A/N: Here we are, at long last - the final chapter of this story! What an adventure it's been, 35 chapters and over 260k words, I can hardly believe it. I can't say thank you enough to everyone who has been so kind to read and give lovely comments. I may have had this story mapped out in my mind but I couldn't have seen it through without such great and consistent support.

My first venture into modern AU territory has been brilliant fun, and I'm sure I'll be wandering back in the future (I may already have a couple of ideas for new stories in mind...).

I guess there's nothing left to do but to see what's in store for Anna and John...

Anna sighed with relief as she ended the call and put her phone down, content that everything was alright. She didn't work at weekends if she could help it but she still liked to keep her hand in, especially when big events were coming up. Madeleine was a star and she knew that with her at the helm very little was likely to go wrong.

It was still hard for her to fathom at times how much their humble little business had grown. In the past few years things had expanded quickly, and Downton Associates was now a team of twelve, operating from a new, significantly bigger office in the centre of London. When she had a few moments to herself to sit back and think about it, or as she lay in bed in the quiet of the night, it seemed absolutely amazing. In the beginning it had been just Mary and her, trying to make sense of everything as best they could. Before then, it was a dream that she often found herself wondering about but never really imagining it could ever happen, at least not so soon. Being at the head of her own company; it still seemed crazy. She couldn't stop herself from smiling as she recalled how the idea had been firmly planted in the first place. All it had taken was a few words from John. He had given her the confidence to pursue her dreams, and so much more besides.

She took one of the cookies from the plate laying on the table, devouring it quickly and frowning to realise that her mug of tea had gone cold while she had been talking. It would have been easy enough to make another, but she just didn't enjoy it the same when she made it for herself. Instead she got up, pouring the remnants away down the sink along with the crumbs that trailed on the table top. She snaffled another cookie before she emptied the kettle, opening the window blinds to let more of the light in.

The sun shone through immediately, warming her face even through the glass. It was a beautiful morning for the end of February, hardly a cloud obscuring the azure blue sky. Still, it would most likely be freezing outside, and by the time evening rolled around and the sun had set it definitely would be. She felt excitement bubbling up within her at the mere thought of later, not for the first time being very glad that she didn't have to be called in today.

Doing a little sweep around the kitchen, she found herself occupied with the very important matter of what she would wear that evening. She had a few things in mind that could work, but she hadn't gone shopping properly in so long. It made her sad for just a moment; she would have liked to have been able to get something special just for the occasion, but really she knew that it didn't matter too much. Having come to a standstill in the middle of the room, the dusting cloth held loosely in her hands as she stared into space, she knew it was time for a trip upstairs. To sort out once and for all her outfit was of course her main purpose, but the fact that her husband was currently up there didn't detract from things either. Six years on and she still felt utterly lovesick just with the thought of him. She supposed it was the same for everyone who was lucky enough to be married to their soulmate. Whenever he kissed her, lips dipping from her mouth and trailing down to her neck, he was only too keen to tell her about all the things she did to him. A faint blush covered her cheeks as her head was flooded with their many moments of passion; it had not worn off in all the time they had been married, if anything it had only grown stronger.

She paused on the staircase, nearly tripping over a stray toy that had been left balancing on one of the steps. Tutting to herself, her annoyance very quickly faded as she picked it up, stroking the felt of the stuffed elephant with the red bow tied neatly around its neck. Her smile turned soft and sentimental the longer she looked at it. Their house had never been quite the same since she had arrived, and it was amazing how someone so little could have turned everything upside down in such a short space of time. But it had been much longer than she almost realised now, and there was no doubt that both her and John would have had it any other way.

The sound of two voices met her before she made it all the way to the top, their conversation going back and forth in its rhythm, the difference in the cadence and pitch of their distinctive tones making Anna smile immediately. With the toy held in one hand, she stopped just outside of the door to the pink and lilac covered bedroom, able to steal enough of a glimpse of the scene inside.

"What about this, the stripey top and the denim skirt?" She recognised the vague weariness in John's voice as he attempted to bargain with their daughter, somewhat unsuccessfully it would seem.

"No, Daddy," her little voice was insistent, losing some of its softness. "I told you, I'm going to wear my princess dress."

Anna had to stifle a giggle, thinking that she had definitely inherited her stubbornness from her. From the both of them, she supposed.

