A/N- 22 pages of self indulgent fluff. Hope you enjoy.

Thank to those who have given reviews. We thought we were the only two people still reading it, but if a handful still want to come along for the ride, then we are happy to update the shizz as time allows us. Thanks.

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John quietly opened the door to the flat, closing it behind him before leaning against it. He released a heavy breath, closing his eyes. It was gone midnight now. The afternoon and evening he had just experienced was unlike any other he could remember. He was breathing on his own, Matthew was breathing on his own. John just had to hold on to that fact. But all he could see when he closed his eyes was Mary as Matthew's lifeless body was wheeled onto the ambulance. All he could hear were her screams for her husband, the love of her life, the father of her child.

'John.' Looking up, John saw Anna appear from he living room, in her pyjamas, a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. 'Darling, I got your text. Matthew's stable?'

'Stable,' John breathed, nodding his head as tears threatened to fall from his eyes. 'Critical. But stable.'

'He's in the best possible place,' Anna murmured as she continued down the hall towards John.

'Is he?' John replied, his tone stopping her dead in her tracks. 'Really? Please explain to me how that is so when his son is at home without his parents, one of them connected to a bunch of machines and the other crying at his bedside.'

'I know that, I simply meant...'

'I've just had Robert crying on my shoulder because he can't handle what this is doing to his daughter, what it's doing to him to see a man he considers a son completely comatose. '

'We're all worried, John,' Anna snapped back, 'I spent five minutes giving him CPR and using the defribulator to no avail until the paramedics took over. I have to live with what he looked like, his limp, lifeless body...'

She broke down, John suddenly realising how harsh he had sounded and taking Anna into his embrace. He hushed her, kissing her head as he rocked them on the spot. This wasn't them, they drew on each other for strength in times of crisis. After Green, John was the only person Anna felt safe with, the only reason John had come as far as he had with Michael was because of his fiancée.

'I'm sorry, sweetheart. I shouldn't have spoken to you like that.'

'Don't worry,' Anna replied, stifling her sobs as she looked into his eyes. 'Is he going to be alright?'

'The next forty eight hours are crucial,' John shrugged. 'He's breathing on his own. That's the main thing.'

'Was it a cardiac arrest?'

'Seems like it.'

'He was one of the fittest players in the squad, I don't understand it.'

'The press were outside the hospital,' John continued as he and Anna moved into the living room. 'Bloody vultures.'

'I saw on the television after your mum and Michael went to bed. You were very dignified.'

'Perhaps,' John said, placing an arm around Anna as they sunk onto the sofa together. 'Mary doesn't need them circling around like sharks. And Robert won't be as dignified, let me tell you. I think the hospital staff were going to get the police involved to move them.'

'Well, that's one thing I suppose.'

'And what about you guys,' John pressed a kiss to Anna's cheek. 'Michael was okay, wasn't he?'

'He was pretty cut up but went for a walk with Jean and Tommy and came back a bit brighter, she sat with him whilst he fell asleep.'

'Good. Our next match has been postponed and the lads have been told not to come in for the next few days, so we can come to terms with it all. After a day like this, it just proves winning and indeed, football isn't everything.'

'If I've told you once, I've told you a million times John Bates. I may be the wrong side of seventy but I can still carry.'

John sighed a deep sigh, watching as his mother wandered into her new home, Anna's old flat. February arrived and with it Jean and indeed Michael moving up to the North. Trevor and Kate had been thrilled when Michael came back from Christmas with his Dad announcing they had decided the time was right to become a family. With the appropriate paperwork now in place, John was legally Michael's guardian.

Michael's parting from his foster carers had been bittersweet, although all involved knew with John was where Michael belonged. He had been enrolled in the local junior school for his final six months of school before the summer before embarking on his secondary education at Downton Comprehensive. Trevor and Kate requested John keep them updated with Michael's progress, he heartily agreeing after all they had done for his son. They were two truly remarkable people who John would never be able to thank enough. John had made a point of asking them both to the wedding reception, his and Anna's nuptials not far away now.

'You can do whatever you want with the place, Jean,' John heard Anna say as he walked into the flat. 'It's your home now.'

'I know that, lass. But you own it. You could throw me out on my ear whenever you wanted.'

'Anna's hardly going to do that, is she?' John said with an impatient lilt to his tone as he stood by his fiancée's side, placing an arm around her shoulders. 'Now, I have to go and get Mikey from school, then we are going to see Matthew and Robert to discuss the stag night.'

'How is young Matthew?' Jean enquired, dropping the bag she was carrying to the floor.

'Bearing up,' John replied, moving away from Anna and walking towards the door. 'When you take into account he's been told because of his heart he can't play football again he's doing considerably well. I have to go.'

'Don't plan anything too daring for the stag night,' Anna warned, pointing a finger at John. 'I want you in one piece at the registry office.'

'My darling,' John said playfully, holding up his hands in his defence, 'after experiencing being on your bad side I wouldn't dare.'

Michael was tentative as they stood on the steps at Robert's house having just rung the bell. Matthew would be there, and Michael hadn't seen him since Boxing Day. John could sense his sons anxiousness, gently patting him on the back as they waited for Robert to answer the door. In the next moment, Robert appeared, a smile spreading across his face upon seeing them.

'Hooray. Let the stag night planning commence.'

'You really need to get out more if you get excited over planning my stag night. I just want a quiet affair,' John said as he and Michael followed Robert into the kitchen. Matthew was at the table, reading the paper. He looked up to see both Bates men enter the room.

'Hello, hello,' Matthew said as cheerfully as he could upon seeing Michael. 'Look at you looking all dapper in your uniform.'

'Hi Matthew,' Michael said quietly, accepting the outstretched hand Matthew was offering him. 'I hope you are alright?'

'Well, that's very kind of you, I am just fine. Believe me.'

