We do not own Eastenders, Ashes to Ashes, Waterloo Road or Doctors

Chapter 53

Peter stopped and gaped at Molly. He hurriedly put the plates down.

"I'm sorry, I just..." he began helplessly and sighed. "Please, don't hit me," he mock-begged and tried to look pathetic.

Molly rolled her eyes at him.

"I just meant if you're going to kiss me you might as well do it properly. That was pathetic!"

Peter couldn't stop his jaw from dropping. He looked at Molly for a moment and then shrugged. 'In for a penny, in for a pound.' He took Molly by the shoulders and kissed her properly.

Molly brought her hands up to rest on his chest. Peter Beale was a good kisser when he went for it. She broke the kiss and raised an eyebrow.

"That was a big improvement," she grinned at him, then reached for her plate.

Peter took a deep breath and stared at Molly as she got her plate. That had been some kiss! He went to the bar and got them a couple of the fake cocktails they were serving. He held them up in front of her.

"Strawberry, or coconut?" he asked.

Molly looked up at the drinks he held in front of her and looked from the pinky red liquid to the misty white.

"Coconut," she decided and took the cocktail as he handed it to her.

Molly sipped the sweet, coconutty drink and smiled. She watched Peter out of the corner of her eye.

"Do you want to dance?" Peter asked.

Molly smiled at him and nodded. "Sure," she said with a small shrug.

Molly took his hand and led him out onto the dance floor, a smile playing around her mouth.

Peter had to admit he felt slightly awkward dancing with Molly. He looked around and saw the way Mr. Rimmer was dancing with his girlfriend and tried dancing the same way with Molly.

Molly was pleasantly surprised when Peter suddenly changed the way he was dancing with her. She accepted it easily and smiled at him.

Peter let Molly go when the song finished and walked back to drink some of his strawberry drink. He looked at Molly.

"Do you want some cake or something?"

Molly shook her head. As nice as Rowan's cakes were, she had filled herself up on curry. She smiled at him and sipped some more of her coconut drink.

She scanned the dance floor and spotted Whitney and Bolton.

She laughed at the sight of them. Bolton's moves weren't...well, normal.

"He dances kind of strange doesn't he?" Peter observed as he followed Molly's gaze. "Do you think he's doing it on purpose?"

Molly shrugged.

"I'm not sure. He might be takin' the piss or maybe that's just how they dance up in Manchester," she said with another shrug.

Peter nodded and glanced at his watch.

"Mr. Rimmer is going to be kicking everybody out soon. Can I walk you home or something?"

Molly looked up at him and smiled.

"It's a hell of a long walk to my house," she laughed. "Takes like 2 minutes in the car but about 45 min if you try to walk."

She finished her cocktail and pulled out her phone.

"I'll text mum. She and Gene can pick me up from here," she told him.

'Party nearly ova. Txt wen dun x.' she sent to Alex smiled at Peter.

Peter smiled back at her, slightly disappointed. He thought it might be nice to have to walk her somewhere. He tapped his fingers on his knees and leaned back in the chair. He heard the DJ call last song and the start of a slow song.

He looked at Molly and stood up and held out his hand to her.

Molly smiled and took his offered hand and stood, using her other hand to smooth out her dress. She walked with him to the dance floor and smiled shyly as she slipped her arms loosely around his neck.

Peter remembered the way Mr. Rimmer had danced and pulled Molly close.

Molly was forced to tighten her grip slightly around Peter's neck as he manoeuvred her so she was right up close. She looked up into his eyes and realised just how closely they were standing. She felt butterflies and smiled at him.

Peter looked at Molly and smiled back. He wished she'd wanted to walk somewhere; he didn't want the evening to end. He took a deep breath and kissed her.

Molly kissed him back and tightened her hold on him a little bit. She knew there was only a few people left but she didn't want to go home.

She would see him tomorrow at work but it wouldn't be the same. The atmosphere would be completely different.

Reluctantly she broke the kiss.

"I need to text my mum," she murmured.

"I...I want to see you again," he said in a rush. "Not like at work, but on a date. I really like you, Molly. You're smart and funny and you told Lucy off brilliantly and you're pretty. Um, so...what d'you think?"

Molly smiled up at him and nodded.

"I'd like that Peter. I'd like that a lot," she smiled at him brightly and kissed his cheek.

Molly pulled out her phone and sent a quick text to Alex.

'dun'

"Maybe we could go see a film after work tomorrow?" he suggested and put an arm around her shoulders.

/\/\\\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\/\/\\/\/\

Whitney looked up as Bolton sat down. She huffed a laugh at his comment.

"Yeah, well, she made me mad. I can push Lauren, she doesn't live around here anymore. She only visits sometimes. Lucy, I have to put up with her everyday," she grinned at him.

Bolton raised his eyebrows.

"I'm surprised you don't knock the living daylights out of her every day. She's a right cow and it has to be said, a bit of a slapper."

Whitney got up and looked at Bolton and went to get a slice of cake.

Bolton watched her go and clenched his jaw. He was being such a muppet.

Bolton stood and followed Whitney. He grabbed her forearm and pulled her towards him. His planted a chaste kiss on her mouth.

"Get me a slice too yeah!" he said as he let her go.

Whitney stumbled slightly and blinked. He'd just kissed her! She nodded and turned and got two slices of cake and brought them back. She toyed with it, still half stunned.

Bolton grinned at the cake and took a hungry bite into it. He watched Whitney surreptitiously as he ploughed through the slice and then looked back at her and the slice that was still on her plate.

"You not hungry or summin?"

Bolton shook his head. Bolton leaned forward and moved closer to her.

"If you eat that slowly I'm never going to get a chance to dance with you," he murmured to her with a cocky grin.

Whitney looked at Bolton and grinned. She put down her fork and stood up. "I'm done," she said brightly.

Bolton grinned and took her hand.

"What are we waiting for then!" He exclaimed and dragged her onto the dance floor.

Whitney laughed and nearly tripped over her own feet in her heels as Bolton dragged her to the dance floor. She caught her balance and looked at him as she shook her head.

Bolton rolled his eyes at her and started doing dance moves out of time with the music and not entirely appropriate for the type of song that was being played.

