Mattie dozed on the train, as did Danny. Only waking when the guard called,

'Ballarat Station, Ballarat Station!'

Danny collected their luggage, the rest had been sent on to wait for them at the station; their arrival at Dr Blake's was up to now a secret. Danny would ask to borrow the car to collect it later. Cheek!

Hailing a taxi, they smiled at each other, home! Mattie gripped his hand,

'Hope we're doing the right thing.' She whispered. They hadn't told Jean she was expecting.

'Aunty Jean will be over the moon, you'll see.' He said confidently. He had no doubt at all that they would be more than welcome, and probably in trouble for not saying anything. But he was looking forward to the looks on their faces when they arrived on the doorstep.

The taxi pulled up at the end of the drive. Mattie took a deep breath,

'Here goes.' She whispered.

Danny put his arm round her and looked down into her excited face.

'Careful,' he quipped, 'you'll have that baby here, on the drive!'

She looked into his gentle face and stuck out her tongue.

The walk up the drive seemed to take for ages but there they were, in the porch; the familiar hanging basket in bloom, the chair Jean sat in when she waited for Lucien to come home.

They knocked and waited, longer than usual, then,

'I'll get it!' From inside, and Jean opened the door, patting her curls back into place, really Lucien should behave himself when there was a chance they could have...

'Danny! Mattie!' She gaped and gasped. Her children were home!

'Hullo, Aunty Jean.' Danny grinned.

Mattie smiled, broadly, noticing that Jean's hair was a little tousled.

'Hello, Jean.' Mattie went to accept the warm, welcoming hug.

'Who is it, Jean?' Lucien called as he walked up the hall, adjusting his tie, really his wife was insatiable!

'It's Mattie and Danny, Lucien they've come home!' She moved to the side to show their visitors, a huge grin on her face.

Lucien hugged the young nurse, but noticed something in the way. Holding her at arm's length he studied her small frame and his eyes moved to her belly.

'Not just the two of them, either, by the look of it.'

Mattie ran her hand over her small bump, and smiled.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

They all went into the living room and Jean, as usual made tea. This was the best Christmas present she could have. They talked and talked, asking and answering questions. Jean and Lucien talked about their own quiet wedding, and how even now the gossips of Ballarat still sniped at her.

'But they can snipe all they like,' Jean said, tossing her head in defiance, 'I know far too much about some of their 'indiscretions' than they would like me to!'

'Good on you, Jean, you're worth thousands of them.' Mattie said, with a decisive nod of her head. Danny laughed, she was right, as usual.

'So, Danny.' Lucien looked and the young officer, 'are you here to stay, or is this a passing visit?'

'Well, if you'll have us until we can find our own place...' Danny was suddenly hesitant, 'I am taking the Inspector's post here. Just managed to pass my exams before we sailed.'

'Danny!' Jean shouted, joy in her voice, 'that's wonderful!' Of course you can stay!'

Lucien leapt up to shake his hand in congratulations. It was an almost meteoric rise, but he did wonder how Senior Sergeant Bill Hobart would take to being bossed around by young Danny Parks. Mattie beamed, proudly.

'I know I'll have to tread carefully,' Danny said, mirroring Lucien's thoughts, 'Bill Hobart is likely to be tricky.'

'Matthew will be very proud of you, he always said you'd make a fine officer.' Jean said. 'Shall we invite him over for dinner soon?' She turned to Lucien. Matthew came over regularly since his accident, it stopped him getting bored and frustrated, talking through current cases with her and the doctor.

'Good idea,' Lucien agreed, 'It'll give him a lift.'

'How is he?' Mattie liked Matthew Lawson, he had been a friend to all of them, and kept Lucien out of Patrick's way more often than not.

'Well, he gets frustrated, so we invite him over for his insight into cases and a meal.' Jean said, lightly.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Jean made up the guest room for Mr and Mrs Parks, their old rooms only had single beds in. When she had finished, she suggested Mattie had a nap, she looked a little tired, she said.

'I am a bit, thanks Jean.' Mattie agreed, she seemed to have been travelling forever, and not getting proper sleep.

'Are you looking after yourself, properly?' Jean tried to look stern, but Mattie knew her too well and just smiled.

