Behind The Curtain - When Cameras Are Off

[ilovekateritchie]

Wow the time has come for the wedding! Yes Becky, I'm really making him suffer... Hehehe... Thanks for all of your feedback and here is part 70:

PART 70

Jodi turns around to face the mirror.

“You look so lovely.”

Jessica helps her to straighten out the veil and the girls hug.

“Thanks, Jess.”

Jodi takes a deep breath.

“Well here goes. Everything set?”

“Yep. They’re just waiting for us. And it’s a great day outside. The wind is playing along for your wedding.”

“Fantastic… okay… I guess we can go then.”

The guests all rise when Chloe (Marshall - little Pippa) starts walking down the aisle, followed by Indiana, Isabel and Jessica. There is a hushed cloud of whispering when Jodi gets off the yacht and slowly starts walking to Paul.

“She looks gorgeous…”

“Breathtaking.”

“Beyond stunning.”

Paul can’t suppress a large grin when she reaches him and he takes her hands, still smiling.

“You look… dazzling.”

“Thank you. You look good too.”

“Thanks.”

Kate quietly stands up when Hayden starts moaning, jiggling him until he is more relaxed. Chris walks up to her.

“Everything all right?”

“Yeah, everything’s fine.”

“Kate, what’s going on? You’ve been avoiding me since yesterday.”

“I’m not avoiding you.”

“Kate…”

She walks past him with a sleeping Hayden and sits back down.

“Do you Paul, take Jodi to be your lawful wedded wife, from this day forward. To have and to hold, in sickness in health, in good times and in bad, for better and for worse for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.”

“Do you Jodi, take Paul to be your lawful wedded husband, from this day forward. To have and to hold, in sickness in health, in good times and in bad, for better and for worse for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.”

“Please give each other your right hand. You may now exchange your vows.”

Paul takes a deep breath before squeezing Jodi’s hand.

“Jodz… it feels like yesterday when I realized that I love you. That you’re the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. We’ve had a lot of good times. And we’ve had some bad times. But everything that happens just makes our relationship stronger. My love for you is so pure and true... I know it will never end. You’re my best friend, Jodi. I love you so much.”

Jodi grins, her eyes not wandering off his face for a second.

“You’ve helped me through so much, Paul. Every time that I needed someone… you were there. And that means the world to me. You mean the world to me. I love you more than anything… and being with you is the most amazing thing ever. Even when I’ve done some stupid things, you haven’t given up on me. And I love you for that. I love you for being you. You make me happier than I ever thought I could be. You complete me. I will never stop loving you.”

They exchange rings with shaking hands before looking at the minister with a smile.

“By the power vested in me, by God, I now pronounce you… husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Paul grins.

“Mrs O’Brien…”

He lowers his head to capture her mouth in a devoted kiss, as a seal of their love for each other…

[ilovekateritchie]

Thanks for the feedback. Next part up:

PART 71

Kate and Chris stand up to face the guests, while Jodi, Paul, Jess, Mark, Isabel, Chris, Indi and Rhys walk off to sign the register and take some photos.

Chris smiles at the guests.

“If you could just follow us to the yacht where the reception will be held please? Thank you!”

They start walking to the yacht, followed by the other guests. Chris leads them into the dining area. Kate touches his arm softly.

“I’m going to put Hayden down. He needs to sleep and my arms are breaking off.”

“I’ll take him.”

“No need.”

She rushes down to the forth deck where there’s a cot waiting. Kate double checks the monitor and puts the earpiece in (modern monitors eh?) before kissing him lightly and leaving.

When she returns, Paul and Jodi are already there. Chris looks at her intently, but she ignores him and sits down next to Tim.

“Hey, Tim.”

“Hey, Kate. Hayden sleeping?”

“Yeah. So if I jump up, looking startled, he’s started crying in my ear!”

She points to the earpiece and Tim laughs.

“Oh, okay… How are you doing? Enjoying motherhood?”

“Immensely. Hayden is the light of my life.”

“Chris loves him too.”

“I guess so.”

“Kate.”

“What?”

Tim sighs, taking her hand.

“Chris cares for you. And you’re avoiding him because you’re feeling guilty because you’re starting to care for him too.”

