janey_test-of-endurance-5

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TEST OF ENDURANCE by Janey

PART 5

Saturday 24th April ’93
Neither Richey nor you had managed to get much sleep after his cutting the previous night. He had spent much of the black night hours crying and berating himself for being so stupid for resorting to slicing himself. Time after time he had hysterically sobbed that this all just proved he was unfit to be a parent. However his crying was not due to self-pity but to anger at himself. Anger that he had fallen back into the old ‘comfort zone’ and he was disgusted with himself for it and nothing that you could say or do was of any use.

Tuesday 27th April ’93
Richey finally agrees to have the guys round, but only on the understanding that the cutting isn’t talked about. All he had says to Martin is that you have both spent many hours going into the reasons why it had occurred and you have both acknowledged and accepted some of the blame.
“You’ll have to start with some promotional stuff soon won’t you Philip? Wasn’t it June the LP and first single come out?” you ask, whilst Richey fusses around everyone making sure that they have enough tea or coffee.
“Not more bloody photoshoots!” laughs Rich.
“Afraid so Tiger!” sniggers Nicky as relief washes over his features. He’s satisfied that Richey is back to being ‘Happy Richey’ again and feels content that he’s not discussing his cutting for very good reasons.
Martin, James and Sean can also be seen to visibly relax.
“Any luck on the house front?” James queries.
“We saw a couple yesterday that we both absolutely adore!” exclaimed Rich, as he went off in search of the details. “Here. These two.”
James and Sean take the papers and study them carefully.
“We’re going back to have another look at them both,” smiles Rich. “One viewing is tomorrow morning and the other in the afternoon.”
“They both seem immaculate,” observes James before passing the details across to Philip and Martin.
“Yeah, they are. We could move straight in to either one but we’ve got to make an offer first and then it’s got to be accepted. I’m sure that lots of people will be interested.” Richey passes the information sheets that Sean had had across to Nicky to peruse.
“I hope you get which ever one you decide on,” says Nicky. “They do look wonderful, I have to say.”

Friday 25th June
At last the keys are yours and you and Rich both ‘whoop’ with delight when you pick them up, and then giggle stupidly to yourselves as people start staring at you both. Thankfully Rich has helped you with the packing of just about everything that you’re taking. For the actual moving though you’ll be on your own as Richey has to honour band obligations.

July ’93
They start touring and as you’ve started working at a nearby hospital, time with Richey becomes more and more precious. When they are not doing sound checks, rehearsing or actually giging, they have a plethora of interviews organised and photoshoots.

September ’93
No double wedding as Nicky anticipated, but still a good day is had by all. Even though James has had his hair blonde for a couple of months now, Richey and Sean can’t help ribbing him about what a prat he’ll seem on the photo’s, but he takes it in good humour.
Richey surprises you by not wearing his usual make-up and you have to admit he does look sexier because of it.
“I can’t out shine the bride now can I?” he jokes.
As Rachel throws the bouquet you catch it much to the joy of the others.
“Time to run Richey!” roars James, “she’s gonna tie you down and have you under the thumb before you know it.”
“I should be so lucky!” he laughs back. “I quite like the notion of being tied up,”
He looks across at you and you shake your head and pretend to look stern, “don’t you be getting ideas Richey Edwards! If I tie you up I may not let you go.” And you hug him warmly.
“Oh good I can be your sex slave!”
“Richey!” exclaims Sherry. “Not in the grounds of the church if you don’t mind.”
“Sorry Mum.”
However Sherry is grinning as she speaks to him as are Graham and Rachel.

Rachel had stayed the night with you and Richey as she often does now, enjoying some videos and having a good laugh and joke with you both. Several times that morning as you helped her with her make up, she had asked when Richey was going to make an honest woman out of you so that she could be bridesmaid for you. Each time you’d laughed it off, but in truth it was something that you had both discussed, and you couldn’t help but smile to yourself.

