One evening in July…
"Laura?" There was a hint of nervousness to Robbie's voice, and Laura cradled the phone against her ear. "Hi," she replied softly and Robbie smiled to himself. One word, and she could calm his nerves. "You alright pet?" Robbie asked and he could almost hear her smiling. "I'm fine, Robbie. How are you?" Laura enquired. "Yeah, yeah. I'm fine," he said, nervously twisting his fingers together. "Only, I was wondering," he began "I was wondering if you might like to have dinner with me tomorrow night." Laura considered for a moment, a smile gracing her features. " I'd love to," she replied "but I can just cook, if you'd rather?" Robbie grimaced, glad she couldn't see his expression. "I mean, I'm asking you out, Laura. I'd like to take you out for dinner, on a date, like," he mustered, feeling horribly awkward but hoping he'd not read the growing closeness between them wrong. Laura paused before she responded, her smile broadening. "I'd like that very much Robbie," she replied warmly and Robbie sank back against his sofa, relief palpable in his demeanour. "Where shall I meet you?" Laura asked and Robbie scrubbed his knuckles over the nape of his neck. "I've, er, booked a table at the Randolph," he replied "so mebbe I'll meet you in the bar at 7.30pm?" Laura blinked. "Right," she said slowly "alright. I'll see you tomorrow then." A silence sat between them for a few moments, neither wanting to be first to cut the conversation adrift. "I'll look forward to it, Laura," Robbie murmured and Laura smiled to herself. "Me too sweetheart," she replied softly and he grinned. "Goodnight," he said and Laura smiled again. "Goodnight," she said, before hanging up and setting the phone down next to her. Well, she mused, this was a turn up for the books. A date with Robbie Lewis, after all these years.
The following evening...
When she walked into the bar, at 7.30pm prompt, the following evening, even Laura was bemused to find herself nervous. She and Robbie had been friends, close friends for years. They'd worked together for upwards of fifteen years, she'd coached his daughter through A Level biology and chemistry, he'd cried on her shoulder as he mourned his late wife on more than one occasion, kept in touch during his stint in the British Virgin Islands, and she'd patched his injuries in the line of duty up on more occasions than she wished to count. They knew each other so well. But this, this was new. Romance. A hand on her waist drew her from her musing and she turned to greet him, smiling as he pressed an affectionate kiss to her cheek in greeting, a murmured "you look beautiful, Laura," as he did so. "Your usual?" Robbie asked, his hand lingering on the curve of her waist and Laura nodded. "Yes please," she replied and they smiled at each other, the enormity of their evening suddenly seeming to dawn on them both. Robbie kept his hand in the small of her back as he ordered her a GT and a half for himself. "Shall we?" Robbie asked, gesturing at the free seats behind them as the barman set their drinks on the bar and Laura took hers gratefully. "Thank you," she demurred softly and he grinned at her as they settled themselves down at the bar. Laura took a sip of her drink, grateful for the kick of gin, hoping it might settle the nerves which had inexplicably appeared. "So how was your day?" she enquired cheerfully and Robbie quirked an eyebrow at her. "Well," he began "I had to ring James and get him on board." Laura looked amused "Isn't James on holiday?" she enquired and Robbie shrugged. "Yeah, but this do goodery with some churchy mates of his. I reckon he welcomed the distraction," he replied and Laura chuckled.
And he didn't tell you to get stuffed?" she enquired lightly and Robbie laughed. "Oh, it was there, in the subtext," he responded amiably. Laura toyed with her glass, resting her hand lightly on her knee. "You okay?" she asked, glancing at him for a moment and Robbie nodded easily. "Yeah, they gave me a once over at the hospital," he said and Laura frowned. "No, not that, Robbie. You," Laura looked at him pointedly. Robbie set his glass down and considered the woman in front on him. "Yeah, you know me. I'm always alright," he replied easily. "Would you tell me if you weren't?" Laura asked "if all this funeral stuff was getting to you?" Robbie fixed his gaze on Laura. "It's not," he replied firmly. "Reminding you of… Val" Laura pushed "it doesn't seem to get any easier, does it?" Robbie sensed Laura's hesitance and he met her gaze steadily. "That's it. It does." Robbie told her and Laura looked at him, her interest piqued. "I was stood outside the Crem the other day, watching that poor family in pieces, waiting for the pain," Robbie shrugged "Val's… slipping away." Laura shook her head awkwardly. "Time's passing, there's nothing you can do about that," she reminded him "doesn't mean that you can't…" Laura trailed off when she saw the expression on his face. "I know," he said "at first it felt like a betrayal, but no, I'm just turning over the page on a new chapter." Laura smiled at him. "Right," she said, her smile broadening as he smiled back at her, before they sipped their drinks.
