Two days had passed and Charlie and Brax had locked themselves away from the world and everyone in it. Charlie rolled over and snuggled into Brax and tried to go back to sleep she didn't even check what time it was all she knew she was staying right here. She lifted her head up as the door opened and feet padded across the room "you okay sweetie?" she asked.
Ruby nodded "you said last night I could go see daddy today."
"You did," Brax mumbled from beside her and pulled the covers closer to him.
Charlie glanced at him quickly then back to Ruby "how about I call the hospital and see how he is today?" she asked "he might not be up for visitors," she added.
Ruby sighed "you said that yesterday," she said and walked out of the room before Charlie could reply.
Charlie watched the door close and sighed lying back she turned to Brax "should I bring her?"
"It's up to you," Brax said and rolled to face her "Heath said he only had a broken leg and a few cracked ribs."
"Yeah but his face is all bruised and battered…Georgie text me," she added when he raised an eyebrow "maybe we could go together with her."
Brax sighed and sat up "I already told you I wasn't going to see him so if you want to go you'll be doing it without me."
"Why?" Charlie asked, whenever she'd mentioned Benji Brax would change the topic.
"Because I don't want to that's why," Brax replied and rolled out of the bed.
Charlie sat up "Brax what is going on? Every time I mention him you change the topic."
Brax pulled his shirt over his head "leave it Charlie aye," he said and walked out of the room.
Once again Charlie watched the door close sighing she rolled out of the bed and grabbed some clothes. Throwing them on she walked out and down to the kitchen, seeing Brax by the counter she walked to it and stopped beside him "why won't you go see him?" she asked.
Brax sighed and closed his eyes for a moment "I asked you to leave it," he said and walked away from her.
Charlie bit on her lip she knew she should leave it but she couldn't "Brax he's your mate he came all the way here to warn you-to help you, he came here knowing it was dangerous to help you!"
"Well he should have thought about me when he set you up to be kidnapped!" Brax yelled back.
"Brax he told me all about it he had no choice his daughter was in danger."
"He could have come to us Charlie we could have got Ruby back without all this trouble he didn't think he just went along with it, he has no loyalty to Douggie but yet he chose to do what he asked!"
"He wasn't thinking straight his daughter had been kidnapped Brax give the guy a break!" Charlie yelled.
Brax stormed back to her "he's lucky I didn't find him in that warehouse coz I'll tell you one thing Charlie if I had have he'd be dead right now, you may forgive so easily I don't!" he yelled and stormed out the front door slamming it behind him.
Charlie sighed and closed her eyes what was going on with him? She opened her eyes to see Heath standing in the doorway "am I gonna get the same greeting I got off him?"
"No Heath," she sighed "come in," she said and sat down.
"What's up with him anyway?" he asked sitting beside her.
"I asked him to come see Benji with me and Ruby and he flipped," Charlie replied.
"Ah," Heath said and nodded "Brax tends to hold grudges give him time to think about it, he's always been big on loyalty and that he'll come round."
Charlie nodded and stood up "coffee," she asked and walked to the pot.
"Nah I'm good," Heath said and stood up "I just came by to check on things no one's seen you guys since you came back that night."
"Yeah we're still wrapping our heads around it and we have Ruby too…but we're fine," Charlie smiled.
Heath nodded and glanced towards the stairs "any luck tracking her mum down?"
Charlie sighed she'd spent the first night home on her home computer searching and came up with nothing "no," she said "but I've decided, anyone that leaves their daughter like that- while she's in trouble is not worth finding, she doesn't deserve her…I don't think she'll be fighting Benji for custody any time soon."
Heath sighed "I don't know what she was thinking, anyway best be off I'm looking after Angelo's today, glad everything is alright," he said and walked to the door "I'll see ya Charlie," he said and pulled it open.
"Bye," she called after him and walked back to the table, she looked behind her to see Ruby standing there "hey sweetie," she said smiling quickly.
"Her mum took off?" she asked walking to sit beside her.
"Yeah," Charlie nodded "Georgie went to the house and it was empty…she left for Canada the day she was taken."
"What a bitch," Ruby said shaking her head in disgust "who does that? Ruby needs her more than ever now, the poor kid what she must have been through."
Charlie placed her hand over hers "we'll just have to be there for her until Benji is better and do whatever we can for her after…go tell her and Dar we're going to the diner for breakfast-it's time we faced everyone," she said and stood up. Picking her phone up from the counter she pulled up Brax's number and thought about calling him she looked behind her when Daryl called her "coming baby!" she called back. Sighing and deciding to give him some space she placed the phone down and walked into the bedrooms to help them get ready.
….
