Thanks for the reviews guys. Hope you enjoy this one :)
"Ready?" Heath asked Brax as he and Casey walked into the living room
Brax blew out a breath and grinned "As I'll ever be"
Heath grinned but added "Sure you're not having second thoughts? I could have you on a flight out of Australia by tonight if you are"
Brax chuckled "Never gonna happen. There is no way I'm missing this day for anything"
Heath nodded "Right answer. Come on then, we don't want Charlie and the girls getting there before we do, Bianca will give us hell for it"
Casey chuckled "Ready when you are" he said to Brax
Taking a deep breath, Brax nodded "Let's go"
…
As the car stopped outside the park, Charlie blew out a breath as she scanned her surroundings. Never had she seen anything as beautiful as the image in front of her
"Time to get you married" smiled Bianca as the driver opened the car door
April, Ruby, Leah and Bianca stepped out of the car and peered in at Charlie
"You gonna get out the car, or is this gonna turn into a scene from runaway bride" Bianca crooked an eyebrow and Charlie laughed as she shook her head
"Never" blowing out another breath, Charlie slowly stepped out of the car with the help of the driver, a smile displayed on her face
"The guys are round the other way, didn't want Brax getting a glimpse of you just yet" spoke Ruby
"Should I go tell them we're ready?" asked Leah and Charlie nodded
"Yea. We're ready"
...
Brax's gaze held firmly on the path ahead of him. Leah had been and gone all of five minutes ago but it felt like he had been waiting forever "Should they be taking this long?" he asked Heath, and both Heath and Casey rolled their eyes and chuckled
"Calm down He-man, your woman will be here soon. You know what girls are like, probably reapplying their make-up" said Heath
Not a moment longer, Brax felt the beating in his chest pick up pace as the music started. A slow mellowed tune was strung together as first, Leah made an appearance. He shuffled in his stance, and cleared his throat as their families and friends watched with smiles on their faces as. He clenched and unclenched his hands, the eagerness' and anxiousness he felt threatening to have him demand they just bring Charlie out, now. But along with the rest, he watched as the girls all came into sight and made their way to the front, till they stopped on the bride's side.
Heath gave Bianca a wink and she shook her head but couldn't but help the smile plastered on her face.
'It was time, she was gonna come into view any moment now' thought Brax calmly to himself
And then as the music, Bianca had chosen started playing, he felt the beating of his heart pick up so much he thought it would escape his chest. And that's when it happened, that was when the most beautiful woman he had ever known came into view and almost knocked the very breath out of him
She was perfect in every way
…
Charlie watched as Leah, then April, then Bianca left and walked down the make shift aisle, but she was still out of sight. Smiling, she felt Ruby's hand squeeze hers lightly
"I'm really glad I get to give you away" said Ruby, and Charlie smiled, but her eyes widened as her song came into play. There may have been no words but even with just the instruments she knew it was Christina Perri's 'A Thousand Years'
"Bianca asked the pianist to change your entrance song, she thought this would be more fitting" said Ruby and Charlie nodded, her lips pursed
"It's perfect"
"Good" replied Ruby "How about we get out there before Brax comes marching down here wondering why I'm taking so long in delivering you to him"
Charlie chuckled lightly "Ok"
One foot in front of the other, Charlie let her heart follow the song to the man she loved more than words could express.
As they rounded the pretty lily covered gate, Charlie stopped and simply stared at the man that would soon be her husband. It took everything she had not to drop Ruby's hand and run to him. Instead she smiled at him and allowed her steps carry her towards him. Her heart beat frantically the closer she got, but she felt no nervousness as his eye burned away every insecurity and every trial she had ever faced. His love enveloped her and made her want to scream out with enough happiness her lungs would burn.
She stopped along with Ruby her eyes never once diverting from Brax's. Brax's smile so wide, his dimples pierced deep into his cheeks
"Love you mum" said Ruby as she placed a soft kiss on Charlie's cheek before looking over at Brax "And you too" she smiled. Ruby Placed Charlie's hand into Brax's before standing with the rest of the girls
"I've missed you" said Brax, his thumb slowly caressing the back of Charlie's hand
Just about managing not to throw herself at him, Charlie simpered up at him "I've missed you too"
…
There friends and family watched in awe as the ceremony took place. The look in both Charlie's and Brax's eyes as they gazed at one another, showed of the true love they had. Before long it was time for their vows
"Do you, Daryl Isaiah Braxton, take Charlotte Marie Buckton to be your lawful wedded wife, to love and to hold, in good times and in bad, for better and for worse, till death do you part?"
