"I love it, Kian! It's really nice here." Sarah said, looking around. "Why thank you, sweetie." he grinned, and hugged her from behind. Sarah smiled as she turned to face him. "Two whole weeks…" she said. "I know. Paradise on earth!" Kian said, and kissed her. "Aww!" Sarah sighed as he kissed her again. They had just arrived at Kian's house in Sligo after leaving Mark and Liz who were going to Mark's house. "Come on, let's go see if we have any food here or if we need to do some shopping." Kian smiled as he took her hand and led her into the kitchen. "Shopping it is then!" Sarah laughed when he opened the refrigerator door to reveal hardly anything. "I second that!" Kian agreed as he shut the door again. "Let's go then." he said and kissed her as they headed out to his car, and to the grocery store. "Well, well, well…" Sarah and Kian turned to see Mark and Liz smiling at them. "Fancy meeting you two here!" Mark said. "Yeah, weird isn't it?" Kian joked. "You out to get supplies too, I assume?" Mark asked, looking into their cart. "Yeah, it was virtually empty." Sarah said, and Liz laughed. "Kind of like Mark's then." she said. The two couples raided the store for things they needed before paying and loading it all into the cars. "So, what do you two have planned for tonight?" Liz asked. "Nothing much, just dinner and snuggle on the sofa." Kian said, smiling at Sarah. "Aww!" Liz winked. "And you two?" Sarah asked. "Pretty much the same." Mark smiled. "Well, you have a nice evening then. And we'll see you around!" Kian said. "Yeah, you too. Bye!" Liz hugged them both. "Be good now!" Mark grinned as he got into his car. "Shut up Feehily!" Kian laughed.

"Okay, now that the fridge is filled… What do you fancy for dinner?" Sarah asked as they finished unloading the bags. "You." Kian said with a cheeky grin as he placed his arms around her waist and kissed her passionately. "Oooh, behave." Sarah said and smiled. Kian smiled back at her, and hugged her tight. "I love you Sarah, I'm so lucky to have met you." he whispered. "I love you too Kian." she whispered back.

 

On the other side of town Liz was sat at the table in the kitchen watching Mark cook.  “Smells nice.”  Liz said taking a mouthful of her wine.  “Yeah … I’m afraid it looks little strange though.”  Mark said prodding his spoon into the pan.  Liz stood up and walked over.  “Looks like normal mince to me.”  She said peering into the pan.  “That’s the problem … its not mince.”  Mark said laughing.  “Oh … oops … should I ask?”  Liz said smiling.  “No … take-out?”  Mark said turning the cooker off.  “Sure.  I’ll tidy this whilst you order.”  Liz said shoeing him out the kitchen.  He returned a few minutes later to find a spotless kitchen.  “Man you tidy quick!”  Liz laughed.  “Well trained.  What we having?”  “Chinese.  Be about half an hour.  What to do till then?”  He said smirking as he walked over to Liz, placed his arms round her waist and began kissing her.  Liz placed her arms round Mark’s shoulders and lost herself in the moment.  “I love you.”  Mark said between kisses.  “I love you too.”  Liz said as there was a knock at the door and she went to answer it.  They tucked into their meal and were soon sat infront of the log fire in Mark’s lounge in each other’s arms.  “Do you believe in fate?”  Mark said as he played with the silver chain round Liz’s neck.  “In some things yes.”  “Me too.  I think fate brought you and Sarah together so that in turn … you and me and her and Kian could be together.”  “Definitely.  Just think if you hadn’t formed a band … and me and Sarah hadn’t met through a common interest in writing … we’d never have come to Dublin this New Year and we’d never have met.”  “Thanks Louis and your English teachers!”  Mark said grinning.  “Thank you.”  Liz said pulling Mark down as they kissed.  Sarah and Kian were in a similar position at Kian’s house, just they were lying in the hammock on his back patio looking at the stars.  “Such a clear night.”  Kian said as he looked up at the sky.  “Yeah.  So many stars … makes you feel kind of small doesn’t it?”  Sarah said.  “Very.”  Kian said.  “Thank you Sarah.”  He said moments later.  “What for?”  Sarah said looking at him.  “For being you.”  Kian said.  “Aww Ki.”  Sarah said before kissing him softly and cuddling in his arms.

 

"Let's go inside again, it's getting cold." Kian said. "Yeah, it is." Sarah agreed, and they hurried inside. "I'll start a fire, that will heat us up." Kian smiled at her. "Oh, well… careful with your house Ki!" she joked and he kissed her. "I will." Soon after he joined her on the sofa in front of the fire. "Yess! I made it!" Kian laughed. "You're so talented!" Sarah said as he wrapped his arms around her. He smiled and kissed her softly. Back at Mark's house Liz had fallen asleep in his arms, and she was smiling as he cradled her and stroked her cheek. "I've never seen you looking so lovely as you do tonight, never seen you shine so bright…" he sang softly, and Liz sighed happily in her sleep making Mark smile. "Sarah...?" Kian asked. "Yes…?" she said quietly. "Oh, nothing. I was just wondering if you were asleep.” he said, kissing her head. "Not yet." Sarah smiled. Kian hugged her tighter. "You are so beautiful, I've never known an angel before." Kian whispered after holding her in silence. "And I can't believe you're really mine…I guess miracles do happen… I met you, so they must be real." he said, closing his eyes and resting his head against hers. Two smiles were still on their lips as they both fell asleep in each other's arms before the fire, dreaming sweet dreams about each other.

"Morning love." Mark smiled as Liz started stirring in his arms. "Morning." she said. "Did you sleep well?" he asked, and she laughed. "Yes, very!" Liz smiled at him, and snuggled closer to him. "Are you cold?" Mark asked, and pulled a blanket over them both. "Mmmm… nice." Liz said, and he kissed her head.

"Good morning beautiful!" Kian kissed Sarah as she opened her eyes. "Good morning to you too, handsome!" she smiled and Kian laughed. "And I also believe that miracles happen." Sarah said looking up at him. "You heard me?" he asked. "Yes." she smiled as Kian blushed. "You are the sweetest Kian!" Sarah said as she kissed him. "Likewise!" he winked, wrapping his arms tighter around her. "You wanna get up?" Kian asked. "Um… not really, I'm so comfy." Sarah said. "Me too!" he said, smiling and kissing the top of her head.

 

“So what have you got planned for today?”  Sarah called from the bathroom as she fixed her hair.  “We have to go home and see my mum … she’ll kill me if I don’t take you to meet her.”  Kian said as he walked into the bathroom.  “Well we cant have that can we?”  Sarah said smiling.  “Plus I really want to meet your family.”  “You do?”  Kian said.  “Of course.  Especially if they are anything like you.”  She replied hugging him.  “Well then we’d best go.  Ready?”  Kian said.  “Yep.  I’ll just grab my jacket.”  Sarah left Kian’s arms and walked into the lounge picking up her coat and they left.  It was a short drive from Kian’s country cabin to his family home in central Sligo.  “Do I look as nervous as I feel?”  Sarah said as Kian turned the engine off and she removed her seatbelt.  “No … don’t be nervous.  They’ll love you … I love you.”  Kian said stroking her cheek.  “Ok … let’s go.”  Sarah said climbing out Kian’s car.  The front door to the house opened and Patricia and Colm came running out.  “Kian!”  Patricia called as she ran down the path and hugged her son.  “Hi mum.  This is Sarah.”  Kian said pointing to her.  “Hello Mrs Egan.”  Sarah said smiling at her.  “Oh call me Pat.  This bundle of fun is Colm.  Say hello Colm.”  “Are you Kian’s girlfriend?”  Colm said grinning.  Sarah laughed.  “Afraid so Colm.”  “Hey!”  Kian said laughing.  “Well come on you two.  I’ve just put to kettle on.”  Patricia said putting one arm round Sarah and leading her indoors as Kian watched smiling before following them in.  Soon Sarah and Pat were sat on the sofa drinking their tea whilst Pat told stories of Kian’s youth and flicked through photo album after photo album whilst Kian played football in the garden with Colm.  After a while they came in.  “Are you staying for lunch?”  Pat asked.  “I think we can manage that.”  Kian said.  “Would you like a hand?”  Sarah said getting up.  “No dear.  Come on Colm – let’s go and make some lunch.”  Pat said walking into the kitchen past Kian smiling at him approvingly as she did.  Kian walked over to Sarah and hugged her.  “She likes you.”  He said softly.  “I like her too.  You have a lovely mum Kian.”  “Yeah she’s the best.”  Kian said as they sat down in each other’s arms and he kissed her.  “Urgh!”  Colm cried from the doorway, causing Kian and Sarah to blush before bursting into laughter.  “Just wait till you meet your angel Colm.”  Kian cried as Colm ran back into the kitchen.  “Aww Ki.”  Sarah said snuggling close.

 

As Sarah and Kian sat in the living room at his parent's house, there was a knock on the door at Mark's house. "I'll get it." Liz said as she came out from the kitchen. "Thanks babe!" Mark called from somewhere in the house. She laughed, and opened the door. "Hello Mr. and Mrs. Feehily." Liz said smiling at Mark's mum and dad standing outside. "Hello, you must be Liz. Oh, and call us Oliver and Marie." Marie smiled at her just as Mark joined them. "Hi mum! Hi dad!" he said as they hugged their son. "I see you've already met my lovely girl." Mark smiled as he put one arm around Liz. "Yes, we have." Oliver said, and Liz blushed. "Come on in." They entered and Liz offered to take their coats. "Let me take them, you can go inside and sit down and I'll bring the tea." she said as she hung them up. "Sure you don't need a hand, Liz?" Marie asked. "No, I'll be fine. You go and sit down and I'll be in soon. I'm sure you have lots to talk about with Mark." Liz smiled at her. "All right. Call if you need any help." "I will." Liz said before returning to the kitchen. "Here we are." Liz smiled as she came back with the tea, but her smile faded when she looked around. Mark was sitting in one of the chairs, staring dead ahead, and his parents sat in the sofa quietly watching him. "Maybe I should go…" Liz started, but Mark raised his head and looked at her. "No, don't go. Come here." he said. Liz put the tray down and walked over to him, sitting down on the arm of his chair. There was a silence during which all that was heard was their breathing, and quiet sobs. "Liz…" Mark said quietly, pulling her down into his lap and hugging her tight. She looked at him, and saw tears in his eyes. "God, Mark, what's wrong?" she asked. "My mother, Mark's nana, died a few days ago. She just got to read about you and Mark before she passed away." Oliver explained. "Oh no!" Liz looked at him. "I'm so sorry to hear that." she said, and Oliver nodded. "Thank you." Mark was crying harder now, and Liz sat stroking his hair trying to comfort him as best she could. "We'll leave you now. Mark dear, we'll call you tomorrow." Marie said, and Liz smiled at her. "Again, I really am sorry Marie." "Thank you Liz. We'll see ourselves out. Take care of him." she said. "I will. Bye." As the front door closed behind them, Mark moved and Liz stood up. He started walking back and forth across the floor as tears ran down his cheeks. "Mark…" Liz said, stopping him in his tracks and hugging him. "She's gone, Liz. Gone. I'll never see her again, I'll never get to show you off to her. She's gone, Lizzy." Mark said, looking into her eyes. "Not if you remember. She's always with you in here." she said, placing her hand on his chest. Mark hugged her as close as he could.