“What are you, my therapist?”

Tim squeezes her hand with a small smile.

“Kate… I know you. Don’t feel like this. There’s no need. Just because you’re starting to love Chris, doesn’t mean you’re stopping to love Callan.”

Kate stands up, looking at Tim angrily.

“I didn’t say anything about love. Excuse me.”

She storms away again; running to the only person who she knows will not question her for avoiding Chris.

Hayden.

“All right, everybody! It’s time for the best man speech and do I have some embarrassing stories to tell!”

That seems to grab the attention of the crowd and they all look up at Mark. Kate stops in the door with Hayden lying cosily in her arms. Nic pulls a chair out for her and she sits down next to him.

“Thanks.”

“Sure.”

Mark grins at the guests.

“Okay, before I start the speeches – Paul and Jodi asked me to tell you this. After my wonderful speech, the food will be served – and I can tell that Nic is really excited about that. After we’ve finished our starters, main courses and dessert, we will head down to the fifth deck where we will dance under the sea. So now that’s settled, let my speech begin.”

He bows deeply and everyone laughs.

“Okay, you all know that Paul and I both lived with Jon before he moved in with Jodi. After he moved, I’ve noticed that there’s much more food in the house. And less hair on the soap…”

He stops for a second, allowing the guests to settle down before he continues.

“The first night Paul left, I woke up at about three, and I couldn’t figure out why I woke up. Something must have startled me. Then I realized that I woke up because no one was snoring.”

The guests laugh again – more at Paul’s red face than Mark’s words though.

“There’s one good thing about Paul though. And that thing is Jodi. Jodz… you bring out the best in Paul. He loves you so much, it’s amazing. Congratulations you two – I wish you years of happiness. Thank you.”

[ilovekateritchie]

Thanks for the feedback. Yeah, Kate's torn because of her feelings, Mark is a clown and Jodi and Paul couldn't be any happier. Ooh and Nic and Amy are really in love...

PART 72

Nic looks at Amy and winks.

“Remember me not to ask Mark to be best man on our wedding.”

Amy does a little double take at his words, but Nic acts like nothing happened.

Amy leans forward, touching his arm.

“If that was a proposal, I’m never speaking to you again.”

Nic grins.

“No, trust me – if I proposed, you would have known it. And you would have said yes while jumping me.”

“Nic!”

“It’s the truth. Don’t worry, Amy – when I propose, I’ll do it properly.”

He looks up when the waiters arrive with the food and grins.

“Oh, look – food. Let’s eat!”

He immediately digs in and Amy stares at him.

“Nic, you said when.”

Nic looks up at her and smiles.

“I know. I meant when. Because sooner or later, I am going to ask you to marry me.”

Amy grins.

“Well just so you know… sooner or later, I will say yes.”

Kate groans when Hayden lets out a sharp wail.

“If you ever want to lose weight, have a baby. He doesn’t let me eat, I’m telling you.”

Nic smiles at her.

“I’ll take him.”

“Thanks, Nic, but I doubt you’ll have success with breastfeeding.”

She walks off and Chris follows her with his eyes. Sharni puts a hand on his arm.

“Let it go, Chris.”

“What?”

“You’ve been staring at her all day. Give her some space.”

Chris sighs.

“She’s admitted that she has feelings for me, now suddenly she’s ignoring me again. I don’t know what to do.”

“Like I said – give her some space. I know Kate – she’s going to feel guilty because she has feelings for you so soon after Callan.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

Jodi grins at Paul happily, her eyes shining.

“Thank you for the best day of my life.”

“It’s just going to get better, I promise you.”

Jodi sighs, holding onto his hands.

“When I think about all the misunderstandings… We are the biggest idiots I know.”

“Yeah, we are. But we’re together now, and nothing will ever change that.”

“Hmm… nothing.”

They kiss again before turning their attention to the food in front of them.

“Hey, love.”

Kate looks up when she hears a familiar voice and her insides freeze.

“Callan? You’re alive?”

He shakes his head sadly, sitting down next to her.

“I wish I could say that. That I’m back for good.”

He looks at Hayden, who is sleeping peacefully.

