Disclaimer: I only own the story specific characters I created. The originals belong to Cecily von Zeigesar and The CW.

As a holiday gift to you all, I made the chapter extra long. Enjoy!

Charlotte was busy with her work when there was an unexpected knock at her office door. She was surprised when she looked up to see the visitor standing in her doorway. "Justin!" she was instantly up off her chair and darted around to give her boyfriend's brother a hug. "Oh my god, it's been forever since I've seen you. You look great."

"You too," Justin stepped back to take in the sight of Charlotte Bass all grown up, "I was half expecting to walk in to see you in pigtails."

"I haven't worn pigtails in at least a decade," Charlotte laughed and pointed towards one of the chairs, "Have a seat. Let's catch up."

"Is this a bad time?" he took a seat at one of her chairs, "Eddie mentioned your division was working on a rather short deadline."

"It seems to be the way things work in this division," Charlotte laughed, "We're always working with tight deadlines, but I've got time for you, always. How's the Army treating you?"

"I love what I do," his face split into a proud smile, "It even gave me a wife and soon a baby girl."

"Awe, it's a girl!" Charlotte gushed, "Eddie didn't tell me that."

"We just found out this morning at Abby's appointment. I had to rush right over here to tell my mother and brother," Justin replied. Clearly impending fatherhood agreed with him. His entire face with lit with happiness.

"I can't wait to meet Abby," Charlotte replied, "Eddie raves about her."

"He raves about you too," Justin replied, "If I'm honest, you could have knocked me over with a feather when he told us the two of you were dating."

"It wasn't something either of us planned," Charlotte admitted, "When we were kids, I'm pretty sure it was obvious I had a crush on him, but who wouldn't. You and Eddie were always quite handsome, but him and me dating just gradually started to make sense."

Justin felt his cheeks crimson at her compliment. "Eddie is as happy as I've seen him in a long time."

"Part of that might be because he's back home, and you're back here too. He really missed being around his family," Charlotte replied.

"Yeah, I did too," Justin nodded, "It's one of the reason Abby and I accepted the assignments here."

"Did you get the care packages I sent you on your last deployment?" she asked.

"Every week, like clockwork," he nodded, "I was the envy of my unit. Between you, your mother, my wife, my wife's mother, and my mother, I was swimming in treats."

"Hopefully you spread the wealth," Charlotte snickered.

"Oh yeah," he chuckled, "I had to, or I might have been the victim of friendly fire. You didn't have to go through the trouble, but thank you."

"Of course I did," Charlotte replied, "You were bravely putting yourself in harm's way to fight for our country. A few care packages were the least I could do for you and your unit."

"You probably don't have time for some idol chitchat, so I'm just going to do what I came here to do," Justin stated after a pronounced clearing of his throat.

"One of the things I've always liked about you, Justin," Charlotte smiled, "I always knew where I stood with you. I was the bratty, spoiled, rich girl who followed you around and pestered both you and your brother."

"Char," Justin tried to stop her from continuing on.

"This is the part of the conversation where you tell me to end things with him so he doesn't get caught up in the drama that will certainly follow me. I'm only going to drag him down."

"Char," Justin covered her hand with his to stop her, "You're putting words in my mouth that aren't even there."

"Must be my own thoughts then," she frowned, "We've only been dating for a few months, and already I'm making headlines with the paparazzi. I've been suspended at the office…"

"Charlotte, none of what happened was your fault," Justin told her, "What I want to tell you is how happy I am to see him happy."

"But," she prompted him.

"He's my younger brother, so I wouldn't be fulfilling my older brother duties if I didn't say something to the effect of, if you hurt him, I will never forgive you," he tried to look menacing as he said it, but it came off more as him teasing her.

"That's fair," she did her best to stifle the giggle she felt bubbling to the surface.

"What about Bass?" he asked, "What happens if the two of you don't work out personally? Is he going to have to find something else professionally?"

"No," Charlotte shook her head vigorously, "I made my father promise no matter what happens between me and Eddie personally, professionally his career goes as far as he wants it to."

"You've thought this through," Justin smiled.

"I would never forgive myself if Eddie's career was negatively affected by our dating," Charlotte admitted.

