A/N I can only apologise for the delay-another entire Series of OG has been and gone as it's taken me this long to get this chapter out. Real life sadly has got in the way-a new job with ever changing hours and days hasn't helped matters so only having the chance to write once I get to bed inevitably meant I'd fallen asleep before I'd finished a paragraph! Hope the fact it's reasonably long makes up for it x
By the end of the afternoon they'd found an online checklist ticking off budget, venue, date and a preliminary guest list. They didn't need a marquee, were torn over wedding insurance and had left a message with the registrar. They'd eliminated the need for transport and had written a list of things to ask Elizabeth. They'd laughed off extra entertainment and a videographer and the idea if a gift list, both agreeing that donations to Help for Heroes was a more thoughtful gesture. Meeting the wedding coordinator tomorrow would give them ideas on catering, decoration ideas, a tour round for good spots for photographs and availability of rooms for their wedding night.
"So that's everything off the 12-18 month list, a couple of the 9-12 months, one off the 6-9 months and the rings off the 3-6 month list" said Charles sitting back smugly " I think that's a pretty good start"
"Yep not bad-I've got so many things to ask your mum though" Molly groaned, sinking into the cushions.
"That's ok, you know she'll be ridiculously excited. Flowers, cake and dress you'll probably make her night"
"I'm a bit worried about all the-you know girly stuff. What does a squaddie like me know about bouquets and bridesmaids' dresses?"
"You'll be fine! This coming from the same Molly Dawes who told me the other night how much she was enjoying feeling like a woman for a change!"
"Oh that's totally true, it's nice to stick on some heels and a dress when you're permanently stuck in combats. No I'm talking about the real girly stuff-lace 'n' that"
"I do like you in lace" he winked
"Yeah well its easy picking out a pair of fancy knickers to wear"
"Look talk to mum, your mum, your sisters, Jackie I'm sure they'll all help you"
"I hope so the more bloody help the better!"
The sound of the front door diffused the situation as Edward and Elizabeth returned from their day out, peering their heads around the door.
"How are you getting on?" asked Elizabeth nervously.
"Really good actually Mum" smiled Charles "though I think Molly needs some advice on the finer details of bits"
"Oh good, no problem Molly I'm excited to see what you've sorted so far"
"Don't hold your breath" Molly muttered as they disappeared off to discard their coats and muddy shoes.
Charles pulled her to standing and wrapped his arms around her waist, yet held her at a distance.
"Stop worrying we've done amazingly well today. Day one of wedding planning and we've ticked off stuff that some people do a year and half before their wedding so we're ahead of ourselves. I'm not going to let you get in a panic over wedding favours or something. Who the hell needs wedding favours anyway?!"
Molly laughed. "Ok, it's just a lot to take in that's all"
"But you're not doing it all alone, you've literally got an army to help you!"
"How do you always know the right thing to say?" she sighed snuggling into his chest.
"I'm a clever bastard like that and because I'm an ex-army Captain and have a knack of always sounding right!"
"Does come with a good uniform! Shame you can't wear it on our wedding day, do you miss it?"
"Yes and no"
"Go on, tell me"
"I miss the structure, you know where you fit in. Being with a group of friends and colleagues that you trust implicitly. I don't miss the food though or the shitty quarters"
"Ha shitty quarters you! The man who had his own portakabin on our last tour!"
"I didn't always! I miss the excitement, keeping alert, never knowing what's going to happen next"
"Yeah? Well I can always leap out and surprise you from time to time if you want, you know try and catch you off guard!"
"I'd rather you didn't try and induce me into a heart attack before I've married you. Maybe when I'm too old and falling to bits and you're fed up with me and you just want my pension, I might let you!"
"I'll never be fed up with you" said Molly truthfully now holding his face in her hands "I love you far too much"
"Me too, now give me a kiss woman"
Molly let her eyes rove over his features, before pulling him down towards her and capturing his lips with hers. As she kissed him she pictured the pair of them old and grey, still holding hands and laughing together. She smiled at the thought, pleased that the wedding madness had been temporarily forgotten about.
Charles fixed a new round of refreshments and took them upstairs joining Edward and Elizabeth in the snug.
Evening soon came and after dinner Charles disappeared to play the role of house husband-washing up, doing some washing and ironing, whilst Edward plugged in some headphones so he could listen to the radio in peace.
