Okay, things get a little raunchy towards the end which is why I have upped the rating to M. Just giving the people what they want. Thanks for the reviews, we will return for the birth of the baby. And you've got to love the Carpenters.

A lot of this is indulging myself and my editor in chief so I hope it reads okay. I hope you appreciate we've tried to make this story fun throughout, given the circumstances Banna find themselves in in this particular story. Enjoy :)

John's POV

Man and wife. Those words have reverberated around my head since they were said by the registrar. Anna is my wife. In this moment I feel there are no sweeter words anyone could ever speak. As we make the short yet picturesque journey from the registry office to Downton Sands for the reception, our fingers entwined as we sit in the back of the Bentley, no words are said as we occasionally catch each others gaze.

Pulling up in the place we first met, I allow myself to be transported back to the first few days of our courtship. Even then, I knew this day would come and it was my intention to make it as special for Anna as she deserved. Every bride dreams of this day from childhood and I wanted to ensure it did more than live up to Anna's expectations.

Pulling up outside the show bar entrance, I turn to look at my beautiful bride. 'Ready Mrs Bates?'

'I believe I am Mr Bates.' Anna smiles in reply. Getting out of the car, I walk around to Anna's side of the car and open the door. Holding out a hand, she takes it and as elegantly as she can given her state of dress, exits the car.

The guests had arrived before us I noted as I took a look at the full car park. William's camper van and the Bridesmaid's Mercedes looked a funny pair lined up beside each other and I allowed myself a chuckle as Anna linked her arm with mine.

Robert greets us at the entrance to the arcade, outside the show bar and immediately takes my wife away from me as Cora tries to grab my attention.

'What's all that about?' I ask, watching Anna and Robert talking intently beside the fruit machines.

'Nothing at all,' Cora replies. trying to divert my attention. 'Anna looks beautiful today, doesn't she?'

'Stunning,' I grin.

'Congratulations gaffer,' Branson exclaims as he joins myself and Cora in the arcade. 'Thomas and William are just sorting out the DJ box. We are going to party tonight.' Branson does a little shuffle, causing myself to laugh out loud.

'Right then.' Robert announces as he and Anna rejoin us. 'If you two wait here, all the guests are inside, I'll announce your arrival.'

'Really Robert, there's no need,' I grimace as Anna's hand wraps around mine.

'There's every need,' Robert says sternly. 'Anna deserves everyone's gaze on her today. The cue to enter is when I open the door.'

'Really, we never would have guessed that.' I say sarcastically as Robert, Cora and Branson disappeared into the show bar.

'What were you two talking about?' I ask. Anna looks up at me, a grin from ear to ear.

'Ladies and gentleman, I give you Mr and Mrs John Bates.' I think I'll never get bored of hearing that as we walk towards the show bar.

There is a song playing and I am instantly thinking about my mother. It's 'We've Only Just Begun' by The Carpenters, my mother's favourite song. Tears welling in my eyes, I am glad for this subtle nod to my mother as myself and Anna enter the show bar.

Shaking hands and kissing cheeks on the way to the top table, my mind was filled with regret at how my mother couldn't be present to see me marry this beautiful woman who was sitting beside me. Sensing my introspective mood, Anna presses me once we are comfortably in our seats.

'Are you okay, darling?'

'Just thinking about my mother,' I smile, looking Anna in the eye. 'That was her favourite song.'

'Yeah, I know.' Anna replies, squeezing my hand. 'That's what me and Robert were talking about. He said you were missing her, especially today so we arranged that for you. There's no reason why she can't be involved in the day in her own little way.'

Looking at Anna, every time I think she can't get any more perfect, she proves me wrong again. Leaning in, I kiss her on the lips, letting her know how much I appreciate her gesture. 'I do love you.' I whisper as I pull away.

'Okay, as the best man I am also appointing myself master of ceremonies.' Robert announces, taking the microphone from the DJ box.

'This place looks amazing,' Anna says, looking around the beautifully decorated show bar. Each table has a vase of roses on it and everywhere you look there are red balloons.

'Okay, ladies and gentleman.' Robert begins. 'If you don't know who I am, and if not why not, my name is Robert and I am John's best man. Food will be served in ten minutes, after that we will have the speeches and that should lead us nicely to the disco, beginning with the bride and grooms first dance at around eighteen hundred hours.'

'Seems he's never shook off planning everything with military precision.' I laugh.

