You're still keeping all of us going
Chapter 51. A little time just for us.
Times like this were just so precious, eyes closed; holding each other close as they danced, allowing them time to tune out all the noise and just concentrate on being together. Spending the night at Bailbrook House was a treat they both needed, they loved their family beyond belief; but time completely alone was a rare opportunity, and one they hadn't had the chance to enjoy since the night of the masonic 'do'. Charles gently brushed her hair with his fingers and asked if he should drive back home to get them a change of clothes for the next day. Looking up through thick black lashes she smiled contentedly 'I knew there was a reason I married you!' she uttered, his thoughtfulness never ceasing to amaze her. As she almost gazed at him in wonder, he knew that it was simple gestures like these that rewarded him with that particular look of love in her eyes; the look he would never tire of seeing, and the look he wanted to put on her face forever. At the risk of replying with the sort of cheesy comment Dave used on Belinda; he told her 'I'd do anything for the woman I love!' Then murmuring his own loving comment, he added 'especially when she's looking at me like that!' His cheeks flushed a little as he stood declaring his love for this tiny woman who was his world. As it turned out, far from it being the type of comment that risked him getting a rinsing for being soppy, it had actually resulted in him being dragged into one of the darker corners of the room and receiving a full on sensual smooch just to say thank you.
'Mmm, that was some kiss! His words lingered over her mouth 'I won't be long, no more that 30 minutes!' He began to say as Molly interrupted whispering in his ear, 'there's more where that came from, hurry back to me!'
'I will!' He nodded, studying her face and reluctant to let her go. As he turned to leave she reached for his arm 'in case I haven't told you lately, you're everything to me!' She smiled softly, maybe it was the emotion of the day making her want to say it out loud; she didn't really know, all she did know was in this moment it seemed really important to tell him what he meant to her 'I..I just wanted you to know how much I love you!' His warm smile and the look in his eyes told her he already knew.
'Listen Mum, Dot and Henry have paid for us to stay here tonight, I'm just popping home to collect some things for us. You're not leaving with the kids yet are you?'
'No sweetheart! Although Luca has been asleep for a while now so we won't be long!'
'Ok, I'll be as quick as I can, gotta kiss my baby goodnight!' He smiled looking down at his baby girl and running a finger over her cheek. 'Molly never complains, he uttered looking over at his wife I want to pamper her a little, so if it's ok with you I thought we could have a leisurely breakfast before collecting the kids tomorrow!' Elizabeth patted his arm 'it's fine Charles, no need to rush back; take the chance while you can, it won't be too long before the twins arrive then you'll really have your hands full!'
'Thanks Mum' He kissed her head 'I owe you!' Elizabeth was only too happy to help out wherever possible, as she watched Charles go she beckoned for Molly to come over.
'I told Charles we would wait until he got back before we left, Luca's been asleep for a while now; but I didn't want to disturb you and Charles dancing. You both looked so adorable together!' She smiled warmly at her daughter in law 'seeing him in his uniform it reminded me of your wedding!'
'Elizabeth! Molly chuckled softly, placing her arm around her shoulder 'your son definitely learnt his romantic ways from you, and I just wanted to thank you!'
'Thank me for what?' Elizabeth asked gently 'for always being there for us, allowing us special time together and loving us as you do!'
'Molly darling, it does my heart good to see you two together. Since you've been together he's finally got the type of love a mother wants her children to have, so if I can help that to continue, you know where I am! Just makes sure it counts!' She winked.
True to his word Charles was back within 30 minutes, he called at reception to ask if they could take his bag to their room. Strolling back into the party, Molly turned instantly as if she could feel his presence. Both grinning at each other from opposite ends of the room, Elizabeth watched as they seemed to be drawn like magnets to each other's side 'I missed you!' He leant down to kiss her 'me too! She grinned 'I think you owe your Mum a dance before they have to leave!'
'Funny that, I was thinking the same!' He smiled back at her as they walked over to Elizabeth and Edward 'Excuse me madam, can I have this dance?' He held out his hand towards his mother 'You certainly can my boy!' She smiled up at his grinning face 'What?' She laughed 'What?' He grinned back shrugging his shoulders 'I was just thinking we don't get to do this very often, and you did teach me how to dance; so it seems only right we should be doing this! Plus I wanted to thank you for always being there for us!' Elizabeth laughed again 'Too late!' She prodded his chest 'you're wife has already said the exact same thing to me!'
'Great minds think alike! God Mum! I'm a happy man!'
'I know you are sweetheart, and like I told Molly it does my heart good to see it!'
'Soppy mare!' He teased 'You been at the Gin?'
'No you cheeky devil! I'm just delighted you have such a lovely family!'
