"I think that I'll keep loving you, way past sixty-five.
We made a language for us two, we don't need to describe.
Everytime you call on me, I drop what I do
You are my best friend and we've got some shit to shoot"~Best Friend Sofie Tukker

23 August 1968, 2.34pm

"Eddie, it's not a problem" Charli laughed "Paul arranged your ticket, I've paid for it, we want you here"

"Alright sugar," Eddie said, "I'll be there!"

Charli smiled into the phone happy she'd see Eddie soon, her smile lessened realising the short notice would mean the rest couldn't make it.

"Charli," Jenny urged "We promised to meet Pattie at the shop, you've got a fitting. Remember?"

"Hey Eddie," Charli said, "I've got to let you go, I've got a few things to do before the party tonight...but I'll see you next week!"

"Alright Charli," Eddie laughed "I'll see you soon, and happy birthday!"

"Don't hang up!" Paul exclaimed "I need to sort out Eddie's flight details with him"

"Alright," Charli laughed before speaking to Eddie again "Paul needs to chat with you, I really should go"

"C'mon luv!" Jenny laughed "Only you would be late to a fitting"

Charli passed the phone to Paul and was whisked out the door by Jenny.

Paul and Charli had returned from Minnesota only a couple of days earlier, in the short time back in London they'd had little time to think before wedding planning, albums and Charli's birthday took over.

"Hey Paul," Eddie said "What's up? How are things since you got back to London?"

"Recording mostly," Paul laughed "It's been good though...we're making real progress..."

He grimaced as he tried covering up the stress the band was facing, they'd been recording until nearly 5 am that morning after Ringo walked out and Paul was exhausted. He was looking forward to a small nap before the evening festivities began.  The only consolation he was taking was the band taking a short break gave him more time to focus on the wedding.

"Listen, Eddie," He began "I need your help before you come to England in pulling off the biggest wedding surprise for Charli"

"Really...just what did you have in mind?" Eddie laughed.

*

"You look stunning in that one" Pattie giggled as she sipped her champagne.

"So what's wrong with it?" Jenny asked noticing Charli didn't seem enthralled by the gown.

"It's just a bit too.." Charli began "Fussy.."

She held her arms out looking at the lace sleeves.

"The sleeves do cover your tattoos nicely," the girl from the dress shop said. Charli shot a look and narrowed her eyes.

"I beg your pardon?" Charli asked indignantly.

Both Pattie and Jenny laughed.

"Oh, bloody hell!" Jenny said between bits of her macaroon "Now ye've done it!"

"I just thought...with your family and friends.." the girl said nervously.

"Right...fetch only the dresses with short sleeves or no sleeves" Charli demanded.

The girl seemed surprised but went to fetch more dresses as Charli changed into her slip.

"Maybe I should just wear this," she joked with Pattie and Jenny as Pattie poured her a glass of champagne.

"Paul would love that" Jenny laughed.

"I don't think you told me about your tattoos," Pattie said looking over them "I'm not saying you should cover them, but why do you want them showing so much?"

"I don't like being told how I should be," Charli began "I love magpies...I got the top one years ago, the second I got over Christmas when I knew I wanted to be with Paul forever...he proposed right after. Guess we were on the same page...one for sorrow, two for joy.."

"Three for a girl," Pattie giggled

"Four for a boy," Jenny joined in before Charli threw a small couch pillow at them.

Eventually, the girl from the shop, after many attempts found the right dress.

"C'mon luv," Jenny said standing by Charli "That one has to be it"

Charli gazed in the mirror at the empire cut gown, the neck was modest and not cut low, while most of the dresses that day had long sleeves, this one was short sleeved and perfect. It was sleek and simple with no fuss.

"Yeah, I think this one is it" Charli admitted, "Should I really be wearing white though?"

She joked as Pattie and Jenny laughed.

"Now to find the perfect jewellery," Pattie added excitedly as Charli groaned.

*

It was early evening.

Charli and Jenny started getting things ready for her birthday party that night. Paul was asleep in their bedroom.