With the same grin that had been plastered on his face from the very start, Brax nodded "You bet I do"
Charlie cocked her head and chuckled lightly with the rest of the guests, as she bit into the corner of her lip
"Do you Charlotte Marie Buckton, take Daryl Isaiah Braxton to be your lawful wedded husband, to love and to hold, in good and bad, for better and for worse, till death do you part?"
Charlie nodded "I do"
"Now the rings will be exchanged as the couple give their personal vows"
…
Placing the ring on the tip of Brax's finger, Charlie stared down at it for a moment before she slowly peered up at him, her smile threatening to leave cracks on her face, but it couldn't be helped. She blew out a slow breath before she spoke
"So many times in my life I have stumbled, and so many times I have almost been too broken to want to get up or so tired I've just wanted to simply give up. But then one day, God himself sent to me the most beautiful boy, who changed me and did in a matter of minutes what many had been trying to do for so long. He pulled me from the darkness inside me and made me want to live and I felt forever indebted to him. But then to find him" she paused and cleared her throat "To find you so many years later and to have you love me has been the greatest gift ever. You Daryl Braxton are my entire world, you saved me but most of all you have loved me more than I ever thought I deserved. With you I feel I can face anything the world throws at me. You make me so happy sometimes it's so hard to breath" she pursed her lips "So today, she pushed the ring onto his finger, with all my heart and so much more, I promise to forever be your best friend. I promise to always encourage and trust in you. I will forever honour and cherish you. I promise above everything to always be truthful to you, in body, mind and soul. I will be your biggest cheerleader but above every other thing I vow to love you the way you deserved to be loved"
Brax's grin was so wide he felt the sting on his cheeks, her words had him wanting to step to her and brand her as his own. But he held steadfast, instead whispering "I love you" before placing her own ring on her finger. Brax looked up from Charlie's hand to her face. Even now, after all this time, her beauty still floored him. Clearing his throat, he spoke
"For so long I lived just for the sake of it, no purpose, no ambition but one day, a day that started like every other day, you came and you changed me beyond what I thought possible. You made me want to be a better me and the person I became was because of you. You brought me back to life when I had already given up on myself. Even when we were apart I carried you with me, in everything I did. In every decision I made, your words were there cheering me on. You, Charlie Marie, are the love of my life. The day you came back into my life will always be second to this. I have loved you from the very first time I met in in this very park but I didn't realise it till I found you again. You give me purpose and meaning, you make everything in my world so much brighter and you make me so happy that the thought of you not being by my side, the thought of not waking up beside every morning, the thought of being without you fills me with so much fear, that I feel it would kill me" he pushed the ring onto her finger "With this ring I let the world know of the promises I made you in my heart a long time ago. I promise to forever be your best friend, to comfort you and be your strength whenever you may feel weak. I promise to be your accomplice in all your mischief's" everyone chuckles as did Charlie, her eyes glazed over "I will forever be truthful to you, body, mind and soul. And I vow that each and every day will be spent trying to get you to see you the way I see you. I will hold you in my arms forever and no matter what I will never let you go"
Charlie blinked, she had been trying to hold back her tears but one escaped as Brax's words squeezed her heart, and she felt it slid down her face
She pursed her lips as Brax brought his hand to her face and took her tear with his thumb, his gaze piercing into hers
"By The power vested in me I now pronounce you Husband and wife" The officiator smiled at Brax "You may kiss your bride"
That boyish grin that made Charlie feel she would faint was now present on Brax's face as he slowly pulled her to him, his arms wrapping around her waist
"Hello Mrs Braxton"
Charlie felt herself swoon in his arms at his words. Her arms snaked themselves around his neck
"Hello Mr Braxton"
And with that him mouth was on hers, in a slowly heart wrenching kiss, that had her feeling she would melt to the ground below her. Forgetting every other person, the kiss turned passionate as Brax took all he could get from Charlie
"That's enough don't you think. Might want to leave the rest for when young kids aren't around" this from Heath
