A/U: This series is set in the same universe as a Request. I know a few of you expressed an interest in seeing their wedding as I skipped that originally so I've decided to write a few chapters showing the lead up to the big day.
Woes of a Bride to Be
Molly sighed for what felt like the hundredth time as she was handed yet another dress by the assistant. They had been traipsing from dress shop to dress shop for what felt like hours and Molly was still no closer to finding her wedding dress. With Margaret, her Mum, Nan, Bella and Jackie all along for the ride, sharing ideas and chucking dresses at her left right and centre, it was starting to feel more like a military exercise than a fun bonding experience. Molly was starting to regret bringing them along. Not that she didn't love these women, all of whom were amazing, outspoken, independent and feisty in their own right. The trouble was, with so many highly opinionated women under one roof, sooner or later, personalities were going to clash and tempers were going to flare. It was inevitable. Molly just didn't think she would be the first to crack.
"Let's have a butchers then Molls!" Belinda called from outside the changing room.
"Really Mum? This dress has got more bleadin' frills that Margaret's drapes. You can't be serious! No offense Margaret." Molly called out as she stepped into the dress. She heard Charles' mother chuckle softly in reply. "I never did like those drapes. They were a wedding present from Edward's mother. Hideous things. I've been trying to get rid of them for years."
"Don't be daft Molly. The hangers never do the dresses justice. I'm sure it'll look gorgeous on you love. Now out you get, no need to be shy."
Molly grumbled to herself as she waddled out of the changing room and into the viewing area. The skirt of the ivory ball gown was make up of layers of hideous ruffles with puffy sleeves that feel off her shoulders. Completing the look was a satin sash that encircled her waist and finished in a gigantic bow that made her arse look like Kim Kardashian's. Molly felt utterly ridiculous.
"It's like wadding through treacle. I look like one of Margaret's meringues. " Molly grouched as she stood in front of a mirror. Jackie, remembering Molly's first comments about the Afghan heat, broke into giggles as she snapped a picture on her phone.
"Not bein' funny or out Molls, but do you want a crook to go with that?" Nan asked as she took in her eldest granddaughter's appearance. "Add a nice bonnet and a flock of sheep an you'd make a bloomin lovely Bow Peep." All women took a moment to look at Molly before simultaneously breaking into giggles. Wiping her eyes Belinda shook her head. "I think this one is slightly too fussy, love. Maybe something less frilly?"
"Yeah Molls, you look like you stepped out of one of them 80's music videos," Bella added from her position behind one of the dress racks.
"Oi, shut it you cheeky mare!" Molly glared at her younger sister.
"Girls! That's enough. Here try this one instead Molls." Molly let out a huff as she tripped her way back into the changing rooms, her movements hampered by the many layers of chiffon that clung to her body. Even moving around in Afghan in 40 degree heat in full kit whilst carrying her med burgen, wasn't this difficult. She stood muttering to herself as she replaced the dress on the hanger and eyed the next one dubiously. What was her mother thinking?
"Bloody mental! Off her rocker she is. She's finally cracked. Better book her a room next to Nan in the home an' all." Molly was interrupted mid rant by her phone beeping. She smiled when she saw Charles' ID. Her smile suddenly dropped when she read the message.
How is it going my little Bow Peep? Sounds like I'm going to have to book a heard of sheep to follow you down the aisle. You want a crook to go with that? ;) sounds like you're having loads of fun!
Molly shook her head as she quickly sent a reply. She was going to kill Jackie.
Oi! Cheeky sod! Might gunna need to shove that crook where the sun don't shine Boss! Fun? Fun? I had more fun popping your bleedin' blisters. Remind me why we didn't elope again?
A few minutes later Charles sent a reply.
Ohh didn't know you were into that sort of thing Dawes. We didn't elope because we decided we wanted our families and friends to be part of our special day. Chin up Dawesy we've seen each other at our worst. Whatever you wear you'll look beautiful I'm sure. Love you xxxx
Ditto xxx
Feeling slightly calmer she reached for the hanger and pulled the dress over her hips when there was a knock on the door. "Molls you need a hand?" Jackie pocked her head around the door. Molly looked up as she tried to do the buttons up on the back of a dress. Jackie smiled as she brushed Molly's hands aside. "Here let me." Jackie carefully did up the row of buttons on the back of the dress and adjusted the collar as Molly spun to look in the mirror. The dress fell just above her knees and clung to her curves like a second skin. Molly's eyes met Jackie's in the mirror.
"Too tight. Too short." They said simultaneously as they burst into giggles. They were interrupted by Belinda calling from outside.
"Molls you haven't got long love. You still need to sort out the music, the first dance. Confirm menus with the caterers and arrange the flowers. Time is running out." Molly took a deep breath to try and ease the sudden wave of panic. Who was she kidding? This wasn't her. She didn't belong in this world. She didn't know the first thing about table settings, colour samples and table charts. What difference did it make what shade of crème they chose?
"This is bollocks!" Molly cried in exasperation as she swung open the door, still in the wedding dress.
"Molly!" Belinda send a scandalised look at Margaret, who merely gazed in concern at Molly as she started to pace back and forth anxiously.