No matter what the occasion, Immie always wanted to wear her 'princess dress', and had done for going on a year now. Really, it was a pink shimmery vest top that had been attached onto a tutu skirt, but she had loved it from the moment they had spotted it in the shop. Anna knew only too well the effort that it was to get her out of it and try to persuade her to wear something else, and too often she had given in to Immie's little smiles and glances just for an easy life. John said that she was too soft on her, but he had no room to talk; from the moment she had been born, Immie had him wrapped around her little finger, and he was too enamoured to ever complain about it. He was nothing short of wonderful with her, Anna's heart melting when she considered how close father and daughter were. He was certainly much better at playing her personal dresser, even if he did seem to be having a little more trouble than usual with the task right now. From here, Anna could see the various outfits that had been carefully laid out on the floor, Immie rejecting each one in turn as she spun around in circles. She was almost ashamed to admit it, but her daughter owned a far more extensive wardrobe than she did now.

John huffed a little sigh before he pressed on. "Okay then, mademoiselle, what do you think to this combo? Daisy dress, red tights and this exquisite navy blue cardigan." He paused as Immie was obviously giving it some thought. "All the princesses tell me that it's very chic."

"What's chic?" she replied in a puzzled squeak.

"It means that you look very pretty."

The note in her voice rose, beginning to brighten. "Like Mummy?"

"Exactly like Mummy," he affirmed, and Anna beamed a smile that couldn't be seen as she remained hidden from view. Words couldn't begin to describe the love she felt for the two of them.

There was silence, and then a pair of footsteps could be heard scurrying over the floor, Immie yelping with delight as John scooped her into his arms.

"I want to wear that, then," she said firmly.

"A fine choice, if I may say so. Now come on, sleepyhead, we best get you out of these pyjamas before your Mummy sees. You're getting as lazy as she is."

They had been married just under a year when they found out that she was pregnant. Anna still remembered the moment she had taken the test, John pacing outside their bathroom as she waited for the display to change to either positive or negative. Of course, they were overwhelmed with happiness. Though they hadn't been able to stay away from each other, Anna still found herself a little surprised. They both agreed that they wanted some time to enjoy one another and settle into married life first; there wasn't any big rush to hurry things along, Anna still being young and healthy. In some way, she wondered whether she was putting the decision off because of what had happened before. It had hardly been her fault when they lost the baby, yet the pain of the memory was still apparent and would never completely fade. They'd already had a child who they loved dearly, they just hadn't been able to meet them. John couldn't have been more supportive, telling her that they would try whenever she was ready. He admitted that he had never considered children being a part of his future before her, but after her there was no other picture that he could imagine. When the time was right, he'd be delighted to start preparing to be a father, and nothing gave him greater joy than the thought of Anna being a mother.

As it turned out, they hadn't planned on it happening so soon. But neither could deny their joy, and they both knew that it felt right. The first three months were full of trepidation as well as excitement, and they kept the news to themselves until Anna had her 12 week scan, having already had one a couple of weeks previous as a precaution. She had clung onto John's hand, locking her eyes with his as the doctor prepared her, offering a silent prayer that everything would be alright. They were both relieved when they were given the news that the baby was developing normally, and so there was no reason why the pregnancy wouldn't continue to go smoothly. As the picture on the screen became clearer, they were able to make out a tiny shape. The sound of the baby's heartbeat was much stronger to discern, and John squeezed Anna's hand in his, tears forming in both their eyes as everything suddenly became so real.

Eventually they could keep the secret no longer, and they began to let people know, their happiness growing as others shared in it. Anna thought that her mother might have broke the sound barrier and been heard in space when she told her that she was to be a grandmother for the first time. Hearing Susan so overjoyed made John mourn the fact that his mother would never know his child, knowing it was something she wished so much to see throughout her life, but Anna soon made him smile again when she said that she was sure that she knew and was watching over them somewhere. Of everyone, it was only Mary who was a little less forthcoming with good wishes; her wedding was coming up in April and with Sybil already the size of a house, she wasn't best pleased at the prospect of having to let go of another bridesmaid. There wasn't a problem as Anna had only just started to show at that point, and when she knew that she would still be able to fit into her dress, Mary joined in with the celebrations. Throughout the day, John's eyes remained on Anna, revelling in how gorgeous she looked and grinning when he saw the tiny bump emerging beneath the peach satin. As they danced at a more sedate pace than the rest, his hand dipped down to cradle her stomach, and the look in Anna's eyes as she gazed up at him left him dumbfounded. She held his palm in place, covering it with her own as they swayed softly to With or Without You.