On the beach Brax sat looking at the waves crash against the rocks he couldn't understand how Charlie was okay with this how she forgot about it so easy, okay his daughter was taken and he did warn her what was going to happen but why not tell him? Why not ask him to help? Benji knows he could have had Ruby home in an hour and stopped Charlie from being taken if they'd worked together.
Throwing a stone out to the water he sighed Benji was his long time mate he was the first kid he'd played with then they were inseparable after that-until Douggie came along. Benji Practically lived in his house until things started to get a bit tense-Benji had tried to get him and Heath to cut Douggie loose but all they could think about was how much money they were making-not how much trouble he was getting them in.
Brax looked beside him as someone sat down "Pete," he said and looked back to the water.
"I had to look twice to make sure it was you," he said "what brings you out here?"
"Need to clear my head…has Douggie been charged with anything yet?"
"Bail hearing is in an hour," Peter replied "so there's something I'm not quite clear on-something I don't understand."
"Spit it out Pete," Brax said glancing at him briefly "you wanna know why I thought I'd killed your mum-and about the whole thing?"
Peter chuckled "am I that obvious?"
Brax chuckled "just a bit….I really thought I had been responsible, man the look on Charlie's face killed me when she asked me-I couldn't answer her I didn't have an answer."
Peter nodded and thought for a moment "tell me what happened that day?"
Brax shrugged "don't really know we checked in that morning like we did every morning but when I got there your mum was there with another cop having a look around. I said I worked on the grounds like Douggie told me to say and she left me be, but then the other cop left which I thought was strange, so I went to listen when I heard them argue."
"What were they arguing about?" Peter asked curiously.
"Some girl that got bad stuff- she was fighting for her life at the time…I think she died anyway," Brax said.
Peter dropped his head "she did-she was Hayley's older sister, that's why mum wouldn't stop."
Brax shot his head to him "Hayley's sister?" he asked Peter nodded "wow I did not know that-why would she be up in the city?"
Peter sighed "Hayley's mum died when she was two Cass was six her and mum were best mates she took on the mother roll…then her dad died when Hayley was sixteen, by then Cass was out on her own being a Uni student. She fell in with some crowd she started drinking missing classes and finally the drugs so mum went up and took her home- she was gone again the next day. She turned up about a week before she died to see Hayley, she told her unless she got herself clean and stayed clean she wanted nothing to do with her. She went to a programme when she didn't turn up the second day Hayls cut her off then she was rushed to hospital the next day."
"And Douggie sold it to her?" Brax asked.
"Yeah he did, mum started following her seeing where she was getting it," Peter replied.
"So that's why she was always on his case," Brax said out loud.
"Yeah and she died trying to get him-that's who she was chasing that night, another two people turned up dead with bad stuff-over a dozen hospitalized," Peter said "anyway back to mum," he said looking at Brax.
"Douggie was in a rage he asked me to go to the police station and cut her breaks, he said if she got a scare she'd back off," Brax said.
"Why didn't you go?" Peter asked.
"Ah mum called in a panic Casey jumped out of a tree or something and couldn't move his arm so I had to take him to hospital, Douggie said he'd get someone else but he had another job for me when I got back."
Peter nodded "did you know the cop from Reefton lakes?" he asked.
"Yeah," Brax nodded "he was always around working on some sort of plan but until I got the job I never knew he was a cop."
"Did Douggie ever tell you what the deal with him was?" Peter asked.
"Not really just that if there was a bust the cop would take some drugs or weapons or whatever and sell them to Douggie and he also paid him for tip offs if his places were about to get raided."
Peter sighed and stood up "we need to meet up and talk properly but now I better get to this bail hearing tell Charlie I'll drop by when I get back."
At the mention of her name Brax looked down at the ground "don't think she's gonna wanna talk to me today," he said and stood up.
"You two have a fight?" Peter asked as they walked.
Brax shrugged "something like that-she wants me to go see Benji."
Peter nodded "so why don't you?"
Brax sighed "he knew what was gonna happen he could have told me-I could have stopped it."
"He knew Douggie wouldn't stop he knew you'd try stop him he didn't want you to get hurt."
"So it was alright for her to get hurt?" Brax snapped.
"She didn't get hurt, listen Brax there's one thing you need to know about Charlie, she's strong it takes a lot to knock her down she'll always bounce back," Peter said and clapped him on the back "go talk to her," he said and walked off.
Brax watched him go and sighed, turning the other way he began his walk back to her house.
In the diner Charlie sighed as Ruby and Daryl argued over a milkshake "look guys cut it out Daryl that is hers you drank yours and Leah took the glass," she said and stood up "come on you have to go to granddad's while I take Ruby to see her dad."
Ruby stood up "can't I just take Dar home and stay there?"
