Chapter 29
By six that evening, M returned to pick Olivia up at his house. Olivia handed her bags to the driver while M is upstairs changing. She's not coming back to Gareth's house tonight.
There is no point in creating a mess with her relationship with James and between James and Gareth. Olivia's tired of hiding from invisible enemies that don't even know that she survived Skyfall.
The strangest thing is, that Olivia's very nervous about seeing her own children. It's a strange feeling but true. Maybe it's because Judi and Ryan have been with James for a day. How will they feel about her moving on from Nigel?
Olivia's excited to see James again, she can't believe how much she's missed him in the last two days. Olivia and M leave for her flat.
"Would it be that impossible for me to stay with my children tonight? I will be sneaking in under cover of cloak-hood and darkness...if this evening of dinner and packing goes late, could I just stay and leave tomorrow. I really doubt that after Silva's demise, others would be ready to enact revenge so quickly. The world thinks I am dead after all."
"We'll have to see, but I think you should be able to spend the night. I know your children are looking forward to seeing you and catching up. They were both very concerned about your whereabouts. Wait...Olivia...did you pack your things before asking me?"
Olivia smiled a crooked grin. "Very astute M...I am sorry I ever doubted your abilities for my job Gareth."
M smiled at her. "Speaking of astute, your daughter asked me how I saw you so early in the morning...grilled me actually."
M has to smile at M's reaction to her daughter's forthright questions. The butterflies are still swirling about in her stomach.
"Or is it James you're dying to see Olivia?"
"Well, yes...I will be very glad to see how James has been getting along with my children. I do appreciate what you have done for me personally Gareth."
They arrive near her home and get let out around the block. The car will circle and drop the bags off later.
Olivia pulls the hood up over her head and links her arm through M's.
M escorts her to the door and waits for it to open. "I will go get your bags and give you a moment with your family."
"Thank you M"
The door opens to a smiling James Bond who quickly pulls her into a hug and closes the door as M moves down the stairs away from the house.
Confusion is clear on James' face as M leaves. Olivia smiles at him. "M's getting my bags from the car...I am staying the night."
James beams at this and helps her with her coat. "Your hair...it's the same colour as Judi's...I like it."
"Where are they?"
"Kitchen, but first."
James turns her towards him and kisses her passionately. Olivia sinks into the kiss until she hears a throat clear behind James.
Judi and Ryan are standing there looking smug with arm crossed staring at her as though she was a mutant.
"Mum! You're younger looking than me!"
Judi laughs and runs to her arms. Bond smiles as the women embrace and tears start flowing from their eyes.
Judi murmurs. "Mum...I'm so sorry...I wish I could take back much of what I have said to you over the years...you never deserved my malice."
They move within arms length of each other holding hands.
"I did deserve some of it darling."
Olivia looks at Ryan. Bond notices an intense look of sadness cross her face. Ryan must really look like his father...she still misses him...she likely still loves him.
Ryan steps forward and pulls her up into a hug, lifting her off the floor into his strong arms. Ryan has his head in the crook of her neck and kisses her cheek.
"Mum...I am so glad this is not really your funeral we're here for."
"Put me down love...I'm getting dizzy with you swinging me around."
Ryan blushes and puts his diminutive mother down. "You two could be twins now!"
Judi smiles and holds Olivia's hand. "I was thinking you could be a cousin...long lost...to explain you to the children."
Olivia smiled. "I never thought of that but yes, good idea. Olivia Mansfield...cousin?"
Bond interjects. "Olivia can I have a word?"
Judi grabs Ryan and heads for the kitchen and close the door.
James goes down on his right knee and takes her left hand in his right. Olivia's eyes grow wide in shock.
"James!"
"Olivia I would like for you to become Mrs. Bond. I have asked permission from both your children and they have given their blessing. Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?"
Olivia smiles down on her young lover. "Yes."
James pulls a stunning ring out of his pocket and slides it on her ring finger.
Olivia leans down and kisses him as he wraps his arms around her middle. Bond stands lifting her off the floor and running her up the stairs.
Olivia squeals in surprise. "James what are you doing? M's about to arrive and the children are waiting downstairs."
"I just want a few minutes alone with my fiancé...is that wrong?"
"No darling but we have the rest of our lives together. I need to reestablish a relationship with my children."
"I knew you would try to make me see reason...I just want you so bad..."
"I know James...I want you too but we should wait...we should get married as soon as possible...while the children are here. There is a house to find also."
"Waiting is very hard...I don't think I have gone this long without..."
"James!" Olivia laughs. "Poor boy...try over a year and see how you like it."
The doorbell goes and Olivia takes James' hand and they walk back downstairs to see Judi about to open the door.
"Well that was the fasted sex in the world you two have to slow down..."
Olivia looks shocked at her daughter and swats her arm. "That will be enough out of you young lady."
Judi laughs as she opens the door to see Eve, Tanner, Q and M.
They all get settled and Bond distributes champagne around the room.
"I have an announcement to make...everyone has a drink...Tomorrow will be a funeral for the most amazing of women. Today we can celebrate that she's alive and well with us here and now. We can also celebrate that she has agreed to become my wife."
The room cheers and drinks to the couple. Hugs are exchanged and Eve, Judy and Olivia head to the kitchen chattering about plans for a fast wedding.
The men are left uncomfortably alone not quite knowing what to say...they all love Olivia in different ways and they truly wish for her to be happy.
James for his part is ecstatic and shakes Q's M's and Tanner's hands vigorously.
M smiles but it does not show in his eyes.
Tanner beams at Bond...he can't believe this is happening, but it's not the strangest thing that has happened in the last two months.
Q raises his glass to the couple.
Ryan's happy for the both of them. He can't get over seeing his mum...young and beautiful...the two of them are going to be a force to be reckoned with.
