Chapter 11

It was a week before Christmas and the guys were at Rocque records, currently in a heated meeting with the number one most powerful CEO in America. The girls had arrived for their lunch dates five minutes ago and were sitting on the white chairs outside Gustavo's office, listening to the raised voice of said man. They barely heard Carlos mention 'a Christmas miracle' before the door burst open. The girls rose to their feet as Griffin walked towards them.

'Ah, hello ladies.' He glanced behind, as six frowning people walked out of the office, four faces picking up as they saw the girls. 'It's going to be a busy week. Christmas will be here before we know it.' He faced Charlie. 'Look at you, you're positively glowing.' Charlie blushed and muttered thanks.

And with that he walked down the hall, turning around to face all of them. 'Merry Christmas!' He called back before disappearing.

'Hey.' The guys greeted, hugging their partners.

'You ready for lunch?' Jo asked.

'No, they are not ready for lunch,' Gustavo butted in. 'We have six days to come up with a whole album of Christmas songs.'

'Don't worry Gustavo,' Carlos said. 'We managed to do four songs for our Christmas EP in one day. We can do one album in six days. It will be another Christmas miracle.'

'Yeah.' The three other band mates agreed.

'Come on Gustavo, we've gotten out of worse situations before.' Kelly encouraged. 'You lot go to lunch. Come back in an hour and we should have a song for you to record.'

Before Gustavo could protest, Kelly grabbed the front of his jacket and dragged him to his piano, waving back at the others.

The eight of them decided to go to a small cafe. James drove the BTR mobile, much to Logan's chagrin and met Kendall, Carlos, Jo and Stephanie there. They walked in together and sat at a large table next to the window near the back, girls facing guys. Charlie was last to order, the waitress was looking at her incredulously as she recited half of the menu, raising an eyebrow as she finished.

'Is that all?' She asked curtly.

'Yes. Thank you.' Charlie said coldly, holding out the menu without looking at her.

All too soon the food arrived and the mindless chatter subsided as they ate. The woman came back to clear the now empty plates from their table.

'Would you like to see the dessert menu?' She asked politely, not making eye contact with Charlie on the end.

'Yes please.' James said knowing Charlie wanted ice cream.

'I'll be right back.'

She came back moments later with smaller menus, placing them in front of James.

'Shout when you're ready to order.' She smiled at the lads and strutted to another table.

'She irritates me.' Charlie grumbled as she picked up a menu, ignoring everyone's laughter.

'Anybody else getting any pudding?' Carlos asked as he picked up a menu himself.

Kendall, Jo, Logan, Camille and Stephanie shook their heads. Charlie handed the menu to James, having already chosen what to indulge in.

'We can go back to Roqcue Records in my car,' Said Kendall. 'Then one of you can drive the BTR mobile back.'

'Sounds good.' Said Carlos, placing the menu back in the middle of the table. 'Are you staying at Roqcue Records for a bit?' He asked facing the girls.

'Yeah, it's not like we've got anything better to do.' Jo said, the other three nodding. They obviously spoke about this earlier.

The waitress came back to take their order and hurried away. As soon as she was gone, Kendall and Logan stood up and put $15 dollars on the table. Jo and Camille knew better than to argue about fair share, in fact all of the girls did. Charlie and James stood up to let Camille, Jo, Logan and Kendall out, Carlos and Stephanie shuffled over.

'See you in a bit.' Called Jo as Kendall held out his hand for her to take.

As the door shut, the waitress bustled over setting the toffee sundae in front of Charlie, the apple pie and custard in front of Carlos and the strawberry cheesecake in front of James. She asked if Stephanie wanted anything, to which she declined and bustled back toward a very impatient looking man.

James had ended up having the chocolate stick and the wafers from Charlie's sundae, and giving her half of his cheesecake. Carlos had finished his pie in two minutes and was conversing with Stephanie while James and Charlie swapped and re-swapped their dishes. Finally, they put down their share of the bill and headed towards the door. Carlos and Stephanie stepped out first, staggering back a couple of steps as they were bombarded by flashing lights and nosy questions.

'Carlos? You have recovered well? Any lasting injuries?'

