"You're my number one
You're the one I want
And you've turned down
Every hand that has beckoned me to come" - Geyser~Mitski  

22 October 1968 10.42am, Venice

Charli sat in bed sketching Paul as he slept. They had been out the previous night at a small club in Venice and she decided to let him sleep a while longer.

She leaned over as quietly as possible to stubbed out her cigarette on the nightstand next to her side of the bed before return to her drawing pad.

"Morning, baby girl" Paul yawned as he woke up.

"Morning yerself," Charli smirked continuing her work.

"What are ya' drawing today?" he asked as he rolled to face her and propped himself up.

"You.." Charli answered. Paul leaned in to see her artwork.

"Even got me good side" Paul smirked.

"Do you have a bad side?" Charli laughed.

"Depends on the day," Paul joked. "Are ya' hungry?"

"A bit," Charli admitted "But we can wait until we go out for the day"

"Nah," Paul said sitting up and putting on a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt he left by the bed "I'll see what the hotel has for a nosh"

"Well, then, I think I'll have a quick shower while you do that" Charli said getting out of bed.

*

"Signore McCartney," a female voice with a heavy Italian accent greeted Paul as he entered the reception of the hotel.

"Good morning, erm.." He tried remembering her name, he had been introduced to the owner and his family when they arrived, but aside from their excursions to the various entertainment Venice had, he and Charli had rarely ventured out of their bedroom and into the hotel itself.

"Valentina," she giggled. "What can I do for you today Signore?"

She leaned over the counter, her shirt was low cut and she was not left wanting for cleavage. She was very pretty with dark hair and olive skin. Had she crossed his path a few years earlier he may have had a few ideas of just how she could help.

"I know it's a bit late, but Mrs McCartney and meself could use some breakie," Paul smiled.

"Ah Si," She sighed "Our chef can prepare whatever you like"

"And just where is your.." she paused a moment and smirked "wife" She passed a small menu to him, brushing his hand lightly with hers. Paul ignored the advance, as he glanced over the menu.

"I think we'll have 2 cappuccinos, fruits, biscotti and jam" Paul said passing the menu back to her "Just send it up to our room, and send a bottle of Chianti as well, ta"

"Si Signore," Valentina cooed "And if you need anything else, you come find me"

"Ta.." Paul said absentmindedly as he picked up a brochure from the desk before heading back to his room.

*

"I hope we're getting a large breakfast," Charli said as she stepped out of the bathroom, towel drying her hair. "I'm starving!"

Paul laughed softly.

"I hope ya' can last a wee bit while the chef organises everything" Paul smiled as his arms went around her.

"I don't know...I might perish" Charli said dramatically. Paul laughed.

"What did ya's have in mind for the day?" he asked.

"Recovering from this bloody hangover," Charli laughed, "I thought we should get somethin' for Jenny for watching Martha for us"

"Couldn't agree more!" Paul agreed "What did ya' have in mind?"

"There's that little mask shop we stopped in yesterday," Charli thought "We could get her a proper Venetian mask"

"Sounds perfect," Paul smiled "What are ya' in the mood for tonight?"

"Not sure," Charli thought.

"Perfect, what do ya's say to a gondola ride for two?" Paul grinned showing her the pamphlet he'd taken from reception. "If you're keen, I'll have it arranged. Just the two of us, some wine..."

"And half a dozen press" Charli laughed. "I was so enjoying the privacy"

"We do have to give them some nugget marital bliss," Paul admitted "Took enough to arrange none turning up in the hotel"

Paul and Charli had been enjoying a bit of privacy during their stay in Venice. Paul had requested no press bother them so they could take full advantage of their stay. The family who owned the hotel had been amazing at keeping the press away. However, both Charli and Paul knew they would have to give the press some time.

"I know," Charli smirked "It's been a nice break from our usual insanity"

Paul began to apologise before Charli hushed him.

"I knew your life long before I agreed to marry you" she smiled "I still went through with it"

Paul laughed. "And I love you even more for doing so!"

*

"Signore McCartney!" a reporter cut through the crowd of the press gathered at the gondola entrance. "How do you like Venice?"