Michael could only nod, John and Robert sharing a look before John encouraged his son to sit at the table. 'Now I want Mikey and Matthew present so nothing too strenuous, eh Rob?'

'No, we are saving anything strenuous for the reception, seeing as you are only inviting a handful of people to the actual wedding,' Matthew interjected.

'We just don't want a lot of fuss.'

'You mean you don't want to spend a lot of money,' Robert joked, sharing a laugh with his son in law.

'Can we please not go into this again,' John sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. 'Myself and Anna want a simple affair for the actual ceremony. The reception will be the party to end all parties. I just want a simple stag night. Bowling perhaps.'

'Bowling,' Robert grimaced.

'I like bowling,' Michael said as he helped himself to a crisp from the bowl in the middle of the table.

'There you go,' John said, pointing at his son. 'My best man has spoken, bowling it is.'

'But I am your second best man and I say bowling is something you do for your twelfth birthday, not your stag night.'

'I haven't been bowling for ages,' Matthew mused, closing the paper he was reading. 'Might be quite fun to get all the lads to come, make a competition of it.'

'What is going on here?' Robert exclaimed, looking at Matthew with a look of confusion. 'We take the lad out with us for a meal, drop him home then go out on the town and get smashed.'

'Recovering alcoholic,' John said.

'Recovering from a cardiac arrest.' Matthew added.

Robert exhaled deeply, rising to his feet shaking his head. 'Very well, bowling it is. Come into the garden with me, Michael. Show me how your left foot is coming along.'

John sat at the seat Michael had just vacated, observing through the kitchen window as his son controlled a football with an ease that betrayed his tender years.

'He's going to be a superstar,' Matthew remarked, watching Robert and Michael who were now playing head tennis.

'I don't know about that, he may get bored of football in a few years.'

'Wouldn't you want to encourage him to take that path?' Matthew asked. 'Having walked it yourself?'

'As I'm sure you know, you just want your kids to be happy.'

'I'm just happy to still be here to watch George make those sort of choices.'

John turned to regard Matthew, he still staring outside. 'How are you doing? Really?'

Matthew exhaled deeply, shifting in his seat before folding his arms. He met John's gaze, remembering who this man was and how implicitly he trusted him. The man who, along with Robert, could motivate him like no other. He could be honest with John without fear of being judged. The boss.

'The thought that I'll never play football again depresses me more than I can put into words.'

Nodding to display his understanding, John was transported back to a time in his life when he thought his world was ending. The day he retired. John thought he would never escape the black cloud that seemingly followed him around for months following his decision. But it did, around the same time he decide to embark on a coaching career.

'This isn't the end, you know,' John began, leaning forward to rest his elbows on the table.

'Well it bloody well feels like it,' Matthew replied with a glum expression.

'Football isn't just about playing. It may not be as thrilling as scoring the winning goal or making a last gasp tackle, but coaching can still bring its fair share of exhilarating moments.'

'Me? A coach?'

'Is it really that much of a weird notion?' John asked, shrugging his shoulders. 'You've already proven yourself to be a capable leader this season.'

'I did enjoy being captain.'

'Exactly, but what I am trying to make you realise that football can still be in your future. If it's something you love so much, don't throw it away. Just find another path.'

Matthew was nodding his head now, a slight smile on his face. 'You know what, boss. You're right.'

'Ice pack,' Robert bellowed, running into the kitchen followed by a sheepish looking Michael. 'I need an ice pack.'

'What is it?' John asked, thinking Michael had been injured.

'My wrist, he shot the ball so bloody hard I think I've aggravated my old injury.'

Sharing a roll of the eyes with John, Matthew rose to his feet to go and find an ice pack.

Girlie nights in were few and far between now Michael had moved up to Downton. Not that Anna minded of course, John's son was where he belonged and Anna couldn't be happier for her fiancé. However, it was nice to flick through the satellite channels with a glass of wine and box of chocolates, Jean keeping her company as the boys were out for John's stag party.

Anna's hen night had been a rather more raucous affair than the boys bowling night, choosing to hit the bright lights of London for the weekend. She returned the worse for wear on the Sunday night, relieved she had found such a sympathetic man as John to rub her feet, make her hot drinks and run her a bath so she could recover from her almighty hangover.

'Aww no, peace shattered,' Jean groaned as she heard the front door slam. Anna chuckled before looking over her shoulder to see a grinning Michael enter the living room, followed by John.

'Good night?' Anna asked as John bent down to meet her lips in a kiss.

'As stag nights go, it was alright wasn't it Mikey?'

'I don't know Dad, it was the first one I have been to,' Michael replied, causing Anna and his Nan to laugh. 'I did have a good time though.'

Anna ran a hand down the top of John's arm as he knelt down beside the armchair she was occupying. 'Who won the bowling?'

'Tom, of course,' John answered with a roll of the eyes before looking at Michael, a grin spreading across his lips. 'But Pele does have a new nickname.'

'Twinkle toes,' Michael laughed as the memory filled his mind. 'He bowled like Fred Flintstone every time he stepped up to take his turn.'

'The lads were ribbing me about Robert's speech though,' John said with an anxious lilt to his tone. 'Apparently he read it to all of them before me and Mikey arrived this evening.'

'He wouldn't embarrass you on purpose,' Anna replied before John met her gaze, rising his eyebrows as if to indicate he found that hard to believe. 'Well, it will only be for a few minutes.'

'Yeah, right,' John sighed, leaning on the arm of Anna's chair more fully so he could sit on the floor properly.

'At least I won't to worry about my father embarrassing me in a speech, what with none of my family being there.'

'Why won't your family be there?' Michael asked casually as he began to flick through the television channels, John and Jean sharing conscientious glances as he did so. John thought Anna had invited her family, following a discussion about who would be attending the actual wedding and who would be at the reception.

