The soldier at the door sent shivers down her spine "Can I help you?" She vaguely recognised Major Beck from his visits to Charles in Birmingham.
"Is Charles in? Sorry I mean Captain James" she nodded and showed him through.
"He's just through here resting, can I get you something to drink?" Charles looked delighted to see him.
"That would be lovely. A coffee thanks, and don't worry, I'm not fussy like old Jamesey here" her stomach dropped as she made her way to the kitchen. She knew why he was here and she wasn't going to let it happen. She busied herself in the garden whilst the old friends spent hours talking, It wasn't a good sign. He was nowhere near ready to go back to work in any capacity, she knew once he went back the lure would be too much, He would go away again.
"Nice to meet you Molly, and congratulations on the engagement" Major Beck called from the back door.
She made her way inside to find Charles "What was that about? Do they want you back?" Her face was ashen.
"He has asked if I would accept a temporary desk job. They are short and he said he'd make it worth my while."
She sighed "You not even walking unaided yet Charles, It's too much too soon" he hated the worry in her face.
"Look it wouldn't be anything to worry about, it's a desk job in the barracks and I haven't said yes anyway, obviously I wanted to speak to you first. Nothing would happen to me you, have my word" she bit her bottom lip to try and stem the tears.
"Please don't go."
He pulled her into his arms "Molly don't cry. Please I never want to see you upset but you've known all along what my job is. I won't be on sick leave forever."
Anger built inside her at his casualness towards it "Are you bloody forgetting everything you've been through? Everything we've bloody been through? Does that boot on your foot mean nothing? The crutches in the corner? The scars on your bloody body? Being left half fucking disabled?"
He was angry at her over reaction "Molly for Christ's sake how could I forget? I'm the one who went through it remember. I'll never forget."
She regretted hurting him but she needed him to know how she was feeling "Please don't go. You can't go."
He sighed with his head in his hands "This is a complete over reaction Molly."
She didn't care "It's them or me I told you that before."
"I'm going for a walk" he said as he climbed to his feet, "I might be awhile, considering I'm half disabled and all that."
She watched him go from the window, how could he even consider it? He'd lost so much of his life because of the army; she'd never support a decision that involved him going back.
"You have to think of it from her point of view Charles, she's only ever seen the negative side of your career. And you need to consider what she's given up for you, her home and job she loved in Birmingham for example. She works some god awful hours on that agency, it can't be easy. Really think this through before you decide, you don't want to end up losing her, do you?"
He shook his head as Beth spoke "No of course I don't want to lose her, she just reminded me so much of Rebecca at that moment, I had to get out."
She gasped "Charles James wash your mouth out, now there are two women who you could never compare. She loves you and she wants you safe and well that's all."
He considered himself well and truly chastised "Mum… what do you think I should do?"
Beth looked at his face staring back at her, childlike and lost "Oh Charles if I'm honest I'd be happy to never see you in that uniform again. Especially when I look at that leg and watch you take 3 days to make it down the road. Not to mention what goes on in here" she gentle tapped his forehead before pulling him into a hug "But I know you, and I know you are a soldier through and through and it won't matter what anyone says, you'll do what you need to do and that's okay. You just need to talk to her; she will understand eventually. Well, I hope so anyway for your sake because I certainly wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of Miss Molly." He chuckled
"Now back on your sticks and get yourself home. Stop hiding here like you did with Rebecca" he pulled himself to his feet.
"Mum…" she smiled to herself as she rinsed their coffee cups, she had her boy back "can I get a lift please. Took me bloody ages to get here."
-OG-
Flowers under his arm, Charles returned home to find her naked, freshly showered and beautiful. He sat down on the bed where she applied her make-up, watching her as she watched him. He leaned down to free himself from his space boot, her hands quickly finishing the job for him as she swung him round to rest his leg on her mountain of cushions. "Even when your pissed off at me, you still look after me better than anyone else" he wanted to pull her close and end this.
"Always, because I love you and that doesn't stop because we had words and you stormed out like a brat. And plus got to get my money's worth out of them bleedin' cushions ain't I."
