Fair warning- this is looonnnnnggggg!

***

The yard looked like a gypsy camp. The pretty painted gypsy trailers hired from a nearby camp ground were set out in a wagon train circle reminiscent of the wild west frontier of old.

Far enough apart for privacy yet plenty close enough to holler hello or meet in the middle by the camp fire. Oh yeah, there's a camp fire set up in the middle with an absolute ton of lumber and seating ready to go!

Issy ran about checking the fairy lights one final time. Every few paces she was throwing sticks for Max and Ben and, upon their speedy return, giving them a good guilty rub down...

She was feeling a little guilty for running off on them yet again. Her hands rubbed all over loyal faces, massaging ears as they sought her immediate attention.

The wedding was imminent, mere hours now, not days or weeks- hours. Issy facing again, that now regular four-hour run to the city, but for a wonderful reason. For the usual hullaballoo of last minute jitters and nervousness of the bride and groom.

A magical few solitary minutes with her soon to be wed daughter... To enjoy one last moment of being the dynamic duo, reminiscing and, more than likely, crying. Although it better be Issy crying today not Sally, as her make-up will run all over the shot.

Gazing skyward she stood entranced as an eagle majestically soared above the lake house. Resting an elbow on the hood of the car she let nature lift her to the heights as only nature could and another couple of precious minutes ticked by.

Was the Eagle winging above a good sign, or bad?

No, not bad.

Everything was, and will be, perfect.

The catering was set, the drinks and coolers ready, the house spotless, bathrooms stocked with towels and toiletries.

All that was needed now was for one slightly tardy Iss to get her bottom in the driver's seat and hit the road south toward New York and the wedding.

Issy manoeuvred the jeep down the drive, passing the gnarly plum in the process and after checking for traffic, pulled out onto the main road. As she manoeuvred around the first few curves, she prayed for the weather to be perfect.

And perfection...

From the dawn she met as she woke this morning to the starry skies tonight and onto all the dawns they would surely meet beyond in the future... she wished for perfection.

********

The ceremony itself was a small private affair located at a historical courthouse in New York. Lower Manhattan to be more precise.

The exterior, although well and truly showing its age, was still grand and the beautiful façade of the municipal building would feature prominently in the wedding day photography.

Julian had sussed out many historical buildings over the past few months and, with his budding photographers eye, he chose this gorgeous testament to the forefathers of American history.

He was so creative both with music and the camera, Sally was a lucky woman, and Ivy a lucky girl, to have a super husband and father of enormous potential and boundless love.

Few high-profile guests were to attend the courthouse for the wedding, it was mainly session musician's and some trusted friends that would spend time celebrating Sally and Julian's union in the city. After the ceremony an intimate casual reception with those in attendance was organised. A delicious spread of small cakes, cheeses and hors d'oeuvres would be set out in a private room that ran along the rear of the building.

Sadly, the fab four would not be reuniting in New York for the wedding ceremony.

Attending was out of the question, well and truly off the table.

This was Julian, Sally's and Ivy's special day.

It was decided by all involved the lads would not attend the ceremony itself.

Their arriving, being at, and departing the building, would create a storm of frenzy, what with hungry media hounds and fans alike, the place would turn into an absolute zoo.

As it was, Johns own presence was more than capable of overtaking the newlywed's special day. He had expressed his opinions with that surly brand of vulgar expletives John was known for and had verbalised his distaste of the topic quite loudly in private, with Issy months ago, and Jules when the bookings were being made.

Yet in the end, it was he himself that decided to conduct an exclusive interview all subject to a sketchy promise from the media in the room that they would indeed abide his wishes and back off from Sally and Julian's nuptials, and the day surrounding it.

The three other famous men in Julian's life, that were well used to crazy fans and media scuffles themselves, would drive directly to the lake house from the various airports they arrived at. It had been a little uncomfortable for Issy when those details had been sorted. If she was late getting back to the lake... well that really didn't bear thinking about. Issy just needed to relax as John reminded her many times and trust Linda and Paul to entertain themselves in her home and let them welcome George and Ringo's families into her sanctuary, in her absence, too.

John was a new man but it didn't stop the past rising to bite him on the arse every once in a while;

Crazy fans and pushy coppers, interlopers of all kinds, the odd reporter that didn't get the memo at the exclusive interviews... The interview where they told to leave the wedding party 'the fuck alone'.

And the photographers that couldn't read said memo, well they all pressed and shoved and cramped him with a wall of bodies, some good, most evil.

Well not evil- evil, well let's hope not anyway.

