Chapter Selection:
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Chapter 1:

Prelude:

'I love you ' said, trying to keep his voice steady. 'I love you too ' said, tears beginning to run down her cheeks. She pulled him close. She couldn't believe that this was the end, but it had to be this way. was about to sign his record deal with the other lads , , and Bryan and she was moving far away as her father was promoted to lead the new location of the company he was working for. They both didn't see how they could make their relationship work, so they had decided to split up. 'I better be off home now. We're leaving early morning' said, whiping the tears away. just nodded. 'Take care .' smiled and kissed him on the cheek. 'You too, ' smiled weakly. gave him one last smile, turned around and left. She didn't see crumble into one piece as he started to cry.

Six years later...

'Thank you for flying Eir Airways, we hope you enjoy your time in Ireland.' the stewardess and head of the cabin crew ended her speach followed by the captain's 'Cabin Crew prepare for landing' sighed deeply. The only thing that had occupied her mind from the moment she had sat herself down in the plane seat, seemed to be seeying for the first time in 6 years. She had seen him in magazines and on telly, so she knew what he would kind of look like, it was more his reaction she feared. The plane landed with the familiar thud on the ground and the spasms in 's stomache became worse. ', it's time to get up' she heard her friend say beside her. nodded. 'You ok hun?' asked as they were walking through the gateway. 'Yeah, yeah fine. Just a little nervous. Should be over soon' smiled weakly. 'So, Terri was supposed to get us right? What does she look like' asked . 'O don't worry. I think Terry will find me sooner then I do her.' said, still not up to her full smile. And she was right..
a voice shouted when the girls came out of the gateway. 'See?' laughed 'Terri' smiled broadly and hugged her friend. 'You look absolutely amazing, 's gonna give Cheryl the chop strait away when he sees you' Terri smiled while she eyed up and down. 'Terri, these are my friends, , and . 'Hey girls, I'm Terri and I'll be your hostess for the next few days.' Terri joked. 'Let's get our stuff' smiled.

's friends were admiring all the beautifull landscapes that flew by the car window while Terri drove back to Sligo. 'So, what are the weddingplans?' asked. 'Well, Karen wants to ask you a question, and I know what it is, but I can't tell you. And Karen also asked me to ask you girls if you'd like to come to her wedding anyone who knows is welcome.' Terri smiled. 'Ah that would be great' the three girls cheered in the backseat. 'You'll probably didn't bring anything pink?' Terri asked. 'Ehh no.' the girls chorused. 'Why is that?' asked. 'Well all the women are supposed to come in pink or red because the wedding is on Valentines Day' Terri smiled. 'What colour is Karen wearing?' asked. 'She's the only one in white.' Terri smiled. 'And what are we wearing?' asked, getting slightly worried. 'Am not allowed to tell.' Terri said, putting her attention back to the road. 'Right' said, looking at the views outside, slowly seeying some familiar sights.

'And exactly when were you planning on telling me?' raged against his friends , and Nigel. The three men looked at eachother. 'O that's great, that's just great. What the hell am I to tell Cheryl?' continued. 'Why are you so angry? You're over aren't you?' now argumented. looked at . 'You are? Aren't you?' asked again. felt his heart being squeezed together as if a strong big hand had grasped it and tried to squeeze all the blood out of it. His throat became dry and it seemed like little drops of sweat were running down his face.
No one knew that knew 's address in her new hometown. Cheryl didn't know, that sometimes after she had fallen asleep he got out of bed and went downstairs to watch one of his birthday video's had made. He hadn't told anyone, that the only girl that possesed his heart was and forever would be . ', are you OK?' asked, seeying his friend turn a sickening shade of white. 'Yeah, yeah fine. Look I gotta go, Cheryl is probably wondering why Im not home. So, rehearsal dinner tomorrow? Great. I'll be here 6pm sharp, bye' and without waiting for a reply of his friends left.


Chapter 2:

'Remember that?' Terri smiled at , when she had parked her car on the driveway of her house. 'Old Mary McLoughly's house. You always said you wanted to live here' smiled proudly at her friend. Terri smiled 'I know' and she opened the door of her car.
'Wauuw' , and gasped as they saw the inside of the big house. smiled as she remembered all the fun she, Terri, Nigel, Karen and used to have when they were little. 'Remember you had yourself locked in this cupboard' Terri said, as she stood next to the door of the small cupboard under the stairs. 'Yeah, felt like Harry Potter then' winked. The other girls laughed. 'Who was Mary McLoughly?' asked. 'Mary McLoughly was the town's babysitter really. She had one of the town's biggest families. The eldest of 8 children, it was pretty even, 4 girls, 4 boys. she was the eldest, after that came her sister Lynne, then her brother Noel, then her brother Ronald, then her sister Shobian, then her brother Rowan, then her sister Mae and then the youngest brother Finn' Terri explained. 'She's always taken care of children and she kept on doing so till she died.' Terri finished her story. 'And you know what else. and were caught kissing right in there.' Terri laughed, pointing at a hall cupboard. 'Terri' wailed, playfully.