"We love what we've seen so far," Paul smiled amiably.

"Can you tell us about the new album?" another asked eagerly.

"It's like nothing we've ever done before" Paul answered. Charli stood calmly at his side, she was feeling impatient and wanted to get their evening together started. She reached her hand up, out of sight from the photographers and played with the ends of his hair, he smirked softly trying not to get distracted.

"Will it be a follow up to Sgt. Pepper?" Another reporter asked.

"Of course its a follow-up, it's the album after it, isn't it?" Paul said almost annoyed "But it won't be anything like Pepper, we're always changing"

"Signora McCartney," a female reporter called "When will your next book be available?"

"It's being released in the UK on the 15th of November," Charli answered happily "I believe the rest of Europe will see it released on the 20th"

"Signora McCartney!" another woman called "What's it like being married to Paul?"

"I have no complaints," Charli smiled up at her husband.

"We're both very happy," Paul agreed. "And with that, we should cut this short if we want to catch the sunset"

Paul and Charli thanked the press for their time as they were photographed settling into their gondola.

*

"This has been perfect," Charli sighed snuggling into Paul's arms. The night air became cooler, Paul pulled a blanket over their laps as he held Charli close.

"I thought you might like it," He laughed softly.

Charli smiled as she nuzzled Paul's neck.

They drifted along the waterways of Venice, the water was calm and the night was quiet. Their Gondolier humming a few tunes and taking the time to point out the sights his city had to offer.

"Do you ever feel like this isn't real?" Charli asked. "I mean, us...together...married...in Venice.."

"I don't know if you're aware," Paul began "I wake up most nights...I can't help but stare at you making sure, you're really with me"

"I couldn't be happier with this reality," she said warmly. "My mind makes up realities. It made up happier realities and fantasies when I needed to escape...but it sometimes makes me question if the happiness I have now is real"

"I'll keep reminding you this is real if I have to, Kitten," Paul said holding her closer.

Kitten, the pet name he'd given to her years ago, that was all it took to convince her everything was real.

"What do ya' say, we head back to the villa?" Paul asked. "There will be a bottle of merlot waiting for us in the room"

"You know just how to spoil me" Charli laughed softly.

As they slowly made their way through Venice's waterways back to their villa, they talked about facing challenges and excitement back in London.

"I have to be honest," Charli admitted "I'm worried the next book won't be as good...I'm actually a bit terrified of the launch party on the 15th"

"It'll be fine luv," Paul soothed "You and Jen are bloody brilliant at storytelling."

"What about you? How are ya' feeling about the next album?" Charli asked.

"Oh I'm sure it'll be fine, it's nothing like Pepper...which everyone expects from us now," Paul rambled "I'm sure there will be a few interviews I'll have to do, no one else really wants to it seems"

Charli smiled sadly knowing the tensions the latest Beatles album had placed on all of them.

"Maybe you lot just need a break for a bit" she suggested. Paul shrugged seeming unconvinced.

"I think we need to get back to how we used to play, none of the crazy studio stuff we're doing, I do love it, but maybe we should just be who we were yeah?" Paul thought out loud "Just a fine little band playing a few songs, I'm hopin' we can start recording again in the New Year"

Charli sank slightly. She knew Paul was always ambitious and itching to make more music, but had secretly hoped they would have some time to function as a married couple and start their family.

"You know Paulie," she teased "If ya' want to start a family, you're goin' ta' have to take a wee break from recording to be a father"

"Is that a hint you want ta' get started on that tonight?" Paul raised his eyebrows suggestively.

"I think we should practice...as much as possible," Charli admitted before kissing him.

"In all seriousness," Paul began "When do you want to start our family?"

"When life calms down a bit for both of us," Charli said.

"You know I'm always going to want ta' record, luv" Paul admitted "Can't help it"

"I know, which is why I said BOTH our lives need to calm down" Charli smiled "I've got another book release, and Mika's circus school as well. I think we'll know when we're ready."