No evil as in 'anything to get a pic' 'anything to get a scoop' evil. Climbing in windows- evil, drainpipes as ladders- evil. Even sneaking in under catering trolleys or disguised as wait staff-evil.

He'd seen it all before and would continue to view, and run the gauntlet, of the chaos that a boy had created and the man had to endure.

What his family had to endure and what Isabelle had to learn to endure.

A never ceasing roller-coaster of endless length, driving him to the pits of despair and the heights of glory.

Of course, fame is a very wonderful thing. True fans treasured, the money pretty nice too but the downside... the flip of the wonderful... was the flop of what crushed him in these moments.

Pressure to preform like a trained monkey, pressure to grin, to always sign paper, cardboard, fuck.. even any available bare skin that came his way.

To always have a joke, even when he was feeling rather blue...The pressure of helplessness that he felt in these moments from all of the above, because he was unable to stop it; and the crux was heavy, the pressure that he felt he had no choice but to carry eternally.

...The feeling he was giving away the most precious and beautiful moments of a day, that wasn't even his, to strangers.

Julian took in his betrothed as she took the short journey to the rest of her life, the makeshift aisle littered with a rainbow of a thousand petals.

It was as close to a church as he could make it for her. The families weren't overly religious, although prayers were often muttered into the night. Asking a church to accept the halfheartedness of their faith seemed a little mean, a little shallow, so here they were.

Julian looking so very smart in a black suit and crisp white shirt and Sally was now stepping surely toward him in a delicately adorned ivory dress. The sweetheart bodice sang and lifted to a semi sheer neckline filler. The daintiness culminated on the throat in a small lace standing neckline.

Her mother's white diamanté heels on her feet, Cyn's silver bracelet adorning her wrist, completed the picture.

"Sal, you've given me grounding to keep my head from swelling and offered to hold my hand as I reach for the moon. So much have you offered me, so precious a daughter gifted. I'm only a man, and as someone close to me once sung I'm just a child inside..." Julian tugged at his collar and earned a light tinkling of laughter from those around them "So Sally feel free to guide me through my growth into your husband as I'm most definitely destined to be a better man with you by my side always. I love you"

Julian grinned, thankful that he hadn't stumbled over his heartfelt words for this gorgeous woman saying yes to spending her life, sorting him out and putting up with his chaos created. He got a few quiet giggles with his vows and made the number one girl in his life smile, and that was what life needed ... Laughter, lightness and happiness and he was going to strive to give it all to her, forever.

His heart swelled as he watched her falter then brace herself from the tears his words elicited, fingers firmly grasped his for strength.

"Now Sally would like to say a few words in return"

"You stole my lines... but that's ok because I will surely give you all of myself anyway" Sally turned to smile wistfully at her mum sitting in the front row, attempting to shush a wiggling Ivy who was jiggling and babbling happily at everyone over Isabelle's shoulder, not at all interested in the union of her parents. Turning back to a teary, jubilantly happy Julian, Sally went on... "Julian, we're too young.... We're silly, and some may say stupid, but I'm all of that, with you. So please...take my hand, my heart and my soul because I want to grow old and be silly and stupid, and wonderfully happy, with you. I love you my darling" Sally smirked at Jules as those watching on laughed at her speech.

Rings encircled shaky fingers and Ivy tottered from Nana to parents, dropping to climb the small riser, pretty yellow dress getting twisted in her chubby legs as she climbed. Her parents lifting her together into their arms.

"I now pronounce you man and wife, family. You may kiss the bride!"

John hugged.... :

Issy, Cyn, the bloke from Sally's work seated directly behind him, then Sean, who shrank back in his seat with embarrassment and finally Cyn's partner Jim, all in quick succession.

This was it- life, family and love.

His heart swelled for Julian, Sally, little smurfette, Cyn and Isabelle, everyone really. And anyone who had eyes could see that the big ole leery, usually testy, musician was overjoyed at the love that surrounded him was glowing bright.

****

Isabelle held her head up high on the far end of the line.

Stood outside after the ceremony, the sunshine dappled the sidewalk from the canopy trees that lined the street and clouds skipped haphazardly through the blue skies as the wedding party stood on the front steps of the building.

They were being hustled.

The photographer understanding the time restraints that came with celebrity...

That at any moment a crowd would form, after somehow catching wind of proceedings.

Everyone gathered, especially John, wanting and willing a smooth and timely shutter of memories to be taken before major chaos broke out around them.

Issy sighed wistfully.

Her daughter was now married, Sally was deliriously happy; a wonderful mother.

