Letting Go Of The Past, Holding On To The Future.

Part Twenty-Eight.

The Big Day

Karen woke up, a huge smile wiped across her face. She jumped out of bed, and ran into Jess and Bex's room, "come on girls, get up" Karen said cheerily. Bex and Jess groaned. "Come on we need to get ready sleepy heads!" "We can see who drank and who didn't last night" jess said holding her head. "Ay I told you'd not to drink a lot, but you didn't listen" They got up out of bed and followed Karen Jess and Karen stopping off to wake there little girls, "morning munchkin", Isla's eyes woke, "you a sleepy little girl", Karen took her downstairs, Bex had begun to make breakfast and jess was settling Bella down in the lounge, but unlike Isla she's was wide awake and toddling all over the place. Isla cuddled into Karen's arms. "Mum you go start to get ready, the hairdresser should be here soon but just start your make-up and get a shower we'll look after Isla" Bex said taking a tired Isla out of Karen's arms. "Are you sure?" Karen asked. "Of course! This is your big day! Now go" Bex said steering Karen in the direction of the stairs. "Oh I do love you girls" "we love you too" Bex smiled as Karen headed upstairs to get ready. Karen had butterflies in her stomach, it was all so surreal. She had never seen herself going through all of this again, but she was and she was happier than ever. Karen could hear Isla babbling away down stairs as she hopped out of the shower, a smile rose across her face as she started to apply her mascara, today was her day to be the centre of attention - as much as she hated the idea of that. She wanted to look good for Rob, she wanted to look more than good, and she wanted to look fabulous, beautiful to completely take his breath away. She looked in the mirror applying her lipstick, out lining her lips perfectly and colouring the inside in. She took the towel off of her head, plugging the hairdryer in, drying her hair ready for it to be done. She applied her blusher and got Bex to do her eyeliner. "Mum, the hairdresser is here!" Jess called from downstairs. Karen wrapped her dressing fine round her as she made her way downstairs. She sat down on the chair as she styled her hair. She passed Karen the mirror, "what do you think" she asked. Karen was speechless! "I love it!" Karen smiled. "Mum you look beautiful!" Bex smiled. "You really do mum!" jess added. "Thanks girls" Karen went upstairs getting her dress on while the girls got their hair done.

Karen looked beautiful, her dress wasn't too much or too little, the straps resting just off the shoulder, beautiful button detail down the back as well as embroidery and the odd diamante up the side of her. It hugged her rather than merigning out. Karen's hair was up, her fringe out, her blue eyes shining brightly. She headed down stairs. The girls all fell speechless. Karen stopped. Jess was the first to break the silence, "mum, you look absolutely beautiful" jess said with a few tears in her eyes. "You look gorgeous" Bex said looking at her mum. Karen walked down the stairs, giving her girls a hug. "I love you both so much" Karen smiled. "We love you too" jess said while hugging her mum. "It's almost time" Bex said looking at the clock. Karen bit her lip; she couldn't believe this was happening. She was getting married to the than of her dreams. She couldn't wait to see Rob; she'dmissed him so much. Isla was all ready too in a pretty red and white polka dot dress paired with a navy cardigan and a cute red bow hair band, which by the looks of it wasn't going to be staying in for very long if Isla had anything to do with it, "aye monkey, don't take that out", Isla had it in her hands, Karen placed It back in her hair, "now leave it alone" She kissed her head before bending down to see her granddaughter, dressed up in a pink floral dress, pretty dolly shoes and her hair clipped back. "Don't you look pretty", Karen smiled, and in fact she couldn't stop this felt so right! "We better get going mum" Bex said as they picked up their flowers and headed out to the car that was waiting to take them to the church. Meanwhile Rob was putting his suit on, getting his aftershave on, harry had his best suit on, so did Aiden. They all looked so smart.
"Right dad were leaving now, at this rate the grooms going to be the one that's late", "alright alright, but we all know how long it takes for Karen to get ready", they got in the car and headed for the church, this was it only an hour till Karen became Mrs Scotcher. The boys arrived there first; rob welcoming all the guests, walking to the front of the Isle Daniel stood next to him. Karen, Jess and Bex arrived and they got out of the car, Karen lifting the bottom of her dress off the ground so it wouldn't get mucky. She looked at Bex and Jess, they were smiling away. "This is it mum" Karen smiled as she walked into the church the girls following behind her, the man giving the signal to the priest that Karen was here and to start the music. Rob's face instantly lighting up. The music started and Karen started to walk down the aisle, with Jess and Bex behind her. Rob turned around, he was speechless. Isla reached out for her mummy as she went past, Karen smiling. She reached the front, and she couldn't keep her smile in any longer.