Anna's POV

Thanking the lord for our choice of caterer, I finish my dessert, trying to take in everything that was happening. People had told me to enjoy the day, make the most of it because it passes so quickly and they were right. However, I couldn't fight the fact I was more excited about what this day would bring. It meant myself and John had committed the rest of our lives to each other. I couldn't wait to start that life, especially with the baby on the way.

The waiters cleared our tables as John, Robert and my Dad spoke intently about their speeches. John was nervous, I could tell but I was so looking forward to what he had to say. How he was going to break the news of our baby.

Robert collected the microphone from the DJ box and made his way back to the top table. 'Ladies and Gentlemen, let the speeches commence. Put your hands together, for the father of the bride.'

Dad stands up beside me, takes out a piece of paper from his pocket and unfolds it then takes my hand into his. 'My little girl,' he begins, and my eyes are already welling up. 'I'm going to keep this brief. I've been to weddings where the speeches prattle on and I don't want that to happen here...'

'Robert has yet to make his speech,' Ethel heckles.

'You're sacked,' Robert jokes. At least, I think he does.

'It has been a joy to watch Anna grow into the beautiful young woman she is. She has provided myself and my wife with many reasons to be proud, even when she is dressed as a meerkat. We are so happy she has found someone she loves so much, and we couldn't be happier with her choice. Enjoy the rest of your evening.'

As everyone clapped, I stood up and embraced my father. I had so much to thank him for and his speech was short yet sweet. Dad gave the microphone back to Robert and sat back down.

'Now, it's my turn.' Robert said, producing what seemed like an essay from under the table.

'Remember boss, the park re opens in March,' Thomas shouts to laughs from all around him.

'Very funny. Looks like I'll have to recruit an entire new team if this continues.' Robert snaps. 'I'd like to start by thanking some people. Firstly, the bridesmaids who I am sure you agree, look absolutely stunning today. Even Ethel.'

'Cheers,' Ethel says.

'Secondly, my wonderful wife and daughters, as well as my hard working Downton Sands bar team who made the show bar pass for a reception venue.'

'Hear hear,' John interrupts.

'Oi, you'll get your go in a minute.' Robert replies with mock annoyance. 'Carrying on, I have known John since we were in the army together. He was my wing man, saved my life in fact. We saw things together you couldn't imagine. You may have noticed he occasionally walks with a slight limp, it's because of his heroic actions in putting his own life before my own. I'll forever be grateful to him for that.' John and Robert share a knowing look, it's clear there is so much about my new husband I am still to find out. 'I will also be grateful to him for saving me from the advances of another man last night.'

'What?' Cora asks as the men who were present at the club share a laugh.

'I will take the memory of the look on your face when you figured out he was flirting with you to my grave,' John chuckles. 'It's on tape.'

'Which will be destroyed,' Robert quickly announces.

'If you ever find it,' John replies, winking at his friend.

'Anyway, all that's left is for me to toast the blushing bride. I think you'll all agree she looks absolutely breathtaking today. She is the reason my friend has been smiling these past few months and I'm sure anyone close to John would agree it's wonderful to see. It's clear to everyone, especially here today, that you were made for eachother.'

John grips my hand tightly. We share a smile as Robert raises his glass. 'The bride and groom.'

'The bride and groom,' our guests say in unison.

'And I'll now hand you over to the main man. Ladies and gentlemen, the groom.' Sharing an embrace, John takes the microphone from the groom with a shaking hand.

'Right, well to start I'd like to thank Robert for his providing the show bar for us to celebrate our wedding today. It's very generous, even if you do owe your life to me.' John began. 'I came to Downton not sure what to expect. I'd do anything for Robert and that's why I accepted his plea to run the entertainments complex for him. I definitely didn't expect having to dress up as a meerkat or a penguin. I also didn't expect to find Anna. As soon as she introduced me to the wonders of Slush Puppies I was hooked. Then she revealed her love for Marmite and in that moment I knew I was in love with her. Then she let me finish her chips and in that instance I knew I wanted to marry her.'

As laughter fills the room, John stops then and looks to the heavens. He looks down at me and smiles weakly. He is thinking of his mother. Reaching out my hand to him, he wraps his fingers around it and begins to speak again, his voice cracking only slightly before he regains his composure.