Grinning skywards Isabelle wished unending days of happiness for them, their new married family unit then she felt them... Lovely chubby digits, little fingers tapping both her cheeks and requesting undivided attention. Ivy blessed Issy a sweet toothless grin and Issy looked about for a witness to her grandchilds adorable ways; Isabelle and Johns eyes met, grins adorning their faces.

He was positioned just out of the photographer's frame. Both of them beaming at each other, glowing with happiness, for their offspring and the little one Isabelle held in her arms.

Sally drift over, gown so beautiful, swaying as she moved. She reached out to Ivy and Ivy went happily to her mummy. All three turned to face the photographer. Picture snapped of the three together.

Mother.

Daughter

Granddaughter.

Isabelle beamed, she couldn't help it. She was smiling through the wonder of it all. She didn't think she had ever smiled so much in her life and doubted that she could smile more, than she currently was, ever again. And that would be ok because her whole world was full of smiling beautiful people and she couldn't, nor wouldn't, ask for anything more.

"You look radiant, my beautiful in law" John offered quietly as he sidled up beside Issy. They could chat, couldn't they? In public...

They were a thing- right?

But they weren't like a thing thing, like a media knows thing.

Any moment now though and his, and her, personal life could be offered up to punters over tv dinners and tea, or possibly over a bowl of soggy cornies in the morn and then... then they would indeed, be a thing.

Well maybe not tv dinners, maybe hot cocoa while Letterman had a rib about Johns life or Carson tried, and failed, to be witty.

"You don't look too bad yourself... how does it feel to have a daughter?" Issy nudged him happily not watching his expression, her interest was in Julian and Sally kissing for another photo or two or three or four.

"How does it feel luv..... to have a new son, another teenage son, and a wanker"

A burst of laughter cut through the muted chatter surrounding them, Issy shoving a hand over her mouth in amusement.

He truly made her cherish their moments... every single moment he gave her. She turned her head toward the building standing behind them swiping tears of laughter from her eyes. "You're terrible" was uttered as she grinned at his cheekiness and when she turned back to him she questioned... "Have I ruined my mascara now!?"

John ran a gentle finger under her eye and sighed. She was then blessed with his trademark devilishly smirk. "No..." was whispered and in that private moment, a photograph was snapped.

They both swung around to have a go at the pap snapper, but there wasn't a hound in sight.

No, it was only Julian stood there, camera in guilty hand, shrugging with a humorous and eeriely similar smirk. "Caught on film Isabelle, no backing out now"

Isabelle watched Julian and Sally watching her and John. Amusement clearly dancing in their eyes. Before answering Jules, she waved two hands at Ivy who was waving frantically at Issy from her safe possie on her mother's hip. Issy smiled and returned her gaze to hold Johns ".... Who said I wanted t-"

"Uh oh, Time to go back inside dad" Julian took the steps two at a time to steal Johns attention off Isabelle " They're across the street"

"We've been made luv. Let's ditch this step for better digs" John tugged Issy behind him, fingers grasping her hand tight in their 'get away'.

"You need to stop watching Hill Street Blues, John"

"Alright but Cagney and Lacey is extremely lame"

"I think you need to stop watching television altogether!" Issy let herself be pulled along, his hand warm and secure, yet ready for him to offer up his next quirky retort.

"Well give me something to feast my eyes on nightly from six to midnight and I'll change channels for you!"

"I might just do that" Issy murmured a little flirty aside for Johns ears alone as they hit the top step.

John pulled up, slamming the brakes on his trek indoors... thinking it was a promising promise she offered back. "Yeah!?!"

"Yeah. I said you needed some colour in those walls of yours. I'll buy some artwork for you to feast on"

"You bloody tease"

"Arghhh!" Issy slipped out a gasp as John grabbed her to him in a hug and ran the length of the hall inside to the reception area.

The small group of attendees made their way back through the hall behind a noisy John and Issy. Back inside, behind closed doors, away from the medias prying insistent lens, to the discreet function room for prepared afternoon tea.

There, in the pretty room, they were greeted with a smattering of linen covered tables and lilac ribbon bows tied to chairs, and what seemed to be a million flowers adorning the tables.

Along one wall a loaded buffet table of savoury and sweet nibbles was sat, ready for the afternoon reception.

The few friends invited now mingled with the bridal party congratulating and toasting Sally and Julian and also finding out that John Lennon, the father of the groom, had his eye on the bride's mother. Which brought amusement to many....

The in laws were getting it on?!?

Cynthia, her partner Jim and Issy welcomed and thanked the guests as they moved around the room.

And John was John. Holding court as only a Beatle could.