Oct ’93
The guys start touring Japan and Germany and Rachel is staying more often to help keep you company. The long distance phone calls are not enough to ease the pain of missing of him, and many nights you can’t sleep, as you are so lonely in the large bed. Since you moved into your new home together you’ve hardly seen each other and Richey is as frustrated as you are. James tells you as you speak on the phone that Richey is becoming increasingly restless, and is finding it more difficult to cope with than Nicky.
“He’s like a love sick puppy,” James moans, “can’t you sort a holiday out?”
“Two more weeks James,” you say miserably. “Yet right now it seems light years away.”
“You could always quit your job, that way you could see him all the time.”
“James, that’s a ridiculous idea. For one thing I’d be in the way and for another I’d feel as though I was checking up on him. Yes we’d get to spend the nights together but during the day you lot would be busy all the time.”
“I know, I know. It’s just its heart breaking seeing him brooding and pining. I’m well aware that I was the biggest critic of you two getting together, Nat, but well, he’s just not the same Richey without you. You don’t sound good either. I know that you’re putting on a brave face and trying to be cheery, but be honest. You love the bones of each other and it’s driving you both mad being apart.”
“Are you worried he’s gonna cut again?”
“No. He won’t do that. He hasn’t even got drunk once,” laughs James, “unlike the rest of us who are drunk on a regular basis.”
“What on earth is he up to? He’s taking his time isn’t he?”
“He’s coming now, don’t panic!” he giggles. “Rich get a hurry on. The Mrs is getting frustrated.”
“You can tell we’re back to being friends again!” Natalie laughs to James, “ because you’re being a cheeky little sod!”
“And you so love it,” he says before saying goodbye as Richey is there to talk with you.
“Hi ya love,” says Richey breathlessly, “I was practising my guitar.”
“Crikey Rich!” you giggle, “practising rather than playing Sonic, are you sure you’re alright?”
“Don’t you start!” he laughs back, “I’ve had enough from the rest of the them, I can tell you. Figured it was time I eased the burden for James! You’ll be impressed when you hear me. I’m pretty good now.”
“Of course I’m biased but I always thought you were.”
“I’m saying nothing!” he laughed again. “At least I’ll be able to play with my guitar plugged in now.”
“So what else have I missed? Written any new stuff?”
“A few bits and pieces that’s all. My head seems all over the place,” he says then adds, “ for some strange reason I’ve got this woman called Natalie on my mind all the time. I’m missing her like mad and it’s driving me crazy.”
“Sounds as though you could be in love, Rich. How does she feel about you?”
“I think she feels the same but as she’s not here to ask it’s a bit difficult to know. Do you think she loves me?”
“Rich, I’m sure she does. In fact, I know that she does.”
You can hear him sigh before he says, “Damn I wish I was with you. It seems so long since we spent any time together.”
“Two more weeks and I’ll be with you Rich. A whole week together and at least when you start touring Germany rather than Japan it’ll be easier for us to be together. I’ll be able to fly out on my days off, which I can’t do now.”
“Why now quit your job or at least go part time? Then we’d have more time.”
“Have you been talking to James?”
“No, why?”
“Because he said the same thing. Well at least about me giving my job up,” you say. “Trouble is Rich, I love my job.”
“More than me?”
“No!” You exclaim. “You can’t compare how I feel about you to the way I enjoy my job.”
“At least say you’ll think about it.”
“I’ll think about going part time but nothing more, and, don’t try backing me into a corner and forcing me to make a choice. You may not like the result.”
“What? Are you saying that you’d walk away from me if I did?” asks Richey disbelievingly. “So much for the speech about sticking with this all the way.”
“Oh no you bloody don’t!” you shout with frustration. “Emotional blackmail won’t work with me.”
“I don’t see what the fucking problem is,” he yells back. “We’re missing each other like mad, so why not give it up and be with me all the time?”
“Why don’t you quit the band then?”
“Nat, now you’re just been bloody stupid.”
“I’m being stupid? You spend so much time away from home touring, doing videos and recording but I should quit my job?”
“I earn more and the bands profile is getting bigger all the time.”
“Which means there will be even more groupies trying to fuck you, and you’ll be away even more often.” Now your blood is boiling with rage.
“So, if you were with me all the time you’d know I wouldn’t stray.”
“That sounds very much like if I’m not there you’ll play the field because you know you can.” You spit at him. “Are you so that sad you want to go back to meaningless, emotionless sex Rich?”
“That is not what I said! I would never cheat on you.”
You take some time to collect yourself, hurt that Richey had spoken as he had.
“Rich I love you. I want the band to be successful. You know that, all of you do. But I also need to have something too. Following you and the guys around the world will never be enough; and yes I do know that we both miss each other and we keep harping on about it, but if I was with you 24/7 you’d soon hate it and you know you would.” You take a deep breath hoping that you haven’t been too hard.
You could hear Richey’s breathing on the line and knew he was thinking hard about what you had said to him.
“Fuck Nat!” he pleaded, “I love you, I want to be with you all the time.”
“Darling,” you say tenderly. “ You knew about my career when we started. I took a break after Michelle. I never thought you wanted me to give it up.”
“I didn’t. I mean I don’t. Fuck! I don’t know what I mean.” Rich starts to cry.
“Rich! Richey, talk with me honey,” you urge.
“I miss you” comes the plaintive cry. “I’m selfish I know, but I want you with me.”
“I’ll be there soon darling. If I go part time we can spend more time together without being in each others faces, yeah?”
Richey took an age to answer.
“How part time?” he asks.
“One shift less a week to start with, if they agree. We’ll take it from there ok?”
“Nat I’m sorry for pressuring you but I miss you so fucking much.”
“I miss you too darling,” you cry. “ It’s just that I want to be ME, you know?”
“I know. You don’t want to be known as ‘Richey Manics other half’ am I right?”
“NO! NO you’re not!” you sob. “Richey I’m proud to be linked with you. Be it as girlfriend or wife I don’t mind. I just need something outside of the Manics. I’ll get bored with nothing to do.”
“What about when we have children?” he asks.
“Well, “ you say, “ if we can I’d like to be able to have my own counselling practise, endorsed by doctors, so that I can spend more time with you whilst still having something of my own to focus on.”
“We really haven’t talked enough have we?” queries Richey.
“No we haven’t,” you concede. “But we love each other and we WILL work this out. Problem is I got pregnant so bloody quick. We didn’t have a chance to think about things. Stuff was kind of thrust on us, but I won’t leave you Richey. I want us to work because I love you and I can actually imagine spending my older years with you. Still shagging you senseless I have to say.”
“That I DO like the sound of!” he laughs. “ I can’t imagine not wanting to jump on your bones!”
“How romantic.”
“Thought that would make you laugh,” Richey giggles.
“You are such a wicked man!” you chastise humorously. “That’s another reason why I love you so much.”
“Good!” he giggles before saying, “seriously though, how does Michelle’s garden look?”
“It’s coming on beautifully. I’ve sent you some pictures of it but I have been told by some of our neighbours that we will have an all year round display as we’d hoped.”
“Ah, that’s great. Something for her brothers and/or sisters to go to huh?”
“Yeah,” you sigh.
“ You wonder what it would be like if she was with us don’t you? I do too you know.”
“I know you do honey, I can’t hide much from you.” You reply. “She’d be happy with us and she’s happy now because she knows she’s loved, Richey.”
“Yeah, she’ll always be our little Michelle right?”
“Absolutely, hon.” you respond. “Fuck the connections going!”
“I love you Darl…”
The connection was gone and you were left looking at the telephone wires.

