A/N- Here it is, the last chapter. Lots of reviews, good or bad would be great please. *hint hint*

I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed writing this story. And most of that has been down to the wonderful reviews. Hearing someone praising your work is what encourages you to write more. I never intended this to last 29 chapters, yet here we are. I know there is so much more that could be done, and who knows I may come back to it in a little while. I am very excited about 'Living In Sin' (what a lame title) and if I get half of the kind words for that as I did for OOML, I will be very happy indeed. Thanks to anyone who has left a review or followed. It has meant a lot :)

A bit of smut towards the end, some very smutty conversation and all round fluffy happily married Bates. Hope you enjoy. An epilogue has been written which I am about to proof read, it may be up in a couple of hours or so, if not tomorrow. By the way, I have never been to Barbados so Google was my master.

Disclaimer: Same as previous chapters.


'I'm being serious, Adam. Behave yourself,' John warned his son.

'Oh, don't be too hard on him,' Sally interrupted as she arrived back with Tammy and Anna after the three of them had seen what Duty Free had to offer. After travelling from Yorkshire to fly from Heathrow, Sarah had decided to stay on in London a little longer, meaning Adam would be travelling back to stay in the States for a couple of weeks with Tammy and her mother. Anna and John had been married for a couple of days, and were about to embark on their honeymoon.

'Yeah, listen to Sal, Dad.' Adam joked, causing John to exhale deeply. 'You should be happy anyway, about to go off on your honeymoon. Barbados, you lucky sod.'

'He's right,' Anna said, slipping her arm through John's.

'Oh, look at the time,' Tammy said suddenly, looking at her watch. 'We better board.'

'Have a fabulous time, you too,' Sally smiled, kissing Anna on the cheek before squeezing John's arm. 'Congratulations again.'

'Thanks Sally. And for looking after Ads. I don't know what got into Sarah...'

'Don't mention it,' Sally interrupted. 'We don't want you getting angry again now, do we?'

'Thanks for having me, Mr Bates.' Tammy said politely, reaching up to kiss him on the cheek.

'I've told you before Tammy, it's John. And thank you for coming to the wedding.'

'Come on, Tam. Lets give Adam a minute with his Dad.' Sally said, leading her daughter away. 'Have a nice time in Barbados, y'all.'

'Will do, thanks Sally,' Anna called after them. 'Bye Tammy.'

The new family unit stood in silence for a moment, looking at each other before Adam broke the silence. 'You both know how happy I am for you. And that I love you both so much.'

'Yeah,' John smiled. 'We love you too.'

'Come here,' Anna exclaimed, throwing her arms around Adam.

'Take good care of him for me,' Adam said as Anna embraced him.

'Of course I will,' Anna replied, her voice breaking. 'You're a wonderful young man Adam, we'll see you when you get back.'

'You will,' Adam said, pulling away from Anna to look as his Dad. 'We'll have time before I head down to London for some practice in the garden. When we both get back?'

'You know it,' John nodded, holding his hand out for Adam to shake before Adam threw his arms around his Dad's shoulders.

'I meant every word of that speech, Dad.' Adam began. 'I owe everything to you.'

'Ads, you owe me nothing. I'd do it all over again a hundred times if I could. I treasure the bond we have and want to make sure you know I'll be here for you as long as you need me.'

'I know,' Adam replied as he moved away from his Dad. 'Now you best get moving before this turns into one of those soppy airport movie goodbyes.'

'He's good at those,' Anna joked. 'We wouldn't have got married if he wasn't.'

'So I'm a sentimental old fool,' John shrugged with a smile. 'What of it?'

'See you in a fortnight,' Adam laughed before joining Tammy and Sally at the departure gate.

'And then there were two,' Anna announced as she watched the three of them disappear into the departure lounge.

'Yeah,' John sighed, looking down at his wife of two days. 'Now Adam is off doing his own thing, I guess you're stuck with me. For good and proper. '

'Don't sound too thrilled at the prospect, will you?' Anna replied with a small chuckle.

'Darling, the thought of you beside me for the rest of my days fills my heart with joy, you know that.'

'Hmmm,' Anna narrowed her gaze at John. 'Do you know what would fill my heart with joy?'

'What's that?' John asked as he began to push their baggage trolley towards their own departure gate. Anna rested her hand on top of John's as she walked beside him.

'You treating me to some new sunglasses in that shop over there.'