"Sod off," Charli laughed "I'm not wakin' him until he needs ta' get ready for the party"

"Yer too nice," Jenny teased "Really though, is he alright?"

"It's this album," Charli sighed "I've only been to one session and they had a good night when I was there, but it hasn't been that way most of the time and last night, Ringo walked out. They're hoping he just needs a bit of a holiday...but it might be for good"

Jenny's eyes widened.

"Don't say a word," Charli said seriously "Paul was quite upset when he got home this morning, he really needs the sleep"

"Are ya' sure all this wedding planning is the best thing right now?" Jenny asked as she helped Charli decorate the cake.

"I think it's kept him going, honestly" Charli laughed "I just hope...I mean, I hope I can be there for him whatever is happening in his life"

"Fuck sakes," Jenny laughed "The two of you, always so worried yer not good enough for the other. Get over it, yer fuckin' perfect together."

Charli laughed slightly as she licked a bit of frosting from her fingertip.

"I'm really excited for ya's to meet Eddie," Charli said changing the subject. Jenny scoffed.

"C'mon Jen," Charli prodded "What's yer issue with me New York friends?"

"It's nothing!" Jenny bit angrily.

"Fuck off, 'it's nothin'" Charli retorted "Tell me what's goin' on"

"Look," Jenny began "I missed you like hell when yer parents made you move. I guess part of me hoped you wouldn't find another best friend...that you wouldn't replace me.."

"I didn't replace you" Charli interrupted.

"It sometimes feels that way whenever they call," Jenny admitted "And I'm just afraid with him turning up, that you'll forget about me during your most important day, and it means a lot to me...and I can't deal with that...I've been friends with you and Paul for a long time and..love you both...I just don't want to be left behind by you"

There were tears in Jenny's eyes.

"I..I'm sorry if I made you feel that way" Charli apologised "I could never replace you luv, and I won't leave you behind...it's yer fault we're getting married anyway"

Jenny laughed as Charli hugged her shoulders.

"Yeah, little did I know the two of ya's would be sneakin' off for snoggin' sessions after I'd introduced ya'" Jenny teased.

"I owe ya's Jamison," Charli said kissing her cheek.

"Fuck off!" Jenny laughed "Save that for yer fiancee"

"Look, Charli..." Jenny said more seriously "I'll try to be nice to Eddie, I can't guarantee I'll like him though"

"Alright Jen," Charli agreed "I do think you'll get along though, you'll be surprised"

*

Love is kind of crazy with a spooky little girl like you...

Music played loudly throughout Paul and Charli's home as her birthday party was well under way. Paul and Charli sat together on a couch, Charli sat with her legs draped over Paul's lap, for all they knew or cared, they were the only ones in the room.

"Ya' know I love how you look in this," Paul said playing with the fabric from the familiar kimono Charli wore often.

"Ya' tell me every bloody time I wear it" she laughed softly "Why do you think I wear it so much?"

Paul smiled before kissing her.

"Okay, the two of ya's are bloody disgusting tonight," Jenny laughed as she dropped onto the couch next to Charli.

"Can't help meself," Paul laughed.

"'Sides what do you care?" Charli teased "I thought you were happy for us"

Charli pouted at Jenny.

"Don't even try that with me luv!" Jenny laughed. "I know a way ta' get you up"

"George!" Jenny called standing up "Put on that record Paul brought home...the Russian sounding one!"

Paul had recently produced a record with Mary Hopkin. He'd showed the single to Jenny and Charli and Jenny knew Charli couldn't resist the chorus after they'd played it many times.

"Hey, that hasn't been released yet!" Paul said standing up sending Charli to the floor.

"Relax Macca," John grinned "You've already played it for all of us!"

"Shit, I'm sorry luv," Paul said helping her up. Charli laughed as she stood up.

"It's alright," she smiled "Ya' owe me later tonight...in bed"

His arms went around her waist "I think I can handle that"

Jenny brought another drink to Charli as Those were the days began.

"Charli luv," Jenny laughed as she sipped her beer "You need to figure out an act to this song"

"After the wedding!" Charli reminded her "I can't bloody think of any performances right now!"

Mary Hopkin's lilting voice carried throughout the room until the chorus when most of the party guests joined in, each chorus became louder and more boisterous as more guests caught on to the lyrics.

"So...what's with this new bird Lennon brought 'round?" Jenny asked Charli quietly "Doesn't he have a wife? And kid?"

Charli glanced to the small couch where John sat with Yoko, occasionally hopping up to enjoy the party. Yoko had spent most of the night calmly positioned on the couch.

"It's...um..difficult" Charli answered.

"I noticed Paul has been ignoring her completely" Jenny observed as Paul laughed with John and acted like Yoko wasn't in the room.

"He's not comfortable with what's going on" Charli admitted as she drank her wine.

"I was just with Cyn yesterday" Pattie added joining the conversation "She's filed for a divorce.."

Jenny gasped.

"Bloody hell," Charli sighed. "I guess I don't blame her"

"Mo and I have been going 'round to see her," Pattie said sadly. "I just feel so awful for her"

"Do you know if she's comin' to the wedding?" Charli asked suddenly. It dawned on her, John would bring Yoko and that could easily put Cyn off from coming to the wedding, Paul had asked if Jules could be the ring bearer.

"Relax," Pattie giggled "Cyn still plans on coming, you still have Julian as your ring bearer."

Charli sighed in relief.

"Have you heard the song Paul wrote for Julian?" Charli asked. Pattie shook her head.

"George says it's good," she said.

"It's incredible," Charli confirmed "I've only heard him playing it in the music room...he put a lot of heart into it"

"Charli," Pattie said seriously "Are you worried our little Beatle family is coming apart?"

"I don't know.." Charli sighed "Maybe its just a rough patch"

"I hope so," Pattie smiled weakly.

"Alright, what are you three gossiping about" Paul laughed as his arms went around Charli from behind.

"You mostly," Charli teased.

"And you interrupted!" Pattie laughed.

"Well, I wanted to see if me lovely soon to be wife would like a dance," Paul said sweetly.

"2 weeks! In 2 weeks I'll be your wife!" Charli said excitedly.

30 August 1968, 11.54am

"Disguises were pointless," Paul laughed softly.

"At least it's quieter here," Charli said as they relaxed in the first class lounge waiting for Eddie to arrive. They had been mobbed by the press upon arrival at the airport. Paul had become quite skilled in dodging their questions about the upcoming wedding. Many papers were already speculating on their reasons.

They agreed to have limited press at the reception. Frida from the fan club would cover the wedding.

Charli, was less relaxed as they waited.

"He should be here by now," she said bouncing her knee.

"Relax luv," Paul soothed "The flight was delayed, it'll be here any moment"

"I know," Charli laughed "I'm just anxious"

"It'll be alright, kitten" Paul smiled.

"I know it will be," Charli agreed "I haven't seen Eddie in 2 years, it's strange"

"Flight 247 from New York now arriving" an announcement came over the loudspeaker. She knew it would be a little longer to wait as Eddie would be escorted to the elite class lounge where she and Paul were waiting amongst a few others of London's rich and elite.

Charli anxiously watched the door. She saw Eddie's familiar head of hair and saunter as he walked through.

"EDDIE!" She said rushing forward before hugging him.

"Hey, sugar beat!" He laughed hugging her tight "It's so good to see you!"

"Thank you for being here," Charli said with tears in her eyes "It means so much to me, and Paul"

Eddie pulled away and looked at his best friend.

"Look at you," he grinned "Little miss famous"

"It's weird," she laughed.

"Good ta' see ya's again la'," Paul smiled as he shook Eddie's hand and winked.

"I do have a present for you," Eddie said to Charli and grinned at Paul. Charli cocked her head.

"You didn't have ta' get me anythin'," Charli said "You being here is enough"

"Oh, but I think you'll like it," Eddie laughed. "Just a sec"

Eddie left the elite lounge.

Charli looked to Paul noticing he was trying to suppress a smile.

"Alright luv?" Paul asked noticing her.

"I feel like yer up ta' something" she commented.

"I have no idea what yer talkin' about" Paul replied.

Just then Eddie entered the room again, with him was Lily, Sophie, Mina and Toni.

"Oh my God..." Charli whispered in disbelief as her hands went over her mouth.

"Well, are you going to give us a hug or what?" Lily laughed.

Charli was in disbelief as she tearfully hugged and greeted her former flatmates.

"I don't understand," she said finally "I knew Mina and Toni weren't able to make it, Sophie you weren't sure and Lily you couldn't afford to come with the change of date..."

"Surprise!" Mina laughed.

"Do you really think we'd miss your big day?" Sophie giggled.

"That and your boy is quite convincing" Lily added.

Charli looked at Paul who grinned wide.

"I knew you were up to somethin'!" she laughed.

"Guilty," Paul smiled as he greeted the rest before turning his attention back to Charli "Kitten, I knew you were upset when you didn't think yer New York friends could make it. I wanted ta' make sure you had no regrets about getting married earlier, I know how much you wanted them to be here."

"How? How did this happen?" Charli asked.

"Well, you paid for me to fly out," Eddie explained "Paul and I started talking about how we could arrange for the others to make it..."

"I was quite busy while you were gettin' yer dress," Paul explained. "Why do ya' think I took such a long nap before your party?"

"He's being modest!" Eddie laughed "Everyone was worried about the extra cost...and our family commitments and jobs...first of all, he bought flights for the rest"

"Economy...couldn't send all of ya's first class" Paul laughed.

"I was supposed to be at my parents' lake house next week," Sophie explained, "I think my mom nearly passed out when she got a call from Paul McCartney that day apologising for the inconvenience and that I was needed at the wedding"

"She's asked me to get pictures" Sophie admitted to Paul.

"I was supposed to work," Toni explained "Paul called my work, they're still in disbelief but here we are"

"And who am I to pass up a free trip across the pond to see one of my family get married?" Lily added. "They'll just have to have the lesser queens perform for the next 2 weeks at the club"

"This is bloody brilliant!" Charli laughed. She turned to Paul and excitedly kissed him.

"I love you so much!" she laughed "We have to do something tonight, go out or have a bash so they can meet everyone!"

"Slow down luv," Paul laughed, "I think we should get everyone situated first and grab a nosh, you lot are probably exhausted and we've got the rehearsal dinner tomorrow"

"I'm famished" Lily admitted.

"And I could use a nap" Eddie agreed. "Don't worry Sugar, we'll do something tonight if you want"

*

Later that evening after the New York friends had a rest and everything was sorted on who was staying where everyone sat at dinner getting to know each other.

"Bloody hell!" John laughed "You lot have the best dirt on Charli"

Charli smirked as Lily had regaled them with a tale of one of Charli's first shows when a drunk stepped on stage to try dancing with her and despite being mid-air in the silks, she'd managed to kick him where it counted.

"Thank you for letting us stay with you," Mina smiled at Pattie.

"Its no trouble at all!" Pattie laughed. She had almost immediately taken a shine to Mina and Toni. "Paul told us what he'd been plotting and we were happy to help"

"Fuck me," Charli laughed "Did everyone know about this?"

Much as they were aware most evenings would be spent with a majority of the New York crew, it had been decided for the sanity of everyone, a few would stay at other homes. John was excited to have Lily staying with him and Yoko while George and Pattie adopted Mina and Toni. Eddie and Sophie planned on staying with Paul and Charli in one of the guest bedrooms. Jenny would be staying every few nights depending on what was needed.

"Sorry, I'm late," Jenny said as she arrived "Bloody traffic.."

Jenny knew this was important to Charli despite her own reservations about meeting her New York friends.

"You must be Jenny!" Eddie said excitedly as he stood up "I've heard so much about you!"

He hugged her eagerly, Jenny hugged back not sure what to think.

"Yeah, um...nice to meet you," she said.

Jenny sat next to Eddie, across from Charli and Paul.

"The next few days are goin' ta' be insane" Paul sighed. "Rehearsal dinner tomorrow, and the stag and hen parties in a few days, we've got the television recording.."

"I'm takin' everyone sightseeing on Sunday" Charli added.

"I'm sleepin' in" Paul laughed "We start recordin' again when Ringo comes home"

Paul's mood had become less stressed when after the band sent Ringo a telegram, he agreed to return to the band.

"I'm so happy Ringo is coming home!" Charli said excitedly as the rest of the table loudly agreed.

Lily sat next to Charli "Hey little one," he said quietly.

"Hey Lily," Charli smiled.

"I was thinking, at the wedding.." he began "Since, you don't have a father to walk you down the aisle, maybe I could. I consider you family after all"

Charli smiled "Oh Lily," she said "That would be perfect! We weren't sure what we were going to do, thought we'd figure it out tomorrow at the rehearsal, but this works even better!"

Lily smiled and hugged her shoulders. "We're all so happy for you," he said.

As the night pressed on and various stories told between Charli, the New Yorkers, Paul and the rest..Jenny found herself enjoying the company.

"...And that's how me and Charli met," Eddie laughed "A date so bad she ran off with the gay boy"

"That's not the first time her parents tried settin' her up" Jenny laughed.

"We don't need to talk about that!" Charli scolded.

01 August 1958 4.52pm, Liverpool

"Oh Charlotte," Mrs McLeod cooed looking at her daughter in a new dress she'd bought for the occasion "You look darling!"

"Muuum," Charli whined, "I told you I don't want to do this"

"Nonsense," Mr McLeod countered "Malcolm is a fine young lad and his family is quite well to do in the church"

"He's a muppet.." Charli said quietly.

"Don't think I didn't hear that," Mr McLeod scolded "This will be good for you, ye've been spendin' too much time with that McCartney boy"

"And if it goes well," Mrs McLeod said as she fixed Charli's hair "Maybe we'll hear weddin' bells when the two of ya's are older"

There was a knock on the door.

"Now Charlotte," Mr McLeod began as his wife answered the door "I want you on yer best behaviour, Mr and Mrs Pettigrew will be chaperoning yer date and I don't want ta' hear anything goin' wrong"

Charli and Paul had been seeing each other unbeknownst to her parents. Molly and Joseph had noticed her spending more time with him and decided to intervene.

"Charlotte," her mother said happily "your little date is here"

"Good evening Charlotte," A young boy with mousy brown hair said politely "We're goin' ta' have a lovely time"

"Right, let's get this over with" Charli muttered.

"We'll have them home before 9," his mother said proudly standing behind him.

*

"Stop askin'," Jenny laughed "I can't tell ya' where she is, I promised."

"C'mon Jen, yer keepin' me from the girl I --" Paul stopped himself.

"You what?" Jenny teased "Awwww...you love her don't ya'?"

"Sod off," Paul blushed. "C'mon Jen, What's goin' on?"

Jenny hated lying and she knew Charli was already quite upset at what was happening that night.

"Fine," Jenny sighed "Ya' can't get mad..."

Paul cocked his head curiously.

"Her parents...well, they're...they're making her go on a date with some lad from their church" Jenny explained. She watched Paul's expression change from playful to confused.

"They thought she was spendin' too much time with ya's, and they set this up....she's really upset about it.." she defended.

"What the fuck?" Paul said angrily "I can't fuckin' believe this!"

"Paul, it's not her fault," Jenny tried calming "You knew dating her would have to be a secret from them..."

"I'm not mad at her" Paul shook his head "I'm bloody well furious at them! What the fuck is it about me that isn't good enough?!"

"Her parents are fucked..." Jenny said, "Trust me on that...and you la', aren't an upstanding member of the church...you'll never be good enough for them."

Paul seethed.

"Would it help if I told ya's I knew where their date was?" Jenny asked mischievously. Paul smirked.

"Let's get John, the lad could use a bit of mischief" Paul grinned.

*

Charli sat, bored, stirring her soda as Malcolm talked. She glanced over to the table where his parents sat, reading.

"My mum says yer doin' quite well in school," Malcolm said interrupting her thoughts.

"What? Oh..yeah...I guess," she sighed "Why are yer parents here anyway?"

"To keep us from acting on our impulses," he said proudly "It's a sin"

Charli rolled her eyes.

"Well, I've got no impulses...trust me on that," she said before glancing out the window wishing she was anywhere but there.

"Charli!" she heard Paul's voice "fancy meetin' you here, what are you up to?"

She brightened up almost instantly before remembering, she was on a date.

She quickly mouthed "sorry" to Paul who simply winked.

"Oh...em...I'm on a date..." Charli mumbled, "Me parents arranged it.."

"Fancy that," Jenny giggled as she slid in next to Malcolm "So were we, mind if we join you?"

"Why not?" Charli smiled as Paul sat next to her.

"Charlotte," Malcolm said nervously "I really don't think we should be spendin' time with..."

"With who?" Charli demanded as she felt Paul place a hand just above her knee under the table "Me friends?"

"What's going on here?" Mr Pettigrew demanded as he stood at the table.

"Nothing sir," Paul charmed "We're Charli's friends and thought we'd double date"

"Yeah, totally innocent sir" Jenny smiled.

"Alright...just behave yourselves," he said before returning to his table.

"I need to use the loo," Malcolm said after a while.

"Have fun," Charli smirked as Jenny moved to let him out.

"We're gettin' you out," Paul said once Malcolm was far enough away.

"Just how do you plan that?" Charli asked.

"John is going to run a distraction fer your wardens," Jenny explained "And we'll sneak out in the chaos"

"The better question is, what do we do when me parents find out?" Charli asked.

"Way ahead of ya's," Jenny winked "Yer spendin' the night at me house after we go out, we'll figure out an excuse when we get there"

"I wasn't feelin' well," Charli thought. "Throwin' up, disgusting...couldn't make it home so you and yer mum took me in"

"Brilliant," Jenny grinned "Ready?"

Paul nodded toward John who was standing at the bar. John grinned and made his way to Mr and Mrs Pettigrew's table.

"'Scuse me," he said approaching them blocking their view from Charli's table "I was wonderin' if you had a moment to discuss bringin' religion back to schools..."

"What a fine young lad," Mrs Pettigrew said happily unaware of what was happening behind John.

"Alright, he's got them talkin'," Jenny said "Let's bugger off"

Charli stood with Paul and Jenny just as Malcolm returned.

"Charlotte?" he asked, "Where are you going?"

"Away," Charli said. "And you'd be smart to say nothin' when yer parents find out...or that lad will have yer head when school starts up again" she pointed to Lennon who was animatedly talking with Malcolm's parents.

Malcolm swallowed hard, everyone was terrified of Lennon in school.

"Just tell yer parents I was sick" Charli said as she Paul and Jenny ducked out the back door of the pub.

*

Jenny and John had gone off somewhere on their own and Paul and Charli had found their own little bench in Strawberry Field to reacquaint.

"Yer not mad?" Charli asked between kisses.

"About?" Paul asked.

"The date..." Charli answered. Paul pulled away.

"I'm not mad at you," he sighed "But I'm not goin' ta' lie to ya's and say I'm happy about it"

"I didn't want ta' go...me parents made me," Charli said angrily.

The mood had been slightly dampened.

"Maybe I should come 'round," Paul suggested, "Ask ya' on a proper date, be all polite to yer parents.."

"You are polite to me parents" Charli interrupted.

"So, what do I have to do ta' prove I'm good enough for ya's" Paul asked angrily.

"Just don't come 'round," Charli answered "Da' would have me head..."

"C'mon luv," Paul urged "They can't keep controllin' ya's"

Charli bit the tip of her finger nervously.

Paul knew there was something wrong with her family life, he didn't have the courage to ask. He wasn't sure if it was because it might upset her or fear of what he might find out.

"Look," Charli sighed finally "You won't be good enough for them. They want me datin' someone like my father....and that's the last sort of person I want ta' date. Believe me."

Paul still seemed down, Charli ran a hand through his hair. He smiled slightly.

"I think you're more than good enough," she smiled. "They don't matter"

04 September 1968 1.42pm

"I can't believe we're a part of this" Sophie said excitedly as she sat down.

"Yeah, Charli didn't even tell me about this" Eddie laughed. "Speaking of Charli, anyone see where she went?"

"Probably helping the lads set up," Jenny laughed "She's always helped with setting up and takedowns...which really means she and Paul are off snoggin'"

Jenny surprisingly enjoyed Eddie and the rest after getting to know them.

Eventually, Charli appeared with Paul, both looking slightly dishevelled.

"Right, Mal is out getting more audience members," Paul explained "You lot are free to watch us rehearse"

Charli joined her friends.

"Some things never change," Jenny shook her head.

"What?" Charli cocked her head.

"We're fixing your hair before the cameras are rolling" Eddie laughed.

The Beatles were taping a televised performance for David Frost to be aired a few days later.

The band filtered in and began rehearsing and joking with their guests.

"I can't believe we get to be a part of this" Sophie gushed "My coworkers are going to be so jealous!"

"Worth missing your family's lake house?" Charli teased.

"Definitely!" Sophie laughed.

Soon more fans began filtering in and fighting their way to the front of the stage.

"Hey!" John yelled annoyed "No shovin' those already here, they get priority seating!"

"We're going to start filming soon," Paul said bending down to Charli "Make sure ya' get a spot on the piano bench with me"

"I'll be there," Charli smiled pressing her forehead against his "I'm not afraid to kick and scratch a few people to get there"

"Perfect," Paul laughed softly before returning to the piano.

The band were filming Paul's song "Hey Jude". The first couple takes went well enough, Charli had no problems making her way to the bench. By the third take, some of the crowd became more aggressive and a woman much larger than Charli shoved her aside to get a good spot.

"Bloody hell," Charli said angrily under her breath.

"Come on pumpkin," Lily said grabbing her hand "Let's get you to your spot"

Paul meanwhile looked for her as the band continued singing, he seemed annoyed as more people this time were crowding him and feeling the need to grab his shoulders or somehow touch him. A young girl with short red hair stood nearby, she had in the other takes and Charli was normally right there as the rest of the audience moved into place.

His face brightened up as he saw Lily come through and sat Charli next to him before taking a place nearby.

The atmosphere was, of course, happy as fans got the chance to be close to The Beatles.

The band, while sharing the some of the energy the audience had, were also a growing a bit tired. John and George did their best to ignore the crowd surrounding them, Ringo somehow managed to seem the least tired of the group unless someone got too close to his drums. Paul, seemed annoyed as a fan tried playing the piano and others tried patting his shoulder. Charli picked up on the annoyance, the crowd was getting to her a bit as well. She leaned into Paul and whispered "Relax luv," she said "Just think, we're getting married tomorrow"

He instantly smiled and kissed her as the song continued.

*

Later that night, after the hens' night and stag parties had finished, Charli returned home with Jenny, Eddie and Sophie who would be staying the night. Paul, stayed with John and Lily at John's home while Mina and Toni spent the night with George and Pattie.

"I should get some sleep," Charli said as she finished her wine "Tomorrow's a big day"

"Alright luv," Jenny smiled "Let us know if you need anything"

Charli wasted no time showering and getting ready for bed, she knew sleep would be impossible.

"Hey girl," she said as she came out of the bathroom and noticed Martha on the bed. Martha's stubby little tail wagged slightly as her friend acknowledged her. Charli slipped into her pyjamas before noticing an envelope on her pillow that simply read "Charli" in Paul's writing.

Charli sat cross-legged on the bed as Martha rested her head in her lap. She opened the envelope carefully.

My Dearest Charlotte,

Of all the letters I've written to you, this is the most important.

Once upon a time, I met this strange little girl and nearly gave up on her.

She seemed odd, but I knew there was more to her than I thought and I fell in love with her after a short time.

Despite the monsters in her life, she always remained strong and full of light.

Those monsters stole her away from me and others who loved her.

And...for a time, I gave up in finding her.

She would have none of that.

Just when I thought, I had carried on with life and forgotten about that strange little girl. She turned up where I'd never thought to look. She no longer was a strange little girl, she was a beautiful, strong, young woman and I knew I needed her in my life from that day onward.

Charlotte,

I have loved you since I was old enough to understand what love is, you've been my lover, my partner and my best friend.

All I've ever wanted for us is happening tomorrow. For a long time, I didn't think it would ever happen. I'm happy I was wrong.

I wish I could have been there for you through your worst times, but I promise to always be here for you from now on whenever you need me.

I know the past has been hard, but I look forward to our future together and starting our own family.

Get some rest and I'll see you tomorrow, my lovely future Mrs McCartney.

I love you.

Yours,

JPM

Charli had tears in her eyes as she finished reading Paul's letter.

"Charli?" she heard Sophie outside the door. She hadn't realised the door was slightly open.

"Yeah Soph?" she answered as Martha watched the door, making sure everything was ok.

"Just noticed your light was on, everything ok?" Sophie asked as she opened the door.

"I'm fine Sophie," Charli smiled "Just in...disbelief"

Sophie sat on the bed next to Charli.

"I'm really happy for you," She said resting her head on Charli's shoulder.

"Me too.." Charli said absentmindedly.

"Hey Charli," Eddie said as he and Jenny entered the room "You ok?"

"Yeah, just thinking.." she smiled "I can't believe tomorrow is happening...I didn't think it would"

"It's exciting," Jenny agreed. Charli nodded.

"Then why am I so terrified" She laughed slightly.

"It's a big deal sugar beat," Eddie laughed.

"He wrote me the sweetest letter," Charli admitted "...but I'm suddenly feeling scared...and guilty"

"Guilty?!" Sophie laughed "You're marrying the last remaining Beatle...actually, that's a good reason to feel guilty"

Charli laughed slightly.

"I guess I still feel like, I shouldn't be with him?" Charli questioned.

"I'm not surprised," Jenny shrugged "After how yer parents treated you for even liking him...it makes sense"

They were all silent for a moment.

"But, Charli luv," Jenny smiled "You know they can't hurt you anymore, you know they were wrong. Paul has been crazy about ya's since that day at Crosby Beach"

Charli smiled slightly.

"She's right," Sophie said "When he came to your birthday at our place in New York, you could tell he was crazy about you still"

"You deserve love, sweetheart" Eddie agreed.

"Ta.." Charli said softly "I'm glad you lot were here tonight, I needed this.."

"We'll be there for you tomorrow too," Jenny said, "But you, lovey, need to get some sleep."

"It's nearly 2 am" Sophie added.

"Shite...I didn't realise it was so late," Charli admitted. Sophie moved off the bed as Martha took her place and Charli slipped under the covers, leaving Paul's letter on her nightstand.

"We love you Charli," Eddie said kissing her forehead "Sleep well, we'll see you in the morning".

Charli smiled to herself as her friends left the room and turned out the light, she rolled over to where Paul would normally sleep and saw Martha starting to doze off. She laughed softly and smiled thinking about the next day before falling asleep.

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https://youtu.be/grQDRC6aYFM

A/N:  I've been relatively good with my updates lately!  With that in mind....the next update may be a bit delayed...I have a final project due and it's going to start eating up my life soon.  I will try to kick out the next chapter soon, but I can't guarantee :(

So, a lot is happening obviously!  I LOVE the White Album, but there were some really tense times, unfortunately (OMG!  I am ridiculously excited at the 50th-anniversary re-release).  And yay!  The New York crew makes an appearance, I actually really like writing them....so I had to bring them back.

Next chapter is the wedding, which I've been plotting for a ridiculously long time (I dreamed up a good chunk of it).  Thanks as always for the new follows, adds, votes and comments!  I appreciate it like crazy :)

Cheers!

~Sminky