"Karen you look absolutely breathtaking" Karen smiled tears of joy and happiness forming in her eyes. The turned to face the priest, the service was to begin. "Robert James Scotcher do you take Karen Elizabeth Byrne to be your lawful wedded wife, for better for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health", rob repeated these words, tears also welling in his eyes, "I do", he replied almost choked, Karen smiled as Rob held the ring on her finger. "And do you Karen Elizabeth Byrne take Robert James Scotcher to be your lawful wedded husband "I do"; Karen replied certainly, she had never been surer of anything in her entire life. Rob placed the ring fully on her finger, a tear trickling down his face, Karen wiped it away with her thumb before beaming away at him again "your getting soft Scotcher", she whispered before the priest began to speak again, "before I pronounce you husband and wife I must ask, does anyone know a reason why these two should not be lawfully wedded", the room fell silent, only for a split second as the sound of light footsteps pounded through the church, "I have a reason or two", a woman called through the crowd of shocked faces, Rob and Karen's heads turning almost robotically there smiles disappearing, being replaced by shock! Naomi entered the room, everyone gasped. "Naomi what are you doing here!" Naomi walked up the Isle. "Rob, I love you. I always have, I have never stopped and I never will. Don't marry her!" Naomipleaded.

"Naomi, i'm marrying Karen no matter what, I don't love you anymore. I love Karen and Isla. And I will as long as I live" rob said looking Karen in the eyes. "But it's me you want!" robs head turned to face Naomi, "Naomi get out. We don't want you here" "fine but this was your last chance" Naomi said walking out of the church shooting Karen evil glares on her way out. The priest continued. The room was still silent "in that Case, I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may now Kiss the bride" rob took Karen in His Arms and kissed her lips. "I Love you Mrs Scotcher" rob whispered in her ear. "I love you to Mr Scotcher" tears of happiness filled Karen's eyes. She was now Mrs Scotcher, Rob was her husband.

They began to leave the church "why did she turn up? How did she even know we were getting married Rob?" Karen whispered through smiles as she headed down the aisle, this time with her husband, Rob. "I don't know, but I don't want to think about her today or ever. Today is our day Karen, I love you, you're my wife now and I really couldn't be happier", Rob stopped as they reached the doors of the church, looking deep into her eyes holding her hand, rubbing her wedding ring with his thumb. Karen smiled her hand fitting into his once more as they were greeted by their friends and family showering them in confetti, smiles and laughter swamping the air. Karen's And Rob's lips met once more as they walked down the steps. Bex passed Isla to Karen giving her mum a hug; they made their way over to Lillian and John, Rob's parents. "Congratulations" they said. Karen and rob smiled. Lillian hugged them both before Sian running up to Karen giving her a hug. "Congratulations Mrs. Scotcher!" she said with a smile. "Thank you" she said smiling back. She couldn't believe it, she was now married to him, and they were properly together. Rob took Karen in his arms and held her tight looking down at Isla in her arms. "Were a proper family" rob said with tears of happiness in both of their eyes. "We are", Karen smiled back before capturing his lips with hers, "and you munchkin are looking almost as beautiful as your mummy", "she was a right little madam this morning taking off her hair band", "Isla you wouldn't play up for mummy in the morning would you?", Rob's sarcasm creeping in, "alright you, we better head to the reception", Rob pulled her back, "I missed you Mrs Scotcher", Karen beamed at his words "we missed you too", they headed to the carbefore being seen off to the reception. "You really do look beautiful", Karen blushed. "You don't look too bad yourself" Karen joked. They got in the car and rob picked up Karen's hand, "I love you Mrs. Scotcher" rob pulled her in for a long passionate embrace. "I love you too" Karen replied. They got out of the car, Isla on Karen's hip and her hand in rob's hand, they walked in.

