Hi everyone,

Thank you for your interest and reviews. x

Spent some lovely time with my family.

Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 48

The Shower Scene

1000 – Hereford, UK

"Georgie…are ya sure you'll be OK drivin luv?" Grace anxiously asked, checking to make certain she had everything she needed in her handbag.

"Mum ….. yes!" Georgie drawled as she slowly walked down the stairs. Elvis was stood in the doorway from the kitchen sipping a brew, trying to conceal his amusement. "Do ya want to drive?" Georgie asked Grace as she reached ground level.

"Elvis' car? Absolutely not! Besides, I don't know my way around." Grace said zipping her handbag closed.

"Do ya fancy I drive you ladies?" Elvis asked, sauntering into the lounge.

"It's girl's day out luv." Georgie said cheerily picking up the car keys.

"Ahhh…..at's right. No sense me tailin along." he teased.

"You have work to do here." Guilia said entering the room, tying an apron behind her back.

"What are you doing?" Georgie asked as her mouth fell open.

"Getting some things done in the kitchen,"

"I put the dishes in the washer, ya really should come with us." Georgie said.

Guilia smiled warmly and approached her daughter-in-law, kissing her on the cheek "You need some special time with your mama. This means loads to her." Georgie smiled and returned the kiss. "Besides, someone has to watch out for this one." Guilia said tilting her head towards Elvis. His brows instantly shot up.

"Not fair play ma. I am outnumbered 'ere."

"Let that be a lesson to ya." Grace said, and the women laughed.

"I was always a quick learner." Elvis smoothly responded, eliciting a groan from Georgie to which he chuckled into his mug of tea.

"If it's any consolation, you will be missed." Georgie said tipping up on her toes to kiss him.

"Love ya." he said leaning into her lips. "Be safe."

"Always." she said. "I really wish you would come." she turned and looked at Giulia.

"It's fine Georgie. Really. I want to make lasagna, have something special for dinner today."

"Smells like something is in the oven already." Georgie said sniffing the air with satisfaction.

"Oi! 'At's me, thank you. I threw somethin together for the boys." Elvis said.

"Hmmmm… well whatever it is, save some would ya, yeah?" Georgie said.

"Anythin for you darlin." he said, kissing her again. "Go on, 'ave fun."

She grinned and shouldered her handbag strap. "Ready mum?"

"Right behind ya Georgie." Grace said, eyeing Elvis and Guilia, then winking as she followed Georgie out the front door.

Elvis and his mum could hear the two chattering on their way to the car. He looked at his watch. "All guests should be 'ere by half past."

"I'm going to finish the lasagna, then get the decorations out." Guilia said excitedly and hurried into the kitchen.

Elvis downed the remainder of his brew and walked through the patio doors out into the conservatory. It was a beautiful day. The sky was clear and blue. He knew this day would mean a lot to Georgie and so meant a lot to him as well. He was pleased to be able to have friends and family together in their new home and he was looking forward to seeing Nonna.

Xxxxx

1230 –

Georgie turned a corner and spied a dark blue sedan making the turn as well, two cars back. Was that not the same car she saw when they left the baby shop? She squinted her eyes at the rear view mirror hoping to make out the face of the driver.

"Georgie? Are you OK?" Grace asked, watching her daughter intently.

"Yeah mum."

Grace looked at the passenger side view mirror wondering what Georgie was seemingly concerned about. "Is there a problem Georgie?"

"No. No problem mum, why?"

"You're acting like someone is following us." Grace said, hoping her words were not true.

"I thought I saw someone I know, but I'm mistaken. It's nothin mum."

Grace sighed as her phone pinged a message. She swiped the screen and smiled, trying to downplay her reaction.

"Who is it mum?" Georgie asked looking at her, then into the mirror again.

"Oh it's your father wanting to know how things are going." Grace lied. Actually it was Marie texting that everyone was at the cottage and awaiting their arrival. Grace texted back they would be there by one o'clock.

"Mum, I just want to stop here to pick up a greeting card." Georgie said turning her signal light on and watching to see of the blue car did as well.

"Alright Georgie, but then let's get home, I'm getting hungry."

"Hungry? Ya fancy stopping for a bite?" Georgie asked.

"I'd rather fancy whatever it was Elvis was makin." Grace said sheepishly.

Georgie laughed. "It did smell good didn't it?"

Xxxxx

"They will be here around one." Marie announced, beaming and pacing through the conservatory.

