It was closing in on midnight and the lake wedding reception was a success.

With Julian, Sally and Ivy eventually arriving late in the afternoon the evening tumbled along splendidly AND with not one photographer or reporter in sight. They had definitely chosen the right place to hold the celebrations.

"John, please stop pinching me" Issy whispered close to his ear, they were only light but he had been trying to get her attention for a while now and Issy had been having way too much fun being a dotting nana and, John noted, an impeccable host to the guests. He leaned over her shoulder as she sat on the grass beside Olivia.

"There's a full moon Isabelle" John gazed up at the sky whispering quietly, he was buggered and couldn't see how everyone else was still firing on all cylinders. He had watched Isabelle slowly but surely relax into her natural state. Beautiful, sassy and smart. And that dress, the palest whisper of peach with lace, fitted her curves, made him think terribly inappropriate thoughts while she held their grandchild.

"Hmmm? What? Hold on I'm just talking to Olivia about their gardens"

"Isabelle..."

"OK, Ok. Sorry Olivia excuse me while I see what's up with his royal impoliteness. What John?" Issy grinned at the look she got, John was earning a few titters from the group as well. "Sorry John.... what can I assist you with?" More demure cackles could be heard around them, but Issy was frozen. John had a look in his eye she wanted to see way more often. Tenderness, want and happiness shone from him, all for her. Making her body hum and warm, under his watchful gaze.

"Full moon" He pointed skyward just in case she still didn't get his words meaning.

"Isabelle is that code for something, luv? Or does he have a howling fetish we are only just learning about?" Paul sniggered and John levelled a stare down on Paul as the boys repositioned closer to the pair. Right beside Olivia and Linda on the lawn. Everybody had been sprawled on rugs and cushions scattered around the fire, now they huddled on one side in a jovial group.

"It's nothing"

"Nothing!" John tore his gaze from Isabelle and faced the couples around them. "We swim you see, on a full moon..... Very nice in the lake under a full moon" John rattled on while Issy smacked his arm to close his lips tight.

"Oh yeah, I bet it's very nice" George laughed like a hormone filled high schooler at the look on Issy's face; his reckoning leaning toward them being very naughty in the midnight hour, so close to the truth "Alright I'm game. I feel like a dunk, how about it. Everyone up for a midnight swim?"

"Skinny dip!" Ringo offered up happily.

"No. I don't want to see your bits and pieces thank-you very much" Linda retorted, beating Olivia to the retort. The two high fiving each other while laughing at Richy's sombre face, although he recovered quickly.

"Why.... don't want to see what you're missing out on luv?" He tossed back.

The lively banter was electric and fun, very, very fast... and so teasing, cheeky and daringly sordid. Issy had often held hands over her face to recover from the shock of someone's outlandish words. She wasn't a prude by any inch of the word but seeing her idols talk like scouser's and pit miners was so much to take in. And all of them in one go ..... Three more boys piling wit on top of Johns wicked ways!

"Hold on, before everyone strips! Which- newsflash! I definitely do not want to see..." Julian pulled Sally up beside him "Come see us off, we need to head back to town to catch the morning flight out"

"Awwww, don't ya want to see your dads crown jewels?"

"Arrr no" Julian returned with a puzzled frown "Why would I want to see all you old boys' shrivelled tackle and wrinkled bodies"

"Take that back!"

"No. Definitely and unequivocally not! ... Come on.. see us off then you can all play 'fish'" Julian laughed and kissed both Cynthia and Issy, his sweet kisses goodbye earning motherly hugs and bouniful kisses back.

Sally worked the group saying goodbyes from the other end of the party, and as they went to pass each other they stalled in the middle, the kisses and hugs for the guests forgotten for a minute or two, making uncles and aunties, and mums and dad, laugh and sigh.

Reluctantly breaking apart they continued to the end of their respective line of family. Sally felt tears pooling, it was silly and beautiful at the same time. "You look after my mum John"

"Surely will do my dear brand spanking new daughter; I surely will"

With a rush Sally embraced John tight, her mum was happy and it was his doing. "I know you will" She whispered and then, she was being torn from his arms by Cyn and Issy with laughter and happy tears dancing in their eyes. Sally grasped them both closely to her "I love you both so, so much. Have fun tonight, watch out for the piranhas"

"Hey! Isabelle said there wasn't any piranhas! Iss?!?!?"