Even with most of those present being acquaintances, the flock still gathered around the man. Somehow or other, he had Sally stood in front of him, well apart from husband, arms around her waist, chin on her shoulder. Julian conversely circled the room, fetched champagne for the thirsty and happily chased a tottering Ivy with an ever-present grin on his dial.

"Hey mum" Julian stood over Issy watching her intently. He had a way of delving deep with his eyes.

"Hey Jules"

"You don't look so hot"

"Thanks"

"Come on, sit down over here"

"It's been a right whirlwind of a few days Jules"

"You're telling me! You need to move closer to the big pip!"

"Hmmmm yeah I guess"

"Gee... you are unwell"

"Julian...." Issy warned the amused and sarcastic cheeky lad. She took a sip of water from the glass he pushed toward her. She sighed with eyes closed "That's better. I've been driving and driving it seems, never stopping"

"Well it's party time now- relax"

"Relax after getting back to the lake, that is"

"Well...dad can drive"

"I thought you wanted me to relax! Oh.. excuse me a minute, I need to go to the little girl's room"

**

Issy slumped into the seat beside Cynthia who was now totting her granddaughter after successfully offering the correct treat and being crowned favourite. "Are we there yet?"

"There where? You Americans and your 'humour' " Cyn eyed Issy as she laid her head back and closed her eyes " You look like a dogs breakfast. No offense"

"No offence- You brits and your 'humour'" Issy smiled as she opened her eyes then rolled them when she turned her head toward Cyn.

"I feel like I've eaten something dodgy"

"Johns growing on you. Dodgy's his word"

"A-huh.... What did I eat?"

"I'd say John but that's improper"

"Cyn! Arghh.. I'm going" Issy stood up with a grimace ".. to the bathroom again"

"Want me to come and offer you assorted humorous English jokes"

"No thank-you. Please don't. No. I couldn't ask that of you." Cyn went to stand " I'm joking. Sit back down Cyn"

**

"Isabelle?" The toilet door creaked open a foot and John poked his head into the entrance of the lady's loos "We have to stop meeting in toilets, Is" John teased as he spotted Isabelle sat perched on the vanity. Stepping closer his fears were well founded and definitely correct, Isabelle wasn't feeling well at all.

Staring him down, he stopped in his tracks, til she ceded, closed her eyes and leaned back against the mirror nodding slowly "I'm ok. Just give me a few minutes and I'll be right out"

What else was there to do but wander back out of the lady's bathroom where he garnered assorted amused stares from all and sundry. Sally and Julian were kept busy with friends but Cyn hovered and wanted to check on her friend.

"No Cyn. Leave her a bit yeah" John wanted to light a smoke. He was surprised when Cyn put a steadying hand on his shoulder. They had been better the two of them, not perfect by any means but better, amicable and able to be in the same vicinity and chat with each other when required. Isabelle had made him take the time to embrace what he had had with Cyn too.

Cyn continued to just pat his shoulder softly. Then hit him with "Is she sick of you, is that it?" Cyn giggled as John lifted his eyes heavenward. "What did you cook?"

"Nothing! Stop kidding 'bout would you. 'aven't had time to eat, let alone burn food"

"Issy's probably exhausted that's all. Go check her again..." Cyn levelled him with a stare "Or I will"

"Yes mum" John grinned and pressed a kiss on the back of her hand after removing it from his shoulder "I think we'll go straight up to the lake now. Be good to get her home in her own surroundings, yea... Do you want to follow us up or follow Jules?"

"I'll see what Jim says, he was looking glumly at the kitchen before, I think he wants to help cook.....So anything to keep him busy and away from the dreaded pots and pans would be excellent" Cynthia rescued her hand from John and walked away as John again broached the inside of the lady's bathroom.

"Hi beautiful"

"Umm she left about half an hour ago" Issy countered tiredly. John snuck in between Issy's thighs and leaned in to her, resting his head on her chest. "I just feel so drained" Groaning softly Issy sat her chin on Johns skull and felt his hands reach round to embrace her carefully round the middle.

"It's been the past few days Isabelle. It's all caught up on you, and when did you last eat properly?" John questioned, as he felt her soften and seemingly collapse on top of him.

John leaned back and took her in properly. From the foundation covering the dark rings under her eyes to the gaunt look to her cheeks. Isabelle was tired and needed a bloody decent meal.

"Let's go to the lake, Is" John leaned up and kissed her close beside her lips.
A sweet little peck, making her eyes light a little brighter. "I'll buy some takeaway, you can eat on the way"

Issy knocked her forehead lightly on Johns to try and wake herself from the slumber that threatened her.

What a day.

What a week!

"Alright. That sounds great actually"

**

John wouldn't let Isabelle out of his sight.

