Sams POV

The sound on the door got increasing louder. Starting at a few stray taps it picked up to what sounded like many arms pounding and slapping the door.

John was nowhere to be found. He'd said he was having some people over after five, could I mind Sean from around eight pm and some of the invited guests kids, um that's my job, derr.

I set the food containers down that I had just dried, placing the damp tea towel beside them. Guess I better get the door, suppose it must be Harry with supplies.

"Heyyyyyy Mate, took ya time!!"

The, THE Paul McCartney stood with his fist about to strike the door again, a gaggle of little girls tangled in his legs. He was a bit shocked by the looks, some strange woman at the door.

"Oh Hi, I'm Paul McCartney ummm would John Lennon be in please?"

Looking over his shoulder I spotted the one and only Linda McCartney "He's very polite, trained 'im well" I did a little wink and Linda pushed Paul to one side and stepped through the doorway smiling broadly. Mary, I think, stood giggling adorably at Paul's side.

Paul let his wife and daughters flow through the doorway, I stood holding it open, waiting. "You coming in, or standing in the hallway all night?"

Paul stepped toward me and whispered in my ear "Sorry luv, you surprised me you're not the other one, ya know"

"No, I'm not the 'other one'" He was still as cute as the posters, a little taller than I imagined. I always thought John was tall and the others shorter it was probably more his imposing presence than height. The face in front of me was that of a man, not a head shaking Beatle. Paul scooped up Sean who had joined us at the door. I held out my hand, being polite "Anyway, hi I'm Sam, the nanny"

"Goat! Nanny goat. Macca can't you tell time yet, it's not even three. Richie's always punctual why not you?!?" John strode towards Paul with an easy gait as Paul looked between John and myself.

"So Ringo's not here til five, that's a shame isnt it" I took off before John even realised what I had said.

"She's met Rich then, um Sam" Sean piped up a 'Magic' as Paul asked John.

"Nah she just had me going from the first day I met her, that Rich was her favourite. I was just some goon taking up poster space, you and George too"

After all the pleasantries were made, I fetched them all beers and lots of snacks. "You all set? I'll be down stairs with my two munchkins, give me a holler when you want Sean and Clan McCartney to come down"

John wandered over to me at the top of the stairs and spoke softly "You can stay if you want, meet Richie" He smiled cheekily.

"No, I'm good, I'm the help Mr. Lennon let me help you. Maybe I'll come up for a 'refreshment' when I hear the drummer tapping....." With that I scooted down the stairs and waved from the bottom, John shook his head grinning at me and walked back to Linda, Paul and their cute kids.

Johns POV

Rings turned up bringing with him Barbara, a 'friend' he met on the set of his movie, no children, apparently they were with Maureen back in London.

Paul started with the questions about Sam first. Linda sat biting her tongue concentrating on Stella but with ears pricked to the conversation. Rich was blind to the lot of it as Sam was downstairs when he arrived.

Soooooooo, Who? What? When? Where? I won't say why cause she is nice, she gives off a homey, loving vibe"

"Well her names Sam, Samantha, 'Magic' to Sean, we met in the Dakota park down there" I tipped my head over my shoulder to the park below, umm January, yea end of January"

"So she lives in the building, handy" Paul paused and I knew he was digesting the sketchy info I provided " 'ang on, why is she a nanny if she lives in Dakota, it's like millionaire row here, no one would be a nanny"

"She likes kids Paul, and wants a hobby, what can I say"

"Yeah, K cool. Nice lady though she was straight after the girls asking their hobbies and stuff"

Linda had stepped out and come back with some more drinks just catching the end of the 'lives in the building' piece. She sat down, mulling over her thoughts then plainly stated "Her prescriptions are on the fridge, there are little girls hair bands in the fruit bowl and a couple of appointments taped to the fridge as well. And no, I wasn't snooping. Stella grabbed an apple, the scripts were facing me and I was waiting for this" Linda held up a mug of tea.

"Shit Linda you should apply for a job in the FBI!" Rich smiled and slapped his knee.

I just turned and shut him up, with the look....

"I know, I know. Shut up Richie, geez haven't changed, have you John. Where is this Sam anyway? No one round here" Rich was intrigued, no stopping now I suppose.

"She's downstairs with her two kids" Paul offered as he smiled at John "Hey Rich, why don't you go and say hello. Be real 'Beatle nice'. She told John you were her fav, John is hoping she was joking but be a laff to see"

With that Richie jumped up and bolted down the stairs taping the bannister as he went.