"No I don't want you two alone, I think Casey and Kyle are still there," Charlie said as they walked to the door.
"Oh okay," Ruby said gloomily.
"Still no change with Case?" she asked.
"No," Ruby sighed "he said he was sorry, that was it."
Charlie smiled sadly "give him a few more days he's still trying to put this behind him."
"And I'm not?" Ruby said and climbed into the car.
Charlie climbed in beside her "just give him some space…shoot I left my phone at home I'll have to go back after I drop you two off," she said and pulled away.
After dropping the kids off Charlie pulled up at her house "I'll be two seconds," she said to Ruby and climbed out, she opened the front door-stopping as Brax looked back at her "I forgot my phone," she said and walked by him to grab it off the counter.
"I know I've been calling you," Brax said and followed her.
Charlie nodded and turned back to him "I gotta get Ruby to the hospital…I'll see ya later," she said and walked by him.
"Babe wait," he said and grabbed her arm "I'm sorry I shouldn't have snapped like that this morning."
Charlie turned back to him "you can say what you want to say Brax just don't take it out on me…I gotta go Ruby is in the car," she said and started to walk off again.
"Got room for one more?" Brax asked.
Charlie smiled to herself turning around she walked back to him, standing on her toes she kissed him.
"What was that for?" he asked when she stepped back.
Charlie smiled "I know you're doing this for me," she said and walked to the door "we better go," she said and walked out to her car.
Brax smiled to himself and followed, he'd battled with himself on the way home and came to the conclusion- he'd do anything for her. Climbing in beside her he slipped his hand into hers "wanna go out for dinner tonight-just the two of us?"
Charlie smiled "a date?"
Brax leaned over and kissed her "a date," he repeated and sat back.
"That was gross please don't do that in front of me again," Ruby said.
Brax chuckled and turned back to her "better get used to it we're around for the rest of your life," he said and winked at her before turning back to the front.
Ruby smiled to herself and looked out the window it had been a long time since she'd felt wanted.
Arriving at the hospital Charlie parked up and climbed out helping Ruby out she slipped her hand into hers "now sweetie daddy might be tired so try not ask so many questions," she said as they walked inside.
"Okay," Ruby said and pulled her along.
"Someone's eager," Brax said as he caught up with them.
"I miss my dad," Ruby called and continued to drag Charlie.
"We're not that bad," Charlie giggled. She was taken back when Ruby turned around and hugged her tight looking at Brax she smiled and wrapped her arms around her.
Ruby looked up at her "I'm so glad I met you Charlie, you didn't even know me when we met but yet you chose to look after me so thank you," she said and stepped back "you could have sent me anywhere but you didn't."
Charlie smiled "you're welcome," she said and stopped outside a room "this is it," she said and pushed the door in.
"Daddy!" Ruby squealed and jumped into the bed.
"Hey baby," Benji smiled and hugged her. "You look great," he said looking her over "Charlie and Brax looking after you?" he asked.
"Yep," she nodded "Charlie bought me new clothes," she said nodding to the dress she was wearing.
"Wow it's beautiful," Benji said and looked at Charlie "you didn't have to Charlie I'll get you back when I'm out of here."
"There's no need," Charlie said waving him off "how you feeling?" she asked sitting beside the bed.
"Yeah alright," he replied "can't wait to get home."
"Will that be today?" Ruby asked.
Benji sat up properly "we'll see what the doctor says when he comes around," he said and looked at the door fixing his eyes on something behind Charlie.
Charlie looked behind her to see Brax in the doorway "hey Ruby why don't we go get your dad a drink from the shop," she said and stood up.
Brax waited until they were gone before stepping into the room, he walked to the chair and sat down without a word "Why did you come back?" he finally asked.
"To warn you about Douggie," he replied.
"But how did you know Douggie was looking for me? You must have been in contact with him."
"I wasn't you know I'd never do that…Philly came to see me he told me Douggie was back and that he was looking for me to find out where you were," Benji said "you were always there for me Brax I'd never double cross you."
"Why didn't you tell me what was going to happen then?" Brax hissed.
"Because he had Ruby I couldn't risk him knowing I told someone, come on Brax I know exactly what you would have done and Ruby would have been hurt."
Brax sighed and stood up "I get you had to do what's right by your daughter but she's my world Benji you should have told me…I could have stopped it!" he hissed and walked out of the room ignoring Benji call after him.
…
Charlie sighed as Brax stormed by her "go say bye to your dad Rubes he needs to rest…I'll be back for you in a few minutes," she said and ushered her into the room before running after Brax. "Brax!" she called when he stormed out the exit "Brax will you wait!" she yelled and caught up with him "hey!" she called and grabbed his arm "what's wrong?"
