North and South

Starting Over

January 1997

"Are you sure about this? Let's take more time just us yeah? You know what my family are like."

Graham nodded confidently.

"I'm sure. I'd rather we all tell them in person when they're all together."

Erin swallowed thickly as they sat in her parked car outside her childhood home. Noel and Liam were leaving tonight. It would be their last chance and Graham was keen to tell them about the wedding. They'd settled on the autumn at least Erin would be 21 by then Graham had reasoned. Erin twisted the ring on her finger. Graham's grandmother's. A beautiful gold band with a circlet of diamonds. Far too delicate and expensive. Erin had protested but Graham had insisted. She had to admit it fitted perfectly and looked right where it was.

Erin was slightly panicked by the fact that Graham's family hadn't met her yet and that they definitely wouldn't approve of a girl like her marrying their son. But Graham had assured her that they weren't close and that it wasn't any of their business who he chose to marry.

Graham stilled her fingers running his thumb over the ring.

"Stop it. You'll be fine."

It was time to rip the plaster off.

Erin nodded and kissed him swiftly to steady her nerves.

Erin squeezed Graham's tight as she knocked.

The door was pulled open and Peggy pulled them both into a tight hug.

"Oh a sight for sore eyes the both of ye. Looking well Graham. I'm glad." She said touching his cheek gently. Her eyes looked teary.

Graham nodded as he kissed her on the cheek.

"Thanks. I feel better."

They made their way inside and Erin tensed up as she heard Noel and Liam arguing as they watched the football. She watched in ailence for a few moments from the back of the room.

"Ay ay ay. Nah I'm telling ye handball." Said Liam resolutely.

Noel scoffed.

"Fuck off. No way."

"Too right." She agreed.

Noel turned to her and smiled as he made his way over to her abd hugged her tight. Liam not far behind.

"Hey this is a nice surprise." Said Liam.

Erin nodded.

"Didn't know if we'd make it up. Only phoned mam this morning. Glad we caught you before you headed off."

Noel shook Graham's hand politely and Liam gave him a nod. As warm a reception as they could have hoped for.

This was the first time they'd been openly together in front of the whole family. And it was to announce their wedding. Great.

"Glad you feel alright and that." Said Noel awkwardly but Erin knew he meant it.

Graham's eyes widened and he smiled gratefully.

"Thanks."

"Sit yourselves down. Tea?" Said Peggy as she eagerly ushered them to sit down.

They sipped their tea and exchanged small talk.

Erin stood up suddenly. Steadied her nerves and rifled in her pockets for the invites. She handed one to each of them.

Graham's eyes widened in disbelief.

"You're doing it now?"

Erin nodded. She had to before she got too scared.

She had meant to tell them all before she issued the invites but she couldn't find the words.