Hi everyone,

Thanks for your lovely review's of MissyMo's beautifully romantic one shot. Just what we need at Christmas time! Coming next, the lovely MrsCahsreclhcj (don't try and type that after a glass or two) has written another festive delight for you. Its another corker, but a little (cough) too long for the 1500 word challenge, so its with the Anthology, posted at Christmas time! We have one more festive one shot coming tomorrow, so hopefully these can give you a break from peeling potatoes and a chance to escape into CJ and Molly land. Enjoy. :-)

Christmas One Shot

AN: This story was meant for the Miniaturist's Christmas one shot 1500 word challenge, but I failed that miserably as I just kept typing! So I hope you enjoy it even though it's quite long. I've taken some artistic licence with army procedures, it's probably completely different in RL so forgive me my inaccuracies, it's just for the story. I've enjoyed imagining Molly and Charles at Christmas as I run about being disorganised for our own one. Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a peaceful new year.

"Bella!" Molly shouted after her younger sister as she watched her clatter down the stairs and out the front door. "Fuck." She bit her lip to stop the tears from falling, but she was fighting a losing battle. Angrily she swiped at her cheek and went back into her old bedroom.

Perching on the edge of the bottom bunk, she held her phone, willing it to ring. She couldn't blame him for not getting in touch, he had been really disappointed that she'd declined his invitation to spend Christmas in Bath. It didn't feel right, knowing what she was about to suggest they do in the New Year and knowing that she should spend this one with her family. If her plans worked out then she wouldn't be seeing them as much.

She felt like the walls were caving in on her and it was only 10 a.m. She dressed quickly, pulling on her boots and coat. As she reached the front door, her Mum called from the kitchen,

"Molly? Where are you going?"

"Just out for a bit," she couldn't hide the break in her voice.

Belinda came through the hallway looking concerned,

"Molls, what are you crying for? What's going on? Is this cos you and Bella had a row?"

Molly nodded, closing her eyes, the tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Oh Molls, come on, let's have a cup of tea eh? It's bloody freezing out there."

"No Mum, please, I just need some air, please let me go." She turned and let herself out of the flat, walking briskly along the balcony while her Mum called after her.

She spent an hour wandering along the main street near home, looking at all the Christmas displays and feeling even worse. Eventually she got a cup of tea from Starbucks and settled down on a bench in the park. The cold weather and the fact it was Christmas Eve meant it was more or less deserted apart from the odd dog walker.

She took her phone out, 4 missed calls from her Mum and nothing from Charles. She began to flick through her photos, smiling through her tears at the last set of snaps they'd taken two weekends before. Her and Charles holding onto each other on the ice rink, Sam with whipped cream on his nose from his hot chocolate and a selfie Charles took of him kissing her under the mistletoe outside the Abbey.

He had been right of course, Bath was amazing at Christmas. They'd spent a fantastic weekend enjoying the festive activities, only heading home when the snow started on Sunday afternoon. Then that night when Sam had gone to bed and his parents were away overnight, they'd made love in front of the open fire in the lounge while the snow fell silently outside. Molly had panicked a bit immediately afterwards, overwhelmed by it all. She'd told him she didn't do perfect, didn't know how to handle it, but he held her close, talking to her and kissing all her worries away until she felt secure again. That's what made it worse when she told him she wouldn't be there on Christmas Day. She knew he was reading all sorts into it no matter how much she tried to reassure him.

Suddenly the screen filled with a picture of his smiling face and she jumped, brought back to reality. He was phoning her. She took a deep breath and swiped to answer,

"Hi you." She tried to sound as cheery as possible.

"Molly! Thank God, where are you?"

"What do you mean? I'm in London, where else would I be?"

"Your Mum called me, said you'd gone AWOL."

"Steady on mate, I've been gone for an hour, I'm round the corner, you don't have to get the RMP out just yet."

She could hear him smiling slightly,

"Well Dawes, technically as you're not currently on active service, the RMP probably wouldn't be interested and since you have only been missing an hour, they'd likely tell us to wait out."

