We do not own Eastenders, Ashes to Ashes, Waterloo Road, Doctors, Emmerdale or River City
Chapter 14
Jack got up early and went out to the garden to smoke. He looked at the place and smiled. At least Alyssa had given it her seal of approval.
He walked around the garden and looked it over carefully before going back inside and switching on the kettle. He got the bacon out of the fridge and started cooking it up so Alyssa could have her favorite for breakfast.
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Whitney went into the kitchen and started making some tea. Sometime today Bolton's friend would be contacting Poppy and taking her out. She picked up the cups and carried them into the bedroom and sat down. She trailed a finger across Bolton's neck.
"Morning," she trilled.
Bolton cracked open his eyes lazily and smiled up at her. "Mornin," he said as he sat up and stretched. He looked at her with a grin then glanced at the tea.
"One of those for me?" he asked hopefully.
Whitney smiled. "Of course," she said and handed him a mug. "So, what time is your mate going to contact her?"
Bolton shrugged. "No idea," he answered truthfully. "I just told him what we wanted him to do, and that he only has to go out with her once." he smiled.
Whitney took a sip of her tea and then looked at Bolton.
"Thank you. Can you imagine if he actually decides he fancies her?"
Bolton shrugged. "If he does then that's our good deed for the day done," he said. Bolton frowned for a moment then looked at Whitney. "Anyway, there's always the possibility that she won't like him," he pointed out.
Whitney nodded. That was entirely possible. "Guess we'll find out."
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Alyssa smiled as she got into the shower. She had managed to convince Tanya to get Gayna, Kim and Maddie in early so that they could sort Rowan's hair and make up for the wedding. Tanya had agreed to do the bridesmaids as well and Alyssa was using her staff discount so that everything kept within Rowan's budget. Rowan was supposed to text Alyssa a time when she was going to show up so that Alyssa could tell Tanya and the girls when to expect her.
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Molly was up, washed and dressed and making sure that they had all of the food cooked. They only had a few more things to finish then they were completely ready. She finished putting cling film over the platters and went to wake Peter up.
She perched on the end of the bed and nudged him gently. "Peter, you need to get up and check that I haven't missed anything," she told him.
Peter yawned and hauled himself from the bed. He walked out of the bedroom and looked around at all the food and shook his head.
"You'd think the whole of London was coming the amount of food," he commented. "I can't even imagine how much is downstairs in Jane's flat."
He looked at her and grinned before slinging an arm around her neck.
"Are you trying to impress Rowan? Maybe see if she'll ask you to run the restaurant for her if Roxy doesn't keep you on, very clever," he remarked in admiration.
Molly pouted at him. "I'm just making sure that there's enough food," she told him. "Jane should have the rest of it downstairs," she said then looked around the room.
"It's lucky that we live so close, otherwise it would be hell trying to get all of this food there," she said. "It's going to take at least 3 trips as it is."
"Yeah, I can see you're making sure," Peter teased. "We'll have to move it in the car. It's the only way. We can load the car and then you and Jane carry what you can, we might be able to do it in two trips," he said.
Molly nodded in agreement. "If we're lucky we'll be able to do it in two," she said then shrugged and kissed him.
"You should probably get ready."
"Yes, boss," Peter said and went to shower.
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Rowan woke up and looked over at Ray. She was marrying him today. She could hardly believe it! She looked at the clock and sighed. Still early. She smiled and huddled close to Ray. She really wished they could do more than cuddle, but his mother was here.
She kissed his shoulder and slipped from the bed. She crept to the bathroom and realized the flat was silent. She had expected at least Gem to be awake. She went back to the bedroom and crawled back under the covers.
Ray rolled over as he felt Rowan crawl back into bed beside him and he gathered her into his arms. He smiled down at her and kissed her forehead.
"So, today's the day," he murmured quietly and pulled back to look at her face. "You nervous? You're not going to run off and leave me at the alter are you?" he asked, trying to tease, but real anxiousness seeping into his tone. He knew that he'd pleaded and cajoled her into this and he knew that there were reasons that she didn't want to get married, and he knew that she was scared of it. He was worried he had pushed too far and that she would suddenly freak out and run. He wasn't sure he could bear it if she did.
On the other hand, the day could go smoothly; he didn't care about all the other parts of the day. Just about Rowan, and watching her walk towards him down the aisle, and then saying I do. That was all he wanted. The other stuff was just there. It didn't matter.
"Yes, it is," she said back. She tilted her head at him. "No, I have no intention of doing that," she told him and kissed him softly. "Besides, the shoes Alyssa's got me wearing if I tried to run I'd fall flat on my face," she said and began to giggle.
Ray smiled back, reassured somewhat. He knew he would be slightly on edge until they were both standing together in Jack and Alyssa's garden. "Then please don't try to run," he chuckled. "Last thing we need is the bride injuring herself," he smiled.
"No running," she promised. "The flat's really quiet, everyone's still sound asleep."
"Well, we are up spectacularly early," he pointed out as he gave her a little squeeze.
She snorted. "It's not that early." She rested her head against his chest. "Should probably get showers out of the way with so many of us. You go first; I'll make you some tea."
Ray sighed heavily and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "All right then," he said as he let go of her and eased himself out of bed. He turned and smiled at her. "3 sugars," he told her as he walked out of the bedroom and towards the bathroom.
Rowan nodded. She knew how he took his tea. She went down the hall and noticed the twins weren't on the couch. She frowned and ran up the stairs; Gem and Louisa were gone, too. She went back downstairs and looked at the door to the bedroom and grabbed down the note.
Apparently, everyone else was already up and out for a walk. She turned to go back into the kitchen and then stopped and smiled. She quietly opened the bathroom door and went inside. She hurriedly shed her pajamas and slipped into the shower. She admired the way the water ran over Ray's broad back and then reached out and slid her hands over his wet skin.
"It seems we've been deserted," Rowan said as she trailed her fingers down his back.
Ray turned around and frowned at her. "Deserted?" he repeated curiously as his eyes ran over her hungrily. He licked his lips unconsciously then reached out a hand and pulled her against him. He tucked her damp hair behind her ear and smiled down at her.
"Seems everyone has gone for a walk, leaving us allllll alone," she purred.
"We have time," he murmured with a grin and pressed his lips to hers. His hands slid to her waist and he backed her up against the wall of the shower. Ray pulled back from the kiss and smiled down at her. "We haven't had shower sex in a while," he commented.
