by Nikki Ashton
Charlotte looked perplexed. “What, she hadn’t even told her father that she was pregnant?” she asked.
“No, but it gets better. She hadn’t told him because she wasn’t even pregnant.”
Charlotte was red with rage, and looked like she was about to explode. “WHAT! The bloody bitch, she nearly ruined your life, and mine for that matter, for no reason. God, why didn’t you punch her, never mind Grant?”
“I felt like it, believe me. Her father said that if she was having a baby, then she couldn’t possibly be MD of the company, so she would have to give it up, her work I mean. Well, that was when she admitted it, there was no baby. She made it all up to get back at me for falling in love with you. She had realised that my feelings towards her had changed and figured it out that it was since I’d met you. When she came to pick me up from your office just before Christmas and saw us together, and then obviously Grant telling her what he knew confirmed everything to her, so despite having an affair with Grant for the last six months…” Charlotte’s mouth dropped open. “Yes I know,” nodded Niall, “well despite being with him for the last six months, there was no way that she was going to let you have me, or that she was going to be dumped by me.”
“I don’t understand, if Grant wanted her. Why did he lie to you about me and him, and come to think of it, why did he come around here get me drunk and subject me to a night of shit sex; he was seeing Ingrid then?” Charlotte shuddered as memories from that night came flooding back.
Niall shrugged. “Apparently Ingrid had mentioned that she thought something was going on between us, so he’d come here over to try to find out for certain. But, Grant being Grant couldn’t resist making the most of an opportunity and also where I’m concerned Grant is nothing but competitive; what I have he wants. Anyway when he reported back to her, for some stupid reason only known to Grant, he told her what had gone on between you both and so Ingrid was even angrier. She hated you even more for having both the men in her life. Grant hated you for whatever you said to him that day, and they both hated me. That’s when they cooked their little plan up; unbelievably, she forgave him for sleeping with you, but couldn’t forgive me for not and trying to be honourable, maybe she really does love him?” Niall shrugged. “Grant’s little lie about you sleeping together was his ingenious part of the plan and was a spur-of-the-moment thing when we argued, needless to say Ingrid loved it because she knew how jealous and miserable it made me. So she encouraged me to get drunk on the night that I “got her pregnant”; and when I called out your name while we were having sex it made her even more determined to ruin me.”
“Niall, that’s awful for any woman, although I can’t say that I feel sorry for her. Did she not realise though that you would work it out when there was no sign of a baby on the way?” Charlotte shook her head in disbelief.
“She had no intention of letting it get that far, she planned to tell me on the wedding night and make my life hell for a few months before divorcing me. She was then going to take what little I have, my cottage, my car, my savings, my job, all out of spite; pocket money to her, yet she wanted it even so."
Charlotte was amazed that someone could be so cruel and go to such lengths due to a little jealousy.
“So what happened then?” she asked, still in shock.
“Well I walked out obviously, but such is her need to have everything her own way and be centre of attention. I do believe that Mr and Mrs Beddows will now be on a flight to Barbados, as we speak.”
“No, she didn't marry Grant did she?”
Charlotte and Niall both erupted into gales of laughter at the thought of such a well-matched couple.
“I’m not sure it was totally legal, but I think her da gives a lot to the church so Father Kelly could make sure he didn’t end up wasting the money he’d spent on the wedding. Grant got what he always wanted; a woman with money, and she got a fancy big wedding and the man whom she supposedly loves, and hopefully I got you, so everyone is happy. Although, yer do know I’m unemployed now, so I may just have to start that decorating business, what do yer reckon?”
As Charlotte grinned, Niall leaned in to kiss her, just then Charlotte’s mobile rang out from her pocket.
“Sorry I’d better answer it, oh its Bets…hello.”
“Hi Charlotte,” Bets said breezily, on the other end.
“Oh hello where did you get off to, or do I need to ask, how is Tom by the way?” Charlotte grinned at Niall, who was staring at her intently.
There was a slight pause on the other end of the line. “Err, how did you know?”
“Amanda apparently is more in tune with you than either Kerry, or I will ever be so spill, what’s happened?”
“Well yes we are together, and Charlotte; I am so happy. I’ve been trying to deny it for ages, how I feel about him, but I can’t anymore…no I’m speaking to her. Okay just a minute Tom wants you.”
“Hiya sis!”
“Hello Thomas you sly old dog, so, why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because you are my sister, and she’s your best friend, please be happy for us.”
“Of course I am stupid, just be good to her, will you promise me?”
“I promise, oh and Charlotte before you go; I want to let you know; we have had the most amazing, beautiful sex I’ve ever had in my life.”
“Urgh, shut up, I don’t want to know! Put Bets back on please.”