'I have all the family I need in this room,' Anna answered, matter-of-factly. 'I don't need them.'

'Mikey, I waited especially for you to get back so you could update my Kindle on that laptop of yours,' Jean said, recognising Anna and John might need a moment alone. 'Shall we go and do it now?'

'Sure,' Michael said with a shrug, rising to his feet with Jean grabbing her bag and following him. John turned the television off before moving to kneel in front of Anna.

'That was awkward,' Anna remarked with a small laugh.

'Anna,' John began, taking her hand in his. 'I thought we decided you'd invite your family.'

'Yeah, but I decided in the end I didn't want them there,' Anna's voice was filled with conviction as she spoke. 'I don't need them. The only thing I need is you. You are my family. You've shown me more love and support in this eighteen months we have been together than they showed me in over twenty years. And now, taking your name, I am being accepted into a family with you, your Mum and Michael. I will be a Bates and believe me when I saw there is nothing I want more.'

'You really mean that, don't you?'

Anna could detect a wobble in John's voice as he spoke, reaching out her hand to stroke his face. 'Yes. Now give me a kiss before they come back.'

'So that's all done Nan,' Michael said, handing Jean back her Kindle.

'What, just like that?' Jean said with a furrow of her brow, taking the device from her grandson.

'It doesn't take long, Nan,' Michael replied, shutting down his laptop.

'Well, thanks lad.'

As she rose to her feet, Michael decided to confide in his grandmother about something. 'Nan, before you go.'

'Yes Michael.'

'You know Anna said her Dad wouldn't be making a speech.'

'Well, it would be hard if he's not there, don't you agree?'

Michael nodded. 'Yes, but I had an idea and I just wanted to ask if you thought it was a good idea.'

'Fire away, lad,' Jean said as she sat back down on Michael's bed. He turned around in his computer chair to face her.

'Do you think Dad and Anna would mind if I made a speech? At the party?' Jean's eyes brightened as she watched Michael feel the need to justify such a wonderful idea. 'Robert is making the best man speech, but I'd like to say something.'

'Michael, I think John and Anna would be over the moon to hear you say something.'

'Well, I've already written it,' Michael announced, pulling a piece of paper from his pocket. 'Robert helped me.'

'Oh,' Jean said, her enthusiasm dwindling now she knew Robert's involvement. 'I won't read it now, lad. Let me be surprised on the day.'

Walking up the stairs to the second floor of the registry office, a wolf whistle escaped Matthew as he took in the sight of John, Michael and Robert. The three groomsmen turned around to see Matthew arriving with Mary and Cora, little George staying at home in the care of his Aunty Sybil.

'Wow, look at the three of you,' Matthew exclaimed, holding out his hand for John to shake.

After an exhaustive shop for suits, it was Michael who had spotted the brown tweed at the back of the suit hire shop. It was different, John intent on not wearing the typical top hat and tails. Their three piece brown tweed was complimented by light blue shirts and ties with a pattern that matched the suits.

John looked to Mary. 'Is Anna okay?'

'Yes,' Mary nodded, stroking the top of John's arm before removing a piece of lint from his shoulder. 'Jean is looking after her, don't worry.'

'I just can't believe this is all happening,' John replied before exhaling a breath.

'Mr Bates, you can come in now.' Everyone turned to see the registrar at the door, standing aside for everyone to walk into the room. 'I understand you have some music for your bride to enter to?'

'Erm...' John turned to see Matthew holding a CD in the air, a beaming smile on his face.

'See, it's all going to go swimmingly,' Robert said reassuringly, patting his best friend on the back as they walked into the room. 'And Mikey's got the rings.'

'Right here,' Michael said as he dangled a pouch from his right hand. John smiled at his son as they took they places at the top of the aisle. Cora and Mary sat in the front row, Matthew remaining at the back chatting to a member of staff about the music system.

'So, this handsome young man is your best man, John?' The registrar asked.

'Well, one of them, yes. This oaf beside me is best man as well but he is giving away my bride. This is my son, Michael.'

'Less of the oaf,' Robert called from his position talking to Mary and Cora.

'So you have the rings, Michael? Did I hear that right?'

'Yep,' Michael replied, showing the registrar the pouch he was holding.

'Very good, so when I ask for them all you do is pass them over.'

'I can handle that,' Michael said with a nod.

'Of course you can,' John wrapped an arm around Michael's shoulders. 'That's why I picked you for this job.'

The registrar looked up to see her colleague gesturing for her at the back of the room. Leaving father and son alone, John pulled Michael aside for a moment.

'I just want you to know, Mikey, that there is no one else I'd rather have by my side at this moment than you.' John placed a hand on Michael's shoulder, speaking in hushed tones as he tried to convey all he wanted to say before proceedings began. 'True, Robert is my best friend and I'm so thankful he's here too, but you are my son, my boy. We may not have known each other very long but I want to make sure you know you'll always be the very best of men to me. You make me so proud every day and have done so from the moment I met you.'

John was sure he could detect the glistening of tears in Michael's eyes as his son wrapped his arms around his shoulders. 'I love you, Dad.'

Even though John knew in the moments he and Michael shared how his son felt, this was the first time Michael had voiced his emotions and it was an exhilarating feeling to hear him say those words.

'Oh, I love you too, son.'

As they embraced, John felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see his mother standing behind him, looking absolutely beautiful and wearing a smile brighter than he had ever seen it. Jean pulled her boy into her arms, John holding her tight and realising the love this woman felt for him could never be altered. She pulled away and placed a hand on his cheek, John was sure he could heat a whimper in her voice as she spoke.

'My only boy, your bride is here and she looks breathtaking. I am so proud of you, for how far you have come in the last ten years and for the man that you are now.'