"See what you've started Sal! Off you go, have a lovely vacation you two"

"We will" Julian tugged, then grappled, and finally managed to dislodge Sally, from the two mums embrace.

"We'll follow you in a few minutes Julian, Sal" Cynthia leaned in the backseat and tightened Ivy's straps on as she sat sleepily in her car seat and stood up to talk over the car to Issy "You don't mind, do you? Jim's a bit unsure of the roads"

"You can stay if you like, plenty of room you know"

"I know but we would still be driving rather blindly in the morning. I'd really rather follow Julian and Sally"

John snuck up behind Cyn and hugged her tight "You drive safe yea" Issy rounded the car, tearing Cyn out of Johns grasp and embracing her tightly.

"Will I see you before you head back to the UK?"

"Of course you will. Give me a ring at the apartment in a few days" Cyn managed to shut Julian's car door and step back into Issy's arms again "We need some more of the chocolate souffle before I leave!"

Motors hummed to life and everyone stood around wanting to wave final farewells, biding Cynthia and Jim a safe trip and wishing the newlyweds a wonderful honeymoon. The many miles to travel to both New York and wherever Jules had planned for the honeymoon stretching in front of them.

Hands rose as if disembodied from car windows as they began their long drive homeward, and, for Julian, Ivy and Sally, their future journey in marriage.

Waving goodbye and being hugged close to John Issy felt bereft and content all in one beautiful moment. Julian and Sally had done it- married, baby, new life- all wonderful adventures and excitement to come.

"Happy luv?" John squeezed Issy to his side and glanced at her features in the dim light that shone over the driveway from the verandah. Watching the emotion flood over her face as she continued waving until the tail lights completely disappeared from view. Her eyes shimmered as she nodded fervently "Hey there, no tears, this is wonderful. Even if I stuff up with you.... You're still stuck having to be nice to me at all future family gatherings" His teasing perked her up, making Issy bite out a quick laugh and he was handsomely rewarded with a light swat to his backside. "Cheeky!"

With everyone slowly meandering inside the house ahead of them Issy met Johns lips and hugged him close. "I'd ban you from all occasions sweetie"

"No doubt you would and Jules would enforce the bloody outrageous rule too" He grinned down at her, running his fingers through the wisps of her hair around her face "You're beautiful in the moonlight you know that. Even with big fat sentimental tears brimming in those eyes of yours. You. Are. Gorgeous"

"Stop it" Issy wiped her eyes dry ".... I. Am. Not. Skinny dipping" Issy smirked back happily and pulled him toward the house, pulled him toward the lake where she would swim in the moonlight and let her daughter go; and get on living her brand new life.

"We'll see about that..."

****

With blinking fairy lights brightening the way, a stream of guests carefully found their footing as they wandered down the path to reach the serenity of the lake. Everyone, it was deemed, was going to have a dip in the black as ink waters.

Because this was his second home, John led the charge, running down the entire length of the jetty and tossing himself into the lake like the loveable lunatic he is. The splash so quick, the visitors were caught unaware of what he was doing. The girls screamed a burst of incredulous laughter then, towels fell to the wayside and a jettison of bodies, off the jetty, occurred.

Issy stood back watching the lake ripple and pitch, laughter on her lips. So wonderful it was to share a special place that meant so much to her, and now John. Everyone was chattering, enjoying themselves.

Splashing, smiling, giggling, all so happy.

She had put her foot down and made him stay fully clothed. John, of course, had wanted to scare the girls and shine on in all his glory but Issy said she didn't want to share him and he should keep all his skin for only her. Begrudgingly he did as he was told.

Tomorrow they would hike to the ridge and see the glory of the area from the high peak but, for now, as laughter rippled around her ears, Issy found John metres out from the jetty, waiting; Watching her eyes roam over the moonlit masterpiece.

"Come on Isabelle, you're missing all the fun" George duck dived and spluttered up beside Paul making him squawk in fright.

"Geezz George, lay off, watch the ole ticker kid" Was heard in echo-like fashion around the natural bay. Bobbing about to the left of jetty they splashed Olivia and Linda, while keeping an eye on everyone else splashing and cackling metres away. John was off bobbing in his own self-made ripples at the very end of the jetty.