"It's a good job we're well practiced at that ain't it Boss?"

"Molly….."

"I know I know, but you called me Dawes!"

"Fair enough. So….." There was a pause, "Belinda said you were upset…..did something happen?"

Silence.

She tried to choke back the tears, she didn't want to worry him and there wasn't much he could do anyway.

"Molly?"

"It's all gone to shit." She sobbed.

"What has?"

"My family, I thought it would be good having one last Christmas together, but-"

"What do you mean one last Christmas?" He sounded worried.

"Ehm nothing, just like…..you know, last year we was in Afghan and who knows where I'll be next year?"

"Right?" the tone of his voice showed he was expecting more information.

"So my Dad is being his usual arse self, Mum's still got her 'friend', that woman, Nan's away to Benidorm with her Bingo lot and Bella, well that's a whole other shit storm….." she trailed off miserably.

"Is it not how you thought it would be?"

"No." Her voice was small now as her crying subsided to small sniffles.

"Do you want me to come and get you?"

Molly's breath hitched. She really did want him to, but her Mum-

"Your Mum suggested it before you say anything. Said she doesn't want you to be miserable at Christmas."

"Yes please," she whispered, "come and get me. No! Hang on, what about Sam?"

"Rebecca is being awkward. I'm not getting him until 8.00 p.m. tonight and that was a push. Anyway, if I stay here, I'll get given a job to do and then Mum will get on at me for not doing it right. I'm safer out of the way."

"It's a long drive, I could get the train."

"I'm coming for you Molly, I'll be there just after 2.00."

"Thank you." She didn't know what else to say, but she knew she felt better.

"Thank you…..for letting me, you know…..I love you." His words wrapped round her, giving her warmth through the winter chill.

"Ditto."

-OG-OG-OG-OG-OG-

It was just after 6.00 p.m. when Charles pulled up outside his parent's house. It was only eleven days since she'd last been there, but it had been transformed. A large wreath hung on the front door which was lit by twinkling lights twisted round the fence on both sides. She could see a huge tree in the window which reached almost to the ceiling. She suddenly felt the familiar fear in her stomach.

"Molly, I know what you're thinking." She jumped as his voice in her ear shook her out of her reverie. He'd undone his seatbelt and leaned over, nudging her cheek with the tip of his nose, he kissed her gently on the corner of her mouth.

She looked down, suddenly worried that he was annoyed, but she needn't have been. He took her hand,

"Mum and Dad think you're amazing. Sam loves you and they're all ecstatic that you're going to be here for Christmas. It's just a house remember, it's who's inside that matters and every one of us loves you, especially me."

She smiled and kissed him back,

"Remember that day at Bastion, in your office?"

He grimaced, "How could I forget? I'm hoping it's the first and last time I have to hide you in my wardrobe."

Molly rubbed his cheek with her gloved hand,

"You asked me if I'd ever been to Bath and then you told me about this place," she looked out the window at the house, "you told me it was magical".

"I did. I wanted more than anything to have that to hold onto, that I'd be bringing you here as my partner, not as someone in my chain of command."

"And here I am."

"Are you ready to go in?"

She looked at the house once more and nodded.

A few minutes later, Molly was shutting the front door while Charles carried her bags to the bottom of the stairs, calling out to his Mum, but there was no reply.

"They've gone to Tesco," he called from the kitchen as Molly walked in to see him waving a note in the air, "because they didn't quite buy the whole shop yesterday." He rolled his eyes.

Molly walked to the kettle, switched it on and got out two mugs, she was still cold. He came up behind her, wrapping his arms round her waist and kissing her neck.

"However, it does mean that we've got the house to ourselves, for at least the next hour."

She smiled as she leaned back against him, "As tempting as that sounds, why don't we do our presents now, while we're on our own?" She turned to face him, still in his arms.

"Presents now?" He looked a bit shocked, "But it's only Christmas Eve."

"I know, but I don't want to give you yours in front of everyone tomorrow." Molly squirmed. Her stomach was roiling with nerves, she had no idea how he was going to react to the present she had for him.