She smiled back up at him. "Then let's stop wasting time," she insisted and wound her arms around his neck.
Ray smiled in agreement as he pressed her up against the wall and lifted her so that they were more level and kissed her as he wrapped her legs around his waist. He held her hips securely as he peppered small kisses down her neck, one hand wandered from her hip to her waist as he pressed his body against hers. Why him? She could have had anybody, but she had chosen him. He was glad, now that he had his family he didn't want to be without them.
He smiled against her skin as his hands wandered up and down her body leisurely. He wondered how long they had until the others got back. Rowan hadn't said, he frowned slightly and pulled back.
"How long do we have?" he wanted to know.
Rowan locked her feet behind him and sighed. That look in his eye still made her heart race. Granted there hadn't been that many men in her life, but no one had ever made her feel so beautiful. She was never quite sure when her overwhelming lust for him had become love, but somewhere along the way, some of his faults had gone from annoying to charming, though some had stayed annoying and she had been steadily working on getting rid of them over time, and she realized how much she wanted him in her life.
She gasped as he pulled away. "I don't know," she said breathlessly as she clutched at his shoulders. "But we were planning to have breakfast downstairs, so I doubt they'll come up right away."
She gasped for breath through her parted lips and waited. Surely he wasn't going to stop now!
Ray nodded and considered her with a smile for a moment before kissing her and thrusting into her. He groaned into her mouth and pulled away from the kiss to rest his forehead against hers. This never got old. He clutched at her as he moved, building his pace gradually and his hands slid over her.
Rowan cried out as she felt him inside her.
"Ray," she moaned. She met his gaze and dug her fingers into his shoulders as she moved with him as best she could. He was so amazing.
Her breath began to whine in her throat as she felt herself getting closer. He hadn't been uncontrolled like this in a while, she missed it.
Ray growled into her neck as he felt his release drawing closer and closer. They really didn't get anywhere near enough time for this any more. He pressed his lips to her neck as he cried out and his arms tightened around her, holding her against him as he panted. His eyes closed and he loosened his grip with a sigh.
He smiled at her as he let her down, the next time they did that she would be Mrs. Carling. He couldn't help but grin at the thought.
Rowan clung to him, she wasn't sure her legs would hold her. She looked up at him.
"What are you grinning about?" she asked curiously, a smile hovering around the corners of her mouth.
Ray smiled at her and shrugged. "We're getting married," he offered by way of a response.
Rowan couldn't help but giggle. She tilted her head and grabbed the washcloth and the soap. She ducked under the water and handed him the shampoo as she came out from under the water. She soaped up the washcloth and began to rub it over his chest.
"I'll do this while you wash my hair," she said and smiled up at him.
Ray chuckled and squirted a small amount of shampoo into his palm and rubbed his hands together before setting about rubbing it into her hair.
Rowan closed her eyes and sighed, she did love when he touched her hair. She soaped him down quickly, with businesslike efficiency, she wasn't sure they had time and she wasn't sure she had the strength right now for another session.
Ray smiled as he worked his hands through her hair, rubbing the soap in and he moved her backwards slightly until she was under the jet of water and he combed his hands through her wet hair until all of the shampoo was out. There was something therapeutic about washing her hair, he quite enjoyed it, and he knew that she liked it whenever he began playing with her hair.
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Paul stared fixedly at Poppy's page. She was fit, there was no denying that. But Paul couldn't help be suspicious. Bolton had told him to be nice to her. That wouldn't be any trouble, not the way she looked.
He took a deep breath and began to type: "Yeah, this is Paul. I think you're well cute and I'd like us to meet up. Tonight if you're available. Let us know."
He hit the send button and leaned back in his chair. It was still a bit early in the morning yet. He closed the laptop and went to make himself a cup of tea and check that the train ticket to London was still on the fridge.
It was. He tapped the ticket and then went to shower and pick out his clothes. If nothing else, he'd get to see his old mate Bolton again.
Paul finished getting ready and slung a small backpack over his shoulder. He checked his phone again. No reply just yet. He shrugged. If he didn't go now he'd miss his train and he didn't like the idea of wasting the money on a train ticket that he ended up not using. If the girl didn't reply, he'd just hang out with Bolton. And surely there were loads of girls down there just waiting for him.
He tossed his keys up and caught them and headed out of the flat.
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Jack smiled at the sound of the shower and put the bread and sauces Alyssa liked on the table. He moved the bacon from the pan to a plate and put it on the table, too, then made her coffee the way she liked it.
He sat down at the table and sipped his tea as he waited for her.
Alyssa decided to dress casually. Seeing as they were having hair and makeup done at the Salon there was no point in putting her dress on until it was time to go. She smiled and didn't bother with make up either; she'd only have to take it off again in a while. After running the brush through her hair one final time she carried her dress downstairs and hung it on the top of the door frame. She smiled as she smelt bacon and headed for the kitchen.
She sneaked a glance at the garden before sitting down and beamed at Jack. "The garden looks beautiful, Jack," she told him as she reached for her coffee.
"I'm glad you think so," he said cheerily.
"I do" she replied, "And Rowan will, too," she added with a smile.
Her eyebrows flew up. "You made my favourite breakfast," she commented with a smile.
"What else would I make for my favorite person in the world?" he asked.
Her eyes narrowed slightly. "What have you done wrong?" she asked him skeptically.
"I haven't done anything wrong. I'm just glad to be able to spoil you again," he told her. He ate his way through his sandwich quickly.
"Okay, going to go shower. Let me know when you leave for the salon, okay?" he kissed the top of her head and went upstairs.
"Mmhmm" she mumbled around her sandwich as he dashed away. She fingered her phone with a small sigh and ate her breakfast slowly. Until she got the text from Rowan she didn't have to leave. So, there was no point in rushing.
Once she finally finished her breakfast, Alyssa packed the sauces back into the cupboard and started on the washing up. She still had time to kill.
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Poppy checked her laptop as she sat at her breakfast table. She squealed in excitement as she saw that she had a message and pulled out her phone to call Jodie.
"Pops, what is it? Why you calling so early?" Jodie asked sleepily.
"It happened Jodes!" Poppy squealed down the phone. "I got a reply, he wants to meet up!" she said excitedly before her tone turned somber. "And you know what you said about a double date, in case, you know, he's a stranger or something..." she asked hopefully.
Jodie sat up.