"I can't believe we're pulling this off." Lulu said.

"Is she comin then? Nan Audrey said. "Where is she?"

"They will be here in twenty minutes Nan." Marie said soothingly.

"I love the nappie cake Molly." Elena said gently touching a blue flower intermingled between the diapers.

Molly laughed. "Elvis said Georgie wanted nappies."

"It is a practical request." Nonna Sofia said joining the two.

"And that would be Georgie." Molly said.

"The house smells wonderful!" Toni said with her nose in the air.

"I hope you enjoy." Guilia said, smiling.

"If Elvis took after you, I am certain I will. His pasta is to die for." Toni said.

Nonna Sofia's smile erupted a myriad of wrinkles on her face. "My Guilia is a good cook, but Elvis takes after his Nonno. My Paolo taught him the sauce."

"If Elvis ever decides to leave the army he could sell it." Toni said.

"Georgie wants to grow tomatoes. Perhaps he will can some. He has that shed now." Guilia said.

"Si…si! He could do that. Our men used to can in the garage. That is how Elvis learned. It was our tradition." Nonna said.

"I for one will be waiting in the driveway." Toni said.

"Maybe I could get Charles down here….." Molly said thoughtfully.

"And Frankie." Marie chimed in.

"What's this all about?" Nan Audrey asked, looking at Marie.

"Jarring tomatoes Nan."

With an air of pride Audrey said, "I have done jams and the like."

"What berries do you put up best?" Nonna asked as both elders proceeded to find a seat inside the conservatory.

"Thank you for renting the chairs Toni. It was a massive help." Marie said.

"My pleasure ma'am."

"So how do you know Georgie and Elvis?" Marie asked.

"I have been in Hereford for some time as marital arts and close combat instructor. I had met Elvis following his injury in Manchester when he was assigned here to assist with canine training. Once he formally transferred to SAS training we became mates and when Georgie came on board, well that's it."

"So you work at the Garrison?" Marie dug further.

"Affirmative." Tonie replied.

"Do ya recall a Frank Stiles?" Marie asked, fidgeting with a lock of hair.

Toni studied her. "Why do you ask?"

"He's my boyfriend and he attempted Selection." Marie said.

"I see." Was all Toni offered.

"He's in Syria at the moment, but due home next week." Marie went on as both women walked side by side through the garden.

"Are you married Toni?" Marie asked.

"Not yet." Toni chuckled. "I am engaged however, to Spanner."

"One of Elvis' lads."

"That's right."

"Georgie always told me not to go out with a soldier." Marie said with a smirk, wondering what this Toni's thoughts were.

"She was just trying to protect you. Some blokes have a girl in every port, so to say…..and there's the risk of losing them. That has to be the ultimate risk you accept."

Marie slowly nodded her understanding. She witnessed what Georgie went through with Elvis and knew her sister and Elvis' love was unshakeable. Marie knew deep in her heart if Fingers ever proposed to her, she would say yes. Her phone pinged and Toni took note.

"Is it your mum?"

Marie swiped the screen. "Yeah. They're on the way. Elena! They're comin!"

The women scrambled into the conservatory to await the guest of honor's arrival.

Xxxxx

1310 –

"It's such a beautiful day Georgie." Grace said, almost unable to sit still.

"It is. I love that we got to spend time together."

"Ahhhh, me as well luv! Remember when ya would come home on leave and us girls would spend a day in the shops?"

"And have lunch!" Georgie added happily. "I love that baby jumper ya bought."

"It is precious isn't it?" Grace said.

As Georgie turned into the driveway she noticed an SUV that looked familiar but she could not see the license plates. Spanner's car was there and Marco's white van. She assumed Elvis had recruited someone else from the Forces to help. As she was about to exit the car, that blue sedan rolled by and she froze, tracking it with her eyes. The driver parked nearby and Georgie wiggled herself out of the car and abruptly turned to take a hard gander. She blew out a relieved sigh when she saw Jackson emerge.

"Georgie are you alright?" Grace asked, moving around to the driver's side.

"Yeah mum."

"Hey Georgie! Mrs. Lane." Jackson said as he walked up the driveway. Georgie gave him a hard look.

"New car?" she asked.

He never took his eyes from her. "Affirmative. Picked it up yesterday. What do ya reckon?"

"It's nice, yeah. Elvis didn't mention ya got a new one."