Whitney laughed merrily at the way Bolton was dancing but went along with it.

Whitney kept imitating Bolton's dance moves, she wasn't sure if he was dancing like that on purpose or if it was really how he danced, but she was having a great deal of fun.

Bolton grinned as Whitney tried to copy him. This was a dance that the kids at Waterloo Road had made up ages ago. Around the time when Mr. Budgen showed them how well he could break dance. The moves weren't hard to do and he was delighted that Whitney seemed to have picked it up so easily.

Whitney slipped off her shoes so she could dance better without worrying about falling over and smiled at Bolton. The DJ had finally put on a different record and now Bolton's moves looked intentional rather than out of place.

Bolton frowned at the DJ. Last song? That meant he would have to go back up to Manchester. He sighed and made the most of it.

Whitney hid her disappointment that the party was over. Of course the day had dragged and now the party should end in the blink of an eye. She stepped back into her shoes and smiled at Bolton.

Bolton grinned as she grew before his eyes. The wonder that was female footwear. He took her hand and pulled her gently towards him. He looked down at her face and grinned as he gave her a soft kiss.

Whitney was startled when Bolton kissed her. She hadn't decided if she was going to let him or not but he'd moved too quickly. She paused a beat and then decided she didn't care and flung her arms around his neck and kissed him back.

Bolton grinned as he felt her clinging to him. He broke the kiss and raised his eyebrows at her, he had been a little unsure of how she was going to respond to that but was glad that he had taken the risk. She was an amazing kisser. He treated her to one of his cocky grins as his arms encircled her waist.

Whitney caught her breath after he broke off the kiss and smiled at him. She was glad she'd decided to kiss him back. She knew he had to go back to Manchester but she decided not to let it bother her and kissed him anyway.

Bolton sighed as the music faded out and stopped all together. That was it. He sighed and let go of Whitney. He gave her one last gentle kiss and took a shuffling step backward.

"If I'm ever down here again, I'll give you a bell yeah?"

Whitney shuffled her feet and tilted her head and looked up at Bolton.

"You better, and if I ever go to Manchester I'll do the same yeah?" She smiled.

Bolton kissed her once more and nodded.

"Definitely," he smiled.

His gaze shifted to his former headmaster and he grinned mischievously. He took Whitney's hand and led her outside.

"D'you want me to walk you home?" he asked as he looked at her as they got outside.

"Yeah, alright then," Whitney shrugged and waved at Molly and Peter as she walked slowly in the direction of her home. She fidgeted with her rings as she walked and tried to think of things to say but her mind was blank.

Bolton took her hand as he walked next to her and looked at the houses.

"So, which is yours?" he asked.

"That one there," she pointed as they got closer. She stood by the steps and looked at him.

"We can sit here for a minute if you want."

Bolton shook his head looked up at her home and then back at her.

"I'd rather do this," he said and pulled her towards him and into another kiss.

Whitney put her arms around his neck and kissed him back. She barely heard the creak of the door as it opened.

"MUM! Whitney's kissing a BOY!" she suddenly heard Tiffany shriek. She jumped away from Bolton and speared Tiffany with a glare.

"Tiff! Leave me alone!" she cried.

"I told Mum, MUUUUMMM!" Tiffany turned to run down the hall and ran into Bianca who caught her.

"Tiffany, leave Whitney alone," Bianca scolded and smiled at Whitney and Bolton.

"Alright?" she asked him and looked at Whitney. "He looks nice, who is he then?"

"This is Bolton, he's from Manchester, from Mr. Rimmer's old school," Whitney replied, trying to fight off her embarrassment.

Bolton watched the little Ginger girl disappear back inside and saw an older lady come to the door. Whitney's mum?

Bolton gulped. Parents tended not to like him. He followed the manners his mom had drilled into him and held out his hand.

"Nice to meet you," he said trying to hide the nervousness in his voice.

Bianca raised an eyebrow and put Tiffany down to shake his hand. "Nice to meet you," she said. Tiffany pushed in front of Bianca and pointed her finger at Bolton.

"You better watch yourself with my sister, no funny stuff," she warned.

Whitney groaned and rolled her eyes as Bianca stifled a laugh.

Bolton grinned at Tiffany and nodded soberly at her.

"I promise!" he said and smiled at the little Ginger girl.

Tiffany frowned slightly but nodded in satisfaction and folded her arms, watching him.

He turned back to Whitney and kissed her once more.

"I'd better go. Last thing I need is Haydock on my case."

Whitney kissed him back and nodded. She hated Tiffany at that moment for interrupting. Whitney loved her sister but she could be soo annoying sometimes! She sighed and watched him walk back towards the club.

/\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\

Steph threw her hands up defensively. "All right, I'm just saying!" she cried. "You wanted to know how I got the impression I got and I told you. Not my fault if you don't like it," she huffed.

She stood and straightened her clothes as walked off. That girlfriend of Jack's was a right cow!

Jack avoided Steph's gaze as he went back over and sat down with Alyssa. "What's got her so out of sorts?" he wanted to know.

Alyssa raised her eyebrows at Steph's reaction. Somebody had issues! Alyssa smiled at Jack as he sat down and let out a chuckle as she picked up a forkful of curry.

"Ask me again when I think I can actually say it out loud," she giggled and put the food into her mouth to try and suppress the laughter.

Jack looked at Alyssa curiously and picked up his plate.

"I hope you can tell me soon," he urged.

Alyssa smiled and swallowed. She nodded and rubbed a hand across her face as she tried to hold back the flood of giggle.

"Turns out that Steph heard Rowan talking to you on the phone yesterday and somehow got it into her head that you were dating Ro. She imagine her surprise and confusion when I show up today. She thinks we're in a ménage a trois!" she said imitating Steph's fake French accent.

Jack threw his head back and howled with laughter, nearly knocking his plate off the table as he did so.

"Oh that is just...that is priceless that is," Jack said once he got his laughter under control. "A threesome, that's just, ohhh," he chuckled and shook his head.

Alyssa let out her giggles and grinned at him as they died down. She leaned a little closer to him and lowered her voice.

