The restoration of the Kirk Ronan Harbour had been a long and busy process, now almost seven months in the making. Ever since the previous November when the Fat Controller and the three railway inspectors examined the old harbour and put the restoration project to action, all the engines across the Railway had been working hard and diligently to get the project done. Right from the beginning of reconstruction in early winter, Molly and Derek had been working together to deliver building materials to help restore the harbour. The Fat Controller had chosen Molly because she was a strong and powerful engine, so much so that among a few people and engines, she was known as "Molly the Mighty." But although Molly was very proud of her strength and happy to do what she could to be really useful, she was still a very sensitive and shy engine by nature, even during her romantic banters with James her Radiant Ruby now and again.
It was now approaching June. Only two days had passed since Thomas and the Fat Controller returned from London after meeting the Queen and the young prince. All the engines had heard about Thomas' Crown Affair and were all very proud of his and the Fat Controller's achievements, and so work on the Railway went on as usual. But for Molly, things were bound to take quite an unexpected turn, and for James, it would soon be time for yet another meaningful pair-up with his beloved Shining Sun.
One sunny morning, Molly was running along the Main Line with flatbeds loaded with rails and sleepers for Kirk Ronan Harbour to replace the old tracks. By this time, both engines had brought in all the loads Kirk Ronan needed to build new buildings, shops, sheds and repairs to the quay. Now the big job was building the new rails for the soon-to-be restored Kirk Rona Harbour. As she ran along, Molly couldn't help but wonder about her beloved James, as she had been thinking of him off and on for some time now.
"Oh, my," she said to herself. "Whenever will I be seeing my Radiant Ruby James again? So much has been happening here with me and Derek, and the harbour is ever-so close to being finished now."
"It certainly is, Molly," said her driver Barry. "You and Derek have done a great service to the harbour thus far. As for James, we've all been rather busy, but you'll see him before you know it. I'm sure."
"I hope so, Barry," said Molly. "It's been yet another long while since he and I had any time together…"
Soon, Molly was approaching Cronk Station. The signalman saw her coming and proceeded to turn the points to her proper line. But as Molly crossed the points, her wheels suddenly gave a bad jolt which made her lurch a little, after which she felt a little rickety and uneven.
"Oh! Ohh! What's happening?" she gasped.
Molly stopped at the platform and her fireman Mark jumped down to check her over. To his surprise, everything seemed to be in order from what he could see.
"Don't know what that could have been, Molly," he said. "Probably a stone or branch we didn't see. Anyway, perhaps we should press on."
Her driver Barry was still a little wary, but decided to keep going to see if everything really was alright. So Molly set off again, trying to feel if anything else was wrong herself. After a few minutes, it seemed that there wasn't much wrong after all, so she felt more relaxed.
"Well, Molly. Doesn't seem like there was anything wrong," said Barry. "Let's pick it up, shall we?"
He opened the regulator further, and Molly began to go faster. But no sooner had she begun to gain speed when she suddenly felt funny.
"Ohh…oh, dear…Ohh!" she groaned. "My front's all wobbly! Oh! What the-Ohh!"
Scarcely as she had said that, there came another sudden jolt somewhere in her front, and Mark suddenly saw something bumping along the line beside them.
"Jiminy Christmas, look at that!" he exclaimed. "BARRY!"
Barry quickly crossed the cab and saw it. Both men watched in horror as a distinctive round metal object rolled along the line like a hoop. After a few moments, it hit a stone and bounced away onto the nearby road, just as Patrick the Cement Mixer was coming from the opposite direction.
"Whoa! Look out!"
Patrick gave a shout and swerved quickly to avoid the metal object, to which he lost control and ran into a ditch with a sudden splash of mud. It was then that Molly looked and saw just what had been rolling away.
"Oh, no! OHH!" she wailed. "Stop! Sto-o-o-o-op!"
Very carefully, Barry applied the brakes and Molly came safely to a halt, to which she gave a glad sigh, for her front wheels now felt very, very loose. Barry and Mark came down again and took another look at her wheels. With all their eyes beholding it, there was no doubt what the trouble was; one of Molly's bogie wheels had come off, and she could have been derailed.
"Oh, dear," Barry said steadily. "That could have been quite nasty, Molly. One of your left bogie wheels broke off from where the axle joined it."
"Thank goodness we were on straight track and not going too fast," said Mark. "Or else that could have been a nasty accident…"
Molly turned her eyes down toward the road, clearly eying Patrick lying in the ditch while her runaway wheel lay not too far off.
"Well…a nastier accident than what could have been," Mark concluded.
Molly stood where she was, her heart jumping unevenly and her boiler tingling uncomfortably. Nothing like this had ever happened to her before, and she didn't know exactly how or what to feel. All she knew for sure, being the sensitive soul that she was, she was quite embarrassed and ashamed.
"Oh. Ohh…" she panted a little shakily. "I…I've never had a wheel come off. Ever. I…I'm so ashamed…"
Molly's guard ran back up the line and placed detonators along the tracks to warn other engines of what had happened. Then he ran back to the nearest signalbox to call for help.
Meanwhile, not far from Maron, James was running along the line with his passenger run and his shiny red coaches. The sun shone brightly on his smart red paint, but he wasn't thinking so much about that. He had his mind set on a far more pressing matter…as to when he would next see the most important engine in his life.
"Goodness me," he said aloud. "So very long since I've seen her, or had any proper time to be with her. What could Molly be up to around now?"
"She's surely bustling away with Derek, James," said his driver Dermot. "All the work they've been doing for Kirk Ronan is quite remarkable."
"Now the project is nearing the end mark," said his fireman Clyde. "Just a little longer to go."
"If only I could have been working there with her now and again," said James. "She's surely feeling rather unquenched by this point in time…for me…"
At this moment at Cronk Station, right where Molly had her little jolt at the points, the stationmaster's telephone suddenly rang. When he answered it, it was Molly's guard, who wasted no time telling him what had happened.
"Well, Egad!" said the stationmaster. "Her wheel's come off?! …And Patrick swerved out and landed in a ditch? I'll call the Search and Rescue Centre so they can send Butch."
"Very good," said Molly's guard. "But what of Molly?"
It was at that very moment, the stationmaster looked out the window and saw who was coming.
"Say, I've got an engine coming right about now who can help. I'll send him right away. Goodbye."
The stationmaster then hung up and ran outside. James was coming in toward the platform to let off more passengers, then as he came closer, he saw the stationmaster waving a red flag.
"James! Stop there, James!" he called.
James stopped at once, surprised to be flagged down on his passenger run.
"Sir? What's happened? I'm not late, am I?" said James. "I didn't overshoot or undershoot the platform, did I?"
"No, James. Not at all," said the stationmaster. "But you'll have to leave your passengers now. I'll send for Edward to take them on from here."
"Why? Whatever for?" James asked.
"Molly needs your urgent help," said the stationmaster.