"That sounds promising, does it involve that underwear I bought you the last time I was in London?"

"No you dirty git!" She swatted his chest playfully and grinned. "Come on, please let's go through to the sitting room."

"Ok." He could see she was serious and it worried him slightly. "Go through, I'll bring the tea."

If Molly thought the tree looked impressive from the outside, it was nothing to how it looked up close. The lounge was huge, big enough for a regency ball. She'd told him that the first time he'd taken her to visit the Jane Austen Centre. He'd laughed and told her not to give his Mum any ideas. There were more Christmas decorations adorning the room than Molly had ever seen in one place, even in John Lewis, but it was breathtaking. Not like the garish bits her Mum stuck up with sellotape for them all. Charles found her staring up at the tree when he came through carrying a tray.

"It's beautiful isn't it?" he said.

"Yeah, it is, no idea how you bloody well got it in here mind."

"Well that's a whole other story and one which my Dad will delight in telling you later I'm sure. Here", he handed her a mug. "Are you hungry? I brought some cake through, but Mum will likely be feeding us something later. Never happier than when she's fattening us all up.

Molly shook her head and sat down on the sofa. He noticed she had a large brown envelope in her hands. He sat down beside her,

"What's this?"

"Merry Christmas Charles." She handed him the envelope, her eyes wide with worry and he could see her shaking slightly.

"Molly, what's going on?"

"Just open it, please." She squeezed his arm.

He ripped open the envelope and withdrew the papers which were nestled inside. He was nervous now, what could she be giving him? He read the top piece of paper, but it took a few minutes for it's meaning to sink in,

"Acceptance of resignation? What the hell Molly?"

"Please, just read the rest," she pleaded.

Charles did as she asked, his mind spinning. The top letter confirmed that Molly had resigned from the army and would no longer be on active duty. There was the usual technical information, but none of that seemed important just now. What had she done?

He forced himself to look at the next page. It was a letter from Bath College welcoming Molly for a period of study commencing in January. He looked up into her worried face,

"I don't understand Molly, you've left the army? What are you doing? And without telling me? I thought we were a team." He trailed off sadly, but inside he was angry. She was throwing away her opportunities, just when she was doing so well.

"I wanted to surprise you." She felt deflated, how could she have got it so wrong? She thought he'd be delighted that she was moving onto the next step in her life.

"Well I'm more than surprised, I'm bloody shocked…..what…..I just don't get it. And this from Bath College? I think you better start explaining and fast"

Molly drew back. He looked furious and she was reminded of the day he'd bollocked her for going up in the winch with Smurf. The stern face, while sometimes a turn on, at other times was just terrifying. There was nothing else to do, but explain it all from the start. She took a deep breath,

"While I was away on my last tour, I spent a lot of time at the university, giving talks, training etc."

"I know that Molly, but-"

"Just let me tell you alright? You asked, I need to explain."

He nodded, but kept his arms folded.

"Well, I saw a lot of Quaseem and he ended up tutoring me."

Charles eyebrows shot up, but he kept quiet.

"He basically helped me fill in the gaps, English and Maths mainly. Everything I didn't quite manage when I was at school."

Charles' expression softened.

"Anyway, while I was there, I realised that actually I really liked learning new things. Not the sitting at a desk bit really, but the knowledge, you know? Actually engaging my brain as you would say. It made me want to do more, to learn more. Train in something that could make a difference."

"You were making a difference Molly."

She nodded, "I know, but there, not here. We've got people here in the UK that need help as well and I was miles away in another country, missing you and wanting to be here. So I decided that the army helped me get here, but I need to go out on my own and do the next bit."

"And what is the next bit? Is this what this college letter is about?"

She nodded, "I've been accepted to do the second half of a year long access to nursing course. My experience in the field means that with some recommendation letters from the army and evidence from Quaseem, they're letting me start in January."

"And after that?" He was scared to ask too many questions at the one time.

