Chapter 100 Not saying no

As Rose and James were buying baby clothes, painting what was to become the nursery and James plotting how he could ask Rose to marry him without her leaving, Tess had well and truly got Alec where she wanted him. Alec though was going to find out her ulterior motive in the coming months.

From the moment Tess had got accepted into the training programme, she'd set her sights on Alec as an easy target, mainly due to him pining after Rose. Then, when she'd helped him almost lock up the man who had been keeping Rose away, she had figured it still wouldn't tempt Rose to come back and he'd be easily led.

She had scored a few triumphs over him, keeping him from going to see Rose and moving in with him and now, he felt more guilty than ever about betraying Rose. Six months after he'd last seen Rose, Tess had thought Alec had settled down to living with her and that maybe now was the time to suggest they got engaged.

It was a cold November, no snow but plenty of rain and one Saturday morning, they were in the shopping mall and Alec was trying to keep up with Tess, whom he had learned liked to take her time looking in shop windows. So when she was hovering around a well known jewellery store, he wasn't taking any notice of where she was interested as he had fancied getting a new watch, since his old one was looking a bit out of date.

"You know you don't like those new fancy watches Alec," Tess reminded him, Alec wondering how she'd even noticed. "Do you even know what half of it does?"

"I can learn," he objected. "What are you looking at?"

"Just some jewellery, I thought we may consider getting engaged at Christmas or the new year?"

Alec wasn't taking any notice until she nudged him.

"What do you think Alec? We could go inside and look at some?" Tess carried on.

"Look at what?" he decided to risk asking. "Tess, are you serious?" he then realised what she'd said.

"You never pay attention Alec," Tess reminded him. "I bet that was half the reason Rose stayed away. We've been dating since May."

"Leave her out of it Tess, you've been warned before," he replied. "It's too soon Tess," he recalled the time she'd barged her way into his life.

It had taken years until he was old enough to ask Rose, then they'd done nothing about it but maybe they hadn't needed to? Rose had worn his ring all that time but he'd known it was over when she tried to tell him why she wasn't wearing it.

"Well I can't look at them properly through the window," Tess then complained. "The light is all wrong."

He had chosen Rose's ring and she'd never complained. He hadn't asked her like he'd wanted to though. Now, Tess was assuming they had been together long enough but why the hurry? He had easily passed his sergeant's exam and was already going for training to be a detective inspector but he'd been told that could take a few years, since a candidate had to be self-assured they could give orders.

He already gave some but tough decisions had to be made by higher ranking officers. Tess though was not doing his ego any good. He had to learn to say no to her.

"Leave it Tess, I am not rushing into anything," he warned her. "I'm going in to look at watches and besides, it you want a ring, you will have to cut down on your spending and start paying some of the bills."

"That's just typical Alec," Tess huffed. "What are we doing for Christmas then? Are you inviting anyone round? We'll have to invite people back who invite us out."

"What for? You go where you like Tess, count me out," he replied.

"I can't go on my own Alec, we'll both be expected to go or at least invite people to have a drink with us," she told him.

"Invite anyone you want, just don't expect me to hang around," he decided. "No looking at rings."

Rose and James had already made arrangements to go to her mother's on Christmas Day and they'd all go to his aunt's on Boxing Day. Donna was already planning everything, including a party on Christmas Eve.

"I think I'll need a rest," Rose had insisted when Donna brought the subject up one Sunday.

"You can just sit down," Donna had laughed. "Besides, everyone from work will be coming, they'll want to know how you're getting on."

"We'd best go love," James was trying to convince Rose.

"Okay but no dancing," Rose smiled.

"Sure you don't want to come here on Christmas Day?" Donna asked again.

"We promised my mum," Rose replied.

"As long as it doesn't remind you of previous ones," James insisted, still a bit apprehensive of spending their first Christmas together.

Then the following year, there would be an addition to their little family. James was now getting all excited at going to more check-ups with Rose and discussing names.

"Rose, why don't we get your mum over on Christmas Eve, save me going for her on the day," he then suggested.

"Yeah, my mum loves a good party," Rose laughed.

"We noticed," Donna also laughed at the thought. "See, who knew last year this was gonna happen?"

"You mean me being pregnant?" Rose wondered, hoping that was what Donna meant.