“He’s gorgeous. I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you.”

She looks at him silently and he sighs.

“Kate… how you feel about Chris…”

“I don’t want to talk about it, you’re here now and…”

“Kate. You have to let me go.”

Tears start forming in her eyes as she looks at him.

“I can’t.”

“Yes you can. Katie, loving Chris doesn’t make you love me less. It’s not wrong to move on, sweetheart.”

“But it’s so soon… I hate myself for feeling like this.”

“There’s never going to be the right time, Kate. You know that, don’t you?”

“Why did you have to die?”

He takes her hand, kisses it softly.

“Some questions just aren’t answered. Maybe it was the right time for me.”

She frowns.

“Are you saying… that I should move on?”

“Yes.”

“But… I still love you so much.”

“I know. And I love you too. But you love Chris too, don’t you? And you can’t live with a ghost for the rest of your life. Moving on doesn’t mean that you’re forgetting me.”

Kate wakes up with a start when Hayden starts crying. She sits up, looking at the crib and then outside. Then she picks up Hayden, holding him closely.

“It was a dream. A meaningless dream, that’s all.”

[ilovekateritchie]

Oh my, I just realized I never posted the dresses! So here is Jodi's dress and here is what Jess, Isabel and Indi wore. Oh and before I forget, here is the ring.

And thanks for the feedback and here the update!

PART 73

“Right, everyone!”

Jessica waves her hands through the air, grinning.

“We will now move to the fabulous fifth deck where we will see the whole ocean while we dance! If you’d follow Mark, and me please! Thank you.”

She starts walking down, followed by all the guests. There are several gasps when they arrive on the last deck

“Wow…”

Indiana looks around in awe.

“This is… amazing…”

“It is.”

Rhys holds on to Indiana’s hand and pulls her close.

“Care to dance?”

Indiana laughs and softly kisses him.

“I would love that, but I think we have to wait for the bride and groom to open the dance floor.”

Rhys pulls a face.

“Yeah, you’re right.”

They all turn when Paul and Jodi come in. Paul looks around and lifts his eyebrows.

“Wow, Jodz. You were right. It’s fantastic.”

Jodi grins.

“Told you!”

Jessica grins and motions them to stand in the middle of the floor.

“Right, everyone! You all know me, for those of you who forgot, I’m Jess and I’m the maid of honour and now I’m going to make a speech about the lovely couple standing here in the middle of the floor.”

She points to Jodi and Paul and smiles happily.

“When I first met Jodi and Paul, I actually wondered why they weren’t together. Because they looked like the perfect couple. And they are. Jodi, Paul… you’ve been through so much misunderstandings and obstacles along the way… but you’ve always managed to get through it and come out stronger and that is what makes you such an amazing couple. It’s obvious that you are meant together and I know that you’ll be amazingly happy. So everyone – please lift your glasses to Paul and Jodi!”

“To Paul and Jodi!”

Paul pulls his wife closer and grins.

“Care to dance?”

“Oh, I’d love to!”

He pulls her close as their song starts playing, drowning in the words:

Till my body is dust

Till my soul is no more

I will love you, love you

Till the sun starts to cry

And the moon turns to rust

I will love you, love you

But I need to know

Will you stay for all time

Forever and a day

Then I'll give my heart

Till the end of all time

I will love you

Forever and a day

And I need to know

Will you stay for all time

Forever and a day

Then I'll give my heart

Till the end of all time

Forever and a day

Till the storms fill my eyes

And we touch the last time

I will love you, love you

I will love you, love you

I will love you, love you

There is not a dry eye on the deck when the song finishes and Paul pulls Jodi even closer, kissing her softly.

“Forever and a day?”

“You say that like it’s a question. I’m never letting you go, Paul O’Brien.”

“Good. Because I’m not going anywhere.”

“So where are you taking me for our honeymoon?”

Paul grins and kisses her softly.

“Oh, a little place called Mauritius…”

“Mauritius, are you kidding?”

“Nope. Walks on the beach, massages at the spa…”

Jodi throws her arms around his neck and kisses him excitedly.

“You are the most amazing guy on the planet, has anyone ever told you that?”

