It was the evening of the Chinese Food Fair, and the rain was pelting down outside Fitzgerald's. Incessant rain, which seemed to introduce an air of change into Ballykissangel, a sense of impending alteration, with an era ending, and a new one beginning. No one could put their finger on it, but if anything, they felt it in their hearts.

If this change was felt, it was certainly felt most of all by Assumpta Fitzgerald and Peter Clifford. Assumpta looked at the weather from the window of the pub, feeling, for the first time in a long while, happy. She knew that this evening would bring in a bit more money; she knew Ambrose and Niamh were glowing with baby Kieran, and most of all she knew she was glowing herself, from within, with a feeling of love. Love she had never experienced before, and certainly not the sort of sentiment she had ever felt with Leo. This felt, above anything, right. Her love for Peter Clifford felt right. Despite the fact that he was a priest, he was willing to give it all up to be with her. She believed that they would last, because she knew she loved him more than anyone else who had gone before. God knows they had waited long enough before they told each other how they felt. When they did, by the lake, a moment she will never forget, it was as though an explosion had taken place inside her, filling her with panic, worry, yet also relief. How would everyone react to them being together? Would it mean she lost customers? If she had to risk all this to be happy, it was a risk worth taking, she thought. She turned around and walked towards the bar, where a healthy queue had developed.

Peter Clifford was getting ready to go down to Fitzgerald's, pondering how he was going to manage to keep his feelings for Assumpta inside of him. Well, he thought, he'd managed for three years, with the last year being the hardest, so tonight should be easy. He'd made his own concoction for the Fair, one which he was rather proud of. Never having been much of a genius in the kitchen, he thought his latest effort was at least worthy of some praise. Of course, how could forget the night when he made it, with Assumpta there. The glimmer of truth, the admission of how he'd felt for far too long. The embrace. The kiss. It all came flooding back to him with a feeling of warmth, of fondness, of hope for the times to come when expression of his love for Assumpta wouldn't be so awkward. He took his dish and left the house.

Fitzgerald's was by now buzzing with people, with excitement. Peter entered the pub and put his dish down with all the rest. Yet as soon as he had, Brian Quigley moved it out of the way for his own platter, made by Shamie. Much fuss was made about how you can't enter food which was made by a professional chef, only to have it turn out that all the entrants' food had been made by Shamie, except for Peter's. Peter felt like laughing out loud, but instead preserved his respectability by simply smiling. He turned around, and by chance locked eyes with Assumpta, who was looking directly at him, and smiling too. Peter couldn't hold his emotion in anymore, and gestured to Assumpta to meet him by the side of the bar. He looked at her and said the words he had been longing to say to her, face to face, for so long:

"I love you."

Assumpta responded with her quick wit, as Peter thought she might: "Would you take that thing off before you say things like that," gesturing to his dog collar.

But Peter couldn't stop, laughing as he said that he just "couldn't help it." Assumpta knew. And with that, the lights flickered off. Again. Assumpta had just about had enough of her electrical problem, and was determined to sort it out once and for all.

Padraig offered to go and sort the lights out, saying, "I'll go!" Assumpta thought about this for a second, and decided that she couldn't do everything, electrics certainly being one of them.

"Assumpta, let Padraig go, then get an electrician," said Peter.

Assumpta reneged, warily, and let Padraig go and fix the lights. Within a minute they were back on again and Padraig was jumping up from the cellar, referring Assumpta to a good electrician he knew in Cilldargan.

"Thanks," Assumpta said, secretly grateful that her problem was practically sorted. She turned back to Peter, who was busy receiving the Food Fair Cup, from Dr. Ryan and Father Mac.

Peter was surprised at the smile on Father Mac's face. Maybe he's already got another priest lined up, Peter thought. He was happy that Father Mac seemed content, and happier still that the love of his life was stood, just over there. Oh, and he'd finally got recognition for his cooking, despite it being the only dish he'd managed to make without nearly burning the kitchen down.

The Food Fair went on late into the night, with the town enjoying the excuse for a good party. Mid-way through the evening, Assumpta called Peter over from the other side of the bar, to come and help her out in the kitchen. Peter's heart skipped a beat, knowing that he'd be alone with Assumpta again. She closed the door, and they stood opposite each other, the distance between them charged with passion. He brought his hand up to her face, and brushed it with tenderness and love, the emotion between them almost suffocating. Assumpta moved towards Peter, their embrace passionate, she letting out a moan in relief. She pulled away slightly, where they kissed, for the first time, their lips moving in time, each finding perfection inside the other. Afterwards, they just stood, their faces touching each other, enjoying the feeling of being totally and blissfully in love. They both wondered, could it get any better than this? Is there something around the corner which will ruin it for us? At that moment, they parted, Peter promising to stay until after the evening had ended. Assumpta stayed in the kitchen for a while, pondering the possibility of leaving Ballyk, to make a fresh start with Peter. But that wasn't for here and now. They had many more mountains to scale before that could be considered.

The evening drew to a natural close at about 12am. Brendan, Siobhan and Padraig congratulated Assumpta on an enjoyable night. Peter was helping clear away the glasses with Niamh, letting Ambrose go and see to Kieran and the babysitter. Eventually, the pub was empty, save for Peter, Niamh, and Assumpta.

"Sure, Niamh you must be whacked. I'll let you go home, I don't want to be keeping you from Kieran," said Assumpta, keen for her to leave so she could be alone with Peter.