From the moment they stepped from the bathroom- boy was that photo worthy moment... that, coincidentally, Cyn happily managed to capture on her small camera as she grinned cheekily at the two of them- to the driveway of the lake house.

He drove the whole way reflecting about the disastrous yet salvaged week that was.

Issy was fast asleep, having fallen into an unconscious slumber clutching the empty food wrapper in her lap.

Had it only been this week....

Heather slash IT- Cyn and Issy's sorting of IT for me, my falling off the wagon in a drunken heap, Isabelle's midnight interlude, the midnight to dawn phone calls where I was being an extra big arse. All her driving to and fro to fix my stuff ups.

Bloody hell.

All of that would be enough on it's own but add it to the kid's wedding. Boom!

My damn dramas have done this... pushing Isabelle toward total meltdown, which hopefully is only tiredness.

Only tiredness... Hmmm, yes; If it was utter defeat at being about his person he'd have his work cut out for him.

And that would be a massive job what with the maelstrom that seems to engulf him so easily.

It had to get better, it had to...

****

Issy clutched the door handle and slowly slid out of the car. As she did so she let her gaze float over the three other vehicles littering the yard. The caterer had obviously been and gone as the refrigerator trailer was set in place.

The sleep had been wonderfully refreshing and her body didn't feel like it had. The trips to the loo in town at the mini reception had her dry retching and nauseous, an old act of hers that returned whenever she was tired and stressed.

"Feel better? You look it. How about you have another kip straight up now, and I'll tend the tribe?"

John was by her side moments after dragging on the park brake.

Tipping her chin, checking her eyes, smiling at seeing she was a little more alive and refreshed. Yes, much better than prior to the trip north.

"I better not. There's a ton of things to do and I definitely don't want to miss out on one single moment with Linda"

"Macca more like it" John grinned. Turning them both around John side hugged Issy's waist carefully and hip bumped her at his joke.

Pulling to a stop on the third step Issy spun toward John, cocked an eyebrow and blessed him with a smile a mile wide. ".... I've just about got you trained, why ever would I want to throw all that work away John!?"

"Glutton for punishment my dear. Glutton for punishment"

"I get enough punishment trying to keep up with you Lennon.... Do you ever stop making hassles for yourself, or me, come to think of it?" Issy was grinning but her message wasn't received in the way it was intended.

He didnt receive it like he did usually.

Usually they bantered well with their quick retorts and humour. Now, he took it personally. The whole trip was spent internalising the crap week that was. The massive arse he was. It all sat heavy on him inside, and now Isabelle had unwittingly feed his fears.

His previous happiness dissipated immediately upon hearing her utter the sentence, the veil of painful regret pulling over his features like clouds ruining a perfectly clear day. He was a hassle and a big one at that, all the crap that floated under his surface nipping at his mind as Issy's smile disappeared and she frowned.

"It was a joke- I didn't mean it like that John"

"No, I know the score. I'm sitting, and shitting, a pile of bullshit that grows ever higher"

"John, come on.."

"No, I know -I get it. Just... let's get this bloody show on the road, shall we?" John fled up the stairs two at a time and, as there were only six, he was in the door hollering like nothing on earth was wrong, seconds later.

Max and Ben ambled out to meet Iss as she walked across the verandah to the front door and the licks and wagging tails of welcome buoyed her slightly.

Alright John- time to get this show on the road...

Paul's beaming face lit up like a Christmas tree as Issy touched the screen door, Paul rushed to tug it open for her.

"Macca how the bloody hell are you, what's this suit and tails business. Where's the ol' top hat ya sod- very spiffy though" John bear hugged Paul from behind. Paul didn't have tails on but John embellished the moment for the stupendous grin he got as Paul did a U-turn from momentarily greeting Issy to meeting John instead.

They swung away toward the interior of the house and John throwing an arm over Pauls shoulder as did Paul, his. Both took off smiling widely.

Issy trailing behind, watching them with a grin. As if she was seeing a dream come to life before her very eyes. The grin amped up with bubbling mirth as Paul and John stood shoving each other happily, sizing the other up with joking laughter and steamrolling into Ringo and Georges' midst to create a wonderful, truly memorable, picture.

Like four pieces of a puzzle interlocking again to create harmony.

They belonged together and whether it was to make music or lend an ear or even visit more often, the feeling they belonged together, stood out to anyone that witnessed the reunion. Issy let the worry slip away. John had forgotten, or so it seemed, as soon as he took Paul into his embrace.

