AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hey gang! Under a week until Christmas. Monday would have been my father's birthday. I'm still feeling a little sad about that, so be nice today, please :) Thanks for the reviews last chapter. I appreciate you folks who are still engaging with the story. If you're one of those names still actively reviewing Who Dares Wins, just know it's because of you guys alone that I'll continue with this story for as long as you're still around!
Who Dares Wins
Chapter Sixty-Seven: Last Night of Freedom
Hereford
Sunday, 2 December, 2007
Chuck and Sarah strolled up the remaining driveway of Cole and Sophie's beautiful dormer bungalow home, the gravel pathway crunching beneath them as they soon reached their destination. As they approached, they noticed the front door already open, revealing Sophie standing there with a warm smile, eagerly waiting to welcome them.
The couple returned the friendly glance to Cole's bride-to-be as Chuck moved to share a hug and kiss with her.
Chuck stepped aside once he was finished with his greeting as Sophie met Sarah's glance. "It's great to see you, Sarah. You've made my day because I would have been bored out of my mind."
Sarah suppressed joyful laughter. "Me too," she said as she moved to replicate Chuck's actions with Sophie.
When they parted, Sarah turned back to face Chuck, who was sporting a telling look, a reminder that he'd assured her that Sophie would be fine with her visit and that she should have trusted him.
Sarah gave him a 'Mr Know It All' look in reply, still deeming it to always be more appropriate to call in advance, rather than surprise someone with a visit.
Chuck muted a chuckle, then looked back at Sophie. "Cole isn't ready yet, I gather?"
"You know him," Sophie said with a smile, then looked at Sarah. "He takes forever. He's like a lady-man."
Chuck and Sarah shared laughter with Sophie as they heard Cole call out, "I heard that!", soon appearing in view.
The visiting couple exchanged a friendly glance with Cole.
"How was your night, Chuck?" Cole asked.
Chuck smiled at his best friend. "It was fantastic," he said, then turned to meet Sarah's glance. "We had a great night."
Sarah nodded enthusiastically, her smile radiating pure happiness.
Cole and Sophie's faces lit up with the same joy that emanated from Sarah.
"That's what I like to hear," Cole said.
"How was yours?" Chuck asked.
Cole let out a manly chuckle. "After we stuck one on Kyle and Joe, I had the most joyful evening!"
Chuck and Sarah shared muted laughter while Sophie drew out a sigh. "You shouldn't have done that."
"Yeah, we shouldn't," Chuck agreed with a nod. "But they shouldn't have got on our backs during a live operation we were stuck on. And, to add to our misery and depression in wanting to get back home to our lives, we had them hounding us with messages all day long. It was never-ending from them all day, so they got what they deserved in response."
Cole pointed in endorsement at Chuck.
"From everything I heard about it, this won't be the end of it, though," Sophie cautioned.
Sarah nodded. "It won't be."
"Yeah, it won't be the end, evident by the text I got, and probably everyone else," Chuck said, fighting off a smirk.
Cole's immediate chuckle had a weight to it as if it held years of laughter and joy. "He sent you one too, Chuck?!"
Chuck nodded, suppressing a laugh.
"We'll have to exchange that pillock's messages with each other, and our replies, but we'll wait for the rest at the barbecue later!" Cole said, his laughter laced with enthusiasm.
Chuck nodded again.
"I never got one," Sarah said with a smirk. "But it's not because they like me, especially after I recorded Kyle and sent it out to everyone I'm in contact with last night."
"I enjoyed that!" Cole said with immense passion. "I forwarded it to a few chaps myself!"
Sarah fought off amusement while Chuck was already at that stage.
"But the reason I never got one is that I won't give them my number," Sarah said.
"Smart lass!" Cole said, pointing in immense approval at Sarah.
The group shared laughter, finding Sarah's remarks hilarious.
When the moment calmed, Cole looked around. "Let them escalate. Because as Dan so proudly says; they'll never get the better of us!"
The two couples shared an additional soft chuckle, then Chuck said, "Cole and I had better make a move because there's lots we have to do before later."
"Yeah, be off with you and leave us both in peace," Sophie joked with a smile.
Cole let out a boisterous chuckle and met Chuck's glance. "I don't need telling twice! I know where we're not wanted, Chuck!"
Chuck suppressed a laugh. "Yeah, it seems like it, so let's head out."
Cole nodded. "I'll get my coat!"
Chuck waited as Cole fetched his coat until he appeared in view again. "You can both stay over tonight if you want once everyone has left?"
"That's nice of you!" Cole said with a beaming grin. "It will save either of us not having to worry about driving."
Chuck gave a smile to two of his closest bonds. "That's why I offered."
"Well, that was lovely of you, Chuck. I really appreciate it," Sophie said with a sincere smile towards Chuck, then turned to face Cole. "It would have been you this time, Cole," she said, her words laced with conviction.
The group shared additional laughter at her comment, furthered when Cole said, "In that case, my best man has bailed me out twice in one action!"
After a moment, the couples turned to each other to say their goodbyes.
"Catch you soon," Chuck said to Sarah, his voice filled with a hint of longing, his hand remaining on her arm for a moment as they pulled apart, not wanting to let go.
"Bye," Sarah replied softly, her eyes conveying her farewell.
With a final smile, they reluctantly separated, knowing that they would see each other again soon. Cole joined Chuck, moving to enter Chuck's car, where they waved goodbye to Sophie and Sarah.
