Back at the Rovers Michelle and Johnny were anxiously waiting for Carla's return with Peter.
"Carla" Michelle called out as she entered the back room with Peter. Michelle wrapped her arms around her, pulling her in tight.
"I am so sorry, I worried you all"
"Where were you?" Johnny asked, taking his turn to give her a hug after Michelle.
"I went to visit Aiden" Carla told him, taking a seat at the table "I needed to clear my head but I want you all to know that I wouldn't run off again"
"We didn't know what to think" Michelle told her truthfully "You have done before"
"I know and that is why I don't blame you" Carla smiled at them all "I have decided something"
"What's that love?" Peter asked curiously.
"I want no more talk of Nick and what happened"
"But he can't just get away with it"
"I don't think he did, do you Peter?" Carla said referring to him beating Nick.
"No but"
"But nothing, you beat him to within an inch of his life and he has had to deal with Leanne and we all know what that is like" she produced a small smile.
"Carla" Johnny said, unsure of her decision.
"No, I want to live my life with the people I love in it" Carla told them all.
"I think that is a good idea but I think we need to do something about Nick" Johnny said.
"I saw him earlier" Michelle told them "I had a go at him and he seemed really affected by what he has done"
"So he should do" Peter barked.
"Peter, I don't want you hitting him again" Carla told him.
"Ok, I won't hit him"
"Or kick him or hurt him in any other way"
"Ok" Peter rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. He loved how well she knew him.
The next couple of days went very slowly for Carla, she felt that everyone was walking on eggshells around her. Tonight was the night that they were having a little get together for Michelle as she was leaving tomorrow.
"I don't want you to go, I miss you too much when you are not here"
"I have to go, but I will always visit" Michelle said, pulling Carla into a hug.
They had set out half the Rovers. Carla was a bit nervous to go out there as she knew half the street knew about Nick.
"There is nothing to worry about" Peter said, taking her hand. She smiled back at him. He had really been amazing through all of this. She walked out with him by her side. Some of the residents gave her a look but she shrugged it off and concentrated on the reason she was there.
The family gathered in a booth and had some drinks to celebrate. Carla kept close to Peter, both obviously only on orange juice.
Peter had a plan for this evening. He wanted everything to go smoothly but he needed to disappear for a little while, which meant Michelle had to distract Carla.
Peter went out into the garden. He placed candle after candle all around the area and lit them. He placed some petals around, making the most romantic scene the garden of a backstreet boozer could make.
Once his plan was set in motion, he went back into the pub to get Carla.
Carla was sitting in the booth, looking at something on Michelles phone and laughing. Peter loved that dirty laugh she would make.
"Will you come out into the garden with me?" Peter asked, offering her his hand.
"Of course" Carla said, taking his hand.
Carla was in shock when she saw all the candles lit up. She walked directly out into the garden. Peter stood back and watched her.
"Oh Peter" She gasped.
She turned to see Peter down on one knee.
"Carla, firstly I am sorry I am doing this in the pub" he smiled causing her to smile at him "but I needed to do this sooner rather than later because the fact is that I love you"
Carla placed her hand on her chest.
"I want to spend the rest of my life with you as my wife and be there to support you with anything that will come our way and have you be my side when I need some encouragement because we are perfect for each other, always have been and always will be. You are my soulmate"
He opened a small box that was in his hand, to reveal a glittering ring. It was simple but beautiful. It definitely did not cost as much as the last one but he knew she would like it.
"Carla Connor, will you marry me?"
Carla let a tear escape her eye. She was so happy despite what was going on in her life right now. All she knew was that she loved Peter and wanted to be with him.
"Yes, Peter I will marry you" Peter placed the ring on her finger. He stood, letting Carla jump on him with open arms. She placed a passionate kiss on his lips as he swung her around. When she pulled out of the kiss she said "I love you Peter"
"I love you too"
Carla admired the ring on her finger. "It's so beautiful, Peter"
"Just like you then" Peter placed a kiss onto her lips, making his way down her jaw line and onto her neck. Carla placed her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to her. She rubbed her hands through his hair. Both making their embrace more passionate.
"Peter…" Carla said in between kisses. "We need to go back inside and say goodbye to Michelle"
"Carla, to be honest with you Michelle is the last thing on my mind right now"
Carla hit his upper arm "she is my best friend Peter"
"Yes but all I can think about is getting you upstairs" he told her, kissing her again. Carla let him.
A few minutes passed and Carla really needed to stop with Peter before it got too far "Hold that thought" she said, placing her finger onto his lips as she bit hers "Come on"
She took him by the hand and led him back inside. "Congratulations" the members of the leaving party shouted on their entry.
Carla looked at a confident Peter and then back to Michelle "you knew?"
"Of course" Michelle pulled Carla in for a hug "I am so happy for you"
"Thank Chelle, did everyone know?" Carla asked to receive a nod in response "He asked Johnny permission and everything" Michelle told her, carrying her stuff to the waiting car outside.
"That is amazing, it was really traditional this time, last time it was me that asked him and me in charge of everything" Carla sighed thinking back "it makes it feel amazing this time"
"You deserve it, you both do"
"Will you come back and help me organise?"
"Of course, you try and stop me" Michelle said pulling her in again for a long hug.
"Excuse me can I have my fiance?" Peter said tapping Michelle on the shoulder, after placing her bags in the boot.
"Of course, I will be back before you know it" Michelle said, giving Carla a kiss on the cheek, before getting in the car.
"I am going to miss her" Carla said, as she felt Peter's arm snake around her shoulders.
The couple made their way back into their home. They were now official and excited for their future together. Both Carla and Peter knew it wasn't going to be an easy ride but they knew they loved each other so much that they would overcome anything that would throw them off.
Thank you so much for the reviews for this fic! I think I am going to end it there. But I am so glad you all liked it. I have written something new and I'm currently working on making it the best it can be.
I may revisit this story later on as I know there are more things I could write about in this fic. Please let me know if that would be something you like in the future!
Thanks again!