"I did mean it when I asked you to dinner, Laura," Robbie said "I do want to be with you, for us to take this step together." Laura detected a flicker of anxiety in his expression and she reached for his hand instinctively. He smiled as she entwined their fingers, relief at her touch coursing through her. "I know you did," she replied softly and they smiled at each other. "I'm sorry it's taken me so long," Robbie said and Laura frowned. "Don't apologise, Robbie," she chided and he set down his glass and took her hands into his properly. "You're my dearest friend, Laura," Robbie began earnestly "and I want to be honest with you, love," Robbie said and Laura tilted her head slightly, listening. She squeezed his fingers, in what she hoped was an encouraging gesture. "God, I hope I haven't misread this," he murmured and Laura chuckled, amused. She sat forward, bringing her hand to his cheek and rubbing her thumb over his cheekbone affectionately before leaning in to press a kiss against his cheek. "You haven't misread this," she murmured and he turned his face to hers, capturing her lips in a gentle kiss. Laura closed her eyes momentarily as he kissed her again, before sitting back again, retaining his grip on her hand, aware of where they were sat. "I really want to make this work," Robbie said "I was worried I'd messed you around before and you'd not be interested in having a romantic relationship with me." Laura watched him, letting him speak. "I'm ready to move on, Laura, and I want to move on with you," he finished and Laura smiled at him. "And here we are," she said affectionately, and he squeezed their joined hands together. "I hope you know that I've hoped we might become more than friends for some time Robbie," Laura said softly and he glanced at her, trying to read her expression. "I'd, well, yes, I'd hoped that might be the case," he murmured, caressing Laura's fingers and she smiled. "I haven't always been subtle about it," she observed wryly and he chuckled. "I've loved you for your patience," he owned "god knows what I've done to deserve it." Laura glanced down shyly, absorbing the implication of his words and Robbie watched her, feeling another surge of affection for this woman in front of him.
A waiter appeared at Robbie's side to tell them that their table was ready, and as they made their way into the main restaurant he kept hold of Laura's hand, keeping their fingers entwined as though he couldn't quite bear to let go. And he continued to hold her hand as they perused the menu, considering the options together. After they'd ordered, and the waiter had brought them the bottle of wine they'd chosen, Robbie poured them both a glass of wine and they chinked their glasses together. "To us," Robbie proposed and Laura smiled. "To us," she replied softly. A few quiet moments passed between them before Laura spoke again. "So tell me," she began, tracing a pattern over his hand with her fingertips and Robbie considered her. "Tell me what moving forwards means to you," Laura continued, looking at him "because I think that it's important that we're on the same page." Robbie smiled broadly. "Aye, pet," he replied as Laura returned his smile. She'd shrugged her jacket off and he admired the way the light highlighted her tan on her shoulders. "I want to be with you. I want us to be exclusive. I want dinners like this, and I want to come home to you at night. I want weekends at the seaside, and walks in the countryside, and drinks in the pub. I want to hold your hand. I want to know all your little foibles and habits. Everything. That's what I want for us, Laura," he finished and Laura blinked. Clearly, she mused, this had been on his mind for sometime and she took a sip of her wine as she gathered her thoughts. "Say something," he murmured after a few moments had passed and Laura laughed. "I need to catch my breath, Robbie," she said, eyes dancing. A glimmer of relief passed over his features. "I want us to be together too, Robbie" she began and he squeezed her fingers so she interlaced them properly. "Good," he said, visibly relieved. "What do you want?" Robbie asked, considering Laura and she caught his eye and smiled. "I want this," she replied "I want us to be together, to be committed to each other. And everything that that entails." Robbie's smile broadened. "Well then. Marry me," he said and Laura blinked. "I love you. Marry me," he repeated and Laura laughed. "I love you too Robbie," she replied, "god, you really are all or nothing." Robbie squeezed her hand and she gazed at him. "Are you, I mean, are you absolutely sure?" Laura asked and he nodded. "I am absolutely certain," Robbie replied "I want you by my side in everything, and ultimately, I want you to be my wife. I know what I want. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to be honest with you about how I feel about you, but I've come to the realisation that there's only so much point messing about when I know how I want this to end." They smiled at each other and Laura shook her head, bemused at the rapid escalation of their date. She inhaled slowly, suddenly aware that there were tears in her eyes.