James felt his heart jump at once. "Molly?! Urgent help? What happened?"
"Her guard telephoned me just now, and her front bogie wheel has come off. You must shunt her and her train up to Kellsthrope Road."
When James heard this, he suddenly felt a jolt in his boiler. Molly's wheel had come off? Never had he heard of anything like this happening to her, let alone any engine, aside from Thomas when Nelson had to rescue him, and Emily after she took her big tumble with the Mainland Trucks.
"Oh, no! Her wheel has come off?! Hold on, Molly! I'm coming straight for you!"
So James was uncoupled from his coaches, then he dashed off with all haste down the line for his beloved Shining Sun.
Meanwhile, Molly was still waiting for help, feeling rather silly without her bogie wheel. Her driver and fireman kept watching the line for any help to come along. Then suddenly, just as Molly's guard came running back, there came a distant horn up the line. Molly looked, and there was Daisy oiling along the scene until she took one look and suddenly stopped. Molly could see the Diesel Railcar was looking toward the road, and the runaway bogie wheel. It was clear that Daisy found what she was seeing a quite undignified sight.
"Sacre bleu, Molly," she sniffed. "Fancy letting your little bogie wheel scurry off like a mouse. A woman as elegant as you letting your wheel run away from you is most distasteful. Le nerve!"
Molly was very embarrassed by this and tried hiding herself in a cloud of steam, while Daisy just chuckled vainly and oiled away. Shortly afterwards, Butch came along the road. His workmen hitched a hook and cable to Patrick, then pulling hard, Butch hauled him out of the ditch and back onto the road. Once Patrick was on his way again, Butch brought down his magnet and retrieved Molly's wheel to bring it to the Steamworks. Then at that moment, Molly heard that very whistle. With a little gasp, she looked back, and sure enough, James came right alongside to see his Shining Sun again.
"Molly! Hi! There you are! Thank goodness!" he gasped. "I just heard what happened! Are you alright?"
"I suppose. Hello, James," she said shamefully. "Such a long time since I've seen you last. See, I…I was just going on my way…then suddenly, my wheel popped right off!"
"I'm very sorry about your wheel, Molly," said James. "That must have been frightful. But fear not, your Ruby is here to help you."
"Thank you, James. I'm very pleased to see that it's you who could help me," Molly smiled, but then sighed sadly. "But for this to happen to me…it's so embarrassing."
"Oh, come now, Molly," James consoled, trying to comfort his beloved yellow engine. "You're not the only engine to have trouble with wheels. One of Edward's crank pins once broke, to which his crew removed his side rods, and Connor had his coupling rod come loose after he went a little too fast."
"Hmm. Maybe so, James," said Molly. "But none of them ever had their wheel come off, James. Only I as of today. But even so, please be a darling and help me."
"Of course, Molly. Anything for you, my Shining Sun," James nodded.
Molly had to smile lightly as James backed up, switched to her line, then buffered up from behind and began to push. But Molly's load of rails and sleepers was a most heavy weight for James to haul.
"Ohh…bless me, Molly!" he gasped. "Your load is heavy! It's small wonder they call you 'Molly the Mighty'."
"Don't let it be too heavy for you, my Ruby," Molly called back.
"It is rather heavy, but I don't care so long as I can help you, my dear," said James.
So with James pushing hard, Molly set off again, a little wobbly, but grateful for her Ruby's help. James in turn was pleased to see Molly again, though the circumstances weren't exactly the most pleasant, and unfortunately, her teasing troubles were not quite over yet. A few minutes later, they approached a red signal near Kirk Ronan and had to stop. At that very moment, things were no better. Logan was coming from the opposite direction with some empty coal trucks, two of whom were Hector and Old-King Coal. Molly hoped badly they wouldn't notice her, but alas, both trucks looked and saw her very situation.
"My, my!" Old-King Coal announced loudly. "Look whose wheel's come off!"
Some of the other trucks noticed Molly's wheel missing and burst into shrouds of laughter.
"Ho-ho-hoo!" the trucks cried out. "Look at that! All those rails and sleepers being pulled by a wobbly bouncy banana!"
"It's no banana!" cried another truck. "With that big hole where that wheel should be, it's a giant Swiss Cheese pulling that train!"
Hearing these very distasteful names regarding her paint color and her missing wheel, Molly felt even more hurt and embarrassed with herself as the trucks laughed and laughed. James, for his part, could not believe what those trucks had just said about her, to which he went redder than ever and gave a very angry growl as he continued to push Molly along. Logan and Hector were very cross too as they looked back.
"All of you, shut your traps!" Logan snapped to the trucks, who still giggled.
"You DIRTY lot, SHUT UP BACK THERE!" Hector roared.
"Why should we?" Old-King Coal snickered. "Molly's wheel has come off! She can't bump us back now!"
At that moment, James stopped right beside the truck and shot a glare right into his eyes.
"NEVER in my life has ANY rolling stock, engine or truck, said such things about MY wife!" James simmered angrily. "You best HOPE I don't smash YOU off the line and down the hill, Old-King Coal! Thomas sent Hector toppling off the line; SO could I on an old TUB like YOU!"
Logan thought it best to get the trucks away from Molly at once as he started off again and hurried down the line. James held his glare on the trucks until they were all out of sight. Then he looked ahead to his wife.
"I promise you, Molly, if those trucks were on my line, I'd have sent them all flying! Just for you."
"Come now, James. You know that wouldn't do you any good," said Molly. "Though I do appreciate your untouchable care and devotion toward me. Now please, we must keep going."
James nodded and continued to push Molly and her heavy train. It was hard and slow work, and James slightly wished the load was a little lighter, but he was determined to help his love however he could. Eventually, they arrived at Kellsthorpe Road. Derek was on the line beside them and had heard everything. By now, James was growing tired and weary, but was determined to help Molly however much further he needed to go.
"My most sincere sympathies, Molly," said Derek. "I'm just glad it didn't happen any worse than it did. Very good of you to help her, James."
"I know, Derek," said James. "Though these flatbeds have left me a little spent, nothing is more important to me than helping my Shining Sun."
Molly was then uncoupled from her flatbeds and Derek took them on their way to Kirk Ronan. Once he had left, James continued to wearily shunt Molly further along the line. He was glad to be rid of the heavy load, and even gladder still to be buffered right up to his wife again. James looked up and along her tender as her yellow paint gleamed beautifully in the sun. Seeing this made James start wondering if today would perhaps give him and Molly another much-needed occasion to spend together. It would all depend on her wheel being fitted back in, and whatever work he had left to do.
At last they arrived back at Crovan's Gate. James and Molly stopped right at the platform, and her journey was now done.
"I can carry on from here, James," Molly said gently. "Slowly and carefully, of course. My wheel is sure to be at the Steamworks, but even now…I really feel silly."
"Please don't be ashamed of yourself, Molly," said James. "I can't stand seeing you looking so downhearted. Perhaps I can come back to see you again later."