'Ahh Mam,' John gasped, covering her hand that was on his cheek with his own. 'You are the reason I am standing here today. You. Your tough love and wise words made me realise there was a better way in a manner only a mother can do. I'd be lost without you.'

Cora appeared then, seemingly to guide Jean to her seat beside her and Mary. With mouthed words of 'good luck' from Robert's wife, John nodded in acknowledgement before looking to the back of the room to see Robert leave. Everyone shared a laugh as they heard Robert's voice in muffled exclamation behind the closed door, clearly greeting Anna and telling her how wonderful she looked.

'Okay, John and Michael. If you could stand before me now. We are ready to begin.'

The registrar took her position at the top of the aisle, Michael and John following her instructions. John took a deep breath, looking down to Michael who was smiling at him. With a wink to his son, he looked straight ahead and waited for the music to begin playing. Anna was here, this was it. The moment where the final piece of his life fell wonderfully into place. The violins he recognised to be the opening music of All About You by McFly filled the room, before the click of the double doors at the back of the room caused John to turn around.

And there she was. His bride. Time had stopped, words were useless. Nothing could possibly articulate the vision he saw before his eyes right now.

Her hair was flowing down to bounce upon her uncovered shoulders as Anna began her path to John. He remembered her words the day before, about her dress being simple, what with the sort of occasion they had chosen to make their wedding day. But upon seeing her, John realised she couldn't have looked more stunning if she tried. Sparkling beads and delicate sequins were the only detail at the bottom of the bodice of the white dress, the skirt fanning out over Anna's perfect waist and stopping just below her knees.

All he could do was smile and she was the same. As soon as their gaze had met neither had been able to look away. Although both were glad everyone they loved was present in the room, this moment was specifically for them. To promise their lives to each other was something they had both seemed to be waiting an eternity to happen. And now it was here, they both wanted to savour every second.

When she reached John's side, Robert kissed Anna's cheek before moving to stand beside Michael on the right hand side of John. John noticed the height difference that usually existed between them wasn't as pronounced before looking down to register the silver high heels Anna was wearing.

'Hello,' Anna whispered, squeezing her fingers around John's.

'Hello,' John replied, a quick look out of the corner of his eye to see the registrar willing to give them a moment to greet each other encouraging him to talk further, moving his mouth closer to Anna's ear. 'No words can do justice to how you look today, just know a more beautiful woman than you has never existed.'

The registrar began then, the style of ceremony they had chosen suiting John and Anna perfectly. This was them. A lavish occasion with hundreds of people they were only acquainted with would have never felt as special or as intimate as what was occurring. Emotions were running high when it came to the moment where John and Anna exchanged their contracting words.

'I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, John Bates, take thee Anna May Smith to be my lawful wedded wife.'

Anna spoke next, John lifting his hand to wipe away a solitary tear that was falling down her cheek as she repeated the same vow.

'I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, Anna May Smith, take thee John Bates to be my, be my...' Anna had to stop for a moment, to gather herself before continuing with the word she had longed to describe John as in relation to her. 'To be my lawful wedded husband.'

They couldn't stop the smile from appearing upon both their faces as the words 'wife' and 'husband' escaped their lips. It really was happening. At last. The exchange of the ring involved Michael in their union which meant so much to John. He carried out his job perfectly and with a seriousness that belied his tender years.

Now with the symbol of their love and marriage upon their ring fingers, all that was left was for the registrar to declare them man and wife. Gripping their hands together tightly, Anna and John knew what was about to fall from the lips of the woman before them.

'Anna and John, it gives me great pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife.' She gave John her full attention. 'You may now kiss your bride.'

As those gathered began to express there pleasure at the union of John and Anna, the groom wasted no time in sharing his first kiss with his new wife.

'We did it,' Anna whispered, resting her forehead against John's.

'We certainly did, Mrs Bates.'

When walking into reception hand in hand at Highclere Stadium, what Anna and John didn't expect was for all the playing staff along with Robert and Joseph to be standing in reception waiting for them. Applause and cheers filled the air to greet them for their first day at work as Mr and Mrs Bates.

'What's all this?' John asked, looking specifically at Robert as he spoke.

'The lads wanted to extend their congratulations,' Robert shrugged. 'I know how much you like being centre of attention, Norm.'

'Yeah, well,' John raised an eyebrow, his tongue in his cheek as he looked around the young men who he had got to know so well over the past few months. 'It's appreciated, thanks lads. Now get in the changing room, we have a game to win today.' As the players began to leave, John gestured to Robert to give him and Anna a minute, Robert happily obliging. 'I wish we had more time together.'

'Me too,' Anna agreed, wrapping her arms around John's neck. 'having you to myself for a whole day for the first time in ages, I don't want to say goodbye.'

'Hmm, it was hard to get out of bed this morning,' John replied with a voice that made Anna's knees week before he brushed his lips against hers. 'But it will go by before you know it, match days always fly.'

'Then we have our party tonight.'

'We do indeed,' John raised his eyebrows, a slight grin playing on his lips. 'I just hope you like my choice of song for the first dance.'

'Dad.' Both turned to see Michael enter the reception, followed by Jean. 'Did you have a good time together?'

'You could say that,' John winked at Anna, memories of their past twenty four hours alone together filling their minds. He then turned his attention back to his mother and his son. 'What about you two? How was school?'

'Boring,' Michael shrugged, hauling himself up onto the counter in the reception. 'But me and Nan got pizza last night, that was epic.'

'Epic was it, Nan?'

'Oh yes, epic indeed,' Jean answered with a laugh. 'You two look the epitome of happiness.'

'We are very happy,' Anna said as she wrapped John's fingers in her own. 'And I'm very happy to finally be a Bates.'

