Sheamus walked back into Adele and Phil's apartment, his head hanging low as he slowly wandered through. Adele was sitting at the table and watched him as he came in her sight. She pulled her Alex Perry, black square framed prescription glasses over her face and sat them on the top of her head. Adele furrowed her brow, "Sheamus? Are you alright?"

She hopped up the chair and walked toward him. His head was still gazing at the wooden floorboards below them. He was quiet as he sat himself into the red leather couch. Adele sat next to him and placed her hand on his thick thigh. "I know what this is about" she said sighing as she shook her head.

His blue eyes met hers and he felt like he was a little school boy who was getting scolded for something that he shouldn't have done. He lowered his head again, feeling defeated.

"You really think Phil is going to keep a secret from me?" she said, a small smirk appearing on her lips.

"He told you?" asked Sheamus, betrayal sounding in his voice.

Adele glared at him angrily. "Don't you dare get angry at him" she said sternly. "He is going to be my husband and I don't want him to keep any secrets from me even if they're about my brother growing feelings for my best friend."

Sheamus pretended to look shocked, "I didn't tell Phil that I had feelings for your friend."

"Yeah but you'd be an idiot not to notice that you've grown to like Lea. I mean you practically bolted out the door after she called. What is the matter with you? She's married to my boss!" she called. Her eyes lowered as she took in his defeat, "But I see that it didn't go your way, did it?"

He shook his head, "She rejected me and told me that she loves her husband." Sheamus placed his head in his hands as he relieved the embarrassing and heartbreaking moment in his head. He didn't want to tell his sister the whole story, how after being rejected he had to hide under a bed which the woman he was crushing on and her husband were being intimate while he was still under there.

She sighed. She didn't want to lecture him or give him some sort of I-told-you-so or I-could-have-told-you-that speech even though he hadn't told her anything. She placed her hand flatly on his back. "Look… you should have just talked to me about it. I'm your sister."

"I just thought you'd get so angry at me because I wanted someone who was married. They are both your friends too" he said.

"They are both my friends. Well, Wade is my boss and he probably would have fired me if you took his wife from him, not to mention he would fire Phil. But I probably would have tried to reason with you that while I would have loved to have my best friend be my sister in law. She is very happy with her husband and I don't think you'd have a shot" Adele explained.

Sheamus exhaled another exasperated moan. Adele understood having your heart broken; she had to deal with Drew. Remember.

"You can't help who you love, I mean look at Phil" she said as she shrug her shoulders.

Sheamus chuckled then his face turned glum again. "I just thought that they weren't happy together, one day she is crying in front of me because of him and then the other she is in his arms. I mean Wade has meant no harm to me, actually I'm quite fond of him but I can't stand the way he is with others sometimes, especially Lea. What do you think?"

Adele pondered as she thought about it. Her index finger pressed on her bottom lip. "I guess Wade and Lea have so many problems because they love each other so much. They are so madly in love that they feel the need to want to make each other happy and sometimes, now that their married it takes a toll on them. Every marriage has problems but that doesn't mean that immediately they are going to stop loving the other right after they have a fight."

"I guess…" spoke Sheamus softly.

"I've known them both for a long time. Wade may seem like this raging bastard who can be very mean but when it comes to Lea, she just seems to bring the best out of him. Before the two were together, Phil and I had never been in Wade's office let alone his home. Now we are there every weekend, almost. Don't think that he doesn't love her because I think he's the only man not to be selfish with her and that's what she loved about him. Nothing has come between them. Not Randy, not John, not even Wade's mother" she explained, "Not even you, lad."

Sheamus slowly nodded, "He's a very lucky man."

Adele held her head up with her hand. She felt bad for him. This was definitely not what she wanted her brother to feel like when he came here. Sheamus kissed her on the cheek, "But so am I to have a beautiful and wise little sister."

She gleamed, "Lea, Shmea."

Sheamus smiled and then stared around the apartment. "Where is Phil?"

"He flew to Chicago remember," she rolled her eyes at him, "We were going to spend the last few days apart. Seriously, I know that all your thoughts have been about Lea but come on!"

He held his hands up guiltily. "My undivided attention is all yours. Do you need me to do anything for you?"

She stared at him and then lay back in the couch. "I just want you to sit with me and tell me that everything will go okay with this wedding." She bit her lip nervously as she linked her arm with his.

