Miles woke with a start…What the fuck? Batman was just finishing his morning wake-up call. Jeez… He groaned, turned over, and went back to sleep.
Bass had made his way downstairs and into the kitchen. He lit the stove and set the coffee on before going out to collect the morning's eggs.
He collected a dozen eggs and got a pail of milk from Bertha, their new cow, before returning to the kitchen.
Miles woke a second time, this time to the smell of coffee, and after a stop in the bathroom, padded into the kitchen, where he found Bass at the stove scrambling eggs with some sausage. He cut up the left-over baked potatoes from the dinner with the Thompson's, added some onion, and fried them up.
"Smells great! You cook?"
"So, it would seem. Sit."
"You get up to that son of a bitch rooster every morning?"
"Yup, every morning."
"Charlie still sleeping?"
"Yeah, she'll be down soon. Breakfast is her favorite meal. I think manly because she doesn't have to cook it."
Miles chuckled. Bass scooped the eggs and potatoes onto plates, handing one to Miles. Then he grabbed the coffee pot and poured them each a cup, adding a little something extra to Miles'.
"Thanks, Brother." Bass liked how that sounded.
True to his word, Charlie was making her way down to the kitchen. "Morn'n Miles, smells great, Babe," she said, kissing his cheek.
"Sit, I'll fix you a plate." He placed her plate in front of her and poured her a coffee that she laced with the fresh milk from the pitcher on the table.
"Miles, how'd you like to go fishing?" Bass asked.
"God, Bass, I don't think that I've been fishing since we were in Jasper, home on leave."
"Comes right back to ya. If we get lucky, we can have Bass' Bass for supper."
Bass stood and started collecting the plates, and Charlie shooed him away from the sink. "You cooked…go fishing."
"If you insist. When Miles comes out, send him down to the lake," kissing her then heading out the front door to grab his fishing gear from the front porch. Miles showed shortly after while Bass was readying the canoe. Security detail in tow.
"So, this came with the house?" Miles asks.
"Yeah, everything was in the garage and in perfect shape. The guy was serious about caring for his stuff. Climb in, and we'll be off."
Miles' security detail was standing on the shore. "Sir!"
"Sorry, fellas, unless you plan on swimming, you've got the morning off."
They didn't look happy.
"Listen, we're both armed, and there is no other access to the lake near here except for the Thompson's, and there are no worries there. So, relax." Bass said. "How about giving us a shove off."
They paddled quietly for about fifteen minutes, then Bass guided them into his favorite cove.
"This is really nice, Bass."
"I discovered it the first day that we were here."
They tossed their lines and sat quietly floating in the calm, peaceful morning. Miles' mind began to wander… (It's obvious how much Bass and Charlie love each other. Bass adores her. Really, what more could a …father... ask. I couldn't see that. Couldn't see past Rachel's hate that was so fierce she pulled me right into it. I became one more cog in the wheel of my brother's despair. I should have helped him.
Charlie, she was able to see the good that was still in him. See that man that he was and still could be. I was so wrong. I let too many people influence me. First, Nora, I should have stayed in Philly… then Rachel. They're happy, making it work. And he is so much better.)
"Bass, I'm not going to lie, it was hard seeing you and Charlie together at first. I didn't trust your intentions. She's so young…you were, you know…and you're…."
"Go ahead, Miles, say it. Say it just one more time and then never again."
"You're old enough to be her father."
"I am, but I'm not. I love her. You know that. She's made me whole again. She grounds me…and she is older than her years."
"I know you do; I can see that. I'm sorry. We chased her away…lost her."
"Miles, you never really lost her. You can see how much she loves you and misses you."
Bass reached across to shake his hand. "I'd give you a man hug, but we'd end up in the drink." Miles laughs. "So, can we never speak of this again? The past is done. We have the future. We're having a baby!" Bass beams.
"Okay, enough of that shit, let's fish," Miles says, grinning.
Miles had forgotten how much he enjoyed fishing, especially with his best friend, and yes, brother.
They each caught two largemouth bass. "I think because the lake hasn't fished much since the blackout, the fish are fairly abundant," Bass remarks. "In the time that we've been here, I don't think that I've gone back with an empty bucket but maybe half a dozen times."
As they were paddling back, they were talking like old times. Charlie was watching from the porch as they came in. She could tell by the way they were together that all was well; they were both relaxed. Bass looked really happy. Smiling as she rubs her belly.
"How'd it go?" she called out.