Peter registered her persuasion, and tried to chime in. "Yeah we're fine here Niamh, you get to bed."

Niamh looked up at the both of them, similar looks on their faces. Looks of intent, of desperation even. She placed the glasses down, folded her arms and with a look of defiance, said, "You two must think I'm stupid." After a moment of silence, Peter and Assumpta were still looking at Niamh, trying not to let the guard slip on their burgeoning relationship. Now with a look of desperation on her face, Niamh exclaimed, "Are you's not going to say anything? Just stand there until its light, without telling me what's going on?" She let out a laugh, but still Peter and Assumpta weren't prepared for telling anyone else about their relationship, even Niamh. At this moment, Niamh lost her patience, but softened slightly. She moved towards them, saying, "Now see here, I'm not going to judge either of you. I know what's going on, you don't have to tell me. But others won't be so… generous. Just, be careful. I only wanted to approach you tonight because I've never seen you's fawn over each other so much."

At this, Peter and Assumpta laughed and looked at each other, resigned to the fact that Niamh knew. Assumpta reached for Peter's hand from over the bar, clasped it, then looked at Niamh. "This is a big step for both of us, Niamh. We weren't prepared for people to already know," she said, incredulous at the thought.

"Assumpta, are you serious? Half the town knows, at least to some extent," said Niamh, sitting down.

Assumpta was surprised, but Peter, remembering what Brian had said only days before, wasn't so shocked. "Actually Assumpta, Brian knows too," he said, wishing he'd told her sooner.

"God," said Assumpta, "well, at least it's less people we'll have to tell." All of a sudden, Peter became extremely aware of his dog collar, which, strangely, was becoming tighter by the minute. He took it off, and placed it beside a half empty pint of stout. "Won't be needing that any time soon", he said, bemused as he looked at the thin piece of white card, which although a small, insignificant thing physically, its symbolism had nearly been the wrecking of his potential happiness with Assumpta.

As Niamh left, she reminded Peter and Assumpta to "watch your backs. Like I said, not everyone will be as happy as I am that you're both finally content." They both nodded, thankful to Niamh for her kindness and consideration.

"Oh, and Assumpta?" said Niamh.

"Yeah?"

"Sure, I might pop round tomorrow, talk about wedding dresses."

Assumpta laughed as she waved to Niamh. She finally realised that yes, she was going to get married, and this time it was going to be a proper marriage, a real marriage, with the man she loved.

With the bar finally to themselves, Peter and Assumpta embraced and kissed once again. Peter pulled away. "Hang on a second," he said. He went over to the stereo and put on a CD of blues music lying nearby. Taking Assumpta by the hand, he invited her to dance. And there they swayed to the music, in each other's arms, for what seemed like a lifetime.

Assumpta, in a trance of emotion, uttered the words Peter had been longing to hear, "I love you, too."

The sun rose early over Ballykissangel, eradicating any sign of rain from the previous night. Assumpta woke to find herself on the sofa in the reception, fully clothed. "What the…" she muttered. Then she remembered how she and Peter had danced, and how they'd collapsed onto the sofa and fallen asleep. She remembered fondly how they'd slept in each other's arms. God, she thought, how long I've waited for that feeling. She stood up, and went upstairs to get dressed. After all, she had to be open in an hour. As she ascended the stairs she took a look at the bar, and spotted Peter's dog collar. She smiled.

Peter awoke with a chink of sunlight on his face, striking through the thin curtains of his window like a sharp wake up call. He, too, was still fully dressed, not bothering to get changed from when he arrived home from Fitzgerald's. The events of the previous night filtering through his mind, he recalled how he'd left Assumpta asleep on the sofa, closing the door quietly so as not to wake her. He rose from his bed in a mild stupor, and got changed. But a nagging question in his mind was bothering him: what do we do now? Where do we go from here? He'd have to talk to Assumpta.

Just as Peter was leaving the house, the telephone rang.

"Father…oh, erm," Peter answered, then in another attempt after realising his new position, "Peter Clifford here."

"So, already we've dropped the `Father' have we, Mr Clifford, if that is what I'm to call you?" It was Father Mac.

"Father," said Peter, surprised. "I wasn't expecting a call from you."

"No? Well did you think you could just leave the priesthood without any kind of formality involved?" answered Father Mac, curtly. "If indeed, you still want to leave the priesthood."

Peter gave a slight laugh. "Father, I thought I made my position clear yesterday. I'm leaving. I've left! That's it." Peter smiled, waiting for Father Mac's reaction.

"I need a letter from you, then," said Father Mac, gradually losing his patience. "A formal letter saying you've left the priesthood."

"Right, I'll get onto that straight away, Father."

"And furthermore, I suggest you pack your bags and get out of that house, the new fella's here next week." And with that Father Mac hung up. So, thought Peter, three years of service to him and the parish, and I'm told to `get out of that house'? Nice. Oh well, I don't have to worry about him anymore. I'll get to writing that letter.

Fitzgerald's was filling up nicely, the tourist season nearly upon the town. Assumpta was busy behind the bar, dealing with the many requests of the punters lining up to be served. Not to mention the regulars.

"Brendan, I told you not to eat all of Padraig's pie, now didn't I?" said Siobhan, to a very ill looking Brendan.

