Chapter 19

On the Westlife tour bus

Shane had, had a huge argument with Louis. Louis told Shane that he was going to be the end of Westlife, when Shane told him that Amy was pregnant. When Shane asked for time off he had to threaten Louis but saying if he didn’t give it to him he would leave Westlife. Louis instantly gave him the time off that he wanted.

In Sligo

Mae had left and Amy was at home on her own. She wished she hadn’t left work, as it would have kept her busy while Shane was away. She phoned Denise and Ciara as she hadn’t spoke to them for ages and they arranged to go out the next day. Amy sat thinking; she should have gone for that coffee with Clare. So she found Mark’s home number and phoned it hoping that Clare would be there, but she wasn’t and she got through to the answering machine.

‘Sorry but I can’t make it to the phone right now, but if ye leave a message after the beep I’ll get back to you…Mark…bbeeeeeeepppp’

So Amy left a message it said:

‘Hey, It’s Amy. Clare if your around then I’ll take you up on that offer of going out for coffee, Phone me back when you get this. Amy’

Fifteen minutes later she got a phone call, it was Clare. They arranged to meet at the Carlton café at half past two. It was only quarter past one, but Amy left anyway, knowing she’d be welcome by Shane’s family anyway, as they knew her very well.
She walked into the Carlton café, which was extremely busy. She found Mae standing by a table. Mae took her out the back where they found Shane’s sister Mairead. Amy sat talking to her for ages, until she remembered the time and realised she was supposed to meet Clare ten minutes ago in the café.
Clare and Amy found out they had a lot in common and liked similar things, which caused them to get on well together.
That evening

Amy got a phone call from Shane.
“Hello”
“Hi Sweetheart”
“Alright Shane?”
“Yeah. Are you alright?”
“Yeah we’re fine”
“I can come home next Wednesday for three days”
“Great, that’s brilliant…how did Louis react?”
“Not to good, But it was either accept it or I’d leave the band, so his sort of ok with it now”
“Oh, How are the others? I had coffee with Clare today”
“They’re fine. Watcha think of her?”
“She’s alright, we get on well”
“Good”
“I miss you, it’s lonely here”
“I miss you too, but I’ll be back soon”
“Yeah, your mum’s fussing over me”
“Ah that could be my fault, sorry, I told her to look after ya. Let her do something it makes her happy.”
“Yeah, I suppose”
“I have to go now, the lads are dragging me out…”
“Ok, Love you”
“Love you too. Byyeee”
Shane hung up and Amy went to bed She hated it, not lying in Shane’s arms and she couldn’t get settled. It took ages for her to drift off to sleep.

Next day

Amy went shopping with Denise and Ciara. They were pleased but shocked when Amy told them that she was four months pregnant.

Chapter 20

4 Months later

Amy sat in the baby’s room that her and Shane had decorated, it was pale yellow and blue with winnie the pooh pictures spread out on the walls. There was a chest of drawers filled with nappies, clothes and bottles, which were being kept there until they were needed. There was also an expensive cot standing next to the wall.

Amy’s bump had got a lot bigger and hardly any of her clothes fitted her. Shane had been to every doctors and hospital appointment with her and even been to a few of the antenatal classes with her. Amy could remember when she went for the scan and Shane came with her so clearly.

*Flashback*

Amy lay on the bed with her bump covered in a clear gel. Shane sat next to her holding her hand, they both looked at the small screen while the doctor moved a lens across her tummy. They could see the outline of the baby on the screen Shane had even cried and Amy couldn’t stop smiling. Neither of them wanted to know the sex of the baby. When they left they picked up the printed-paper showing the baby. They had sat in the car for ages just looking at the picture.

*Flashback End*

Tonight her and Shane were going out for dinner; Amy didn’t know where Shane had said it was a surprise. Amy didn’t have anything to wear as none of her skirts or dresses fitted her, so she’d been out and brought a dress, which somehow made her bump look a lot smaller than it was. Which Amy was pleased about.

Shane’s car pulled up in the drive. Westlife had been rehearsing some dance routines in Dublin for the last 2 weeks and occasionally been to London to do a few TV shows. They was going to continue doing that until the baby was born then Shane would take just over a month off while the others did some promotion. Amy went downstairs to meet him at the door; he pulled Amy into his arms then kissed her passionately.

“We still going out?”
“Yeahh”
“You feel up to it?”
“Yep, I’m looking 4ward to it”
“Well the tables booked for 8:30, so we’ve got 2 hours”
“I best start getting ready then!”
“What, it’s gonna take you that long to get ready?”
“Yep, because I wanna have a long bath first…so you can scrub my back for me if ya want” “Of course, juts give me a shout when ya want me”
Amy went upstairs to the bathroom and filled it up pouring in loads of her favourite bubble bath. After fifteen minutes in the bath she called Shane.

