A/N- Here it is, the wedding day. I fear I may have waffled on. Plenty of fluff, a lot of things in this are from my experiences of weddings. I hope it's not too saccharine or disjointed. I just wanted to include as much as I could. The speeches are pretty much written out like speeches (if that makes sense). No descriptive language, I hope that reads okay.
No smut, I'm saving that for the honeymoon chapter. As always, thanks for your reviews.
Disclaimer: I am laying claim to Adam and Tammy, the rest belong to Julian Fellowes.
Adam walked downstairs and peered into the living room. There lying on the sofa was Robert, completely dead to the world with his head hanging off the edge, mouth wide open. Tom looked slightly more dignified, sitting up in the arm chair with his feet resting on the edge of the table, yet his mouth was firmly closed. Shaking his head, Adam pulled the door shut and continued into the kitchen. It was only seven, he hadn't been expecting to see the door to the garden wide open and was slightly concerned. Walking to see what was going on, he looked outside to see his Dad at the garden table, fully dressed in jeans and a jumper reading a paper with a steaming hot mug of tea in front of him.
'Alright Dad?' Adam asked, walking outside before squinting as the morning sun streamed down on his face.
'Hi Son, there's fresh tea in the pot if you fancy some.' John said cheerfully over his shoulder. Adam continued to walk towards his father to see a tray with a couple more mugs placed on it, as well as a tea pot, milk and sugar. 'We're in the paper today look.'
Adam looked over his Dad's shoulder as he poured himself a cup of tea. 'So I see.'
'Anna Smith will marry her fiancé today in a wedding that is rumoured to have cost over one hundred thousand pounds.' John read out. 'Where do they get this crap from? It was twenty thousand at the most.'
'I suppose if you think about the security and stuff it all adds up,' Adam suggested, sitting opposite his Dad. 'You're up early.'
'Yeah, awake at five. Couldn't sleep so went to the all night supermarket and bought a paper.'
'Random,' Adam shrugged. 'So how are you feeling?'
John looked up from the paper at his son. 'I'll be feeling a lot happier once we've been pronounced husband and wife, I'll tell you that much.'
'Come off it, Dad. You don't believe she'll stand you up, do you?'
John didn't answer as he continued to read. 'Pick up tomorrow's paper for photographs from Anna's big day.'
'Won't need to, I'll be there won't I?' Adam replied. 'Anna will turn up, you know that don't you.'
'Yeah, it's not just that. It's the speeches and all the stuff that goes with a wedding. You know me, I hate being centre of attention.'
'That's just the thing Dad, you won't be. Yes, you are getting married but it's Anna's day. I know a little about life to understand a wedding day is all about the bride.'
'John, someone is ringing the doorbell incessantly. Are you going to bloody answer it or not?' Adam and John looked at the door to see a dishevelled Robert standing there, rubbing his eyes.
'It's probably George, Liz and the kids,' John said, standing up and walking into the house past Robert. Robert looked to Adam who had begun to read his father's newspaper.
'Who are George and Liz?' Robert asked sleepily. 'And why are they here at seven in the morning?'
'Go back to sleep, Rob,' Adam laughed.
Anna stood next to her mother as she looked at herself in the full length mirror. She was ready, the time fast approaching quarter past two. Fiona was a blubbering wreck, overwhelmed by how beautiful her daughter looked. Edith and Mary looked on, themselves resplendent in their red dresses.
'You look a picture, Anna,' Mary cooed, walking forwards to stand beside her friend. 'I'm so happy for you.'
'Thanks Mary,' Anna smiled as she turned to embrace her friend. 'For everything. And you Edith. You both look stunning and there's no one else I'd rather have with me at this moment. Well, except maybe for Sybil.'
'Girls, the cars are here.' Phillip shouted up the stairs.
'Edith, Mary. Would you mind giving myself and Anna a minute?' Fiona asked, gently stroking Anna's arm.
'Of course,' Mary smiled. She followed Edith out of the room, closing the door behind them. Anna turned to her mother. 'You look like a princess.'
'Oh Mum,' Anna felt her resolve breaking as Fiona took her hand.