"Gonna have Bass' Bass for supper," he said as he climbed out of the canoe and pulled in further onto the shore. Miles' security crew was there waiting and looking relieved.
Miles climbed the stairs to the porch and gave Charlie a kiss on the cheek. "I smell like fish, gonna go clean up," he said, going into the cabin. Bass showed Charlie his pail. "You caught four!"
"Miles caught two of them."
"Bass, everything's okay?"
"Better than. He apologized again for everything. Between last night and today…all's good."
Charlie reached for her husband and hugged him close, "And you've forgiven him?"
"Yes, all good. I'm going out back to clean these suckers. I still have to muck the barn and check on the rest of the zoo, then I'll be in to clean up."
"I wish I could help; it's so much for just you. I turned out the horses."
Bass gave her a look.
"Bass, stop; it's no big deal."
"Charlie, you worry about taking care of our baby; I'll worry about all the rest. Okay? Go…relax…work on that baby blanket, visit with Miles," giving her a quick kiss, he picked up the pail and went to clean the fish.
Miles returned to the porch after cleaning up and sat with Charlie. They watched the goats grazing on the grass in front of the porch.
"Charlie, I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I lost my way with your mother. I'm sorry that I was so hard on you and Bass." It was Charlie's turn for an apology.
"Thanks, Miles. I wish Mom and I could have made things right before she died."
"She never gave it up, Charlie. That's why I left. It all became too much. She would rather lose you than reconcile with Bass. I can see now how much you love each other which should be all that counts. I was blind to that. But if he hurts you… all bets are off."
"No worries then, he'll never hurt me. I've missed you."
"I've missed you too."
"I'm going to go check on the troops and find the asshat…."
Charlie smiled, "lunch in an hour…Bass knows, he'll head in when it's time."
After a lunch of boiled eggs and bread Bass took Miles for a ride around the property…with the ever-present security.
"For someone who was adamant against being President, you seem to have adjusted."
"Well, Texas has a good system setup. I expanded it a bit by adding a cabinet. Takes a lot of pressure off. You'll never guess who my Secretary of Defense is…."
"Who?"
"Baker."
"Jeremy? HOW?"
"You were so far down the rabbit hole that Jeremy started to protect himself. He told me that he tried to pull you out, but you were too far gone. He hand-picked the security detail, and they were loyal to him. So, when you ordered him executed, they faked it and got him out."
"Shit…good thing I didn't stick around. Wonder what they would have done if I didn't."
"I asked him that, he said he would have taken you into custody…taken over. He had been thinking about doing that anyway."
Bass went quiet; this was all too much. "Jezz, Miles…I was fucked up."
"Yeah, you were, but that was mostly my fault. Jeremy knew that, and he wanted to help you, but you wouldn't let anyone close."
When they got back to the house, Bass poured them each a drink, and they took them outside to the porch. The sun was setting over the lake, and the loons began their evening calls.
"This is nice," Miles says.
"Yeah, it's damn perfect. I still can't believe that we actually found this place."
"Well, lucky you, It's beautiful here."
They finished their drinks. "We should go inside, and I'll get supper going. It's getting a little chilly out here. Would you start the fire?"
Charlie had the table set for dinner when they went inside. She had water heating for Bass so he could clean up before supper. Bass placed the pail with the fish in the sink.
"I'll clean up and then get the fish going," Bass said, heading for the upstairs.
"No, hurry," Charlie said, giving him a quick kiss.
"Do you guys ever stop?" Miles teased.
"Nope," they both said at the same time.
Bass brought his warm water to the upstairs bathroom, where he stood in the shower to wash and rinse. Miles and Charlie were in the living room, enjoying the fire, which was warming the room nicely.
"Does Bass do all of the cooking?"
"He does a lot, but we share. He's better at it than I am, although I'm getting better with Maddie's help. She's taught me a lot…like how to make pasta."
"Pasta?!"
"Yeah, a patient gave me a pasta maker. It's one of Bass' favorites with fresh tomato sauce and meatballs."
"Sounds great."
Bass came back downstairs changed into a fresh shirt and jeans. Charlie handed him a whiskey. "Relax a bit before starting supper."
Miles and Bass sipped their drinks, talked, and laughed. Charlie sat and enjoyed watching her favorite men finally getting along after so many years.
Bass battered and fried the fish and warmed up the potatoes.
"Bass, this fish is fantastic," Miles praised.
"Thanks. With the lake, we have fish at least once a week."
"Listen, when I get back to Austin, I want to send Gene out here to be with you…help with the baby."