"If my wheel will be repaired in time, that is," said Molly. "Thank you, James. You'd best get on with your day for now."
While James went back to resume his own work, Molly limped slowly and carefully to the Steamworks. Inside, she found her undamaged wheel already there, having been delivered by Butch. Bloomer was still hanging from the ceiling hooks, and he had heard what had happened too. As Molly settled gently on the Steamworks turntable, Victor came alongside her.
"Don't worry, Molly. We'll have your wheel refitted in no time."
"This has never happened to me before, Victor," Molly said sheepishly, her face still light red with shame. "Do you think I was going too fast for my bogie wheel?"
"Nonsense, my friend," said Victor. "This has nothing with going too fast. The assembly came loose on the points and the holding pin snapped off your axle. I trust the signalmen will be keeping a closer watch whenever engines come along to make sure this doesn't happen again."
But even as the workmen got to refitting her wheel, Molly still felt sensitive and ashamed over what had happened. Not even the ever so charming Bloomer, whose restoration was soon to be finished, could cheer her up.
"Well, m'dear Molly," said Bloomer. "Had a little unexpected…roll, did you?"
"Please, Bloomer. I'm not in the mood for puns," said Molly. "Daisy and the trucks have already given me enough grief about it. And everyone calls me 'Molly the Mighty.' I can't be mighty when my wheel comes off."
"Come, come, m'dear, everyone has mishaps now and then," said Bloomer. "The best you can do is pick yourself up again and keep going. From the stories I've been hearing of this Kirk Ronan, you and Derek have been doing most remarkable jobs in its restoration."
"Thank you, Bloomer. I just really didn't think this would ever happen with me," said Molly. "In the end, I…I'm just a very sensitive sort by nature. I wish I could be more confident more often…and more than anything right now, I really hope to share time with James again, if it can be helped…"
"I'm sure it will work out for both of you," said Bloomer. "He's your Radiant Ruby after all, and I know he won't fail in rekindling your spirits today."
Molly couldn't help but smile, knowing that was indeed true. But until then, all she could do was wait and think over how everything turned out thus far.
The hours passed. While Molly's wheel was tended to, Edward kept James' passengers on schedule, while James kept on with more goods deliveries, thinking endlessly about Molly. He still found it hard to believe that her wheel had come off, and he most certainly didn't expect to meet up with her again in a way such as that. What hurt him most of all was seeing her looking so downhearted, hurt and embarrassed by all she had been dealt while he was helping her on her way. To such effect, he strongly felt he needed to see her again tonight, however he could manage it. After all the time they'd spent apart from each other with all the work being done on Kirk Ronan, it was time to close the gap yet again with more spells to weave upon each other.
"I will come back for you, my Shining Sun," he said to himself. "Nothing will hold me back from you tonight. I promise you…"
At last, late that evening, Molly's wheel was refitted and back in order. Her axle's assembly was reapplied and her bogie wheel was now firmly locked in place.
"There you are, my friend," said Victor. "Good as new and wheels rolling again. You may go on your way now."
"Thank you, Victor," Molly said lowly with a deep sigh.
"Don't let your accident hover over you, Molly," said Victor. "Perhaps James could help you on that. He's sure to be finished his work soon."
Molly suddenly remembered and looked outside. "Yes…so he shall. Goodnight, Victor."
Then she slowly set off out of the Steamworks. By now the sun was going down, and Molly was tired of dwelling over all that had happened today. All she wanted now was to leave the day behind and seek James out in the hopes that he would be able to take the time she badly needed with him. Molly passed right through Crovan's Gate, deciding not to settle in and carried on across the Main Line, looking for her Ruby. As she carried on across the line, her heart started to jiggle with desire to feel his lips kissing her again, and she was sure he was feeling just the same underneath all the work they had been busy with thus far.
Molly kept on her way until she arrived at Kellsthorpe Road Station, just as dusk fully fell and the stars began to spread through the sky. As she pulled in toward the platform and stopped, she looked up, and with a sudden tingle in her boiler, there was James bustling in to drop off some fuel tankers as he too was done for the day. As soon as he stopped at the other platform, he looked up and saw his lovely wife standing right on the line beside him. With surety and devotion glowing in his boiler, he gave a small nod, left his tankers in a siding, then came right back to his beloved engine. Even now, she was still looking sad and ashamed over what had happened earlier, but James was determined to change all of that tonight.
"Well. Hello again, Molly," he said gently. "So nice to see you out and about again…and such a gift it is to see you at the end of my busy day."
"Hello, James," Molly said softly. "Yes, my wheel is back in order again…and yes, likewise, I'm very pleased to be seeing you again."
"I knew you would be, my love," James replied. "Believe me, I've been occupied all afternoon thinking about what happened with you today, and I felt as though we needed to be together, tonight, however it could be managed."
Molly nodded but stayed quiet, still clearly thinking as to how the day had gone for her even now. James then switched to her line and buffered up to her.
"Well, Molly," he said surely. "The day is done, you're back on the line…and it's just you and me tonight."
Molly looked up as James smiled right at her. "Really, James?"
"Yes, Molly. My work here done for today," said James. "I won't be back at work until a little late in the morning tomorrow…and you've had quite a trying day today.
Furthermore, it's been such a spell of time since we had any time together…until tonight. Are you…interested?"
Molly could feel James' inviting tone as she looked right into his eyes, blinked twice, then slowly nodded.
"Of course, James," she whispered. "It's been a very long time for both of us. Let's make for the sheds, shall we?"
James nodded and grinned impressively. Molly then started pushing him gently along the line toward the points, where they switched over to the other track. James was all set to push Molly on their way back to Crovan's Gate, but suddenly became puzzled as Molly started pushing him down the other way and down the Kirk Ronan Line.
"What are you doing, Molly?" he asked. "Crovan's Gate is the other way."
"I know, James," said Molly. "But I think somewhere different would be fitting tonight. Where we're going is closer…and newer."
"Newer?" said James. "What do you mean?"
"Well, with all the building materiel Derek and I have been bringing…we have new sheds here. Would you care to settle in with me there?"
"With you? Always, my love," James smiled. "Lead the way."
So Molly continued to shunt James towards the new sheds, only recently built for the engines that would be running the Kirk Ronan Branch Line once the harbour's restoration was complete. The shed had three berths with three tracks running right through the entrance and exit so engines could enter from either direction. James found the sheds to be very fine.
"Hmm. Fine sheds," he nodded. "Fine indeed, Molly."
"Thank you, James," she said gently.
Then the red and yellow engines went right inside the middle shed and settled in together as the doors closed behind them. James felt a steady wave of pleasure to be huddled inside a shed with the love of his life again after so long.
"Ohh…so lovely to be huddled in with you again, isn't it, Molly?" James remarked.