He flicked his head towards the flowers "For you! I'm sorry I walked out; it wasn't very mature of me."
She picked them up to smell them "Thank you. I'm sorry for what I said too, I didn't mean to hurt you but I won't change my mind about the army."
He sighed "Molly please…" she cut him off.
"No there's nothing else to discuss Charles. I'm gonna get you an ice pack because you've got some swelling and then I'm going to finish getting ready to go out. Bella is coming down we're gonna go for dinner and a few drinks. You need to rest that leg so I'm not gonna invite you along."
It hurt him that she didn't want him by her side "You mean you don't want me there?"
She leaned forward, brushing her lips softly against his "No, I mean I want you to rest, like I said."
He nodded "You will come back won't you?" The words were like a knife to her gut.
"Of course, I'll be back. Let's not let a silly argument turn into something it's not yeah? I love you and I'm not going anywhere, ever." He nodded, shifting uncomfortably "Why don't you get your rugby mates rounds? There's beer in the fridge you could make a night of it?"
"I'll see. Feeling tired and sore after my walk"
His eyes followed her every move as she slipped a black dress over her head, tight and clinging to every curve "You look beautiful."
She smiled at him as she slipped her engagement ring back onto her finger "all yours baby."
He smiled to himself, ashamed of his earlier insecurities. She piled her long dark locks into a messy bun, pulling out a few tendrils to frame her face "Are you going to be alright while I'm gone? You seem uncomfortable."
He nodded "I'll be fine, you have fun with your sister" he gazed at the perfection before him as she slipped her slender legs into her heels.
"If you need me make sure you call me, please. No silly business, I won't be far. Your dinner is in the fridge do you want me to warm it before I go?" He shook his head "Stop worrying and go, let me know you're safe, won't you? And say hi to Bella for me."
She excitedly kissed his lips "Don't wait up handsome."
"About bloody time, I've been standing here like a tit for ages waiting like some kinda lady of the night or something."
Molly pulled her into a hug "Shut up and come here, I've missed you so bloody much!" They held each other.
"I've missed you too. Been dyin' to see you but dad's been a wanker as usual, he thinks I'm staying at a mate's."
Molly rolled her eyes "Nothing changes there then."
Bella grabbed Molly's hand "Fuckin' hell girl you're blingin' these days, I knew he was loaded but that's something else. Can't wait to see your place."
Molly giggled "Come on let's not keep the cab waiting, let's drink"
Two double vodkas later and Molly was already flying "So how is Charlie boy then? Still gorgeous? Still crippled?"
Molly felt a pang of guilt in her chest "He's getting there; it's a slow process he's had a lot to deal with at once. But we're getting there. I'm just gonna ring him, I won't be a minute" Bella rolled her eyes and she downed the last of her drink.
The phone rang for far longer than she was comfortable with before he picked up
"Charles?"
"Molly?"
"You ok? Did I wake you?"
"I'm ok yes, and no you didn't wake me. My phone was in the kitchen."
"Oh I'm sorry to disturb you… I miss you"
"I miss you more, are you having fun?"
Her heart sank at the sound of him wincing in pain.
"Should I come home? You're in pain"
"No, absolutely not! I've taken painkillers and I'm going to bed".
She could hear the frustration in his voice and couldn't help but take it personally.
"Ok, I won't be long. I love you"
He hung up without saying a word.
"Listen Bells I think I should go home, he's still not 100% and this is the first time he's been alone since…"
Bella snorted "No way Mols, I didn't come all his way to be home before midnight. Get a round in tight arse."
Molly was conflicted. She knew he needed her home; it was too much for him but she rarely saw her sister and felt she owed her a good time. She knew he had a jealous streak and that was understandable after Smurf and Rebecca but she was sacrificing every part of her life. She wouldn't be the one who paid for Rebecca's mistakes.
