Road to Redemption
Chapter 14
The Price of Paradise – Part 1
Charles really thought that they had built the foundations that Molly had said they needed this time. He had always felt that Molly and Elvis were his best friends but with his death his life had just spiralled. It had taken that time apart from Molly to rebuild himself, to be the man and officer he once was and the husband he hoped to be again. His relationship with his son, Molly, his parents and the army all so much better. He had learnt to talk more, not to bottle things up. There had never been an off button with Molly she had always discussed what was worrying her, what was playing on her mind. With his counselling he had learnt how to do that too. He still had this overwhelming desire to look after her, protect her but that didn't mean that he couldn't talk with her about what worried him.
They had never really argued much when they were married before, well he was more likely to just walk away and sulk until she came to him, grinned at him and hugged him, then it would all be over, she never allowed it to drag on. She was right, while the same she was different now, she was still the same beautiful woman inside and out but had matured into a stronger more confident woman and not afraid to put him in his place when he sulked. In fact, now when he did it instead of trying to reason with him and hug him, she just told him to fuck off and come back when he was ready to talk. That really threw him the first time she did it. She was staying with him in Aldershot and he stomped off to switch the Rugby on, expecting her to follow him in and do as she had in the past. She did follow him in with her coat on, telling him she was going shopping with Jackie, leaving him there to sulk by himself and he had better have got over it by the time she came back.
Six months now they had been seeing each other every available weekend and skyping during the week. Molly finally agreeing to come to Bath with him where they had a lovely weekend with his parents and Sam. He couldn't believe how pleased Sam was to see her, well until he found out that he was also hoping that they would take him to London to see Martin, Jack and the rest of the Dawes brood.
Sam told her all about his little brother and how he was going to be able to teach him how to play rugby and football when he got older.
He was taking her to Cloisters for dinner, it would always be special to them, it was where they had their first date and where he had asked her to marry him. They had been getting on so well and he knew they were both happy. He had told her many times that he loved her and she had finally said it back. He couldn't help grinning at the memory.
It was New Year's Day they had woken up curled around each other, when he heard her whisper it into his ear when she thought he was still asleep. He had thought that night she had believed the drip of poison from Georgie and let it get into her head. He was hurt that she would think that, but he shouldn't have worried Molly did believe him and told him she still loved him. So, over the last couple of months they had got even closer.
They had a beautiful meal, split a bottle of wine and were now walking back to Royal Crescent. Molly could sense that something was bothering him all evening, he seemed on edge, kept looking at her as if he wanted to say something and changing his mind. Her hand was on his arm and his hand over hers as they walked.
"Molly do you think you could get time off before we all end up in Brunei?"
"Dunno I would have to ask Blue its less than a month away so a couple of days perhaps, he's training us really hard for some reason" she shrugged "Why?" and he had to suck in his bottom lip to stop grinning.
"We're getting on really well now aren't we" he continued stopping walking to turn to her his hand coming up to her cheek
"Yeah!" she grinned up at him "I'd say so, better than ever."
He cupped her face in his hands "Will you marry me before we go?" his eyes dark and a hopeful look that she wouldn't say no. He knew that it wasn't romantic, and he hadn't gone down on one knee like last time, they were just walking back to his parents' house after a meal out.
Her eyes were wide with a stunned look to her face, her mouth dropping open slightly, she sort of knew they were heading this way but was surprised he had done it so close to them being separated by a training exercise. She couldn't stop staring at him looking at all the emotions running across his face, hope, fear an expectation.
"Fucking hell Charlie" she chugged "that was a bolt out the blue."
"Was it?" still cupping her face his thumbs stroking her cheeks.
She couldn't take her eyes away from his. "Nah! Suppose not" she sighed "Just us no fuss this time?"
"Well we will need a couple of witnesses" he grinned.
"OK just Jacs and Dangles then, no one else?"
"Are you ashamed of me Molly Dawes" pensive at her reply that she wanted to keep this a secret.
"No, you prannet," she sighed not really knowing how to explain how she felt "I do love you but we've been here before. I just feel this is our business and no one else's" His grin widened and he felt that euphoria "This is for us, what we want."
"There is no one else I want to be with other than you."
"You're getting mushy again Charlie, I already said yes" she grinned up at him kissing him on the chin "We'll tell the families after we've done it" giggling "That way I don't have to go shopping with your mum for a dress or mine for that matter and Nan won't be dressed in her hooky gear and we spend the whole day worrying if the police will turn up."
"Point taken" he chuckled "Just us."