"I know I'm putting the cart before the horse, but have you thought about what it will be like when your father retires and you take over?" Justin asked. "You'll be Eddie's boss."

"Technically my dad is my mom's boss, and they've made it work for as long as I can remember," Charlotte spoke after a few moments of thought.

"Because your mother basically runs her own business," Justin pointed out, "Your father just absorbed it. That's not an option for you and Eddie."

"It's something we'll just have to figure out if we need to," she shrugged, "Hopefully it's a long ways off."

"I should let you get back to work," Justin glanced around the office, "You need some personal touches."

"I'll get around to that one of these days," Charlotte smiled, "I'm glad you stopped by. I've been wanting to see you."

"How about the four of us have dinner this weekend," Justin suggested, "Abby is eager to meet you."

"I'd love that," Charlotte replied, "I'll run it by Eddie. I have one condition though, it's my treat."

"I really should argue with you, but I know how much a Bass likes to get their way," Justin smiled, "You've been taught by the master."

"Darn right," she smiled.

"We'll get Eddie to pick the place," Justin stated, "My little brother knows every great place to eat in New York."

"Good idea," she walked him to the elevator.

"Don't work too hard," Justin pressed the elevator call button.

"I'll try," she gave him a quick hug before he stepped onto the elevator.

On her way back to her office, her coworker, Hannah, pounced on her, "Who's the cutie?"

"Cutie?" Charlotte looked a bit perplexed.

"Yeah, the cutie you were hugging just a few moments ago," Hannah replied.

"Oh, Justin," Charlotte realized, "I've known him since I was born. He's the son of my father's assistant."

"In that case, could you get me an introduction?" Hannah inquired.

"He's married," Charlotte fought to contain a laugh, "Happily and with a baby on the way."

"Too bad," Hannah frowned.

"I've got lots of friends from Columbia," Charlotte offered.

"Really?" Hannah's ears perked right up.

"I'll be sure to introduce you sometime," Charlotte smiled.

"Yes, please," Hannah released a slight giggle.

"I'm nervous," Charlotte admitted to Eddie on the ride across town to the restaurant he'd selected for the get together with his brother and sister-in-law.

"I don't know why," Eddie brought her hand to his lips and kissed it lightly, "My brother already loves you, and Abby is going to love you."

"What if I say something stupid?" Charlotte asked, "Your sister-in-law is Army. We don't have anything in common."

"You have the Brothers Fraser in common," Eddie reminded her, "Yes, she's Army, but she's more than Army. She's an amazing woman. My brother wouldn't have settled for less, nor will I."

Charlotte snorted in reply.

As they pulled up in front of the restaurant, Charlotte could see Justin already inside checking in at the host stand. Fortunately Charlotte had the foresight to call ahead for a table.

"No matter what happens, it's not going to change how I feel about you," Eddie assured Charlotte as he turned to help her from the cab.

"Thank you for saying that," Charlotte made sure to grasp the baby gift she'd agonized over all afternoon. Thankfully her mother was available to help her pick out the perfect gift at the last minute.

Eddie guided Charlotte into the restaurant. Justin and Abby must have already been seated. A quick glance around confirmed his suspicions. He gave Charlotte's hand a reassuring squeeze and then pulled her towards their table.

"You guys have perfect timing," Abby stated as Eddie leaned down to kiss her cheek as Justin rose to greet Charlotte, "We haven't even had time to put in our drink orders."

"Going for the hard stuff tonight, aren't you, Sis," Eddie teased as he held Charlotte's chair for her.

"Don't you know it," Abby snickered, "Ginger ale, on the rocks."

"Abby, this is Charlotte. Charlotte, this is Abby," Eddie made introductions.

"It's so good to finally meet you," Abby reached across the table to shake Charlotte's hand. "Eddie and Justin have been taking about you for years. It's nice to finally have a face to go with all the stories."

"Oh goodness, that's a lot to live down," Charlotte laughed nervously. "I was such a tagalong when we were younger."

"Yes, you were," Justin snickered. He earned himself a kick in the shin by his wife. He winced in response.

"Justin told me the good news about the baby," Charlotte handed Abby the gift she'd brought along.