"She also wanted to know whether Rowan and I took it in turns or if it was all three of us at once," she told him, her eyes fixed on his face.

Alyssa smiled as her laughter subsided. She loved seeing him laugh like that. His face completely changed and brightened. She loved it. Alyssa took his hand and rose to her feet with a smile up at him. "I should think so," she replied as she walked with him to the dance floor.

Jack put his forehead to Alyssa's and held her close as they danced. He gazed at her big green eyes and smiled. He loved her eyes and the smell of her hair and that she always seemed to be able to make him laugh. He even loved that she ate the most unbelievably messy bacon sandwiches. He brushed her lips with a kiss and then put his head next to hers and pressed his cheek to her hair.

Alyssa rested her hands lightly on his shoulders and smiled. She followed his lead and rested her head against his chest. She breathed him in. His scent wasn't overpowering, it never was. Musky and subtle, but it was definitely there. She sighed happily and lost herself in his arms.

Jack could feel his body responding to Alyssa's nearness and wished it was time to leave. He started trying to think about something else but her lovely perfume kept invading his senses. He cleared his throat.

Alyssa chuckled as she heard him clear his throat.

She tilted her face upwards and kissed him softly.

"Are you aware that you do that? Clear your throat when you're uncomfortable or nervous?" she asked as she looked up at him.

Jack looked down at her. "I do? I never noticed really," he shrugged.

When the song finished, he tightened his arms around her and lifted her slightly off the floor and walked back over to where they were sitting and sat down quickly and draped his arms in his lap. He would be fine now.

"So, going fairly well now, it seems," he looked around at the kids all dancing and having fun.

Alyssa took her seat and nodded. "They're all enjoying themselves," she agreed.

He looked at Fatboy who seemed to be trying to chat up Aleesha or Danielle or maybe both.

He turned back to Alyssa. "I'm going outside, be back," he said and went outside to smoke.

She waved at him as he went and picked her fork back up to finish her curry that she had got halfway through before Jack had wanted to dance. She gazed around as she ate and smiled as she caught sight of Molly Drake and the other boy from the café. Peter Beale? She smiled. That news she would have to pass onto Rowan.

Jack smoked and talked on his phone.

"Yes, well, look I'm willing to up my offer a bit more but I do have a limit," Jack complained. "How much? Fine, I can do that," he sighed. "Well, I want that in writing then if you don't mind. Right, tomorrow then."

He shut his phone and stuck it back in his pocket. He walked over and put his cigarette in the ash can and went back inside.

It was getting late. He would need to start shutting the party down soon.

He walked back over to Alyssa and sat down.

"We'll have to start encouraging them to leave soon," he told her.

Alyssa crossed her knife and fork on her plate and nodded.

"D'you want me to have a word with the DJ. Tell him to start winding it down?" she asked as she dumped the paper-plate and plastic cutlery in the nearest bin

Jack nodded. "Not a bad idea."

He noticed Libby and Tamwar had cleaned up the food area already and were just finishing packing the leftovers in some of the containers Syed and Rowan had left behind. He walked over to them.

"Rowan said you lot could share out any leftover cakes," he glanced around and saw Jodie and Darren nowhere around. "But why don't you and Tamwar take what you want between you and we'll say nothing to Darren. And here," he fished two 20 notes out of his pocket and handed one to each of them. "For the extra work you had to do. I really appreciate it."

"Thank you, Mr. Rimmer," Tamwar and Libby replied.

Alyssa nodded and picked her way through the mass of dancing students and went to see the DJ.

She stood up on the platform and explained that he would have to wrap it up so the kids could go home.

He nodded and gave her a wink as she turned to walk away. He announced to the kids to make the most of it because the next song was the last one.

Jack wandered around with a bin bag, picking up plates and plastic forks and tossing them in it. Sarah had started to circulate and gather up empty glasses so they could get them washed.

Alyssa made her way back to the counter and made a start on handing out coats and jackets to the kids who were eager to be the first ones to leave and beat the rush.

Jack kept glancing at Alyssa as she passed the coats out. Where had she been all his life? He stopped that thought right away. He didn't like to think about the age difference. He rubbed a hand over his face and finished picking up the rubbish. He finally spotted Darren and Jodie in a dark corner and pulled Darren out and shoved the bin bag into his hands.

"Do some work, I didn't actually intend to pay you for standing around kissing your girlfriend," he said and walked away. Darren blanched and looked at Jodie.

Alyssa leant against the desk as the kids began to slowly file out. The majority were clearly staying until the end. As much as she enjoyed watching these kids have a good time she couldn't wait for her weekend to start, and then the six weeks that followed when Jack would be all hers. She fought to bring her mind back to the task at hand when another couple of students came to retrieve their belongings.

Jack walked around, checking and double checking that the place was looking tidied up. He was not going to leave it a disaster though if he was honest, the kids had been pretty considerate this year and not made much of a mess. He looked at Alyssa and wished the last few kids would just go. He wanted to be at home-and in bed-with her.

Alyssa sighed in relief as the music finally finished and kids got ushered towards the doors, she kept up with the demand for jackets and coats as best she could and let herself relax once the massive tidal wave passed over and only a handful of kids were left milling around.

"Um, hang on," he said and led her over to get her jacket. He got it for her and held it out for her to put on and then took her hand and led her outside and away from the door.

Jack had had enough. "All right you lot, come on, you can say your goodbyes outside. That means you, too, Bolton Smilie," he shouted and started waving his arms, encouraging the last few holdouts to go.

When the last few were out, he looked at Alyssa and smiled.

"I think it's high time we went to my place now," he purred in her ear and slung an arm around her waist and led her to the door.

Alyssa grabbed her coat and held it loosely in her relaxed grip, she leant herself into him as he lead her outside after all the kids.

She shivered as the cool night air hit her. She put her coat on and slipped an arm around his waist as she walked with him to his car.

Jack drove home as quickly as he dared. He ran up the few steps to his door and opened it then turned and grabbed Alyssa up in his arms and carried her through the door. He kicked it shut and went straight to the bedroom and dropped her on his bed.

"Home at last," he grinned. He reached down and pulled off her shoes and tossed them aside, then kicked his own shoes off.