The girls settled into a room (each got one of their own). They had something to eat and drink and then , and went to bed. 'It's fantastic that you're here . Everyone will be thrilled to see you' Terri smiled. ' doesn't know does he?' asked, immediatly seeying the guilty look on Terri's face. 'Terri' wailed. 'We thought it was best not to tell him yet. I think Nigel was telling him tonight though' Terri said. 'Great, that's just great. So tomorrow at rehearsal dinner, I'll get about 10 people who are happy to see me and one who's gonna totally freak.' sighed. ' won't freak and you know that.' Terri said, slightly agitated. 'Besides, if you both have gotten over eachother, you can sit in one room as two adults, just enjoying the wedded bliss of their childhood friends. Either of you have equal rights to attend this wedding' Terri continued talking. 'I mean you are over him, aren't you?' Terri asked. 's seemed to skip a beat every other minute, the palms of her hand became clammy.
Nobody knew that if she couldn't sleep at night, she took a photoalbum and looked at pictures of and her. No one ever caught her staring at the small picture of in her wallet, as she was stood waiting in the check out que. never told a soul about her undying affection for , he was the only man that held her heart forever. 'You are, aren't you?' Terri's demanding voice snapped her back to reality. 'Yes, offcourse I am. It's late, we got a hectic exiting day tomorrow. Sleep tight.' got up and made her way to the stairs. 'Goodnight ' Terri smiled and watched walk up stairs.

'Where were you?' Cheryl snapped the moment had closed the door behind him. 'I was at Nigel's' shrugged his shoulder. 'Right, then why do you smell like you had a few pint's at the Pub?' Cheryl asked, demandingly. 'Because I did go to the Pub after I left Nigel's' said, shrugging his shoulder again. 'You were to come home after your visit at Nigel's .' Cheryl said. 'Hey..who's been here?' said, walking into the lounge and seeying two wineglasses resting upon the coffeetable. 'Well, you don't think I'm spending the night all by myself do ye? Tim came over' Cheryl said. 'O right. Well hope you had fun. I'm off to bed' said, kissing her on the cheek. 'Oh no you don't. You're going to explain, who exactly you were with' Cheryl said, a vain, clearly visible pulsating in her neck. 'I wasn't with anyone. I went to the Pub all by myself.' shrugged his shoulders. Cheryl seemed to accept this answer and said 'OK, goodnight' and let go upstairs.


Chapter 3:

Next morning Terri woke the 4 girls early. They were to pick up Karen at the soon to be Mr & Mrs Duffy house. '' Karen came running out of the house, soon as had left the car. 'Hey Karen' smiled. 'I see you found our missing person' Terri smiled. 'Yes I did. , I have got to ask you this, straight away. I can't waith any longer, I've been at the crack of bursting.' Karen poored out. 'What is it that you want to ask me?' asked, getting the same nervous feeling as she had in the car, when Terri had told her Karen wanted to ask her something. ', will you be my maid of honour?' Karen squeed, exited as she was. 's mouth fell open. 'Offcourse, offcourse, yes, YES, I want to be your maid of honour' she smiled broadly. 'Fantastic. Oh my god, I'm so sorry girls. Hi, I'm Karen' Karen discovered , and , who introduced themselves to her. 'Well well well' a voice behind said. smiled and turned around. 'What?' she asked nagging. 'How many inches did you grow since you left?' Nigel asked. 'None, I'm wearing high heels' laughed. Nigel hugged her tight. 'So, did she con you into being her maid of honour yet?' Nigel said, as they pulled back. 'Yes, she did' laughed lightly. 'And you're totally OK with ?' Nigel said, not seeying the 'kill-it' sign Karen made. 'What does Nigel mean, being OK with ?' turned around to Karen. 'He's Nigel's best man' Karen said with a guilty face. 'He's WHAT?' shrieked. 'He's my best man. We didn't do it on purpose, . We just thought you two should do those jobs.' Nigel explained. 'But, Nigel that means I..I.' couldn't find the word, as she visualised the scene in here head. 'You have to dance with him, yes' Nigel nodded. 'Oh god' fell back to the roster that held up the porch to Nigel and Karen's home. 'One dance can't hurt ye, can it ?' Karen nudged her. 'No, guess it can't.'

'Anyway, you girls should be going off, you won't be in time for your fitting appointment.' Nigel said, looking at his watch. 'You're right, sweetie.' Karen smiled, she walked up to him and kissed him. 'See you at rehearsal' she smiled. 'See ye then' Nigel smiled back. The girls got into the car and Terri drove to the bridal shop in town.
'Oh my god, hiiiiiiii' got another tight hug from Patricia McFay. 'Hey Patricia' smiled softly as she let her go. 'How are you, what are you doing here?' Patricia asked. ' is my maid of honour Patricia' Karen explained. 'Other then that, I'm showing my friends where I grew up' smiled, turning to , and . 'Right, well girls I'll get your dresses' Patricia smiled and went to the back. 'So, I'll pay for your dresses.' said to her friends. 'Karen, is Miss Sixties still around?' turned to Karen. 'Yes, she is. She's got the perfect outfits for the girls I'm sure' Karen smiled broadly.
'Well ladies, here are your dresses. Karen the white one is yours, , this is yours' Patricia held up a beautifull bordeaux red dress. Straps indicated that they should be tied in the neck. 'Wow' gasped. It was like she was transfixed on the dress. She walked up to Patricia and took it from her hands. 'Can I go try this on?' she asked. 'Yes, right there' Patricia pointed to the fittingrooms and hypnoticly staring at her dress walked in one of them. Patricia also gave Karen and Terri their dresses. 'Wauww' 's friends gasped when she walked back into the store. 'You like?' smiled and turned around to look in the full lengt mirror. The dress fitted her perfect, it made every important feature to her body come out perfect. 'Wow' Terri said from behind her, turned again and smiled. ' is going to have a hard... time' Terri said, swallowing the word she actually wanted to say. 'Stop saying that Terri. is with Cheryl' nagged. She turned to the mirror, she could almost feel two strong arms wrap around her waist, she could almost hear his voice saying how absolutely gorgeous she looked and that he loved her more then anything in the world. ' hunni, are you ok?' Karen´s voice snapped her back to reality. In her reflection she could see how amazing Karen's dress was. 'You look fabulous' smiled at her friends. 'Thanks, so do you. is going to die, when he sees you like this.' Karen giggled. 'Terri, Karen. I don't want back OK? He doesn't love me anymore. I don't love him anymore.' sighed, trying to sound convincing. 'Ah yes, and I married to Brad Pitt. There's no way you don't love , . Whenever his name was mentioned then your eyes sparkled and your eyes sparkle now.' Terri said, folding her arms. 'Whatever Terri, even if I did still love him, he doesn't love me, it's over' sighed. 'I'm taking this off now.. before the beauty of it is taken away' she smiled and went back into the cubical she had her stuff in. For the remaining time, the girls had before rehearsal dinner they shopped for dresses for , and .

