A/N: I had no idea what Robin's religious beliefs are, if any, so I picked a denomination at random for purposes of the story. This is just a note that my choice is not necessarily canon. And now for the Epilogue, otherwise known as "Look at that"...
Chapter 28 (Epilogue)
Not quite a year later, Charlie adjusted his bow tie in the mirror and gave his new tux a tug. He'd bought one for the occasion; he needed one from time to time anyway for awards dinners and school functions, and his old one was too big. He had to look good today; his big brother was getting married.
He stared in the mirror for a moment, his thoughts ranging back over the last year and a half – it had been nearly that long since Amita had died. The emotional pain of losing her was still there, always in the background, but life had come to the forefront again, slowly, but surely. His teaching career was a lifesaver – that part of his life was as much in full swing as it ever was, and so was his consulting work with his brother. On top of other cases, he had been working non-stop on the A.I. programming for the cameras, the project inspired by Amita. Somehow, strangely, even after his humiliating confessions to his brother on the cliffs over Estero Bay, their relationship had begun to shift, slowly, for the better. Charlie couldn't understand it – he was sure that Don would have seen his statements as weakness, but for some reason, after that conversation the power in the relationship had seemed to start to equalize. His brother seemed much more invested emotionally in the relationship, much more willing to listen to Charlie's opinions and thoughts – on everything, not just on cases. Don was changing as he got older, perhaps, Charlie mused. He was getting mellower. He'd been promoted this past year, and while still in command of his team and now other teams as well, he rarely went into the field anymore, a blessing for which Charlie was devoutly thankful, as was their father – and Robin.
Although, Charlie admitted, just because Don wasn't facing as much physical danger anymore, it didn't seem as though he was any less stressed at work. He was just as sharp and keen and demanding of himself and others as he had always been. And he leaned on Charlie for consulting more than ever; Charlie was now working with multiple teams, in addition to Don's original group. Something had changed, though. He couldn't really put a finger on it, but Charlie felt closer to, and more confident in his relationship with his brother than he had ever been. Perhaps, he mused, some of what had changed was him – looking back on the terrible events that followed Don and Amita's kiss, Charlie realized how damaged his self-confidence had been at the time; and how much more he felt like his former self, now.
And that made today just a little easier. As much as Charlie felt joy for his brother, Don's marriage was a departure in a way, and a reminder that it was unlikely that Charlie would ever have the same thing. He was determined not to be lonely, however; he'd made that decision shortly after he had released Amita's ashes, and he had made a point to reach out to others, socially. In the last year, he'd expanded his world by making several good friends with some of the faculty members in addition to Larry, and some of them were even women. Not that he was interested in them, or them in him, in a romantic way (which he really took as no surprise), but it was nice to talk with members of the opposite sex, at least. And with Ree, he reminded himself. She'd been back and forth during the course of the year, doing a series of articles on women in the mathematics and sciences fields and sometimes she stopped in for information, but sometimes just to chat. She was smart and funny and engaging, and he found himself relaxing around her in spite of her being female and beautiful, and so socially gifted. He actually loved being with her, and had to keep reminding himself to hold back a little on his natural attraction to her, to try to put her out of his mind when she left, because she was way out of his league. But they had fun talking, so it was possible, maybe, if he got enough practice, he could learn to make conversation with a woman outside academia, and hold discussions that didn't include theorems and hypotheses. And in the past month or two, after hours of wrestling with the idea and the guilt he felt over moving on, he had come to the decision he might even be ready to start dating again – although that point was moot, he reminded himself. He actually needed someone to be interested in him for that to happen, and the chances of that were slim to none.
He came out of his reverie and looked at his watch, with a start. Time to go. It wouldn't do for the best man to be late. He strode to his desk and tucked the pouch with the rings safely in his pocket, and hurried out the door and down the stairs. Had to see if the old man was ready…
He was, in fact. He was standing the living room, waiting, looking quite dapper, and with a joyful smile that – until last night at the rehearsal dinner – Charlie hadn't seen in over a year. He smiled back at his father. "Look at you. You ready?"
"Absolutely," said Alan.
