Get Me to The Church On Time
Margaret leant against the doorframe and took a moment to quietly observe her son as he stood in front of the mirror. Biting his lip softly in concentration, Charles was completely oblivious to the world around him as his eyes remained resolutely focused on the movements of his long practised fingers as they slid over the silk material of his tie, making one or two adjustments to the Windsor knot until he was satisfied it sat perfectly in place. Sensing someone behind him, Charles turned and stood to his full height, straightening his shoulders as if waiting to pass a routine uniform inspection. With a soft chuckle, Margaret stepped forward and picked up a single blue rose and carefully pinned it into his button hole before brushing imaginary lint from his shoulders as she stood back and surveyed him from head to toe.
"What do you think mum, do I pass inspection?" Lost for words, Margaret reached out and carefully cupped his face in her hands, her thumbs brushing gently over his cheekbones. "You more than pass sweetheart. You look simply dashing. Oh course it helps that you were blessed with good genes," Margaret joked with a wink as Charles reached down and kissed her on her cheek. "Thanks Mum. You look radiant by the way."
"Thank you my boy. Are you nervous? I bet you can't wait to see Molly after being apart for the last few days." The corners of Charles' mouth lifted into a smile as his fingers drumming against the side of the nearby armchair; a sure sign he was nervous or uncomfortable. "Nah, got nothing to be nervous of. I've no doubt she's going to look beautiful and I survived a few days without her just fine. I'm not a complete sap." Margaret searched Charles' face, her eyes narrowing as she took in the all too innocent look on her son's face. Oh the sneaky little bugger. Still putting his army training to good use I see. "Oh so that wasn't you I saw sneaking out of the gardens last night then?" Charles mouth gaped as Margaret carried on, "How many times do I have to tell you that you can't get one past your own mother love." Charles bit his lip as he tried, and failed, to look suitably chastised. "Oh alright, so I couldn't help myself. But don't worry, I didn't break any rules. I was long gone before midnight I promise."
"Just. What am I going to do with you?" Margaret surveyed her son with her hands on her hips as she shook her head. Charles simply gave her a winning grin in reply. "Not to worry mum, I won't be your problem for much longer."
"No indeed. You'll be Molly's. I'd wish her luck but we both know she isn't the one who's going to need it. She's been keeping you in line for years now." Flashing Charles a triumphant smile she asked, "Now, how's that gorgeous grandson of mine holding up?" Charles chuckled as he straightened his jacket. "We've got it all under control, don't worry." Margaret raised an eyebrow in Charles' direction. Uh oh that can't be good. Doesn't he know that telling someone not to worry automatically makes them do so? Foolish man.
"Whose we?" She asked with a hint if trepidation, already knowing the answer before she'd finished asking the question. What possible trouble could they get into today of all days? "The lads are teaching Sam the finer points of being a man. They're starting with how to shave properly before showing him how to tie a tie properly. It seems to be keeping his nerves at bay. Not to mention his persistence in trying to get me to give him the rings."
"Just as long as they don't show him how to fart or belch the national anthem in between." Margaret quipped, knowing full well the lads were capable of doing so once they had the idea in their heads. Charles grimaced and sent an uneasy look in the direction of the open door that led to the adjoining suit. Poking her head around the doorframe, Margaret grinned at what she saw. Dangles, Finders and Mansfield were lined up along the row of sinks wearing only their dress trousers as they each took it in turns to shave, Mansfield whistling the tune to Get Me to the Church on Time as he eyed his reflection. Fingers gave a low whistle when he saw Margaret hovering in the doorway. "Ohh looking good Mrs J as always. Are you sure you don't need an escort?" He asked whilst waggling his eyebrows suggestively.
"Fingers! Stop flirting with my mother you bloody Cockwomble!" Charles groaned as Margaret laughed. "Right sorry Bossman. I can't help it if your mum's a total MIL…" Seeing the warning look Charles sent him, Fingers quickly shut his mouth, holding his hands up in a gesture of surrender. The rest of the lads sniggered as they pretended to be focused on buttoning up their shirts and fixing their ties in the wardrobe mirrors. Sam was perched precariously on a stool leaning over the end sink wearing only his dress trousers and converse. A towel was wrapped around his shoulders and his chin was covered in shaving foam as he held a spoon in his hand whilst observing the lads from the corner of his eye. Mirroring Dangles' exact movements, Sam reached down and swilled the spoon clean in the water before tilting his head to the left as he glided the edge of the spoon along the underside of his jaw. When he reached the sensitive skin underneath his ear, his shoulders came up to his ears and his face scrunched up as he flinched. "It tickles," he squealed before bursting into giggles as he repeated the action on the other side of his face, trying his hardest to keep his face straight. In perfect sync, both he and Dangles splashed water on their faces before reaching for a hand towel to pat themselves dry. When Dangles caught Sam copying his actions he sent him a stern look. "Are you mocking me Mini Me?"
