"I'd never sing of love if it does not exist, but darling, you are, the only exception" -The Only Exception *Paramore

10 December 1967 5.42pm Glasgow, Scotland

"Thank you fer meetin' with me Mr McCartney," a man with a thick Glasgow accent said sitting in a large comfy chair of the hotel lobby across from Paul. He pulled out a pair of thick-rimmed glasses, a tape recorder and a notepad.

"Pleasure," Paul said smiling warmly. "Call me Paul"

"Will Miss McLeod be joining us?" the Scottish reporter asked.

"Soon," Paul said lighting a cigarette "She went out to get pasties from the little shop on the corner, she's a fan"

The reporter laughed.

"The two of ya' have been together a wee while now," he said "Any plans ta' marry?"

"Shh.." Paul said hushing the reporter with a smile "This is not to be reported on until after the New Year, but what I will say is--there she is!"

Paul and the reporter looked up as Charli entered the hotel lobby with a box of pasties in her hands and trying to balance two glass cups full of cream and raspberries on top.

"Oh, hullo" she said finding a place to set the box and glasses down "I'm sorry, I didn't realise we'd have company"

"It's alright luv," Paul smiled as she sat down next to him " Mr Selkirk just wanted a brief interview for the local newspapers"

"Pleasure ta' meet ya's" Charli said extending a hand as the reporter known as Mr Selkirk shook it. She turned to Paul.

"They'd just made a lovely cranachan, I couldn't resist," she said handing him a glass of the cream and raspberry mixture, "The lady at the shop said she added a bit extra whiskey..."

"Then it's a proper cranachan" Mr Selkirk laughed. "Are the two of you in Glasgow long?"

"Sadly no," Paul shook his head "Just the night, we're on our way to me farm in Kintyre for a bit of a holiday. But we plan to hit a proper Scottish pub for dinner tonight"

"Have you ever been to our lovely country, Miss McLeod?" Mr Selkirk said smiling at Charli.

She finished the bite of cranachan before speaking.

"First visit," Charli smiled "It's beautiful"

"Well, we're quite pleased to have both of ya's. Yer book is selling faster than any shops can keep it on the shelf, and Paul, a new Beatles movie just after Christmas. Any talks of a new album after Magical Mystery Tour" Mr Selkirk complimented.

"We're always planning to record something," Paul laughed "We're on a bit of a break for Christmas, need a little time to spend with our families"

He smiled and held Charli's hand, she blushed and smiled to herself.

*

"Thanks, luv," Paul said as he drank his beer "The people of Glasgow are really lovely, couldn't help but give an interview"

"It's fine," Charli smiled warmly. "I don't mind interviews, I just don't like some of the stupid questions they've been asking me and Jenny since Hawthorne Woods was published. Confidentially, I'm a wee bit in love with Glasgow"

"Just wait until you see the farm" Paul winked happily. Charli had been happy to have a holiday away from everything with just Paul for a few days. London would be busy when they returned, she would have more press meetings for the book and they had The Beatles annual Christmas party/Magical Mystery Tour party. They sat in a dark pub together, a warm fire nearby. Despite the cold weather outside, it was anything but quiet inside the pub, they had walked into a full Scottish Ceilidh celebrating the wedding of a young couple.

"Aw'right, the bride and groom have a special request," The fiddle player said as they were getting ready for the next song "That the famous couple in the corner join in the next few dances"

There were wild cheers from the various wedding party and friends.

"C'mon luv," Paul grinned taking her hand "Who are we to deny the wedding couple?"

"Let me get a drink first!" Charli laughed taking a rather large drink of her beer.

Charli laughed as she and Paul learned the Tullock turns and patterns of Strip the Willow until they were both dizzy and had danced with everyone in the party. Paul was amused when Charli became hopelessly turned around during a reel in The Dashing White Sergeant, the rest of the wedding party in their set had been more than helpful and laughed along as she managed to get the hang of it.

"The next dance is a wee bit tricky," the fiddle player advised.

"And the last one wasn't, mate?" Paul called back.

"I would recommend findin' a partner who knows this dance, The Eightsome Reel" he announced.

Suddenly, there was a young girl with dark brown hair in a full wedding gown standing in front of Paul.

"I've danced this since I was a wee lass, will ya' dance with me? It would make the best day of my life even better!" She giggled.