“Oh, people tell me that all the time. But I like hearing it if it’s coming from you.”

“I love you so much, Paul, you have no idea.”

“Yes I do. Because I love you just as much.”

[ilovekateritchie]

Thanks for all the feedback! Here is the next part:

PART 74

“Hey… aren’t you going to come dancing?”

Kate looks up when Chris comes in, her eyes still wet with tears.

“Oh… I’ll be right there, I just want to make sure Hayden is settled.”

“He looks asleep to me.”

“Just leave please.”

Chris sits down next to Kate, putting his arm around her shoulders.

“Kate…”

She looks at him coolly and he sighs.

“Come on, Kate… Tell me what’s going on.”

“Nothing.”

“Why are you avoiding me?”

“I’m not avoiding you!”

She looks back at Hayden, who is happily sucking his thumb.

Chris suddenly pulls her close, kissing her with force. Kate pushes him away quickly, slapping him hard.

“DON”T TOUCH ME!”

“Kate!”

“Get away…”

She retreats to the corner and Chris frowns.

“What’s going on?”

“I won’t let you replace Callan… I love him. No one else.”

Realization dawns upon Chris and his heart melts.

“You don’t have to feel guilty for falling in love with me, Kate. Callan wouldn’t have wanted you to be alone.”

“Well, I want to be alone, I don’t want to replace him.”

“I’m not trying to replace him. I know you’ll always love him, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t love me as well.”

She sits down, defeated.

“But I don’t want to.”

She shakes her head, tears forming in her eyes again.

“I don’t want to love you. It just doesn’t feel right.”

Chris puts his arm around her, holding her like you would hold a child in need of comfort.

“I know, Kate. I know it’s hard to move on. I’m sorry for pushing you.”

She sniffs lightly and he strokes over her hair.

“Just take your time. I’ll wait.”

“Oh, look look look! It’s a shark!”

Indiana rushes forward to where a shark is peacefully swimming next to the yacht.

“Oh, wow…”

Rhys takes a step backwards.

“Yeah, I’m just going to admire him from a distance.”

Indiana laughs.

“Scaredy cat!”

“It’s a shark, of course I’m scared!”

Indiana grins and moves closer.

“It’s not like he’s going to come in, Rhys.”

“Still. I’ll keep my distance.”

Paul puts his arms around Jodi’s waist, resting his chin on her shoulder.

“You’re a wimp, Rhys.”

Rhys snorts.

“Says the guy who is hiding behind his wife.”

“I’m not hiding. I’m just… standing.”

“Right.”

Jodi turns her head to kiss Paul quickly.

“Are you hiding behind me?”

“Never. I’d fight a shark with bare hands for you.”

“Okay, superman. Where’s Kate?”

She looks around.

“I’ve hardly seen her today.”

Paul nods.

“Yeah, I talked to Nic – Hayden is being a little difficult today. But why talk when we can kiss?”

“Hmm, that sounds like an idea!”

She turns around, kissing him fully on the lips, under the cheering and applause of the guests.

Paul grins as he picks her up, swinging her through the air.

“I have the most gorgeous wife in the world! I love you, honey.”

“And I love you.”

[ilovekateritchie]

Thanks for the feedback. Just out of curiousity - how long do you reckon Kate should wait before moving on?

PART 75

“Awe, don’t tell me the party is ending!”

Nic groans when the yacht starts moving and Paul grins.

“Well, my wife and I have a plane to catch… So we should get going, but feel free to keep this party going on the beach!”

Nic lifts Amy up, kissing her eagerly.

“You hear that, baby? We’re gonna party all night long!”

Amy laughs, putting her arms around his neck.

“What happened to taking it easy? The quiet and mellow life you swore you were going to have after the last hangover?”

“I lied! Live with it.”

Amy sniggers and kisses his neck.

“I know you too well. Tomorrow he’s going to wake up and say – I’m never drinking again.”

The guests all laugh and Nic blushes.

“Don’t talk out of the room, Aimz!”

Amy laughs and pulls him closer so her mouth is next to his ear.

“Don’t worry, love – you have nothing to be worried about…”

“I take that as a compliment…”

“It is one…”

Ian, who is holding onto Sharni’s hand nearby, shudders.