The trip to the church – Robin was Methodist, although Don's rabbi was also a part of the ceremony – was a blur, as was getting inside and situated at the front of the altar. He stood with David and Colby, who Don had asked to be groomsmen, and with Don himself, who stood in front of Charlie, next to the aisle. Charlie was actually a little nervous, afraid the ceremony would remind him too much of his own wedding to Amita. The music started, and to his horror, he felt himself choking up a little. He fought it down and pasted a smile on his face as two of Robin's friends from the office – bridesmaids – paced themselves down the aisle in time to the music. Then all thoughts of tears vanished and he caught his breath as Ree, the maid of honor, came into view.
It was as though everyone in the church had sunk into the floor beneath their pews, and she was the only one in the place – a petite, radiant vision in a gown that was not quite cream and not quite peach, but some heavenly concoction of both. It set off her blue eyes and her blond hair, done up in a soft up-do with tendrils hanging down here and there. The church was a proper setting, because she looked ethereal and perfect, like an angel. Charlie felt his smile creeping back to his face – a stupid, loopy smile, no doubt. Then the wedding march began, and Robin came down the aisle on her father's arm in a long white flowing Queen Anne-style gown, tall, regal, and breathtakingly beautiful. There was the formal handing of her to Don, the lifting of the veil and the ceremony began, and Charlie focused on the proceedings, feeling his heart swell with love and happiness for his brother as he watched his face. And once or twice, he snuck a glance sideways at Ree, and just once, and only once, let himself wonder what it would be like, if he could be with her…
Then he jerked his mind back to reality and mentally chided himself. Even if he felt that way, she wouldn't – she was far too beautiful and worldly to be interested in him, with her glamorous, jet-setting career. And then he shuddered as a thought occurred to him. If he did ask her out and she declined – he could actually imagine the pity in her eyes when she did it – it wasn't as if they could go their separate ways. There would be family functions – they would need to see each other again, and it would be humiliating, and awkward and horrible, and they could never again have those long, nice, relaxed chats…
No, he couldn't even allow himself to dream of it; it would be disastrous. He forced his attention back to the ceremony, and didn't look at her again.
After the wedding, Don sat at the center of the wedding party table on the dais, his hand lightly resting on Robin's, and surveyed the reception with a smile. He glanced at Robin – God, she looked beautiful – and his heart felt full. He had never been this happy – had never dreamed he could be. After all the missteps with past relationships, including his and Robin's, even on his wedding day there had been the secret dread that he would show up at the church and she wouldn't. He knew, rationally, that they had moved beyond any issues long ago, but he couldn't help but feel a little relief that it was over, and she was his. The relief, added to the surge of happiness he felt when he looked at her, made him almost euphoric. The glass of champagne in front of him was superfluous; completely unnecessary.
He was pulled from his thoughts as Robin looked over his shoulder and smiled and nudged him, and said, "Look at that."
He turned and looked to his right; Charlie and Ree were seated next to them at the long table, and Charlie had thrown his head back in laughter at something Ree had said; she was giggling, too, a little mischievously.
"Your sister is hilarious," murmured Don, smiling as he watched them. "That's the first time I think I've seen Charlie laugh like that in almost two years."
"Yes, she is, isn't she?" Robin murmured back, still watching them with a bemused smile, her gaze speculative.
People were gathering at their tables; it was time for the toast, traditionally given by the best man. Don couldn't help but wonder how Charlie would do – the events had to remind of his own wedding and of Amita, but he needn't have worried. Charlie seemed as at ease as he usually was in front of a lecture hall, and his speech was brilliant – funny and heartwarming – and maybe Don was a little biased, but he thought it was the best speech any best man had ever given. He glanced at Robin and smiled, and she smiled back, but when her eyes drifted back past him, he realized that she was not watching Charlie, but Ree, who sat raptly gazing up at his brother with a smile. He glanced back at Robin, and then at Ree, and then at Charlie, and said to himself, "Hmm."
Dinner commenced, and everyone seemed to enjoy the food. Don ate his, more out of a sense of propriety than anything else, because he was too happy to be hungry. Then it was time to kick off the dancing – the first traditional dance between bride and groom, followed by family and members of the wedding party. As Don took Robin into his arms for a slow, leisurely turn around the floor, he thought to himself, "Now this is more like it." He was completely mesmerized by her, by how she looked, how she felt against him, so much so that he mostly ignored the other couples being introduced - Robin's parents, his father and Robin's aunt, who was their father's dinner partner, Charlie and Ree, and Colby and David and their respective partners: Robin's bridesmaids. He was drinking in Robin's face when she nudged him again, and murmured, "Look at that."