"James...are you planning on making me a big brother at some point?"
James looks shocked. "I have no idea...I had never really thought about it before. It will entirely be up to your mother...just like the wedding planning...I do hope I have some way with where we live and I will be the one that picks out the cars..."
The four of the laugh at the thought of Bond being relegated to the short end of the decision stick. Knowing Olivia being the boss is not something that you can just turn off.
The Judi and Ryan begin bringing out the food and placing it on the table. Judi speaks up. "We are doing this buffet style boys so grab a plate and load up and find a seat where you can. Mum, James you need a bigger dining room in the new house...for all your family and friends."
James wraps one arm around Olivia and one around Judi. "I think that is a great idea. I look forward to this...family thing...you speak of."
"You aren't trying to get fresh with my daughter are you Bond?"
"No...unless...you..."
The two women each elbow James in the waist simultaneously. "Och!...No fair...I have bad ribs you know..."
Olivia kisses his cheek. "Sorry love...you should never tease a married woman like Judi, it's not fair to her husband not being here to defend himself."
Judi frowns and Olivia feels James stiffens next to her. Ryan's face says it all.
"What happened?" Olivia asks looking at her two children. Her tone of voice does not allow for any further levity.
Judi blushes and shots glances at the four work mates from MI6, wondering if she's actually expected to air her dirty laundry in this setting.
Olivia stares her down with a frown.
"Ok...ok...I am separated and about to be divorced. You know why...you always knew...he thinks you are dead...he saw the pictures on the news. I did not bother to correct him. This is why you need to become Olivia Bond my long lost cousin for the children. It's the only way to keep David in the dark."
Ryan nods in agreement. "I would prefer to keep Grace in the dark as well. It may be safer for her than the truth."
Olivia cannot help but agree but she's upset that Judi has been dealing with this all on her own.
"Mum don't get that look, I'm fine. It happened after dad passed so I have had a year to get my life in order. David's parents have the children right now and he sees them when he can. At least he moved in with her and she wasn't just a passing fancy."
"I'll kill him!"
"No you won't! Whatever he has done, it would hurt the children to lose their father."
Ryan nods in agreement. "I think James and I could rough him up a bit for you if you want mum?"
The group laughs.
Tanner speaks up. "I think a 00 is a bit much for domestic issues...against the rules I would say. I will help you Ryan."
M's a little happy that Judi's getting divorced. If you can't have the original... "I am afraid that it would be a job for MI5 and not 6 Mr. Tanner. I could make a call to them if you would like?"
Q speaks up. "I can make sure he's not hiding anything from you Judi, just hand me a laptop."
Judi smiles at all the offers of support. "Thank you all but I am quite capable of handling my own marriage or lack thereof. I have to admit mum, you do surround yourself with excellent gentlemen. No wonder you always came home so late."
Olivia frowned. "I never...intentionally.."
"Joking mum...just joking...I know...we know...international emergencies only. Come on everyone, let's eat."
The evening is spent eating drinking and they even get around to packing up some photos and decorative items.
The guests leave and the four of them say their good nights.
Judi elbows her mum. "There's room in my bed for you mum if you would like."
James growls at her and Ryan blushes and shakes his head. Ryan turns and quietly comments on his way up the stairs. "I hope I don't need earplugs tonight."
Judi laughs and swats James' arm. "Yes, you two keep it down tonight we have a funeral to get up for tomorrow."
Olivia smiles. "James and I are going house hunting. I just hope Q has cleared up my finances."
Judi climbs the stairs leaving the engaged couple alone in the living room.
Bond waits until Judi's out of view and pulls Olivia into a searing kiss.
The two of them stand there making out until James lifts her into his arms and carries her up to her bedroom.
Once he kicks the door closed and deposits her on the bed he stands gazing down on his future bride.
James has never been this happy...ever.
"What are you staring at?"
Olivia's getting self-conscious with him staring at her.
"The most beautiful woman in the world."
James strips his clothes off faster than Olivia had ever seen. She started giggling at him as he jumped on the bed and begins kissing her soundly.
Olivia shifts to allow Bond to remove her top and jeans leaving them both in their undergarments. James traces the scar on her side and Olivia caresses the bruising on his ribs.
"Olivia, if it is too soon I can wait. Does your side still hurt?"
"It does pain me if jostled around too much. If we go gentle and slow we can manage. I do have to ask...do you have protection?"
James lifts his brow. "No...I don't think I do. Would you be terribly uncomfortable if I asked your son if he has a condom?"
Olivia laughs uncontrollably at the thought. "We will have to just snuggle for tonight dear. I have a feeling that gentle and slow is not a possibility for either of us for our first time. We will have to wait until after we're married. The doctor did say no strenuous activity for at least a month. I did take a bullet last week...remember?"
"How could I forget. This is going to be the worst and best night of my life. I get to snuggle up with the woman who I love, but do nothing but that."
Bond gets up and heads to the on-suite bath to get ready for bed.
Olivia changed into pyjamas and waits for her turn in the bath. She feels so happy and secure here with her family. She has not been this content in years and she is looking forward to everything in a positive light.
James enters the room in sleep pants and Olivia admires his body. Tonight will be difficult but they can get through anything as long as they have each other.
Olivia returns from the bath and climbs in beside him to spend her first night with her future husband.
"Olivia. I think I may resign as a 00."
"I thought you might...having a family makes one's life outlook different, doesn't it."
"I'm glad you're not shocked or upset."
"We have a big day tomorrow Mr. Bond so let's get some sleep."
"I thought we could at least fool around a bit..."
"I do not like to be teased Mr. Bond. I am not willing to play with no ability to do anything about it. I cannot be trusted around you."
James laughs and gives her a hug and kisses her cheek.
"I know exactly what you mean my love."
