Chapter 1
All the family were gathered in church for Harley and Emily's wedding. Emily looked stunning as she walked down the aisle on the arm of her father. Elaina and Macy also looked beautiful in their bridesmaid dresses. Harley couldn't take the smile off his face as his beautiful bride stood beside him. Serena looked across and smiled as she saw Emily’s Mum Mary and Ric holding hands looking very loved up. As Serena watched her oldest son get married her mind began to wander to the day she gave birth to him.
20 years earlier
“Mum, I can't do this.” Serena panted heavily between pushes.
“Yes you can darling. You are doing so well." Adrienne smiled as she moped Serena brow.
"I'm so tired, Mum."
"I know you are, but it will all be worth it when you hold your baby boy in your arms.
"I'm scared. What if the baby doesn't like me or I don't like the baby?"
“Of course you're gonna like the baby. You will love it as soon as you see his gorgeous little face. And the baby will definitely love you. What's not to love about you.”Adrienne smiled as she stroked Serena's cheek.
“I just don’t think I'm going to be a very good Mum.”
“Stop this. Serena, you are going to be a bloody fantastic Mum. Because you are a lovely caring young woman.”
“Serena on your next contraction. I want you to get me a really big push. We need to get him out. He is getting a little stressed now.” The midwife said.
“You can do this sweetheart.”
“Ok” Serena grabbed her Mum’s hand as she pushed with all she had. 30 minutes later and her baby boy was being placed onto her chest. “Hello Harley, I'm your Mummy.” Serena cried with happiness. He’s beautiful isn’t he Mum?”
“He sure is. I said you could do it, didn't I? I’m so proud of you darling.” Adrienne said with tears in her eyes.“I'll go outside and ring your Dad and our Annie. Let them know he has arrived safe and sound. And that you're both alright." Adrienne kissed Serena and Harley softly before she left the room.
“Mum’s right, I love you so much little man. I will try and be the best Mum I can. It will probably be just you and me from now on and yes I might get things wrong. But I will always love you. I will never let anyone hurt you. I will always be here for you my gorgeous boy. "Serena cried.
Serena was jolted back to the present as Bernie squeezed her hand.
"Are you ok, love?" Bernie whispered.
"I'm fine." Serena smiled as she rested her head on Bernie's shoulder.
"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride." The vicar said. Everyone cheered as Harley kissed Emily lovingly.
"I love you so much. My gorgeous wife."
"I love you too, my handsome husband." The happy couple smiled at all their family as they walked back down the aisle and outside the church for the photo's and then onto the venue.
After the meal it was time for everyone to start to relax and enjoy the entertainment.
"Do you all want a drink?" Bernie asked.
"You sit down, love. Me and your Dad will go get the drinks in." Paul said as he and Jeff stood up. "Same again everyone."
"Yes please."
"Are you all alright?" Harley asked as he put her arms around Bernie and Serena's shoulders.
"Yes thank you darling."
"Can I have a word with you two in private please."
"Yes of course." Serena looked at Bernie confused as they both followed Harley into reception. "Is everything alright Harley?"
"Yes everything's fine. I know you and Mom said that me and Emily could stay with you guys till we saved enough money to find a place. But Mary has told us that she is moving in with Ric."
"Really that's so sweet."
"Yeah. It's just that Ric has given me and Emily his apartment. As a wedding gift."
"Blimey." Bernie said.
"Ric and Emily have gotten really close in the last 6 years."
"I know they have. Ric loves that girl to bits. But will you be able to afford all your bills?"
"Yes. I've put a fair bit away. And then there's Emily's wages. And with what Mum pays me at the gym we should be alright."
"I just don't want you to struggle." Serena said with tears in her eyes.
"We won't Mum. I'm 20 years old and I'm not a child anymore. I can't keep running to my Mum's. I'm a grown man with a beautiful wife. Who I am going to look after. You don't have to worry about me."
"I'll always worry about you. You're our boy. And I love you so much."
"I love you too Mum. Both of you." Harley pulled Serena and Bernie close to him and held them tightly.
"We are going to miss you so much."
"Please don't worry, I'm only a fifteen minutes walk away."
"I know." Serena smiled as she wiped away her tears. "I'll be OK. Go and be with your wife."
"You're sure you're both OK with this?."
"Yes we are."
"Let's go back into the reception and enjoy ourselves. Harley held each of his Mum's hand as they walked back into the reception.