"Pleasure luv," Paul said taking her hand politely "What's yer name then?"

"Mary," she giggled as they formed a set. Charli noticed a young groom with bright red hair, wearing a formal kilt standing before her.

"I reckon you're me partner for this dance then?" She smiled.

"Name's Hamish.." he said, he was much shyer than his wife "If ya' dun mind, it's a tricky dance"

Charli smiled as he led her to the same set Paul and Mary were in.

Once all the dancers were assembled in their sets, Paul gave Charli a wink and smile across their set before the dance began. As she was spun and moved through the various patterns of The Eightsome Reel she tried not to get distracted by the thoughts of her holiday only just beginning and realising, while it seemed impossible, she had fallen even more in love with him.

"Thank ya' both so much," Mary said excitedly as Paul signed another napkin "It really meant a lot to us, we didnae think ye'd dance"

"Nonsense!" Paul laughed "And may your love last"

Hamish said his thank yous than spoke to Charli quietly.

"I read yer book..." he said quietly.

"Oh, um..thank you" Charli smiled.

Hamish shook his head "Ye dun understand...I grew up like Rosie..." he admitted nervously "Me da' isn't here...but..."

Charli said nothing but hugged him tight "I understand," she said, "You, treat yer wife right...have lots of wee bairns and spoil them beyond belief."

*

"Do ya' ever get overwhelmed at people, I mean, adults, children, tellin' ya's that they grew up like Rosie from yer book?" Paul asked as they walked the now quiet streets of Glasgow back to the hotel.

"Not really," Charli shrugged.

"It's just a bit shocking," Paul admitted "So many people have admitted they grew up in a similar situation...It's hard enough remembering what you went through and knowing so many others went through similar"

"No one ever talks about it," Charli admitted, "I think we're all just looking for a voice...I guess Jenny and I gave others a voice."

Paul paused a moment impressed with what she'd said.

"That," he smiled "that is why I wish the press would ask ya's better questions!"

"They're more focussed on what we ate last night," Charli laughed "They don't seem to like it much when I tell them where to stick their questions"

"They never do," Paul grinned knowing full well how the press had seemed baffled at The Beatles' answers to ridiculous questions.

**

Glasgow Herald, 12 December 1967

Sitting calmly in the lobby of his hotel, he has an air of confidence yet humble enough to sign a few autographs for staff and thank them.

"Call me Paul," he says after a formal greeting.

This is Paul McCartney, a man seemingly on top of the world, yet able to put a humble reporter at ease. He understands exactly who he is and what he means to people and handles it with grace.

Soon after, we're joined by the lovely Charlotte McLeod, affectionately called 'Charli', who has been at Paul's side for the last year although they've known each other much longer.

"They'd just made a lovely cranachan," she tells him as she sits down passing one to him "I couldn't resist."

Aye, this may be the most famous couple in the world, but alone, they seem no different than 2 young lovers.

We talk a short while about the recent release of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and Magical Mystery Tour, it's quite different for The Beatles.

"Oh yeah," Paul agrees "I mean...it's still us, you know? But we didn't want to be the four mop tops forever. We're quite chuffed by it really"

And Charli's first book 'Hawthorne Woods'.

"Well, it's really a joint effort between me and Jenny Jamison," Charli admits "She's the brilliant writer, I just scribble some silly little animals"

The book and albums have been on everyone's list this Christmas, neither seem to stay on the local stores' shelves.

Their visit to Glasgow is short however as they are bound for Paul's farm in Mull of Kintyre.

"Wish we could stay longer," Paul says lighting another cigarette "Glasgow is quite lovely"

While their stay in Glasgow may be short, they seemed to have made the most of it, reportedly joining in a few dances at the McPherson ceilidh!

One thing is for certain, Glasgow will always welcome them however long or short their stay may be.

~Andrew Selkirk, Glasgow Herald, 15 December 1967
***

15 December 1967, 11.52pm, Mull of Kintyre

"Nice of them to write us a glowing review" Charli laughed softly setting the paper down and reaching for her wine glass. Paul poured her another glass.

"What can I say luv?" he smirked "Scotland loves us"

They sat together on a rug in front of the fireplace in the main room of the farmhouse. Charli smiled as Paul stoked the fire.