The months seemed to pass by in a blur, but didn't move so fast that they couldn't appreciate everything that was taking place, although Anna wasn't sure how much she appreciated swollen ankles and feeling almost unbearably hot all the time. Despite John's fretting, she managed to work without any problems up until the seventh month when it had been agreed she would start her maternity leave. Every day when he got home from work, he would come bearing a newly bought babygro or teddy bear until they had amassed quite the collection. Anna smiled at the fact that he never forgot her either, bringing her her favourite double chocolate chip cookies and bath products so she could pamper herself. However, what she loved the most was the sweet kisses that poured from his lips to hers. He would settle on the floor while she laid out on the couch, talking and reading to her bump with the most loving voice, and then later laying his mouth over the swell of her stomach, covering it with kiss after gentle kiss to convey how they were both so adored by him. She was so big when her birthday celebrations that doubled as a baby shower came around, and sighed with relief when the cool nightdress was on her, shuffling across their room to climb into bed. The August night was muggy, but it didn't matter too much to Anna as she didn't get much sleep at this stage anyway, so they spent the hours inbetween drowsy slumber talking.

"You're certain that you don't want to know?" John pondered, his hand idly drifting over her stomach. Only the slightest touch from him would send the baby jumping and wriggling inside her, and she knew that it would be smitten with its dad from the very first moment it came into the world.

"We agreed that we wouldn't find out," Anna turned her head, shooting him a reproving look from the pillow. "John Bates, if I find out you've been sneaking bribes to the doctor…"

He chuckled heartily, kissing her cheek when he had calmed.

"I swear that I haven't. I'm just wondering, that's all. It's all that I can think about. Besides how absolutely beautiful you look."

Anna clicked her tongue against her cheek, feeling that she was anything but, yet she knew that John wasn't telling a lie.

"Me too," she confided, her mind starting to wander. "But we've come this far without knowing. It might as well stay a surprise."

He gave her an eye-crinkling smile, expectant joy spreading over his face. As Anna began to shift to find a more comfortable position, he moved too to accommodate her.

"Whether it's a boy or a girl, I'm sure they'll be into football," Anna reached her hand down to cover his where it lay, feeling the baby thump powerfully. "They just won't stop kicking. Especially when you're around."

"That's my girl," John grinned, before he quickly amended, "Or my boy."

She narrowed her eyes towards him while he remained perfectly innocent. "Are you sure you don't know something?"

"Cross my heart."

Just weeks later while they had been lying in the same way, Anna felt a series of tightening pains stretch around her stomach, and though she'd never experienced them before she knew that her contractions had started. Having borrowed one of Robert's cars over two months ago in case of any eventuality, John made sure everything was packed and ready before they drove off to the hospital at nearing on four in the morning. She was only a couple of days past her due date and everything was going to plan. Thankfully there was no trouble with her labour, only that it was exceptionally long. It went on and on, and poor Anna was entering her twenty second hour of labour when things finally moved along to a greater degree. It pained John to witness his wife in so much agony, scrunching up her face tightly, clutching the bed and letting out blood-curdling howls every few minutes.

"It's alright, my darling," he said soothingly, rubbing the top of her back in circles. "You're doing brilliantly. I'm so proud of you."

"Remember to keep taking little breaths, Anna," the midwife said from the foot of the bed. "We don't want you or the baby to be tired out."

Anna consciously relaxed herself; the idea that the baby might have been getting distressed made her strive to calm down. Her hand hovered in the air, and John took it straight away, offering her all the comfort he could.

"Okay, Anna, I think the time has come to start pushing."

She did as she was told, pushing with all of her might, taking the breaks in between, but it all seemed to no avail. Anna began to whimper and cry in frustration more after each failed effort. She had lost count of how many times the midwife told her it would only take one more push, and now she'd gone past the point of believing.

"John," she uttered in an exhausted rasp, pulling her head up to look at her husband. "I can't do this anymore. I can't do it."

"You can do anything," he whispered to her, pressing a kiss to her temple that was slick with sweat. "I've always believed in you, and I believe in you now more than ever."

She was able to smile at his words through her tiredness and pain.

"Just a bit more, love, I promise."

He laid another kiss on her forehead before she began to push again and it only took minutes for it to be done. She felt her heart soar when she heard the tiny cry filling the room, progressively getting louder. Through her exhaustion, she took in John's voice next to her ear, his hand still holding onto hers.

"She's here, love, it's a little girl." He sounded as though he was barely keeping it together, ready to burst into tears of joy at what he was saying. "We've got a daughter."

Anna felt complete when the baby was placed against her, her warm head with a small amount of fair fuzz nuzzling against her chest. She wasn't able to tear her eyes away from their tiny daughter, her palm held against her back and then moving up to smooth her hair. She was so soft, so real. John's hand came down to gently stroke the baby's face, and she was astounded. It wasn't a dream, they really were parents.

She was given her name not long after she was born. Imogen Kathleen Bates. Anna knew immediately that if their child was a girl she would have John's mother's name as part of her own, as a gift. Imogen was simply a name that they both liked when they were going through long lists, and when she opened her eyes to reveal their hazel colour which only belonged to one other person in the world, it seemed she liked it too.

