Hey everyone, long time, no fic!! (from me anyway!) I hope you enjoy this and feedback would be greatly appreciated!! Louise Wherever You Will Go Author: Louise Email: lj_brown2@yahoo.com or lj_brown1@hotmail.com Disclaimer: I do not own stingers or have anything to do with the show. Note: Set two years later and the events that happen here are just wishful thinking because I know stingers will never be the same without those who we miss greatly! "Any news?" Pete asked Angie as he came back from lunch. "No, the jury's still out." "But have you heard from Marty since his testimony?" Angie shook her head. "Apparently they still want him in protection until the guilty verdict is through." "And if it's not?" "I'll never see him again." Angie's mobile rang. She looked at the screen to see who it was, but it only said private number. "Hello," she answered tentatively. Pete watched Angie's face as she broke into a huge smile. "Marty…oh my god, is it really you? Can I see you? Yeah, I know where that is…he's really going to jail? Marty you have no idea how much I've missed you…ok, see you soon…bye." "I take it Mr. Finster was given a guilty verdict," Pete observed as Angie got off the phone. She nodded, almost in tears as she searched hurriedly for her car keys. "Shit! Where are they?" "If you're talking about your keys, they're in your hand," Pete pointed out to her. "Thanks…Pete, thanks for your support," Angie smiled. Pete nodded, "any time." Harris walked into the work area, "where's Piper off to?" "Ah…she has a meeting with an informant," Pete said, part truth, part lie. Harris didn't have to know that it was an ex-informant. "She didn't mention anything to me!" "That's because sometimes, meetings with informants are unplanned," Pete replied matter-of-factly. "Alright then, if anyone needs me, I'll be in my office." "I'm sure we won't!" Pete mumbled under his breath. Crown Towers~ Angie walked into the quiet suite. There was no sign of Marty, causing concern at first until she saw him standing over at the window, candle lit dinner waiting beside him. "Amazing view," Angie whispered. Marty turned around to face Angie, cupping her head in his hands. "This is the most amazing view I've seen," he stated. "I missed you Ange." "I think I need to be pinched to make sure I'm not dreaming this." "Why don't I kiss you instead," he replied slowly moving in and caressing Angie's lips. "That might convince me this is real." * Angie woke the next morning snuggled comfortably in Marty's arms, smiling as she watched him sleep. Marty stirred, opening his eyes and looking into Angie's eyes. "Morning," he whispered. "How long have you been awake for?" "Just now," Angie replied. "Thought any more about what we discussed last night?" "It was the only thing I had on my mind," Angie replied. Marty raised his eyebrows. "The only thing eh?" "Of course. What else would there be?" "Gee, I don't know, maybe thinking about the handsome man who's marrying you." Angie rolled Marty onto his back and started kissing him. "How does just over a month sound…it'll give me enough time to organise what I need to?" "Works for me," Marty replied with a smile. Angie got out of bed, pulling a robe around her. "Well, looks like I better start organising a few things then." "Can't it wait?" "Nope…I'll be in the shower if you need me." One month later Angie's house~ Pete, Danni and Angie looked up as the doorbell rang. "Are you expecting anyone?" Pete asked, noticing how late it was. Angie smiled. "Maybe!" She replied teasingly. Angie opened the door, smiling as she did so. "Thought it was you," Angie greeted. "Who's this?" Angie asked, pointing to the little boy Mac was nursing on her hip. "This is Lachlan," Mac replied smiling back. "How are you?" Angie smiled, "extremely nervous but I have two more weeks to work on my nerves…how are you?" "Nervous about seeing everyone again." "You'll be fine. Come on in," Angie stepped aside and grabbed Mac's bags for her. "Who's here?" "Pete and Danni." Mac nodded, taking a deep breath before continuing down the hall. Pete almost dropped his stubby when he saw Mac appear in the room. "Mac, oh my god, what are you doing here?" Danni asked in excitement. "Ooh, and who is this adorable little boy?" She cooed. "Firstly, Angie asked me to be her maid of honour, and this is my son Lachlan." "How come you didn't tell us you got married?" Danni asked. "I'm not married. We're together, just haven't got the official piece of paper," Mac replied with a slight smile. "Is he coming to the wedding?" Danni continued to fire questions at Mac. Mac shrugged, "he's on his way…bringing the boat." "A boat? Ooh, is he loaded?" Danni asked again. "Yeah, something like that," Mac replied rolling her eyes. She looked over