As Charlie pulled away from the kiss, Brax growled and she laughed as he turned back to look at Heath, a scowled on his face
Heath put both hands up "Just looking out for the kids" he winked and Charlie shock her head, just as Brax pulled her in for another kiss
…
Everyone turned to the entrance as Bianca picked up a mick and spoke
"I welcome to you all, Mr and Mrs Daryl Braxton" Applause filled the room as Brax and Charlie entered the hall. Charlie gasped as she stared at the layout of the hall
"It looks so pretty" she spoke and Brax chuckled, his hand in hers
"Not as pretty as you" he replied, earning himself a smile from Charlie. Making their way to the high table, Brax pulled Charlie's chair out before taking a seat, a smile on both their faces as they looked at their family and friends that were there to celebrate with them
Charlie turned to Bianca, who was sat beside her and smiled "I know I have complained a little about your bossiness over these past few weeks but I love you for this. Everything has been amazing"
Bianca smiled back, and squeezed Charlie's hand "You're my best friend. You deserve nothing less"
…
Making their way around the hall, Charlie and Brax greeted all their friends. Charlie looked up and smiled as she noticed Brax, with Heath and Casey; all three of them laughing. She turned around, a smile on her face at the sound of Irene's voice
"You look absolutely beautiful doll"
Charlie smiled widely, as Irene pulled her into a hug "Thank you Irene" she said as she pulled back "And thank you for coming today. It means a lot to me and to Brax"
"Wouldn't have missed it for the world" replied Irene. She still remembered the day Charlie arrived in the Bay with a young Ruby with her. Irene looked at Brax before she looked back at Charlie
"That young boy is definitely good for you" she said and Charlie nodded with a smile
"Yea he is"
…
Making her way back to the their table, Charlie had her sights set on getting something to eat, but as the hall quietened and a tune to 'Amazed' by Lonestar began to play she stopped in her tracks and turned around
Brax stood, his smile wide as he simply peered at her, taking every inch of her in. Stepping to her slowly he reached an Hand out, their eyes locked against one another
"May I have this dance Mrs Braxton"
Charlie cocked her head, and nodded, her eyes filled with happiness as she placed her hand in his and allowed him lead her onto the dance floor. She smiled as he gently wrapped his arms around her waist, her body pressed to his as she wound her arms around his neck
Sighing with so much happiness she thought she would explode, Charlie closed her eyes and exhaled as Brax brought his lips to her neck
"You amaze me each and every day" he spoke softly as they moved to the words of the song
Charlie felt her heart beating out of control, and inhale Brax's scent as his thumb ran a soothing circle against her lower back. Pulling away from him a little so she could look up at him, Charlie locked her eyes on his
"Just in case you didn't already know, I am going to love you forever"
A grin spread across Brax's face at her words, and wordlessly he leaned in and took her lips in his, so much love spilled into the kiss, Charlie felt faint. Pulling back form the kiss, Brax somehow managed to pull her closer to him
"Good" Brax finally spoke "Because no way am I ever letting you go"
…
Brax groaned as Heath took hold of the mick, Heath was sure to embarrass him beyond anything and he braced himself. Seeing the look on Brax's face, Heath chuckled
"Brax is sure I'm gonna stand up here and tell you guys a few stories that will shame him, but I'm thinking I might save that for another day" he smiled at the skeptical look on Brax's face "There is one thing I do want to tell you about Brax, and it's that he is the best sort of person out there and if I could have a do over and pick my own brother and I would still pick him. From when both I and Casey were kids he has done for us and sacrificed for us what some parents aren't even willing to sacrifice for their own kids" Brax smiled lightly as he listened to Heath's words "But without complaining Brax always looked out for us and gave us a good whacking across the head every now and again if ever we needed a good wake up call" everyone chuckled lightly "He isn't just my brother but for many years he has been my best friend and the glue that has held us Braxton boys together. So more than most..." he looked down at Brax"I am happy that he has Charlie, because she is the only person that I can say is truly deserving of Brax. She makes him more happy than I have ever seen him and more than anyone I know he deserves that" he winked at Charlie "Plus she's not soft and will give him a good kick in if he ever steps out of line" the chuckles round the hall were louder this time and Brax joined in as he rolled his eyes "To Brax and Charlie" said Heath as he raised his glass "But mostly to Charlie, for being stuck with his ugly mug for the rest of her days" everyone laughed as they all toasted to Charlie and Brax