"God, Anna, she's beautiful," he breathed later as he cradled Imogen in his arms with all the delicacy in the world. Anna felt there was no better sight in the world than seeing John hold their daughter, he looked so natural. "How am I partly responsible for creating someone so perfect?"

The smile wouldn't leave her face; already he was completely besotted.

"It's because you are perfect," she responded, still feeling hazy though she'd managed to have a little sleep. "Both of you are the most perfect things in the world to me, and I love you both so much."

John smiled a wide grin, placing a kiss on Imogen's head as she wriggled a little and then following suit with a light kiss to Anna's lips. "I love you, my darling. Thank you so much for her." His warm gaze flitted between the two of them, hardly believing that it was all real but knowing with the weight resting in his arms that it was, perfectly. "I'd give up my life to protect you both. My two marvellous girls."

Tears filled Anna's eyes at his vow, and as he settled himself at her bedside he kissed the one that streamed down her cheek away.

After a little while, a curious glint came into Anna's eyes as she rested upon the pillows, pondering. John was staring down at Imogen, gasping in a breath as she grabbed onto one of his fingers.

"Are you certain that you didn't know?" she asked, keen to quell her wonderings. "That one night, you said…"

"I know better than to go against you," he let out a rumble of a laugh, careful not to wake Imogen as she had just began to doze again. "I just always wanted a little girl. And then when I thought about a little girl that looked like you, I couldn't imagine anything more wonderful."

Her husband was truly perfect.

"And now," he paused to gaze down at their sleeping daughter before locking eyes with Anna again, "we have her."

When they brought Imogen home, they grew even more enthralled. Anna longed to hold her daughter every moment of the day, to cuddle her close and breathe in that intoxicating baby scent, and they would take it in turns to stand over her crib, keeping a close and careful eye on her while she slept. Often they would do so together, hands entwined and not making so much as a sound as they watched her little chest rise and fall regularly, her tiny fists balling against the blanket that had been especially made by Elsie Hughes, who always kept in touch.

Anna would never forget one night, a few months after Imogen's birth. She had got up to give Imogen her scheduled feed, softly padding into the room so as not to disturb her. Fear rifled through her when she discovered the crib empty, until she realised in the next moment that she herself had woken up alone. Heading downstairs, the smile took over her face as she saw the image that melted her completely, one that she would treasure for the rest of her life. John sat with his head resting on the back of the sofa softly snoring, the near empty bottle perched on the cushion next to him and Imogen laid snuggled on top of his chest being lulled by his breathing, his large hands holding her securely in place. Both were so peaceful and absolutely perfect, the sheer difference in their size taking Anna's breath away. She wanted to stay and watch forever, but the pull was too strong.

Keeping her steps cautious, she went over and dipped to kiss Imogen's soft head, holding her hair back against herself. Her eyes lingered a while on their daughter before they trailed upwards. Running her fingers over his jaw, she watched John stir without waking, remembering every single second of how she had fallen in love with him.

As she lay a kiss against his forehead, she thanked him for making her fall in love all over again.

The room had stayed quiet for minutes as John got Immie dressed with very minimal fuss, every now and then Anna being able to distinguish quiet little giggles coming from their daughter as John must have been sharing jokes to amuse her.

"There we go, all done," his voice piped up to break the silence. "May I have a twirl?"

Anna saw a blur of a small figure whirling around as she peered at the door.

"Absolutely wonderful. Are you sure you're not a model sent over from the catwalks of Paris?"

"Daddy, you're silly," Immie chided her father in a gleeful voice.

"Not as silly as Mr Tickle Bear. And look, I think he may just have come to visit…"

Immie's laughter grew louder and more uncontrollable, Anna finding it completely infectious as she started to softly laugh at the scene herself. She couldn't be separated from the pair of them any longer, and walked in to find Immie squirming all over the place as she tried to escape her father's tickles. She managed to stop her own giggling long enough to speak.

"I can't leave you two alone for five minutes."

Immie's blonde hair whipped as she turned her head around, running out of John's hands when she heard her mother's voice.

"Mummy!"

She squealed with delight, and Anna braced herself for the assault on her legs, Immie bracing her hands around her mother's jeans.

"Hello, sweetpea," Anna trilled as she lifted her daughter into her arms, always finding it a surprise to discover how heavy she was getting now. Still, she was nearly four and a half, and not a baby any more, as Immie was so often fond of telling her. They were raising a headstrong little girl, but she still had her moments when she would go as shy and quiet as a mouse, often when in the company of others. "Don't you look so pretty?"

