As usual, thank you to all of you that have let me know you are still enjoying this! This is the penultimate chapter in this particular version of CJ & Molly. My maternity leave starts next week and I wanted to wrap up before I leave work (I edit and upload in my breaks) and baby is due anytime so I want to make sure I don't leave the story hanging. Hope you enjoy - let me know x S x

He squeezed her hand as they waited. In his mind, today was the single most important day of their lives together so far.

The words seemed to float in mid-air, not quite real. She was still clear, still healthy. He pulled her close to him "You don't know how relieved I am Molly, it's like a weight has been lifted" she planted a kiss on the end of his nose "That's why I didn't tell you, you've got so much on your mind already. I knew you would be stressed and just want you to be okay"

He still wasn't sure if he'd ever really be 'okay' it seemed like an endless tunnel some days. Although there were now some good days, and some okay day but the bad days were unbearable.

"Now that we've got the all clear, I want you to promise me that you're going to put everything you've got into getting better. For us and for Sam" he nodded, it was time.

"I promise. And when I get back from Headley we'll get cracking on the wedding plans" she smiled to herself, he was planning ahead. "It's a deal Mr James"

They gazed across the horizon from their bench on the beach. "Bet you never had day trips to Southend when you was a kid?" He chuckled "Bit out of the way from our neck of the woods, although it looks like the kind of place my mother would like. What made you want to come here today?" She sighed "I dunno. I suppose after the stress of the check up and how you've been feeling I wanted to bring you to a place that I always used come to clear my head. Get some clarity in our nuts before you head off. I want to give you a moment to hold onto where I tell you how much I love you and how proud I am of you. It might not be the most glamorous place, but it's a bit of me and I'm giving it to you to keep. So close your eyes" he did as she instructed as she moved from his side. Her arms wrapped tightly around his neck from behind and despite the sea breeze, the warmth of her breathe on his neck made him tingle.

"I love you Charles James and I can't wait to be your wife. You make me proud every day, proud of man you are and proud of the soldier fighting this hell. I won't be there every moment that you need me but just close your eyes and remember this moment and that we have so many more like this to come"

He turned his head, lifting his arm to gently pull her mouth to his "Molly Dawes, you are something else" his tongue pushed her lips apart, desperate to feel hers. Desperate to show her the desire he was feeling. She moved round the bench, settling herself in his lap before continuing the kiss she'd been aching so much for.

"Let's go home, I need you - all of you" His chocolate brown orbs were full of desire "Yes sir" she whispered, the way he bit his lip melted her inside. He was beautiful and he was hers and he wanted her again. "I took the liberty of booking us a room" she smiled to herself as a cheeky grin formed on his lips "well best not waste it Dawes"

Molly

I can't help but stare at the perfection sleeping peacefully beside me. There's no strain in his face when he sleeps, although the vulnerability is still there. I can't help but wonder if I'd have done things differently, would he be in this place at all? I hate to think that I could have that much power over someone, especially someone like him - he's strong and he's brilliant and he's brave and I know he spends every minute fighting.

"Perv" he whispers gruffly "Well when you go around looking like that James, what's a girl meant to do?"

I stroke my finger across his cheek, his tired eyes look back at me and I can't help but feel it's my fault he suffers the way he does. I plant gentle kisses on his lips; aching at the thought of him leaving. "I wanna make love to you Charlie" he growls in agreement. I can't bare be thought of him going to Headley, knowing what he'll go through to fight these demons that consume him but the fact he's already getting better makes it easier. A few weeks ago he couldn't touch me. Or wouldn't I'm not sure which but he enjoys my touch again, he needs it as much as I need his.

"Call me, anytime you need me. You can do this you know that don't you?" Beth looked on as Molly whispered reassuring words whilst they held each other, like the young care free lovers that they should be. She'd finally accepted Molly back into her heart, Elvis was right – she is what her Charlie needed. Molly and Beth held each other as they left him behind at Headley; he was a grown man but a vulnerable one who needed them both. "He'll do it this time won't he?" Beth pondered Molly's question, acknowledging her need for reassurance "With us by his side, of course he will" she pulled Molly into a hug "I'm so glad you're here" Molly smiled "Ditto".