Brax clicked his tongue and shook his head at Heath; he just had to get that in didn't he. But still he smiled up at Heath and gave a nod, knowing his brother would see the appreciation behind his gesture. Heath smiled back at Brax, before taking his seat
Bianca took to the mike next and smiled down at Charlie and Brax "For so long I have referred to Charlie as my best friend, and she is. I've known her all my life and couldn't possibly image having not known her. But more than my best friend, she is like my sister and never have I known anyone with a heart as big as hers or strength that carries as hers does. Anyone who knows the both of us, know's that I would do anything for her and those who have known her for only a minute will know that she as the biggest heart. Growing up with Charlie I watched her overcome so many adversaries and each and every time no matter how long it took she came back stronger. And I know that I speak for her parents" Bianca paused as Charlie pursed her lips at the mention of her parents "…when I say she deserves the best the world as to offer and I believe she was given the best possible partner in Brax, because together they are stronger than any force I have ever known." She picked up her glass "I wish you both the absolute best and I pray that you will forever support, hold, and cherish one another. To Brax and Charlie"
"To Brax and Charlie" everyone toasted to them, as Charlie gave smiled up at Bianca
…
Brax held Charlie tightly to him; many of their guests had left due to them having to travel back to the Bay. But looking up, Brax smiled to see his brothers and Bianca sat around the food buffet helping themselves to what was left, while Ruby sat looking at them in utter shock
"I didn't think anyone could eat Casey or Heath under the table but it seems Bianca is giving them more than a run for their money"
Charlie lifted her head from his chest, and glanced behind her with a smile. She chuckled loudly as Bianca glared at Heath, before grabbing a piece of chicken wing. Charlie turned back to Brax "She's eating for two"
Brax smiled down at her "If that's what you're gonna be like when you get pregnant I better start saving all my change" Charlie swatted him lightly on the chest and he caught her hand with a laugh, keeping it to his chest
Charlie shook her head in amusement, a breath leaving her lips as Brax seemed to pull her tighter to him "Hope today was all you wanted it to be" he said leaving a kiss on her neck
Charlie exhaled "That and so much more" she beamed up at him "I really do love you"
A boyish grin settled on Brax's face "Love you too"
…
Brax had to keep reminding himself to breath as, Charlie's gown dropped to the floor. His eyes near enough bulging from their sockets as he took her in. She was now stood in nothing but white lace lingerie that stood against her tanned skin like perfection. His eyes skimmed the barely there bra and his gaze seemed glued for a moment on the tie up front of the Bra. He fought with himself not to lunge forward and undo the knot. His eyes slowly travelled down to her lace knickers and then the suspenders. He inhaled another deep breath and almost passed out when he noticed the garter on her thigh. He watched as she walked to him, still in her lace covered, white, peep toe heels
He took in a ragged breath as her hands slowly travelled up his chest
"I'm loving that you seem pleased by the sight of me, but babe" she pushed his tux down his arm, letting it fall to the floor "...I would rather have you helping me make a start on taking all this off"
Brax's eyes trailed her from head to toe, his hands now resting on her waist "You look so beautiful I don't know where to start" his voice was low and hoarse, sending a shiver right through Charlie. She blew out a breath as, Brax's hands trailed her slowly up the side of her waist, his feather touch setting her skin ablaze
"Mmm" she grinned as she unbuttoned his shirt. Slowly pushing it from his chest, her hands stroked his chest in the process before the shirt fell to the floor "How about you start with this garter" She stepped away from him and walked over to the bed. Slowly sitting down on the edge, she opened her legs wide and glanced down at the garter before looking up at him, throw lowered lashes "Unless you would rather I do it"
Brax was by her side with such speed she almost chuckled, but the look in his eyes had her fighting for breath. Brax shook his head
"Na. let me get it for you"
…
"You still not gonna tell me where we are going. I'm obviously gonna find out when we get to the airport Brax" Charlie stood at the foot of the bed
Brax grinned as he zipped up his bag and shook his head. Standing he turned to her "Then that means you'll know pretty soon. No need for me to tell you"
Charlie crossed her arms over her chest and pouted, her blue eyes wide. "How am I gonna know if Bianca packed everything I need?"