Molly gave Elizabeth the rundown of everything they'd sorted so far, who had been quite impressed at their combined organisational skills. Molly credited the army for that-learning to work as a team and always making notes to refer to!
"So you need to sort out all the pretty stuff then!" laughed Elizabeth
"Yeah apart from save the date cards and photographer, it's all the bells and whistles stuff. I want feminine but not princessy if you know what I mean"
"I understand, simple and elegant"
"Uh huh, any idea where to start?"
"Absolutely-it's what I wanted for mine and the fact I actually get a say this time is nice"
Molly remembered back to the photos of Charles and Rebecca's wedding and how sad it must have been for Elizabeth to be pushed aside.
"Thank you Elizabeth, I'd never be able to do this without you"
"Stop it before I start crying. Come on I've got some ideas and huge pile of magazines I might have already started to earmark!"
Elizabeth volunteered to do the flowers herself, she'd apparently been a florist in her youth and had always kept her hand in, as Molly recognised with all the Christmas foliage dotted around the house. Molly agreed to take pictures the following day of the rooms where centrepieces and displays were needed. She wanted natural bouquets and nothing which would give Elizabeth too much work to do. They looked at tiered wedding cakes, cupcakes and wedding cheese cakes. Molly discounted the cheese pretty much straightaway as just the thought of the pong of warm stilton on a hot day in August made her feel quite sick.
Elizabeth certainly seemed to have all the right connections too-a friend that did cakes and potentially a friend of a friend who was a photographer who she'd ring tomorrow whilst they were out. They were looking at dresses and hairstyles when Charles came back up with more drinks.
"I'm gonna start looking like a teabag soon, I think I've drunk enough!"
"Just making sure my lady has enough supplies to keep her going"
"Fancy something a bit stiffer to go with it?" interrupted Edward from his self-imposed silence.
"Thought you were and I quote, never touching a drop again!" laughed Molly.
"Well, everything in moderation-I believe that is the key"
"No thanks Dad, I might get an early night after this, Molly's fried my brain!" yawned Charles
"Hark at you fried brain, you don't think mine isn't?!" Molly retorted.
"Come on I think we've all done enough planning today, let's just relax shall we?" appeased Elizabeth "we can finish the save the date ideas tomorrow and dresses etc. another time"
"Yes I think I'm totally done in with it. Thanks Elizabeth you've been great tonight"
"That's what mums are here for isn't it"
"Oh shit I haven't even told mum about the date. She'll friggin' kill me"
"Give her a ring tomorrow after we've been to Bailbrook. Once we've put some cash down it'll be definite then" Charles soothed as he handed her a mug of tea.
"Yeah. Yeah you're right, plus it's late"
Charles sat down next to Molly who immediately curled herself around his side, cup in hand.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to snap"
"It's ok. I know it's not easy"
"Why didn't you let your mum help at yours and Rebecca's wedding? She used to be a florist and knows cake makers, it's like I've hit the jackpot with her!"
"I tried, I really did but Rebecca's parents were stumping up most of the cash and just took over really. Hired the most expensive people, bought up all the high priced stuff and poor mum never got a look in"
"She's amazing though, truly. I think I'm excited on her behalf, you don't always get another chance to do this all again"
"Luckily I'm marrying you then!"
"Oi! Smug git"
They sat murmuring to each other, savouring their drinks. Everyone soon however, tired from their exertions of the day decided on an early night.
"Have you got any thoughts on what you'd like to do for your last full day, you now after we've got tomorrow out of the way?" asked Charles as they snuggled into bed.
"Oh don't talk about that, I'm trying to forget I've got to go back soon"
"Sorry I just don't want to waste it"
"Charlie, I'd be happy if we were just together that's all. You don't need to plan occasions or days out"
"Maybe we should practise that plan of staying in bed all day?" he whispered into her ear
"With your mum and dad here, I don't think so!"
"Spoilsport" teased Charles as he tweaked a nipple that had been nestled happily in his palm. Molly enclosed her hand with his before hugging his arm like some sort of cuddly toy, signalling that she just really wanted to go to sleep.
Charles reached behind him and turned off the light before spooning against her.