"Noooooo!" Sam replied, drawing out the syllable. Dangles shook his head and flicked water in Sam's face causing him to shriek in laughter as Mansfield lifted him up over his shoulder and carried him into the bedroom where he threw Sam onto the king size bed. Sam stood up and began bouncing on the bed until he caught sight of Charles in the doorway. "Dad, Grandma! Uncle Kinders and the lads taught me to shave like a man." Charles laughed as he joined Sam on the bed and wrestled his arms into his dress shirt.
"Is that right? And what else did the boys say you had to learn before you became a man?"
"Fingers said I should learn how to tie a tie now so I don't get myself all tied up in knots later." Sam's brow creased as he looked up at Charles in confusion. "But I don't get it. Aren't you supposed to put a knot in your tie? How else will it stay on?" Margaret chuckled at her overly curious grandson. She prayed that he never stopped being curious and asking a thousand questions as he tried to make sense of the world around him. "I think what Fingers means is that sometimes tying a tie can be a bit tricky and we end up getting tangled making knots in places we don't want to," Charles clarified.
"Oh. Do you think you and Fingers could show me how?" Charles met Fingers' gaze, his eyebrow raised slightly in question at his son's request. Giving a light shrug as he finished doing up his top button, Fingers flipped up his collar and threw himself into a chair opposite Sam and Charles. "Come on then Little Solider, let the master show you how it's done." Charles snorted as he watched Sam eagerly loop the tie over Finger's shoulder before returning his gaze to Charles; a clear indication he was ready for his first instruction. Margaret grinned as she listened to Charles' clear and precise instructions as her own fingers self -consciously followed his commands as she helped first Baz Vegas, then Brains with their ties. Sam's face was a mask of concentration as he whispered to himself. "Pull the wide end up through the loop, bring the wide end down through the knot in front and PULL!" Margaret looked up as Fingers emitted a choked gasp in time to see Charles quickly loosen the knot, allowing Fingers' face to return to its normal colour. "Cheers Mini Me," Fingers wheezed, waving away Sam's look of concern. "You almost had it there mate. Think you might gunna need to practice on Dangles though, just to make sure." Dangles, who had been quietly sniggering in the corner with Brain's, sent a pleading look at Charles and Margaret before allowing himself to be dragged over to the bed by a persistent Sam. Sensing Charles had things all under control, Margaret stood and gave his shoulder a gentle pat. "I'm going to go check on the girls. I'll see you in a little bit."
"You want me to walk you down, the stairs are quite windy you know," Charles muttered, his face a picture of concern. "Nice try Charles. But you have to wait out to see Molly." Margaret grinned as she headed for the door, wincing in sympathy when she heard Charles mutter, "Careful Sam, it's not a lasso. Poor Dangles still needs to be able to breath."
Rapping her fingers gently on the door, Margaret pushed the handle to reveal Molly stood alone in her wedding dress facing her reflection. The brief look of guilt, as if she had been caught doing something she shouldn't, was quickly replaced by one of shyness and wonder as their eyes locked in the mirror. Margaret couldn't help but gasp as she saw Molly dressed for the first time, feeling a sudden rush of pride at the beautiful, confident bride stood before her. No matter her previous reservations about today, Molly truly looked beautiful. Jackie had worked wonders on her hair and makeup without detracting any of the focus away from the lace detailing on her shoulders. Reaching out to clasp one of Molly's hands between hers Margaret whispered, "Oh Molly, you look beautiful sweetheart." The faint hint of a blush on Molly's cheeks mixed with a flicker of uncertainty didn't go unnoticed by the James matriarch. Eying Molly thoughtfully she took her arm and gently steered her so she was facing the full length mirror. Margaret recognised the look in Molly's eye. She looked much like she had when she first aired her feelings of inadequacy and insecurity back in the dress shop changing room. Resting her hands on Molly's shoulders she muttered, "I know I've said this before but Richard and I are proud to have you as part of the family…finally. I hope you know that we both love you very much. You're like a daughter to us. Whatever silly notions you had about you not being good enough for Charles or this family end right here, right now, do you hear me Lance Corporal?" Margaret finished. Molly for her part, could only give a terse nod in reply as she gazed silently at her reflection. Margaret knew that Molly had never been one of those girls who grew up believing she deserved her very own prince charming with the fairy tale ending. As Margaret observed Molly she allowed herself a small smile the minute she caught the renewed spark that burned in Molly's eye as everything finally clicked into place. It seemed that today of all days, Molly finally understood and believed that a happy ever after was possible and was within her grasp. Margaret couldn't help but give Molly's shoulders a gentle squeeze in acknowledgement.