Mid-December ’93 – Wednesday 5th Jan ‘94
Yet more birthdays and a Christmas and New Year spent together. Things were thankfully unpressurized between you and James with him wishing you his best, and saying that he felt you and Richey were meant for each other. The get-togethers were lots of fun and it they were helped by the fact that things with James really were ok now. He no longer tried to get you alone anymore to take advantage of you, and it was obvious to everyone that Richey was also more relaxed around him now.
On your birthday you had both been invited to Richey’s parent’s home for a meal and it was fun to get dressed up in something other than the fancy dress which had been worn for Richey’s birthday and the New Year Party that Nicky and Rachel had organised.
“Had a good day love?” asks Rich as he nuzzles you neck after fastening your necklace.
“The best Rich, Thanks.” You lean back into him and close your eyes, allowing a hand to wander and caress his tiny backside.
“Well there’s one more thing,” he says.
You open your eyes and watch as he kneels before you and takes a small box out from his trouser pocket. He smiles broadly at you and winks as he takes off the lid. Inside is a diamond, amethyst and ruby ring, set in white gold.
“Oh Richey! It’s beautiful.”
“I designed it myself,” he giggles nervously as he takes your hands in his and softly asks, “Natalie, will you become my wife? I love you so much I can’t imagine us never being together.”
Tears of happiness start to well in your eyes as you reply, “ Rich! I’ll be delighted to marry you. Yes I will.”
Richey slips the ring onto your finger before taking you in his arms and giving you a passionate kiss. “Do we have to go to my folks house?”
“Yes we do!” you giggle. “You can ravish me when we get back.”
Rachel, Graham and Sherry are all over the moon at the good news and Rachel is especially happy when you ask her to be bridesmaid.