Oh, there she goes" Paul quietened as the others turned and watched Issy pause at the end of the jetty. For a moment she stood perfectly still then raised her arm, saluted John then made a perfect dive, not a ripple appearing until she surfaced beside him. John grinned sweeping her up to him and Issy embraced him tightly. "They got it bad, tis good yeah"

"Very. Let them snog for a bit then I'll race you to see who makes Lennon scream like a lass first, ok?" Richie poked Paul then George with his finger to get a shake of their heads in agreement.

"Leave them be. Aww isn't it pretty" Linda watched the two hold each other, chatting quietly then Issy laid her head on Johns shoulder, his hand stroking her back. It was too much for Linda, she had to send them off to complete the prank "Off you go, I want to hear John scream like a teenage girl too"

Three friends, long overdue for a bit of a prank on Winston, ducked under the dark water and tried to emerge as close as possible to the pair as they floated together quietly. Issy with her eyes closed and John facing away gazing out over the centre of the lake.

It was easier than Paul and the boys thought it would be. With Johns back turned, they set upon their target making both John and Issy scream blue murder then curse them, all while holding hands over hearts that were pounding outrageously fast. Spluttering with laughter they all continued the silly antics. Diving and splashing and star watching too.

It felt like hours that they spent laughing and splashing each other in the penumbra touched waters. From spaced out couples kissing, the group slowly closed in; huddling together in the water, still chatting but every couple was slowly succumbing to the chill and shivers appeared.

It was time to leave the lake.

Wet foot prints danced over the deck, fingers clung to towels dusting bodies, all trying to dry a tad before wreaking havoc on Issys timber floors.

Two at a time they hit the showers as Isabelle and John made gallons of hot chocolate to finish the night. Issy fetched a box of assorted chocolates, two whooping big bags of lollies and a mountain of marshmallows to spread over a large silver tray, setting it on the table with a fresh lot of cheese, crackers and moreish dried fruit.

Midnight snacks never looked so good.

"You're absolutely freezing girl" John cuddled Issy to his side as he stirred the chocolate laden drinks and kissed her brow when he finished "I'll leave our milk on the stove on low and I've poured the rest in the pitcher. Shower first yea?"

"Ahuhhhh" She couldn't get much more out as her teeth had started chattering "Yeppp Showw-er"

"Come on, those slow buggers upstairs should be done by now" John took Issy by the hand and led her to the main bathroom on the second floor, only pausing in the journey to point George and Olivia in the direction of the kitchen, and food. As they arrived at Issy's bedroom door, the bathroom opened, Paul and Linda appeared from within with a blast of misty hot steam.

"Drinks and eats sorted downstairs. We're freezing so we'll warm up, then come back down and join you" John walked Paul and Linda to the top of the stairs then strolled back to Iss rubbing his hands together. With a devious grin he scooped a still shivering Isabelle up and walked into the steamy room, closing the door behind them with his heel. His fingers relaxed and she slid down his body, and before she knew what was happening, he was pushing her back against the door. "Alone at last"

*** naughty bit ahead!***

"G- guestss dowwnstairss" She ducked under his arm with a coy smile, quickly turning on the hot water and adjusting the setting. Issy got straight in under the lovely hot water in her swimmers then started peeling them down. John was on her in seconds to assist and then some but also managed to enjoy the flow warming up his own body. His fingers teased and taunted her quickly "Stop it ohhhh Johnnnn please they're all waiting. Won't they ...knowwww?. Ohhhh god John, they will be wondering- ohhh John, no fair"

John wasn't bothered. All the lads, and he, knew the score. Each having a hefty bank of memories of one sort or the other when it came to a mate spending a little more time in the shower, or anywhere else for that matter, with a beautiful woman.

Isabelle moaned and John was blessed with her face tipping back showing him how much she did indeed like him touching her. Her lips parted. So responsive to his touch as he helped her blossom. He captured her lips then he began touching her deeper. She moaned as the sweet ache built, pressing shower drenched kisses along his skin to finally leave a soft pleasurable bite on his shoulder.

