The holiday was almost at an end so we all enjoyed the last evening. A barbecue under the million stars that shone in the clear sky. The fire pit in the backyard blazing and crackling sending sparkles towards the heavens. With the children chasing about and running laps of the house, the cattle dogs were enjoying the romp too.

"Sam, come for a walk with me." John pulled me up and we wandered down the drive as if to leave the property.

"Can't walk all the way to New York you know" I hugged his arm and leaned against his body.

"You can stay you know; Here" Pointing back to my parents, the hills and paddocks, John swept his hand around.

"Oh ok...." Suddenly I wasn't sure of us. Was this the end, had I read the moments all wrong, missed my cues? I walked away from him a little further down the road.

"Sam, wait up." He caught my arm. I pulled away slightly enough for him to realise I was upset "Sam, I didn't mean I want you to stay..."

"So explain what you do want" I was pacing slowly, the dust lifting as my feet turned in the dirt.

"Only if you explain too" He grabbed me in one quick action, stopping me from tearing up the dirt.

"John" He held me so close I felt his breathe on my neck though he didn't move to close the gap completely. Lifting my face to his I stared into my soul, he was so good at reading me, it was scary in a way.

"I'll start. I don't want to have you so far away but if you need to stay here.. well we can work something out. I can travel over, my passport is full of empty pages ready to fill" He smiled, touching my nose with his.

"Lovely as that is. That would never work, life has a way of dragging people in opposite directions even when the good intentions are wonderful and sincere" I hugged him, holding him in my arms running my hands up and down his back, I leaned out again to look at his face, so open and trusting of me.

We had briefly spoken about the office incident, but really all I needed to know was that John had been there when I needed him, as he seemed to be doing for months now. I need to step up, match him stride for stride be an equal not a nanny goat as he said. I'm stronger and more sure of myself now. I'm ready.

"I want to go home, John" He looked at me trying to see if my eyes told the truth of what I just said "No regrets, no maybes. I want us"

"You're sure"

"100 percent ready to go home, our home. I want to be with you. Is that plain enough for you?!"

"Absolutely, I want you home with me too, you being on the other side of the world would make it terribly hard to get daily kisses" He pecked my cheek and feathered kisses down my neck. "I can't not do this"

"I can't not either...."

*********

"Mr Bardon Mrs. B. It's been an honour to meet you, we will never forget you hospitality" George and Olivia hugged the older couple, George placing a kiss on Nancy's cheek.

"George, my favourite Beatle; Olivia, Dhani, you're most welcome, come back one day please"

"There's word a helicopter will be working in the area next time, it will make the trip faster!" Martin smiled.

"So we aren't so bad us mop- tops, eh Mr B" George teased.

"I didn't say that and I was actually talking to Olivia if you must know" Martin joked and George shook his hand, laughing as he did so.

They descended the stairs as Richie and Barbara moved in for hugs and kisses "Barbara, you're a match for Rich don't let him go. Richard...... ahh, my Richard"

"Ahhh Nancy, ma bella. No words. Give us another kiss"

"That'll do Starr, you've got your lady, leave mine be" Mr Bardon loomed over Richie.

"I'll think of your nose always" Nancy winked.

"I'll think of our midnight snacks" Richie hugged Nancy again.

"Oh Richard, now I'm blushing, bless you. Come back soon son with your lady and those children of yours"

'Ta-ra all"

Next came the McCartney's the girls running up and hugging Nancy and Martin "bye nan, gramps"

"Bye bye lovelies"

"Nancy, Martin an absolute pleasure to meet you" Paul spoke as Linda hugged the Bardons.

"Look out for a parcel of goodies at Christmas!" Linda walked to the car and waved.

"Bye, Paulie dear"

"Bye all. See you two at the front gate, eh" Paul smiled at John and I, then pointing towards the opposite direction of the gate, I turned him slightly to point him in the real 'right' direction."Thanks luv"

The cars left and and the house was suddenly silent, we were left alone on the verandah.

"A cuppa before you go?"

"We can't mum they'll get lost. Paul can't find his way out of a paper bag"

"Be nice to Paulie, luv" Mum hugged the grandchildren to her closely, they were all in love with her.

"You're a great nanna, mum. I love you"

I'd only just got home and we were leaving again so soon, my heart broke for my childhood home but I felt something wonderful beginning with John. Realising in these last few weeks this special emotional connection with him, was something I haven't ever felt before. My tears started and I hugged my parents tightly.

"I love you pet. Now, all you little ones, I want a letter or two, one or two lines, a picture of what's happening in your life"

"Yes nana" Sean, Jas and Stephen hugged their Gramps and Nanna again. We shooed them toward the car.

Mr and Mrs Bardon, our home is your home, please visit, you'll make us all very happy" John shook dads hand and hugged mum tightly.

"John, I told George he was my favourite, but it's always been you"

Martin grabbed Nancy and hugged her to him.

"Bloody hell woman, how old are you!?!"

"Dad, leave mum be, she's just jealous of me!......... OH mum, don't cry."

"Well its true, all of them, four Beatles in your life" Nancy sniffled.

"Mum! I know you're kidding around but there are no Beatles in our life only John, Paul, Richard and George fabulous guys, amazing dads"

"Not to mention handsome" John joined in.

"Talented" Nancy replied.

"Sexy" John was enjoying the light-hearted banter with my mum.

"Oh, John clam it before she has shoved me out of the way and jumped in the car to head back to New York with you!" I laughed and hugged mum and dad one more time, lingering, not wanting to leave and wanting to go at the same time.

Walking to the car, we hoped in, winding the windows down for last goodbyes.

"Oh, Mum by the way, the boys signed just about everything- posters, the Help! album, force of habit and a little joke I suppose! If you want some unmarked ones, I'll send you some!"

Everyone yelled and waved their arms, going crazy both out of the car windows and mum and dad too "Byeeeeee"

As we left, I craned my neck to see them. Passing one fence then the yards "Stop!" I yelled, John slammed on the brakes, giving me a grumpy husband, exasperated look.

I need to say goodbye to Monty P!" My eyes turning to the stables and yards.

"Arghhh ... go on luv, hurry up"

I rushed round the car and gave him a kiss on his good cheek, he wasn't stinging so bad, from the punches, now.

Heading to the yards I turned and looked at my family in the car, walking backwards, John waved me towards the horses, knowing I was dawdling.

I rushed round the yard hugging all the horses, stopping at Monty he neighed knowing something was up. "Sorry Mont I'll try to come back, don't forget me boy" He nuzzled me and snorted, rubbing his head on my chest gently. "....Bye boy."

"Ready luv?" John smiled as I climbed in the car, kneeling on the seat looking at him.

"Ummm, I just want to give you something" Leaning over towards John, Stephen groaned and covered his eyes, Jas and Sean giggled, I smiled as I kissed Johns lips softly, then harder so he knew I was his and ready to leave. As I touched his face and cheeks with my fingers, I kissed him again "Love you."

"Whatever Monty told you in there, I'm with him! Keep the kisses up 'cause I'll never be sick of 'em" As I sat back down he pecked me once more. "You can open ya eyes now, Stephen!"

"Yeah, onward driver, let's go home" I slammed the door shut and John shoved the car in gear, he was a country driver now.

I smiled, we were heading home.