"I can't do this! I'm never going to find a dress. I'm running out of time. There's still so much to do. Why am I even doin this? I don't fit in here. I'm a bloody soldier. I feel more at home in combats and boots these days than long flowing dresses and heels, all trussed up like a Christmas turkey with all the trimmings. I ain't one for fairy tales and princess dresses. I don't do perfect."
Belinda looked at her daughter in concern. "What you talkin' about Molls? What are ya sayin'?"
"Maybe this was all a mistake. Charles deserves so much more." Everyone was silent as they watched Molly slowly begin to unravel before them. The confident solider long gone. Margaret, ever the diplomat, decided to step in and take charge.
"Ok troops why don't we take a break. Jackie, Marge why don't you take Bella on ahead for her fitting. It's nearly 3.30 you don't want to be late. Belinda there's a lovely beaded dress on the rack over there that I think Molly will love, why don't you go and get it for Molly to try. Molly you come and sit here with me for a minute." When Belinda continued to hover anxiously Margaret gently touched her arm and whispered quietly, "You go ahead. It's just pre-wedding nerves I'm sure." With that she gently took Molly's arm and led her over to a plush arm chair.
"Now then what's this silly notion about you not belonging here or being good enough for my son?" Molly sighed wearily as she rubbed her forehead.
"I just… we're so different. I don't know how to do this." Molly gestured around her. "I'm no good at organising and planning things in intricate detail. I grew up in a mad house in East Ham with no GCSE's. I haven't been to uni or travelled the globe. I'm not like Rebecca who can flit here and there, planning extravagant dinner parties and organise events at the club at a moment's notice. I'd make a rubbish hostess." Molly finished quietly.
"Well thank goodness for that." At Molly's affronted look Margaret continued. "Are for forgetting where you two met? The things you've done? Two tours of Afghanistan and Africa. You've risen up the ranks to Lance Corporal. Corporal soon enough from what Charles tells me. You're brave, strong and far more intelligent than you give yourself credit for. Look at all you've achieved. Yes life hasn't dealt you the best hand, but rather than sit back and throw in your lot, you went out there and changed your life for the better. I'll let you in on a little secret. All this glitz and glamour, it's just an excuse for everyone to outdo each other. If I'm honest you don't want to be anything like them. Their all rude, self- inflated old bores who are as dull as dishwater."
At that Molly couldn't help but burst into fits of giggles.
"Now there's the Molly Dawes we all know and love. Don't ever forget that Charles loves you for who you are. You've never pretended to be someone you're not. You aren't afraid to speak your mind; you do and say whatever the hell you like and to hell with what anyone else thinks. That's why Charles loves you. Why we all love you."
Molly smiled. "I'm sorry I'm such a Muppet half the time. I just let things get on top of me I guess. Sorry you had to see that."
"Oh don't be daft." The two sat in contented silence as they watched Belinda chatting animatedly to the assistant as she sorted through more racks of dresses.
"You know I never did thank you properly for saving Charles and bringing him home." Margaret said softly as she squeezed Molly's hand.
"I was only doing my job," Molly answered. Margaret shook her head.
"No, you saved his life in more ways than one. Before he went out on tour, it was as though he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. He had to deal with Rebecca leaving and then the divorce. I think he felt like he had failed. It was a shame. They loved each other in the beginning, but as time went on both of them wanted different things and neither were prepared to compromise for the other. Charles used to live and breathe the Army and Rebecca never understood what drew him to that life. They're in a much better place now than they ever were. Then he lost one of his men. It changed him. He became so serious and distant all the time; as if he'd built a wall around himself and nobody could touch him. Until he met you. You broke through the wall and woke him up. You challenge him and made him question everything he thought he believed in. You aren't afraid to call him out on all his shit. You know how to keep him in line and on his toes. He's really opened up and come out of his shell; he laughs and jokes more now than he ever did and it's all thanks to you."
"I never knew any of that," Molly whispered softly.
"Of course not. You know Richard was right about you. The first thing he said after we met you was I like her. The girls got spark. She's just what he needs to keep him on his toes. He said you'd be the one to stir things up a bit and inject a bit of excitement back into our lives. I for one, am glad he was right. Best not tell him though his head is big enough as it is. Now enough of that. Let's go see what your mum has found." Molly laughed and kissed Margaret's cheek tenderly as she walked over to see what else her mum had in store for her.
Twenty minutes later Molly was stood in front of the mirror in the most beautiful dress she had ever seen. The ivory gown had an illusion neckline sprinkled with delicate beads across the bust and on the capped sleeves. The a-line skirt, tapered in to accentuate her waist, flowed beautifully as Molly twisted her body back and forth in the mirror. The Key hole back was made from delicate lace adored with intricate flowers across the shoulders. Looking at herself Molly couldn't help but gasp. As she turned she saw both her mum and Margaret gazing at her in awe.
"This is it. This is my dress," Molly whispered softly. Belinda stood staring at her eldest daughter with tears in her eyes as she gently swept Molly's hair up and twisted it away from her face.
"Oh my baby's getting married. You look like a princess. It's beautiful." Margaret could only smile and nod in confirmation. "That's definitely the one. You should definitely wear your hair up, you'll be able to appreciate the details on the back more." Molly laughed as she turned away from her reflection. "Thank God for that, me bleedin' feet are killing me. I could do with a cuppa." The three women laughed as they helped Molly out of her dress.