'Stephanie? Were you scared for his life? Your future together?'

James and Charlie came out moments later, shrinking back from the reporters. James wrapped an arm around Charlie's waist.

'James? How do you feel about becoming a father? What will happen to Big Time Rush?'

'Charlie? How do feel about giving up acting for this baby? Can you confirm that James Diamond is in fact the father of your baby?'

Charlie cringed into James' protective hold as the paparazzi surrounded them. James could hear his blood pounding in his ears. He was beyond furious. So many questions were being fired at the couple and he didn't like any of them. He tightened his grip on his fiancée and raised his hand in front of him, trying to push his way through the hoard. Carlos and Stephanie were pushing from the outside trying to get in and help.

'Were you trying to get pregnant?'

James stopped suddenly, spinning around to the reporter who asked the offending question and getting in his face. Charlie gripped his arm in terror, never seeing him this angry before.

'That is none of your business.' He spat, venom dripping from his voice as cameras flashed madly.

Carlos and Stephanie had finally broken through, Stephanie muttering to Carlos how ridiculous this was. Carlos moved to stand almost in front of James, putting a hand on his chest and gently pushing him back slightly. Stephanie put her arm around Charlie's shoulders as she began to hyperventilate, the paparazzi still pressing in on them.

Charlie clutched at her small bump as a pain shot through her stomach, her face contorted in pain.

'James!' Stephanie shouted, trying to lead Charlie to the car as the crowds moved out of the way, seeing as it was urgent.

James ran to Charlie, Carlos right behind him.

'It hurts, James.' Charlie whimpered, tears in her eyes.

'Everything's going to be okay.' He said, picking her up bridal style and speeding towards the car.

Charlie hid her face in the crook of his neck as a camera flashed.

'Really?' James shouted, fuming. 'Are you that sick?'

'I got it.' Carlos called, grabbing the camera out of the man's hand and removing the memory card. He threw the camera on the floor before running to catch up, the memory card still in his hand.

Carlos and Stephanie were sat in the waiting room. They hadn't been there long, fifteen, twenty minutes. Carlos had just gotten off the phone to Kendall, letting him know where they were and why. Kendall wanted to come down to the hospital, but Carlos persuaded him that he was more useful at Roqcue Records. He had briefly spoken to Kelly about getting the police involved and suing the news stations, but nothing had been decided yet. It was, of course, James and Charlie's decision. Needless to say everybody was furious.

He was relaying to Stephanie what Kendall and Kelly had said, when he spotted James walking towards them.

'How is she?' Stephanie asked, the pair standing up.

'Tired.' James let out a small laugh at his friends 'and the rest' faces. 'Her and bean are fine. Her uterus contracted. All the stress of the paparazzi put stress on the baby and the uterus walls tightened.'

'Is she staying overnight?' Stephanie asked.

'No. She's just getting dressed.' James said sitting down, putting his head in his hands. 'This is messed up. We nearly lost our baby today.'

'James...' Carlos started sitting next to him.

'No, seriously. Did you know that the majority of miscarriages happen in 13th week? And those tossers don't help.'

'Hey,' Stephanie said, kneeling down in front of him. 'You haven't lost your baby, it's hanging in there. Now go to your fiancée, because she needs you.'

James smiled and stood up, thanking the both of them before heading back down the hallway.

Twenty minutes later, Charlie and James walked hand-in-hand into Roqcue Records, trailing behind Carlos and Stephanie. They wondered into the control room, watching as Logan and Kendall sung parts of their solos in the booth. Logan noticing the presence of the other four as Gustavo shouted they got a lyric wrong, promptly tapped Kendall's shoulder, both hurrying out of the booth to the annoyance of their boss.

He spun round in his chair to see Logan and Kendall hugging a half hidden Charlie.

'Can't breathe!'

'Sorry!' Kendall and Logan said simultaneously, jumping back a little. Charlie just laughed.

Kelly marched into the room, flustered. Her phone was wedged between her shoulder and cheek, a huge stack of papers in her hands. She dumped the papers in front of Gustavo, gave a big smile to Charlie and headed back towards the office, yelling at the person on the phone.