"Nothing," he muttered and dropped into a bench "I wasn't ready to see him but I came anyway because of you," he sighed and looked up at her "I'm sorry babe I tried I just can't do it right now, I'm still so pissed I'm afraid what I'll do if I'm left alone with him."
Charlie sat down beside him and scooted closer to him "you being here was enough for me, I know you didn't want to come Brax and that is your own issue and you'll work it out in your own way. How about we drop Ruby off with the others and we take off for the day-start the date early?"
Brax leaned in and kissed her "that is the best idea you've ever had…can we start it back at an empty house?" he asked pulling her closer.
Charlie giggled and stood up "I'll go get Ruby and meet you at the car," she said throwing him the keys.
Half an hour later they had dropped Ruby and were walking up the drive "I'm starved what about you?" Charlie asked as she unlocked the door.
She giggled when Brax spun her to face him "didn't you have breakfast in the diner?"
"No," she giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck "I was too occupied thinking about you."
Brax stepped closer to her "you know I love you right?"
"I do," Charlie said slowly wondering what was to follow.
"What I'm trying to say is after this is all behind us…how about we move in together?" he asked
Charlie stepped away from him "Brax that is a big step."
"Babe," he chuckled and stepped to her "we were supposed to be getting married today what did you think would happen if we did? Live separately?"
Charlie giggled "hadn't thought that one through….you really wanna live with me?"
"Yes," Brax said and ran his fingers along her cheek "and marry you and have more kids maybe get a dog…I want everything with you," he said pulling her against him "I know I want you for the rest of my life so what do you say?"
Charlie looked into his eyes and studied him "I say….yes."
Brax leaned in and kissed her "you've just made my day."
"And we haven't been to the bedroom yet," she giggled.
"Well that would just top it off," he chuckled and threw her over his shoulder carrying her to her bedroom.
Afterwards the lay in the bed Charlie on his chest "you're moving in here right?" she asked and looked up at him "there's no way we'd all fit in yours."
Brax chuckled and lowered his head to kiss her "yeah, I don't want to live with my brothers the rest of my life."
Charlie sat up and turned to face him "what about tomorrow?"
"What about it?" Brax asked.
"Move in here tomorrow?" she asked.
"Don't you want to speak to the kid's first-make sure they're okay with it?"
"I'll be speaking to them yes but I don't think it'll be a problem, Dar would love to have you here and Ruby will be over the moon she loves having you around."
Brax nodded "can I be there when you talk to them?"
Charlie groaned as someone knocked at her door "yeah I wanted you there anyway," she said and walked to her window, seeing Peter she opened the window "down in a sec!" she called and walked to where her clothes were "wonder what he wants," she said as she pulled them on.
"Oh shit," Brax said and jumped out of the bed "I forgot to tell you Douggie's bail hearing was today, I saw Pete on the beach this morning he told me he'd tell you he'd be by," he said as he pulled his clothes on.
At the mention of his name Charlie's face dropped she'd tried to push it all away "…better go see what happened then," she said and hurried down to the door "hey," she said when she let him in.
"Hey," he said and sat at the counter "how you doing?" he asked "I see the kids are at dads."
"I'm good," she nodded "we went to see Benji today," she said sitting beside him "so?" she asked nervously.
Peter smiled "no bail its going straight to trail- Lydia turned up with the two detectives from Bali they're willing to Try him here and let us charge him for mum."
"So what happens now?" Charlie asked "what exactly is he being charged with?"
"Two accounts of kidnapping, bodily harm, murder of a police officer and attempted murder of another. Possession with intent to sell and three counts of manslaughter for the people that died from the stuff and whatever charges he's up for from Bali," Peter answered.
"Including Cass?" Charlie asked
"Yes including Cass…it's all over Charlz," he smiled "we can all move on now-Hayls included."
"So he admitted to killing mum?" Charlie asked.
Peter chuckled "no you should have seen his face when Jack read him out your statement about what he said to you in the warehouse-he dropped himself in it along with that Jimmy guy and his cousin Adam."
"Good enough for him," Brax scoffed from the doorway "will anyone be called to court?"
Peter stood up as his phone beeped "yeah we all will but not all of us will take the stand…I better get back to work I'll see you guys later," he said and walked out the back door.
"You okay?" Brax asked watching her.
"Yeah," she smiled "great…how about some food," she chuckled and walked to the fridge.
Later that evening Charlie stood in front of the mirror looking herself up and down this was her first official date-the one on the boat was fantastic but she had to admit the dressing up in fancy dresses made her stomach tingle. Happy with her look she grabbed her bag and walked down the stairs.
"At las-wow," Brax said looking at her open mouthed.
Charlie gave him a twirl "you like?" she giggled.
