It was one of those perfect spring nights. The warm temperature had come in a little early but made sitting outside easy and along with Paul's brother, his girlfriend and their three year old daughter the group laughed along as if they had all been friends for years, which apart from Jack was the case.

"I can't believe you gave birth what four days ago?" Helen put down the bottle of wine on the table, smiling at Carla.

"Trust me, it's amazing what make up does" She laughed, earning a joined mumble of disbelief being sent in her direction.

 "Lies. I looked and felt like absolute shit for about I don't know, three years and two months after having Heidi" Helen glanced towards her daughter who sat leaning against Nancy on the deck coloring.

"You both make being Mums look fabulous" Emily piped up and the brothers managed to reach over and kiss their partners at the same time earning a gagging sound to leave Emily and they all laughed.

"She is just such a good baby; she has her own sleep routine already sorted so adjusting hasn't been hard" Carla glowed talking about her daughter as Emily's phone rang. 

"Excuse me" Getting up she took her phone from the table and headed inside, "Hey Babe" The familiar voice of Greg greeted her, albeit a little drunkenly as a round of laughter from outside erupted, most likely a joke about Greg that she wasn't privy to hear.

 "Hey yourself sexy girl. Watcha doing?" He asked curiously. He rarely rang when he was away so she was touched at the fact he was making the effort. Before he left they had argued on the fact he treated her like she didn't exist while he was away, only phoning to get her to do things like some kind of slave.

"At Carla's. Did you get the pictures of Anna I sent through?" She asked excited. A groan responded on the other end.

"Yeah. You know you shouldn't spend so much time at their place. It's weird" Slowly Emily's smile faded and biting her lip she sat down on the sofa.

"It's not; she is like a sister to me G, why say things like that?" Why did he have to act like such a jerk? He never used to be like that, it was only after his last promotion at the start of the year he started acting so cruel towards her. More than once he had bought her to tears and she had no idea why she let him get under her skin or what she had done to deserve it.

"Because someone had to, Emmy, babe, don't get upset. I didn't mean it like that. She has her own new life and a baby now. You have to let go of the past to move forward" Shaking her head she put it down him being drunk and just wished he hadn't had to have this conversation with her now. 

"How's work?" Emily changed the subject and Greg started to tell her about Singapore and some other things about the stock market she didn't understand or want to know about and glanced back towards the group gathered outside. Did she belong here? Was he right?

"Emmy?" Greg's question snapped her out of her daydream.

"Yes?" 

"I love you" Laughing sounded in the background and he shushed them.

"I love you too" After saying goodbye she didn't hurry back out to her friends. Was it weird?

"Are you ok?" Carla came inside and sat down besides her, stroking the red hair away from her face gently. Nodding Emily shook her head. "Did he say something?" Instantly she became protective, she wouldn't hesitate in stepping into Emily's business despite being told not to by Paul. 

"Is it weird we're still best friends? I mean, you have your life and here I am" Carla was quick to hold up her hand to shut her up.

 "Even if you didn't want me around, I wouldn't go away Em. I know he must've said something to you to have you thinking that way but don't listen. You're the most amazing person I know, without you being here I wouldn't have any of this. Paul wanted me to wait till we're alone, but will you be Anna's god mother?" Emily's arms were around Carla in a flash and both started to cry. 

"Ah happy or sad tears?" Paul hesitated by the sofa and despite her cheeks being covered in tears Emily smiled at him. "You asked her didn't you?" Carla nodded and he casually dropped between them on the sofa, hugging Emily.

"You're as much part of this family as any other kiddo, Anna is lucky to have an Aunty like you" Nancy and Heidi came running past and leaving the moment Emily got up to go and grab her dog but Jack had managed to scoop up Heidi, twirling her around before trying tickling her. The fit of hysterical laughter that erupted from the little girl had them all impressed, as the biggest critic seemed smitten with the new guy.  

"Again!" She managed to stutter but Nancy's barking distracted her and Jack put her down gently. "Run Nancy he'll tickle you too!" She squealed, running towards the backdoor the dog followed obediently.

"Em, you said she was still up for adoption?" Bryan asked as Heidi went out of earshot. Jack came and stood near her, frowning as he saw her tear streaked face but didn't say anything as she wiped her eyes.

 "She sure is Bry, and you can see she is great with kids!" The prospect of loosing Nancy hurt but saying goodbye to every dog she fostered did. They'd be a perfect home for here and as the couple whispered amongst themselves she gave Jack the thumbs up and forgetting everything draped his arm over her shoulders. She didn't pull away  

"Can we have a trial?" Helen asked hopefully. The night was going better than she had hoped and it was decided Emily would drop the dog off in the morning. After they left Emily and Jack decided it was time to go too, it was still early at only eight thirty on Friday but Carla was looking tired despite denying it. As Emily disappeared to say goodbye to Anna the guys headed to the front door.

"Jack you seem like an alright bloke. I mean what I said earlier, if you want to learn what football really is, come down to the club anytime" Shaking hands Jack nodded enthusiastically, feeling accepted into something for the first time since he'd been away from home.