Everyone clapped and smiled coming up congratulating them, then both instantly being passed a glass of champagne.
Isla had gone all shy her head rested on Karen's shoulder, "this all a bit much baby", but then Bex neared with Max and her entire personality changed, "hey trouble", Bex kissed her head, "hey love", "congratulations", "congratulations Mr and Mrs Scotcher" Max added, "come to take trouble off your hands for a bit", "you don't have to do that", Karen replied very appreciatively, she loved Isla to pieces but she wanted to circulate and having a grizzly 10 month old baby on her hip was making that a bit difficult, "well she's already hijacking your honeymoon", "aye cover your ears Isla, don't listen to what your mean big sister says", "honestly mum it's, fine you and Rob need some time to enjoy your day", "well thank you sweetheart", Bex had grown up so much over the last 2 years, it scared but pleased Karen. "Well who said finding a baby sitter was a hard task", Karen smiled, "I really missed you last night", "me too! It was horrible not having you or Isla", "Oh she fell asleep really quickly last night, she kicked up a fuss first but then she was out like a light so I didn't even have her to remind of you", "you need our daughter to remind you of my beautiful face", Karen playfully tapped his arm, "you know what I mean", he shot her another cheesy grin. Karen shot him one back; they linked arms and went in ready for the speeches to start. They were surrounded by smiling faces as they sat down next to each other Karen's hand in robs. Aiden was up first, "My dad has been with me through everything, I couldn't thank him for that. I couldn't be happier that he's met someone as lovely as Karen; they both deserve to be happy. I'm proud to call Karen my step-mum. I hope you have a good time on your honey moon, not too much fun though, yeah?" everyone laughed as Aiden went and sat back down hugging Karen followed by his dad, "I didn't know you had a soppy side" rob Joked. Daniel stood up, "Rob, congratulations mate, you've been there for me since the first day I started at Waterloo road, the only true mate I've had since meeting you lot. I'm so happy for you, I hope you both have many great years together and you have a great honeymoon" Daniel said smiling. The speeches were flowing only 2 to go, Karen's brother Ethan stood up, and he had always been a shock guest. Karen had decided with Rob's reassurance to invite her mum and brother her sister Niamh was to always attend. Rob had repeatedly reminded her of how his parents would keep her mum in control, Ethan was proud of his little sister it felt right to be here, there feud had gone on too long, he felt his mum held a big enough grudge without him helping. Niamh, Ethan and Ava were all rather excited to meet there niece and granddaughter and the family reunion only added to the happiness of the overall day. "So it's rather unusual for the brother of the bride to be standing here making the speech, but many of you will know our father is no longer with us. I just want to say how proud I am of you Karen, you've finally found the man you want to spend the rest of your life with, you make sure you look after her Rob or us Byrne's will be on to you. Well just me I don't see mum running after you with her handbag and well Niamh is too lovely for all of that. We want to wish you all the happiness in the world, on behalf of the Irish half of the family" Karen smiled at her brother that meant a hell of a lot to her; it had simply been too long. The finally speech was approaching, the groom.

Rob rose from his seat, "well where I start. I would just like to thank you all for coming today, to share this special day with myself and Karen. To be honest with you I was never sure if this moment was ever going to happen, I remember my first day at waterloo road", there were roaring cheers from certain members of staff which just made them all smile "Alright you lot" Rob winked "A certain head teacher managed to mistake me for a burglar, so our first encounter was nearly a trip to A&E after she attacked me with a lamp!", "Oi, I didn't attack you", Karen nudged him, her cheeks flushing. "Truth is, Karen couldn't be a more perfect wife, mother, sister or daughter. She always put her family and friends before her and I have no doubt she will continue you to. Karen you truly are the most beautiful woman in this room. We have so many memories and special moments together. When Karen first told me about her pregnancy I was elated, I couldn't have smiled more if I had tried and then Isla was born, I finally feel like we have our family, I love you Karen and I couldn't be prouder to introduce you to everyone as Mrs Scotcher", "To Mr. and Mrs. Scotcher" Daniel toasted as Rob and Karen shared a passionate this time Rob being the one to wipe away Karen's tears.