"Is everything alright? Is Charles ok?" Although Molly's enquiries seemed perfectly innocent, Margaret could easily detect the rising panic behind her questions and was quick to step in and sooth the soldier's fears before they got out of hand. "Sweetheart relax. Everyone is fine. You know Charles he's as cool as a cucumber. He refuses to let his nerves show. He's not phased in the slightest. When I left, he and the boys were trying to distract Sam by teaching him the finer points of being a man. Sam had already mastered shaving and was moving on to tying a tie." Margaret didn't miss the look of surprise that flittered across Molly's face. She knew, more than anybody, the amount of trouble the lads were capable of getting into whenever they were all together in one place. "Hang on shavin'? How did that work? I can't imagine Charles would let Sam anywhere near him today of all days. I'd hate to even think of what that bunch of piss taking tossers would say if he walked out with his face covered in tissue."
Margaret grinned at the mental image, as she cast her mind back to a time when Richard had paid the price for allowing Charles to do exactly that. Charles had been terrified and Richard had only just managed to convince him that it was ketchup and not in fact bloody on his face. Although not entirely convinced at his dad's story, Charles at let it go and Richard hadn't made the same mistake twice. "No don't worry. The lads decided it would be better if Sam used a spoon instead. You should have seen him stood on a stool mirroring Dangles' every move. It was adorable. He is getting rather good at tying his own tie though. Of course, he insisted on helping the boys do theirs first for practise and managed to almost strangle both Dangles and Fingers before Charles stepped in." Margaret grinned at the small mishap from earlier. At least it had taken Sam's mind off of his nerves, if only for a little while.
"I bet they loved that. What about everyone else? Please tell me my Dad's wearin' trousers? I'll bloody strangle him with his tie if he ain't. Where is he anyway?" Margaret chuckled and was just about to answer when a voice interrupted from the doorway. "Not to worry Molls, your Dad looks well smart. I made sure of it. He's downstairs lookin' after the kids for a minute while I come and check on you lot." Belinda remarked as she and Jackie entered the room, slowly followed by Nan, Bella, Katie and Jade. Margaret saw Molly's shoulders tense slightly, and knew that the moment of quiet between the two of them was over. This was her family time now.
"Ha I bet the little bleeders are running riot," Molly muttered under her breath sarcastically as she watched the girls make a few last minute adjustments to their hair and makeup, choosing to ignore the look of disapproval Belinda sent her way. Margaret hadn't missed the wistful look Belinda had sent Molly as she'd first walked in. It was the look all mothers got as they realised their daughters were no longer little girls in need of their mummies. An acknowledgement that they were all grown up, coupled with a reluctance to let them go. "Oh I can't believe my little girl's gettin' married. It seems like only yesterday that we were bringin' you home from the hospital." As she spoke Belinda gently reached out and stroked Molly's cheek lovingly, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "You look beautiful Molls, truly you do," she whispered as she held Molly's gaze.
Much like she had with Molly only moments before, Margaret saw the look of resignation on Belinda's face as it dawned on her that her daughter had developed into a strong, confident and beautiful woman whilst her back was turned. It was as if she was trying to convey in one look everything she was unable to put into words. There was a hint of sadness, mixed with pride in Belinda's eyes as she regarded her eldest daughter. Margret knew that Belinda was immensely proud of Molly, but perhaps, like Dave, she lacked the ability to convey it to Molly when she needed the reassurance the most. As she caught Belinda's eye she didn't miss the single word Belinda mouthed to her silently. Thank you.