She hoped Donna didn't mean her breaking up with Alec then getting together with James then them having to keep up the pretence that the baby was his. They'd never even talked about it since, James had just taken over what Alec would have been doing. James thought it was Alec's loss and his gain.

"Hey Rose, we should start doing some shopping," James then reminded her.

"We'd best go mid week, it'll be crazy at weekends," Rose agreed.

"So are you two planning anything else?" Donna was curious as to if they were going to make any further announcements.

"No, don't think so?" James pondered. "What about you Rose?"

"I mean are ya planning on maybe making an honest woman out of Rose?" Donna asked a puzzled James, who thought he and Rose were okay as they were. "I mean buy Rose an engagement ring, you prawn."

"Donna, we're fine as we are, aren't we Rose?" James wanted to make sure. "Rose?"

"What? Oh yeah, we're fine Donna. Sorry, the baby was just kickin'," Rose grinned.

"I'm surprised he's not writing it all down," Donna teased James.

"He will when we get home," Rose laughed as James got up.

"Are you okay love?" he asked, making Donna smile.

"I'm fine, honestly. Better get used to it," Rose grinned.

"You know, you had me worried when ya first told us," Donna told them as she flicked her hair back.

"Donna, don't say that," her mother overheard her as she'd kept out of it so far.

"Well think about it?" Donna suggested to her mother. "They just suddenly turn up then tell us. Rose, you used to tell me everything."

"This was different," James pointed out. "Before you ask, yes, the baby is mine."

Rose thought if he carried on, he'd give the game away, then everyone else would get to know what they were hiding. Rose knew they had to talk about it before it was too late for him to back out.

"I know Donna but I wasn't sure what you'd say," Rose admitted. "James wanted to go with me, he knew he was responsible."

Well in a way, he was since he wanted to take care of her.

"Is that what you were talking about when we went on that day out?" Donna wanted to know.

James decided it was best to admit it, then Donna might leave them alone.

"Yes, Rose told me," James told her. "I told her to go get a test."

"James, we don't want all the details," his aunt warned him.

"It wasn't all his fault," Rose joined in. "I was upset that night."

"Rose, it's okay," James told her. "It happened and I'm still here."

James knew what Rose was on about, it could have easily happened that night. He could have taken advantage of her, if he'd wanted to. She had been heart-broken that she'd waited all day to see if Alec turned up. Had she known she might be pregnant at the time, he wondered.

They left Donna and when they got home, James wanted to talk.

"She's going to find out James," Rose told him as he made drinks.

"She won't love, trust me," James tried to convince her.

"I thought you were gonna say something to make Donna even more suspicious," Rose had to admit.

"Oh, she's used to me," James grinned as he handed Rose a coffee how she liked it made, for which he'd had to buy a milk frother and carefully level out the froth from her favourite mug.

"Aw thanks James," Rose gave him a smile as she looked at her drink.

James often got embarrassed as she noticed the little things he did for her.

"Rose, you know I would do anything for you?" he asked her, sitting opposite and taking her left hand.

"Why was Donna implying anything earlier?" Rose wondered. "Have ya been talking to her at work?"

"Ah no love," he denied. "Why would she say anything?"

"Are you two plotting something?" she wanted to know. "Why did she suddenly ask? Come on James, what are ya hiding?"

He knew he couldn't hide something much longer. She would probably say no, since earlier this year, she had still been engaged to Alec.

"No, it's too soon love," he insisted, squeezing her hand. "You're barely over being engaged to Alec."

"I don't need reminding of that," Rose told him. "I should have known before I actually did. I should have known that week he did come down and I should have ended it, without getting pregnant."

"Don't say that love. You are pregnant and next time, you should get to know what you're having, so we can get toys and things," he smiled at the thought. "I bet you want a girl!"

Rose had to smile at his enthusiasm. He had wanted to know the last time she had been for a scan but Rose had wanted to wait, despite saying she had wanted to know.

"You're changing the subject," she reminded him. "Why did you bring it up? We said it didn't matter when the baby comes along, I chose your name, remember?"

"Despite your mother trying to convince you not to," he recalled the outcome. "I'm glad you chose mine, for a few reasons. I can make sure you're both cared for, you know, in case the worst happens?"

"Don't go talking like that," Rose was alarmed. "I didn't choose it for that, you know I never."