'It's my biggest regret my mother couldn't be with us today. She's smiling down on us, I know that much is for sure. Family is so important, and I'd like to thank Steve, Helen and Sophie for welcoming me into theirs with open arms.' John acknowledges my family before continuing. 'My mother's favourite song was the one myself and Anna walked into. She would always be saying 'Jahhn, I love dem Carpenters,' so thanks to Anna and Robert for involving her on this special day.' John laughs before adding, 'and I apologise for my terrible impression of my mother there.'

'So you should,' Ethel shouts, clearly not enjoying the speech portion of the evening.

'Finally, and most importantly as we are on the subject of family, I have an announcement to make.' John looks at me, I guess to make sure this is what I want. I nod and he takes this as his cue to continue. 'On my arrival back up north after selling my mother's house, it was my intention to ask Anna to marry me. We had no contact from when I left on the last day of the season at Downton until I saw her again at her parents house. Walking to a nearby park, I was all ready to get down on one knee and ask her to be my wife when she told me what I am about to tell you.'

'Gaffer, is this where I need to hand the slush puppies out?' Branson asks.

'In a second, Tom. Let me finish,' John replies before continuing. 'Anna told me that I was to be a father. We are having a baby.'

'Oh Anna, why didn't you tell us?' Gwen cooed as all around us erupted into a noise of whispers and clapping.

'We've only just had the three months scan,' I reply.

'The babies got a head and at least one arm. It's fantastic. Amazing.' John exclaims. 'Branson, you may get the slush puppies.'

'Sure thing gaffer,' Branson smiles, indicating for Daisy and O Brien to help him hand out the already poured refreshments.

'Seeing as I am tee total and Anna can't drink, instead of the usual champagne toast, I am opting for slush puppies, my new drink of choice and thoroughly delicious they are too.' Once everyone has a slush puppie, John gestures for me to stand up and he puts a strong arm around my waist. 'Ladies and gentlemen, to the baby.'

'The baby.'

John's POV

As the days festivities moved into the evening, Anna had chosen another Carpenters classic, 'Close To You' to be our first dance. Moving together on the dance floor, all our guests forming a circle around us, it felt like it was only me and Anna in the room as I rested my forehead on hers.

After the first dance, William took over the DJ- ing and at different parts of the evening I found myself doing the YMCA with Robert and Branson and the Macarena with Ethel, Gwen and Daisy. There was still some time in between for me to dance with Helen, Sophie and on one occasion with Robert who had decided after my Top Gun themed stag night that 'Take My Breath Away' should be 'our' song.

As the evening's end drew closer, I knew it wouldn't be long before I could have Anna all to myself. Although I had enjoyed the day, I admitted to myself I was looking forward to it just being me and her.

Leaning against the bar, watching her, illuminated, as she spoke to Gwen and Ethel, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride that it was me who was responsible for some of her happiness. I was the father of the baby she was talking to everyone about. She was carrying my child, our child, and it caused a feeling within me I'm sure I will never be able to describe.

'Hey, Bates,' a drunken Robert said, bringing me out of my trance. 'It's getting late, you and Anna might like to leave soon.'

'Erm, yes Rob, I suppose we might.' I smile.

'Go and check with Anna and I'll tell everyone you're going.' Robert staggered to the DJ box as I crossed the room to Anna.

'Hey you,' she smiled, wrapping her arms around my waist. 'I'm shattered, is it okay if we say our goodbyes soon?'

'I was coming over here to ask you the same thing.' I smile, kissing her lightly on the lips.

'Gathered people,' Robert began, clearly too drunk to form anything cohesive. 'Anna and John are going somewhere else now, so as they leave if you could form a, you know... thingy by the door...'

'An arch?' Thomas offered.

'Yes, one of those. Thank you.' Robert handed the microphone back to William before Cora approached him. Myself and Anna laughed at his dressing down from his wife as our guests formed an arch at the door.

My wife proved how perfect she is once again as another Carpenters classic, 'Top Of The World' filled the room. Kissing her for what must have been the hundredth time though each time felt like the first, we walked hand in hand towards the guests perfectly formed arch.

Robert approached me as Anna began to say her farewells to our guests. 'John, mate, have I been a good best man?' he asked, leaning on me so as not to fall over.

'What's all this good rubbish?' I ask. 'You've been great.' Patting me on the back he finds the nearest chair to fall onto and rests his head on the table.

'Sorry about him,' Cora says, looking at him and shaking her head.

