He gazed at her as she lay naked beside him admiring her hand "Wish I'd painted me
bleedin' nails now" she giggled, rolling over so their bodies become one.
"Do you like it? We can always change it if it's not what you wanted."
She kissed the darkened skin on his ribs, a lingering reminder of his many injuries "it's perfect, I'd never change it. You chose it for me and I bloody love it. I still can't believe it, it's gonna take ages to get my nut round this."
He laughed "I'm glad it was a surprise and I'm glad you like it but I'm even more glad you said bloody yes, never would have lived it down"
She left him momentarily to pour them a glass of champagne "Cheers" She clinked his glass as he spun the stem of his between his fingers. "What's is it? You don't seem too happy for someone who's just got engaged and been banged into next week.
He laughed "Such a charming way with words Dawes, I'm completely happy. Just tired and a little overwhelmed. A lot has happened in the last year, it finally feels like I'm coming out the other side."
She smiled and pulled his hand up to her lips, kissing his knuckles before lacing her finger between his "You are coming out the other side and I couldn't be prouder of you. A lesser man would have given up but you never did, you've fought tooth and nail every single day. It's my privilege to be your fiancé́." She massaged the frown lines on his forehead with her fingertip "Let's go for a swim, have you seen the size of the pool?"
"I'm not sure I can" he sighed.
"Swimming is good for your leg so get moving, I'll be there to help" He threw his head back "It's not that Molly, it's not that" she was baffled for a moment until she took in the raging rad scars littered around his body.
"Since when did we give any fucks about what other people thought of us? You're perfect and fit as bloody fuck, put your shorts on" she looked on proudly as he made just a couple of steps unaided for the first time in as long as she could remember before pain got the better and he retreated back to his crutch.
"Hope you've got a skimpy bikini Dawes to make this up to me" he bit his bottom lip at the sight of her naked body as she made her way to the shower.
"Follow me handsome" she held out her hand to him, like she did when they first met and led him to the shower. The warm water cascades around them as she examined the darkened skin and scars left from his wounds. She ran her fingers across some marks that used to be deep blisters.
"A belt" he whispered as she kissed every inch of it.
She turned him to face her, her kiss moving to every mark left behind, marks that littered his entire body "You are the most beautiful and brave man I've ever met. I'm so proud you're mine. These will fade in time I promise" he pulled her body closer to him, stumbling slightly at the protest from his leg "Can we swim then?" she whispered.
"Anything for you Molly."
His arms shook as anxiety filled his stomach, he could do this he told himself, the smile on her face was reward enough. Molly untied his robe "Ready?" He nodded, unsure as he felt that all eyes were on him, they weren't of course but the panic in his chest continued to rise. Her hand sat gently on top of his heart "Remember to breath baby" he closed his eyes inhaling the scent of her hair. She'd never let him down through this, she'd been there every step of the way; he had to do this for her.
He freed his arms from the crutches and let the robe slide off his shoulders; he was exposed for the first time. She tip toed to kiss him "I'm so proud of you" she whispered "Get yourself to the pool and I'll help you get in" ever the soldier he surveyed the area in front of him. He needed to get to the other side, where it was easier for him to access and exit.
"Will you leave our stuff in the lockers on that side?"
She senses every ounce of anxiety within him "Of course. Go slow, it will be slippery" he hobbled, exposed across the pool side, bile rising in his stomach, He was dizzy from anxiety. The reassuring hand on his back kept him going "I'm right here Charles" he dipped a toe into the warm water, discarding a crutch to hold the rail that would be his support into the pool.
Molly let him take his time; he needed to do this in his own way. He turned to face her and with a flick of his head she was by his side, he offered her the second crutch, gingerly limping his way into the pool, the tension in his muscular back slowly releasing. She wrapped her arms around his neck "You did it Charles."
He smirked at her "Just about. Big fuss about nothing eh?"
She kissed his cheek "It ain't nothing. You should be proud of yourself. Now how am I meant to swim while you're standing there looking like that? It should be illegal to be that good looking."