OG
They got a slot at Guildford registry office a week later. A simple service this time, both unable take their eyes off the other as they said their vows and exchanged rings. Whatever had happened in the past Molly knew, it should stay there and that she would always want to spend her life with Charles. There was no doubt in his mind that she was the one he was destined to spend his life with, for some inexplicable reason he had lost sight of that but now he had found her again he was never letting her go.
The four of them went out for lunch afterwards. All understated in comparison to the big affair they had had the last time. Neither of them feeling they needed to let the world know how they felt about each other. The people that mattered knew.
"So, does this mean you will get married quarters on this little training exercise Boss" laughed Dangles
"Doubt that Dangles" he grinned "You know that you are not meant to serve together" looking at both Dangles and Jackie as they were both on the exercise too.
"Well we aren't are we" said Jackie "He's going to be getting muddy and eating god knows what while I am tucked up in a nice clean hospital, waiting to dish out the plasters and antiseptic wipes."
"You are going to look after each other out there aren't you, when you are dropped into the jungle" Jackie asked a little worried and remembering how a simple training exercise in Belize had gone so badly wrong for Charles.
"Course we are Jacs" said Dangles and Molly responding together "We're mates ain't we" finished off Molly, Dangles laughing and ruffling her hair. Charles just grinned and while he knew they were good mates, there was a small wager on this and he needed his sections to win.
OG
They spent their wedding night in Charles flat discussing their future and dreams. They were older and wiser now, both knew what they had very nearly lost for good. They knew they both loved each other and this time they would make sure that they put each other first and above all talk.
Charles was determined that he was going to transfer to 1 Rifles in Chepstow, he could live in her flat until the lease ran out. It was better for both of them and he would be nearer to Sam and his family as well. Even if she wanted to transfer out of Special Forces in the future there were medical regiments down there that she could move into if she wanted to.
Last time she hadn't really known what she wanted other than to be with him, she was young immature and just starting out in the army. This time she was happy with her role in the army and he wanted to be with her so would make the move. They talked well into the early hours of the morning, Molly worrying if he was sure he really wanted to move down there, after all he had been with 2 section for many years, and would he have regrets.
"Most of 2 section have transferred out anyway Molly, there's only a couple of them left and who knows how much longer they will stay there for before they too want to move on," he was propped up on his elbow looking down at her twiddling a strand of her hair into ringlets. "With being a Major now I won't have the day to day contact with them anyway" kissing her on the nose his eyes soft as he stared at her "this is me putting us first this time."
"We could always renew the lease on my flat when it comes up" she grinned up at him her hands coming up round his neck and into his hair.
He grinned kissing her on the cheek, "those bloody ceilings though Moll" kissing her on the other cheek "But I can let you try and persuade me Mrs James."
Molly burst into peels of happy laughter as she pushed him back onto the bed straddling his hips and leaning down to kiss him her hands on his chest, the ends of her hair tickling his bare skin. "I can be very persuasive Major James."
"I know" waggling his eyebrows and grinning up at her running his hands through her hair and holding it back from her smiling face "Can't wait."
OG
He was walking fast across Keogh for his meeting with Captain O'Brian tying up the loose ends for this exercise in Brunei, only two weeks to go and they were all off.
"Good Morning Captain O'Brian" he smiled extending his hand in greeting as he walked into her office and sat down "have you got numbers of medics for this exercise?"
"Yes Major" handing over the list his eyebrow raising at one of the names on it before knitting into a frown "Are you sure that she is suitable based on what went on during her last tour?"
"She will be going with one of my best Sergeants, this will sort the wheat from the chaff and whether the army is really her best career option."
Charles nodded "I see you have added Private Rogers."
"Yes Sir."
"Good, she had potential" looking up from the list to smile at Captain O'Brian "young but willing to learn and with the right direction could be an excellent medic in combat situations."
She couldn't help but realise that his smile could make you go weak at the knees and was not surprised at the adulation that some of her medics gave him. "As I said one of my best Sergeants will be out there."
He couldn't help but smile at the list Jackie, Lauren, Katy to name but a few. Must be half of Molly's mates on here. He was more than doubtful about Lane's name being on the list but he couldn't be seen to interfere in the Captains decision.
"While the medics won't be going on the final exercise with the Rifles and Special Forces, they will be expected to complete the three weeks survival course, their final week working in the hospital learning about tropical illnesses and bites" he started "they will be required to work as a team and if anyone is injured they will be in the helicopter as part of the recovery team."
"Yes Major" replied Captain O'Brian "A number already have that experience and some like Rogers could do with it if they are to further their careers" she coughed "But I also need to make sure they are ready for any situation, one of my Lieutenants will be part of the team to provide extra support and discipline."