"Calm down love, sorry. Hey, why don't we go off somewhere next weekend? We could stay somewhere overnight, what do you say love?" he asked, hoping she would agree.

Then on the Saturday night, in a nice hotel dining room, he could bring up the subject again.

"I know what you're up to, James Noble," Rose grinned, putting her hand on top of his.

"You can't blame me for wanting to try love?" he tried to look innocent. "Rose, I know it still upsets you, that Alec left you the way he did but I'm here, I'm trying to make up for it."

"I know ya are James but there's no need to, it wasn't your fault. He made his choice and I don't wish him any ill but it won't work, not with someone like her. Before ya say I don't know her, I know her type, there's plenty of them on mum's estate."

"Mmm, I just bet there are," James laughed. "You feel sorry for him then, that he chose her?"

"If it hadn't been her, it would have been someone else," Rose had to admit. "It seems growing up together romances never work?"

"You were together twelve years," James reminded her, since she'd told him. "Maybe you waited too long? Still, that gave me the chance I'd been waiting for."

"I know James. I never even realised and I'm so sorry."

"I know love. Time to forget about the past eh?" he asked her, getting up. "I would still have waited for you."

"Yeah, like I said, you were stubborn," Rose smiled as she held her hand out.

"So, we go off next weekend?" he grinned.

"Okay, if ya want?" Rose agreed.

She knew he was going to try to ask her to marry him, before the baby came along. She had to at least let him try or he'd be disappointed and may not try again for a long time, it at all. She needed stability in her life, not just for herself but for the baby.

She could have tried bringing a baby up on her own, maybe in her mother's flat but it would have been a struggle and James would have still stayed on his own, hoping she'd change her mind. How long would she have waited before she'd given in?

She had tried to convince herself she'd made the right decision but she still felt guilty she'd never contacted Alec to tell him. She knew he'd have wanted to know but would he have left Tess? That woman would have probably tried to convince him the baby wasn't his and she would have won.

No, she had done the right thing when he'd not turned up when he'd promised. They went off early the following Saturday, James having got the day off and he drove them up to Stratford-Upon-Avon and had managed to get some tickets for a new play being performed in the town's famous theatre. Rose was very impressed, since the hotel was really 'posh' and they were going to eat early then get a cab to the theatre.

"So, what's this play about?" Rose was trying to find out as they got dressed up to go to the dining room for six and they'd looked around the town earlier then gone down by the river.

James hoped they would get to the theatre in time but it also didn't allow him to mess about when he asked Rose to marry him. He'd missed the opportunity earlier when he should have asked her as she was watching some ducks being fed by the river.

Maybe he could take her out after the play had finished, to some fancy bar and ask her or get a bottle of champagne ordered for the break in performances and hope the theatre manager could arrange something. Rose had bought a new dress that she had managed to squeeze into.

"Ah, a comedy I believe?" James was trying to remember what it was about.

There were a few plays going on so it had been a case of what good seats had been available. He didn't want to end up with restricted views tucked away behind a huge pillar. That would spoil their so far perfect weekend. Then tomorrow, they'd have another look around the town and take in a few famous landmarks before driving home.

"So love, how are you enjoying our break so far?" he asked as he zipped her dress up for her.

Rose wasn't used to wearing dresses but she had made the effort for tonight.

"Aw, it's been great. I wish I could have leaned over to feed the ducks though," Rose smiled.

"There were enough kids feeding them though some argue bread is no good for them?" James replied, kissing her neck. "Good thing there is an early meal tonight? They must be used to guests going off to see plays?"

"Well, since the town is mainly about the theatre?" Rose laughed.

"Yes, it stands to reason," James agreed, making sure he had the ring box in his pocket.

"Good thing you brought your best shoes with ya," Rose teased him as he sat on the bed to put his shiny black shoes on, instead of his Converse canvas ones.

"Are you implying I can't wear normal shoes?" he teased her back.

"Nah, only I don't think I've seen that pair," she pointed to the one he was putting on.

"They are just not as comfortable. Anyway, I hope you won't be uncomfortable in those sandals? Good thing it's not raining? You shouldn't have far to walk, I will ask the cab driver to get as close as he can," James promised.

All through their early meal, James was getting nervous and hoped Rose hadn't noticed. They were just waiting for their dessert and he was fingering the small box.