'She's been on the phone for half an hour now.' Logan said, shaking his head.

'She's talking to the directors of the news stations, telling them to leave Big Time Rush alone.' Gustavo told James and Charlie. About a year earlier, he had told the four girls they were included in the Big Time Rush family and they had quickly learnt their welfare was included with the bands as far as Gustavo was concerned. 'If things don't quiet down, I'll lend you Freight Train.'

Before Charlie or James could protest, Gustavo told his dogs to get into the booth. He handed James and Carlos a lyric sheet as they passed him. Charlie and Stephanie sunk onto the sofa and watched in mild amusement as they got up to speed and eventually recorded the song.

With one day left to get the album sorted Gustavo and the guys were getting stressed. In five days they written seven Christmas songs and had five of those recorded and ready to be burned onto a disc.

They were currently in the control room. James, Kendall, Logan and Carlos stood in the booth watching as Kelly tried to calm Gustavo down. Charlie ran in, handing a cup of coffee to Gustavo. Everybody sighed in relief as he visibly calmed down after taking a sip.

'Start from the beginning,' Gustavo said, pinching the bridge of his nose. 'But this time get it right.' He quietly thanked Charlie as the guys started singing.

Stephanie, Jo and Camille had avoided the chaos for the last few days as they had been at table reads for the next couple of episodes of their series with the director, producers and other characters. Charlie, having nothing to do, decided to tag along and help Gustavo and Kelly out. In the four days at Roqcue Records she had made, what felt like a thousand cups of coffee, lunch and snacks (or they would have gone without).

Half an hour later, Big Time Rush had finished singing the song and were on a lunch break in the tiny kitchen down the hall, while Gustavo and the sound technician added bits to it.

Charlie sat on the white couch just outside the door to the kitchen, watching the guys fill their plates with sandwiches, chips and candy. James came out first and sat next to her, giving her one of the two plates he had filled.

'Thanks.'

Logan, Carlos and Kendall sat opposite them. They ate their lunch in silence, enjoying the peace and quiet they hadn't gotten much of.

After eating, Kendall and Carlos had engaged in table football war and Logan had disappeared. James and Charlie sat watching Carlos score yet another goal as Kendall got more and more frustrated.

Charlie stood up, asking James if he wanted a drink.

'Sit down, I'll get it.' James said standing next to her, kissing her before she could protest. He walked into the kitchen as she sat back down and came back two minutes later with a cup of coffee and a glass of orange juice. He paused, taking in her posture. She was sitting up, curving inward slightly, her hands were resting either side of her small bump and her face was shocked. His first thought was that something was wrong and he hurried over, placing the drinks on the coffee table and kneeling in front of her. He placed a hand on her knee, waiting for her to look at him.

'What's wrong?' He asked, concerned.

'I felt it move.' Charlie said overwhelmed. 'It moved.' She grabbed his hand and put it on her belly, waiting. She beamed when she felt it again, but James frowned.

'I can't feel it.'

'It's a like tiny flutter.' Charlie said as he sat beside her, putting his arm around her shoulders. She leant into him. 'You'll feel it when it gets bigger.'

'Yeah, I guess.' He said smiling.

A cry of victory broke James and Charlie out of their small reverie. Carlos was doing a victory dance as Kendall side-stepped him and fell onto the sofa. Logan appeared on the arm of the chair next to James as Carlos jumped next to Kendall, sitting on the back looking down at Kendall, a triumphant smirk on his face. Kendall stuck his tongue out and pushed him back over the couch. They heard an 'oomph' as Carlos hit the floor.

'Kendall!' He whined, jumping back into view.

Kendall just shrugged, 'You were asking for it.'

'You two are like little kids.' Logan laughed. He turned his head to face Charlie and James. 'It's a good job you two are used to it.'

'Hey!' Kendall and Carlos exclaimed at the same time. Charlie giggled as James pinched the bridge of his nose. He felt a headache coming on.

'Guys, give it a rest.' He muttered. 'You're killing my buzz.'

'What buzz?' Carlos asked.

James grinned, 'Charlie felt little bean move.'

'Awe, bean moved? That's so cool.' Carlos said, fist bumping Kendall, previous annoyance forgotten.