Brax nodded "you look amazing," he said and walked to her kissing her sweetly.
"Where are we going?" Charlie asked as they walked out to his car.
"You'll see but it's a long drive so no questions," Brax said as he pulled away from her house.
Over an hour and a half later they pulled into their destination Charlie pulled off her belt "Brax," she gasped and looked around "really?"
"Really," he said and climbed out, walking to her side he opened her door and helped her out "tonight we actually make it to the restaurant."
Charlie giggled "that was your fault for giving me the Sambuca-that I can't handle."
Brax chuckled "yeah I kinda got that when you puked all over me."
"Again your fault, Brax I can't believe you brought us back here," she said looking around.
Brax turned her to face him "this is where I met you and had the most amazing two weeks of my life-this is where all the good memories lie," he said and led her towards the beach.
"Where to now?" she asked looking back at the restaurant.
"Table is not booked till eight we have time for a drink," he said leading her across the beach.
"Oh god," she groaned and chuckled as the bar came into view "where we had our first date…with everyone else there with us."
Brax turned her to face him "also the night I got to kiss you," he said pulling her closer "all good memories," he said and kissed her.
"Aww Brax I can't believe you brought us here," she smiled looking around "it hasn't changed at all."
"This is where you smiled every day-I wanna see that smile again the truly happy smile," he said stroking her cheek "you drove me crazy every single time you smiled at me."
Charlie leaned in and kissed him quickly "I am happy," she said and ran her fingers along his cheek " and it's all because of you-I love you."
"I love you too babe," he smiled and stepped back "so I know I'm doing the right thing here," he said and got down on one knee.
"Brax!" Charlie screeched all over the place and flung her hand over her mouth causing everyone to look at them.
Brax chuckled at her stunned look "you should be my wife about... four hours now, but we knocked it back for whatever reason-I'm not saying we have to do it right now and I am glad we stopped ourselves…I wanna do this properly, Charlie I love you with everything I got you're my world I can't think of anything else but you. You're my soul mate I wanna spend the rest of my life waking up beside you, seeing that smile I love so much every day and most important of all…knowing you're mine forever," he moved closer to her and opened the box he pulled from his pocket "Charlie Natasha Holden will you please do me the honour of becoming my very beautiful smart and incredibly sexy wife?"
Charlie had tears flying down her face she was so not expecting this she was totally stunned, she blew out a breathe and giggled as someone shouted 'say yes he's hot' she stood up and looked down on him, as she choked up again all she could think to do was nod "y-yes," she finally stuttered "yes! I will!" she yelled and dived on him taking him to the sand.
Brax chuckled and pulled her to him "I got you," he said and kissed her deeply ignoring the cheering and clapping coming from all around them.
Charlie pulled back "forever and ever," she said and held her hand out "you got something for this?" she asked wiggling her finger.
Brax picked up the box she'd knocked into the sand and took the ring out, wiping the sand from it he pulled her hand to him and slid it on "perfect," he smiled and stared down on it he couldn't believe he'd actually done it.
Charlie turned so her back was facing his chest and leaned into him "Brax it's beautiful," she smiled admiring it "it's big," she added "feels heavy," she said waving her hand up and down.
Brax wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer "I put a lot of thought into what type you'd like-I wasn't sure…until I had a peak in your jewellery box while you were in the shower."
Charlie giggled and looked down at it again "I can't believe we're engaged it doesn't seem real."
"Babe it's only been five minutes if even we still have dinner to get to," he chuckled.
Charlie turned to face him "you expect me to sit here for the evening with this on and not call anyone?"
Brax leaned in and kissed her "yeah babe I do," he said and kissed her again "just me and you tonight…which is why I took your phone from your bag you can have it when we get home."
Charlie mock gasped "you were in my bag Mr Braxton?"
Brax chuckled and stood up "I was," he said and pulled her up "good thing too if you had that phone I'd be talking to myself for the evening…let's get that drink," he said walking her towards the bar.
"Not the whole night just most of it," Charlie giggled and let him lead her to a table, she could not wait to get home she didn't care what time it was everyone was getting a call from her later.
….
After dinner Charlie smiled at the waiter as he cleared their plates away, picking up her wine she looked over at Brax to find him watching her with a smile "what?" she asked blushing slightly.
"Nothing," he smiled "just can't believe you said yes," he said and slid his hand over to hers "I pictured in my head so many times you slapping me or storming away."
Charlie leaned across the table "my first reaction was to run…I have issues with commitment, but when I looked at you all I saw was your love for me so of course I said yes, I'm not going anywhere," she said and leaned over to kiss him.
Brax looked down at his watch "do you want to have another drink or head home?" he asked.
