The day of Anna's naming ceremony arrived after a month of delays. She was well on her way to being four months old and in as Carla held her in front of the small group of family and friends, she couldn't believe how fast her baby was growing. The morning was already warm, the temperature only going to get higher as the day wore on and standing under the gazebo set up just for the occasion on the grassy hill a slight breeze offered a little relief. The river was sparkling blue behind them as the city was starting to come to life.

 Paul stood just beside his wife as the celebrant went through the ceremony, smiling as he made eye contact with his family and chuckling quietly as he caught sight of Emily pulling faces at Anna from the front row. It kept a smile on his daughters face and that was all he could ask for. Jack offered him a smile from where he sat beside Emily, he had been trying to stay out of her business despite Carla's efforts to stay in it and he couldn't deny he was glad to see the end of Greg. Emily had never looked happier and he wondered if their almost coordinated outfits had been on purpose. Jacks light blue tie matched the pale blue of the floral maxi dress Emily had on and if he didn't know better he would think they were a couple but he got snapped out of his thoughts as the celebrant got to the final stage of the ceremony.

"Could Emily and Bryan please come forward" The pair got up from their seats and stood on the other side of the celebrant as Anna's smile fell from her face, intently watching what Emily was doing now she had moved. "It is said time is one of the most precious things we can give to the people in our life. You have been chosen out of love and trust by Carla and Paul to be there for Anna, to help guide her and be willing to be involved in her life. Will you accept their request of being godparent to Anna, to give her your time when ever and how ever you can?"

"I will" Emily and Bryan answered in time to each other and Bryan playfully nudged Emily who looked close to tears as they were handed a candle.

"The lighting of the candle is to represent the light that will guide Anna through life. The warmth of the flame represents the warmth of the love and friendship that not only they as godparents will offer but all of you here today offer to Anna" As the pair lit their candles Anna held her arms out to Emily, her face turning into a frown and she started to grizzle.  Moving around the table Emily took her from Carla as they went to do their own lighting and the crowd all laughed with Anna as it was clear who her favourite person was and her happy gurgles erupted from her in a fit.

Soon after Emily took her seat back beside Jack as the celebrant finished up the ceremony.  Once it was done everyone start moving forward to see the special little girl, Emily hung back with Jack and Helen who was trying to keep Heidi occupied and not running off to the park. "Is Carla ok?"

Emily looked away from talking to Heidi after Jack alerted her to the fact something was wrong with her friend. "Oh dam"

Pauls parents were crowding around Carla and Anna as Paul stood laughing with brother and cousin. Carla was in a constant battle with her in-laws, their opinions on how she should be doing everything wasn't welcomed and now they had alone, the stress and anger was clearly growing on her face. Helen looked over and laughed; looking guilty she went back to her own daughter knowing exactly what Carla was going through but Emily had been around them enough to know how to get her friend out of this kind of situation. Distraction.

"Mr and Mrs Anderson!" Emily interrupted saving Carla who didn't hesitate in slipping over towards her cousins, "How are you? I heard you just got back from Europe?"

As Paul's Mum started telling her all about their trip that Emily had no actual interest in, Jack couldn't help but watch as she laughed along with them and as they recapped their time in Germany, the crowd started to thin out. After saying goodbye to some other friends, Paul decided it was Emily now in need of saving and headed over. "Mum stop boring Emily, come get a picture with your granddaughter"

"Nice save" Jack came up beside Emily and she playfully hit his arm.

"What? I liked to hear about their holidays" Emily tried to keep a straight face before she laughed, "I honestly don't mind but yeah, just not right now" The closest family along with Emily and Jack all headed to a nearby restaurant for lunch, the views of city spectacular which complimented the fine dining menu. By the time they left the summer weather had made its presence felt, the air was almost edible and the roads became blurred with the heat that rose off the tar.  After saying their goodbyes Jack and Emily headed over to her beetle and she was quick to drop the windows to let the hot air out before turning on the air con and heading back to Jacks Aunts.

“Ah Em, I need to talk to you. Got a sec?” Emily left the car running, not sure what had him so serious and not willing to leave the cool air, turned to look at him in the car.