'Anna, you have about six pairs of sunglasses in this here case.' John replied, tapping the top of Anna's luggage. 'Besides, you're the one with all the money. I am a humble car mechanic, you are a superstar singer.'

Almost as soon as the words were out of his mouth, Anna was approached by a group of twenty or so teenagers, obviously on their way on a school trip to somewhere or other. Instead of cursing the fact they would be delayed a few minutes whilst Anna stopped for photographs, John wondered why he had never been lucky enough to go on school trips abroad.

'You looked so beautiful in your wedding photos,' said one of the snotty nosed delinquents. John huffed as he looked up at the departure gate to fathom where the kids could possibly be going.

'Your wife is fit.'

John looked down to see one of the rabble had broken free from the rest of the group and was talking to him.

'Erm, thank you. I think?' John answered, slightly confused. 'Where are you and your pals off to, then?'

'Skiing in Vancouver,' the boy replied in a nonchalant manner. 'We went surfing in California last year, I'd much rather go back there.'

'Oh, would you,' John nodded, hardly believing his ears. 'When I was in all school all we got was a half day trip to a gorge or something.'

'A what?' the kid asked before blowing a bubble with the gum he had been chewing incessantly.

'Freddie, come on,' one of the other kids shouted at their friend.

'Laters,' Freddie said to John before running after the rest of the group.

'Ready to move on?' Anna asked, finally free of her adoring public. 'You know, I wish I had taken Steve up on his offer of chaperoning us until we were on the flight.'

'They are going to Vancouver, the lucky sods.' John said, watching them as they continued into the distance.

'That's very nice, you'd think a private villa in Barbados with your wife would be enough, but no...'

'No, I don't mean that. It's just, kids these days don't know how good they've got it.'

'Alright John, we could stand here in the airport discussing the ungratefulness of kids these days, or we could get to Barbados and find out what it's like to make love in a jacuzzi. The choice is yours.'

John looked at Anna, his eyes wide. He had made up his mind. 'Gate twelve was it?'


Anna didn't like to go on about how her talent had meant she was financially secure for the rest of her life, but she insisted when it came to her honeymoon with the man she loved, no expense be spared. She had had her heart set on Barbados pretty early on, Anna having visited as a teenager and deciding then and there this would be where she would bring her husband on their honeymoon. John being John, was adamant he would at least pay for half of the honeymoon. It didn't matter to him that the cost would be a drop in the ocean to Anna. As soon as Anna gave in to his demands, she immediately began looking at the cheaper accommodation. John noticed her actions, so decided he would book the honeymoon and pay for it all himself. And he wouldn't take no for an answer.

He had chosen a villa on Gibbs Beach that overlooked the Caribbean with their own private pool. They were close enough to the rest of civilisation to not want for anything, far enough away so they wouldn't be disturbed. Wanting this to be an experience Anna would never forget, the villa came with the services of their own personal chef. John had arranged that he would arrive each day to cook their evening meal, assuming he and Anna would be on the beach at that time or doing some sight seeing.

Arriving into Barbados at eight in the evening, sorting out the car rental was relatively easy before John tried to find the villa without a map. Luckily, Anna had thought to pick one up whilst John argued with the assistant in the car rental office that he wanted a red 4x4, rather than a blue one. The journey took just under an hour, Anna finding a radio station that only seemed to play reggae music as a peaceful ambiance to their twilight drive.

'So, what are the benefits of red over blue?' Anna asked cheekily as she ran her hand along the interior of the car they had rented.

'Red's just better,' John shrugged.

'It's because of United, isn't it?' Anna smirked.

'Maybe,' John replied.

'Honestly. I swear I will never understand men and the way their love for football affects there everyday decisions. '

'Then don't try to understand sweetheart, just love me for my little idiosyncrasies.'

Once they reached their villa, before John had even turned off the ignition, the newlyweds were greeted by a lady bounding out of the house, dressed in some kind of uniform.

'You must be Mr and Mrs Bates,' she said in a thick Caribbean accent. 'My name is Hattie, I will be looking after you whilst you are here.'

'Hello Hattie,' Anna smiled before taking in the sight of the villa before her. She was completely blown away by the magnitude of it all as John greeted Hattie and listened as she explained all the formalities.

'Now, here is your welcome pack. If you need anything my number is in there. We are based in the town five minutes drive from here. Now Jack, your chef...'

'We have our own chef?' Anna enthused.

