I do not own the show, I just wish I did.

Rating if you can watch the show you should be okay but M to be on the safe side.

Thank you as always to Debbie and Steph for editing this and to everyone who has reviewed.

This is part two of the Christmas/Festive period update where Molly is about to experience a very difficult and emotional shift – who will she go to for support?

Molly sighed as she walked towards the door to her ward. To say she was stuffed was an understatement. She was actually considering going back home on her break to hunt out her maternity trousers as she'd eaten that much for dinner.

Anna James knew how to do Christmas. The house was magical, Sam was completely mesmerised and in awe as soon as he had walked into lounge. As for the dinner, god that woman can cook, and Molly knew she should have stopped long before she did. That said Anna James had sent her to work with enough turkey sandwiches to feed the entire ward.

She walked slowly down the corridor and waved over to Jasmine and wished her a Merry Christmas. She left her stuff in her locker and walked over to the nurse's station, to catch up with what was happening with the patients as well as general hospital gossip.

She had only been on shift an hour when Kate walked through the ward doors and Molly had to do a double take to make sure she wasn't seeing things.

"What the hell are you doing here, it's Christmas night, you're supposed to be off?" Molly asked as Kate came over to her.

"I volunteered to be on call," Kate smiled "Especially when I learned that Nick had invited his parents to dinner. Have I told you how much I hate that woman?"

"Only a few hundred times," Molly smiled.

"Well her and Chloe are dangerous together, Nick created this situation, so I have left them to it. Besides I wanted to check on a patient."

"All are continuing to respond well to treatment," Molly said as her phone beeped.

"A call of distress from Charles?" smirked Kate as started flicking through charts.

Molly laughed "apparently Sam is so tired that he fell asleep without a story."

"Are we talking about the same child?"

"Very funny. As long as he hasn't run into or broken anything, that's all I'm worried about," Molly laughed "One wrong turn in the James' house and I'll be in debt for the rest of my life."

"How did today go with his parents?" Kate asked as she sat down beside Molly.

"They spoilt Sam, which I expected," Molly said rolling her eyes. "Charles was a bit down this morning, his leg was annoying him first thing, but it's eased now. But Kate, his mother really knows how to do Christmas!"

"House like a grotto?"

"Magical if I am honest and as for dinner, I may need my maternity scrubs!"

"Oh god, that good!" Kate laughed.

"She wouldn't let me help with anything and insisted on feeding me up. Her words not mine!" Molly smiled "She even sent me into work with enough turkey sandwiches to feed the five thousand."

"She did come across as a nice kind caring woman," Kate smiled "If you don't mind me asking but where are the sandwiches? I hardly had any dinner I was biting my tongue that much."

"In the fridge in the staff room, help yourself," Molly said as the phone at the nurse's station started to ring "Better get that."

Kate went and helped herself to a few of the sandwiches and came out of the staff room back to where Molly was sitting. One look and she knew that the phone call had not been good news.

"What is it?" Kate asked quickly finishing her sandwich.

"That was the emergency department looking for a bed for a patient who had a seizure at home," Molly explained "It's Marie."

"Oh shit."

Marie was a frequent patient on their ward. She was the same age as Molly and her little girl was a year younger than Sam. They had connected instantly with both of them being single mothers until Marie had met her now boyfriend. Everything had been going great until she had been diagnosed with a brain tumour that would just not go away. Kate had performed several operations and carried out every form of treatment, but nothing worked.

"They've sent her for a scan and then sending her straight here," Molly sighed as she looked at Kate who nodded her head.

"I better text Nick and tell him I'm going to be a while," Kate sighed as she reached for her phone.

Molly glanced at her phone, another text from Charles asking how her shift was going. Her reply was short and to the point.

'Shit.'

By the time Molly's shift was finishing the results of the tests on Marie had come through. Kate had gone home for a few hours before her proper shift started. She came and headed straight for Molly and lifted the results.

"How is she?"

"Heavily sedated. I sent her family home not long after you left," Molly said as she stood and stretched.

