This really is the final chapter. I hope you all enjoy it. I started planning this story with the aim of killing two characters: Alicia Munroe and Louis Fairhead. Instead, I've paired Alicia up with my favourite character and Louis got cut from the story completely! It's funny how stories always change themselves. Thank you again for all your support with this.

Bonnie Sveen Fan, it is cute hearing Matilda say Dada! And I think by now she knows she's saying his name rather than just saying random words. Oh yes: Jacob has dropped more than enough hints about what he's planning to do! Thank you for your review.

20BlueRoses, thank you for your review. Cal, Lily and Louise really bonded over looking after Matilda - I'd have felt sad if that had changed. It is a shame it took a disaster for everyone to admit their feelings and get what help they needed, but it is often the way, especially in a series like Casualty. I tried to make it all as positive as possible!

Tanith Panic, I think everyone wanted Cal to keep Matilda and I'm not sure I could bring myself to write a story where he didn't! It was hard enough watching him give her away on TV. I had to rescue the real Ethan and Alicia from the aliens! I'm really sorry, but this chapter comes to an end too... Thank you for your review.

totti10, thank you for your review. I actually intended Iain and Rita's scene to be quite different, but I thought I should acknowledge the therapy in some way. I think you'd have preferred my original plan. I really wish they'd written Rita's exit differently too - even Big Mac got sympathy and support and he committed a crime. I'm really glad you like the way I've rewritten the episode.

Zoe smiled round at the junior doctors. "It's tough being a doctor. It's really tough. Believe me, I still have days when I ask myself what I was thinking, getting into a job like this." She paused. "But then I remember how I feel on all the other days; the days when it goes right; the days when you make a difference to someone, whether it's by making them better or just providing the listening ear and support so many people sadly lack – or believe they lack – in real life. This is an emergency department and our priority is always to save lives, but there are so many kinds of emergencies; so many ways of helping. There will always be people who can't or won't be helped; there will always be days when there isn't time to do everything we want to do. But if we leave the hospital at the end of the day and know we've given everything within our power, there's no greater feeling in the world." Apart from certain activities I enjoy with my husband. "Thank you." Zoe smiled. "Now go and get a drink. You've earned it after sitting here listening to me for an hour. I'll see you lot in the pub!"

There was laughter as the doctors stood up and dispersed. If Connie had given the speech, there would have been applause. But Zoe preferred the: "Thanks, Zoe! See you later!" and similar comments from her colleagues as they left. Some might call it disrespectful; Zoe felt it displayed the utmost respect – for Zoe as an individual, rather than her status as a senior consultant.

As they left, she heard the young doctors saying hi to Max, whom she'd known would be waiting patiently outside. She laughed as one F1, who reminded her a bit of Cal, cheekily asked Max if Zoe ever stopped talking.

"Not very often!" Max cheerfully replied.

He hung back while a couple of doctors had a quick word with Zoe. She answered the F1's question on the spot and told the F2 she'd have to think about his question and get back to him tomorrow.

Finally, Max came into the room and kissed his wife. "Very inspiring, Dr Walker."

"Don't you start!" said Zoe, but she was laughing. "Come on. Let's go to the pub. I seriously need a drink."

"Now, why doesn't that surprise me?" said Max. "But before you go…" He handed her an envelope. It was sealed, but the writing printed on the envelope made it clear what it was. "Looks like someone's getting married!"

Lofty opened the door to his bedroom and stopped, a smile suffusing his face at the sight of Dylan and Rihanna. Clearly, Dylan had forgotten about his housemate (boatmate?) again. He was singing softly and moving around the room in a way that wasn't unlike skipping.

Rihanna gurgled happily and held tightly to her big brother. She was close to a year old now and had already said her first words. Dylan talked to her endlessly on all sorts of subjects Lofty wouldn't have considered discussing with a baby, but Rihanna's eyes were almost always alight with interest as Dylan told her how he'd seen a patient with a rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament earlier, explaining how the injury was often missed by doctors and how pleasantly surprised he'd been when his new mentee Sebastian had applied a gentle adduction stress to the proximal phalanx without being prompted.

But Lofty had a feeling Rihanna liked the singing best.

"Yun!" said Rihanna, when he'd stopped singing. Lofty knew he'd never forget the look on Dylan's face when he'd first realised his little sister was trying to say his name. "Yun! More!"

"More?" said Dylan. "What would you like me to sing next?"

Lofty came into the room, smiling. "How about 'I'm a little teapot'?" No-one put their hands on their hips quite like Dylan.

Dylan glared at him, clearly embarrassed at having been caught dancing. "I'll let you do that one, Ben." Singing he could cope with. Actions were a different matter.

"Okay," said Lofty. "I'll do the actions, but you've got to sing with me."

"I haven't got to do anything!"

But when Lofty started to sing, it wasn't long before Dylan joined in.

The wedding was here at last.

Robyn sat, her hands resting on her bump and looked round at all her happy friends. Ethan was sitting with his arm around Alicia, her head on his shoulder and his head resting against hers. He only moved when he decided to press another kiss to her forehead. Two Dr Hardys in the department would be difficult, but Robyn was sure they would manage.