"Hey," protested Padraig, "that pie was a work of genius, he was enjoying it, how could I stop him?"

"More like a work of Guinness," chipped in Brendan, clutching his stomach, knowing that the main constituent of Padraig's pie was stout. "Assumpta, do you have any pills for this?"

"Does this look like a pharmacy to you, Brendan?" said Assumpta, rolling her eyes. "You shouldn't have eaten it all in the first place."

"My point exactly" said Siobhan, chastising Brendan.

At that moment, Niamh came into the pub, carrying baby Kieran. Assumpta couldn't pass up the opportunity.

"Ah Niamh would you ever help us out back here, I'm desperate."

"Sure," said Niamh, handing Kieran over to Siobhan. "Give you some practice there," whispered Niamh.

Siobhan looked sheepish. "Ah go on," relented Siobhan, glad to get the opportunity to hold a baby
before her own came along.

Niamh proceeded to pull pints like a pro, shooting Assumpta knowing glances, remembering their conversation from the previous night. In no time, the queue had disappeared, leaving Assumpta and Niamh minding the bar, with the other regulars still engaged in heavy banter.

"I'd better be off. Do you want me to take him off you now Siobhan?" said Niamh.

"I think he's quite comfortable actually, Niamh! But there you go," said Siobhan, handing Kieran back to his mother.

"I'll try and catch you later Assumpta, when we can have a wee chat about… well, you know" said Niamh, leaving the pub.

"Yeah, thanks Niamh," said Assumpta.

"What's she on about?" asked Siobhan. This left Assumpta stumped for an answer.

"Erm… nothing, Siobhan, nothing."

Assumpta registered that she looked hurt. Trying to make her feel better, Assumpta added, "you'll know soon enough. Everyone will."

Curiosity lit Siobhan's face, but she said no more.

Peter decided to post the letter to Father Mac himself, driving into Cilldargan, enjoying the sunshine which had lit up the whole of the surrounding area. Glancing at the letter, stood outside Father Mac's house, he wondered if the Father would understand his references to `irreconcilable clashes of belief' inside himself, related to his vocation and current situation, which led him to take the decision to leave the priesthood? But then he thought he probably would, remembering Nainsi. Overwhelmed at Father Mac's hypocrisy, he shoved the letter through the letterbox, turning with a look of satisfaction on his face, relieved to be a free man.

Peter walked into Fitzgerald's confident and happy, but with a lot on his mind. Spotting Assumpta behind the bar, and noticing that she wasn't swamped with customers, he gestured to the kitchen, where they could have a proper talk. Closing the door behind her, Assumpta sauntered up to Peter and kissed him full on the lips. Pulling away and laughing, she said, "Hello!"

Peter smiled and said, "Hello," too, then adding, "let's sit down and talk."

"Talk? What's there to talk about?" asked Assumpta, sitting down with Peter at the table.

"Well, where do we go from here?"

"South America?" said Assumpta, dryly.

"Assumpta I'm being serious," laughed Peter. "We have to start thinking about how we're going to tell people."

"Frankly Peter, I no longer care what other people think about us. I'm too happy."

"I know," said Peter, caressing Assumpta's face, "but it has to be done."

Assumpta knew fully that they had to tell people, but she didn't know how. "I suppose we could hire out an aeroplane, spray it across the sky. Then people wouldn't ask, they'd have seen it in the heavens," she announced, with a touch of dramatic licence.

"Sounds nice," said Peter, "but you can forget heaven. Most people will think we're going straight to hell."

"What?" Assumpta said, shocked. "Don't tell me we're gonna spend the rest of our lives together and every minute of it is us getting `closer to hell'?! Forget it! You can't marry me and talk like that!"

"No! I know! I didn't mean it like that!" said Peter quickly, not wanting to offend her. "I just meant that there are gonna be some very strong opinions. But we'll handle it. Together."

Assumpta looked at him warily. "OK," she said. "But no more of that priest garbage."

"OK, I promise." They smiled at one another, excited at what the future could bring. After a quick pause, Peter exclaimed, "We'll have a gathering! Here, in Fitzgerald's. Tonight! Just our close friends, you know, Niamh, Ambrose, and the rest. As soon as they know we needn't tell anyone else. They're the most important ones to us."

Assumpta agreed. "Right then, I'd better get on the phone. Will you stay here and help me out then, husband?!" she added, with a touch of humour.

"Well how could I say no?" remarked Peter, and with a quick embrace, the plan was underway.

Having closed the pub for the night, the evening had gone well; the food was expertly prepared, the conversation was pleasant and the atmosphere was amicable and relaxed. All the regulars were there, plus a few more. Siobhan, Padraig, Brendan, Niamh, Ambrose, Brian, Liam, Donal, Eamonn, Doc Ryan. All the friends from the town who had known Peter and Assumpta over the years were there. Peter felt at home, and thought that this moment was as good as any to tell them why they had been invited this evening. He caught Assumpta's eye, nodded, and tapped his pint glass with his knife. Moving round to behind the bar, now with all the eyes of the pub on him, Peter addressed the group.

"Now before I start, I think you'll agree that the food this evening has been spectacular, so a round of applause please for the publican." At this, a hearty round of applause was heard, and Assumpta was visibly moved.

"Thank you," she said.