"That's. Johnn-. Guessts. Later. Ohhhhh god, fuck John" Issy was part of him now. She felt the slippery tiles against her back and hand, that had been half-hearted pushing him away, soon held his shoulder firm, the fingers of her other hand, gripped hard to his scalp.

"Issss" John ground out, over and over in a chant, his lips gently brushing her ear. Then, relishing the moment he bit down on her earlobe with perfect precision. He made her forget everything bar him, under the water that cascaded down over them. "Issss, Isabelle, darlin, yesss"

It wasn't long before they were at the height of their sexual gratification; feeding off each other and tangled tight in embrace.

She had been more than aware of his urgency down at the lake, the way he pressed against her, showing her his eagerness and want and she hadn't stopped him. No, she only surreptitiously urged him on, rolling her own hips over him under the cover of the inky liquid they were submerged in. They were last out of the lake in the end, having to take a moment to compose themselves, well John did anyway.

"I'm... Arhggghhh Johnyesss" Isabelle fell into the abyss as John let himself drive home one final time and follow her over. His hair matted and dark from the drenching, heaving lungful's of oxygen as Issy managed to flick the taps off and clutch him to her so she didn't collapse as her limbs struggled to recover.

The water heater was well and truly empty. Issy wiped the moisture from his closed eyes as he continued to hold her pressed against the tile wall. Together, one, they panted. His forehead touching hers.

"I'm never showering alone again" John littered kisses over her lips as the droplets of water fell from her hair "Isabelle?" She was quiet in his arms, placid; calm even.

"Hmmm" Looking up into his eyes she blessed him an extremely sexy lazy smile "Never alone?"

"Never alone again luv"

****

Wolf whistles and applause greeted them as they descended the stairs holding hands, John leading Issy into the laughter and embrace of the wild bunch of Beatle family.

He let go, leaving her to watch from the third step. He stood grinning ear to ear, that smug bastard grin of his, bowing time and time again and tipping an imaginary hat to the crowd that watched on, all baying with innuendos and laughter. Issy giggling at the sight.

Returning to the outdoors they snuggled, all bundled and bound in blankets dragged from beds. Sleep impossible. This was a resurrection of friendships, easier times, simpler days, all-nighters in Hamburg, laughs, naughtiness, pranks and tales of boys that were wet behind the ears and men they became as the world watched on, fascinated in every part of them.

"...Do you have any more vet books Issy? Stell, Mary and Heather are chomping at the bit to read another. That reminds me. Paul.." Linda called out but Paul was busy laughing at George and Richie wrestling on the damp lawn "Paul!"

"What!!" A sheepish Paul spun around in a heartbeat his endearing pout appearing "Sorry darl. What would my princess like?"

"Your undivided attention but I can see that's not about to happen so I'll take a millisecond of your time instead, please" Linda smiled softly and lift her ever-present camera up to her eye, the firelight flickered over the scene as the boys wrestled. John stood talking and arguing about memories, not recalled exactly the same, as they tumbled, and Paul smiled happily with having his brothers all together again; Paul turned back to the banter

"Paul"

"Sorry sweets" Paul stepped away from the lads and moved closer to the girls "Now shift over and let me cuddle the pair of ya" Issy and Linda had migrated toward the fire and each other, the blankets firmly wrapped around their bodies. Paul shuffled his way in to be seated and squished between the pair of friends. "Yes, my love?" Kissing Linda then placing a kiss on Issy's cheek. Paul laughed and nudged her as she blushed "It's alright luv, I won't tell Lennon I'm still the fav"

"Paul, when you stop flirting with Johns squeeze, can you remind me to get the girls letters and draft stories from the car for Iss" Linda shoved Paul toward Issy and Isabelle found herself flattened on the lawn.

"Linda, can't you see I'm busy....." Paul grinned, he was enjoying this, in his peripheral vision he had caught sight of John watching them, steam seemed to be rising from his ears. Paul, ever the pusher of John's buttons, found Issys' neck and blew a quiet raspberry upon it.......

Not realising what was going on Issy was struck dumb. A real live Beatle was nuzzling her neck as he laid flopped all over her. Of course, John was a Beatle but in that moment in the firelight and darkness Issy realised that John was, well, John. Just John to her, mere mortal with no more hold over his life than the rest of us. She grasped Pauls hair and lifted him up to see amusement dancing all over his face. Paul nodded toward John and realisation dawned, Issy now understood what Paul was playing at.