"Daddy chose it for me," Immie announced, a hand proudly smoothing the collar of her dress. "And he let me sleep in too."

"Well, aren't you lucky?"

Anna gave John a mildly disapproving look when she saw him slowly getting up from where he had been kneeling heavily on the floor, knowing that his knee wouldn't thank him for it later. In the next moment her look had changed as he flashed a completely disarming smile towards her, the adoration for their daughter written all over him. She felt her heart warm every time.

Immie was getting restless in her grasp, her little hand moving to stroke Anna's hair; she had a mild fascination with it, inherited from her father.

"You'll get to play with Ciara, George and Grace today," Anna commented, thinking of the Crawley brood that was about to get bigger with Sybil's and Mary's second babies imminently due to arrive.

Immie smiled in return, her mother's words seeming to only just remind her of the day that lay ahead.

"Mummy, George is my boyfriend now," she confided in a quiet whisper, which hadn't gone unheard by John.

"Oh, is he now? Well, I might just have to have a word with young Master Crawley."

"John, he's three and a half," Anna remarked, swaying Immie as he continued to look unimpressed. George had taken to following Immie around whenever they were all together, and she had decided to take advantage of it. Already she was giving her father sleepless nights of worry, but Anna did her best to keep them at bay, distracting her husband in other ways that he always gave into.

He broke into a smile the longer her eyes stayed upon him, realising how overprotective he was being. Anna knew how precious Immie was to John, him possessing so much love for the daughter he thought he would never have. She had so many of his traits mixed with her own too, and they would always be head over heels for their little girl. Watching his gaze soften further by the second, his eyes trained upon both of them, Anna could have revelled in kissing the grin clean from his face.

Immie's hand tugging upon the shoulder of her jumper brought Anna out of the reverie she had slipped into.

"Show me the dress, Mummy," the familiar pleas tumbled from their daughter's little rosebud mouth. "Peas."

Anna smiled, knowing she'd miss the cute mispronunciations when Immie finally got a full grasp on the English language. Her princess obsession had made her fixated with what she called her mother's 'princess dress' – her actual wedding dress, in its pale turquoise hues with its delicate fabric and frills. Since she had become aware of it, Immie had made Anna parade in it several times, gasping and clapping in delight when she saw it, and Anna was very pleasantly surprised that she had still been able to fit into it, only having to leave the zip down just a tiny bit. On Immie's last princess-themed birthday she'd worn it all day for the party and beyond, catching herself smiling every now and then when she was reminded of the last time she had had it on for so long.

"It's up in the attic, sweetie," Anna's heart cracked a little when she saw Immie's face fall. "But you can see the picture."

Turning to take Immie into their bedroom, she smiled when she found John there, already one step ahead of her and having retrieved the picture in its frame. Their fingers brushed as she took it from his hand, electricity coursing through her veins with his slightest touch.

Immie's amazed gasps emerged as she stared down at the image, Anna laughing softly as she watched their daughter, John stroking back the stray strands of hair that obscured Immie's vision.

"That's the day that I married Mummy," John uttered into Immie's little shell ear while he looked into the reflection of them on that day, the landscape of the Scottish mountains their background, both of them wearing wide and happy smiles, the wind lifting Anna's hair up at its curled ends. "The best day of my life, before you came along."

"You look just like a princess, Mummy," Immie exclaimed, her gap-toothed smile beaming up at Anna. "And Daddy is your prince."

Anna and John shared a smile at their daughter's observation, his slightly more disbelieving which made her shake her head softly.

"Daddy was more like my knight in shining armour," she replied, smiling as she thought back to that day all those years ago, that wonderful twist of fate that had started everything for them.

As she caught John's smile in reply, Immie shot up a puzzled expression.

"What's shining armour?"

"I'll tell you a story about the knight and the most beautiful princess on the way," John interjected, making Anna grin.

"And we'd better do your hair before then," she suddenly remembered herself, glancing at Immie's golden but slightly dishevelled locks. "Plaits or bunches?"

Immie placed a thoughtful finger on her lips before giving her answer. "Plaits, peas."

"Okie dokie," Anna replied, kissing Immie on the cheek and making her giggle.

Before she turned to take Immie downstairs she caught a last look of John, smiling as he mouthed "I love you" towards her.

Her heart sped up as she mouthed the words straight back.

Smoothing her hands against the black chiffon dress, Anna took a look at herself, tucking a few strands of hair behind her ear before she brought it forward again. All the early mornings, late nights and worries both expected and unexpected that motherhood had brought had been weathered well, and she hadn't really changed that much in the past few years, except that she thought she looked permanently tired. Still, concealer existed for a number of reasons and it had been put to good use. She'd kept her make-up fairly simple, enhancing her eyes and slicking on some lipgloss that just added to the natural colour of her lips. Reaching across to her jewellery box she slid on a bangle that John had bought her after Imogen's birth, and then fixed the white-gold knotted studs to her ears one after the other.