Sams POV

"Hellooo" The strong Liverpool accent echoed through the downstairs rooms, at first I thought it was John mucking about but this voice was a deeper, when I looked up from ironing a slightly shorter guy with twinkly blue eyes stepped into the room. His hair was quite long and messy.

"Ringo!!" I screamed and gave him a big hug "Oh sorry I don't know why I did that!" I looked for John but he wasn't here to witness the 'mania'.

"Well I'm your favourite aren't I , you're allowed!"

"Oh they sent you down like that did they. Bloody Lennon, he's a stirrer"

"Yep" Ringo was poking around the room smiling at Jas as she drew a picture, glancing at the book Stephen was busy reading. Ringo returned to face me " Yes 'Bloody Lennon', can cause endless troubles!"

"Oh sorry, you probably don't like Ringo much anymore?" Had I insulted the one and only Ringo Starr with his old nickname?

"He waved his hand as if to shoo my query away "Nah that's fine luv, I gave meself that name, luv it. Say how bout we stir" He pointed to the roof "them up there, Babs won't mind"

"Babs?"

"Oh Barbara, Barbara Bach she came over with me. She's swell"

We linked arms and climbed the stairs slowly chatting bout the kids and the band as we neared the top Ringo stopped, giving me the thumbs up. I can't believe this, I was going to fake kiss Ringo Starr at the top of the stairs. Johns gonna die.

As we held hands up the stairs Ringo led the last few as if I was reluctant to proceed, he pulled me to meet him at the top and then, again, pulled me into his arms. The way we stood, all John and the others could see, was my hands running slowly over Ringo's back, it looked like we were lip locked in a kiss.

"Fuckin hell Rich I said go and meet her- not deep dive tongue her"

We heard John thumping his way towards us; circling around to wrench us 'apart'.
He finally saw that we were just hugging. Well it was pretty intimate hugging but nothing sinister like John seemed to think. He stood hands on hips "Very funny. Bravo. Here's an Oscar for Rich and an Emmy for Sam" He clapped slowly and we pulled apart, me curtsying and Ringo taking a number of big low bows.

As Richie strolled back to the others hands deep in pockets John looked down his nose at me, his glasses falling slightly "Naughty Magic don't make me jealous" I smiled innocently and waved cutely at Ringo over Johns shoulder, I had to stand on tip toes to see him. I pushed the glasses up Johns nose and gave him a quick friendly hug.

"Play with fire John, play with fire" I shot back down the stairs.

"Come back here you! "John bellowed down the spiral staircase, a fun and jovial tone to his voice.

Johns POV

How does she do that?! She can flirt without realising it. She spars better than me, and I come running when I see her in Ringo's arms, what the......

"Seems nice" Barbara pulled me out of my thought's as I stood over the assembled Beatles and partners.

Paul, ciggie in hand, pointing towards the stairs "You know you have it bad for the girl don't you"

"What? don't be daff. To tell you the truth I'm just helping them out- a roof and a job, that's all"

"That's all; right John. Just helping the poor lady and kids. What a saint, Saint John, no there's a saint John already isn't there?" Paul wagged his finger at me.

"Look .... she's nice, having a bit of a hard time, yeah she gives as good as I give, better actually but.... why am I explaining this to you..."

The night wore on and Linda decided it was time for the kids to settle down so took Sean and the girls downstairs to Sam "Don't give her the third degree Lin, please" I pleaded.

Linda just smiled her all-knowing smile.

Sams POV

Linda McCartney ambled through the doorway, Stella and Mary standing uncomfortably at her side.

"Hello ladies, I'm Samantha remember, Sam if you like, this is Jasmine and Stephen" I stepped forward smiling hello again "Gee you're really tall Mary, are you about 19!?" Mary laughed and replied "No I'm 11!" "And hello to you, is your name Stella? I love your pony-tails !" Sean jumped into my arms and hung off me like a monkey "Would you like to watch tv, I just made popcorn and a really interesting program about Australian animals is starting in a minute."

Linda watched the girls settle on the couch scrunched in with Jasmine and Sean. Men At Works new single "Down Under" started playing, I couldn't not to hum it, it was 'my song.'