Alyssa slipped off her coat and wriggled her toes, now she remembered why she never wore those particular shoes. They killed her feet.

Alyssa let herself fall back onto the bed and sighed as she hit the soft bedcovers and looked up at the ceiling. She remembered the last time she was looking up at that ceiling. She thought. It was last week. Before...

Alyssa sighed and sat up again and looked right at Jack. She smiled, stood up and wrapped her arms around his waist. She kissed him softly then undid the knot in his tie.

Jack's fingers found the dress' zipper and he quickly pulled it down and slid the dress off her. He looked at her a moment and then pulled her to him again to kiss her hungrily. He ran his hands down her back, wanting to touch her everywhere at once.

Alyssa removed his tie and melted into him. She fisted her hands in his shirt as she fought to stay in control of herself. Her hands pulled his shirt out of his trousers and carefully unbuttoned it and slipped it off him.

Her hands somehow clasped behind his neck as she pressed herself into him and kissed him fiercely.

Jack let Alyssa go and hurriedly removed his trousers and pants. He put an arm around her as he leaned down and pulled the covers back on the bed and then lifted her onto it. He lay down next to her and kissed her again as he reached down to ease her knickers off. He didn't want her yelling at him again for tearing them off, though he was sorely tempted. He slid his hand slowly back up the inside of her thigh and up between her legs. He stroked her as he moved his kisses from her mouth to her neck and down to her breasts.

Alyssa moaned and let her head fall back onto the pillows. Her hands threaded through his hair and she closed her eyes as her toes curled up.

"Jack!"

Jack kissed farther and farther down, slowly covering the front of her body with slow kisses while he stroked and teased her with his hand.

Alyssa clutched at the bed covers, her hands fisted in the blankets, twisting as she moaned at his attentions. Her hips bucked and she whimpered.

"Jack! Please," she gasped.

Jack moved lower and replaced his hand with his mouth.

Alyssa fisted her hands even more and lifted her hips to give him a better angle. She moaned his name and shut her eyes tightly as she felt herself climb.

Jack couldn't take any more. He increased his efforts until he pushed her over the edge and then moved back up her body, his fingers trailing along her skin. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her as he rolled onto his back, pulling her so she lay on top of him. He broke off the kiss and gazed at her, his hands moving up to slide into the wealth of her hair. He gathered her hair to one side, caught it in his hand and began to run his fingers through it as he stared into her eyes.

Alyssa closed her eyes as she reveled in him playing with her hair, she opened her eyes again and gazed down at him. She was a little out of breath as she came back to earth and leaned her head down to kiss him. She pulled back and traced his cheek bones with a finger, holding his gaze all the while, and ran her other hand down his chest slowly, moving lower and lower.

Jack grinned at the direction of her hand. He ran his hands down her back and over her bottom to the backs of her thighs. He pulled her legs to either side of him then grabbed her hips and lifted her onto him. He thrust himself up into her and ran his hands along her body and drew her face to his for another kiss.

Alyssa smiled into the kiss then pulled back and sat up on him. Then she began to slowly move. She looked down and studied his face as she moved on him with agonizing slowness. She leaned down and kissed him once more and looked deep into his eyes.

Jack smiled at Alyssa as she sat up. He reached up and trailed his fingers over her breasts and moaned as she slowly began to move.

She smiled and then suddenly drove herself on him. She fastened her lips to his and began to move faster, driving herself onto him hard.

He cried out in surprise and pleasure as she drove herself onto him. He ran his fingers into her hair as he kissed her back and thrust up to meet her. Her intensity was rapidly pushing him to the brink and he wasn't sure he could hold on much longer.

Alyssa knew she was close and could feel how close he was too. It showed on his face. She rocked her hips harder and climbed higher and higher, Alyssa cried out his name as she felt herself reach a shuddering climax. She kept going until he was pushed over the brink too. She leant back down as she slowed to a stop and kissed him soundly. Alyssa then rolled off him, onto her back, panting.

Jack lay there, trying to catch his breath and trying to wrap his head around this new side to Alyssa. He turned and looked at her.

"Well, that was unexpected," was all he could think of to say. He moved his arm over and caught her fingers and wrapped his hand around them.

Alyssa let out a breathless chuckle at his words and squeezed his hand as she turned her head to look at him as she struggled to even out her breathing.

She raised his hand to her lips and kissed it, letting her lips linger there.

"I love you, Jack," she murmured against the back of his hand then let it fall back onto the bed, still clasping hers, and looked back at his face again and gazed into his eyes.

Jack gathered her to him and traced her face with his finger.

"I love you too, Miss Wildcat," he told her with a grin. "You never cease to amaze me. But you have worn me out sadly," he shifted his arms around her a little tighter. "Sleep."

His eyes slowly closed.

/\\\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Gene rolled over, gasping for breath. Alex was going to wear him out. He couldn't figure out what in the world had gotten into her. He raised himself up on his elbow and looked at her.

"So, we've had starters, mains and pudding now, what say we go to the pub? And maybe stop and get some actual food on the way?"

Alex rolled onto her side to face him and kissed him again.

"Let me get dressed and we can go," she said with a smile at him and she swung her legs off the bed and picked up her underwear from the floor.

Gene grinned and hauled himself off the bed and got dressed. He certainly needed something to eat after that.

Alex checked her hair in the mirror and made sure she looked presentable then went and got her bag. No texts or missed calls from Molly. Good.

"Pub?"

"If you insist," Gene said and shrugged on his coat. "Hope the party is going okay."

He led her out to the car and winced as he climbed in. His arm was a bit sore after that workout. Hold that, he was a bit sore after that workout. He was going to marry an animal!

Alex slipped into the car too. After that she would most definitely be wincing as she walked tomorrow. She watched him flinch as he got into the car and frowned slightly.

"Gene if your arm hurts you should take a painkiller" she told him, concerned as she studied his face.

"I've had one," he snorted.

Alex grinned at that and sat back in her seat happily. No doubt she would feel the effects tomorrow, and she was sure that they would be painful, but for now she was satisfied.