 

As Sarah sat on the sofa in Kian’s arms her mobile rang.  “Hi Lizzy.”  She said as she answered it.  “Oh no!”  “We’ll be there as soon as we can.”  “Bye.”  Sarah hung up before getting up and putting her coat on.  “What?”  Kian said.  “Mark's nana died … he’s really cut up … Liz doesn’t know what to do … we gotta get over there.”  “Oh man.  Come on.”  Kian said running out the door and into his car, Sarah close behind.  “Liz?”  Sarah said as they ran into Mark’s house.  She was sat in tears on the stairs.  “Where is he?”  Kian asked.  “Out back.”  Liz said wiping her eyes.  Kian ran into the garden leaving Sarah with Liz.  “Are you ok?”  Sarah said hugging Liz.  “Yeah … he just fell apart on me … and nothing I could say could make him feel better … and he just ran out on me.”  Liz said sobbing.  “He’s just upset … it’ll be ok.”  Sarah said as she handed Liz a tissue.  “Did I interrupt anything calling you?”  Liz said.  “No … I couldn’t leave you here this upset anyway could I?”  Sarah said smiling.  “Thanks Sarah.”  Liz said.  “Anytime.  Now let's go sort Mark out.”  Sarah said standing up and walking out back with Liz.  They found Mark sat on the bench at the bottom of the garden in tears and Kian sat beside him.  Kian said something to Mark and he looked up.  Mark stood up and walked up the garden to Liz.  “I’m sorry.”  He said as he hugged her.  “Hi.”  He mouthed to Sarah as she walked past to join Kian on the bench.  “Do you forgive me?”  Mark said looking Liz in the eyes.  “Of course … I love you Mark.”  “I love you too … always.”  Mark said kissing her softly.  “Another well done us I think.”  Sarah said to Kian as they looked on smiling.  “Good at this aren’t we.”  Kian said.  “Amongst other things.”  Sarah said kissing him.  “That too.”  Kian said grinning.  “So what do you reckon … sit and wait for them to put each other down … or go have some fun of our own?”  “I think they’ll be ok … come on.”  Sarah said getting up and dragging Kian up the garden, calling bye to Liz and Mark as they went.  All Liz and Mark did was wave … their lips still firmly attached.

 

"Is there anything I can do for you, Mark?" Liz asked when they finally parted. "Anything at all?" He looked at her and smiled. "No, but thanks anyway." Liz stroked his cheek. "Are you sure? How about a nice cup of tea?" "Yeah, that sounds good. Thank you, sweetie." Mark said, and kissed her cheek. Liz smiled and took his hand as she started back into the house. "Come with me. I don't want you being alone." she said, and Mark placed his hand on her waist following close by as they went into the kitchen. As Liz sat on the counter making tea and kissing Mark, Sarah and Kian slumped down on the sofa cuddling close. "Seeing Mark today… what would I do if I ever lost you, Sarah?" Kian said. "You won't Kian, not that easy won't." Sarah said, and he smiled at her. "Good! Because I can't live without you, and I don't know how I managed before I met you." he said, kissing the top of her head. "Awww!" Sarah turned in his embrace, and looked up at him. Kian looked down at her, and his blue eyes were sparkling. "I love you, Sarah. You know that, right sweetie?" he said, tracing the lines of her face with his fingers. "Yes, I do. And I love you too, Kian." He grinned as he placed his arms around her, and lifted her closer to him. "Come here beautiful!" Kian smiled as he kissed her passionately. Sarah needn't be asked twice, and she moaned quietly as Kian started undoing the buttons of her blouse still kissing her passionately.

"Maybe we should call Kian and Sarah and thank them?" Mark said as they sat in the living room drinking their tea. "Maybe we should wait, I have a feeling they don't want to be disturbed." Liz said, and Mark laughed. "Oh, I see!" he said, and she smiled. "Then we can always call tomorrow. What do you say we go out to dinner the four of us? If they're up for it." Mark looked at her. "Sounds like a very good idea." Liz smiled and sipped her tea. "And thank you too, Liz." he said. "Me? What for?" Liz looked at him. "For telling me that everything would be all right, and I'm sorry for running out on you." Mark said, taking her hand. "Aww! No problem, I understand Mark." Liz smiled at him and kissed his cheek softly. "Thanks." he said.

 

“You want to do this?”  Kian whispered.  “Yes … do you?”  Sarah said looking him in the eyes.  “Of course.  Come on.”  Kian said standing up and leading Sarah up the stairs and into his room.  They stood in the centre of the room kissing with all the passion their bodies possessed.  Kian then looked Sarah in the eyes and smiled before kissing her gently down the neck whilst carefully unbuttoning her top.  Sarah moaned softly as Kian slipped her top off and began kissing her soft shoulders.  As Kian kissed her, Sarah moved her hands down to his waist and began untucking his t-shirt and pulling it over his head.  “Mind the hair.”  Kian joked.  Sarah giggled as she kissed him again.  Kian gently moved Sarah back towards the bed as she undid his belt.  She lay back on the bed and he climbed on top her slipping his jeans off as he did.  Kian undid Sarah’s jeans as he kissed her collarbone and she caressed his back losing herself in the moment.  Soon the two of them were naked and pleasuring each other again and again.  The nerves that Sarah felt at the start were now gone and she didn’t regret what they were doing.  She loved Kian and he loved her … and at that moment that was all that mattered.

 

Liz smiled when she came back into the living room and saw Mark asleep on the sofa. She walked over and bent down and kissed his forehead. "Mark," she whispered. "Come on, let's get you to bed." Mark stirred on the sofa and opened his eyes. "Liz, why have you changed?" he asked, eyeing her as she stood before him in a short blue silk dress. She smiled and adjusted the belt on her dressing gown. "It's midnight, sweetie. You've been asleep for two hours." Liz said and sat down beside him. Mark smiled as he put his hands on her waist, and she felt the warmth of his hands through the thin fabric of her dress and dressing gown. "You look lovely." he said, sitting up and kissing her softly. "Oh, thank you." Liz blushed. "You're too sweet." Mark sat up and lifted her up as he swung his feet onto the floor before placing her in his lap. Liz slipped her arms around his neck and smiled at him. "I love you." he said, kissing her full on the lips. "I love you too." she said. Mark pulled her closer and started kissing her, slow and gentle at first, then increasing in passion and strength. He moved his hand from her waist and placed it on her knee, slowly making its way up her thigh. He lifted her up and, still kissing, carried her out of the living room and up the stairs to the bedroom. "Um… Mark… mmm… wait…" Liz said between kisses. Mark pulled back and put her down, still holding her close. "What is it, honey?" he asked, looking into her eyes. "I…" Liz said, casting her eyes down. Mark tilted his head, and stroked her cheek. "What?" "I don't know if we should, Mark." She looked up at him. "I mean, with all that's happened and all." He smiled at her and lovingly kissed her forehead before hugging her. "You're right. Maybe we should just wait. Thank you, sweetie." he said, and Liz looked at him. "Thank you?" she asked. "Yes, for being so kind to me and for stopping when you didn't want to go any further. I love you, Lizzy." Mark smiled and kissed the tip of her nose. Liz wrinkled her nose and giggled before she hugged him. Soon after they were led in bed, cuddling up to each other. Finally they fell asleep in each other's arms, both smiling as they dreamt.

 

When Sarah woke the next morning she smiled as she felt Kian’s arm wrapped tightly round her waist.  She turned over carefully so not to wake him and lay there watching him sleep.  He looked like a little angel; his blond hair flopped across his forehead and a content and peaceful look on his face.  She smiled as she brushed the hair across his forehead and stroked his cheek.  Kian began to wake and as he opened his eyes he too smiled.  “I thought I’d dreamt last night.”  He said, as he looked deep in her eyes.  Sarah smiled.  “No … all definitely real.”  She said as she cuddled close to him and kissed him gently.  Kian pulled her as close as possible and kissed her back before rolling over her and climbing out of bed.  “And where do you think you’re going?”  She said smiling.  “To make you a cup of tea … and then I’ll be back.”  He said smirking as he put his boxers and t-shirt on and walked out, leaving Sarah wrapped in his quilt, which smelt almost as good as he did.  When Kian came back Sarah was sat on the edge of his bed, wrapped in his dressing gown.  “You moved!”  He said as he passed a cup.  “Sorry … but I had to go!”  She said grinning.  Kian stood looking at her smiling as he sipped his tea.  “What?”  She said as she saw he was staring.  “I just noticed how gorgeous you look in that.  Then again … you’d look gorgeous in anything.”  He said as he put his cup down and took her’s from her.  “Or nothing.”  He whispered as they began kissing passionately again.  Over at Mark’s house Liz was up making Mark a coffee when he came downstairs.  “Morning.”  He said yawning.  “Hi sweetie.”  Liz said kissing him on the cheek as he sat at the breakfast bar and she placed a cup infront of him.  “I was thinking … why don’t we call Kian and Sarah and go for a picnic … down to the beach or something.”  Mark said.  “Sounds great.  I’ll call her whilst you get ready.”  Liz said as she went into the lounge and picked up the phone.

 

It rang for a long time, and when no body answered she hung up. "Um… Ki, wasn't that the phone?" Sarah asked. "Maybe, I couldn't hear." he said, and kissed her again before raising himself from the bed. The phone rang again, and Sarah stood up wrapping his dressing gown around her and running down to answer it. "Hello?" she answered, slightly out of breath after running down the stairs. "Hi… did I disturb you?" Liz said. "No, we just didn't hear the phone so I ran down." Sarah explained and smiled as Kian came down.  "Oh okay… well, me and Mark were wondering if you two would like to come to the beach for a picnic with us?" Liz asked, hearing Kian asking if Sarah wanted more tea on the other end. "Yeah, sure! Sounds like a good idea. When are we leaving, or meeting up?" Sarah asked. "Umm… not sure. Hang on two secs!" Sarah heard Liz ask Mark where and when they were supposed to meet up. "How about we meet at the beach in two hours?" "Sure, cool. We'll see you then!" Sarah said. "Sure will! Bye!" Liz said. "Bye!" They hung up, and went to update Kian and Mark. "Cool. Ok, we'll need food then." Mark smiled, and went to check the fridge. "Yes, and drink." Liz added as she searched through the cupboards. After a bit of searching they stood looking at the kitchen counter, which they had filled with food and drinks. "Ok... got the food and stuff." Mark said, looking at Liz who stood looking at the overfilled counter with her hands resting on her hips. "What now?" he asked. "We'll need something to have it in. Can't just stuff it in your car, that would make a mess!" she said laughing. Mark grinned and slipped his arms around her waist and kissed her neck. "Mmm…" Liz said, closing her eyes and tilting her head. "No, wait… We shouldn't… Sarah and Kian… we're supposed to meet them in an hour…" she said, giggling quietly when he kissed her. "It tickles." she smiled. Mark laughed, and kept kissing her neck ignoring her pointing out that they were supposed to meet the others in an hour.

Kian smiled when Sarah came into the kitchen. "Oh, you look gorgeous!" he said, and she smiled. "Thank you. You look pretty cute too." Kian pretended to be very flustered. "Oh, thanks." Sarah laughed and kissed his cheek. "You're so cute!" she said. Kian raised his head and winked at her. "I know!" he said, raising one eyebrow as he pulled her close and kissed her. "Oh really?" Sarah said sarcastically. "Really." Kian confirmed, and they both laughed.