at Pete who still hadn't managed to say anything. "Hi Pete." "Mac," was all Pete managed to say. Mac looked at Angie, "Ange, can you hold Lachlan?" "Yeah sure." Angie replied stretching out her arms. "Pete, can I have a word with you?" Mac asked, hinting it was important. Pete shrugged, "guess so." He replied, opening the sliding door and walking out to the back patio ahead of Mac. "You still haven't told anyone the name of Lachlan's father," Pete said enquiringly. "Gene…Gene Rubin is the father of my son," Mac replied, nervously looking from her hands into Pete's eyes. "And before you even think about starting, please don't. I loved him and I couldn't let another love of my life just walk away from me." "That's funny," Pete whispered. "What?" Mac asked, her brow creased. "You used past tense when you said you `loved' him." Mac shook her head, turning her back and walking further away from the house. "Is Bryan Grey still head of armed robbery?" Mac asked, changing the subject. "Ah, yeah…why?" Pete asked confused. "I need your help." Mac paused, gathering herself before continuing. "I think Gene is planning to do a job." "How do you know?" Mac sighed. "The other night Gene thought I was in bed asleep. I woke up to get a glass of water and stopped when I heard his voice coming from his office. It sounded like he was on the phone. Anyway, he mentioned names of galleries to this other person he was talking to, so that they could get plans and security information ready for when Gene arrived in Melbourne." "Did he mention any gallery he was certain on?" "Benarchi's on Collins. Apparently they've taken hold of some valuable pieces in the past week and they're worth a fortune." "Alright I'll see what info I can muster up, find out if he has any accomplices out and about." Mac nodded, pleased enough with Pete's suggestion. "Pete…thanks," Mac said, softly grabbing his arm and squeezing it lightly. "Mac, if there's anything else bothering you, you know where to find me," Pete offered. "I know," Mac smiled, walking back into the house. "Where are you staying?" Angie asked Mac as she handed Lachlan back to his mother. "At Eve's. She's looking forward to meeting her grandson…So, I guess I should head off." "I'm just about to head home myself. Did you want a ride?" Pete offered Mac. Mac nodded, "yeah, thanks." Pier 35 – Next morning~ Mac pulled out of Gene's hold. "Who was that guy who just left as I got here?" Mac asked, suspiciously watching Gene as he held their son. "That was Craig…an old friend of mine." "You mean an old accomplice?" Gene scoffed, "Ellen, babe, you know I'm not involved in that business anymore." "Yeah well, just make sure you stick to that. I don't want Lachie to grow up not knowing his father because he's behind bars!" "Hey, stop getting yourself worked up," Gene said running a hand along Mac's cheek. "Why don't we go and grab a coffee and something to eat?" Mac sighed, "I guess I could do with one." "That boat must have cost a packet," Gene stated as they walked past the boat that was docked next to them. "I wonder if a sexy millionaire owns it," Mac said with a grin. Gene laughed, "it's probably some loser in love who's spent all his life earnings into renting it for one day just to land the perfect partner!" "I guess we'll just have to wait and see." Once Mac and Gene were out of sight, Pete and Angie exited their boat and climbed aboard Gene's. "Pete, isn't he the guy who we targeted for the gallery 101 job a couple of years back?" "Yeah…so?" "Mac ran off with the guy who she was undercover with?" "Angie, we have a job to do, so can we just get it done?" Pete asked, beginning to plant the bugs around the boat. "Alright. Just that, Mac is someone who you wouldn't expect to do something like that." Pete sighed, "Angie, will you just drop it?" "Fine!" Angie stopped speaking and focused on the job at hand. Later that night, Gene came up behind Mac who was washing the dinner dishes and began kissing her neck. Mac pulled away slightly. "Hey, come on…leave those for the morning," Gene begged, pulling Mac back to him. "No it's better to get them done now," Mac replied, drawing away again. Gene grinned, "you're right, because then we get to sleep in." Mac scoffed. "Have you forgotten about our eight month old son who still wakes up nice and early?" Gene kissed Mac on the neck again. "Gene!" She objected. "Did you meet someone last night?" He asked suddenly. "What? No, why?" Mac asked stunned by Gene's question. "It's just that you've never rejected me before." Mac sighed, "I'm not rejecting you, it's just that I want to get these out of the way so I don't have to wake up to them." "Alright, I'll get Lachlan ready for bed while you're doing that." Angie looked at Pete. "Thankfully