"Poppy! That's brilliant!" she cried over the phone. "When does he want to meet? Of course, Darren and I will come with you," she offered and Darren groaned into his pillow. This was the last thing he needed.
"Today, Jodes, today!" she replied excitement getting the better of her again. "Well," she said as she scrolled back down. "He actually said he wants to meet up tonight," she corrected. "Please say you can Jodes, I don't want to go on my own."
"Tonight is fine," Jodie said reassuringly. "Darren and I have nothing else to do. Send him a message back. We an meet up with him at the Queen Vic, you pick the time, okay Pops?"
"Okay," Poppy agreed happily. "Thanks Jode," she added before putting the phone down. A small squeal left her and she sat for a moment and composed herself. She nodded and wrote a small message back.
"Would love to. Queen Vic Pub 7pm?"
She didn't trust herself to write any more, she knew she could ramble on a bit sometimes.
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Paul leaned back in his seat and quickly checked his email. She had replied. Good.
"See you then," he quickly typed and sent. He closed his email and sent off a text to Bolton.
"Seeing that Poppy girl tonight at Queen Vic," he sent and grinned.
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"Now we should make a nice breakfast when we get back," Gem suggested. She glanced back at Louisa who was with the twins and looked back at Maggie. Louisa can help get those two ready, she's got twins herself so she's used to it. Then, we all go and get ourselves purtied up by Alyssa and by then it should be time."
"I suppose the city ain't so bad, but I do miss my farm and the mountains," Gem said with a sigh as they neared the street that would take them back to the restaurant.
"Me too," Louisa echoed behind her.
Maggie looked at Louisa and Gem understandingly and sighed. "I don't know about farms and mountains, but I do miss my garden," she said. "And my cat," she added.
She smiled dreamily. "It must be wonderful to live out of the way of the city," she said. "Much cleaner and healthier I imagine?" she asked. She'd lived in the middle of Manchester her entire life; she had no experience of living in the countryside.
"It's quiet," Gem said. "I'm two miles from the farm Rowan's parents owned, Louisa and her husband live there now, and about 7 miles from the town. I have several cats, a couple of dogs, a couple of cows, a couple of horses, a fair few chickens," Gem shrugged. "I'm sure they told you I don't really use electricity much, no phone, no TV," she smiled. "But that's just me. I have a pretty big garden and quite a number of fruit trees and such. The area young folk help me keep it in shape."
Maggie listened intently and smiled. "Makes my little garden sound very small," she laughed. "Mind you, I have enough trouble keeping that in shape," she added. A small frown creased her face as she thought. "I couldn't do without electricity though, I'd miss Countdown," she sighed.
Gem smiled. "My farm is my livelihood," she said. "I'm mostly self-sufficient. I'm sure if you had a lot of land you would be, too. I'm sure your garden, though small, is quite something."
Maggie beamed at her. "Well, it's better than Evelyn Shaw's garden that much I do know!" she stated matter-of-factly.
"There you are then," Gem said with a smile and unlocked the restaurant door. She held it open so Maggie, Louisa and the twins could go inside. She paused a moment and nodded when she heard water running.
"Sounds like they're awake finally," she remarked and went upstairs. She rapped sharply on the bathroom door.
"We're getting breakfast going downstairs," she called through the door. "Don't go tiring yourselves out."
She turned and went back down, a small smile tugging at her mouth. She went into the kitchen and put her hands on her hips.
"So, Maggie, what do you reckon we should make?" she asked.
"Pancakes," the twins chorused.
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Rowan snorted out a giggle at Gem's comment and looked up at Ray before ducking back under the water to rinse her hair.
She climbed out of the shower and wrapped a towel around herself and began to towel her hair dry. Alyssa was going to have it done for her at the salon, so she didn't want to do too much, apart from brush it.
Ray grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his waist as he shut off the water. He watched Rowan for a moment then moved to the sink to have a shave.
Rowan gazed at Ray in admiration. He was such a lovely piece of work.
She looked at Ray and smiled before she turned around and hopped up onto the bathroom counter.
"Here, come here," she said to him and took the razor from his hand. "Don't be so nervous," she told him and tugged him over to stand between her legs. "Now, stand still," she said and began to carefully and gently shave him.
"Haven't done this in a long time," she teased him. "Did I ever tell you I used to help my father shave? That's how I learned," she said and bit her lip as she concentrated.
Ray stood perfectly still as she shaved him, just watching her face as she concentrated.
"I'll tell you now, Ray, you have no reason to be nervous," she finished his jaw and used the towel she'd been drying her hair with to wipe his face. She put the towel aside with a sigh and took his face in her hands. "Sometimes, I think I was just waiting for someone like you. Now I've found you and I have no intention of letting you go. You asked me to marry you and I've said yes, you should know me well enough by now to know I don't give my word lightly," she gently stroked his cheek.
"And now, as much as this is a wonderfully ideal position and it puts all sorts of ideas in my head, we should throw some clothes on and go downstairs."
He smiled and leant forwards to kiss her. "You never told me you used to shave your Dad, no," he murmured with a smile then stood back to let her climb down. "Right, I reckon that Mam and Gem are probably working their magic in the kitchen," he said with a smile. "So, we get dressed and make our way down," he said with a smile.
Ray headed out of the bathroom and went to the wardrobe, he pulled his suit out and hung it on the wardrobe with a small smile.
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"Lemme know when you get to London."
Bolton grinned at Whitney. "Poppy is going out with Paul," he told her. "They're meeting at the Vic tonight," he informed her with a small chuckle.
Whitney smiled. "Want to sneak in and see what happens?" she said and ducked her head and took a sip of her tea.
Bolton grinned at her and nodded. "Yeah, we can just go for a quiet drink at the same time," he smiled at her.
"I think we should get some breakfast," she suggested.
Bolton nodded and drained the tea from the mug. "Lemme get up then," he said as he clambered out of the bed.
Whitney watched him go and then took the mugs into the kitchen to wash them.
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"Done, mate," Paul texted back. He leaned back in the seat and smiled again.
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Chris emerged from the bathroom and went into the kitchen. He looked at Shaz.
"Are you having your hair done, too?" he wanted to know.
Shaz looked up at Chris from where she was trying to keep Olivia from getting too messy with her breakfast. She knew that jam on toast was a bad idea.
"Yeah," she said with a smile as she quickly caught Olivia's jam-covered hand and wiped it with a cloth.