This time it was Charles who couldn't sleep. So many questions running through his head to ask the wedding coordinator. He wasn't being helped by Molly, who'd been wiggling and pressing her bum against his groin for the last hour or so in her sleep, his erection now blatantly digging into her skin. He desperately wanted to make love to her again like they had the other night, slow and slovenly but he was too much of a gentleman to wake her up unexpectedly like that especially without asking.
He carefully extricated himself from her clutches without waking her and made his way to the bathroom to cool himself off. That didn't appear to be working either as pictures of her in her wedding dress and underwear flashed through his head. He groaned, having no choice but to take care of his problem himself. Gripping tightly, the water sluicing down his body combined with the slippery shower gel making it easier to stroke himself. He'd been hard for so long he found his release in minutes, panting harshly as he propped himself up against the shower tiles.
He washed and turned the water off, wrapping himself in a warm towel. He wiped the condensation off the mirror so he could vaguely see his face to have a shave. Warm droplets from his hair dripped onto his shoulders as he removed the day's stubble. It was an important meeting today and he needed to look his best.
"You've been in there ages" yawned Molly as he strolled out.
"Sorry had something I needed to take care of" he blushed.
"Why didn't you wake me up?" she smiled sleepily
"Well pardon me for being a gentleman and letting you sleep in!" he grinned as he crawled towards her. He shook his head like a soggy dog, the remaining water in his hair flying all over her making her scream with laughter.
"Stop it! I'm getting up!" she whined as she indicated her sogginess. She flung back the covers and ran off towards the bathroom before he could distract her further.
He was dressed and sat on the bed when she emerged from a cloud of steam.
"You ok?" she asked as he looked over towards her.
"Yeah, bit nervous to be honest"
"Nervous? You've eyeballed and been shot by Taliban and you're nervous!"
"Ok just a bit worried then, thinking about happened with my last marriage"
"Stop that we talked about this yesterday, I'm not Rebecca. My life is with you, you believe in me and encourage me to do my best. What more could I want?"
"I know, I know I can't help but think of it as a failure"
"One-she walked out on you and two if she hadn't, you wouldn't have fallen in love with me!"
"Good logic Dawes!" he grinned
"Less of the Dawes thank you, not that I'll be saying it for much longer, that'll be a bit weird"
"Lance Corporal James has a good ring to it though doesn't it?!"
"Yes it does but stop distracting me, I've got to pick a vaguely respectable outfit out of what I've got knocking about here"
"I'll wait, we'll go down to breakfast together"
"Ok, just let me get on!"
Molly quickly pulled on some underwear as Charles ogled her every move. Yanking on some skinny jeans she stood there for five minutes trying to choose between tops, making her huff in frustration. Finally deciding on stealing one of Charles' shirts as she had done on the occasion that she'd first met Sam.
"You stealing my shirts again!"
"I thought it was a common men's fantasy to see their other halves in their shirts?"
"That's normally because they're naked underneath and it's either before or after sex!" he laughed
"Maybe I'm just keeping you on your toes for later" she winked as she did up the buttons.
"Don't you worry, I've got eyes on" he replied as he kissed her temple.
"Stop with the distractions, I'm gasping for my morning cuppa"
"Go on then-move, move, move!" he instructed as they then both raced for the door and the stairs.
Both nearly falling down the steps, Molly beat Charles despite his poor attempt at proclamations of war wounds or that he'd let her win. Their eyes sparkling as they greeted Edward and Elizabeth at the kitchen table.
"You both look like you're full of the joys of spring" said Edward.
"That's because I'm actually vaguely excited!" beamed Molly "I'm sure I'll have a splitting headache after though!"
"Have some tea Molly dear-any breakfast?" offered Elizabeth, holding up a teapot.
"I'll sort that-don't think I can manage more than a bowl of Coco Pops"
They bumbled through breakfast, Charles just as bad attempting a few meagre scraps of toast.
"We'd better make a move soon" said Charles glancing at his watch.
"Yes I know you hate being late"
"Well best to be there early than late"
"Yeah you remember that on our wedding day"
"Oh don't"
"What?"
"I had to tell a bride once that the groom wasn't coming"
"What?!"
"Old mate of mine from Sandhurst. Elvis-total lad, thinks he's god's gift, stood her up and made me go and tell her. It was bloody awful-all her family staring at me"
"Jesus, you do that and I'll hunt you down and cut your balls off!"