O-o-O-o-O-o-O
Chuck and Cole entered a local Aldi supermarket together in Hereford.
The moment Chuck walked away from Sarah, he realised how much he already missed her, a feeling which grew stronger with each passing minute.
The smile on Chuck's face spoke volumes about his happiness and contentment from being with her.
Cole, likewise, was looking relatively chirpy himself. "Get that smile off your face!" he said with a grin.
Chuck fought off amusement. "I couldn't even if I tried, mate," he said, his actions causing an additional wave of happiness to light up his face.
Cole let out an approving chuckle. "I told you that you'd be a brain-dead pillock if you didn't snap her up before anyone else did. With how stunning she is, she'd have had suitors lining up all over Hereford and in the Regiment in a matter of weeks."
Chuck couldn't find anything to disagree with in what Cole had said. On the contrary, he agreed with every word said, so he nodded away with a smile and moved to pat Cole's shoulder. "She's amazing," he breathed with a yearning. "Everything about her, not just her looks, which you and most others will focus exclusively on."
"Oi!" Cole warned, pointing in contempt at Chuck, trying to take offence but failing as he fought off a grin.
Chuck tried his best to hold in a laugh. "Tell me what I said was wrong, Cole?"
"I can't!" Cole said, relenting to laughter. "But for me, Chuck, the looks of a woman are enough! I don't need anything else to convince me a girl is for me!"
"Fair enough," Chuck said with a nod. "I can't say you're mistaken about that because maybe I'd do the same, like almost every other guy as well. But there's so much more to Sarah than that."
"Like what?" Cole challenged. "Hit me with it."
"How she treats people," Chuck said with a nod. "You're a bigger hit with the ladies than me, Cole, so you know a lot more than me that there are some drop-dead gorgeous girls out there who will treat you like shit and have personalities that make their insides look like a slapped fish." he then pointed at Cole. "You were lucky as well because with Sophie you've found someone exactly like Sarah. Friendly inside, beautiful outside. The perfect combination."
"You're right, Chuck!" Cole said with a manly chuckle. "About Sophie and Sarah, at least. The reason you're not as big a hit with the ladies as I am is because you don't believe in yourself, which means you're a fool because you're tall, dark and handsome!" his laughter extended at his joke.
Chuck shared the laughter with his closest bond.
When the moment calmed, Chuck said, "So yeah, you'll be hard-pressed to find anyone who treats people with more respect and isn't a friendly personality to be around than Sarah. She also has her head very much screwed on, is mature, knows what she wants from life, and is very caring towards her friends and those closest to her. Call me a fool if you want, but I'd trade some of her looks just for an amazing personality if she didn't have one, but luckily, I don't need to make that trade."
"Wow!" Cole said with an approving laugh as he moved to pat Chuck on his shoulder. "I've not heard you speak about anyone like this before."
Chuck nodded instantly. "You're right. I haven't. But I know it already, Cole. Sarah's the one for me. I want a life with her."
Cole grinned and moved to pat Chuck again in immense approval. "It sounds like I'll get to return the honour of being best man, maybe even before I wed Sophie at this pace from you!" he joked, laughter threatening him again.
Chuck scoffed. "I might give someone else the job," he teased.
"Oi!" Cole warned, his amusement ceasing in an instant as he pointed in warning at Chuck.
After a moment, the best friends succumbed to an additional exchange of joyful laughter.
From there, the closest of companions got started on their hustling and bustling through the busy shopping aisles.
O-o-O-o-O-o-O
Sarah was coming to the end of a glass of wine with Sophie when she was alerted to a text.
She met Sophie's glance and shot her an apologetic glance. "Excuse me."
"It's fine, darling," Sophie said with a reassuring smile straight from the heart.
Sarah flashed a brief smile, then took out her phone to study the contents.
Once she read the message, which was a simple 'Miss you' with kisses from Chuck, her thumb caressed the screen and she smiled as if her boyfriend was with her.
She took a moment to prepare a reply, which read: Miss you too xxx, then hit send.
Once she received confirmation of the text being delivered, her shoulder moved in an involuntarily upward movement for a moment, then she focused back on Sophie. "Sorry about that."
Sophie held her affectionate glance. "A text from Chuck?"
Sarah nodded affirmatively, and, despite her best efforts, she couldn't contain her happiness. A wide smile spread across her face.
"I wish Cole still sent me them," Sophie joked.
Sarah's joy faded as she took Sophie's remarks seriously. "He thinks about you a lot," she assured with a reassuring smile, showing no teeth. "We hear all the time at work that he can't wait for the wedding."
With a gentle smile, Sophie reached out and caressed Sarah's arm, conveying her friendliness. "I appreciate that so much, especially coming from another woman. Cole's teammate or not, I know you wouldn't lie to me."
"I wouldn't," Sarah said with a confirming nod.
As they locked eyes, the two women exchanged a friendly smile, radiating a building bond between them.
"So, how are you settling into Hereford?"
Sarah held her warm gaze. "Things are great. Chuck has helped me with everything, even before we started dating. He's been so great at helping me with that. I couldn't have asked for anyone better and I'm so thankful to have had his help every step so far."
Joy lit up Sophie's face. "That sounds like Chuck."
Sarah suppressed a laugh, wholly agreeing with the comment.
"I take it your close connection and friendship has carried over to your dating too?" Sophie asked with a smile.
Sarah gave Sophie a telling look, unable to hide her joy as she did so.