'Now, Jean,' she hugged the older woman, 'I am a nurse, you know.' She raised her eyebrow the way that made Danny laugh; he'd long since given up trying to imitate it.

Jean settled her on the bed, as if she was a child, covering her with a light blanket and smoothed her hand over Mattie's head. Mattie's eyes fluttered closed and she slipped into a light sleep. Jean closed the door behind her, softly, smiling to herself.

Danny and Lucien strode up the hall to be met by Jean looking severe, putting her forefinger to her lips in an effort to get them to be quiet.

'Sorry.' They both whispered and tried to tiptoe past the room.

' ...and where do you two think you are going?' She put her hands on her hips.

'To the station,' Danny replied, 'we sent the bulk of our luggage on ahead.'

'Why didn't you have it sent here?' Mock severity creeping in, she was too happy to keep up the serious act.

'Because,' Danny bent and kissed her cheek, 'that would have spoiled the surprise!'

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Matthew was surprised but delighted to be asked to dinner two nights later. Still tired from her travels, Mattie had asked that they leave it until she felt up to socialising.

Matthew knocked on the door and heard the familiar,

'I'll get it!' But the voice was not familiar, similar in pitch and cheery, but not Jean's voice, he was sure. The door opened and his jaw dropped, Mattie, Nurse O'Brien, no, Jean and Lucien had said she'd married Parks, so...

'Nurse Parks?' He managed to gasp out.

'Hello, Matthew, how nice to see you, again.' She held out her hand and leant over to kiss his cheek.

'When did you get back?' He returned the kiss and stepped into the hallway.

'Couple of days ago.' She admitted. 'I wanted to get back so our baby could be born here, with Lucien to attend me.'

'What about Danny's job?' Surely they hadn't given it all up for the sake of Mattie's preference for Lucien as a doctor?

'Hello Boss,' Danny appeared at Mattie's shoulder. 'Wonder if you could give me some tips on how to handle Bill Hobart.'

'Danny,' Mattie admonished him, 'Give him a chance.'

It took a good measure of whisky before Matthew truly believed he wasn't dreaming. Parks and O'Brien married, yes he knew about that and was pleased, but Inspector Parks? He was so young. But he looked at the officer, upright, more mature, yes, he'd do!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Christmas came and went in a blur of visitors and visiting, although Jean made sure Mattie wasn't over tired. Their friends were genuinely pleased for them, Lucien pronounced her fit and well and didn't foresee any problems with the continuing pregnancy or birth. He told Jean to stop mollycoddling her, she would come to no harm helping with the housework and doing some shopping.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Danny's arrival at the station caused quite a stir. Bill Hobart was completely blind-sided by the appearance of Danny as his new boss, but he was happy being a senior sergeant and had never had the desire to be in charge, so he had to expect to be overtaken by younger officers. However, Danny Parks as the new Inspector was a heck of a shock. Matthew took him aside,

'Give him chance, Bill, before you decide.' Matthew whispered, 'he learnt a lot here and also in London. He may have some different ideas but give him a chance.'

'Well, I suppose he's had some wider experience than us. He's got a lot to measure up to, though, we were spoiled with you, boss.' Bill missed working with Matthew, they had a lot of years together and apart from work they were good friends.

Danny felt he had to say something to all the men. As well as Hobart there was Ned, some others her recognised and a new face, one Charlie Davies, the Senior Sergeant who had replaced him two and a half years ago.

'Firstly, can I say how good it is to be back. Most of you know I didn't want to leave but orders are orders. It's good to see so many familiar faces and I'm sure I'll get to know the new ones soon enough. I don't plan to change anything...yet. There will, I am sure, come a time when I want to implement new ideas, but it will not be without discussing it with you. This station has always been a team, and I would like it to stay that way. So let's get to work and keep the good people of Ballarat safe.'

The room fell silent, but he didn't expect a round of applause. Bill looked at him, what Danny had said was good, not too radical, the bit about being a team was an inspired quote, hell...Bill walked up to the young officer and held out his hand,

'Welcome back, Sir.'

Danny took his hand and recognised the spirit in which the 'Sir' had been given. A bit ironic, a little surprising but also welcome.