we know he won't spill anything to Mac while they're having sex!" She remarked to lighten the mood. "What do you mean?" "We won't have to listen to them." She replied matter-of-factly. "How would you like daddy to buy a nice big house here in Melbourne and one in Sydney, eh?" Gene said as he put his son into his cot. "But first I have a very important job to do so I can buy them. Would you like that?" Gene looked at Lachlan who was smiling away. "Promise me you won't tell mummy about our plans, okay? It can be our secret." "What can be your secret?" Mac asked as she stood in the doorway. "Just something little Lachie and I were discussing," Gene replied with a grin. "Such as?" "Uh-Ah, can't tell – secret men's business," Gene whispered in reply before kissing Mac. "I take it the dishes are all done." Mac nodded, pulling away and leaning into the cot to kiss Lachlan gently on the forehead. "Night, baby." Pete went to turn the headphones off. "What are you doing?" Angie snapped. "You said yourself, you don't want to listen to those two banging," Pete replied, stunned by Angie's change of tone. "Pete, she might be able to get him to talk." Pete shook his head. "She doesn't know the boat is wired. If she found out we listened to them you know she'll be angry." "Yeah, but Mac knows what she's doing. She'll get him to talk." "If she does, she can tell us herself!" "What if she doesn't get a chance to? Pete, we do this all the time, it's our job," Angie stated matter-of-factly. Pete painfully turned the equipment back on and placed the headphones back on his head, while Angie watched, sensing the real reason Pete didn't want to listen to Mac making love to another man. "What was it that you were talking to Lachie about?" Mac asked breathlessly. "You don't want to know," Gene replied pressing further into Mac. "What if I do?" She persisted, looking directly into Gene's eyes. Gene shook his head, "trust me, you don't." The next morning, Mac woke to see Gene was no longer in bed. She grabbed Gene's shirt and pulled it around her. As Mac went to check on Lachlan, she overhead voices coming from the deck. Mac looked out the window to see Gene talking to the same guy as the day before. "Don't stress, everything will be ready in time!" Craig told Gene. "I hope you're right…We'll talk more later." Gene replied, heading back into the boat. Mac quickly ducked into Lachlan's room before Gene saw her. "Hey," Gene whispered, walking over to Mac who was standing next to Lachlan's cot. "You alright?" "Fine, why?" "You seem a bit out of breath," Gene replied suspiciously. "I just got worried because Lachie hadn't woken yet." "What are you up to today?" Gene asked Mac as he wrapped his arms around her. "The three of us are meeting Eve for lunch," Mac replied turning to face Gene. Gene pulled a face. "You know I'd love to, but I have something to take care of." "Such as?" Gene leant in close, beside Mac's ear. "It's part of the surprise!" Pete took his headphones off. "You got that right, dickhead!" "I'll let Grey know we've got a definite location and time," Angie told Pete. "Thanks." Benarchi's on Collins~ "All units standing by, the target has just entered the premises," Angie said over the radio. "Got him this time," Grey said rubbing his hands in anticipation. "He still has to be arrested," Pete stated matter-of-factly. Pete, Grey and Angie all sat and watched the video monitor showing Gene and his accomplices beginning to remove the expensive items. "Code three, all units move in now, move in now," Angie said calling it in before answering her phone. "Angie speaking…yes Harris? Ahh, we've taken it for a drive because we haven't used the com-v in a while…we're not far off…bye." "What did that prick want?" Pete asked. "To know where the com-v was." Mac's house~ Mac opened the door to Pete. "How did you manage to get the tenants out so quickly?" Pete asked surprised. "To tell you the truth, I was coming back to Melbourne for good," Mac replied, letting Pete through. "How come?" "I was beginning to fall out of love with Gene, missed my family, my friends, you…" Mac let out a nervous smile as Pete looked up at the last word Mac said. "Ah, do you want a drink?" Mac asked, quickly retreating into the kitchen. "Yeah I'd love one, thanks." Pete looked around the house he remembered so well before spotting Lachlan sitting in his high chair. "Hey there buddy, what have you got there?" Pete asked, looking at the dish that was on the table next to him. "Mmm, mushed up vegies…mate, you have the life! Sitting back, getting spoon-fed…" "Yeah, and a father behind bars!" Pete turned around to see Mac standing behind him, drinks in hand. "He can't help who his father is," Pete tried to cheer Mac up. "I guess not," Mac sighed