Gene pulled up in front of the pub and climbed out of the car. He slung his arm around Alex and guided her into the pub. He saw Rowan and Chris sitting at the bar and nodded at them when Rowan waved at him. He led Alex over to them.

"Pint and an orange juice, please," he ordered and turned to look at the dart game. Rowan slid from her stool and moved over so Gene could get closer to the game. She smiled at Alex.

"How are you feeling?"

Alex smiled at Rowan.

"A lot better than Gene at the moment it seems," she replied cryptically.

Alex thanked Tracy for the orange juice and took a sip. She missed drinking wine. Orange juice was a poor substitute for red wine. She even missed Luigi's house rubbish.

She handed Gene his pint and dug in her purse to pay Tracy for the drinks so that Gene could watch the game.

"You look happy," she noted.

Rowan stuck her chin in her hand and sighed.

"Yeah, I'm pretty happy tonight I have to say," she replied and looked over at Chris. "I had some goodish news earlier so," she shrugged and let her gaze wander around the pub. She saw Ginger and Simon walk in and waved. She turned to Alex and gestured in Simon's direction.

"That's Dr. Bond, he's new at the surgery. He's very nice, you should get yourself an appointment you know, you'll need to start seeing someone, he'll get you taken care of."

She glanced back over at the two men and then looked back at Alex. "I think they could make a nice couple don't you?" she mused.

Alex though over Rowan's words. She was over a month gone. 8 months left. She would have to make an appointment for a scan at some point.

She wondered what Gene's reaction would be to seeing his child for the first time. She looked over at Gene briefly then back to the doctor. She would make an appointment tomorrow.

She didn't want to disturb him and Ginger. At Rowan's question she nodded. She would never have guessed that Ginger was gay. He wasn't your stereotypical gay guy.

"Yes. I think they do," she smiled and sipped her orange juice.

Rowan smiled a dreamy smile again and looked over at Chris.

"He shocked me half to death the other day," she remarked to Alex. "Chris did, I mean. Somehow he'd got the idea I was pregnant. He asked me, flat out right there in the café if I was. No one was around, but I dropped the dishes I was holding he startled me that much." She chuckled and took a sip of her drink.

"I'm not," she quickly added, "wasn't sure I actually could. I thought maybe Brian had injured me all those years ago, you know. So, we saw a specialist today. She said one of my ovaries is damaged but the other is perfectly fine and she sees no other reason why I shouldn't be able to, get pregnant I mean." She sighed. "I honestly never thought it would be something that I would really consider, but," she paused and looked at Chris again, "things have a way of changing, don't they?"

Alex beamed at Rowan. "Rowan that's fantastic news," she exclaimed happily and gave her a huge smile. "And I know what you mean about things changing. Gene and I hadn't even considered having a child. With having Molly come home it was one of the last things on my mind. But I don't regret it and I don't think he does either," she grinned at Rowan and leaned forward.

"In fact I think he's quite looking forward to being a daddy. When I start showing I guarantee you that he will be smug and insufferable!" She rolled her eyes and looked over at Gene affectionately.

God help him if he went all overly protective on her when they started to reach the due date!

Rowan looked over at Gene too. "Oh yes," she agreed, "he's definitely the smug type. He may not even wait till you're showing. When do you plan to tell everyone, because that's when it will happen, I guarantee it."

She grinned.

"Chris was really disappointed when I told him I wasn't pregnant. I don't want it to happen too soon but I'm glad to know that at least it will."

"It's a good thing to know. And at least if you knew that you couldn't conceive then no one would get hurt," she said as she patted Rowan's shoulder.

Alex sighed and pulled her draft list out of her jacket pocket.

"I think we are going to do it next Friday. Are you, Chris and Alyssa free? Chris knows where Luigi's is. We are going to have a little celebration there," she explained as she showed Rowan her list of people to invite. "Mainly because Luigi's was a big part of mine and Gene's lives and because I think Luigi would be a little upset if we didn't. I used to rent the flat above the restaurant," she elaborated.

"I think so," Rowan replied. "Lyss will want to bring Jack if that's all right." Rowan looked at the list. She looked back at Alex. "Luigi's huh? Sounds Italian, I love Italian food."

Rowan turned her gaze to Chris again. "Yeah, I'm gonna have to write Gem and tell her." She turned back to Alex. "I really wish she'd get a phone."

She drained her drink and ordered another.

"The party should be finished soon; Bianca was telling me it ends around 9 or 10."

Alex was about to answer when her phone went off.

"Looks like you're right," she smiled "Molly says it's nearly done. She sent me a text to come and pick her up when she's finished."

Alex put her phone back in her bag and went to warn Gene then came back to sit by Rowan.

"Yes. Luigi's is Italian. Which was great for me, Italian food's my favorite. Luigi would deliver food up to my flat for me. Gene and I went back there earlier in the week and Luigi seemed overjoyed to see us," she smiled and took a measured gulp of her orange juice. "Who's Gem?"

"She's about the closest thing I have to family really. She raised Momma when her parents died and she helped raise me and my sister, too. She half runs the small farm town we lived in back home," Rowan said with a chuckle. "She doesn't stand for any nonsense, she's very tough. She's also pretty set in her ways. She refuses to get a phone. She just feels there's nothing urgent enough that might happen to need one. I don't mind writing letters but she is a stickler for penmanship. I should let you read the last letter she sent me. She sent some pretty eyebrow raising questions for Alyssa and Chris to answer," Rowan chuckled.

"I really should go back and see her, but I couldn't while my sister was still in town. In the last letter I got, Gem told me my sister and her husband finally moved away, so, I should probably start planning something soon," she added.

Alex raised her eyebrows.

"What's the deal with your sister then? Family feud?" she asked curiously.

Rowan snorted a small laugh. "Family feud, no not exactly. She started walking out with this boy from school when she was 16 and got church in a big way. She rejected all of us, me, Momma, Daddy. She moved in with a church family. I was about 13 at the time. When Momma and Daddy died a few years later, she came to their funeral. She said the worst things to me I've ever heard come out of someone's mouth, pure poison. She got the house but none of the money. They left most of it to a wildlife sort of group, you know, that re-plant forests and help the animals and stuff and they left quite a bit to me. I had no intention of being anywhere near her so I went home, packed my things, got Momma's bracelet and the house money and left. I used the money they left me to go to school up North, that's where I met Brian," she sighed.