'I can't believe you are getting married today, it only seems like yesterday you were putting on little shows with your brother for me and your Dad.' Fiona continued. 'You were such a happy little girl, singing all the time. Dancing.'
'I bullied Gary into those,' Anna laughed. 'We had such a happy home.'
'We did,' Fiona agreed. 'When I was young I used to think about the kind of children I'd have. I love your brother with all my heart but I always dreamed of a daughter. You were everything I dreamed you'd be and so much more. You've brought so much joy to my life, so much love.'
'Mum, stop...' Anna pleaded as a tear ran down her cheek. 'I'm going to wail like a baby in a minute.'
'I just needed to tell you that. I know I can be quite hard faced sometimes, and overwhelming. But it's only because I care so much and want what's best for you. I now realise that John is best for you.'
'He is,' Anna nodded. 'Hearing you say that means so much to me.'
'Fi, the driver is ready to take you and the girls.' Phillip called.
'Alright darling, we're coming.' Anna and Fiona stood up before embracing. 'I love you my darling.'
'I love you too, Mum.'
Walking down the stairs, Anna tried hard not to tread on her dress, Fiona lifting the train as they manoeuvred their way down. Phillip heard them coming and looked upwards, seeing his daughter dressed as the bride for the first time.
'Did you get the buttonholes to the boys alright?' Fiona asked. Phillip stood opened mouthed as the sight of his daughter. 'Phillip?'
'Yes, I did.' Phillip replied. 'Anna, my angel. I'm speechless.'
'Thanks Dad. And I must say I am relieved you are not in cream. Or wearing red shoes.'
'What?' Phillip asked confused before kissing his daughter on the cheek.
'Nothing, give us a twirl.' Anna said, smiling as she looked her father up and down. 'I love the tail coats.'
'Yeah, John picked it all himself.' Phillip nodded.
'I knew he wouldn't let me down,' Anna smiled, brushing some lint from one of her father's shoulders and straightening the red rose on his jacket.
'We best get moving, Fiona,' Mary said, she and Edith now carrying their bouquets of red roses.
'Yes,' Fiona said as Mary and Edith gave Anna some last words of encouragement.
'You look beautiful, my love,' Phillip said to his wife with a grin.
'Thank you, you don't scrub up too badly yourself. Get her to the church safely.'
'Of course I will,' Phillip smiled. 'See you there.'
Arriving at the church, John was surprised at the paparazzi who were gathered. They were twenty metres or so away, the police having set out barriers and closing off the road. As soon as he, Adam, Robert and Tom stepped out of their respective cars, flashes began to erupt around them. He could hear faint calls of 'John,' the photographers trying to get his attention. Turning to face them, he smiled briefly before walking into the church grounds.
'Damn paparazzi,' Robert said in a mock American accent, causing the others to laugh, easing the tension slightly. 'You alright, John?'
'Yeah,' John replied, none to convincingly as they made their way to the entrance to the church. John spotted his Irish relatives chatting with Cora, Sybil, Matthew and Tammy.
'Wow, look at you boys,' Cora cooed. 'So smart.'
Sybil greeted Tom with a kiss as Tom took Henry from her. 'Be careful he isn't sick on your suit.'
'Your Mum would be so proud, Johnny,' George said softly, patting the top of John's arm before looking at Adam. 'Proud of the both of you.'
'Yeah,' John nodded, looking to the heavens as thoughts of his mother invaded his memory. 'You guys sitting with Cora I take it?'
'Don't you worry your head about us,' Liz said in a thick Irish accent. 'We'll be fine. Just enjoy the day.'
'We'll go and get our seats then, shall we?' Matthew suggested to Cora, Sybil and their new friends from across the Irish sea. 'Tammy, you coming with us?'
Everyone looked to see Tammy and Adam a few paces away from them, talking intimately, their hands entwined.
'Hey, you two. There will be plenty of time for that later.' John called.
'Sorry,' Tammy replied as Adam lead her back to the others. 'Yes, I'll sit with you guys if that's okay.'
'Of course it is,' Cora smiled as she followed Matthew into the church.
