Two weeks later and Laura stood gazing at her reflection in the mirror. She was dressed simply in a long cream dress. It skimmed over her body and hung neatly in all the right places showing off her curves her stomach still flat with no sign of a baby bump yet.

Am I really doing this?

Laura leaned into the mirror and studied her face she didn't look any different. She felt nauseous but she felt that everyday right now. So she didn't know if it had anything to do with today. She felt nervous at the day that lay ahead, how her life and Charlie's life was changing forever.

She reached for her hat and placed it carefully on her head. The small pillbox hat looked perfect with the dress. Not wanting to go overboard for a wedding in the local registry office but also wanting something that would be appropriate for the event and the wedding breakfast. Her hair was pinned up and soft tendrils hung around her face framing it.

The sun caught the diamonds on her finger and reflected on the wall, she looked down at the ring marvelling how someone had chosen something so beautiful for her. She knew Lauren had had a hand in it but she believed him when he said he had chosen it and why.

Jake had taken care of pretty much everything for the wedding ably assisted by Jules and Lauren. It seemed irrelevant that she was the professional event planner, she knew absolutely nothing about the day. She had been told to let them worry about the wedding and just focus on resting.

She wanted to scream every time Jake fussed over her. She knew he was trying to look after her but, being pregnant didn't mean she was incapacitated. It had infuriated her beyond belief on so many occasions over the last couple of weeks but no one seemed to pay any attention to her outbursts.

She stepped back from the mirror smoothing the dress. 'You'll do Laura Jones.' She giggled there was no one else in the room, she could hear Jules downstairs talking loudly barking out orders to anyone who would listen. Pete could be heard telling her to pipe down. Ellie was telling Charlie to behave and Charlie was obviously out of control.

Charlie; when she had sat him down and told him that she and Jake were going to get married he had been so happy. He wanted to know if Jake was his new Dad, if he could call him Dad? Laura hadn't realised how much having no male figure around had affected him and how attached to Jake he had become.

Jake was amazing with him and they seemed so similar they could be related. She had caught the two of them fiddling with their hair one day. Exactly the same and when Jake had raised an eyebrow at her she had laughed and said Charlie was his mini-me; he had started copying him. He had smiled at her but it hadnt reached his eyes. They still had so much to learn about each other. They had know each other only a couple of months and now they were getting married. Plus something not to forget they were having a baby. A baby she patted her stomach as she thought about this little being they had created growing inside her.

She didn't know if she loved him, if she could love him. She liked him, she fancied him and he did things to her that made her lose her head and drift into some parallel universe. Was she falling in love, was that love? She just didn't know and she didn't feel confident enough to discuss this with Jules right now. It also scared her that he had feelings for her and had shared that with Charlie. She saw him looking at her intensely so often his eyes dark as they stared at her; almost as though he was staring straight into her soul. She would smile causing the spell to be broken and he would go back to light and breezy.

A knock at the door brought her out of her daze and she looked around as Jules walked into the room.

'OMG Laura you look breathtaking. Wow no wonder he sent this for you whatever is inside will be perfect.' As she spoke she held out a blue box. Laura slowly took it and undid the ribbon her breath catching as she lifted the box inside out and opened the lid. She reached for the necklace inside and held it out to Jules.

Jules whistled as she looked down at it. 'I know he's rich but its on such a huge scale Laura. Like wow! That must be worth…'

'No don't say it. I can't accept this its crazy why is he buying me things like this, where am I going to wear it?'

'Well, at a push I would say it's a wedding present and maybe just try it first before refusing. It all changes today hun. You are gonna be Mrs Jake Harrison need to look the part.'

Laura held the necklace and passed the box back to Jules. She opened the catch and draped it around her neck. The two strands of diamonds falling onto the dress as she fastened it behind her neck. She stepped back and looked in the mirror gingerly touching the stones as they glinted in the sunlight.

'It's stunning Laura. Read the card; here.' Jules passed a small envelope to her and Laura opened it reading the words written in Jakes handwriting. His writing neat and all swirls.

Laura,

We may be an unconventional couple in how we met. This may not have been the most romantic proposal. But, I am very happy that today you are going to be my wife. I am looking forward to our new life together as a family.