"And now, the real reason why you're here." The pub was hushed. Assumpta looked at Peter knowingly. "I've been your priest here for three years. Three years which have changed my life, let's not beat about the bush. Changed my life in ways which I never imagined. It's due to these changes, this difference in approach which I've come to adopt…" Peter sighed. He wanted to put it more concisely than this, "…this, dissatisfaction with my vocation, that I've decided to not be a priest anymore, to leave the priesthood." There was a pause. "That's my announcement."

Everyone looked at each other, not quite sure what to make of this news. But then all of a sudden, Niamh struck up another round of applause; on her own at first, then one by one joined by the rest of the pub, until everyone was applauding Peter, saying `congratulations' and `well done' for his speech.

"Thank you," said Peter, "but we haven't quite finished yet." The applause petered out, and Assumpta cleared her throat and took a deep breath.

"Get ready for it," said Brian, to a chorus of laughter.

"Shut up, Brian," said Assumpta, who was secretly grateful for the break in the tension. "Well, erm, I have a little announcement to make of my own." She looked around the bar, seeing Niamh smile at her for support. "You may or may not know that I was married for a while." This comment was greeted by further laughs. "Yeah, I know, it was rather fleeting. But anyway, the reason why it was so, brief, was…" Assumpta looked at Peter. "…because I was in love with someone else." The pub was still. "And now, I'm marrying him." Assumpta laughed, laughed at the sheer notion of it, and walking towards Peter, said, "I'm marrying the priest!" Assumpta and Peter looked at each other and laughed, turning towards the rest of the pub.

No one was clapping this time. Most were either staring into the distance, or looking into their stout.

Assumpta was annoyed. "Oh, well, don't be too happy for us now will you?"

The bar was still silent.

Brendan decided to speak up. "We're just… surprised."

"Surprised?" said Peter.

"Well, we never thought it was that serious."

"What?" said Assumpta. "Is this cos he is, WAS, a priest? Does that make the slightest bit of difference? And furthermore, what's all this `we' business anyway?"

"WE," said Brendan, smiling, "already knew." At this, everyone nodded their heads or grunted in agreement. "Like I say, Assumpta, it's just a surprise. But we're all really happy for you both, we are. Aren't we?"

The pub cheered and whooped, all of them smiling at the happy couple. Assumpta didn't know what to say. Peter was equally speechless. Niamh proposed a toast.

"To Assumpta," she said, "and the priest." Everyone raised their glasses, laughing as they did so.

Peter and Assumpta held each other's hand, then kissed, happy that their announcement went down almost as well as they'd expected. The celebration went on well into the night, and Peter and Assumpta didn't have to pretend anymore. Not to themselves, not to anyone. They were in love, and they were ready to tell the world.

The rain fell lightly onto their faces as they scaled the fell. It had been Peter's idea to wake up early, to catch the sun rising over BallyK. Assumpta hadn't been immediately enamoured of the idea, but as she strode up, nearly reaching the top, she could understand why Peter had wanted to come. The view over her hometown was simply beautiful, the sunrise shimmering through the rain to produce a rainbow, which fell right onto Fitzgerald's.

"Oh Peter, it's just gorgeous."

"I know," said Peter, getting his breath back. He looked towards Assumpta. "I know something else that's gorgeous too."

Assumpta looked at him, and smiled. He took her hand and they sat down on a nearby rock, Assumpta nestling in close to Peter to keep warm. After a couple of minutes of gazing at the view, Assumpta spoke. "I don't understand it," she said. "Everything seems to be going right."

Peter laughed. "I know, scary isn't it?"

Assumpta thought for a second. "I wonder what's next round the corner?"

Peter looked sheepish. "Well, I think I might have a slight idea."

Assumpta looked at him, puzzled. At that moment Peter placed his hand into his pocket, and retrieved a glistening diamond ring. Looking into Assumpta's eyes, Peter asked, "Will you marry me?"

Assumpta, shocked, could only think of one thing to say. "Yes!"

He placed the ring onto her finger, and then they kissed, as the sun emerged onto the fell.

Back in Ballykissangel, the sun streaming down into the town, Peter and Assumpta dared to walk hand in hand down the main street. People that didn't know, still greeted Peter with "good morning, Father," then became puzzled as to why he was holding hands with the publican. Those who already knew looked on with a look of incomprehension or disdain. In the small town of BallyK, those who didn't know about the pairing of the ex-priest and the publican were by now in the minority. Unlocking the pub, Assumpta commented on the behaviour of the rest of the town. "I mean, it's not like I'm shacking up with the Pope," she said, angrily.

"I guess they're going to react like that, Assumpta. Can't do much about it, can we?"

"Oh I know what we can do about it alright."

Peter looked confused.

Assumpta continued, "Do you never want to leave this place, Peter?"

Peter thought. "I'm quite happy here, really. Even more so now I'm not the local curate!"

"Yeah, but don't you see," she said, stood behind the bar, "I've been here my whole life. I want to see the world, for God's sake."

Peter softened. "They'll be plenty of time for that, you'll see."

Assumpta smiled. "Well, I suppose Dublin and London…" She trailed off. A look of panic came over her face. "Oh no… oh hell!" she exclaimed, looking down at the ring on her finger.

"Assumpta? What's wrong?" Peter said, worried.

After a few seconds, Assumpta sputtered out the name. "Leo! It's Leo!"

"What about Leo?" By now Peter was getting more and more concerned.