Tammy walked on behind them, as did George, Liz and their three children. Everyone that John loved and cared for was here, it warmed his heart. Tom handed Henry back to Sybil before John gently ran an index finger over the little boys arm. Sybil reached up and kissed John on the cheek, then her father and Adam before making her own way into the church.
'Suppose we best get in position for when the other guests begin to turn up,' Robert suggested.
Cora reappeared out of the church with a cardboard box. 'Bride's family are sitting on the left, Grooms the right. Here are the order of services.' She thrust the box over to her husband.
'Right, Operation Usher is go.' Robert said, walking into the church with Tom, leaving Adam and John alone.
'I guess we should make our way in.'
'Adam. before we do,' John said, stopping his son by placing a hand on his wrist. 'I just want you to know that there is no one I would rather have standing beside me at this moment than you. No one I would rather have as my best man.'
'It's an honour.'
'Yeah but still. Thank you for agreeing to do it.'
'Don't mention it.'
'I'm so nervous. Not about marrying Anna, but about talking in front of everyone. I don't want to embarrass her.'
'Dad, stop being a douche. You'll be fine, I've got your back.' Adam replied before patting the breast pocket of his jacket. 'And the rings.'
The church was packed to the rafters, Adam and Sybil who was sat behind him playing spot the pop star. John stood nervously at the front of the church, occasionally pacing the floor and speaking intermittently to the guests who had approached him to wish him luck. Suddenly, the stream of guests flowing into the church eased and Tom and Robert made their way to the front of the altar.
'The bridesmaids have arrived,' Robert whispered to John.
'This is really happening,' John said, a broad smile spreading across his face.
'Of course it is pal, good luck.' Tom slapped John on the arm before joining Sybil and Henry in the pew behind Adam and John.
Cora suddenly appeared to stand beside her husband who was giving John some final words of encouragement. 'If anyone deserves some happiness, it's you John Bates. You saved my life, I shall never forget that.'
'I should hope not,' Cora interrupted. 'Good luck John.' She walked across the aisle to join Tammy and John's cousins, leaving the two men alone again.
'I would do it all again, you know that,' John said to Robert. 'You've been amazing to me and Adam. If I could have two best men, I would have done.'
'Nah, you had to pick your son. I understand that and am honoured to still be involved. Your my best mate and, well you know.' Robert punched John lightly on the shoulder.
'I know,' John nodded in acknowledgement before looking over Robert's shoulder to see Fiona fast approaching.
'Show time,' Robert whispered before turning to join Cora.
'John, you look so smart.'
'Thanks Fiona,' John smiled. 'You look lovely.'
'Bless you. She's here.' Fiona said, rather breathlessly. John felt his heart beat a little faster at those words. He grinned as Fiona kissed him on the cheek. 'Good luck and welcome to the family.'
'Fiona, we've saved the front pew for you and the bridesmaids,' Cora said, gesturing in front of her.
'Thank you, Cora.' Fiona moved away from John to take her seat as John sat beside his son.
'Here we go then,' Adam said, gently nudging his Dad in the ribs with his elbow.
'Yep,' John breathed.
John looked up to see the vicar looking towards the back of the church. Looking at John, the vicar gestured that Anna was ready.
'Would you please be upstanding,' the vicar requested.
The organ started not more than a heartbeat after the request was spoken. John swallowed hard, still looking straight ahead. Adam had already turned around and John looked at his son to see him smiling from ear to ear.
'Dad, you have to see. She looks incredible.'
John couldn't resist any longer. Turning his body so he had an unobstructed view of the aisle, his eyes were met with a sight he had to convince himself wasn't just a vision. There she was, his bride. Anna looked stunning, John was sure he had stopped breathing as she slowly made her way towards him.
'Wow,' he mouthed in her direction, Anna laughing softly as she registered what he had said.
Anna was holding on tightly to her Dad, feeling her legs would give way beneath her if she let go. John looked gorgeous, so well turned-out in his suit. He had his hair how she liked it, brushed to one side with not too much hair gel but enough to keep it in place. The tail coat accentuated the broad shoulders that she loved so much.