**

It was 2 days later when Charli had to make a call to her publisher and Jenny to sort the final details for the book release party. Paul decided to go out for a while to give her privacy, to buy a few gifts for family and friends and a surprise for Charli as well. He wanted to buy a silver necklace with a large, green sapphire pendant for Charli. They had seen it the previous day, she had fallen in love with it, but thought it was too much. Paul had decided to surprise her. He knew she was nervous about the release of her upcoming book and thought the surprise of a new necklace to wear to the release party would be the perfect boost of confidence.

"Signore McCartney," he heard Valentina's voice call after him.

"Hullo Valentina," he nodded. "Just popping out for a bit"

He was aware of the girl's feelings, she had presented herself multiple times to him when he was on his own and even subtly when Charli was with him.

"Your wife isn't with you?" She asked raising a perfectly arched eyebrow.

"Well, no...I'm getting her a gift," he said as Valentina stood closer to him.

She then did something extremely bold, she moved even closer and pressed against him as her arms went around his neck.

"Signore," she said as her fingers brushed through his hair "Your wife...she is, not right for you. I could make you happy...please...come to my room...I will show you"

Although he was uncomfortable, his hands went naturally to her hips.

There was a small crash as one of the villa maids dropped an empty tray.

"Dispiacente, signorina," the young girl said nervously as she picked up her tray and hurried out of the lounge, realising she had seen too much.

Valentina turned her attention back to Paul.

"Valentina," Paul said gently pushing her away "You're a lovely girl....but I'm afraid you're about 2 years too late."

"But Signore," she started before Paul stopped her.

"I am very much in love with me wife," Paul said finally "We are on our honeymoon, now if you'll excuse me..."

He turned on his heel and was out the door leaving Valentina to fume at being turned down.

*

"Alright Charli," Mrs McTavish said "We've gotten most of the opening party sussed, we need to arrange a few book signings"

"I know it's your favourite thing!" Jenny called over the speaker.

There was a knock on the door. "Just a mo" Charli said as she set the receiver on the bed to see who was at the door.

"Signora, I come in?" one of the villa maids asked as Charli answered the door. She noticed the young girl looked like she had seen a ghost.

"Yeah, sure..." Charli said letting her inside "Just give me a mo to finish my call"

The girl nodded and stood near the door.

"Sorry luvs," Charli said into the receiver "Jen, I'll leave it up to you to arrange our signings...you know my schedule...and if not, my planner is either in the bedroom or the lounge when you go to see Martha tonight"

"We will see ya' soon," Mrs. McTavish said "Enjoy the rest of yer honeymoon!"

"Ta.." Charli said hanging up the phone.

"I'll be just a moment, then you can clean the room" Charli smiled at the maid.

"Grazie, Signora" she said nervously "That is not why I came..."

Charli raised an eyebrow.

"Forgive me...my English..not so good" she began "I do not know I should tell...but I feel sad if you do not hear..."

"Oh?" Charli coaxed her to speak.

"Signora, I was downstairs.." She said "I saw...your husband...he was with Giuseppe's daughter...I think she want him to go to her room"

"Did he?" Charli asked anxiously.

"I am sorry..." the maid said "I did not see...I want you to know...it is not good for you not to know..."

"Thank you.." Charli said, "What's your name?"

"Maria," she said.

"Thank you, Maria," Charli nodded "If you'll excuse me"

Maria nodded "Si Signora".

She showed herself out.

Charli sat on the bed for a moment, her head swimming with thoughts. Her heart was racing.
How could he? on our honeymoon??

She then looked down at her hand on the bed and the wedding ring on her finger. She held it up a moment and remembered their vows, everything the last month of marriage had brought, the nights she stayed up late to hear Paul talk about recording, the tension in the studio, but the love he had of recording. The encouragement he gave as she sorted everything for her next book. everything they meant to each other.

She stood abruptly and left the suite.

*

"Signora McCartney!" a large, very Italian looking man said in greeting as she arrived in the reception.

"Afternoon Giuseppe," Charli said. He could tell, something wasn't right but remained jovial.

"How can I help you today?" Giuseppe asked kindly.