Please wear this necklace (I already know you will have tutted) as I wanted to give you 'the something new' on our wedding day.

Jake xx

ps Charlie has something blue. I swear I had nothing to do with it.

She raised her head looking at Jules. Tears brimming as she handed over the card. Jules read it and sighed. 'Hmmmm he buys good presents and he wants to marry you. We had better get you into the car then, cant keep him waiting. He might change his mind if you're late. Ooh today we get to meet Mummy Harrison. I can't bloody wait can you?'

Laura gave a nervous laugh as Jules hugged her. 'I am terrified of meeting her. I don't understand why we haven't met before but too late too worry about that now. Do I look like I've been crying? My eye make up, hang on.' Laura went across to the mirror to check her eyes. They were bright, she looked dare she think it let alone say it; happy.

'Okay lets do this.'

Arriving downstairs she was greeted by Charlie, Ellie and Pete. All whooping as they saw her. Charlie ran forward to hug her legs and she bent down looking into his face. 'We cool Charlie?'

He nodded, smiling. 'We cool Auntie Laura. I got something for you.'

Laura laughed. 'So I hear, well lets have it then we need to get this show on the road.' Charlie ran into the kitchen arriving back with a blue box. He held it up to her. 'I picked this an I paid for it.'

Laura smiled as she opened the box gasping at the diamond & sapphire bracelet nestled on the white silk. 'Charlie where did you get this?'

'I went to a shop with Jake and got it. I paid for it, it cost one pound!' Charlie held up one finger to emphasise. Laura looked over his head at Jules who was shaking her head as if to say don't go there, put it on lets go. So she did exactly that and pulled Charlie in for a cuddle. 'I love it. You picked me a lovely present.

Jules leaned down to Charlie. 'You did well Charlie I'm very impressed.' Charlie pushed his hand through his hair and laughed. Laura saw Jules give him a look but then it was gone and she was reaching for the flowers handing the bouquet to Laura.

Pete arrived back into the room and announced the cars were outside. Jules looked at Laura. 'You ready?' She nodded. 'I think so, I hope so.'

The drive to the registry office was over far too quick and suddenly she was inside the building walking up the staircase. She stopped at the door clutching at Jules. Her breathing laboured as she contemplated what was about to happen.

Jules smiled gently at her. 'It's okay hun you can do this you are nearly there.' Laura nodded and looked down at Charlie. He was smiling up at her and as she reached for his hand she said. 'Okay scamp lets do this.'

Jake did not think she had ever looked more beautiful. She seemed to glide towards him her eyes never leaving his and suddenly she was stood next to him and they were reciting the words given to them by the registrar. Charlie was giddy beside them and could not stop giggling the occasion being lost on him but the fact he was getting a family very real.

When Jake slipped the ring onto her finger he could see his hands shaking and he looked at Laura. Her smile calming him as it slid into place. She seemed far too calm, he was a wreck having not slept much the night before. He liked sleeping in the same bed with her now feeling her limbs wrapped around him. He had felt lonely last night tossing and turning unable to settle. Her hands didn't shake as she placed the plain platinum band on his finger. Her voice was smooth and clear as she spoke whereas his was shaky and croaky, what the hell was wrong with him?

All too soon they were standing as Man and Wife. Charlie tugging at him saying 'kiss Auntie La.'

He had pulled her towards him and gently touched her lips, he could feel her smiling and was she laughing at him? He opened his eyes and she was looking straight at him a mischievous glint in her eyes. He felt a hand on his bum and realised it was her as she leaned closer and deepened the kiss. He heard Jules and Lauren cheer and people in the room clapping. He stepped back laughing shocked at Laura for being so confident.

He had wanted to give her the most amazing day. He had worked with Jules and Lauren to ensure every detail was covered. They were a formidable pair and he had been impressed at what a great team they made. He had made a mental note to review this in the future. Laura had complained loudly that she was the event planner and should be allowed to know what was going on but the three of them had closed ranks and refused to divulge any information on the day.

As the two of them left the registry office and walked towards the car he felt happy and carefree. He could make this work he looked over at her and she was laughing looking over her shoulder at something Pete had said. He knew in that moment he would do anything to make sure she laughed like this everyday.