sitting down and smiling for the benefit of her son. "I don't know how I'll cope with being a single mum." "You'll be fine…you've got great friends to help out if ever you need a breather." "I know but, I don't even have a job!" Mac scoffed, "guess it's my own fault for walking away from my career." "The brass might take pity on a single mum. Rumour has it the head of homicide is leaving," Pete smiled in aid of cheering Mac up. "Already? He didn't last long…anyway I can't, I resigned remember?" "Did I mention Grodin is still Chief Commissioner?" Pete asked as Mac smiled and shook her head at Pete. "Besides, you never know. You may not have to be a single mum for too long." Mac scoffed. "Oh yeah, I can see them all lining up now!" "Well, there's one in line already – he's just waiting until you're ready to move on." "What if it takes me a while? I wouldn't want him to waste his life waiting." "He's prepared to wait for as long as it takes." "Really? I'll have to keep that in mind." Two weeks later~ "I, Angela take you, Martin to be my lawfully bedded…" "Angie," Mac hissed as the congregation laughed. Mac turned slightly to see Pete trying hard to hold in his chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief. "Oh shit!" Angie cursed. "Too much champagne?" Marty quietly asked. "Oh, um…sorry…my lawfully wedded husband. To have and to hold from this day forward…" "May I escort you to your table?" Pete asked Mac as the wedding party dispersed after more photos were taken. "That would be nice, thankyou," Mac replied slipping her arm around Pete's. Mac stopped suddenly. "What's he doing here?" She asked surprised. "Jardine? Um, you won't believe this, but he's here as Danni's date!" Pete raised his eyebrows. "Gee, I'd hate to think what would have happened if Bill hadn't been killed!" Mac stated sarcastically. "Oh, don't even go there!" Mac smiled before moving on, but not before Nick saw her. "Ellen, hi. I heard you were back." "I'll ah, just get a drink," Pete said looking from Mac to Nick. Mac smiled nervously. "I'd love a drink too." She turned her attention back to Nick. "News travels fast." "Guess it does. So, how are you? You certainly look well." "Yeah, good…slowly getting used to being a single mother, but so far I seem to be coping. Anyway, how are you?" "Pretty good, still in homicide and looking at getting my fourth boss already," Nick replied. "I uh, better keep moving and get this drink I promised Danni." Mac nodded. "I guess I'll see you around." "Yeah, it was good to see you again." "Mm, you too!" Mac replied, walking over to where Pete stood with their drinks. Marty walked up to where Angie was taking a breather after talking to all the guests. "So Mrs. Engle, ready for the bridal waltz?" He asked slipping his arms around Angie's waist. Angie shook her head emphatically. "No way! You know I can't dance and there's no way I'm stuffing up while being the centre of attention!" "Too late, you already have." Marty laughed. "One stuff up is too many on the most important day of my life, don't you think?" "Nope," Marty replied shaking his head. "It'll only just be you and I for the first few bars…come on Ange, it's our special song," Marty pleaded. "Fine, but this is the last time I'm dancing – EVER!" "Your wish is my command," he smiled, taking Angie's hand and walking to the dance floor. So lately, I've been wonderin Who will be there to take my place When I'm gone, you'll need love To light the shadows on your face If a great wave should fall It would fall upon us all And between the sand and stone Could you make it on your own "You know I had to pay the band an extra $500 to play this song," Marty said as he pulled away slightly. "It's definitely worth it," Angie stated smiling. "I thought so too," Marty agreed, pulling Angie in for a passionate kiss. If I could, then I would I'll go wherever you will go Way up high or down low I'll go wherever you will go Before long most of the guests were on the dance floor with the bride and groom. Angie noticed one couple that looked quite comfortable together. "Pete," Mac whispered in his ear. "Yeah?" "Thankyou." "What for?" Pete asked, confused. "The other week – helping to get Gene." "Anytime…I mean it!" Mac smiled at Pete before resting her chin on his shoulder. Pete closed his eyes at the warmth of Mac's breath on his neck. And maybe, I'll find out The way to make it back someday To watch you, to guide you Through the darkest of your days If a great wave should fall It would fall upon us all Well I hope there's someone out there Who can bring me back to you "I hope we're never apart for that long ever again," Marty said running a hand down Angie's face as they continued to dance. "I hope we're never apart again full stop!" Angie