 

“Hi guys.”  Kian called as Mark and Liz finally showed up.  “Sorry we’re late … um … food emergency.”  Liz said blushing.  “Yeah right.”  Sarah said smirking.  Mark set the hamper down by the blanket that Kian had spread out.  “Anyone up for a quick dip?”  Kian said.  “Sure … ladies?”  Mark said.  “Na … we’ll sit here and …” Sarah started.  “Talk about us? Fine.”  Kian said kissing her on the forehead and jogging to the shore with Mark.  “So girl … I sense you were interrupted this morning … what were you up to?”  Liz said grinning.  “Me … us … nothing.”  Sarah said blushing.  “Yeah sure … like me and Mark had a food emergency.”  Liz said causing them both to burst into laughter.  “We were … busy … in his room.”  Sarah said, her face glowing like a tomato.  “Sarah Harwood what would your mother say?”  Liz said giggling.  “I don’t know … but … well look at him … and it was so romantic … he didn’t force me … it was lovely … then this morning … well … we were … celebrating.”  Liz laughed.  “Me and Mark are nearly as bad.”  “What?”  Sarah said smiling.  “We didn’t!!  I didn’t think it was right … he just needed comfort … so we just held each other all night … and well … our food emergency … well you know Mark.” Sarah smiled.  “How’s he doing?” She said seriously.  “He’ll be ok … think the funeral’s going to be tough on him … but I’ll be there with him.”  “Yeah … we all will.  Ki’s really worried about him.  Come on … let's go … we'll hug them a lot!”  Sarah said getting up and pulling Liz to her feet as they walked towards Kian and Mark who were drowning each other in the sea.  “Food!!”  Sarah and Liz yelled together causing Kian and Mark to look up.  “Is it me or do they look particularly hot when they are wet?”  Sarah whispered to Liz.   “Oh it’s not just you.”  Liz smiled back.  The lads waded out the sea and hugged their girls making them equally wet.  “Thanks.”  Sarah said as Kian soaked her.  “Anytime.”  Kian said smirking as he walked back to the food with his arm round her shoulders.

 

"Yummy! I was getting hungry!" Kian said, winking at Sarah as they ate. "Shut up!" she giggled, and Liz smiled at them. "What?" Sarah asked when she saw Liz' grin. "Nothing!" she said. "Yeah right, miss food emergency!" Sarah said, and they both laughed. Kian and Mark looked at each other, then at the girls. "What?" Mark asked. "Nothing, girl stuff." Liz said, smiling at him. "Well, after eating I believe we need exercising!" Kian said, standing up. "What did you have in mind?" Mark asked. "Badminton!" Kian grinned, getting four rackets and a handful of shuttlecocks. "Couple versus couple." he said as he passed out the rackets. "All right. We'll trash you!" Mark said as he helped Liz up. "Good luck!" Sarah smiled. "To you too." Liz giggled. "Quick question: how are we planning on getting points and what are the rules?" Liz asked as they stood opposite one another. "Smart thinking." Kian pointed out. "All right, here's the rules; there are no rules. Anything goes. As for getting points, if you drop the shuttlecock, the other team gets a point. If you loose it, other team gets a point. If you hit the other team, you get 2 bonus points." Kian said, and they laughed. "Ok, go ahead and start then." Mark said, and Sarah grinned. "Here goes!" she said as she served. After a while Sarah and Kian were up 8-4, and Liz and Mark were discussing strategy while the two others were making their little break useful… by kissing. "Ok you two. We're ready!" Mark said, winking at Liz. "So soon? Well, your serve." Kian joked. "We know." Liz said as she served and successfully hit Kian's leg. "Yess! Nice work, sweetie!" Mark said. "That's 8-6 then!" They managed to keep the shuttlecock airborne for a little while before Mark stumbled over, causing Kian and Sarah to get yet another point. "9-6, I believe." Sarah grinned. Mark served next and hit Sarah's arm. "Erm… nope, that's 9-8." he corrected, making them all laugh. Kian dropped his racket and walked over to them, and then he grabbed Liz by the hand and pulled her out into the sea giving her a good soaking. "Oi!!" Mark shouted. "What was that for?" Kian laughed as Liz sat coughing water and pulling her hair away from her eyes. "Anything goes, it's the rules." he said shrugging. Sarah and Mark joined them by the water. Kian walked over to Sarah and wrapped his arms around her. "We won!" he said, kissing her. Mark waded out and helped Liz up. "My poor darling, was Kian mean to you?" he said and Liz nodded shivering. "Yes…" she said, looking at him with puppy eyes. Mark hugged her and led her up to the blanket. "Here you are." he said, wrapping a towel around her. "Come here, I'll get you warm." Mark smiled as he took her in his arms and held her tight. Sarah and Kian came over and joined them. "Sorry Liz." Kian smiled. "No problem, it was the rules." Liz said, and laughed.

 

“Me and Ki are going to go for a walk whilst you warm her up.”  Sarah said as she took Kian’s hand and led him down the beach.  They walked in silence till Sarah stopped at a deserted cove just out of sight of Liz and Mark.  She sat down and Kian joined.  Sarah put both arms round Kian and snuggled as close to him as possible holding him tight and nestling her head in his chest.  “You ok babe?”  Kian asked stroking her head.  “Yep.”  She said softly.  Kian looked down at her face and saw she was lying.  “Sarah … whats wrong?”  Kian asked.  “Nothing.”  She lied again.  Kian lay back meaning Sarah ended up led on his chest and he shuffled down so they were face to face.  “How many times do I have to ask till you tell me?”  He said looking her in the eyes.  Sarah looked down.  Kian lifted her chin up so she had to look at him.  “Is it me?  Is it last night?  Do you regret it?  What is it?”  He asked.  “No … its not you or last night.  I just … I’m just being silly.”  She said cuddling close.  “Silly or not – I wanna know.  Please Sarah … no secrets.”  He said moving her back.  “I don’t want to leave.”  Sarah said softly.  “Leave where?”  Kian asked.  “You.”  Sarah said as she began to sob in his arms.  “In a week and a half I have to go home … you go jetting round the world … I’ll never see you … and I don’t want that to happen.”  She said as he rocked her gently.  “I know babe … I don’t want to leave you either … but you will see me … I’ll be back whenever I have a day off … wherever I am … I’ll always come back to you.”  Sarah cried heavier.  “How is this going to work Kian … we’re in separate worlds … going separate ways … how will we ever come back together?”  She stood up and ran off down the beach away from Kian.  Kian put his head in his hands and sighed.  He didn’t know the answers.  He knew he loved her and didn’t want to lose her … but all she’d said was true.  Kian stood up and walked back to the others, hoping Liz would be able to help.

 

"Where's Sarah?" Liz asked when Kian came back alone. "She… we…" he said, sitting down. "What's up mate?" Mark asked. "She ran off. She asked how we would make it work, if we would ever come back together after we leave. I couldn't answer her. I don't know what to do, or say. I love her so much, but she's right. We're in separate worlds." he said, sighing as he looked up at them. "Listen Kian…" Liz said. "Sarah loves you, I know. I can see that in her. Even though we've only just met, I still know her and I know that she loves you very much. And I know that you can make it work, if you just try. You won't leave her, or be unfaithful to her, will you?" Kian shook his head. "No, of course not. I wouldn't be unfaithful to her, never. But how can I make her understand that? We'll hardly see each other with all our travelling." he said. Mark nodded understandingly and looked at Liz. "How does Nicky and Georgina cope then? And Bryan and Kerry?" she asked. "Well, they fly home whenever they can. Sometimes they fly G and Kez to wherever we are." Mark said. Liz nodded. "Right. Tell her that." she said. "I can go talk to her if you want." Kian smiled. "Would you?" he asked, and Liz got up. "Sure, which direction?" she asked and Kian pointed. "I'll be right back, with Sarah." she said and kissed Mark's cheek before setting off to find Sarah. She saw her sitting on the beach, her head resting on her knees. "Sarah…" Liz said, sitting down next to her. "I don't want to leave." Sarah sobbed and Liz hugged her. "I know." she said. "I know." They sat in silence for a few minutes before Liz spoke. "Sarah, I was talking to Kian after you'd run off." Sarah laughed a little and Liz smiled. "He doesn't want you to leave either, he really doesn't. I asked him if he would be unfaithful or leave you, and do you know what he said?" Liz looked at her, and Sarah shook her head. "No, what?" she asked. "He said that he would never be unfaithful to you. Kian loves you, Sarah." Sarah smiled happily. "He said that?" Liz nodded. "Mhm. And you'll get by, I know you will. I see how you two are when you're together; I'm not blind. How do you think Nicky and Georgina, and Bryan and Kerry get by?" Liz said and smiled. "The lads fly home whenever they have the chance, or they fly the girls to wherever they are. Kian will do that for you, Sarah. He won't just up and leave you, I know he won't." Sarah smiled. "Thanks Liz." she said. "No problem." Liz said hugging her. "Now come on, I promised I'd be right back with you. He probably misses you like mad!" she said as she stood up and helped Sarah up. Sarah laughed as they set off down the beach back to the lads. "There you are!" Kian stood up and hugged Sarah tight. "I'm sorry, Kian. I didn't mean to…" Sarah said, but Kian stopped her by kissing her softly. "I know angel, don't be sorry. I love you." he whispered. "I love you too." Sarah whispered back. Liz turned to Mark with a huge smile on her face. "What is it?" he asked smiling as he put his arms around her waist. "Oh nothing, I'm just so happy to see that they've worked it out." Liz replied. "I was thinking…" Kian said as they all sat down again. "Everybody duck!" Mark joked, and Liz playfully slapped his arm. "Shut up!" she laughed. "What about, Kian?" Sarah asked. "Well, when I'm gone my house gets all lonely and my fridge is empty when I get back and all my plants have died." he said, brushing a few strands of hair off Sarah's face. "So I was wondering how you would like to stay there? Move in with me, and take care of it while I'm gone. And then when I get back you could take care of me too." Sarah sat looking at him with big eyes, and Liz did the same. She held her hand over her mouth and held her breath, waiting for Sarah to answer him. "I… Kian, I… Wow…" Sarah stuttered, and Kian looked at her smiling hopefully. "Yes, I would love to." she said, and Liz let out a little squeal causing them to look at her. "Sorry! Go on." she said. "You would? Really?" Kian asked, and Sarah nodded. "Yes, really." she said. "Woohoo!!" Kian shouted, and kissed her. "Congratulations! Both of you!" Liz smiled at them. "This is great!" she grinned.

 

“Wait!”  Sarah said pulling back from Kian.  “What?”  Kian said looking worried.  “What about my family … my job … what will I do?”  She said.  “You’re going to have to talk to your mum and dad … check with them.”  Kian said.  “Come home with me … tonight … it’ll look better coming from us instead of me … plus they’ll want to meet you.  Please Ki?”  Sarah said.  “Come on.”  He said taking her hand.  “Where we going?”  She said.  “To the airport.  We’ll call you later guys.”  Kian said waving.  “Bye you two … and thanks Liz!”  Sarah called as she jumped into Kian’s car and they sped off.  “They’re crazy.”  Mark said.  “Yeah – about each other.”  Liz said as they cuddled up together. 

