thanks, I'll pick her up about 8 is that alright'
'Great'
'Ok Bye'
June left and set of home to her sisters.
When she arrived Jim was waiting outside 'Oh sorry Jim have you been waiting long'
'No'
'I have just dropped Mia at Robbie's, Tony has bought her a play tent'
Jim laughed
'Come in, would you like a drink'
'No thanks' Jim replied as he sat down 'June why didn't you tell me about Mia' Jim asked
'I wanted to Jim I really did, after I left there was many a night I would lie awake and day dream about us being a proper family but then I would come back to reality and remember that you had your own family now'
'But you know how much I wanted a child'
'I know but you seemed so happy with Marie I didn't want break that up'
'We could have been a family' Jim said
'No we couldn't, you love Marie and if I had told you about the baby and you'd left her for me I would have had to live with the fact that you were living a lie'
'No it wouldn't have been like that'
'Jim that's in the past now we need to talk about what happens from here' June said 'I am sure you would like time to get to know her'
'Of course'
'I told her about you, you know, I wanted her to know about her father'
'I noticed, she recognised me'
'I sit her down and show her photo's of you'
'You kept photo's of me?' he asked
'Of course I did, they are all here' June said handing him a box
Jim opened the box and looked through the photo's, his eyes filled with tears as he looked through them.
'Lot's of happy times' June smiled as she noticed him looking at a photo of himself and June kissing at a wedding they had attended together
'Yes they were happy times, the happiest I have ever been'
'I made this for you' June said as she handed him an album.
Jim opened the album and inside was photo's of Mia from the first day she was born until now and in the back were some drawings she had made, they were more like blobs but they were Mia's first pictures
'You did this for me' Jim sobbed
'I thought about you everyday Jim, I imagined what it would have been like if you had known about Mia. I felt guilty for not telling you and I wanted you to have something of your daughter'
'Oh June thank you'
'I thought you'd be angry with me Jim'
'I was at first but now I am just glad you have told me, and I want to be part of your lives'
'Well we will have to sort out some access for you, perhaps you could see her on the weekends and holidays..'
'No June, I want to be part of both of your lives not just Mia's'
'But Jim what about Marie'
'June you are all I have ever wanted, I was so stupid to marry Marie, I loved you not her and I still do'
June looked shocked 'Jim this has been a big shock for you, you are not thinking straight'
'You don't love me anymore is that it?' Jim asked
'Jim I have never stopped loving you, I love you more than anything in the world apart from Mia but I don't think you are thinking straight. If I had come back here yesterday without a child would you still want to be with me, no you wouldn't so you leaving Marie just because I am the mother of your child would be wrong and I couldn't let you do it' June cried.
June felt her heart pounding, all she wanted to do was gather Jim into her arms and make love to him but she couldn't do that he was married, he made his choice 2 years ago, he choose Marie. It was killing her to tell him hat he shouldn't leave Marie because inside she wanted him to leave her but she knew she could expect him to do that.
'June' Jim said as he walked up to her 'The minute I saw you yesterday I wanted to grab you and kiss you but I couldn't and it hurt. I didn't know about Mia then so yes I would have wanted you even if Mia hadn't been born'
Jim placed his hands on June's face 'June you have given me the most precious gift in the world and she is special, do you know why, because she is part of you and me, she is ours'
June's tears flowed down her cheeks and Jim wiped them away before kissing her lightly on the lips, at first she froze but then she felt herself give in, she couldn't resist anymore she had missed him so much, so she started to respond to his kiss. The kiss became deeper and they both felt at ease.
'I have missed that' Jim smiled before kissing her again but this time June pulled away
'We shouldn't have done that, you are married'
'June what are you saying'
'Jim we are supposed to be talking about Mia'
'Ok I am sorry but I want you'
'You are confused' June said 'I think we should call it a night Jim before we both do something you'll regret'
'I would never regret'
'Jim please' 'Ok I'm sorry, will you let me come with you to pick Mia up'
'Ok' June said reluctantly 'Jim I am not saying I didn't enjoy that because I did and I wanted it to go further but you are confused and married so I can't let you do it to yourself or to me as someone would end up getting hurt'
June and Jim got into June's car and they drove to Robbie's
'Hi Tony' June smiled 'Has she been alright?'
'She's been a star, she's a lovely kid June'
'Thanks'
Robbie brought Mia out to June and Jim Mia was fast asleep. Robbie went to hand her to June
'I'll take her' Jim butted in
Robbie looked at June 'It's alright' June smiled as she watched Jim carry Mia to the car 'Thanks again you two'
'It was a pleasure, anytime you need a babysitter'
'Thanks'
June walked out to the car and drove back to her sisters, Jim carried Mia into the house and helped June to put her to bed
'She is so beautiful June' Jim cried
'I am glad she has finally met you. I should have told you in the beginning'
'That doesn't matter now. When are you going back to Leeds?' Jim asked
'Well I had planned to go back tomorrow' June replied, she watched Jim's facial _expression change 'But if you would like to spend sometime with her I will go back on Monday'
'Would you?'