corrected. Marty smiled, "I love you Ange." "I love you too," Angie replied kissing Marty deeply. "After the honeymoon, why don't we make a fresh start?" "What do you mean?" "Move interstate, only if you could get a transfer." "I will go wherever you want to go just as long as we're together!" Angie replied, kissing her husband once more. If I could, then I would I'll go wherever you will go Way up high or down low I'll go wherever you will go "I'm thinking of quitting my job," Pete told Mac. "What? How come?" "Sick of being stuck in the same rank all these years – time to move on, get a life. Not to mention I'm sick to death of that prick you left us with!" "Sorry," Mac apologised. Pete shook his head, letting her know it wasn't her fault. "But you love your job, what would you do?" Pete shrugged. "Not a wise career move, I should know." "I'll think of something before I quit." Mac smiled, "I made the biggest mistake Pete. I thought I was following my heart when I left with Gene, but really, I was running away from it." "Well, Nick was pretty cut after you left - " Mac shook her head. "Not Nick." Pete looked deeply into Mac's eyes, which said it all. Runaway with my heart Runaway with my hope Runaway with my love I know now, just quite how My life and love might still go on In your heart and your mind I'll stay with you for all of time "I wish we could stay like this forever," Angie whispered in Marty's ear. "I don't!" Angie scoffed, "fine I'll leave you all by yourself on the dance floor." "No, we have to have the honeymoon and that's when you say you want to stay like that forever!" "I think I like your idea," Angie smiled. "So do I," Marty agreed. If I could, then I would I'll go wherever you will go Way up high or down low I'll go wherever you will go "So, do you and Danni still live together?" Mac asked. Pete sighed, "she's only just moved back in…she moved out to look after her father after she was fired. Anyway, I've laid down the ground rules and she's not to bring that dickhead home…unfortunately his place got exterminated today so that rule will no doubt be broken!" "Rules are meant to be broken," Mac smiled. "Not when my sleep will be affected!" "You're more than welcome to stay at my place…if you want," Mac offered. "What time does Lachie wake?" Pete asked hesitantly. Mac grinned. "You don't have to worry about him, he's staying the night at Eve's!" Pete smiled, "mm, I may have to take that up!" "Well, it's the least I could do." If I could turn back time I'll go wherever you will go If I could make you mine I'll go wherever you will go "Let's have a hand for Mr. and Mrs. Engle," the singer said after the song had finished. "I have an announcement that the bar will be closing in an hour and there are still plenty of drinks, so drink up as it has all been pre-paid." Later on, Pete went in search of Mac and found her standing on the balcony outside. "The bar has closed but not before I could swipe a couple of champagne bottles," Pete grinned, holding up the two bottles in one hand and two champagne flutes in the other. Mac smiled, shaking her head. "Trust you to do something like that!" "Let's just say that Marty and I are now square," Pete stated, popping the cork of the first bottle. "Oops," he said as one of the glasses overflowed. "What a waste of good champagne!" "Lucky I grabbed two bottles then!" Mac scoffed, "I think I've had enough to drink already." "So you'll wake up with a sore head. It'd be worse if you had to wake up to Lachie!" "True," Mac agreed. "Here's to the future, moving on and to us!" Pete toasted, clinking glasses with Mac. "Here-here." "Ah-hem," Angie cleared her throat as she stood in the doorway with Marty. "Mac, Pete, we're just about to leave." Mac smiled, walking over to her friend, hugging her tightly. "Congratulations Angie. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about…" "Mac, don't worry about it. There were plenty of things that you didn't find out about until much later. In fact, there are probably a few things you still don't know!" Angie replied, shaking her head. "Look after yourself," Mac said. "I will…make sure you look after yourself too!" "Yeah…congratulations Marty," Mac said, hugging him as Angie went to say goodbye to Pete. "You make sure you look after her." "I promise I will…come on Ange, we better get going." Pete hugged Angie, "enjoy yourself." "Thanks Pete…bye, bye Mac," Angie waved as she and Marty left the wedding. Mac and Pete could only just hear the band as the music started up again. Pete took Mac's drink from her hand and placed it on the railing before sliding his arms around her waist and slowly moving to the music. Took all week for the feeling to come Dry your eyes we're staring at the sun Wanna call