"Well, let me sort her out so you can get ready," Chris offered and sat down. He took the slice of toast and replaced it with one that only had butter on it, sticking the one with jam in his mouth.
"Go on," he said around the toast and waved his hand at her to shoo her away.
Shaz smiled at him and leant over to kiss the top of his head. "Thank you," she smiled warmly before she moved away to the bedroom.
Chris sat Olivia next to the sink and began to clean her face and hands. He then carried her into her room and began to put her in her dress.
He smiled as he looked at her and got out the camera to take a picture of her.
"Who's my gorgeous girl?" he asked her and snapped the picture. He stuck the camera in his pocket and picked his daughter up and went into the front room.
"You ready to go?" he called to Shaz.
Olivia sat in Chris' arms comfortably and smiled at her Dad as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
Shaz hurried out, her dressed in jeans and her dress carefully placed in her arms.
"You'll drop me at the Salon?" she asked.
Chris nodded. "Let's go," he said and headed out to the car. He drove Shaz to the salon.
"I'll see you over there," he said and drove to Jack's.
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Maggie looked down at her grandchildren with a fond smile and then nodded at Gem
"Pancakes it is," she agreed as she went to dig in the fridge. "Mind you, I say we do some bacon and sausages, too," she added as she pulled the meat out of the fridge along with pancake ingredients. "His lordship will be wanting something more substantial than just pancakes," she shrugged as she went to find a frying pan.
"I think we all will, I imagine it's going to be a long day," Gem remarked and went straight to where she knew the pans would be. She expertly lit up the stove and put the frying pans next to the stove.
"She organizes the kitchen the same way I do, suppose that's only natural," Gem said with a chuckle.
Maggie smiled as she handed over the ingredients for the pancakes and opened the packet of bacon.
Gem started on the pancakes, glancing at the ceiling and mentally urging them to hurry up. She shook her head and focused her attention on cooking.
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Jack got ready and pulled on his boxers and an undershirt and went back downstairs.
"So, guess you'll be leaving soon," he said and pulled on his dressing gown. "I'll make sure it's all neat back there," he gestured at the garden. "And then I'll get myself all hotted up in my suit."
Alyssa beamed up at him as she wiped the soap from her hands with the tea towel and laid it back on the side.
"Hotted up in your suit," she repeated with a smile and raised her eyebrows at him. "Who says you need a suit to do that?"
Jack leaned over and kissed her.
"Now I remember why I married you," he teased.
Alyssa smiled at him and patted his cheek.
"Uh huh," she grinned and then went to look at her phone. Still nothing. She sighed.
"And now I'm at a loose end," she sighed.
"Probably not for long," Jack said and headed outside to make sure it was tidy and spotless. He sat down to smoke with a sigh.
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Rowan went in and grabbed a baggy top and her favorite, well-worn pair of jeans. She intended to be as comfortable as possible before all the foundation garments went on. She brushed a hand over the garment bag that held her dress and the rest and walked downstairs with him.
She smiled at the twins and poured herself a cup of coffee and Ray a cup of tea and then joined them at the table. She duly kissed each twins before sitting down.
"Morning," she said to Louisa.
"Morning, yourself," Louisa said back.
"Did you have a nice walk?"
"Yes, actually, it was a bit quiet around here so Gem enjoyed it."
Rowan nodded.
Gem caught sight of Rowan and Ray walking past and looked at Maggie. "About time," she muttered and set about flipping the pancakes.
Maggie gave Gem a knowing look and chuckled as she turned the sausages over.
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Ray got himself dressed then followed Rowan downstairs. He smiled at the sight of his family gathered downstairs and Gem and Maggie busy in the kitchen.
He went directly to the twins and patted them both on the head. "Morning," he smiled at them and Louisa and looked over at Gem and Maggie.
"What's for breakfast?" he asked.
Maggie looked over her shoulder at him and raised an eyebrow. "Food," she said shortly then turned back to the frying pan.
Gem chuckled at Maggie's response to Ray and started stacking pancakes on plates and carrying them out. She grabbed up the platter of sausages and the rest of the pancakes and left the bacon and toast for Maggie to carry.
Maggie laid the bacon and toast on the table then sat down alongside her son. She rolled her eyes as he immediately grabbed at the bacon and took a slice of toast and a couple of sausages for herself.
The twins immediately dug in.
"We goed for a walk this morning," Claire told her father.
Ray stopped stuffing his face for a moment to look at Claire. "So your Mam said," he smiled at her. "Have fun?" he asked as he started on a sausage.
"Yes," Claire nodded. "We was the only people."
Ray smiled at her and nodded. "I imagine so; it's very early after all."
"Was it nice?" Rowan asked and glanced at Gem and Maggie. Gem nodded.
"Not quiet enough, I've loved seeing you and the little ones, but I miss home."
Rowan picked up some toast and bacon and began to eat, but she wasn't very hungry. Ray may have been nervous earlier, but it was hitting her now. She ate quickly and then picked up her dishes and put them in the kitchen.
She sat back down and sipped her coffee, ignoring the looks Gem was sending her.
"Are you ready to go, Lou?" she asked Louisa.
"Yes, I think so," she replied.
"Then, let's go," Rowan said. She looked at Ray.
"I've got Charlie scheduled to pick you all when it's time," she told him and kissed him.
"Ewwwwww," the twins chorused and Gem snorted a laugh.
Rowan broke off the kiss and smiled at the twins before giving each of them a one-armed hug.
Ray sighed as he watched Rowan and Louisa leave then looked at the twins and smiled before shovelling down the rest of his breakfast.
Louisa quickly cleaned up her mess and followed Rowan upstairs to get their things.
They carried their dresses to the car and Rowan sent off a quick text to Alyssa to let her know she was on the way to the salon before starting up the car and driving off.
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Jane began carrying food down to Peter's car and loading it up. She bit her lip, wondering if maybe they'd made too much food, although, Rowan was well-liked and the whole Square probably would show up for a party. At least Rowan had been smart enough to only buy a few bottles of champagne for a toast and if people wanted anything else, they had to buy. Otherwise, the pair would end up bankrupt.
She locked the flat and went upstairs, rapping on the door before opening it.
"I've got all the food from my place loaded up," she called in.
"Okay, be right there," Peter called out. "Ready, Molls?" he asked her.
Molly went and opened the door for Jane and smiled. "I don't suppose there's any more space in the car for this lot?" she asked as she gestured inside at the food.