'Nah, it's alright, I have a lot to thank him for. And you. Thanks for all you did today.' After kissing Cora on the cheek, I follow Anna under the arch, shaking hands with people as I go.

Once outside, I find my ushers lined up next to the camper van, mine and Anna's transport for our few days in sunny Saltburn. William dashes out behind us and gives me the keys. 'Look after her, boss, she's precious you know.'

'Yeah, I know.' I reply, pulling Anna closer to me.

'No, not Anna, the van.' William shakes his head and walks towards his pride and joy. 'Did you have to?' We hear him shout at Thomas and Branson as their artwork comes into mine and Anna's view.

'Guys, this is great,' I laugh. 'Just Married' is plastered all over the van and tin cans have been tied to the bumper. I'm not sure I appreciate the 'no longer a Mr Bater' slogan on the bonnet though, which causes much amusement to Anna.

'Bye everyone,' Anna calls back before getting into the front seat of the van. Our bags have already been put in the back of the van and I thank the Lord we have friends who think of everything.

Shaking the hands of Branson, Thomas and William, I sit in the drivers seat beside Anna in the front of the van. 'Ready, Mrs Bates?'

'For what?' she asks as I turn the ignition on.

'The rest of our lives...' is my reply.

I have booked a room for us in a five- star bed and breakfast not far from Downton Sands. Once in our room, Anna insists on having a bath so I get ready for bed and watch some god awful film whilst awaiting her return. Setting my attentions on my wedding ring seems more interesting than watching Jean Claude Van Damme save the day as I twist it around my finger.

After what seems like hours, Anna leaves the bathroom and she knows my gaze is fixed on her as she crosses the room, takes her dressing gown off and hangs it on the back of the chair next to the dresser. Walking to the bed, she sits besides me and takes my hand into hers.

'I'm so glad you're my husband,' she begins, lifting my hand to her lips and softly kissing my knuckles. The feel of her warm kisses on any part of my body is enough to light a fire inside me. Sitting up, I move down the bed and meet her lips with mine. As the kiss becomes deeper, she gestures for me to move back. Doing so, I am now resting against the headboard and she sits a top me, her legs either side of mine. Resting my hands on the small of her back, she reaches for the hem of her nightgown and pulls it up over her head, revealing her natural glory to me. Only wearing my pyjama bottoms, Anna knows my state of arousal and teasing me, begins to grind down on top of me. Closing my eyes, head back against the wall I let out a small groan, longing to be inside her.

'God woman, what you do to me...' is my guttural response, responding to her movements by raising my hips.

I can tell she's enjoying it too, the bliss etched on her face making me want her even more.

'Anna, please..' I plead. Understanding my meaning, she moves off me and helps me remove my bottoms. As soon as they are out of the way, she is back on top of me, grinding again almost instantly.

Reaching down with her hands, she guides me inside her and for a moment we stop, our gaze locked as we adjust to the sensation of finally being joined together. Her warmth enveloping me, she leans towards me, hands resting on my chest and lets her lips brush roughly against mine. She takes my bottom lip in hers, biting it gently before releasing it. I let out another groan as she begins to move again.

Her hands resting on mine at her bottom, I find my gaze fixed on her face. The way she is biting her lip, her eyes closed, the noises emanating from her every so often. Occasionally, I allow my eyes to wander down her body, leaving me in disbelief that I am making love to this beautiful woman. Not only finding it hard to believe she is actually allowing me to be with her, but also that she seems to eagerly want me as much as I want her.

Feeling my release edging ever closer as she continues to grind down on me, I move my hand to her stomach before moving lower. Gently pushing my fingers inside her, exploring the inner recesses of her body, her cries are music to my ears as I find her centre. Caressing there gently, it isn't long before I am rewarded with her breathlessly calling my name as her body shudders above me.

Her climax urging me on, I push inside her a couple more times before my exertions are rewarded. My chest heaving, she leans down on top of me, her head resting on my shoulder, her breath in my ear, still joined together as we gently come back down to earth.

'I love you, Mrs Bates,' I gasp, running a hand through her silky hair.

'I love you too.' she replies as she separates us by moving to lay beside me. I am quick to wrap an arm around her and pull her closer to me, not wanting to lose contact with her a second more than I need to. Nothing more is said as she drifts off to sleep quickly, an arm wrapped firmly around my waist.

Allowing my mind to drift off, I think myself the luckiest man in the world to have found this beautiful woman lying beside me. My wife, my everything, my Anna.