'Well, we're happy to have you, my dear,' Jean rubbed a hand over Anna's forearm. 'Now, come on young man.' Jean tapped her hand on Michael's knee, 'You promised to help me and the others with decorating the social club for tonight.'

'Ahh Nan, do I have to. I want to hang around with Dad for a bit.'

'Nah son, if you promised your Nan then you have to carry it through.' Michael jumped down from the desk then, John wrapping an arm around his shoulder and guiding him to the door, following Jean. 'And besides, I'm going to be busy with getting the team prepared today. Especially seeing as I missed training yesterday. We'll catch up later.'

'See you later, Johnny.'

Watching as they left, John placed his hand in his pockets then turned to regard Anna behind him. 'Well then Mrs Bates, time to get to work.'

'Hmm, now where have I heard that before,' Anna replied, her tongue firmly in her cheek.

'Hey you, behave,' John pulled her into his embrace for one last kiss before Anna moved away. 'Missing you already.'

Anna had began making her way to the store cupboard, replying to John with her back to him. 'Missing you more.'

John was pacing the gravel outside the entrance to the social club, alternating squeezing his fists in each palm. Robert was standing on the steps, hands in his pockets and exhaling a deep sigh every couple of seconds. Michael was sitting on the railing, playing a game on John's phone.

'Two nil up, how did we only come away with a point?' John said, seemingly to himself. 'Everyone else around us in the table lost, what a day to extend our lead at the top.'

'We shouldn't have replaced Jimmy with Charles Bryant,' Robert shook his head.

'Michael, get down from the railing, buddy,' John asked his son, 'you'll get your suit dirty.'

The boys had chosen suits to wear for what, in essence, was Anna and John's wedding reception. After finding the suits for the wedding, the tailor got wind of the situation and offered them three more suits to wear to the party at half the price. A three piece cream suit caught Robert's attention, and after finally coaxing John to try the suit on, Michael sealed the deal by suggesting green ties.

'What time did Anna say she would be here?' Michael asked as he gave John back his phone.

'Half seven,' John took his phone and placed it in his breast pocket. The sound of a vehicle caught their attention as headlights came into view.

'That's them, I'd recognise Mary's driving anywhere,' Robert said as the car screeched into the car park, parking over two empty bays rather than in the middle of one. The lights of the car park illuminated the car, revealing it to be Mary's Ford Focus. Mary appeared, waving at them to apologise for running a little bit late. Jogging around to the passenger side of the car, Mary opened the door and held her hand out. In the next moment Anna appeared and the disappointing result that afternoon was all but forgotten.

'Bloody hell, Norm,' Robert gasped as they watched Anna wait as Mary locked up the car. 'That beautiful woman is your wife.'

'Yes,' John murmured, unable to avert his gaze from her as Anna walked towards him, 'she certainly is.'

Mary walked past the men, stroking Michael's arm as she did so before carrying on into the social club. Anna was in front of John now, he taking in the sight of her in her knee length dress, green to match the colour of their ties. Suddenly the reason why Michael chose green ties was making sense.

'Wow,' John gasped, watching as she gave him a twirl before taking her hand in his. 'Mrs Bates, you look absolutely stunning.'

'Mr Bates, you don't look too bad yourself.' Stepping forward before reaching up to meet his lips in a kiss, both were unaware as Robert and Michael imitated being sick behind the happy couple. 'Shall we go inside? We've kept everyone waiting enough.'

Robert and Michael took this as their cue to enter the venue, John just tugging Anna back a little as his son and best friend disappeared. 'Hang on a minute. I just want you to myself for a moment. We walk in there and I won't get a proper chance to talk to you for a few hours.'

'But you'll have me all night, John.'

'I know, I just want a second to tell you I am so in love with you and that I can't believe you are my wife.'

'Believe,' Anna whispered, squeezing his hand. 'And I love you too.' She looked over her shoulder at the door. 'Shall we?'

John nodded, allowing Anna to lead him inside.

John and Anna made sure to greet everyone as their guests slowly began to fill the room, everyone congratulating them and complimenting Anna on how beautiful she looked. John could only agree, barely able to keep his eyes off his bride. She radiated happiness as she spoke to each person who entered the room. To know he played a part in why she was feeling so happy filled his heart and soul with joy.

With the majority of their guests now present, out of the corner of his eye John saw Robert guiding Michael to the DJ box. Furrowing his brow, he got Anna's attention and gestured towards where the DJ was still setting up his music equipment. In the next moment, Robert was tapping the top of the microphone and asking those gathered for their attention.

'Ladies and Gentlemen, whilst the DJ is getting ready for the disco tonight, I thought we'd deliver the speeches John and Anna so cruelly denied you hearing after their rather exclusive wedding the other day.' Heckles reverberated round the room, John and Anna thankfully seeing the funny side. 'So, first up a certain someone would like to say a few words.' Robert handed Michael the microphone, a round of applause erupting in the room. Pulling a piece of paper from his pocket, Michael looked to his Dad who was smiling broadly, beside Anna who mirrored his father's expression.

'Dad and Anna don't know that I am doing this. I just wanted to say something about them, if it's not too much trouble.' Michael unfolded the paper, looking to Robert who offered him a wink of encouragement. Michael nodded, then turned his attentions to the paper he was holding. 'When my Mum died, I didn't know what was going to happen to me. I moved in with Trevor and Kate and they were really kind but I was always really upset about my Mum. All I wanted was my Mum to come back, but I knew that she never was. When I first met my Dad, I didn't know he was my Dad straight away. When I did, he told me that he had never known about me. That made me feel sad. Although I loved my Mum, I was angry at her for not telling me. I still miss her.' Michael paused then, looking up to meet his Dad's gaze. 'But, the better I got to know my Dad, the easier I found it to not think about Mum for a little while. Anna was there too, and my Nanny Jean. They were all really cool. Soon, I knew I wanted to come and live with them. And now I do, and that makes me really happy. My new family. I am so glad that Dad has married Anna, because now we are all Bateses, too. I just want to thank them for letting me come live with them, and that it's easier now to live without my Mum, because I have them. Congratulations on getting married, and thank you for letting me be your best man, Dad. You are the best man in the whole world to me.'