John nodded, a smile on his face. 'We do indeed.'

'He has left you some menu's on the kitchen counter. He has been the chef at this Villa for over twenty years and is Barbadian born and bred. You don't need a travel guide with Jack around.'

'Excellent,' John announced.

Once Hattie had left, John insisted he give Anna a tour of the villa, despite the ten hour flight that they had just embarked on. It was now nearing half past ten and it had been a long day.

'John, I'm tired,' Anna moaned as John stood behind her and placed his arms around her waist. 'Show me our room then the rest of the place tomorrow?'

'Don't be a spoil sport,' John whispered in her ear as he shut the front door behind them.

He fumbled about for a light switch and within a few seconds the room was flooded with light. The living room and kitchen were revealed to them and it was luxurious. The kitchen was twice the size of John's at home, the living room adorned with beautiful paintings and full length windows which showed off the ocean view.

'I'm amazed,' Anna gasped. 'How on earth did you...'

'Ssssh,' John interrupted, taking her by the hand and leading her further into the room. Into the kitchen and around the corner there were doors that lead out onto their own private patio, complete with a swimming pool and adjoining Jacuzzi. 'I'm told the view from the balcony out here is breathtaking.'

Anna said nothing, following John as he lead her out of the kitchen, through the doors and onto the patio. Walking to the edge, there was a small fence with a gate in the middle. The gate lead the way to their own private path to the beach.

'John, this is all incredible,' Anna cooed as she looked out over the fence. 'I just can't believe we are here.'

'Believe,' John breathed, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind again. 'We are here for ten whole days. Just you and me.'

Anna hummed her approval before the two of them stood in silence, taking in the view before them. The beach was deserted, a boat sailing along it's merry way in the distance the only distraction.

'I can't wait to walk along that beach, hand in hand,' Anna whispered, kissing him on the cheek. 'But first things first, Mr Bates.'

Wriggling free from his grasp and walking back to the patio door, Anna looked back at John, a delicious smirk on her lips before she carried on into the villa. John followed eagerly, catching up with Anna as she reached the front door and picked up her suitcase.

'What do you have in mind, Mrs Bates?' He asked huskily as Anna stopped to look at him from the bottom stair which were situated by the door.

'Unpacking,' Anna replied as innocently as she could as John took hold of his own suitcase. 'What else would I possibly want to do right now?'

'I've got a few ideas,' John answered, raising his eyebrows at Anna.


The next few days were absolute heaven for John and Anna. They had barely left the villa the first couple of days, Hattie having made sure the kitchen was fully stocked meaning they had no need to. Jack had made his presence known, but had only been required to prepare a salad for dinner, John and Anna still trying to acclimatise to their surroundings. It was hot. Anna commented she had never seen John's legs in public before as they decided to venture out for a walk along the beach on their second evening.

Come the third day, they were much more used to their surroundings, deciding to ask Jack to prepare his Chicken Gumbo for dinner that evening. Driving the car for the first time since they had arrived, they travelled the short journey into nearby Bridgetown. John treated Anna to a bracelet from one of the stalls before he insisted they walk around the Barbados museum. He explained they should at least try and take in some local culture whilst here instead of whiling their honeymoon away in bed. Anna couldn't see the problem in spending the whole time in bed, John having to admit he saw little wrong in it either after much goading from his wife. But, all the same, it was interesting to see artefacts that gave an insight into the completely different way of life the people lead here.

However, most of their time was spent walking along the beach outside their villa, making the most of the seclusion it brought them. Resting under the shade of a palm tree, minutes would turn into hours as they discussed their future, each other's dreams, how happy they were that were finally husband and wife.

Making the most of the peace and tranquillity, Anna would find herself inspired and sketch down ideas for songs for her new album. Once back in England, she would only have a couple of months before she was due to start working on her fourth album. John took these opportunities to make use of the pool, or chat to their own personal chef. Jack was an extraordinary man, John would be hanging on his every word as he prepared dinner.

What Jack didn't know about Barbados wasn't worth knowing about. He shared with John all his knowledge on where to show Anna, as well as some secluded places on the beach where Jack knew they wouldn't be disturbed. It had been John's plan on their penultimate day to take Anna for a picnic on the beach, as he had done in California when they confirmed their engagement. Jack explained if they turned left when they left the villa, instead of right, a few minutes away was a small alcove where the two of them would be completely alone. John stopped Jack short before he described all of his conquests as he played the idea over in his mind. Jack had agreed to prepare the picnic, much to John's relief. His usual picnic supplier, Mary, was ten hours flight away in Yorkshire.