“Sure, what’s up?”

Jack wasn’t sure what to say. He wasn’t sure just how much if at all that she would care and not wanting to drag it out he was quick to blurt it out. “I have to go back to the UK for Christmas”

“Oh” She tried to hide her disappointment, things had just started to feel normal again but she couldn’t deny that she would miss him. Jacks time here had always been a temporary one and she couldn’t afford to let herself get more involved than what she already was. “Well that will be nice, seeing your family”

“Yeah, great” He muttered sarcastically, not looking forward to the trip at all but already feeling the frustration from not having more of a reaction from her. An awkward silence settled between them and in a bid to avoid it Jack opened his door. “I’ll talk to you later, thanks for the lift”

Emily moved to give him half a hug as he turned back to say one more thing and instead the pair found themselves face to face barely a nose apart. Emily’s heart skipped a beat as she could inspect him in such close detail, the way his pupils instantly dilated, the hint of beer from lunch on his breath and the perfect curve of his lips, which is exactly where Jacks eyes fell on Emily.

Jacks breath hitched slightly, torn between giving in and walking away but the decision was made for him when Emily closed her eyes and shifted back into her seat, gripping the steering wheel tightly. “Yeah I’ll talk to you later Jack”

Watching her car go down the drive was as harsh as the heat that assaulted him on the lower steps of the entry and as the gate closed he felt like screaming. His Aunt Rose was passing the door as he entered, sweat lined his brow as he took of the light suit jacket frowning. “Get your cozzie on Jack, join me in the pool”

She didn’t need to ask what was wrong, knowing it was most likely due to a certain red head but no one could think clearly in this heat. She adjusted her sarong that was tightly wrapped over her bulging body and grabbing the margarita from the kitchen blender poured him a glass too. “Trust me love, take five, have a drink”

Jack looked her sceptically for a moment, confused at how this woman was related to anyone in his family and gave in. She had been right; the cold pool water was as refreshing as the cocktail he not sat back in the spa sipping.

“Spill the beans kiddo. What’s going on with you two now?” He had thought upon his arrival staying here was a mistake and had looked into finding his own place. The fact she had been kind enough to let him stay kept him in place and now he was closer to her than perhaps anyone else he was related to well apart from his brother that is.

“Nothing”

“So that’s the problem then. Told her how you feel? Now that fiancé is out of the way, I was expecting a bit more action” She wiggled her eyebrows causing the oversized sunglasses to move instead and Jack only shook his head.

“It’s not that simple”

“Sure it is. You like her; she likes you, go for it. Its only as complicated as you make it”

“I don’t know how she really feels, the only time anything has really happened was when she was drunk and that’s not really reliable” ‘And then in the car’ he thought regretfully.

“That’s a load of codswallop Jackson and you know it. Get in a car, go to her house and ask her on a date. I’ve seen and done a lot in my time, the way she looks at you and how you’re pining over her you’re an idiot if you think there is nothing there” Seeing the way he was considering it, she had one more thing to say. “Besides if it doesn’t work out or she rejects you head home for the holidays and there will be no rush to come back”

“You’re right” Jack stood up nearly slipping over and jumped out of the spa, downing what was left of his cocktail.

“Go get your girl Jackie Boy, just make me another before you go?” She teased, holding out her own empty glass. Pulling up outside Emily’s house Jack had never been so nervous and he didn’t notice whose car was parked on the street opposite her house. Jack wiped his sweaty palms on his boardies and pushed his sunglasses on top of his head as he knocked on the door. Her perfume greeted him with a rush of cold air that disappeared onto the veranda but he instantly saw how upset she was. Was it because of him?

“Now isn’t a good time Jack,” She said softly, not opening the screen door that separated them but he had made up his mind.

“Yes it is, Em I….” Jack shut up as all to familiar voice called out and his confidence left him in seconds.

“Emily, I don’t have all day” Greg called impatiently.

“I’ll call you ok?” She seemed totally defeated and whatever was going on, he was going to give up without a fight.

“No” He opened the door and pushed past her, preparing himself for the worst. She couldn’t be back with him, she just couldn’t.