“Oi! Get a room you two!”

Amy grins and stands on her toes to kiss Nic.

“So… you ready to go dancing now? The yacht is moving, so I take it we’re heading to the beach…”

Kate nods.

“Yeah… I guess a dance wouldn’t do any harm… Thank you for being so patient with me, Chris.”

“Hey…”

He pulls her close, kissing her on top of her head.

“I just want to see you happy. And if that means waiting… I’ll wait.”

Jodi rushes forward when Kate and Chris come in.

“Guess what… we’re going to Mauritius and… Kate, are you okay?”

Kate’s hands fly to her eyes, wiping some stray tears away and she grins.

“I’m fine… sorry for… hiding with Hayden for the whole party. He just kept crying, I was a little frustrated.”

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine! You dance, enjoy your day!”

“Okay, if you’re sure everything is all right.”

“I’m sure.”

The women smile at each other and Jodi bounces away, grabbing her husband for a dance.

Chris turns to Kate with a smile.

“So… dance?”

“Why not?”

She swiftly moves into his arms as they prepare to dance the night away…

Paul lifts Jodi up in the air when the yacht comes to a stop.

“Well, guys… my wife and I are leaving now. So enjoy the rest of the party without us!”

They disappear outside under great cheering and Chris pulls Kate close, resting his face in her hair.

“So let the fun begin!”

Everybody laughs when Nic shouts out and throws his jacket to the side.

“How about we play a few games…”

Amy looks at him doubtfully.

“It depends what you have in mind…”

“Karaoke, dance games, strip poker…”

Kate shakes her head firmly.

“No way am I playing strip poker.”

Nic rolls his eyes.

“Spoil sport! But fine… karaoke then?”

Kate grins.

“Oh, I’m in! Chris?”

“No!”

“Don’t be a wimp! Come on!”

“Okay, fine.”

Nic grins.

“The Jodester told me that her ol’ friend Bill has a karaoke set on the second floor. So let’s hit it!”

[ilovekateritchie]

Thanks for all the feedback!

This one is for Rachel AKA vale4eva. You'll see why...

PART 76

“Swing, swing, swing from the tangles of my heart is crushed by a former love Can you help me find a way to carry on again? Dreams cast into the sky I'm moving on Sweet beginnings do arise She knows I was wrong the notes are old lalalala… hell no! I quit.”

Nic puts the microphone down and sits down.

“Thank goodness. I thought you were going to carry on!”

Mark touches his forehead dramatically.

“I couldn’t take anymore!”

“Funny. Let’s see you try.”

Mark lifts a brow.

“The difference between the two of us, is that I can sing.”

He grabs the microphone and takes a stand in front of his friends.

“C’mon, Kate – let’s do a duet.”

Kate grins and jumps up.

“Fine, what do you want to sing?”

“I wonder what they’re doing.”

Jodi looks at Paul with a lazy grin.

“Whatever it is, I’m happy to be here. On a plane. With the man of my dreams.”

“Ooh, talk like that deserves a kiss…”

The meeting of their lips is interrupted by an excited voice.

“Omigosh, omigosh! Are you Jodi Gordon and Paul O’Brien?”

Jodi pulls away and smiles.

“Yes…”

“Okay, are you like… together? And if you are, which I guess you are, how come no one knows?”

She takes a deep breath and sits down on the chair next to Jodi.

“Hi, I’m Rachel.”

She blinks twice and Jodi and Paul look at each other. Paul finally decides to answer her.

“Hi, Rachel. We’re Jodi and Paul… but you know that.”

“Yeah… I’m like, one of your biggest fans ever, both of you, I was so happy when Jack and Martha got back together, hey what about my questions?”

Jodi suppresses a grin and looks at Rachel seriously.

“Okay, we’re married. And we wanted to keep it very quiet, that is why no one knows. And it was pretty rushed…”

“Ma… ma… married?”

Rachel looks at the pair in shock.

“Seriously?”

“Yeah. We just got married today, hey you want to see my ring?”

Jodi holds out her ring so Rachel can admire it.