'I know!' He squeezed her 'that's why I married her twice, she's it for me Mum; she's the one for me of that there is no doubt!' He looked over to Molly cradling a sleeping Luca in her arms 'then why are you wasting your time dancing with your mother?' Elizabeth laughed walking him back over to Molly. 'Here, let me take her, you two should be making the most of your alone time! Go on, off you go; Dad and I will see you tomorrow!'
As they waived Charles parents off with the children they slowly walked hand in hand back into the hotel 'should we make our excuses too Mrs James? I have a loving desire to be alone with my wife!' He told her honestly.
'Lets just say our goodbyes then, we could say the peanuts are making me tired!' She offered, her eyes full of love for him 'ah! The old peanut ploy, sounds like a good plan to me!' He rubbed his hands over her bump 'you stay here, I'll quickly tell Dot and Henry; you're Mum and Dad are too pissed to notice anyway!' 'Ok major, be quick!' Charles moved over to Dot and Henry explaining that Molly was feeling shattered and he was taking her to the room 'we'll catch up with you before we leave tomorrow, and we just wanted to thank you for this incredible gift!' As he kissed Dot on the cheek he once again offered his congratulations before slipping out of the reception and back to Molly.
Standing in the lift he pulled her into his arms 'so Mrs James, are you still up for a little sword action?' He smirked hoping she was going to say yes. 'Ooh, I thought you'd forgotten!' She giggled 'just be gentle! Not too bossy!'
'No, just enough!' He moaned into her mouth 'I even brought the stockings and suspender belt!' He swooped down on her mouth again, groaning with desire at what their role-play did to him. Pulling back breathlessly she reminded him 'I'll need you to replace them!'
'Happy to!'
As the heavy door clicked closed behind them he held her tightly in his arms, kissing down her neck where he knew her sensitive spot was before moving back up to her mouth; nibbling on her bottom lip until he could see the want in her eyes. 'I love you so much Molly!'
'And I love you!' She declared sincerely 'pass them over, so I can change!' She breathed into his ear knowing how her warm breath excited him, taking her hand he lead her over to their overnight bag, carefully lifting out the underwear and placing it in her hands. 'Do I get my orders major?' She asked with a naughty grin appearing on her face. 'Yesss!' He hissed, gulping with anticipation and trying to get his head into bossy mode 'Corporal James, I need you to change into this underwear as quickly as you can. Report back and stand to attention!
'Sir!' She replied with a giggle, after changing out of her dress and into the underwear he had brought from home she placed her feet back into her high heels, just because she knew it would make him go weak at the knees. Walking back into the bedroom she stood in front of him. 'At ease corporal!' He instructed, gulping at the sight of his scantily clad wife as she broadened her stance. 'Bloody hell Moll, you look amazing!' He gazed at her lovingly, now feeling completely out of bossy mode; he flicked his eyes up and down her body taking in the softest white lace as it sat neatly under her changing body. Suddenly the previous plan of using the tip of the sword to cut through the fine material rendering her completely naked didn't seem appropriate anymore, he loved this woman more than he could say and the sight of her neat little bump nestled beneath the soft lace suspender belt overwhelmed him with a mixture of protectiveness and sheer awe. Reaching forward he rested his hands on her tummy and kissed the mound that was their peanuts his eyes full of emotion he looked up at her to say
'I just want to lay here and stare at you, you are so beautiful I can't believe you're mine sometimes!' Sensing he was more in a loving mood than a playful one she gently commented
'So no sword action then?' He shook his head 'Not tonight, I just want to love you till dawn Molls!'
'Well you won't get any complaints from me!' She stroked her fingers through his curls. 'You're always telling me how beautiful you think I am but I hardly get to say how handsome you are, to me you are everything! Always have been, always will be!' Gently pulling her down on his lap he kissed her sweetly before cupping his hands under her legs and placing her on the bed. He took his time to remove her shoes before slowly unhooking the stockings from the suspender belt, and rolling the silky material down her legs. He continued to remove every stitch of underwear before shedding his uniform and placing it on the chaise long positioned in front of the window. As they lay face to face he stared into her eyes and confessed 'I'm truly a happy man Molly and it's all down to you!' Placing his hands on her belly he looked down and stoked the tight flesh 'I can't wait!' He smiled 'who knew that this gobby little private would completely change my whole life and bring me such happiness?'
'But I did! And you changed mine!' she stated as she nestled into him 'Now baby, come here!' She whispered 'you said something about loving me all night! Lets make this a night to remember before the peanuts make their appearance!' Smiling as he moved towards her mouth the last thing she heard him say before his kiss completely consumed her was 'right through until dawn Mrs James!'