John wasn't able to take his eyes from her, burning the image of Anna walking down the aisle to his memory as she edged ever closer. Her dress was magnificent, floating down to the floor. Her hair beautifully cascaded over her shoulders, a few strands curled at the front. The veil and tiara made Anna look like a princess. The simplicity of her appearance left her looking so graceful, so elegant.
Their gazes now firmly locked on each other, Anna took the last few paces towards John before she was finally at his side. Turning to pass a beaming Mary her bouquet, Phillip gently kissed Anna on the cheek.
'Good luck, sweetheart,' he whispered before joining Fiona and the bridesmaids in the front pew.
Then all Anna could see was John. Standing beside him, she looked up into his adoring gaze and felt her knees weaken.
'Anna, I have no words.' John whispered, reaching down to gently rub her fingers with his own.
'The look on your face says it all,' Anna replied, squeezing his hand gently. 'Are you ready?'
'I've been ready for this moment since the first time I saw you.' John smiled before letting go of Anna's hand, even though it hurt to.
'Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today...'
The ceremony passed in a blur. Anna finally understood what people meant when they said to enjoy every moment because it passes by so quickly. John loved to see the band on Anna's ring finger finally cementing the fact she was his wife. Ever since he had placed it there he had held her left hand in his, every so often running his thumb over the metal, convincing himself it wasn't a dream. Anna surprised John with a choir that sang Beautiful Day by U2 as they walked back down the aisle once they had been pronounced man and wife. He had mentioned that song was one of his favourites when they had first started dating and it touched him that she had remembered.
'Did you plan this?' he whispered as they slowed their pace to listen as the choir sang the chorus.
'Might have,' Anna replied.
'You are perfect, do you know that?'
Once outside, the formalities of the photographs began. Anna had requested the official ones be taken when they were at the reception, these ones outside the church would be for her and John's personal collection. John laughed as he realised Anna had given the photographer a list of the pictures she wanted taken. She had thought of everything. Guests began to make their way to the reception venue as Anna made sure every photograph on her list was captured.
With the photographs all done, John and Anna exited the church grounds, the flashbulbs igniting once more. They stopped for a moment, looking at the gathered photographers before getting into the car. Robert had been asked to be the master of ceremonies at the reception, his job to introduce the bride and groom and the speeches. John and Anna remained in the car as the guests made their way into the marquee where the food would be served and the speeches would be taking place.
'Are you alright, Mrs Bates?' John asked.
'You've been dying to say that, haven't you?' Anna smirked.
'For about three years, yes.'
'Well, I've been dying to hear it.' Anna replied, leaning in to kiss her husband. They were interrupted by a tapping on the car window. John turned to see Robert standing outside the car.
'We're ready for you.' Robert shouted.
John and Anna got out of the car, John moved around to Anna's side to help her out before they followed Robert to the entrance to the marquee.
'Right, people will want to say congratulations and everything but the chef has requested we don't hang around too much or the salmon will dry out.' Robert informed them before disappearing through the door. Anna and John shared a look before smiling as they heard Robert's voice over the loud speaker system. 'Ladies and Gentleman, girls and boys. It is with great pleasure I present to you the Bride and Groom, Mr and Mrs John Bates.'
'I guess that's us,' John grinned.
'I guess it is.' Anna replied with a grin of her own, linking her arm through John's.
Once through the door, they were met with a wave of noise, cheering and clapping. Anna took it all in her stride, whereas John was quite overwhelmed by it all. He gripped Anna's hand tightly as various people approached them to offer them their best wishes. There were so many people. Who John would have to make a speech in front of. Suddenly, nerves got the better of him.
Anna had moved away from John, lost in conversation with some people she had invited whom he had never met. Sensing an opportunity, John made his excuses and walked to the edge of the marquee to get some space. Robert had noticed and followed his friend.
'Are you alright, mate?' Robert asked as he approached John.
'To be honest..' John began. 'No. I have to do my speech. In front of all those people.'
'Ahh, come on. It will be a doddle. It's time to sit for dinner, anyway.'
'Just give me a minute.'