"This is a turn up for the books," she said, feeling suddenly emotional. "You really want us to get married?" Laura asked again and Robbie nodded. "Do I need to get down on one knee?" He enquired lightly and Laura looked horrified. "Bloody hell. No. Don't you dare," she replied sharply and he chuckled. "Alright, my love," he replied, squeezing their entwined fingers. "You don't have to give me an answer now, love. I appreciate I've sprung this on you," Robbie said softly and Laura smiled. "A new chapter," she murmured and he grinned. "Aye," he said as the waiter appeared with their meals and they reluctantly withdrew their grip on each other's hands. Laura realised her hands were shaking slightly as she picked up her cutlery. While she'd very much hoped that one day they might finally make the leap from drinks and flirting to romance, Laura was completely floored by what Robbie had had to say tonight. Marriage. Her heart pounded at the thought. She'd scarcely allowed herself to entertain the idea that he really was attracted to her, that he might want to pursue a more intimate relationship with her. So to find that behind soulful looks, the increasing touches, and excuses to spend time with her actually lay his desire to marry her had blown her away somewhat. "Laura, your food'll go cold pet," Robbie said, drawing her back to reality and she smiled. "Sorry, lost in thought for a moment," she replied and he smiled broadly at her. "How was your day?" Robbie asked and Laura smiled, spiking a potato with her fork. "Fairly quiet. Two routine PMs. No great dramas…" she tailed off and looked at him, amused. He quirked an eyebrow at her and she smiled to herself.
After they'd eaten their meals, and the waiter had cleared their plates away, they were presented with the dessert menu. "What can I tempt you to?" Robbie asked, taking her hand into his and Laura smiled, still perusing the menu. "Well, that rather depends on whether you're expecting me to share or not," she replied and he grinned. "Aye, well, I'm sure ye can have your own," he said and Laura raised an eyebrow at him. "I'm not sure sharing pudding is ever an option," she retorted and Robbie laughed. "You don't love me enough to share pudding?" he enquired and Laura shook her head. "Pudding is sacrosanct," she replied seriously. "That's me told," he noted and Laura huffed out a breath of amusement as she considered the menu. "What are you going to have?" she asked and Robbie rubbed his thumb over her knuckles. "I think the sticky toffee pudding is calling to me," he replied and Laura smiled. "Excellent choice," she returned and he grinned boyishly at her. "And what about you, my love?" Robbie enquired. "I think I'll have the chocolate fondant," Laura said and Robbie smiled. "I should have guessed," he mused "don't think I don't know about your chocaholic tendencies…" and she smiled to herself as he squeezed her hand again. "Are you alright?" he asked and Laura frowned. "I appreciate I rather dropped a few things on you earlier," Robbie said, and Laura laughed. "You really did," she replied, her eyes dancing and he smiled. "Not unwelcome though?" he probed and Laura smiled at him. "Very much welcomed," she replied and he squeezed her fingers again as the waiter appeared to take their dessert orders. "How did you get into town?" Laura asked, once they'd been left to themselves again. "I walked," Robbie replied and then met her gaze. "Gathering me thoughts, or summat like that," he explained and she smiled broadly. "I do love you too, Robbie," Laura said softly. "Maybe we could go for a stroll after? Let our dinner go down?" he prompted and Laura nodded. "Why don't we walk out towards mine? We can always grab a nightcap at the Crown on our way past," she suggested and Robbie grinned. "Grand," he said cheerfully.