"Don't let him catch you snivelling Dawes. He'll have you up on a charge" Molly sniggered a laugh through her tears as Elvis threw himself into the chair beside her.

"What's this about? He's on the mend now"

She couldn't take her eyes off the steady rise and fall of his chest as he slept peacefully. His bad leg encased in the safety of bandages, resting on a pillow.

"They said they can't do any more for his leg. I just want him to be alright, I want my Charlie back"

Elvis squeezed her hand "You never lost him Dawes. He's still in there and trust me I would know; spent enough years with the soppy git ain't I. You need to forgive yourself; it's eating away at you. He's forgiven you, Beth's forgiven you - now you need to follow and keep doing what you're doing. Keep loving him better"

She squeezed his hand back "Now who's the soppy git" he smiled to himself "Can't help my soft spot for ol' Charlie boy here can I"

Charles flicked one eye open "If you two don't pack it in I'll have you both up on a charge" Elvis laughed but the concern in Molly's face was obvious "You can only dream James. I'll give you space and get the coffees in" he shook Charles' hand "Good to see you mate, you're on the home stretch now" Charles managed a smile despite the fact he was groggy and out of it.

Molly ran her fingers through his hair "All done now baby. No more surgery, we can move forward" she planted gentle kisses on his lips "It's not going to be 100%, my career is officially over" he closed his eyes and swallowed hard "Listen Charles I know it's not the outcome we wanted but you still have so much joy in your life. We can still be happy" he nodded "I know and I'm sorry. I'm just tired"

She took his hand in hers "Just rest and get better" Her heart sank for him. In the weeks since he'd been at Headley he'd been doing so well – he seemed happier and positive. The worry that this would set him back consumed her as she gave into her tears once again.

"Told you about that snivelling didn't I Dawes" Elvis wrapped his strong arms around her "It will be okay. Mark my words – I know everything".

Charles was fully aware of the eyes on him as he waited for her; he was used to it by now. He however only had eyes for one woman. It had been weeks since he'd seen her, work commitments and training keeping her away. Bailbrook House seemed fitting for their reunion; he wanted it to be special.

She couldn't take her eyes off him as she made her way across the room, watching him as he climbed to his feet.

"You look beautiful" he meant it, she could see it in his eyes "You don't look too shabby yourself"

He smirked, looking down at his boot, still self-conscious "Even with a limp?" "Especially with a limp – It's cute"

She had waited weeks for this, to see him and see for herself that he was doing okay. "I've missed you so much Charles" he slid his hand across to table, spinning the diamond ring on her finger before taking her hand to kiss it "Ditto Dawsey" the easy chemistry that had once been between them was back "How are you feeling? In here.." she stroked his temple "Better, definitely better. Things don't feel so bleak. It's going to be a bumpy road but I'm finally half way up it" she smiled back at him "That makes me happy to hear. And the leg?"

"Well I'm stuck with the limp, but I have my leg and my life so it's not all bad right? So if you can put up with a limping husband then I can put up with it too" her heart was bursting for him "Oh Charles, I can't imagine life where you're not mine. You're perfect to me in every way, limp or no limp"

He smiled to himself "I've been doing some thinking, since I've had so much time on my hands and I've got something I would really like you to think about after the wedding" she was intrigued as he pushed a leaflet towards her "Adoption? You want to adopt?"

He nodded his head, a look of unease came across his face as he bit his lip, unsure of her reaction "I think you would be a fantastic mother Molly, it's just an idea though. I hope I haven't upset you" she pushed the leaflet back towards him "I was thinking the same thing myself actually. I would love to adopt a child with you".

Things are on the up for our favourite couple :-)

P.S How good is the trailer for the new series? .WAIT 3