Karen wrapped her arms around rob, looking him in the eyes "I love you so much" she stopped any reply rob had with another passionate kiss before walking down and hugging her brother. "I'm so proud of you Karen" he smiled. The knocked their glasses together. "You make sure you look after her" Ethan said shaking rob's hand. "Don't you worry, I will" he said wrapping his arm around Karen's waist. Sian walked over and hugged Karen, "congratulations you two" Karen and Rob just smiled. "We'll see you when you get back off your honeymoon" Karen and Rob beamed. Jess, Bex, Aiden and Harry came running over, Bex with Isla and Jess with Bella. "Congratulations!" Bex said passing Isla over to Karen. Karen finished their drink. "We better get going ay Mrs Scotcher" "yes Mr. Scotcher" Rob's arm slotted around Karen as they said their goodbyes to their freiends, family and kids, walking to their car everyone cheering and confetti being thrown over them. They shared one last kiss before getting in their car, Isla on her knee as they drove to their honeymoon as Mr. and Mrs. Scotcher. Karen and Rob arrived at the airport, Isla on Karen's hip. Smiles wiped across all of their faces. Rob took Karen's hand as they walked to the departure lounge after getting through security. "Is Isla ready for her first plane trip?" Karen said in her calm Sweet Voice. Rob wrapped his arm around Karen's waist as they sat down on the chairs waiting to board there flight. "Now boarding flight tc 741 to Greece" Karen and Rob looked at each other smiles on their faces. They stops up And rob took the hand luggage, Karen had Isla and her handbag. They sat in their seats and Rob put their luggage in the overhead compartment and sat down Next to Karen taking her hand in his. "Rob I need you to do something before we set off" Karen smiled taking a familiar box out of her handbag. "The necklace I got you for your birthday" Rob smiled taking the box off Karen. "Yeah, Will you put it on for me" she smiled. "Okay... But I don't think it Will suit me..." he joked. Karen rolled her eyes. He took the necklace out of the box, and put around her neck clasping it shut. Karen kissed his lips softly. It looked beautiful, Isla was sat on rob's lap for the 3 hour journey. Karen held her little hand her eyes trailing the room all over a little overwhelmed "aye, mummy and daddy are here" Karen brushed her hair away from her eyes en outraging her to sleep. Rob sat uncomfortably "so when exactly did I draw the short straw of having Isla on my lap for 3 straight hours" "it was Isla's choice" Karen winked "your so lucky that I love you" "is that so" Karen said looking down at her little girl asleep in his arms. "Well at least she isn't screaming, she is such a daddy's little girl"

Karen giggled. The seatbelt sign lit up. "Please make sure your seatbelts are on, and prepare for landing" Karen looked at Rob. "I hate this part" she said gripping his hand. "Ay, I'm here, just think in a few Minutes we'll of landed and we can start our honeymoon and get to the hotel" he smiled rubbing Karen's hand with his thumb. No sooner had Rob said that they had landed. They stood up and Rob got the hand luggage down, Karen now holding Isla. They got off the plane, making their way through the security and made their way to the luggage conveyor-belt. Rob watched the suitcases go round, 1st to come off was Karen's followed by Isla's then Rob's. They left the airport Isla on Karen's hip; rob wheeling his and Isla's suitcases, Karen pulling her own in her free hand. They made their way to the taxi with their names on, which brought a smile to their faces 'Mr. and Mrs. Scotcher' and they got in, taking them to the hotel. They got out, and walked into the hotel. "Rob this is beautiful!" Karen said taking in the beauty. "Not Half as beautiful as you " rob said looking into Karen's eyes. Rib walked over to the desk, collecting the Keys for the room. They walked into the hallway waiting for the lift to come, Isla was now awake, but wasn't crying, and she was looking around smiling. They got in the lift and rob unlocked the door, "ready?" "Very" Karen smiled. He pushes the door open. Karen beamed, they walked in and Karen kissed Rob passionately "I just want a hot bath" Karen said smiling. "You go get ready. I'll run our bath" rob said kissing her cheek. "Our bath?" Karen said cheekily. "Yes Mrs., our bath!" Rob entertained Isla whilst beginning to unpack the suitcases, "jeez woman you sure as hell packed a lot of things", "we're on holiday, I'm allowed to have packed lots", Rob smiled as Isla giggled, "your not supposed to giggle missy, plus mummy's setting a bad example don't listen Isla", "Do I feel my ears burning, you telling our daughter not to invest in so many items of clothing", "Of course not", "oh you are a cheeky bugger Scotcher", Karen picked up her beautiful little girl and walked out on to the terrace, "do you like it Isla, can you see the sun", Karen was loving motherhood it was almost like a whole new lease of life, though it came with its disadvantages like no time to herself, though she didn't mind she had Rob and Isla was always the icing on top of a beautiful cake. "I can't believe we are here finally", "I know, it is beautiful, nice to get away from Rochdale" "it certainly is" Karen smiled. She took one more look at the view before walking back in seeing Rob unpacking the suitcases still. "Leave that, I'll do it. You go run our bath" Karen smiled.