They stepped out of the Randolph together, hand in hand and began to walk towards Marston. "Do you think it's light enough to cut through the University Parks?" Laura enquired and Robbie glanced at the sky. "Yeah, I'd have thought so," he replied easily and Laura smiled. Unlike their brief stroll along the river, they'd fallen easily into step and it was a pleasant evening for a walk. They stopped on the bridge over the Cherwell, taking in the evening light as the sun set. Robbie drew Laura back against him, wrapping his arms around her and pressing a kiss into her hair as they stood together. Laura leant into him and he closed his eyes for a moment, content to absorb how it felt to hold her close, to enjoy the sensation of having her near and not have to resist this any more. He sighed contentedly, and Laura glanced up towards him. He smiled broadly at her, and feeling bold, nudged his nose against hers and Laura turned towards him, returning his kiss. As their kiss deepened, Laura turned herself in his arms and he slid his hands around her waist, marvelling at how slight she felt, drawing her closer to him. Laura's hands nestled between his shirt and his jacket, resting on his waist, her thumbs gently caressing him and he murmured against her lips. At length, they drew apart and smiled at each other happily. "I love you," Laura said softly and he grinned at her. "I love you too," he replied, kissing her forehead as Laura nestled against him, enjoying being able to hold her in his arms without fear for the consequences, the exhilaration of being able to hold her close like this, knowing that she reciprocated his feelings. "You're my everything," he murmured to her and she smiled against his chest, enjoying the novelty of endearments whispered to her. After a few minutes, Laura looked up at Robbie and he smiled down at her. "Onwards?" she said and he nodded. "Aye," he said softly, and they smiled at each other. Robbie slipped an arm around Laura's shoulders, and they began to walk back towards Laura's house. As they reached the main road, Laura considered their options. "Would you rather a nightcap at mine, or the pub?" she asked, looking up at him and he swallowed hard. "Would it be ungentlemanly to want to head back to yours?" he wondered and Laura chuckled. "This is supposed to be a first date," he reminded her and Laura shook her head. "You proposed!" she pointed out indignantly "so now isn't the time to be setting unrealistic boundaries." Robbie looked amused. "Well," he said and Laura fixed him with a look he knew well. "Anyway," he continued, feeling slightly awkward and Laura tilted her head at him. "I know I haven't answered that particular question," she said softly and he watched her carefully. "Not because I don't want to," Laura said "it's just a lot to take in, in one evening. But you're my best friend, Robbie, and I've been in love with you for so long. I'm barely used to the idea that you might feel the same way too. I'd all but reconciled myself to the idea that we would never been more than friends, and I could have lived with that. I can't even begin to explain how it makes me feel to know that's what you want." She looked up at him, examining his face for a reaction, and he drew her close again, feeling a modicum of relief course through him. "It's not a no, Robbie," Laura said, her voice slightly muffled against his chest and he kissed the top of her head. "My head just needs to catch up with my heart," Laura said softly and Robbie smiled to himself. "Alright, my love," he replied. Robbie couldn't have explained what had made him realise, not only that he was in love with Laura, but that he wanted to call her his, marry her and grow old with her. But it was suddenly as plain as day to him. He was unable to ignore the possibility of this happiness any longer. He'd spent many an evening mulling over how Laura might feel about him. He'd known they were close, that their friendship was solid, and gradually he'd come to realise that there might be more behind her gestures than simply platonic affection. And he'd realised how much he loved her over two years previously, when the very real possibility that she might come to harm at the hands of Ligea's twins had dawned on him. It just hadn't seemed possible to him that she might reciprocate his strength of feeling. Added to the complexity of grief and widowhood, it had all seemed insurmountable for a while. And since the incident with Dr Ganza, Robbie had become more and more convinced that any future happiness of his had Laura in the midst of it. Standing here, with Laura in his arms, it just felt right. "Come on you, let's get you to your front door," he murmured and he felt her smile before he released his grip around her and she tiptoed up to kiss him
They strolled, hand in hand, back through the streets to Laura's house, easy conversation passing between them. They turned onto Laura's street, and it suddenly occurred to Robbie that he hadn't thought ahead this far. His planning had run as far as taking Laura to dinner and trying to begin to explain how he felt about her, what he wanted for them. "Are you going to come in?" Laura enquired, as they reached her front door and she rifled for her keys in her bag. They'd had dinner together sufficiently often for such a thing not to be such a significant question, and they'd wiled away many an evening in Laura's garden, drinks in hand, putting the world to rights. Robbie glanced at her, and she was watching him, her expression neutral though he detected a certain degree of longing in her eyes. He smiled at her. "I'm sure we could stretch to a night cap," he replied and Laura smiled, before turning to open the door. He followed her into the hallway, closing the door behind him as Laura kicked off her shoes and dropped her handbag on the hall table. She shrugged off her jacket and his gaze was drawn to her shoulders again. Laura looked up, her expression bemused as she tried to determine why he was staring at her. Stepping forward, her brought his hands to her upper arms, thumbs brushing over her shoulders and then ducking to kiss her softly. "Someone's caught the sun this summer," he murmured, his breath hot against her cheek and Laura inhaled as he pressed his lips to her cheekbone and then down to her neck. She pressed herself against him, her wrists entwining around his neck, tugging him back so that they could kiss again. Slow and tender, it felt to Laura like the kind of all-encompassing kiss you only saw in films. For Robbie's part, he was almost overwhelmed by the sensation of being able to hold Laura like this and demonstrate his affection for her through touch and caress. He could smell her perfume, and the realisation made him cradle her more closely. Robbie nuzzled against her neck and Laura closed her eyes, arching her neck to better receive his attentions. She murmured contentedly as his lips grazed her skin and the sound shot straight to his groin. He slid his hand around her waist and Laura turned her head to meet his kiss again. The clock chimed ten o'clock loudly, startling them both and Laura looked up at him, clearly entertained. "Shall we have that nightcap?" she murmured and he smiled broadly. "Aye, go on," he replied, pressing a kiss to the end of her nose and Laura smiled. "Let me just go and change out of this frock into something more comfortable," she said "help yourself to the drinks cupboard."