"Oh, you didn't have to do that," Abby accepted the bag and looked into it. Inside was a little teddy bear and pink baby blanket.

"You'll probably have tons of both, but my mother said you can never have enough blankets and the teddy bear was too cute to pass up."

Abby pulled the teddy bear from the bag and brought it against her chest to hug. "I completely agree. Thank you."

"I'm such a sucker for stuffed animals," Charlotte admitted, "I could probably fill up an entire closet with just stuffed animals if I tried hard enough."

"Little girls can never have enough stuffed animals," Abby admitted, "Justin and I are both very excited."

"I know Eddie is quite excited to be an uncle," Charlotte glanced towards her boyfriend.

"He's going to spoil our little girl so much," Abby laughed.

"Oh yeah," Charlotte agreed.

The waiter came over to take everyone's drink orders. Charlotte was the last to give her order, a white wine.

"May I see an I.D.?" the server requested.

Charlotte blushed profusely as she produced the requested item. It was a reminder that she stuck out like a sore thumb in their quartet as no one else was asked to produce any identification to prove they were of legal drinking age.

"I wish that still happened to me," Abby tried to ease Charlotte's embarrassment.

"Maybe it would have if you had ordered something alcoholic," Eddie teased.

"I think that might have gotten a few strange looks," Abby rubbed her rounded belly before addressing Charlotte, "So you've had to put up with these two your entire life. You deserve a medal."

"They aren't so bad once you get used to them," Charlotte smirked, "They can be downright charming when they want something."

"Don't I know it," Abby glanced at her husband, "This one tried to charm me the first time we met."

"And she wanted none of it," Justin chuckled, "Took me awhile to wear her down."

"How's that?" Charlotte asked.

"Abigail worked in the post commander's office, and I needed to speak with the commander," Justin replied.

"The post commander did not want to be disturbed, and nothing Justin could say was going to convince me otherwise," Abby smirked.

"It worked out in the end," Justin sent his wife a wink.

"Have you guys talked about baby names yet?" Charlotte asked after they were served their drinks and placed their food orders.

"We've floated around with a few," Abby nodded.

"I suggested Edwina after her doting uncle," Eddie snickered. Charlotte immediately scrunched up her face. "Abby reacted the same way."

"We've settled on Molly for the moment," Abby replied, "We have a few others we like as backups just in case, but right now it's Molly."

"Awe, that's so cute," Charlotte gushed. "Have you guys registered yet for baby gifts?"

"They've only been back in the states for a few weeks, Char," Eddie reminded her.

"But there isn't a moment to spare," Charlotte replied, "I'm sure Eugenia is already planning for your baby shower."

"She's mentioned it once or twice," Justin confirmed.

"Your mother is one of the best party planners in the country," Charlotte stated, "You should have seen some of the miracles she's worked over the nearly thirty years she's worked with my dad."

"Justin's mentioned a couple," Abby replied.

"Did he tell you about the beach she created in my parents' living room?" Charlotte asked.

"No, but I want to hear more," Abby looked sincerely interested. Charlotte spent the better part of their meal regaling Abby of stories of Eugenia and her miracle working ways.

It was obvious to the brothers that even though Abby and Charlotte came from drastically different backgrounds, they would be friends.

"Your dad sounds like quite the romantic," Abby responded after another particular tale was told. "Genie pulls it off quite well, but he certainly thinks up some doozies."

"With my mom, he is," Charlotte confirmed, "He was something quite different before they got together…for Mom he changed his ways. He says it's the best thing he ever did."

"Ready for dessert?" the waiter returned to clear dinner dishes.

"I couldn't eat another bite," Charlotte shook off the offer.

"I'll glance at the menu to see if anything sounds good," Abby rubbed at her belly, "This baby has given me such a sweet tooth."

"My mom said that happened to her when she was pregnant with me," Charlotte replied, "With Brice and Aiden it was salty cravings. With Aiden especially, it was pickles, everyday pickles."

"How far apart are you and your brothers?" Abby asked as one dessert in particular caught her attention. She immediately put in her order when the waiter returned to clear more dishes.

"Brice and I are two years apart, and Aiden came about four years later," Charlotte replied, "He was sort of an oops, but Mom says the best oops ever."