"Thanks Paul, I appreciate it" Looking up the pair parted as the women appeared in the hall and hearing the end of their conversation Jack realized he had a lot to learn about Emily. 

"Just because Scott isn't here anymore Em, do not think for a second any of us don't want you ok? You will always be my sister" Emily blinked back tears as Paul hugged her. 

"Sorry, I'm not usually this emotional" Emily wiped tears away for the second time that night and Jack was determined to find out why. Taking Nancy's lead they all piled into her beetle and said goodbye. Unsure of what to say Jack was quiet beside her. "Do you want ice-cream?" 

"I would love ice-cream"

Sitting on the bench by the ocean, the sea breeze was particularly warm which took the cold edge of the air away. The smells of the sea were all around them and taking her spoon, Emily let the smallest spoonful drop onto the bench for Nancy and they just enjoyed each others company.

"So everything ok tonight?" Jack finally asked, watching her reaction closely. Nodding she sucked on her spoon for a moment before nodding. 

"Yes fine, how about you? Do you like them? You can tell me if you don't, I don't mind" the breeze blew her hair out behind her gently and lifting her head to the sky she let it cool her down. Jack looked away, there was an innocence about her that was so youthful, he wouldn't be surprised if she still believed in Santa Claus or something just as childish. Rather than putting him off, he admired it. Clearly she wasn't stuck living like a kid, she worked for her own business and seemed to have life sorted out which is more than he could say for himself.

"I love them. I feel like I've known them all for much longer than I really have. Which is oh about four hours?" She giggled softly, offering her empty cup to Nancy to clean and dog didn't refuse the offer. 

"Well you had met Carla and Paul before" She looked back to Jack over her shoulder and he quickly stared into his own empty cup, scratching the bottom of it as if there was a secret passage for the ice cream to escape down, needing to distract himself from very inappropriate thoughts. "Are you ready to go home?"

 Nancy sought out Jacks cup before Emily picked up her leash, ready to go back to the car and she didn't miss his hesitation at her words.

"You could come back to mine and watch a movie?" The thought of being alone with her in her house gave him more thoughts that weren't needed and reminding himself they were just friends, agreed. Jack had plenty of girl friends; the concept wasn't new. The fact it was bothering him so much kept him quiet the whole way to her place and pulling up outside of what could only be described as a beach house cleared his mind instantly. 

"You live here?" He didn't intend to sound so surprised. The tiny house on the huge lot was one of four remaining on the street in their original form. All around two and three story monsters shadowed it, all like his Aunty's house and on the way to work each morning he would admire this house. Unlike the other three which had been neglected in more recent years, the blue wooden slats that colored the outside kept it looking fresh with a white tin roof and shutters around the window it was easily the best house on the street. A neat hedge lined the white wooden fence and as the stepped up onto the front verandah the red roses that sat in red pots added a welcoming aroma by the door. Spying the porch swing he had to smile, it was perfect.

"Home sweet home" Emily muttered sarcastically, unclipped the lead from Nancy the dog bolted through the house and the squeaks of a toy soon filled the house.

 '"I can't believe this is your house" Jack was in awe of the place. Inside was a mixture of pastels and cream walls, filled with photos of smiling people and tasteful pieces of art. Everything felt comfortable and like he imaged his own home to be. 

But Emily wasn't sure how to take his shock and compliments. She had a glimpse into the mansion he was calling home and she couldn't help compare him to Greg whose views on her place were less than complimentary. Sure it only had one bathroom and most of the furniture came from Ikea but it was hers. "I know it's the worst house on the street...." She started to make excuses, feeling embarrassed to have invited him over.

"You're kidding right? I drive past every morning and imagine living here. I had no idea this was your place!" This was a curveball she wasn't expecting. 

"This place? My little shack surrounded by million dollar mansions?" She asked doubtfully. He was most likely lying to try and humor her, its like saying it's different to something that's horrid and you don't want to offend people.

"No the only place that looks friendly enough to live. You have grass out the front not a wall and concrete" He didn't tell her he had an assistant looking into the property to see if it was owned or rented or the fact he had been tempted to buy it for his stay here and then keep as an investment. Despite only living in cities for the majority of his life, there were a few things he appreciated with property and the spaces offered in Australia had him wanting to one day relocate permanently. While he loved the hustle and bustle of the cities, being able to sit outside or kick a ball around in the backyard like they had tonight was just as good.

 After a quick tour she found a beer for Jack and had a coke for herself and got some popcorn ready as he browsed her DVD collection. After seeing nothing but chick flicks, TV series and a bunch of kids movies he had a quick look around the living area before Emily came back in. As cozy as it all felt, it was severely lacking a masculine presence in the house and even on the shoe rack by the door, there were no men's shoes. Did she not live with her fiancé? 

"Find something?" She asked, getting settled on the sofa the movie supplies were put on the coffee table in front of the sofa and Nancy jumped up beside her, getting comfortable.

 "Despite being outnumbered I refuse to do this" and held up Breakfast at Tiffany's. 