"Well, I have to admit, I'm a bit unhappy with the treatment we've received," Charli said cooly.

"But Signora, we have done everything for you and your husband's visit," he panicked.

"Oh, the service at the villa has been lovely," Charli said "However, I am well aware of your daughter who has snubbed me, ignored my requests when I've made them and I now find out she has invited my husband to sleep with her"

Guiseppe turned red in embarrassment.

"I am so sorry Signora," Giuseppe apologised "You see...Valentina...she has been in love with Signore McCartney since The Beatles first came to Italy...she is very passionate girl.."

"I understand that! I'm well aware girls from all over the world would throw themselves at him" Charli interrupted "What I don't expect is to hear a maid tell me, your daughter tried bringing him to her room ON OUR HONEYMOON. Now...I have a request, that she not be available for the rest of our stay."

"But Signora, she is my daughter..." Giuseppe pleaded as his wife, Sofia. appeared next to him, curious at the conversation.

"That's all well and good sir," Charli interrupted "However, I will not have our honeymoon ruined and if this goes on, We will find another place to stay...and you don't want to know what I'd say about your villas if it comes to that"

"Giuseppe!" Sofia scolded smacking him on the side of his head "I tell you to get this under control...your daughter is in her room, not working and crying to her records,,,and you upset our guests!"

She turned to Charli next.

"So sorry Signora McCartney," she said as Giuseppe looked confused. "I will tell our daughter to act ladylike...and keep her hands off your husband. Can we do anything to make this better?"

"Actually, yes...there is," Charli smiled "I'm going to go out for a short while, I should be back before Paul...however, if you could clean the room...I have a few things I would like done with it as well" Charli began writing on a small notepad sitting at the front desk "If you could, have your best meal prepared and ready in our room before Paul is back, as well as a bottle of Chianti, that would be fab"

"Si! Signora," Sofia said before chiding her husband in Italian.

"One more thing," Charli added, "Give a bottle of wine to Maria, from me."

"Maria? The maid?" Sofia said shocked.

"She's a good maid and a good person," Charli explained "I want to give her my thanks"

**

Charli made her errand in record time, she rushed into the villa's reception with a few bags in her hands.

"Has my husband come back yet?" She asked Sofia at the front desk.

"No Signora, he hasn't" Sofia smiled.

"Good, Ta very much," Charli said hurriedly. She knew he would be back soon.

"Signora, we have cleaned and decorated the room to your request" Sofia advised "Dinner will be ready very soon"

"Ta.." Charli said eagerly making her way to the lift.

*

There was a knock on the door as Charli sorted through her purchases quickly.

"Come in!" she called hoping it was dinner.

The door opened.

"Dinner, Signora" Maria said.

"Ta, could you please set it at the table luv?" Charli smiled.

"Si," Maria nodded and got to work setting a lavish table for two. Charli hurriedly began lighting the candles decorating the room.

"Signora, I can do that," Maria said looking up from the table.

"No worries luv," Charli said "I'm in a bit of a hurry, I'll help"

Maria nodded and continued setting the table.

"Signora," Maria addressed her just as Charli finished lighting a candle "I want to say...thank you for the wine...and nice words about me...Grazie."

"You're very welcome luv," Charli smiled "Not many people would care to be honest in what they saw"

"I hope he still true to you," Maria said. Charli stopped a moment.

"I know he is," she said glancing at her ring again "I trust him with my life..And I know him better than myself sometimes."

"Now, I hate to cut this short," Charli continued "But, I need to get ready"

"Si Signora," Maria smiled before leaving the room.

"Bloody hell," Charli said nervously as she looked in the full-length mirror in the suite's bathroom. "You would think with performin'...I'd be used to this"

She had bought a set of black lacy lingerie and a long, black negligee. She felt nervous but before she could think much on her nerves the door opened with Paul humming to himself.

"How is the most gorgeous girl in the.." he paused noticing the room "world"

Charli stepped out of the bathroom, Paul upon seeing her dropped his shopping bags.

"Bloody hell," he gasped.