'John, don't we usually turn right here?' Anna asked as John lead her in the opposite direction.

'Usually,' John agreed. 'But not today.'

Anna said nothing, choosing to trust her husband as he lead her away from their villa. She couldn't help herself staring at him as he walked ahead of her. His legs were becoming quite tanned with all their exposure to the sun, John had practically lived in his shorts since they had arrived. The beige pair were Anna's favourites and he was wearing them today, along with a white t shirt. His sunglasses were atop his head, Anna looking up at his face furrowed in concentration. She felt her heart skip a beat, he really was handsome when he was focussed. God knows, she found him attractive all the time and the appeal was showing no signs of abating, even having been together three years and now being married.

Suddenly, a group of tall rocks came into view, a small alcove eroded into the cliff face just beyond them, exactly how Jack had described. A grin spread over John's face before he looked down at Anna.

'It's very secluded down here,' Anna remarked as they neared the rocks.

'Yes my love, that was rather the point.'

'Ahh, I get it,' Anna replied as John lead her by the hand around the first rock they came to. 'You're going to ply me with the wine I saw you put in that picnic basket then hope one thing leads to another...'

'The thought never entered my mind,' John said, his face completely dead pan as they reached the alcove.

Laying out the picnic blanket on the sand, making sure there was enough shade around them, John gestured for Anna to sit. She did as she was asked before John joined her.

'And it's not wine, it's champagne.' John pointed out as he reached for the bottle he had brought along.

'I hope you brought water along too,' Anna asked. 'We'll dehydrate otherwise.'

'You know how to kill the romance, don't you?' John whined before showing Anna a litre bottle of spring water.

'Just being practical,' Anna said, defending herself. 'Champagne, Mr Bates. What are we celebrating?'

'The fact that you've made the happiest man alive.' John answered as he opened the bottle.

'I can't believe we are going home tomorrow night.' Anna whined. 'It's gone so fast.'

'Yes, but it's been amazing, hasn't it?'

'I'll never forget it,' Anna smiled.

'The white beaches, the food, the sun shining every day...'

'Spending half of it in a four poster bed.'

'That too,' John replied without missing a beat. Their gaze met before the two of them began to laugh. 'I do love you.'

'I love you too,' Anna said, rising on all fours and crawling closer to John so she could meet his lips with her own in a kiss. 'Now, what's for lunch?'

With the picnic now demolished, Anna sat between John's legs and her back resting against the front of his body, hands entwined, the only sound the distance crash of the waves as they raced to the shore. Occasionally, John would kiss Anna's neck before moving down to her shoulder, Anna's gentle gasps stirring John's desire.

'John, I've been thinking.'

'Blimey, that's dangerous.'

'Hey,' Anna said, digging him in the ribs with her elbow. 'I'm trying to be serious for a moment.'

'Sorry,' John replied, stifling his laughter. 'What have you been thinking?'

'We're married now.'

'I had noticed, yes.'

'And what do married couples do?'

'Sweetheart, do I really need to answer that question?' John asked. 'You said yourself earlier we have spent half of our honeymoon sharing a four poster bed.'

'Exactly.'

John sighed, silence falling between him and Anna for a moment whilst he tried to work out what she was insinuating. 'I'm sorry, you're going to have to spell it out for me.'

'Babies.'

'Right...'

'Do you want to be a Daddy again?'

John was shocked into silence. He had always hoped the day would arrive where he and Anna would have this conversation yet now it was here he could scarcely believe it.

'Anna, now you are my wife there is nothing I want more.'

'I was hoping you'd say that,' Anna replied. 'Because I stopped taking my pill three weeks ago.'

'What?'

'Well, I'm not getting any younger and...'

'Anna, you are only thirty three. Wait till you reach your late forties, then come back to me about not getting any younger.'

'But you can have children right into your old age. Which is a good thing seeing as you are there already.'

'Thanks love.' John sighed.

'So you don't mind? We can start trying?'

'Mind? Of course I don't mind, Anna. You have already blessed my life by marrying me, anything else is a happy bonus.'

'I should have told you, but I can't wait for us to start a family. Or add to it anyway. To be blessed with a child would be beyond my wildest dreams.'

