Ian turns down the job offer in Edinburgh and agrees to try to repair his marriage, much to Adam’s delight.

Radio Times: Adam is desperate to speak to Ian, and Lynda appeals to Kate’s creative flair.

Characters: Adam, Ian, Kate, Lynda, Neil, Robert, Susan

• Lynda encourages Kate with words if not with actual clients. Kate sees Ian and tries to give him advice but Ian hurries off. Kate claims that she can help Adam and Ian both but they push her away just as her children do. Kate can’t see that any of this alienation is her fault.
• Susan tries to sell Adam sweets when he buys his paper but she is offended when Adam gives her short shrift. Robert protests when Susan makes references to his age and his supposed physical and mental decline but Susan doesn’t notice.
• Lynda takes a break and talks to Kate about a creative project, the Ambridge Christmas show. She wants Kate to be her creative muse. Lynda pays many compliments to Kate’s vision and artistic sense; Kate is seduced. Her life is feeling empty these days and Lynda suggests this is just the thing to talk about with Nollie and Sepo; Phoebe will also be impressed that Kate has a full life of her own. Hmmm.
• Neil has a suggestion to cheer Susan up. They should get a family portrait taken. Robert gets a bit of his own back by suggesting the wonders of lighting. Susan begins to agree but to Neil’s despair she notes that this means a new outfit and a new hair style. Robert clinches Susan’s positive response by noting that a portrait displays a favourable vision of the family for years to come and Susan will control all aspects of the presentation.
• Adam walks in and is able to catch Ian as he is waiting for the washing machine repairman. Ian notes that he has been away and was able to think. Adam asks if Ian is going to take the Edinburgh job offer. What is there to keep me here, asks Ian? Adam declares his love and doesn’t want to live without Ian. Adam begs for a chance to make their marriage work and he takes full responsibility for his past actions. Ian stresses that when someone cheats, things can never be the same. Ian doesn’t know if there is enough to put back together. Adam is on pins and needles, waiting for an answer. Ian has turned the job down; he loves Adam too much and is prepared to try and work to put things right although he isn’t certain that they will be able to do so. No blame, no hurling the past into discussions, declares Ian. It starts with Adam moving back in. Hugs all around.