I've got nothing to say Want it all got a line and enough to stay You're keeping secrets there's only one I need to find Shaking myself from the hum of the morning Saving it all for the rest of the night Loosing myself to the drug of the city lights You're keeping secrets there's only one I need to find Said it all now there's no mystery Talk so much I force myself to breathe Under hand but it all went to plan Sold my sole to an understanding man You're keeping secrets there's only one I need to find Shaking myself from the hum of the morning Saving it all for the rest of the night Loosing myself to the drug of the city lights You're keeping secrets there's only one I need to find Stay up all night for the kiss, its getting better Stay up all night for the kiss, its getting better You're keeping secrets there's only one I need to find Shaking myself from the hum of the morning Saving it all for the rest of the night Loosing myself to the drug of the city lights You're keeping secrets there's only one I need to find Mac's house~ Mac and Pete were sitting in the lounge talking even though it was almost four in the morning. "The other week when you said how I wouldn't have to be a single mum for too long and how there was one already in line waiting, did you mean it?" Pete nodded softly. "I wouldn't have said it otherwise. And I am willing to wait." "What if I said you didn't have to wait any longer?" Mac asked, tentatively. "Are you ready to move on though?" Pete asked gazing deeply into Mac's eyes. Mac shrugged. "As ready as I'll ever be…I was planning on leaving Gene anyway," Mac replied, softly running a hand down the side of Pete's face. Pete placed his hand on top of hers, holding it there, while he softly pulled Mac in with the other for a kiss. They kissed slowly, fervently, while getting used to each other again. The next morning, Mac woke to kisses on her neck. She smiled to herself before turning around and facing Pete. "Morning," she smiled in a croaky voice. "Morning to you too," Pete replied with an even huskier voice. "What time is it?" "Nearly ten thirty." Mac paused, looking nervously at Pete. "You don't regret what happened, do you?" Pete asked. Mac shook her head, "no…do you?" "Not for a second! I tell you what I do regret though," he smiled as he paused. "What?" Mac asked raising her eyebrows. "Those last two bottles of champagne!" Pete replied, struggling to sit up. Mac laughed. "You're lucky that Lachie isn't here, otherwise our hangovers would be ten times worse!" "How much time do we have before he's home?" Pete asked, pulling Mac over to him and sitting her on his lap. "As much as we like…I don't have to pick him up until I'm feeling up to it!" "Hmm, looks like we have a bit of time to fill in," Pete smiled, kissing Mac deeply and falling back onto the pillow. HQ~ Pete strode confidently into Harris' office, handing him an envelope. "What's this?" Harris asked, looking at the envelope before looking up at Pete. "If you open it, you'll find out," Pete replied matter-of-factly. Harris looked up at Pete, not happy with his sarcastic comment. "Any particular reason why you are resigning?" Harris asked as he continued to read. Pete nodded. "Yeah, but they're reasons I would much prefer to keep to myself." "Well, it's probably good timing anyway," Harris said, placing the letter back into the envelope. "Why is that? You planning to fire me?" "No, yesterday prior to Piper's wedding she too also handed in her resignation, so the brass was considering to shut the undercover unit down. This will now make the decision a certainty." Pete shrugged. "I can't say I'm sorry to see it go." "I thought you loved being in undercover?" Harris questioned. "Exactly. I *loved* it, but not anymore…not since you've turned what took ages to build, upside down in a very short space of time!" Pete replied, letting Harris know exactly what he thought of him. "Well, I'm sorry to hear that," Harris smiled smugly. "I'm not!" Pete replied, walking out of Harris' office and away from his career for good. One year Later – Mercy for Women~ Marty walked into the waiting room to see where Emily was waiting. "Hey, you want to meet your baby sister?" Emily stood, "yeah…have you named her yet?" "Nah, Ange and I were hoping you could help us out with that," Marty suggested. "Really?" Marty nodded with a smile, "come on." The orderlies wheeled Angie into her room. The curtain dividing the double room was drawn. "Are you comfortable?" The midwife asked Angie. "Yes thankyou," Angie replied with a tired smile. "I'll just go and get Lisa from the nursery," the midwife said, drawing the curtain in front of Angie to give her a bit more privacy before leaving. A few moments later, Angie heard footsteps approaching