Chapter 17- We are Forever

I woke up at 6:30am (after a restless night) to the beautiful feeling of the twins moving about in my stomach. They weren't kicking, just wriggling around, it was a welcome feeling after the previous night where they'd decided to play "who can kick Mum the hardest". I lay back into the covers smiling to myself. Today was the day. It was strangely cold in the bed this morning despite the numerous covers and the fact the heating was on- my personal heater was missing, but this time I knew exactly where he was. He'd gone over to Fatboy and Poppy's (Fats being his best man) and Pops had stayed here. There was a gentle knock at the door before Abi and Pops burst in playing an Alarm of ringing church bells- It was a lovely unexpected surprise ,it was bloody loud though, I fully woke up giggling because of it.

"Happy Wedding day !" Poppy chimed coming to sit on the bed with me, leaning in to give me a sat talking for a good hour about hair and make up and the twins. Abs had tried to apologise on behalf of our so called Mother who couldn't be mature about things for one day to come to the wedding. I would be lying if I said it hadn't hurt me, because it had, we'd sent invites out a month ago when we first set the date and she'd just not replied, I would have accepted it a little more if she'd have actually let me know but she hadn't, it was like I didn't exist.

"It's Dry" Abi smiled sipping her drink. I looked out of window and the ground was dry the weather looked calm (which we had been given a lot of grief about with it being in October and since that bloody thunderstorm a few weeks back), I was so pleased it was clear. It looked beautiful out there, the leaves falling, so picturesque.

"What time is it?" I questioned

"Half 8..." our eyes all turned to the door as it cracked open, little footsteps outside of it. I knew it was Zoe; we always had our Morning cuddles and today wouldn't be any different.

"Morning Baby…" I called as she hustled in and snuggled into me on the bed. She sat between my legs using my rather large bump as her personal pillow.

"Babies Moving Mummy" she giggled, pressing her cheek and hands against me.

"I think they're excited Like Mummy is…." I let my fingers run through her hair, brushing it away from her eyes. Abi and Poppy were watching us smiling, a little creepily I might add.

"Me too" she whispered and continued to lean against my bump her interest captivated.

"I still cant believe your going to be Mrs Branning…It'll be like having another one of Mum around" Abi shook her head "It's so strange I always thought I'd be the first to get married and have kids" I rolled my eyes and Mocked offence, my hand going to my chest.

"You're not the only one" I looked to the door tears filling my eyes.

"Daddy…" I whispered clambering from the bed hugging him tightly. I'd been so good all morning and hadn't cried. But one look at my Dad and I was in bits. "You came"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world beautiful…it's my baby's wedding day" It had been touch and go if Dad would be able to come to the wedding, he'd been working away a lot recently up and down the country and had been in Spain for the last week.

"I've missed you Dad…"

"You too sweetheart…Now your Nana's here Zoe, she's going to help you get ready princess alright?" Dad scooped Zoe into his arms holding her bridal style and blowing raspberries against her skin.

She erupted into giggles wriggling about in his arms "Granddad stop it !" she laughed a Dad placed her on the floor. She toddled off and went to Pam who'd waited downstairs for her. We shouted our hello's and then started to get ready. Dad went back home for a bit and would be coming back later to come in the car with me.

Sitting in the kitchen clutching to a flute of orange juice, the other drinking champagne, it suddenly hit me.

I was getting Married.

It was my wedding day, My Lauren Branning.

It was the day I was marrying Joey, the love of my life, the father of my Kids - My soul mate. Yet I was completely petrified. I was guessing it was because of my lack of decent role models for Marriage, so I didn't know how things were meant to go normally.

My mum and dad had married, divorced, got back together then spilt again. I was just so afraid mine would end the same, but I knew really, when the hormones had stopped that mine and Joey's love would get us though and over everything ; we were destined to be together, we'd gone through so much already and we were still standing.