The look on Assumpta's face was one of annoyance, annoyance at herself. "Peter, I never got a divorce from Leo! I'm still married to him! How could I forget something like this? Dublin… I'll have to go to Dublin, now!"

Assumpta rushed out from behind the bar, but Peter stopped her. "Assumpta, calm down. Take it easy. Go to Dublin, sort it out. I'm not going anywhere."

"I'm so sorry, Peter."

"It's alright," Peter soothed. "I'll be here when you get back."

"OK… oh! Could you look after the bar for me today?"

Peter looked shifty. "Erm…"

"Oh come on Peter! You can get in some practice!" she said, laughing.

Peter reluctantly agreed, and with a kiss, Assumpta was gone. He looked around the bar, trying to figure out where to start. "Right then," he said to himself.

Luckily for Peter, it was a slow day. Only one or two regulars had come in all morning, not really bothered that it was Peter and not Assumpta pulling the pints. But the bar became a little livelier at lunchtime. Or at least, Brendan, Padraig, and Siobhan made it seem livelier.

"She's got you working for her already has she Peter?" said Siobhan.

"Well, something like that, yeah!"

Peter was relieved that they seemed to be enjoying their lunches. He had forgotten that part of lunchtime was invariably, making lunch. For more than one person.

"Well, you look like you're managing just fine."

"Oh, thanks Siobhan!

"Just make sure she pays you," said Brendan, with a wink.

"Oh I'm sure she will," said Peter, smiling to himself. Peter thought for a moment, and decided he should tell them about his engagement to Assumpta.

"I proposed to Assumpta this morning, on top of the fell. She said yes." He was so happy he couldn't suppress a wide smile.

Brendan, Siobhan and Padraig were surprised, but happy too.

"Congratulations!"

"Wonderful news, Peter."

"Great stuff! When's the wedding?"

"Huh, slow down, Padraig, I only proposed this morning!"

"Proposed?" said Brian Quigley, entering the bar.

"Erm, yeah Brian, Assumpta and I are engaged."

Brian looked cynical. "Well done Peter, sure it took you long enough to make up your mind what you were doing. Pint of stout if you please, barkeep."

"It came in a flash of light," said Peter, humouring Brian as he pulled his pint.

"Uh-huh. Well, you don't make a bad pint, time will tell if it goes down better than your sermons."

Peter looked at him, then the others. "Do you all feel like that?"

"Of course not," said Brendan, scowling at Brian.

"Sure, I didn't mean any offence," protested Brian.

"Well don't say such controversial things then, Brian," said Siobhan.

"I think I can handle the stress," said Peter, almost talking to himself. "Tell you what Brian, to make up for it, you can pay for our wedding."

Brian laughed. "Can I afford it?"

"Probably not," said Peter, smiling.

"My present should put a smile on your faces anyway."

"It's not another flying confessional, is it Brian?" asked Brendan.

"No, something a bit more personal than that."

Intrigued, Peter invited them all to the wedding, whenever it was meant to be.

"I suppose it won't be in church, will it Peter?" said Padraig, jokingly.

"No, that was part of the deal," said Peter, laughing.

The afternoon winded down with a few tourists and local walkers stopping by for a pint of the black stuff, but nothing that Peter couldn't handle. The phone rang.

"Fitzgerald's," Peter answered.

"You sound like a pro already." It was Assumpta.

"Assumpta! God, I miss you round here. How's it gone in Dublin?"

"I've spoken to my lawyer, and he's writing up the whole thing now. It just needs mine and Leo's signature, and then that's it."

"That's great." Peter thought for a moment. "You don't think he'll be awkward do you?"

"He won't be, I'll make sure of that."

"Good." Peter felt relieved. "Oh and I've told the others that we're engaged. They were all very supportive. I suggested that Brian pay for the wedding, but he wasn't so keen on the idea."

Assumpta laughed. "No, I should imagine not."

There was a pause. "Anyway, I'd better be going. Listen, I might have to spend the night here, just to tie up all the loose ends. Can you manage?"

"Of course. I'll miss you though."

"I know. I miss you too. But I should be back for tomorrow. Take care, ok? I love you."

"Love you too. Bye."

"Bye."

Niamh came into the bar as Peter put the receiver back. "What's this I hear? You're engaged?"

"Yeah Niamh, this morning."

"Oh I'm so happy for you!" Niamh walked up to Peter and embraced him, taking him slightly aback. "Where is she?"

"Oh she's up in Dublin, sorting out the whole Leo situation."

"Oh." There was a pause. Niamh sat down. "So, when's the wedding?"

"No idea just yet Niamh" said Peter, resuming his place behind the bar.

Niamh thought for a second. "I have a fabulous idea!"

"What is it?" said Peter, slightly worried.

"Wouldn't it just be marvellous if you got married when she got back from Dublin! It would be a wonderful surprise!"

"Erm, ah…" Peter was speechless. "Don't you think it would be a bit soon?" he said, trying to exercise caution.

"Are you serious, Peter Clifford? Nothing between you and Assumpta has ever been done quickly, has it?" she said, scathingly.

She was right, Peter thought. After all, he wants to be with her forever, so what's the point in waiting? It's been long enough without her. Let's do it. Assumpta wouldn't say no, surely. An inquisitive look came over Peter's face. Niamh knew she had gotten through to him.

"Niamh, what's the number of the registry office in Cilldargan?"