"Well…yes…it is, James…" Molly said quietly, and lowly. "But even so…all that happened today with me…ohh…"
James looked and saw that Molly's sensitive side was still holding on as she looked down and slowly leaned left and right, shaking her head. It was clear to James she still felt embarrassed by all that had happened today. After all she had been through while he was helping her before, he couldn't stand seeing her like this any longer.
"Oh, Molly…" said James. "Don't let what those stupid trucks said get to you. Especially Old-King Coal. As I said earlier, if only he'd been on his own, I'd have bashed him off the line as Thomas once did to Hector for scaring Rosie."
"It's not just the trucks, James," Molly said quietly. "I forgot to mention earlier…but before you came along to help me…Daisy came along too…and she didn't hold back either."
"Dai-ohh…she did?" said James. "Well, then…what did she say? Stay with me, Molly. Let me hear it."
Molly looked away, hesitating at first, then let it out.
"She…she said I let my bogie wheel scurry away like a mouse…and…and that a woman as elegant as me letting my wheel run away…is most distasteful."
James shut his eyes and groaned irritably to what the Diesel Railcar had said about his wife, then he opened his eyes again and buffered closer.
"Oh, Molly, Molly," he said strongly and surely. "That Daisy is only speaking out of her 'highly sprung,' exhaust ports as far as I can judge. You are more elegant, graceful and truly beautiful than she can ever hope to be. She will NEVER be as useful, or hard-working or as strong as you, Molly the Mighty. More to the point, that Diesel Railcar has yet to think of really useful things that you can't do. Come here."
Molly buffered in closer until her cheeks were softly touching to James' face. Such warmth and softness flowed through them both as James looked into her eyes and made his point right then and there with a smile.
"Don't you think on it, Molly. Don't you think on it for one minute. …Hey?"
Molly's eyes shimmered gently to James' words of encouragement, and in that moment her lips finally began to curl up into her lovely smile again.
"Oh, James. You're very, very sweet…especially when it's only the two of us," she said softly. "I really can't thank you enough for your devotion to your Shining Sun."
"Of course, Molly," James replied. "It may be true that I am vain and selfish now and then with other engines, but when it comes to you alone, I will NEVER stop my devotions to you. I understand you take accidents or hiccups like this very seriously. You're a shy and sensitive engine by nature. I know it's not always easy for you to be as confident as other engines may be…but I never think any less of you for being shy. If anything, that's one of the things I like about you…as it makes me look forward to when the more adventurous side of you shines through…just between you and me."
When Molly heard this, she felt that very side of her beginning to stir already. The time had come yet again, and she would not waste any chances now.
"Once again, James…I'll never stop thanking you for all you do for me. Right now, all I want right is to put everything from today behind us."
"As do I, Molly…and everything right now is absolutely perfect," said James. "Last we had any time together was just over a year ago…when I saved you on Gordon's Hill from that oil spill."
"A whole year? …Yes, that's right, James," Molly remembered. "When you also wanted a good washdown that summer…but never as much as you would ever want me…isn't that right, my Radiant Ruby?"
James grinned deeply as he rubbed his nose to hers.
"Oh, Molly. Don't be silly," he chimed. "You're the one thing that always matters to me above everyone and everything else…and I know for sure you would NEVER want anything as much as you would ever want me…isn't that right, my Shining Sun?"
To this, Molly's smile grew big and pure as she batted her eyelashes and went for it.
"Yes, James. My Radiant Ruby…I always want you more than all else…I want you now, James. We've gone on for more than a year without any quenching of our deepest and most lustful desires…until tonight at last. Make love to me, James. Please make love to me…the only way you can do best for your Shining Sun. Please, James? Please?"
James needed no more than Molly's sweet, adorable pleading, all too eager to make passionate love to his Shining Sun.
"Ask no further…my Sexy Shining Sun," he purred proudly. "I assure you, my love. Nothing. Else. Matters."
Then in that moment, the infatuating festivities began. James looked right into Molly's eyes, regarding her looks for a few moments. Her lovely deep yellow livery, her red stripes, her four large driving wheels, and of course, her sweet, adorable face with perfect round cheeks, her pointy little nose and her big, lovely lips.
"You're so beautiful, Molly," he murmured. "Absolutely gorgeous…and so very sexy, I will say."
Molly looked away shyly and blushed gently. "Oh, James…oh…you're very sweet."
James smiled right back, then leaned in toward her face.
"I love you, Molly. I love you so much. Here I come," he whispered.
Then, after too long a wait for them both, James pressed his lips right on Molly's cheek and held there for a few moments. His boiler bubbled most happily as he felt Molly's soft and warm cheek on his lips again. Then slowly and gently, he began kissing along her cheek, feeling her skin press inward like a pillow then puff out again as he kissed along her face. As he went along, Molly's cheeks turned bright red as she blushed and giggled shyly.
"Oh…oh, Jimmy…" she cooed and looked away sweetly. "J-Jimmy…oh…I-I'm feeling shy…oh…ohh…"
"Aww, Molly…" James smiled lovingly. "I have to say…you're so adorable when you're shy…"
"I…I am?" Molly whispered softly. "Do you really think so?"
"Of course," James whispered back. "I only hope you're not too shy for more."
"Aww, James. Of course not," Molly cooed. "Please keep going. I know you want to…I want you to."
James happily obliged and continued as he pressed his lips to her other cheek and softly brushed up and along her face, feeling her smooth, warm skin running right along his lips. Molly shut her eyes and gasped sharply as she felt James' lips exploring her cheek again. She still felt a little shy as her boiler began tickling most delightfully, but she loved it so very much. James then kissed her over and over along her other cheek, all while Molly continued to coo and moan most happily.
"Aww…aww, James…ohh…I love you…oh, Jimmy…" she purred.
"I love you too, Molly…here we go," he whispered.
Molly looked up with a jump in her heart as James then took hold of her cheek and began very gently pinching it. Molly gave a sudden jump and moaned out loud as James' lips tickled her cheek most lovingly. Then to her most loving surprise, James began sucking on her cheek, gently tugging her skin into his mouth with such care. Molly closed her eyes and moaned louder as James continued to suck on her cheek like a baby on a bottle of milk.
"Ohh…Ooh…that's it, James…Ohh, that feels go-o-od…" she moaned happily. "Oh, yes…that's right, Jimmy…just like that…ooh…"
James' heart was racing madly in his boiler as he felt Molly's soft and warm cheek tugging into his lips, and so he softly let go, then leaned to her other cheek and sucked on it most delightfully too, while Molly only melted deeper into his spells.
"Ohh…ohh…please be gentle, Jimmy. There's plenty yet," she gleamed happily, to which he nibbled and suckled her cheek again. "Ohh…! My darling Jimmy…"
As he sucked and tugged her cheek just a little longer, James absolutely loved and adored the sound of Molly's voice fluting through his ears. So gentle and quiet, and so full of love and joy for her beloved Ruby. Her little whimpers, giggles and moans were all making his boiler tingle endlessly, and he was all too ready to bring her to the peak she had not felt for just over a year since their last big night together. James gently let go of Molly's cheeks, making her look up.