It still didn't ease the jitters I was now feeling, especially not having Joey around. He always knew what to say and do, to calm me. Once We'd finished eating I was marched into the living room to be pampered and preened. The door had gone several times as Whitney arrived as well as the flowers and then a few others had popped in to see how things were going.

"All done" poppy grinned having styled my hair into loose curls that cascaded down my back, a delicate Garland of flowers entwined into my hair with a plait. I looked in the mirror and was lost for words.

"Pops… It's lovely perfect... god thank you" I hugged her tightly and we both started to well up.

" ahhh No crying you'll ruin my master piece, Your dad will be back soon, so you better get your dress on" she choked out her throat teary.

"I know, I'm just a little scared now" I whispered opening my eyes.

" Joey loves you more than anything Lauren anyone can see that, He adores you, his eyes light up anytime Fats even mentions your name he dotes on you and today will be perfect- the wedding of the century " she assured me.

"I'm holding you to that" I giggled, walking up to my room to get dressed.

I felt like a princess, there was no other way to describe it. The dress I'd chosen was quite a flow-y dress so that my bump fitted and it did fit perfectly. The drapes of ivory fabric skimmed softly over my stomach and flowed gently to the floor in a train. There was a small delicate lace pattern over the dress that than seeped out to create the small capped sleeves. I was surprised when I saw the dress in the shop with Ab's that it was actually a maternity dress and went big enough to fit a woman 7 and half pregnant with twins .

I slipped my shoes on and went down stairs back into the living room, the girls were dresses in their bridesmaid dresses and looked amazing. I'd let them choose their own dresses as long as they were all the same, or of a similar colour which was creams and browns. They'd all chosen really similar knee length lace dresses and it just worked. Zoe looked beautiful. Poppy had pinned her hair up in to a small bun at the back and she had a little band of flowers in her hair.

I cried, again, when I saw them all and I think my sob caught their attention. Pam turned around and nudged the others.

"Oh Lauren you look beautiful" she admired, her hand shooting to her mouth.

"Thank you…I actually feel it for once" I smiled simply and called the girls over.

"Erm…I have some presents for you all" I reached over to the side table next to the sofa and handed my bridesmaids; Poppy, Whit and Ab's a small box each. I gave Pam another and then a smaller one to Zoe.

"Lauren… you didn't have too"

There was a rush of "Oh it's gorgeous" and "it's perfect" as they inspected their gifts. I had got them each a small silver bracelet, that had their initial and the date and occasion on a little engraved plaque. Pam and Zoe I'd got something different though, Pam I'd got a pair of earrings that I knew she'd love and Zoe a smaller bracelet that had flowers engraved onto it. Pam stepped forward tears in her eyes.

"Darling thank you…" she hugged me tight and then laughed adjusting my vale. "Perfect, Joey's going to have a heart attack when he sees you"

"Lauren Dads here" Abi called and I heard the door click behind him. He quickly strode over to me tears in his eyes.

"Oh babe, you look stunning…" he whispered holding me close.

"Thanks daddy" I whispered back "Are we ready?" I asked trying to defuse the tears.

"Actually…I've got something for you…" Pam pulled out a small box and handed it across to me "It's from Joey; he wanted you to have it before you left."

I sat on the arm of the sofa as Pam and the others double checked everything and saw to Zoe I found my hand was resting across the twins again as I opened the bag. Inside was a small box and a letter, I decided to go with the box first. I undid the delicate ribbon on top, and inhaled deeply as I saw the small silver heart shaped locket. The locket was open and inside was two pictures one of Me, Joe and Zoe and the other was a sonogram of the twins. God he was trying to kill me with tears. Inhaling deeply I opened the letter and began to read, laughing at his scruffy writing.

To My beautiful Lauren,

Just over a year ago my life changed forever. I never realized what an impact one girl could have on my life but you showed up. I never dreamed that I would find someone who challenged me to see the world in the way you do; a girl who makes me laugh and love with all my heart, a girl who even after all this time together gives me butterflies when she walks through the door. I didn't believe that I could find anyone who could love as much as you do and who could accept me as a whole.