“I’m ready”
Shane sat on the edge of the bath and began to wash Amy’s back. Watching the water run down her smooth skin and back into the filled bath.

“There ya go”
“Thanks that was nice, I could have gone to sleep”
“Come here” he lifted Amy’s chin and kissed her.
“I’m gonna stay in here for a bit longer. Make sure you’re not in the bedroom when I come out”
“Why”
“Because I don’t want you to see what I’m wearing until we go”
“Ok, I’ll get ready in the spare room then, but don’t be too long”
He went into the bedroom to get his stuff then took it all to the spare room and began to get ready.
Amy waited in the bath until the water was cold; she hated getting out when it was still warm. She climbed out and wrapped the towel around her. Then walked into the bedroom.
She did her hair first, before putting on her clothes. She pinned it all up and had a few hairs hanging down her face. She then slipped into her long navy dress, with thin straps and put on her heeled sandals. After that she put on a small amount of make up, just the basic mascara and eye shadow. She then slowly walked downstairs being careful that she didn’t trip or fall as she hadn’t worn high shoes for ages.

Shane got up when he heard her coming down the stairs and stood with his mouth open.

“You look gorgeous”
“Thanks, You look mighty fine yourself,” She said giggling.
“Why thank you, Shall we get going?”
Amy nodded and Shane took her hand.

In the restaurant

They sat in a dimly lit corner of the restaurant; they’d finished their meal and sat talking for a bit and looking at each other not needing to say anything. When Shane decided it was the right time. He got up and knelt down in front of Amy.

“Amy I know this may not be the ideal place or time, but I have to do it, I’ve been waiting for the right time for ages. Would you make me the happiest man alive and be my wife?”
Amy was shocked and speechless and could only just manage to say ‘yes’
Shane slipped the gold ring on her finger then kissed her. He couldn’t stop smiling.
Amy had regained her speech.
“I can’t believe I’m gonna get married, I love you Shane” She said excitedly.
“I love you too” Shane still hadn’t stopped smiling, he was so glad she said yes.
Amy leant across the table and her and Shane shared a passionate kiss.

Chapter 21

2 weeks later

Shane and Amy had decided they’d get married after the baby was born. It was two weeks until Christmas. The westlife lads had gone over to London to perform on SM: TV.

Amy got up late morning same as she always did when Shane wasn’t there, it made the day pass quicker. She walked into the kitchen, as it was now lunchtime, when she felt a pain in her abdomen. She double over because of the pain, after the pain had eased she sat at the kitchen table for a while. When the pain came again.
She grabbed the phone that was lying on the table.
“Hello”
“Clare, it’s me. I need you to come over now. I think I’ve gone into labour”
“Ok, I’m coming now, I’ll be there in a few minutes”
Clare hung up, So Amy phoned Shane.

“Hello”
“Hi Shane, Where are you at the moment?”
“At the SM: TV studios”
“Oh”
“Why?”
“I think I’ve gone into labour, Clare’s coming over to take me to the hospital”
Right, I’m coming home”
“No Shane, do the show first”
“No way, I’ll get there as soon as I can…I Love You”
Then Shane hung up.
SM: TV Studios
“I’ve got to go, Amy’s gone into labour. I phoned the standby jet and they’ll be ready when I get to the airport. Apologise to everyone for me please and I’ll tell Louis on my way” Shane said quickly

Shane had paid lots of money to make sure he’d be able to get back to Ireland quickly. As soon as he got to the airport and onto the plane it took off.

Meanwhile in Ireland

Clare was driving Amy to the hospital. Amy grabbed onto the seat every time she got a contraction. After thirty minutes they arrived. Amy got put into a wheelchair and rushed to the maternity ward of Mount Carmel hospital, then into her own delivery room. Clare sat next to her.

Shane’s jet had landed at Dublin airport; he then climbed into a car, which took him to the hospital.
As soon as he got there he ran to the reception desk.
“Where’s the maternity ward?” “Second floor”
Shane ran to the lift, but it was taking to long so he ran for the stairs. He reached the second floor out of breath, but managed to get to another desk. “My girlfriend Amy Marr, was brought here, could you tell me where she is?”
“Yes Mr. Filan down the corridor, second room on the left”
He ran down the corridor and into the room, Amy was laying on the bed. When Clare saw Shane she got up.
“I’ll leave you two to it. I’ll be outside.”
“Thanks Clare”
“No problem Shane” and she left

The nurse walked in with the midwife.
“Your just in time Mr. Filan, We’re going to get Amy to start pushing now”
Amy grabbed Shane’s hand
“Don’t go Shane please”
“Don’t worry I’m not going anywhere”
“Right Amy, when you get the next contraction we need you to push”

Amy squeezed Shane’s hand, she was having another contraction.