"How was he an oops?" Abby asked.

"They'd decided after Brice that they were done having kids, so Dad agreed to take the necessary steps. However he didn't read the literature he was given by the urologist after he had his vasectomy. He just assumed he could hop right back in the saddle whenever he was ready and everything was good to go. Mom went off her birth control almost immediately after and then nine months later we had Aiden," Charlotte explained.

"A valuable lesson," Abby glanced towards her husband with a snicker, "Something to remember when we decide our family is complete."

"Hopefully after a few more kids," Eddie chimed in, "I want lots of nieces and nephews to spoil."

"We'll give you two or three but that's it," Abby continued to rub her belly.

"How about you, Charlotte?" Justin asked, "Have you ever thought about kids?"

"Yeah, I hope to have at least two," Charlotte nodded, "I haven't given much thought on the when though. I just started my career. It seems a bit soon to ask for maternity leave."

"Your parents started pretty young," Justin recalled.

"Yeah, but that worked for them. I don't know if it will work for me," Charlotte shrugged.

Justin and Eddie traded glances Charlotte didn't know what to make of. Fortunately Abby's dessert arrived just in time to break up what was threatening to be an uncomfortable silence.

"Thanks for dinner," Abby stated as they left the restaurant, "Justin said you insisted on paying. It seems a bit odd to me, but he also said never to argue with a Bass. They're used to getting their own way."

"He's right," Charlotte laughed, "It was so nice to finally get to meet you. I've been hearing about you forever."

"Same here," Abby replied, "I swear between Eddie and Justin, I've heard a million stories about you and your brothers. Justin was always the envy of his unit because he knew such an influential person as your father. I was more excited because of your mother. I love her clothes, even if they're a bit out of my price range."

"Check the vintage stores in Soho," Charlotte suggested, "Somehow a lot of Mom's clothes end up there, gently used."

"That's a good tip," Abby laughed.

"We'd better go," Justin reached out to hail a cab for his wife, "Feels like snow."

"I'm so ready for the first snowfall of the season," Charlotte made sure her scarf was wrapped tight around her neck to block the icy wind whipping around. "The views of snowy Central Park from my building are amazing."

"Yes, they are," Eddie went to hail another cab for he and Charlotte.

While the brothers competed for who would get a cab first, Charlotte and Abby hung back, closer to the restaurant and whatever warmth it provided.

"He's really happy, Charlotte," Abby motioned towards her brother-in-law, currently taking a good ribbing from his brother over some such nonsense, "I've never seen him this happy, even with Heather. Justin and I both knew he was never going to settle down with her."

"I'm happy too," Charlotte smiled.

"We should do this again," Abby caught the twinkle in Charlotte's eyes, "Hopefully before I pop."

"Maybe after Christmas when we've officially told our families," Charlotte suggested, "My brother and his girlfriend will be visiting from France. We should all do something."

"That sounds like fun," Abby nodded, "I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot of you."

"I hope so," Charlotte's voice hitched nervously. She wasn't sure was exactly she was nervous about.

She really liked Eddie, and she could see herself getting really serious about him. She thought he was getting quite serious about her too, but she didn't know if she was ready for a death do they part kind of serious. The more Abby talked, the more Charlotte was convinced Eddie was looking to settle down, and Justin's questions about if she wanted kids suddenly took on an entirely different meaning.

The conversation merciful came to a halt when two cabs pulled up at almost the exact same time.

"I'm going to make sure Charlotte gets home alright," Eddie told Justin when he suggested he ride home with him and Abby to save cab fare.

"Sure you are, Brother," Justin snorted, "I'll tell Mom not to wait up."

"I think we're a few years past Mom waiting up for either of us," Eddie scoffed as he held the cab door for Charlotte, "Good night, Justin, Abby."

Charlotte gave them both a quick wave and then ducked into the cab, relieved the night was over and she'd made a favorable impression on Abby. Eddie quickly slid in and gave the driver her address.

"I think if I went home tonight, I might get into a wrestling match with my brother," Eddie spoke as they drove along.

"Why?" Charlotte was completely floored by his statement.

"You and I have been dating for a short time, and he has the nerve to ask if you want children," Eddie replied.