He settled onto the sofa. Definitely over did the walking today he thought as he iced his aching limb. He understood now why Jess' instructions had been so strict. He wasn't used to Molly drunk, she'd become such a homebody although probably not through choice, their circumstances, or his circumstances he reminded himself had led to them living a very quiet life. His injuries never allowing for much, he'd had to make it up to her before they got married. Let her get any wildness out of her system despite the fact he was jealous at the thought of other men looking at her.
He'd tried to sleep but the noise in his head was deafening, he was still coping with it, dealing with it as it came and doing his best to push it away but sometimes it was so loud it was blinding. Of course, tonight had to be one of those nights.
"Sssh your bloody noise, you'll wake Charles" Molly held her finger up to her lips whilst she swayed under the influence of a few too many vodkas.
"I didn't bleedin' say anything Mol" Molly toppled as Bella took charge of the keys.
"No, I was shushing me weren't I. Makin' all that bloody noise."
Bella flicked on the lights "wow this defo ain't something you'd find round our neck of the woods; can I stay forever?"
Molly giggled "No you bloody can't, I've got a poorly bloke to look after can't be looking after you and all. Help yourself to whatever, I need to see him."
The sight of him was sobering; he'd been suffering whilst she was gone. His bedside table was littered with different painkillers and his sleeping tablets, his expression pained as he clung to her pillow. Guilt filled her belly as she sat down next to him, stroking away the strain in his face. His eyes flickered open momentarily but the lure of medicated sleep pulled him away again. A faint smile crossed his lips, he knew she was home. She rearranged the cushions that lived at the end of the bed, their sole purpose to keep him comfortable. She straightened and raised his leg to winches of pain in his sleep "Sorry baby" she whispered as she kissed his cheek, making him comfortable again and wrapping him up warm "I love you" he let a sigh as his arm stretched across her side to pull her close.
His eyes sprung open to the feel of an empty, cold bed "It's ok, I'm here" His heart was racing as he pulled her close.
"I thought you'd gone" he confessed; guilt filled her gut.
"I'm here Charlie. Get some rest, sleep off the tablets. You've taken a hell of a lot" he kissed her hand as Bella peered round the door.
"Is he ok?" She mouthed; Molly had never seen Bella look so concerned for anyone. She nodded and followed her to the kitchen.
"It's been hard going Bels I ain't gonna lie" Bella pushed a plate of toast towards her.
"I didn't know it was that bad, you never told me."
She shrugged her shoulders "there was no point, it's something we have to learn to live with until he's better."
Bella squeezed her hand "When I get home tomorrow, I'm gonna tell Dad to get over himself and we're gonna sort this family out once and for all yeah? We've missed too much of each other's lives."
Molly nodded "Good luck yeah. I'm gonna hit my pit. Sam's room is ready for you" The sisters wandered down the hall together, hand in hand.
"I love you Mol. I'm glad you've got him."
She smiled "Me too. Love you." She crawled into the space that was reserved only for her, the gentle sound of Charles' steady breaths sending her into a peaceful sleep.
She woke to the thud of a sweaty Charles gracefully throwing himself down next to her "Come on sleepyhead, we've been waiting for you. I've even been for my walk."
She say bolt upright "You're over doing it muppet" she scrambled through her bedside drawer for headache tablets.
"Here you go, and a Lucozade."
She giggled "I knew there was a reason why I was keeping you. Get your bloody leg up before I kill you."
He laughed "It's ok, I didn't go far, and I had company."
Bella poked her head round the door "felt sorry for him, didn't I? Having to go all the way to the shop on his sticks for his madam of a fiancée and her Lucozade demands. Although I'm glad it ain't me who has to live with such demands anymore."
With a belly full of sugar Molly was ready for them now "Alright you pair of pisstakers, as you're so bloody clever the two of you can make a start on the breakfast. Cheeky buggers"
He ran his thumb across her cheekbone, one night out had felt like a lifetime to him "Let me treat you both to breakfast at the Tea Rooms. You need something decent in your stomach, I can only imagine how much alcohol you inhaled and to be honest you're not the best cook" he chuckled as she swatted his hand away from her face.
