Author's Note: This is a mid-ep piece for Season 6, episode 2 "Old Colonials", when Nick asks Jo out but they keep getting interrupted by police business. Jo's POV. I may add chapters for other episodes as I watch through the season again. I love re-runs.

Reviews appreciated.

Jo sighed as Nick closed the kitchen door behind him, on his way out to another police emergency. She had enjoyed a pleasant evening. It hadn't been a typical date, but a family dinner that she had enjoyed being a part of. She generally enjoyed babies, and Katie had been very sweet, although not particularly interested in the different lady at the table. Jo guessed that new faces were typical of life in the Police House.

She had insisted on helping Eileen with the dishes while Nick put Katie to bed. He was a doting father, although it was obvious to Jo that Eileen was the glue that made his lifestyle possible. She seemed to enjoy it, though. And Nick seemed to have a comfortable friendship with this accommodating aunt of his wife's.

His wife. Kate. After her embarrassing conversation with Nick, Jo had been told their tragic story. The late doctor had obviously been well loved in the village, despite being a newcomer of only 5 years or so. Jo had been surprised at how present this woman seemed in her absence. When Jo commented on what a beautiful baby Katie was, Nick's rejoinder was an easy "She gets it from her mum." Kate was still part of the family, and rightly so, for Katie's sake. But what did that mean for Nick? Was this really a date, as she had supposed? Or was he just showing kindness to the new teacher, the same way he would have for any other newcomer to the village.

Anyway, it hadn't ended as she had anticipated. Again. She and Nick had spent a few minutes together after Eileen left, which had been pleasant enough. A bit of an interrogation, but at least Nick seemed interested in getting to know her. Then the phone rang and off he went. And there she was, babysitting. She truly didn't mind looking after Katie. It just hadn't been what she had expected.

Placing the wine glasses in the sink, Jo moved into the lounge room and turned on the television. Finding nothing of interest to watch, she turned it off again and went in search of a book. This search was more fruitful and she was soon snuggled up on the sofa under a cosy blanket, determined to enjoy a bit of peace and quiet.

The quiet was soon broken by a wail from upstairs. Jo was experienced enough at babysitting that she waited a minute in the hope they Katie might settle herself back to sleep. But that was clearly not to be. Jo climbed the stairs as the cries intensified.

"Katie, it's alright. No need to cry."

The baby paused at the unfamiliar voice, then looked at Jo accusingly burst into fresh cries. Jo sighed and went to pick her up. "I know, sweetie, you'd rather Daddy or Eileen. But they had to go out. Jo's here with you. It will be alright. You can go back to sleep."

Sleep was clearly not on Katie's agenda at that point. Feeling discouraged, Jo rocked, patted, sang, changed. Finally, she took Katie downstairs and sat on the sofa to give her some milk. That seemed to settle her down, and she snuggled down into Jo's arms with a sigh.

In the stillness, Jo stroked Katie's golden hair and pondered. Was this what she wanted? She had always assumed that she would have children one day. Did she want to get involved with a man who already had a child? Did he want to get involved with her? She didn't know the answer to either of those questions. But with the small, warm body pressed trustingly against her, she didn't really mind either way. She would enjoy friendship.

As Katie drifted off to sleep, Jo closed her eyes. Just for a moment, then she would put Katie back into bed and return to her book.

Half an hour later, she roused to the sound of her name. She looked up at Eileen. "Sorry, I must have fallen asleep. Nick had to go out."

Eileen looked kindly at her. "Did Katie give you a hard time? She seems to be doing a bit of that lately. Thank you for looking after her." The older lady lifted Katie gently from Jo's arms. "I'll just pop her into bed."

By the time Eileen came back down, Nick was coming through the door. He apologised profusely for his quick exit and offered Jo a cup of tea, but she was still feeling foggy with sleep.

"No thanks, I think I'd better head home. Thanks for dinner, Eileen. I'll see you later."

Nick helped Jo on with her coat and walked her out to her car. "Thanks for looking after Katie. Was she any trouble?"

Jo glanced at him sideways. "She was awake for a bit. She went off when I gave her some milk."

"Yeah, I thought we'd come through all the middle of the night stuff, but she seems to be doing that a bit lately."

"That's what Eileen said. We had a nice cuddle though."

Nick held her car door open for her. "Well, drive safe. See you round."

"Yes, see you round."