"Maddie is here; she's a midwife, I think I told you. But I would love to see grandpa," Charlie says.
"Do you think he'll come?" Bass asks. "I know how he felt about us being together."
"Since you've been gone, I think he's rethought some things."
"It would be great to see grandpa, but not if he's going to make Bass uncomfortable in his own home."
"I'm sure it won't be like that. I'll talk to him."
Miles stayed one more day before returning to Austin. The Rangers were all packed up, and the President's caravan was ready to roll.
Miles gave Charlie a long hug and a kiss on top of her head. "It was so wonderful seeing you, seeing you both. It's comforting knowing how well you are doing." He shook Bass' hand, and they had a brotherly hug complete with back slaps.
"It's been great seeing you too, brother."
"Get word to me when the baby comes, will ya? The Rangers can get messages to the Capitol fairly quickly."
"Of course, will do," Bass said.
Miles mounted his horse and waited for the Ranger Captain to head the column. Captain Stevens went over to Bass and shook his hand. "Thanks for the hospitality."
"Of course, Captain."
Then just to mess with Bass, he gave Bass a smart salute. Bass shook his head and saluted back.
Sixteen hours after leaving Bass and Charlie, Miles arrives back in Austin. He was exhausted but feeling good about his visit. Feeling better than he has felt, in well, years.
He had gotten word to Lauren that he was returning, and she was waiting up for him. He had missed her. Seeing Bass and Charlie together reminded him how much he loved her. (Maybe it's time…)
Miles arrived in his office at 9:00 the following day. Met with his Vice President and then had Jean send a message to Gene in Willoughby asking him to come to Austin.
Gene made it to Austin three days later. He couldn't imagine why Miles had sent for him.
"Gene!" getting up from his desk and shaking the older man's hand. "Thank you for coming. How are you doing?"
"You know, the house is too quiet. We've got a new doc in town. He's taken a lot of pressure off me. So, what's going on, Miles? Why the summons?"
"Gene, I've been to see Charlie."
"You found her! How is she? Still with Monroe, I suppose."
"Charlie's good…great even. She and Bass have a farm in this small farming community in Southeast Oklahoma.
I told her, Gene."
"How did she take it?"
"It was a shock, of course, but you know Charlie. Gene, she's seven months pregnant."
Gene is quiet… (Charlie pregnant with Monroe's kid…God…Rachel. She would never have been able to take it.) "How is she?"
"She's good, Gene. Happy. Bass takes real good care of her."
"Humpft…How are they living?"
"They have a beautiful farm on a lake. It's really nice.
I asked you to Austin, Gene, because I wanted to talk to you about Charlie. I wanted to ask you to go out to them and help with the baby. There is a nurse-midwife on a nearby farm. She also runs the town's clinic; they don't have a doc. Bass and Charlie's farm is about an hour out of town."
"Of course, I'll go. Do they know that I'll be coming?"
"I told them that I was going to ask you to. I'll send a message when we know what your plans will be."
"I need to go back to Willoughby and settle a few things if I'm going to be away for a while. I'll have to let the new doc know."
"Of course."
"Where are they anyway?"
"A small town, Granby, Oklahoma. About ten hours by train then two hours by carriage. I'll arrange a room for you in Durant. That's the closest train depot. You'll spend the night and then head for Granby in the morning with a Ranger escort. I'll get a message to Bass so they can meet you in Granby."
"Okay, Give me a week to close things up in Willoughby."
"Sounds good. How about we have you depart on the 26th. The train leaves for Oklahoma City at 8:00. You'll be in Durant by 6:00 or so.
Go easy on Bass, Gene. I know that you will on Charlie. They're happy. If seeing them together is going to be a problem, then…."
"I won't lie; I still don't like it, Miles."
"Yeah, well, what's done is done, and it's not going to change. If we want Charlie as part of our lives, this is how it is going to be. Bass has changed; he's like the old Bass that I knew. You'll see. Give it a chance, for Charlie."
Miles sent a message to Bass that Gene would be arriving in Granby on September 27th.
September 27th
It's almost noon, and Bass and Charlie are waiting for Gene and his Ranger escort at the livery.
"Bass! Here they come!" Charlie is excited to see her grandfather. Bass is a bit apprehensive.
"Grandpa!" Charlie calls out and rushes to him as he gets down from the Ranger's wagon. Gene gives her a hug.
"Charlie, you look wonderful!" Gene says.
"Thanks, Grandpa."
"Monroe." Gene greets with a nod but doesn't extend his hand.