"You don't need to say anything," Sophie said with a sweet giggle. "Your joyful expressions tell me everything. I've not known you for very long, so I don't know about any past relationships you've had, but how is Chuck comparing to those?"
"Better," Sarah said, not needing to think about that. "He's amazing. He's the best guy I have ever met easily. He's extremely kind, compassionate, and very caring."
"Gorgeous too?" Sophie then suggested with a smirk.
Sarah laughed, nodding affirmatively with another telling look.
Sophie shared the laughter with her for a moment. "You look so happy together and I have to say, I've known Chuck for a few years now and I've not seen anyone make him as happy as you do."
Sarah smiled, her shoulder raising involuntarily again, feeling a little overwhelmed by the friendly demeanour of her new friend, and how amazing her boyfriend was. "Nobody has ever made me as happy as he has either. I've found a stunning catch, that's for sure."
"That's so good to hear, darling," Sophie said, her expressions filled with warmth. "So, I take it you'll continue dating then?"
Sarah nodded. "I won't let anything stop me from pursuing the man I want to be with."
Sophie moved to rub Sarah's arm with affection. "Go get him, girl!"
The new friends shared laughter, then they finished the rest of their wine.
"I'll pour us one more glass, then we'll continue learning everything about each other," Sophie said.
Sarah nodded, gazing fondly at the really friendly woman, enjoying every moment of her company.
O-o-O-o-O-o-O
"Put your phone away, Chuck!" Cole laughed as he entered an off-license.
Chuck broke from looking at his phone and met Cole's glance as he entered the shop after Cole to purchase alcoholic drinks.
"You're right," Chuck said, soon nodding. "I'm being a little too possessive."
Cole let out a deep chuckle. "It's your first month with her and you've pulled a perfect catch, so I'll forgive you. I'm proud of you!"
Chuck nodded but was suddenly less joyful than he'd felt throughout the whole day so far because his mind caught on to something. Chuck thought for a moment, then looked at Cole in confusion—who'd turned away to look at his front—pondering whether to verbalise his thoughts.
After a moment, Chuck decided to, his confusion lifting as he walked level to Cole's side.
"Something happened at the pool yesterday," Chuck said as Cole quickly met his glance. "When I was with you and Jamie and a few minutes before I pushed Sarah down the slide."
"What, when your mood went to shit and Jamie and I picked up on it?" Cole asked.
Chuck gave a confirming nod. "Yeah."
Cole narrowed his glance and raised a hand to rest on his chin. "Well, Chuck, as your best mate and partner in crime, if you can't confide in me, you'll confide in no one. What's on your mind?"
"Do you remember those four guys who entered the lounge area?" Chuck asked.
Cole nodded. "Yeah, I saw them. Typical studs, probably part of an amateur rugby team. Now I'm thinking about it, I think I saw them playing at a local game a while back."
Chuck nodded. "Yeah… Well, they were chatting Sarah up."
In a sudden burst of frustration, Cole let out a sharp scoff, cutting through the premises. "What, that's what was troubling you and set you in a foul mood?"
Chuck nodded in confirmation.
Cole shook his head in disbelief and ran his hands through his dishevelled hair. Revealing his face again, he warned, "Be careful, Chuck."
Chuck narrowed his eyes at Cole's warning, silently questioning him.
"That's a dangerous path you're embarking on," Cole advised. "One which will always lose you the girl if that possessiveness gets too strong."
"You're right," Chuck said, nodding. "I recognise it too, but in honesty, I can only recognise it because Sarah rightfully pulled me on it at the pool and told me she wouldn't allow me to behave like that, which was fair."
"Oh, for god's sake, Chuck!" Cole chastised, his tone sharp as he shot Chuck a look in anger. He then took a moment to take in a deep breath to try to suppress his frustration at Chuck's fumble so early into his best friend's relationship. "Sarah's a gorgeous woman. You won't find anyone more attractive than she is. With that fact brings intense male attention along with it, Chuck. You gave me crap in Aldi earlier for focusing on her sex appeal. I owned up to that. Just as you should own up to seeing that same appeal as I."
"I do," Chuck said with an instant nod.
Cole shrugged in immediate reply. "Well, that's just part and parcel of dating a stunner, Chuck. If you can't handle that your stunning lass will have the opposite sex all around her trying their luck with her, then you shouldn't be with someone like her. Because you'll never stop other men from trying to woo her into bed. I can't stop it with Sophie. You just have to trust in her, as I do with Sophie, that it will go no further than friendly conversation."
"I know…" Chuck said, drawing off his words. "You're just more confident than I am, mate, which is why I'm struggling with those worries."
"That's bollocks!" Cole's words came out like a hard slap, his anger clear. "You won't find many people of either sex who like their partner being approached by others coming onto them. On our team, and the rest of the Regiment, you'll find no one as mature about the job as you are. So if you can do it there, you can behave with that same maturity towards your relationship with Sarah. You need to focus less on the possessiveness side of being a man, and instead bring out the masculine maturity side within you, Chuck."
"You're right, mate," Chuck said, unable to find a single word from his best friend he'd disagreed with.
Cole leaned in and gave Chuck a reassuring pat, conveying his warmth and their close friendship. "Come on, mate! Wash your hands of this jealousy here and now between you and me, learn to accept those men approaching her as part and parcel of dating her, and if they ever got further than that and we found out, I'd join you in kicking out their teeth, as would Jamie!"