“Push Amy”

It continued for another 3 hours and by the end of it Amy was knackered and fell back on the bed. Shane put his arm around her and kissed her forehead and she smiled.
They could hear crying coming from the corner of the room. They nurse walked towards them, with the baby wrapped up.

“Congratulations, you have a baby girl”
She passed the baby to Amy.
“What are you going to call her?”
“We haven’t made a final decision yet” Shane said
“Oh, well we will weigh and measure her in 10 minutes, we’ll leave you alone until then”
The nurse and the midwife left
“Shane do you want to hold her?”
“Yeah” Shane smiled.
Amy passed their baby to Shane, and he sat down with her on the chair beside the bed.
“Shane what are we going to call her”
“We decided either Jessica or Hollie, and both suit her”
“What about Hollie Jessica Filan?”
“Umm, Yeah. I think she should have your name as a middle name”
“What Hollie Amy Filan?”
“What about Hollie Amy Jessica Filan?”
“Yeah”
So that was her name Hollie Amy Jessica Filan, she weighed 6lb 5oz and was 10 days premature.

Chapter 22

Amy was packing her few belongings in her bag, while Shane walked around the room holding Hollie. It had been four days since Hollie was born. They had to keep her in for longer as she was premature.

Not many people had seen her yet. Shane’s family had been, but Amy’s parents hadn’t visited as they lived in London now with the rest of Amy’s Family. Clare had seen Hollie as she was at the hospital when she was born and that was it, not even the rest of Westlife lads had seen her.

Shane knew there was going to be press outside the hospital, and that they were going to have to face them sometime and that sometime was going to be today.
“Shane can you hold her when we go outside, your used to the crowds, it will be easier for you.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I’ll hold onto you arm, so I don’t lose you!”
“Ok, Are you ready?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be”

They walked out of the room, then out of the hospital. Shane was right about the press. As soon as one journalist saw them, they all turned. Cameras started flashing and questions were being thrown at the couple. Shane edged his way towards the car but it was impossible to get to. They would never make it.
Shane turned to Amy; he was still holding Hollie tightly in his arms.
We’re going to need security’s help, lets go back inside.”
So they turned and went back through the glass double doors.
They went to the reception desk and told them the problem and within minutes there were about six security men standing next to them.

“Mr Filan, I’m Mr Shaw, head of security. Would it be ok if one of my men drove your car to the hospital entrance, then we’ll get you r into the car”
“Yes, that’s fine, it’s the black jeep over there” Shane pointed to where his car was parked and passed the keys to one of the men.

A few minutes later the car was at the entrance. They decided to get Amy to the car first, she climbed into the backseat. So that she could put Hollie into her tiny seat while Shane got in. Amy got to the car without any problems. They couldn’t get Shane and Hollie through the crowds of journalists. Amy sat in the car worried; she didn’t want anything to happen to them. Shane was getting fed up of waiting and so did the security men. They surrounded Shane and made their way to the car. People were pushing and pulling them and by the time they got to the car Hollie was screaming.

Chapter 23
20th December

Nicky, Bryan, Kian and Mark had finally got the chance to see Hollie in real and not by pictures that had been printed all over the newspapers.
“Awww she’s beautiful,” Nicky said while holding her, the others said similar comments. All Amy could do was agree as Hollie had Shane’s eyes and smile.

Christmas eve

Amy had just managed to get Hollie to sleep, as she wasn’t a good sleeper. She went back downstairs and joined Shane on the sofa, Sitting in between his legs. Shane stroked her hair removing any tangles with his fingers/

“I can’t believe, how everything has changed. Since last Christmas we’ve got engaged and we’ve got a beautiful daughter. I love you Amy, I never knew I could be this happy”
“Shane, I love you too. Can we go to bed now, tomorrows going to be a busy day going to see your family.”
“Yeah come on”

They lay wrapped up in the blackest, huddled together, Until Hollie woke, and they knew they had a long sleepless night ahead.

Christmas day

Shane and Amy had finally got Hollie to sleep at 7:30 and didn’t want to get up but it was already 9am and they told Shane’s parents that they would be there by 10am. They were nowhere near ready.
Half nine came and Shane pulled Amy out of bed.
“Come on, if we get ready now, we’ll be ready before Hollie wakes up again”
“Ok, Ok,” Amy, replied sleepily
Shane had already made Amy a cup of tea when she got downstairs.
“Happy Christmas Sweetheart, I’m saving your present for later”
“Happy Christmas to you too, I’ll keep yours for later aswell”

They finally got ready and Hollie still hadn’t woken. Amy crept into Hollies room and began to get a bag ready to take with them. She filled it with spare clothes, Nappies and Bottles. She turned to find that Hollie was awake and Shane was leaning over the cot playing with her.

“No wonder she hadn’t woken up”
“Sorry I saw she was awake and couldn’t help but play with her”
Shane got Hollie out of the coat and went into his and Amy’s room and laid Hollie on the bed while he lay next to her. Amy then got her dressed.