“Wow… it’s lovely! So you’re really married? I guess you want your privacy then… I’d move but… this is my seat…”

Jodi puts an arm on her hand.

“Don’t worry! You stay here, just… Paul, can we switch seats?”

“Why?”

He moves to the window seat and Jodi moves to the middle.

“I can’t have my husband sitting next to such a pretty girl.”

She puts her hand on Rachel’s arm with a smile.

“Now we can talk!”

Mark closes his eyes, holding his hand up.

“I wanna feel you need me”

Kate bends her knees, winking at Chris when her voice joins that of Mark.

“Feel you need me…”

“Just like the air you're breathing”

Their voices melt together and their friends cheer as they sing.

“I need you here in my life

Don't walk away, don't walk away

Don't walk away, don't walk away

No, no, no, no...

Nobody wants to be lonely

Nobody wants to cry...yeah yeah

Nobody wants to be lonely (yeah ohh ooh)

Nobody wants to cry (nobody wants to cry)

My body's longing to hold you (is longing to hold you)

So bad it hurts inside (hurts inside)

Time is precious and it's slipping away

And I've been waiting for you all of my life (ohh)

Nobody wants to be lonely

So why (why), why don't you let me love you

Let me love you...”

When they finish, all their friends applaud enthusiastically – even Nic. Jessica grins, walking up to Mark and cuddling up against him.

“Wow, that was fantastic, sweetie.”

Bobby snorts and Jess and Mark both glare at him.

“No one asked you.”

“Right.”

He takes off and Rhys runs after him.

“Rhys Wakefield, take one more step and we are over.”

He turns to face Indiana.

“Indi…”

Indiana glares at Rhys.

“He deserved what he got, Rhys.”

Rhys looks at the door, torn between his girlfriend and his friend. Kate makes up his mind for him.

“I think he needs to be alone anyway, Rhys.”

She walks to Chris, taking his hand.

“And we need to get going… it’s getting cold out here.”

Chris nods.

“Yeah, I’ll get Hayden…”

He disappears and Rhys sits down, looking slightly annoyed. Indiana sits down next to him.

“Rhys… I know Bobby is your friend… but what he did was wrong. It was pathetic and hurtful.”

“Yeah, but Jess is over it…”

“Does that make it right?”

“Indi, you’re being unreasonable.”

“No, I’m not. Bobby deserves to feel the hurt that he’s caused.”

“Are you a therapist?”

Indiana stands up angrily.

“I knew you wouldn’t understand.”

She storms off and Rhys shakes his head.

“I just can’t do anything right now, can I?”

[ilovekateritchie]

Well thanks for all the feedback! Here is the next part:

PART 77

“So then I told him that Jack and Martha were totally getting back together, and that Sam and Ash were just the writers stirring up trouble but…”

Rachel blushes.

“You don’t want to know that, do you?”

Jodi shakes her head.

“No, tell me!”

“Okay, then he said that Sam was better for Jack, but I told him that Jack and Martha were obviously meant to be – from the first second that they had met. And I guess I was right!”

“Yeah… I guess you were.”

“So are you going to Mauritius too?”

Jodi looks at her for a second.

“Eh… yeah. You going too?”

“Yeah. I’m going to snooze now, talk later!”

She closes her eyes and immediately nods off. Jodi rests her head on Paul’s shoulder and smiles blissfully before closing her eyes too.

“Do you think we can take him to the beach tomorrow?”

Kate looks at Chris, grinning.

“Chris, I don’t think he’s into swimming yet.”

“Yeah, but we can just sit on the beach – under an umbrella and play…”

“And what do you want to play with a baby who is barely three weeks old?”

“Okay, we can sit there and show him the people. Please Kate?”

Kate rolls her eyes, suppressing a giggle.

“Okay, fine, we can go. But if there is the slightest touch of wind we come home.”

“Deal!”

Chris squeezes her shoulders before disappearing into his room. Kate looks at Hayden with lifted eyebrows.

“So it seems you’re going to the beach tomorrow.”

He gurgles and Kate laughs.

“Yeah, I know. Chris is crazy. Come on, let’s get you in bed.”

“I already have a headache.”

Amy laughs at Nic and kisses him softly.