He chuckled at the compliment, crimson rising in his cheeks as he felt eyes nearby on him. She wrapped her arms around his neck allowing the water to carry her weight as he took her in his arms "You've got a fan club it seems but that's nothing new" she whispered as she admired the sparkling ring on her finger.
"Don't bloody lose that thing or I'll have to re-mortgage mums house to buy another one"
He enjoyed the freedom the water gave his body, the aches and pains seemed to drift away as he swam and played around with Molly, almost carefree, they felt like an ordinary couple.
His thoughts turned to Sam as he remembered their Sunday's spent swimming. Rebecca had been truly awful since she had decided she didn't like Molly after all, allowing him to see Sam only when it suited her. Sam was another person he needed to fight for, fight to get better and then fight for his rights as his dad.
"What you thinking?" Her voice seemed far away as he drifted inside his own head, deep in thought as his mind wandered into the depths of his terror. "Charles are you okay?" He could hear her but she was further away this time, the squeals from other swimmers sending him into a dark place. Molly placed her hand on his chest "Come on baby let's get you upstairs" with a shake of his head he was back with her.
"Sorry Molly, I'm okay. Sorry" she wrapped her arms around his torso, placing her head on his chest, his racing heart thumping into her ear "I think you need to rest. Arm around my shoulder let's get you out" she wrapped her arm around him to support him, his good leg shaking underneath him. He'd handled this attack well, for the first time it didn't absolutely floor him, he was learning to cope.
Charles gazed at her across the table as they toasted their engagement "Do you know how truly beautiful you are Molly Dawes?"
She blushed bright crimson "I never felt it until I met you, but you manage to make me feel special just by looking at me."
He leaned across the table picking up her newly bejewelled hand "You deserve it and I will tell you every single day for the rest of my life" she smiled, she knew she was lucky to be sitting opposite this man. Here he was, in all his handsome glory, completely hers despite her fuck ups.
"Did you ask my dad? Just wondered if I should break the news or if they already knew?"
He cleared his throat "Well we had a conversation, over the phone obviously as I can't get there. It was an experience let's just say that."
She rolled her eyes "wanker" she spat.
"Him or me?" He chuckled.
"Him obviously. I don't even wanna know, nothing is gonna spoil this for us" he leaned across the table to kiss her "I don't want to wait Molly, I want to marry you as soon as possible, how would you feel about a spring wedding?"
She still couldn't believe they were talking about getting married "I'd marry you tomorrow but I don't want you to rush things. Let's get Christmas out the way, and get you back home and settled then see where we are yeah? We should probably save as well because my dad ain't gonna contribute."
He sighed "You never need to worry about money; I want you to have the wedding of your dreams. Let's do it Molly, let's set a date" a huge smile lit up her face.
"Okay, let's do it. You'd better work hard on that leg mate" they raised a glass to a spring wedding and everything finally coming together.
"Now to tell Rebecca" he shuddered, necking the rest of his champagne.
"Yeah, good luck with that one mate, you'll need it.
-OG-
"Do you have to go? I really don't want you too" he smiled at the pile of hair on the pillow next to him, sulking Molly was buried under the covers clinging to him.
"Yes, unfortunately I really have to go. I've got a physio session and a counselling session to look forward to today. And they only agreed to the night. Best not piss them off if I want to get out of there anytime soon. I want to be home for Christmas" Christmas was just a few weeks away and although he was upset because Rebecca was conveniently taking Sam away, he would now be spending it as an engaged man.
"I've booked and paid for you to have a manicure and a massage. Make the most of the break Molly, you deserve it" he pulled the covers down to reveal her pouting face.
"Thank you baby. I'll see you tomorrow though yeah?"
He nodded, leaning forward to plant a kiss on her sulking face "Tomorrow" he started the process of warming his leg up like he had to every morning before getting out of bed. Her hands tenderly took over, moving his leg back and forth through his routine of exercises before she finished off with an attempt to work her hands up to his groin.
"Nice try Dawes" he used her straying hand to pull her on top of him, kissing every inch of her face "Now as difficult as it is to leave you here, I've really got to go. Help your old man out of bed, will you?"