"Well Captain O'Brian, if you are sure" he stood up ready to leave "I think that is about all" he smiled again at her as she stood and saluted him.
OG
He was walking back across the parade ground on his way back to his camp to have a meeting with Colour Sergeant King when he spotted Jackie walking towards him.
"Sir" she grinned "You all set for Brunei?"
"Yes, Jackie just getting the list of names from your Captain" he replied, "Have you seen the list?" Jackie winced and he knew that she had so just nodded.
"I'm going to see Kingy now make sure the lads have kept up with fitness" grinning at her.
"Oh, they have been doing that alright Boss, Dangles has been coming home knackered every night for weeks" she grinned.
"See you at Brize in two weeks then" he laughed as he started to walk away.
Jackie making her way to the med centre to make sure they had everything packed and ready to ship next week. Lauren and Katy were already there with their clipboards checking everything off, some of it going into the Bergen's and the rest crated which were being sent to the hospital in Brunei ready for their arrival.
"So, what was Captain James doing here?" Jackie jumped out her skin she hadn't noticed that Georgie was off to the side at the back of the med centre.
"How would I know Lane, he came to see Captain O'Brian," she replied rolling her eyes in the direction of Lauren who grinned.
"It will be good working with him again, getting out of here for a month somewhere warm."
"You won't be working with him Lane, you will be in the hospital with us" replied Jackie.
"Don't forget we have to do that survival stuff" laughed Katy.
"That will be in the camp though and the Gurkhas will be running that part of it" sighed Jackie "I don't expect we will see any of the Officers."
"Can't see them eating bugs and the like" giggled Lauren.
"But Captain James has always liked to be involved with his men" huffed Georgie "I did lots of tours with him, he'll want to do what his men do be part of the team."
"Well he is a Major now so don't think he will be going into the jungle this time" said Jackie raising her eyebrows "Haven't you got anything you should be doing Lane?"
OG
Charles had just arrived back at his own barracks when he saw Colour Sergeant King approaching him quickly.
"Sorry Sir but Prof has had an accident and broken his ankle, the medic looked at it and he is on his way to Frimley Park."
"So, he won't be coming on the exercise now then?"
"Phone through to Sergeant Aston at Keogh, tell her to let Lane know and see if she needs to be replaced on the exercise so she can stay with him."
As much as he was very sorry that Prof had been involved in an incident that was stopping him from coming to Brunei, he couldn't help but feel hopeful that Lane would also not be attending.
He was sitting in his office catching up on the paperwork when Kingy knocked and entered.
"I have an update on Prof Sir" started Kingy "He has had the ankle set and will be released from hospital tomorrow morning" he continued "I've heard back from Keogh and although given an option to remain Lane has chosen to go on the exercise."
Charles ran his hands over his face, through his hair and round his neck trying to release the tension
"I have to say I am a bit surprised" said Charles.
"Not sure they are getting on that well these days Sir" and Charles raised an eyebrow "Don't know too much Sir, Profs not said much."
"Well not our problem King, so long as she follows orders out there if she's coming."
"Is Lt Hurst coming to Brunei Sir?"
"Yes, seems he is fit, and has just replaced me as the new Captain so it would be good for him to be there, he won't go on the final exercise but there is no reason why he can't do the rest and he said he wants the experience" grinned Charles.
"He chose to come Boss?", Charles nodded still smiling, Kingy shaking his head but grinning back "I don't think he knows what he's let himself in for Boss."
OG
It was their last few days together as Charles and Molly before he became Major James and she Trooper Dawes. They went to Bath for a day to see his parents and Sam.
They had gone to hers the week before. Both sets of parents pleased that they had worked out their problems and found their way back to each other. Even her Nan had to admit that Molly looked so much happier, but that still didn't stop her from pulling Charles aside to remind him she still had Jack on standby if necessary, causing Charles to swallow hard and Nan cackle with laughter.
"I know I made a mistake and I will always be grateful that she has given me a second chance and I don't intend to waste it or ruin it again."
"She always knew you was ill Charlie" sighed Nan "Wouldn't hear anything bad about you, said it was out of character but you had to want to get well, then chose."
"She wasn't wrong there" looking down at his feet look before looking at her straight in the eyes "and I have chosen Nan, it will always be Molly."
OG
Both their Bergens in the hall all packed and ready to go. They decided on staying in, cooking something easy and an early night before getting up at the crack of dawn to drive to Brize.