"I've no doubt!"
"You've never told me about him before"
"He's not exactly someone you bring up in every day conversation"
"But if he's an old mate from Sandhurst and you're still in touch, that's pretty major"
"We don't see each other much-he's Special Ops these days"
"Oh one of them. I can see where the god's gift bit fits in but still, if you were attending his wedding you must still be close"
"We fell out for a bit after the wedding debacle"
"Not surprised-what was his excuse?"
"He wouldn't tell me, just said he was couldn't go through with it. Look this probably isn't the best time to be talking about cancelled weddings before we go and meet our own wedding co-ordinator"
"Yeah alright don't jinx it, but I want you to tell me all about him later"
"Promise. Now come on grab your notebook, there'll be lots of info to take down"
"Boss"
It wasn't a long walk and they strolled arm in arm in the crisp January air to the familiar doors at Bailbrook. They were unsurprisingly early so sat in some comfy chairs outside the events offices until their co-ordinator Lucy was ready to see them. She seemed very young to Molly-girly and chatty with an infectious smile. Her enthusiasm was boundless though and they were all soon chatting like old friends.
They confirmed the date with a deposit on Charles' credit card and that they had left a message with the registrar who they hoped to hear back from later in the day. She ran through several menu options, prices and drinks. She took them on a brief tour of the function rooms with ideas of table layouts and talk of chair covers, napkins and colour schemes. Molly scribbled down copious notes as she went her mind boggling with all the information that was flying her way. Charles was as ever cool as a cucumber asking all the right questions that hadn't even crossed her mind. They stopped halfway through for a drink which Molly gladly accepted, using the time to take a break. Her brain hadn't hurt so much since school, a memory she had happily blocked out.
They resumed a while later, Lucy giving business cards for local florists and photographers was Molly was pleased to rebuff, knowing that she had already got those sorted. With the main points all covered, Lucy's professional façade was put aside as she jabbered to Molly about dresses and shoes. A bit like chatting with one of her sisters she honestly told her that she didn't have a bloody clue where to start and that time and distance weren't exactly her friends right now. She passed her another card with the address of a bridal shop she recommended they stop out whilst they were in town, even if she wanted to just get an idea of what she was looking for. Molly took the fancy card and even though she had no desire for the fairy tale, the thought of Charles seeing her in a wedding dress before she even walked up the aisle was just not an option.
The conversation swung round to evening reception entertainment, Lucy telling them who to avoid in her personal opinion and some bands and DJ's that weren't too bad. Charles joked he could call the Army Corps of Music to come which was quite a sweet idea in Molly's opinion, though she was pretty sure you couldn't just hire them out whenever you wanted. Their appointment drew to a close and they were advised they were more than welcome to continue wandering about. Both armed with tonnes of paperwork, they fondly wished Lucy goodbye and let themselves out.
"Jesus, I'd rather sit through a day's worth of briefings instead of doing that again" confessed Molly.
"Is planning our wedding so repulsive?!"
"You know what I mean, so much stuff, it's all too much to get your head round in one go"
"Don't worry, we'll get that checklist out when we get back in and just go through it point by point. We might as well be methodical about it"
"Ok. Right we'd best have a wander about again, I promised your Mum some pictures"
"Lead on madam" he parroted, trying to act all gentlemanly.
Molly gave him an odd look, before stuffing her notes back in her handbag and pulling out her phone to start taking snaps.
Whilst she was busy Charles got their call back from the Registrar who confirmed that they were ok for that date, along with the costs they would need to pay. Molly decided it was best to phone her Mum at that point now it was confirmed.
She apologised first for not telling them she was coming back home and that she was visiting Charles and not them, but Belinda didn't seem bothered as she deafened poor Molly shrieking into the handset in delight at the news. She could hear her relaying the information to the kids who were still on their Christmas holidays. She was practically in tears by the end of the call as she'd been passed to Nan, Bella, Jade and the others who couldn't really understand all the fuss. Bella was feigning distain but she knew her sister well enough to know that deep down she was excited.
Dave was out but oddly not down the pub as they'd spied on him from the balcony and he'd gone in the opposite direction according to Nan. They said he'd been disappearing off, but he definitely wasn't working as she still wasn't bringing in any money to the household purse.