"Or will we have to make another trip?" she asked as she looked at the kitchen.
Jane looked at all the food. "We can probably fit some of it, but it's going to definitely take two trips."
She picked up a couple of things and jerked her head. "Let's get busy; I've still got to get ready."
Molly nodded. "Peter! I'm going to help Jane unload the first car-full," she called out before shutting the door and following Jane outside and into the car.
"Right, I'll get this lot sorted," he called back.
"So helping make all this food, have you decided if you're going to try and stay at the club with Roxy or are you going to see if you can find a restaurant to manage? You might ask Rowan; with all that's going on she might like to have someone to put in charge so she doesn't necessarily have to close up if she has problems. I think she's having Syed in charge while she goes on her honeymoon, to try it out."
She paused a moment. "You know, I maybe could use someone to help run the cafe," she told Molly.
Molly shrugged. "Well I've kind of got to talk to Roxy first, I'm done with my business management course so it's not like I can't do the daytime hours any more," she said. Her face brightened and she nodded. "I'd be more than happy to help you out Jane, just say the word," she smiled eagerly.
"Well, let me know right away what happens when Roxy gets back," Jane told her as she began unloading the food from the car. Syed saw them and hurried over.
"Hey, getting all ready for the party I see," he said and picked up some of the food to carry inside.
Molly nodded. "I will, and thanks," she beamed.
Molly grabbed a couple of the platters and followed Jane and Syed to the door.
Jane put out the food on the tables that were set up for it. She looked at Molly.
"Why don't you go back and get the rest? Syed and I can finish setting up."
"Yeah, go get the rest. There's decorations to finish, too," Syed added.
Molly nodded. "Sure," she agreed as she took the car keys and drove the car back home. She ran upstairs and opened the front door.
"Right," she said happily. "You think we can fit the rest of this in the car and manage just one journey?" she asked as she picked up as much as she could manage.
Peter picked up a couple of platters and nodded at Molly's question. "I think so, if I don't ride back with you," he said and began to carry things down.
Molly nodded and helped him to pack up the car with the rest of the food. She gave him a quick kiss once the car was all packed up and got back in to drive back over the square. She pulled up outside and began to unload the car.
Jane and Syed came out to help with the rest of the food.
"We got the decorations started," Jane told Molly. "Everything should be ready in plenty of time."
Molly nodded as she finished unloading the car and went to help with the decorations
/\\\/\/\\\\\\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\\\/\
Alyssa watched him go outside then squealed with excitement as her phone beeped. She grinned at Rowan's text then sent her own to Tanya saying that Rowan was on the way. She hurried to the backdoor and went outside. She gave Jack a kiss on the cheek and beamed at him.
"Rowan's on her way, I'm off," she smiled at him.
She grabbed her dress and made her way to the Salon, meeting Tanya along the way.
/\\\/\/\\\\\\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\\\/\
Paul got off the train and flagged down a taxi to go to Walford. He sent off a quick text to Bolton.
"Just off train. In a taxi on my way."
/\\\/\/\\\\\\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\\\/\
"Now, you two will let Maggie and I get you ready so your father can get himself dressed," Gem said to the twins. They nodded.
Claire looked at Maggie. "Will you still curdle my hair?" she asked.
Maggie laughed. "I won't curdle it Claire, but I will curl it for you," she agreed as she ushered her granddaughter towards the stairs.
Claire bounded up the stairs and went into the bathroom to wash her face and hands. She pointed at her dress, which Rowan had hung on the doorknob of her and Ray's room, along with Denis' suit.
"I'm gonna be a Princess," she insisted and smiled up at Maggie.
Maggie beamed down at her and nodded. "You certainly are," she agreed as she nodded at the bathroom. "Go clean your teeth and then we'll get you all princessed up," she smiled.
Claire nodded and climbed back up on the step so she could brush her teeth.
"Ready!" she announced.
Maggie smiled at Claire as she came back down and took her hand. She led her to the kitchen and sat her down at the table.
"Sit still and I'll curl your hair for you," she said as she went to get the curling tongs. She came back a moment later and plugged them in. She waited for them to heat up then set about carefully curling Claire's hair for her.
Claire sat happily, taking great care not to muss her dress and hold still while Gramma curled her hair. She held the clips in her hand and toyed with them while she waited.
Maggie finished curling and carefully took the clips from Claire and used them to hold her hair in place. She smiled as she pulled down a mirror and gave it Claire.
"There now," she smiled.
Claire grinned at herself in the mirror. "I look pretty," she said smugly.
/\\\/\/\\\\\\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\\\/\
Gem finished eating and began to clear up the table. She looked at Ray and sat down. She gazed at him intently for a moment and then spoke.
"I do approve of you, you know," she told him. "When she first told me, I wasn't sure; I'll admit that here and now. But you've been good for her."
She patted Ray's hand.
"Now you best get ready, take the little man with you, I'll finish here and then go up."
Ray smiled gratefully at Gem. "Thank you," he told her as he finished his breakfast. "It means a lot," he added.
Ray nodded and looked at Denis.
"Come on then, mate, we've got to go and look all smart and handsome for the ladies," he grinned as he gestured towards the stairs.
Denis sighed. He didn't want to get dressed up. Girls did that. He trudged behind his father and went upstairs.
Gem quickly cleaned up the breakfast mess and then went upstairs herself to change. She pulled the multicolored robe from her bag and smiled as she stripped down and pulled it on over her head and then belted it with a slim white length of cord. She pulled the black silk bag containing her tools out and then slipped into a comfortable pair of sandals. She was ready.
She walked came downstairs from the twins' room and went into the front room to wait.
Ray smiled at Denis and took his son's suit from where it was hung up. "You done your teeth?" he asked. He would dress Denis then sit him in front of the TV or leave him with Maggie and Gem while he sorted himself out. He wanted to look his best.
Denis sighed heavily and went to brush his teeth. He let Ray help him into the suit and trudged to the couch to watch TV. He glanced over at Claire getting her hair curled. It just wasn't right.
He folded his arms across his chest and glared at the TV.
/\\\/\/\\\\\\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\\\/\
Rowan pulled up in front of the salon and carefully pulled the bag with her dress out. She looked over at Louisa.
"I'm suddenly so nervous!" she said and Louisa laughed.
"Well, don't show it," Louisa told her and slung an arm around Rowan's shoulders. "Ray should look terrified, but you have to look...serene," she told her.