'For God's sake John, man up.' Robert snapped. 'If it helps, just say your speech to Anna. Imagine it's just you and her. And no one else. You'll be fine, do it for your bride. I'll make sure the waiters give you extra champagne. Now come on, the beef and onion tartlets won't eat themselves.'
Robert was taking the role of Master of Ceremonies in his stride, and was all set to introduce Phillip first.
'Ladies and gentleman, show your appreciation for Phillip, the Father of the Bride.'
Phillip stood confidently, John envying the self assurance to his tone and appearance as he spoke. 'So many of you who know me knew I would be making a speech. So, to start with I'd like to thank you all for still coming along. I'll keep this short, I know you are dying to hear from the groom and best man. I am very proud to stand here today and see my beautiful daughter become somebody's wife. I don't see today as losing a daughter but gaining a son. And a car mechanic. Welcome to the family, John. And Adam as well, your gentleman of a son. The way you have raised him leaves myself and Fiona in no doubt that any grandchildren that may come along will be raised to become fine people, as well as being extremely lucky too.'
'Thanks Phillip.' John smiled.
'And now to Anna. She wanted to be something and went out and made it happen. I was just as proud of her when I saw her standing in front of a mirror singing into a hairbrush when she was kid, as I was when I saw her singing to thousands of people in a packed out arena. Being her Dad, I am always out to protect Anna but now she will turn to another man for love and protection. However, I want you to know Anna that I will always be here for you no matter what. You have made me and your mother happy in ways we will never be able to put into words. We wish you every happiness sweetheart and love you with all our hearts. Thank you.'
Anna stood to embrace her father, the guests gathered clapping as Robert was up like a whippet, quick to keep the festivities flowing. John laughed at his friend, his nerves easing a little at watching Robert desperate to fulfil the task bestowed to him to the best of his ability.
'Nice job, Phillip,' Robert said as applause was heard amongst the guests. 'It's all down hill from here as John is up next. We'll hear from the best man in due course, but now I shall introduce the man of the moment. He's a little nervous, so please keep the booing and yawning to a minimum. Ladies and gentleman, the Groom, Mr John Bates.'
John stood up as he was received by those gathered with claps and cheers of encouragement. Retrieval of his reading glasses from the inside pocket of his tailcoat caused wolf whistles and jeers to erupt amongst those congregated. He looked down at Anna, his beautiful bride. Reaching for her hand, more for reassurance than anything, he entwined her fingers with his own before reaching in his outside pocket for his speech. Laying the paper on the table in front of him, he looked up to view a sea of expectant faces, eyes focussed on him. The Crawley's were situated directly in front of the top table. Tom and Sybil were in the forefront of John's line of vision, Sybil sitting behind him with her arms wrapped around his shoulders. Tom was smiling from ear to ear, waiting to hear what the groom had to say. Then he looked to Cora, she meeting his eye contact with a warm nod of her head. John smiled at her before looking beyond Cora and noticing a table filled with recognisable faces. Although, not because he had ever met them, because the faces belonged to some of the most popular musical artists in the country. And suddenly, any nerves that were dwindling as a result of the encouraging looks from Cora were bubbling under the surface again. Then John felt a gentle tugging in his arm. Looking down, his eyes met Anna's and suddenly she was all he could see. She was looking concerned, knowing him like no one else could she could tell he was nervous. John realised he had to snap out of his daze and begin his speech. The expression of concern turned to encouragement as she smiled. Clearing his throat, he began.
'Firstly, thank you all for coming today.' John began. 'My wife and I...' Interrupted by a chorus of cheers at his words, Anna squeezed tightly on his hand to indicate she was thrilled with the enormity of what he had just said. She was finally his wife. The cheers died down as Anna gently kissed the back of John's hand, John raising his eyebrows at Anna indicating he understood it was the first time he had referred to Anna as his wife. However, his expression was also in mock annoyance at being interrupted, he was tense enough as it was. 'As I was saying, my wife and I are thrilled that you could all join us on our special day. I'd like to take this opportunity to say a special thank you to Phillip and Fiona, for welcoming me into their family and for allowing me to marry their perfect daughter. A special mention is reserved for the Bridesmaids, Edith and Mary who I think you will all agree look stunning. As for my best man and ushers, Ads, Robert and Tom. Don't worry, at least you tried.'