After finishing, Michael jumped off the stage to the applause of the guests to be met half way by his father. They embraced in the middle of the dance floor before Anna had her turn to offer Michael a hug.

'Come on, John. It's your turn now.' Robert announced, holding out the microphone in John's direction.

Letting Michael go, Anna looked to John who was holding his hand out to her. As Michael made his way to his Nan, receiving pats on the back from various Athletic players as he did so, Anna was lead to the DJ box by her husband. Reaching the stage, John kept hold of Anna's hand as he took the microphone from his best friend.

'Remember to introduce me when you're finished.' Robert reminded him.

'Do I have to?' John winced as Robert stepped back, nodding profusely.

'Thank you Mikey for you very kind words,' John began, searching for his son in the crowd. 'I don't know what I ever did to deserve a son as wonderful as you but I've decided to no longer question it and to just enjoy the feeling it gives me knowing you're my beautiful boy. I love you buddy.' Clearing his throat, and one more look to Anna, he started to recite the words he had been practicing for a good few weeks. 'Guests, family, friends,' John lifted his head to look for Downton's new captain, waving an arm in his direction. 'And Thomas.' Laughter filled the room, the midfielder thankfully taking John's quip in good humour. Looking to Anna, he took her hand in his once more. 'On behalf of my marvellous wife Anna and myself, I would like to thank you all for coming tonight. This is more a from the heart than aiming for laughs speech I'm afraid. So I would ask you all to try to stay with me, as I'm sure come the best mans speech we'll get to the real entertainment, by that I of course mean my discomfort.'

'Been reading my speech, Norm?'

'For those of you who know me well, I'm not normally one for speeches and talking from the heart, unless it is football related team talks. However, seeing as two days ago this beautiful woman whose hand I am holding, finally became my wife, which to be honest I'm still a bit overwhelmed at,' John turned to look at Anna, smiling a smile which hadn't been far from his face for the past forty eight hours. 'Knowing that I am finally married to the love of my life I think that deserves a few words. I just hope she feels the same even after my choice of song for our first dance later this evening... '

'Should I be worried?' Anna whispered. All John offered in return was a sly wink.

'Okay, I know Anna won't thank me for this but I feel the need to address a slight elephant in the room. You may have noticed that the bride's family are not present, I just want Anna to know you have us now. You're a Bates, you'll always have Mam, Mikey and I. You're stuck with us for good and proper.'

He couldn't resist then, bending down to meet Anna's lips in a kiss. John then searched in the crowd for his mother who was standing at the back, arm in arm with her grandson. He couldn't help but feel choked at the sight, seeing them so close meant the absolute world to John.

'Now, I would like to thank my Mam for the help and support over the years. You should be proud that you raised an intelligent, witty, dashing, handsome son with some amazing Georgie Best like football skills to boot. But unfortunately, you raised me and over the years this son is more than aware he has been far from perfect.' The room was silent, hanging on John's every word, aware it was important to John he told his mother everything that was going on in his heart. 'If I'm honest at times, even now as I reach the age when decisions are made, Mother forgive me I still want a double of good Irish whiskey and at times the odd bundle of smokes when my brooding as you like to call it gets too much.' A small ripple of laughter spread throughout the guests, John seeing his mother was thankfully amongst them. 'Thanks for putting up with me Mam, and for always being there, even when I didn't deserve your love and never wavering support. More importantly thank you for being, if its even possible, an even better Nanny to Mikey. Seeing you together warms my heart and gives me a feeling that I can only compare with scoring a winning goal at Highclere.'

From her position at the back of the room, Jean blew a kiss in the direction of her son, he responding in kind. It was times like these that John realised how much his mother meant to him. The one constant in his life, he had no idea what he would do without her unconditional love. And when he thought about his mother, his thoughts were never really far from wandering towards his father.

'Could I also ask you to all raise your glasses for a toast to people who sadly can not be present today. For me, today and the past few days are tinged a little by the fact my Dad couldn't be here. I've found myself thinking about you often of late and I know you would have loved Anna and Mikey. To absent friends.'

A poignant silence fell across the room. Anna squeezing John's hand as thoughts of his father filled his mind. 'Are you alright?'

John nodded, before continuing. 'Next up, I would like to thank my best man, Robert. Or Creeps to me.' John looked back over his shoulder, Robert grinning like a Cheshire Cat at his mention. 'You are honestly, next to my own Dad, the finest man I have ever met. Without you I would never have had any of the good fortunes the past few years have bought.' John encouraged Robert forward, letting go of Anna's hand and resting an arm around his best friend's shoulders. 'One could talk all day and then some about how much you mean to me, thank you for always being there, for taking a chance on me and most importantly for leading me to Anna. In convincing me to come back to Downton I found everything I was ever looking for. In London I was just ticking off the days, watching them pass me by but here I found a place to belong, something to focus on. I got my passion for the game back. I may love this club of ours and all we are, side by side, striving to achieve but beyond all that you're not just my oldest friend, you're my brother and I love you.'

A chorus of 'aww's' went up around the room as John and Robert shared an embrace, patting each other on the back as they did so.

'You're making me cry, you bastard,' Robert murmured.

'Yes, well I'm sure you are just about for a completely different reason,' John countered, pulling away.

Robert took a few steps backwards, resuming his position at the back of the stage. John was coming to the end of his speech now, and he knew he had to get the next bit right. He was about to talk about Anna, he just prayed he could find the words to do her justice. Taking her hand in his once more, he offered her a smile and began to speak without averting his gaze from her.