Thursday 6th January ’94
Richey rings round all the guys and tells them all the news, promising to let them know as soon as you actually set a date. Martin and Philip get together to organise the press release.

Tuesday 12th April ’94
You both spend time in Michelle’s garden just talking. The plants are really beginning to establish themselves now and the whole area has a very peaceful feeling to it.

Friday/Saturday 22nd/23rd April.
Thailand and you’re able to go with them thanks to now working part-time and you have to concede that just knowing you’re close to Richey makes you feel good, even though you’re not together all the time. Apart from one so called fan sending Rich a set of knives which he accepted but said, “I hope you don’t mind if I give them to the wife. She’ll get more use out of them,” and before the fan has chance to say anything Richey hands you the case and kisses you on the cheek.

Wednesday 11th May ’94
You feel a hand stroking your abdomen and take a sharp intake of breath as erotic thoughts run through you.
“I figured you may like that,” murmurs Richey as you moan into him just before he starts to nibble on your ear. “Should I stop darling?”
“If you dare; Richey Edwards I will not be responsible for my actions,” and you pull his hand lower, needing to have that intimacy. “I know it hasn’t been long but fuck I’ve missed you.”
Your tongues mesh together and your hands caress one another. You start off slow and deliberate then become more and more frenzied until both of you acknowledge the need for release and so modify your strokes for optimum pleasure.
Richey reaches under the pillow and takes out the vibrator and begins stroking your clit with it.
“Richey I want you,” you urge vigorously.
“Doesn’t it feel good?”
“Not as good as you babe.”
“You know how to flatter a guy,” he smirks cheekily as he puts the vibrator down on the bedside cabinet and captures your mouth with his again.

Friday 1st July ’94
You’ve been pacing all afternoon waiting excitedly for Richey to get back home. It’s been a little over a week since you saw each other and as his car finally pulls onto the drive you can’t help but rush out and embrace him.
“I missed you too, honey,” he sighs heavily into your hair.
“Oh, Richey. I’ve got something to tell you,” you smile broadly. “I’m pregnant!”
“Oh baby that’s wonderful!” he picks you up in his arms and spins you around. “How are you? Is everything ok?”
“Lets go in and talk huh?”
So, you had explained everything that the doctor had said, including about how they would be monitoring you much more closely after the previous miscarriage.