“That’s too bad. Guess we should go to sleep immediately then. Darn.”

Nic thinks for a minute and his face lights up.

“You know what, that headache just disappeared.”

“Just like that?”

“Yeah, it’s amazing. And you know what else?”

“What?”

“That means we don’t have to go to sleep now.”

Amy playfully hits him, holding back laughter.

“You are a scheming man, Nic Bishop!”

“Oh, I know.”

“Hey, can we go to the zoo tomorrow?”

“The zoo?”

“Yeah. The zoo.”

Amy nods.

“Sure. Are we babysitting Hayden?”

“No, Chris and Kate are taking him to the beach.”

“He’s three weeks old.”

“Three and a half. No, we’re going alone.”

Amy smiles, cuddling up to her man.

“Okay… It could be fun.”

“Great… Take your swimsuit, we’re swimming with the dolphins.”

“I thought you said zoo.”

“We’re going to the aquarium afterwards.”

“Sounds like you’ve got a whole day planned.”

“Oh, I do. You have no idea…”

[ilovekateritchie]

JADE AND RACH! How did you turn my fic into a fighting playground?

LOL! I'm glad you're so... eh... fired up about meeting them Rachel. Thanks for all the feedback. Here's the next part:

PART 78

“Morning gorgeous…”

“Five more minutes.”

“No. Get up.”

Amy groans and opens her eyes to look at Nic.

“How can you be so awake?”

“I’ve been up for over an hour. Come on, get dressed, we’re going.”

“Okay… can I take a shower first?”

“No, because I already prepared a hot bubble bath for you My Lady.”

“Oh, you’re in a good mood… I like that.”

“So do I.”

He kisses her quickly before pulling the sheets off the bed.

“Okay, go, go, go!”

“Are you awake?”

Chris peeks into Kate’s room and she pulls the sheet over her head.

“Go away!”

“I thought we were going to the beach.”

“Later, Chris. Much, much later! Did you not hear Hayden cry every two hours last night?”

“Hey, I got up for him three times!”

“I got up five times! That’s two more.”

“Yeah, but you’re a woman.”

“And you’re a chauvinist.”

“Ouch. Well, when you’re ready – feel free to come and join me and Hayden for breakfast.”

Kate peeks out from under the sheets.

“What do you mean with you and Hayden? He is living on milk. And I don’t think you give milk...”

“Funny. He’s sleeping in his little cot next to the table. So come on, get up.”

“Okay, okay! I’ll be right there.”

Chris smiles and walks to the kitchen while Kate slowly gets out of bed, suppressing a yawn.

“Bonjour Monsieur, Madame! Bienvenu prép Mauritius!”

Paul pokes Jodi in the ribs.

“What?”

Rachel steps forward, grinning.

“Merci! Nous premié visiti ici! Ou est les prochain hôtel?”

Jodi and Paul share a look.

“She speaks French?”

Paul shrugs and they turn their attention back to Rachel, who is now laughing with the tall man happily.

“Oui! Merci monsieur!”

She winks at Jodi and Paul.

“Follow me.”

Jodi rushes to stay with her and frowns.

“Okay, what did you say back there?”

“He said hello, welcome to Mauritius and then I told him that it was our first time visiting his country and asked him where the nearest hotel was.”

“You speak French?”

Jodi and Rachel both look at Paul blankly.

“No, that was exotic English. Yes, I speak French, now do you want to get to the hotel or not?”

“Right. We're following.”

“Okay, so where are we going first?”

Amy looks at Nic enthusiastically and he pulls her close, grinning.

“You are adorable when you’re so excited. Let’s go look at the lions.”

“Okay!”

She grabs a hold of his hand and they walk to the lion’s cage.

“Oh, that’s a big one!”

Amy moves closer, but Nic pulls her back, holding her against his chest.

“Don’t go to close, I don’t want them to bite you.”

“They’re in a cage Nic!”

“Yeah, but to them, you’re food.”

“But they’re in a cage.”

“So? You think a cage would hold me away from food? Or from you for that matter…”

“Oh?”

“Hmm…”

He pulls her closer, kissing her fervently.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“Oh, look! It’s Peter and Rachel from Home and Away!”