Hearing his footsteps pad into the room, she smiled when she saw him appear in the reflection of the mirror, and made to turn herself around to face him.

"Stay right where you are," he uttered, pointing towards her through the mirror.

In seconds he was behind her, his front pressing snugly to her back, arms wrapped about her waist. Anna began to giggle and then sighed softly as John's lips covered a trail down her neck. One of her hands went to the back of his neck, brushing his hairline, while the other reached to cover his, his wedding band pressing against her palm.

"I don't really know about this dress, but it's the only one that seems to go. And seems to fit," she exhaled, finding it increasingly hard to complain against the movement of his mouth upon her.

John lifted his head, speaking before she could voice her disappointment at the sudden absence of his lips on her skin.

"You look great," he affirmed, deep hazel eyes raking over her. "A million times better than that. You, Mrs Bates, are an absolute knockout. You're so far out of my league it's unbelievable."

She tutted as his hands hugged round her closer, a tender palm cupping her stomach that couldn't really be seen underneath the billowing dress, though they both knew and were unable to stop smiling about the fact.

When Imogen had turned two, Anna decided that it was only right that she should have a sibling. Being so smitten with his daughter, John didn't require much persuading, and both were excited about the prospect of adding to their family. However, things hadn't been that easy. Months passed, and then months turned into years, and there was no sign of a pregnancy despite all of their efforts, sometimes more than once throughout the day. Anna wondered if something had gone wrong, but visits to the doctor and then the hospital showed no signs of concern. Perhaps another child just simply wasn't meant to be for them; their little girl already gave them enough joy that they could never be disheartened. They'd almost given up hope when for more than one day familiar symptoms began to afflict her, and it was just before Christmas when the doctor confirmed it. Anna couldn't have asked for a better present.

They had told Immie that she would have a little brother or sister soon enough, and while at first she was more interested in the doll John had bought to sweeten her in case any tantrums had occurred she had become more aware and excited in the last few weeks, taking great pride in telling anyone and everyone that she was going to be a big sister. But most excited of them all was John, and Anna found it unbearably adorable that a man who usually liked to keep himself to himself could hardly contain his joy at the news he would be a father again. As she had started to show again, he resumed his former habit of cradling his hand with the utmost care and gentleness over her bump, worshipping the place where she was carrying their child, another sign which proved to the world just how much in love they were and remained to be.

He continued to hold his hand there now, a growing grin spreading across his face that Anna found irresistible. She shifted to be enveloped even closer in his embrace and felt that every part of her was utterly loved, regardless of how much more she was going to change in the coming months.

"God, what if it's a boy this time?" It was as though the 50-50 fact had only just occurred to John, and he was shocked to the core by it. "All the experience I have is with girls, I won't have the slightest clue what to do."

"Not the slightest clue?" Anna replied, quirking her eyebrows and then dissolving into giggles, feeling John shaking against her as he promptly did the same. "You can take him to the football, and the rugby, and do everything a little boy wants his dad to do, naturally. You'll be a perfect role model."

"You have such faith in me," he said, still seeming astounded by it, pressing a light kiss to her cheek.

"It's because I believe in you, and I always have."

She echoed his words from years ago back to him effortlessly, smiling as she earned more kisses from him, turning around in his arms to meet his lips with her own deeply and slowly. Looping her arms around his shoulders, she drank every sensation in, mapping him beneath her fingertips, only opening her eyes long seconds after the kiss had come to an end.

"I hope it is a boy," she breathed, gazing up into his eyes, smoothing back the hair she had just ruffled and almost losing herself. "I want him to be exactly like you. Have your hair, your eyes, every aspect of your personality."

"Poor little thing."

Anna sidestepped his self-deprecation. "I hope he ends up towering over me, and that I'll need to stand on a stepladder to fix his hair. Because I'm definitely going to shrink as I get older."

He smirked before brushing her lips with his lightly again. "Getting a bit ahead of yourself, aren't you?"

She laughed as she slid her hands down his body, meeting them around his middle. It was something that wasn't hard to do given how quickly the last six years had gone by. There had been so many wonderful moments as they lived their lives together, always taking the time to know just how special they were and always knowing that their love would endure. With each other's support and encouragement they had achieved things that they had never thought would be possible. Anna had overcome her fears and started taking driving lessons, with John acting as her instructor for additional sessions, and last year passed her test on the second attempt. With the news of Imogen's birth, John's brothers had been in touch on a more regular basis and the bonds that had once been so strong were built up again. So far they had been for two trips over to Ireland, Imogen meeting all of her cousins and the families finally reconnecting. Anna loved visiting all of the places from John's childhood, and clung onto his hand, holding him and kissing away the tears that flowed when they had made the pilgrimage to his mother's grave. Together they could face anything, and were truly unbreakable.

