Great Expectations. - Now Complete

Chapter 24

After officially announcing their engagement Alice and George were bombarded with more press interest than ever. However, George watched as his new happier, much more confident Alice posed for photographs and fielded questions like a real professional. He listened as she enjoyed a clever banter with interviewers and allowed pictures of themselves and Alexander.

They finally settled on a wedding date, the 15th June 1967, some two and half years after their first meeting. The week before the wedding, George and Alice stood before a judge who granted that George could officially adopt Alexander as his own. George was over the moon, at last the little boy he loved so much, was officially his.

"Alexander James Harrison has a good strong ring to it, don't you think?" he said to Alice.

She smiled at his excitement. "Oh definately, and I think Alexander is a very, very lucky little boy to be given a daddy like you!"

"I've finally decided on a Best Man too," he said suddenly.

"Oh?" Alice knew how difficult it had been for him to decide who to have, all three of the Beatles expecting the role, as did his brothers.

"Yeah, I decided to go for the male that means more to me than any other. One that has had more impact and influence on my life than any other."

"And?"

"I'm going to have Alexander!"

"What? George, you can't have a nearly two year old as your Best Man!"

"Why not? There's no rules that say I can't. No, I want my son to hand me the wedding ring I'm going to put on his mummy's finger. He's having the matching suit anyway and I thought young Julian could help him. They'd love it! Mum would love it and it would stop me from having to offend someone or have millions of people doing it instead!"

Alice started laughing. "if your sure?"

He kissed her. "Definately"

The day dawned bright and sunny. George and Alexander had spent the night at the Lennon's house whilst Alice was at home with Louise Harrison and George's sister. Cynthia, who was going to stand as her Maid of Honour, was going to be joining them later. Waking just after 8am, Alice walked downstairs to find the Harrison ladies enjoying a morning cuppa.

"Morning Alice, sleep well?" asked her Mother In Law to be.

Alice smiled. "I missed George but yes, other than that I did thanks! Why didn't you wake me. I'd have made breakfast?"

"You sit down, let us wait on you on this special day!"

Alice sat down and looked around her kitchen. "I might go and ring George. Just to make sure Alexander is OK."

"No!" grinned Louise senior, "Strictly not allowed. Anyway he's fine. Good as gold. Slept all night. I've already checked. Plus Cynthia will be here in another few hours. No. Stop worrying and enjoy the peace for a change!"

After Breakfast, Alice took a long luxurious shower then sat in her room as the hairdresser tamed her often wild curls into a very stunning updo with soft tendrils framing her face. Cynthia arrived just as she was adding the finishing touches.

"Oh Alice!" she exclaimed, watching as her veil was pinned into position, "That looks amazing. George will be blown away by how beautiful you look!"

Alice blushed. She was then subjected to someone putting on her make up. Not a great fan of make up, she protested when it felt like she was being plastered in the stuff. Once more Cynthia reassured her how lovely she looked. Alice examined her face in the mirror and had to admit that both her hair and make up made her feel beautiful.

"Now the dress." said Cynthia, who had already slipped into her own soft blue creation which suited her colouring. She fastened the gown at the back and then stepped back. "Stunning. My god Alice. You look simply stunning. George is one very lucky man."

She walked down stairs to where the other women were waiting. As predicted, her mother in law to be burst into tears when she saw her.

Finally it was time. Clutching her bouquet and braving the mass of fans and press, Alice and Cynthia walked to the awaiting car. The driver held the door open for her. Paul, looking as handsome as ever, was sat in the car, reached out to help her climb into the vehicle. He had been nominated to give her away as Alice hadn't wanted her stepfather near her today.

"WOW!" He said when he saw her. "I wish I was marrying you Alice! Lucky Georgie!"

She smiled and got into the car beside him then Cynthia next to her. Then, as they waved to the watching crowds, the car pulled away.

"How are you feeling?" he asked her.

She turned. "Relaxed. Very happy. I've waited for this day for so long Paul. Marrying George feels so right."

The journey to their chosen church wasn't very long. However the route was lined with people, knowing that the bride to be of George Harrison would be passing that way. As the car pulled up, Alice saw even more crowds. She looked worried.

"Will you be OK Paul?"

He nodded. "There's loads of police, so I reckon so. Don't worry!"

He climbed out of the car first. Fans called his name and he waved. He held the door open for Alice and Cynthia. Cynthia emerged first to audible gasps about her dress then next came Alice. The click of photographers was deafening, all wanting pictures of the bride. She waved to the waiting crowds, then, linking Paul, she walked into the church. John was by the door. He kissed first Cynthia and then Alice.

"Everything OK then ladies?" he asked.

Alice smiled. I'm fine. How's George and Alexander?"

"Well Julian and Alexander have been practising all morning how to pass you the rings. George is so unbelieveably excited!"

She smiled. "Right, are we ready?" The first strands of the Bridal March began. Linking Paul once more, she walked towards the man she loved. She saw him stood at the top of the aisle, Alexander in his arms. They both turned and George said something to their son and pointed to her.. Alexander waved and shouted 'Mummy Princess' loudly above the sound of the organ, causing the congregation to chuckle. George beamed and locked eyes with her, all the way until she reached him. He then handed Alexander to his 'Uncle' John and then gently lifted Alice's veil.

"You look beautiful," he whispered, kissing her softly, "simply beautiful!"

"Thank you...and I must say you look very handsome!"

They both turned to face the vicar and the service began. At the right moment 5 year old Julian and the (almost) 2 year old Alexander brought a box to George containing their rings. Alexander gleefully shouting 'Dad - dee' as he ran to him. George took the rings and reminded Julian to go and sit back down with his daddy. The two boys, pleased at doing their job so well, jumped down the altar steps counting them loudly as they did so, causing much laughter and 'awww' from the congregation and their parents.

Turning their attention back to the waiting vicar, they made their vows, each fixed their eyes on the other as if they were the only people in the room. Then, once it was time to sign the register, John, Paul and Ringo performed a quiet gentle song written especially for the day. Later, as the couple emerged from the vestry the song ended and the trumphant blast of Lohengrin escorted them out into the sunshine. Friends and family cheered and threw confetti then, after posing for a few quick press photo's, the happy couple climbed into the awaiting car to take them to their wedding reception.

"Well Mrs Harrison," asked George, with a huge grin on his face, "How does it feel to be married at last?"

Alice smiled shyly at him. "Well, for the few minutes that I've experienced it, I love it." she leaned over and kissed him, "However, I'll let you know in another 30 years or so what I really think, is that OK Mr Harrison?"

"Definately." He told her, kissing her once more. Then, chuckling, George pulled her into a hug as the journey continued.