"You want ta' know a secret?" Charli asked as she positioned herself so she was laying on her stomach on the rug, carefully making sure not to spill her wine.

"Is it a good one?" Paul smiled back at her as he continued meddling with the fire.

"I don't know if it's a good one," she laughed.

"Tell me anyway luv," he said finally happy with the fire, he sat with his back against a chair. Charli took a drink of her wine before laying on her side, facing him.

"I didn't believe in love as a kid," she admitted with a smirk "hell, most of my adult life I stopped believing."

Paul raised an eyebrow urging her to continue.

"I'm serious," she laughed after taking another sip of her wine. "All I really had to base my ideas on were me parents, and while they aren't...hostile to each other...they just seem to tolerate each other...and when I was growing up, being hurt by me da' for not reading passages, or verbally abused by me mum...I just thought love was a fairytale."

"Then I came in on a dashing white horse and convinced you otherwise?" Paul smirked before drinking more of his own wine. Charli laughed.

"Sort of, but that just sounds fucking cliche" she laughed harder "No, I mean...I guess....a year before we found each other, I'd sworn everything was an illusion."

"Did you ever date anyone in that time?" Paul asked, "Seems silly to ask.."

Charli shrugged "Not really, da' arranged a date for me in highschool....Eddie saved me from what could've been a terrible night. It was mostly one night stands...I just didn't care"

"You know I've been crazy about ya's from the beginning, yeah?" Paul smiled.

"Liar," Charli laughed rolling over, "You thought I was odd!"

Paul laughed remembering when Jenny first brought Charli to the pier, she'd warned him about her Her parents are a bit batty, she seems alright...just...very formal. She'd called him James the entire day and spoke saccharine sweet and far too polite for a Liverpudlian, he thought she was strange.

"I thought you were cute tho," Paul laughed as he sprawled next to her on the floor. "Charlotte"

"Never call me that," Charli laughed smacking his chest lightly "Its yer fault I hate being called by my actual name"

"I accept full responsibility," Paul smiled before kissing her "You've kept New Year's Eve open?"

"Well, someone keeps making a big deal about it, so yes" Charli smirked "I'll have you know, I'm missing performing in the biggest show of the year for you"

"Trust me, I'll make it worth yer while" Paul grinned before kissing her again.

21 December 1967, 1.42pm

"I swear Eddie," Charli laughed into the phone "It never ends! I'm off for another bloody interview about the book...then tonight I've got The Beatles annual Christmas party"

"Never a dull moment in your life is there?" Eddie laughed. They had spent the last 30 minutes catching up on their lives in New York and London. The intercom buzzed and Charli could hear Jenny telling off the horde of gatebirds singing at the gate.

"Shite, running late!" Charli said realising she'd lost track of the time "Sorry Eddie, I have ta' run!"

"No worries sugar," Eddie said "Hey, there'll be Christmas presents for you and Paul soon...we tried to send everything in time"

"We've sent a few things to New York as well," Charli smiled "Talk again soon"

**

"You must be quite pleased," A young interviewer laughed with Charli and Jenny "Your book is on everyone's Christmas lists this year!"

"Yeah, we're quite chuffed by it" Charli answered, "Just makes me favourite time of the year even better!"

"Christmas is your favourite time of the year then?" The young woman asked.

"Bloody hell!" Jenny laughed "Ya' should see her place, they hold nothing back!"

The interviewer saw this as the perfect opportunity to change direction, she knew the now infamous attitude of Charli McLeod during interviews, but she felt she'd finally gotten her comfortable, it was time to ask the questions everyone wanted to know.

"My word," she giggled "Christmas must be quite the spectacle living with a Beatle! Tell me, dearie, what is Christmas with Paul like? I bet he's quite the romantic. Don't be shy"

Jenny rolled her eyes suddenly. Charli picked up her tea and calmly sipped it for a moment.

"I reckon you thought," she said setting the teacup back down "Ye'd get us in here, get us comfortable and then ask what ya' wanted."

"C'mon luv, it's what the readers.." she coaxed.

"I don't care," Charli said waving a hand in dismissal "My private life is private. I thought we were here to discuss the book"

"I just thought..." the interviewer stammered.

"Well, ya' thought wrong" Charli interrupted raising an eyebrow.