Wednesday 17th Aug ’94
14 weeks pregnant and finally you and Richey announce it to the guys. You have waited as long as you could because of what happened with Michelle, even though the guys had commented about your changing shape and your sickness. It’s a chaotic time as promotion for ‘The Holy Bible’ is at fever pitch and Richey is torn between excitement and fever and concern over your unborn child.
Sherry, Graham and Rachel are all completely delighted at the news, though they all agree to be cautious after your last pregnancy.

Tuesday 30th Aug ’94
Holy Bible released and Richey is torn between two worlds. The press keeps asking about the pair of you and Richey merely deflects it in a variety of ways.
When the others are asked of the impending birth all they do is laugh and take the Mickey.
“What birth?” becomes a common cry.

Wednesday Oct 5th’94
21 weeks. Obviously pregnant now and you have decided to request part time work upon your return from maternity.
Richey is put under increasing pressure about his ability to be a parent even though those nearest to him endorse his ability.
“You know something,” says Philip to various journalists, “ I would trust Richey with the life of any child. He would and never could, harm anyone not even himself as things stand and I hate to say have say it to the press who are here today!”
For the next 6 weeks you both take time to be together as and when you can. A Video has been put together featuring the guys but also yourself and the one and only meeting with you and Bono had been snapped too.

Wednesday Nov 16th ’94
So far due to the early miscarriage you had previously contended with, you are now on the 3rd scan. Thankfully baby seems to be doing better than thought. The previous pregnancy problems were behind the regularity of you scans for this baby. On one hand you both were thankful of this but on another you were both afraid.
Due date is 1st February 1995. You are so far refusing to know baby’s sex.
Thankfully you get to spend some time with Richey before the next tour which is with Suede.

Dec 94 into Jan 95
Richey, Nick, and you have birthdays within a short period of each other. These birthdays are the quietest you’ve ever had with them, as you’re feeling sluggish and fat due to being so heavily pregnant. However, Richey continues to tell you how beautiful you are and physically your relationship is still special. Unfortunately Rachel and Richey lose their dog, Snoopy, and bury him which makes him think back to Michelle and worry about what may happen this time.

Monday 30th January ’95
The guys are busy rehearsing for their forthcoming American tour and Richey is only partly concentrating as he’s expecting to hear news of you going into labour. This despite the fact that you keep telling him you’re liable to be late rather than early. Luckily all the others are understanding and treat him with kid gloves, as they can only imagine how he must feel.
The telephone rings at a little after 8pm and makes you jump in surprise and you’re a little out of breath as you answer it, “hello.”
“Hi sexy! You’re puffing well, are you ok? Not started with labour already?”
“No Rich! I’m doing some cleaning that’s all. Tell you the truth I may get a bath as I’ve got a bit of a headache and I’m feeling a bit fluey,” You say, then quickly add “but that’s probably just because I’ve been busy.”
“I hope you’re not trying to fob me off?” concern echoes through his voice.
“Darling, I’d tell you if there was anything to worry about but there isn’t. We’ll no doubt be having a similar conversation when you get back from the States in a few days.”
“I’m not going.”
He says it so simply that you think you’ve misheard; “I beg your pardon?”
“Sean has agreed to go with James instead. I think Philip and Martin finally got fed up of me going on about it and so finally broached the subject with Nicky and Sean,” he giggles. “But I told them that if you gave birth I’d be coming straight back like it or not. I mean, come on, I can’t not be with my wife and new baby can I?”
“Who have you got married to that you haven’t told me about?” you laugh however he then catches the gasp that you moan loudly too.
“Now you’re worrying me! What was the gasp for?” his voice had an insistence and urgency to it.
“Baby kicking, honestly Richey. Just baby kicking.” It felt like more than that but you didn’t want to worry Rich, as it could be Braxton Hicks rather than real labour.
“Nat, I’m gonna come home tomorrow. I don’t want you on your own…”
“Richey!” you exclaim, “I’m not exactly on my own! Rachel is here with me; your mum and dad are on stand by to take me to the hospital if needed.”
“But I won’t be with you. This is our first born Natalie and I want to be there, and its not to help me forget Michelle.”
“I know darling. Chances are if you were here during the labour I’d be calling you all kinds of horrible things!” You try to inject a little humour to lighten the mood.
“I’m sure I can cope,” he giggles. “Just promise me you’ll call as soon as you know you’re in labour.”
“I will! I promise. I’ll get Rachel to call you straight away. Do you want to talk with her? She’s just in her room.”
“Leave her to it. Just relax and don’t do too much ok?”
“I will babe,” you say softly. “I love you Richard Edwards, you know that?”
“I love you too Natalie Edwards AND!” he emphasises, “don’t start on about the fact we’re not married yet! As far as I’m concerned we are, we just haven’t done it formally.”
You both carry on chatting till 8.25pm when you go and get your bath. Unknown to you, Richey goes to Nicky’s room and tells Nick that he’s worried that you’re experiencing more than just the baby kicking but don’t want to tell him as you don’t want him to worry. Nicky listens and talks with him and it’s almost 1am when Richey finally pads off to his own room, completely sober.