"What's in ya pocket?" Rose was wondering, seeing he had his hand in every five minutes.

"Ah. Well?" James was stalling for time. "Ah, here comes the waiter," he was relieved.

Rose left her dish in front of her and tried again.

"No, ya don't get out of it so easily James," she told him. "Out with it."

"Rose, come on, we have to set off soon," he reminded her.

"Yeah, okay, when ya take ya hand out of that pocket," Rose agreed.

"Fine, okay then. Rose, maybe it's too early and you don't want to think about it but well, we can wait a bit longer, if you want? I mean to give you this?" he finally spat it out and got the ring box out. "Rose Tyler, will you marry me?"

"Wow. I mean I know what we told my mum," she recalled. "How long had ya been planning this?"

"A while," James admitted as he moved his chair around, getting a few looks from the other guests. "Do you want to wait a while longer? Do you need time to think about it? I mean we can, if you'd rather? Have you any idea how long I've wanted to ask you?"

"I know James and I'm not saying no," Rose replied, hoping no-one was taking any notice of them but a pregnant woman and the man with her suddenly stopping eating was a bit unusual. "Why don't we go for a walk after the play and talk about it?"

"You're not saying no then?" James was a little confused. "Yes, we can do that, if you want?" he had to agree as he put the ring box away and was about to move his chair back but she grabbed his hand.

"James, yeah, I wanna talk about it. Now can we finish eating?" she smiled.

"Oh yes Rose, we can talk and finish eating," James agreed excitedly.

He could swear the other guests were looking a little disappointed he'd not got down on one knee to ask Rose to marry him.

"It'll be cold later though," James added as he tried to eat. "Maybe we can talk about it in the nice warm bar here in the hotel?"

"Aw, I wanted it to be all romantic," Rose teased him, seeing the look on his face. "I'm just teasing ya."

"Very funny Rose. Well, if you want to be freezing cold?" he teased her back.

They got to the theatre with fifteen minutes to spare, Rose having chance to go to the ladies room and James hopping around waiting for her so they could find their seats on the third row of the upper circle.

"They never start these things on time," Rose was telling him as they got settled, thankful they were on the end and everyone was already seated.

"Ah, how many plays have you been to love?" he tried to be serious.

Rose just smiled and nudged him as the theatre lights began to fade and the safety curtain began to rise, revealing a more ornate one behind it and the stage lights were turned on.

"So who's in this play?" Rose wanted to know as James squinted at the programme in the dim light. "Ya can put your glasses on."

"Ah, it says a new member of the Royal Shakespeare company," he whispered to her. "A David somebody," he tried to read while fishing for his glasses.

"Tell me later," Rose whispered back. "Or everyone will be complaining."

"I have been to the theatre before," James admitted. "Donna likes to go but not on her own. I used to take her sometimes."

"Have you heard of the lead actor before?" Rose wondered. "I mean if he's only new to this company? He must have been in other plays or on TV. They don't just let anyone into this company, do they?"

"You've probably seen him on TV?" James supposed. "Don't tell me you've never heard of him?"

"Well it'd help if ya'd told me his full name," Rose objected.

"Well how many David's are there on TV?" James asked as the curtain began to rise. "There can't be that many?"

"Geez," Rose complained as everyone began to clap as the backdrop was revealed and an actress came on stage, followed by a man.

Rose had to gulp as she thought she recognised the actor, the one her mother had reminded her looked like Alec and John and now James.

"Ya didn't say it was him," Rose whispered to James.

Now, she just hoped he'd not seen the resemblance and didn't start asking awkward questions.

They had to be the first out during the interval or stand to let everyone else out. James led her to the upper bar and they found a small table away from the bar. James went to collect their drinks he'd pre-ordered and he hoped Rose had enjoyed the play so far.

"Donna was always saying I look a bit like that actor," James was making faces at the thought of it.

"She never said anything to me," Rose hoped he'd believe her. "Poor you."

"I've never seen him in any plays we've been to, I think I would have remembered," he admitted. "Can't say I've seen him on TV either."

"I have," Rose replied, seeing how far this would go and if she'd get away with it.

"Ah, I bet you have," James teased her. "You never said anything love."