Charlie looked at the drop of wine left in her glass, that and the one she'd at down at the bar was all she'd had "nah, it's not really going down well…must be all the excitement, how about we head home now and get a bottle on the way so we can both celebrate?"
Brax nodded and stood up "you finish that and I'll pay the bill," he leaned down and kissed her before walking off to find their waiter.
Charlie looked down at her glass she always drank wine why couldn't she drink this? Looking at the glass she sighed and shoved it away, standing up she grabbed her bag and went to wait for Brax by the door.
Ten minutes later they were driving home "I was thinking," Brax said "why don't we pick the kids up from your dads and take them home with us?"
Charlie nodded "yeah I suppose it's not really fair to leave them again they've been there a lot the last few days...yeah, let's go get them," she smiled.
Pulling up at Tony's they both climbed out and walked to the door hand in hand "wait," Brax said and pulled her hand to him "just me and you know about this for now," he said turning her ring so the diamond was hidden.
Charlie smiled and stepped closer to him "deal, I had a great time tonight."
"Yeah me too," Brax said and kissed her quickly "let's get the kids so we can finish it," he said and walked to the door.
Charlie opened the door and walked in "hey Beth," she said and walked to the sofa "where is everyone?"
"Little Ruby and Daryl are in the bedroom watching a movie, Kyle went to see April and uh…Ruby and Casey went to the beach to talk. I hope that's okay-your dad is waiting for them in the diner," Beth replied "so how was the date?" she asked noting the smiles on both their faces.
"I'll go get the kids you sit," Brax said and walked down the hall to the bedroom.
Charlie sat down beside Beth "it was amazing Beth you'll never guess where he took me," she said happily.
"That five star restaurant in Yabbie creek?" she asked.
"No," Charlie smiled "he drove us all the way up coast-he took me to where we first met," she said looking down at her hidden ring "it was so romantic and beautiful."
Beth followed her eyes and looked down at the ring, scooting forward she grabbed her hand "something you want to share?" she asked turning it over "Charlie," she gasped wide eyes "is this?" She stopped and looked up at her "did he propose?" she asked excitedly.
Charlie couldn't hold back her smile "yes he did but we're not telling anyone yet we want to enjoy the rest of the night so please don't tell dad I'll tell them all tomorrow."
Beth smiled "oh Charlie I'm so happy for you honey," she said and pulled her into a hug "congratulations I promise I won't tell anyone," she said and pulled back "I can't believe it I never would have expected that."
"She wasn't either, you should have seen her face," Brax said from behind them.
Charlie snapped around "I didn't tell her she saw the ring," she said quickly.
Brax chuckled "it's fine I knew you couldn't wait," he said and walked to them "they're both asleep so we'll have to come back with your car."
"Nonsense," Beth said and stood up "you'll go home and celebrate they'll stay here," she said ushering them towards the door.
"But they've been here enough Beth it's not fair on you and dad," Charlie said as she pushed them out the door.
"Don't worry about us we love having them here they're all great kids there's no minding in them, now go on I'll call Ruby and Kyle and make sure they all come back here," Beth said blocking the doorway.
"Are you sure Beth?" Brax asked.
"Yes I'm sure this is a special night make the most of it," she smiled "congratulations again I am so happy for you…now get out of here," she said and closed the door on them.
"Well that told us," Brax chuckled.
"Yes it did," Charlie giggled and started to walk to the car "now we don't have to be quiet," she smirked and climbed into the car.
Brax chuckled and followed her "we don't have to go to the bedroom either," he said and started up the car.
"In that case you better step on it," Charlie said.
"Yes mam," Brax said and pulled away.
As soon as they got out of the car Brax was on her kissing her passionately "open the door," Charlie panted pulling at his shirt.
Opening the door he walked her in and kicked it close behind him. Lifting her up he carried her to the sofa, lowering her down he pulled back and smiled down on her "this is where our new life begins."
Charlie smiled back at him "can't wait," she said and pulled him down to her.
"Time for some adult fun," he said kissing her deeply.
The next morning Charlie woke up and sat up looking around she giggled as the living room came into view. Scrubbing her hand over her face she pulled back when something scraped her, seeing the ring her smile widened.
"I love seeing that first thing in the morning," Brax said from beside her.
Charlie turned to him "well it's because of you I'm smiling," she said and kissed him quickly "and this," she said and pulled her ring to her "is getting shown off today."
Brax chuckled "at least let's have breakfast first, how about Angelo's my treat?" he asked.
Charlie scoffed "hardly a treat now is it?"
Brax chuckled again "no suppose not but we're eating for free so don't complain."
"I'm not complaining," she said and stood up "I'm gonna go get a shower…wanna join me?" she asked with a smirk.
"That goes without saying," Brax said and followed her.