Rowan chuckled. "Well, I don't feel very serene," she said and headed into the salon.
"So, pretend."
Rowan handed her dress to Louisa, since Louisa already had her hair ready, and smiled. "Do your worst," she challenged.
Alyssa half-squealed and rushed towards Rowan and Louisa, she pulled Rowan into a hug and then smiled broadly.
"How is the blushing bride?" she asked as she went and gave Louisa a hug, too, then looked expectantly at Rowan.
Rowan let out an "oof" as Alyssa barreled into her. She smiled.
"The bride is more nervous than she's ever been in her entire life and I don't know why! I was fine until I got in the car," she complained. Louisa giggled.
"I would have thought having some time alone this morning would calm you down," Louisa teased and Rowan blushed.
Tanya came downstairs and smiled at the three women. "Go upstairs, Kim, Maddie and Gayna are all ready and waiting," she smiled as she stood back. Alyssa beamed at Rowan and Louisa and then frowned.
"Where's Shaz?" she asked, a little annoyed and she walked to the window to see Shaz climbing out of the car with her dress. She smiled and went to get the door. Shaz hurried in and looked at Alyssa.
"Yes I know I'm a little late, Lyss," she said with a smile as she hung her dress next to Alyssa's on the banister of the stairs. She looked at Rowan then went to give her a hug.
"You excited?" she asked
Rowan looked up as Shaz came over.
"I was just saying how nervous I am," Rowan told her and let out a long breath. "Let's get this over with," she whined and headed up the stairs.
/\\\/\/\\\\\\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\\\/\
Paul got out of the cab in front of the pub and looked around. Where was Bolton?
/\\\/\/\\\\\\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\\\/\
"Hey, Chris," Jack greeted and tweaked Olivia's chin. "I've got the kettle on," he offered.
"Yeah, brew would be good, ta," Chris said and put Olivia on the couch. "How's it going at school?"
Jack sighed. "Summer break too short. I've got an old co-worker I'm planning to hire. He's coming here to meet with me tomorrow. Should be good."
"You don't sound too sure about that."
"Well, he hated me for a long time, but I think he's forgiven me now, I hope so anyway. It was a long time ago."
"Well, if he still hated you I don't think he'd be coming to see you about a job, would he? He'd have just told you to get lost."
"Very true," Jack said as he poured the water and then brought Chris his mug.
"Does she want some juice? We've got bottles and sippy cups from babysitting the twins."
"Sure, a towel to use as a bib would be good," Chris said, eyeing Olivia's dress. He didn't want to be the one responsible for Olivia making a mess of it.
Jack got Chris and Olivia sorted out and then went outside to have a cigarette.
He glanced at his watch and wondered how long before the others got here.
/\\\/\/\\\\\\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\\\/\
Ray looked at himself in the mirror. He smoothed down his shirt and straightened his tie. He swallowed nervously and shuffled slightly before finally emerging from the bedroom. He looked directly at Maggie.
"Well?" he asked.
Maggie looked up from Claire and a proud smile lit her face as she stepped forward and looked him over. Ray sighed and opened his arms as he saw the tears threatening to spill over. "C'mere, Mam," he said softly and wrapped her in his arms.
"You better not get tears on this," he mumbled quietly and she smacked his arm lightly.
"You look magnificent, Ray," she told him as she undid his tie and redid it. Ray smiled at her. "Thanks," he whispered and looked at Denis.
"You mate, look properly smart!" he said as he moved over to his son. "Your Mam is gonna be so proud of you," he said happily then turned to look at Claire.
Denis frowned. "Dressing up is for girls. Don't wanna look smart," he grouched.
Ray frowned and Denis and leaned over to whisper to him.
"I don't like dressing up either mate, but it'll make your Mam happy so just bear with it until tonight okay?" he asked.
Denis sighed heavily, but nodded.
"Mam, why is there a princess in the kitchen? And where's Claire?" he asked Maggie.
Claire twirled around. "Princess, princess," she sang and danced around. She looked back. "Canwegonow? Wanna see Mummy."
Ray looked over at Claire and nodded. "We can head over to Uncle Jack's once the taxi gets here," he promised her.
Gem stood up and walked over. She looked Ray up and down. "Very nice," she said. She looked at the twins and smiled.
Ray grinned at Gem. "Cheers," he smiled at her.
Gem looked at Maggie. "Are we ready to become family?"
Maggie grinned at Gem and nodded. "I'd say so," she replied as she brushed at her tears.
"I heared honking," Claire announced and ran out the flat door and thundered down the steps. She caught sight of Charlie's cab and began to pound on the door while shouting "he's here!"
Gem looked at Ray. "I think our ride is here," she said at the sound of Claire's yells. She put an arm around Maggie's shoulders and walked with her towards the door.
Denis took Ray's hand and looked up at him. "Let's go see Mummy so I don hafta wear this anymore."
Ray smiled at his son and followed Maggie and Gem down the stairs. He ushered his family towards the cab.
Charlie got out of the cab as he saw Ray and the others coming out. He smiled and bowed at Maggie and quickly opened the cab door for her to get in. His smile faltered as Gem looked him up and down, but he cleared his throat and looked at Ray.
Maggie chuckled at Charlie as she climbed into the cab and made sure there was plenty of room for everyone else.
"She's a great girl, you're very lucky," he told Ray and smiled.
Ray nodded at Charlie solemnly. "I know," he said with a smile. "I feel lucky," he added with a grin as he waited for Claire and Denis to get inside.
"I'm a princess," Claire informed him and he nodded. "Yes, you are darlin'," he agreed.
Ray chuckled at Claire and climbed into the car after Denis.
/\\\/\/\\\\\\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\\\/\
Shaz was the first one finished. She went aside into another room and slid her dress on carefully so as not to ruin her hair. She smiled as she came out and sat down to watch the others have their hair and makeup done.
Alyssa looked at Shaz through the mirror as Maddie expertly styled her hair.
"Shaz, you look gorgeous!" she exclaimed and Maddie frowned and moved her head back to where she wanted. Alyssa pulled a face and sat perfectly still, watching Shaz as she did so.
"You do look stunning, Shaz," Rowan said, watching Shaz from the corner of her eye. She had no intention of moving her head. She would behave. She fidgeted her fingers, but avoided picking at the polish on her nails and kept as still as she could while her hair and make up were done. She hoped Ray appreciated all this.