Jules & Lauren were at the car as they walked towards it and doused them liberally in confetti. As they fell back against the seats he had reached for her hand and lowered his head to kiss her wrist.

'So Mrs Harrison.'

'Hmmmm I cant believe this we are married Jake. Wow.'

'Are you happy?'

'Well, I will let you know later, I don't know what sort of wedding planner you are so verdicts out at the moment.'

He threw his head back laughing and pulled her towards him. 'Laura Harrison prepare to be amazed.'

'I will but before that we need to discuss the bracelet that Charlie gave me.'

He looked at her wrist as it sparkled on her tiny wrist. 'Laura I want to spoil you okay. I wanted Charlie to be part of this and actually he paid for it.'

Her face indignant as she looked at him. 'You are going to tell me he managed to buy me this?'

'It was his pocket money for the next twenty years. What are you gonna do give it back?'

She looked back at him and then down at the jewels. 'No I love it as I love this.' She had reached up and touched the diamonds draped around her neck. Leaning forward she had kissed him gently, softly. 'Thank you.'

Jake closed his eyes and kissed her back his kiss deepening with only the two of them in the back of the limo. He pushed her back into the seat and ran his hands over her body. 'You wearing anything under this dress?'

She giggled. 'Not much to be honest its kind of tight.'

'I like it, it shows off your amazing body.' He had touched her stomach patting it gently. 'You feeling okay today?'

Laura nodded and smiled back at him. 'So far so good.'

The car pulled up outside the hotel. 'Mrs Harrison welcome to your wedding. Prepare to be amazed.'

And amazed she was. He had closed the hotel for three days and given all the staff holiday so they could attend the wedding. They had all been given rooms in the hotel to stay in. A team had been brought into cover all areas for the weekend. He had realised that Laura considered a lot of these people like family so knew that she would want them to be part of the day. As they had walked into the ballroom the place had erupted and she had turned to him stunned, squealing as she saw her colleagues and friends all dressed up. She had slapped him on the shoulder before she ran towards one of the tables hugging people as she turned back to him laughing.

He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see his Mother. 'Well, Jake no turning back now.'

He hugged her as she smiled at him and she reached up to smooth his hair. 'Mum seriously.'

Anna laughed. 'Let me have something today Jake. I feel like a spare part. Lauren and that ghastly Jules woman are like the road runner. I have nothing to do. I have been totally excluded from this.'

'Come on let me escort you to the table.' Jake took his Mother's arm and led her through the room. Laura was still making her way around the tables and seemed to be in no hurry to sit down. He pulled out the chair for his Mother and she sat down. As he went to move off she pulled him back.

'You did well Jake this could not have gone any better. We have Charlie and soon we will have another Harrison.' He looked around hoping no one had heard Anna or was watching them. He leaned down. 'Mum you promised. Best behaviour and all that. I don't want anything to spoil this day for us okay.'

She nodded her lips pursing as she turned away from him. 'You make it sound as though its a real wedding Jake. Get me some champagne dear I need a drink.'

He looked around and saw a waiter with a tray and called him across taking two glasses. He gave one to his Mother and stood behind her quickly downing the glass he had taken for himself. He realised that no matter what he did or said the secret was always there. He felt his chest tighten as he saw Charlie come bounding into the room, Ellie running in after him. Charlie stopped and looked for Laura but couldn't see her he turned, saw Jake and ran across the room to reach his side.

'I was in a big car Jake me and Ellie it was cool.' Jake laughed and reached down to pick him up. 'Thats good Charlie, i'm glad you had fun.' He looked over Charlie's shoulder and caught his Mother staring at the two of them.

'He could be your son Jake the family resemblance is astounding.' She dabbed at her eyes and he knew she was thinking of Will. He stepped forward still holding Charlie and touched her shoulder. She reached up and patted his hand. 'I'm fine, really its fine.'

Jake dropped Charlie down and took his hand as he pulled him round towards Anna. 'Charlie this is my Mum Anna. Erm' what should he call you?' Jake looked down at Anna as her eyes filled again and she touched Charlie gently on his cheek. 'I think you should call me Granny.'

Jake sighed. 'Mum.'