her cubicle. "Mummy," a little voice called out cheerily. The curtain pulled back and Angie saw a little boy poke his face in. "Oh," was his deflated response to seeing someone different. "Come on mate, next curtain," a man said reaching down and grabbing the young child. Angie just caught a glimpse of his face. "Pete?" She asked. He looked up at the familiar voice. "Angie?" He asked stunned. Angie nodded excitedly at seeing her old friend. "What are you doing here?" He asked. Angie's eyes narrowed, "having a baby," she replied matter-of-factly. "Yeah, of course." Pete looked down at the little boy who was getting frustrated. "I better go, this one hasn't seen his mummy since the other night and is itching to see her." Pete quickly disappeared behind the curtain into the next cubicle, leaving Angie guessing. "Mummy," Lachie called. "Ssh," Pete whispered. "Mummy's sleeping." Pete told him, lifting Lachie up and showing him that Mac was asleep. "Where's the baby?" Lachie asked in a whisper. "Over the other side of the bed. Want to see him?" Lachie nodded and Pete quietly tiptoed to the bassinet the baby was in. Pete heard a sigh from behind him but was too focused on making sure Lachie didn't try to reach in and grab his younger brother. "How long have you been here?" Mac asked tiredly. "Just now…how are you feeling?" Mac yawned. "Still a little tired and sore…hey sweetie," Mac said to Lachie, motioning for Pete to sit him on the bed with her. "Did you see your baby brother?" Lachie nodded, smiling. "You want me to open the curtain up?" Pete asked Mac. Mac shook her head. "Come on, it won't hurt." "Pete, I want some privacy and I'm sure the other - " but before Mac could do anything, the curtain was quickly pulled back. Mac rolled her eyes, moving her head to face the people in the cubicle next to her. "Sorry, my husband can be rude…" Mac's mouth dropped open upon seeing who it was. "Angie! Oh my god, you…a baby…" Mac couldn't get the words out, but Angie knew what she was saying. Angie laughed through the tears as Mac slowly got up out of bed and moved over to hug her. "I can't believe this…when did the two of you get back from Queensland?" Mac asked, now crying herself. "I wanted to visit mum and dad before having the baby but as soon as we hit Melbourne, she was too keen to come out," Angie replied. "We've actually not long moved back here ourselves," Mac said. "Where did you go?" Angie asked. "Mum and dad were killed in a car accident and the house was left to me, so Pete and I moved in there for a fresh start…but we decided to sell up and move back to be closer to Eve before we had the baby," Mac explained. "So, what did you have?" Angie asked excitedly. "A boy – I'm surrounded by them!" Marty scoffed, "I think I deserve more sympathy, I'm surrounded by girls!" "You better watch out, you are outnumbered, after all," Angie said, hitting Marty lightly on the shoulder. "Come on, details…name, weight and time?" Angie urged. Mac looked up at Pete. "Cameron Joshua Church…Pete's suggestion; 9 lbs., 8 oz., and he was born around 2.30 this morning," Mac replied with a smile. "Natural?" Angie asked referring to the birth. "Unfortunately…but the pain was worth it! So, tell me about your little girl." "Lisa Rose Engle, born at 7.30 this morning, 6 lbs., 2 oz." Angie replied. "And it looks as though she's coming in now for a feed," Angie stated, looking as her daughter was being wheeled into her cubicle. "We'll leave you to it. I think dad here is itching for a nurse of his son," Mac said, poking Pete in the chest. "See ya," Angie smiled, getting ready to feed as the curtain separating the cubicles was once again closed. Later on Pete was waiting for Mac to come back after taking Lachie down to the car with Eve. "Hey Pete, I know we haven't exactly been the best of mates, but I'm heading down to the pub for a few beers. Did you wanna come and wet the babies heads with me?" Marty asked, poking his head through the curtain. "Yeah, I just have to wait for Mac to get back," Pete replied just as Mac walked back in. "Me to get back for what?" Mac asked, swapping glances between Pete and Marty. "We're going down to the pub for a few drinks…if that's okay with you?" Mac nodded, "that's fine…see you tomorrow and don't drink too much!" Mac called out as Pete disappeared. "That goes for you too, Marty Engle!" Mac heard Angie say. Mac pulled back the curtains, sighing. "Peace at last!" Angie laughed, "couldn't agree with you more…how was Lachie when you took him to the car?" "Upset. I nearly folded and said that he could stay the night," Mac replied with a sigh. "I'm sure he'll be fine Mac," Angie said, trying to cheer her up. Mac smiled and soon enough, they were catching up on one another's lives. "Have