"Gene, thanks for coming," Bass says.
"Of course, for Charlie, anything."
Bass feels the slight but is going to let it go…for Charlie.
"How about some lunch?" Bass asks.
"That'd be great. I could eat." Gene replies.
"Good, the diner here is pretty good."
Bass takes them to Rosie's Diner. With Charlie working at the clinic and Bass' hero status from saving Sammy and her mom, practically everyone in the diner says hello to them. Gene is surprised by their reception. He wasn't sure what to expect, but he didn't expect the respect that Monroe was receiving. (They do know who he is?)
Sheriff McElroy is in having lunch and comes over to say hello.
"Bass!" he greets, extending his hand. "Charlie, I swear you look more radiant every time I see you."
"Malcolm, you're making me blush.
Sheriff, I'd like to you meet my grandfather, Dr. Gene Porter. He's going to be staying with us for a while to help with the baby."
"Dr. Porter, pleased to meet you. You must be proud; you have quite the family here. Bass here is a local hero. And Charlie is loved in the clinic."
"A hero? How so?" (Monroe…a hero? Really?)
"Bass saved a little girl and her mother from being run down by a runaway wagon and at the expense of himself. The town is very grateful." Malcolm tells Gene while Bass is looking uncomfortable.
"He dove in front of the wagon and pushed them out of the way, getting hit by the wagon himself," Charlie explains to her grandfather, "breaking his leg and getting a concussion. He was lucky."
"The people that witnessed the whole thing said it was amazing," Malcolm continued, "an old-fashioned football tackle," Malcolm chuckled.
Bass laughed, "too bad I don't really remember it."
"I'll let you get to your lunch. Nice to meet you, Dr. Porter."
Gene shook his hand, "Likewise."
Gene wasn't expecting to find Monroe so well accepted. He was expecting that he would be something of a pariah.
Bass finished his sandwich. "Charlie, I've got a bunch of things to get while we're in town. Do you mind if I go and take care of things while you two catch up?"
"Of course not. I'll show Grandpa the clinic."
"That sounds good. I'll meet you there in an hour or so."
"What is it that you need?"
"Oh, some planks and shingles from Rusty's, and we could use some staples from Sally's while we're here in town; I noticed the coffee is getting low."
"Okay," she smiled, and he kissed her cheek. Gene gritted his teeth and tried to remember what Miles had told him. (This is going to be difficult… every time he touches her…Rachel…)
Charlie and Gene walked the couple of blocks to the town's clinic. Maddie wasn't in town today, but Charlie had a key. "Maddie Thompson runs the clinic. When the blackout happened, Maddie was a nurse practitioner-midwife at the regional hospital. This was once a walk-in center," Charlie explained to her grandfather. "One of the doctors that were running it before the blackout stayed on in the town. Dr. Hennessy, I believe. Anyway, after it was evident that the blackout was permanent, he had the clinic renovated so that now there are two treatment rooms and four overnight beds in the back."
Charlie walked him through the small waiting area and showed him the treatment rooms, and the overnight beds, then the storeroom.
"You have a fairly decent supply of medication considering how long it's been since the lights went out," Gene remarks.
"Dr. Hennessy convinced the people that it was in the town's best interest to locate all of the medical supplies in the clinic. He took over the pharmacy. The pharmacist readily agreed. He had the Sheriff lock it down before it could be looted," Charlie explained. "Then everything was used sparingly and only when completely necessary. The non-medical goods like soap, toothpaste, and the like, he suggested that they be rationed. The owner of Riddles Pharmacy took care of that. Granby is a small farming community, and out of the way, there was almost no looting. The Sheriff at the time hired extra deputies to help keep order."
"Maddie, Maddie Thompson, joined Dr. Hennessy here and worked the clinic with him. The hospital was a forty-five-minute commute before the blackout, so working there was no longer an option."
"What happened to Dr. Hennessy?"
"His health failed, and he had to retire."
"You work the clinic with her?"
"Yeah, I help out. I've assisted in some deliveries too."
"I'm proud of you, Pumpkin. You seem to have done well here."
"We have. We're very happy."
Bass finished getting what he needed from Rusty's, then went to Sally's, picked up flour, potatoes, coffee, and such, then went to Matt's woodworking. He had ordered a crib and cradle to be made, and he had a rocker refinished. The baby furniture was a surprise for Charlie. Matt helped him to load everything into the wagon. Bass would have to assemble the crib. They covered over the back of the wagon with a tarp and tied it down. Bass shook Matt's hand and went on to meet Charlie and Gene.