"Well, you are a cheeky wanker today, right you can piss right off now, cough up the credit card before you do."
He laughed as he tossed her his card "I'll see you later" he climbed to his feet before kissing her goodbye.
"Why ain't you coming?"
"I've got counselling later so I'm going to rest before that. Tired myself out for that Lucozade" he spat his tongue out as he left the room whilst being assaulted by cushions. "Dawes, behave yourself" he sniggered as he hobbled down the hallway. "And you mini-Dawes"
Bella spat her tongue out at him as she made her way to Molly "He's so fucking fit, has he got a brother? Or even a cousin?"
Molly giggled "Sorry mate. They broke the mould when they made him, and he's all mine."
He watched as the girls strolled down the garden path. The nagging pain in his leg was ever present as he moved through the house, making his way to Molly's sanctuary that was the garden. He'd never in a million years have her down as the gardening type but she enjoyed making it look pretty. He'd become obsessed with his rehab, the count down to the wedding was on and he was determined to be back on his feet. He walked lap after lap of the garden, so many laps that his hands were now numb from cold around his crutch handles. He knew full well he was disobeying Jess' instructions by over doing it but he didn't care. He needed to do this, he had to rid himself of this reminder.
"Oi dickhead" He heard her before he saw her raging down the garden path "What the fuck are you doing Charles?"
he rage exuding from her made him chuckle "Calm down Molly, I'm just exercising…"
she cut him off "You've been for a walk today and by the looks of your red nose and cheeks you've been out here since I left which is fucking ages because I've eaten and taken Bella back to the station. Get inside and put your feet up before I really lose it" He did as he was told, moving as quickly as he could so not to anger her anymore. She unstrapped his boot and rested his feet on the footstool.
"Look Molly you need to stop this."
Her green eyes were alighted with annoyance "Stop what? Stop looking after you? Stop following your physio's instructions? You're pushing yourself too much and it's going to end in disaster Charles."
"I'm not a baby Molly, I'm a grown man and I need to do this. This whole thing has been completely emasculating."
She rolled her eyes "Stop talking shit Charles and stop overdoing it. Or I'll postpone the wedding and then you'll have no choice but to slow down."
He shook his head "You just don't understand" her face was bright red with anger "Ok then, I don't understand. I haven't been with you through all this, I know bloody nothing. Piss of Charles I ain't Rebecca and I ain't going to sit back and let you fuck up your recovery. I care too much for that" She made her way to the kitchen to make a coffee, her stomach full of guilt for losing her temper with him but he had to learn to stop pushing.
-OG-
"So, I was thinking, I want to get married by the bandstand. You know by the lake where we've been walking. It's perfect and the spring flowers will be in, it's perfect Charles" Molly was lost in a pile of bridal magazines and the planner that Beth had bought her.
"Okay Bridezilla, I'd marry you in a car park you know that" she was beaming from ear to ear "So if that's a yes then I kinda already booked it and we're getting married in 6 weeks."
Panic filled him "I'm still not rid of that fucking crutch Molly, I refuse to get married with it."
She snuggled herself into his lap "It doesn't matter to me Charles, I just wanna marry you."
He sighed "It matters to me; it really matters to me."
She stroked his cheek "Please Charles. 6 weeks is plenty of time if you follow your program and rest. I have every confidence you'll do it."
He nodded "6 weeks it is then."
She giggled and jumped up in excitement "I'm so excited, I can't even tell you how happy you've made me" she almost skipped with excitement "Right you, you're to rest while I'm out. And I will know if you pace that bleedin' garden so don't even think about it. I've got a few wedding bits to do with your mum then I'll be home."
He saluted his happy fiancée "Yes Boss!"
The doorbell woke him from his latest nightmare, great timing he thought to himself as he slowly climbed to his feet.
"Have you forgotten your keys again beautiful?" He pulled the front door open "Rebecca?"
She gave him a shy smile "Charles" neither of them broke the awkward silence between them.
"Is everything alright? Is Sam alright?"