"I'm applying to Bristol uni to do nursing."

Charles sighed and tugged at his hair a little.

"Say something Charles."

"I don't know what to say Molly," he sighed. "How could you have done all this and not told me? It's like you've planned the next stage of our life without even asking me. Where are you going to live? And the college, you must have had an interview, but I was with you every time you were in Bath, unless you were here and didn't tell me?"

"No, I was here."

"How then?"

"Remember that shopping trip your Mum took me on?"

He looked confused as he remembered the day they'd headed off early in the morning. Molly seemed nervous, but he assumed it was because it was her first trip with his Mum,

"My Mum knows?!"

"I needed to tell someone Charles, get advice, find out what she thought of the idea, how she thought you would react. And she came with me to the interview. Invited me to stay here as long as I want, I thought that's what you would want too."

"So she advocated sneaking around behind my back did she?"

"No! Charles it wasn't like that! I wanted it to be a good surprise. You said you wanted me to be brilliant and this is me trying to do that while also trying to keep us together and make a life for us. How long can we keep shuttling between London and Bath when I might end up posted to God knows where next?"

"We've managed haven't we? And that's the nature of the job Molly, you knew that when you signed up."

"And now I've signed out." She said vehemently. "This is what I want Charles, with or without you. I'm going to that college, but it doesn't have to be tied up with me living here with you. I survived months in a tent in Afghan, I can survive student halls!" And with that, she stood up and walked out of the room, the tree shaking and shedding new pine needles as she slammed the door.

Charles sat staring at the pile of presents around the bottom of it, his eye resting on one nestled near a bottom branch. Suddenly he heard the front door slam and he jumped up to see Molly tearing down the front path.

"Shit!"

He reached down, grabbed the present and ran into the hall, fighting to get his sleeves the right way to put on his jacket. Just then his parents came through the door carrying enough food to feed the whole street. He zipped the present into his inside pocket.

"Charles! Was that Molly I just saw going along the street? I thought you were picking her up from London? What's happened?" His Mum looked stern and he recoiled slightly. He'd learned his best Captain behaviour from her, but it wasn't much fun being on the receiving end of it. He was still angry though.

"My Christmas present is what happened Mum, something I believe you were party to?" He sounded like a petulant child and he knew it.

Mrs James laid down the bags she was holding and fixed her son with a meaningful stare,

"If you mean the present where the love of your life made a decision which was right for her and took a leap of faith to make that decision work for both of you then yes I was definitely party to it. And if you've cocked that up somehow Charles, then so help me, Mary and Joseph won't be the only ones looking for a bed on Christmas Eve!"

Charles flopped down onto the bottom step of the large staircase. He looked at his Mum for a minute before he and Mr James burst out laughing.

"What?" She demanded indignantly.

"Just you Mum. You said "cocked up" and then that line about Mary and Joseph."

Her features softened,

"Well I'm glad I amuse you both, but rather than critique my comedy skills, don't you think you should go after Molly?"

"It's Christmas Eve, it's dark, what if I can't find her?"

"Charles she's on foot and she's not taken her stuff with her, I think it's safe to say she's probably just wandering about town. Wrap up and go out and find her. Make it right. And if living here with her isn't right then tell her sooner rather than later, even if it is Christmas."

"Finish with her you mean?" he seemed aghast.

"Yes, I thought maybe that's why you were upset with her surprise, because you're not ready or something."

Charles smiled ruefully, "No Mum, that's not it. You're right though, about her being the love of my life I mean." He felt for the present again, wondering if he'd screwed this up irreparably.

"Charles?"

"Mm?" He looked up to find his parents staring at him expectantly.

"Are you going to sit there all night?"

"No, no sorry, I was just thinking." He looked at his watch, "Right, Sammy will be getting dropped off in about 90 minutes, hopefully I'll be back by then."

"Good luck darling," his Mother hugged him tightly, "and I'm sorry if you think I was interfering, I thought I was doing the right thing."

He hugged her back, "It was the right thing Mum, even if it bothers me that she spoke to you and not me. I'm glad she has you to turn to."