She changed the conversation back to herself telling them that Elizabeth was sorting quite a bit, so if they had any ideas of bits they specifically wanted to do or contribute to the wedding to tell her. There was mumbles of table decorations and of the rooms which Molly agreed would be nice as then the kids could get involved. She reminded them that now might be a good time to look at outfits with the January sales on and the fancy Christmas stuff now being all sold off.
Charles was making hand gestures to indicate he was 'starving' after his paltry breakfast. Molly bid them all farewell promising to speak to them all tomorrow before she headed back to Africa and apologised once again seeing Charles instead of them on this surprise visit.
"I can't imagine all the emails I'm gonna get now. Stuff like 'Nan wants to know the colour scheme so she doesn't clash with the tablecloths' or something"
"We can sort that out with Mum. Now come on let's get some food"
"Is there anywhere in town that does a greasy fry up?"
"Probably and I could murder a bacon sandwich about now. Let's go find one"
They wandered amongst the streets, searching out the hallowed late breakfast. They passed by the small bridal boutique Lucy had recommended. It looked so posh that Molly was sure if she walked through the door she would be subjected to some sort of Pretty Woman moment where some snooty woman would look down her nose at her. She wasn't comfortable with the thought of a dress that cost as much as the reception either, so chucked the business card into the next available bin. She'd have another chat with Elizabeth when they got in as to what to look for as she'd managed to get that Ralph Lauren dress for her spot on.
A shit cup of tea and coffee, limp bacon, some dubious pink cheap sausages and overcooked, dry scrambled egg later, they were full and ready to tackle the rest of the checklist. Charles had the foresight for them to return home via a florist so Molly could pick up some flowers that she liked to show Elizabeth as a starting point. Selecting roses as standard, she also chose some freesias, the odd twisted buds of lisianthus and some varying sprigs of greenery. She cradled the paper wrapped bundle in the crook of her arm as they continued back to the Royal Crescent.
"Are you all sorted?" shouted Elizabeth from the kitchen, as they closed the front door and shed their warm coats.
"Yes" said Molly as she walked along the corridor "I've got photos, endless sheets of paper and some nice flowers I picked out that Charles suggested could give us some ideas"
She placed the precious package onto the central kitchen island near to where Elizabeth was finishing off some washing up.
"Oh what a wonderful idea Charles, very good thinking. Have you had lunch?"
"Yes we're ready to crack on with this list again"
A list was whittled down for bridesmaids, best man etc. (deep down they already knew but wanted to make sure), Elizabeth had spoken to her photographer friend who had provisionally said yes, they had spread out the menu choices and the details for the band and dj choices.
Elizabeth had been checking Save the Date cards online and had stumbled upon fridge magnets that they could design and get printed. They were budget friendly too and they could have just the plan details or photos ones which looked fun. They played around with some of the photos they'd taken on their trip to Prior Park and had several designs within half an hour.
They drew up lists of people to send the invites to, which looked pretty poor from Molly's perspective Apart from her Mum and Dad, Nan and the kids, there was really only Jackie, Katy and Candy at a push. Charles seemed to have a myriad of aunts, uncles and cousins. She supposed she could always adopt Two Section for her side of the room for the ceremony.
She retreated back to Afghanistan in her mind thinking how much she'd love to invite Qaseem and Bashira. There was no way though she'd be able to get either of them out of Kabul safely. She paused to wonder if Bashira would ever get married. At least by getting rid of Badrai there was no longer the threat of her being promised again to someone old enough to be her dad or uncle. The thought made her physically shiver.
"You ok? You disappeared there for a moment"
"Sorry, I was just thinking about Bashira and the fact that I won't be able to have her there, or Qaseem obviously"
"Well we can tell them all about it and send them pictures. I know we won't be able to get them there for the day but you know they'll be there in spirit"
"You make them sound like my long gone granddad"
"You know what I mean-in your thoughts and your heart"
"I think most of my thoughts are gonna be don't mess up, don't fall over or make a prat of myself"
"You don't think I won't be thinking the same?!"