'It's good to be back, Bill, it really is.' Danny smiled.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Patrick Tyneman heard about the new Inspector Parks, but didn't realise it was the young, green about the gills Constable Parks who was far too friendly with the most annoying police surgeon Lawson kept firing and rehiring. He decided to go and introduce himself. After all he wanted to keep the Police Inspector in his pocket, so to speak. He'd never achieved it with Lawson or Carlyle but Munro had been in his circle, he hoped to inveigle the new man into his cohort. He strode into the office a week after Danny had started.

'Ah, Hobart,' He accosted Bill at the desk, 'Thought I'd come and introduce myself to the new Inspector.'

Hobart looked at him. Not known for his sense of humour, Bill was about to turn that around.

'The Inspector is rather busy, Mr Tyneman.' Bill remarked. 'I'll see if he can see you.' Bill was looking forward to this meeting almost as much as the doctor would have.

Bill asked Patrick to take a seat for a moment and strode slowly into the main office. So far young Parks had not blotted his copybook, now to see what he was really made of. Somehow Bill thought Parks would come off better.

Danny had thought how he wanted to be addressed by his men and had decided that, those that knew him of old were allowed to call him 'Danny' but in front of ne'er do wells, blow-ins or the general public, 'Inspector or Sir.'

'Sir,' Hobart addressed him formally, 'you have a visitor, Mr Patrick Tyneman.' Hobart's face and the use of the formal greeting told Danny enough. He was now Inspector Parks, and this was a test.

'Really, Senior Sergeant,' Danny couldn't suppress a smirk, 'what can we do for Mr Tyneman?'

'Apparently he'd like to introduce himself to you.' Bill smirked back, he was enjoying this.

'Decent of him, is he important in this town?' Danny knew Patrick would be able to hear him.

'Got the ear of quite a few councillors and the Commissioner.'

'Well show him in, Hobart,' Danny sounded stern, 'mustn't keep him waiting.' A game they were both enjoying.

'Sir.' Sharply and smartly.

In the waiting room, Patrick could hear the discourse between Hobart and his boss. The new man sounded smart, formal. A man not to be trifled with. Hobart went to Tyneman and indicated that the Inspector could spare him a few minutes. Patrick strode self importantly into the office and turned in the direction of the desk all the senior officers at the station used. He stopped short, the new Inspector was standing smiling, and extending his hand in greeting.

'Mr Tyneman,' Danny said, heartily, 'good to see you.'

'Parks? Young Parks!' Tyneman's jaw dropped in astonishment.

'That would be Inspector Parks,' Danny corrected him. He was not going to let Patrick think he could walk all over him, and he was going to be very formal.

Patrick was beside himself, 'What the bloody hell are you doing here?!'

'Running this station, as ordered by the Commissioner.' Danny coldly informed him. 'Can we do something for you?' Blandly.

'Well, I, I...' Patrick was lost for words, something that didn't happen often, if at all, 'no, nothing at all.' He turned on his heel and made a less than dignified exit. Danny looked around the room at his men,

'Carry on, gentlemen.' He sat back down at his desk and leant back in the chair to read a file. Out of the corner of his eye he could see rather a lot of smiles, and grinned behind the file. He'd relate that one to Lucien later, except that Lucien passed Patrick on his way to give Danny an autopsy report.

'Patrick.' Lucien greeted his adversary, 'something wrong?'

The expression on Tyneman's face was one of anger and confusion.

'How the hell did Parks get to be Inspector?' He blustered. 'I was told it was an experienced officer who had served with the Met in London, not some wet-behind- the-ears, milk-sop!'

'Really, Patrick,' Lucien said, 'Danny is an experiences officer, he has served with the Metropolitan Police and is highly thought of by the Commissioner.'

'I thought he was shipped off to Melbourne.' Patrick was highly displeased he had not been kept apprised of the situation.

'And from then on to London. Melbourne saw something in him.' Lucien smiled and indicated the file, 'Best get this to the Boss.'

Patrick stormed off leaving the doctor smirking as he wandered into the office.

'See Patrick's found you, Inspector.' Lucien grinned.

