She'd been quiet, hovering in the corner as 2 section rounded themselves up for a piss up "You sure we can't tempt you Dawsey? You look like you could do with a drink" Brains was probably one of only a few she liked.

"You're alright thanks mate. I've got a long drive back home later and I wanna spend some time with my fella if you lot would kindly piss off" she cringed as she watched the lads throwing themselves all over Charles in mock affection for him.

"Right lads piss off and leave me to the Missus. And don't drink too much, I can still put you on a charge just remember that."

She hadn't been due to visit today "This is a pleasant surprise Dawes, everything alright?" His eyes darkened in concern at her stressed appearance.

"Yeah, everything's fine, I just really missed you, pulled a sickie" she wrapped her arms around his neck "It's not the same at home without you" he knew there was something on her mind, she was an open book when it came to him, he could read between every line.

"I miss you too but it's only been a couple of days. Tell me what's wrong please."

She sighed "I went to the doctor this morning… "

His face dropped "oh, are you alright?"

She bit the inside of her lip hoping the tears she knew were completely unreasonable wouldn't come "I thought I was pregnant and I was terrified because we ain't in the right place but then when she said I'm not I was disappointed. I didn't realise how much I wanted your baby inside me."

He nodded his head "I want that too, but you're right we aren't in the right place. All in good time my love, everything happens when it's meant too" he pulled her into his lap hopeful he could kiss away her disappointment "anything else bothering you?"

She stroked a stray curl away from his forehead "No. just missing you. I might get a hotel near this way for the weekend, I wanna see you every day" his eyes lit up "Let me take care of that for you, will give me something to do later. You deserve a treat, I want to make sure it's somewhere as lovely as you deserve" her tongue plunged into his mouth, she desperately needed to feel him in any way she could.

They strolled round the grounds as part of his new exercise regime, he was already doing better. "So have you resigned yet?"

Her question floored him "Well no, I need to speak to you about that, I really don't think I can yet. I'm not ready."

She rolled her eyes, frustration building up inside her "Not ready for what exactly? A normal life? A life where you ain't gonna be packed off and shot again. I'm sorry Charles but it's the army or me. And take that sulky look off your face because that shit don't work with me after everything we've been through," he raised his eyebrows "And don't raise your eyebrows either coz I know that means you've got the hump with me and I don't care."

He had to laugh at her sermon, stopping for a break from hobbling "Sit for a minute grumpy, You didn't let me finish. I was going to say that I was looking into the possibility of training recruits. I'll never be sent to war again, my leg has more than likely ended my active service and they aren't sure if I'll ever not have a limp."

She picked up his hands, drawing circles round his knuckles "Well I suppose that's alright then, the training I mean, not the limp" they continued their walk, she was proud of his progress. He seemed so much happier already. Smurfs words hung heavy over her. She'd texted Georgie in a frantic panic after their exchange; She needed to know what happened that night.

-OG-

"It's just not possible Molly I'm telling you. He's talking shit. He's seen that tattoo somehow and as per usual he's using it to get at Charles. He'll forever be the bitter Private in his Captains shadow" Molly knocked back her third glass of wine, grateful for the invitation to spend the night with Georgie at Elvis' London home "Stop bloody fretting or I'm gonna go after him myself. You and Charles have got through the worst of it now, it's only up from here trust me, Just keep your mouth shut about it. I never left your side all night so it's not possible and if Elvis says nothing happened then nothing happened."

-OG-

The news that he'd finally gone was welcomed by both Charles and Molly "Good bloody riddance"

Brains laughed "Are you sure you won't miss him even a small bit sir?"

Charles sniggered "I can honestly say a confident NO to that Brains. He was a bad apple from the off, it's a shame he didn't have his brother's potential."

Brains knew the history between the two soldiers; he'd always known that Smurf was the biggest bullshitter but the thing with Molly was niggling at him. He had to tell the Captain the truth once and for all.

Molly missed Charles so much she could hardly keep away, choosing to spend most days driving back and forth between Headley and home. The smile on his face at a surprise visit was always priceless.

"Knock knock," she'd been surprised to see brains, the lads didn't find much opportunity to visit and when they did, they always came as a pack.

"Anyway, listen boss I'll leave yous too it. Glad to see you're on the mend, we're looking forward to some special Captain James PT sessions when you get back."

Charles nodded "Take care, and make sure those fuck muppets behave. I haven't been too impressed with some of the things I've heard."

Brains nodded in acknowledgement to Molly "Good to see you Dawsey, take care of him."

She smiled "Always"

She dropped herself hard down next to him "Molly, another surprise visit. I am a lucky man." She didn't answer "Molly what's wrong?" He knew by her face that something was troubling her.

"It's Smurf."

He nodded "I know Molly" her stomach dropped.

"You know? How do you know? Was it Brains?"

He shushed her "Brains raised a few concerns, about Smurf's fixation with you and how he'd threatened you about the tattoo. He told me everything."

She closed her eyes "I don't know how he knows"

Charles pulled her close "You should have come to me about it right away, He's been internet stalking you Molly. He saw a holiday photo and he ran away with himself. He was stupid enough to do it in front of Brains of all people" he kissed her forehead hoping to instil some calm back into her "And even if something had happened, we weren't actually together so technically it wouldn't be any of my business anyway. But we need to look at your privacy settings, keep that little bugger's prying eyes away from our business."

She breathed a sigh of relief at his calm demeanour; this was definitely a new side to Charles. More settled and secure in himself and their relationship, he finally believed she loved him more than anything.