“Oh Jack, how nice of you to stop by” Greg greeted, standing from the dining table he headed over extending his hand as Jack couldn’t stop himself from staring at the blonde who had been beside him.

“Was just driving by” He lied, glancing back at Emily who remained expressionless. Now Jack was worried. The fact he was even there annoyed Greg but with his move to Sydney days away, he decided Emily wasn’t worth much more of his time and was leaving her with one final parting gift.

“Aren’t you going to introduce us?” the blonde purred, coming over to Jack she eyed him up like a child would a piece of candy. “I’m Vanessa McMillan”

“Jack Davies” He made no effort to shake her extended hand or show her any interest. The almost white blonde hair was in contrast to the over tanned skin that showed a little much of everything off.

“Back to business then, grab us a beer Jack” Greg instructed, wedging himself between Emily and Jack he led her over to the table where Vanessa sat back down, her eyes never leaving Jack. Sure he saw the enormous diamond on her finger, but he had no idea what he had walked in on. “Emily, Nessa’s offer is more than generous”

“I have put years of my life into that store, you cant buy me out” Emily snapped, Jack had never seen her so aggressive before and stood in the kitchen trying to be discreet. Clearly this had been going for a little while now.

“But darling it was never your store. I told you I’d be willing to buy it from you Tom refuses to let me sell. Now you two are well, over so are we. If we don’t come to an arrangement I’ll be forced to bring in the lawyers” The woman drawled and that’s when Jack realised what was going on. They were trying to make her sell the bakery.

“My offer was more than reasonable. Bring in the lawyers, I have receipts and proof of exactly what I’ve put in and..”

“Don’t drag it out, I get it Em. It’s the last piece of us you have. Fifty thousand is a more than generous offer. Take it” Greg reached out to hold Emily’s hand and she pulled it away glaring at him. “You don’t have a choice. That money isn’t going to last you forever in court fees and you can’t afford the buy price”

“That’s because it’s ridiculous. You do know you’ll have to hire all new staff and a baker. My recipes are all my own so you’d have to start from scratch” Emily warned. Vanessa only looked bored and clearly the power struggle was really between Greg and Emily.

“What’s the asking price?” Jack piped up, earning Vanessa’s interest back in the conversation.

“Two million dollars”

Jack didn’t hesitate in answering her, “Done”

Emily couldn’t process what Jack just did as Greg stood up furious. “You can’t do this”

“I can and I did” He passed Vanessa a business card from his wallet. “Call my lawyers Monday morning and they will take care of everything” He could see the dollar signs ticking over in the now ex-silent partner’s eyes.

“Jack, Gregs right. You cant do this” Emily got up to stand in front of him, pushing him back into the kitchen.

“I can. What are friends for? You helped me when I got here, have been nothing but amazing. You love that shop; it is your shop. Let someone else help you for a change”

“That’s good and all, but two million dollars!” She growled, “Buy me a coffee or some flowers but just throwing that money out there like that?”

Turning to the duo Emily shook her head; snatching the card from Vanessa she threw it back at Jack. “You win. I’ll sell my share but for eighty thousand dollars”

“Done” Greg answered quickly, sending a satisfied smile in Jacks direction as Vanessa’s jaw dropped in shock. Instead of getting it all, she had just lost it.

“Em…” Emily held up her hand cutting Jack off but inside she was struggling to keep it together. Jack was right, she loved that shop but she couldn’t let him do it and Greg was right too, lawyers and court cases were not a solution either. She always believed everything happened for a reason and good things came to good people even if it didn’t feel that way at the time.

Jack stormed out, not sure how or why Emily could be so stupid and spinning the tyres as he left only gave Greg more satisfaction. Emily was numb as he went through the documents with her and as it was time to say goodbye and she walked them outside, Greg got out a small box from his backseat and passed it over.

“I found these things around the house when packing. Thought you might need them or want them back” Emily’s eyes glanced over the contents, stopping as she saw something lacy and pink underneath her toothbrush and face cream.

“This isn’t mine” Her tone was as numb of emotion like her whole body felt as she dropped the box on the road, holding the g-string up for everyone to see.