'Now finally just a few more words about the most important person in the room, my beautiful wife. It sure feels good to say that. I've been grinning like a fool for the past two days, I have to pinch myself to realise that this woman is actually with me, let alone now married to me.'

'We don't believe it either.'

'Yeah, thanks Creeps,' John rolled his eyes, sighing at being set off his stride. Taking a deep breath, he tried to remember what he was saying before he was rudely interrupted. 'How fantastic my life has been since we've been together. They say you don't marry someone you can live with, you marry someone you can not live without. Anna, this is true in so many ways. From the first time I met you at training you have and will always to me be the only thing in any room you're ever in, from day one it was alchemy. You always bring the best out of me, you understand me like no-one else and you are always fighting my corner. To sit with you and listen to you talk about your dreams and your obsessions is one of my favourite past times.' His voice was breaking now, having the opportunity to say these words to Anna as his wife meant more to John than he had realised. 'We have the home, the puppy, the beautiful son and now the Mr and Mrs part of the dreams you shared in Cornwall all those months ago. It will be my life's work to see that you have anything your heart desires.'

Stopping to compose himself, John moved his hand to wrap his arm around Anna's waist, she accepting his embrace wholeheartedly, clearly as moved by hearing his words as John was saying them.

'I'm yet to work out quite why she agreed to marry me, but every day I wake up happy that she chose me. I can not tell you all how much I'm looking forward to the rest of my life next to this amazing lady, thank you Anna. I love you in so many ways, and for so many reasons. Never doubt that I will love your however, whatever, whenever. So I would like you to all join me in a toast to my best friend, and beautiful wife, Anna.'

'To Anna.'

Cheers and applause reverberated amongst those gathered as John wrapped Anna in his arms.

'Give me a kiss, Mr Bates.' John happily obliged.

'So that's enough from me,' John said, turning to look at Robert. 'It now gives me great pleasure to hand you over to the best man. Creeps.'

Moving to the side of the stage, John felt an air of trepidation as Robert almost skipped to take the microphone from him. Shooting him a warning expression, Robert simply tapped John on the shoulder, smirking madly.

'Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen. If there is anyone feeling nervous or queasy at the thought of what lies ahead, it is probably because they have just married John Bates.'

'Oh God, here we go,' John gasped as laughter filled the room once again.

'Well, what do I say about John Bates? The best striker I ever played football with, indeed the best striker to ever wear the sacred green and black stripes of Downton Athletic, but above all this, the best friend I have ever had. Room mates in our playing days, sharing a room with him were some of the best nights sleep I ever had. And make of that what you will.' Robert looked to John who was watching him behind his hands as he gave his speech. 'We just got each other from the start. In more ways than one. Pranks were rallied between us from day one. Who could forget the interview with Calendar news, my finest hour as John spoke to the interviewer covered in shaving foam, completely unaware due to the amount of celebrating we had been doing on the team bus. He got his revenge and thankfully my eyebrows did finally grow back.'

'Don't mess with me,' John yelled from his position on the stage.

'However, the moment I can truly look back on and say that's when I knew John was my best friend was an Athletic summer tour in the late eighties.' Robert met his friends gaze, a smile playing upon his features as he remembered a happy time in his life. 'As was usual with those days, diets weren't as strictly observed as they are now and we drank. A lot. Well, on this particular morning when we had a match in the afternoon, the then manager had a call from Liverpool saying they wanted to sign me. You see, they were good then. I spoke to the manager at Anfield and agreed a deal in principle. On the way to the match, I had persuaded the coach driver to play John's Michael Bolton greatest hits cassette...'

'Hey Crawley, that was yours and you know it.' John interjected, not wanting to be embarrassed anymore than he was about to be.

'Yes, alright, It was mine. I admit but all my team mates loved it. Joseph Molesley's version of When A Man Loves A Woman needs to be seen to be believed. However, that's a story for when he finally marries Phyllis. Get on it, Pele. She won't wait around forever.' Joseph offered a thumbs up, safe in the knowledge Phyllis couldn't make proceedings this evening.

'Anyway, on with my story, I can tell you are all still riveted.'

'Does it go on for much longer?' Tom called out, 'Irishman needing a drink here.'

'I'm choosing to ignore that,' Robert replied before carrying on with what he was saying. 'So after the match, I announced to the players I captained that I would be leaving. That was one of the toughest things I ever had to do. That's a bold statement when you remember I am father to three girls. We all decided to get smashed that night, the lads only deciding to not to toast my career at Downton, but mainly I think because I said the drinks were on me. John took a while to make an appearance in the bar. But then he did. And then it happened. Where he got hold of the Michael Bolton wig I know not, but it just wouldn't have been the same had he not worn it. That night, John Bates, Downton Athletic's top scorer serenaded me, Robert Crawley with a rendition of How Am I Supposed To Live Without You? dressed as Michael Bolton. I have a picture somewhere.' The lights went out in the room and a click could be heard before a picture of John dressed as the crooner appeared on the wall behind Robert.

'Oh God,' John pinched the bridge of his nose, the guests displaying their amusement in deafening laughter.

'It was beautiful, I was moved to tears.' Robert continued, looking over his shoulder at the picture on the wall. 'That big oaf made me realise in those four minutes that not only could I not leave Downton, I couldn't leave him. The fact he left me for Manchester United a few years later is neither here nor there.

'That was for my Dad and you know it.' John said in his defence.

'I do, and that's you to a fault mate. Family mean so much to you. Your Mum whom you adore, Michael, who I must add you are proving to be a fantastic father to and now Anna. And I challenge anyone to disagree with me when I say they are so lucky to have a man such as you as a son, father and husband. Just like I am to be able to call you my best friend. You are not just like a brother to me, you are my brother and I don't know what I'd do without you.'