"Wow, James…" she gasped. "More than a whole entire year since our last session together…and you never cease to fulfil my deepest dreams."
"Thank you, Molly. I strive to do just that for you whenever we find the time," said James. "And now, my sweet, beautiful Shining Sun…it's time for me to bring you to your shining peak again. May I?"
Molly gave a happy gasp and her lips drew such a big, lovely smile.
"Oh, James. Yes. Yes, of course you may," she whispered happily. "Nothing would make me happier than to feel all you can bring out of me. Please, Jimmy…come get me. Have fun…and make all your Shining Sun's dreams come true…"
"Say no more. Your Ruby is in motion," James replied. "Your deepest dreams await you."
Molly then watched as James deepened his smile and seemed to start shaking with anticipation. Molly could sense something wonderful was going to come for her, and so it did. James leaned in toward her and opened his mouth. Molly's heart skipped a beat as James came in closer, then rested his tongue right on her cheek, then began to slowly lick along her face. Molly's eyes slowly went wide, then gradually closed as she felt a strong shiver of pleasure wash through her body.
"Ohhh…ooh! J-Ja-a-a-ames…!" she trembled and groaned unabashedly. "Ohh…oh! Oh, oh, oh! James! Hooh! You're tickling me!"
James felt his entire body fizzing almost electrically as he gently licked Molly's other cheek, feeling such a lovely, sweet and warm taste on her lovely face, and summoning more and more panting, whimpering and moaning from her lips.
"Hooh…yes…oh, yes! Right there, Jimmy darling!" she cried out loud in unbreaking passion. "D-do-don't stop! Please do not stop! Uhh! Uhh! James…!"
James didn't stop for one instant, all-too determined to make all of Molly's dreams tonight come true. He continued to kiss and lick her cheeks up, down and wherever he could. Within moments, Molly began to tremble and shudder as her heart began jumping in her boiler. James could sense this too and took full advantage. He briefly let go of her cheeks and proceeded to kiss her adorable little nose over and over. Molly jumped again and snorted through a big giggle as her nose twitched and wriggled most delightfully. James held back a strong chuckle too as he kissed her nose further.
"Oh-OHH! Oh-ho-ho-ho-ho! James! James, that tickles! T-t-tickl-l-les!" Molly squealed most happily.
"Yes, it does, Molly," James chimed teasingly and lovingly. "But now, it's finally time…for you, my Shining Sun…to feel a wonderful new peak, only brought on the very best by your Ruby."
Molly suddenly gasped with an excited smile and looked up. James only winked and went right back to her cheek, then resumed his steady pace of licking her face wherever he could. Feeling his tongue tickling her away along her face, Molly shut her eyes tight and groaned out loud in utter pleasure again, her cheeks blushing deeper and deeper red as James kept on with pleasing her as much as he ever could. Then sure enough, after such a long wait to quench her passion with her beloved husband, Molly began to feel something warm and tingly creeping through her body. Her steam gradually started creeping through her boiler and trickling into her cylinders, then in the next moment, her steam ports began to tingle, to which Molly started to whimper and tremble.
"Ohh…ooh…! J-James…James!" she whimpered. "M-my steam ports…they…they're…ohh…it tickles…ohhh! I'm…I'm getting close…! J-James…!"
"Aww, Molly. Are your steam ports trembling already?" James asked sweetly. "Oh, Molly, you're so sweet. Let it out, my sweetie-dear. I love you."
Molly was trembling all over as James' soft voice tickled her heart, and he continued kissing and licking her right along her cheeks, then licked softly over her lips, which made her squirm left and right, trying so very hard to hold it in.
"Oh-oh-oh-oh…J-Jimmy…! Jimmy! J-J-James!" she yelped with joy. "I-I'm…I'm gonna…oh, my! I think I'm gonna…!"
James sensed just what was coming and wasted no effort as he pressed his lips to Molly's cheek and kissed her as strongly as he could. In turn, Molly shut her eyes tight, shaking all over as she tried and tried to hold back, but in the next moment, she couldn't hold any longer. With a loud and joyful squeal, her steam ports suddenly let loose, and then came such a wonderful spell of pleasure as warm water started squirting from her steam ports, sending Molly into utter euphoria.
"Oh-oh-OHH-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho! Ohh, James…! Wheee! Ahh! Ahh…" she squealed and wailed most happily.
James couldn't contain his joy as he stared in awe at Molly's steam ports gently leaking a little more. Then suddenly, Molly drew in a deep gasp, and in the next cry of pleasure, she let off a big, long cloud of steam. To this, James whistled loudly and proudly while Molly gasped and panted for a few moments more. Her steam encircled James and cloaked him in such warmth and love from the engine he loved so much, and he knew in that moment her troubles today were all over and would not hinder her spirits again any time soon. Molly continued to gasp for air for a few more seconds before she looked into her husband's eyes. What she had just experienced, she could not recall with any previous occasion she and James had shared, but here and now, she was truly and fully amazed and delighted by what her husband had just given her. James was smiling from buffer to buffer as Molly leaned in and pressed her cheeks to his.
"Oh, James, my sweet, perfect Ruby!" she whispered. "That was SO wonderful! I've never felt any spell like that before! It…it was SO amazing! How EVER are you so pristine and perfect in fulfilling every dream and wish of mine?"
"Hm-hm-hm! I suppose it just comes naturally," James said sheepishly, trying not to blush himself. "And it's only the very least of what you deserve after we've been kept busy for far too long. I trust you really enjoyed that, my love?"
"Of course, I did, James," Molly beamed. "You were wonderful. Absolutely and impeccably wonderful. Thank you so very much…"
"Any time, my darling dear," James chimed.
The two of them sat together for a few moments, staring right into each other's eyes and bearing perfect smiles for each other. Then Molly slowly looked up at James.
When he looked again, he suddenly noticed her expression change. Rather than blushing and looking away shyly, Molly was now looking straight into his eyes, and her smile had deepened quite a bit. James could sense her adventurous side was coming out, now that it was her turn to repay all he had done for her.
"Well, now. My wonderful, sweet James," she said smoothly and invitingly. "You've quenched all my dreams and more tonight after a whole year's time. Such a lovely wave of joy you've brought me tonight. Now…for all your unequable spells, it's time for me to weave my magic on you…and make my Ruby truly gleam tonight. Are you…interested?"
James smiled from buffer to buffer, all-too ready for everything. "You never fail to make me gleam, Molly. Please. Proceed."
Molly then took a deep breath and let out a blissful, sweet sigh as she regarded James' looks for a moment. His smart red paint, his gold-colored dome, his large smokebox and his rebellious yet genuine smile for her were all too perfect.
"I must say…you're so gorgeously red," she smiled warmly. "A perfect Ruby, I have right here."
"Thank you," he said, trying not to blush. "You're so precious, my sweet, lovely flower."