'Told you we should have gone for cream suits.' Robert called out.
'Over my dead body,' Anna retorted.
'It is an unwritten rule of wedding etiquette that the ushers should not be more handsome than the groom, so I'd like to thank Tom and Robert for upholding this tradition. The task given to them of showing people to their seats and handing out the order of service was an important task that only...' John looked up from his paper to look firstly at Tom then Robert. 'Well, let's be honest. A monkey could have done it but I want to thank you both for taking it seriously all the same. Thanks to both of you, with mates like you who needs enemies?'
'Anytime,' Robert rolled his eyes.
John felt his confidence grow as those gathered responded positively to what he was saying, his last joke being greeted with a sea of laughter. 'Before I move on to talk about my wonderful bride, I wanted to talk about my family. When I tell people it's just been me and Adam for as long as he can remember, that isn't strictly true. My parents, God bless them, are unable to be here today, however there are five people in this room who have been a family to me ever since I moved to Yorkshire. They welcomed me into their home with open arms on countless occasions, the man in the household at times has been my safety net, the person I turned to when things got tough. Robert and Cora, I owe you both so much. And your daughters, Mary, Edith and Sybil. You are my family, myself and Adam's love for you all is immeasurable. Thank you for just being there.'
'It's been our pleasure,' Cora replied. 'Really, it has.'
'And I suppose I should give special mention to the young lad sitting at the end of the table there,' John pointed at his son. 'He's growing into a young man before my very eyes. You've made me so very proud, Adam. You are my best friend and in the beginning, you were my salvation. Having to leave the fire service near on destroyed me. I tried to rebuild my life with the garage, and it was working but it wasn't until you arrived that things really started making sense. I suddenly had a purpose. My son needing and relying on me was the most overwhelming, beautiful feeling, yet at the same time I needed you just as much. We've had a fun sixteen years, me and you and I wouldn't have changed a minute of them for the world. We are both doing our own things now. I have a life to build with this gorgeous young lady sitting beside me, you are going to build a career many would be envious of. I wish you all the luck in the world, son. Remember to believe in the trusty Bates right foot and never give up. So, the first of my two toasts, I'd like to toast my son. Please raise your glasses for Chelsea's new star striker, Adam.'
'Adam,' the guests replied in unison as Adam nodded knowingly in his father's direction, the two of them sharing a silent link that could only be existent between a father and his son.
'And try not to embarrass me too much in your speech. Remember you shall remain in my house for a few more weeks yet.'
'I'll try,' Adam reassured his Dad, John smiling at his son before he continued his speech.
'So there we were, Adam and me. Getting along in life, The Crawley's supporting us along the way, then this young, beautiful, stunning pop star asks me if I would like a drink at a birthday party and my life hasn't been the same since.' John stopped to fix his gaze on Anna who was smiling broadly at him. 'Look at her. Isn't she beautiful? Now, I know what you're thinking. How did a greasy, middle aged car mechanic manage to get the nation's favourite female solo artist to fall in love with him?'
'We've all been wondering that...' Tom said in jest.
'The answer is, I don't know.' John shrugged, shaking his head. Turning his body so he was facing her, John took Anna's free hand in his so now he was holding both her hands. He decided in that moment no one else mattered, he needed to tell Anna how he was feeling, how much he loved her. Taking Robert's advice by the horns, he spoke to his Bride. 'But I thank my lucky stars every day that you did. I have tried to surmise how you and the fact that you are now my wife makes me feel. I have been trying to for weeks, even last night I sat up in bed and tried to put something down in words to say to everyone today. But I couldn't. So, I gave up and decided to say what came to my mind in this very moment. And to be honest, the only thing that comes to my mind is all my shortcomings. My appalling public speaking for starters, my nervousness. My self doubting which I know you hate. What did I ever do to deserve someone as confident, talented and perfect as you? I still can't believe it but every day you do something or say something that leaves me convinced of your love. Anna, I have many weaknesses but there are two that leave me helpless. Everything you say and everything you do. Yet, you are also the strength that helps me overcome the others. Wherever your life and career leads you now, I will be right beside you. I can't wait to grow old with you, or rather for you to catch me up...'
