He nudged the door to his land rover shut with his hip, one hand holding his keys and the other holding his rucksack from work. It had been a dull day at barracks, dealing with what Molly would call a 'shit tonne' of paperwork and Beck begging him to last minute volunteer as a replacement CO for a training exercise in Scotland the next weekend. He had tried numerous times to tell the Brigadier and long time friend that he couldn't do it- Molly was already attending and even though as a Major he wouldn't come into contact with her, they had strict rules in their relationship to not get involved in each others' careers. This 4 week exercise was her time to shine and he wasn't going to change that, he knew she'd been specially selected for this one and how much that meant to her. He had enough respect to let Molly's achievements be hers and hers only, plus he knew better than to poke at a Molly Dawes beesnest and start a domestic.
He slid the key into the lock of their 3 bedroom cottage, both deciding after their wedding 3 years ago that married quarters wasn't for them. Hence the barn conversion halfway between Farnham and Aldershot, Molly claiming the location being near both Keogh Barracks for her and New Normandy for him outweighed the fact the trees gave her the willies. Her shoes were in their pigeon hole, and coat hanging on a peg next to the hallway mirror so he knew she was home, well and the fact he could've heard the Beyonce Best Hits playlist blasting out of their bedroom from bloody Afghanistan. He took off his regulation boots and placed them next to hers, then ascended the stairs two at a time into their bedroom at the end of the landing.
He stood leaning against the doorway with his hands tucked under his armpits for a minute, mesmerized watching her laying out piles of uniform and combats neatly next to her bergen, as she ticks off each item on her list. "Hey gorgeous" he shouts over the music, walking towards her with his arms stretched out. She meets him halfway and wraps her arms around his waist, his long arms engulfing her. He gently kisses the top of her head and smiles sweetly, her eyes meeting his as he bends down and plants a kiss on her lips. What was meant to be a quick greeting soon becomes more passionate as he accepts her inviting tongue between his lips, a small groan escaping his mouth. Her hands find their way from around his waist to behind his neck, tugging at the curls at his nape, slightly too long for regulation but providing the grip for his wife to deepen their kiss. Their tongues duel as their need grows, shared oxygen and hands groping fuelling the fire in their bellies. His desire now evident from his hard on digging in to her thigh, while the gap between Molly's legs pulses evidence of her increasing desire. He moves a hand to squeeze her behind, drawing her closer to his beating heart as he steps backwards towards their marital bed, their contact never broken as he flips them around and onto the expensive mattress, pinning her underneath him as he tugs at the bottom of her t shirt. Just minutes later they lay collapsed on top of each other panting after wailing out each other's names.
"Well that was a nice welcome home" he smirked while placing a delicate kiss on the end of her nose. "Mhmm" she murmured, "Kinders said we ought to be in top form before we head for Scotland next week, a PT session with you never fails to increase stamina... sir". He laughs and while tickling her replies "oh you'll pay for that one Dawesy, marrying me for the sex? God, the money I could've saved on that ring then". She squeals and kicks about, "i surrender, I surrender" she manages to speak out before he silences her with a deep kiss. They lay entangled, no line between him and her for a while, fingers pirouetting on each others' limbs both still recovering from the intense ecstasy only they could give each other.
"I should probably start on food soon, don't want my soldier to go hungry! What do you say, I'll get cracking with some pasta while you have a quick shower hmm?" She turns to him and gives him a quick kiss, "you really are perfect aren't you", "i love you" he replies before crawling out from the covers and putting on a new pair of low waisted grey tracksuit bottoms, leaving his defined abs on show as he heads downstairs.
Fifteen minutes later she can smell their Italian meal cooking downstairs as she exits their large bathroom, the steam from the fancy shower he insisted was installed when they brought the property escaping with her. She dresses herself in her fluffy pyjama shorts and tank top and she finishes towel drying her hair, grabbing her dressing gown she heads to the top of the stairs.
"Do ya want any help with the cooking? Smells yum!" she shouts down, Charles quickly replying "no you're all good gorgeous, why don't you finish packing and I'll give Sam a quick ring before he goes to bed".
"Oh shit I completely forgot it's his school play tomorrow, tell him i say stop panicking and he'll be fab!"
