Yesterday - Now Complete

Part 22

"Married!" Paul laughed, "I like the sound of that Annie! What do you think?"

"I think it's something we'd need to discuss at home Paul, not here." relied Annie, blushing fiercely.

Paul squeezed her hand. "OK." He turned his attention back to his lawyer. After a few more words the meeting was over and Annie and Paul left.

"You're quiet." remarked Paul in the car on the way home. "You OK?"

"Yes." She sighed. "I didn't sleep very well last night. I feel drained. Maybe I'll have a lie down when we get home."

"Good idea." 

They arrived back at Cavendish Avenue. Once more the girls began their cat calling of Annie. Paul walked to the gates and spoke to them, telling them to back off. They listened to Paul, whom Annie could tell was angry, and said nothing more to either of them.

Annie went upstairs for a lie down after promising to talk to Paul about the lawyers meeting later. He tiptoed up an hour or so after to find her fast asleep. As he was leaving the room, he heard her.

"Paul? Is that you?"

He turned back to her and went to the side of the bed. "Who else would it be? Sorry if I woke you."

"It's OK. I was starting to wake up anyway." She sat up and yawned. "I feel a lot better now though!"

"Good." He smiled at her. "Hungry?"

"Not particularly thanks Paul."

He nodded. "Do you feel up to talking about this morning?"

"I think that would be a good idea."

They talked about the things they had been told and their possible outcomes. 

"The way I see it love," said Paul gently, "Our best option is to get married. It makes sense. We love each other and want to be a family. Why not get married?"

"But Paul, surely marrying me to ensure the baby is safe is the wrong reason!"

"Hey, who said that was my reason! I love you Annie McIntosh. I lost you once because I couldn't get myself together enough to tell you and to propose. I don't want to loose you a second time." Suddenly he stood up and then knelt by the bed, "Annie McIntosh, I love you more than anyone I have ever loved. I want you to be my future together. Will you marry me?"

"Paul..."

"Come on Annie, give me an honest answer. This isn't for the baby or anything else. It's for you because I love you! Remember how your mum said follow your heart! What's your heart telling you now?"

Annie suddenly burst out laughing. "The only thing I can say Paul is YES! Of course I'll marry you!"

Annie and Paul were married in a very discrete and private ceremony just three weeks later. Booked for 8 am on a Sunday morning, by special arrangement, the couple, plus their parents and a few immediate friends, sneaked into Marlyborne Registry Office by the back door. They were married and returned home, with no interference from press or fans, within an hour. They shared a family meal back at Cavendish Avenue and by mid afternoon the newlyweds were left alone.

Paul found Annie in the kitchen, placing the remaining cups and saucers in hot water. He slipped his arms around her swollen stomach and kissed her neck.

"Leave those Mrs McCartney, this is our wedding day."

Annie turned around to face him and kissed him. "I love you!"