"Why would he?"

"Yeah, you're right, yeah." Elvis had her tailed she thought to herself.

"Need some help?" Jackson asked waiting at the boot.

"That would be nice, thank you." Georgie replied. At the moment she absolutely wanted an explanation from Elvis.

"We're home!" She called out as she, Grace and Jackson entered the cottage. Elvis walked out of his study to greet them.

"Good shoppin?" he asked as he took Georgie into his arms for a kiss.

"Hmmmm." she murmured, deciding to put her concern on the back burner for now. "We had a lovely time." she said instead.

"Just put those over here." Grace instructed Jackson.

"Yes ma'am."

"Aren't ya thirsty Georgie? I'll get us something cold to drink." Grace said, slipping away into the kitchen.

"Glad ya could make it mate, the lads are down in the cellar setting up some shelving. Next plan is the front garden." Elvis said.

"Sounds good." Jackson said as Elvis pressed a hand on his shoulder, silently thanking him for looking our for Georgie. She noticed and bit down on her lower lip. She was about to pipe up and say something to Elvis until her mum appeared, ushering her into the kitchen. Elvis followed, diverting her path to the conservatory. Georgie gasped when she saw the room full of people….her family and friends.

"Surprise!" Came the crushing blare of female voices. Georgie startled and leaned back against Elvis.

"Oh my God! she stuttered, a hand covering her gaping mouth. "What is this?" she exclaimed.

"Your baby shower Georgie!" Grace said, taking her by an arm and leading her into the center of activity. She furtively glanced back at Elvis and grinned. This is what it was about. Georgie's smile was infectious and everyone in the room was affected. Nonna Sofia approached her and placed her hands on each side of her face, kissing her cheeks.

"My Nipotina." she said lovingly.

"Heyyy G!" Molly said, moving in to hug her mate.

"Mollyyyyy!" Oh my God!" Georgie exclaimed.

Marie and Lulu surrounded her, each taking a turn to hug and kiss their sister. "You surely have a boy in there." Lulu observed without censure.

"Think so?" Georgie laughed.

"I am so excited for ya Georgie." Marie said sincerely.

"Thank you." Georgie said, kissing her sister's cheeks. "Elena!" Georgie gasped as her sister-in-law approached.

"So good to see you ….again." Elena whispered in her ear.

Grace walked Nan Audrey over. "Georgie! There's my girl!" Audrey said, reaching to hug her.

"Nan! Oh, so good to see you!" Georgie happily pointed an accusing finger at her mother. Grace immediately hugged her close to her side. "You planned this." Georgie said.

"I did, as well as your sisters. Were ya surprised?" Grace asked, squeezing her closer still.

"Almost weed my knickers mum." Georgie answered, wiping a joyful tear from her eye. They both laughed.

"Oh you!" Grace gushed.

"That's why Guilia stayed back." Georgie whispered to her.

"That's right luv, but she did make lasagna." Grace said rubbing her hands together and cueing Marie.

The middle Lane walked self-assuredly up to Georgie and faced the guests. "Welcome everyone and thank you for making this a special day for Georgie. Not only is she my big sister, but she is my best friend." she glanced back, hoping Georgie felt the same. The past was the past and despite the heartache that surrounded Marie's actions following the failed first wedding to Elvis, there was harmony between the two sister now. All was well. Georgie smiled and the kindness in that smile reassured Marie. "I have a little nephew on the way and we want to welcome him with loads of love." Marie went on.

"And gifts!" Nan Audrey shouted.

"That too Nan." Marie said, wide-eyed, and the group chuckled.

Georgie caught Elvis' eye as he briefly was stood near the patio doors. He tossed her a subtle kiss and she touched her cheek to indicate it found it's mark. He flashed her a grin and quietly walked away. No one else noticed.

Xxxxx

Georgie's eyes took in the entire room. "Awwww." she murmured when she saw the blue metallic balloons that spelled out oh baby. It impressed her that this all came together unbeknownst to her. Marie grabbed her arm and led her to the table scape. Georgie barked out a laugh when she spied the nappie cake. "It's almost too nice to dismantle." she said.

"That's from Molly." Marie informed.

"I love it!"

The sight of the baby boy napkins on the table caused a reflexive hand to clutch her chest. It was all coming together and it was coming together quickly. She saw the apple pie that Nan Audrey surely made and the Italian pastries from Nonna Sofia. It was a celebration of family and Georgie tucked hair behind her ears as she noticed her mum and Guilia bringing large pans of food in from the kitchen. The aroma was enticing. She watched as Guilia placed serving utensils alongside the foil-covered pans.

"It wasn't for the lads was it?" Georgie asked, coming up beside her.

"Of course it wasn't." Guilia answered with a smile reminding Georgie so much of Elvis.

"Thank you so much." Georgie said leaning in for a hug.

"Alright. We are ready to serve the luncheon ladies. Following we will commence with some games and gifting." Marie announced.

Toni tilted her beer bottle back for a hefty swig. She had never attended a baby shower before and was thoroughly intrigued. She and Molly partnered up for conversation foremost being all the of the activities that were about to take place.

Xxxxx

"You could set up a proper wine cellar down here." Jackson said.

"Yeah. I thought about 'at." Elvis said. "Need to check out the temperature ranges."

They both looked at each other as they heard a muffled din exploding above them.

"What in bloody hell goes on during a baby shower?" Spanner asked.

Elvis gave him a deadpan stare. "Ya expect me to answer 'at?"

"They play games." Geno said.

"Games?" The three men asked in unison.

"Yeah, Gena hosted one for her sister."

"Ah hell, why don't they just go to the Pub and throw darts?" Jackson said.

"You 'ave any darts Elvis?" Spanner asked.

"Not at the moment."

"I can smell your mama's lasagna…" Marco moaned.

"There's chianti up there as well." Geno said.

"Females first." Elvis ordered.

"Cugino! What if there's nothing left?" Geno bleated.

Elvis' mouth gaped incredulously. "Er's two pans of lasagna mate."

"Yeah….but they may be hungry." Geno replied.

All of the men laid eyes on Elvis.

"Reckon we should do recon?" Spanner asked with a grin.

Xxxxx

1930 –

"Wow George. Ya got loads of stuff!" Elvis said appraising the conservatory with hands on his hips.

"I know! Everyone was so generous."

"Ya got one of those stroller/pram things."

"Uh, huh, that's from my mum and sisters."

Elvis moved in to study it closer. "Really nice. It can convert into wha'ever ya need."

"Exactly. Elvis, look at these tiny booties." she said holding them up in front of her face. He had dealt with such thing before and smiled warmly at Georgie's excitement. "We have a wash tub and little towels." she added. Elvis' smile became broader as he reached for a stuffed rabbit and began to toy with it's ears. "Can I ask ya something?" Georgie said, placing the booties aside.

"Of course." he answered, tilting the ears like an insect's antennae.

"Did you have Jackson follow me?"

Elvis' hands abruptly stopped as his eyes met hers. "Indeed."

"And why did you?"

"Close protection."

"Close protection!?" she fired back. "Why? I thought we already discussed this."

"We did discuss it." Elvis said approaching her with slow strides, still holding the toy rabbit.

"And the discussion simply went out the window, yeah?"

"Nah. 'At's not it at all." he said, making the rabbit wave at her. Georgie's eyes darted from the toy to Elvis' face.

"Go on." she said.

"Once Forensics closes the file, I will as well. It ain't 'appened yet."

"Is this something I need to be worrying about?" she asked, her eyes almost pleading with him.

"Let me worry about it. You just need to be aware."

"Yeah. I am aware my husband is mad." She said with subtle sarcasm.

"At's right! I am madly in love with you. Listen in, we will be takin a little trip next week…..you and me." He said, kissing her temple.

"You, me, and your surveillance team." she said, looking up at him with a lop-sided smile. The feathery breath of Elvis' exhaled laugh tickled against her skin as he pulled her closer.

"They are bein acknowledged as well." He said.

"I know they are, but not like you." She said as he moved in behind her, wrapping his arms around her and inhaling the fragrant scent of her hair. Georgie leaned back against him as both sets of hands came to rest on her bump.

"Before ya know it, our little boy will be runnin out there chasin puppies." Elvis said as they both gazed through the conservatory windows.

"It's the perfect garden for our family." She said thoughtfully, enjoying the warmth of his body behind her. "You'll be out there chasing right alongside him." She said interlacing her fingers with his.

"Yeah, ya may be right 'ere." He said, rubbing his chin along the top of her head. "He given ya any indication he's ready yet?"

"Nope….not yet….." she answered with a smile filled with love. "It he's anything like you, he'll make sure it's a surprise."