A while later they walked into Angelo's hand and hand "nice to finally show your face," Heath smirked from the bar.
"Just making sure you haven't run the place into the ground already," Brax said and leaned on the bar everything okay?" he asked.
"Yeah all smooth sailing," Heath said and walked around the bar "I was talking to Benji he said you went in to see him."
"I'm just gonna go the bathroom," Charlie said and left them to it.
"Yeah," Brax sighed "but I don't think I should have all I wanted to do was punch him."
"Mate Benji is as loyal as they come you know why he didn't tell you and you know he would never cross you…give him a break it was all for his daughter, wouldn't you do the same thing if it was Daryl?" Heath asked.
"Of course I would but it wouldn't get that far he'd be dead before he made it two feet with him!" Brax snapped.
Heath started to walk backwards "and you still wonder why he didn't tell you?" he asked "a temper like yours I'd say he did the right thing," he smiled quickly at him then went to serve a couple that had just sat down.
"Everything okay?" Charlie asked hoping onto a stool beside him.
Yeah," he smiled and turned to face her "do you wanna sit here or in booth?"
"Booth," Charlie said and stood up.
"Alright you want coffee and pancakes?" Brax asked.
"You know it," Charlie giggled and walked to one of the booths. As she sat down her mouth began to water and a wave of nausea washed over her. Taking a few deep breathes she opened her eyes to see Heath standing over her "can you get me a glass of water please?" she asked.
"Sure," he nodded "you okay?" he asked concerned.
"Yeah I just feel a bit sick but it's passing," Charlie replied.
"Maybe a new sprog is in there," Heath said and walked off chuckling to himself.
"Not likely," Charlie muttered and closed her eyes again as it passed.
Brax came back and sat beside her with two coffees "in a take away cup just the way you like it."
The nausea rose again "can you take it away please," she said and shoved it away "I'm sorry I just don't feel well," she said and stood up making a dash for the bathroom.
Brax frowned and watched her go standing up to follow her he stopped when Heath walked over with a glass of water "is that for Charlie?" he asked.
"Yeah she asked me to bring her one…is she okay?" Heath asked.
"I don't know," Brax replied and took the water from him "cancel our orders I better get her home," he said and walked to the bathrooms.
"Charlie!" he called pushing the door in.
"There's no one else in here!" she called back.
Brax walked in and walked along the cubicles until he found her hunched over a toilet "you okay babe?" he asked.
"Yeah, I didn't throw up," she said and stood up "I just feel all sluggish or something but it's passing."
"Are you sure?" he asked "I can take you to see Sid if you want me to," he offered.
"Nah Sid has more important things to worry about, I'm fine now," she said and walked to the sinks.
Brax followed her and held out the glass "drink this it might help," he said.
"Do you mind if I don't eat?" she asked and sipped the water.
"No I've already cancelled the order…do you want to go to your dads or home?" he asked.
"I'll be fine we have to go to my dad's the kids are there," she said and walked to the door.
"But if you're not feeling well I can go on my own," he offered.
"Thanks but I wanna tell him about this," Charlie said waving her hand.
"YOU GUYS ARE ENGAGED!" Heath yelled from behind them.
Charlie bit her lip and turned to face him "no," she said quickly and glanced at Brax.
Brax chuckled "yes Heath we are and we'd like you to keep it to yourself until we tell Charlie's dad and Beth."
"You got it," he said and walked to them "congrats," he said and hugged Charlie "it's about time you two got your act together," he laughed and shook Brax's hand.
"I'm just glad she said yes," Brax chuckled.
"Of course she said yes no one can resist the Braxton charm," Heath chuckled.
"In your dreams," Charlie giggled.
"Please I got them falling all over me," Heath said.
"Oh really?" Charlie laughed "and what does Bianca think about that?"
"I better go clean some tables," Heath chuckled and walked away "I'm happy for you both really I am, the kids will be thrilled!" he called before disappearing into the back.
"Do you wanna go now or do you want more water?" Brax asked.
"I think I'm alright to go now," she said and slipped her hand into his "let's go."
…..
Arriving at her dad's house Charlie and Brax climbed out "how about we take the kids aside and tell them first?" she asked.
"Yeah," Brax nodded "they're the important ones," he said and opened the door "hello!" he called.
"Daddy!" Daryl yelled and ran out of the kitchen "mummy!" he squealed when he saw Charlie.
"Hey buddy," he said and picked him up "where's your sister and Ruby?"
"Out back with Casey and Kyle April will be here in a minute," Daryl replied.
Charlie leaned in and kissed him on the cheek "did you have fun?"
"Yes," he said excitedly "granddad got us toy story to watch!" he yelled.
"Wow cool….where is granddad and Nan?" Brax asked.