"I can't bloody wait ta' see this one printed" Jenny laughed "Now, Miss Summers, if you don't mind WE would like to discuss our creative venture and what we hope to accomplish with Hawthorne Woods. If ya' want the goss on Beatles' sex lives, we will end this interview right now"

Miss Summers sat across from the two Liverpudlian girls known for being blunt, her mouth agape.

"The choice is yours luv," Charli smirked as she lit her cigarette.

**

"Is she going to be there?" Charli asked adjusting her skirt. It was later that night and they were headed to The Beatles' annual Christmas party.

"Well..it is our annual Christmas party...and Magical Mystery Tour themed...the cast has been invited" Paul answered "Don't worry, I've only got me mind on you"

Charli smiled looking out the window of the car, it was already dark out but the streets were alight with Christmas.

"Just how is it Magical Mystery Tour themed?" She laughed "Does the movie have pearlies?"

Paul laughed.

"None whatsoever! It was John's idea...and he wanted a fancy dress party" Paul tried explaining "Really, its just a bit of silliness before Christmas. Time to unwind, dress up, have a few bevvies...I must say, you make a lovely Pearly Queen"

Charli smirked

"An' yer quite a 'andsome Pearly King" she complimented using her best Cockney accent. Paul grinned happily.

*

"I thought he'd be here by now," Maggie said anxiously. She dressed as an old Hollywood starlet and sat with Mandy who was dressed as a German beer maid.

"Lovey, of course, he'll be here....but you realise, he'll have his girlfriend at his side," Mandy said, "I thought you had moved on?"

"I have....I just need to prove it to myself," Maggie said as she took a sip of her champagne.

Knees up Mother Brown

Knees up Mother Brown

Under the table, you must go

Ee-aye, Ee-aye, Ee-aye-oh

They heard Paul and Charli singing as they entered.

"Too right!" John said excitedly as he ran to greet them.

"Looks like you get to prove it to yourself soon," Mandy said. Maggie's heart leapt into her throat.

"Yer finally heeree" John slurred positioning himself between Paul and Charli, putting an arm around each of them. He was dressed as a fifties rocker, his hair greased back like Elvis and alcohol heavy on his breath.

"Jesus Johnny," Paul said, "How many have ya' had?"

"Fuck me, just a couple" John countered "....I lost track at 5"

He then turned his attention to Charli.

"What about ya's Charli...ya' need a drink" John slurred "What ya' havin'?"

"Wine or beer" Charli answered before John was off on a mission.

"He's drunk.." Paul laughed "He'll forget what he was after in a couple minutes, let's grab a drink"

"Charli!" Pattie greeted her urgently, Charli had just gotten comfortable as she and Paul sat together, speaking with the singer, Lulu who had just become a hit recently.

"Cor, look at ya's Pattie!" Charli said acknowledging Pattie's 'Eastern Princess' costume, which was a skimpy, thinly veiled belly dance costume.

"Ta...listen, I need you to hide me from John," Pattie said urgently "Georgie is havin' a joint with Rings and John has been rather...flirtatious with me tonight"

"What about Cyn?" Charli asked.

"He's totally ignoring her...I don't know what to do" Pattie urged.

"Bloody hell," Paul said, "The lad is off his 'ead."

"Aw'right Pattie," Charli said standing up "I can't believe I'm sayin' this, let's go find the press that are wonderin' about"

Pattie cocked her head.

"If he gets grabby with ya's with that lot around, they'll pounce...we'll just remind him of that" Charli explained "We'll be back in a bit luv"

She added kissing Paul momentarily before the two disappeared.

"Oh...that Lennon," Lulu said "I'm going to have a word with him"

"Lulu, wait luv" Paul tried calming her down "You don't know what the lad can be like...I'll.."

"I don't care!" Lulu said defiantly "It's not right of him ignoring his wife like that and making Pattie feel so uncomfortable"

Paul shrugged and lit a cigarette as Lulu stormed off. Paul was about to get up and either find Charli and Pattie or John before Lulu did when he heard a familiar voice greet him.

"Hi Paul," Maggie said sitting across from him "How have you been?"

"Oh..em, hi Maggie," he stammered. "Alright, you?"

"Fine, thanks" she smiled. They were silent a moment, Paul nervously bit the tip of his thumb.