She squealed with frustration, he'd never refused her sex before, she really didn't like it "I'm holding your crutches hostage until you give me what I want" she moved them to the far side of the room, knowing they were out of reach of the limited steps he could take without them.
"Very funny Dawes. Would you really want me to risk further injury by making me do without them?"
She shook her head "Well there won't be further injury because you are gonna make love to me and then I'll get them for you" he got to his feet, taking the few steps he could manage before the weakness got to him, he used the bed for support to gingerly take a few more steps, wincing as he came to a holt.
"Okay, alright spoilsport. You win" she put his arms through the loops and tip toed to kiss him "I'm sorry, I was only playing."
He smiled at her "God I love you, tiny person" he pulled her close, holding her tightly like his life depended on it "Shower, Now!" He demanded.
She skipped ahead of him saluting, "yes sir!"
-OG-
Rebecca rolled her eyes at the clunking of his crutches coming into the room behind her "All that fuss about seeing Sam and then when I bring him in you don't have the decency to even be here."
He sighed at her presence "Good morning to you too Rebecca. Maybe if you'd have let me know I could have given you my schedule. Hello Scamp" Sam threw his arms around his dad "I missed you Dad" Charles roughed his curls "I missed you too. You're getting so tall!"
Sam giggled "I think I'm taller than Molly."
He nodded "That's highly likely Sam. Speaking of Molly, I have some news for you. I asked her if she would marry me and she said yes" he hadn't planned on dropping the bomb just like that but he felt the urge to piss Rebecca off, and by the scowl on her face it had worked.
"That's good Dad, I like the way Molly looks after you. Can you walk yet? When can we play rugby again?"
He took a few steps to the bed "I'm getting there, son, that's as far as I can go by myself but I'm getting better every day. We'll be back on the field by the summer I promise."
Rebecca sniggered "Don't make promises you can't keep Charles"
Charles was relieved to see Jess; you could cut the tension with a knife "Jess this is my son Sam. Can he help you put me through my paces today?"
She held out her hand to Sam "Nice to meet you Sam, I've heard a lot about you! You ready to work your dad hard? He'd been slacking."
Sam nodded hesitantly "I don't have to hurt him, do I?"
Jess laughed "ah don't worry about him, He's a big tough soldier. His exercises do cause him discomfort but it's the only way to get him better. Ready then?"
Rebecca watched them go, the tears that threatened since his announcement now trickling down her face. She'd really lost him; he really did belong to someone else.
-OG-
"Molly dear I think everything is just perfect. Do try to calm down before you give yourself a Julius as you'd say. He'll just be happy to be coming home to you" Beth was helping Molly put the finishing touches to the apartment Molly had rented for them. She wanted something all on one level and she'd fallen in love with a 2-bedroom apartment just a few minutes' walk from Royal Crescent. Charles was finally being discharged from Headley and had made significant progress with both his PTSD and his leg; he was ready to come home.
"I just need everything in place so that when he gets here, he falls in love with it as much as I have. And he doesn't bollock me for signing us up to a flat and not telling him."
Beth squeezed her hand "If you are happy, he'll be happy. They'll be here anytime now, Elvis had to make a few stops so he could stretch his leg" Molly's stomach was full of butterflies. It had been 4 days since she'd seen him, blaming her shift pattern but she'd been secretly decorating their very first home and with Christmas just days away, she'd gone massively over the top "It looks a bit like Santa's grotto, don't it?" She laughed as Beth fussed with the Christmas tree.
The doorbell rang and she could hear Charles and Elvis' chatter through the open window "Who lives here? Come on mate I just want to get home to Molly."
She pulled the front door open "Surprise!"
He was baffled "Molly, what are you doing here?" She held out her hand as Elvis ushered him forward.
"Welcome Home" she was smiling from ear to ear.
"Home? As in our home?" She nodded nervously as he looked around the hallway "It's perfect" she threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I've got a surprise for you too" he nodded towards his booted leg "Just 1 crutch, I can walk."
She jumped up and down in delight "I'm so proud of you Charlie. You have no idea, I'm so pleased."