“Sorry Charl’ I told him not to be too graphic, but it was amazing,” Bets sighed on the other end and then started to giggle, most un-Bets like. “Stop it Tom, sorry Charlotte and apologies for bailing on your birthday and did you…” Bets was suddenly moaning softly on the other end and was obviously being distracted.
“Goodnight Bets, I’ll speak to you tomorrow.” Charlotte laughed as she cut the call off.
“Everything okay?” asked Niall, stroking her hair.
“My friend Bets, I told you about her, you know, the one whose boyfriend died. Well, it seems that she and my brother have been holding a torch for each other for some time now, and they finally got together tonight.”
She smiled warmly, glad that two of the people that she loved most in the world were now happy.
“Sure that’s brilliant. It must be the night for people getting together then. That's if you will have me, of course?” He looked at Charlotte with shiny eyes, unable to believe that everything had worked out for them.
“Of course I will. I love you more than you’ll ever know. I couldn’t believe it when I saw you on my doorstep. I thought that after the wedding that would be it, we’d never see each other again, and all I would have would be your heart to remind me.” She touched the silver heart at her neck and smiled.
“You liked it then?” Charlotte nodded. “I know that I said that it was for your birthday, well it wasn’t your main present.” Niall said gently touching her face.
“What is then? This is plenty I don’t want or need anything else.”
Niall stood up and taking Charlotte’s hand pulled her to her feet. “Oh this you will, bedroom upstairs is it?”
Very slowly and tenderly they kissed away the heartache of the last few weeks, their hearts pounding with love, and then hungry for each other, they made their way up to the stairs, ready to start their new life together.
Epilogue
“So what do you reckon then Bets, Take That or Boyzone?”
Bets sipped her wine, smiling at her two friends over the top of her glass and shaking her head. “Look we’ve had this conversation so many times and every time I give you the same answer; neither they are both rubbish” she replied smiling widely.
“Okay, what do you reckon Kerry?” asked Charlotte.
“I reckon that I’m pissed and should have no part in this conversation, was that the front door, oops I’d better go and answer it.”
As the front door opened Bets, and Charlotte could hear slurred voices, then a thud, followed by a string of expletives as one of the newcomers had obvio
usly hit some part of their anatomy on what sounded like the hall table. Suddenly, the lounge door was flung open and an icy breeze and smell of cold swept into the warm room.
Kerry came back in, with the visitors whom she had just opened the door to.
“Hello my darlings, and how the devil are yer both?” Niall Devine bent down and kissed Charlottes growing bump.
“Phew you stink of booze, don’t you be breathing alcoholic fumes all over my baby, anyway come here and give me a kiss.”
“Hic, oh God they are at it again. That's what got you into that condition in the first place.” Kerry hiccupped, as she precariously put down her glass of wine, realising that in her state, she was in danger of dropping it, she turned to Tom, who was warming his bottom by the fire.
“Where did you leave my husband then?” she asked, as suddenly Kelvin appeared holding a take-away bag, smelling distinctly of Donner Kebabs.
“I’m here,” he swayed drunkenly, stooping to kiss Kerry on the lips. “They left me to pay babe. That's £4 each that you two owe me!” He frowned as he wobbled.
“Yeah whatever Kelvin, get the plates out mate.” Tom took his coat off and was just about to throw it over the sofa.
“Oi, you are not at home now, put it in the hall!”
“God, we’re not even married yet, and she’s already nagging me!” As he walked past, Bets slapped Tom’s warm backside.
“You’ll be getting this ring shoved up there if you’re not careful.”
Bets smiled after her fiancé and glanced down at the large square cut diamond on her finger, feeling happier than she had before. Tom’s proposal, six months into their relationship, had been both romantic and funny, getting her to follow a trail of clues taking her to all the places that were, or had been important to them; she’d even found some at the Vets who had nursed Alfred, until finally she found him at home lying across the bed in all his naked glory, holding the most beautiful engagement ring she had ever seen. They had just moved into a lovely house and in five months’ time, they would be getting married and hopefully soon after that starting their longed-for family. Still with abandonment issues and worried about the age gap, Bets had insisted they get themselves a health check. She didn’t want Tom dropping dead on her or finding out she couldn’t provide him with the children they both craved. Thankfully, they were both perfectly well and in working order, Tom often boasting that the doctor had claimed that he had magnificent swimmers! She loved Tom so much, every day she spent with him was happier than the day before. Gone were the old insecurities, he loved and cherished her, yet was strong too, not letting her get all her own way, which led to a few tiffs but nothing major as they always talked and were totally honest with each other, no more games. She was amazed that happiness had been right under her nose all this time and just wished that they had both realised it sooner; but then that was life.