Chuck nodded, becoming convinced and more confident after Cole's pep talk. "You're right. You're absolutely right! I need to behave more like a man rather than an immature boy with her, or else I'll only ruin things and lose her."
"I couldn't have said it any better, Chuck!" Cole said, moving to pat Chuck again, this time more firmly. "I don't want to hear that you've been jealous and taken it out on Sarah again because if I do, and I'll make it a point of order to find out, I'll give you a good slapping and remind you that you're a pillock who'll lose the best thing ever to walk into your life!"
Chuck nodded. "You'll have my consent to do it because I'd need it if I did."
Cole's mood lifted as he let out a chuckle, content that his pep talk had worked and his best friend was now on the same page as him. Cole was sure that Jamie, Chris, or anyone would have given him the same advice.
"Then let's buy what we came here for, drop it off at your place, and call on our women!" Cole said with a grin.
Chuck nodded, suppressing laughter.
O-o-O-o-O-o-O
"That will be Chuck and Cole back," Sophie said, hearing a car pull up in the driveway outside.
Sarah nodded.
"We'll let them enter inside rather than go out to them," Sophie said with a smile. "It helps to play hard to get."
Sarah snorted in joy.
About a minute later, Cole entered the property. "All done!" he said with a grin. "We've bought some feast for dinner!"
"And lots of alcohol," Chuck said, appearing after Cole, mirroring his warmth.
"After how much we had on Friday, I don't want to get too drunk," Sophie said.
Sarah nodded. "Neither do I. I've done so much of that since I came to Hereford already."
Cole playfully shook his head, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as he glanced at Chuck. "Where did we find her, and how did she get on the team?"
"Shut up, Cole," Sophie instantly rebuked. "She's the best one on your team."
Sarah's eyes sparkled with happiness as she gazed at Sophie.
Chuck and Cole shared laughter over the exchange.
"I take it you two got on great while we were away, then?" Chuck asked.
Sophie nodded. "She's perfect."
"Yeah," Chuck said softly with a nod, gazing at Sarah in wonderment. "She is."
Sarah met Chuck's gaze, her eyes sparkling with affection, as she bestowed upon him her most enchanting smile over his declaration, a smile that was reserved solely for him and set aside solely for moments like this.
Cole and Sophie exchanged a telling glance, thrilled to see the happiness and building relationship between Chuck and Sarah.
After a moment, Sophie said, "I should change into a dress for the occasion and then we'll make our way to your place, Chuck."
"Me too," Sarah said.
Chuck nodded in concession at Sophie, then smiled at Sarah.
Cole then met Chuck's glance. "Don't wait to give us a lift because I'll drive us both and just park up at your place for the night."
Chuck nodded again. "Ok, then I'll give Sarah a lift to her place, wait with her, then we'll head to mine and then I'll change. So we might be a while, but Sarah can let you in if you arrive while I'm getting ready."
"That's fine, Chuck!" Cole said with a grin.
The warmth in the expressions of everyone else confirmed their agreement as they shared a last moment together, then said their goodbyes.
O-o-O-o-O-o-O
Chuck applied two squirts of cologne to his person, signalling the end of his getting ready to host the barbecue with Cole for the team tonight.
Cole had texted Chuck a few minutes ago that he was about to depart with Sophie, while the rest of the team would soon make their way to join them.
Chuck put down his bottle of fragrance, turned, and met Sarah's glance again.
"So, how do I smell?" he asked.
On receiving the cue, Sarah stepped into his proximity, taking in the scent of his perfume for a moment.
Looking back at him, she gave him a seductive glance, laced her tone with a sweet sultry undertone, and whispered, "Like sex."
Chuck suppressed a laugh, his confidence exploding because that's how Sarah made him feel.
Sarah smiled back as they shared a lover's gaze.
"You smell great too," he said with a grin, then took in her appearance again, his eyes connecting onto a low-cut purple dress she wore to perfection. "And you look perfect."
Sarah's eyes sparkled with admiration and building attraction by the day as she closed the distance between them and gently pressed her lips against his.
When they parted, they shared a longing smile.
Sarah took his hand. "Let's head down and wait for the team."
Chuck nodded, allowing Sarah to lead him out of the main bedroom as they descended the stairs.
A few minutes later
Cole and Sophie arrived first in Cole's Mercedes as Cole pulled to a stop behind Chuck's white Audi A4 in the driveway.
As Chuck and Sarah waited to receive them, Sarah arched herself back to face Chuck, pining, "I'm cold."
Chuck smiled in sympathy, feeling a lot warmer in his dress shirt and jeans than Sarah in her short dress, though he agreed the climate was really cool right now.
Taking on good boyfriend duties, he moved to wrap his arms around her as Cole and Sophie departed the vehicle.
Sophie walked towards Chuck and Sarah while Cole went to fetch something from the boot.
"It's cold," Sophie complained with a joyful smile.
Sarah giggled in complete understanding, observing Sophie's figure, who wore a stunning cream-coloured pleated low-cut bodycon long-sleeve mini dress. "You look gorgeous," Sarah declared, in complete awe of her new friend.
"Aww!" Sophie blurted, her cheeks blushing at Sarah's compliment before she quickly studied Sarah's appearance. "But you look just as beautiful. The purple suits you and your figure is perfect."
Chuck joined Sarah in giving beaming grins towards Sophie at the compliment.
Cole then joined the three, holding two fancy bottles of wine. "For yourself and Sophie, Sarah, if you don't want beers like the rest of us!"