It was chaos, people seemed to be everywhere in what usually was an empty room. The dogs still persisted on the trail of attention and returned to sprawl about in the most inopportune spots on the floor and were very happy to be petted and spoiled with all the extra hands and titbits that came along with party food and guests.

A house full of laughter, of Beatles, reunions, hugs, kisses, amicable pushes and brotherly prods into stomachs as if one or the other had had second helpings at dinner for the last year or more. Linda engulfed Issy and her previous demeanour relaxed back into the shadows even further, the car rides sleep an elixir to both her soul and the exhaustion; finally fun could step to the fore.

Linda had a way about her, motherly and open, fingers curling around you to hug and grasp you lovingly close like a trusted sister, like your closest confidante. Issy felt her body's tension and stress melt away and watched John goof and fool with his mates like time had not passed them by and she forgot she had been ever so tired, forgot he had been upset and just woke herself to the fact that today was supposed to be perfect.

Somehow John was there right beside her again and the world paused and he asked for forgiveness with a quick squeeze of her hand and a fleeting smile. So very in tune she was with him now, that not a word was spoken but volumes said as Issy smiled softly back at him. They were wrapped together in a relative sense, in laws, parents of the newlyweds that had joined together in love and law, that very day.

"Look at you two. Mother of the bride and father of the groom, if I didn't know any better...." Linda trailed off with a tease.

Of course she didn't know anything, but with the way John was gazing at Issy sure as eggs it wouldn't be much longer before Linda was dragging Issy, plus Olivia and Barbara, into the kitchen to get 'all the goss'.

And that's just what she did...

"Ok spill. He looked like a love-struck mule in there" Linda poured Issy a white wine and handed the bottle to Olivia "Oh Liv and Barbara this is Issy or Isabelle, Sally's mum, Johns current squeeze"

"Linda!!" Issy shook her head shyly then let a smile overtake her features as she watched tiny bubbles rise and burst in the glass she clutched." What exactly does a 'love struck mule' look like anyway?"

Glasses filled and introductions made, Linda took Issy's hand "My dear, a love-struck mule looks like he would kick doors down to get to where, or who, he wanted. You doing the sexy darlin?"

"Lin! Please... have a drink and slow down the interrogation for my sanity's sake!" Issy tried to resist the blush that swept over her as she stood, for all intents and purposes, naked, unable to hide anywhere in front of these three women.

They waited, and watched her, as she let herself digest and internally smile at the way he made her feel, the way she wanted to feel always. Issy realised it was awfully quiet considering, and glanced up from her glass.

Barbara caught her eye immediately and teased with a smirk "Well? Are you?! Answer Linda's question!" Which made Issy's interrogators laugh all over again.

Her breath caught in her throat.
Swallowing hard, how much or how little was there to tell? "Geez. Look..... ask him. He's the one to be saying anything out there... publicly, right?" Issy countered hoping to deflect the intense attention "I mean if it got out and this was not public info he would go mental I would think"

"So, there is something going on" Linda smiled and caught Issy in a hug.

"I didn't say that"

"Oh, but you did sweets ... just a little back to front"

John has an innate ability to turn up at the most embarrassing of moments. It's what he would call a skill and what others would call bloody annoying.

"What's back to front? I didn't put those table cloths on upside-down did I? It was a long time ago now, when did I do that Monday? Tuesday? Gee was it Sunday- Iss?" The starring cast of Beatlemania trailed through the doorway behind John, all smiles, and interested in their surroundings "Isabelle, what's back to front, luv?"

"Oh, it's Isabelle not Issy then, very fancy" Linda raised a glass toward Iss and winked, Issy just groaned and waited.

John was destined to fall into Linda's trap. Linda smirked and sent Issy another overdone wink which included a complimentary head nod attached in case anyone missed that it was indeed an overdone wink...

"And, he's been here before ... helping" the inverted commas around 'helping' as Linda's glass became part of the dance of her fingers in mid-air had Issy instantly harrumphing and she nearly spilt her drink. "I'm upset though.... I've heard nothing, nothing Isabelle"

Olivia and Barbara watched on with laughter dancing brightly in their eyes and, as George and Ringo shifted position from the doorway into the room squeezing past John and Paul, Issy reddened a tad more with every word Linda spoke.

On Linda's side of thinking ... she felt both hilariously happy at the joking but she was worried at the same time; Had she stepped into something that wasn't broadcast news, even to the inner circle.

John shook his head 'women.'

He wasn't sure what was going on but Issy looked happy, sort of, well it was better than the exhausted girl she was in the car minutes before "Anyway the tablecloths are the same colour either side so I'm not bothered with some tag poking out ..."