"I know, let's hope it's not too late, he probably can't sleep with the nerves and I doubt overhearing his mum giving me a bollocking for it being past his bedtime will help him out"
"You best get ringing then, I've only a few toiletries to pack and as soon as I'm done I'll be down"
"Perfect, food'll be ready then too" he says as she re climbs the stairs from her position half way down. A smile forms at her lips as she remembers the previous weekend when Sam asked if he could be a medic like Molly rather than a villager in his upcoming production of Robin Hood, he was so excited to play dress up and was desperate for Molly to help make his costume. Since meeting him in that hospital 4 years ago, their relationship had gone from strength to strength, though sometimes Molly still felt as if she was overstepping into the 'Mum' role, and this was one of those times. She got on well with Rebecca and considered them to be close friends and confidants rather than being step parents, having learnt that if she stuck to Sam's (overly strict in her opinion) routine there would be no problems, though she did often sneak him a packet of crisps or let him stay up an extra half hour when Charles was busy and unaware. It was hard for her in this situation, Sam was practically begging for her to make his costume, but she couldn't help but feel she would be annoyed if it was her in Rebecca's situation and her ex husband's new wife was getting to bond with her son in a special task that should be for them to do together. Mind you, Rebecca was probably too shattered with Sam's latest sibling, a little baby girl called Martha, plus having to manage toddler Harry too meant she was likely grateful to have her 8 year old entertained by someone else for a day.
Downstairs, Charles picked up the phone and dialled in Rebecca and Hugo's house number. Her husband picked up the phone and he greeted him warmly with a "Hello Hugo! How's parenthood treating you all over again?"
"I'm doing alright cheers for asking, Becca's passed out, been exhausted ever since little Martha came out bless, but I can pass on a message if you need?" He replied.
"Oh dear, do tell her I hope she feels better soon, Molly and I are happy to take Sam off your hands for a couple of days if you ever need be. Speaking of which, would you mind passing me on to him? I know it's a little past his bedtime but I thought he's probably still up worrying and that with the big day tomorrow" Charles asked.
"Course Charles, and no need to panic I won't tell Rebecca, you know what she's like with the kids' routine, but don't tell her I told you that!!"
"Thanks Hugo, appreciate it!"
He spoke to his son for 5 minutes, offering words of encouragement and confirming that his 3 month old promise that he and Molly would both be there to watch him still stood strong. He could tell Sam was becoming sleepy and heard him yawn down the line, "right sleepyhead have a good dream darling, Daddy and Molly love you lots and lots. Yes I will, she says night night too, yes Scamp she will be very proud of you and the costume you made together. Just remember the quicker you sleep the quicker you get to show everyone your funky outfit! Love you kiddo! Night night!" He heard the phone being passed back to Hugo and the bedside lamp switching off before Hugo whispered down the line "his eyes are shut already!"
"Cheers Hugo, I mean it. I know it was probably inconvenient for me to call up unexpected and it means a lot. Now you go get some sleep too mate, you'll need it!! Bye. Yeah, bye bye" and Charles ended the call.
He was about to return the phone to it's stand when it barked out 'you have one new message from eleven thirty nine am, press 1 to hear the message, 2 to dele.. 1, message received eleven thirty nine am: "Hi Lance Corporal Dawes, it's Captain Evans here. That's such exciting news! I'm sorry I couldn't take your call yesterday, I had back to back patients and the waiting room was choc a block. As regards to an appointment to see me, I am fully booked for the next two months which isn't very useful, but, my department are all able to talk about it and advise you. I know you have a super busy schedule but feel free to pop in and speak to one of my medical team whenever you next can and they'll be able to chat through your options and any worries you have. If not, I can pass on the details of some servicewomen who have been in your situation in the past so you can get their perspective. Hope this has helped and looking forward to seeing you soon! Bye."
What the fuck had he just listened to and why on earth was his wife doing asking for an appointment to talk to Dr Evans?? A captain whom he had served his second tour of Aghanistan with, but also a pediatric doctor?
"Molly, what THE FUCK is that voicemail I just heard from Captain Evans? Get your arse down here RIGHT NOW" He bellowed up the stairs.