'It fluttered, like a butterfly.' Charlie said before they could ask what it felt like. She paused before laughing. 'It brings a whole new meaning to 'I've got butterflies'.'

They laughed at Logan's confused face as he worked out what she meant.

'And you're supposed to be the smart one.' Kendall commented. 'You know, you get butterflies when you're nervous. She's got a new kind of butterflies.'

'I know!' Logan snapped.

'Hey chill.' Logan froze as a pair of hands clamped down on his shoulders.

'Camille? What are you doing here?' He asked as she stood next to him, an arm slung over his shoulder.

'We were let out early.' Camille said, giving him a kiss.

'To get ready for the party tonight.' Added Jo appearing with Stephanie in the hall way. 'Would you guys be able to make it?'

'If we finish recording the last song.' Kendall said walking over and wrapping his arms around her.

'DOGS!' Gustavo shouted. 'You've had an extra 15 minutes. The last song won't record itself.'

The guys groaned. Carlos said hi to Stephanie and kissed her before heading to the control room. The other three guys followed after him after a quick moment with their partners.

Charlie got Jo, Stephanie and Camille up to date on 'lil bean' as Carlos had nicknamed it after looking at the first scan. The girls caught Charlie up with things at the show.

'Oh and Cynthia got fired.'

Charlie stared blankly at Stephanie, 'Why?'

'She was caught taking drugs on her break. It was her second strike.'

'They caught her a year ago but she swore to get help.' said Camille. 'Looks like she fell off the wagon again.'

'The producers kept it under wraps because she got herself clean. But this time, they had to let her go, they couldn't trust her anymore and the show doesn't need bad reputation.'

'It all came out this morning.'

'Too bad.' Charlie said shaking her head. 'She was a great asset to the show. She wrote some awesome story lines.'

'Yeah she did.' Stephanie said.

Four hours passed slowly for the girls as they talked and refrained Gustavo from hurting himself or someone else. But for the members of Big Time Rush it seemed like no time at all. The song was almost finished. They just had to add some harmonies, layers and background sounds and the song was done.

'The party starts at seven, we're going to go back to the apartment and get ready.' Jo said as the guys had a five minute break.

Kendall shook his head, raising an eyebrow, smirking as she replied.

'We have 45 minutes to get ready.'

'Take my car.' Kendall said handing his keys to Jo. 'We'll take the BTR mobile and meet you at the apartment as soon as we're done.'

'If you're not there by twenty to seven, we'll leave without you.' Stephanie said giving Carlos a kiss before walking down the hall, the other three following suit.

'See you later.' The guys called, groaning again as Gustavo shouted for them.

Make up littered the dining table, clothes were thrown almost everywhere and there was a huge pile of heels on the couch when the guys got back to the apartment.

'Hey, you made it!' Charlie said. She sat at the dining table, Jo standing behind her with a curling iron, warning her to keep still. Stephanie and Camille came from the hall at the sound of the guys return.

'You'll find your clothes on your bed.' Camille grinned. 'You've got five minutes to get dressed.'

'Well, what are you waiting for?' Stephanie said, laughing as they all ran to their rooms.

Five minutes later and everyone was ready. The guys were dressed smart yet casual, black dress pants with different t-shirts and accessories to suit their own personality and style. The girls all wore dresses. Stephanie wore a tight, red, one shoulder strap mini dress. Her hair was half up, half down, held with a ruby clip. Camille wore a blue, ruched mini-dress, her hair pulled into a tight fishtail plait. Jo had chosen to straighten her naturally wavy hair and wore a cute black leather mini dress whereas Charlie had her hair loosely curled and wore a green halter neck dress with a scrunched skirt. The silk gently hugged her bump, tightening at the hips. They all wore matching heels and accessories.

The guys smiled, each complimenting their partners as they hooked arms and walked out of 2J and out to the limo. They arrived at paramount studios where the girls usually filmed their show and as the car pulled up at the entrance, a young smartly dressed man opened the door, holding out his hand to the ladies.

'Good evening.' He said as they all clambered out. 'If you follow the twinkly lights to the side door, you'll find Derek. Merry Christmas!'