Kate looked at Molly and sighed, and in that moment, Molly knew that the news was not good.

OGOGOGOG

Molly took a deep breath as she walked up the pathway to Charles' house and knocked on the door. It was just after eight in the morning and she hoped that someone was up to let her in. The door opened a second later and she was met with Sam running full speed towards her still dressed in his pyjamas.

A Sam super cuddle was just what she needed so she held him just a little longer and tighter than she normally would. She barely understood what he was saying to her as he was talking so fast, all she really made out was dad and rugby before she saw Charles approach them.

Charles frowned slightly, he could tell by the look in her eyes that something had upset her, especially after her last text last night. He whispered, "Are you okay?"

She shook her head slightly indicating no.

"Sam," Charles said quietly "I think it's time for your breakfast," he said as he ruffled Sam's hair and smiled as he let go of Molly. As Sam made his way to the kitchen Charles grabbed Molly's hand and led her to the dining table.

Molly smiled and whispered that she would tell him later as she followed Sam into the kitchen. This time it was a full English breakfast that awaited her, and her eyes bulged.

"Perfect timing Molly!" Anna smiled "I thought you would be hungry after working all night."

"Ah, you really didn't have to," Molly replied slightly stunned at the amount of food on the table.

"Of course I had too, you've been working hard all night," Anna said as she all but pushed Molly towards a chair. "Charles, Molly's coat? Goodness where are your manners."

Sam giggled as Molly bit her lip at the shocked expression on Charles' face as he did as he was told.

"Thank you for the sandwiches Anna, they were our midnight feast on the ward," Molly said as she continued to stare at the breakfast that awaited her.

"I'm glad," Anna smiled as Charles came back into the kitchen and sat down beside Molly.

"Did you really eat them or are you pretending you did?" he whispered in Molly's ear.

"I had one," Molly replied quietly "But Kate really enjoyed them."

Charles smirked as Anna dished out the food, Sam's eyes were like saucers.

"This is tradition Molly," Anna explained "When these two," she said pointing at Archie and Charles "go to the rugby they have to have a good breakfast because they get so enraptured in the game they forget to eat. Don't want Sam to be hungry, now do we?"

"No," Molly smiled and then turned to Charles "Enraptured in the game or in the pub for a few pints afterwards."

"Guilty as charged," Charles whispered back "Not that we will be doing that today with Sam with us."

"Of course not," Molly smirked. This was just what she needed after one of the longest and hardest night shifts of her career.

OGOGOGOGOGOG

The next few days brought a mix of emotions for Molly. In the week between Christmas and New Year, Molly had a few days off which she spent with Charles and Sam doing things together like a family. She decided that as it was still the festive season, she kept Sam out of nursery much to Charles's delight.

Sam had never shown any interest in football, but rugby was a different story entirely. He had talked non-stop about going to see the rugby with daddy and pops (his nick-name for Archie, pops were easier to say grandpa), so much so that they had taken him to a second game and she was beginning to think Charles was serious about buying him an England rugby shirt.

Charles had joined Molly in taking Sam swimming, watched a matinee together in the local cinema and the best day was the day trip to Bristol Zoo Gardens. Despite the cold they still had fun and introduced Sam to the many animals, as well as the warming wonders of hot chocolate.

They were the good and happy memories.

The bad ones were mainly at work. Marie's' condition had deteriorated rapidly, and Molly had been put in charge of her end of life care. Every time she left Marie's hospital room she couldn't help but think what if that had been her? They had both faced the same battles in life, how could Molly be the lucky one? She tried to shake her thoughts and leave them behind her when she finished work.

Every day she hugged Sam a little bit longer and told him that she loved him. She was so thankful for having Charles in their lives, his support never wavered. She was constantly amazed at how close he and Sam had become, like two peas in a pod and partners in crime. They had already developed a secret handshake, there was a time she probably would've been jealous of how close they had become, but now she was nothing but delighted.