Shaking her head slightly, Margaret gestured to the bride. She was unwilling to take any of the credit for how Molly had turned out. There was one person and one person alone who needed the praise and it was the vision in white stood in front of them. Margaret had known that there was something special about Molly from the moment she'd walked through their front door. She was the piece of the puzzle that Charles had been missing from his life. Molly was the only one capable to putting him back together after everything he'd been through. Despite the fact that Molly struggled to believe that she was worthy of someone like Charles, she failed to realise just how lucky Charles felt to have someone like her in his life. If anything, Charles was afraid he wouldn't be worthy of Molly, not the other way around.
Margaret was drawn from her musings by Molly's tearful reprimand. "Oi don't start or you'll set me off mum. You know what I'm like." Belinda gave a shaky chuckle as she dabbed at her eyes. "I'm sorry Molls. I promised meself I wouldn't cry but I can't help it. I'm so proud of you." The touching moment was soon broken when Nan took it upon herself to try to lighten the mood. "'ear Molls you sure about this? I know I was bangin on about you findin' a good un and not letting him go an all that, but if you are havin' doubts there's still time to pull a runaway bride. I don't reckon I can get you a horse at such short notice but I'm sure we can work somethin' out if you're desperate." Margaret groaned knowing there was no point in commenting on Nan's acquired taste of humour. She was, in many ways, just like Marmite. You either loved her or hated her. But she was never going to change. Not that Margaret would want her to. There was only one Nan.
"Nan! I ain't desperate and I ain't goin' nowhere. Will you leave off! You're making me nervous." Molly cried in exasperation as she stood up and moved to stare out at the beautiful grounds before her. It was the first time Margaret had heard Molly make any mention of her nerves. Jackie, God bless her, seemed to know instinctively how to calm Molly down and she and Katie were soon joking about the state of Jackie's love life as the three army friends shared a moment that would further cement their bonds of friendship. They'd each been through their own version of hell and had to battle their own demons, but today they were just three normal women who had come together to share in their friend's special day. They were brought back to reality by the unexpected question posed by Bella. "Ay Molls did you remember to wear something old, new, borrowed and blue?" Bella asked as she picked up her own flowers excitedly. Margaret felt the air in the room go still as the cogs began to turn in everyone's heads. Oh Bugger how could they forget one of the most well-kept traditions? Fool! This was the last thing Molly needed. Last minute stress. Ok just think, stay alert. Stay al…no no need for that Margaret. You can sort this. "Umm well I guess my dress counts as somethin' new." Margaret breathed a sigh of relief at Molly's suggestion. Of course that one was obvious. But what about the others?
"What about your bracelet? That can be classed as old, you've had it a while," Nan suggested, gesturing to the charm bracelet Charles and Sam had given Molly during the first birthday she had celebrated with them in Bath. Glancing down at Molly's wrist, Margaret couldn't help but smile. Sam had made it his mission to get Molly a new charm whenever something significant happened in her life. Since she'd first been given it they'd added a four leaf clover for good luck, a letter M for Molly, and a teacup to show her love of tea.
"Well what about something borrowed?" Katie asked. Molly gave a slight thumbs up and smiled gratefully in Margaret's direction.
"Margaret lent me the hair comb so I'm good on that front. Old, new, borrowed. I just need something blue. Any suggestions?" The rest of the group all shook their heads as they looked about the room frantically. "How could we forget something blue?" Belinda muttered to herself as they tried to work out what to do. "You mean you ain't wearing a blue garter Molls? What about your undies?"
"Jade! For goodness sakes will you…." Molly's tirade was cut short by a tentative knock at the door followed by Sam's muffled voice. "Dad says I have to check if your descent before coming in. Whatever that means." The group laughed as Molly called out for him to enter and seconds later he raced into the room skidding to a stop and his mouth dropped as he stared at Molly in awe. "Wow! Molls you look like a princess! You're really pretty." Molly grinned at hearing Sam's approval. The two of them were as thick as thieves most days and Margaret knew how much it meant to Molly to know she had Sam's approval and his blessing. Margaret started at her grandson knowing full well he'd been sent in here for a reason but, as per usual, his butterfly brain had distracted him from the task at hand. Sam gave a start as it suddenly dawned on him the reason for his visit. "Oh, I've got a present for you from Dad. He says you might need it today" Reaching into his pocket Sam carefully pulling out a black box.
"You sure your Dad didn't just sent you here to spy on us so you can feed back on what we're wearing?" Molly joked as he handed it to her. Molly chuckled quietly to herself. Charles had asked her to do the exact same thing as she left. It seemed she wasn't the only James who refused Charles' plea. Sam, completely missing the irony muttered, "Don't be silly Molls. He's gunna see you in a bit anyway." Molly winked when she caught Sam's eye role before turning her attention to the box in front of her. When she spotted a note in Charles' familiar writing she couldn't hold back her grin.