'Yes,' Danny smiled as he took the report, 'didn't seem too happy to see me.' He opened the file.

'Too happy?' Bill burst out, 'he was speechless! Doc, this young man here is going to be just fine, didn't turn a hair.' He shook his head and roared with laughter. Like many in the room he found Tyneman a big-headed, bigoted, self-important fool.

'That's probably the biggest compliment you could give me, Bill, thanks.' Danny joined in the laughter.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Jean and Mattie had been shopping. It was time for Mattie to get her baby things ready. Now eight months pregnant she had put off buying a bassinet, and baby clothes, seeming nervous about the coming birth. As a nurse she kept telling herself not to be so silly, as a first time mother she had all the worries every other new mum had.

Jean was aware that Mattie was in need of a shoulder to lean on and was sure that was why Danny had brought her back to Ballarat. Yes, Mattie wanted to be here, wanted Lucien to attend her, but Danny was sure that his Aunty Jean would be the best person to guide her through the coming weeks and that was why he had been so ready to acquiesce to her request.

They bought enough of the basic sleepsuits, nappies and little vests the baby would need for the first weeks. Until the baby was born and it's sex known, Jean said it was a waste of money buying dresses or romper suits.

'Do you think Danny will mind?' Mattie asked her quietly over a cup of tea in a cafe. 'If it's a girl.'

'Danny will be happy whatever it is.' Jean assured her. She'd had the same thoughts when she was expecting Christopher junior. Her husband had assured her it didn't matter but when the boy was born he couldn't contain his joy at having a son. He was even more triumphant when Jack was born, two sons! Jean would have liked a daughter, but Christopher had secretly seen to it that there would be no more children from their union. They had rowed, a full on plate throwing; in Jean's case; row. She was hurt. Mattie had gone someway to fill the gap in her heart, even though she loved her boys. Now she was too old to have another baby so she would have to be content with her lot.

Mattie noticed a longing in Jean's face, something she had not seen before.

'Jean?'

'Oh it's nothing, Mattie,' Jean smiled, 'Just thinking back to when I was pregnant.' She stood up and suggested they get back, there was surgery that afternoon. Mattie took that as a sign the subject was not up for discussion. She had often wondered why Jean only had two children but it was not her business.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Jean looked down at the tiny scrap she held. Her namesake Jean Anne Parks.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mattie had had a problem free labour and an easy birth. With Lucien in attendance she had been confident and relaxed, while Danny and Jean had paced up and down outside her room, anxiously waiting for news.

When Lucien poked his head out of the door at and smiled they knew everything was alright.

'A girl,' he'd announced, 'seven and a half pounds and a good set of lungs.'

'Can we come in?' Danny was desperate to see his daughter.

'Five minutes.' Lucien's head disappeared. Danny turned to Jean who had tears running down her cheeks, tears of sheer joy.

'Oh, Danny,' she whispered, 'congratulations.'

Danny had a daft grin on his face as he hugged Jean and it was still there when he was allowed in to see his wife and child.

Mattie was sitting up in bed, washed and her hair brushed, cradling her newborn daughter. She smiled at her husband who went straight to the bed and kissed her.

Looking at the baby he whispered,

'Oh darling, she's beautiful.'

'You don't mind a girl?' She asked hesitantly.

'Why would I?' He answered, 'she is our baby.' He paused and thought about Mattie's question, 'Did you think I'd want a boy?'

'Well...' She looked into his eyes, 'isn't that what all men want?'

'Not this one.' Danny kissed her again, 'this one is just happy you are both alright.'

'Can we call her Jean?' Mattie asked, quietly, not wanting Jean to hear just yet.

'Mmm...' he thought for a moment, 'how about Jean Anne? I'm sure your mother would appreciate it.'

'Yes. I like that.' Mattie smiled, contentedly. 'Why don't you bring Jean in to meet her namesake.'

Danny opened the door and called his aunt over.

'Come and meet Jean Anne.' He said holding out his hand. Jean looked up slowly realising they had named their first born after her.

Mattie held out the baby to her, inviting her to take her and hold her.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

This is the end of this story, we'll leave the Parks family to grow in our own imaginations. Hope you've enjoyed reading it. Reviews and comments welcome.