She pulled on his arm to signal that he should turn them, and they spun around slowly, and he caught sight of Charlie and Ree, smiling and quietly talking as they danced, the dark head and blonde head lowered toward each other, and very close. They looked so natural together and completely oblivious to everyone else in the room, Don thought, but when Robin pressed, "Do you see that?" he deflected.
"See what?"
She rolled her eyes and punched his arm a little, but smiled as she did it.
The dance ended and Don reluctantly released her as they left the dance floor. The music was picking up and as the wedding party and relatives vacated the floor, other guests were joining in. Don and Robin began to circulate among the guests, making the rounds. They ended up stuck for longer than expected at a table with some elderly cousins of Robin's, and after a few excruciating moments too many, Don excused himself and headed over to the other side of the dance floor to check on his father, who was standing there with Colby and David, stopping first to talk to some of the other guests he had invited from the office, including Nikki Betancourt and her date, and his boss, Assistant Director Wright, and his wife.
As he came up on his father, Alan held open his arms and gave him a quick hug, and said, smiling, "It's going beautifully."
Don smiled back. "Yes, it is."
His father then lowered his head conspiratorially, and said with a sly smile and a small jerk of his head toward the dance floor, "Look at that."
Don somehow already knew what he'd be looking at, and his eyes found Charlie and Ree in the middle of the floor. They hadn't left it when the other wedding party guests had, apparently; they'd stayed out there. They were still dancing and trying to have some kind of conversation over the music. Don couldn't help but bait his father a little. "Look at what?"
Alan stared at him, and then decided his son was teasing him and made a face. "You know what I'm talking about. Charlie and Ree – they really seem to be getting along well."
"They have to, Dad, they're family now. Care for a drink? I've got a few minutes before we have to cut the cake."
His father looked a little disappointed at Don's glib response, but he nodded, and they headed for the bar, along with David and Colby.
His father was right – the evening was going well. Don had admittedly left most of the planning to Robin. To her credit, she asked for his opinion on every major decision, but she probably needn't have bothered, because he verbally rubber-stamped every idea. It somehow didn't befit an agent to be too involved in wedding planning – but now that all of her planning was smoothly becoming reality, Don found himself thoroughly enjoying the evening, so much that he was just a bit disappointed when it was all over. They were staying at a hotel by the airport that evening, and the limo was due to arrive soon. It wasn't until he and Robin were nearly ready to make their departure that he found Charlie, finally by himself, over near the bar.
His brother had just ordered a beer and had turned away from the bar with it when he saw Don approaching. His face lit up. "Hey, Buddy," Don said, "enjoying yourself?"
Charlie grinned. "Yes. You put on one hell of party. I don't think I've danced that much since college. In fact, I don't think I danced that much the entire time I was in college." He was perspiring a little, his tie was loosened, and he took a long drink of beer.
Don smiled. "You guys looked like you were having fun."
"We were," said Charlie. "Ree's really easy to talk to." He flushed a little. "And she's been nice enough to humor me for the evening. She'll be fun to have as a sister-in-law."
"Hmm," thought Don to himself again, but he said, "We're getting ready to go, Buddy. The limo's here – I just wanted to say thank you, especially for that toast – it was the best one I've ever heard."
Charlie flushed to the roots of his hair, but smiled a pleased smile. "It had to be – it was for the best brother anyone's ever had."
Don smiled. Maybe Charlie's statement hadn't been so true in the past, but he had to admit, he thought he was getting there. He knew what this day meant to them – a new chapter in their lives, and that it could change things – but only for the better, if he had his way. Unexpectedly, he felt the sting of tears in his eyes, and he gave Charlie a big hug. He heard the beer land on the bar with a 'thunk' and felt Charlie hug him back, briefly but heartfelt, and as they separated, Don said, "I'll see you in a week or two. We get back next Sunday."
Charlie nodded, his own eyes misting a little, but he smiled, bravely. "I know – I'm still picking you guys up at the airport, remember? Enjoy Cabo. And for God's sake, don't call the office."
Don left him there, standing by himself at the bar.