'Thanks.' 'You too.'

The eight-some followed the lights towards a red carpet that led to the double doors, guarded by a man in a yellow jacket holding a clipboard. The doors were framed with holly and multi-coloured lights that flashed in regular intervals. Derek checked off the stunt co-coordinators for the show. Austin and Mary nodded towards them as they approached before disappearing through the door.

'Names?' Derek asked in a gruff voice. He had only been working for the show for a week and didn't really know anybody's names yet. 'And the name of your plus one.'

'Jo Taylor and Kendall Knight.' Jo stated as they stepped forward to show him who they were. Derek ticked them off and waved his hand towards the door.

As Jo and Kendall went through the door, the next couple stepped forward.

'Camille Roberts and Logan Mitchell.'

'Charlie Smith and James Diamond.'

'Stephanie King and Carlos Garcia.'

Derek looked up.

'Carlos Garcia? Son of Officer Garcia Senior?'

'Yes sir.' Carlos said proudly. 'Did you work with my father in Minnesota?'

'Yeah, I did. I'm Officer Derek Porter,' He stated. Carlos shook his out stretched hand as he continued. 'I owe your father a lot. He saved my life.'

'Officer Porter? My father told me about you. He pulled you out of a fire, right?'

'Ah, he did. Did he tell you the story?' When Carlos shook his head, Derek continued. 'We were partners and had just arrested a couple of arsonists. He had stepped outside to call another car. But unluckily for me I ended up unconscious and your father, without any disregard for his own safety, ignored the other officers and pulled me out of the burning warehouse.'

'Wow.' Stephanie said, Carlos nodding beside her.

After talking to Derek for a further 20 minutes, Carlos and Stephanie said goodbye.

'Hey,' Derek called before Carlos disappeared inside. 'If you or your friends need anything, let me know.'

'Thanks.'

Carlos and Stephanie walked inside. There was a Christmas tree in the far corner, decorated with gold baubles and tinsel, with a cute fairy on top. Tinsel was hung from the rafters and along the wall. On the wall facing the doorway, hung 'Merry Christmas' in red and green letters. Under it was a buffet. Chairs and small tables surrounded the dance floor.

They spotted Charlie, Stephanie and Jo at a table that had a clear track to the restrooms and was the furthest away from the dance floor and made their way over to them.

'Hey.'

'Hey. Where did you two get to?' asked Camille.

'The guard worked with my dad.'

'His dad saved Derek's life.' Stephanie added, smiling at Carlos.

'Wow.' 'Awesome.' 'I know, right?'

'Where are the guys?' Carlos asked turning to look around. He spotted Kendall and Logan talking to Austin, Mary and a guy he recognised as a producer. After he scanned the whole stage, he turned back to the girls, but his question was answered.

'Where did you come from?'

James laughed at his shocked expression. 'That's for me to know, and for you to never find out.'

Carlos stuck his tongue out at him as James and the girls laughed.

Kendall and Logan took the two remaining seats at their table as the show's creator and director stood on a platform and silence replaced the music. Everybody looked up expectantly at the boss, Chris.

'This year has been a great year. We successfully finished the second season and started a third. Unfortunately, we have had to say goodbye to two amazing members of our team... Under two very different circumstances, and to greet a new member. Cynthia Burkhill was an important member of our team and had written a number of memorable story lines. However, her departure has given someone else a chance to rise and show their full potential. I am happy to welcome John Burgess to the team.' He paused as everyone applauded a flustered looking man who now stood in the spotlight. He smiled and waved before the light came back to Chris. 'We are not just celebrating the festive holidays. This year we said goodbye to one of the main characters, one of the stars that helped make this show the very best it could be. The casting director would like to say a couple of words, Yvonne?'

A red-headed lady, in her late thirties, walked up to the mic. She glanced at Charlie's table before she spoke. James and Charlie's interlaced fingers were resting on the table, Charlie's free hand half hiding her face, which was red. James was grinning, as was Camille, Stephanie and Jo. Kendall and Logan were snickering as Carlos teased Charlie, making her redder and swat his arm.

