THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD || Paul McCartney [Completed]

39. The Tale Of Beren And Lúthien

I really should have named this story "The Long And Winding Road" Maybe I'll change it eventually? 

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January, 1969

It was a few days after the New Year, and Paul was still waiting for an answer. Natalie wasn't sure what to say to him. He wanted to marry her. But so much had changed in their lives. Did she really want to marry him...was she still in love with him?

Even so, they saw each other every day since Christmas, mostly for Paul to visit with Clara, but each time he asked her again, never flat out, but the question was implied. Each time she told him she was thinking about it. And every time she told him she was thinking about it, he grew a little more distant.

She reached up, knocking on Paul's door. She was surprised when it was Jim who opened the door instead of Paul.

"Natalie, hello there?" He asked tentatively, surprised to see her.

"Hi, Mr. McCartney, I came to invite Paul over for dinner with Clara and I." She glanced behind the older man, hoping to get a glimpse of Paul.

Jim's eyes softened, and he frowned, "Oh dear," He scratched the back of his head. "I thought he would have told you."

Natalie's eyes flashed with worry, and she took a few steps forward, "What is it? What's wrong?"

"Oh, nothing nefarious, just Paul is in Scotland. I'm just here to check on things."

"Scotland? Why?" She asked, and Jim frowned.

"He just wanted to be alone he said. He's been down for a few days now."

"Is it because of me?"

Jim sighed, "Not completely. But I think you are part of it. He wants to marry you, and I think he's afraid you'll disappear again." He said, deciding to be candid.

Natalie shook her head, holding back tears. "Okay, erm...thank you, Mr. McCartney." She then turned to leave the house with a million thoughts circulating in her head.

Natalie cared for Paul. So much. She never stopped thinking about him. In the two years of her marriage to Henry, Paul was always there in her mind. But was he still in her heart? Did she still love him the way she did before? Even now, he made her heart rate quicken, and her cheeks flush pink.

The sweet kiss he gave her under the mistletoe turned her into absolute mush. Of course, she was still attracted to him, but was she in love? She thought she had moved on, especially during her marriage, but maybe not.

 Perhaps Paul McCartney would have her heart forever.

She knew exactly who she needed to talk to—who could help her work out what was holding her back. She left London, heading out to Branksome. 

"I'm so sorry to bother you." She said, watching as surprise flashed in his old, yet wise gaze.

"No, no." he dismissed her apology instantly, "I'm just surprised to see you, but not disappointed. Edith and I could use the company." He admitted as he led her over to the den. He had a book in hand and placed it down on a heap of more books.

"I'm sorry to disturb your reading." She nodded toward the book he laid down.

"Natalie, do stop apologizing, please." He implored, as he sat down near the fireplace, and looked upon her with a curious twinkle in his gaze.

"Of course, Professor." She smiled at him, and he returned the gesture.

"Now tell me, what brings you all the way on my end of everything?" Tolkien asked.