Kerry, despite her drunkenness, had been watching Bets watching Tom. She smiled and hugged herself; they were such a good couple and made each other so happy. She then turned to look at Kelvin, the dimples in his cheeks getting deeper as his frown grew bigger as he still struggled to un-wrap his kebab. Finally, he managed it and his face broke out into the huge gorgeous smile that she loved so much. God how could she have nearly allowed herself to lose him? He was her life along with Esme, and she couldn’t imagine being without either of them. It hadn’t been plain sailing getting back to normal. They had argued along the way over whose fault it had been, but importantly, they realised that it hadn’t been anyone’s fault. She had been ill and needed help. They had talked about possibly having another child, but both agreed that there was plenty of time; Esme wouldn’t be three for another two months and still needed a lot of their attention, plus they needed time for each other, so another baby could wait for a little longer. Nothing was going to spoil Kerry’s happiness again. She had gone back to work, but only three days a week, so had a great balance of home and work time, and it suited her; she was glowing again and happy with life. She and Kelvin ensured that they had date night at least twice a month and were now back to their best as a couple. She didn’t feel like someone’s wife, mother or friend anymore she was Kerry again, who just happened to be very good at all three of the other things.
Charlotte in turn was watching everyone, marvelling at how happy they all were compared to just over eighteen months ago. She still found it odd that her little brother was getting married to one of her best friends, but they were so happy it didn’t occur to anyone to think about it that much anymore. She turned to watch Kelvin feed Kerry some Donner meat from his fork; God she was glad that they had sorted everything out; at one time, it didn’t even look like they would speak to each other again, never mind share a greasy take away.
Then, there was her big, beautiful Niall, it had taken a while, but they had gotten there in the end, and now in a couple of months, New Year’s Eve possibly, there would be a little baby in their lives; a little boy whom they were going to call Billy. Charlotte stroked her stomach and felt warm and happy inside. Sometimes she thought that Niall was too good to be true. Oh, they had their rows, after all they were both strong-minded people and wasn’t that what the beginning to their relationship had been based on – arguing. However, it was true what people said the making up was absolutely bloody marvellous, hence the new arrival. It hadn’t been in their immediate plans, but when you were so passionate about each other and made up as often as they did, there was bound to be a little gift at some point. Charlotte adored Niall’s family, and they adored her. Plus her family loved Niall too; there had been a difficult moment at the beginning when Ken gave Niall a piece of his mind for almost breaking Charlotte’s heart, but once they saw how much he loved her everyone knew that he was exactly right for her. The only real fly in the ointment had been when they sneaked off to Mauritius to get married, both mothers were particularly upset, but Niall and Charlotte simply wanted to be married without any fuss, no one there except them and two hotel staff as witnesses. Furthermore, it had only been five months after Niall’s wedding that never was, so a big fancy event just wasn’t what they wanted. However, finding out on Charlotte’s birthday, exactly a year after they’d finally gotten together properly, a baby was on the way meant both mothers finally changed the subject from missing the wedding, to push chairs, cots, baby clothes and the huge party they would have to celebrate the baby and the wedding that they missed out on. Charlotte had been worried when she first found out that she was pregnant because of her promotion at work, she didn’t want Paul to feel as though she’d let him down, but Paul was thrilled for them both and had now even made plans to open a crèche on site as he realised that half his staff had babies and toddlers, so it could only benefit him in the long run. So they’d agreed that Charlotte could return to work four days a week without any guilt. Following his fall from grace at Cathcart’s, Niall had decided the time was now right to set up his own business and was currently running a successful private firm with himself and two partners, and so far they were doing really well. It was the usual domestic stuff, divorces, house moves and deaths but he enjoyed it and loved that he was home every night at a decent hour for a quality life with Charlotte. He was also extremely excited about the baby and he loved Charlotte so much that she often wondered when the shit was going to hit the fan, life couldn’t constantly be this good, could it? When she worried like that Niall would always hold her face in his hands and say, “Angel, you are my darling, and I adore you, but you worry too much. You and I are forever so shut up.” Niall broke Charlotte’s train of thought.
“Are yer alright baby, what are yer thinking about? Not worrying I hope.”
Charlotte shook her head. “No, I was just thinking, do you think Take That was the best band boy band ever?”
Everyone groaned in unison.
“Someone give her glass of wine!”
“No give her a gag!”
“She can have some of my Donner meat if she likes.”
> “No I want it!”
Niall took hold of Charlotte’s face into his hands and kissed her nose tenderly.
“Angel you are my darling, and I adore you, but it has to be the Irish boys; Boyzone! Oi, who threw that piece of meat at me, God yer nothing but a bunch of heathens the lot of yer.”
Charlotte laughed and hugging Niall tightly, she kissed him and thanked God for her life, her family and her friends.