Sheamus placed his hand on her thigh flatly, "Everything will be fine."

….

As we walked toward the front door of our home, I suddenly halted. Wade turned around and stared at me with a questionable glance. I felt so embarrassed for leaving. How was I going to face everyone especially Katherine? Wade was still holding my hand. He gripped it tightly and moved closer to me. "You have my support no matter what happens" he spoke.

I felt a lot more assured of myself after his last statement. Wade nodded to me, he wondered if I was ready. I mimicked his nod and followed him inside. This was getting ridiculous how could I be getting nervous about walking into my own home? I shouldn't be- this is as much my home as it is Wade's.

Everyone was sitting in the living room. Molly, Peter and Adele were sitting on one couch with Harold and Katherine sitting on another. I was a little concerned about Adele still being up so late.

"She just couldn't sleep knowing that you weren't here" spoke Molly as she combed her hand through Adele's dark hair.

"I couldn't" she said innocently, her green eyes just filled with angst.

I dropped Wade's hand and walked toward her. I cupped my hand against her small rosy cheek, "Come on, I'll tuck you into bed."

She walked along my side and scampered toward Wade and stood in front of him. He kneeled down on one knee and Adele's little arms fell around his neck, hugging him affectionately. "Thank you for bringing her back, Daddy."

Wade's eyes crinkled as he smiled and his cheeks turned a light blush of pink. He gave her a light kiss on her little lips and she ran back to my side and we went upstairs. She quickly dove into her bed and pulled her pink blanket over her body. I tucked in the side of her quilt and lowered to sit on my knees. "I'm sorry that I left, sweetheart. I just grew upset with your Grandmother."

"It's alright" she said as she gazed at me. "After you left Daddy and Grandma got into this big fight."

"They did?" I definitely didn't intend on them to fight; now Katherine must hate me even more.

Adele nodded, "We heard them from the kitchen. We all went there to finish our dinner and we heard them screaming. I don't think Grandma is going to be staying long."

Katherine wants to go! I probably shouldn't be gossiping with my six year old daughter but she's just telling me what happened. "Why do you say that, darling?" I ask.

"She told Grandpa after Daddy left to find you. She said that she wants to go back home" said Adele, "I felt a little bad for her that she looked sad."

Katherine looked sad? "I'm happy you told me sweetheart. But I don't think we should tell your father that you heard all that. He might get a little upset. I don't want you to worry about anything alright. We'll sort it out tonight."

"Alright" she said, "Goodnight Mummy." I gave her a huge cuddle, tight as I could. I heard giggles belly out from her. I kissed her cheek and stroked her forehead.

"Goodnight" I spoke as I turned off her bedroom light and slowly pulled her door close. If Katherine and I were to have another argument I didn't want my daughter being around us. It was tough enough as it is.

….

I made my way downstairs and Katherine and Wade stood alone in the living room, I guessed everyone else wanted to take cover in case of another bout. The two were talking but then stopped as they both looked at me. I walked to Wade's side and looked at Katherine who looked somewhat fathomed.

Wade glared at her to speak. Katherine tried to resist rolling her eyes. I waited patiently, this felt sweet.

"I'm sorry Lea" she finally spoke. Her tone was actually sincere. "I haven't been the kindest mother in law and I'm very sorry for anything that I've done to hurt you and your family. I haven't been as kind as I should have been."

Wade gave her an encouraging nod, so she would know that her apology was up to standard. Katherine showed a small shadow of a smile, "Could we start again?"

'That's all I've wanted!' I wanted to scream and shake her shoulders but I chose the more graceful approach. "It's alright Katherine. Of course we can start again."

Wade pressed his hand harder around my waist; I guessed that he was happy with how this was turning out. Katherine nodded her eyes moved to Wade, "She's not like Nicole. I can see that Lea makes you and my granddaughter happy, that's all I wanted to see."

Wade grinned as he kissed Katherine on the cheek, "I'm glad to hear this, Mother." He then turned to me and gave me a much more intimate kiss on my lips. "I think we should have a drink to commemorate." He left the two of us alone to fetch a bottle of wine from the fridge.

Katherine's warm smile soon disappeared and to be honest I wasn't surprised at all. "Alright my lovely daughter in law – Don't think that because I've apologized that I'm going to go all warm and cuddly on you. I apologized because I knew Wade would still want me in his life this way. That's it. I just want to make a settlement with you."

