Wait For Me: Carter

Chapter 1

Peter watched as Carla took a deep breath, taking his hands in her own. He admired her beauty: the way her hair fell in a cluster of curls over her right shoulder onto the white lace fabric of her dress, and how her eyes sparkled in a way Peter had never seen before.

She cleared her throat and began to speak. He'd waited weeks to hear her vows.

"I was alone for so long, I didn't even know that I was lonely..." She began, looking down nervously. Peter gave her hands a gentle, encouraging squeeze.

"I was in the cold for so long, I didn't even realise I was cold. I turned my collar to the wind. That's just how it's always been..." She let out a little laugh, her eyes meeting Peter's once again. He hung on every word she said.

"All I've ever known is how to hold my own. But now... Well, now I want to hold you too. You take me in your arms, and suddenly there's sunlight all around me. Everything is bright and warm, and shining like it never did before. And, for a moment, I forget just how dark and cold it gets. And I want to hold you close. I don't want to ever have to let you go, and I don't want to go back to that lonely life."

Peter could feel himself welling up. He was lost in her eyes, and in her words. It was like they were alone: just the two of them, savouring every moment together.

"So, say that you'll hold me forever, and that the wind won't change on us. That we'll stay with each other, and it will always be like this. Because I love you, Peter Barlow. And I could never lose you again."

He let go of one hand, reaching up to rub his eyes. Carla had always had a way with words: often accompanied by a sharp tongue; but every so often she'd allow her softer side to show, her words poetic and meaningful.

"Peter? Go ahead." Billy smiled. Peter's hand hesitated over the pocket of his navy suit trousers, where his vows were scribbled roughly onto a scrap of paper. As he continued to gaze longingly into his lovers eyes, he quickly changed his mind. It was his turn to take her hand.

"I don't know how, or why..." He sighed, taking a moment to gather his thoughts, determined to speak truly from the heart. "Who am I that I should get to hold you? But when I first saw you, all alone against the sky, it was like I'd known you all along. I knew you before we met... And yet I don't think I even fully know you yet!" He laughed, before continuing, his tone more serious now. "So, yes, I will hold you forever. The winds will never change on us. And as long as we stay together, it will always be like this."

This time, Peter reached a hand to wipe away a tear from Carla's cheek. He was determined to do things right this time. He was never going to let her slip away again. She was the love of his life, and he didn't know what he'd do if he couldn't be with her.

He broke his gaze with Carla only when Simon appeared beside him, rings in hand. As he placed the ring around Carla's slender finger, the diamond glistening as it caught the afternoon sun through the church window, he couldn't help but feel like the luckiest man alive.

"I now pronounce you lawfully married." Billy smiled as a smattering of applause echoed through the room. He turned to Peter. "Go on then, give her a smooch." He winked.

Peter smiled as Carla giggled. That sultry giggle that he'd fallen so madly in love with. He pulled her close to him, placing a gentle hand on the back of her head. He allowed his eyes to drift closed as their lips met.

A long, low whistle rang out among the congregation, presumably from Steve, followed by a bout of laughter. But Peter didn't notice. He was lost in the moment; in the kiss; in Carla.

As they exited the church, hand in hand, confetti raining down on them, Peter thought that perhaps this was the happiest he'd ever been. This was his second chance, and he was so grateful. He was determined to get things right this time.