Another manly hug was in order, John leaving Anna's side to meet Robert in the middle of the stage.

'And now to the most important person in all of this,' Robert said, watching as John moved back towards Anna. 'No, not me but Anna. I have known Anna since she went to secondary school with my eldest daughter and it's been wonderful to watch her grow and develop into the wonderful, charming woman she is today. The best physio for miles around, there is no one I enjoy receiving a leg rub from more.'

'Steady, that's my wife you are talking about.'

'She is, and it warms my heart that she, alongside Michael of course, is the reason why my best mate has a spring in his step and a smile on his face. Thank you Anna, for making the greatest man I know so happy. As a man with years of blissful marriage behind him, take this from me. Be nice to each other, never go to sleep on an argument and John, remember to say those three words to Anna once in a while, those words being, 'you're right dear.' All that's left for me to say is to charge your glasses and join me in a toast, to Mr and Mrs Bates.'

'Mr and Mrs Bates.'

'And now, would you welcome John and Anna onto the floor for the first dance.'

John strode towards the DJ box, silently praying the choice he had made for his and Anna's first dance was the correct one. It was the one thing Anna had asked him to do and he hoped to God he had got it right. He also hoped his 'joke' beforehand would be met in good spirits by his new wife. With a look of confusion, Anna watched as John regained possession of the microphone. A chorus of cheers and wolf whistles reverberated around the room. John was also now very aware of Anna's presence in the middle of the dance floor, all on her own as Robert encouraged everyone else to form a circle around the edge of the floor.

'Good evening everyone, me again. My wife and I would like to officially welcome you to the celebration of our wedding.'

'Yeah, which we weren't invited to,' Jimmy shouted from the back of the room, his tone slightly mocking.

'Please understand when we say how we wanted it to be a private affair, and know how much we appreciate all of you joining us tonight. Everyone we love is here and that means a great deal.' John looked to his players. 'Even you lot although you threw away a two goal lead to only draw this afternoon.'

'Shouldn't have subbed me, boss,' Thomas replied.

'On with the business in hand,' John cleared his throat, trying to change the subject quickly by turning his attentions to Anna. She was standing with her hands on her hips, tongue firmly in cheek as she regarded him on the stage. John couldn't help but smile, she looked absolutely stunning in the green dress she had bought for the evening, and he still couldn't quite believe she had promised her life to him. 'Three days ago a beautiful, flawless woman made my life complete by becoming my wife. She had been meticulously planning the wedding and this party for months, but she gave me one job. That of choosing the song for our first dance. And I hope I haven't let her down.'

With a sly look to the DJ, John handed him back the microphone. Now, all eyes were on the newlyweds as John joined Anna in the middle of the floor. He took a deep breath as a ripple of applause filled the air before the room fell into an expectant silence. John was now standing right in front of Anna, a small gap still between them as they waited for the music to start.

'I hope you've made a wise decision, Mr Bates.'

John allowed himself a small chuckle before raising his eyebrows. 'I've picked a song that perfectly describes my feelings for you.'

In the next moment, Anna was surprised to hear quite an up tempo beat before recognising the tune. John's face was beaming as Anna folded her arms. It took a while for the introduction to finish, but right in time with the music, John began to sing, or rather say, the first line.

'There are so many things I like about you, I just don't know where to begin...'

'John Bates, you cannot be serious.'

He was just able to hear her voice over the music, the crowd gathered around him finding his 'performance' absolutely hilarious as he pointed at Anna in an over exaggerated fashion with each word he spoke.

'I like the way you look at me with those beautiful eyes...'

'You won't by the time this song is finished, Bates. Is this really what you chose?'

John stepped closer to Anna, placing a hand on her waist and pulling her closer to him. 'Just dance to one chorus with me Anna, then I'll play the actual song.'

'So this isn't it,' Anna said with a heavy dose of relief in her voice.

'I'm not that much of an idiot, you know.'

Before she had a chance to respond to his remark, Anna felt herself being almost flung through the air as John guided her rather enthusiastically around the dance floor. Laughter escaped her as John sang the chorus, she couldn't help but sing along as well.

'I like the way you move...' he bellowed, Anna trying to keep up before the music died down.

'And now for the actual first dance,' the DJ said as he fiddled with some of the buttons on his controls.

'Shame, I was enjoying that. I'm sure the boss is a riot at the local discothèques,' Thomas quipped from the sidelines.

Waiting with baited breath, rather short at that after their exertions, Anna felt her heart melting as the opening notes of 'You To Me Are Everything' began to fill the room. Meeting her husband's eyes, they both were instantly transported back to the drive up to Downton having collected Jean and Michael to start their new life. This song came on the radio, and all four enjoyed singing along, Michael knowing the song much to his father's surprise.

He had to know. 'Do you approve of this one?'

'Oh John,' Anna gasped, wrapping her arms around his neck. 'It's beautiful.'

Satisfied with her response, John held Anna close to him as they gently swayed in time to the music. He couldn't resist and had always been the same when he listened to music, John was singing along, noticing those gathered swaying along in time with them. Michael and Jean were standing arm in arm, John offering them a wink before turning his attentions fully to his new wife.

'You looked absolutely breathtaking the other day, I didn't think you could look any more beautiful. Then you go and surprise me yet again. You look simply stunning this evening, my flawless bride.'

'What you said, in your speech. I don't think anyone has ever said anything as beautiful to me in my whole life.'

'I meant every single word.'

'Oh, I know you did,' Anna replied, lifting her hand to stroke his face with her index finger. 'And that's what makes me certain marrying you is not only the best decision I have ever made, but also the best thing to ever happen to me.'

'Me too,' John clenched his jaw, looking at Anna through half lidded eyes. 'I do love you, Anna Bates.'

'I love you too, Mr Bates.'