She nodded "Can I come in?" With a flick of the head, he invited her in, pointing her in the direction of the living room.
"Do you want something to drink?" She nodded
"You sit Charles, I'll make us a coffee" She nosed round the kitchen, picking up he numerous frames from the sideboard. They looked so happy, he was happier with Molly than he'd ever been with her, the smile on his face and the warmth in his eyes in every picture was the giveaway. He never looked at her the way her did Molly. A common little tart she thought. She couldn't understand what a man of his social standing saw in a loudmouth little cockney like her.
He appeared behind her "Molly loves a photo" his voice startled her.
"So, I can see" he sat himself at the kitchen table.
"So, what is all his Rebecca? I take it this isn't a social call?"
She placed the coffee in front of him "You know that this is going to break Sam's heart, don't you?"
He looked at her baffled "I think it's quite the opposite actually Bec, he adores her. They've get on great with each other."
She raised her eyebrows "It's going to break my heart Charles, please come home. I promise you things can be different; we can be happy again. We could have another baby."
He shook his head "Rebecca you can't do this. We've been split up a long time. Sam has settled, I've moved on and you should too. We can be civil and make this work but we can never have this conversation again, I'm getting married in 6 weeks."
Tears slipped down her cheeks "Rebecca please don't cry. I'm absolutely dumbfounded by this. You told me a long time ago you didn't love me, what's changed?"
She stared into her coffee "Everything changed Charles. Nearly losing you to those people, it changed everything for me. I couldn't stand the thought of never seeing you again, or our son growing up without the amazing man that you are in his life. It changed me inside and I need you as much as Sam does."
He went to speak but she carried on before he could say anything, "look take some time to think about things, I'll even give you time to let Molly down gently but just come home to us Charles. If not for me then for Sam. I'll take care of you and love you the way I always should have done."
The front door swung open "I'm home muppet. If I find you in that garden, I'm gonna…" she stopped dead in her tracks when she spotted Rebecca "Oh hi" the tension between them could be cut with a knife.
"Hi" Rebecca finished her coffee, her eyes not leaving Charles' "Think about it" she said as she climbed to her feet "Bye Molly" she pushed passed her.
"Bye you ignorant bitch" Molly spat as the front door slammed "What was that all about?" As he sat with his head in his hands.
"Nothing Molly. Just discussing Sam that's all" she placed her hands on his shoulders, wrapping herself around him as she kissed his neck.
"Is he ok?" Charles nodded "Fine yeah. Nothing to worry about."
She couldn't help but feel hurt "Why am I the stranger all of a sudden Charles?"
"What?"
"It's like I've come into someone else's house. You two sitting there all cosy, now you don't want to talk about it. What's it all about?"
He rolled his eyes "It's nothing for you to worry about Molly. It's just Sam stuff" tears pricked in her eyes.
"Oh yeah, I forgot, I'm just the stepmother. None of my concern, is it? Apart from when she wants me to pick him up and drop him here there and everywhere. Or when I must cancel my plans because she decided she wants a weekend away and it's convenient for us to take Sam. I can be part of it then but only when it suits eh?" She made for the front door.
"Where are you going?" He called after her "Don't fucking worry about it" he limped after her as she fumbled with her shoes "Molly don't walk out please. I didn't mean to make you feel like hired help. I'm sorry."
The small woman sat in front of him was his world, she'd been everything to him since she came back into his life and Rebecca threatened everything they had. He sat next to her on the sulk step "Am I forgiven?" She ignored him "Come on you can't be mad at me I'm injured" he smirked, bumping her shoulder.
"Can't use that one forever you know that don't you?" She wrapped her arms around him "You made me feel like an outsider in my own home."
He kissed her head "And for that I'm sorry my love. You are the most important person in my life. You and Sam are my world you know that. I'm sorry"
She gave into his puppy dog eyes "Suppose I'll forgive you. If you'll agree to have the reception in a tepee?"
He snorted a laugh "A tent Molly? A fucking tent?"
She giggled "a giant tent."