"Listen, Paul," she began "I don't want to ruin your evening, I just wanted to say...I may not be over you, but I can't help but see how happy you are with Charli...it's impossible not to. I just hope...you don't hate me"

"Hate you?" Paul laughed slightly "Of course not luv, I'm a bit surprised you don't hate me!"

She gave a weak smile "Friends?"

"Of course luv, friends" Paul smiled warmly. "And I'd love for ya's to meet Charli, I think ye'd get along...best not like this, she can be a bit...fiery"

Maggie laughed slightly "I've read some of her recent interviews...I'd rather not be on her bad side."

Before either could say anything further, they could hear angry shouting as a small crowd moved to see what was happening.

"Maggie luv!" Mandy said finding her "Lulu just started screamin' at John, c'mon!"

Paul laughed but got up hurriedly to see the mess.

"How dare you ignore Cyn?!" Lulu, who was dressed as a Shirley Temple-type little girl, complete with a giant lollipop screamed as John sat timidly sinking into his chair.

"How dare you stare at Patti like that in front of your WIFE! Shame on you!"

John who seemed not to fear anyone resembled a young child who knew he'd done wrong as he sat and let Lulu berate him.

"What'd I miss luv?" Paul asked as he found Charli and his arms went around her.

"Lulu..." Charli laughed slightly "She just comes stormin' out of bloody nowhere..says 'John Lennon! I need to have a word with you!' Johnny tries being all defiant...but she wasn't havin' a bar of it!"

"Now, you go apologise to Cynthia RIGHT NOW!" Lulu yelled angrily before storming off.

"I like her..." Charli whispered to Paul.

"I thought you would," Paul laughed low "I should go check on the lad"

22 December 1967 2.14am

"Poor John," Charli laughed as she eased back against Paul "It was a little funny to watch"

"A little funny?" Paul laughed as his arms went around her "It was bloody hilarious!"

They were silent for a moment, it was late or early, Paul stared out the window of the lounge. The Christmas tree stood nearby, despite London's finest decorators calling to arrange a time to make it the best looking tree in the country, Charli had insisted they decorate.

"Bloody hell!" she'd laughed "I don't care how famous ya' are now, we get to have some normal pleasures in life!"

Paul had been more than happy to oblige. Now, they laid together on the couch under the warmest blanket he could find, still slightly drunk from the disastrous Magical Mystery Tour party.

"I'm glad ya' were able to be cordial with Maggie when she introduced herself," Paul said warmly "I did warn her.."

Charli smirked.

"She's not the evil temptress I wanted her to be" she sighed "Still, don't expect me ta' be bezzie mates with her"

Charli sat up and set her empty wine glass on the small side table next to the couch, as she did so, her dressing gown slipped off her shoulder revealing the scar left by her father. Paul had grown used to some of the scars, they weren't obvious, but that one in particular always sent a wave of sadness through him. He reached out, running a finger over the scar.

She turned and positioned herself so she was laying on top of him.

"You don't like that one much," she said as his hand moved down to the small of her back.

"I should have been there," Paul said sadly. Charli smiled sympathetically.

"You're here now," she shrugged. Paul smiled and ran a hand through her hair. Charli smiled and glanced at her own arm, the faint white scars still there. She thought back on when she'd made those scars, she thought on her battles with addiction, her life in New York, her life in London.

"Penny for yer thoughts, luv?" Paul asked noticing she'd gone silent.

"Nothin' really," she smiled and shook her head "Oh! I do have an appointment tomorrow, I'll be out for a couple hours"

Paul raised an eyebrow as he pushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Appointment?" he asked, "You'll be back in time for dinner, yeah?"

"Of course!" Charli laughed "Wouldn't miss it for the world, it's been one year"

"Best year of me life" Paul smiled before kissing her.

23 December 1967 2.23pm

"Right, you should be set luv," a young girl said.

"Ta," Charli smiled warmly as she dug through her bag "I know everyone in London is off for Christmas, I really appreciate ya's makin' time for me"

"Bloody hell!" the young dark haired girl laughed "I'm just happy to help! You have no idea what this will do for me, I just hope he likes it...for your sake!"

"I'm sure he will," Charli grinned as she passed her money to the girl "If ya' need anything else, let me know."