Watching crap on TV, sitting as close as they could on the sofa their fingers entwined, occasionally kissing, her trying to wheedle out of him what was going to happen on this exercise. He couldn't stop grinning at what he and Blue had got planned for them all but none of her persuasive abilities were going to make him divulge that little nugget. She was good, was pulling out all the stops to make him tell her and at one point he very nearly did. But now, even if he wanted to he didn't think he could remember, his eyes dark with lust his hands wanting to touch every part of her like she had been doing to him, it was going to be a long month before they could do this again.
OG
Charles drove them up to Brize after their early breakfast. Parked in the long term secure carpark one last lingering kiss before walking in separately. Molly had of course let her team know they had remarried, mainly because she told Blue she was changing her NOK documents. Charles had told Lt Colonel Beck and told Dangles to let the old 2 section know that they were back together, it wasn't a secret, but neither felt obliged to let the world know or be the source of gossip.
Charles was sat at the front of the plane with Blue, Captain Hurst and a Lieutenant Hooper who Captain O'Brian had asked to attend from the RAMC. It gave them the opportunity to look down at the lines of men and women that were on this exercise.
Sections 1, 2 and 3 along with 3 Corporals and Colour Sergeant King from the Rifles. The 20 medics all sat together and he could see Jackie leaning across and talking with Molly.
Then there were Blues team, Spanner, Peanut, Dyno, Jackson and of course Molly sitting in the middle of them, leaning forward on her knees and laughing at something Jackie had said. Katy and Lauren also joining in and grinning at her. He could only guess that she and Jackie had told them and couldn't help but smirk before his eyes moved down the line of medics to meet the eyes of Georgie Lane staring and smiling at him.
He could see that Blue was already putting his Kindle into flight mode and got his out from his Bergen. Captain Hurst and Lieutenant Hooper chatting to each other. This was going to be a very long and uncomfortable 14 hours of flying.
About an hour out Blue asked him as the senior officer did he want to make speech about what was expected? Charles raised his eyebrow.
"Can do, I take it we are keeping the wager between ourselves?"
"Of course, we are Charles" he laughed.
Charles stood and all eyes turned to him.
"Listen up, we will be arriving soon and there is a 7 hour time shift so get some scoff, hydrate and go to bed. Tomorrow will be a rest day while you acclimatise to the time zone, heat and humidity. Find out where everything is" he looked down the lines and saw all the nodding heads and smiles that they wouldn't have to do anything tomorrow. "When we arrive, you will be allocated rooms, remember we are guests in this country so I expect impeccable behaviour from all of you, do not embarrass her majesty's armed forces you have been given an opportunity to learn from the best" he turned to Blue indicating if he wanted to add anything, he stood up.
"Right lads; for the first few days we will be acclimatising with nice long runs in full kit" and you could hear the groans "that is everyone including medics, after that you will be divided into groups where you will learn survival skills" with a big grin "the final week the Rifles and Special Forces will be dropped into the jungle where we expect them to find their way out and not get picked off by the Gurkhas."
"Holy shit" said Fingers "No one said anything about that before we came out here."
"So, knuckle down and learn Fingers" Charles and Blue looking at each other before sitting back down as the plane started descending.
OG
The transport to Tuker Lines was waiting for them and they were quickly loaded onto coaches.
"Bloody hell" gasped Mansfield open mouthed "Why don't we have this in Aldershot it's like a 4 star hotel" as they drove into the barrack blocks. There were 5 aside football pitches, tennis courts, a swimming pool, beautifully landscaped tropical gardens. There looked like there was a clubhouse, the usual Mess Hall and there also appeared to be a NAFFI. It certainly looked like they would have somewhere to eat and socialise while they weren't on duty and if they didn't want to go off base.
"We haven't seen the rooms yet" called out Dangles.
"Ain't it hot" called out Baz "We're gonna have to get in that pool."
"Lads" shouted Captain Hurst "Don't forget what Major James said when we arrived. Respect; you are representing the British Army."
Seemed Molly was to be billeted in the female quarters, her and Jackie thought that they would share one of the twin rooms.
Everyone was hot and tired after the trip, the humidity was going to take some getting used to, it was like walking through treacle. Molly and Jackie unpacked and set the air con up max so the room would be cool by the time they got back after dinner, or rather they hoped it would be.
They walked across to the mess which felt cool as soon as walked in, the air con here certainly working. Molly spotted Charles on a table with Captain Hurst, Blue and Lieutenant Hooper. He looked up when he saw her come in and smiled, she gave him one of her huge grins back. Looks like this is a close as they were going to get tonight.