"Surprise," Charli said as she reached him "You've seen me in much less"

"I know...and believe me, I love seeing you in less all the time," Paul smiled as his arms went around her "But sometimes, the tease is just...fuckin' sexy"

He rested his hands on her hips and looked her up and down.

"And trust me..." he smirked "You are beyond sexy right now"

He kissed her deeply before she pulled away.

"That's for later tonight la'," Charli laughed softly.

"It's goin' to be impossible to keep me hands off you" Paul admitted, "What's all this for?"

"The truth?" Charli said, "I heard about Valentina this afternoon..."

Paul went white as panic set in.

"I swear to you, nothin' happened," Paul said urgently "She came onto me...I told her no. I promise on us..."

"I believe you," Charli said running her fingers through his hair "I trust you luv. I'm very well aware...there will always be girls prettier than me throwing themselves at you..."

"Not possible" Paul smiled "No one is more gorgeous than you"

Charli blushed but continued "If I have to remind you once in a while, I'm who you come home to...and who you have been in love with for over a decade and why. I'll find ways"

"I'll always come home to you luv," Paul smiled before kissing her. "But, I'm not going to complain if you want to dress sexy when I get home"

*

"You do realise," Paul said sipping on his glass of wine "Dinner has been impossibly distracting"

"You say that when I'm not dining in lingerie" Charli laughed.

"Well, after dinner...I intend on convincing you why you're the most gorgeous girl I know" Paul said taking her hand and kissing each fingertip. "Even if it takes all night"

"I did have a surprise for you," Paul remembered. He took her hand and led her to where he left the bags from his afternoon buying gifts.

Charli waited patiently as he found the right bag, he pulled out a long silver box happily.

"I know what you'll say," he said turning to her "But I don't care luv, you're worth it"

He opened the box slowly.

"Paul, you didn't.." she gasped throwing her hands over her mouth.

"Surprise baby girl," he smiled "And don't tell me I didn't have to, I wanted to"

"I'm goin' to tell ya's anyway," Charli laughed as she moved her hair aside and Paul placed the necklace around her neck. "You didn't have to do this"

"I know," Paul said kissing her neck "I wanted to. You loved it, and the way I see it, you can wear it to the release party and looking this stunning, you'll bloody well slay any interviewers"

Charli turned to kiss him as Paul's hands moved down her sides before pulling her closer. His touch was still electric after all this time.

"Why don't we," she said between kisses "Finish our wine...in bed"

"I love how your mind works.." Paul smirked as he lifted her legs around his waist and carried her to the bed continuously kissing her.

"I don't think you understand what you do to me," Paul admitted as he poured Charli the last of the wine.

"I think I have an idea," she laughed before taking a drink of her wine and setting it on the bedside table, "I think I've had enough wine, I want you"

She said facing Paul before laying on her side to match him.

"That's what I want to hear," he growled before kissing her deeply as she laid on her back

He stared at her a moment after breaking away from her.

"Why did you stop?" Charli whined.

"I told ya's," Paul smiled "Sometimes I just have to make sure you're really here"

Charli reached up and caressed his cheek "I completely understand"

"I want you to know kitten," he said as he trailed a finger down her stomach "I made a promise to you just over a month ago, that I'm yours completely. That means, no one can get in the way of us...I hope you realise, I'm not going to get distracted. I nearly made that mistake once, never again"

"I know luv," Charli smiled arching at his touch "I had a moment of doubt....but I thought about our wedding day, I thought about everything that's happened in our first month as a married couple...not to mention bloody well everything we fought for to be together"

"Now, we have a very serious matter to discuss," Paul smirked as he grabbed at Charli's leg.

"Oh? And that would be?" Charli asked coyly as she pressed closer to him.

"Mmm-hmm...You have been teasin' me all night in this get up" Paul said as he took her hand and led it to the front of his trousers where she could feel him growing hard. "And we're going to have ta' take care of somethin'"

"I think I can help..." Charli whispered as she unzipped his trousers.

"You're the only one who can," Paul smirked as he kissed her and moved on top of her. She began unbuttoning his shirt, their lips never parting.

It wasn't long before they were both undressed and Paul pulled the covers over them.