"Oh, James. I love you," Molly blushed softly. "I love you so much. Now, Jimmy…here I come."
With that, Molly slowly leaned in closer, pressing her cheeks right to his. She then puckered her lips slowly, then softly planted them right on his cheek, letting out a soft whimper as she felt his cheek on her lips again. James breathed in sharply as he felt Molly's warm and soft lips again. So gentle, wonderful and truly perfect for him tonight. Then Molly started smooching very quietly, kissing his cheek slowly and perfectly, to which James lurched upward a little, then sighed with utter pleasure. Molly blushed with delight as she leaned in and pressed her big lips deeper into his cheek, kissing and tugging his skin more persistently. James' boiler gave a big jump, then his eyes slowly rolled back into his head as he felt Molly's lips kissing him again.
"Mmm…ah. Mmm…ah," she kissed. "Ooh, James. Mmm…ah. Hm-hm-hm-hm!"
"Oh…oh, Molly…I…oh, my…I love you…" he whispered heavily.
"I love you too, James," Molly smiled as she brushed her lips up and along his nose. "I love you like crazy."
They both giggled to each other, then Molly proceeded further as she slowly started kissing down his cheek and toward his chin, once again whimpering happily as she went along. James began rubbing his cheek along her lips, letting her explore even more wherever she pleased. Happily obliging, she kissed up his cheek again, then up to his nose where she began to kiss and nibble on and around it. This made James lurch and gasp.
"Ahh! Molly! Molly!" he suddenly panted. "Ohh! That tickles!"
"Jimmy. Shh…shhh…" she whispered warmly as she nibbled along his nose. "Tickle-tickle-tickle…"
"Ahh…hah…M-Molly…!" James whispered. "Ohh…wow…!"
"Molly loves you, James. She loves you more and more," she whispered as she kissed his nose once more.
She then kissed down his cheek again, then up the other one, trailing her lips like magic wherever she touched. James could only keep panting and heaving as Molly's lips tickled his face with every kiss and flutter, and he couldn't wait much longer for her to bring him to his own peak. After about ten minutes, Molly gently let go and stared into James' eyes with her eyes gleaming.
"Alright, now, James," she said softly. "I believe it's time for me to bring you right to the edge. Please…may I?"
James' eyes widened slightly as Molly slowly licked her lips to tease him and invite him right on in.
"Yes, Molly. Please and thank you…please show all you have for me. I love you, Molly."
Taking her chance right away, Molly batted her eyelashes, purred very lowly, and slowly leaned in closer to James. Her eyes softly closed, then she opened her mouth and rested her tongue on James' cheek for a moment. James gasped sharply, then in the next moment, Molly started slowly licking his cheek, cooing and sighing with utter delight as she trailed her tongue gently along his face.
"Ahh…ahh…! Oh, yeah! Ohh…! M-Molly…! Molly!" James shuddered and shook vigorously. "B…Bouncing Buffers! That's SO wonderful…!"
"Ahh…aahhh…" Molly sighed seductively and happily. "Ohh, you're tasty, James. So lovely."
And she went right for his other cheek and started licking a little faster, lapping her tongue up and down along his face. James had a most difficult time holding back his jumps, grunts and laughs as Molly kept licking, tickling and kissing him wherever she pleased. Before long, she began pressing her lips to his cheek every few seconds and smooching him playfully just to tease him further.
"Oh-oh-ohh! Wow! Molly!" James jumped. "Oh, that tickles!"
"Ooh, someone's feeling ticklish, isn't he?" Molly teased as she then nibbled along his cheek. "Tickle-tickle-tickle!"
"Ohh! Ahh! Molly! Stop that!" James squirmed and wriggled. "Ohh! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!"
Molly didn't stop for one moment, knowing James only said that reflexively. She continued to softly lick his cheeks slowly, teasingly and perfectly, pressing her lips in every few seconds and smooching kiss after kiss. Molly absolutely loved how wonderful she was making him feel, and hearing him still groaning and whimpering away with joy only turned her on more, and so she went on for twenty minutes more, smooching and smacking her lips away on his cheeks, planting gentle little lip marks along his cheeks, all to which James' boiler was only bubbling stronger and stronger…until he began to feel it happen too. His boiler began to tremble and his steam started flowing through him too.
"Oh…oh, my! Molly…Molly…!" he panted. "I…I don't think I can…h-hold it in…too much…longer…!"
Molly gasped and went straight for the finishing touch.
"Yes, James! That's it…" she fluted softly. "It's okay, dear. Don't try to hold it in. Just let it flow free. Tickle-tickle-tickle. I love you, James. Molly loves you…"
James was nearly out of breath as Molly trailed her tongue along his cheek, and she gave very soft little slurping sounds just to tease him even more and drive him to the very point she knew he had been holding back for too long now.
"Ohh…ohh! Molly!" he heaved passionately. "I…I'm gonna burst…! Molly-y-y-y-y!"
And sure enough, James shuddered and trembled, then suddenly, with perfect precision, he let off a strong hiss of steam, blowing is whistle loudly.
"MOLLY! Moll-y-y-y-y-y!" he howled and wheeshed strongly.
Molly looked up and saw James' steam cloud grow larger and thicker by the second, almost like Merlin's invisible steam trick. Sure enough, James' steam blanketed all around Molly, sending such a lovely, warm wave over her body, making her shudder and giggle proudly. James continued to let off steam for about twenty seconds longer, deepening his hug on Molly as she blushed and cooed most happily, endlessly proud that she had fulfilled his deepest dreams after such a long wait. Slowly the steam settled down, and James gently came forward with his eyes gleaming dearly as he stared into Molly's eyes.
"Bless me, Molly!" he exclaimed with glee. "That was truly…truly fantastic! I've not felt any spell like this in SUCH a very long time! I really can't say clearly how you're so very perfect…but I'm infinitely happy that you are so perfect just for me."
"Ohh. Thank you, James," Molly jiggled sweetly. "Just like you, it only comes naturally that I'm perfect for you. I…I trust you enjoyed that, didn't you, honey?"
"Oh, there's no need to ask, Molly. I LOVED every instant of it," James chimed proudly. "You really are the biggest, most precious joy in all my life, Molly."
"I know, James. Thank you," Molly smiled. "And I know you're the biggest, most precious joy in all my life too. You've really made everything better for me once again, and I really can't say much more than…thank you."
"Well, it's always my pleasure, Molly," James replied. "My eternal pleasure to see your lovely smile and make you as cheerful as you always deserve to be."
Molly could only blush and giggle softly as James chuckled too. Over the next few minutes, James and Molly let themselves wind down again. Their boilers slowly cooled and their axles settled down again. They were both very pleased and happy with how their night had turned out together. There was just one thing left for them both to share together to make it all truly perfect.
