The morning of the wedding, from the prospective of the main players was always going to be different and with varying degrees of stress. But with the same objective. To make this a day of celebration.

When Harry wakes up and goes downstairs with the intension of making himself a cup of coffee, any sound he might have made is being obliterated by the rain which is hammering against the windows. Swearing under his breath, he looks at the clock on the kitchen wall and sees it's five am. Time enough for it to clear before the caterers arrive at eleven. That much he had managed to drag out of Angela the previous evening. But whether she actually has a hot line to the almighty, which means that by midday the sun will be shining, he very much doubts. In the same way that he doesn't like being left out of the loop when it comes to knowing what else she has planned. Unlike Ruth who has slept peacefully all night, whereas he's spent a good deal of the time beating his pillow into a pulp. For all the good it's done him. Despite her telling him it should be her who was nervous not him because he'd done this before. To which he'd replied, not with you I haven't. Something which had at least earned him a kiss, which as he puts his fingers on his lips he can still feel.

Coffee made, he wanders over to the window and looks out over the garden. Expecting to see the furniture scattered and the flowers which they'd planted over the past few months obliterated. Which of course they aren't. Not for the first time acknowledging that it's no longer the safety of the nation which worries him, but what the rest of the population who are happy with their lot see as important. And he is happy, ecstatically he knows that. It's just that he so wants the day to be a prefect one for Ruth.

Several miles along the coast road and looking out over a grey sea, his eldest son is also awake. His speech written and re written the previous evening, so many times that he'd lost count. To the extent that he'd eventually gone to see Malcolm for advice and with his help, is now pleased with the result. Delivering it in front of twenty plus people he isn't so sure about. What he is happy about is that he's got Mel with him. Something which had resulted in Malcolm saying he was his father's son. Telling him not to waste time when it came to following his heart. Something which he'd hinted was what his dad had done with Ruth. That and some other little snippets. Nothing personal of course it wasn't Malcolm's way. Malcolm who when he'd told him that he knew his dad better than he did, had talked him down. To the point where he now feels as though he has an ally. His usual rock that is Catherine unable to come. Something which for a second, he'd thought was a good thing. The chance to be in the limelight he'd told Malcolm, expecting to be told that it wasn't a particularly nice thing to say. Instead of which Malcolm had told him that his father would have moved heaven and earth to get him there. He knew that for certain.

While Harry is worrying about the weather and Graham whether if he gets back into bed and wakes Mel up, she'll be up for sex, a few doors along the road, Angela is sitting at her kitchen table with her list which is headed 'times and happenings' in front of her. Already on her second cup of tea and with the assurance, because unlike Harry she's looked at the weather forecast, so is pretty sure that within a couple of hours the sun will be shining. The small marquee which had been erected the previous afternoon, along with the table and chairs, will she's also been assured stand up to a force nine and as this is anything but, she's not worried about that either. What she's also planned down to the finest detail and with the boys in mind and she doesn't just mean Michael and Wes, but Angus and the Nichol's eldest Jake, is to make this a day that isn't just for the adults to enjoy. She looks at her watch which tells her it's six am. Which means that Malcolm who is in charge of the acoustics and anything which requires some extra muscle will be arriving in an hour. The man who had gone to Paris in search of Ruth. A close friend and a true gentleman, is how Ruth always describes him. Taxi driver being added to his CV this morning because he's bringing Angus and Jake with him.

Her thoughts being interrupted by the unmistakable sound of excitement from upstairs, which tells her that Michael and Wes are on the move. Time to stop dreaming and think about feeding four hungry children she tells herself, opening the fridge door.

.

'No Harry we promised we wouldn't look,' Ruth tells him. When they hear what is Malcom's car pull up and Harry heads towards the window where the curtains are still drawn and for good reason.

'It's easy for you to say, I've been up since five,' he reminds her.

'Then you better not drink any more coffee or you'll be in no state to do anything.'

'Anything?' he responds. Combined with a look that borders on smouldering. Because unlike his son, he has sex on the morning of his wedding. Having waited what had felt like an interminably long length of time before he'd taken Ruth her morning cup of tea. Climbed back into bed and had lost himself in what he'd thought at the time would be a short and tension relieving few minutes. But as it had turned out had been anything but. The freedom of being on their own. The day that lay ahead and with hours to spare before they needed to get ready. Allowing the bedclothes to be discarded along with any last-minute nerves on his part. All of which if only for the time it had lasted, had helped them to ignore the fact that the weather looked to be set in for the day.

