Chapter 55

The next few weeks in France went by uneventful for Lauren and Joey, they just enjoyed time together and time getting to know the new found family. They'd been in France for a little under two months and Lauren was definitely sporting a little bump now.

"You do realise no matter how hard you try, those shorts are not going up" Joey commented laughing as Lauren gave in and her shorts popped open. "I told you babe, you need more clothes" he smirked, remembering the conversation they'd had a few days ago where Lauren was determined she could still fit in all her existing clothes. He stood behind her and placed a hand on her belly where her top had ridden up, his thumb gently brushing over her skin "I still can't get over how amazing this is"

"it really is, but right now I'd just like to be able to fasten a pair of shorts, they all fit everywhere else, it's just my stomach " Lauren replied.

Joey moved to the wardrobe and pulled a light weight dress out "Simple solution then babe, don't wear the shorts" he handed her the dress and she smiled holding it up in front of herself as she looked in the mirror. "now hurry up and change, we're going out".

"We are? Where we going?" she asked, removing her offending clothes and slipping the dress on.

Joey paused in the doorway "now that would be telling wouldn't it?" he left the room and chuckled as he heard her groan and mutter something about hating secrets.

*JL*JL*JL*

Lauren had been very disappointed to find Joey had just arranged for them to go to the beach, she'd tried to keep the disappointment off her face but had miserably failed , something Joey was very aware of and was finding particularly amusing.

"The beach is beautiful isn't it?" Joey asked with a smirk. They were sitting on some rocks on the edge of the beach, for a breather. The heat was pretty intense and Joey didn't want her passing out again, although Lauren had acclimatized to the heat a little more and had gotten through the horrible beginning of pregnancy.

"Hmm, it's nice…" Joey could see the distant look on her face and laughed at her, seeing just how irritated she had become. "Why are you laughing ?" she frowned

"You look so annoyed, did you really think I was going to take you to the beach when we've been here like a thousand times?" she shrugged casually "Lauren Jessop I do love you." He kissed her cheek softly and pulled her up to stand "you ready to go where I was properly planning on taking you?"

"Yes please" she nodded a small smile on her lips "can we get ice-cream on the way please?" batting her eyelashes at him and giving her the best puppy dog eyes, even Hector would be jealous.

"you'll turn into ice cream" he joked pulling her towards the ice cream parlour they'd thankfully discovered at 10pm that first evening when Lauren couldn't sleep and she was craving ice cream. They reached the parlour and was greeted by the owner "same as usual babe?"

"Yes please"

*JL*JL*JL*

It took them another 15 minutes to get to where Joey had wanted to go. They came to a standstill outside a beautiful looking building, Lauren looked around at the building and realised that her Dad, Bradley, Stacy and Lilly were there. "Why are they here?" she frowned.

"Why don't you go and find out?" Joey nudged her towards her dad who was smiling brightly.

"Ohhkkayyy" she walked towards her dad and hugged him, she saw Joey nod as Max let go of her. "Alright, you're all acting odd and that doesn't lie well with a pregnant women! So spill!"

Joey placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her to face the building "What's that?" he asked and Lauren frowned "What's the building?"

"it's a ... you brought me to a church ? Why would you bring me here, I'm not religious " she frowned and Max chuckled.

She looked at him hoping he'd give her some indication to what on earth was going on "Just let him explain…" he told her not elaborating further.

Joey squeezed her hand and her attention was back in him "I have an idea. A good idea" he replied, beginning to get a little nervous.

"Go on" she said, narrowing her eyes a little, looking up at him.

"I thought we could get married here...today." he announced, a little hope in his voice.

"What ? Why?" well that wasn't exactly the response he was hoping for.

"Because I love you? That's why?" he said. He linked both her hand with his so they were stood face to face. "I don't want a huge wedding where My mum tries to get involved. You are all I need and I think we need to do things our way on our terms…" Laurens eyes filled with tears, Joey softly wiping them away. "Oh baby no, I didn't mean to upset you or pressure you… if you don't want to do this that's fine, I'll just go in there and tell the Vicar."

She shook her head quickly "No! I'm just happy…" she looked around at the little church and smiled "This place is beautiful"

"So is that a yes then?" Joey asked.

Laurens hands reached up and locked around his neck "yes, I'll marry you. I mean I guess I have no choice, I am having your baby and I am kind of in love with you " she smirked.

"Kind of ? Well we'll have to make sure you really are wont we?" he asked and Lauren nodded. She gasped suddenly and Joey's hand went to her stomach "What ? what is it ? Are you ok? Is the baby okay?"

"Everything is fine…I don't have a dress or anything like that, and your mum and Dad aren't here." She looked at him with panicked eyes.

"Hey its ok… I've told my Dad about this. He's happy for us babe. As for a dress… Stacy has helped me out, she has a few options for you at her shop" Stacey nodded to confirm it. "I want to make this the best day for you baby ok? So go with Stacey and Your dad will pick you up from the shop in two hours ok?"

Who was expecting that surprise? Lauren definitely wasn't ! Back tomorrow, leave me a review xxx