Charlie took another long drink of beer, reflecting that he was thirsty enough that maybe he should have ordered a water first, but the truth was, he needed a little lift. The evening had been so fun, and it was coming to end, and his brother was leaving, and Ree would be too…
He felt his throat beginning to close, and took another long drink and shook himself. He would not wallow in self-pity – not tonight. Tonight deserved only good feelings, good memories. Besides, he felt for the first time in his life that Don was a constant – that they'd finally reached a place of permanence in each other's lives. That was something to celebrate. Don would be back. And now here was Ree, against all odds, heading back his way, against the throng of people filtering outside, at least temporarily, to see Don and Robin off. Charlie brightened as she came up beside him, and set his beer down. "Would you like a drink?"
"Later!" said Ree, smiling and pulling on his hand. "The reception goes on for an hour yet, and the limo's here – we need to see them off." She pulled him across the floor, and they ran laughing to catch up with the crowd.
It was dark outside, but bright lights illuminated the steps of the elegant hotel. The crowd had gathered right in front of the limo, and it was nearly impossible to see over them.
"Let's go this way," said Ree, and she led the way to the side of the building, near the corner, to a veranda. "The limo's facing this direction on the street – when they leave they'll come past us. We can see them go down the street."
There was also a better view of the front from there – they were further away, but at their angle, they could see past the crowd, could see Don and Robin getting into the limo. The section of the veranda they were on was somewhat secluded, with a stone overhang, soft lighting, and potted plants, and a bench. As the limo passed by they waved, and Charlie could see Don and Robin waving back.
They stepped back around the corner and to the edge of the overhang to watch them continue down the street. From there, they could not be seen by the crowd, and Charlie couldn't help but sense the romance in the setting and the intense attraction to her that he felt. He was busy trying to fight that down and was focused on keeping his eyes fixed on the limousine, when Charlie felt Ree's hand in his. He started and flushed, a little embarrassed, and turned to face her, surprised to see her looking at him with more than a little exasperation. "Charlie Eppes," she said, firmly (and adorably, thought Charlie), "for someone so brilliant, you really are clueless." Then she stood on her tiptoes, leaned forward and kissed him.
Her lips tasted like honey and strawberries, and for a moment, he stood frozen in shock. Was this actually happening? His mind whirled – vague disjointed snatches of thought and emotion mixed together – love, longing, guilt over Amita – but he knew he had Amita's benediction; that it was right to move on. And against all odds, this wonderful, beautiful woman was standing here, kissing him. Then he reached for Ree and pulled her into his arms and deepened the kiss, and she pressed into him, and his heart soared, and he thought nothing had ever felt as wonderful as this.
Don gazed out of the back window of the limousine and smiled, then said to Robin, who had already turned forward, "Look at that."
She looked back quickly, and her mouth opened at the sight of the two lone figures embracing on the side veranda, and then her eyes met his, and they smiled at each other.
"My 'look at that' was better than yours, Mrs. Eppes," murmured Don, as he reached for her.
She smiled and said, teasingly, "But my 'look at that' was first."
"Oh, yeah?" murmured Don. "Then look at this." And he pulled her to him, cupped her face with his hand, and kissed her.
End
A/N: Notable kisses in The Kiss:
Okay, after your responses to the kiss question, I had to add a couple of kisses to the list. I hadn't considered Don and Amita's first kiss because it was before the start of the timeline in this story, but after thinking about it, it was significant and I think it should be included. So, here is the list:
Don and Amita's first kiss, many years prior
Charlie and Amita's passionate kiss in the first chapter
Amita and Don's fateful kiss, witnessed by Charlie, in Chapter 4
Don and Robin's 'make-up' kiss in Chapter 7, after he confesses
Charlie and Amita's good-bye kiss at the airport
Amita's kiss on her good-bye letter to Charlie
Charlie and Ree's kiss in the Epilogue
Don and Robin's kiss in the Epilogue
It was an interesting undertaking for me to try to write Amita as a villain (knowing all along she would actually become a tragic figure). Normally, I don't do much Amita (or any female character), or romance for that matter - I am always more focused on the brother relationship, so this story was a departure in many ways for me. Many, many thanks to all of you who read this, and especially those reviewers who reviewed every or almost every chapter – it's such an awesome thing to know that someone is out there reading when you publish something, especially a multi-chapter story. Also many thanks to those who reviewed as guests, to whom I could not respond personally. Your support means so much. A kiss to you all - Serialgal