"Oh, James…" Molly said softly. "Tonight has been truly perfect. We've both given each other truly wonderful gifts once again…"
"Indeed we have, Molly," said James. "And I…assume there's only one thing left to do...to make it truly perfect. Am I right?"
"Yes, James," she smiled sweetly. "You're absolutely right…and I would love for you to join in with me."
And she slowly puckered her lips once more and smooched them quietly. That was all James needed as he slowly leaned in closer.
"I love you, James," Molly whispered.
"I love you too, Molly," he whispered.
Slowly and gently, James and Molly pressed their buffers right into their housings, touched their faces together, then locked their lips together in a deep, powerfully passionate kiss. With every following moment, James and Molly's minds floated right out their funnels as their lips tugged and writhed over each other in truly divine love and devotion to the other. James felt his entire body tingling with joy as he felt Molly's soft, warm and perfect lips nibbling and tugging so very gently on his. Molly in turn felt her body tingling away with soaring joy and love as she softly pressed her tongue to James' lips. He immediately obliged and opened his mouth, allowing the two of them to start French-kissing each other, each emitting small whimpers and moans as their spell only weaved deeper and deeper into their hearts.
At last, after nearly half an hour, James and Molly's lips slowly let go, allowing them to catch their breath, then at last, both engines felt their barriers steadily falling and their eyelids grew heavy, weaving them both into truly wonderful and loving sleep together.
"Thank you, James…thank you so very much," Molly yawned. "Tonight was…was…mind-blowing…"
"Oh, yes. No other way I would have put it, Molly," James smiled and yawned himself. "Now my sweet, lovely wife…shall we huddle in?"
"Oh, yes. Ohh…" Molly yawned again as she huddled right down. "Sweet dreams, James. I love you so much."
"Oh… sweet dreams, Molly. I love you too…" James murmured dearly.
Then with one more soft kiss to each other's cheeks, the two of them huddled together in a deep, blissful sleep with nothing and no one else to disturb them. Tonight had been the best night in quite a long time for both engines, and neither of them would have had it any other way.
The next morning as the sun cast its orange-ish pink glow through the sky, James woke up slowly with a yawn. For a moment, he didn't quite know where he was. Then he looked and saw his beloved Molly fast asleep with her buffers huddled up with his. James' heart beat most dearly as he gazed on her sweet lovely face, remembering they were in Kirk Ronan's new sheds at Kellstorpe Road, and everything had been fulfilled just as they had pleased between each other. After a few moments, Molly began to stir and hum gently. James watched as her eyes gently opened, then she smiled most happily as she saw her ruby right there.
"Good morning, my Shining Sun," James said gently. "You're looking truly lovely, I see."
Molly yawned herself awake and gave him a little kiss on his cheek.
"Good morning, my Radiant Ruby," she glowed sweetly. "You're looking most splendid yourself."
"Thank you," James replied lovingly. "So, Molly…did you have fun last night? I certainly know I did."
"Ooh, I loved everything last night, James," she giggled. "Once again, you never fail to fulfill all my fantasies. Last night was truly a work of magic."
"All thanks to you, Molly," James smiled deeply. "You never fail to fulfil my fantasies either. I love you, my Shining Sun."
"I love you too, my Radiant Ruby," Molly smiled as she leaned in and gave him a kiss on his lips, to which he kissed right back.
A few moments later, they gently let go, and the shed doors opened up. James' crew had come by, ready to start the day again.
"Well, now. I suppose I'd best be on my way," said James. "Thank you for having me come here, Molly. This has indeed been the best night I've had in a very, very long time."
"Me too, James," Molly smiled. "Last night was truly the best I've felt in a very long time too. I look forward to whatever occasion we may share next."
James winked dearly, then set off on his way back to the Main Line. Shortly afterwards, Molly's crew arrived and told her what needed to be done today, so she returned to Crovan's Gate Station and picked up her first load to bring to Knapford, after which she was to bring another load back to Kirk Ronan. Molly didn't know it yet, but there was yet another surprise to await her on her journey for today…
Meanwhile in Arlesburgh, the other engines had woken up and were starting their own day's work, including Daisy. She had a special job to do and was heading for Knapford with a proud smile. She was to collect some important fashion designers and bring them to Vicarstown Station.
"Ooh, such a tre magnifique job this is!" she beamed proudly. "And for me to be taking them! They must be too special even for Gordon to take on their way…ohh, how proud they'll be to ride with me!"
Daisy soon arrived at Knapford Station and saw the fashion designers standing at the platform. There were five altogether, and they were all distinguishingly dressed, each carrying pens and drawing pads for designing fancy apparel. They all looked at Daisy who smiled as big as she could.
"Hello. You're Daisy, I presume?" one of them said.
"Oui, I am, monsieur," said Daisy. "All aboard, ladies and gentlemen, for Vicarstown. A fine ride this shall be, I promise you."
The fashion designers all got onboard Daisy and were indeed impressed with her upholstery. The guard's whistle blew, and Daisy set off on her way, feeling very proud indeed. As she rolled along the Main Line, she made doubly sure to be going as smoothly as she ever could manage for her important passengers. Some while later, after passing through Crosby and Wellsworth, Daisy looked ahead and saw James coming back along the line to start his own work.
"Bonjour, James," Daisy called with a blow on her horn. "Tre magnifique day, wouldn't you say?"
James took one look at Daisy, then pouted as he looked ahead and went right on by, not having the slightest interest in greeting her back after what Molly had told him.
"Well! What nerve!" Daisy said to herself.
After another fair stretch of her journey, Daisy went passing through Maron Station when she heard another whistle. When she looked, there was Molly passing by with her load to Knapford, looking much more cheerful than the day before.
"Oh, dear, Molly," Daisy proclaimed. "Don't go along too quickly. Wouldn't want another wheel to scurry away now, would we?"
Molly saw and heard Daisy, but paid no heed, remembering what James had told her the night before. She went right on past Daisy without a word, smiling as cheerfully as ever, to which Daisy sniffed indignantly.
"Hmph. Fancy manners like that," she snorted. "Not elegant at all!"
While Daisy kept on with her journey, Molly kept right on with her goods run, stopping wherever she needed to, picking up or setting down trucks. She gave little glances down toward her front now and again, remembering how her wheel had come off, but thanks to her passionate night with James, she had a good feeling today would turn out a lot better. And so Molly worked hard and persistently until she arrived at Knapford and delivered her load. The Fat Controller was impressed.
"Very good, Molly," he said. "You've definitely bounced back nicely after yesterday's little hiccup. Now to bring your next load back to Kirk Ronan."
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."
So Molly found her next train of ten trucks loaded with more building material. Then she coupled up to a brakevan and set off again back up the Main Line.
By this time, Daisy had travelled a good distance along the line and was still keeping schedule for the fashion designers.
"Just a little further, and they'll be designing the finest apparel imaginable," she purred. "Perhaps these fine designers could give Mr. Wainwright a little run for his sewing."