'She said 'yes' .' Nigel said, after he had been quiet for a while. He had just told that was going to be the maid of honour. 'So, when I walk in there in twenty minutes, I'll see her sitting there?' asked, trying to make sence of what he was thinking. 'Yes. She was going to be there anyway, S Nigel said. 'How did she look? does she look happy? was there a ring on her finger?' asked, his heart barely beating, his hands becoming clammy. 'She did look happy, but there wasn't a ring on her finger.' Nigel said, glancing at . A satisfied smile was gleeming on his face. 'But you wouldn't care if there was a ring on her finger now, would ye . Cause your happy with Cheryl' Nigel patted him on the shoulder. 'Exactly' said, hoping, but unknowingly failing, that Nigel believed him.


Chapter 4:

observed the parkinglot. 'He's not here yet, ' Karen said, seeying 's eyes, go all around the big parkinglot. 'Oh right' nodded her head nervously. She felt a nagging spasmic feeling in her stomache. She felt very un-at-ease. The space she was in, seemed to get smaller every second and she didn't wait till Terri had switched off the motor till she stepped out of the car. , and looked at eachother. 'Don't worry, she'll be ok. She's nervous. She's always this way when she's meeting .' Karen turned her head to face the girls in the backseat. took a walk first, hearing the noises of the girls getting out of the car. The sun was already going down and it made the hills behind the church burn in a reddish light. Last time she had walked over these hills, she had been a small girl, the grass then could swollow her up, but it had been 12 years since then, en the grass now only swollowed her knees. 'You wanna drown yourself in the grass again?' Karen suddenly stood behind her. turned around. 'I don't know if I can do it' she said, almost in a whisper. ', you can take the girl away from the boy, but you can't take the boy away from the girl. We know you know you still love . You'll always love him. It's like me and Nigel, you two were supposed to be together.' Karen smiled. 'But how do you know that for sure Karen? He's had chances enough to come and see me. If he'd still felt the same, don't you think he would've done that. Don't you think he would've bothered to find out where I was?' sighed, whiping away the tear that had started to run down her cheek. 'Maybe he's afraid , it's been six years for him too.' Karen put an arm around 's shoulder. smiled weakly. 'I just don't know what to do when I see him' she said. 'Let's just walk up there first' Karen nudged her head towards the church. 'But I'm afraid we will meet him outside now. They can be here any minute.' she continued. nodded. 'Well, you know that's me. I never meeted up with inside, I always had to meet him outside the house.' giggled. 'Yeah, till that Halloween party offcourse, when everyone was searching for you two and you ended up being in the cupboard under the stairs' Karen laughed, happy to see a bigger smile re-apear on 's face.

'Well, are you going to get out of the car, or do I do rehearsal dinner alone. You are going to have to face her at the wedding . Better sooner then later mate' Nigel patted him on the shoulder and opened his car door to step out. sighed. 'I rather have it be later' he muttered to himself and got out of the car. 'Good thing mate' Nigel smiled. nodded and weakly smiled back. From a distance he could see Karen and another woman walking back from the hills to the church building. His breath failed him. Her hair had grown, maybe she had grown? She still looked the same since six years before, and as six years before he immediatly started to walk towards her. Seeying nothing but her, wanting to be close to her, unable to wait to hear her voice say his name.
saw the two men standing when Karen en she came down the hill. The tad smaller guy suddenly started to move and she knew why: his brown eyes as always visible from a mile away, it was . She couldn't stop her legs from moving in a faster pace, she couldn't resist wanting to feel his body against hers again, the sensation of smelling him, in agony to hear his voice speak instead of sing. Somewhere halfway and met in a tight hug. 'I've missed you so much' he whispered, feeling the slight shocking of her shoulders. 'I've missed you so much more' whispered with a teary voice.

loosened his grip on . 'You haven't changed a bit, well you got a little older, but your still ' he said, softly, whiping her tears away with the tips of his thumbs. nodded, whipping her nose with the back of her hand. 'You too, . You're still him' she said, her voice breaking with tears again. smiled, it was like they had never been apart. Time may have gone by, but they were still the same. He took her in his arms and softly swayed her a little, like he always had done when she needed comfort. felt herself become calm, all the nerves had gone and she felt more relaxed, she couldn't believe that he still had the same influence on her. Six years before, when she was nervous about making the 'farewell Summerhill' speech, she had felt so nervous, she thought she was going to chocke, but had found her backstage and gave her a comforting hug. broke out of 's arms and looked around. Karen and Nigel weren't seen. 'I guess they've gone inside then' shrugged her shoulders at and turned to go inside.