Anna smiled against John's chest as the memories flowed through her head, remaining as vivid as they had been when they were first made. If someone gave her the choice, she'd do it all again, no questions asked. Sometimes she wished that she could, to experience that rush she first felt laying eyes on John, when he felt so far out of her reach. But then she knew that nothing could be sweeter than all that they shared right now.

"You do think she'll be alright tonight, don't you?" She tried not to sound too anxious, not wanting to be one of those desperately clingy mothers. "I know she can be an independent little thing, but before she told me that we should have a lovely time tonight she said that she'd miss us."

"Bless her heart. She gets that from you." John smiled deep into her eyes, sweeping back some of her hair. His hand then rested upon her shoulder, his touch soothing and aiming to rub the tension away. "She'll be more than fine. She's had all day at Rob and Cora's with the other kids, and that's probably worn her out. And you know that Charles and Elsie will be spoiling her rotten."

Anna had to grin, knowing how excited the older couple were to take the short trip over to London from Scotland. Though Imogen only had one surviving grandparent, she was lucky enough to have three sets of godparents and most certainly was not short of love and affection.

"Besides," he purred the last syllable, his palms on her back bringing her in closer, "a whole night to ourselves. That is a rare and precious commodity these days."

"I'll say," Anna's eyes lit up at the prospect as she ran one hand languidly up and down his chest. "Just so long as it doesn't end up as disastrous as last year."

She could hardly stifle her giggles as John looked momentarily miffed, the memory of their last anniversary celebration coming back to them. Bless him, he had worked so hard on everything only for it to slowly unravel due to factors beyond his control. And yet they'd still managed to enjoy themselves very well indeed.

"I can assure you, Mrs Bates, that I'm keeping things simple this time around." There was an assured glint in his eyes that gave her no reason whatsoever to doubt him. "And if it does go wrong, then we always have the morning too." He could hardly keep the yearning out of his voice, sounding deliciously mischievous. "Charles said they're not bringing Immie back until after midday."

"Mmm, a lie-in," Anna said dreamily, watching John's gaze spark further. "I might just sleep until half eleven or so, catch up on what I've missed."

"That's not exactly what I had in mind," he replied in a seductive tone, trailing his fingertips up her sides and then starting to laugh as Anna did too. They'd always been comfortable around each other, but now were at a whole new level of gently teasing each other, knowing they would always be of the same mind in the end.

"I look forward to finding out whatever it is you're thinking of, Mr Bates."

She smiled up at him after they shared another surprisingly chaste kiss, loving the drift of his fingers against her cheek. Her own hand had dropped down to rest over the fabric that covered her stomach and as she continued to feel, her expression became more thoughtful.

John noticed the change in her before she did and his shoulders tightened, his overprotective instincts kicking in in a split second.

"What is it?"

"Nothing," she replied in an easier tone, smiling again to relieve his worries. "It's just that I've noticed…well, I seem to be a little bit big for four months. Definitely bigger than I was with Immie."

She frowned for a moment, wondering whether it was just a sign of getting older and perhaps not being quite as lithe as she used to be. A thought occurred to her which she hadn't given much credit to until now, and wasn't sure whether she still would.

"There aren't any twins in your family, are there?" she finally gave it voice, considering that it wouldn't be the worst thing.

John was grinning at her through the mirror, her having turned again to examine the shape of her growing bump more closely. "My grandmother on my mother's side was a twin. Didn't I ever tell you that?"

"No, funnily enough you didn't."

She didn't do a very good job of sounding as though she was mad at him, smirking as she started to get rather excited by the idea of two babies instead of one. As she turned to look at John full in the face again, she could see that he was thinking the same.

"I suppose we'll just have to be patient and wait for the 20 week scan," she sighed, rubbing her hand over her stomach, eager to know straight away. There was only five months, not that much time to plan for two new arrivals, if it really was the case.

Reaching out, John took her other hand in his, Anna smiling as he linked their fingers tightly together.

"Let's just think about tonight for the time being," he said, beginning to pull her feet lightly along their bedroom floor.

She took him in from head to toe, appreciating fully how good he looked in his dark grey suit and black shirt, left without a tie. As he turned around for a moment, she sneaked a not so subtle glance at his backside, blushing a little when he caught her eyes again, grinning and seeming to know exactly what she was up to.