A great big grin came over Niamh's face. "I love weddings!" she said.

The rest of the afternoon was spent frantically trying to organise everything for the following day. Booking the registry office, sorting out the reception (which would be held at Fitzgerald's), inviting all their closest friends from the town, not to mention the rings and outfits.

"God, I hope she likes it," said Niamh, holding Assumpta's wedding dress up to Peter.

"Niamh, it looks beautiful. I'm sure she'll love it."

Peter had been into Cilldargan that day with Niamh, to choose his own suit and choose the rings. Peter had grabbed a ring off Assumpta's bedside table to tell which size to get her. He bought two plain gold bands from Cilldargan Jeweller's. I hope it fits her, he thought. It was all very last minute, but it didn't matter to Peter. All that mattered was that he was going to be with Assumpta.

The evening was spent finalising everything. Luckily everyone was in the pub that Peter wanted to invite, so he didn't need to ring them up.

Once that was done, he took Brendan to one side. "Brendan, would you be my best man?"

Brendan was surprised. "Me?"

"Yeah, you're a good man, Brendan. And you've always been good to me."

"Well, I'm honoured Peter, I really am. Yes of course I'll be your best man."

They shook hands. "I'll give you the rings now Brendan."

He passed him the rings, and Brendan placed them in his pocket. "Safe with me," Brendan assured Peter.

The morning came. Peter had slumped on Assumpta's bed for the night, seeing as he'd been up until 12am making sure everything was right for the big day. He was awoken by the sound of the front door being opened. It was 9am. And it was Assumpta. Peter dashed out of bed and ran downstairs.

"Assumpta!"

She gave a start. "Jesus, Peter! Don't scare me like that! Have you spent the night here?"

"Yeah I have, I was up late last night! What are you doing back so early?" he said, panicking slightly.

"Everything was sorted, so I wanted to get back soon. Are you happy to see me then?"

"Of course, of course!" They kissed and embraced.

"So, how have you been handling it here?"

"Erm, certainly interesting, yeah!" Peter thought for a second, then took Assumpta's hand and tried to lead her up the stairs.

"What's going on Peter? Whatcha doing?!"

"I just want to show you something."

"What?"

Peter led her into the bedroom, and behind the door hung Assumpta's wedding dress.

"It's yours," said Peter, gesturing to the dress.

Assumpta looked once at the dress, then at Peter. "It's a wedding dress."

"I know," Peter laughed.

Assumpta looked again at the dress, then smiled. "Are you going to tell me what's going on?"

Peter smiled. "It's for today. 2pm, Cilldargan Registry Office. We're gonna get married. Surprise."

Assumpta was speechless. "Today?" Peter was worried by the look on Assumpta's face. What if she did say no after all? All the planning would have been for nothing. Not to mention his heart would be broken.

Assumpta looked at Peter. "Today." Peter was certain she was going to say no. He was preparing himself for having to tell people it was off, when she said, "Better start getting ready then."

Peter nearly collapsed with relief. "I thought you were going to say no for a moment."

"No? Are you kidding? I want to marry you now." Assumpta looked at Peter and kissed him.

Peter familiarised her with everything that had been organised whilst she was away.

"I can't believe you've sorted all this! In a day!"

"I can't quite believe it either, but I've had a bit of help. Niamh's been a saint."

"When is she anything other?" laughed Assumpta, trying on her dress.

"I believe it's tradition for the groom not to see the bride before the wedding, you know," joked Peter.

"I'm marrying an ex-priest! Stuff tradition! Oh but this dress is gorgeous," said Assumpta, looking at herself in the mirror. "Niamh's done us proud."

"You look stunning, Assumpta, my future wife."

"Thank you, husband!" They laughed.

Arriving together, maintaining the lack of tradition, Peter dashed into the registry office. Seeing all the faces he'd known in BallyK from down the years, he sat down at the front, next to Brendan. "You're supposed to be here first, you know," whispered Brendan.

"I know, but we had a bit of trouble with the car. Assumpta looks gorgeous though."

Brendan smiled. "I've got the rings."

"Oh, well, good to know Brendan," said Peter, sarcastically.

Meanwhile, in the corridor outside the registry office, Assumpta was making sure she looked her best. Niamh was fussing over Assumpta's hair.

"Ah, Niamh would you quit that, I've already done my hair."

"I know, I just want to make sure it looks good for you."

"Niamh, the dress is beautiful, I can't thank you enough."

"Don't worry Assumpta. Now, I'll walk in behind you, OK. Here are your flowers."

Assumpta was overcome with emotion. "Oh god, Niamh, I'm getting married!"

"I know, maybe this one will last!" Niamh said, jokingly.

"Oh, I think it will."

"Anyway, come on let's go, let's get you married." Niamh nodded to the pianist, who began to play. "That's you. Good luck Assumpta."

Assumpta walked into the registry office, with Niamh walking in behind her. As she did so, she thought of her mother and father, and how she wished they were here. She thought of her friends from college, many of whom she'd lost contact with over the years. She thought of all the people whom she'd served over the past five years or so. And she thought of Peter. Peter the priest, Peter the peacemaker on so many occasions, and Peter the man, who she was marrying. She knew the moment she saw him that there was something slightly different about him, and how actually she had been attracted to him before he'd told her he was a priest. She thought of the times they'd looked at one another, each one knowing the truth, but neither brave enough to say it; that they were falling in love. As she arrived by Peter, she felt calm and ready to embark on the rest of her life with him. She felt that this was right.