"But I still have Kin, they may not be Blood, but they're family. And I have Alyssa now, my new sister, and I've got Chris. I've been alone for 10 years, travelling all over England, Scotland, Wales, even went over to Ireland for a few years, I never minded. Now, I'm not sure I could stand to be alone again."

Alex nodded her understanding. She smiled at Rowan and looked over at Chris and Gene again.

"I never really had much family. My parents died when I was 8 and I ended up with my Godfather. Not that I don't love him but it's just not the same. Then there's Pete. That was a disaster from start to finish. But I wouldn't trade Molly, Gene and the baby for anything else in the world" she said as she gazed over at her fiancé.

"I know what you mean," Rowan said softly. She sighed. She was starting to get melancholy and she didn't want that. "So, you hoping for a boy or girl?" she asked to change the subject.

Rowan put a hand on Alex's arm.

Alex looked up in surprise.

"I honestly haven't given it a thought!" she admitted "I don't think I mind," Alex sat and thought for a moment. "obviously being a woman, a girl is easier and considering that I already have Molly I know what to expect. But I wouldn't mind a little boy either," she shrugged.

Rowan grinned. "Bet I know what Gene wants," she chuckled. "If I could have more than one I would for sure say one of each. But if I only have one, I don't know if I could pick. I suppose I'd be happy either way."

"I wouldn't mind a little girl," Chris said as he came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Rowan jumped and gave a tiny shriek. Chris laughed. "A little girl that I can spoil rotten."

Rowan turned her head slightly so she could look at him.

"I would think you'd want a boy, so you can teach him to play football," Rowan teased.

"Girls can play football too. Besides, girls are cleaner," he said sagely.

Rowan burst out laughing. "Not all girls are, acuisle, not all. When I was little, I was generally covered in dirt or mud and had snails and frogs in my pockets. I keep trying to tell you I was not a girly girl and you just keep on not listening."

Chris grinned at her. "You're plenty girly enough." he told her. "Can I have two pints please?"

Alex smiled at their conversation but found herself distracted as her phone sounded. She read the text from Molly and rolled her eyes.

"See you two tomorrow. No doubt we'll be in the cafe for breakfast," she grinned at Rowan and Chris.

Alex drained her orange juice and went and slipped her hand into Gene's.

"Molly's ready to go home," she told him with a smile.

"Okay, see you tomorrow," Rowan said.

Gene drained the rest of his pint and put his glass down.

"Right, then, guess we better go," he said and headed out with a wave to Rowan and Chris, who waved back. He saw Whitney walking by with a boy as he got in the car. He drove to the club and saw Molly standing there. Peter Beale was standing there with her. He had his arm around her shoulder and they looked quite cozy.

Gene looked at Alex.

"Did you know about this?" he asked.

She spotted the headlights of the Quattro and heard the familiar roar of the engine. The Quattro was the only car that sounded like that there was no mistaking it.

"That's my ride," she sighed and tilted her head up and gave him a chaste kiss.

Alex kept her eyes fixed on Molly.

"No, I didn't. Rowan is with them everyday, d'you think she knows?" she wondered out loud.

"I think she would have said something," Gene replied.

Her eyes flashed in amusement and she grinned as she saw Molly reach up and kiss him.

Alex silently wound down the window and stuck her head out.

"Molly Drake! Put that boy down and get in the car!" she called out.

Molly blushed and gave Peter an apologetic look.

"I'll see you tomorrow," she said and made her way over to the Quattro.

Peter blushed at Alex's remark. He looked at Molly. "Yea, see you tomorrow."

He waved at her and shoved his hands in his pockets and began to slowly walk home, looking back to watch the car drive away.

Molly climbed in the back and glared at the back of her mum's seat. When she caught Alex watching her in the mirror she shot her a murderous look.

"I'm not going to ask if you had a nice night Molls. The evidence speaks for itself" she said, her eyes dancing.

Once Molly was in the car, he began to drive away. He listened to their conversation and glanced at Alex.

Molly's mouth curved in a snarl.

"You are sooooo embarrassing! I can't believe you did that!" Molly complained.

Alex smiled and twisted to look at her daughter.

"Being an Embarrassment is listed in the job description Molls. I'm a parent. It's what I do!" she explained.

Molly huffed.

"So...what's the deal with you and Peter then?" Alex pressed.

Molly looked back up, felt the butterflies stirring and looked out the window.

"We're going to the cinema tomorrow after work," she replied vaguely.

"On a date?" Alex encouraged.

Molly shrugged and Alex rolled her eyes, knowing that was all that was going to get out of her daughter she rolled her eyes at Gene and settled for watching buildings fly past the windows.

"What do we know about this boy? I'm not sure they should be going anywhere alone together," Gene said to Alex.

Molly's jaw dropped. She stared at Gene.

"That's not fair!" she protested.

Alex raised an eyebrow at Gene and nodded her agreement.

"You have a point. All I know is his name's Peter, he works at the cafe, he's Ian Beale's son. And I saw him kissing you Molls. That's it. Gene's right," she said seriously.

Alex looked at Molly sitting in shock in the back of the car and had to stop herself from laughing out loud. She grinned at Gene as he pulled up outside their home and Molly slammed the car door as she stormed up the steps and let herself inside.

Alex let out a laugh once Molly was inside and looked at Gene.

"She's so unbelievably easy to wind up," she said once she had calmed down.

Gene got out of the car and lit a cigarette.

"I'm not joking; you're not really going to let her go off alone somewhere with that kid, are you? I've heard things about that Ian Beale, how do you know it's not like father, like son?"

Alex got out the car and kissed his cheek.

"As adorable as you are when you're all protective, I'm not going to stop her from going on dates with boys that she likes," she told him.

Alex thought for a moment and leaned against the car "He works in the cafe right? So tomorrow morning you can ask Rowan about him and put your mind to rest. And if anything happens to Molly, which it won't, you can take matters into your own hands," she promised him and hauled her body off the car and kissed him.

"I'm going to put tea on," she said and retreated into the flat.