When Bass arrived at the clinic, he found them in the back, looking over the supplies. "Hey, Babe, ready to go?" giving her a quick kiss.
"Ready. Did you remember the sugar?"
"Yes, Babe, got the sugar and a little something for you."
"Chocolate fudge?"
Bass put his arm around her and gave her shoulders a squeeze. "Yup, Fudge. I kept it out in case you wanted some now."
She smiled, big, with dimples, and Bass melted.
Bass helped Charlie into the wagon. Even with the step that he added, with the pregnancy, she needed a little help. He gave Gene a hand up, too, then settling himself, he took up the reins. With a flick of the reins, they set off for the farm.
"This is a nice little town," Gene commented.
"We like it. We feel fortunate to have found it. Bass, what's with the tarp?"
"Ahh, I thought that the sky looked a little iffy."
Charlie raised a brow. The sky was a brilliant blue, and Bass was very good at reading the weather. Something was definitely up.
Through the hour's ride, Gene and Charlie chatted. Gene filled her in on all that was going on in Willoughby. He talked about her mother.
"Charlie, I'm sorry for what your mother did, lying to you about Miles. I was shocked myself."
"It's not your fault, Grandpa. It was wrong, but I guess I can kind of understand why she did it. She couldn't own up to her own failing. I'm just glad that Dad…Ben…wasn't alive to be hurt by it."
"Well, here we are." Bass jumped down from the wagon and opened the gate.
"The Double M? Really? You're still hanging on to the Republic, unbelievable. Charlie, you were okay with this?"
"Grandpa, Double M…Monroe and Matheson. We designed it together, and it has nothing to do with the Republic. It's a nod to both of our families."
"I see," Gene said. "I apologize, Monroe."
Bass grimaced, "No, worries." (This could turn out to be a long couple of months…all I would need would be Rachel to round out the fun.)
Bass had been itching to say something, but Charlie handled it before he could open his mouth and get into trouble.
Bass guided their wagon down the lane. When he pulled into the yard, Gene was speechless. He wasn't sure what he was expecting. Miles had said that it was nice but seeing it … wow. The beautiful log home sitting in front of a pristine lake.
Warren's wagon was pulled up by the barn; his horses were unhitched, meaning he had been there a while. Bass had asked him to come by and help him with the furniture. Warren came out of the house to greet them.
"Warren! This is a nice surprise. Is Maddie here?" Charlie greeted him.
"Yup, she's in the house."
Maddie and Warren had rearranged what would be the baby's room to make room for the crib and rocker. Bass had asked Warren to take apart one of the twin beds and move it to the storage garage.
As soon as Bass helped Charlie down from the wagon, she made a beeline for the house. "Sorry! Gotta pee!" Bass chuckled then introduced Gene to Warren.
"Warren, this is Charlie's grandfather, Dr. Gene Porter. Gene, Warren has been a Godsend in helping us get going with the farm. His wife, Maddie, is inside."
"Maddie is the midwife that runs the clinic?"
"One in the same," Warren answers.
The two men shook hands.
Maddie was waiting for Charlie to come out of the bathroom to steer her away from the baby's room.
"Charlie, introduce me to your grandfather," Maddie said as they went out the kitchen door.
"Of course."
Before she had the chance to, she was distracted by what Bass and Warren were unloading from the back of the wagon.
"Bass?"
"Surprise, Babe!" he grinned.
"You got a crib!"
"Yup, and a cradle and a rocker. I had Matt make them. Well, not the rocker. That he refinished."
Charlie was speechless, then she threw her arms around him and kissed him. "Bass, it's beautiful."
"Well, it's in pieces. Warren and I will have to put it together, but it shouldn't take long."
Charlie wiped her tears, "Bass, this is wonderful, you're wonderful. Is it oak?"
"It's oak. Still have to find a mattress."
"We might be able to help with that. I think our crib mattress is in the attic."
"It's so perfect!"
"I'm glad you like it. Warren let's get this inside and have a drink," Bass says.
"I like how you think. Then I'll help you put it together."
Charlie finally got around to introducing Gene to Maddie. They hit it off right away as they discussed the clinic.
Bass and Warren had the crib together in less than an hour then they all admired the baby's room.
"Warren, Maddie, will you guys stay for supper?" Charlie asked.
"Love to, but we need to get going; I still have some chores to get done before dark," Warren answered.
Charlie had made a ham and some beans for supper with bread.