Chapter 5:

'NO' stopped her from walking in. 'I don't want to go there. I don't want to rehearse a wedding. I want to be with you, alone. Six years . Six years to catch up on.' said, smiling, hoping she'd go for it. looked like she was thinking. 'OK' she nodded. smiled and grabbed her hand, walking her to the hills again. His heart pounded in his chest, holding on to her again. He suddenly felt a strange kind of freedom. He was no longer trapped in a cage, locked away from love and everything that life offered. It seemed like a dark cloud had been lifted from his head, like that hand that was strangling his neck had gone and he was able to clearly breath again. He stopped walking up the hill, turned around and looked at , who looked a little confused.
'I still love you' he said, looking deep into her eyes. 'That's not true , you love Cheryl.' said, looking at the ground. 'I don't love Cheryl. I don't love her at all. I tried to love her yes, I tried to convince myself I loved her, but I don't. ' said, seeying 's head shoot up. 'T-t-that's' gasped.. 'where you live. I know. I've known since the first time we were near your home with Westlife. I had Dave, our head of security find out. I never had the guts to go up there and see you. I met Cheryl at a party, she was nice, attractive and I promised myself I would love her, I promised myself you would get out of my system, but you didn't. You never will.' poored his heart out. couldn't say anything, tears had started welling up in her eyes. looked in her eyes. 'Don't cry sweetie' he whiped the first tears away with his thumbs. gasped on the soft touch of his hands on her cheeks. looked deep and long in her eyes. Hesitatingly he started leaning in, watching as closed her eyes, softly brushing his lips up against hers, feeling the unsure grasp of her lips on his, feeling something wettening his cheek as tears rapidly fell from 's eyes now. 'I still love you too' said, her voice overthrown by tears.

whiped away the tears that were still running down 's cheeks. 'I love you ' he said, when he had let her calm down a little. smiled softly. 'I love you ' she answered. 'I'll tell Cheryl, I promise.' looked at her. 'I know you will, but not untill after the wedding.' sighed. 'What do you mean, not untill after the wedding, do you think I want to stay with her another minute longer?' asked, looking at her like she was insane. ' I want to spend every single second in your presence, but she probably looks forward to this wedding and what if she´d come to ruin it when you break up with her before that. At least that way, it will seem like you had a couple of days to think about it.´ claimed. 'If there's anyone not wanting to go to this wedding it's Cheryl. She practicly hates everyone around me.' sighed, looking at the ground. 'Is that why everyone is claiming that you'll take me back in a heartbeat as soon as you saw me. I mean the girls have been wining about it all day' said, lifting his head by putting a finger under his chin. smiled and took her hand. ', I would take you back any day. The girls and Cheryl never liked eachother, they've been dropping hints over the last few years, that I should find out where you lived and that I should go and see you' smiled, tucking a strain of hair back behind 's ear, as it had been blown in her face by the breeze. felt herself tingling inside when his fingertips skidded past her cheek. The sky was getting darker by the minute. 'You know, Henley's cottage is unvacated' said after they had been silent for a while, just standing there opposite eachother. 'Don't you think Cheryl will think it's suspicious you aren't coming home?' asked. 'Stags night, I wasn't coming home anyway' shrugged his shoulders. 'Besides, everyone makes a slip with the stripper' he joked. slapped him. 'Well if that's the way your thinking of me these days , forget about me wanting to say yes' responded by pulling her close and kissing her. 'I would never think of you like that, I want to be with you for the rest of my days . Please come with me' he looked deeply in her eyes. felt her stomach do cartwheels and her cheeks felt warm. 'OK' she nodded.

They took the path over the hills back to Sligo town. At Nigel and Karen's house they took 's car to the old cottage. tried to be as silent as possible, wrenching open the door. The cottage hadn´t been used for years, since it´s previous owner had died. Youngsters always tried to dare eachother to spend a night in that cottage, as rumour had it that the ghost of Henley was haunting it and other youngsters used it as to spend a night together, without anyone knowing where they were. 'Well for a unused cottage they keep it pretty clean' whispered. 'Well of course. It's a monument, sort off. They have to keep it clean, they still can't figure out why they have to redo making up the bed though' smiled. giggled. 'Well I don't see a reason why it's untidy ever so often either.' she smiled. smiled and took a few steps closer to her. 'I do. Cause there are couples sneeking in here.' he leaned in to kiss her. 'That want to be together' he kissed her again 'and don't want to be found' he kissed her deeply, exploring her mouth with his tongue.