In complete contrast to their wedding planner who having been greeted by, 'we're starving,' is plating up eggs on toast while Malcolm adds another teabag to the pot. For four eleven-year-old boys, only one of which he knows as well as he knows any child of that age. Looking so much happier than when he'd last seen him. A huge grin on his face and with a confidence that he knows is entirely down to the couple who will always be his closest friends. Friends who he imagines are having a restful morning. Maybe reading the paper or watching the news he thinks. Who later in the day, will be benefitting from what Harry used to describe as 'being the contents of his bag of tricks.' Something which was usually preceded by, 'you haven't got ten minutes Malcolm!' Which with a few additions bearing in mind that this is a wedding not a spying exercise, is still in the boot of his car. That and because he's had a glimpse of Angela's list, so is as confident as she is that it's all under control. A woman who in many ways reminds him of Ros. A person that even God would think twice about arguing with.

Which is a theme that continues throughout the morning. When under Angela's guidance the tables are laid, decorations and flowers befitting the occasion are placed exactly where she wants them to go, Malcolm rigs up his sound system, and of course right on cue to coincide with the arrival of the caterers, the sun comes out.

After which and with a glance over her shoulder, Angela leads her happy and in the boy's case excited bunch of helpers back to the house. Where it's probably just as well Harry and Ruth aren't there to witness Wes donning his suit along with his friends, thinks Malcolm, who is finding it hard to reconcile the boy he's looking at. Even more so than he had earlier. Highlighted by the way he and his friends are all helping each other out. A miniature band of brothers who if Adam had been allowed the privilege of witnessing this moment, would have been so proud. While he himself takes the time to reflect on what has gone from being what he'd seen as being an inevitability, to the point where he can now say is a day made in heaven. Why? Because not only is he thinking about Adam and Fiona, but the countless others, who together with Harry and Ruth, he's watched go to a better place. Not least of all his friend Colin. All of whom had they been alive, would have been so happy to be witnessing this day.

'Ready when you are,' says Angela breaking into his thoughts. At the same time as she's straitening her son's tie. Before telling Jake that 'one of his shirt buttons is undone.'

Malcolm wondering if he's next on her list and what she'll find wrong with his apparel, briefly checking to ensure that his trousers are zipped up.

.

While the procession of guests, are taking the short walk to where the four tables are laid, a now much calmer Harry is also straightening his tie. Two rings, something he didn't have at his first wedding, his choice not Janes, tucked in his top pocket ready to pass over to Graham. While Ruth who he can barely take his eyes off now that he's seen what she's wearing, is coming downstairs. God, he thinks, not knowing it's been the theme of the morning elsewhere, how he loves this woman and this moment. Mentally telling himself that whatever happens in the next hour or so, his only roll is to be that of a dutiful and loving husband. Helped because Graham and Wes will be looking after each other. Angela and Malcolm will have seen to that, he's quite sure.

What he hasn't thought about and surprises him, is the amount of work that has been going on behind his back, when he and Ruth walk into the marquee to be greeted by a round of applause. From people whose faces are all blurring into one, against what is a backdrop of flowers, decorations and the cake which has pride of place on a side table. Other than his two sons who are standing side by side as their welcoming party. Wearing matching suits and ties, which through the haze of emotion that's threatening to overcome him, both look so bloody grown up.

As is the wedding itself which they'd planned to be simple. Now sitting at what can hardly be called a top table, because devoid of any other relatives there are only five of them. Graham with Mel by his side, is sitting next to Harry and Wes next to Ruth and with the meal coming to an end, it's time for the speeches. Is this the moment? Harry thinks to himself. When Graham who has been so assured during the ceremony, won't cope? Only to be treated after Malcolm calls for silence, at which point he can feel the blood rushing to his ears, to what he'd never imagined to be possible from his eldest son.

Clearing his throat and without looking at his notes. 'The last thing that I expected was for my father to ask me to be his best man. An honour which I hope I'll do justice to,' he says. Then after a quick glance around the room, which as Harry well knows will draw his audience even further into paying attention, he continues. 'But it's here that I have to break with the tradition of telling you all the reasons that Ruth should have said no when my father asked her to marry him. Nights out on the town. Drinking far more than he should have done, he presumably did with someone else. Which means that I can only talk about the man I now know him to be. Someone who never ceases to surprise me by his actions and his ability to make everyone who knows him, feel all the better for them. Not on his own of course and is the reason I'm including Ruth in what I'm about to say. Dad and Ruth, on behalf of Wes my little brother and I, thank you. Because not only are you extraordinarily kind, but you've brought joy back into both our lives and for that I want you to know that we love you. So ladies and gentleman, I ask you stand and join us in raising a glass to the Bride and Groom.'