Elvis cleared his throat "He's still to take it easy though, no being a bellend and over doing it. He still needs two sticks if he's walking for longer than 10 minutes, and he's to use at least one crutch until they tell him otherwise, Jess' orders."
Charles rolled his eyes "Thanks Doctor Elvis. And thanks for the lift."
Beth handed out Champagne to toast the new Home "Here's to the happy couple and your new home. I'm so proud of you both, the last few months have been testing and you've come through the other side like the fighters you both are" she raised her glass "Charles and Molly and many more happy occasions. Christ knows you both deserve it."
Tears burned in Molly's eyes "Thanks Beth, I couldn't have done it without you" Beth smiled warmly as she watched Molly show him round their new home. The last few years had been tough on Charles, it still hurt her heart to see him limping around all these months later but he was finally on the mend and finally happy.
"Right Charles, I think you should sit for a while now, you've had a long day."
He kissed his mother's cheek "Stop worrying Mum" he flashed her the charming smile she knew brought women to their knees, she hadn't seen it for a long time, the light in his eyes was finally back.
"Do you need a hug Mrs James?" Elvis wrapped his arm around Beth's shoulders, he knew she was emotional at the thought of letting him go again after everything she seen him through over the last few years, but even though he hadn't been on board with Molly the second time round even he could see that they were blissfully happy.
"I'll always take a hug from you Elvis my love. Thank you for everything you do for him, you my boy are an amazing friend to my Charles."
He kissed her cheek "Come here you soppy mare. Let's leave these love birds too it shall we? I'm going to treat my favourite second mum to dinner"
Charles settled onto the sofa as he watched her faff with baubles on the massive Christmas tree that stood in the bay window "It's perfect Molly, everything is perfect. Sit with me please and relax."
She turned to face him, the light dancing across his face from the open fire highlighted his tired eyes "Why don't we get to bed? You look done in baby."
He nodded "I am, and sore now" he leaned forward to free his leg from the prison that was his space boot "Come on hop along" she laced her fingers through his, happy to be able to hold his hand "I definitely like this 1 crutch business."
He smirked as she squeezed his hand "Me too but hurts like hell. I have a lot of work to do to build it back up again, I need to be walking by the wedding."
Her smile was ear to ear "I get so excited every time someone mentions it. And you will be, don't start pressuring yourself"
He laughed at the sight of the bed "How much did you spend on bloody cushions Molly? What is it with women and cushions?" He laughed hysterically.
"Oi fuck muppet I actually bought extra cushion for your bloody leg. Now bloody lay down you're limping more than ever."
"Nurse Molly, Relax please, I'm not made of glass and I'm limping more because the boot is off. Please trust that I know how to look after myself and return to fiancé mode immediately" his tone was clipped.
"Okay, sorry I just worry."
His shoulders were tense with frustration "I'm sorry. I'm just anxious, you know what with it being time to go to bed."
She nodded "Whatever happens, we'll deal with it" He wrapped himself around her "I've missed this so much."
She snuggled her body into his "I've definitely missed it too. Bedtime just ain't the same without your big spoon. Now get some sleep I'm bloody knackered."
The anxiety in his chest was rising "Molly what if... "
"If you dream then just remember that it's not real and I'm here. Hold me tight Charles" and he did. He held on tight as he drifted into a peaceful sleep safe in the knowledge that he was finally where he needed to be.
She woke the next morning to the smell of bacon, pancakes and coffee. She padded through to the kitchen to the sight of him cooking and the sound of him singing to the radio. She couldn't help but fall totally and utterly in love with him all over again as she watched him move around their home. She wrapped her arms around his torso; he was filling out and regaining the weight he'd lost in hospital. She inhaled the fresh smell of his shower gel.
"What's that soppy look for Dawes?" He kissed the top of her head.
"I just really, really love you. And it's nice to see you on your feet, but where's your bloody crutch."
He squeezed her "I'm okay. Stop bloody fussing."
She punched his arm "You can get as shitty as you want but you haven't even been home 24 hours yet and you're already going against what they've said. Give it a rest."