"Well, if you could get me an autograph..." she said before Charli interrupted.

"Luv, If ya' want I'll arrange bloody tea with him!" Charli laughed "After the New Year, we're bloody busy until then!"

"Are you serious?!?" the girl said eagerly.

"Dead serious," Charli winked as she exited the small shop.

**

Later that afternoon, Charli arrived home to find gifts from New York and a small note from Paul.

Hey Kitten,

I'm at John's (figured the lad could use a mate after the other night). Eddie says there's one prezzie you have to open right away, just promise me you'll save the rest for Christmas!

I'll be home in time for our dinner reservations tonight!

All my loving,

Paul

Charli smiled at Paul's note, it had been a year since she had moved in with him and they planned to celebrate. She then rushed to the tree where various packages from New York now sat. She saw a flat gift with a note that read

Hey Sugar Beat,

You have to open this right away! I got this before its even been released (it helps that my current boy is Canadian), I immediately thought of you!

Miss you most,

Eddie

She opened the parcel to see a record with a rather forlorn man on the front titled Songs of Leonard Cohen.

Charli rushed upstairs to the art room and immediately put the record on, she had decided new music from her friends in New York would be the perfect way to start a new painting.

**

"I'm happy to see you too girl!" Paul laughed as he entered the front door and was greeted by a very excited Martha. "I wasn't gone that long"

He noticed Charli's coat flung haphazardly on the couch and her boots nearby, but she was nowhere to be found.

"Charli luv?" He called. There was no answer. Paul looked at Martha, who didn't seem even slightly worried. He hoped that was a good sign as he made his way upstairs.

And you want to travel with her, and you want to travel blind

And you know you can trust her...

He heard an unfamiliar song playing upstairs, soon he heard the catch of the record player as the song was started over again. Paul smirked and made his way to the art room where the music was coming from.

"What are you up to now?" Paul laughed slightly as he found Charli laying peacefully on the floor of the art room.

"Shhh..." she hushed him "Come here...just listen..."

Paul smiled slightly entering the art room. The guitar part was light and melodic, similar to techniques he'd been working on more.

"I'm in love with this song..." Charli said finally as Paul approached her. "And listen, it's me!"

And you know she's half-crazy, but that's why you want to be there

And she feeds you tea and oranges that come all the way from China

"I can get you tea....but I don't think we have any oranges that come all the way from China" Charli laughed as Paul sat beside her. He then noticed a bandage wrapped loosely around her left forearm.

"Are you alright?" he asked worriedly "What happened?"

Charli started laughing as she sat up.

"I'm fine! Never better..." she smiled wiping at her eyes "I got you an early Christmas present"

Paul raised an eyebrow. Charli removed the bandage revealing a new tattoo, a magpie that wrapped from her inner forearm to the outer forearm surrounded by similar psychedelic patterns and looking like it was flying up to the other.

"It'll be a little grotty for a few days," she said, "When we first saw each other...after so many years, you told me I needed a second magpie and I said I hadn't found my second magpie yet, remember?"

Paul nodded.

"Well...I decided," she smiled as she ran a hand through his hair "I found my second magpie"

Paul smiled before kissing her softly and laying her back on the floor.

"I really wanted to wait," he said breaking away propping himself up on his side"Had everything planned out for New Years..."

Charli raised an eyebrow as he reached into his jacket pocket extracting a small box.

"Charlotte..." Paul began "I know more than ever what I want in my life, and it's you. I've wanted to ask you this since we were kids..and I can't wait any more.."

Charli smiled and ran her fingers through his hair. Paul smiled and closed his eyes.

"Will you marry me?" he asked as he fumbled slightly opening the small box revealing a ring in silver with a decent sized round cut diamond.

"You already know my answer" Charli smirked "Of course I'll marry you"

Paul smiled wide before kissing her. Charli was beyond happy in that moment, everything they'd been through together, she now had a future with him.

"You have no idea how happy you've made me luv," Paul said warmly as he placed the ring on her finger.

"Oh, I have an idea.." Charli laughed "So, was this my early Christmas gift? Or were you just carrying this around...just in case?"