Upstairs in her bedroom, Laura considered her wardrobe and wondered what to change into. Pyjamas definitely wasn't an option and her dress felt too formal. It was a pleasant evening, but not boiling hot, so in the end she opted for a pair of leggings and an oversized jumper, before padding downstairs in her bare feet. Robbie had draped his suit jacket over the back of the sofa and poured himself a whiskey when she reappeared in the doorway and he flashed her a smile. He reached for her hand as she passed and she interlaced their fingers briefly, squeezing them affectionately before heading for the fridge and retrieving a bottle of tonic, and then taking some ice from the freezer. Putting the ice in a glass, she deftly sliced some cucumber before retrieving the Hendricks from the Laura had made her GT, and come to nestle next to him on the sofa, Robbie wrapped his arm around her shoulders and she learnt into him. His fingertips toyed with her hair and she smiled at the sensation. "You're very tactile tonight," she observed and he gazed at her happily. "I just like being allowed to touch you," Robbie owned and Laura smiled up at him. "I've wanted you for so long that I hardly dare believe we're sat here together, like this, you know" he continued, almost shyly and Laura considered him for a moment. She set her drink down, retrieved his drink and put it next to hers and then swung her leg so that she was sat in his lap. "Inspector Lewis;" she said softly and he looked at her lustfully as she cupped his face in her hands and kissed him deeply. Robbie groaned, sliding his hands around her waist and drawing her closer as they continued to kiss. The way she said his name sent thrills through him. Having her sat in his lap, kissing her so passionately was incredibly arousing and he moaned as she adjusted herself on his lap. "God, Laura," he muttered and she ground her hips down gently, grinning as he cursed against her cheek. Laura kissed him again, more softly this time and he returned her kiss enthusiastically. Laura dropped her hands from his face, down to his chest and she made short work of his tie, carefully undoing the knot and easing it from under his collar before discarding it next to his jacket, her fingers nimbly undoing the top buttons of his shirt. Robbie's fingertips crept under Laura's jumper, edging it up and he sighed against her kiss as he caressed her waist. Her skin was soft and he yearned to touch more of it. "Robbie," Laura murmured and he gazed at her, fingertips drifting over her ribcage. Laura leant forward and pressed a slow kiss to his cheek. "You might need to remind me of your first date policy," she said softly and Robbie groaned. "I'm not sure there's a policy per se," he replied, fingertips caressing her skin longingly. "Why, what's yours?" he asked and Laura laughed. "I've never slept with anyone on a first date. Mind you, no one's ever proposed to me on a first date," she began and a hint of petulance began to creep into Robbie's features. "A question, Dr. Hobson, I might remind you, that you haven't answered," he chided back and Laura kissed him before she responded. "I haven't said yes," she replied "but I also haven't said no. It's less than 24 hours since you asked me to dinner, so forgive me if I take a little while to consider this very important question." Their gaze met, and Laura rubbed her thumb over his cheekbone. "I love you sweetheart," she murmured "just give me a little time to take all of this in." And Robbie nodded, drawing her closer for another long, languorous kiss. "I love you too, Laura," he told her and they smiled at each other.