"And tonight, my love, is all about you, how absolutely wonderful you are," he brought her hand up to his lips, laying a couple of kisses upon her skin, "and how I love you with all my heart."

Anna couldn't help but smile as warmth went up through her, shivers dancing within her from the imprint of his lips against her. The look in his eyes had her lost, and all she knew was that she was so in love with John Bates, the man she would be eternally lucky to call her husband.

Somehow she tore her eyes away from his, and laughed in delight when she saw that he had scattered a series of red and white petals over the floor leading towards the door. Looking up, she found his smile again, brighter and wider than it had been just moments before.

"Now, just follow the rose petals," he said, "and the night can begin."

The lights of central London were still shining through the darkness, people flowing in and out of the streets in the regular rhythm of a night spent in the city. Anna and John were caught up in their own world, smiling and laughing as they shared in their conversation, exchanging looks that were just as longing as they'd always been. Walking hand in hand, Anna let out a yelp as John suddenly spun her around, her giggles floating on the air as they began a little dance of their own making. She was amused and perhaps a little taken aback, but she wasn't questioning anything. It thrilled her to see her husband so unreserved and carefree, happier now than she'd probably known him ever to be, and since they'd been together properly that was quite some feat. She too acknowledged that she felt especially wonderful tonight, their love seeming visible in the air and everything around them.

John had stuck to his promise of keeping things simple, but it had all been perfect and Anna wouldn't have changed a thing about it. First they'd stopped off at Anna's favourite bar – the place where they'd ended up meeting for only the second time ever by chance, taking things much easier than they had done back then. Then it was to a swanky but not too extravagant restaurant where they'd enjoyed a lavish meal, John laughing as Anna eyed up the dessert menu moments after they'd sat down and indulging her in more than one pudding, joking that the baby – or babies – must have a sweet tooth just like their mother.

Feeling a little tired earlier than usual but still full of joy, they were making their way back to the tube station, Anna rather relieved to see the Leicester Square sign glowing almost above her head.

"Well, Mr Bates, you should know that after tonight you have a very happy wife," she said cheerily, leaning herself against the sturdiness of his arm. "Keep this up and I foresee a very good life for you indeed."

"My life is as good as it's ever going to get with you in it," he returned back, smiling down at her as she looked up.

"Such a charmer."

She wrapped her arms around him, not needing to crane herself up too much as he met her halfway for a kiss at the top of the steps. Anna sighed her happiness as their mouths moved together, completely in sync with one another and leaving the world behind them.

John was smiling as he pulled back from her, releasing his grasp of her body and taking small steps backwards back into the night. Anna couldn't hide her confusion as he stayed grinning, getting further away from where she stood.

"John, what are you up to?" she enquired, keenly feeling the draught that had picked up without having him pressed to her side. "You're not as much of a gentleman as I thought you were."

"I did warn you," he let out a chortle as he had almost disappeared completely from view. "Go inside the station. Wait for a little bit. I'll text to let you know."

She remained puzzled for a few moments, catching one last glimpse of his smile before he dashed back into the thick of the city, heading back in the direction they had come from. As she made her way down the steps leading into the station the realisation crept in, and a silly smile spread across her face as it submerged her. Despite the fact her feet were aching, she plodded down the stairs at a faster pace, dodging out of the way of a busker making his way back out for the night, guitar case in hand.

Arriving on the platform, she watched as a train departed, picking up most of the people who had remained. While she waited, more filtered through; tired tourists keen to get back to their hotels for the night, young couples holding hands and staring into each other's eyes. She stole a glance at one not far from her side, smiling to herself as she turned her gaze away again.

"The next train arriving will be the Northern Line service to Edgware. Please stand back from the platform as the train approaches."

It didn't take that long for the sound to come thundering down the tunnel. With the rush of air she felt a sensation charge up within her, turning back the years as if they were minutes. Within her clutch bag, she felt her phone buzz but she didn't need to pay attention to it, beaming as the train came to a stop in front of her, the doors opening to reveal him sitting directly opposite. This time it wasn't so busy, there were lots of empty seats in the carriage - indeed, it seemed deserted. Yet all she was able to see was John and the way his eyes had lifted slowly, holding her in place.

He was trying to keep his smile in check as she boarded and walked the short distance, but couldn't avoid grinning as she settled next to him. Their eyes connected as she lifted her head, and Anna bit back her own smile for a few moments.

"You won't believe the night I've had," she said, adjusting her bag on her lap. "My husband's just left me stranded here on the platform."

"That's terrible," he replied, his fingers knotting together as he glanced back at her. "Still, things might get better yet. You know what the Monty Python boys say."

Her response was instantaneous and made her smile as she gave it.

"Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition."