"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make"~The Beatles - The End

29 June 2006 5.09pm, London

Photos seemed to line every countertop and wall, a visual history of the McCartney's. From Paul and Charli as teenagers in Liverpool to Charli's performance during the opening party of Sgt Pepper. There were photos of the wedding and Chloe's first few days. Photos from touring with Paul's new band, Charli performing lyra, teaching Chloe on a touring bus, lavish parties and recording.

She picked up a photo of Paul and Charli, quite young dancing together. Paul in his leather jacket and Charli in her teddy girl finest.

"Enjoying the view," a voice said behind her.

"Jesus Chloe!" she jumped "You scared me half to death"

"Well, this was my home" Chloe laughed "And I brought you here, you should expect me to be here"

"Mum loves that photo," Chloe explained to the young woman holding it "Grandad found it and gave it to her years ago"

"They're really cute together," the young woman said "I'm a bit terrified to meet them"

"Relax luv," Chloe smiled holding her free hand "You won't be meeting them both, just the more terrifying of me parents tonight"

Chloe fixed her dark hair in a mirror sitting in the front room. There was no doubt who's daughter she was, she had her father's distinctive eyes and her mother's smile and smirk.

"That doesn't make me feel any better," Her blonde companion laughed.

"I'm kidding! Mum is really sweet, she's just apprehensive after my ex," Chloe explained.

"Bloody hell! Why can't I find it when I bloody well need it?" They heard from upstairs.

In the years that had gone by life barely slowed down for Paul and Charli, despite The Beatles break up. Fences had been mended between the lads. Charli and Jenny added more books to the Hawthorne Woods series addressing more mental health issues, Paul and Charli put in yearly work at Christmas land and she continued to teach when she wasn't on tour with her husband. Unfortunately, since the 60s they'd lost John in a senseless murder and George to a senseless disease.

"She's alright that we're dating?" the blonde asked jarring Chloe from her thoughts.

"Of course she is! Don't worry yourself so much, Rachel" Chloe laughed "Both mum and dad accepted me for who I am, they've met boyfriends, girlfriends and my ex-husband...she's been a bit apprehensive since he was a fuckin' bastard and tried taking advantage of me and even Da'"

"You told me about that, he sounded awful," Rachel said sadly.

"Da' was upset when he told some really private stories about our family and stole some..meaningful things from them to sell online," Chloe said angrily "I'm a bit surprised he's still alive after mum tore into him for selling Rocky amongst other things. You have to understand, they've been through a lot...especially mum, she's always a bit reserved about new people after she's been hurt or her family has been hurt"

They were silent a moment.

"You have always been hopeless when it comes to packing" another voice laughed upstairs.

Chloe shook her head and laughed.

"I don't want to talk about the ex anymore," she said "He hurt my parents and me terribly..mum should be down soon, she's leaving tomorrow so of course, she's packing now"

"That's right," Rachel said happily at the change of topic "Where is she going?"

"She's meeting da' in Las Vegas," Chloe explained "He's been there a couple of weeks, some Beatles themed show is opening at one of the hotels. If I didn't have a show I'd go with her, it sounds amazing!"
"Bloody hell," Rachel sighed looking at more seemingly normal family photos "You must've had the strangest childhood"

"I guess," Chloe shrugged "I mean, it was different...it was always a bit crazy, but I also had the best time"

Suddenly there were footsteps coming fast down the stairs.
"Charli luv," Jenny laughed "You've probably packed it already..."

"I think I'd bloody well know if I packed it!" Charli laughed.

Charli and Jenny, while looking more mature seemed ageless. Jenny's hair was a bit lighter, but she looked much younger than she was. Charli, had almost exactly the same features and her coppery hair hadn't changed much except for a line of grey that ran through her fringe. Personality-wise neither had changed a bit.

"Chloe luv!" Charli said as she saw her daughter.

"Hi mum," Chloe laughed as they hugged "Trouble packing?"

"I'm happy you're here," Charli said keeping her hands at Chloe's shoulders "But I have to know, did you take me blue kimono again?"

"Not this time," Chloe shook her head.

"Bloody hell!" Charli sighed "I have no idea where it is...you know yer da' loves it and I wanted to surprise him"

"It's good ta' see ya's Chloe," Jenny said cutting in "How've you been?"

"Fine, Aunty Jen," Chloe said hugging Jenny. She noticed Rachel standing nervously in the mirror.

"I'm actually glad you're both here," Chloe said "I wanted you to meet my girlfriend, Rachel"

"Pleasure to meet ya's, Rachel," Jenny said giving her a small hug.

"Yes, pleasure" Charli smirked "I'm sure we'll learn all about ya's over dinner...we're ordering Thai...couldn't be bothered cooking"

Rachel looked nervous as Charli checked her mobile phone and began dialling her favourite Thai restaurant.

"Don't mind Charli luv," Jenny assured "She comes off a bit brash, but she is a bit brash"

Chloe laughed.

"Really, mum is quite sweet when she wants to be," Chloe added, "She's just stressed..."

"I'm right here luv," Charli said as she waited on hold "No need ta' talk about me.."

"I was 3...I came downstairs to see if Santa had left yet or brought me more presents, I saw mummy doing more than kissing Santa Clause! And that was how I learned it was da' and he was just 'Santa's helper!'" Chloe laughed. Rachel blushed nervously.

"That story NEVER gets old!" Jenny grinned, "I remember Charli callin' me in a bloody frenzy over it"

"You know luv," Charli said taking another egg roll "I'm the one that should be tellin' embarrasin' stories about you...and I could!"

"Nothing like a little childhood trauma to liven the evening" Chloe laughed. Charli's phone rang.

"Ah! Yes," she said happily "That will be yer da'"

Chloe, Rachel and Jenny continued chatting as Charli excused herself to answer the call.

"I was wonderin' if you'd call" She smiled into the phone.

"Hey kitten," the voice she knew all too well spoke into the phone "Sorry I'm a bit late, just working out a few last-minute kinks in the show and for when you arrive"

"Hopefully I can finish packing by tomorrow morning," Charli laughed. "How is the show?"

"It's brilliant luv," Paul said excitedly "Absolutely stunning! You are going to love it"

"I can't wait," she said happily. "Chloe's here, by the way, she brought her new girlfriend"

"Ah yes, sorry I couldn't be there to meet her" Paul apologised "How is Chloe?"

"She's fine luv," Charli smiled "Did ya' want to talk to her?"

"Of course," Paul said "But only after I remind ya's that yer gorgeous, I love you and I miss you"

"Bloody hell," Charli laughed "Still makin' me go red after all these years!"

"Right, I will see you soon...you've got the flight information I sent?" Paul asked.

"Yeah, it's all set...I'm just a bit frantic," Charli sighed "I'll put Chloe on...I love you and I'll call before I head to the airport tomorrow morning"

Charli passed her phone to Chloe who happily went to the front room to chat with her father.

Charli gave Jenny a knowing look.

"Right, I'm going to start in on cleanin' up after dinner," Jenny said as she got up from the table.

"I can help," Rachel smiled.

"Don't worry yerself lovey," Jenny said. Rachel shifted nervously realising she was being left alone with Charli. She had been a big fan of The Beatles and admired Charli's art, she researched everything about them for a time. When she met Chloe she had at first been starstruck and was nervous her mother would disapprove.

"So, tell us about yerself, Rachel," Charli said pouring a glass of wine.

"Oh, um...I was born and raised here in London," Rachel said nervously.

"Chloe tells me you're quite the Beatles fan," Charli said as she took a drink.

"Well, erm...yeah, but I mean...not a huge fan or anything..." Rachel lied.

"Alright luv, let's not lie to each other" Charli laughed slightly "It's not cute and if ya' want me approval, that won't help...Chloe tells me everything"

"I'm sorry Mrs McCartney," Rachel said "I just thought you'd think that was the only reason I like Chloe"

"I worry about that with anyone she dates" Charli waved a hand dismissively. "And call me Charli, no need ta' be formal"

Rachel smiled slightly.

"I do worry about her luv," Charli continued "You're the first person she's seriously dated since her divorce and I don't need to tell ya's about that fiasco, he took advantage of her...of all of us"

"I know..." Rachel said nervously "But I'm pretty crazy about her, she's funny and makes me happy. I know what her ex did...and to be frank Mrs McCartney, you terrify me a bit"

Charli laughed hard.

"Well, then," She said "We'll get along fine. It's my turn to be frank, I've been through a lot in me life and both Paul and I fought hard to have the little family we have. If anyone does any harm to that, I will bloody well make sure they wish they hadn't. You seem very genuine however and I know Chloe is fond of you"

There was a long pause before Chloe came back to the dining room.

"Terrifying my girlfriend mum?" she teased.

"Nah, just havin' a wee chat is all" Charli smiled as Chloe handed her phone to her.

"She's lying Chloe!" Jenny called from the kitchen.

30 June 2006 1.30pm, Las Vegas

"Mrs McCartney!" a young reporter called "A few words about your visit to Las Vegas!"

"I'm quite tired," Charli admitted as her airport chaperone escorted her to a waiting limousine "Perhaps later tonight at the show premiere"

"What show are you seeing?" the reporter asked.

Charli turned back before getting into the limo.

"Yer new at this, aren't ya'?" Charli smirked... The reporter gaped a moment realising his mistake.

"My husband is a Beatle," Charli said before he could say anything "I teach and still perform a bit of circus. There's a Beatles themed circus show opening tonight...pretty sure you'll catch me there"

"Ah yes..." the young man said.

"Now if you'll excuse me luv," Charli said as she got into the limo "I could use a bit of a rest"

The limo drove through the famous strip, Charli looked out in awe. Much as her travels with Paul had taken her many places over the years, she had never really gotten to enjoy Vegas and even in the daylight, she found it inspiring.

Soon, the limo pulled up to a private gated entrance of The Mirage hotel and Charli was greeted by a well-dressed man who worked for the hotel.

"Welcome to The Mirage, Mrs McCartney," he said helping her out of the limo "My name is Benjamin, let me escort you to your villa"

"Villa?" Charli laughed as the entered the hotel "Bloody hell, Paul, always goin' over the top fer me"

Benjamin laughed as he took her bags. "We do our best to keep our esteemed guests comfortable"

It wasn't long before Benjamin opened a large set of double doors and Charli was in awe stepping into the foyer of the villa.

"I'll take your belongings to the bedroom," Benjamin said.

"No need luv," she glanced around at the elegant decor "I'm perfectly capable"

"Ah, that maybe, but we want you to take it all in" he smiled as he took the bags to the bedroom.

Charli made her way into the large living room area, she saw a gift box sitting on the coffee table with a tag that read "Do not open until dinner". Charli laughed to herself before noticing the patio area.

"Bloody hell," she laughed as she opened the doors and took in the private pool area. "You still know how to spoil a girl, Paulie"

"Everything is in the bedroom," Benjamin smiled as he entered the patio "If you need anything at all, there's a call button and I'll be at your service"

"Ta luv," Charli smiled "For now, I think I'm going to have a wee kip and take advantage of the pool"

Benjamin nodded and was off as Charli made her way to the bedroom.

Charli laughed as she entered the bedroom and saw the famous blue kimono on the bed with a note.

Hey Kitten,

I wanted to make sure this was packed before our lovely daughter borrowed it.

I should have let you know, but the surprise is more fun.  Please wear it tonight, you know I've loved you in this from the moment I saw you in New York all those years ago.

Rest up, I'll be back to woo you over dinner before the show.

JPM

"After so many years," Charli smirked as she picked up the kimono and garment back hanging on the back of the door "You'd think I would get used to the surprises"

*

It was nearly dinner time, Charli stood in the bathroom mirror finishing her hair and makeup when she heard the door to the villa open. She smiled and put her kimono on over the simple black dress she'd bought for the show. She had spent the afternoon taking advantage of the hotel's spa and a nap in her home for the next few days and couldn't wait to see her husband for what seemed like the first time in years.

Paul and Charli had rarely been apart in the years since finding each other and having Chloe, even the short while Paul had been away seemed too long. She made her way to the lounge of the shared villa.

"Hey kitten," Paul smirked as he saw her "I feel like I haven't seen you in months!"

She laughed as he embraced her.

"Months?" She said, "It felt longer than that!"

"What do ya' say we have some dinner to ourselves, right here in our room?" Paul suggested "We can go out another night, but I want to just be with you before the show"

"I can't think of a better way to have dinner," Charli said before kissing him.

*

"How is the show? I'm really excited to see it," Charli said as she took a sip of her wine.

"It's brilliant luv," Paul smiled, "You're going to love it, there's one scene I can't wait for you to see"

Charli raised an eyebrow, Paul simply winked.

"All the kinks worked out?" Charli asked.

"Well, I'd like to think so," Paul said as he poured Charli another wine "Yoko had a lot to say in the last few days, but I think we're all pretty chuffed by it"

"She always has something to say" Charli laughed. "Is she going to be at drinks beforehand?"

"She's not so bad, I mean, she's tolerable" Paul laughed "And no, Just us and Ritchie...maybe Jules"

"I haven't seen Jules for yonks!" Charli said, "I didn't know he'd be here!"

"Of course he is" Paul laughed "Both Sean and Jules will be here, Olivia has been here for the last week and Dhani is coming"

"It's a bit sad John and George couldn't see this" Charli sighed. Paul's face changed slightly to show sadness that 2 of The Beatles wouldn't be present.

"Yeah, I wish they could've seen everything that's happened" Paul admitted. Charli suddenly remembered the gift sitting in the lounge.

"We'll raise a glass to them before the show with Ritchie," Charli smiled "Now, onto important matters Mr McCartney...There's a gift sitting just on the coffee table, that said I had to wait until dinner to open..."

"I nearly forgot!" Paul admitted before standing up and leading her to the large soft couch.

As Charli sat with him he took the gift and handed it to her.

"Before you open it," He smirked "I went through a lot to find it, and cost me a pretty penny"

Charli began unwrapping her gift carefully, expecting something delicate inside. She gasped as she opened the box. There inside was a raccoon, his fur dull and grey with one button eye still missing.

"I...how did you..?" she stammered as she took Rocky gingerly out of the box with tears in her eyes.

"Don't cry luv," Paul soothed.

"I'm sorry!" Charli laughed "I just didn't realise how much this little raccoon meant to me...until he was gone and I never thought...how did you find him?"

"I have my ways" Paul laughed "I found out the person who Jack sold him to was here in Vegas, she's an avid Beatles collector...very nice really, once I explained how Rocky was never meant for sale and I was willing to pay twice what she paid for him, she obliged happily for a few photos and signatures as well. She seemed quite upset at how he had been sold"

"I don't know what to say," Charli admitted "Thank you"

Paul smiled as she ran a hand through his hair.

"What do you say we meet up with Rings and see a show?" He asked.

*

"Has Paulie told ya's anything about the show?" Ringo asked leaning forward in his seat to chat.

"Only that it's amazing," Charli admitted. "I'm looking forward to it, ya' can't do circus or teach it without knowing who Cirque Du Soleil is now"

They'd finished a round of interviews and photos before the show. Charli had been in awe of the decor to the theatre not to mention the lounge Cirque Du Soleil had created for The Mirage.

She sat next to her husband and Julian as Ringo sat next to Paul, Cynthia sat beside Julian and had a nice reunion with Charli as they sat down. Dhani and Olivia Harrison sat next to Ringo, Charli hadn't seen either since George's death and was in disbelief at how much Dhani resembled her old friend. Sean and Yoko took their seats by Olivia. In the years since Yoko became a part of The Beatles circle, Charli had learned how to tolerate her and usually was able to have long conversations about art, she'd always felt a bit strange as she and Paul had been there for Julian through the divorce and aftermath.

Soon, Charli watched in awe as a plethora of performers danced on rooftops against silhouettes of The Beatles themselves, soared through the air and interpreted many of the songs that had become integrated into her life with Paul. She watched as much of The Beatles' career was flashed onto screens around the theatre, including much of her life with Paul.

After a large sheet had been sent out over most of the audience representing dreamlike ocean waves and various characters interacted with their row during "Tomorrow Never Knows/Within You Without You" Charli laughed and turned to Paul. At that moment, all she could see was the same young lad who had asked her to be his at Christmas time. Paul looked to her and grabbed her hand tight.

"Just wait kitten," he smiled, "You'll love the next part"

The familiar beginning notes of Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds began slowly, lights flickered, matching the tune. A young man performed feats on a ladder he wheeled around the stage.

"Nigel has been teaching that..." Charli whispered. Paul smiled and squeezed her hand. Soon, a young girl gracefully glided down from the ceiling in an aerial loop. Charli gasped upon seeing Cirque's version of Lucy, the young girl's red hair flew behind her as she glided down to meet the man with the ladder.

"She's dressed like I was that night" Charli whispered with tears her eyes. She remembered back to the night she performed at the release party for Sgt. Pepper.

"Surprise luv," Paul said kissing her hand.

"Guy tol' me it's supposed ta' be us...I wanted to make sure it was perfect" Paul whispered, "Marijke even gave the costumers her original design.."

"Shhhh.." Ringo hushed "Some of us want ta' watch"

Paul laughed softly as the act ended and carried onto the next song.  Much as the performance type and circus apparatus were different from her performance in 1967, Charli saw that the spirit of the original performance was there.

"Beautiful.." Charli said under her breath.

As soon as the show had begun, it was over in a sea of confetti. And soon the group of the remaining Beatles, their wives and children who could attend were on stage with George Martin and his son Giles thanking the audience as performers gathered on stage excitedly.

"Just one special round of applause, for John and George!" Paul said finally. The crowd roared, there was a sadness amongst those who knew them but there was no denying their presence was felt in that theatre.

The remained on stage even as the audience began leaving, congratulating the performers and signing.

"I wanted to make you proud" the girl playing Lucy said in a heavy French accent as she waited for Charli to finish signing "I studied your performance often"

"It was perfect luv," Charli smiled "And you were beautiful"

"Merci," she smiled "I hope you enjoy the show"

Charli smiled as the girl rushed backstage happily. She felt Paul's arm around her a moment later.

"Alright luv?" he smiled.

"I'm Alright, you?" She answered "That was beyond words"

"I thought you might like it" Paul laughed. Charli couldn't believe the evening, the life she and Paul had built, the fame The Beatles had amassed, looking back on her sad life as a child and teenager, she couldn't believe it was all possible before she heard a familiar voice.

"Hey Sugar beet," the voice said.

"Bloody hell, it can't be" She laughed turning around. Eddie stood smiling, the same wild hair only salt and peppered with grey throughout. He was still fashionable and stood with a thin man with white hair.

"Eddie?" She laughed "What are you doing here??"

She hugged Eddie excitedly.

"Well, when I heard there was a Beatles themed show opening in Vegas, I thought it might be a good idea to drop into the country and see some old friends" Eddie laughed as Paul greeted him.

"Good to see ya's la'" Paul said hugging him.

"Perhaps you should tell them the real reason," the thin white-haired man said softly with a smile.

"Maurice is right," Eddie grinned "For once you two weren't the only reason I came back to the states"

"Diego," Eddie called. One of the performers lit up and happily made his way to Eddie and Maurice.

"Dad!" he said happily hugging both of them "I wasn't sure you would be here"

"Are you crazy?" Eddie laughed "Our son is in the newest Las Vegas Cirque show featuring the band that at up most of my life in the 60's because my best friend married one of them...of course we'd be here!"

"Son?" Charli said, "How did I not meet your son?"

"We adopted him only 10 years ago," Maurice smiled.

"And the last time I saw you was just before we decided to adopt" Eddie teased.

"Has it been that long?" Paul asked embarrassed.

"Well, we've talked many times since but it doesn't seem like the two of you make it to Canada as often as the states..." Eddie laughed.

"Perhaps you should introduce Diego..." Maurice reminded.

"I'm sorry!" Eddie said putting his arm around the young man "This is Diego, he came into our lives when he was 10, we decided he needed a home after too many years in the foster system, and what better home than with a couple of gay fashionistas"

"Thanks," Diego laughed "Dad used to tell me he knew The Beatles, that he was in the wedding party for the McCartney wedding...I never believed him until I saw the photos"

"It's fantastic to meet ya's Diego" Charli laughed before hugging him "I only wish you could meet Chloe"

"Where is your lovely wee bairn?" Eddie asked.

"Performing, she's wrapping up a show in London," Paul said "We've already been to most of the performances"

"Hey Pauli, Charli" Ringo said happily "We've got a table reserved at our own lounge, care to join?"

"Eddie la'!" Ringo continued "Yer welcome to join us"

"C'mon luv," Paul smiled as he took Charli's hand "What do ya' say?"

"Just a mo'" she answered.

Charli looked around the stage, most of the performers had gone backstage, the stagehands were cleaning the confetti and getting the rigging set up for the next show. She thought back to the various moments that had just played out in front of her, that were interpreted through one of her favourite arts. She was reminded of everything that had happened, the bad and the eventual good. The friends who pulled her through her worst times, and the love she never thought she'd have.

"Ready kitten?" Paul asked quietly offering her a hand. Charli smiled at him and nodded, the years may have changed them, but she would always see the same young lad who loved her for who she was, the same lad who never gave up on finding her, the same man who built a life with her and gave her a family.

"Thank you," she smiled kissing his cheek.

"For what?" Paul said cocking his head.

"Everything" Charli laughed, Paul winked as they left the theatre to celebrate the evening with those they held closest.

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https://youtu.be/12R4FzIhdoQ

A/N:   Sorry this took me so long!  This was harder than I thought.  If you saw my announcement last week, you'll see that I grew pretty attached to this story and these characters and oddly enough, its helped me find the help I needed in coping with my own mental health.

That said, I have been hinting at an announcement...

Much as this story may be done, there are bits that hit me after I'd written certain chapters.  I will be doing a series of one-shots of And I Love Her.  I'm not retconning and putting anything into the actual story, but just going through ideas that came at me late :)

Thank you so much for reading, for your comments, your likes and the messages.  I cannot tell you how much it all means to me and especially that this story has helped others.

~Sminky