'And to be the man to give you that means more to me than you will ever know.'


After saying goodbye to Jack and thanking him for his delicious cuisine, promising they would be back, Anna and John sat on the patio that overlooked the ocean for one last time. Ten days had passed so quickly, the only saving grace was that once they were back home they had a week before John had told Tom he would be back at the garage.

Hands entwined as they sat together on a sun lounger, Anna found herself rubbing her thumb over the metal of John's wedding band. She sighed contentedly as he kissed her temple.

'You're very quiet, my love,' John murmured.

'Sorry,' Anna whispered. 'I don't think I've ever been so peaceful in all my life.'

'It's is beautiful here,' John agreed. 'The company isn't bad either.'

'Do you know something,' Anna said, sitting up to look at John. 'We have one last thing to do whilst we are here.'

'Well, we hardly have enough time now, do we?'

'No, we don't have to leave the villa to do this,' Anna smiled before nodding her head in the direction of the Jacuzzi which was situated behind the pool. 'We still haven't tried that thing out.'

Suddenly, John remembered Anna's proposition in the airport but had thought nothing more of it since. They had used the pool but the Jacuzzi had remained untouched. The grin Anna afforded John was nothing if not mischievous, how could he refuse her anything with that expression on her face?

Without another word, Anna was on her feet, moving at speed towards the tub, discarding her clothes as she moved. Once at her destination, she almost leapt in, John an open mouthed spectator as her flawless figure disappeared beneath the water. Fumbling with the controls, it wasn't long before the water that covered Anna's body began to bubble.

'Oh God,' Anna squealed. 'This feels fantastic. You have to join me, John.'

John rose to his feet and slowly treaded the decking beside the pool towards Anna, never averting his gaze from her. She was smiling wickedly at him, her naked skin now saturated as she ran the water all over herself. Removing his shirt, John kicked off his shoes before beginning on his shorts.

'It's a shame, I've loved seeing you in shorts all this week. I guess this will be the last time I see you wearing them for a while.'

'Unless the climate in England has changed dramatically, then I'm afraid so my love,' John replied before adding. 'I would have thought you would be more interested in what was underneath them.'

'Someone is very sure of themselves,' Anna teased, John now down to his boxer shorts.

'I've never heard you complain.' John raised his eyebrows before removing his underwear. 'You seemed very satisfied this afternoon on the beach. Twice, if memory serves.'

'Just shut up and join me in here.'

John did as he was instructed, after taking a couple of seconds to adjust to the sensations the bubbles flowing against him were having, he was reaching out for Anna.

'Sit with your back against the edge,' Anna said. 'I'll sit on your lap.'

As soon as their skin was touching, it was enough to drive John close to the edge as his lips immediately found Anna's neck, before moving down to her shoulders. No words were shared, their mutual gasps of appreciation said all that was needed. John's hands were all over Anna's body, her satisfaction his only concern as he cupped both of her breasts in each hand. Anna could feel John's desire, hot and aching against the bottom of her back. The natural urge to arch her own back into his touch meant her bottom would rhythmically rub against his hardness, causing John to groan out loud. The sensation of the bubbles around their naked bodies did nothing but accelerate the desire their touch was causing the other.

'Christ Anna,' John moaned. 'This would have to be one of your better ideas.'

Anna didn't respond with words, taking hold of one of John's hands and moving it down her body to where she so desperately wanted him to touch. John understood completely, parting her folds before gently pressing a finger inside Anna. She moved her hips to meet his fingers immediately, John's other hand teasing Anna's nipple with his thumb and forefinger.

'I know I've said it before but you feel incredible,' John growled in Anna's ear. 'You have no idea how beautiful you look to me right now.'

Something in his words, the frankness to his tone, made Anna want John more than ever. Before John had a chance to process what Anna was doing, he was enveloped in her, she manoeuvring her body so she could take him inside her from their current positions. In all the time they had been together, John had never made love to Anna in this position before, from behind her. It evoked new sensations within them that resulted in them both stilling their movements for a moment.

'Bloody hell, that was unexpected,' John gasped, wrapping an arm around Anna's waist to steady her.

'Is this okay?' Anna asked weakly, pressing her back into John's body.

'God yes,' John answered. 'If it is with you?'