"Ray better appreciate all this," Rowan said, voicing her thoughts aloud. Louisa chuckled.
"Hope you don't give him a heart attack," she remarked.
Alyssa chuckled. "I bet he feels the same way about being forced into a suit," she commented with a small laugh. "Doesn't he hate dressing up?"
Shaz nodded. "I think that's one of the reasons he doesn't wear suits to work, mind you, Gene did tell him he wasn't to wear them to work because he looked like a maths teacher," She said with a giggle.
"Ray looks amazing in a suit," Rowan said. "I can't wait to see how they all look."
She shifted in her seat.
"Am I done yet?" she asked, but couldn't help the whine in her tone.
Tanya held Rowan's shoulders to keep her still as she reached for the can of hairspray. She carefully made sure that everything was in place then let Rowan up.
"You're done," she announced.
Alyssa turned her head to look at Rowan a grin spread over her face. "You look gorgeous Ro, I can't wait to see you in your dress!" she exclaimed excitedly.
Rowan smiled. "Really?" she said and took a deep breath and looked in the mirror. She didn't even recognize herself! "Ray's not even gonna know me!" she blurted in surprise as she admired what Tanya had done with her hair, especially the flowers. She stood up.
"I guess I should put the dress on," she said and went into another room to change. She struggled into the lingerie and then carefully began to put on the dress. At least it was uncomplicated enough she could get into it without help. She carefully smoothed it and then slipped on the heels Alyssa had insisted she wear and walked back into the other room.
"Okay, I'm ready," Rowan said and took another deep breath and let it out.
Alyssa was sitting next to Shaz now that Maddie had finished with her and was waiting impatiently. Her breath caught at the sight of Rowan and she beamed.
"Ro, you look..." she paused for a moment as she struggled to find the right word. "Ethereal," she said and Shaz nodded in agreement.
"Beautiful Rowan, completely stunning," she said. "Ray's in for a shock," she laughed.
"Really?" she asked uncertainly. She ran her hands over the front of the dress again. She looked at Alyssa and Shaz and smiled nervously. She pressed her lips together and gave a shaky breath.
"Thank you," she said to Tanya and found her fingers straying to her mother's bracelet.
Tanya beamed at the group of women and nodded at Rowan. "You're welcome," she smiled.
"I'm ready to go then," she said. "I don't want Ray to think I'm not coming."
She picked up a small white bag and carefully walked to the stairs and began to negotiate her way down. She waited at the bottom of the stairs and held out the keys to Shaz.
"Would you drive?" she asked and opened the salon door.
Shaz nodded amiably. "Of course," she smiled as she took the keys and moved towards the car.
Rowan looked at Shaz gratefully and carefully climbed into the back seat of the car.
/\\\/\/\\\\\\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\\\/\
Bolton looked up at Whitney.
"How'd you fancy going into Walford and meeting up with Paul before his date?" he asked her.
Whitney looked up from the dress she was sketching and nodded.
"Sure, he could come round here if you want," she told him. She knew he wasn't crazy about his bedsit and although Whitney's flat wasn't posh, it was larger and cleaner than Bolton's.
"I can throw some lunch together."
Bolton grinned and nodded. He leant over to kiss her and glanced at her sketch.
"It's good," he told her.
She smiled up at him. "Thanks."
"I'm gonna go and meet him in Walford and then walk him here, you sure you don't mind making lunch?"
She nodded at his question. "Yeah, no probs, I've got fish fingers and chips in the freezer," she told him, trying to imitate his Manc accent.
"That, was rubbish" he told her with a grin before kissing her again and heading out the door to go and meet Paul.
"Let me know where you are mate."
Whitney shrugged with a chuckle. "I tried though," she said.
She got up after he left and made sure the flat was basically tidy and got the fish fingers and chips out and got them ready to go into the oven.
/\\\/\/\\\\\\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\\\/\
Paul looked at his phone and sighed with relief.
"At the pub, mate," he sent back and then waited.
/\\\/\/\\\\\\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\\\/\
Lauren walked into the flat.
"Hey, Whit," she called out.
"Hey, Lauren. How's your morning?"
"Well, I went for a jog and then I went to the cafe for some breakfast. I saw Charlie for a few minutes, but that was all. I think he was on his way to Annie's," she added with a sigh.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Lauren," Whitney said, her tone full of sympathy. "Bolton's mate is on his way over, want to help me cook lunch?"
"Sure," she said and looked at what Whitney was making. She began to laugh.
"What?"
"Fish fingers and chips," Lauren said. "Surely you can do better than that?"
"I don't want to do anything fancy," Whitney said. "He's going out with Poppy tonight, they might have dinner."
"Ahhhh," Lauren said, her tone mirroring her understanding.
"So, which mate is it of his that's coming?"
"Paul, do you remember him?" Whitney said.
Lauren thought about it a moment. "I went to that party with him, that night you went with Bolton didn't you?"
Whitney nodded. "Yep, that was it."
/\\\/\/\\\\\\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\\\/\
Bolton made his way into Walford and headed straight for the pub. He grinned and waved at Paul as he spotted him.
"Heya mate!" he exclaimed. "How's everything?" he asked.
Paul waved back. "Bout time you got here, mate. The looks I was getting, for just standing here," he said. He gestured at the pub. "We going in or what?"
Bolton looked at the pub and nodded. "I guess we can," he smiled. "Whit's doing some food so we've got time until it's cooked," he smiled as he led the way inside. He got them both drinks then sat down.
"So, excited?" he asked with a grin.
Paul shrugged. "Yeah, guess so. She looks well fit in her picture, so, you know, why not go for it?" He ordered a pint and sat down at the bar.
"How's life down here in London?"
Bolton grinned. "It's brilliant, great job, beautiful girlfriend, I'm living the dream mate," he chuckled.
"You should move down here!" he said with a grin. "Seriously! We can ask Molly if she needs anyone to help with the Club, get you a job there," he suggested. "You remember Molly? She's still with Peter," he added with a shrug.
"Molly? Did I go to the party with her? Thought her name started with an L."
Bolton grinned. "Molly was the one that turned you down, you went to the party with Lauren," he reminded him with a laugh.
"Oh yeah," Paul said. "Ahh, I dunno about living here, mate, it's dead expensive living here, innit."
Bolton shrugged. "It's not so bad," he said. "But yeah, quite a bit more than Manchester," he agreed.