He clapped his hands together "Right! as I was going to say.... Isabelle this is Richie- Ringo to his fans and haters alike. George 'the quiet one- my arse but there you go monikers stick' Harrison and, you know your darling Macca, of course. Lad's meet Isabelle, Sally's mum and and......" John paused in his speech. Linda was hung on to every single word as Paul gave Issy a quick peck on the cheek and hug hello "My mother in law, well not that, not my mum in law. My in law. Yea in law Isa-"

John ceased talking and did a quick scan of the faces then gazed at Issy and suddenly the clouds parted, he finally realised what Linda had been prattling on about.

Issy was clamped shut, a line for her lips...

So... Linda had been digging and ever the worrier of his Beatle-y reputation Issy had been keeping mum on the two of them.

That moment, right there, had been his. His cue to unload but he didn't.

No, instead, his idiot self had him lumping her in the 'in law' position in his life, when he knew truly she was, and is, worth so much more to him.

"Can I re-word all of that" John grinned somewhat worriedly as Issy watched the bubbles in her glass. He had made a right cocking mess up of things again.

"I'm going to go get the canape's and a few nibbles for everyone" Issy smiled, ever the trooper, and fled through the balcony door to find the catering trailer near the side of the house, right where she had requested it parked.

"Crap.... Geez Lennon strikes again hey" John winced when the screen door slammed and he sat himself down on the vacated stool Issy had fled from, feeling like a big tool. "She was staying mum wasn't she, and not my mum"

"Yes, but obviously she isn't just 'mum in law', now is she... Off you go, pick your foot out of your mouth and go get her back in here" Olivia's softly spoken words hit like a ton of bricks.

John stood then sat back down, rubbing his hair to a mess, his face scrubbed with tired limbs, he then groaned out."What a fucking week"

"So, fix it. If she means something to you, fix it" Paul pointed at the screen door. Issy must have been sat inside the portable trailer hunkered down not bothering to return with the promised food. "Go on mate"

"Come on, out of there Isabelle" John stood on the bottom step of three, rickety aluminum steps watching on as Issy blatantly ignored his arrival. Her eyes directed away, roaming over the many shelves of assorted pre- prepared foods ready to pop in the oven "You'll freeze if you stay in there too long luv"

"Just give me a minute John.... I'm, I'm alright" Issy grabbed a few trays of this and that, pushing them at John for him to lug inside "160 degrees, fifteen minutes"

"I'll not go in til you do darlin"

"Don't be dumb they're your friends, your mates. Go on, entertain" Issy picked and chose another three trays then placed them all back on the shelf again.

She was a mess of unknowing, of silly thoughts of fairytales, love and even whimsical fairies. Bloody fairies dancing and skipping along glittery mossy green forest paths and singing while angels fluttered shooting stupid golden arrows, no that's cupid isn't it, anyway stupid stupid cupid arrows.

Nope nothing but silliness and stupidity on her account she decided silently as she tinkered with the temperature knob without actually altering it a single degree of the large mobile fridge unit.

She stood mutely, biting her lip, checking every tray of food without ever seeing them, wanting time to-

"Get out of the bloody trailer and get inside Isabelle"

Issy paused in her unseeing search of the sea of incredibly well made little yummy delicacies, turned and shot John daggers. She stood and crossed her arms, prepared to wait for him to conclude his ordering of her person, about.

But then, she changed tack and let loose instead.

"Don't you talk to me like that, John Lennon. If I want to stay in here the rest of the afternoon I will!" Issy jumped down beside John, immediately negating her claim of staying in the trailer all afternoon.

She walked a step or two away from him and busied herself by gazing off toward the lake. Watching the cats tentatively scuttle from the jetty up the bank toward the back door. Obviously kittycat dinnertime was of more importance than staying well away from scary strangers.

Issy sighed, making John, who was stood watching her reflecting silently, speak up.

"Look I'm sorry I said that in there. I thought... I just thought dumb alright. The truth is I haven't a name for us. Girlfriend- it sounds like I'm a pimply fucking teenager. You're more than that Isabelle. Partner- is that what we are? I don't know the right words, Isabelle help me out here"

"Mine... John. Am I yours?"

Issy walked off leaving John to digest her comment and question, guessing she was right. It was pretty simple really and there was no need for a bevy of questions or surveys nor need for weights and scales of conflicting argument.

He was indeed hers, she his. It wasn't a moniker as such but it was the simple truth. She had him good and proper, his head and heart hurt less when she was about. Never stressed -except maybe presently, never depressed, not anymore.

And yes, she was his, in his heart. And she was his torch, shining ahead ready for the next adventure that he would offer to take with her.