He shook his head in mock horror "If we must, so a bandstand and a tent?"
She nodded "completely different to your wedding with that stuck up cow."
He sighed "Is this really what you want or are you just trying to have the total opposite of my previous wedding?" He'd noticed that she regularly looked through the wedding album Beth had kept. She felt he looked too handsome to just throw the photos away. Molly always had a look of awe of her face when she looked at them, once again Rebecca had found a way to interfere without even trying.
"Looks Charles I'm not a church person, and I definitely ain't into them posh halls and all that shit so I want something where people, including me feel comfortable. I've researched it and found a company and I really like what they have to offer. It's going to be like a rustic, shabby chic feel."
He chuckled "I have no idea what that means but I'll take your word for it and let you crack on with whatever your heart desires."
She squirted in delight "Lucky for me then coz I'd already booked that too."
He pulled her into his lap "You Dawes are a cheeky mare."
She kissed his deeply "But I'm your cheeky mare."
He nodded "Yes beautiful. Yes, you are."
-OG-
Rebecca had used Sam as a spy, he'd mentioned that Molly was working the whole weekend so he and Charles would be flying solo. Charles was also on strict rest with his leg as he'd taken a tumble on one of his obsessive garden walks and twisted his knee. With just 2 weeks to go before the wedding, he was skating on thin ice with Molly. She nervously waited at the door as she rang the bell.
"Scamp could you see who's there through the window please? If it's someone you know then answer it, it not they can come back another day."
He peeped through the blinds "It's Mum."
Charles sighed, "best let her in then."
She stood nervously before him, much like she had when they first met. He'd been a real ladies' man; she'd always been cocksure of herself but with him she was different. "I thought I'd bring you boys some dinner as Molly is working and I know you've done yourself a mischief" she nodded toward his heavily strapped knee.
"We've actually just ordered pizza but thanks anyway. We can save it for tomorrow."
She took in the handsomeness of him. He was unshaven and his hair slightly longer than usual, more than likely saving his fortnightly haircut for closer to the wedding.
"Are you Okay?" She asked him shyly.
"I'll be fine, just got to keep off it. Not that I was doing much anyway but I'm off it until the wedding. Obviously, it means I'm not much help to Molly when she could really do with it."
Sam did the unspeakable and used the opportunity to slide the iPad unnoticed off the coffee table and sneak to his bedroom. "Did you think about what I said?" She played with her fingers, staring at a spot on the floor so as not to look at him.
"Rebecca, you know I love Molly. We've been split up a long time now and I'm sorry you feel this way I really am. But I love Molly and we're getting married and that's all I have to say. Your invite to the wedding still stands but if you cause any trouble then I can't be responsible for what Molly or my mother have to say about it."
She stood up so quickly she startled him "Fine. You want to choose some cheap, cockney tart over your wife then be my guest. Don't come crying to me when she shags some low life who's better suited to her."
He sniggered "Like you did you mean? Actually, I've changed my mind about your invite, burn it. You are not welcome. See yourself out."
She turned to face him one last time "You'll regret marrying you bit of rough eventually. Once she's served her purpose and nurses you back to health, you'll piss off to the next war zone and forget all about her."
He got to his feet, remembering to hop and lean because Christ knows Molly would kill him if any further mishap occurred.
"That's where your wrong actually. I'm coming out of the army Rebecca; I'm coming out for her and for Sam and the children that we will have. She's enough. You never were."
He looked up to see Molly standing in the doorway, "I wanna know what's going on here, once and for all. One of you better start talking" Charles ran his hands through his hair; this was the last thing either of them needed. The two women glared at each other.
"Rebecca you've got a big gob, why don't you enlighten me?" She thought for a moment before she spoke, taking her last opportunity to cause havoc before she had to accept that she'd lost her power.
"You mean Charles didn't tell you? About our little chats?"
Molly rolled her eyes "Spit it out muppet."