With that, Charles grabbed his scarf and gloves and headed out to find Molly.

-OG-OG-OG-OG-OG-

Molly wasn't sure where she was heading, she just needed to get out. She only really knew the streets of Bath from going into town with Charles so she relied on her memory and sense of direction and headed for the market. Her tears clouded her vision as she walked. To think that she last travelled along here arm in arm with Charles while also holding Sam's hand. She shook her head at the memory.

She'd expected Charles to be shocked by her news, it was a lot to take in, but she was so sure he'd be delighted that she wouldn't be away from him any more that she hadn't considered the fact he might be really angry.

After her 3 month tour following Smurf's death, they had two months to properly establish their relationship before she was posted up north for further training. They'd then spent the rest of the following year trying to have as much time together as possible in between her training and tours, his new job and time with Sam. After a Christmas in Afghan without Charles, the doubts had started to take root and by the summer she needed an out. To this end, education had opened a door through which she was ready to walk. And with Charles' Mum as her support, she'd made all the necessary arrangements. It seemed so stupid now.

She picked up pace, angrily swiping the fresh wave of tears which fell down her face. What was she thinking? Assuming he'd want to live with her, that he'd want her outwith the army? He told her constantly how much he loved her, but now when it came to the push…..she didn't know.

The market came into view and she choked back a sob as she remembered their weekend for what felt like the hundredth time that day. Despite the advancing hour on Christmas Eve, there were still a few revellers enjoying the festive atmosphere, laughing over mulled wine and last minute purchases.

She weaved her way past the stalls which were starting to close up for the night, eventually settling on a bench near the Abbey. She shivered, she had no idea what to do next. All her stuff was at Charles' parents' house and she couldn't go back to London at this time on Christmas Eve. She would just have to put her armour on, go back and then hide out in one of the many spare rooms until she could get back to her Mum and Dad's. She wouldn't go just yet though she thought. She would wait until Sam was there and then they'd all be so preoccupied with him, they wouldn't have time to worry about what she was doing. She nodded, mind made up.

-OG-OG-OG-OG-OG-

Charles was starting to panic, he'd been wandering around for ages looking for Molly. He was getting more frustrated and worried by the minute. Especially thinking that she had got on the train back to London, if there was one or if she was just walking about in circles and he kept missing her. She hadn't taken her phone so he couldn't call her.

Eventually, he stopped, running his hands through his dark curls. What was he thinking? Not showing her how much he wanted her with him. He was worried she was leaving her career just for him. He didn't want that resentment between them, that's what drove him and Rebecca apart, bitter, bitter resentment. He had to admit to himself and Molly, if he could ever find her, that really he was annoyed that his own plan had been derailed by her gift. And also the control freak in him had panicked about not being in on the planning of this next stage in their lives. Of course he wanted her to live with him, he'd dreamed of it often enough, but he hadn't told her that and now it might be too late.

He sighed, looking at the market stalls where the three of them had spent a magical weekend together. There had been a moment when Sam had accidentally got whipped cream on his nose and Molly had laughed so hard, snapping a picture on her phone. Charles had stood back observing them and experienced a true moment of happiness. He'd swept her up and kissed her outside the Abbey, taking a picture underneath the mistletoe to record the moment forever.

Charles smiled, despite the current situation, focussing on the scene in front of him. He walked towards the Abbey, the square becoming more deserted by the minute. What was he going to do? He needed to head back soon, but without Molly? Maybe he could wait another five minutes.

And then there she was.

-OG-OG-OG-OG-OG-

"Molly."

She heard the faltering in his voice. She didn't move, closing her eyes, she steeled herself for the inevitable, but instead she felt him sit beside her on the bench.

"It's ok Charles." She started, "you don't have to-"

"Molly, I'm so sorry that I didn't receive your gift properly." He took her hand in his, but she continued to stare straight ahead. He recognised her expression, it was the same one she wore at Smurf's funeral. She'd put up her walls, shutting him out. He couldn't let her think he didn't want her the way she wanted him.