Sarah shifted her attention to meet Cole's arrival. "That sounds nice," she said with a smile.
The two couples and very close friends shared a warm gaze, then Cole said, "Let's head inside! The rest of them can knock because it's freezing out here!"
Chuck, Sarah and Sophie suppressed a collective laugh as the couples wasted no time in turning and entering inside.
"We'll have to start going on double dates, just us away from the rest of the lads and their barrage of teasing," Chuck suggested.
Cole expertly pointed at Chuck while holding onto the wine. "Good idea!"
"We'll have a great time," Sophie declared, looking in fondness at everyone present.
"Yeah," Sarah said with a convincing nod. "We will."
The group shared additional warmth at their collective agreement, a clear indicator of their building friendship as a quartet for the future.
They then moved towards the kitchen as Sarah continued to eye up Sophie's dress. "I love the colour of your dress and the pleated style, Sophie."
"Thank you!" Sophie beamed at Sarah with a friendly gaze. "It was a gift from Cole."
"It looks great," Chuck agreed.
"I think they still have some in stock," Cole said. "I can send Chuck a link so he can buy you one too!"
"He's bought me enough already," Sarah interrupted quickly before anyone could say something else.
Everyone turned to face Sarah in query.
"What's he bought you so far?" Sophie asked.
Sarah shifted a smile between everyone present. "I'm starting to lose count. But first, in Manchester, he wanted to pay for a dress. I wouldn't let him. But he paid for my recent haircut, which wasn't cheap because I had numerous things done and yesterday he surprised me with an enormous bouquet of gardenia flowers which were very romantic and I really appreciated them. As well as multiple dates, including the full Manchester bill, which was very expensive."
After placing the wine down on a kitchen counter, Cole pointed in approval at Chuck. "Great touch with the flowers, Chuck! I knew I picked the right best man!" he let out a manly chuckle.
Chuck, Sarah and Sophie shared the laughter with him.
"Sarah's great to me, too. I couldn't have asked for anyone better," Chuck then declared, his eyes filled with love, matching the smile on his face.
Sarah met his glance and gave him a remarkable smile in reply.
"You two are so perfect for each other," Sophie declared, her expression radiating happiness.
"I couldn't have said it any better!" Cole said, his grin beaming just like Sophie's.
Chuck and Sarah smiled in reply.
The group of four savoured the moment for a final moment longer then were disturbed by a knock on the door.
"That will be the team," Chuck said.
O-o-O-o-O-o-O
Red Team's afternoon and evening together was now underway.
Only Big Dan and Bryce were yet to arrive, but they'd both texted in that they would be here any moment.
"If they don't hurry up, we'll start the food without them," Chris complained.
Chuck, Sarah, Cole, Sophie, Jamie and John shared laughter over the team leader's complaints.
"They'll be here soon," Jamie said through his chuckles. "It's only just turned four o'clock. But for the first time, I agree with Chris. A few more minutes, then they'll go without!"
"Agreed!" Cole said quickly.
The group shared an additional laugh when suddenly, a knock hammered against Chuck's door.
"Right on cue!" Jamie laughed.
"Aye, unless it's Blue Team!" John Murray joked.
John Murray's remark increased the amusement as Chuck departed the kitchen and made for the door with a grin on his face, elated with everything that had occurred during Red Team's long weekend off-duty, with a relaxed evening still to come.
On arrival, Chuck opened it, encountering Dan and Bryce, each holding some alcohol as requested.
"Alright, fella?!" Big Dan shouted, his mood chirpy.
Chuck nodded, suppressing a laugh. He then shifted his attention to Bryce. "Alright, mate?"
Bryce nodded, smiling at Chuck as he moved to shake Chuck's hand, then the three teammates entered inside.
Chuck closed the door after him as Big Dan and Bryce moved on ahead to greet the rest.
"Alright, fellas?!" Big Dan called out as he entered the kitchen, glancing at his male teammates before finishing on Sarah, where he encountered Sophie close by. "Alright, Sophie?! You look great. Sarah, you do as well."
Sarah and Sophie smiled at Dan for his compliment, while the rest of Dan's teammates either nodded or shared a warm glance with Dan.
The much smaller Bryce then appeared in view, gazing at everyone present with a smile. "I hope you all had a great night since I saw you last."
Everyone smiled back, then Big Dan said, "It looks like we all did, Speedy, but Blue Team sure as hell didn't, especially Kyle and Joe!"
Snorts, chuckles and more intense laughter erupted all around the area as Chuck re-entered the kitchen.
Big Dan had only been at the gathering for five seconds, and he'd made a joke already.
And everyone's joy in response to it served as proof that they all loved it.
"Right then, fellas and ladies, let's get our bellies fed!" Big Dan said, clapping his hands together.
"And wasted!" Bryce added, his excitement exploding.
The rest of the team quickly shared the excitement with him as warmth spread all around Chuck's kitchen.
"I'll go and light the barbecue!" Cole said with passion, eager to enjoy and revel in the company of everyone present.
Everyone nodded.
Chuck soon turned his attention towards another of his closest bonds, Jamie Hughes. "No Emily tonight, mate?"
Jamie shook his head, holding Chuck's gaze. "Nah, mate. She decided to go out with some friends."
Chuck nodded in concession, happy to say nothing. He'd got the feeling during the team's night out on Friday that Emily hadn't really clicked with the team, which was fine for him. Chuck had more than enough friends.
However, Big Dan joked, snorting, "She's only known us five minutes and she can't stand us already!"