'Three years ago, Chris and I were sat at a table in a small room, looking for the fourth main character. We had already found three brilliant girls and after a week of auditions, we still hadn't found a girl that fit the part and had chemistry with the other girls. Camille, Jo and Stephanie suggested we try their friend. We agreed to see her and were pleasantly surprised by the up-and-coming star. As it was, she blew us away and need-less to say, she got the part. Chris and I was very impressed and continued to be surprised with what she brought to her character and the show. I would like to thank Jo, Stephanie and Camille for introducing Charlie Smith to us.'

Everybody clapped as Yvonne motioned for Charlie to come up to the stage. James stood up with Charlie and kissed her on the cheek. Charlie made her way across the dance floor and onto the stage, suddenly very conscious of every move she made. Chris gave her a one armed hug and walked her to the casting director, who also gave her a hug.

'We wanted to thank you for all of your work on the show and to wish you and James the very best.' Said Chris as the hair, make-up and wardrobe advisor walked up with a big bouquet of pink and cream roses, freesia, phlox and alstroemerias. She handed them to Charlie, gave her a hug and wished her 'good luck' before heading off the stage.

Chris and Yvonne stepped back, giving Charlie the floor. She nervously stood in front of the mic.

'Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity. The last three years have been amazing and I have learnt so much more here than I did in college. I have so many memories and I'm going to miss all of this. Although, I'm not going to miss the ridiculously early wake up call.' Everybody laughed. Charlie thanked everyone again and walked off stage, taking her seat as Chris started again.

'Alright, with all that said and done, I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas... Now, let's get this party started!'

The music started and people once again flooded the dance floor and the buffet table. James kissed Charlie, who smiled and relaxed. They broke apart as Carlos wolf-whistled. Charlie flicked his head and rolled her eyes as he grinned at her.

'So, what are you going to miss most?' Carlos asked her.

'I don't know.' Charlie sighed. She thought about it briefly before answering. 'Being able to be someone different, stepping into someone else's shoes. Doing things I'd never normally do.'

She shrugged her shoulders and laughed at the stares Kendall, Carlos and Logan were giving her.

Kendall turned to James, 'You understand what she just said?'

Everyone looked at James, who gave a dry chuckle. He rubbed the back of his neck before answering. 'Yeah, I know what she's saying. When I did those guest spots, it was interesting to be someone else for a while.'

After a minutes silence, Carlos jumped up.

'Let's dance!' He said enthusiastically, pulling Stephanie up.

Carlos, Kendall, Jo and Camille dragged the unwilling Stephanie, James, Charlie and a very resistant Logan to the dance floor, just as a Big Time Rush song started to play. The girls danced opposite the guys, all of them close together, keeping to the beat.

Three hours later, all that was left of the buffet was crumbs. A slow song was playing, giving the dance floor a peaceful vibe. Couples danced in an intimate embrace, arms wound around each other. Charlie's cheek was resting on James' chest, one arm wrapped around his waist, the other hand gently gripped his jacket. He wrapped his arms tighter as he felt her become more relaxed. He looked down at Charlie's face, smiling as her eyes fluttered open when he stopped moving.

'You ready to go home?'

'No.'

James' got the real answer when she yawned. 'Come on, let's go.'

He steered her to their table to get her jacket and purse.

'I'm just gonna go pee, then we'll go.'

'Lovely.' Charlie smirked, pushing him towards the restrooms before taking a seat.

Kendall, Jo, Carlos, Stephanie, Logan and Camille were seated, sipping drinks when James came back.

'We're going guys. You can stay here though.' He added when Jo stood up and made a grab for her purse. Jo sat back down.

'It's half ten. Normally we have to drag you two away from a party.' Stephanie said jokingly.

Charlie stood up suddenly wide awake.

'Yeah... well,' she started slowly, sadness creeping into her voice. 'Everything's different now.'

Everyone stared open-mouthed as she walked over to Chris to say good-bye.

'I didn't mean it like...' Stephanie started, at a loss for words.

Carlos rubbed her arm.

'Don't worry about it. She knows you didn't mean it like that.' James said, still looking at Charlie, a little worried. 'I think she just realised how different everything is going to be with a kid around. And the raging hormones don't help.'

