Threes a crowd. - Now Complete.

Part 24

Paul and Jane were happy.... very happy. Working on their relationship was paying dividends. They went out together...the theatre (which Jane loved) or clubs (for Paul.) The difference was that because they were together they both enjoyed the experience. Life was good. 

Paul returned from the studio one evening to find Jane and the almost two year old Mary baking. John looked at his band mate, bemused.

"It is always like this then Macca?"

Paul laughed. "No! This looks like fun though!"

 Flour covered every surface of the kitchen as Mary thought this new powder was the most exciting thing ever! It floated around when you threw it! Paul and John  watched as Jane coaxed Mary to squash to mixture, telling her it would turn into biscuits very soon. Once the biscuits were finally in the oven, Paul managed to stop laughing!

"That was the most adorable thing I've ever seen!" He told her, hugging Jane despite the liberal covering of flour that was now on his jacket.  "How about I take this little one to have a bath?"

Jane smiled gratefully. "Oh would you? Thanks Paul! This is going to take me hours to clean up!"

"Want to help me John...or Jane?"

"I'll brew!" said John firmly, neither option appealing.

Twenty minutes later a damp Paul appeared with a clean, pyjama clad Mary. The kitchen was clean and tidy and dinner was cooking.

"Are you staying for dinner John?" Jane asked.

"If it's on offer, please!" John grinned at Jane. "What we having?"

"Wait and see!" Jane shooed the two men from the kitchen, Paul taking Mary with him.

"Right," said Paul over dinner, "John and I have a proposition for you and Cyn love?"

"Oh?"

"Me and John need to go to New York. Apple stuff"

Jane nodded. She knew about this already. Paul would be away for four days.

"Well. I was thinking, why don't you and Cyn come with us. You two could do some Christmas shopping whilst we're working and the rest of the time, we can spend together. A little holiday?"

"That sounds lovely." She smiled at Paul, very pleased. "What has Cyn said?"

"I was going to ring her from her once we knew what you thought." said John. He turned to Paul. "What's my number Paul? I can never remember it!"

Later, lying in bed Jane and Paul discussed the New York and ideas for Christmas presents for Mary. 

"What about you Paul?" Jane asked. She lying on her front, looking directly at him, "What do you want for Christmas?"

"Me?"Paul smiled, "I've got everything I need in you and Mary." He kissed her softly.

"That's a lovely thing to say Paul, but seriously, I need some ideas! And not another damn guitar!!"

He laughed. "I am being serious. Anyway, what about you? What would you like?"

"How about a sibling for Mary?"

Paul looked down to her, surprise in his face. "A baby? You want us to have another baby?"

Jane nodded.

"But why? You were always against having anymore." His face was serious.

"When wee first got married and everything, I wasn't sure of us. That we could last. If you know what I mean?" she paused. 

Paul nodded thoughtfully. "I do."

"Well, things are so different now. We're different. Stronger. More secure." she smiled at him, "It's feels the right time for us...at least if YOU want to."

He pulled her closer to him. "You know how much I'd love a whole football team of kids. It's always been my dream to have a large family! Your sure you want to do this though? It would mean longer off work and more time at home... at least for a while. You wouldn't be able to travel with me whilst your pregnant either." 

"I trust you Paul. You've shown me I can trust you now."

"It means a lot to hear you say you trust me now." He studied her face, thinking once more how lucky he was to have Jane.  "You'd really do that...so we can have another child?"

"Yes. For you, yes."

He grabbed her and pulled her close. "You are amazing! Thank you so so much my love! Thank you!"

Two weeks later Jane sat in the taxi to the airport with Paul. Mary was safely with her grandmother.

"You OK?" Paul asked.

Jane nodded. "Excited! It feels really naughty, escaping abroad and leaving Mary at home!"

Paul grinned suggestively. "I like the sound of naughty." He whispered.

Jane hit him playfully. They climbed from the taxi and headed to the departure lounge where they were supposed to be meeting John and Cyn.

New York was fantastic Jane decided. Although she'd been several times before, travelling with Paul made it more special. Their hotel was very luxurious. A whole suite to themselves and John and Cyn in a similar suite next door. 

The purpose of the visit was for John and Paul to launch a new business venture which gave Jane an Cyn lots of time for shopping and exploring in relative peace. Not many people recognised them without their men! Two days into the trip John and Paul headed to Washington whilst Jane an Cyn remained in New York to finish off their Christmas shopping. The five day trip flashed by in now time at all.

"You OK love?" Paul asked in the taxi back home.

Jane nodded. "Just tired. Jet lag I guess. I'm looking forward to seeing Mary though. I've missed her!"

"Well how about when we get in we'll have something to eat then head off to your mums?"

"Sounds great!"

Christmas and New Year lead the way to Mary's second birthday. A party was held for which the whole Beatles family and their children were invited. It was a typical children's party. Silly games and balloons. Mary was thoroughly spoilt and inundated with gifts.

Jane headed into the kitchen whilst clearing plates away. Cynthia followed her, bringing more dishes.

"Oh thanks Cyn!" Jane smiled. "Are Paul and John still playing with Rupert?"

Cynthia nodded. "Poor Mary hasn't had a look in!" She laughed. "She's a gorgeous little thing Jane! I can't get over how alike Paul she is! I wonder if her hair will darken as she gets older?"

"My mum says my hair was the exact same colour when I was her age so maybe not!" Jane grinned then she lowered her voice, "Maybe number two might take after me more than Mary does."

"What?" Cyn looked at her friend, her eyes widened in surprise, "Number two? Does that mean what I think it means?"

"Between you and me, it's a very strong possibly! We have been trying!" Jane whispered, "I need to see the doctor to confirm but all the signs are there!"

"WOW!" Cynthia hugged her, "Fingers crossed! You're so lucky! I'd love another child!"