"Yeah ok fair point"
"Come lets finish up this menu thing and research these bands and disco lot, then you and mum can start on flowers and dresses or something"
"Alright but we can we finish this all tonight. I know its important stuff but I fancy just chilling tomorrow-no stress, no lists, websites or invitations, just us"
"Ok I can sort these bits in between my days at Tidworth House but we really have to cram it in when you get back"
"I'll have plenty of time on my hands then and it'll be good to have something to focus on, so it'll be all systems go promise"
"Ok deal"
The menu plans were all seasonal and whilst Molly wasn't impressed by some of the courses on offer, she knew they had to provide some variety plus a vegetarian options for their guests. They settles on a choice of salmon, asparagus and parma ham or a salad for starters, lamb, chicken or an apt Wookey Hole cheese soufflé for the main and a strawberry cheesecake or lemon curd tart for their dessert.
Elizabeth appearing with the last of the remaining Christmas chocolate biscuits was perfect timing as stomachs were beginning to rumble once more. They pored over band and dj websites and their top three songs on Soundcloud or videos on YouTube. Molly screwed her nose up at half of the bands as it was more "old man's music" as she phrased it. They narrowed it down to three bearable ones and Charles promised to contact them later in the week. They slurped their drinks happily as they continued to laugh at song suggestions and Charles betting on requests for 'Build me up Buttercup' or 'Sweet Caroline'. Molly had no idea what he was on about until he gave a small rendition of each, which she then vaguely recognised from a drunken night at a really cheesy nightclub.
"Right I'll go off and find something to do, then I'll make dinner so you ladies can crack on with veils or whatever" Charles gestured.
Molly groaned at the thought of it but knew the quicker they sorted it out, the quicker it would be finished. He gave her a peck on the cheek and disappeared off with Edward in tow so that she and Elizabeth wouldn't be disturbed.
"Ok Molly, now I know you really aren't too keen on this but you only wear this once, well I hope once but what sort of dress are you looking for? I've got some magazines here with all the latest dresses in-Vera Wang you know all the designer stuff!"
"I've got no idea Elizabeth, but going back to what you said, I'm only gonna wear it once so why do I want to pay for something that might cost as much as our honeymoon for instance? There must be somewhere on the high street that does something. Topshop is out obviously and Primark but what about Debenhams or something?"
"Well I suppose Debenhams do some nice dresses" agreed Elizabeth bringing up the website on her own tablet as she sat in Charles' now vacant seat. "Coast, Phase Eight these are more bride's mother or bridesmaid to me-I'll tell your Mum and your Nan to pop in"
She scribbled it down onto a note pad she had primed. "There's also Monsoon I suppose"
Molly typed Monsoon into Google and brought up the main page. A sale of Christmas stock indicated bargains were to be had, but what also caught her eye was the word 'Wedding' under the main banner heading. She felt excitement when she clicked on the page which listed dresses, shoes, bags and accessories available. The price tags were much more in keeping with her budget. Some dresses were a definite no-no but she liked a couple at first glance.
"Do you reckon these will be cheap and nasty?" Molly pointed at the screen "I don't want everyone to think I look like some lacy tart"
"Oh Molly who cares what anyone else thinks and anyway you could wear a bin bag and Charles wouldn't care less"
"Least I wouldn't have to worry about spilling gravy down that!"
"Look they are all about £300-£500, that's not a cheap dress. We should go and look at them and see what you think. They closed the one in town but look there's one in Trowbridge, we could nip in and out first thing tomorrow"
"I don't know, I did ask Charles that we put all this aside for tomorrow for our last day"
"It's only half an hour away, we could leave before 9, try a couple and be back before 10.30am, traffic permitting obviously"
Molly ummed and ahhed. As much as she wanted to laze in bed tomorrow they didn't actually have to leave until lunchtime the following day to go to Brize and it would be another thing off the list and one less thing to worry about"
"Ok, but only if I narrow it down now to say four and then we'll have to pray that they've got it in my size". She continued to spend the next twenty minutes scrolling through the pages and picked out the potential dresses.
"Right" she announced deleting her search history in case Charles went snooping before triumphantly shutting the lid of the laptop "bloody flowers next. I can't even keep a cactus alive so I need something that isn't just gonna fall to bits in my clammy mitts!"
Elizabeth laughed and put aside the posh bridal magazines and swapped them for wedding flower publications. She explained to Molly that there were limitations with some of the flowers she had picked out at florists earlier. Some might not be available in the summer months, some were good and some could easily droop if in the wrong bouquet shape or table decoration style.