It was like I was dealing with the Wicked Witch of the West. "What do you want?" My Ruby Slippers?

"I've apologized to make my son happy and frankly so my granddaughter will stop fearing me. I love them both very much."

I crossed my arms, "I know you do."

"I want you to make them know that you and I are mutual and very friendly with one another. You seem to be the glue that holds them and if you're gone, they both seem to fall apart and both begin to hate me" she spoke, her voice weakening.

"Alright. I'll do it. But could you try to be genuine? None of these mean remarks every time I do or say something" I say.

She sighed heavily, "Yes… I'll try my hardest."

I placed my hands on my hips and rolled my eyes. She smirked, almost identical to Wade. "I won't" she said.

"Good."

"I'm going to be leaving tomorrow afternoon, I've decided that it's time for me to go home. I haven't told Wade yet so please let me do so" she spoke.

I stared at her, "So you're not taking Molly and Peter with you?"

She chuckled and then she grew sad, "I guess they can stay. They seem happier here with you. And I must give them their due for looking after my son when that was my job."

I suddenly felt empathy, something I never thought I would feel for her. "Katherine…" I stopped as we were joined again by Wade. He held three glass flutes filled with some white, bubbly liquid. He handed one flute to each of us. He had the largest grin I had ever seen on his face.

He held the flute high above his head and he wrapped his other arm around my chest. "To… seeing two very important women in my life, stand together civilly. It makes me very happy."

Katherine and I exchanged analogous glances.

"Cheers" spoke Wade as he moved his glass toward Katherine's; their glasses clinking together. His glass then touched mine. I looked up at Katherine and we clinked our flutes together.

"Cheers Lea" spoke Katherine.

"Cheers" I murmured before putting the glass to my lips.

Harold joined us as he walked toward Katherine's side. "Everything alright?" he looked a little alarmed at the sight of the three of us drinking wine together without a hint of disparity.

"Everything is fine" said Katherine to her husband, "I thought we should tell Wade about us leaving tomorrow."

"What?" spat Wade, "You guys want to leave?" I could sense a feeling of separation coming from him. Wouldn't you feel that way if your parents lived on a different continent? I was missing my Dad all the time and he lives at least 15 minutes away.

"Yes dear" said Katherine, "We've just loved spending time with you, but we really must go back. There are so many things I have to do at home. There's charities, events, parties… you know how it is."

Wade lowered his head slightly, "I understand." I moved out of Wade's grasp and stood by his side.

Katherine planted her hand on Wade's shoulder, "We have really enjoyed our time with you. You've made us very proud. I can't believe my little boy has grown to be this amazing, handsome man that you've become."

I smiled to myself. It was nice to hear Katherine say something nice about Wade. Wade gleamed, "Thanks."

Harold had his hands in his pockets; with the awkward stressed relationship that he and Wade shared I could tell that he wasn't quite sure what to say. He whimpered before speaking, "We love you, son."

"I love you guys too" said Wade. His eyes moved between them. "Both of you." Wade put out his large hand to his father; Harold gleamed and put his hand out to shake Wade's.

I decided to leave the three of them alone. I smiled at them politely; I could tell that Harold was very happy to have Wade shake his hand. I took my flute of wine upstairs and went to our bedroom. Once inside I closed the door and glanced at our bed, suddenly remembering what had happened before Wade had come to the motel room. 'SHEAMUS!' I thought. My cheeks turned scarlet as I reminisced the mortifying and honestly heartbreaking moment that the Irishman spoke of having feelings for me. I hoped that didn't hate me and that he would understand.

….

After sculling the last lot of white wine that was in my glass I snuggled up in bed. I nestled myself in my soft pillow and layers of warm blankets. I heard the door creak open and my husband walked in. I took him in. He was honestly perfect in his white shirt and black pants. He walked toward my side and kissed my forehead, "Glad to have you in our bed" he whispered in my ear.

I gleamed as I watched him unbutton his shirt, uncovering his chiselled torso and place his shirt on the chest to the side of the wall. He unfastened his belt and looped it out of his pants. He held the black leather belt in his hands and waved it to me, "I think we could use this one night, maybe when everyone is out."

I bit my lip nervously as he winked at me.