"You're Australian?! Your accent though- you've been in America a while"

"Yea I was born and raised in Australia on a cattle property and married in New York ... been here 10 years now"

"Married?? I thought you were, you know" Linda pointed just like Ringo did at the ceiling. I laughed at her remark.

"No. NO! I just. I just was in a bit of a bind" I held out my still bandaged arm as an example, a visual reason "John didn't realise for ages... and when I needed help all this happened" I swept my hand round the room and tried to smile but it was more of a worried frown.

"Realise what?" Linda grabbed the popcorn from my hands and handed it to Jasmine.

"Oh nothing, just a bind..." My words teetered off.

Linda gazed at me, leveling me with her eyes.

"How do you do that?" I reply.

"Do what?" she acted surprised and looked around, then held my gaze, again.

"You have a look that makes me feel..... like I need to tell you every damn thing! Sorry didn't mean the curse word there"

"Well I do get Paul to spill lots of juicy info before he realises so yea, I suppose you're right"

I slowly walked back out of the room to the stairs Linda following after she kisses her girls good bye "There's nothing going on with 'you-know- who', we're friends, well I work for him. I probably shouldn't say we are even friends. I'm finally getting out of a really bad relationship with no support, all my family are still in Australia, you see. Sean and John offered a hand, that's all"

**********

Linda had reached the top of the landing now I stood watching her

"John come here." She called him over and they chatted quietly til he glanced down at me, I fake yawned and ran off to the kitchenette.

"Not friends, are we?" He stood leaning in the doorway against the jamb. I shrugged nothing much to say. I picked up a glass and set it back down again, nervous!

He slowly walked round to my side of the counter. I picked up the tea-towel and scrunched it in my fists then turned to face him- head on, the best way to tackle Lennon.

"I work for you. It's easier for you to call me your employee...to... to Paul, and the others ..... I work for you."

"You only 'work' for me cause it's the only way I could think of to get you to stay and not think yourself a burden" I shrugged again. He bumped my hip with his then stepped away again, inspecting the sinks contents, mulling over my words.

"I'm still a burden- job or not! Two kids, feeding us, a beautiful home, discounted attorney" I dropped that one in his lap for him to digest "Yes, I know you told the attorney to reduce the bill to just about nothing"

He had the gumption to smile broadly at me and it just got me mad. "I'm just a bloody toy to you! You'll get bored and throw me away when I, or one of the kids, misbehave." I was trembling with anger and worry equally.

I did feel that way, the niggle of worries, the what ifs, his eventual change of heart....  but I was even more upset with myself- John had only ever been nice.

He caught my arm and I winced- he didn't hurt me it was just a knee-jerk reaction, he let go and stepped back.

Grumpy John had nearly made an appearance and he realised it- Quickly. He stopped as soon as he realised he was too swift with his movements.

"Damn it Sam, I really, really like you!!" John muttered, thumping the counter twice in annoyance, then glanced towards the children in the living room, then back at me. Staring, shaking his head at me "There, I said it. Now stew on that for a couple of hours OR not; Or, come upstairs, join me and my friends. They want to be your friends too luv... especially Richie" John relaxed again and smiled at the Richie comment but he was still grumpy at me.

He held my gaze til I dropped my eyes to the tea-towel still being twisted in my hands. He turned on his heel, and returned to his guests.

*********

They're all asleep, huny" I whispered in Linda's ear as I moved around the men to sit down. John shifted over a bit and I sat between Linda and him on the overstuffed white couch. Linda leaned forward and fetched me a glass of wine that was sitting on the table. "Thanks"

" ... We were just saying we should have Christmas together this year, George too, of course. Maybe somewhere warm, what's that little island we went to in early '60's?"

"Sardinia" Richie said flatly. "Nice there but still too cold to swim at Christmas time"

"Well where then, I'm not geographically inclined- Bahamas? A bit of a cliché 'the Beatles travel back to the place they filmed their colour movie Help' I can see the headlines already" John scowled out.

"Ok, so we want sun, beach, quiet, private- no press, lots of room for the kids and us" Paul listed them all down and they all shook their heads in agreement.

I realised I knew of a place, but should I speak up? This was their holiday they were planning.

"Samantha, your eyes are absolutely lit up" John grinned at me as he watched me carefully "You have a suggestion? Come on, out with it luv" He patted my knee encouragingly to proceed.