'Just, make sure you're there for her James.' Jo said patting his arm as he stood up.

'Always, no matter what.' James said with a smile. 'I'll see you guys later.'

The others waved and James went over to Charlie and Chris, who were hugging.

'Thanks for everything Chris.' Charlie said, her chin resting on his shoulder, eyes closed. James knew she was trying not to cry.

They pulled apart and she dabbed her eyes, laughing weakly.

'Damn hormones.' She muttered, chuckling to herself.

Chris laughed. 'You know there will always be a place here for you. Even though your character died, I'm sure John will be able to write you back in.'

'I'm sure he can.' Charlie laughed, nodding.

'Take care James.' Chris said, holding out his hand.

'You too.' James smiled as they clapped each other on the back.

'Good luck, both of you.' Chris said as they turned to go.

'Thanks Chris.'

They said 'goodbye', 'thank you' and 'you too', over and over again as they walked out of the building.

They quietly got into the limo, the silence broken by James telling the driver to take them home. The limo driver nodded and rolled up the partition. Charlie had her head resting in the palm of her hand, her elbow propped up on the handle. She stared mindlessly out of the window. James sat next to her, leaning back, eyes closed.

He opened his eyes and looked at Charlie, surprised to see a tear track on her cheek. He grabbed her hand and gently squeezed it. She looked at him and smiled weakly before the flood gates opened. James put his arms around her, eyes widened in alarm. He rubbed her arm as she calmed down.

'What's wrong?'

Charlie sniffled a couple of times before answering, keeping her eyes on the floor. 'When Steph made that comment, it hit me how much things have already changed. Okay, it should have hit me when I finished filming for the show. But that was just a job. I'm not really me anymore. I can't do things I enjoy, that make me who I am. Things have changed and the baby isn't even here yet.'

'Babe.' James said softly. 'What you do doesn't make you who you are. Your deeds do, your personality does. You are still are the same person and you will be when it's here. You'll just be wiser, more responsible and protective. We'll both change for the better to give our baby the best.'

'I guess.' Charlie said quietly. 'But, what will you have to give up? Your body isn't going to change and your schedule won't change much...'

James cut her off. 'Okay. My body won't change, but I will be there for you and the baby. And before you say it, the band won't be my first priority. My family will. And if Griffin doesn't like it then they can go on without me.'

'You really think Kendall, Carlos and Logan will do Big Time Rush without you?' Charlie asked, raising an eyebrow.

'No. But that's not the point. The point is I don't want to miss out on my baby's life. I want to be there for both of you. Yes things have already started to change and they'll keep changing, but we'll get through it and make the best of it together, as a family.' James finished.

Charlie hugged him, just as the limo driver opened the door.

'Thanks.' James told him. 'The others are still there...'

'Got it.' The driver smiled. He got back into the limo and drove off.

James and Charlie walked up to their apartment tiredly. Charlie went straight to the bathroom for a quick shower. James wandered over to the couch, pressing the flashing button on the house phone that signaled they had a message. As he sank on the sofa, Kelly's voice filled the room.

'Hi guys. I know you're at a party, hence why I'm leaving a message... Uh.' James could almost hear her roll her eyes. She was never good at leaving messages. 'Griffin wants to see Gustavo by himself tomorrow, so you guys don't need to come in. But, they both want to see you on Boxing Day. I know you are going to Minnesota that day, but you only need to be in for ten minutes. Griffin said he will have a driver take you straight to the airport afterwards. Okay... So have a good Christmas everyone. Bye.'

James chuckled and got his mobile. He dialed Kendall's number and waited for him to pick up. Charlie sat next to him in just a towel, brushing her damp hair and listened as James repeated everything Kelly had said.

'Okay man. We won't be out too late though. We still gotta sort lots of stuff out tomorrow before they show up.'

'Alright. Night.'

James put the phone down and followed Charlie to their bedroom.

'Thank you.' Charlie said turning around suddenly as James closed their door.

'For what?' He asked, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer.

'Everything.' She said simply before kissing him passionately.

The towel lay forgotten on the floor, as did James' clothes...