Anna and Archie had gone to their house in Lake Garda for New Year, so it was easier for her to invite Charles to stay over at hers on New Years' Eve. Not that he would've put up any argument he was just happy to be spending it with them, and he was even happier when she asked him if he would like to have Sam for a weekend whilst she went on Jac's hen do. He replied yes on the condition that she let her hair down and enjoy every single second of it.

She had come from work the previous day to find dinner ready and waiting for her, in a way it felt like a proper family dinner just three of them. They had bathed Sam, put him bed together so it felt strange when Charles had said goodnight and left.

He was always telling her how much he loved her, but she was very much aware that she was yet to say the same back. She was still scared that things could go wrong but one thing she was sure of was that Charles would always be there for Sam. She knew she was in love with him but saying it to him was a different matter, she just thought she'd feel vulnerable if she did.

The plan for New Year's Eve had been simple. Her shift finished at 8pm, she'd pick up a Chinese on the way home and together the three of them would sit to watch the fireworks from all over the world before heading out to watch the local firework display. That had been the plan until Storm George made an appearance. Heavy rain and gale force wind had been forecasted with a weather warning already issued for flooding. Charles had been texting updates to her all day and together they ditched the idea of take out with Charles buying in party food from the supermarket instead.

Right now though, that was the least of Molly's concerns.

Marie had taken a turn overnight and Kate had spoken with the family to tell them now was the time to say goodbye. It had been a long and difficult shift when Kate came to stand beside her. Both of them were leaning against the nurse's desk looking at Marie's hospital room when a thought crossed Molly's mind.

"Charles's room. Marie is in what was Charles' room," Molly said suddenly out of nowhere.

"If only we could have had the same outcome," Kate said sadly. "I hate to do this Molly, but Jasmine just rang in. She is on her way, but she has had to change route due to roads being flooded in this storm so she will be a bit late. Are you okay to stay on a bit later? I know you had plans for later."

"I can stay," Molly said quietly "I've been here with her since she was first admitted. It only seems right that I am here at the end."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, beside Charles just texted me, the fireworks are cancelled due to the weather. We are going to curl up on the sofa and watch the London ones on the telly instead."

Kate smiled "I have to go; I am supposed to be hosting a party. Dr Gettings is on, he's more than competent to handle this anyway."

"Go," Molly said turning "Have a great night and happy new year Kate!"

"You too Molly," Kate smiled as she embraced her friend and colleague "Happy new year!"

Molly watched as Kate went in and said her goodbyes to Marie's family and friends. She took a breath and quickly text Charles to let her know what was happening.

She was there when Marie died a short time later and she was the one who sat with the family afterwards.

Jasmine had arrived only half an hour late, but Molly stayed to be with the family and she text Charles when she was leaving just after ten.

'Okay, be careful. Love you xxx' was his heartfelt reply that couldn't help but warm her heart and make her think of how lucky she was.

The short drive home didn't take very long, most people were probably being sensible and staying in due to the weather. How she had remained calm was a mystery to her. She looked at her small house and saw the light on downstairs. She smiled; in that moment she knew that everything she wanted in her life was in that room.

She was only outside for a matter of moments and she was already soaked to the skin as she dug around in her bag for her keys.

Moments later she was in the hallway and the sight in front of her melted her heart. There was Charles sitting on the sofa, feet on the coffee table with Sam curled up in a ball around him fast asleep. He looked up at the sound of the door to see her standing there, rewarding her with a loving smile.

"Is he…" Molly asked quietly as she walked into the room looking at her son.

"Out for the count," Charles smiled "There is no chance of him seeing fireworks tonight."

Molly smiled as she wiped her eyes, hoping the rain water would hide her tears.

"Molly what's wrong?" Charles asked, he could sense that something was wrong the second she walked into the room.

"I just want to see him for a second, make sure he is okay," Molly said as she came and knelt down beside him and stroked Sam's cheek and gave him a kiss. She briefly closed her eyes and savoured the moment.

She got up and looked at Charles and whispered "Marie."