I never thought that I could love anyone as much as I love you and I still find it hard to believe that I fall a little deeper for you each day I wake up with you in my arms.

I love your humour, your sarcasm and whit. I adore your deep chocolate eyes, you beautiful sweet perfume, the way you sing in the kitchen of a morning when you think we can't hear you. I love the way you manage to see the good in everyone despite what you've been through. I love what an amazing Mother you are to our beautiful daughter and I can't wait to see you with the twins.

You are my soul mate. My other half. The piece of my heart that I never knew was missing.

You have breathed life and meaning into this my world, and have helped me to grow into the man that I am today. You've raised our daughter with such grace and elegance, so much so she mirrors your every move.

Today is the day we will remember for the rest of our lives, even as my memories fade, I promise to never forget this day, our wedding day, the day I get to call you mine forever.

I promise to inspire you the way you have always inspired me, to lift you up when you feel down, to bring you coffee in bed and kiss and hug you every single day. To wipe away your teas when times are tough and to be there every second you need me.

I promise to be your best friend, your secret keeper, the person you laugh-till-you-cry with You are my everything Lauren and I can't wait to call you my Wife.

I love you with all my heart baby With Love, Hugs, Kisses… And the promise of a lifetime together…Your almost husband Joey xxx

I wiped my eyes tears absently drifting down my face. "God I love you Joe" I whispered folding the letter up. Dad fastened the locket and it fell perfectly into place.

"Time to go darling"

"I'm so proud beyond words" Dad said as the car pulled up at the church. He smiled, kissing my cheek softly "You've grown into such a beautiful woman Lauren, you're an amazing Mother and I have no doubt you'll be just as good a wife"

"Thanks for everything Dad… I know we've had rough patches but your still my Daddy and I wouldn't want you any other way, I'll always need her my Dad" I whispered, feeling a little teary.

"Love you babe" he replied, squeezing my hand again and placing a gentle kiss to my forehead.

" I Love you too".

"Are you ready?" dad asked, opening the door for me, I maneuverer so I could get out which was a bit of a struggle with bump and all. Dad giggled and held his hands out to me.

I smiled as he eased me up led me out of the car "More than ever"

This was that moment, which every little girl dreamt of, It was what I'd imagined. I'd got the dream house and the dream guy I was now getting the icing on my cake.

I linked my arm through Dad's as the bridesmaids made their way down the aisle. The music changed and dad walked me down the aisle. I was completely oblivious to anyone else, my eyes fixated on one person only- Joey.

He turned after receiving a gentle nudge from Fats and his eyes finally connected with mine. I blushed and bit my lip as we reached nearer him, Joey winked cheekily and I couldn't help giggling. I knew he'd done it to stop my nerves and it had worked a treat. Dad squeezed my hand as we took the final steps. Joe help his hand out to me almost dragging me towards him. Dad kissed me and moved across to take his seat by Nan and Abs.

"You look amazing babe" he whispered kissing my cheek quickly through my vale. I stared at him greedily, ogling every part of his fine physique.

"God I love you in Suit" I breathed, smirking a little as the vicar called for everyone to be seated.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss your bride"

I smiled as his hands reached up and gently pulled my vale back. His eyes locked with mine instantly as placed his lips down onto mine brushing gently against gradually deepening it. I could have happily stayed in that Moment forever and it wasn't until the clapping died down I realised we'd probably been kissing, well making out would probably have been more appropriate, than really necessary.

"Mrs Branning" he smirked, Winking at me as he swiftly lifted out joined hands in the air before kissing me once more.

SO SO sorry about no updates yesterday...If you follow me on twitter you'll know my internet was down all day and I didn't get reconnected until about half 11 so again im sorry a I hope this chapter made up for it, I'll be posting again later xxx