Iain and Rita's hands were clasped and loosely swinging as they spoke to Lily and her boyfriend Archie. The friendship that had sprung up between Lily and Iain had surprised them all, but it was genuine and (of course) nothing for Rita or Archie to worry about. The light caught the ring on Rita's finger as she laughed at something Iain had said. The two couples often went out together, though Robyn did regret accidentally starting the rumour that they were swingers. It had taken a while for Lily to get over that, but everything was fine between them now.

Cal was smiling happily as he sat with Matilda on his lap, one arm around Louise, who was holding Matilda's hand and speaking to her animatedly about what was going to happen today.

"Wee Wee!" said Matilda happily, and everyone who heard her laughed as they remembered what they'd thought the first time they'd heard her trying to say Louise's name.

"Yes, that's Wee Wee!" said Cal, and kissed Louise. "Everyone needs a Wee Wee. Hey, Nibbles! Do you need a Wee Wee? I very nearly called you Widdles instead of Nibbles, you know."

But Ethan was kissing Alicia and didn't seem to hear.

"Behave, Caleb!" said Louise sharply. "Or the wedding's off!" But she was smiling.

Robyn walked over to Oliver, who was sitting at the back of the room so it would be easy for him to leave if it all became a bit much for him. He was sitting between David and Amira, holding their hands. Robyn thought David and Amira were absolutely perfect for each other and frequently told them so. "Hey, Oliver. How are you doing?"

Oliver smiled shyly. "Okay, thank you, Robyn."

"I hope you'll have a good time, but you're right by the door and if you need to leave, no-one's going to mind at all," said Robyn. She bent down and looked at him more closely. "You know what? You look more like your dad every day! He's very handsome, your dad." She heard a sound by the door. "And here's Kai! Come over here, Kai. Oliver's just here." She smiled at Kai's dad, who ushered his son forward, and said in a low voice: "Grace will be here soon. She's doing really well."

Kai gave her a hug, which Robyn eagerly returned.

Amira moved so Kai could sit between her and Oliver, and Robyn left them to chat. She looked around and smiled at the sight of Dylan and Lofty playing peekaboo with Rihanna.

Best bromance ever! thought Robyn happily, and laughed as she remembered the first time she'd said that to Dylan and Lofty. Dylan had misheard the word 'bromance' slightly – or rather completely failed to hear the first letter. Robyn still wished she'd had her phone with her so she could have taken a picture of Dylan's startled face.

Robyn had been surprised when Lofty had decided to live on the boat instead of in her old room, but Lofty and Dylan were so good for each other – and for Rihanna.

The doors opened again and Elle rushed to help Jacob hold them open as Connie wheeled Grace into the room. "Here we are, darling!" said Connie. "Now, where would you like to sit?"

Elle touched Connie's arm. "Oliver and Kai are sitting at the back there. Shall I move some of the chairs and make some space for Grace's chair?"

"Thanks, Elle: that would be great," said Connie gratefully, her hand touching Elle's for the briefest moment, and the two women smiled. "I'm sure Jacob will help you."

"I'll help-" began Robyn, only to stop as she touched her stomach and thought of the baby growing inside. "Actually, on second thoughts, I'll leave it to you."

"I should think so too, Staff Nurse Miller!" said Connie severely, but there was amusement lurking in her eyes. "But thank you."

"Ro-byn," said Grace, to Connie's obvious pride and delight.

Robyn gave Grace a hug and felt her lifting one arm to hug her back. "Hey, sweetie! You look gorgeous! I love your dress."

Not long after Grace was settled, Zoe and Max appeared in the doorway, hand in hand. Max smiled as he caught Robyn's eye.

It was time for the wedding.

Rita and Iain gripped hands in excitement.

But it wasn't Rita and Iain's wedding. They were opting for a long engagement. It wasn't Ethan and Alicia's wedding. They weren't actually engaged yet, though Robyn was convinced it was only a matter of time and expected an announcement almost every time she saw them. It wasn't Cal and Louise's wedding either, though Robyn hoped that one day they'd realise the wedding jokes they both liked to make weren't actually jokes at all. As for David and Amira, they were just very good friends, much as Robyn might wish for more. Connie and Jacob had other things to consider just now and Lily had only recently met Archie.

It was another couple who were getting married today.

Robyn left the room and hugged Duffy, who was standing just outside. The bride turned her back as the groom entered the chapel, then stood still while her assistants adjusted her veil.

"Come on, Robyn." Max tucked her hand into his arm. "Are you ready?"

Robyn nodded. Zoe and Duffy gave her one last hug and hurried to get to their seats.

The music started. Robyn turned to look at the altar. Glen was standing there, smiling.

Robyn walked quickly up the aisle to join him.

Every minute was precious. Lives could be lost in less than that. Glen might not be with her in another six months and that was unbearably sad to think about, but tomorrow, something could happen to Robyn. So they had to make the most of today.

Robyn thought of her vows: not just a promise to her husband but a plea to all her friends not to waste another minute.

She knew she and Glen wouldn't.