Chapter 6:

let take control over the situation, he pushed her backwards, stripping her from her clothes, while they made their way to the bed, by the time they landed on the bed, clothes of either of them lay scattered over the floor in a trail. lay on top of and he watched her for a moment. 'I've missed you so much' he smiled. 'I've missed you too' she softly smiled. softly carresed her cheek with the back of his hand, before resuming to kiss her, his hands starting to wonder over her body, from her chest to her tummy, to her waist. Finding her most intimate and sensetive spot, pleasuring her in all the ways he knew. Hearing her moans, gasps and her crying for more. Releasing her ultimate feeling of passion when she screamed his name in the dark of the night.
A while later they both were wide awake, still living in the afterglow. They were lying face to face, close to eachother, their arms wrapped tightly around one another. 'Do you think if things would've been diffrent, if I had stayed in Ireland, do you think we would be getting married now?' asked. 'We might already have been married. I've always known you were the one for me.' said, thightening his grip around her even more. smiled. 'We wouldn't even be lying here secretly'. smiled 'Nope, you'd be , loving wife of me' he laughed lightly. 'Wouldn't that be something' sighed, closing her eyes, snuggling in closer to him. 'Yes, it would' smiled broadly. 'So, would you ever consider becoming my wife?' asked. was quiet. '?' asked, looking down on her, smiling softly as he saw she had fallen asleep.

' sweetie wake up. Time to go' softly whispered in her ear. opened her eyes and it took a few minutes to realize where she was. 'Do you think they'll know that we we're together?' asked, hearing her mobile rining just seconds later. grinned 'Well their definitely wondering' he said, kissing the top of her head. answered the call of her best friend ; 'where the hell are you?' sounded angry and worried. 'Don't worry I'm safe. Tell Terri I'm in Henley's cottage and that I'll be home soon. Don't wait for me with breakfast, that's taken care of' said, watching , trying not to giggle as he started to carress her tummy lines with the tips of his fingers, which made her slightly tickelish. 'What? You think you can get away with that, you know mysteriously dissappeared as well. No one can reach him.' said, getting more upset by the minute. 'Don't worry hun, is in safe hands and Im in safe hands too, bye' took over the phone and abruptly ended the call, throwing 's mobile back into her purse. 'What did you do that for' giggled. 'Because I wanted to.. and because I want to have you right now' said cheekily and without giving her a chance to reply, he kissed her, allowing his hands to start exploring her body again.

Two hours later returned to Terri's home. Terri and Karen were sat on the porch. 'Did you do it? Are you back together? Is he leaving Cheryl for you?' Terri demanded, soon as put her first step on the first tray. 'Yes, we have spent the night together, we're not officialy back together till after the wedding and that's when he's going to leave Cheryl' answered all the questions. 'Why after the wedding, you two love eachother, you two are meant to be together.' Karen said, before Terri could say anything. 'Because I told him to. I want it to look like he's thought it over' said. 'He has thought it over. , wouldn't have spent this night with you if he hadn't thought it over.' Terri said. 'Well, who knows what Cheryl will do. I don't want Karen's wedding to be ruined because I claimed the one guy that I'll ever love in my life' sighed, looking at Terri. Terri sighed. 'I just want you two to be happy.' she smiled. 'I know hunni' smiled and hugged her. 'And where the hell have you been?' came barging out of the house. 'And who was that guy with you?' demanded. Terri, Karen and broke into a fit of laughter. 'What are you laughing about? answered angrily. 'Come on , you didn't recognize 's voice this morning, when you talked to him on the phone?' giggled. and were stumped and went inside without an explanation.


Chapter 7:

'Hey, did you have a good stags night?' Cheryl asked, when came in. 'Yes, I did' smiled, holding in his arms, kissing her, making love to her, having her in the way he had wanted for so long. All the memories they made and all the memories that they were going to make soon. His heart felt so light, it seemed like the burdon that had been lying on his heart so long was finally lifted. Every thought of holding, kissing and touching where no one else could touch her made him smile. 'How did the wedding rehearsal dinner go?' Cheryl snapped him back to reality. 'Oh it was allright, , Karen's best friend, who came over is her made of honour.' said lightly, observing the reaction of the girl opposite him. 'Ah ok. ?... wasn't she..isn't that, that girl that you dated in Summerhill?' Cheryl said, raising her eyebrow. 'Yes, yes she is. But that's over. She's here for the wedding and she's going back after' said, suddenly realising exactly what was going to happen when the wedding was over. 'Well she better, did she bring her boyfriend?' Cheryl asked. 'No, she's single. She braught a few friends along.' said. 'Oh right. Well I trust you.' Cheryl smiled and kissed him on his lips. 'Can I meet her?' she asked, when she pulled back. raised an eyebrow, looking quizically at her. 'Why would you wanna meet my ex-girlfriend?' he asked. 'Because, your my boyfriend. God knows what a single woman like her can do. Maybe she wants you back' Cheryl shrugged her shoulder. 'Cheryl. doesn't want me back. She's got over me a long time ago. We've talked during the dinner. She doesn't want me.' explained. 'Well, I still want to meet her. Arrange it. Invite her here. I'm sure you've got a way of contacting her.' Cheryl said. 'I'm going to have a shower.' she kissed him again and walked upstairs.