"But that's my favorite!" Emily whined booing him as he put it back in its place.

 "And as we also have a canine present, what about this?" Holding up Marley and Me, Nancy barked and so the movie was decided. It wasn't until the end when the tissue box sat on top of Nancy's back between them that he realized it might not have been the best idea. Three times tonight he had to see her cry and was unable to comfort her how he wanted. But Emily didn't notice, stealing a look at the man weeping over the movie dog as much as she did. The one time she had Greg watching the movie he told her to grow up as it was just a movie.

"Well I promise you I am really not the crying sort" Emily sniffed and tried to offer a smile but the realization Nancy would be going in a few hours made it hard and she was crying all over again. This time Jack didn't hesitate and stood up quickly, bringing her against him and gently rubbed her back soothingly. 

"What's wrong and don't say nothing or blame the movie. You've been upset all night" As Emily took a deep breath and stepped back, he didn't drop his arm completely and as they sat down beside each other on the sofa he kept her close. 

"Well Nancy is getting a new home tomorrow, I think I got more attached to her than any of the others" She sniffed, reaching over to the dog who sat watching her intently.

"How many others?" Jack asked, genuinely interested.

"Fifteen. I sometimes do cats too" Emily shrugged, as he seemed impressed.

"That's great, I'm sure they miss you but at least you've helped so many find new good homes?" Nodding she wrapped her arms around Nancy and whispered how much of a good dog she was and as if understanding the hairy tail started to wag, knocking a photo frame off the table beside the sofa. Picking it up and putting it back in its place Jack was curious of the man in the photo with her and Carla.

 "Who is that?" He was taller than the girls, his hair more blonde than the rich red of Emily but they both had the same smiles and laughing eyes. 

"That, that is my brother" She took a deep breath and didn't look at the picture, gathering the empty drink bottles she escaped to the kitchen, praying Jack wouldn't follow or ask any more questions but he did both. 

"Oh cool, you have a brother? Do you see him often?" The sadness that hung around her at the mention of him should have warned him but he stood by the counter not expecting what she said next as new tears appeared in her bloodshot eyes.

"Not so much, he is, well, he's dead" Jack could have felt embarrassed, surprised or saddened but instead he was numb and unable to respond and sensing that, she tried to put him at ease. "It's fine, don't look so freaked. It was four years ago, he thought he was invincible and drove home drunk from his footy club and ended up wrapped around a pole, bloody idiot"

"I'm so sorry" Jack finally managed to stammer, but she shrugged off his pity. There was no point for any of that, what was done, was done. "Was he close with you and Carla?" He wasn't sure why he asked but on the ledge above the sink there were two more pictures of the three of them that grabbed his attention.

 "She was in the car with him but she survived. We became friends through him when they started dating in high school. Paul was actually Scott's friend and a couple of years ago they started dating, got married soon after and you know the rest. His death bought us all together as we supported each other. We're family" It explained a lot of the closeness he has seen, Paul was more like a big brother than her friends husband with her. It also helped him understand what he had heard Carla telling Emily on the way out but why would Emily need to be reassured she was still welcomed in their family? He was certain there was more to it but now wasn't the time.

"I'm sorry for prying, I hope I haven't offended you" Emily raised her eyebrow at him, amused.

"Not offended and it's fine. I forget your new, you don't know my history. So what about you? Any dead relies I can ask about so I can make you feel better about it?" She teased. There wasn't anything like that in Jacks life.

"I am one part of a twin set? Does that count?" Emily gasped at the prospect of two Jackson Davies. 

"Can you do that freaky mind stuff where you finish each other sentences?" Jack laughed at her question, people were always interested in twins but hearing the questions he had been asked a million times before from her, he didn't mind and answered them all.

"I guess the most important thing to know is are you the good twin or the bad twin?" Passing him another beer he wasn't sure what to answer. Stephen would have some smartass or flirty come back but instead she just laughed at him and patted him on the shoulder as she went back to the living room. "Kidding. Relax"

It was past midnight when the second movie ended and looking over at Emily, she had been quiet for to long and sure enough in her corner of the lounge she had fallen asleep. Biting his lip he wasn't sure about what he was about to do but got up and turned the TV off and then carefully picked her up. Cradling her against his chest, he made his way into her room and gently put her down onto the bed, albeit reluctantly as having her in his arms was a welcome feeling. As she only had jeans and a shirt on, he didn't bother waking her to change and as he went to move away, she gently grabbed his arm.

"Love you Greg" She mumbled before letting go and it was just what he needed as a wake up call and carefully pulled the blanket over her. She looked so peaceful, her hair cascading over the pillows and her skin was as soft as he imagined. Her perfume lingered in the bedroom and with his mind still full of thoughts of how beautiful she was, he headed back to the living room. Taking his shoes off and getting settled on the sofa, he pulled the throw rug over himself as Nancy quickly got comfortable between his legs and the sofa, resting her head on his hip. Still thinking of how nice she had felt being so close against him, he fell into a deep sleep where it was just the two of them and she wasn't someone else's girl.