'What I am his Grandmother Jake.'

Charlie looked at Anna as he stood pressed against Jake. 'I never had a Granny before.' His voice sweet and small as he looked from one to the other.

Anna reached forward and patted him gently. 'Well its settled then I'm Granny Charlie.' She looked up at Jake smiling. He didn't smile back. He felt furious and knew Laura would not be impressed. 'We'll talk about this later Mum. I am going to fetch Laura and you had better be civil.'

'Jake you make me out to be some harridan. I'm sure I will like her. I would have liked to meet her before today. Not sure why you kept me away?' He pushed his hand through his hair and looked away as he did he caught Jules staring at him a quizzical look on her face. He smiled and waved and she waved back as she walked towards the table. Jules worried him she was far too perceptive.

He found Ellie and had her take Charlie back to their table to sit down. Wandering through the room he got lots of hugs and congratulations from the hotel team. He found Laura outside showing her diamond wedding band to a group of the younger staff. He slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. The smell of her perfume wafted over them and he felt her relax as she realised it was him.

Once he had managed to extricate her from everyone he led her back through the ballroom to their table. Stopping at his Mother's side he tapped her on the shoulder and she looked up.

'Mum this is Laura.'

'Well darling I think I gathered that at the registry office.' She stood up and leaned towards Laura dropping a perfunctory kiss on her cheek. 'Congratulations my dear and welcome to our family.'

Laura blushed and attempted an awkward hug. He saw Anna stiffen as she did so and Laura dropped her arms to her side. He took Laura's hand and kissed her softly. 'Lets sit down wifey. Lots of time for you two to get to know each other.'

She had nodded slowly and he had gently pushed her away to walk around the table. She was sat next to Charlie and Ellie, Jules and Pete on the other side. Lauren and Simon were sat next to him with his Mother in between Pete and Simon. He had hoped sitting her between those two would keep her occupied for the day.

They (his wedding planners and himself) had decided that only he would make a toast and so he delivered a funny and heartfelt speech to the assembled guests. There was much cheering as he finished and leaned down to kiss Laura before asking everyone to raise their glasses to the bride.

She had blushed, laughed and he had sat back down feeling happy, blessed. Looking across the table at his Mother had wiped it away quickly and he realised he was going to need to handle her very carefully from now on. She was a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.

The party was in full flow the dance floor was full. He looked down at Laura as he felt her sag against him. 'Hey are you okay?'

'Just tired its been a crazy day eh?'

'It has indeed why don't we just disappear? No one will miss us.' She nodded. 'That sounds like a good idea I'm ready for my bed.'

She laughed as he raised an eyebrow. 'Is that so?'

'Hmmmm well I was thinking about sleeping but maybe I could be persuaded to stay awake for a while.'

Jake jumped up and went across to Ellie who was watching Charlie dancing. After a few words he headed back to Laura and pulled her up from her seat. Anna had disappeared so he guessed she had gone to her suite. She was not much for loud parties or celebrating.

He walked quickly through the hotel with Laura trying to keep up. As they reached the staircase she stopped. 'Jake please let me catch my breath you are practically running.'

Jake dropped his head onto her shoulder and kissed her neck breathing in the delectable scent. 'I just want to be alone with you.'

Laura turned her head and kissed his forehead. 'Well what are you stopping here for then Mr Harrison. Take me to bed.'

Jake needed to hear nothing more and pulled her quickly behind him running up the stairs with Laura laughing as he held her hand tightly. As the door swung closed to their suite he was already pushing her towards the bed.

They quickly discarded their clothes and he made love to Laura tenderly whispering to her as his mouth sought hers out. Falling asleep several hours wrapped around her he felt happy, content in love. Nothing was going to spoil this…

xxxxx

On the other side of the hotel Jules was sat up in bed. An uneasy look on her face as she nudged Pete in the ribs to wake him up. He grumbled as he rolled over onto his back. 'Okay, okay I'm awake.'

'Pete I tell you its uncanny. I hadn't noticed it before today. The mannerisms are so alike and stand them together they could be father and son. I have an uneasy feeling about this.'

Well, Jake is back.

Thanx for your patience waiting out over the last couple of months.

I hope it was worth the wait. Lola xx