Chapter 26

This is the last of my pre-written chapters and I have a busy few days coming up... I hope to get something written about NYE and will be uploading again (somewhat regularly) as of the new year. Thanks for reading, please review! x

Almost a week had passed since Christmas and Grace had gone back home to America. At first Connie found it difficult but she was returning to work in another few days. It was New Years Eve tomorrow and Jacob was still trying to persuade Connie to come out.

"Pleeeeaseee?" Connie wasn't having any of it and refused to admit that she may enjoy herself. Jacob knelt on the floor leaning against her legs hanging off the sofa. "What have I got to do to persuade you?"

She rolled her eyes as he remained in front of her. "You know, it just means we could tell everyone about us and stop the chat for our first shifts back." He could see she was beginning to consider it but was still reluctant. "I could go out with you on my arm knowing that no man will ever stand a chance with you because you're really mine." Eventually she caved rolling her eyes and spoke. "Okay fine, but I'm not staying long!"

The following evening rolled around quickly and soon enough Connie was standing in front of the bedroom mirror. She wore a black Bardot style dress which left her shoulders bare. Her hair was all pinned up at the back bar a few loose strands which fell in small curls.

Her make-up was simple but elegant and effective. The dress came to just above her knees and was worn with a pair of stiletto heeled ankle boots which Grace had given her. Her eyes landed upon the ruby figure eight bracelet before gazing down to the ring on her finger. Dropping her hands she smoothed down her dress before grabbing her leather jacket and leaving the room.

Jacob was dressed and waiting by the front door when Connie appeared. "Are you sure you've got keys to get in because I really don't want to be standing in the cold tonight." He didn't answer but just looked at her. "Jacob!?" He nodded "Yes Con I've got keys just relax, please."

She hadn't realised how nervous she was until they sat in the back of the taxi on the way to the pub. The noise could be heard from down the road which made Connie immediately regret the decision to come out. This wasn't her, going out, drinking, pretending like she actually got along with the staff.

They got out of the taxi and Jacob stopped her from walking inside. When she looked back to him he stepped closer to her. "I love you and it doesn't matter what happens in there tonight, it won't change a thing." She let her eyes fall to the floor as Jacob pressed his lips to her forehead.

Taking her hand in his, he entwined his fingers with hers and walked around the side of the building. "Okay I know I don't come here often but even I know you go in the front door baby." He laughed just pulling her hand so she walked behind him through the gate.

"CONGRATULATIONS!" Connie looked up at everyone standing in front of them. After looking between the faces of Elliot, Charlie and Zoe, who she had phoned yesterday and told about the engagement, she turned back to Jacob.

"You told them?" He shook his head "I just got you here after being told to… You can blame Charlie for this-" "Oh so you want me to go and kiss him do you?" She smiled as he looked as though he was considering it before he laughed and closed the space between them.

Her arms draped around his neck as he wrapped his about her waist. When she moved backwards she smiled as he spoke quietly. "I love you and I can't wait for you to be my wife sweet cheeks." She pursed her lips before turning to see Charlie beside her. "I hope you don't mind-" she cut him off by enveloping him into a warm hug.

People began congratulating Jacob before a few turned to Connie and did the same however slightly less enthusiastically. She felt how uneasy some people were around her and wasn't really that surprised. In some weak attempt at making the whole thing a little less tense she edged closer to Jacob and moved her arm around his waist.

He looked down at her as she began to speak. "Thank you, I didn't realise this is what I was coming out for tonight and was ready to have a pretty large drink in order to forget most the year… So if anyone else wants to join me I'll be at the bar, first rounds on me." People smiled and cheered before wandering about with some heading inside. Connie remained linked with Jacob before she tiptoed up and placed a light kiss on his lips before pulling away and heading inside.

He couldn't help but watch her as she walked away. He admired her. It was like a dream to him this whole situation, he spent the entire time just wandering when he'd wake up.

By 11 o'clock everyone was in a much happier and carefree state, especially Connie. It was safe to say she had been drinking most the men under the table across the course of the evening and there were no signs of her even feeling slightly close to finishing.

Jacob caught Connie's hand as she went to walk by, spinning her around until she stopped to face him. "Alright baby?" Jacob laughed nodding down at her. "Are you is what I want to know?" Connie smiled as she held onto his hand before pulling him closer to her. "I am perfect… Come to think about it, that's probably why you're marrying me right?" He let out a laugh before trying to regain a serious composure.

He felt her move to walk away before turning her around again. "You couldn't spare a dance could you Mrs Beauchamp?" She felt his fingers slowly link through hers as she tilted her head to one side. "I think I could find a few minutes." He spun her in a slow circle before catching her around the waist and pressing himself against her smiling.

They danced together as several people began to watch them. It was a strange sight to see Mrs Beauchamp out and enjoying herself, but seeing Connie dancing with Jacob was an even stranger sight.

Dancing with Jacob seemed to calm her nerves and really enjoy herself. "I never knew you could dance-" "I guess there are still some things for you to find out then Mrs B… Which reminds me, are you a modern kind of woman or a traditional girl?" She frowned unsure of what that had meant. "In what context? Because sleeping with you multiple times before being your wife isn't exactly traditional but I wouldn't like to think of myself as a s-" "Not what I meant."

He laughed as she smiled up at him, still moving around together. "I meant our wedding, are you a traditional girl or the fairytale princess girl?" Connie let her hands drop from his before resting them against his chest. "I'm not exactly either… I didn't dream of a wedding as a little girl, and I've not exactly thought I'd be in a position to have one all these years-" "So if you could have anything, but you had to choose right now… What would it be?"

Connie rested her hands on his arms which were around her waist. "I'd choose anything which made you happy, because seeing that is enough for me." Jacob smiled once again before placing a kiss on her lips. "I love you Connie Beauchamp. I promise I'll make this year better for you, I won't ever let anything hurt you like you were again." Connie could feel tears beginning to build before feeling someone tugging at her hand. All Jacob heard was "TEQUILA!" as he watched his fiancée dragged inside by the others.