Rebecca chuckled "Well Molly, let's just say I don't think you are good enough for him or my son. I want my husband to come home to me" Molly held her gaze, the hairs on the back of Charles neck stood on edge. He'd never make it over there fast enough to stop Molly clumping her one, maybe she deserved it but the last thing they needed was Molly spending anytime in a police cell.
Molly stepped forward, she wanted to be nose to nose with her but Rebecca was too tall "It's a god job then Rebecca that I have zero fucks to give about you or your opinion of me. What have you made of your life? One ex-husband who can't stand you and would rather be shot at by terrorist than spend a second longer than he had to in your company and a son who would rather spend his time here because you can't pull your head out your arsehole long enough to realise, he ain't happy with you either. I've got a man who loves me and a career to be proud of. More than you'll ever have and if I didn't love that boy of yours so much, I'd be pasting you down my driveway right now, so take your bad attitude and your bleached teeth and piss of out of my house. If I find you in here again, I'll put you out myself, got it?" Rebecca shoved past her flustered and bright red. She'd never been good at confrontation, not unless it was Charles.
The fury in her face was evident as she kicked off her shoes. Normally neat Molly left them exactly where they'd landed as she ignored him and made her way to the kitchen. "We've ordered pizza so don't worry about cooking" he said almost sheepishly. She didn't answer, she gazed out of the kitchen window trying to let the anger go so she didn't argue with him. It wasn't his fault his ex-wife was a devious bitch. She caught his concerned reflection in the window.
"Just piss off Charles and leave me alone" he hobbled into the sitting room deciding it was the safer option to do as she'd instructed. Sam reappeared with the iPad and a guilty smirk "Where did you get too?" Charles demanded.
"Erm I needed to FaceTime my friend. Where's mum?" Charles sat with his head in his hands "Are you ok Dad? Is it your leg?"
He nodded "Yep. Could you ask Molly if she would mind passing me some painkillers. And why don't you give her a big cuddle, she's worked a long day and a cuddle is always nice" Sam nodded and did asked.
"Hi Molly" he wrapped his arms around her; he was definitely as tall as her these days.
"Hi mate. You, okay?"
He nodded "Yep I'm fine. We missed you and Dad wants his painkillers, his leg is hurting again. He's asked you to get them because he still thinks I'm a baby."
She smiled "he just wants to keep you safe that's all. And these caps are a bugger to open" the doorbell signalled that it was finally dinner time "I'll get itttt" Sam sang as he ran down the hallway.
She sat beside him, thrusting the painkillers into his hand as he watched her from the corner of his eye. It was only a matter of time before the inevitable explosion came. She was waiting for Sam to go to bed but he knew he was in for it.
"Right Scamp, time for bed please. I'll be through in a minute to say goodnight."
Sam rolled his eyes "I'm too old to be tucked in now Dad."
Charles laughed "Okay then big man then I bid you goodnight and see you in the morning."
Sam ruffled his dad's hair on the way by "Goodnight Molly. Love you."
She smiled "Love you too mate. Sleep well."
He pulled her hand into his "I'm sorry Molly."
"What exactly are you sorry for? Keeping it from me? Her insulting me, which bit?"
He could hear the strain in her voice as she tried to stop herself from crying "I'm sorry for all of it. Please don't let anything she said get into your head. We've come too far to let this affect us. And as for keeping it from you I'm sorry, I didn't want to add to your stress. What with the wedding and me being stupid and doing this to myself you have enough on you plate. I'm a shit fiancée at the moment and it was the only thing I could do to try and ease something for you, I was wrong I know that now" he pulled her into his lap "Am I forgiven?" He gave her his best pout and puppy dog eyes.
"I suppose. Only because you're so bloody cute" she nuzzled into his neck.
"I have one wedding request Molly."
She raised an eyebrow "Oh?"
He turned her to face him "I'd like to pick the song we dance too. If that's okay with you? I'd like it to be a surprise" a megawatt smile lit up her face.
"Ok, I suppose I can trust you with that you sentimental bugger. Now let's get to bed, I'm shattered and I need sex."
He smirked "Mrs James to be, you've got yourself a deal."