Charles put the phone down and sat on the chair that was next to the phone in the hall. It was less than 8 weeks to the wedding. He had received orders for a tour in West Africa helping in the Refugee camps out there. They really could have done with out this, Charles didn't want to leave molly with the rest of the planning as when his tour would officially end would only leave several days before the wedding.

Molly walked out of the kitchen and handed Charles a mug of coffee.

"who was that?" she asked cheerily

"major Crawley, I have been ordered to take a short tour in west Africa "

"how short?" molly asked

"6 weeks, look I know its not ideal but I have been told I have to go as I backed out of the last tour last minute"

" Charles we get married in 8 weeks"

"I know but what can I do, I have to follow the orders I am given, look it will be fine we will make it work"

"okay, when do you leave "

"Wednesday"

"Charles that's in 4 days , what about Sam and your parents?"

"mum and dad will understand , Rebecca on the other hand , I need to call her and explain, could you get my kit bag out of the spare room please." He smiled weakly and started to dial Rebecca's number he waited and took a deep breath as the phone began to ring his ex wife could be difficult at the best of times.

Charles put the phone down as molly walked back down the stairs. Rebecca had had a go saying that he always cared more about the army than he did his son and family. Molly saw this frustration from the stairs.

"guessing she wasn't too happy about your tour"

"she practically said that I didn't care for Sam and I care more about the army"

"what that's ridiculous you love Sam more than anything. She is just being a cow" molly smiled and wrapped her arms around Charles and kissed him on the cheek

The next few days were a blur of Charles sorting things out and spending time with Sam before he went away. On Tuesday night they went to Bath for a family meal with Charles parents and Sam who after much persuasion Rebecca had allowed to go and then allowed to stay at his grand parents over night. Sam had been upset to hear that his dad was going away but Charles thought that was the way Rebecca had spun it, Sam had cheered up when he found out that he was allowed to stay with his nan and molly

That night molly and Charles had just snuggled down when the door to their room opened and Sam plodded in.

"Daddy can I have a hug" the little voice said in to the darkness

Charles switched on the light besides the bed and pulled the covers open and Sam snuggled in next to Charles. Molly walked in from the en suite she smiled at the sight that she saw. Charles held his arm open and molly climbed in next to him, and cuddled up close to him. Molly fell asleep almost straight away, but Charles lay awake for ages in the dark and silence of their room only being broke by little snuffles from Sam who had fallen asleep next to his dad. Charles was dreading tomorrow he didn't really want to go and leave is family again but he had a duty to fulfil. He just hoped that the next 6 weeks would fly by.

The following day was even harder. Sam became stroppy and clingy to his dad, but was calmed by his grandmother. After breakfast Charles went upstairs to check is kit bag one last time, molly followed him and sat on the bed next to where Charles was looking through his bag. She had tears in her eyes

"please be careful" she whispered tears rolling down her cheeks

"I will " he whispered back. He placed his head close to hers like he did in the hospital when molly first knew that he loved her.

They eventually went back down stairs and were greeted by Charles dad who took his bag off of him and headed out towards the car.

"all set son" he called over his shoulder

"yes dad I think so" he smiled and squeezed Molly's hand

Sam and molly climbed in to the back of Andrew's BMW, pam stayed at home to look after Sam as they all thought it would be to upsetting to be at the airfield

Time seamed to go fast and they were soon at Brize Norton and it was time to say goodbye.

"come back to me " molly said trying to hold back the tears reciting Charles words before she went home on R&R

"I will" Charles said as he kissed her.

Molly watched as Charles went through all the formalities of checking in and security checks, she watched him board the plane, she watched as the plane took of and became a distant dot in the sky before finally disappearing in the blue skies.