"I've been leaning and sitting so you give it a rest" they caught each other gaze and laughed hysterically.
"Just bloody use it" she added finally as her served her breakfast, winching as he sat with his own "I rest my case... dickhead."
"I need to pop to the shops today to get some last-minute bits for Sam and the bleeders, do you wanna join me or do you wanna rest here?"
I was a no brainer for him "I want to be wherever you are Dawes. And there's no need to worry about Sam. I've got him covered. Rebecca has ordered that we don't spoil him too much."
Molly rolled her eyes "Rebecca can kiss my arse, Christmas in our house is none of her business" she spat.
"What's the plan for Christmas?" he shuddered at the thought of their fateful first and last Christmas together.
"Your mum invited us for dinner and to be honest I think it's best because I really can't bloody cook. Plus, she's been really emotional at the thought of you moving back out so we should visit as much as we can until she's used to you being gone again."
"Bloody hell I'm only 2 minutes away" he laughed.
"Yeah well, she's used to you being dependent on her so don't be a sod."
He slapped her bum as she cleared the plates "Okay James, I see you've woken up a cheeky bugger today! Bed now, I'm gonna wipe that smirk right off your handsome face… "
-OG-
Beth smiled from the window of Royal Crescent as they approached. "Merry Christmas dear" Martin James placed a gentle hand on his wife's shoulder "I hope you got everything your heart desires for Christmas."
She smiled warmly "Everything my heart desired is happening in front of our very eyes. Look at that smile Richard, our boy is finally happy. A little more work to get him fully functioning with that leg and he's done it and we have Molly to thank for all of it."
He nodded in agreement "I'm looking forward to getting to know her"
"Charles my boy, Merry Christmas to you. You're looking well son. Come in now out of the cold, take the weight off" he saw his son to the nearest seat.
"Thanks dad and Merry Christmas."
Martin pulled Molly into a hug "Merry Christmas dear, how was the walk with this hop along? Slow I bet? I'm looking forward to spending some time with the lovely lady who's brought the sunshine back to my boy."
Molly was exhausted just listening to him as he plodded off to the kitchen for drinks "Is he pissed?"
Charles laughed hysterically "More than likely, its 5 o'clock somewhere, right?"
He was tired from the walk but slowly he was regaining a little bit more strength "No getting shit faced alright Charles, your painkillers are too strong and I ain't dealing with vomit today."
He nodded in agreement "You have a drink and enjoy yourself, I'm more than happy to stay sober. Plus, I don't fancy ice skating back home on crutches whilst pissed."
Molly giggled "Now that I'd pay to see Charlie" she wrapped her arms around him, snuggling her head into his chest. A few months ago, she'd never have dreamt they'd be this happy; all she needed for Christmas was him.
The term eat, drink and be merry was something that Martin was fully embracing today. He'd kept them suitably entertained with endless shots and tales of Charles' teenage years, much to the annoyance of Beth. It made Molly sad to think that her dad was probably also pissed but instead of making his family laugh was no doubt giving them hell. She pulled out her phone to the disappointment of not even a thank you for the hampers and presents she had express couriered the day before. Charles sensed her sadness as she stroked her thumb across her screen saver of her youngest siblings.
"If this is too much then just say, They'll understand" tears threatened at his acknowledgement of her pain.
"I'll be okay, just hope the kids are having as nice as day as what I am."
He kissed her sweetly "I'm sure they will be. I've got your present still. Do you want it yet?" She had refused to open presents when they woke this morning, she was so used to getting nothing it had become a sore point for her each Christmas.
"After dinner, and can we do it in private?"
He nodded whilst his hand gently crept up her thigh "Of course, that's not all I'm going to give you in private trust me Dawes"
Molly opened the velvet gift box to a small diamond encrusted pendent "It's an angel Molly, because you my love were heaven sent to me. If ever you doubt your place in my life as I know you sometimes have, just look at this to remind yourself that you are my world, my angel" her heart swelled with love for him, they'd had the most perfect Christmas she'd never imagined possible with her track record of Christmas.
"Here's to many more amazing Christmas' together. Thank you Charles. Thank you for everything."