Tuesday 31st January ’95
6.15 am and a call wakes Richey up. He reaches for the telephone, “yeah?”
“Rich? It’s Rachel. Mam and dad are on their way to take Natalie to hospital. She’s ok and doing fine so don’t worry.”
“Oh my lord! I’ve gotta get there!” he stumbles out of bed and grabs for his clothes. “When did she start?”
“Her waters went about 3 hours ago, but her contractions are about 7 minutes apart. They want her in early in case of problems after Michelle. Do you want a quick chat with her?”
“Please sis,” he says hurriedly.
Despite being in a great deal of discomfort you can’t help giggling at Richey’s attitude. He sounds positively petrified and completely shocked at the realisation that it’s now all systems go.

Philip drives Richey back in Richey’s car, not taking any chances as Richey’s mind is on you and the baby. YOUR baby. Behind you Terri drives Nicky back, leaving Sean, James and Martin to go to America as arranged.

Richey arrives at the hospital at 1.45 p.m. The drive back had been appalling due to road works and bad weather for the start of the journey.
“Oh Richey!” Sherry runs and hugs him. “Don’t worry she’s doing fine but she has a long way to go. The midwife and doctor say it could be another twelve hours or more. We’ve just come out to stretch our legs.”
“I can’t believe it,” he says as he hugs Sherry, Graham and Rachel. “I’m gonna be a dad.”
“Yes son you are!” Smiles Graham. “ And you’re gonna be a great dad too.”
Richey joins you and cries as he cuddles you.
“I bloody well tried so hard not to do that!” he laughs. “I love you Nat. I love you so much.”
“I think you should swap places and you should bloody go through this!” you tell him still smiling. “Well it’s too late for you to back out now, Rich.”
Richey strokes your stomach tenderly. “Wow! Is that ‘titch’ doing that?”
Then a contraction hits you again and you cling tightly to Richey as you breathe through it.

Wednesday 1st February
“This is it Natalie ok?” says Marie the midwife. “When it starts push as hard as you can and blow ok? I know it’s tough but try to keep it controlled.”
“Argh!” you scream and it seems to go on for eternity.
“Oh my!” shrieks Richey. “Nearly there Nat.”
“Keep pushing Natalie,” says Marie as you slump back. “The head’s through. Let’s get baby out next time huh?”
You nod at her whilst panting heavily and with sweat dripping over your body. You look at Rich and his eyes are huge and bright like a child experiencing their first Christmas.
“Argh!”
“Nat we’ve got a boy! You did it!” and Richey kisses you with tears streaming down his face. “You’re beautiful.”
“Congratulations Mr and Mrs Edwards,” says Dr Michael. “Sat hello to your son before we weigh him and clean him.”
“Hello little man,” Rich says as he kisses his sons head, as you cradle him. “We’re your mummy and daddy.”
“Hello, darling,” you cry. “You are beautiful.”