'Don't worry, Anna,' Tom interrupted. 'You have a long way to go to catch him up.'
'Thank you, Thomas,' John exhaled deeply before flashing a grin in his ushers direction. John raised his glass. 'Ladies and Gentleman, please stand and join me in a toast- to Anna.'
'To Anna.'
As everyone applauded John's words, Anna stood up and reaching up on her tiptoes, rested her arms on John's shoulders. He could feel the residue of a tear on her cheek as she rested her face against his. Anna whispered in John's ear. 'Believe it, because it's true. I'm your wife. I can't even begin to describe how ecstatic that makes me. I love you so very much.'
'I love you too,' John breathed, pulling away gently so he could brush his lips gently against Anna's.
'Okay everyone, settle down.' Robert was tapping his champagne flute with a fork to garner everyone's attention once more. 'Who knew John had it in him, eh? Anyway, onto the part of the day that everyone comes to the wedding for. No, it's not the ceremony or the food, we've had that. Or the disco, that's later. No, it's the time where the groom gets thoroughly embarrassed by the man who knows him best. And in this instance, I think it's fair to say the man in question knows John better than anybody, having lived with him all his life. Ladies and Gentleman, please put your hands together for John's son, Adam. The best man.'
Adam stood up confidently, reaching into his pocket for his speech, almost exactly mirroring his father's movements only a few moments before.
'Good afternoon everyone. I'd like to point out that I went to Robert, our MC today for advice on my speech. So, anyone who knows him will understand when I say I didn't listen to a word of it. For those who don't know me, my name is Adam and I'm delighted to be the best man at my father's wedding. As Robert highlighted, it is traditional at this point in the proceedings to bring up an embarrassing moment from the groom's past or to highlight a strange character trait so that you can have a laugh at his expense. However on the basis that Dad has got so much more on me than I have on him, in the interest of self preservation, I'm just going to skip that.'
'I like the sound of that.' John laughed.
'Truth is, without the man I simply wouldn't be in the position I am in. He took me in when I was barely a year old and even though I saw my mum occasionally, I was raised solely by him. We had support around us, I'll always be grateful to those people and they know who they are, but it was always me and Dad. Just the two of us and I had the happiest childhood you could imagine. Football in the garden was our favourite pastime for years and because of that I am about to try and make my dreams come true. I am going to have to work hard and I know that, but I wouldn't have that knowledge if it wasn't for my Dad. Thank you is just not good enough, I owe him so much more. If I could be half the man that he is in my eyes, I know I'll be able to face the challenges ahead.'
'You'll knock them dead, son,' John said, his voice breaking. 'I am so proud of you.'
'Thanks Dad, and that means the world to me. As Anna does to you. I'd be lying if I didn't feel threatened when Dad told me she was his girlfriend. Sure, he had been on dates in the past, those who know him can't forget the cat lady who he went out with a couple of times.'
'Who insisted he called her Tibbles?' Robert called out, as his memories of that short lived romance came to his mind.
'What happened to no embarrassing stories?' John said in protest before pointing at Adam. 'Do I have to tell the story about you on Bridlington beach?'
'As I was saying,' Adam said quickly, changing the subject. 'Dad had never had a proper girlfriend for as long as I could remember so Anna coming into our lives was quite a shock. I was used to having Dad's undivided attention. But the more I got to know her, the more I realised how much she loved my Dad and how happy she made him. At the end of the day, that was all I wanted. For him to be happy. However, not only does Anna bring happiness to my father's life, she has also brought a lot to mine. We've had many laughs together, mainly at Dad's expense but that's neither here nor there. I am truly blessed to have her as my step mum. Forgive me if I am jumping the gun here but any brothers and sisters that come along will be extremely lucky. Not only to have someone as wonderful as Anna for their mother and me as their brother, but also because their Dad will be the same as mine. And believe me when I say you could travel the whole world over and never find one better.'
'Your a good boy, Adam,' John said, biting down on his lip to try and keep his composure.