They flicked through the pages at cute boho hand tied bouquets, simple structured calla lilies and the more traditional hand held with a trailing front. It reminded Molly of the need to pick some key colours not just for the flowers but for bridesmaid's dresses and whether or not to go for those awful chair cover and coloured ribbon monstrosities.
A call up from Charles downstairs announcing dinner was ready made them realise how long they had been discussing various permutations, table decoration shapes and new flowers and greenery names that Molly had never heard of. Elizabeth certainly knew her stuff and Molly was confident in their choices now.
She had a glance at the wedding checklist again. They only needed to pick bridesmaids, best man etc. to complete the 9-12 month section which made Molly grin. She already knew really who she'd pick and she was sure Charles probably knew too. Going to the 6-9 month section she ticked off florist and flowers and the shopping around for a wedding dress. Cake was glaring at her along with wedding favours but hair and make-up and accessories wouldn't be difficult so they could most definitely be left until she got back. Her mum and Nan could deal with the favours.
Sorting the flowers had given her the colours scheme eventually which she'd somehow now have to find suitable bridesmaids dresses to go with it. Deciding on her sisters as the obvious choice she just hoped that they didn't hate her when she showed them what they'd wear-well there was always room for some negotiation.
"Thanks Elizabeth. I can't believe how much we've managed to do in just a few days"
"Well sometimes a short time frame focuses the mind and you can surprise yourself at how much you can accomplish. Now come on my lovely, let's see what culinary creation Charles has come up with today!"
"So have you ticked everything off your list you wanted to do today?" Charles asked later as they lay in bed.
"Yes sort of"
"What does sort of mean?"
"Well I did get most done but me and your mum have got to pop out first thing to check something out"
"What happened to us just being lazy tomorrow?"
"I know I'm sorry but it's something less for me to stress about when I leave"
"I'm kidding! You do what you need to and I shall eagerly await your return"
"Have I told you how much I love you?"
"All the time, but I'm trying not to get a big head about it!"
Molly laughed out loud before snuggling into his chest, relaxing into the feeling of his fingers slowly running up and down her bare arm. She sighed contently as he was the one who was already appearing to be drifting off to sleep.
"Goodnight Charles" she murmured
He mumbled something resembling a reply which made Molly smile before she too was soon closing her eyes.
The alarm on Molly's phone awoke her early. She hushed Charles back to sleep before she collected up her clothes and headed to the bathroom. She showered quickly not bothering to wash her hair, tying up the bundle of curls after throwing on her attire. She kissed Charles softly on the cheek as she left the semi-dark room to root around downstairs for a cup of tea.
Unsurprisingly Elizabeth was already way ahead of her and smiled at her warmly as she poured her a cup from the pot on the worktop.
"Morning Molly, I thought I'd be best be ready early as there was talk of a cold snap last night and I was giving myself some extra time in case I needed to de-ice the windscreen. All seems good though, how do you fancy a trip out in the Jag?"
"Whatever is easiest Elizabeth" replied Molly, her half-awake brain unable to compute most of Elizabeth's garbled greeting.
They sat and ate breakfast quietly together, respecting each other's need to be focused and ready for the task in hand. Suitably refreshed, she gathered together her notes and things for her handbag in the hallway as Charles sleepily wandered down the stairs, looking deliciously rumpled enough to nearly make her stay behind and take him back to bed.
"You didn't need to get up" she said, telling her treacherous brain that there were things she needed to get done today.
"Well I was awake and thought I'd come and see you off".
He squeezed her tightly, his warmth enveloping her before kissing her gently on the lips. He lingered just long enough to nearly make her waver.
"Did you want me to square away your stuff?-save you doing it later or tomorrow in a rush"
"You don't mind?" replied Molly wistfully. "That would be ace if you could-oh that reminds me, I must get a jar of marmalade"
"What an earth do you need marmalade for?"
"Request from one of the guys back at camp, I owe him a massive favour"
"You're far too good to these blokes with their request you know"
"Yeah, yeah soft touch I get it, but you know what it's like, those little home comforts don't half help though don't they"
"Ok fair enough" agreed Charles sheepishly knowing full well that correspondence and care packages could sometimes be the biggest highlight of a week on tour. "Right you'd best be off" he continued, indicating his mother's presence hovering in the background "I'll sort your kit".