"OK ummm well all Paul's wants, this place has- sun, beach, quiet, private, big, no press I would think would be easy." I look skyward trying to recall one of the many press clippings I had read about the boys "I actually think George has been there, so you can check with him too. It's on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. An island, Hamilton Island. You can scuba dive, snorkel, relax, everything!"

"Keep going Sam, You have something else too, I can tell" Ringo was reading me now, I must try better to keep a poker face.

"Another place that has most of that is very remote, there are showers and the mod cons though. Beach would swap with lagoon. Definitely no press. Kangaroos, emus and the like. Horses" Linda does a little yay, and wiggle in her seat dancing, beside me. I smile, really smile. Home... "It's way out though, would take a full day's drive from Brisbane, and it would be very hot for you, umm, it's my parent's property 'Sunland Plains' 1500 acres."

Kangaroos, emus.... horses" Linda does another little yay dance.

Ideas were kicked around for the rest of the night but I was under instructions to get more info on Hamilton Island and John was going to ring George too. Around one a.m Ringo and Barbara left, then Paul and Linda started to go get the kids up to leave.

"They could stay the night, that would be alright wouldn't it John?" John nodded and I continued "Jas would be so happy in the morning with the girls still here, they could have a play too, in the park. Go. Go and have a night to yourselves, please!"

Paul and Linda agreed and went to give the girls a kiss and a light shake to let them know what was happening.

"Well we'll see you in the morning, late breakfast brunch Sam. I'll bring some bagels" Linda gave me a squeeze goodbye. They took off giving each other flirty looks.

"They are so nice together" I sighed dreamily. I was stacking up the plates and assortment of glasses, John had his feet up on the coffee table rubbing his eyes and the bridge of his nose before re-positioning his specs.

"That's exactly what Paul said about us." John left the words hanging in the air between us, I paused, hand midair like a mannequin, paused reaching for another plate or glass or something...  I wasn't entirely sure. And I wasn't entirely sure how to respond...I was stunned silent. 

I then took my normal course of action...

Run

I took off with the dishes to the kitchen.

I returned to the room to gather another armful a good ten minutes later; after opening and closing all cabinets and fridge, and freezer for no good reason, twice - No, three times.

"Sam come here. Leave all that" John hooked me round the middle and sat me down beside him. I had fallen onto the couch a bit uncomfortably my butt on the couch, a leg on the floor and the other over Johns lap. He scooped up my leg and placed it with the other. "Better?!" He pushed me lightly so I was laying on the couch he now sat the other end with my legs over his.

It was nice.

Quiet.

I never just lay down.. I am usually running after someone or something, I spot a mark on the ceiling and concentrated on it for a while. John shifted my legs and stood up replacing my legs on the empty couch, he moved to sit on the floor near my head "What do you keep staring at?" He looked up from my perspective and saw nothing of interest. "That dot there?! You would rather stare off at that dot than chat to me..."

I rolled onto my side and pushed his glasses up his nose again, but he just took them off, placing them on the table. "You looked like him tonight. Happy, carefree. A boy with great friends" I traced my finger along my bandaged arm I wanted to trace along his nose and along his lips but I was too scared to do it.

"Do it" He looked into my eyes daring me.

"How did you know what I was thinking?"

"I didn't entirely, it's just your eyes roaming around checking me out" He laughed quietly, gently pushing my nose with his finger.

I took a leap of faith and did what I was thinking, tracing a finger down his nose circling down to his lips, lightly moving a thumb over the lower one and then took a stroll along his jawline, ending with my hand in his hair. Which I ruffled. Which killed the intimate mood.

He mirrored what I had just done but no ruffling of my hair, he closed the gap a little, paused, then sensing no resistance pressed his lips lightly to mine. Deepening his kiss, I returned my hands to his hair, holding him so he didn't retreat.

After a little time had passed John sat on the couch again. Snuggled,  just kissing and holding me, no pressure to go further which I would have baulked at anyway, five children in the house- no, not the right night to let our heads or emotions go.

Did I just think about going further if the kids weren't here?

He brought me onto his lap and we sat hugging with my head now resting on his shoulder.

"How did I get so lucky, Magic" John was tracing with his fingers all over my face. My eyes were shut, my senses tingling at his touch "You and me... I think its fate, at the right place. The right time in each other's life" He kissed my closed eyes  and slid his lips to mine, taking over, to tell me everything he wasn't saying. I responded, I was coming alive, he was being tender and gentle. We fell asleep right there hugging on the couch, safe and secure in each other's embrace.