He took her hand and kissed it, knowing exactly how she was feeling. "Go and take your coat off and dry off while I put Sam to bed."

"Your leg?"

"I can manage," he replied smiling "Besides he is as light as a feather. I'll be right back, and you can tell me all about it, trust me you need to talk not bottle up your emotions.

Molly silently nodded as Charles picked up Sam to carry him up the stairs. She took her coat off and left her bag where she had dropped it. She walked into the kitchen and saw the party food all laid out ready to be eaten. What had she done to deserve someone like him? She heard the floorboards creak as he came down the stairs, as she headed towards the fridge and straight for the wine.

She had the bottle in her hand but hadn't actually poured it when he walked into the room dressed casually in a blue check shirt and dark jeans. His hair was the unruly mess it usually was after a day of looking after Sam in that moment she thought he'd never looked as handsome

"Molly I am so sorry," Charles said as he opened his arms and she was immediately in them. The tears that she'd been holding back all-night burst through. She was sobbing openly and unashamedly, and he was there, soothing her by rubbing her back and whispering in her ear.

She could feel herself moving, through no attempt by her and then she was on the sofa, still in his arms, still in his embrace. Why did she ever doubt him? Why did she doubt what they had? He loved her, she loved him and they both loved Sam. What was holding her back? Nothing.

"I love you" she gently whispered to him.

He couldn't quite hear her between the sobs, and he moved slightly so that he could see her face. "Sorry?"

"I love you. You are always telling me how you feel about me, about us, I don't," Molly said as she wiped her face with the sleeve of her hoodie. "I love you and I love what we have."

"I love you too Molly, more than you will ever know," Charles said as he kissed her forehead and went to kiss her on the lips only for her to pull back slightly.

"I need to say this Charles, I don't say it enough not as much as you do, but I do love you and what we have here, right now. I don't want to lose that, and I don't want to do anything to jeopardise it, but life is too short. I think back over the past year and so much has happened, good and bad. You came back into our lives and I am grateful for that," Molly rambled "But we nearly lost you, I nearly lost you without you ever knowing how I really feel. Marie had just found happiness and now it was all taken away from her, that's not fair."

"I know it's not," Charles said as he wiped away a tear on her cheek.

"I am tired of worrying, being scared of what's going to happen next. I sat and watched Marie die tonight and I couldn't help but think what if that were me?"

"Molly don't think that please," He pleaded.

"Life's too short, Charles. I want to live it to the full and have fun. I want to be the cool fun mum rather than the worrier I've become, and you are helping me every day." Molly smiled "And…I'm tired of waiting out."

"What do you mean Molly?" Charles asked as he tried to process what she was telling him. Was this Molly's way of saying that she wanted to be together properly?

"I love you Major Charles James and I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

"And I love you Molly Dawes more than anything in this world."

He reached over to cup her face in his hands and slowly, softly kissed her lips.

"I love you," Molly whispered as Charles nodded his head as he tried to take in everything that Molly had just told him.

She loved him and wanted to be with him. Words that he had been wanting to hear her tell him for a very long time. She was in his arms having just told each other of their love for each other and how short and precious life is. Maybe it was all of the emotions of the day finally catching up with them, the fact that their son was fast asleep in his bed, the sound of the rain hitting the window, but one-minute Molly was sitting facing Charles and the next she was back on his lap. Their lips urgently meeting in what Molly thought had to be one of the most passionate and emotional kisses she had ever had in her entire life.

The emotion and pain of today, the last few years had gone. He was here and he loved her.

All Charles could feel was Molly wrapped up in his arms; he could smell her lavender conditioner and feel her hands as they caressed his back. It felt like home and he wanted it to last forever. As the kiss deepened his body started to react to having her so close.

For Molly the feel of Charles' lips on hers, his hands on her back felt so good… for the first time since that magical night years ago she finally felt alive as heat coursed through her body, she could feel him pulling her closer to him, and she smiled as she felt his arousal pressed up against her.

