Disclaimer- Charmed belongs to the WB network and Spelling television. This is used for entertainment only and not for profit of any kind.
Title- Struggles
Rating- PG-13
Summary- Sequel after 'Don't Call Me Baby'. When two hectic lives get joined together as one, how will they handle the pressure of settling down? Little demon activity included.
A/N- Cole's an architecture, and Phoebe's working at the Bay Mirror.
~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~
One month ago, Cole got down on one bended knee after a romantic dinner with his eyes gleaming in the candlelight. He took Phoebe's soft hand in his and looked up with at her lovingly. There was no words that needed to be exchanged, but Cole felt like he needed to tell her how he really felt for her. Just as he was going to give this amazing speech before proposing, Prue astral projected into Cole's penthouse ruining just about everything.
Two days later after they handled the demon they encountered, Cole proposed to her at a family dinner, which was just as sweet. They've been engaged for three months now, and wedding plans are being made.
Phoebe sat at the office flipping through a bridal magazine looking at dresses for her, and bridesmaid dresses. She never knew making wedding plans was so difficult and complicated. Somehow their fathers found out about the engagement and got together to talk. They both insisted that it was a big wedding. So, now they're having a big wedding instead of a small one because of their fathers.
She was waiting for Cole to call to see if they would go to lunch together. It was about time the phone rang, too. Phoebe picked up on the second ring.
"Hey, baby. I'm so sorry. The meeting got held back a little longer, but I'm on my way to pick you up. Are you ready to go out to lunch? I have a surprise for you," Cole stated merrily. "Really? What is it?" Phoebe asked printing out her column for her boss. "It's a surprise. I'll see you in a few minutes. Don't miss me too much," Cole said. "Okay, bye, honey. I love you," Phoebe said hanging up the phone.
She didn't even wait for Cole to say 'I love you' back. Phoebe stapled the document together and walked to her boss's office to hand it to him.
"Hi, Phoebe," Jason said looking up from his computer. "I just wanted to give this to you before I leave for the day," Phoebe stated smiling. "Thanks," Jason said taking the paper in his hand. Phoebe was just about to walk out when Jason called her back. "Would you like to go out to lunch?" Jason asked. Phoebe smiled awkwardly. She thought he knew that she was engaged. "I-I have..." Phoebe started to say when she saw Cole walk into the office and spotted her.
"I'm sorry, I already have plans," Phoebe stated as Cole made his way to her. "I see," Jason said looking at Cole from his chair.
"Are you ready to go, baby?" Cole asked in a quiet voice. "Yeah. Jason, I like you t meet my-my..." "Fiance," Cole finished for her. "Right, fiance, Cole. Cole, this is Jason Dean," Phoebe introduced. "We know each other," Cole said in a rather hateful voice. "You do?" Phoebe asked surprised. "Yeah, our father's know each other," Cole explained. There was an icy silence in the air. "We have reservations," Cole insisted. "Right, I'll see you at work tomorrow?" Phoebe said. Jason nodded and Cole quickly escorted her out of the office.
They were walking to Cole's expensive sports car in the parking lot. "Was it just me or was there tension in the office?" Phoebe asked getting into the passenger side. Cole started the engine and asked, "Why didn't you tell me you were working for him?" Cole pulled out of the parking lot and got onto the road.
"What's wrong with him?" Phoebe asked. "I don't like him, and I just wished you would've told me before you started working for him," Cole stated. "Well, if I would've done that. You would've convinced me not to take the job. You're very persuasive," Phoebe insisted with a smile. "Put your seatbelt on, baby," Cole reminded ignoring her comment. "Where are we going?" Phoebe asked. "To a place," Cole answered vaguely pulling out of the parking lot and onto the road.
Phoebe looks at him and said, "I know that, but where?" "Down south," Cole answered. Phoebe looked confused and then hit him. "Don't be nasty, Cole," Phoebe said. "You weren't complaining last night," Cole stated with a grin. Phoebe gave him an upset look. "I'm sorry, baby. I'm just joking around. We're going to have lunch on my yacht," Cole stated. "Really?" Phoebe asked. Cole nodded. Phoebe kissed his cheek.
The sun was shining brightly on them as they had lunch on the yacht like Cole said they would. "It's so beautiful outside," Phoebe stated looking up at the clear blue sky. "Baby, I have something to tell you," Cole stated. "Oh, no. This can't be good," Phoebe said turning serious. "Depends how you look at it, really. I'm going to be in New York for the next 7 months," Cole announced. Phoebe's heart felt like it was sinking to the bottom of the ocean.
"Phoebe?" Cole called. "Yeah, I just need a minute. Baby, what about planning our wedding? And my job? Your job?" Phoebe asked. "My job is why I'm going to be over there. We're building a new corporate building, and I'm getting paid a million dollars just to construct it. It's a good thing for me, baby. You don't have to follow me to New York, and we can plan our wedding over the phone. It's the 21st century, there are millions of ways to stay in touch," Cole insisted. Phoebe was quiet for a while.
"I know, but what if I miss you? Did you ever think of that?" Phoebe asked. "You can fly in anytime you want to, and I'll fly back to see you. I'm not going forever, baby. You think I could leave you over here with that boss of yours that I don't like?" Cole asked.
They laughed for a bit and it got serious again. "When are you leaving?" Phoebe asked. "As soon as I can pack," Cole answered. "So, you're leaving tonight?" Phoebe asked. "I'll spend the rest of today with you if you want, and I'll leave tomorrow morning," Cole stated. "No, I think it's better if you leave tonight," Phoebe said. "Can't wait to get rid of me now?" Cole asked. Phoebe gave him a smile and leaned in for a short kiss. It seemed like that's all they had time for nowadays.
Note: It's a slow start, I know. But thank you for taking the time to read it. Please review! :D