Once You've Tasted Love

Chapter 49

Monday morning I wasn't woken up by the alarm. I was woken up by Gary, tenderly stroking my arm. I opened my eyes to see him smiling at me. 

"Good morning" I yawned. 

"Good morning. God I'm still so relieved that you're back here. With me." 

I smiled "I would have come back anyway. I regretted it immediately. I just love you too much." 

"I love you too. You know, even Markie said that I must love you more than my life itself." 

I raised my eyebrows "Really?"

He nodded "Yeah. He was shocked to see me crying. I've never cried over a woman like that before."

I felt a lump in my throat. I stuttered "Wow, Gary that's..." 

"True love?" he smiled. 

"Probably" I smiled back at him.
-----

I was down in the kitchen preparing breakfast and turned the radio on. "Good morning Britain, this is BBC Radio 1 with the news." 

There were some things about politics and sport and right on cue when Gary came in I stopped in my tracks when they came to the showbiz part. "Yesterday Take-That star Gary Barlow was seen leaving the hospital. It hasn't been confirmed what was going on, but he didn't look great. We hope a statement is being released soon. Now to the weather." 

I looked at Gary and almost started to laugh, the fact that something as minor as this made the morning news on Radio 1 was quite funny.

He rolled his eyes "Good grief. Which station is that?"

I laughed "Radio 1." 

"What?! Jeepers...Well, suppose I'll go and get that statement done. Shall I drop you off at work? I can pick you up later." 

I shook my head "No thanks, it's alright, I'm taking my car."

He shrugged "Well then."
-----

I got into work and was immediately pulled to the side by Louise "Everything alright?" 

I smiled at her "Yeah, better than ever. Except for the fact that Gary still has scars all over his body, but they should fade with time." 

"I heard something on the radio this morning, it's nothing serious, is it?" 

"No. He just broke a glass on Saturday, slipped and fell right into the shards. They then had to make some stitches and he needed to stay the night." 

She shook her head "Oh, good god. Was a bit worried there. Oh, and so the wedding is still happening?"

I chuckled "Yeah, thank god."
-----

We were out for lunch, Louise and I, when my phone rang. Anna. 

"Hey Anna!" I smiled. 

"It's Jack."

My eyes grew big "Oh, hi. Everything alright? Has something happened?" 

"Yeah, well...The baby has arrived." I could hear his grin through the phone. 

I let out an excited squeal "Aww...Congratulations! Is it really a girl?"

"It is. Her name is Holly."

I grinned "Cute! Give them both a kiss from me please. I'll come and visit you when you're back home, is that alright?" 

"Sure! See ya." 

"Bye."

I put my phone away and smiled towards Louise.

She looked at me with a raised eyebrow "You gonna tell me what's happened?"

"Anna gave birth!" I squealed, still excited.

She squealed too "Aww! Cute!" 

"I know! They named her Holly." 

"That's a beautiful name. I'll text Anna later."

We both finished eating and then went back to work.

Before I got home I decided to head to Marks & Spencer's first. Only the best for the bestie, right? I headed towards the baby section.

God there was some cute stuff! I was really looking forward to the day when I could buy those things for my own baby, even if that was in the far future, Gary and I were definitely not planning on having kids yet. 

I saw a young woman come towards me, smiling "Hello, may I help you madame?" 

I shrugged and smiled back "Uhm, yeah, why not?"

She nodded "Okay, what are you looking for?" 

"My best friend just gave birth to a little baby girl, so I'm looking for a gift." 

The shop assistant smiled at me "How much would you like to spend?" 

I had to think about it. "Well, if my fiancé puts a bit into it too, we can spend about 30-50 £?" 

"Alright, please follow me."

Half an hour later I went back to my car, the present in my hands. It had cost me 40£ in the end and I was quite happy with the result. There were some clothes, some nappies, two dummies and a cute little toy elephant, all put together in a basket and wrapped in pink and white bows.

I got home and quickly walked through to the kitchen and placed the present on the table. I walked back to close the door and heard Gary call "What is that?" 

I got back and smiled "What does it look like?" 

He chuckled "A present for a baby. A girl. If I didn't know better I'd ask if you're pregnant." 

I giggled "Yeah no, I'm not pregnant, at least as far as I'm concerned. But, Anna has given birth today, so I went to M&S and bought this. I get 20 quid from you by the way." 

Gary laughed "20 quid?" 

I nodded "Yeah. Cost me 40. Half-half, she and Jack are your friends too now." 

"Alright. Here." He moved his hand towards his purse and pulled out a 20 £ note.

"Thanks. You like it?" 

He nodded "Yeah it's cute. What's her name by the way?" 

"Holly" I smiled. 

"Cute" he smiled back and kissed me. "I got back home early today, so I made us something to eat honey."

I sighed, exhausted from work and shopping "Oh thank you very much. I'm starving."