“Nervous?”  Kian said as he locked fingers with Sarah as their flight landed at Manchester Airport.  “Kind of.”  She said as they’d walked off the plane to arrivals and picked up the bag they’d packed quickly.  Kian hired a car and they drove the 45-minute journey to Sarah’s house.  “Mum?  Dad?”  She called as she walked in, her dog running to greet them.  “Sarah!”  Her mum cried as they walked in.  “Hi mum!!”  Sarah said as she hugged her.  “Mum … Dad … this is Kian.  Kian – my parents … and Sam my dog.”  She said smiling as she turned to see Kian playing with the dog.  “Hello Mr and Mrs Harwood.”  “Gill and Dave please Kian – sit down.”  Kian and Sarah sat together on one sofa.  “I thought you weren’t coming for another week and a half … whats happened?”  Gill said looking worried.  “Mum … Kian asked me … asked me to move in with him … in Sligo.”  “I love your daughter … I want to be with her … I don’t want to take your little girl away from you … but I don’t want to lose her either.”  Kian said, putting one arm round Sarah.  “I love him too.  It’s killing me that he’ll be off around the world soon … this way … I’ll always be at home waiting for him.”  “What about family?  Friends? What about work?”  Dave said in a concerned tone.  “I love you guys … you … Tony … David … the guys at work … and I’ll miss you all terribly … but my future is with Kian … and that future is in Sligo.”  “Well … you’re 19 … it’s your life … it’s your choice.  But can suggest you talk things through properly … with Kian … go and see David … go talk to the guys at work … see what they think … see what you’re leaving behind … make sure you are 100% certain before you go.  But if you choose too … we’ll support you all the way.”  Dave said hugging his daughter.  “Thanks Dad.”  Sarah said.

 

Liz came down the stairs, and walked into the living room where she found Mark sitting very still in a chair. "Sweetie…" she said as she walked over and placed her hands on his shoulders. "I don't know if I can, Lizzy." Mark said quietly. "You know you don't have to. There's no one forcing you, Mark." Liz walked around the chair and knelt in front of him. He took her hands that were resting on his knees, and sighed. "I know, but I still have to. She's my nana, I want to go." She smiled at him, and stood up. "Do what you feel is right, and whatever you chose I'll be there with you." "Thank you." Mark hugged her. "Let's go then." They walked out and into Mark's car, heading for the church where the funeral for Mark's nana was being held. They got out of the car, and Mark stood looking at the people walking into the church. "Looks like she was very loved, your nana." Liz said, looking up at him. "Yes, she was. By me, she was…" he said, tears filling his eyes as he took her hand. Liz moved closer to him and squeezed his hand gently. "I know she was." she said. Mark smiled at her as they walked into the church and found Oliver and Marie and Mark's two younger brothers. "You came. I'm glad to see you here." Marie said, making room for the two of them. Liz sat between Mark and his youngest brother Colin, and she felt a little hand in her own. She smiled at Colin who looked up at her, and he blushed. The ceremony started, and Mark sat crying silently throughout it all. Liz stood in the background when relatives, friends and neighbours came over to pay their last respect and give the family their condolences. As they all left and the only ones left was the closest family Colin came over to her, and took her hand. "You must help me, Lizzy." he said, and she crouched down before him. "With what Colin?" she asked. "Mark is sad. You have to help me, he cries." the little boy looked at her, and Liz stood up again letting Colin lead her over to where Mark was stood. "Mark," he said, tugging Mark's jacket lightly to get his attention. "What is it, Colin?" Mark asked, turning halfway. "Lizzy is gonna help me." the boy said. "Oh?" "Yes." Colin looked up at Liz and walked back over to his mum and dad. Liz smiled after him. "I'm sure he's the spitting image of you when you were his age." she said, mostly to get him started. Mark dried the tears with the back of his hand, and she slipped her arms around his waist. "Just cry, Mark. It'll do you a world of good." she said, and he held her so tight she could feel him shivering as he cried. "Let me take you home." Liz led him back to the car after saying goodbye to the others, and drove back to his house.

"Thanks for coming with me today." Mark said as they sat in the living room, drinking tea. "No need to thank me." Liz said, resting her head on his shoulder. "I can't believe she's really gone." Mark said after a while. "Maybe in flesh she's gone, but never in spirit." Liz said as Mark started crying again. "Will you ever leave me?" Mark asked, taking her in his arms. "No, I won't. Unless you want me too." Liz answered, and he smiled. "I'll never want you too." he said and kissed her cheek as Liz' mobile rang. "Hiya Sarah!" she answered. "It's been hard, but we're all doing better now." "Really? That's so great!" "I bet Kian's over the moon!" Mark looked at her, and she smiled. "Sure, I will do that." "We'll see you in a few days then." "Have fun! Bye!" Liz hung up. "What was that about?" Mark asked. "Both Kian and Sarah send their deepest condolences." she said, and he smiled. "And Sarah called to say that she will be moving in with Kian when you get back from Asia." Liz smiled. "Really? That's so great! I'm happy for them, now Kian will finally have what he's always wanted." Mark said. "What's that then?" Liz asked. "A girlfriend he loves more than anything to come home to after being away from home, someone who'll miss him when he's gone and will greet him with kisses!" he said and Liz smiled. "Awww! Is that true?" Mark nodded. "Oh, how sweet! They are so sweet together, Sarah and Kian. I'm so happy for them!" Liz said as she lay back in Mark's arms with a big smile.

 

“So when are you leaving?”  David, Sarah’s best friend, asked.  “We go back the day after tomorrow.”  Sarah said as they sat in her lounge, Kian out back with the dog.  “For good I mean?”  “Oh … well Kian goes to Asia in just over a week and he’s there for a month.  In that time I have to sort out things … pack … say goodbye.  I officially move in on Feb 14^th.”  “Good day.  He’s a lucky guy.  I’m going to miss you so much.”  David said hugging her.  “I’m going to miss you too.  But you better come visit me.”  “I will.  Look I have to run.  Have fun and call me when you get back.”  “I will.  Bye.”  Sarah said as she waved him off.  She walked through the house and out into the garden through the conservatory, her eyes a little damp.  “Has he gone?”  Kian said walking over.  “Yeah.”  She said hugging him.  “Man this is going to be so hard.”  Sarah said as he held her.  “Leaving my mum and dad … my brother … my dog … David … the guys at work … its all so hard.”  She said softly.  “I know baby.  I think you are so brave for doing it.  I just worry about you being all alone in that house.”  Kian said as they went inside.  “I know.  Come on … lets go introduce you to some good friends of mine.”  Sarah said as she led him out the house and drove the short distance to where she worked.  Sarah proudly walked round the garage introducing Kian to everyone; the receptionist, the sales man, and the quirky mechanics.  They were all so happy for her.  After a quick ‘hello’ they decided to go into town and do some shopping.  “One question.”  Kian said as they drove away from the garage.  “Yeah sweetie?”  “What on earth is a dewberry?”  Sarah burst into laughter.  “Let me guess – you were talking to Colin?”  “Yeah … dewberry was like every third word.”  Sarah laughed.  “He’s a little strange – but a lovely guy.  One I’ll miss.”  “True.”  Kian said as they walked out the car park.  “Wanna grab a drink – they do the most heavenly hot chocolates?”  Sarah said dragging Kian into Starbucks.  “Two tall hot chocolates with cream to go please.”  Sarah ordered, before paying for the drinks and walking out.  “Now – do you think that lad looked like Shane?”  She said as they walked onto the main street.  “The guy that served you – yeah he did.”  Sarah laughed.  “Thought so … been telling Liz about him for ages.”  Kian laughed as they walked down the street hand in hand sipping their drinks.

 

"Are you sure you have everything?" Gill said as they stood in the hall waiting for the taxi. "Yes, I'm sure mum." Sarah smiled. "All right. Have a nice holiday, and we'll see you when you come home to pack!" Dave said and smiled at them. "Sure will." she said. "I'll be sure she's ok." Kian said, slipping his arm around Sarah's waist. "Thank you, Kian. Good to know she'll be taken good care of." Dave smiled at him, and they laughed. "Well, our taxi is here. We better go so we'll catch out flight." Sarah said. "Have a nice trip! And call us!" Gill hugged her daughter, and then Kian. "We will. Bye!" Sarah smiled as she hugged them all and went out to the waiting taxi. Gill and Dave waved them off as the car drove away. "He's a great boy, I know she'll be very happy with him." Gill said as they went back inside. "I think so too." Dave agreed.

"When are we set to be back?" Kian asked as they boarded their flight. "Around 4. Why?" Sarah said, checking her watch. "I was just thinking we could go over to Mark's place after we've unpacked, see how he's doing. You and Liz could talk, maybe if you ask her nicely she'll help you get settled." he said, smiling at her. Sarah laughed. "Very good idea, Kian. But I doubt Liz will refuse, no matter how I ask!" she said, and Kian grinned. "You're right." he said, taking her hand and kissing it softly. After changing flights in Dublin, they landed at Sligo airport and drove Kian's waiting car back to the house that was to be their home. "Man, I can't wait for you to move in here with me! I'll finally have someone to come home to, not just dead plants!" Kian smiled as he hugged a giggling Sarah. "I know, I can't wait either!" she said as he kissed her. "Come on, let's go unpack then we can visit Mark and Liz." Kian said, pulling her up the stairs to unpack.

"I'll get it!" Mark called up the stairs when the doorbell rang. He opened the door and smiled. "Kian! Sarah! Hiya!" he said as they hugged. "Hi Mark. How are you?" Kian asked concerned. "I'm all right, Liz has helped me through it." he said. "Who was it?" Liz asked coming down the stairs. "Hiya!" Sarah smiled, and Liz stopped. "Sarah! Hi!" she smiled as she hurried down the last few steps and hugged her. "Hi Kian!" she said as she hugged him too. "When did you get back?" Liz asked as they headed to the living room. "Just an hour or so ago. Thought we'd come by and see you." Sarah said. "How nice of you! So, how did it go? What did they say?" Liz said. "They said it was up to me, and that I should talk to my friends and the guys at work before I made up my mind, but whatever my decision they would support me 100%." Sarah said, smiling at Kian. "And when are you moving in?" Mark asked. "I'm officially moving in February 14^th." "Sarah, that's great! I'm so happy for you!!" Liz smiled as she hugged her. "Thank you!" Sarah said. Kian smiled and kissed Sarah. "Isn't this great? I'm thrilled!" he grinned, and they laughed.

 

Sarah and Liz went out into the back garden to catch up, whilst Kian and Mark went to the pub.  “I can’t believe this … who’d have guessed this would happen when we organised this trip 6 months ago?”  Sarah said as she sat grinning.  “I know … I mean wow this is just … wow.”  Liz said.  “So what did David say?”  “He’s a bit upset … but I told him he’d better come a stay with me.  It hit me that I’m going to be all alone here.  Sure his family are down the road but Ki won’t be home all that often.  David’s in Chester … you’re in Oslo … and I’m in Sligo.”  “I know … it’s going to be tough.  But Ki has Internet access – we’ll talk every night as per usual!!  And if you feel alone just yell and me and Elisa and Sissel will be on the first flight over.”  “Thanks Liz.”  Sarah said hugging her.  “So how are you and Mark?”  “Oh you know us.  He’s coming to terms with his nana’s death … the funeral was bad … but he’s going to be fine.  I’m with him till the minute I board that flight … and then he’s got the other boys.  He’s going to be ok.”  “How are you?”  Sarah said.  “I’m ok.”  “Liz I can read you like a book – what’s up?”  Sarah said smiling.  “I leave in a week … I go home … I’m not coming back … I’m just going to miss him … I’m going to miss you … I’m going to miss Kian … I’m going to miss this.”  “I’m going to miss you too hun.  Why don’t you move here too?”  Sarah suggested.  “I can’t.  I have a job waiting for me … I can’t leave my family … or my friends.  I’ll be ok.  Just keep in touch – or I’ll hunt you down!”  Liz said laughing.  “Well you know where to find me.  And I have no plans to lose touch – you’re my best friend Liz – forever.”  Sarah said hugging Liz as they both began to cry.  “Ok what did we miss?”  Mark said walking over and seeing the two girls in tears.  “Sarah – what happened?”  Kian said.  “Oh nothing … just girlie stuff.  We’re ok.”  Sarah said standing up and hugging him as Mark held Liz.  Liz and Sarah smiled at each other knowing that no matter the distance their friendship would survive, Liz just hoped that her and Mark would too. 