They set off to Shane’s families house, they were an hour late, but nobody seemed to mind, they were to bust fussing over Hollie. Shane and Amy hardly got to see her.

After the big Christmas dinner, which had been interrupted a few times by Hollie, they all gathered to open presents. Shane and Amy kept their presents for each other till last and waited till everyone was busy looking at their presents until they gave them to each other.

Amy gave Shane his first.
He unwrapped the paper to find in a box a Rolex watch and engraved on the back it said ‘Love always, Amy’
Thanks Amy, I love it” He said whilst putting it on, he then hugged her.

“Right here's yours” He handed her two wrapped gifts and a card.
“Open the little one first then the card then the other one”
Amy undone the gold paper and box to find a pair of gold diamond earrings. She gasped, they were beautiful. She then undone the card which said:

‘Dear Amy

Happy Christmas, Look closely at the earrings then your engagement ring. The other present is something extra.

All my love
Shane x x

Amy looked at her engagement ring then the earrings
‘They match” Shane nodded “Shane their lovely”
“Open the other one”

Amy ripped open the paper, inside was a thick lilac jumper. It was the one she had said she liked, when Shane and her had been shopping. Amy took off the jumper she had on and put on her new one, it fitted perfectly.

“Amy you didn’t need to get me a present, the best present is you, and Hollie. I couldn’t ask for anything more pefect!”

Chapter 24

14th February…Shane and Amy’s House

“Mum see to Hollie for me please” Amy shouted from her bedroom where she sat while Marie did her hair.
“Write I’ve done your hair, Where’s Denise? She needs to do your make up, before you put on you dress”
“ I don’t know where she is”
“DEEENNIISSSEEE” Marie screamed.
“I’m here don’t panic” Denise said as she walked into the room. She started applying make up to Amy’s face. She was going to have a sort of natural look.

Meanwhile at Nicky’s house

“Shane” Nicky shouted up the stairs “Are you ready?”
“Yeah, I’m coming” and he ran down the stairs.
“Nicky do you have the rings”
“For the final time yes” but Nicky checked his pockets anyway, and they were still in his pocket.
“Now lets go” and Nicky pushed him out of the door.

Back at Shane and Amy’s House

Amy stood in front of the mirror, with her mum behind her.
“I can’t believe me little girl is getting married”
“Yep, but I’m not your little girl anymore”
“No you’re a beautiful woman”

Amy’s dress was cream; it had a tight fitting bodice, which then got wider at the waist. She had a tiara on her head, which was attached to her hair. Which was in a similar style to the way she had it the night Shane proposed to her, It was pinned back neatly with a few strands of hair hanging.

Her bridesmaids, Marie, Denise, Ciara, Clare and Hollie wore lilac dresses. Hollies was different to the other four, hers was more puffed out. She looked adorable in it.

“Beeeeep, Beeepp, Beep”

“Come on Amy, the cars here” Marie shouted from downstairs.

Chapter 25

Amy stood at the church door, linking arms with her dad. The organ started playing inside. Amy and her father started to walk up the aisle followed by Marie holding Hollie and then Denise, Ciara and Clare.

Shane turned to look at Amy walking with her dad, with a big smile on her face. When she got to Shane, her dad kissed her cheek then sat down. Amy turned to Shane he could see her clearly now.

“You look amazing” Shane whispered and Amy smiled even more. They said their vowels and placed rings on each other’s fingers.

“I now pronounce you Man and Wife, You may kiss the bride,” The priest said loudly

Shane moved closer to Amy and placed his hands around her waist and she put her arms around his neck, they shared a passionate kiss. While everyone cheered and clapped and Shane and Amy’s Mum’s wiped away their tears of joy.

They stood in the church gardens for over two hours, while photos were being taken. Then they all headed to a hotel that was just down the road for the reception.

Shane and Amy had the first dance; to a song by Whitney Houston ‘ I will always love you’. People watched them in each’s others arms. Amy had her head resting on Shane’s shoulder; no one knew that Shane was singing along to the song quietly in Amy’s ear. As the song came to an end more people joined the dance floor.

Amy and Shane had decided not to go on a Honeymoon as Hollie was still only young and they didn’t want to have to leave her for a long time. So Shane’s family were going to look after her for a few days while Shane and Amy spent time on their own, in a cottage just outside of Sligo.

It was 11pm and Shane and Amy and just been taken home. They were going to get their things and change out of their wedding clothes before driving to the cottage.

When they got there Shane carried Amy inside and dropped her onto the sofa, while he went back to the car to get the bags. Then he joined her on the sofa.

“Shane we aren’t just going to sit here on the sofa all night are we?”
“Nope, I have other things in mind”
He grabbed Amy’s hand and she followed him to the bedroom, where Shane closed the door behind her.