went into the kitchen and found, 2 wine glasses and 2 used plates. 'Guess you invited Tim again' he shrugged his shoulders. He picked up the horn of the phone and dialed Terri's number. 'Soon to be mrs Dufey speaking, how can I help you?' Karen answered. 'Hey Karen, what ye doin at Terri's house?' asked. 'We're eagerly hearing out, Shay' Karen teased. 'Haha very funny. can I talk to Terri?' asked. 'Why? Don't you want to talk to ' Karen asked, curiousness in her voice. 'No, I don't. Just give me Terri' said. 'OK, hold your horses' Karen said. He heard her yell Terri's name and a minute later Terri said. 'Hey , don't you want to talk to ' 'No, Cheryl wants to meet her. Could you bring the girls to our house tonight? About 6pm. I'll call the lads.' asked. 'Allright, I'll do that.' Terri said. 'Great, thanks. I'm calling the lads right away. See ye tonight' said. 'Allright, bye' Terri said. 'Bye' replied.
'Well that was weird.' Terri walked into her lounge. 'Why?' asked. 'Cause it was and you'd think he'd want to talk to you. Anyway, Cheryl wants to meet you. We're invited to their house for dinner tonight. Soon to be weds are not invited' Terri winked at Karen. 'Ah well, I was gonna spend tonight with family anyway. Nigel's picking me up there tomorrow' Karen shrugged her shoulders. 'O OK. She's on to us. She knows. That's why she wants to meet me. She's actually on to us.' sighed and hung her head between her arms. 'How do you know that?' Terri asked. 'She wants to meet me. She thinks Im competition. She's going to give me a warning or something.' said, sighing. 'Again, how do you know that?' Terri repeated. 'Cause my gut is telling me. Now lets drop it.' ik said, getting up and dashing off to her room.

'Do you think if things would've been diffrent, if I had stayed in Ireland, do you think we would be getting married now?' heard 's voice say in his mind, as he was thinking back to their conversation, they had when they were snuggled up together . 'We might already have been married. I've always known you were the one for me.' he remembered himself saying. He reached for the ring in his jeans pocket. Before he had woken up that morning, he had carefully slipped it of her finger. 'You're going to have the best Valentine's day' he murmered at the ring, he was turning in his fingers. 'So, did you contact her? For dinner I mean' Cheryl said, as she suddenly stood behind him. put the ring back in his pocket. 'Yes, they are coming. The lads are also coming. So, I'm gonna take a shower and get some groceries.' said, standing up, kissing Cheryl on the cheek and heading upstairs.
was staring up at the ceiling. Reliving the night once more, how they started out kissing, how they practicly ripped eachothers clothes off in the cottage, how passionately and uncontrolled they had made love. She streched herself, feeling her ring on her right hand, but there wasn't anything there. She looked at her hand. 'Oh my god' she gasped. jumped up and ran downstairs. 'What?' Terri and her friends looked up. 'I lost my ring in Henley's cottage. I have to go back and look for it' looked desperate. 'OK, I'll come with you.' Terri said.


Chapter 8:

took a shower, and then rushed out of the house to go do the grocerie shopping. He had called and told him to meet him at Christy's; Sligo's Jewelry store. 'Hey mate' smiled. 'Hi' said nervously. 'So, who are we buying something?' smiled, even more broader. '' answered shortly, looking around as if someone had heard him besides . 'Really? that's fabulous.' smiled, giving his friend a shoulder pat. 'I'm proposing to her . I love her, I never want to loose her again. We even talked about it last night. I'm sure it's the right thing' smiled. was taken aback for a moment, then smiled too. 'I think your doing the right thing too. You never stopped loving her and seeying as you spent the night with her, I guess she never stopped loving you either.' he said. 'No, she didn't. I want it to be the perfect day tomorrow. Allright, so Cheryl won't have a great day, but I don't care. I generally don't care. I love , I want to be with her.' said, looking at the door of the Jewelry shop. 'Let's go in and find her the perfect ring then' smiled.

'When did you last have it?' Terri asked, searching under the bed. 'When..well, ye know..' said, flushing a little red. 'Did you have it this morning?' Terri asked. 'I guess so. We've searched the whole place, we've searched everywhere, maybe it's outside. Let's go look there.' suggested. The girls went outside and searched the front of the cabbage, then they walked around it and looked at the back, they were just about to walk back up front when they heard a couple of voices. 'Tim, stop. We're not even in yet. 'Oh come on Cheryl. You never had a problem with that before.' Terri looked at vwith big eyes. She sneeked up to the side of the house, as quietly as she could and peeked around the corner, her head coming back. 'That's 's girlfriend, she said without a sound. 's eyes went big now and peeked: there she was, a girl, as tall as she was, dark brown hair, kissing a blond man, with spiked hair. 'Let's go in' Tim said and the girls heard the couple go in. They waited another while till they were sure they wouldn't be heard and then made a run for it, not stopping till they got to Terri's car.
'She's cheating on him' gasped, when they sat down on the car-seats. 'Do you really think he still cares? He doesn't give a darn damn thing she does.' Terri laughed. 'Do you think I should tell him?' asked. 'No, there's something else I want you to do' Terri grinned mischiviously. 'Did you find your ring?' asked, when Terri and came home. 'No, we found something else, but we can't tell ye yet. So exited about meeting the lads tonight?' Terri changed subject. laughed. 'Can't you see it on their faces?' . Terri began laughing too, 'Yes, Jo, actually I can'.