.

That the glasses in question are already topped up, is because Michael, Angus and Jake have between acting as wine waiters supervised by Angela, who after toasting the bride and groom goes outside. Only to find that she's not alone because Malcolm is already there.

'Graham did really well, didn't he,' she says.

'As in no one would ever have guessed that when he called them extraordinary, he was not only referring to the here and now, but their ability to maintain a relationship even when they were parted for so long. Neither of them giving up or trying to move forward with anyone else. That and having worked for the Security Services for heaven knows how long. Before adapting to a new way of life with apparent ease.

'It sort of makes you envious doesn't it.'

'Not me. I'm afraid I'm a confirmed bachelor. But if you need anyone to dance with, I'll give it a go. But I do draw the line at swimming later if that's still on the cards?'

'The sun's shining Malcolm. All's well with the world. Let your hair down a little. Come on we need to join the others.'

Most of whom they see have spilled out onto the beach and are enjoying what is now the warm afternoon sunshine. While the boys are already in the sea. Which means that it's only the now very happy couple who are sitting apart from the others and enjoying a much-needed moment on their own.

.

'Happy?' Harry asks his wife?

'No, I think I've made a dreadful mistake.' Ruth says jokingly. Watching her husband turn the ring on his finger. Something he seems to have been doing since the moment that she'd put it there. When her hands had been shaking so much that she'd thought she'd drop it. Taking a moment to breathe. Oblivious to anything other than Harry's expression. Harry who had said his vows in such an assured manner.

'Just as well Andrew's here then. Should I tell him we're getting divorced or leave it until tomorrow morning?' he says. Before changing the subject and saying, 'will you tell her or shall I that we've been having unprotected sex for weeks now?' When Mrs. Nichols, claiming to have lost her husband, appears out of nowhere with the baby in tow.

'She needs changing and I would have done it in the car. I know it's a cheek, but could I use your bathroom?' she asks them.

'Of course,' says Ruth, picturing herself carrying something as small as the baby which she now remembers is called Millie, from the time when they'd sat in the Nichols sitting room having tea. When even a wedding, never mind trying for a baby hadn't crossed her mind. Only to find, that when they get back to the house, not is she presented with the baby, but in their bedroom is a large bouquet of flowers and a card from their colleagues on the grid.

'I thought we could all do with a cuppa, so I've made tea,' says Harry. Appearing at the bedroom door just in time to see Ruth handing Millie back to her mum, before he disappears downstairs again.

'The bathroom's just along the hall,' she tells Mary with a gesture to suggest that she ought to follow Harry. Before adding, 'no need to rush see you're when ready.'

'I need to thank you both,' Mary tells them when she walks into the kitchen and Harry offers tea. 'Not just for this, but for including Jake in the wedding. You see as ridiculous as it sounds, my husband who's daily life revolves around looking after other people's children, sometimes struggles when it comes to recognising what his own need. Jake didn't take kindly to Millie being born and went into his shell. Wes coming to the school and talking quite openly to his friends about his background, changed all that. You inviting us all today and seeing the boys together in a setting away from school, just confirms it. Children really do have a way of making us see life from a different perspective don't they.'

'Yes, you're right they do' says Harry. With one eye on Ruth who is still gazing at Millie.

Later that evening.

The beach is a frenzy of activity, with all but Malcolm and the newly married couple who haven't taken up Angela's suggestion that they go for a swim. But instead, as they did earlier, are sitting on the beach some way from the chaos which is everyone letting off steam. Fuelled by alcohol and the fact that the formalities are over. That they're not alone, nobody would know, because Millie is sleeping peacefully on Harry's lap. His knees raised to support her head and her tiny feet only halfway down his legs. The late afternoon sun, casting shadows across what is a scene that is so remote from the day which is rapidly coming to an end, that in Graham's words confirms it as being extraordinary.

Malcolm who wouldn't be as bold to say what he's thinking, has also closed his eyes. Certain as he can be, having seen the expression on his friends faces after they'd said they weren't going to swim so would look after the baby, when Mary had been asking for volunteers, that a little Pearce is on the cards. Or does he need to be awake to be able to visualise the way that they're gazing at each other, words not needed. Because after all, he is still a spy.