 

"So we'll meet you tomorrow in town then?" Kian said as they were getting ready to leave. "Yup, sure will! Can't miss a day of shopping!" Liz grinned and Sarah smiled. "I know!" she said, and both girls laughed. "Bye! And safe drive home!" Mark and Liz waved after them as Kian and Sarah drove off. "So…" Kian said as they drove. "What were you and Liz talking about when we came back today?" Sarah smiled. "Girl stuff." she said. "What kind of girl stuff?" he asked. "About her soon leaving, Mark, you and me, moving in, being apart. Girl stuff." Sarah said, wondering if Kian would settle for that. "Are you having second thoughts?" he asked as he unlocked the door and they went inside. "No, not at all!" Sarah assured him. "Come on, Sarah. You can tell me." Kian brought her down on his knee and held her tight. "Well… me and Liz are gonna be so far apart, and so will she and Mark. I think she's really worried that they won't survive. I asked her if she couldn't just move here too, but she said she couldn't. She's got a job waiting in Norway, and she said she'd be ok." Sarah said, and Kian listened. "It sounds like she should talk this over with Mark." Kian said. "Yeah, I'm not sure she will though. Even though she didn't say it, I think she thinks he'll forget her when she leaves." Sarah said as Kian held her closer. "Sounds serious… I could talk to Mark and have him talk to her." he said. "You would?" Sarah asked. "Sure. I can do it tomorrow." he said. Sarah smiled and kissed him. "Thank you! That would be so kind!" Kian smiled. "My pleasure!" he said as he started tickling her. "Kiaaaan!!" Sarah laughed, wriggling in his lap. "Stop!" Kian laughed. "Only if there's something in it for me!" he said. "All right! All right! I have something for you!" Sarah giggled, and Kian stopped. "This…" she said as they kissed. "Ooooh… I like!" Kian grinned. "That's good… come on!" Sarah stood up. "What?" he asked. "I'm hungry." she said and winked at him. "Hmmm… when you mention it, so am I. What do you think babe? Take out?" Kian asked, throwing the phone up and down. "Be careful! You could drop it!" Sarah said, just as it slipped away from his hands and crashed to the floor. "Um… I think you better put 'new phone' on the shopping list." he said, looking from the pieces on the floor up at Sarah who stood laughing. "I told you!" she said. "Good thing we have mobiles then! Italian?" Kian asked as he fished his mobile out of his pocket. "Sounds lovely." Sarah smiled. "Italian it is then!" he smiled as he kissed her.

 

“I was thinking…” Sarah said as she and Kian ate.  “Uh oh.”  Kian said looking worried.  “I’m going to need a job or something to keep me occupied whilst you’re away.”  “True … what you got in mind?”  Kian said.  “How’s about being your secretary?  I mean I can sort fan mail … post replies … that kind of thing.”  “Secretary – does that mean you’re going to walk around in tiny skirts and heels?”  Kian said grinning.  “Maybe … but you’re not going to be here to see!”  Sarah said smirking.  “Mental note – have more time off or invest in lots of CCTV cameras!!”  Kian said.  Sarah laughed.  “I choose more time off.”  She said smiling.  “Me too baby.”  Kian said kissing her softly.

The next day the four of them met in the centre of Sligo.  “Ok … back here in 4 hours for lunch ok?”  Kian said.  “Sure thing.  Bye.”  Liz said dragging Sarah to the nearest shoe shop as the boys stood laughing.  “They're insane.”  Mark said he and Kian strolled calmly round the shops.  “Yeah … but don’t you just love em!”  Kian said grinning.  “Oh yeah … more than I ever thought possible.”  “What are you going to do when she goes home?”  Kian asked as they sat on a bench in the crisp Sligo air.  “What do you mean?”  Mark asked.  “Sarah’s coming back here.  Liz is going home.  She’s pretty torn up about losing you.”  “She isn’t going to lose me.”  Mark said.  “Have you told her that?”  Kian said.  “Well … not in so many words.”  Mark said.  “Mark, do you know why they were crying yesterday?  Because they are going to miss each other … and us.  They are so close … and they love us Mark.  They leave next week … their dying.”  Kian said.  “Well what do I do?  Ask her to stay?”  “She can’t.  She has a job to go to … family and friends … she can’t leave them.”  Kian said.  “So what?  What do I do?”  Mark said.  “I don’t know mate … but try talking to her.  Don’t lose her Mark.”  Kian said as he nodded over to Sarah and Liz who were walking over.  “I will … I’m not losing her … I love her too much ... but right now – I can’t.”  Mark said as he stood up and walked away.

 

Sarah and Liz came over laughing as they walked. "What's going on?" Liz asked, looking after Mark. "I don't know." Kian said. "I was talking to him, telling him to talk to you about leaving, then he just said he couldn't and walked off." Sarah looked at Kian. "Would you mind holding this, Sarah?" Liz asked, holding out her bag. Sarah took it and looked at Liz. "Not at all." she said, and nodded to show she understood. "Thanks." Liz smiled and started off after Mark. "What did he say?" Sarah asked as she sat down next to Kian. "I told him that she was worried about losing him when she left, and that he should try to talk to her and that he shouldn't lose her." Kian said. "What did he say then?" she asked. "He said 'I will… I'm not losing her… I love her too much… but right now - I can't.' Then he just got up and walked." Kian said, looking down the street after Mark and Liz. Sarah followed his gaze, and saw them further down the street. Liz had just reached Mark, and he turned around as she came running up to him. "What happened?" Liz asked, breathing deeply. "Nothing." Mark answered. Liz looked pleadingly at him. "Kian told me he had talked to you about talking to me, but you had said that you couldn't and walked away. What's the matter?" she asked again. "I said nothing!" Mark snapped, and Liz felt tears welling up in her eyes thinking that this was the end of them. "Sorry…" she said quietly, and turned to leave. "Liz! Wait…" Mark said, grabbing hold of her arm. "Wait…" She turned back again as tears ran from her eyes. "I'm sorry, sweetie. I'm so sorry." he said as he hugged her. "I didn't mean to snap at you. I was just… I don't know, I guess I'm scared." Liz shivered as she cried. "I'm not going to lose you, I love you too much Liz. I just can't bear the thought of you leaving, along with what's happened recently it just ran over." Mark said leaning back so he could see her whole face, but they still remained close at the waist. "I wish you could stay here." he said as he kissed her forehead. "I know… I wish so too…" Liz said, drying her eyes. "I'm scared too Mark, what if we won't make it?" He hugged her so tight that they practically became one person. "We will, Lizzy. There's no way I'm losing you now." Mark whispered in her ear, causing her to start crying again. "Sorry…" she said smiling as she dried her tears. "Do you mean that?" she asked, and he nodded. "Of course I do. I love you." Mark said as he kissed her. "I love you too." Liz whispered.

"Looks like they've sorted things." Kian said, nodding in the direction of Mark and Liz. "Looks that way." Sarah smiled. "We're so good at this! We should start an agency!" she said, and Kian laughed. "Or maybe we should just follow their lead." he said as he kissed her softly. "Maybe you're right…" Sarah mumbled as they kissed again.

 

“Everyone ok now?”  Kian said as Liz and Mark walked back arms wrapped round each other.  “Yeah.”  Mark said look lovingly at Liz.  “Come on.  Lets go back to ours for some lunch.”  Sarah said standing up.  Kian stood up too, grinned and kissed her.  “What was that for?”  Sarah said breathlessly.  “You just called it ‘ours’.  Our house … our home.  Cool.”  Kian said smiling and hugging her.  “Come on.”  Sarah said taking his hand and leading them all back to their cars to set off back to their house.  Mark and Kian sat in the lounge whilst Sarah and Liz made some lunch.  “Are you ok now?”  Sarah said as she looked across at Liz.  “Yeah I’ll be fine.  We’ll be fine.”  Liz said smiling.  “Is it just me or can you not believe we’ve only known them for about 10 days … is that not scary to anyone else?”  Sarah said.  Liz laughed.  “Yeah I know.  Feels like forever.”  “Stop drooling.”  Sarah said as she caught Liz looking into the lounge at Mark.  Liz blushed.  “Who me?”  “Yeah you.”  Sarah said laughing. 

“Woohoo food.”  Kian said as the girls brought in the plate full of sandwiches.  “We thought you’d got lost in there.”  Mark said as Liz sat beside him.  “Yeah … then we realised that you two talk … and talk … so we didn’t worry.”  Kian said moments before Sarah jokingly hit him.  “So we like to talk … we only talk about the best things though.”  Liz said smirking.  “Whats that then?”  Mark said hopefully.  “Shoes.”  Liz said grinning.  “Aww.”  Mark said.  “I’m joking baby – you’re number one conversation topic.”  Liz said kissing him on the cheek.  “I can vouch for that.”  Sarah said.  “Oi! Like you know any words other than ‘Kian’, ‘love’ and ‘sexy’.”  Liz said.  Kian laughed as Sarah’s face went from pink to red in a matter of seconds.  “That’s my girl.”  Kian said hugging her.  As Sarah and Kian washed up Liz and Mark snuggled on the sofa.  “Fancy going home?”  Liz whispered.  “Why you want to?”  Mark said.  “I have an idea.”  She said softly before kissing him.  Mark looked at her eyes wide then smiled.  “Me and Liz are going to go … talk.  No doubt she’ll call you Sarah.  Bye guys.”  Mark said sticking his head in the kitchen before running out.  “Talk?”  Kian said.  “Yeah right.”  Sarah said smirking. 

 

"Don't think they bought the talk part." Mark smiled as they drove back to his house. "Who cares?" Liz said smiling. "Not me!" he said, taking her hand. She smiled at him as he parked the car, and kissed him. They got out of the car and didn't get any further than the door before they kissed again. Mark smiled as he stroked her cheek. "Are you sure?" he asked. "Yes." Liz said and he smiled again. Mark unlocked the door, and took her hand leading her inside. "Let me take that." he said, removing her jacket and kissing her neck as he dropped it on the floor next to his own. Liz giggled quietly as she turned to face him. They smiled at each other and kissed, growing more passionately as they slowly moved towards the stairs.

"Sarah!" Kian called from the living room. "Coming sweetie!" Sarah called back from the kitchen. "What's up?" she asked when she came in and sat down beside him. "Nothing… I was lonely." he said and kissed her. "And I've got something for you." Sarah looked at him. "For me? What is it?" she asked, and Kian smiled. "Close your eyes." he said, and Sarah did. "Hold out your arm." Kian said and as she did, fastened a bracelet around her wrist with a heart dangling from it. "Ok, now you can see." Sarah opened her eyes, and gasped when she saw it. "Kian!" she said, looking up at him. "It's beautiful! Thank you so much!" Sarah smiled and hugged him. "You're very welcome, angel. See the inscription?" Kian said, pointing to the heart. "Kian and Sarah - always." Sarah read aloud. "Awww!" she sighed. Kian laughed. "I couldn't resist. When I saw it, all I saw was you." he said, holding her close. "Thank you, sweetie. I absolutely love it… and you!" Sarah said smiling. "I love you too, honey." Kian said as he kissed her. "Like I told Liz earlier, I can't believe I've only known you for almost 10 days." Sarah said, as she lay cuddled up in Kian's arms. "I know… it feels like forever." Kian said. "And that's how it will be. Us together forever." he smiled and kissed the top of her head.