"I don't think ya look a lot like him though," Rose replied, wishing she'd not ordered any ice in her drink, since they didn't have a lot of time.

"Neither do I, I think Donna was over-exaggerating," James grinned. "Too much ice love? Best drink up if you want to visit the little girls room."

They just got back in time though Rose really wished she'd not had that drink. Rose was sometimes embarrassed now her present condition had increased the number of times she needed to go.

"Here, sit on the outside love," James insisted as he went before her.

Rose managed until the end of the play but James was getting anxious as he waited outside the restrooms for her afterwards as most people had gone. He caught a female attendant and asked her to check on his pregnant girlfriend.

"I'll go check for you then?" the woman told him as he described Rose. "I'm sure it's nothing though?"

"I'd feel better if you did, thanks," James told her. "She was fine after the play, it's probably nothing?"

The woman went off and James wondered if Rose's absence was anything to do with him asking her to marry him? Was she having second thoughts about their whole relationship and it was too soon after Alec left her? If it was, he could tell her they could wait. Maybe it was because Alec had asked her and nothing ever came of it?

Rose heard a voice calling her name as she was debating what to do about James bringing up the 'M' word earlier. What could she say? Would he call everything off if she said no? She just had to settle for maybe them waiting a while longer. Then she wondered if it was anything to do with her agreeing to give the baby his name and he wanted hers to be the same?

"I'm in here," Rose called out as her name was repeated.

Of course James would be getting worried, she thought. He was in a rush to go somewhere for them to discuss maybe getting married. How long had he been planning this?

"Rose, someone's getting worried about you," the woman told her. "What should I tell him?"

Rose unlocked the door of the wider cubicle, since even standing sideways, she didn't have much room otherwise.

"I'll be out in a minute," Rose tried not to sound rushed.

"Oh sorry, he never said you were pregnant," the woman smiled. "How far on are you?"

"Six months but it feels like forever," Rose smiled through the mirror "He gets a bit over-protective sometimes," she nodded towards the door.

"You're lucky to have someone so caring," the woman smiled back. "I'll go and tell him you're right behind me, shall I?"

James was relieved when Rose followed the attendant out and thanked the woman. Then he took Rose's hand and led her to the lift.

"I can walk downstairs," Rose insisted.

"Ah but the lift will be here in a minute," James grinned. "I have to look after you. You had me worried back there, in case you were in any difficulty and no-one else went in. It's time those new mobile phones were more affordable for everyone."

"I'm hardly likely to call ya unless I got stuck," Rose laughed. "I have to go in the bigger ones, if someone doesn't beat me to it."

"Then all the more reason for me to worry about you," James replied as the lift arrived.

They went out into the cold night air and James spotted a bar just across the square. As they went in, Rose saw an advertisement for hot drinks and said she would prefer one. He put a large glass mug of hot chocolate, the way she liked it in front of her and had opted for tea himself.

"We could have talked at the hotel," Rose pointed out as she spooned the cream on top of her drink.

"Ah but not as romantic as sitting by a real fire, drinking hot chocolate love," James told her. "Did I scare you off earlier? I mean with the marriage bit?"

"Well a bit," Rose had to admit. "Can ya blame me after what happened before?"

"Not at all love. I'm not going anywhere though. Okay, I used to wander around a bit but that was just to get over my ex. She left me and well? I don't talk about it, I never trusted anyone for a while, then Donna introduced me to you but you were, you know?"

"I know and I'm sorry. I had no idea," Rose told him. "So, what do ya want to talk about? I thought we were happy enough as we were?"

"Well we are I suppose? Did it put you off? I mean being engaged for so long but you not being able to go up there and him not wanting to come down here?" James wondered.

"James, it wasn't like that, Alec would have come down here but his chances of promotion were slim," Rose defended Alec.

"Even so Rose, was it so important?" James wanted to know.

"He wanted to put the man away who took advantage of me and mum," was all Rose would say while they were out. "He can't do that without being a senior officer, to open an investigation though it'll be classed as historic now."

"But you said the man was arrested and let go," James reminded her. "Why couldn't they convict him?"

"Because we weren't there I suppose?" Rose admitted. "Forget it James, it's done with, we got away."

"I can understand how Alec didn't want to let it go." James agreed. "Okay, I'll forget it for now. So, you're not saying no to me then?" he wanted to be double sure.