Peter had watched Assumpta walk down the aisle with a feeling of sheer happiness. He, too, had been thinking about different points in his life in that small space of time; how he'd embarked on his time in the priesthood with hope, with promise, but most of all out of duty to his mother. He now realised what a great mistake it had been, but also how if he hadn't been a priest, he never would have come to Ireland and met Assumpta. But, he thought, he needn't have to think about these things now, he was going to be married to the only woman he'd ever loved. When he knew he'd fallen for Assumpta, he remembered the anguish, the crisis of faith, the disappointment in himself but also the realisation that he couldn't live up to the vows which he'd made in the Seminary. The realisation that actually, she was more important than his beliefs, which were becoming more and more distant from him every day. He knew this felt right.

The ceremony seemed to fly by. When the registrar announced that Peter and Assumpta were man and wife, the congregation broke into spontaneous applause. Peter and Assumpta ran out of the registry office, laughing as they did so, and waited on the steps for the congregation to join them to be photographed. The confetti flew, and the laughter was joyful.

Everyone piled into Fitzgerald's, and the celebrations continued all through the night. Mid-way through the evening, the presents were given out. They included cutlery sets, donations of money, and vouchers. "All these presents have just been wonderful, thanks!" said Peter.

"I think you'll find there's one left," said Brian, expectantly.

"Oh right, go on then Brian, what is it?"

Brian stood up. "Well, as well as a complimentary meal at Quigley's Prawn Cracker, you'll find your other present outside."

Intrigued, everyone in the pub clambered outside. Looking around, they were puzzled.

"There's nothing here," said Assumpta.

"Oh yeah?" said Brian. "Look in the sky."

Everyone looked into the dusky sky, and saw, written as if by magic, `Peter and Assumpta forever'. The crowd gasped in surprise and awe.

"Oh Dad," said Niamh, "it's just lovely."

Peter and Assumpta were dumbfounded. "I… I just don't know what to say Brian. It's really beautiful," said
Assumpta.

"It's wonderful, Brian. Perfect," said Peter. "Thank you."

"Yeah, thank you Brian," said Assumpta.

"No problem. I thought you'd like it." Brian walked over to Assumpta and whispered, "this one's a good `un. Don't let him go will you, Assumpta. Congratulations." Assumpta was surprised. She never thought Brian had it in him to be sentimental. Oh well, she thought, I suppose it goes to show you can never really know someone. She looked at Peter. "Peter and Assumpta forever, eh? Sounds good."

"Nah."

"No?" Assumpta looked worried.

"Nah. Doesn't sound good. Sounds great."

And with that, Peter and Assumpta held hands and looked upwards, towards the sky. Towards their future.

The wedding reception for Peter Clifford and Assumpta Fitzgerald had finished. The balloons were still up, the empty glasses left. After deciding to tackle the mess in the morning, the couple got into bed.

"Whew, what a day," said Assumpta.

"I know! But hey," said Peter, drawing up the bedcovers, "we're man and wife." Peter looked incredulous. "I just can't believe it!"

"Believe it, babe," she said, laughing.

Then, tentatively, Assumpta and Peter kissed. They both wanted each other so badly, yet strangely neither had ever considered their relationship in a carnal way. But naturally, when it came to making love, Assumpta and Peter were in a world of their own, their passion for each other growing with each kiss. The night seemed to last forever, the pent up emotion of three years exploding in a tangle of passion at the memories of different moments; on the steps outside Hendley's, rehearsing for the play, in the car at Kilnashee, in the Egan's kitchen. All those moments, times when they were desperate for each other, manifested themselves in this night.

Waking up in Peter's arms, Assumpta could have sworn she was dreaming. The sun was up, shining through the curtain, projecting its warmth onto the bed where she and Peter lay. She sat up and looked at the clock. 10am. Jeez, she thought, I can't be bothered getting up today. Another hour here and I'll be fine. At that moment, Peter stirred and opened his eyes. This is a dream, Peter thought. Another dream where I'm lying with Assumpta. But then reality dawned and he realised that this wasn't a dream, but his life. His new life. Waking up next to the woman I love, he thought. Wow. It can't get better than this. Looking at Assumpta, he tucked her hair behind her ear. Assumpta awoke from her doze, smiling as she looked into Peter's eyes.

"Good morning, gorgeous," said Peter.

"Are you looking at me?" Assumpta said with a grin.

"There's no-one else here!"

"Oh yeah," she said, laughing. They kissed and lay in each other's arms, until it was time to get up.

Forfeiting a honeymoon for when they had `a bit more money', weeks passed of this pure contentment. Snatched passionate moments in the kitchen during lunchtime, knowing smiles across the bar when it was full of people, walks hand in hand round Ballykissangel, dinners out round Cilldargan, sunsets, sunrises. Practically oblivious to anyone else but each other, Peter and Assumpta hadn't properly registered the whispers round the town, the looks, or even the amount of people in Fitzgerald's. They hadn't realised that most of them were tourists. It was only after this time that it began to dawn on the couple. People are avoiding us, they thought. They didn't mention it to one another at first, because it would bring their world back down into reality, but it was getting hard to ignore. Of course Kathleen and her like wouldn't exactly make their lives easy round Ballykissangel, they realised that, but was it to always be like this? How could they live in a town where they weren't wanted?