Brax stepped to her, pulled her to him, his arms winding around her waist "Trust me" he grinned "She packed everything you needed" he winked and Charlie gasped
"She did pack more than just lingerie?"
Brax chuckled
"For my sake I hope she didn't. I plan to have you strutting around in your birthday suit most of the time" he placed a quick kiss on her lips as a knock sounded on their door
"If you aren't decent , get there quick, because you guys got to leave for the airport now" Heath's voice came through the door and Charlie rolled her eyes as she moved out of Brax's grip and opened the door. She smiled sweetly at Heath
"You know I am your sister in law now..."
Heath nodded but before Charlie could say anymore he interjected "But that don't mean I'm telling you were you and knuckle head over there are going for your honeymoon. Bianca as threatened my life in more ways than one, and on this count she wins"
Charlie puffed out a breath and stomped a foot "This is not fair"
Brax shook his head as he approached the door "You'll find out soon enough" glancing around the room one last time, he turned to Heath "We're ready to go" he closed the door and laced his hands through Charlie's and placed a kiss on the back of her hand "Come on Mrs Braxton"
Charlie couldn't but help the smile on her face as she followed him down the hallway
…
"Make sure you take a lot of pictures" said Ruby as Charlie pulled her into a hug "And don't go calling us every five minutes mum. You need to kick back and enjoy yourself"
Charlie pulled back and smiled "I promise to keep phone calls to a minimum of one every couple of days"
Ruby smiled "I can live with that"
Brax cocked an eyebrow "I wouldn't count on that Ruby. I have a feeling we might be a little busy to find time to think about you kids" Charlie blushed and swatted his chest
Ruby frowned "Well, as long as I don't have to hear any stories about in door activities I'll survive"
"Who said we were gonna keep it indoors" said Brax with a wink and Charlie gasped her cheek turning crimson
"Brax" she called and Brax chuckled
"I'm just being honest"
"Well please, less honesty would be much appreciated" said Casey
Bianca stepped forward and gave Charlie a hug as Heath gave Brax a pat on the back "Have loads of fun" said Bianca "You're gonna love what I packed for you" she grinned "And so will Brax" she added and Brax leaned forward and placed a kiss on Bianca's cheek
"And I thank you for that Bianca" he said and Charlie rolled her eyes
"Right we need to get going" said Brax as he looked down at his watch "We don't want to go missing our plane, I'm looking forward to this way too much"
Heath chuckled "Just don't go giving yourself sand burns now will you"
Ruby and Casey gagged and Bianca swatted him on the chest
Brax shook his head "We're gonna leave now"
"I'll miss you guys" said Charlie as Brax took her hand in his
"We'll miss you too. But remember have fun" said Ruby
"I would like to miss them but I can't do that till we leave" said Brax as he tugged on her hand
"Eager Mr Braxton" said Charlie as they waved at the others
Brax nodded "Hell yea" he dug the tickets out of his pocket and handed one to Charlie "Here's your ticket"
Charlie's gaze immediately fell on the destination and a slow smile spread across her face as she looked up at Brax, fighting the temptation to jump up and down with excitement "Mauritius" she said and Brax nodded
"Bianca said you've always wanted to go there but never gotten the chance"
"Yea" Charlie beamed, her eyes going back to the ticket "This is gonna be the best two weeks ever"
Brax chuckled as he looked down at her "I hope that's because of company and not destination"
Charlie stood on the tip of her toes and placed a kiss on his lips "Destination is just a bonus. I'm simply looking forward to strutting around in my birthday suit" she winked at him and Brax placed another kiss on her lips
"I'm Hella glad I married you" he said and Charlie laughed as they went to check in
Only one more chapter before this fic officially comes to an end. I would rather end it now than keep dragging it out till I run out of things to write about or till it gets boring. I really do hope you guys have enjoyed this fic :)