'So, I'd like you all to join me in yet another toast. 'For this one Dad has actually allowed me to have some alcohol,' Adam said, raising his glass. 'To my Step Mum and my Dad, I wish you every happiness because if anyone deserves it, it's the two of you. To the Bride and Groom.'
'I can't believe you were so nervous about your speech,' Robert laughed as he stood at the bar with John. 'It was a wonderful speech, delivered so beautifully.'
Tail coats long since discarded, the disco was in full swing. Anna was ruling the dance floor, her shoes kicked off and tiara and veil safely removed. She and John had shared their first dance to 'Everytime We Say Goodbye,' their song. Those gathered formed a circle around them as they swayed in time to the music, completely wrapped up in each other. The protective streak in John was also keeping an eye over Adam and Tammy, both sharing many slow dances throughout the evening. However, he mostly spent the evening catching up with friends and his family from Ireland. He danced more than he usually would at these sort of functions, Anna dragging him onto the dance floor on numerous occasions. Seeing her so happy made him burst with pride, that he could have something to do with the smile on her face overwhelmed him. As the night drew on, John became more and more aware that it would nearly be time to leave and finally get his new wife all to himself. Anna walked towards where John was sitting with Joseph and William. John looked up and smiled.
' Are you alright, my love?' John asked, standing up and wrapping his arms around her waist.
'I think I'm ready for us to make our exit. I've asked Robert to ask the DJ to play the last dance.' Anna explained. 'Have you saved your last dance for me?'
'Who else?' John smiled, gently brushing his lips against hers.
'Ladies and gentleman, the time has come where we have to say goodbye to the Bride and Groom.' the DJ announced. 'Will you please join Anna and John on the dance floor for their last dance.'
John led Anna into the middle of the floor as the opening notes of 'Wonderful Tonight' began to play. Other couples joined them as they began to move together. John looked beyond Anna to see Adam and Tammy dancing once again.
'Hey Adam, not too close.' John snapped.
'Oh, leave them John,' Anna asked, placing a hand on John's cheek to turn his face to look at her.
'Sorry.'
'Have you enjoyed today?' Anna asked as his gaze met hers.
'Yes, but all that matters to me is that you have.'
'Well, you're in luck. It's been a wonderful day, one I'll never forget.'
'I'm glad,' John breathed.
'But I'm looking forward to having you all to myself.'
'Me too,' John agreed. 'I love you, Mrs Bates.'
'I love you too.'
John sat with his back against the headboard, Anna between his legs and resting her back against him, the covers up to Anna's waist. Both were worn out from their exertions, John could feel the sweat that had accumulated on Anna's back on his chest. Their lovemaking had been slow, both exhausted from the events the day had brought yet both still wanting to consummate the change in their relationship. Their left hands were entwined, each wanting to feel the symbol of their marriage on the other. To make sure it wasn't a dream.
'I could fall asleep like this,' Anna sighed.
'Then why don't you?' John replied, kissing her lazily on the neck. 'I'm quite comfortable.'
'It's just, if I fall asleep this day will end and I'm not sure I want it to.'
'I know what you mean, but we have the rest of our lives together. And the honeymoon before that.'
'Barbados,' Anna cooed. 'Our own private villa and beach.'
'I can't wait,' John whispered. 'We can lay like this all day if we want to.'
'Hmm, I'd like that.'
'Do you have any idea how happy you've made me today? It will be my life's work to ensure your happiness. Nothing else matters to me.'
'But you have made me happy.' Anna replied before yawning, causing John to laugh.
'And I'm glad for it. But I want you to know I'm never going to take you for granted. In a crowded room, my eyes will search for yours. When we are walking down the street together, I will always make sure I am holding your hand. At night, I will hold you in my arms until you tell me to let go.'
'I love you, so much,' Anna said in response, lifting his hand to her mouth and kissing it gently. 'My husband.'
In the next instance, Anna had closed her eyes and rested her head back against John's shoulder. He stroked her arm gently as she drifted into sleep. John was reluctant to join her, wanting to watch her and hear her breathing as she slept perfectly in his arms. But in the end, tiredness got the better of him and he too fell into a peaceful sleep.
