Just a little ending to the last chapter because it was getting a little long. I am really enjoying writing this sappy, romantic part, and it will probably continue through the wedding, but after that, I have a good idea (partially written out too) for how I want the story line to go. So, if you're getting a little bogged down in the gooiness, just hang with me!

Chapter 29: Elizabeth Part 2

Charlie had taken the day off of work, partly to help Maggie get Elizabeth squared away and partly out of a desire not to have to explain his own injured face. Maggie, sympathetic to his plight, volunteered to take Charlotte to school. When she returned, Charlie and Elizabeth were very much where she left them, at the kitchen table in their pajamas, talking.
"So I was in Africa when Mom was shot, writing an article about some of the indigenous tribes." Charlie had been telling a story about his mother and Walter, but Elizabeth picked up on something else.
"You've been to Africa?" She sounded slightly awestruck.
"Yeah. I used to be a freelance travel writer. I've been to Africa, several places in Asia, all over Europe. It was pretty exciting, but when Charlotte came to live with me, I had to quit all that. Now I'm just a Baltimore dad." Charlie talked about all of his adventures as if none of them were any big deal.
Elizabeth sighed. "I've never done anything like that."
"You could." Maggie interrupted, "It's up to you what you do after today Elizabeth. But right now, I need you both to go get dressed so we can get Elizabeth's things."

It took the better part of the day for Maggie, Charlie and Elizabeth to sort and pack Elizabeth's things. They met with the landlord and explained that Elizabeth would not be living there anymore and that Mike, her former boyfriend, would be responsible for all rent and utilities from here on out. Maggie had insisted on this after Elizabeth began to waffle whole they were packing, wondering aloud how Mike was going to pay the bills, since that was something he relied on her to do.
"He should have thought about that before he used you for a punching bag." Maggie had fumed. "It's his problem now."
They drove back to Maggie's house and unloaded Elizabeth's belongings, sorting them for which would go in her room and which should go in the basement, to be saved for her new apartment.
Maggie was hot, sweaty and tired when Walter pulled in the driveway after his physical therapy appointment. He was grinning widely.
"How did it go?" She asked, checking the crockpot where she had food for dinner cooking.
"Fantastic. Therapist said I was doing fabulously." He pulled her into his arms. "He said there was no reason why I should abstain from sex anymore." He grinned at her lecherously.
Maggie raised an eyebrow. "Did he? Well, I think we should let your doctor decide that."
"I knew you'd say that. That's why I called the doctor and he agreed. He said from what I was able to do in therapy without my blood pressure going up too high, I could probably do anything I felt comfortable doing."
Maggie pushed herself away. "Probably?" She didn't say any more as she moved to finish dinner.

That night, Maggie climbed out of the shower, hoping to find Walter sleeping again that night, as he had been the previous night. Unfortunately, he was awake, waiting for her. His arms went around her as she climbed in beside him.
She sighed heavily as he began to kiss her neck. He stopped and looked at her. "What's wrong?" He asked, confusion written on his face.
Maggie patted his cheek. "I'm sorry. I'm just tired I guess. Rain check?"
"Um, yeah, ok. You sure you're alright?" They lay down and Maggie clicked off the lamp.
"I'm fine Walter. I'm just so afraid of hurting you. I love you."
His voice came to her from the dark. "I love you too Maggie."