He sat by his side of the bed and pulled off his shoes and socks. Then pulled off his pants and sat on the bed in his black briefs. He huddled next to me as he got under the layers of warm blankets. His touch felt just that extra warm as he placed his arm out for me to snuggle up against his muscled chest. I lower my eyes, "I'm sorry that it took so long for your mother and I to get along."

"It's alright. She was being a bitch. She needed someone to put her in her place" he spoke.

I grinned at I looked at him, "I heard it was you."

He blushed. It was really rare to see him blush. I place my hand on my chest, "My hero."

Wade chuckled, "I had to come and rescue you. You were this damsel in distress, all alone in this not so hygienic motel room."

My thoughts were consumed by how not alone I was. "Are you sure you don't want me to complain about it?" Wade interrupted.

I shook my head, "No, it's fine."

His grasp growing tighter on me as he laid his head back against the pillow. I wondered what Wade would have thought about what Sheamus had said to me. My fingers repeatedly intertwined with his as I pondered on speaking.

"Wade…" I finally said. My heart was in my stomach as I thought of my next line.

"Lea…" he mimicked playfully.

I suddenly thought up a planned way to talk about it. "You know if someone was to fall for you, any woman…"

Wade barked a laugh, "I hope it would be a woman!"

I rolled my eyes at him. I propped up on my elbows. "If anyone was to fall in love with you, I would probably… hurt them."

Wade laughed again. "Lea you don't have a mean bone in your body. I'm sure you couldn't hurt anyone."

How wrong you are, husband. I broke an Irishman's heart today. I sighed, "But you're missing my point. I wouldn't let anyone have you. You're mine and mine only. If I ever caught a woman gazing at you, I would gauge her eyes out. I wouldn't be able to see another woman around you."

Wade pressed his hands on his stomach as he tried to calm his laughter. "Sure. Whatever you say."

I grew frustrated with him, "Well say some man who was handsome and sweet showed feelings toward me. Would you just let me go? Wouldn't you do something?"

His face grew serious as he sat up, his back leaning against the wall. Had I upset him? "I would kill him Lea. If any guy tried anything with you I would grab his neck and break it with my bare hands. I wouldn't let any man get anywhere near you, like I can. So to answer your question, I would be in jail because I killed the imbecile" he said as stared at me.

"Oh" I could only mutter.

"I could not stand seeing any man even try to look at you" he said. I could see his face turn bright red and his hands formed into fists. I didn't mean to get him so hyped. I placed my arms around his waist. My head in his chest, I could feel his racing breath slowly calming down. He laughed at himself, "I'm sorry, I just don't like to think about it."

I smiled as I brushed my hand through his thick, black hair. "Remember when we got married and we became promised to one another, I would never break any of those vowels. I'd never even look at another man, because simply he's not you."

Wade smirked, "Even if say he was wasn't as much of a jerk as I am?"

I shook my head and kissed his cheek, "Sometimes I like when you're a jerk."

He chuckled. "No woman can be compared to you, my Lea."

I shrug my shoulder, "I know." Wade laughed and then slid back in under the blankets. I turned around and could feel his breath on the back of my neck as I closed my eyes. He placed his large arm across my body.

"God. Phillip and Adele's wedding is very soon. You're going to be busy with the bride" grumbled Wade into my hair.

My eyes shot open at the thought of having to see Sheamus. It was going to be unbearable and I'm sure he was going to feel the same way. I was the maid of honour and he was going to walk the bride down the aisle. Oh god! I wasn't looking forward to this. "Do you want me to come tomorrow with you?" he asked.

"No. You spend as much time as you can with your parents" I said. "I'll be fine."

"Loads to do I'm sure" he grumbled again.

"Yes."

"I only know that Adele will be an absolute bridezilla" he groaned. I rolled my eyes at him.

"You have Sheamus there to help you anyway. He'll be handy" spoke Wade. He was half – asleep. I don't know why he kept mumbling away. I cringed at the thought of how uncomfortable it was now going to be. Couldn't Sheamus have told me after the wedding or never at all? I sighed as I closed my eyes knowing that tomorrow was going to be the worst.

Thank you lovely ladies for all of the wonderful reviews. Just a request, my friend has written this really suspenseful and exciting story called 'The strongest will survive.' Her author name is: sephiroth3343 Some may have read it but if you haven't please give it a read and review. I think you will all really like it. I love it – very addictive. Anyway, hope you enjoyed this chapter – please leave me a review and I will get the next one up soon. Love Jess.