Richey goes to meet Sherry, Graham and Rachel who have been waiting all night for news.
“Well son?” Asks Graham impatiently.
“Daniel Richard Edwards was born at 7.01 am, and weighed 6lbs 3ozs. Mother and baby are doing well, but fast asleep.”
“It took you over an hour to tell us?” grins Rachel as she hugs him. “Congratulations bro!”
“I can’t stop looking at them both! He’s beautiful, and it’s so good holding him in my arms.”
“I hope you’re not going to be a possessive father, Rich?” asks Sherry, “as there are going to be lots of people who want to hold him and spoil him.”
“I’ve got these pictures!”
Graham starts to cry, “bloody hell! I’m a granddad! Thanks son”
“Don’t thank me. Thank Nat. Come on.” And he winked at them.
“I thought she was asleep,” says Rachel.
“She’s too excited, and wants to say hi to you all.”
Thursday 1st February 96
Dan’s first birthday and the day you and Richey get married. Rachel is bridesmaid and has also helped to design your dress, which is ivory and cream satin and lace, with a bodice, which has the initials R and N, interweaved with some love hearts and roses in gold, pink, lilac and silver.
Both you and Rich now wear your hair without any added colour, his being a slightly deeper shade of brown than your own. You have also had yours cut so it’s just above your shoulders, whilst still very feminine.
As you officially become ‘Mr and Mrs Edwards’ in front of your friends and relatives, you and Richey smile broadly to one another before kissing.
“I love you Mrs Edwards,” Rich giggles into your ear.
“I love you too sexy,” you whisper back as you both embrace.

As you make sure that everyone gets the photos of you that they want, Rich hugs you and Dan and whispers in your ear, “I wonder what mum would say if she knew this little guy was going to have a little brother or sister soon.”
“She’d probably go apoplectic!” You try hard to prevent the giggle from escaping and thankfully succeed. “We have to tell them soon though. I’m nearly four months. To be honest I’m surprised more people haven’t mentioned it.”

Sunday 5th June 2005
Nicky and Rachel’s second child is being christened and Clara is enjoying every minute with her little brother, Matthew Allen Jones. It’s a wonderful day and you and Richey are there with your own brood; Dan who’s now 10; Samuel Ryan who is 9 on 5th July; Maria Olivia who is 8 on Aug 17th; Michael Graham who will be 5 on September 29th and young Lucy Rachel who was born on April 14th 2005.
Sean is there with a heavily pregnant Rhian and they have about 6 weeks to the birth of their second child. James is there on his own. Despite numerous girlfriends and several engagement announcements, James still has not settled down. He always complains of getting bored and feeling under the thumb and then backs out of it, leaving Monty feeling frustrated at the lack of a grandchild.

“Hey Nat,” sighs Richey as he holds you as you both watch the kids playing. “We’ve done ok haven’t we?”
“Oh I think better than ok don’t you? We have each other; great friends and great kids.”
“And lots of people will have to eat humble pie as we’re still together nearly 13 years later. Not only that but I haven’t cut since after we lost Michelle. We’ve come through a lot haven’t we?”
“Yeah, we have. It’s been quite a test of our love.”
“A test of endurance almost,” giggles Rich. “Dan! Be careful, Michael’s not as strong as you are!”
“Umm, and soon you’ll be off on another tour,” you say wistfully. “I don’t think I’ll get used to that.”
“At least they’re more family friendly now, and we’re not apart for long periods of time.”
“True,” you say. “Just as well really.”
“Why?” Richey hugs you closer and nuzzles your neck lovingly.
“Well it’s not long till I’m 40! We had said about having another child after Lucy was born.”
“I don’t know where you find the energy! All day looking after kids and you still get sexy!”
“Now that is your fault! Your still so gorgeous I can’t get enough.” With that you kiss him lightly on the lips.
“I’ll remind you of that when we get home, after they’ve gone to bed!”
Together you both laugh!

THE END.

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