He smacked her playfully on the bum in an attempt to get her shifting. He received a raised eyebrow in response as she equipped herself with suitable warm outdoor clothing. He waved goodbye as Elizabeth ushered her out of the front door to Edward's car.
Molly wasn't used to posh cars. The leather interior and heated seats soon made her feel more comfy than she imagined as they wound their way through Bath and out onto the A4.
Turning off onto the A363, Elizabeth broke the silence. "This stretch of road is called Sally in the Wood" she chirped matter of factly.
"Ok that's a bit weird, why's that?"
"No-one really knows, there's lots of theories. Something to do with the Civil War, some talk of a girl who was killed on the road or in the woods. The other is of a gamekeeper's wife who lived in the woods after her husband died and she was evicted. Of course everyone assumed she was a witch"
"See, I always knew woods were wrong! I've told Charles before all these trees give me the willies-but he's still trying to convert me"
"Well they're ok during the day but I certainly wouldn't want to be out there during the night"
"I'm just being sensible obviously" laughed Molly, pleased she wasn't as mad as everyone made her phobia out to be.
They passed through the village of Farleigh Wick and onto Bradford on Avon before finally arriving in Trowbridge. They parked at the shopping centre before making their way back outside to the street. Passing a couple of bars, a Thomas Cook (which Elizabeth insisted she pop in to pick up brochures for Honeymoon ideas), a Costa and a Starbucks they were soon off the main thoroughfare to the small Monsoon that was nestled in a corner.
The shop hadn't been open for long as it was certainly quiet when one of the assistants greeted them. The store was pretty small so Molly was panicking that they wouldn't have any wedding dresses at all, let alone the four she'd picked out. She found herself plucking at bits of jewellery in the Accessorize section as Elizabeth asked for the particular department. She felt a tap on the shoulder as she then pointed her in the right direction.
Molly was right. The selection was small which the assistant apologised for but insisted they could always order anything in. That wasn't really much help in Molly's eyes as if they order something now the returns period would be up before she'd even have had a chance to try it on. Several styles were available but at least one of the four wasn't there. She picked out the other three but even then one of those wasn't available in her size leaving her with two.
Both were floor length and although Ivory, they both looked pretty white to Molly which she found quite funny as she was far from virginal. Elizabeth pushed her towards a fitting room before she changed her mind.
The first was gorgeous. It was plain and a simple sheath in design. An empire line bust with cowl neck and back which held a very delicate lace insert. It sat nicely and smoothed over her hips effortlessly but she was not enthralled by it. The more she looked, the more it seemed like an overly flash nightie.
"Come on let's see" begged Elizabeth from the other side of the curtain.
Molly pulled it back and Elizabeth could see instantly that there was no love lost with this dress.
"It's too simple I think. It's lovely but it's not very memorable is it"
"Thank god. I mean I know I didn't want the whole meringue thing but this is the other extreme"
"Yes ok well try on the other one, hopefully we'll have more luck with that. Pass me this once when you're done and I'll put it back on the hanger".
Molly pulled the curtain shut again and removed the dress. She held it in her hand and thrust it back to Elizabeth in a small gap. She really wished she hadn't worn mismatched underwear today as she looked at her reflection in the mirror.
She went back to the remaining dress on the other hanger. She'd instantly liked it on the website, but liking a picture and then seeing it on yourself in reality was a totally different thing. She stepped into the dress, carefully pulling it onto her body. This one had at least a bit of structure and substance to it.
Unable to reach and do the fastening at the back, she headed out to Elizabeth who dutifully did up the row of fiddly buttons. She was so engrossed in looking down at herself (was it too long, if so could she get it shortened or maybe she could just get away with high heels) that she didn't notice Elizabeth had stopped.
She turned to her and noticed tears collecting in the corner of her eyes.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong Molly, you just look so beautiful that's all. Take a look in the mirror"
She took her to a large mirror at the other end of the changing rooms, prompting Molly to gasp aloud at the person looking back at her. This wasn't some little girl just playing dress up, she looked like a sophisticated grown woman in a dress that looked like it was made for her.
"Well, what's the verdict?" asked Elizabeth, most definitely having a proud mum moment
"I think" said Molly sighing but smiling broadly "I think I've found THE dress!"