"Paul!" Issy yelped and shoved and flailed about, all the while fighting a flop of body, heavy all over hers. Pauls cackling and tickling to antagonise her wasn't helping her crusade one bit "Paul! Paul, pleas-"

John made his way over to see exactly what the ruckus was about, deciding to imitate a teenage girl in the process "Paul, oh Paul, please don't stop. Oh Paul!!!" His own voice took hold and continued "Oh I see it all now Isabelle. One Beatle not enough for you then?" John stood with arms crossed and a belly laugh erupted from him at the face she made. Lifting a smirking Paul to his feet John dusted him off, grasping his shoulder not to run away just yet, he hadn't finished "Want me to duff 'im up me luv. Save your honour and virtue??"

Linda began, giggles bubbling up. Then Issy caught them. Olivia and Barbara started next to round out the girls cackles of laughter.

Uncontrolled and falling all over the place with too much wine in their belly's and not enough sleep, they giggled wildly on.

"Ok Ok! Calm the bollocks down I've found pornographic material in the downstairs loo" George reported from under the porch light "It's well thumbed" George smirked as he reported its condition to all and sundry.

John ran over to save the manuscript. He'd absconded with the draft of book five days earlier and, while hiding in the office from Isabelle, he thought over suitable hiding spots for it. She was always jumping out on him, scaring the crap out of him so he was going to hide under her desk to return the compliment.

She never came, decided to bake a bloody cake instead, didn't she.

Issy hadn't exactly known he was still in possession of the pages and especially didn't know he had been reading it while he was supposed to be hanging the washing out.

And because he had read those pages, he wanted a little more out of Isabelle than a few measley kisses.

She had been three quarters done with rehashing the chapter and every time she went to type more John played the sexy card to take her to bed instead, the things he had to do to survive.

"Olivia- trailer. Flat on yer back- stat!" George lifted the ten or so pages above his head to stop John swiping it back into his own possession.

"Give me the bloody paperwork George" Reaching full height wasn't working, there was nary a millimetre between the pair but Georges arms seemed a mile longer as he waved the pages in the air, one single sheet escaped and Issy grabbed it in her hand, quickly glancing over the words.

Her eyes blew wide, it was indeed pornographic and seeing George throw his hands high, full of all those words she had written, was cringe worthy and mildly nauseating.

She didn't want anyone finding out like this, at her daughter's wedding reception for crying out loud. Issy thanked the late hour for Sally's absence, one small saving grace in this total embarrassment.

"Give it to me George" Issys' voice brought the two men to an immediate standstill, John had never heard that voice before. He gazed guiltily at George as Issy hovered behind his back. The barely concealed quiver of her voice was teetering on erupting in flames of anger and combusting on the spot embarrassment. "Now George"

John grabbed the papers, now scrunched and slightly bedraggled, from George. George hadn't the foggiest what he was in the middle of but knew John was worried by the look in his eye and the speedy collection, and retention, of said documents.

Handing them over, John tried to read her.

Her face was stilted, the flames of the fire lighting one side highlighting the panic of being found out when she wasn't ready. Isabelle walked inside.

Everyone spoke at once.

George hastily interrogated by Paul and Richy to the papers exact contents, John attacked from all sides by the women.

An upstairs light flickered on and Linda went toward her friend.

"Knock, knock. Hi huny" Linda passed over the threshold of the office doorway and went to sit on the corner of the desk, Issy was frozen with fingers sitting on the typewriter keys, paperless and silent she bowed her head wondering what Linda would think of her.

"Soooo. Stella and Mary were wondering if you could do a story about Jet, you remember Jet don't you? Of course you do he was your shadow the entire time you were visiting, knows a lovely dog lover when he see-"

"I write sexy, mildly erotic, romance novels" She blurted out and Linda burst out laughing.

"You what?"

"I write-"

"I heard you... you little minx you.... And you didn't see fit to send me, the most open woman in the Scotland, perhaps even the world, a copy. Poor form Is, poor form!" Linda leaned comically over to the side, over the typewriter keys and looked up at Issy as she stared down at the, now covered with blonde hair, keys

"Oh come on! These are the times girl. Sexual liberation, women's lib. I can't believe it- You're a trailblazer!" Linda grinned and got a small smirk from Issy. She'd never really thought of it like that, bra burning and woman reading and saying, what they want.