Paul moaned as he entered inside her "You are too distracting!"

"Distracting you from other girls?" Charli gasped as he kissed her neck and thrust inside of her.

"Amongst other things," Paul laughed softly "If I know there's a possibility, you'll be dressed so fuckin' sexy when I get home...I'll never get any recording done"

15 November 1968, London 7.34pm

"Bloody hell," Jenny laughed "Paulie spared no expense on ya's"

"Sod off," Charli said slapping her shoulder.

"It's gorgeous," Jenny said further inspecting the necklace Paul had bought in Venice.

"Just like me wife," Paul said wrapping his arms around Charli from behind. Jenny rolled her eyes.

"Ready lassies?" Mrs McTavish asked "We're already a bit late for the reading, but my daughter is takin' care of that, she's an actress in Edinburgh, you know"

"We know luv," Jenny laughed "You've only tol' us at least 5 times tonight"

"So sorry Jenny dear!" Mrs McTavish laughed flustered "I'm just so proud of the lass"

"It's alright," Charli grinned "Hope yer as proud of us!"

"My favourite writing duo? What's not ta' be proud of," Mrs McTavish laughed "There's goin' ta' be a lot of questions, Jenny, why don't ya' go on, I'll be right there."

Jenny obliged and carried on her way to get ready for the press, Charli grabbed Paul's hand and was about to do the same when Mrs McTavish stopped her.

"Wait just a moment, dearie," she said. Charli cocked her head as Mrs McTavish continued "I cannae' say enough about what you and Jenny's stories have done for Periwinkle Publishing"

"Well, I can't thank ya's enough for giving us a platform," Charli said.

"Which is why I wanted to talk to you," Mrs McTavish began "We get letters everyday of people tellin' us how much Rosie has helped them understand they weren't alone. Letters from right here in Great Britain, China, Australia, the states...everywhere. I was wonderin'....have you ever thought about publishin' your story?"

"I thought I was..." Charli said confused.

"No, I mean exactly what you went through...just Charlotte McLeod--"

"McCartney," Charli corrected.

"Terribly sorry dearie," Mrs. McTavish blushed "But have you ever thought about it? We would publish it in a heartbeat"

Charli glanced to Paul who, while he seemed uncomfortable also gave an encouraging nod.

"I'll think about it...over the holidays," Charli said finally.

"You'll do fine luv," Paul whispered as Mrs McTavish stood on stage getting ready to announce Charli and Jenny.

"I just hope this does as well as the first book" Charli admitted.

"You and me both!" Jenny cut in "What did Mrs McTavish talk to ya's about?"

"Something I need to drink and think over...and I need yer help" Charli admitted.

"Alright, I think they're ready to field any questions," Mrs McTavish finished her speech "I couldn't be more pleased to introduce you to our brilliant author and illustrator, Jenny Jamison and Charlotte 'Charli' McCartney"

"Knock 'em out luv," Paul said giving her a quick kiss "I'll be waitin for ya's"

The crowd clapped politely as Jenny and Charli took the stage.

"Well, erm...thank you all for coming," Charli said a bit nervously, she glanced over the audience. She found Paul, who was standing with George and Pattie, he gave her a small smile. Charli, with a new sense of confidence, continued on "We're happy to take any questions you may have, our usual rules apply, limited questions on me personal life, focus on the book if you please".

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

https://youtu.be/3zdFZJf-B90

A/N -  I. Am. So. Sorry this is so late!    I've been spending time on a lot of projects and job hunts as well as setting up a chapter outline for the last few chapters.

Yes, unfortunately, we are heading into the final part of this story....there's still a little ways to go so don't worry too much.

I realise, there have been quite a few "girls" throwing themselves at Paulie, but realistically?  I have no doubt it happened far more often than I write!

Anyway, as always....THANK YOU ALL!  Your readership, comments, votes brighten my days (and I've had a rough year!).

Ps.  Go listen to the White Album remix if you haven't already!!!  The sound is amazing....and listen to the full version of the Rocky Raccoon Esher mix...its a bit fitting for this story lol.