Paul laughed softly "No...had it made earlier in the month, today was the last day I could pick it up before the shop closed for the holidays. I'd had everything all planned out, I was going to wine and dine you and propose right at midnight, New year's eve. Then I see you in here, peaceful and content, so beautiful...to top it off, you go on tellin' me you found yer second magpie and that was it...I knew it was time"

"So...what you're saying, is I don't get an early Christmas present?" Charli pouted.

"I bloody well proposed!" Paul laughed as he tickled her sides "I'm taking you out to dinner tonight...and I plan to give you more presents tonight after dinner"

***

"I hope ya' don't mind we came here again," Paul said as Charli looked out the window.

"Mind?" Charli smiled back at her new fiance "I love it here, the view is gorgeous and I get to be with you"

Paul had made reservations at The Post Office tower again to celebrate 1 year of living together.

"Ta.." Paul said to the waiter who refilled their wine glasses before turning his attention back to Charli.

"I think," he said holding both her hands "We should wait until the New Year to make any announcements, I don't want the press hangin' around our place or worse da's over Christmas to get a soundbite or anything"

"Should I take off the ring?" Charli asked. Paul looked at the ring on her finger and smiled warmly.

"Nah..keep it on" he grinned "If anyone sees it and speculates, that's alright...leaves them pining over a little mystery through the holidays"

They leaned in closer to each other.

"When did ya' want to get married then?" Charli asked in a whisper.

"Not sure, want ta' suss that out now?" Paul whispered kissing her fingers. Charli got lost in his charm for a moment before answering.

"In a year..." she said finally.

"A year?!?" Paul said loud enough a couple other tables took notice.

"Shh..." Charli hushed him as they both laughed under their breath, continuing the conversation "A year...I want to make sure, mentally, I'm ready...I want ta' marry you. I can't wait to marry you...I just need to get a better handle on meself. And I want ta' make sure you don't get distracted...I know there are plenty of distractions out there"

Paul thought for a moment.

"Alright luv," he smiled finally "We'll wait"

"Plus...then I can guarantee the New Yorkers can make it" Charli grinned, "I think Eddie would disown me if we got married and he wasn't there"

"Dinner is served" the young waiter cut in interrupting their conversation.

"Ta mate," Paul said amiably "Looks fab!"

"Bloody hell!" Charli said as she looked out the panoramic window "It's really comin' down"

She was right, the snow was falling hard and fast.

"Let's hope it clears up by tomorrow," Paul agreed looking out the window "We've got a big family to announce our news to"

24 December 1967 8.27am

Charli half woke hearing Paul in the bathroom, soon he walked to the window and glanced out at the wintery morning, he was clad only in his bathrobe. Charli smiled as she rolled onto her back and began falling back asleep. She was still in disbelief at the previous day. Logically, she felt like fiance was only a title...nothing had changed...but she also knew, it changed everything at the same time.

Just as she'd fallen back to sleep she was woken by a line of soft kisses from her neck to a spot just under her ear that drove her wild.

"Wake up luv," Paul's voice whispered low. "I've got some good news and some bad news"

Charli stretched and turned to face him as Paul propped himself up on his side.

"Oh?" she yawned "What's that?"

"The bad news," he began as he pushed a strand of red hair behind her ear "There's no way we're goin' ta' make it to Liverpool today. We're snowed under and its still going"

Charli pouted her lip.

"Don't make me feel bad!" Paul laughed.

"Fine then, what's the good news?" She asked.

"The good news," he said positioning himself over her "We're engaged....It's gorgeous outside...We've got plenty of ways to make the most of Christmas at home...and I'm ready for a repeat of last night..."

He said between kisses.

"I might be up for that" Charli smirked "You might want ta' let yer fam know we can't make it"

"Later," Paul said huskily as he kissed her neck "Right now, I want you"

He reached between her legs and felt inside her as she moaned softly.

"You're so wet baby girl," he groaned "What have you been dreamin' about?"

"You," she said before kissing him deeply "All bloody night, I was dreamin' about you, just like this"

"I hope reality compares," Paul said as he moved over her. He stopped as he looked at her on the pillow, his mind flashing back to just over a year ago, the first night they spent together in New York. He looked at her hand on the pillow, the engagement ring sitting proudly. He laced his fingers in hers and smiled warmly.

"Charlotte, I have just one question for you," he said softly. "Do you still love me?"

Charli smiled remembering the conversation.