He frowned and took a drag off his cigarette.

"Talk to Rowan?" Gene snorted. "I'll be having a talk with Mr. Peter Beale and all-count on it," he growled.

Alex rolled her eyes as she heard his parting comment and set the oven. She poked her head around Molly's door and spotted her sitting on her bed. She smiled and sat down next to her daughter.

Molly rested against Alex and sighed as her mums arm scooped her up into her lap. She was too old to be sitting in her mums lap anymore. Not that she minded.

"You're not really going to stop me from seeing Peter are you? I really like him Mum."

Alex kissed the top of Molly's head.

"I have no intention of stopping you from seeing him if you want to Molls," her lips curved in a smile. "Gene's getting a little protective of you, he was deadly serious about what he said in the car."

Molly let out a short laugh and hugged her mum. She slipped off her lap and went in search of Gene. Not inside. Outside smoking then. Molly grabbed a coat and ventured out of the front door. She went and stood next to Gene and looked up at him.

"Peter's really nice Gene," she told him as she leant against the wall and looked up at him.

Gene looked down at Molly and raised an eyebrow at her comment.

"Well, for his sake he better be or he'll have me to answer to," he told her. He stubbed his cigarette out and put his hands on her shoulders and turned her towards the door. "Let's get inside, early start tomorrow," he said and reached past her to open the door so she could go inside.

Alex looked up at Molly and Gene as they came back inside. She smiled and put the food in the oven.

"You hungry Molls?" she asked.

"Depends what you're cooking," Molly shrugged and went to look inside the oven curiously. "Cheese on toast?" she asked.

Alex nodded as she pulled a can out of the fridge for Gene and set it on the table.

"No, thank you," said Molly. "I'm going to bed. I'm tired," she said and gave her mum a hug.

"Night, Molly. Sweet dreams," Alex said as she stroked her daughter's hair.

Molly released Alex and wrapped her arms around Gene's middle. "Night, Gene," she said and released him and went to her room, shutting the door behind her.

Gene gratefully took the beer and patted the back of Molly's head as she hugged him.

He sat down and popped open the can.

"So, I take it you have your plans about ready for this party?" he asked her and took a long pull from the can.

Alex took the cheese on toast out of the oven and served it up on a plate for the pair of them. She handed him a knife and fork and pulled the Worcestershire sauce out of the cupboard and dribbled a bit over hers before setting it aside.

Alex sat down and pulled her list out of her pocket.

She slid it towards him.

"I've been making a few plans. Guest list," she told him. "And I was wondering, how about we have Luigi do us some pizzas and ask Rowan if she wouldn't mind making us a dessert of some sort," she said as she started on her food.

Gene picked up his slice and folded it in half and began to eat it. He picked up the guest list and read it then looked at her.

"And of course, plus ones are welcome? My date will be wanting to make sure she can come along," he teased and flashed her a wicked grin. "I don't mind pizza, but NOT steak and chips pizza. You don't think Luigi will mind do you? Someone else making you a fancy cake or something? I doubt she'll mind however. She's probably already planning one as a surprise," he remarked and took another drink of his beer.

Alex used her knife and fork to cut her food up daintily and smiled at him.

"Definitely plus ones allowed. I already have someone in mind too," she told him with a grin.

"Anyone I know?" he asked and took another bite.

"Oh. I need to add Jack Rimmer to that list. Rowan said earlier that Alyssa would want to bring him" she grabbed a pen from the side and passed it to him so he could add Jack on.

He nodded at her mention of Jack and took the pen and jotted the name down. That Jack was an all right bloke, Gene thought.

"I'm sure if I explain to Luigi that Rowan is doing the dessert he won't be too upset. Especially if I insist on him doing the pizzas. Besides, you said yourself. He dotes on me," she smiled conspiratorially at him and popped a miniature slice of food in her mouth.

He raised an eyebrow. "You better hope he really does. You know how sensitive he can be," Gene advised. "Or you could just set Rowan on him, maybe she could make him see things your way," he grinned. Rowan had set him straight a couple of times, Luigi wouldn't stand a chance.

"Is there anyone I haven't got on the list that you want to invite?" she asked. A sudden thought occurred to her. "What about your family?"

He drained his beer and shook his head at her question. "All my family is already in this flat and anybody I might want to invite is on that list," he said in a tone of finality and finished his food.

He stood up and stretched. "Now, today has been nothing short of eventful," he gave her a look. "So, I am taking my very tired and worn out self to bed. I do hope you will join me, future Mrs. Hunt," he said and headed for the bedroom.

Alex took the list from the table and pinned it to the fridge. She grabbed up the plates and transferred them to the sink then squashed Genes empty can and threw it in the bin.

She surveyed her kitchen and satisfied she followed her future husband into their bedroom and shut the door silently behind her.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Ray grabbed his jacket off the back of the chair and his change off the small silver plate. He followed her out of the door and slung an arm around her waist as he hailed a taxi.

"Home?" he asked as he gently pressed his hand to the small of her back to encourage her to get in.

Ronnie climbed into the cab. "I should hope so," she replied archly. She scooted over so he could get in and crossed her legs.

Ray fought with himself to keep his hands off her on the car journey and clenched his fists as he stared out if the window in a pathetic attempt to distract himself. But every time he breathed in he inhaled her perfume.

Ray was more than grateful when the cab pulled up outside the flat and hurriedly paid the driver as he got out and opened up the flat. He stood back and allowed Ronnie to go in first.

Ronnie watched Ray as he opened the door and stood aside for her to go in first. She ran a finger down his cheek and walked into the flat. She immediately slipped off her shoes and wriggled her toes in the carpet. Oh, that was much better! She turned to look at Ray as he followed her into the flat.

Ray kicked the door shut with his foot and immediately seized her hips and pulled her towards him. He claimed her lips in an almost bruising kiss and snaked his arms around her to press her to him.

Ronnie flung her arms around his neck as her knees nearly gave way as Ray kissed her. She slid her hands over his chest and pushed off his suit jacket and tossed it in the direction of the couch, then got her fingers busy unbuttoning his shirt.