"I guess so" Perplexed at the nonplussed way Linda was taking in her secrets Issy sat up a little straighter and handed over the pages, they were all out of order.
Thanks very much George!!

Linda read quietly for a few minutes then, when finished, began fanning herself with the pages 'cooling' herself down. "Wowsers girl. High five!" Linda raised her hand and got a pretty firm high five in return plus a giggle. Issy was back. "Sooooo I need back issues and any and all new releases on day of publish- got it?!"

"Yes mam"

"Good, now let's go and tell the plonker's you're a bloody adult sexy fiction writer!"

"You're sure?"

"What about?"

"About telling them... all"

"Isabelle, we're married or snogging Beatles and they're ... well the boys are Beatles!... This is chicken feed my dear" Linda paused at the top of the stairs, holding Issy's arm "I'm not saying this is kid's stuff Iss. All I'm saying is.. We are the most open group around with this sort of thing and you shouldn't worry"

"Thanks Lin. You've kicked my butt beautifully"

"I have?"

"Yes, I just have been so worried about what everyone and their aunt would think"

"Look you're goi-"

"Hold that thought!" Issy rushed back up the stairs into the office, slamming drawers open and shut, left, right and centre til she found what she was searching for "I forgot I had this! I haven't shown John yet"

"Oh, you won an award! That's supa cool. Congrats babe" Linda kissed Issy's cheek and skipped down the stairs, followed by a much happier Isabelle.

Linda paused before opening the backdoor "Look Iss... there will always be frowners and downers. It's up to you to stick with the smilers and high fivers!"

Linda grinned madly as she shook Issy basically to tell her that she had surprised even the unsurprisable Lin. Taking hold of Issy's hand they burst out the back door arm in arm, Issy was definitely much more relaxed about her novels. In moments Linda had them back into the midst of their loved ones grinning and laughing.

"Give me that! Here half each" Barbara held out her hand then passed Olivia half of the pages, Issy exhaled it was as if she hadn't taken a breath in years. Her hold over her secret loosening in the safety of their midst and this, of course, would be good! Feedback, comments, suggestions to help with shaping future novels.

"No way!!" Barbara glanced up from reading by the firelight and blinked repeatedly trying to digest what she was reading, Barbara dropped her head to read a little more..... to be doubly sure "You! You are Giselle! You are aren't you! Oh my goodness, this is wonderful!"

"Looks like you've a fan luv" John whispered in her ear, his arms laced her waist and chin sat on her shoulder watching this secret of Isabelle's unfold before them both.

He had definitely been threatened with dismemberment as she strode past him, papers grasped tight, disappearing into the house. Her eyes burning and dangerously ready to laser him again. Then Linda.

Linda seemed to have that same calming effect on Iss as she had on Paul. The nurturing side of the woman that had readily bored him to fucking tears in the early days had saved Issy from a multitude of worries of her self image in company.

Issy grinned shyly at Barbara. Barbara Bach knew her name, even recognised her writing style in those few passages that she digested hastily. Note to self- do I need to change styles? Go out on a limb with the characters more? If Barbara recognises my writing, do others too? Nodding when Linda held out her hand for Issy to come into the circle of women, Issy pulled herself free from John and sat next to the girls, biting her lip in trepidation and excitement.

"All alone I am, cast off to the oceans of grass. Cast to the side for her legions of fans" John paused and drew himself taller "I'll have you know I'm the basis of every sexy arsed male character herein and have legal right over any and all adulation and exclamations made over my novels likeness and prowess"

"Run for your life... Lennon's bragging about being a limp dick in a fairy tale. No offense Isabelle" Paul grinned smugly as Issy laughed; she wasn't  listening to either him or John go on like teenage idiots, she was totally engrossed in the women's comments.

No, instead, she concentrated on listening to the women around her ask a multitude of girly questions and praise her writing. Paul decided to stir things up a tad and proceeded to push John, who was ready to trample him down anyway. John lurched into George and the collision had Paul and Richy amused as they watched another mock wrestling match get underway.....