Supper finished; Charlie stood to clear the table. "Charlie, leave it. I'll take care of everything, you and Gene, relax.
"Really, Bass, I'm fine. Go…tend to the zoo. We'll have Maddie's pie when you get back."
"Alright," Bass gives her a squeeze and a kiss on her head and heads out.
Gene grabs a dishrag. "You seem happy, Charlie."
"I am grandpa…we are. Couldn't be happier."
"He treats you well?"
"Grandpa, you have to ask that? You've had to see how he is with me."
"Could be a show…."
"Grandpa, he's a good man. I know that you have a hard time seeing that. You need to put the past away. He loves me; I love him. We take care of each other, and we are happy…very happy."
They work in silence for a few minutes. Charlie is wondering if having her grandfather here really is a good idea.
The dishes finished and the kitchen sorted out, Charlie guides Gene to the front porch. It would be another hour before the sunset, and the air was still pleasant. Bass found them there chatting when he finished with his chores.
"Everyone bedded down?" Charlie asks him.
"Yup, Lilly decided she wanted to spend the night outside…I ended up giving her her own way," he chuckled.
Charlie laughed with him.
"Who's Lilly?" Gene asked.
"Our mule," Charlie answered. "Sometimes she can be…well…mule-ish."
They finished their pie, and Charlie announced that she was going to bed, kissed Bass, and went inside.
Bass got out his whiskey and poured them each a glass.
"I have to say, despite what Miles told me, I wasn't expecting this," Gene says.
"This what?" Bass is still sensitive about how he and Charlie were treated when they left the camp outside of Willoughby and the undercurrent that he's felt all day.
"What? You're surprised that we are still happy? That we could live a normal life in this fucked up world your daughter gave to us? Or are you surprised that I…we…could possibly be liked and respected by the town?"
"Monroe, I wasn't happy when you took Charlie away from us. In fact, I was downright angry. I was sure that she was just a conquest or a way to get back at Miles and Rachel. I knew your reputation with women. You seemed to burn everything you touched. I didn't want that for my granddaughter."
Bass is angry. "First…My rep? From whom? Rachel? Miles? Did I see women? Yeah, of course I did. I was a young man and single. Now hear this…I NEVER HURT A WOMAN! Second, Gramps… You don't know me, yet you're judge and jury. I know that I did some horrible, fucked up, and despicable things, and I pay for them every time I close my eyes. I'm not that person anymore. Charlie is everything to me. She is my life, and I will NEVER hurt her."
Bass stood, drained his glass, turned, and went into the house to join Charlie, leaving Gene on the porch.
It's morning. Over Bass' usual breakfast, Charlie can sense the tension radiating between her husband and her grandfather. "Bass, Babe," she starts, "I think fish sounds good for supper tonight."
"So, you're telling me that you would like me to go fishing?" Bass smiles.
"Exactly. Grandpa, would you like to go fishing? We have a great canoe, and the lake is beautiful and calm this morning." Charlie saw what fishing did for Bass and Miles, and she is hoping the calming nature of fishing will do the same with her grandfather.
For Charlie, Bass invites Gene, "Gene, would you like to get a line wet?"
"Yeah, alright."
Bass shoved them off twenty minutes later, waved at Charlie, and headed for his favorite cove. He knows what Charlie is up to, and he loves her for it.
Bass and Gene paddle quietly, each in their own thoughts. They arrive at Bass' cove and set up their lines.
"Monroe, you said that I don't know you, and you're right. I'll I knew were rumors and what I was told. Tell me a story."
Bass took a deep breath and told Gene his life story. He tells him about growing up with Miles in Jasper and joining the Marines. Bass talks about what happened to his family and to Shelly and the baby. He cries, as he often does when he talks about these things. He spoke of the Republic and Miles' role in it all. He even told him about Miles' betrayal and what it did to him.
Gene took it all in and thought about what he had learned about the other man in the boat. He could now see how Bass could have lost his way and how Miles gave him the final push. (Charlotte, his special Charlotte, of course, found the good.) He can see how much he loves her, how much they love each other.
"Monroe…Bass… thanks for sharing your story with me. You've had a hard life, been dealt some really shitty cards. I also see how much you and Charlotte love each other. That's what's important now, especially with a baby."
"I'll never hurt her, Gene."
"I know."
They caught three fish between them before heading back.
Bass beached the canoe, got out, and helped Gene. He had gotten stiff sitting in the cramped canoe. Charlie was watching from the porch, smiling. She could see that her little fishing plan appeared to have worked to smooth things between Bass and her grandfather.