Nic looks over his shoulder to a thousand fingers pointing towards him and then he looks forward.

“Oh, wow! Where? Peter, Rachel, wait for us!”

Pulling Amy by her hand, he starts running forward until they reach an alley where he pulls her in.

“Where? Wait for us?”

Amy hits him against the chest, shaking with laughter.

“You are crazy!”

“Oh, I know. About you.”

“Yeah?”

“I’m absolutely nuts about you.”

She puts her arms around his neck and kisses him softly, her eyes sparkling.

“You’ve just made my day.”

[ilovekateritchie]

I'm bored out of my mind, so I decided to update - yet again.

*Goes into mourning because I don't have a life*

PART 79

“Where’s your swimsuit?”

Kate rolls her eyes at Chris.

“Under my clothes, are you that desperate to see me in a bikini?”

“Hell yeah.”

Kate laughs and hits his arm playfully.

“So I take it you’re wearing a Speedo under all that?”

“Eh, no. But I could change…”

“No! No, Baggies is perfectly fine.”

“Great.”

“So you’ve got everything?”

Kate checks her bag.

“Towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, book, camera, diaper bag… yeah. You okay with Hayden and the umbrella?”

“Yeah, if I start falling I’ll just drop one.”

“It had better be the umbrella!”

Chris laughs, holding Hayden a little tighter.

“Don’t worry, I won’t drop him, I’ve raised two daughters, remember? I can multi-task.”

“Now he tells me! You’re taking care of him tonight, I need some sleep.”

“That’s fine with me. We’ll go out to play pool and have some beer, eh, Hayden?”

“Oh, very funny!”

Kate looks at Chris with a small smile.

“Thanks for doing this for us. You’re a good friend.”

“Thank you.”

They smile at each other before getting into the car.

“I don’t want to do this… what if they bite?”

Nic rolls his eyes and laughs.

“Amy, dolphins are friendly. And you’ve come this far… and I’ll be with you the whole time, promise.”

“Okay… but I’m still scared.”

“Don’t be… oh, just wait a second, I need to ask the trainer something.”

Nic walks to the trainer who nods and writes something on a plastic board. They both laugh and Nic hands the guy some money.

“Thanks.”

He walks back to Amy who is looking at him with a frown.

“What’s the money for?”

“Swimming with dolphins isn’t exactly free, Aimz. Come on, you ready?”

“Yeah… No.”

“You said yeah. Here we go!”

They dive into the cold water, holding each other’s hands firmly.

“Where’s a big boy?”

Chris grins when Hayden giggles and takes another picture. Kate looks at him gently.

“Okay, Chris. Enough mother baby pictures for one day.”

Chris pouts.

“But the two of you make such a cute photo! Just one more, for in my Bible.”

“Fine, one more.”

Kate smiles, holding up Hayden as Chris lifts the camera up.

“Perfect!”

He walks towards her, showing her the photo, before kissing her on the cheek lovingly.

“You’re beautiful.”

“Thanks. Now it’s my turn! Come on, hold him!”

“Okay!”

Chris holds out his arms, taking Hayden from Kate and smiles at the camera happily.

“Yeah, we are two handsome men, aren’t we Hayden? Lucky mum you’ve got! Taking photos of such gorgeous blokes.”

Kate laughs, shifting the camera angle.

“I have to say Chris, my son is much more gorgeous than you are.”

Chris pulls a face and Kate laughs.

“I’ll get you for that, Kate Ritchie. You just wait, I’ll show you whose boss.”

“Oh, I’m so scared.”

“You should be.”

Amy moves swiftly when a large, friendly dolphin pokes her in the side.

She glares at Nic, who is laughing silently and folds her arms.

Nic points to the dolphin and Amy looks at the dolphin that has now opened his mouth. Her eyes widen behind the goggles when she sees a diamond ring glistening in the dolphin’s mouth and she looks back at Nic, who is holding up the plastic board that the trainer had scribbled on.

Will you marry me? Nod if it’s a yes and if it’s a no, change your mind and nod anyway.

Amy closes her eyes for a second before looking at the board again and nodding breathlessly.