His life- which was a spectrum of guessing games of varied opportunities, spectacles, madman's creation with the odd headache of hysteria thrown in for good measure and, definitely, not to forget, a touch of lunacy for the added thrill.

Nothing was like before; When all the days seemed to meld, deathly pale and rotten, into one jumbled mess. Now John craved and yearned for every day ahead.

I'll probably be her bloody Achilles heel but what can I say, I'm memorable like that.

John shook his head clear then followed the path back around the corner toward the overflowing kitchen, opening the screen door expecting all eyes on himself but instead found out he was well and truly (thankfully) forgotten.

Placing the trays on the bench he took in the scene before him. Taking her countenance in, her smile. She was stood only a pace or two away, totally engrossed; stifling laughter behind her hand, as sordid tales of his yesteryear were divulged by a delighted Richie and George. Both always at the ready to inject even more venom and yards of mayhem into the already tall tales of one John Winston Lennon.

"Don't go tarnishing my name Starr" Moving around Linda and Olivia, John proceeded to take over the kitchen, he was quickly popping the trays in the oven to heat and fetching another few drinks from the fridge for the guests, lemonade for himself. And he had to smile as he watched her delightfully engaged again.

Issy covered her mouth in mirth and her eyes grew wide at the story Ringo was now recounting loudly, with mighty chiming embellishments, dropped eagerly in, by George.

"George you too..... Dropping more disgusting details than necessary for Isabelle's innocent ears. Would you stop it the both of ya, she thinks I'm a bloody saint!"

"Yeah o' holy Saint John" Issy teased back rolling her eyes merrily at the thought, Paul grasped her shoulder gently so she didn't spin suddenly into him as he leaned to hand her another glass of bubbly.

Johns face was a priceless sight of indignation to all in the room. Linda scoffed teasingly at his words, as she perused and selected a few crackers from the rustic timber board that overflowed with dips, soft and hard cheese, dried fruits and the biscuits.

Her kitchen was overflowing with people, the kitchen chairs and stools full, Beatles leaning on kitchen counters, wives all nibbling on pieces of fruit and cheese. "Why are we all squished in the kitchen when there's a whole back garden set up for you all!?"

"Well, we need to eat and you are not standing in here all alone cooking Isabelle" John pushed off from the sink, taking Issy's hand and with his other, cupped her cheek. A thumb stroking her skin then a kiss, sweet and cherishing lingered slowly on her lips. His lips stayed close, hovering so close over her own and he kissed her with everything he had again.

With a quiet sigh of enjoyment John moved a step backwards, his lips breaking free somewhat reluctantly; yet he needed to speak ".... They can see I adore ya, Isabelle"

"Actually John, it was your mooning face that told me of the goings on between the pair of you in the first place..." Linda spoke up as the others shook their heads in agreement "It's good, I think you two are ok together. You see Rich, George .... once you find the real Issy, sorry Isabelle.... The one without her rose coloured Beatle fangirl glasses on" Issy grimaced at Linda's dobbing in of her adoration "...you will find a very clever, witty and strong lady"

"Oh yeah I'm totally whipped. See, cooking and everything for my girl"

Issy smiled appreciatively at John's teasing... and calling her my girl, had her heart bursting in her chest.

It was well and truly enough to know that, in front of all these people, all these important people in his life, she was the one he kissed, said 'my girl' softly to and even proclaiming he adored her.

And the way his eyes rest on hers possessively, had her toes curling in wonderful satisfaction. She could hardly wait for the clock to race forward to every future midnight rendezvous of their life.

She wanted a future now. Perhaps even start a new life outside of this beautiful sanctuary of hers at the lake. If John was opening up to her, anything was possible.

She stepped forward, hugging John, kissing his jaw, squeezing him and checking the oven temperature all in one movement; making John cackle with amusement.

"Very organised. I like that you have the food checking on the list of 'to do's' Issy" George smiled and Issy was entranced to see the younger Beatle looking so like his younger self "Issy sounds like a gnat though, don't you think"

Olivia pulled the oven mitt from Iss and flicked Georges arm then she was moving Iss gently aside to check the oven contents herself.

Paul and Linda gave George a jovial telling off while Richie and Barbara laughed, shaking their heads in agreement. Olivia all the while stood in the background rolling her eyes while sorting goodies to platters so they could adjourn to the grassed area by the gypsy wagons.

"See that's what I told Isabelle! Exactly what I said, Geo" John spun and caught Issy encasing her in a bear hug from behind after she tried flicking her tea towel at his leg "No damaging the goods luv. Come on out of the bloody kitchen everyone, we have major partying to undertake"