 

“I love you Mark.”  Liz said, as she lay content in Mark’s arms.  “I love you too babe.”  Mark said as he held her close.  “Will you come home with me … for a few days … before you go to Asia?”  Liz said.  “Sure … I’d like that.  When? Tomorrow?”  Mark said moving round in the bed so he was facing her.  “Yeah … my family want to meet you … and I’m sure Elisa and Sissel do too.”  “Ok … I’ll go call the airline.”  Mark said climbing out of bed.  “Hey!  I was comfy.”  Liz said pouting.  “OK … I’ll call them later.”  Mark said jumping back on the bed and kissing her.

“Liz just called – her and Mark are off to Oslo in the morning.”  Sarah said as she sat down on Kian’s knee.  “Cool.  That’ll do him good.  And I’m sure she’ll be happier too.”  Kian said cuddling her.  “Yeah … just you and me then for three days.”  “Nice.”  Kian said kissing her.  “Idea!”  Sarah said pulling back.  “Yeah me too.”  Kian said smirking.  “Behave.  I was thinking – why don’t we get Shane, Nix, Bry, G and Kez up here when they get back.  Like a party thing?”  Sarah said.  “Oooh party – I love how you think.”  Kian said.  “Nearly as good as how you think.”  Sarah said kissing him again.

When Sarah woke up the next morning she felt a bit rough so went into the bathroom and got a drink of water.  “You ok love?”  Kian said as he wandered in.  “Um … I dunno.  I feel a bit off.”  She said before she was sick in the toilet.  “Doctors.”  Kian said as he helped her back into bed.  “No it’s just a bug I’ll be ok.”  Sarah said as she lay down.  “No arguing.”  Kian said as he kissed her head and called the doctor.

 

"Want me to come with you in?" Kian asked. "Yeah, thanks." Sarah said as they walked into the doctor's office. "Please, have a seat." he smiled at them over his desk as they sat down. "Hope you didn't wait too long." the doctor smiled again. "No, that's fine." Sarah said, smiling back. "I have the result of your blood test here." Kian took Sarah's hand and held it in his own, looking at her through from the corner of his eye. "It appears, Ms. Harwood, that you are pregnant." the doctor said, and looked up form his papers at her. Sarah's jaw dropped, and Kian stared at the doctor with wide open eyes. "Excuse me?" Sarah finally asked, her voice surprised. "Congratulations, you're going to be parents." Kian managed to tear his eyes from the doctor and turned them to Sarah. She looked at him and saw the big smile that grew on his lips. "We're going to be parents…" he repeated slowly, squeezing her hand gently as his smile didn't seem to stop growing. "I know…" Sarah smiled back at him.

As Kian and Sarah sat astounded and ecstatically happy in the doctor's office, Liz sat trying to teach Mark Norwegian on their flight to Oslo. "No." she laughed. "You pronounce it like this." Liz said, slowly saying the word. Mark repeated as best he could, but ended up laughing and messing it up. "Ah, never mind." Liz smiled. "All right, I won't then." Mark grinned as he kissed her. "How much longer now?" he asked. "Um… about 20 minutes, I think. Mum and dad are meeting us at the airport." Liz said as she played with his hair. "Cool." he smiled. "Do me a favour?" she asked. "Sure, anything." Mark said, looking at her. "Would you remind me to call Sarah when we get home?" she said, and he laughed. "So you can tell her all about how your parents reacted when they saw me?" Mark joked, and Liz stuck her tongue out at him. "Funny!" she said. "No, I just have a feeling I should call her. I think she's got some news for me." Liz said, and Mark sat up. "How do you know that?" he asked. "Girl connection!" Liz laughed, and Mark shook his head. "Well… connect with this!" he said and kissed her.

"Careful mum!" Kian said and hugged Sarah from behind as she took two cups out of the cupboard. "Relax Kian! I can manage two cups!" Sarah laughed. "I know, I know. I'm just so happy!" he said, turning her around and kissing her softly. "I love you so much, Sarah." Kian said as he hugged her. "I love you very much too." Sarah said. "Now we have another thing to party for!" Kian grinned. "Yeah. How do you think they'll take it?" Sarah asked. "They'll be so happy, I'm absolutely sure of it!" he smiled and hugged her. "You think so?" Sarah said. "I know so!" Kian said, kissing her cheek.

 

“Liz!!!”  Her mum and dad called in unison as they ran to meet their little girl at the gate.  “Hi mum … hi dad.”  Liz said hugging them both.  “Mum … Dad … this is Mark.  Mark – my parents.”  Mark attempted hello in Norwegian.  “Hello Mark.”  Liz’s mum said smiling.  “Hello.”  Her dad said shaking his hand.  The four of them walked out, but Mark couldn’t help noticing that Liz and her mum and fixed grins on their faces.  “What?”  Mark said.  “Baby – don’t attempt hello again – ok?”  Liz said giggling.  “Oh no – what did I say?”  “Lets just say it wasn’t hello.”  “Oh god.”  Mark said as Liz whispered to him.  “Don’t worry … they like that you tried.”  Liz said taking his hand and walking out the airport.

Sarah was sat watching the sunset as Kian cleaned up after their meal.  “Ki you’re missing it.”  She called.  He ran out with her mobile that was ringing.  “I’m missing you – and guess who’s on the phone.”  Kian said kissing her cheek as he sat beside her.  “Hi Lizzy.”  Sarah said smiling.  “How did the meeting go?”  “He said what?  Oh poor Mark!”  “How do you know I have news?”  “Oh right … well yeah it is kind of big.”  “I’m pregnant … me and Ki are going to be parents.”  Sarah said smiling as Kian hugged her.  “I know its great.  And we want you and Mark to be god parents.”  “Course I’m sure – you’re my best friend Liz – who else would I pick?”  “Ok I better go to … Kian’s looking all cute again.”  “Yeah that too.”  “Ok talk to you soon.”  “Bye Liz.”  Sarah hung up and put her phone down.  “Do I even wanna know what she said after the Kian looks cute comment?”  Kian said cuddling.  “Na best not.” Sarah said as they snuggled close and watched the sunset.

“I think I love Norway.”  Mark said as he and Liz sat in the back garden.  “Really?”  Liz said.  “Yeah.  I mean its got so much going for it … beautiful scenery … beautiful people …” He said.  Liz blushed.  “Oh Mark.”  She said as she kissed him.  “I still don’t believe Kian’s going to be a dad – he’s a big kid himself.  God help Sarah.”  Mark said.  “She can be pretty kid-like when she tries … god help them both!”  Liz said as they both laughed.

 

Kian heard someone running upstairs and smiled to himself. A few minutes later Sarah dumped down by the kitchen table. "Want a cup of tea, honey?" he asked and she looked up at him and smiled. "Thank you, Kian." she said. "My pleasure." Kian smiled and kissed her cheek. Sarah suddenly laughed. "What is it?" Kian asked. "I just remembered, Liz was going to take Mark to meet Elisa and Sissel today." she said, and Kian laughed. "Poor Mark!" he said. "Yeah!" Sarah grinned. "No, they're sweet girls." she said, and Kian smiled at her. "I'm sure they are, but I did hear Elisa on the phone to Liz when she'd seen us in the paper." Kian winked. "Yeah, they'll be fine though. Now…" Sarah sipped to her tea. "What are we going to do today?"

"Are you ready to go?" Liz asked as they stood in the hall. "Yup, I think so." Mark smiled. "Mum! We're off to see Elisa and Sissel." Liz called in. "Have fun!" her mum called back. Mark smiled at her and they got out and into the car. "We're picking them up on our way." Liz said as she drove. "Sounds ok. What did you call where we were going?" Mark asked. "It's called Frognerparken. It's a fairly big park, got lots of statues and stuff. It's a very nice place to take a walk when the weather is nice." she said, looking out at the sunshine. Mark repeated the name, and Liz laughed. "Very good!" she smiled. "Is that Sissel?" Mark asked pointing to a girl waving at them. "No, that's Elisa." Liz said as she got out of the car. "Liz! Hiya!" Elisa said as they hugged. "Hi!" Liz smiled. "Let's get back in the car, and I'll introduce you to Mark." They got in again and Mark turned back to Elisa. "Mark, this is Elisa. Elisa, this is Mark." Liz said, and they smiled. "Hi Elisa. How are you?" Mark asked. "Fine thanks. You?" Elisa asked as Liz drove off to get Sissel. "I'll go get her." she said, smiling at them as she hurried out of the car and ringing the doorbell. A brown haired girl opened and they hugged. She disappeared inside again, but two seconds later they walked to the car talking as they went. "Sissel, meet Mark. Mark, this is Sissel." Liz introduced them before she turned the car and headed to the park. The four of them talked as they drove, Elisa and Sissel very interested in hearing about Mark and Liz. "Oh, and I talked to Sarah last night." Liz said, smiling at them in the mirror. "Yes?" the girls asked. "She's pregnant, and Mark and I are going to be god parents to her and Kian's child!" Elisa and Sissel's jaws dropped and they smiled. "For real?!" Liz nodded, and Mark smiled at her. "That is so cool!! Congratulations! To them and you!" Sissel said. "Yeah, from me too!" Elisa said, nodding and smiling. "Thank you." Mark said, looking at Liz.

Sarah and Kian were walking down the street hand in hand, enjoying the sunshine. "Oh look at that!" Kian stopped, pointing in a window. A crib was displayed in the window, and Sarah tilted her head back to read the sign of the shop. "Come on, let's go in!" Kian said, smiling at her and dragging her inside. "Awww! It's beautiful!" Sarah said, looking at the crib. "I know!" Kian agreed. She let his hand go, and went over to look at other baby accessories. "Find anything else we could use?" he said, hugging her from behind. Sarah grinned. "Yeah, about everything!" she said, and he laughed. "Well, we don't need a crib anymore." Kian said, and Sarah turned. "What?" she asked. "I bought it, they said they would deliver it to the house tonight." Kian said, smiling at her. Sarah's face was shining and she smiled at him. "I love you, Kian!" she said, and he kissed her. "I love you too, babe." Kian said.

 

“This is … wow.”  Elisa said as the three girls stood waiting for Mark.  “I know … I cant believe this is happening … you and Mark … the Mark … the Westlife Mark.  What about the BBMak Mark?”  Sissel said.  Liz laughed.  “He’s still cute … but Westlife Mark … well … wow.”  She said smiling as he walked over.  “Ready for some lunch ladies?”  He said putting one arm round Liz.  “Yeah sounds good.”  Liz said trying not to laugh at Sissel and Elisa who were smirking at her and Mark.

“Should we stop at your parents on the way back … tell them to prepare for grandchildren?”  Sarah said as they got into the car to go home.  “Yeah maybe we should.  Then you’d best call your parents.”  Kian said as they drove the short distance to his family home.  “Hi Mum.”  Kian called as he walked in.  “Hi Kian.  Hello Sarah.” Patricia said sticking her head out the kitchen door.  “Hiya.”  Sarah said as they walked over.  “Mum … we have some news … um … well … Sarah’s pregnant.”  Kian said grinning.  “Oh that’s fantastic.  Congratulations Sarah.”  Patricia said hugging her tearfully.  “Thank you.”  Sarah said smiling at Kian.  “What did you mum say?”  Patricia asked taking Sarah into the lounge.  “Oh I haven’t called them yet.  We wanted to tell you … then I’ll call them.”  “Good.  I’m sure they’ll be thrilled.  How do you feel?”  “I’m good.  Nervous … but really happy.”  Sarah said smiling.  “Ah the same as me … and look what I ended up with.”  Patricia said grinning at Kian.  “And on that note – I’ll go play with Colm.”  Kian said kissing Sarah on the forehead and heading upstairs.