Jamie joined everyone except Cole and John Murray—who'd already departed for the barbecue—in sharing laughter.
After a moment, Chuck looked around and said, "I'll join Cole and John outside in setting things up."
Everyone nodded.
Sometime later
The barbecue was well underway as the first serving of food was almost done, with everyone locked in conversation and laughter while a radio station played out in the kitchen.
After another moment more, Cole looked at Chuck, then said, "That looks good enough for me!"
Chuck nodded and grinned, then turned towards the rest of the team positioned in the kitchen and around the outside patio and called out, "The first wave of food's ready! Come and help yourselves!"
Everyone paused their activities, excitement building amongst them as the gathering converged on the barbecue to study the offerings.
After a moment, Bryce said, "I'm not sure what to have."
"Help yourself, mate. There's plenty, and we'll make one or two more after," Chuck said with a grin.
Cole let out a manly chuckle and moved to pat Bryce. "Get stuck in, Speedy, we'll expect no less!"
Cole's comment amused Bryce, which was shared with a few other members of Red Team as Bryce moved to take a chicken skewer and hamburger, then made for the kitchen to collect a burger bun and ketchup.
Next up was Sarah, as Chuck watched on with intense interest, keen to learn what she wanted for future reference.
After a moment, she said, "I'll take a cheeseburger."
Chuck promptly handed her a cheeseburger on a plastic plate.
She smiled at him. "Thanks."
He grinned. "You're welcome."
"Just that, Sarah?!" Cole said with a deep chuckle. "Help yourself. We'll be offended if you don't!"
Sarah smiled at Cole. "Just that for now. I'll take more later."
"Fair enough!" Cole said with a grin.
Chuck suppressed a laugh, his gaze lingering with Sarah for a moment before she turned and returned to the kitchen to collect a bun.
The rest of the team collected their food, and once it was Chuck and Cole's turn, they finished off and gathered the remaining food.
"Waste not want not!" Cole said with a chuckle.
Chuck smiled in amusement at his partner in crime. "I couldn't agree more, mate."
The best friends shared a laugh as they returned to the kitchen with a plate of food each and their arms around each other.
Once they were inside, they moved to join Sarah and Sophie stood close to each other.
Chuck's gaze caught on Sarah's plate, which held her cheeseburger and an extra serving of pickles.
"Extra pickles, huh?" Chuck said with a grin, meeting her gaze. "I'll remember that."
Sarah flashed him a joyful smile. "I don't doubt it. You've remembered everything else so far, including my favourite flowers."
The lovers shared a muted exchange of laughter, then settled in to immerse themselves in the conversations occurring all around the location of their close team of friends.
O-o-O-o-O-o-O
Sarah collected a chicken skewer and corn on the cob Chuck handed her from the second round of barbecue.
"Thanks," she said, flashing her lover a smile.
Chuck grinned in reply. "You're welcome."
"That's better!" Cole teased with a loving grin. "We'll put some weight on you yet!" he joked.
Sarah narrowed her glance, turning uneasy. After a moment, she looked around at her teammates and Sophie for reassurance. "Do you think I'm too thin?"
Sarah watched on as everyone shook their heads in unison. She finished her glance at Chuck.
"You're perfect," Chuck declared, his tone laced with awe at the sublime looks of his stunning lover.
Sarah let out a joyful smile as she fidgeted away at her arm in shyness.
"And if you don't believe him, you can believe me because I wouldn't lie to you," Jamie said with a nod. "He's right because I wouldn't change anything about you. You're extremely blessed in that regard, mate."
"I agree," Sophie said with a warm smile.
Sarah smiled at everyone, now feeling extremely confident and assured.
Once everyone had their food, they moved to link up.
"So, did everyone get a text from Kyle, then?" Dan asked, looking around.
Laughter suddenly erupted once everyone learned they weren't alone in receiving texts.
"I got one from Kyle as well as Joe!" Jamie chortled.
Big Dan snorted. "Obviously."
The laughter increased.
"Aye, I got one from Kyle," John Murray said. "But not Joe."
"Just Kyle here," Chuck said with a grin.
Bryce nodded at Chuck. "Me too. Just Kyle, mate."
Chuck suppressed a laugh in approval.
"Kyle and no one else," Cole said.
"I got one from that fine gentleman, Joe Lewis," Chris said, his tone stoic. "I replied promptly for him to save what he has to say to me tomorrow, which I'll now expect."
The team shared amusement over the team leader's remarks.
"I wouldn't bet on him having the guts to do that, fella," Big Dan said.
"Neither would I!" Jamie chortled.
The collective laughter of everyone was an indicator of their unison on the topic.
Once the laughter calmed, Sarah said, "I never got a text from anyone."
Everyone shot their glance to Sarah in query, who continued, "But they don't have my number."
A ripple of laughter spread through the team.
"I was going to say because, after the video you took, which I have to say I was very impressed by when you sent me a copy, I would have expected you to be the first one he sent a text to," Big Dan said, snorting away.
The team shared another wave of laughter.
"I feel like changing my number after what they did to us on our op in London!" Jamie laughed.
The amusement continued amongst the team.
"So what did he say to you and how did you reply, then?" Big Dan asked, looking around, his excitement exploding in anticipation of events.
The great mood continued amongst the team as some of them took out their phones to read their exchanges with Kyle and Joe.
After a moment, Chris said, "I'll keep what he said private, but suffice to say, he has not replied."
