Chapter 8

"Marry me Lauren"…

Lauren stood gawping at Joey who was now down on one knee. Speechless was an understatement, she couldn't quite believe what just came from his mouth. Everything she could possibly want was right in front of her offering her the future she dreamed of, yet the words couldn't escape her lips.

"Don't be scared baby, do what your heart tells you" he whispered to her

The whole of the exhibition had now directed their attention to the young couple. The Branning's all staring in complete shock, Tanya placing her hand on her heart and one covering her mouth which had pretty much dropped to the floor.

Joey had begun to shake slightly, it seemed like hours since the words left his mouth and Lauren still hadn't replied. He knew he had caught her off guard, let's face it he caught himself off guard. Then the word he had been dying to hear was said.

"Yes" she whispered, as her beautiful brown eyes began to well up

"YES" she shouted this time before tackling Joey to the floor screaming

The whole room burst into applause and cheers as the rest of the family joint the couple.

"I can't believe what you just asked me" still clutching onto Joey, holding his face between her hands kissing him uncontrollably.

"You're going to be my wife" he replied a huge grin crossing his face, kissing his fiancée back.

Joey turned his attention to Max, reaching his hand out to shake his.

"I'm sorry I didn't ask your permission Max, it was a kind of spur of the moment thing" awkwardly rubbing the back of his head

"You would have got it anyway Joe; just you look after her okay?" Max replied patting his future son in law on the back.

"I'd do nothing less I promise" Joey said sternly, a cheeky grin still plastered on his face.

Tanya broke up the celebrations, announcing they were all heading to The Vic for champagne.

"Come on love birds, plenty of time for that later" she called over to Joey and Lauren who were holding each other, Lauren still placing kisses on his face.

"Were coming women" Lauren shouted back grasping his hand never wanting to let go, her happiness excelling through the roof. This was the perfect day and Lauren couldn't be any happier.

The car ride home was loud as everyone was talking about the engagement. It was probably the best news the family had received the whole year. Joey sat in the back with Lauren, her head resting on his broad shoulder. Her hand entwined with his. She sighed occasionally with pure happiness, she was engaged, who would of thought, Lauren Branning getting married. Joey brushed the back of her hand with his thumb, kissing her head that was rested on his shoulder.

"I love you" he whispered into her ear, his lips so close it tickled Lauren found it arousing.

"I love you too" she looked up into his brown eyes meaning every single word.

Soon enough they had arrived back on the square. Walking into The Vic, they found Sharon and Uncle Jack with the rest of the family and some friends gathered with champagne glasses.

"What's going on?" Lauren quizzed rather confused

"Well I rang Jack, told him to gather the bunch and get some champagne in" Max replied rolling his eyes at an oblivious Lauren

"What's the big news" Uncle Jack questioned, as the rest of the family stood silently.

Lauren took a deep breath and was just about to open her mouth as Joey jumped in.

"Me and Lauren are getting married" he said wrapping his arm around her shoulder.

"OH MY GOD" screeched Alice as she bolted towards her brother and cousin, squeezing them into a hug. Suddenly congratulations burst from the room as the family celebrated the news.

It had been a long and tiring evening and Lauren was desperate for some time alone with Joey. She found herself brushing her foot up his leg next to hers. Catching Joey's attention, he noted the burning desire in her eyes knowing exactly what she wanted.

"Take me home babe" she whispered, her forehead resting against his.

Joey gulped, taking Lauren's hand and pulling her up to stand next to him. He wrapped his arm around her waist, lightly smacking her bum.

"We're going to make a move, you lot enjoy the rest of the evening, we will see you all tomorrow" he said to Max and Tanya, waving as they exited the pub.

Once out of the pub, Joey threw Lauren over his shoulder, Lauren bursting in laughter as he hurried to the house. Placing Lauren down outside the door, he scrambled for his keys to open the door as Lauren began unbuttoning his shirt, placing a single kiss when each button began revealing his chest.

"Babe, if you don't let me open the door, I'll do you on the steps" Grabbing Laurens hands as he finally got the door open.

There seemed no time to get upstairs to the bedroom, as they stripped each other of their clothing. Laurens legs were now wrapped around his waist as he tried navigating his way to the sofa, bumping into the door as he did so. Lauren felt her back hit the living room wall as her hands fiddled with his belt buckle. Joey placed kisses down her neck, stopping and sucking on her sweet spot, his hands roaming underneath her dress, yanking it up from the hem over her head so she was left in her underwear. His hands skimmed down over her body, stopping at her waist gripping on tighter as their lips met violently again.

"Wall or sofa" Joey panted breathlessly

"Wall" she managed to choke back, her breathing as raged as his

Joey smirked at her response, reached on hand round to unhook her bra, letting it fall to the floor where her dress was. Lauren used her foot to push his boxers off exposing his ever growing bulge. She gasped, biting down on her lip as Joey fondled with her knickers, pulling them from her, letting his fingers roam over her mound. He positioned himself, before entering her, letting out a pent up groan from his swollen lips. He buried his head in her neck as he thrust harder into her as louder moans escaped her mouth, her fingers knotted in the hair at the base of his head.

Both reaching their peak, Joey began to thrust faster, speeding up his pace, the moans from Lauren sealing his satisfaction as he whispered her name as he peaked, Lauren seconds behind him. Removing himself from her, their foreheads rested on one and other as they try to regain a normal breathing motion. He placed Lauren down on her feet, although she was unsteady as she let her body move down the wall so she was sat on the floor.

"Wow" she panted, placing Joey's shirt over her head to cover her naked body.

Joey sat down next to her, wiping the sweat dew from his brow.

"That was amazing" he chuckled, pulling her in towards his naked chest

"You can say that again" she replied curling herself into his body

Both sat in silence, embracing each other. Content with just being in each other's company.

"You proposed to me" she giggled into his chest

"Did I?" he raised an eyebrow

"Oh shut your face, you can't take it back now" smacking his leg as he turned to face her, brushing the hair away from her shoulders, her head now between his palms, he just stared into her eyes smiling.

"I would never take it back, you're going to be my wife, forever baby" he replied, leaning forward and planting a soft kiss on her nose.

Lauren scrunched up her nose, giggling at the feeling of his lips on her nose.

"Forever" she repeated