Looking Ahead

Rolling over early the next day, Joey watched a peaceful Lauren sleeping. Her hair sprawled out across her face, one leg hitched up around his waist, her fingers laid across his hair. What struck him the most was the small that was stuck on her face; even while she was sleeping she was still breathtakingly beautiful. Her small chest rose and fell gently as she continued sleeping, Joey's fingers trailing slowly up and down her leg.

He couldn't help but finally feel relaxed for the first time in days, he was with the one he loved, the only person he wanted to be with. Letting her gently paced breathing settle him once more, Joey drifted off to sleep.

Their wedding was small and quaint, Laurens dress beyond gorgeous, tight that it clung to her slender figure but so simply it matched her beauty. The small church service gathered close family and friends, who saw the love between the pair right from the beginning. Taking her hand in his, they exited the church as man and wife; this is where they belonged together forever.

"You look gorgeous Mrs Branning" Joey smirked, holding her against his body, his hands never letting go of his beauty.

"You look handsome" she whispered, her cheeks flashing the gorgeous pink colour that awoke something inside of Joey. Kissing her cheek softly, he led her into their reception, greeted by more friends who gathered to celebrate. The first dance was a magical moment for both, Joeys arms wrapped around her waist, their bodies touching, foreheads rested against one and others. Swaying slowly to the music that was almost invisible as they focused on one and other nobody else was there in that moment.

"It's me and you now baby" his voice hushed only Lauren could hear, her fingers playing with his hair, "It's always been me and you, it always will be" she replied, her lips brushing gently against his, locking lightly as they moulded together. Hearing the cheers and claps from their guest broke them apart, as Lauren pulled Max onto the dance floor, Joey finding Jane and doing the same.

"She's your other half Joe" Jane smiled, looking over to the girl who captured her sons heart and soul, she knew from the moment they met, that they would be together, they were perfect halves, now a whole.

"She's my soul mate mum" he replied, both now watching as Lauren and Max danced awkwardly together, neither particular good but could laugh at the fact she got her two left feet from him. Looking back at his mother, who provided the world of support and love, he couldn't help but think she was the reason he was the person he had become, she had been an excellent role model, something he would pass onto their children. ...

"I'm pregnant" she squealed, throwing herself at Joey, him catching her effortlessly, spinning her around this was the moment they had both waited for, a baby made by both of them, and equally mix of Joey and Lauren.

Laurens bump gradually grew bigger until she almost looked as if she was carrying two. Joey tentatively rubber her tummy, feeling their baby kicking back in response to its fathers touch. Joey vowed to be a better father than Derek and certainly his real father who he never met in his life, his mother providing him everything he needed. Lauren looked as beautiful pregnant as she did before, her skin glowed more, she occasionally faced hormones and mood swings but generally had a happy pregnancy, the pair doing it together, sharing each experience.

Screaming she gushed, sweat beading from her hair line, Joey staying by her side, holding onto her had tightly as he tried to relieve the pain she was occurring during labour. "One last push Lauren" the midwife called, Lauren steadying her breathing before pushing hard, feeling the baby release from her body, crying out with relief, she glanced to Joey, who had tears rolling down his cheeks with pride, the sound of their child crying, broke their stare as the midwife handed them a gorgeous little girl. A full head of hair, big brown orbs that would break many hearts. Her nose was a spitting image of Joeys, but her face mimicked Laurens, she was the exact half of them. "What's her name?" the midwife quizzed, looking at the new parents and their little girl. "Summer Branning" Lauren smiled, she and Joey decided on the name Summer, sending memories back to when they first laid eyes on each other that first summer.

"DAAADD" screamed a 4 year old Summer, finding that screaming tended to get her own way especially with her dad. "Jeezh Sum, what's the noise about?" Joey walked into his little girl's room, picking her up into his strong arms, Summer wriggling to get comfy. Holding her close to him, he wandered through their house, finding Lauren in the living room with 6 month old Louis, Lauren lying next to her son, his tiny finger wrapped around hers. "There's my girl" Lauren smiled brightly at Summer, who jumped down from Joeys arms, Lying down next to her mother and little brother. Sitting on the couch, Joey watched in awe at his family, his beautiful wife, the love of his life, his two gorgeous children who were his heartbeat. Sighing he couldn't imagine is life to be any different, this was how it was meant to be.

"Joey" Lauren whispered into his ear, stirring him from his sleep, wiping his eyes he saw Lauren's head above his, her body on top of his. "What were you dreaming about? You were smiling" she giggled kissing his lips softly as Joey realised he had been dreaming.

"Us" he replied, snuggling close to his girl, who seemed content with his answer. He didn't want to freak her out by saying he dreamed of the next 5 years of their lives.

"Do you have to work today?" she mumbled, still sleepy, Lauren was far from being a morning person, but waking up with Joey eased the hatred for it. "Nope, day off baby, so I get to spend it with you" he smiled, seeing her face light up with joy. "Can we go to the beach?" she smiled, it was nearing the end of the summer, wanting to enjoy the last of the hot weather the beach seemed like the best way.

"The beach reminds me of you, so yeah sounds great" he replied, kissing the top of her head, hearing her squeal a little with excitement.

"That's because we met on a beach, you're mates football hit me" she smirked, remembering that day so clearly as if it happened yesterday. "Ah well actually, I have a little confession, I kicked the ball deliberately at you" he watched as her mouth fell open, slapping his chest playfully. "Joey!" she exclaimed laughing at him as he now blushed with embarrassment. "What, I wanted to speak to you, it was the only way" he smirked, he felt so silly for doing it, but he needed to know the gorgeous girl who claimed his heart instantly. A peaceful silence clouded the room as they reminisced about that day, the day their lives changed forever.

The best day of their lives.