"No surprises there," Big Dan said in amusement. "All mouth, no action."
The team shared another brief exchange of laughter.
"As for my exchange with him, Kyle messaged me, saying he'd have me," Big Dan said, looking around. "My reply, of course, was simple: name the time and place."
A ripple of laughter and excitement spread among the team.
"I take it he didn't reply to you, Dan?!" Cole asked with a boisterous chuckle.
Big Dan crossed his arms nonchalantly. "Of course he didn't, fella. As I said, that lot is all mouth and no action. They get you all excited, but then they leave you wanting more!" he then snorted. "But in my case, he didn't even get my clothes off never mind touch me down below!"
The loudest wave of laughter spread throughout the team, lasting a long moment as Bryce howled, "YOU'RE A FUCKING LEGEND, DAN!"
When the laughter calmed, Jamie said, "Here's what Kyle sent me," then showed everyone his phone.
Big Dan, wholly immersed in reading the exchange, verbally recited, "You baldy, scouse bastard! I'm gonna have you!"
The team shared additional laughter at Kyle's text to Jamie, then Big Dan read Jamie's reply, "Fuck off, you gobshite! If you come at me, you know what will happen to ye!"
Red Team shared additional warm spirits, furthered when Big Dan said, "No surprises in seeing him not replying any further!"
"What about you, Chuck?!" Cole asked with a deep laugh.
Chuck shook his head, fighting off amusement. "He called me a posh scouse bastard, said I was dead. I replied with a barrage of laughing emojis and a finger or three here or there. He never replied after that."
The team shared another exchange of laughter, furthered when Big Dan snorted and said under his breath, "He was right about the posh part."
Chuck shot an immediate point at the big Geordie while grinning.
"He never sent me one," Chris complained with a chuckle.
"Aye," John Murray said, meeting Chris's glance. "That's because you're stone cold and the one he fears most."
The team shared another laugh.
"Kyle ran his mouth off with me as well," Cole said, looking around. "I cautioned him to reign in his mouth, reminding him I'm well-mannered until someone is in my face. After that warning, like the rest of you chaps, he never replied further!"
"'cause he's scared of us, that's why," Chuck said with a grin.
The team laughed further.
"I take it you didn't reply to him, Speedy," Big Dan joked.
Bryce's body language betrayed his discomfort. "Fuck off!" he protested.
"Show us your reply then, fella," John Murray said.
Bryce met the Scot's glance, still unsettled. "Show us yours."
"Fair enough," John Murray said nonchalantly, took out his phone, showed everyone Kyle's text, then his reply, which was a simple uncaring shrug, and a message which read, "Tell it to my face on Monday, fella. I have more important things to do tonight."
The team laughed, knowing the Scot backed up his position, with just Bryce left as they turned back to him.
"Your turn, fella," Big Dan said with a nod.
Bryce remained uncomfortable, not knowing where to look. Eventually, he said, "OK, I didn't reply to him."
A ripple of laughter spread among Bryce's teammates except Sarah and Sophie, with Bryce quickly trying to calm it, saying, "I didn't think it was worth replying to him, that's all!"
Bryce's attempt to calm things was unsuccessful.
It had the opposite effect.
"You don't need to fear him, mate," Chuck said with a sympathetic smile. "He'll only prey on that and single you out in the future."
Everyone nodded, their unity on Chuck's caution clear.
Big Dan then met Bryce's glance. "Chuck's right, fella. And besides, all of us know he was a boxer in his parent regiment, is a very good fighter, and it would be a very unfavourable match for you to go against him one-on-one."
"Dan's right, mate," Jamie said, his teasing of Bryce's fear ceasing. "Don't worry, because any of us would be happy to fight him instead on your behalf if it came to that. If he gets on the wrong side of me, I'll twat seven bells out of him and he won't be walking again anytime soon!"
Laughter broke out again over Jamie's declaration, with each of them knowing he meant it, and that Jamie was one of the few on the team not to cross, probably along with Chris and Big Dan.
However, Big Dan extended his arms out, his glance changing between Jamie and Bryce. "Leave it to me, fellas! If he wants a fight with any of us, I'll be happy to deal with it, as I told him in my reply to name the time and place. I won't let any of my mates fight a superior foe. It's a battle I'll gladly fight on all of your behalf."
The team all shared a warm glance with Dan as Jamie chimed in, "Same here, mate. I don't care who I'm against. If anyone comes at any of you, they'll see the wrong side of me very quickly."
"Count me in that," Cole said with a nod.
Everyone else nodded in sync.
"But enough teasing and fighting talk," Chuck said, looking around. "'cause it's Sarah and Bryce's two-month anniversary on the team with us today."
Everyone turned to look at Chuck in query.
Cole, first to grasp a sense of the date, said quickly, "So it is!"
The rest of the team came to a fast consensus, each grasping the date.
"And what a fine celebration we've had so far today, and in our time off the last days so far, fella," Big Dan said.
The team voiced their agreement, but John Murray disturbed it when he said, "The night's still young. We all deserve it after the ops we've had the wee few months we've been together."
Everyone turned to face John Murray, each nodding successively.
"And here's to many more years of us together because I don't want to lose anyone else," Jamie said, looking around with an affinity towards each of his teammates.
The team and Sophie shared a warm moment with Jamie until Chris raised his glance and said, "I'll drink to that."
Everyone joined the team leader in raising their glasses, sharing and revelling in the close bond they all held towards each other.