“What, of course it is” Greg’s face paled despite the conviction in his words.

“This. Isn’t. Mine” Her tone was deadly now and Vanessa’s goodbyes to her husband filled the silence that had fallen over the street.

“Greg are we going or…. oh no” Apart from the tiny bit of fabric dangled off Emily’s finger as the sea breeze fought to come in, no one moved.

“You fucking bastard!” Emily screamed, throwing the panties at him they half fell into the car and Vanessa sat there in silent shock. “You lied to everyone! But you! You were fucking that trash? How long? How fucking long!”

She didn’t want to know, she didn’t want to know if there any others either. She thought, although awkward the breakup was good enough that one day they would be friends, that it was clean enough and what she wanted. But this, this was what she needed and she saw him for all he really was.

And now they had her shop.

“Emmy, Em. I’m sorry. I love you. It happened once, she came to visit the site and…” Greg began to plead, dropping to his knees he was crying nearly as much as she was.

“On site? Did you keep them with you as a momento then? Fuck off. I never ever want to see you again” She grabbed the box of nothing and threw it at Vanessa, “You. You’re just cashed up bogan trash and I hope the pair of you get everything that’s coming your way”

“Emily please, don’t leave it this way” Greg went to chase after her as she headed inside and realising what an idiot he was, Jack pulled back up on the drive in time to see Emily turn around and serve Greg with a mean looking left hook that had him dropping to the lawn. Jack got out and ran over to Emily who only kept going inside.

“What the fuck did you do?” He grabbed Greg by the shirt, picking him up only to shove him backwards, curling his hands into fists he was more than ready to teach him a lesson.

“None of your business asshole. Emily, please” Greg went to push past Jack but he wasn’t having any part of that and held him back as Emily stopped at the door and came back over to the two men who were staring daggers at each other.

“Have a good life Greg, get out of here now or I’ll call the police” Emily spoke calmly, the whole situation surreal to her at that moment.

“Em…”

“You heard her, leave.” Jack growled, shoving Greg’s shoulder roughly.

“I’ve had enough of you” Greg went to throw a punch a Jack but he blocked it, serving Greg a hit of his own in his stomach. The grunt of agony was enough as Vanessa screamed from the car and came running over to stop Jack from doing it again.

“I’ve had enough of you. Leave” Jack warned, letting Emily pull his arm back towards the house and reluctantly Greg headed back to the car with Vanessa, knowing he really had made the biggest mistake of his life.

Emily slammed the door shut for her own sake as Jack stood in the living room breathily heavily. Emily walked into the room and as he went to ask her what was going on she instead collapsed to her knees, screaming into the rug on the floor.

“Hey, its ok Em” Jack went to her side, gently picking up her smaller body he sat her on the sofa beside him as she moved to hug him and continued crying into his shoulder. The whole time no words were spoken, his hand soothing on her back it took a while for her to finally calm down.

“Why did you come here today” She finally sniffed, reaching over to the coffee table and getting a tissue she blew her nose as Jack enjoyed her closeness, tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear gently.

“Well, despite everything that just happened. I was going to ask you on a date” Emily looked surprised for a second, her bloodshot eyes widening before her lip started to tremble again.

“Why would you do that?” She asked with disbelief more than anything else.

“Because I was once lucky enough to meet an amazing redhead who knew how to use the strap on a luggage trolley and I only want to know her more and more as each day goes by” Jack swallowed nervously as Emily only stared at him before hiccupping and they both shared a smile, “And because I want to be the reason behind that smile, every time you do it”

“You’re such a girl with all your romantic quirks” Emily teased, shifting so she was leaning back against his chest and this time the silence between them was more than comfortable. “Hey Jack?”

“Yeah Em?”

“Do you still want to go on a date with me?”

“Only if you want to go on a date with me” Emily leant back slightly as he looked down at her and her smile went from non-existent to one just for him.

“I think you know my answer” And this time he didn’t hesitate in kissing her and before she got completely lost in the moment, all Emily thought about was how badly Carla was going to loose it when she found out about how her afternoon turned out.