"Bossman, you soppy sod," Molly muttered under her breath as she saw what was nestled in the box. Oh what had her son gone and done now? "What is it Molls?" Belinda asked curiously staring in confusion at the object in Molly's hand as she passed the note on to Margaret. Margaret's sharp gaze ran over the words written in her son's hand. Thought you might need something blue for today. Can't wait to see you Dawesy. I love you. C
"Is that a coffee capsule? What are you gunna do with that? Make him a bleedin coffee when you get to the alter?" Jade scoffed as she eyed the capsule dubiously. Margaret grinned at her son's thoughtfulness as she watched Molly run her fingers gently over the pale pink pod as she admired her fiancé's handiwork. Very few were aware of the significance of the capsule, or how it had been instrumental in getting Molly and Charles' relationship off the ground. Charles had painstakingly written the words I Love You around the outside of the pod in blue sharpie. Then he'd carefully secured the capsule to a piece of ribbon the exact shade of blue in their colour scheme. "Well he's a romantic bugger I'll give him that, but what you gunna do with it?" Nan remarked as Molly stared speechless at the unexpected gift in front of her. Margaret eyed the capsule on the ribbon thoughtfully and carefully picked up Molly's cascading bouquet of lilies and blue roses. "Why don't we wrap it around your flowers? You'll still know its there and the ribbon will really stand out underneath the original white one you already have." It took both Margaret and Nan several attempts but they finally managed to wrap the capsule securely around the bouquets stem, allowing the remaining length of ribbon to hang loose. Happy that is job was done, Sam asked cheekily, "Hay Molls? Do I tell Dad you think he's a soppy sod, or that you liked his present?"
"Oi! You can tell him he's soppy and that I love it and that's it. You hear me Scamp?" With a giggle Sam gave a salute as he turned to leave. Oh the boy better run. If he wasn't careful, all his hard earned money that was sitting in his swear jar just might find its way back in to Margaret's purse. Goodness knows at the rate she was going she was single handily bankrolling him through his first few years of uni. At the door Sam suddenly paused and turned back. Margaret watched in amusement as he stood with his hands in his pockets, his conversed foot scuffing the floor nervously as he contemplated something. With a decisive nod he reached out and tugged gently on the hem of Jackie's dress to get her attention. Well well what have we here Samuel? Looks like somebody has a little crush on our good ol' medic. Jackie turned and knelt down to his level sending Molly a curious look. It was unlike Sam to talk directly to Jackie unless prompted by an adult, he was usually too shy. "Hay handsome, what's up?" Come on Sam, you can do it. Take a deep breath. Then ever so quietly he asked, "Can you save me a dance at the reception please?" Molly caught Jackie's eye and mouthed aww as Sam wait patiently for an answer. Putting on her poshest accent Jackie replied,
"It would be my pleasure young sir," before giving him a wink and an exaggerated curtsey that had Sam in fits of giggles. With a slight blush a wave and a wobbly bow he tore out of the room slamming the door with a bang. "Awww looks like our Sammy's got his first crush," Molly teased Jackie as the other girls got ready to leave. "Now I know I'll have at least one dance tonight." She laughed just as Dave pocked his head round the door. "Ready Molls?" Taking a deep breath Molly caught Margaret's gaze. With a slight nod and an encouraging smile Margaret pulled her shoulders back and raised her head high, an unspoken reminder that Molly had absolutely nothing and no one to fear. Understanding the message loud and clear, Molly beamed as she detected the hint of pride in Dave's eyes as he took in her appearance for the first time. "I've never been more ready for anything in my life Dad. Lets do this."
Margaret clapped her hands together as she helped usher the other girls down the corridor and into the waiting car. Oh she couldn't wait to see Charles' face when he saw Molly for the first time. He won't know what hit him. Maybe it was a good job they were surrounded by medics, just in case. Though she knew that if Charles fainted, or cried, the lads would never let him live it down. Oh it was going to be an interesting ceremony indeed.
A/N: SO sorry for the long wait. I had difficulty writing this as when i started it I hadn't written the last two chapters in Woes of a Bride to Be so i had no idea how the wedding was going to play out. Once they were completed, real life got in the way slightly. I Hope you enjoy. Please continue to let me know what you think.