"We should enjoy tonight as much as we can without teasing," Sarah said with a smile. "Because who knows when we will next get time off?"
Heads nodded, some mutterings were made, but Big Dan was the most verbal. "She's right as well. So then, ladies and gents, let's get wasted!"
Excitement exploded among the team again.
After a moment, Jamie chortled, "If we get too many more ops, we could all bugger off and set up a bar together in the sun!"
"We'd go bankrupt within weeks from drinking it all ourselves!" Cole said with a rowdy chuckle.
"Weeks?" Chuck asked with a chuckle. "More like a week, tops!"
The whole team and Sophie shared the intense amusement for a long moment.
When it calmed, Sarah joked, "The best part of all is that during our time together, we've got one over on Blue Team several times already!"
"She's become one of the lads!" Cole let out a deep laugh.
The team shared the latest exchange with him.
"Sarah and Bryce have brought us some luck since they arrived, I'll admit," Chuck said with a grin. "Let's hope it continues."
"It will, fella!" Big Dan said, snorting. "Because not even in their wildest dreams will Blue Team ever get the better of us!"
Another wave of laughter swept through the team, filling the air with their contagious mirth.
"I'll drink to that!" Bryce said, raising his drink.
The rest of the team hastily joined him in the action.
O-o-O-o-O-o-O
Chuck and Cole finished preparing the last wave of food for the team.
The team and Sophie collected their food one by one until it was Bryce's turn as the last up to be served.
Cole thereafter served Bryce with a generous helping of food. "Here you are! We'll keep handing you an excessive amount because you need to fatten up a bit!"
Bryce shared the laughter with Cole and a few others who'd heard the remarks.
Chuck and Cole then turned to each other, observing just two corns, two sausages, and a few chicken skewers remaining.
"Well, Cole, by the time we've finished that, nothing's gone to waste, and we've had no complaints," Chuck said with a grin.
Cole beamed at Chuck in reply, moving to pat him with great affection. "A great night's work for me and my best man, Chuck!"
Chuck nodded, smiling at Cole as they shared an extended glance.
Cole then fired down the barbecue while Chuck gathered the food for himself and Cole.
Once they were done, they returned to link up with the rest of the team and Sophie.
As Chuck arrived at Sarah, she handed him a freshly prepared beer.
He grinned, taking it out of her hand as they leaned in and shared a soft kiss.
When they parted, they held a lingering gaze, their focus on each other as they held their loving gaze and ate their food, revelling in the team's joy and conversations taking place all around them.
Eventually, their glance at each other broke, changing towards Bryce, who said, "I've finally found somewhere to live off base for anyone who might be interested. It's a nice apartment. I really like it."
"Well done, mate!" Jamie said, eager and excited over Bryce's declaration as he moved to pat him.
"Nice one, fella!" Big Dan led the collective excitement from each member of the team, each thrilled with their teammate's good news.
Bryce smiled at his teammates and Sophie. "Thanks."
O-o-O-o-O-o-O
Red Team reached the end of their amazing evening together, with Bryce, Dan, Jamie, Chris and John preparing to depart as they waited for some taxis to arrive.
The whole team—especially after the realisation Sarah and Bryce had been on the team for two full months—were drunk.
For the five about to depart, they'd had more to drink than the four who'd be staying at Chuck's, but not by much.
The team spent a moment saying goodbye to each other, laughing and joking in their merriment until Chuck, Sarah, Cole and Sophie waved off the rest of the team until they were out of sight.
Once it was just the two couples left, they turned to each other, sharing smiles.
"What a great night!" Cole said, his happiness beaming.
Sarah smiled at Cole. "Yeah, it was great."
"I've found an amazing friend," Sophie declared, her eyes shining with affection, her glance locked on Sarah.
Sarah smiled back, holding Sophie's glance. "Me too."
Chuck suppressed a satisfied laugh as he moved an arm around Sarah and led her back inside.
Cole closed the door after him once everyone was back inside.
The couples turned back to face each other, pausing in Chuck's hallway.
"Well, I think that's us done for the night," Chuck said.
"With each other, at least!" Cole joked with a rowdy chuckle.
Sophie moved to swat at Cole for his crude talk as Chuck and Sarah shared amusement.
After a moment, Sarah and Sophie stepped towards each other to share a friendly hug and kiss while Chuck and Cole went through their routine.
Once Sarah and Sophie pulled back, Chuck and Sophie did the same, with Cole and Sarah following suit.
Parting from each other, Chuck ushered his hands out ahead of him and said, "Guests first."
The four close friends shared another warm glance as Cole and Sophie climbed the stairs, with Chuck following last close behind Sarah.
On arrival on the upstairs landing, Cole gave Chuck and Sarah one last look. "Good night!"
"Good night," everyone else replied in sync.
The two couples split for their respective rooms, as Chuck, with a beaming grin of happiness, followed Sarah Lisa Walker—the woman he was in love with—into his bedroom.
And he knew what he was going to do about it…
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I hope you enjoyed the chapter today. I don't know if it's my last one before Christmas or not, but if it is, I wish you all a very merry Christmas! Please review! It was a really long chapter, with lots of content, and I'd really appreciate a comment (even if brief) :)
FOOTNOTES: Next chapter, the team returns to work and the story shifts, becoming tense for nearly ten chapters. After that, the story will cover Christmas festivities, so you'll probably have to wait until January to read festive chapters from me unfortunately (but I thought this one was good nonetheless!) :)