"Out back too having breakfast," Daryl said and wiggled out of Brax's arm "I'll tell them you're here," he said and ran off.
"Get Ruby and come back in!" Charlie called after him.
Brax walked to the sofa and sat down "how you feeling about telling them?" he asked.
Charlie walked to him and sat beside him "not so much Daryl he won't really understand it's Ruby, she's going through a lot with Casey she's been really down."
"Hey mum," Ruby said happily and sat beside them "what's up?"
Brax raised an eyebrow "you were saying?" he chuckled.
"Shut up," Charlie giggled and turned to face her "hey sweetie how are you?" she asked.
"Yeah good," Ruby nodded "me and Case had a good chat last night…we're back on," she said happily.
"Aww honey that's great," Charlie said and scooted closer to her "I have something I need to talk to you and Daryl about."
"Is something wrong? Is it that guy?" she asked quickly.
"No no nothing's wrong we just want to talk to you about something," Brax said.
"Right," Ruby said slowly "what is it?"
"Well," Charlie said looking at Brax "how would you feel if Brax was to move in," she said slowly.
Ruby's eye went wide "seriously?" she asked looking from one to the other "that would be so cool I'd love that."
"And if we got married?" Charlie added quickly.
Ruby's eyes went even wider "mum!" she shrieked looking down at her hand "are you?" she asked and jumped up "you got engaged?"
"Yes Rubes we did," Brax said "and we'd like to know how you feel about it."
Ruby started squealing and jumping up and down, clapping her hands excitedly she jumped on the two of them "I can't believe this!" she yelled "I am so so happy!" she giggled and hugged them both "you're getting married!" she pulled Charlie's hand to her "oh mum that is gorgeous," she said admiring it "way to go Brax."
"What's all the screaming about?" Tony asked running in.
"Mum and Brax are getting married isn't that so great granddad," she said and jumped up "I'm gonna go get Dar," she said and ran by him.
When Tony didn't move or say anything Charlie glanced at Brax and stood up "dad?" she said taking a step to him.
Tony looked down at her hand reaching out he pulled her hand to him and studied it "it's beautiful sweetie," he finally said "congrats," he said and pulled her into a hug.
"Thank you," she said and hugged him tight.
Ten minute later the front door opened and Jack Dan and Peter were dragged in by Leah Martha and Georgie "what's going on we got a call to come here?" Jack yawned.
Before anyone could answer the door opened again and Hayley and Bianca hurried in followed by Noah "what's happened?" Hayley asked worried.
"Why are we all called here?" Bianca added.
Charlie shook her head "Ruby!" she yelled and turned as she came in the back door "did you call everyone?"
"What I'm excited," she smiled "tell them," she added.
Brax chuckled "alright," he said and walked to Charlie slipping his arm around her shoulder "Charlie and I are engaged," he said.
Excited squeals came from the girls and they all rushed forward. As they and two of her brothers swamped her she noticed Dan didn't move, she stepped around them and walked to him "be happy for me?" she asked.
Dan looked from her to Brax then back to her taking a step forward he smiled "I am happy for you congrats little sis," he said and pulled her into a hug.
"This calls for a celebration, Brax can we use Angelo's?" Bianca asked.
"Of course," he chuckled.
"Right we're gonna go plan this," Leah said and opened the door "boys behave!" she called as all the girls hurried out the door.
Charlie shook her head and looked around "where's Ruby?" she asked.
"Out back," Tony replied "you didn't call her in."
"Shit," Charlie muttered and walked out the back "hey," she said sitting down beside her.
"Hey," Ruby replied "you're getting married?" she asked.
"Yes and I've a special job I want you to do how do you feel about being my flower girl?"
"Really?" she asked excitedly.
Charlie pulled her into her "really we'll get you a pretty dress too."
Inside Brax walked to the door "mate," he said to Jack "tell Charlie there's something I have to do I'll be an hour tops," he said and walked out.
A while later he walked through the halls until he came to the room. Sticking his head in he saw Benji looking out the window, he walked in and sat beside him "you that bored you have to stare into space?"
"Brax," Benji said snapping to face him.
"So I asked Charlie to marry me," Brax said.
"Yeah?" Benji asked "and she agreed?" Brax nodded "poor thing doesn't know what's she's letting herself in for," he chuckled.
Brax chuckled "I'll need a best man," he said turning back to him.
"I'm sure Heath is already writing his speech," Benji said.
Brax walked back to the door "you better start writing yours- you're my best mate and my best man…I'll be back to bring you home later," he said walking out of the room again-leaving Benji smiling to himself.
A/N so…one more chapter to go and like my others it'll be extra-long, I am aiming for Monday but we'll see how it goes.