Ray let go of her briefly as she pulled his jacket off then wrapped them around her tightly. His hands strayed to her bum and cupped it as he lifted her off the floor, a throaty groan sounding from him.

Ronnie broke off the kiss and pushed away from him, pulling his shirt off and tossing it aside as she did so. She looked at him and then slowly pulled off her dress. She stepped back to him and ran her fingers down his chest and down to the waist of his trousers.

Ray ran his hands over her hips and fingered the elastic of her knickers.

He studied her face.

"You like torturing me," he stated causally and started to rain kisses down on her neck. Then groaned and swung her around so her back hit the wall.

Ronnie huffed out a breath as she hit the wall.

"If you really hate it that much I could stop," she panted. "Really, I'll be good."

She moved her hands back to his waist and began unfastening his trousers.

Ray waited for his trousers to drop then lifted one of her legs and secured it around his waist. He cupped her arse and kissed her.

"I don't want you being good Ronnie. I prefer it when you misbehave," he growled as he took her mouth.

Ronnie moaned and slid her hands over his chest, trailing one down and slipping it inside his boxers. She broke off the kiss briefly.

"Now I know why you never punish me," she breathed and closed her hand gently around him. She stared into his eyes as she wound her other arm around his neck.

Ray groaned again and lifted her away from the wall.

"Ronnie!"

Ray carried her through to their bedroom and laid her down on the bed and crawled on top of her.

He kissed her hungrily and traced her every curve with his hands. His hand found her knickers once again and he tore the flimsy piece of material off her.

Ronnie twined her fingers into his hair and thrilled at the feel of his hands on her. She broke off the kiss and moaned as he ripped away her knickers.

"Rayyy," she whined as she tried to reach for his boxers again. She raised a knee and planted her foot down, pressed her hands against his chest and pushed. She took advantage of his surprise and pushed him onto his back and hurriedly yanked off the boxers. She turned her head and looked at him. She pulled one of his legs towards her and moved and knelt in the space she'd created. She put her hands on his knees and slowly slid them up his the insides of his thighs. She ran them over the tops of his thighs and planted them squarely on his hips to hold him down firmly and lowered her mouth to him.

She turned her face to his and held his gaze as she began to slowly kiss him and tease him with her tongue for several minutes before taking him in her mouth.

Ray grunted as Ronnie rolled him onto his back. He started to protest but realized what she wanted to do and relaxed himself her name escaping his lips as he tilted his head up to look at her, blankets clutched in his hands.

Ronnie went slowly, she wanted to draw it out and work him into a frenzy. She stopped when she thought he was close and kissed her way up his chest. She settled herself next to him and ran a hand into his hair as she kissed his neck.

Ray groaned as she got off him and turned his head to look at her. One of his hands strayed to her hip and he tilted her head to look at him with the other as he pulled her right up against him and kissed her.

He whispered her name as he slid inside her and started to rock his hips slowly against hers.

Ronnie buried her face in Ray's neck and moaned at the feel of him inside her. She ran her hands over his shoulders, tracing the shift of his muscles with her fingertips. She wound a leg around his hip and caressed his back with her hands as she began to whisper in his ear.

Ray clutched Ronnie to him and caressed her back as he moved. At her words his thrusts got wilder and harder. He moved her face back to his and claimed her lips as he lost control of himself completely.

Ronnie clutched at Ray's back and kissed him back intently. She fought down the screams that threatened to burst from her lips. The pleasure was overwhelming her and she wasn't sure she could keep them back much longer. He did this to her every time, unerringly found that place and then drove her slowly insane. She arched to meet him and broke off the kiss and flung her head back, whispering his name over and over until her whispers became a scream.

Ray loved this. How vocal she was. It made him drive faster into her. He didn't muffle her screams with a kiss. Refused to let himself, the temptation to was great but he wanted to hear what he did to her. He compromised by lavishing attention on the top half of her body with his mouth.

"Ronnie!"

Her name tumbled from him, over and over as he climaxed and fell.

Ronnie kept shrieking Ray's name and thrashed beneath him as her orgasm hit her again and again. She felt her mind go blank and lost count of how many times. She felt the final one release her the same time he climaxed. She stiffened and went boneless beneath him as she began to draw in shuddering breaths.

She hitched her arms around his slightly tighter and looked at him through half-closed eyes.

Ray kissed her forehead and nuzzled her neck. He reached out and dragged the duvet over her and then pulled it roughly so that it covered him too. His arms loosened their hold around her but still held her against him.

"Love you, Ron," he mumbled into her hair as he breathe her in. He knew he would never get tired of this. Just holding her, loving her. He sighed happily and stroked her back soothingly.

Ronnie rested her head on his shoulder and draped an arm across his chest.

"Love you, Ray," she whispered and drifted off.

/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\

Chris finished up his game and then he and Rowan went home.

He slid his arms around her once they were in bed. "I love you, Ro."

"I love you too, acuisle." She paused a moment and then turned to look at him and smiled.

"You know, we could," she rolled onto her side and whispered into his ear, "if you're careful."

He looked at her and grinned and kissed her.

/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\

Steph rounded up the kids once they were back outside and put her hands on her hips in irritation. Where was Bolton?

"Paul, call Bolton and find out where he is, our cab will be here any minute," she told him.

Paul looked away from talking to Lauren and sighed.

"Yes, Miss," he said.

He finished getting Lauren's number and managed to steal a kiss before pushing in Bolton's number.

Lauren gave Paul a tiny wave as she walked off with Mari and Hugh. They walked around to the café and moved to stand with Abi as they waited for Tanya to come pick them up.

Bolton picked up his phone as it rang.

"What Paul? No. I'm on my way back now. I can see you. Turn around!"

Bolton hung up and waved at his mate and broke into a run at the expression on his teacher's face.

"Alright, Miss?" he asked cheekily as he joined the little group.

Steph looked at Bolton and frowned as the cab pulled up.

"Where were you?" she demanded and shook her head. "Never mind, get in the cab," she said in an exasperated tone and pulled open the door and ushered them in. She was heartily glad this night was over. She'd embarrassed herself quite enough thank you very much. She stuck her chin on her hand and stared moodily out the window during the ride back to the hotel.