"Okay" he smiled. Karen got out her's and Isla's pj's out and led them pm the bed, with rob's favourite perfume. She started to fold the clothes and put them away in the drawers and hanging things up in the wardrobes. "Rob I'm just going to get Isla ready while you run the bath" Karen called through to Rob. "Okay love" Karen washed Isla and got her changed into her baby grow. Pink with a frog in the middle. She walked out and put Isla in the cot, kissing her forehead. "You getting in Karen?" rob called through.
"Sweet dreams baby, I'll see you in the morning", Isla closed her eyes her arms tightly wrapped around her little elephant. Karen smiled before closing Isla's door. She popped her head into the bathroom to find rob sitting in the bath, which to be fair could be described as more of a hot tub it was that spacious, "You are an impatient wotsit, I was just putting Isla to bed and lucky for you she went out like a light" "and why is that lucky?", "Well you get me all to yourself", Rob smiled, Karen walked into the bedroom, slipping her clothes off, wrapping her dressing gown around her - spraying rob's favourite perfume on, she walked slowly into the bathroom, popping her head around the door, Rob smiled. "You finally joining me ?" he said cheekily. "I am indeed " Karen said almost flirtatiously. She walked fully into the room, dropping her dressing gown and stepping into the bath tub, lying in robs arms. "Champagne?"

"Since we're celebrating" Karen replied, her head lying in the crook of his neck, her hair up avoiding getting wet. She simply lay in his arms, his hand caressing her arm gently. She looked up smiling as she looked down at her wedding ring, the piece of jewellery which meant that she was his, they were married! Married! "You smell nice", "Don't I always", Karen commented teasing him. "Oh you are a mean woman", Karen's cheeks found their favourite spot, stuck in her signature smile. "I really am happy Karen, with you and Isla"; "I know you are. Isla loves you", Rob smiled before his hand found Karen's cheek, he leant down to kiss her, he couldn't hold in his desire much longer. Their lips closer and closer until they finally locked. Rob's hands on Karen's face as he kissed her passionately. "Oi save that for later" she said with a cheeky smile. He gave her one last kiss before just laying there, for what seemed to be like hours. He took Karen's hand in his and poured her another glass of champagne. "I love you so much" rob whispered into Karen's ear. "I love you too" she said kissing his cheek. "You are gorgeous Karen" Karen's cheeks flushed a rosy red colour. He pushed her fringe back as it fell over her eyes; Karen had gone all shy with embarrassment, but only because she was never one for taking compliments. It reminded Rob of Isla which just made his smile even more. He had never imagined his life this way it had always been such a mess. No women in his life, a teenage who continued to make his life hell and then they added bonus of having to pay for his mistakes but then he met Karen and everything changed for the better.
He never imagined he could be this happy, he couldn't believe that the beautiful lady with him was his wife! He rubbed her arm, and kissed her cheek. He couldn't help but kiss her lips afterwards, Karen kissing him back. She smiled and bit her lip, she couldn't believe that rob was hers either! She snuggled into robs arms, him holding her tight. Rob looked down; Karen was asleep in his arms. He rubbed her face with his thumb, "wake wake, the bath isn't the place to sleep unless you're a mermaid, well you do spend an amazing amount of time in here" rob said cheekily. Karen slapped his arm jokingly. "We've been in her for an hour" rob laughed. "Really!" Karen said. "Yeah, I though the water was getting a bit chilly. Think we should get out" rob smiled helping Karen up passing her, her towel and dressing gown. Once dry they settled in the bedroom lying in each other's arms under the warmth of the duvet they had decided on relaxing and watching a film, it had been a long day getting married and now the honeymoon, they sure weren't as you and energetic as they used to be, little Isla was worn out and so were they. They looked forward to their break away from reality though to be honest this was reality. The two of them together "till death do us part". Karen fell asleep once more, her hand resting on his bare chest, his eyes fixed down, there was always something so relaxing about watching her sleep, it sent his heart a flutter, though it wasn't long till he allowed his eyes lids to close to. Who knew what tomorrow had in store for them all.