"There is a lot to talk about, a lot of details to sort out and I have a lot of questions, but I…..don't want….."

"You don't want me?" her voice broke on her question.

Charles turned her towards him, cupping her face in his hands, he pulled her close.

"Molly, no! I want you more now than I did back in Afghan. You're everything I want, I told you then, I want you to be the last thing I see and I meant it, I love you."

He crashed his lips against hers, their mutual tears mingling as they poured their emotions into the kiss. He stroked her hair as she fisted her hands in his, moaning into his mouth, she felt the desperation overwhelm her. Did this mean it was going to be ok?

"Charles, wait," she was breathless now, "what does this mean?"

"I don't know if I can explain it properly," he sighed and kissed her once more, gently.

Shaking his head, he stood, making his way over to the Christmas tree which stood in front of them, bathed in silvery blue light and surrounded by a white picket fence. Molly shifted on the bench, wiping her eyes and fishing in her pocket for a tissue. As she finished cleaning up her face, she looked up to find Charles staring at her.

"What?"

"I've just noticed something really strange," he said, pointing to the tree, "come here and look." He held out his hand.

"Charles, I think there's a few more important things to talk about before looking at a bloody fir tree!"

Despite her protestations, she pushed off the bench and went to stand by him. She followed the line of his finger now pointing into the lower branches which she could touch despite the fence.

Nestled on the lowest one and within her reach was a parcel.

"Do you think someone left it here by accident? Shit! Do you think it's a bomb?"

Charles laughed, "No Molly it's not a fucking bomb! Christ, trust you to say something like that now of all times. Stand down soldier."

"I don't get it."

Charles came to stand behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, he brought his mouth close to her right ear,

"It's for you."

"Me? But…..how…..hang on….."

"Molly please just open it!" Captain Stern was back.

She leaned forward until she held the small present in her hand. Just as she was about to open it, Charles closed his hand round hers,

"I said I didn't know if I could explain, but I hope this does."

"I have no bleeding clue what you're talking about, but ok." She smiled hopefully, she didn't think he'd be buying her a present if he was about to chuck her, then again maybe this was to soften the blow.

Charles moved his hand and finally she tore the paper. In her hand she held a small, velvet box. She held her breath as she felt Charles do the same,

"Open it," he breathed.

After what felt like an hour, she suddenly moved and flipped open the lid. There, nestled inside was a ring, one circular diamond surrounded by lots of other little ones and the beauty, both of the ring and the gesture, rendered Molly speechless for the first time in her life.

"Molly, this is why I got annoyed and I'm so sorry. This was lying on the tree at home and my plan was to give you it tomorrow in front of the family. I was so stressed about my plan being usurped by your gift, that I behaved like a complete twat. Can you forgive me?"

Molly turned to him,

"You do want me?" she asked cautiously.

"Of course I do Molly. I love you."

"So what does this mean?" She held up the ring.

Confused, Charles looked at it, "What-?"

It was just then that he realised, he hadn't actually asked the question.

"Shit, Molly, I don't know how else to ask you….."

"Ask me what?" She was allowing herself the tiniest bit of hope, but she couldn't relax until she knew for sure.

"Will you marry me?" It was simple, to the point, no gushing speeches, but he felt that they didn't need that. With all the misunderstandings tonight, he figured it was time to just lay it on the line.

"Yes Charles, yes, of course I'll marry you and then you'll be stuck with me!" She giggled.

He wrapped his arms around her, squeezing her so tight she yelped.

"Charles!"

"Sorry, Molly, I just can't believe it. And I'm so sorry I made you doubt that I want to live with you, I want every day with you and I'm so proud of you for taking this next step. Please don't ever doubt how much I love you."

"Well, all that's left to say is…..ditto."

They both laughed as Charles pressed a kiss to her lips, an action he intended to repeat everyday for the rest of their lives. Molly clung on and kissed him right back.

"Merry Christmas Charles."

"Merry Christmas Molly."

The End