Chapter 26 – Friends With Benefits

:-)

It was now 11.30pm on New Years Eve night and Carla was sound asleep in her bed. Peter on the other hand was very drunk alongside with his best friend Steve in the Rovers. The two men had decided that they were going to celebrate in style tonight. Firstly because it was New Year's Eve and secondly because of the announcement a few days ago that Peter and Carla were expecting their first child together. Liz, Sean and Michelle were busy behind the Rovers bar whilst Steve had decided to take the night off and to celebrate in style with his best mate. Steve and Peter were sat by the small table by the toilet in the Rovers deep in conversation..

"I love her so much you know Steve.." Peter slurred taking a large sip from his pint.

"I know you do mate.." Steve replied also slurring. Both men had drunk more than 10 pints by now and were drunk.

"I've never felt like this with any other woman Steve.. It's crazy."

"Well mate.. I know a lot of men who would kill to be in your shoes. She's a keeper Peter. Don't mess this one up 'ey mate."

"I won't Steve.. I know I have already got Simon but this baby with Carla feels like a fresh start to me.. I wasn't there from day one with Simon when I should have been. That's why I'm going to be there every step of the way for both Carla and our baby. I won't screw this one up Steve. Look. I need to tell you something mate but you've got to promise me that you won't tell anyone else Steve. Not even Michelle.."

"Well it depends what it is Peter."

"It's all good mate don't worry."

"Well come on then.. Spit it out."

"I'm planning on asking Carla to marry me. I know that it may seem that were rushing things but I can't think of anyone else that I'd want to spend the rest of my life with. I love her with all my heart and I know Steve that she's the one."

"Well there you go then mate." Steve said. "If you're one hundred percent certain that she is the one for you then you don't need anyone else's opinion."

"I know.. but there's just one thing.."

"What?." Steve questioned.

"What if she says no?."

"Don't be stupid Peter! I mean why would she do that?."

"She's way out of my league to start off with.."

"Stop there mate! This is all the drink talking.."

"I can't help it Steve.. She's gorgeous. When she first moved to the street she certainly caught my eye and I know she caught other but I never thought that she would go for a backstreet bookie like me. I'm sorry Steve.. It's just how I feel."

"Peter.. I know for a fact that Carla worships the ground you walk on. I've heard the conversations that she's had with our 'Chelle. Don't tell her I said that though or I don't think my life will be worth living." Steve said and both men started to laugh.

"I don't even know when or how to ask her Steve.."

"Well.. That's entirely up to you isn't it mate.." Steve answered him.

"It's her birthday the day after tomorrow.." Peter said.

"Well there you go then.. Have you bought the ring yet?."

"Yeah.. I've hidden it in the flat."

"Surprise her on her birthday then.. She'd love that. I mean any woman would love that."

"I guess so.. Ey thanks Steve."

"For what mate?."

"For listening to me and most of all for being a mate."

"That's what mates are for.." Steve answered him.

"Look.. I've had a bit to much to drink." Peter slurred as he finished the rest of his pint. "I'm going to head off home.. Send In the New Year with my missus if you get what I mean.." Peter said giving Steve a wink.

"You soppy git.." Steve said. "I'll see you around mate." He said as Peter bid him a Happy New Year and walked out of the Rovers.

Around twenty minutes later and the clock read 11.53pm. Carla woke up with a slight bang. Peter arriving home she thought to herself. She closed her eyes again and tried to drift back to sleep. Pregnancy had made her tired over doing the slightest things and she had only just gone over five months! Carla must of drifted back into deep sleep as she was awoken a few minutes later by Peter kissing her on the neck. As her eyelids fluttered open, she let a smile appear on her face, her eyes still closed. She rolled over slightly so she was now laid on her back with Peter lying next to her on his side with one of his hands on her bump.

"Happy New Year.." Peter whispered as he gave her a kiss on the lips.

"Happy New Year Mr Barlow.." Carla whispered back. "I have a feeling that this year is going to be a good one.." She said letting one of her hands play with the hairs on the back of his head.

"So do I.." Peter replied, unknown to Carla that he was planning on asking her a very important question in the next few days and he was praying that the answer was going to be the one that he was expecting...

I know that chapter was rather short guys but this chapter was basically a filler. There's A LOT of drama to come between both of them so KEEP READING! The big question is though.. Will Carla say yes? ;-) xx