A few hours later smiled as he looked at the small box he was going to put in the box, where he kept every memory he and had made. 'This is going to be the best memory, we've ever made' he thought and put the lid on the box and carefully put it away. Downstairs he heard the doorbell ring. 'Here we go' he smiled and walked downstairs. The girls had arrived. Cheryl had already opened the door. could see standing opposite Cheryl, she had taken off her coat and she looked absolutely breathtaking. 'Ah there he is' Cheryl smiled, cathing his eye. smiled back and walked downstairs. 'Hey girls'
, and gasped. ', , , this is ' smiled, introducing her ex, well ex- ex-boyfriend. ', they know' laughed. The three girls were a little emberrassed. shook their hands and led them into the lounge. A few minutes later, after the girls had sat down, the bell rang again. went to the door and followed him saying 'I wanna see the lads first'. 'Allright, we've got two toilets, one here and one upstairs. In between main course and desert, I'll be exusing myself to go to the toilet ... after I close the door, wait two minutes then follow me.' whispered into 's ear. The doorbell rang again. 'Sorry mates' said, quickly opening the door. '' and almost shouted and pulled her into a tight hug. 'Hey guys' smiled, feeling squished between her friends. 'Hey, will you leave her alive, so I can introduce meself' laughed. 'Allright, sorry' sighed, playfully. and let go. 'Hi, Im .' introduced himself. 'Hi , I'm ' smiled and took 's hand to shake it. 'Where are the other chicks.. told us you were gonna bring friends' smiled. 'Their in there' laughed, pointing at the lounge. 'Great' smiled and walked into the lounge.


Chapter 9:

About an hour later they had eaten apetisers and main course. 'Excuse me, I'm going to the toilet' stood up, looked round the table and let his gaze linger on a fraction of a second longer then anyone else. waited. 'Erm..Cheryl, can I use the ladies room, or don't you have another toilet?' v asked. 'Yes, yes we do . always takes the upstairs one. There's one next to the frontdoor. You can use that one' Cheryl smiled. 'Allright, thank you' smiled while getting up. She left the lounge and walked to the door of the toilet so she could let everyone hear that she 'so called' went to the toilet. She opened the door and gasped, as she found standing inside. 'Wow, this is big enough for three people' said. 'Shhhh' smiled and pulled her inside, closing and locking the door behind her. He stroked her cheek and leaned in, letting his lips land on hers. wrapped his arms around his neck. 'I missed you' he whispered, as he paused for a moment. 'I missed you too' smiled. She leaned forward and brushed her lips softly against his, feeling his tongue press against them, demanding access, by allowing it, she allowed the kiss to get more intense and deeper. 'I love you, ' gasped, when they stopped for another pause. 'I love you too, . Always have, always will' she smiled. 'I want you so much' whispered, not giving her a chance to say anything but continued their passionate kissing, moving his lips from hers to her neck, making her groan softly. He let his hands wonder down, pulling her skirt up. '..we're in the toilet, your girlfriend is sitting in the lounge' whispered, still not stopping any of 's actions. 'I don't care.' whispered.

', , deserts on the table, have both you two sank into the toilet or something, suddenly Cheryl's voice was outside the toilet. and looked at eachother. 'I don't care if she finds out. I don't care . I want you, I love you. It ends right here, right now' smiled. He kissed and pulled up his jeans. straightened her skirt and redid a few buttons of the top she was wearing.
unlocked the door and stepped out. saw Cheryl's eyes getting big. 'Yes, it's true. I love her Cheryl. I want to be with her, she wants to be with me. I'm leaving or actually Im kicking you out. 'You can't kick me out.. you jerk, you absolutely grandous pig' Cheryl hit him on the cheeck. 'Don't you dare. Where were you exactly with Tim this afternoon.' spat, raising her voice. Cheryl looked past at . 'Slut, I invite you into my house.. and you. you.. you..' 'Tell where you were this afternoon.. what exactly you have been doing in Henley's cottage' said, not blinking, just looking as hard and cold at Cheryl as she was looking at her. 'I wasn't at Henley's cottage. And what I do is not any of your business. your a slut. You come here, steal someone's boyfriend and then you'll go home. Leaving him all over again.' Cheryl spat. 'TERRI COULD YOU COME IN HERE FOR A SECOND' yelled, as she saw the lounge door standing open. 'Yes, what's up?' Terri had a very dirty misschievious grin on her face. 'Could you please tell , what we saw when we were looking for my ring at Henley's cottage.' asked. ' , I don't really have to know. I know she's been sleeping with Tim. He's been here every night for the past week.' looked round at and then back at Cheryl. 'You don't have the right to call her a slut when you've been cheating on me as well and frankly I don't even care. Now I suggest.. you go and pack some clothes, call Tim and tell him you'll be coming to live at his house as from tonight. Your stay here is no longer wanted. You can pack all of your stuff tomorrow, when we're at the wedding.' said calmly, he grabbed 's hand and walked back into the lounge, leaving Cheryl stunned.

In the lounge 3 blokes and 3 girls were looking at Terri, and walking back in. ' and I are together. You already knew that, but we just made it official.' smiled, kissing on the side of her head. A bonking on the stairwell, let them know Cheryl was walking upstairs, about 15 minutes a crashing door, gave them the sign she had left.
'Sorry, if our revelation has ruined this dinner, but I couldn't stand it any longer. I love , I always have. I have cared about Cheryl at some point, might even have believed I loved her, but my heart knows better. is the girl I want to be with and girls I promise, I will not hurt her' addressed, , and . 'We know' the girls chorused smiling. 'Now, , what have you got to say to us?' laughed. 'Only that you know I love , that I want to be with him for the rest of my life' smiled. 'Ah, well nothing new then' shrugged his shoulder and ate the rest of his desert. The group laughed, , and Terri sat down and they finished desert.
'Mind, if I spent a night with the girls?' smiled, as her friends were getting ready to leave. 'No, that's fine. By the way, did you loose a ring? I thought you said something like that?' asked, trying not to betray himself. 'Yes, Terri and I went searching for it, but didn't find it. 'Oh, that's a shame. Well if you don't find it, we'll go look for a new one Saturday' smiled. smiled. 'OK' she nodded. They kissed goodbye and the girls left for Terri's house.


