Kara's POV
It's been a long day. I think as Jill and I pull into George's drive. We've been away from the house nearly seven hours, shopping and drinking tea. She's such a lovely gal. She helped me pick out a nice dress for tonight as well as many outfits for the upcoming couple of weeks when I go with George. I am so excited he asked me with him. I feel the same way he does when we're apart. Jill just drops me off saying she'll phone in the morning before we head to the airport. I thank her again and walk up the stairs. I open the front door and drop all my bags right there.
"Hello?" I call through the house.
I hear pots clanging so I figure Miss Judy is in the kitchen. I walk in and find her humming as she prepares a delicious smelling meal.
"Hi sweetie!" She says when she sees me.
"George ran out to Paul's. All the lads are meeting there with Mr. Epstein for a meeting. My guess is to talk about tomorrow. He should be home within the next few hours."
"Great. Thanks. I'm going to go shower. When is dinner?"
"George said he wanted around 7." She says, moving busily around the kitchen.
I glance at the clock, 5:00.
"I'm going to go get ready then for dinner." I say.
"Sounds lovely! Call if you need anything." Miss Judy comes over and gives me a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks." I say and turn.
I grab my bags and make my way upstairs. Once I drop them in the oversized walk-in closet, I go over to the dresser and pull out one of George's shirts. I pull mine off and slip his on. There's a certain comfort in smelling him when he's not around. I climb into the bed on his side and decide I'll rest for a little bit. I've got plenty of time.
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Next thing I know, George is shaking me to wake me up. I glance around, my mind taking a moment to focus.
"Hi love." He says.
"It's almost 6:30. The lads and lasses are coming at 7:15." He's kneeling next to the bed, brushing my hair back as he talks.
"Okay." I say. I lean and kiss him.
I love how patient he's been with me about the whole Waiting To Go Further thing. It can't be easy for him. But I love that it doesn't bother him, well he doesn't let on that it does. I start to get up and George stands, giving assistance.
"I'll be getting ready in the guest room. So you can have space." He says.
I thank him. He goes into the closet and emerges with a suit on a hanger. He gives me a quick kiss before walking out. God, I do love him. So much.
I'm just about finished when I hear the doorbell. I listen for the door opening and hear Ringo's voice. I don't hear a woman's voice but George had said the women would all be in attendance so she must be quiet.
I am wearing a dark blue floor length dress. It's a v-neck with slender straps. I sit as I put in a pair of pearl earrings George bought for me. I hear the door again moments later. I don't even have to strain my ears, John's voice carries easily. I hear a quieter, more melodic voice that I place as Cynthia's. My nerves start up once everyone is gathered in the front hall.
Soon there is a knock at the door. It opens to George. He's smiling but it falls quickly when he sees me.
"What?" I say.
"Wow." He says.
"Just, wow."
I grin. He holds out his hand and I walk over to take it. He gives me a kiss.
"Ready?" He asks. I nod, even though I'm so nervous.
I know they lads but I've never met any of their women. George leads the way downstairs and to the left. We enter his gathering room. The lads all smile and come over to say hello. They each give me a hug and kisses on the cheek.
"So beautiful." Paul says into my ear, causing me to blush.
"Kara, this is Maureen, Cynthia, and Linda." George says, pointing to each one. We each kiss cheeks.
Maureen is very pretty but seems as if she's not much of a social person, more quiet and reserved. Cynthia is stunning and bubbly. Linda is so beautiful and charming too.
Soon we make our way to the dining room. Miss Judy has done it up nicely for the occasion. I sit with George on my right and Linda on my left. John directly across. Dinner goes over smoothly. I soon realize I had absolutely nothing to be nervous about. Linda and I chat the whole time, with Cynthia and Maureen chiming in from across the table. The entire meal George leaves his hand on my leg, as if reassuring me he's right there.
"So," George starts when there's a lull in the conversation.
Our plates have been cleared and we wait for dessert.
"What about all of us going tomorrow?" He asks.
"Kara is coming and I know she'd like some female company."
Cynthia squeals in excitement.
"Let's do it!"
Everybody laughs.
Linda and Maureen agree that it would be a great idea.
Dessert is served - Miss Judy made delicious strawberry shortcake. After we finish that, the plates have been cleared and everyone's champagne glasses refilled, George clears his throat.
"There's a reason we invited you all here tonight." He says.
John opens his mouth to make some witty remark but Cynthia places her hand over it before he can make out a word. She shushes him and looks to George.
"Kara and I are engaged." He says.
There's a moment of silence. The applause and cheers are almost deafening when they break out. I lift my left hand, which has been under the table the whole meal. I blush and smile as I show everyone the ring.
"Wow."
"Beautiful!"
"Stunning!"
Are just a few of the responses.
"About bloody time!" John, of course.
We spend another hour or so talking, about the next day, the wedding, etc. Soon, Ringo lets out a yawn.
"Agreed. It's time for home." Maureen says.
We all stand. George and I hug everyone as they walk out the door. We stand and wave until the last car leaves. When he shuts the door I turn to George and smile.
"That went well, yeah?" He said.
"Very." I reply.
We lean in and thank Miss Judy for all her hard work. George offers to help clean up but she won't hear of it. We tiredly make our way up the stairs.
"We must leave the house at 10 tomorrow morning. So we'll have time to pack in the morning." George says as he takes off his tie and lays it on the back of a chair.
Soon we're dressed in our sleepwear. When George turns out the light and climbs in bed, I know. Once he's settled, he starts to say good night but I roll over and give him a long kiss.
"Woah." He says after.
I laugh. I kiss him again and again. He's closed his eyes as I kiss all around, from the tips of his ears, down to his shoulders. Moments later when he reaches for my shirt, or rather his shirt, he pauses as if unsure. I nod in the dark. He slips it off gently then I do the same with his. Our love making is passionate but, like everything with George, gentle. When we are finished, we lay entwined, not bothering to put our clothes back on as we drift off to sleep.