Assumpta went to see Niamh to talk to her about her growing unease at living in BallyK.

"Do you not notice it, Niamh? People stop in the streets, they look at us like we don't deserve anything better than malicious rumour and speculation."

"I've never known you so bothered about what other people think, Assumpta. It'll pass, you'll see. And in the meantime…"

"Niamh…"

"And in the meantime, you and Peter will just have to manage."

"We are managing. It's just… off-putting. Especially when you're offered alternatives."

Niamh paused. "Alternatives?"

Assumpta sighed. "Remember the friend who opened the wine bar in Dublin? Well, she's opening another one… in Belfast."

"Belfast? Oh Assumpta, now you've gone and lost it. You and Peter, in Belfast?"

"No, I'd take over, in Dublin."

"Oh. Right." Niamh looked sad. "I don't want you to go, you know that. But… I can see that perhaps you and Peter deserve a fresh start. What does he think?"

"I haven't told him yet. He seems to like it here, although god knows why. At least the new priest is avoiding our place."

Niamh laughed. "Father Ignatius Donovan. Apparently he's tee-total."

"Well that explains it then!" Assumpta got up to leave. "Well, you'll be the first to know what happens, Niamh."

"Thanks Assumpta. So how is it, married life?" Niamh said with a grin.

"Very good, Niamh. I'd certainly recommend it!" said Assumpta, laughing as she left the house.

Lying in bed that night, Peter and Assumpta decided to talk about the problems they were facing at staying in BallyK.

"The only problem right now, Assumpta, is the people. We'll just have to brave it."

"What if we didn't have to brave it?"

"What do you mean?"

Assumpta went on to tell Peter all about the offer she had been given to manage the wine bar in Dublin.

"Why didn't you tell me about this before?"

"Well, I don't know, I guess I thought you were happy here, so I shouldn't spoil it for you."

"Assumpta, anything you do, I do. Anything you want, I want. We're a partnership now, sweetheart."

"So does that mean you'd come with me?"

Peter thought. "What about Fitzgerald's?"

"We'd sell up, of course."

"Who to?"

"I'm sure someone would take it off our hands."

Peter thought for a moment. "Anything you do, I do," he repeated, almost to himself. "Of course I'd come with you. We can buy a house and everything. Dublin, eh? Bright lights, a bit more exciting than downtown BallyK, I suppose."

"You're right about that. Listen are you happy about this? You're sure you want to move?"

"Of course," said Peter, warming to the idea. "No-one will know us, we can do what we want, say what we want. We can start a new life, away from here."

"I know," she said, getting excited, "just you and me."

The next few months were spent putting the pub on the market, organising the new job and the new house in Dublin, and of course telling their friends. A couple from Cilldargan had bought the pub, and Assumpta had gotten a good price for it. Everything was sorted and done. All that was left now was to leave.

The day came. In a dramatic change in the weather, the rain lashed down on Ballykissangel. But, to Peter and Assumpta's surprise, everyone came down to the pub to say farewell to the ex-priest, and by now, the ex-publican.

"Sure, we'll miss your witty repartee Assumpta, and your wise words Peter," said Brendan, in a gesture to the couple.

"Here here," the crowd agreed.

Peter stood up and addressed the crowd. "I'll miss every one of you, I will," he said. "You've all been very good to me. Through the ups and downs, I think we've come through, as a community. Don't let that spirit die, because it lives in each and every one of you. You're all very good. Look after one another."

Assumpta felt she should say something, too. "And let me say, well, I'm not one for farewells, but I've known you all as long as I can remember. When my Mum died, you all rallied round, you all looked after me. This upstart fresh from college," Assumpta laughed. "I'll never forget that. So thank you. I'll keep in
touch."

The crowd cheered. Brian proposed a toast. "To Ballykissangel."

The crowd repeated, "To Ballykissangel."

As they were getting into the car to leave, everyone made sure to give good wishes to the couple for the future.

"Take care Assumpta," said Niamh, "and ring me when you get to Dublin!"

"Look after yourselves!" shouted Siobhan.

"Good luck!" said Padraig.

"Bye!" shouted Brendan. "Come back soon!"

Peter and Assumpta looked at each other, smiled, and started the ignition. As they drove off, they both looked in the wing mirrors at the friends they were leaving behind, both waving frantically. As they crossed the bridge for the last time, they both felt as though they were leaving something behind, a period in their lives which was now history. Turning the corner, they both sighed, realising that this was a new chapter in their lives, leading them to new places, new people, and new success.

"Christ, I feel as if someone has kicked me in the stomach," said Peter, fighting back tears.

"We'll come back," said Assumpta, calmly. "They won't be gone forever. We'll never forget them, Peter."

"No, we won't," he said.

"We'll have to come back anyway, we won't be able to keep it a secret for much longer."

"Keep what a secret?" said Peter, confused.

Assumpta smiled. With her eyes fixed on the road out of Ballykissangel, she said, "I'm pregnant."

As Peter looked at Assumpta dumbfounded, the trees and hedges of the surrounding countryside rushed past the car window, the last vestiges of green before they arrived in the noise and bustle of the city. The sun appeared through the clouds. The future was suddenly different. Suddenly a lot… brighter.

The End... or rather, the beginning ;)