Chapter 10:

The minute the alarm clock set off, panic and stress had taken over Terri's household. Karen was stressing over her dress, that she suddenly didn't fit anymore. and her friends were trying to calm her. When Karen had finally become calm, she found out the dress fitted perfectly. While Terri did Karen's hair, got in her dress. Remembering the way had made love to her, she barely could wait for him to take it off again. 'Shhh, , get a grip' she told her reflection, checking one more time if everything was perfect.
At around 9.30, Terri and , and left for the abbey. 'In a few years, maybe months it will be you and ' Karen smiled. 'You think so?' smiled, applying make up on her face. 'Im sure of it. I said it before, you two belong together.' Karen smiled. smiled. 'I wouldn't mind. I love him, I'd give up everything for him' she smiled. Karen smiled 'I know', then they heard the doorbell ring.
', will you stop stressing? For heaven's sake, it's my wedding day and you're more nervous then I am. She'll say yes, you know' Nigel smiled. 'What? Who will, what are you on about.' said. 'Oh come on. I've seen the box, right before we left, you pulled it ouf of your pocket. When are you gonna do it. not during our incrissening, are you?' Nigel turned half around, so he could face his friend. 'No, I was planning for the reception.' said. 'Right.' Nigel nodded and then the door opened. smiled as she saw the two handsome looking men in the dooropening. seemed to be unable to speak, he was just staring. 'Wait till you see the bride' winked. 'Can I come in and get her?' Nigel asked. 'Yes' stepped aside. Nigel smiled and walked in. 'You look amazing,' whispered as he stepped in. 'Im glad you like it' smiled, blushing a little. smiled and leaned in to kiss her.

They drove to the abbey, where all of the invited guests were waiting for the couple to arrive. Alot of gasps and 'oh my god's were to be heard when Karen stepped out of the car. winked at and said, see you in there. Everyone went inside the little church and , Terri, Karen and Karen's father remained at the door. Minutes later the Weddingmarch started playing. Terri started walking, then and then Karen and her father.
's heart beated fast as he saw walking down the isle. In a matter of months, she'd be the last girl in line to walk the isle. He smiled as she reached the altar and took her place beside Terri. Karen's father stepped away from Karen to let Nigel take his place.
'Will you Nigel Finn Duffy take Karen Patricia Maria 'O Melly to be your lawfully wedded wife?' the vicar asked Nigel. watched and watched . It almost felt like they were taking the wedding vows themselves. smiled at the thought of being totally surprised in a few hours. 'Then I know pronounce you man and wife, to the world known as Mr and Mrs Duffy, you may kiss the bride' the vicar smiled at Nigel. Nigel smiled and lifted Karen's vail. The guests applauded, Karen and Nigel turned around and walked back down the isle, beaming with happiness. and followed. All guests resumed to the small motel where the reception would be held in the garden, while the couple and their photographer went to Hazelwoods to shoot a couple of pictures.

Hours passed and everyone who had been invited had arrived at the wedding reception. 'Well then. It's time for the first dance. Now tradiotionally, the best man and maid of honour would join the just weds in the first dance, but as the best man has to sing a song for the newly weds, the maid of honour is going to do without him, but he promises that after that he will make it all allright. Now then Karen, Nigel, please report to the dancefloor. We're Westlife and this is 'I wanna grow old with you' watched her friends and then watched the guys sing, she caught gazing at her during the whole song. She felt butterflies fly in her stomach. The loving feeling, everything she had felt for him, she recognized everything that she felt when they had been teenagers.
The guys finished singing. 'That was 'I wanna grow old with you, and speaking of that term. Now I know, we are here to celebrate the wedding of Nigel and Karen, but as it is Valentine's day, I like to show the girl I love, just how much I love her. Now, you will probably say Im crazy doing this, because I only got her back in my life two days ago, but I have loved this girl all my life' took the microphone of the standard and stepped of the small stage. 'We have been together as a couple through high school and then she had to move away from here, but I never stopped loving her and she never stopped loving me' stood in front of now. 'And that's why , I want to ask you this question.' He grabbed the small box out of his inside pocket, went down on one knee. gasped. ', will you be my wife?' smiled, opening the small box and showing a beautifull ring. 'Yes, yes, yes, ' smiled, her voice slightly shaking, as emotion was taking her over. jumped up and puller her close. 'I love you' he whispered. 'I love you too' she whispered back.
took the ring out of the box and put it around her finger that was missing a ring. 'And here's the one you lost' he pulled the cotton out of the box and revealed her missing ring. smiled. 'Let it be lost, I'll never wear it again' she smiled and kissed him. Behind them began to sing 'Soledad'. 'This ain't exactly a wedding song is it?' giggled, as Karen and Nigel had started dancing, she and now joining them. 'Well, it holds one very true line .' smiled. 'What's that?' asked. 'and after all we're meant to be, love will bring us back to you with me' sang softly as was singing the line at that precise moment. smiled and said 'Yeah, your right' and she leaned in to give him a kiss.


THE END



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