you heard anything from Danni lately?" Mac asked. Angie shook her head, "no…the last I heard was that she was considering going back into the force, but I haven't heard anything since." The next morning Mac was feeding Cameron when Pete and Lachie walked in, followed closely by Marty. "Mummy, daddy's not feeling well," Lachie told Mac. "Isn't he?" She asked with raised eyebrows, looking up at a very seedy looking Pete. "I think it's a touch of food poisoning," Pete replied in a husky voice. Mac scoffed, "could be, but I'm sure all that alcohol wouldn't have helped!" "I didn't have much to drink to tell you the truth, despite a pretty strong effort by Marty to get me drunk." "I think it would have been a case of the blind leading the blind on that one!" Angie said behind the drawn curtain. Mac laughed, reaching her hand out behind Pete's neck and drawing him in for a kiss. She stopped millimetres apart. "Oh god Pete, what on earth were you drinking?" "A bit of this, a bit of that…oh, I found this in the letterbox this morning," Pete said, handing Mac an envelope with fancy writing on it. Mac pulled it out and read what looked to be an invitation. "Danni's getting married," Mac said in shock. Angie pulled the curtain back hurriedly. "What??" She asked. "To who?" "Ah, Nick," Mac replied quietly. "Nick?" Angie asked, not remembering. "Jardine," Pete replied watching Mac closely as she put the invitation back into the envelope. "Oh, one of your ex's?" Angie asked Mac. Mac nodded, looking up at Pete who still watched her. "What?" She asked him. "Nothing," Pete replied shaking his head. "No, there's something in that look," Mac continued. "Hey Marty, why don't we go bath Lisa," Angie suggested, getting out of bed. Marty nodded, leaving Mac and Pete. "Mac, I told you, it was nothing…you just look tired." Mac shook her head, still not happy with Pete's response. "You think I still have feelings for Nick," Mac said. "No," Pete scoffed. "But, it wouldn't be surprising if you were slightly jealous. "What? Oh, I can't believe this. Why would I be jealous when I'm married to you?" Pete shrugged, realising he was only digging himself deeper and deeper into the hole. "Well, he is an ex-boyfriend, Danni's a friend and it's not the first time Danni's been with one of your ex's." "They're two completely different situations!" Mac argued back. "Are they?" "I still had feelings for you when I found that out, but I assure you I no longer have feelings for Nick…I can't believe you would even think that." Mac said, slightly angered by Pete's suggestion. "I know, I'm sorry. Maybe I read too much into your look when you read the invitation." Mac scoffed, "that's not surprising because you're probably still drunk." Pete sat down on the edge of the bed and ran a hand down Mac's face. "Mummy, can I see if Grandma's here yet?" Lachie asked. "You can wait in the corridor where I can still see you, ok." "Yep," he smiled running over to the doorway. Mac turned back to Pete, "where were we?" "I had just finished apologising and was about to do this…" Pete replied, drawing Mac in for a kiss. "Ah-hem," Mac and Pete pulled out of the kiss to see Danni standing in the doorway. "Mummy, who's this?" Lachie asked, standing next to Danni. "This is our friend, Danni. Hi Danni, I hear congratulations are in order," Mac said with a smile. "Thanks, I take it you got the invitation?" "Sure did," Pete replied with a nod. Danni moved forward and gave Mac a hug, "congratulations on another little boy." "Yeah, another boy!" Mac said with a sigh. "Always next time to try for a girl," Pete put in. "Next time?" Danni asked. "You're game suggesting that to a woman who has just had a baby." Mac laughed, "well, if we are going to have a girl, it better be soon because according to Pete, we're not stopping until he gets a daughter!" "Nothing wrong with that!" Pete said in his defence. "It seems pretty quiet, they've probably made - " Angie was saying as her and Marty were walking back into the room, stopping dead in their tracks. "Danni?" "Angie," Danni smiled, walking over to hug her." "Are you visiting too?" Danni asked, also surprised to see Angie and Marty there. "No," Angie replied moving aside so that Danni could see Marty holding a baby. "We're here for the same reason as Mac and Pete. "Aw, congratulations. You had a girl…ooh, better start planning the wedding now!" Danni said. "Trust you to be thinking along those lines already," Mac replied with a laugh. Danni put a hand to her head, "oh shit…speaking of weddings, I sent your invitation off to Queensland." "That's ok, just as long as we're still invited," Angie said with a serious look. "Of course you are. After all, the more people, the more presents!" Danni replied with a wide grin.