Anna nodded, John kissing her on the temple for what seemed like the thousandth time. Anna longed to taste him, bending her neck and reaching for his lips with her own. John obliged his wife, meeting her lips, his tongue darting out to brush against her bottom lip. Anna allowed him access, their tongues tangling as John began to gently rock his hips. The movement caused Anna to groan, the sound lost with John's mouth on hers.

Her times with John had been wonderful, but he had never made Anna feel like this. He was so deep within her, he was invading her senses. All she could feel or hear was him as his hips settled into a steady rhythm. She began to experience the feelings that usually stirred within her as John drove her on to reach her end. However, the pleasure seemed somewhat heightened with the position they were in, and the vibrations of the bubbles hitting their skin. They had only been moving together for a couple of minutes, yet Anna was already close to letting go.

'Does that feel good?' John asked, Anna grinding down to meet his movements.

'Oh yes,' Anna groaned, unable to keep her emotions in check as she allowed the feelings he was inducing within her to completely take her over. In that next moment she was undone, John recognising the fact as he slowed down, allowing Anna time to enjoy the sensations flowing within her.

'Alright?' John enquired with a small laugh.

'Bloody hell, John. I've never come like that.'

'Yeah, it will be the bubbles,' John laughed, kissing Anna on the neck.

'No, it's all you,' she insisted, resting more solidly against him. 'Why have we never tried this way before?'

'Well, it is very enjoyable but I can see you very well like this.' John replied honestly. 'It feels amazing but I love to see your face.'

'Would you like me to turn around before we continue?' Anna asked.

'Please.'

Anna moved herself so she was straddling John. Leaning up to meet her lips, he was finally able to kiss her properly, deeply. With that grin on her lips again, Anna reached between them to take John's length in her hands. He was still hot and hard, clearly ready to continue what they had started.

'Shall we carry on?' Anna asked, raising her eyebrows at him.

John nodded, not averting his gaze from Anna's face as she ground down on top of him, filling herself with her husband once again.

'I'm sorry to be a disappointment sweetheart,' John began. 'But this may not take long.'

'You,' Anna said with a seductive lilt to her voice. 'Could never be a disappointment.'

Encouraging John to rock his hips once again, Anna leant forward and brushed her lips against John's, her hands exploring the coarse hair on his chest.

'Anna, you are so beautiful.'

'Just think, we've got a week at home before you are needed back at the garage,' Anna began. 'And Adam's not back until next weekend. Think of all the time we'll have to spend alone.'

'I'm guessing we'll not be leaving the house much,' John spluttered, his hips thrusting up to meet Anna's as she continued to grind down on him. His end was in sight as he placed one hand over Anna's breast, using his lips to take the nipple on the other in his mouth.

'Come on, Mr Bates,' Anna gasped, grinding down on him with a little more force.

In the next instant, John was jerking within Anna, his head resting against the edge of the Jacuzzi as he emptied himself within her. His thoughts almost immediately returned to his wife as John sat up and pulled her closer to him, their foreheads touching before John brushed his lips lightly against Anna's.

'Anna, you are beautiful,' John whispered. 'A more perfect woman never existed.'

'I love you.'

'I love you too.' John smiled. They sat in silence for a short time, their breathing slowing down to it's normal pace before John began to speak again. 'Sorry to kill the mood, Mrs Bates, but we have an early flight in the morning. Fancy drying each other off upstairs?'

'I think I could go for that.'


Once dry, John and Anna fell into bed, still naked as they clung to each other beneath the sheets. Although their honeymoon was coming to end, neither felt sad. A little disappointed perhaps, but the fact they had a lifetime of romantic getaways ahead was enough to comfort them.

'Maybe we should try the Seychelles next?' Anna suggested.

'Sweetheart, a weekend in Bognor would be enough for me. As long as we are together.'

'And that's all that matters, isn't it?' Anna agreed. 'As long as we are together.'

'You know, I never believed in soul mates and all of that.' John began. 'Until we met. Now I wonder how I ever got along in life without you.'

'Life without you doesn't bear thinking about.' Anna shuddered.

'Then don't think about it,' John replied. 'Sure, we'll have to go back to work again. I've got a garage to run, you've got an album to record, no doubt a tour to go on as well. But we've got so much ahead of us. Living together as husband and wife, starting a family, lots more trips away like this one. The rest of our lives with each other.'

'All that sounds wonderful John, for the simple fact I will be doing it all with you. And do you know something, Mr Bates?'

'What's that, Mrs Bates?'

'I can't wait to begin.'