“What are you doing when he goes to Asia … moving over there like Sarah?”  Sissel asked Liz after Mark went for a walk alone.  “I cant.  I have that job … you lot … cant leave.”  “But what about Mark?”  Elisa said.  “Don’t get me going … we’re fine … we’re going to be fine … we swore to be together forever … no matter what.”  Liz said smiling.  “Aww sweet.”  Sissel said.  “Yeah … I’m so happy for you.” Elisa said.  “Yeah and Sarah … even though she stole my Kian.”  Sissel said making them all laugh.

 

"I'm just going outside to call them." Sarah said, standing up. "Sure, you go ahead." Patricia smiled at her. Sarah stood up and walked outside in the patio, calling home. "Hi mum." "Yeah, we're fine thanks." "Listen, I have some news for you." Sarah paused, feeling a bit nervous but knowing that her parents would support her no matter what. "I'm…. Well, I'm pregnant." There was a short silence on the other end. "That's wonderful, Sarah! We're so happy for you and Kian!" her mother said, and Sarah sighed. "Thank you!"

Kian came down and went out to her, looking at her with big eyes. Sarah nodded and smiled. He walked over to her and hugged her. "All right. We'll talk later." "Bye!" Sarah hung up the phone and turned to Kian. "Well… we have two sets of very happy grandparents and one set of very happy god parents!" she said, and they laughed. "Yeah, and one set of ecstatically overwhelmingly utterly happy parents!" Kian added and kissed her softly. "Right!" Sarah smiled. "Tea's ready! Come on in, we don't want you catching a cold Sarah!" Patricia smiled at them from the door. "Coming." Sarah smiled.

"I have a confession to make." Elisa said, looking at Liz. "Oh, what?" she asked. "Ok, you have to promise you won't hate me too much and that I can still come to your wedding!" Elisa said, and they all laughed. "Ok, I promise." Liz said. "What is it?" Mark asked. "Ok… Well, that job of yours Liz. I kind of talked to the company…" Elisa started. "What? Why? What for?" Liz asked surprised. "Hang on, she hasn't got to the best part yet!" Sissel said, smiling. "Well… they told me that they have an office in Donegal, and they could arrange with a transfer if you're interested." Elisa looked at Liz' surprised face with a big smile. "Really?" Liz finally asked, and both Sissel and Elisa nodded enthusiastically. Liz looked at Mark who smiled at her. "That's great! But… you guys? My family?" she said. "Liz… we can come visit you anytime you want us to, so can your family… they liked the idea too." Sissel said. "They know?" Liz asked. "Yeah, we talked to them. They know that sooner or later you would have moved to Sligo anyway. Besides, we know that if you were to be away from Mark for so long and live here you'd go crazy… and eventually we would too!" Elisa laughed, and Liz smiled. "And Sarah's there, isn't she? Pregnant and all!" Elisa grinned. Mark hugged Liz. "That's great! Don't you think so?" he asked. Liz sat smiling staring dead ahead. "All right." she said, and they all looked at her. "Wonder how I'm gonna get all my shoes over there in one load?" she said, and winked. "Yay!" Elisa and Sissel cheered in sync.

"Sarah!" Kian called, hearing her mobile ringing. "Yeah?" she called back from upstairs. "Your phone's ringing. I'll get it!" Kian called up, as he grabbed her phone. "Sarah's phone!" he answered. "She's upstairs." "You are? Congratulations, Liz! That's great!" Sarah came into the living room and Kian smiled at her. "She's here now." "Say hi to Mark for me!" "Bye!" Kian grinned as he handed the mobile to Sarah. "Liz, hi!" she said. "Cool!!" she squealed. "I can't wait! It's gonna be so cool!" "Say hi back!" "Ok, talk to you later!" "Cool!" "Bye!" Sarah hung up with a big smile. "Looks like they changed her mind." Kian said. "Yeah! Bet Mark's happy!" Sarah laughed as Kian lifted her up and swirled her around. "Come here…" he said, pulling her close and kissing her.

 

“So you call me when you get there?”  Elisa said to Liz as they stood waving her off at the airport.  “Yes mum.  I’m gone for like a week … then I’ll be back for a whole month.”  Liz said hugging her.  “Ok I’ll be fine.  Say hi to Sarah and Kian for me … how cool does that sound!!”  Elisa said.  “I know … I will.  Bye nutter.”  Liz said as she walked away with Mark.  “So did I pass the best friend test?”  Mark said as they sat on the plane.  “Yeah … they loved you.”  Liz said.  “Cool.”  Mark said grinning.  “I was thinking…” Mark said.  “Uh oh.”  Liz said grinning.  “Shut up.”  Mark said laughing.  “Seeing as though you’re moving in … and I love you so much … and you love me … and our families think we’re fab … and I passed the best friend test … will you marry me?”  He said holding her hand.  Liz smiled as tears of joy trickled down her face.  “Of course I will … I love you Mark.”  Liz said kissing him.  Mark smiled as he dug in his pocket and pulled out a box.  “Kind of hoping you’d say that.”  He said opening the box to reveal a silver ring encrusted with diamonds all round it.  “Oh Mark.”  Liz said as he slipped it on her finger.  “You like?”  He said. “I love.”

“Lizzy!!”  Sarah cried as they greeted them at the airport.  “Hello!”  Liz said hugging her.  “Hi Mark.”  Kian said.  “Hello.”  Mark said as they watched Sarah and Liz act as though they hadn’t seen each other in years.  “Nice ring.”  Sarah said noticing immediately Liz’s finger.  “I know!  He proposed on the plane.”  Liz said crying again.  “Good work Mark – you made her hysterical again.”  Sarah said grinning.  “Well I try.”  Mark said smiling.  “Come on ladies … lets go home before you make a scene … or a flood.”  Kian said putting one arm round Sarah as they walked out.

 

"So, tell me!" Sarah said as she and Liz sat in the living room of the Egan house. "Think we should go see about some tea, Mark." Kian grinned as they stood up and kissed the girls before walking off to the kitchen. "Well…" Liz said, smiling foolishly down at her finger. "We left Elisa at the airport, and when we got on the plane he asked if he'd passed the best friend test." Sarah grinned. "Then he said he'd been thinking." "Uh-oh!" Sarah joked, and they both laughed. "My words exactly!" Liz said. "Then what did he say after you'd insulted him?" Sarah said. "He said that since I was moving in and we love each other, and our families love us and he passed the best friend test, if I would marry him." "Awww! How sweet!" Sarah sighed, and the two girls looked up at Kian and Mark standing in the doorway, smiling at them. "You are so cute!" Kian smiled as he sat down next to Sarah and put his arms around her. "Thanks Kian!" Mark grinned as he balanced the tray of cups over to the table. "Any time, mate. Any time!" Kian laughed. Mark laughed as he successfully placed them on the table and dumped down in the sofa. "Oooh! Liz, you've got to see what Kian bought!" Sarah said, standing up. "Right behind you!" Liz smiled and they hurried out the room and the lads heard them disappearing up the stairs. "When they get down again… let's keep them here!" Kian said, looking over at Mark. "Good idea!" he agreed. "What was it you'd bought?" Mark asked. "A crib for the baby." Kian said proudly. "We were out walking and we saw it in a window, and I just had to get it." Mark smiled. "Cool. I'm sure the girls are going all 'ooh' and 'aah' over it now!" he said, and they laughed. "Watch your mouth!" Liz grinned as she came over. "Don't think we didn't hear you!" Sarah said as Kian pulled her down in his lap. "Sorry." he said, kissing her softly. "You're forgiven." Sarah smiled. "I don't think they will part for a little while." Liz said, looking over at Kian and Sarah. "Me neither." Mark agreed. "Come on, why don't we go make something to eat whilst they… continue?" Liz said, and Mark nodded. "Let's go then, my bride." he said. "Awww!" Liz stopped and turned to him. Mark winked and kissed her.

 

“Do you notice how the room empties when we … well … snog?”  Kian said when he and Sarah came up for air.  “I know … maybe it’s a sign.”  Sarah said.  “Maybe.”  Kian said kissing her once more before they went into the kitchen to help Liz and Mark.  “Ahem.”  Kian coughed as they caught Liz and Mark snogging for dear life.  “Oh … hi … um … hi.”  Liz said regaining her breath.  Sarah laughed.  “Come on Liz … lets leave them to it … and go wait in the garden.”  The two girls walked out leaving Kian and Mark finishing off the lunch.  “So when are you going to ask her?”  Mark said.  “Ask who what?”  “Ask Sarah to marry you?”  Mark said.  Kian looked up and smiled.  “Well I saw this ring in town … beautiful … just waiting for the right moment.”  Kian said.  “Which is when?”  “I don’t know … I mean I love her … she’s going to be living here … and she’s having my child.”  “What’s really stopping you Ki?”  Kian sighed, as he looked out the window at Sarah then turned to face Mark.  “It’s all moving so fast … we met just over a fortnight ago and already she’s moving in and having my kid.  I’m 21 Mark … this wasn’t meant to happen for another 5 or 6 years.”  “I know … but you love her … she loves you … what’s missing?”  Mark said.  “I don’t know … I just … it doesn’t feel right yet.”  Kian said as they carried the plates into the garden.  “What we all doing this afternoon?”  Liz said as they finished eating.  “I have to go see my mum.”  Kian said.  “Want me to come?”  Sarah said.  “No I wont be long.  I’ll see you later.”  Kian said kissing her forehead and walking through the house and out.  “He ok?”  Liz said.  “Hope so.”  Sarah said looking worried.  “Mark is he alright?”  “Yeah … I think so.”  Mark lied, not wanting to upset her.  “OK … so what are we going to do?”  She asked.  “How’s about you two catch up and I’ll go see my mum?”  Mark said.  “Cool … bye.”  Liz said.  Mark walked out the front door, and went to find Kian.

 

Mark found Kian a bit further down the street, walking with his eyes turned down and his hands in his pockets. "Kian! Wait up mate!" Mark said, running to catch up with him. "What am I gonna do, Mark?" Kian asked, looking at him. Mark smiled. "Kian listen…" he said, placing his hand on his friend's shoulder. "You know how I was like before I met Liz, right? Just wanting to be free and up for a laugh, didn't have my heart set on finding the right one just yet." Kian nodded. "Yeah, I know." he said. "And do you know why I asked Liz to marry me?" he said, and Kian shook his head. "No, why?" he asked. "Because I love her so much, and I have found the one I want to spend my life with. To hell with all my earlier philosophies! I'm not gonna let her go now that I found her." Kian laughed. "And your point is?" he asked, and Mark grinned. "Getting there, my friend… You love Sarah, am I not correct?" "Yes, I love her very much." Kian said, smiling at the thought of her and her name on his lips. "And you want to spend your life with her, and your child?" Mark asked. "Yes, of course I do." Kian answered. "Well, who said you have to marry her two weeks after you ask?" Mark looked at him, and Kian's face broke into a smile. "Do you get my drift here?" Mark laughed. "Yes. I can ask her, but we can still wait a while to actually get married!" Kian nodded as he spoke, confirming and agreeing. "Exactly! Congratulations! That wasn't so hard, was it?" Mark said, patting his back. "Funny Feehily!" Kian said sarcastically. "Now, let's get back to the girls, I'm sure they're so alone without us." Mark grinned as they turned and walked back. Sarah and Liz sat outside in the garden, laughing and talking not even noticing the lads until they tapped their shoulders. "So alone without us…" Kian said, shaking his head at Mark. "Well, sorry! I thought my fiancée couldn't live without me, but obviously she can!" Mark said pouting. Sarah and Liz laughed, and turned to their respective boyfriends. "Aww!" Liz smiled as she saw Mark's face. "I can't live without you." she said, and kissed him. "Ok, happy now!" he laughed. They turned to Sarah and Kian, but they seemed to be busy. "I'm guessing he's fine… and so is she!" Liz said.