"You should know my answer by now," She said caressing his cheek "I never stopped loving you....and I never will"

"Perfect" Paul said as his lips curled into a smile "I'll never stop loving you"

He kissed her deeply before he was inside of her. Charli decided, she could get used to waking up like this.

**

"I'm sorry ta' hear ye can't join us this year," James McCartney said into the phone "But I'd rather the two of ya's were safe"

"Ta Da'," Paul sighed, happy his father understood. Charli tried signing that she needed sugar as Paul chatted with his father only to get a confused look. They had decided to make it a proper Christmas at home, starting with baking cookies. Eventually, she gave up and went back to the kitchen.

"Oh, Da' I did have an announcement...I'm actually a bit down I can't tell everyone," Paul smiled into the phone. "I asked Charli to marry me"

"Well done, my boy!" James said excitedly "I'll make sure to tell yer aunties and uncles"

"Luckily she said yes," Paul laughed "Otherwise that'd be an awkward dinner conversation"

Both McCartneys laughed.

"Tell ya' what Paulie," James said, "Why don't I come down in a couple days...me and Mikey."

"Aw da', I'd love that...but ya' don't have to," Paul said.

"Nonsense!" James laughed "I want ta' be there to congratulate the happy couple meself"

"Take it we're having company in a few days" Charli grinned up at Paul as he entered the kitchen. "Mind if I give Jenny a ring? I think she'll have me head if I don't tell her before the press finds out"

"Go on then," Paul smiled.

"Ta luv," Charli said dabbing his nose with a bit of flour.

Charli rang Jenny's flat figuring she'd been snowed under much like herself and Paul.

"Hullo?" Jenny answered. There was a sadness to her voice

"Hey Jen, happy Christmas" Charli said into the phone

"Hey, Charli!" Jenny said happily. "Glad ya' called...been feeling a bit down since I couldn't make it to Liverpool ta' see mum and Simon"

"Yeah, we're snowed in too" Charli admitted, "I did have some good news..."

"Yeah? Tell me about it," Jenny said eagerly.

"Paul and I are engaged," Charli answered.

"Bout bloody time!" Jenny laughed "Waitaminute...he said he was propsin' on New Year's"

"He got impatient" Charli laughed.

"Not surprised, the git's been talkin' about it since we were kids" Jenny teased.

"I'm really happy for the both of ya's," she said her voice sounding sincere. "Ya' deserve it luv"

Suddenly Charli was struck with an idea.

"Hold on a mo, Jen," Charli said as she set the phone down and went to the kitchen.

"Jen's pretty down that she can't see her family" Charli explained to Paul "Maybe we could bring her some cookies and keep her company for a bit?"

"Jen is family," Paul said absentmindedly "Tell her ta' come here for the afternoon"

"Thanks, luv," Charli kissed his cheek.

"As long as I get you all to meself this evening," Paul said raising an eyebrow suggestively.

"I'm all yours" Charli winked as she made her way back to the phone.  Paul watched as she made her way to the lounge and thought back on the year. 1967 had been amazing, 1968 was sure to top it.

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https://youtu.be/-J7J_IWUhls

A/N - OMG!  I am soooooo sorry this took so long, amongst writing this I've been dealing with a job redundancy/hunting for a new job and my first big project in my course.  

Anyway, yes...this took awhile, it's pretty sweet tbh ;)  Another reason this took so long, there was a bit of research that went into this!  The Magical Mystery Tour party and John getting drunk, flirting with Pattie and being lectured by Lulu happened! 

Also, the Ceilidh scene...right, so I have been a Scottish dancer for...a long time lol.  Those are actual dances (posting video for those interested), and describing them was more difficult than I thought!

https://youtu.be/gBCayM6aFJQ

Strip the Willow (first dance...this is done at pretty much EVERY Ceilidh)

https://youtu.be/Wm_5l_bs-6Y

https://youtu.be/hvHeTArCnYQ

The dance with the wedding couple (no jokes, this is a difficult dance!)

So, yeah...there was a lot of research (I tend to work a bit of Scottish dance into fics now and then)!  I hope people are still keeping up with me, I try to get the chapters up as soon as possible, it's bee a wee bit rough lately.  But stick with it, some good things happen in 1968 :)

Thanks as always for supporting, voting, commenting and continuing to read!  I appreciate it more than you lot know :D