Soon Daisy was heading straight up toward Kirk Ronan Junction, but there was trouble ahead. The signalman at this junction was new to the job, this being only his second week, and often spent more time listening to his radio than paying enough attention to the timetables. At the given moment, he was too busy listening to Nigel and Stan as Daisy drew in closer.
Outside, Daisy could see the signalman wasn't paying attention and felt a little uncertain. She then gave a toot on her horn as she ran under the signalbox gantry. The signalman jumped and suddenly panicked over whether he'd set the points properly.
"Oh, no! Which one? Which one?" he thought as he eyed three different levers. "No, wrong one. Maybe this one? No…wait! Here it is!"
With that, he pulled the lever to Daisy's current line. But no sooner were Daisy's front wheels clear, than the points changed right then and there, sending her rear wheels to follow in the new direction. In the next instant, Daisy felt a very bad jolt between her front and back as they were switched onto different tracks.
"Ohh! OHH! No-o-o-o!" Daisy wailed.
Then in the next moment, Daisy's wheels jerked off both directions of track and she was sent jittering and bouncing away onto the side of the line. The fashion designers were bumped and bounced most uncomfortably until Daisy came to a stop, now stuck off the line, unable to go any further. Luckily, no one was hurt. But the signalman, who had of course seen everything, knew he was sure to get the sack for this. The fashion designers looked out Daisy's windows, then opened the door and stepped down, now worried about making it to Vicarstown on time.
"Oh, dear," one of them said. "The points switched her front and back down different ways!"
"Now what will we do?" asked another one.
"Oh…oh, no!" Daisy gasped. "I'm completely out of order here! All on that…that…signalman!"
At that very moment, the signalman came running down to take a closer look.
"Oh, no! Oh, no! Sir Topham's going to be so cross with me!" he panted. "Why EVER didn't I pay more attention to the timetables?"
"A very fine question, monsieur," Daisy sniffed. "Now these fashion designers will be late for their run to Vicarstown! And right after I'd promised them a smooth ride all the way!"
The signalman apologized profusely to the fashion designers, then started walking back to the signalbox to call for help. Just then, Daisy heard a familiar whistle. The signalman and the fashion designers looked back, and sure enough, there was Molly puffing into the junction with her trucks for the Kirk Ronan Harbour. She looked and suddenly saw Daisy's little predicament and came to a stop, quite surprised by what she was seeing. After her wheel had come off the day before, here was Daisy, now in a little wheel mix-up of her own. Then before Daisy could say anything, Molly spoke.
"Why, Daisy. I'm surprised," she said steadily, holding her smile. "If I may…I think this quite an undignified sight. No woman as elegant as you should let your wheels run away from you like that. Some may consider it, perhaps…distasteful."
Daisy, utterly abashed and embarrassed beyond any words, stayed silent as her face flushed deep, deep red. Molly then looked to the fashion designers, who were clearly worried about their schedule.
"Can I be of assistance, ladies and gentlemen?" Molly asked.
"Yes, please," said one of the fashion designers. "We were supposed to be on our way to Vicarstown Station."
"But then the signalman here wasn't paying close enough attention," said a another one.
"Then when he turned the points, Daisy's front and back wheels were switched down different tracks," said the third.
"And we mustn't be late for our arrival," said the fourth.
"Can you get us to Vicarstown Molly? Please?" asked the fifth.
"Well, I can take you as far as Kellsthorpe Road in my brakevan," said Molly. "From there, you can get a further transfer by road on Berite or Algy, perhaps."
"Thank you, Molly. That will do very nicely," said one of the designers.
While Molly shunted her trucks to a separate siding and got her brakevan ready, the signalman hurried back to the signalbox to telephone Kellsthorpe Road Station. There, the stationmaster answered and heard everything.
"Hello? Yes…oh…I see," he said. "Yes, well…I'll let the workmen know Molly will be a little late…but it's for the best to help the fashion designers."
"Thank you, sir," said the signalman. "I'll send for Harvey to help Daisy."
"Yes…and you, sir…" the stationmaster answered more seriously. "I think you'll have to have a little chat with Sir Topham Hatt, regarding your performance thus far."
"Yes, sir. I know, sir," said the signalman. "Thank you, and goodbye."
The signalman then hung up and hurried back to Molly.
"Everything is set?" Molly asked.
"Yes, Molly," said the signalman. "The workmen know you'll be a little late getting to Kirk Ronan, and you're all set to bring these fine designers on their way."
"Alright, then," said Molly. "All aboard, ladies and gentlemen."
The fashion designers boarded Molly's brakevan at once, then she set off down the line for Kellsthorpe Road, while Daisy stayed where she was, still utterly embarrassed.
Molly went swiftly and smoothly along the line, very proud to be taking the fashion designers on their way. It wasn't long before she arrived at Kellsthrope Road Station and let off the fashion designers. As Molly had assured them of, Algy was waiting just outside the station to take them the rest of the way to Vicarstown.
"There's Algy. That's perfect," said one of the designers.
"Thank you, Molly," said the second. "A most comfortable journey for a brakevan."
"And thanks to your swift service, we're still on good schedule," said the third. "Well done, Molly."
"My pleasure, ladies and gentlemen," Molly smiled.
The fashion designers then filed through the station and got onboard Algy, who set off right away for Vicarstown. Molly then set off on her way back to the junction to recollect her trucks and bring them to Kirk Ronan Harbour. When she returned, Molly saw Harvey preparing to help Daisy back onto the line. As he carefully maneuvered her back on track, Daisy looked quite ashamed and miserable as she slowly looked up at Molly.
"Don't worry, Daisy," she said surely. "The fashion designers are right on time, thanks to Algy. And I see Harvey's got you on track again. Now, I must get my load to Kirk Ronan."
Before Molly could go on her way, Daisy spoke up.
"Molly…before you go on your way…" she said sincerely. "It's only appropriate for you to know…I'm very sorry for what I said the other day…and thank you dearly for looking after my passengers. You are most certainly a dignified and elegant woman…and I truly cannot say anything to the contrary now."
Molly smiled and chimed cheerfully, "All very well, Daisy. Always glad to help whoever I can when I can."
With that, Molly collected her trucks again, and set off down the branch line to finish her job, feeling much more cheerful for the rest of the day, all thanks to her Radiant Ruby helping her the day before, and of course another most spellbound night for the two of them.
More James and Molly focus, at last, and it definitely bumped up the rating. This also adapts "Edward and the Cabbages" from the Railway Series book "Thomas and the Fat Controller's Engines". And yes, Logan, the Wooden Railway exclusive character, is part of the North Western Railway in this series, since if Sam was able to show up in America in the BWBA film, why can't Logan be considered canon? I don't view Dustin the Rotary Snowplough as a Sodor resident because he's literally useless outside of ploughing snow. Anyway, next time we'll be focusing on Donald and Douglas, with a lot of major changes in store for them. Until then, tell us what you thought of this story, and as always, stay safe.