 

“Can we talk?”  Kian said as he kissed Sarah.  “Sure.”  Sarah said letting him lead her inside.  “You ok Ki?”  She asked as she sat down and he remained standing.  “I’m scared.”  Kian said.  “What of?”  Sarah said worried.  “Falling in love so fast … so hard … with you.”  “Whats wrong Kian?”  “I’ve known you for about a fortnight … and I love you … you’re moving in … you’re having my child … but … but …” Kian sat down and began to sob.  “Kian talk to me … you’re … you’re scaring me.”  Sarah said panicked.  “What if it all goes wrong?  I’ve never felt this way this fast about anyone … and I couldn’t bear it if it all fell apart … but what if it does?”  “It won’t Kian … I won’t let it.”  She said holding him tight.  “But what if …”  “Kian stop it.”  Sarah said firmly.  “Nothing … no-one … nothing will tear us apart.  Not now … not ever.”  She said as she began to cry.  They sat holding each other till the tears went then Sarah knelt on the floor infront of Kian.  “Kian … you mean the world to me … I love you so much … and I love this …” She placed one hand on her stomach.  “Our baby … I love you both … please don’t worry about us … I’ll always be here waiting for you … now and always.  Kian … will you … will you marry me?”  Kian’s face lit up and that familiar smile formed.  “Of course I will … you beat me to it!  I was going to do that!”  He said pouting.  “Aww baby … well I just … it just felt right.”  Sarah said holding him tight as he cried with joy.  “I love you Sarah.”  “I love you too Ki.”  “I sense we’ve missed something.”  Liz said as she and Mark walked in.  Sarah looked up at Liz and smiled.  “We’ll leave you to it … bye guys.”  Mark said as he and Liz went out the front door leaving Kian and Sarah to celebrate.

 

"What just happened in there?" Liz asked when they got out to their car. Mark smiled and got in. "You know when we went to visit our mums?" he said, and Liz nodded. "Mhm." "Well… Kian was going to ask Sarah to marry him…" Liz squealed in her seat, and Mark laughed. "Sorry." she blushed. "But he was getting cold feet, so he went out. I went after him, and talked to him and obviously made him change his mind!" Mark said. "What did you tell him?" Liz wanted to know. "I told him about how I was before I met you, and what happened when I did." he said, looking at her. "I told him that I asked you to marry me because I knew you were the one for me, and I wasn't planning on letting you go. Like I told Kian, to hell with all my earlier philosophies!" Mark laughed. "Pull over for a sec." Liz said, and he looked at her. "Huh? Why?" "Just do it." she said, and he stopped the car on the side of the road. "I don't get it. Are you ill?" Mark turned to her. "No." Liz smiled as she kissed him. "Wow… Well, feel free to make me pull over more often!" he joked, and she grinned. "What was that for?" Mark asked. "For what you just said. You are the sweetest, Mark!" Liz said and kissed him again. "Why thank you!" he winked at her and she smiled. He pulled back out on the road again, and drove the last bit back to the house.

"I have to go out and do something, I'll be right back." Kian said as he stood up. "Do what?" Sarah asked. "Secret. Won't be long. Bye babe!" he smiled as he kissed her and disappeared out the door. Sarah sat back in the sofa smiling to herself. "I'm getting married." she said aloud and giggled.

Kian ran out to his car and sped into town where he just made the jewellery shop before it closed. "I want that ring." he said, pointing to the ring he'd had his eye on earlier. The ring was in white gold, and it had three gorgeous diamonds in it. One for each of them; Sarah, himself and their baby. Between each diamond was a red stone, two in all. For their two hearts that was like one. "Certainly sir." the woman smiled politely at him as she brought it over to him. It was even more beautiful than it had been standing in the window, and Kian knew it would be more beautiful that ever before when it was where it belonged… on Sarah's finger. "I'll take it." he smiled. Kian couldn't drive quickly enough back, feeling the little box in his pocket. "Sarah!" he called as he came inside. "Yes?" she answered, and he ran into the living room where she sat flicking through a magazine. He smiled at her, and knelt down on the floor in front of her. "Now you're mine forever." Kian said as he slipped the ring on her finger. Sarah looked down at it and gasped. "Oh, Kian… it's beautiful." she said. "It can never compete with you though." he said as he kissed her. "I love you Sarah." Kian smiled at her. "I love you too." Sarah said, a big smile on her lips as they kissed again.

 

That evening Kian lay on the sofa reading with Sarah curled up in his lap.  The room was dimly lit with soft candlelight and gentle music played in the background.  Sarah lay hugging Kian whilst gazing lovingly at the ring.  “You know you don’t have to check it’s still there every minute don’t you?”  Kian joked.  “Funny.”  Sarah said as she began tickling him.  “Ok … I … hey … oi … stop.”  Kian said between laughter as he tried in vain to fight her off.  Just then her mobile rang.  “Ohh … saved by the bell.”  She said kissing his nose as she climbed off him and walked over to her phone, whilst Kian picked his book up off the floor and returned to reading.  “Hi mum.”  Sarah said grinning at Kian.  “Oh that’s great.  Well we kind of have some news too.”  “Me and Ki are engaged.”  “Yeah I know its fab.”  Sarah said smiling as Kian lay reading but with a grin on his face.  “Oh its beautiful … white gold with three diamonds and two rubies.”  “Yeah I know I am.”  “Ok … well thanks for calling.”  “I’ll tell him.”  “I love you too … bye.”  Sarah hung up and went back over to the sofa and sat back in Kian’s arms.  “I guess she’s happy?”  Kian said not looking up from his book.  “Yeah she says I’m very lucky.”  “True.”  “Oi!”  Sarah said about to tickle him again.  “What was the message?”  Kian said smiling as he put his book down and hugged her.  “Oh yeah … she says congratulations and she sends her love.  They really like you.”  “Well I like them too.”  Sarah beamed as she snuggled in his arms.  “You know I’m surprised Liz hasn’t called yet?”  Kian said.  “I know … maybe they’re busy.”  “Yeah busy snogging.”  Kian joked.  “Well it’s not a bad way to pass the time.”  Sarah said kissing him.

“Are you not going to call and get the gossip then?”  Mark said as he and Liz lay in the hammock in his back garden snuggling close in a blanket.  “Na … it involves moving … and no doubt we’ll see them tomorrow.  I’m way too comfy anyway.”  She said as she snuggled closer.  “Fine by me.”  Mark said as he cuddled up and they lay looking at the stars.

 

Liz' mobile rang as they sat having breakfast. "Hello!" she answered, giggling as Mark made funny faces at her. "Mum! Hi!" "Nope, we're lucky. It's sunshine." Mark looked up at her and smiled. "Good intuition!" "Yes…" "Who would you most like as a son-in-law?" Liz asked, and Mark laughed at her. She sat with a huge grin on her face, then nodded. "Yes!!" she squealed into the phone. "He proposed on the plane back home…" Liz looked lovingly at him and he mouthed an "Aww!" at her. "Yes, tell them I love them. And I will tell him that." "I'll talk to you soon, mum." "Ok, bye." Mark raised an eyebrow as she hung up and put her phone down. "What did she say?" he asked. "Well… to my question about who she would most like as her son-in-law, she first went silent. Then she gasped, and asked if we were getting married!" Liz smiled happily at him. Mark smiled back at her. "What were you going to tell me?" he asked, and she stood up and walked over to him. "She said to tell you," Liz said sitting down in his lap. "And I quote; 'Tell Mark to take good care of our little girl, and that we're all so happy for you! We love you both, and we hope you're happy.' That's what she said." Liz smiled. "Oh, well they'll have absolutely nothing to worry about!" Mark grinned and hugged her.

"Egan house!" Kian said as he picked up the phone. "Oh, hello Feehily house!" he laughed. "Nope, nothing. Except I have a feeling the ladies might wanna gossip." Sarah walked by and poked him as she stuck her tongue out at him and laughed. "Ok, that sounds like something we could very well do. Who thought of that? It was Liz' idea, right?" Kian asked. "All by yourself, eh?" "Ok! Ok! I believe you, mate! Just kidding!" he laughed. "Sure, we'll be ready in two hours then." "Great, see ya then!" Kian said, and hung up. "You want to go somewhere nice today?" Kian asked as he came into the kitchen where Sarah sat. "Yeah, sure." she looked up and smiled. "That was Mark on the phone, he thought we could have a picnic today. All four, well five kinda, of us!" Sarah laughed. "Sounds great! Picnic where?" she asked. "We know a nice place not very far from here, bit out of the way. Mark and Liz are coming to pick us up in two hours." Kian said, leaning over the table and kissing her. "Mmm… ok, cool." Sarah smiled.

 

“Wow.”  Sarah and Liz said in unison as they got out the cars.  “Ok that was a little creepy.”  Kian said laughing.  “It’s really beautiful.”  Liz said as they looked out to sea.  Kian and Mark had taken them to ‘Baster Point’ a few miles north of Sligo.  It was a virtually unknown spot with no tourists and the odd local ever going there.  There was a small shop and a pub on the road and a gravel car park and picnic area on the cliffs.  “Right … how’s about me and Kian maybe go grab a drink … have a look round the shop … and generally pass some time on leaving you lovely ladies to … well natter.  Sound fair?”  Mark said.  “Bye sweetie.”  Liz said kissing him.  “See ya Ki.”  Sarah said kissing him too before the two girls walked over to a bench and sat down.  “Well?”  Liz said beaming at her.  “What?”  Sarah said innocently.  “Ok Sarah I’m not a fool … plus Mark hinted … and you have a gorgeous ring … spill girl!”  She said grinning.  Sarah laughed.  “He said we needed to talk … then he kind of … well fell apart on me.  He said he was scared … about feeling this way so fast … and he was worried that it might all fall apart.”  “Oh god Sarah.”  Liz said looking worried.  “So I told him that we would be together forever no matter what … then … well I asked him to marry me.”  “YOU proposed?”  Liz squealed.  “Yeah.”  Sarah said grinning.  “So where did the ring come from?”  “He went out … came back and there you have it.  Isn’t it great?”  Sarah said smiling at it.  “It’s beautiful.”  Liz said.  “Look out – incoming men.”  She added as Kian and Mark came back.  “We safe yet?”  Kian said as they sat down.  “Yeah.”  Sarah said hugging him.  “Ok … I wanna propose a toast.”  Kian said as he handed out cans of coke.  “To us … all four … well five ish … of us.  In a little over a month we will all be living here … not too far from one another.  We’re all engaged … obviously not ALL engaged but you know what I mean … and Sarah is having my child … yay … so I’d like to propose a toast – to friends … family … and the future.”  “Cheers.”  They all said in unison clinking their cans.