Charles' hand found her hair and released it from the messy ponytail, he grabbed her hair and tugged on it as his lips sucked on that spot on her neck… they both moaned in unison as their bodies started moving against each other and they both knew that they needed to be much closer…

Charles pulled back and stared at her face. Her lips were swollen from their kisses and she was panting "Molly," he whispered asking her for more.

"Please Charles, please," Molly whispered back as she stood up and reached for his hand. He took it and they walked to and up the stairs in silence towards Molly's room. Stopping briefly acknowledging the soft snores coming from Sam's bedroom.

The second they entered her room the door was closed, and they were kissing again and moving slowly towards the bed. "are you sure Molly?" Charles whispered, he needed to be certain that this was what she wanted.

"I'm sure, never been surer," Molly smiled as she joined Charles in trying to remove their clothes. Her hoodie went first followed by Charles sweater, then her scrub top and his shirt. Charles had removed her trousers all while Molly was struggling to remove his belt.

His hands were instantly probing her entrance whilst Molly struggled with his belt.

After a torturous few minutes the belt finally co-operated and she was unzipping his trousers, quickly removing them along with his boxer shorts.

"Molly," Charles moaned as he sucked on her neck, as they fell on to her bed. One hand was tangled in her hair, the other still probing her entrance as he gently placed two fingers inside her and his thumb circling her clit, causing her to moan quietly. The last thing either wanted was to wake Sam.

Molly quickly reached out and caressed down his chest, across his abdomen and then gently over his member. Quietly and gently they changed positions and Molly was in charge.

"Molly please…" It was suddenly not enough for him that he had his fingers inside of her, he needed to be inside her, he needed more than anything to feel her tight walls clenching around him.

Molly sighed as she slowly lifted herself over him and let go of the breath that she had been holding as she felt his hands on her hips guiding her downwards. She looked down and watched as she lowered herself on to him, watching the joy on his face which she was sure mirrored her own.

They continued to move together slowly, gently. The only sound was their moans of pleasure as the rain continued to lash the windows, somehow adding to the moment. She had never felt so loved, so cherished, so wanted.

"I'm close," he whispered as she tightened around him

"Me too," she whispered as he kissed her

"Come for me Molly, please…" Charles whispered back as he continued to move within her whilst kissing and caressing her body, he didn't have to say anything further as he felt her orgasm rush over her. He kissed her to drown out her cry of pleasure wanting this moment to last forever as he quickly changed position and entered her again

He pulled her even closer, almost dizzy in his need for her and groaned at her whispered pleas. As Molly came for a second time, Charles kissed her as he thrust into her one last time and emptied himself inside of her.

OGOGOGOGOGOGOG

"You're still here," Charles smirked as he felt Molly stir beside him.

"Well it is my bed," Molly grinned as she moved closer to him, as she reached over and kissed him on the lips. "Have you been awake long?" she asked as she lay her head on his chest listening and feeling his heart beating.

"Only a few moments, I think the storm is finally starting to die down," Charles replied smiling as he stroked her hair. "I have no idea what time it is, but Happy New Year Molly!"

"Happy New Year," She smiled back as she stroked his chest.

"I've dreamt of this moment," Charles said quietly as he turned slightly on to his side so he could look at her. "You have no idea how long I've dreamt of waking up with you in my arms sweetheart."

"Ditto," she smiled.

"I pour my heart out and all I get is ditto!" he smirked.

"You know what I mean."

"I do."

"I could stay here forever," Molly smiled "I have never felt like this before."

"This?" Charles questioned

"Loved, wanted."

"I'll love and adore you for always Molly and I'll always want you," Charles vowed. "How about we promise each other right here, right now, we will be always be open and honest with each other no matter how we feel. No secrets? We'll always be there for each other and for Sam." Charles said as he took her hand and kissed it.

"Promise."

"Promise," Charles whispered again as he pulled her back into his arms. "Now let's get some sleep."

So what do you think?

The final few chapters will be posted very soon!