'Yes, would you like to spend time with her tomorrow'
'That would be nice' Jim smiled
'Ok well I drop her off about 10 at yours, if that's alright. At least you and Marie will get a chance to bond with her'
'No June I thought you meant spend sometime as a family, me, you and Mia'
'Jim I don't think that's a good idea, it would give Mia the wrong idea and anyway Marie needs to get to know her too'
'I suppose so' Jim replied looking disappointed as they walked out of Mia's room
'Ok then I will see you tomorrow then' Jim said
'Yes' June smiled as she opened the door.
Before Jim left he gave June a kiss on the cheek but then they looked into each other's eyes and they kissed passionately again 'I meant what I said earlier June, I do love you'
'Jim go please before you do something you'll regret' June sobbed
Jim reluctantly left June and walked off down the road leaving June sobbing on the doorstep. She wanted him so much but she knew she couldn't have him. It was harder to resist him now because she knew he still had feelings for her too but she thought she was doing the right thing by Jim by pushing him away. It was breaking her heart but at least Jim could be happy with his wife she thought. She was doing it for him because she loved him so much.
The following morning June arrived at Jim and Marie's with Mia. Marie answered the door. Jim had told Marie about Mia when he had got home last night. She wasn't best pleased by the news as it meant she had competition for Jim's affections but Mia made Jim happy so she made Marie happy too. 'Morning June and this little one must be Mia' Marie smiled 'Hello'
'Ello' Mia replied turning all shy
'This must have come as a big shock' June said
'You could say that, please come in'
June lead Mia into the house and sat down. Jim entered the sitting room
'Hello sweet heart' Jim beamed but Mia was clinging to June
'Hey what's the matter Mia?' June asked 'It's daddy'
Jim walked over to June, his closeness made June's heart pump faster
'Come on Mia, daddy is going to take you out today'
Mia reluctantly went to Jim 'I don't know what's wrong with her, perhaps it's all these new faces' June smiled 'She'll be fine once I have gone. Where are you taking her?'
'To the park' Jim replied
'Oh that will be nice' June smiled 'Will you drop her off later'
'Yes'
'Ok then, mummy's going now'
Mia began to cry 'Hey come on sweet heart' June said 'Daddy is going to take you to the park and then you will come back to see mummy'
'Perhaps I shouldn't take her' Jim said looking upset
Jim don't take it personally, she just needs time to get used to you, she will be fine once I have left, honestly'
June hated leaving Mia when she was upset but she had to. June kissed Mia and by now Mia was screaming 'Bye' June sobbed before running out and leaving.
About ten minutes after June had left Mia had calmed down and Jim and Marie took her to the park. Meanwhile June spent the day catching up with Jack Meadows. Jack was so pleased to see her, he had been gutted when she left Sun hill 2 years ago. June explained the situation to Jack and he offered her a transfer back to Sun hill
'So what do you think June, it would make it easier for Mia to see Jim' Jack smiled 'Oh go on say yes'
'I am not sure Jack, it would be a big move. I am not sure whether I could come back I still love Jim and seeing him so happy with Marie would be hard'
'Well at least think about it, take your time and let me know'
'Ok'
Jim had enjoyed the day with Mia but he could help wishing that June had been there too. Marie had bee great with Mia but Jim wanted June to be there so that they could be a proper family. He knew what he wanted but how could he convince June he thought.
Jim drove Mia back to Junes sister's
'Did you have a nice day' June asked as she picked up Mia
'Yes, daddy fed the quacks'
'oh did he now' June laughed as she et Jim in
'It was a lovely day but one thing was missing, you' Jim said
'Oh Jim don't start'
'sorry'
'Did Marie like her?' June asked trying to change the subject
'Yes she loved her'
'Good. Well I don't know what you want to do now I mean I know it will be hard with us living in Leeds and you living here but would you like me to bring her down for weekends'
'That would be nice' Jim smiled
'Ok that's what we'll do then'
'Great so how was your day?'
'Quiet, I went out for lunch with Jack and he offered me a transfer back to Sun hill'
'and?' Jim said looking excited
'And I said I'd think about it. I am not sure if it would be the right thing to do.'
'June it would be perfect, I could help you with Mia'
'I know but I don't know if I can live around here and watch you living with Marie'
'June please think about it, please'
'I will consider it'
'Ok then this is it then' Jim sighed 'I am going to miss you, both of you'
June smiled 'We'll miss you too but you'll see Mia on Friday'
'And what about you?' Jim asked
'Jim, we agreed'
'Sorry I can't help it. Ok I had better go, Mia daddy's going now' Jim said as he hugged her. He gave her a big kiss 'I love you sweet heart and daddy will see you soon, be good for mummy'
'Bye daddy'
'Bye Jim' June said as she hugged him 'Take care of yourself'
'And you' Jim replied trying to hold back the tears
'I meant what I said I will miss you' he sobbed as he kissed her lightly
'Please go' June cried
'I love you both' he shouted as he left