/\\\/\/\\\\\\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\\\/\
Jack heard the car pull up outside and went to the window to look out.
"Ray and them are here," he told Chris.
"Won't be long now," Chris said.
"But for Ray, it's the rest of his life," Jack joked.
"Not funny mate," Chris said, but couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him.
Jack saw them approaching the door and quickly opened it.
"Wondering if anyone was going to turn up," Jack quipped and smiled widely.
Ray wandered up to the front door quickly and headed inside. Now he was here he was feeling nervous again. He knew she'd turn up, she'd promised she would. But still, he was still feeling a little jittery. Maggie followed him and slid her hand into his, she squeezed.
"Calm down," she told him. "Relax, she'll be here," she assured him.
"Now, I want to see what Jack's done to this garden of his," she said and Ray chuckled as he led her outside.
Jack followed Ray and Maggie out.
"I hope it looks okay," he said and looked around. He'd worked hard, but he still wasn't sure. He looked down at the ground. "I'll have to sweep the stones again, won't do for Rowan to get dust all over her dress," he mused idly, unaware he was talking out loud.
Maggie beamed at Jack as she surveyed the garden. "It looks beautiful, Jack, you've done a spectacular job," she praised and Ray grinned at Jack.
"You got Mam's seal of approval," he shrugged.
Jack grinned at Maggie and started talking to her about the flowers he'd planted.
Gem wandered around the front room and then walked to the back to look at the garden. Jack had done a good job. The flowers were lovely. She walked over to Jack and touched his shoulder.
"May I borrow that?" she asked him with a gesture at the small bistro table where he sat and smoked. Jack looked at her and nodded.
"Yes, why?" he wondered.
"Move it over near that arch, you'll find out soon enough."
She then walked over to Ray and put a hand on his arm. "If you would come inside with me for a moment," she said to him and led him inside and down the hall to talk to him privately.
"I came for one reason, well, two, one of course to see Rowan happily married, and the other to handfast her before the wedding. I know I surprised her by coming, for the simple reason that she didn't expect I would make the journey. She should not have doubted it, how could I not, knowing what she wanted?"
"So, we will have a small ceremony before your person gets here for your wedding," she held up a hand. "You will both be wearing robes, so none of that about seeing her in her wedding dress, you hear?" she added.
She opened a canvas bag she had brought and pulled out a white robe. "You'll put this on over your suit, you might want to take the jacket off, however," she told him.
Ray listened to Gem in silence. He remembered Rowan suggesting a Handfasting Ceremony when they were discussing marriage, or more accurately, when he was still begging her to consider marrying him. He took the robe from Gem and slid off his jacket. He pulled on the robe and smoothed it out and looked at her.
"Rowan mentioned handfasting to me before, I kinda know what's involved but you may want to go over it with me, just so I know what I'm doing," he told her. He wanted everything to be perfect, and if Gem and Rowan wanted to do a Handfasting then he would oblige them.
Gem shook her head. "You really don't have to do anything. I'm going to keep it short and simple. I'll tell you what to say and then I'll bind yours and Rowan's wrists with a cord she'll have braided out of ribbon. You'll have to take it off for the wedding part, but that's fine."
Ray nodded along with her and smiled.
/\\\/\/\\\\\\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\\\/\
"So, Paul is going on a date with Poppy?" Lauren wanted to know.
"Yeah, I wanted to help out and so I asked Bolton to ask one of his friends. But don't say anything."
Lauren held up her hands and shook her head. "She won't hear nothing from me," Lauren promised.
"Just wanted her to think that dating site would actually work, you know?"
Lauren nodded. "I know. Who knows, maybe they'll hit it off?"
Whitney shrugged. "Stranger things have happened."
She pulled the food out of the oven and placed the baking sheets on the counter. She put her hands on her hips and looked at Lauren.
"Now, where the hell are they?" she huffed and Lauren chuckled. Whitney picked up her phone.
"Food's ready. Where R U?" she texted to Bolton.
"Maybe you should leave those in the oven so they won't get cold."
/\\\/\/\\\\\\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\\\/\
Bolton looked down at his phone and chuckled.
"C'mon, Whit says the food's done," he said as he drained his pint and stood up.
Bolton walked with Paul to Whitney's shop and smiled before going inside and heading upstairs.
/\\\/\/\\\\\\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\\\/\
Shaz pulled up outside Jack and Alyssa's home and got out of the car with Rowan, Louisa and Alyssa. Alyssa took Rowan's hand and squeezed as she pulled her keys out of her bag and went to open the front door.
/\\\/\/\\\\\\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\\\/\
He got up and gladly followed Bolton to Whitney's flat.
Whitney smiled at Bolton and Paul as they came in.
"Hiya, thanks for inviting me for lunch," Paul said and gave Whitney a wave.
"Sure, it's not a problem," Whitney replied and gestured at Lauren. "This is my flatmate, Lauren, I guess you remember her?"
"Yeah, alright?" he said and briefly shook Lauren's hand.
"I'm okay, thanks," Lauren said and turned to get plates from the cupboard. Paul watched her appreciatively. She was still pretty hot.
Bolton smiled at Whitney as he went over and got himself a drink from the fridge.
"We weren't too long were we?" he asked her.
"Yes, you should have said you were going to stop for a pint and I would have waited to cook the food," she scolded him. "Now, sit down and eat."
Lauren looked at Paul and chuckled as she sat down.
"So, you excited about your date with Poppy tonight?" she asked.
Paul shrugged. "She seems all right, why?" he asked suspiciously.
"Well, you know, first date and all that," Lauren replied blandly and began to eat.
Paul looked at her, then at Whitney and Bolton. Something was definitely up.
Rowan squeezed Alyssa's hand back and smiled nervously at the others. She carefully hitched up her dress and followed Alyssa into the house.
Gem heard them coming and quickly shooed Ray outside. She went into the front room and smiled tearfully at Rowan.
"You look a picture," she commented. She glanced at the other girls. "You all do," she added. She quickly helped Rowan put on a white robe.
She looked at the others and carefully pulled the hood up over Rowan's hair. "For those who have a thing about seeing the bride before the wedding," she told them with a small chuckle.
"Now, I've got Ray and everything set up outside, so let's get this done before whoever it is shows up to do your wedding," Gem said. Rowan followed Gem outside and into the circle Gem had set up and stood next to Ray. Gem closed the circle and then stood before Rowan and Ray and once everyone was ready, she began….