-OG

He's spared no expense when booking the hotel. She'd been embarrassed to pull up outside in her little banger that was long overdue a wash or possibly even the scrap heap and park next to the Range Rovers and Jags. She looked around in awe at the mansion house and grand staircases and couldn't resist a sneak peek into the swimming pool. A sad feeling filled her chest, she wished Charles could enjoy this with her. "Erm, My boyfriend booked a room but I'm not sure if it's under Dawes or James" for once she didn't feel like she didn't belong here. She was just as good as anyone else.

"Here you go Ms Dawes, your key card. If you go straight into the lift, you are on the top floor. Your robes and spa passes are in the room waiting for you. Enjoy your stay" she smiled politely at the girl behind the desk wondering what the fuck she was smirking at. It's like she knew something Molly didn't.

She let herself into the penthouse suite "Fuck" she whispered into the empty room. The sweet smell of roses filled her nose as she followed the path of scattered petals and tea lights through to the bedroom. Candles and flowers littered every surface. He'd gone to so much trouble and he wasn't even here to enjoy a second of it. Tears pricked her eyes as she took it the romantic beauty in front of her, no one had ever made her feel this special.

Old insecurities reared their head as he waited for her. What if she didn't turn up? What if she didn't want to spend her life with him? He'd known for some time that he would propose soon, the timing now felt perfect.

He cleared his throat behind her as he struggled to lower himself; nerves were getting the better of him as his heart began beating so fast he thought he might pass out. She turned to the sound behind her and was met by his handsome face. "Charles what you doing here? What you doing down there?" She stepped forward to greet him, she wanted nothing more than to just hold him right now.

"Molly Dawes, my love. If it wasn't for you, I honestly don't know where I would be, you are my rock in this world, my light in dark times and most importantly the love of my life. I don't know what I did to deserve you but I want to make sure that this time we are forever. Would you do me the honour of being my wife?" She dropped to her knees in front of him and cradled his face in her hands. She kissed him deeply, everything about this moment was perfect. He was perfect and he was hers.

"I'd absolutely love to marry you" tears fell from her eyes as he slipped the sparkling pear-shaped diamond onto her finger. It was spectacular, she'd never dreamed of owning something so beautiful.

She lunged forward wrapping herself around him as they both tumbled to the floor, laughing and crying the happiest of tears.

She climbed on top of him "Well Mr James, they say there's a first time for everything."

He pulled her into his chest planting kisses on the top of her head.

"Do tell" he smirked "I think for the first time in my life I'm bloody speechless."

He laughed "I think your right! Now help your old man up, this fucking leg is trying to spoil our fun."

She pulled him to his feet, his arm wrapped firmly around his fiancée's shoulder as he limped to the bed, leaning on her for support "You look beautiful" he thrust his tongue into her mouth and she met him with an equal hunger.

"You don't look too shabby yourself."

He let out a low chuckle "even with a limp?"

"Especially with a limp, it's cute" she whispered as she nibbled his earlobe "I love every little thing about you" she run her hands up his torso as he pulled his T-shirt over his head.

"We've got one night; I don't have to be back until tomorrow" He panted as she caressed his erection.

"Best make the most of you then eh Captain handsome."

He picked up one of the stray rose petals from the bed, teasing her nipples with its silky smoothness, watching them come to life at his touch as she groaned with pleasure. She pulled off his clothes, she ached for him. Her breathe quickened as his kissed his way down her neck, her hand kneading and teasing his hardness. She pushed him to lie back as she straddled him, rocking back and forth to tease him before allowing him to be inside her. He flipped her over, ignoring the pain in his leg as he held himself above her, gazing down into her pretty eyes "Be careful Charles, mind that leg" she groaned as he devoured her neck kissing down to her breast and lower to her belly button. His hand moved between her legs, her wetness telling him she was ready for him, turning him on even more. He thrust himself inside her, enjoying the newfound freedom of his increased mobility. He'd missed being the one in control, her groans of pleasure spurring him on despite the pain he was felling. Jess would have his head on a stick tomorrow when he was fit for nothing. He moaned in pure ecstasy as he felt her muscles clench around him as she gave in to him, her climax reaching its peak as he also let himself go.

He rolled off her rather ungentlemanly, the agony he was feeling finally becoming too much. She wrapped herself around him, nuzzling her face into his neck "I love you so much" she wanted to burst with the emotion that filled her. For the first time in her life, she really knew what it felt like to be happy. She curled into his body "I can't believe all this, it's just amazing! Thank you, thank you for everything."

He could feel the happiness radiating from her "You don't need to thank me, I'm the lucky one, you make me so happy Molly. I wanted to cement things; I needed you to know just how much I love you."

She kissed his chest "I never thought that anyone would want to marry me" she turned her back to face away from him "make yourself useful and stroke my back" he did as he was asked.

"What would make you think that Molly?"

She shrugged "I dunno. Never really had a high opinion of myself, probably thanks to my twat of a Dad but I just didn't think it would happen for me. Then I go and hit the jackpot with you, I have to pinch myself sometimes."

He pulled a baffled face "Shall I let you in on a secret?" she nodded, shuddering at the feel of his long fingers tracing love hearts across her naked back.

"Don't stop stroking me though."

He laughed "Well Molly Dawes, I knew I was going to marry you the day I met you."

She turned to face him "Really? Wow."

He nuzzled his nose into her hair "You are more special than you could ever know, I wish you knew that but I'm looking forward to showing you for the rest of our lives." She didn't want this moment to end.

"This is all just perfect ain't it?" she brought herself nose to nose with him.

"You once told me you didn't do perfect Molly" she kissed the tip of his nose "I do now."