"In fairness to your brother, it was on topic," Charlotte tried to defend Justin.

"It's still not a question he has any right to ask," Eddie took her gloved hand into his, "I certainly never asked Abby if she wanted kids or how many she wanted."

"You did make the comment about them having a bunch of kids," Charlotte reminded him.

"Abby knows I was joking," Eddie replied, "I know they intend of have two, maybe three kids."

"Did it bother you when I said I wasn't ready yet?" Charlotte asked.

"No, of course not," Eddie assured her, "Of course you're going to want to take your time, even after you're married, you might want to wait until your career is further along."

"Are you wanting kids now?" Charlotte bit her lip nervously, "Is that the strange look you and your brother traded during dessert?"

"I'd like to have kids," Eddie replied, "However I think I'm still a ways off from having them. For starters, I'd like to be married first."

"There's that pesky 'm' word again," Charlotte sighed heavily, "Is that where you and I are heading? Is it some race down the aisle?"

"No!" Eddied exclaimed before he took a deep breath to calm himself down, "No."

"No?" Charlotte asked.

"It's not a race," Eddie was quick to correct himself, "God, I really want to hurt my brother for starting all of this."

"Eddie, do you see us getting married and having kids?" she pressed.

"I'd be lying if I said no," he suddenly realized the cab driver was becoming very interested in their converation, "Can we wait to finish this discussion when we get to your place? I don't really want to have a discussion this important in the back of a cab."

"Yeah, okay," Charlotte agreed.

Once comfortable in Charlotte's living room, they immediately pick up on their cab ride conversation.

"So you've imagined us getting married and having kids," Charlotte stated.

"Yes," was his simple response, "Charlotte, I'm almost thirty. A lot of my friends are settling down and having kids. It's only natural to look at my life and my current relationship to examine if what we have has that kind of potential."

"So you think we have that kind of potential," Charlotte stated.

"Don't you?" he asked.

"I guess I haven't looked at it the same way," she replied, "I really like you, Eddie, and yes, what is going on between us feels quite serious…"

"But," he prompted her when she trailed off.

"Marriage doesn't feel…or rather it does feel…" she groaned in frustration as she couldn't quite express herself the way she wanted to. "I don't know if I'm ready to have marriage in my near future or even a year or two down the road future."

There was a pronounced silence between them.

"Maybe this age difference is more of an issue than we originally thought," Charlotte felt herself getting choked up.

Eddie was about to speak when the elevator chimed the arrival of an unannounced guest.

"Who could that be?" Charlotte looked as confused as Eddie before she rose from her seat to go to the elevator. Eddie was quick to follow. With all of the security in Charlotte's building, there should have been no unannounced visitors.

"Devon!" Charlotte gasped in surprise when her ex-boyfriend stepped off the elevator.

"Hey, Char Bear," Devon greeted her with a smile, the kind Eddie instantly disliked. It was the kind of smile Eddie could tell had been perfected by looking at himself in the mirror an awful lot. Devon's entire appearance appeared like he spent a lot of time looking in the mirror. Every hair was perfectly in place. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too," Charlotte responded dutifully, "What are you doing back in New York? I thought you were living the sunshine life in California."

"I couldn't tolerate those phony talents for one more minute," he replied, "No one takes their craft seriously out there. Everyone I met was just expecting to be handed their big break because they were attractive. I don't want to earn my career that way. I want to be taken seriously."

"So you're doing what?" Charlotte was taken aback by his response. For as long as she'd known him, he'd always talked about making his home permanently in California.

"Broadway," Devon stated, "My agent thinks he can get me some auditions for Broadway or at least something moving towards Broadway."

"Oh, wow," Charlotte was flummoxed by his response. He'd never once talked about Broadway in all the years they were together. "So…oh, sorry, I should introduce you two…Eddie, this is my ex, Devon. Devon, this is my…boyfriend, Eddie." She felt awkward for calling Eddie her boyfriend. It felt like such an immature reference, even though it was exactly what he was.

"You look familiar," Devon extended his hand.

"Eddie works for Bass," Charlotte explained, "You probably saw him during the Bass Charity Christmas Galas you attended with me."

"Yeah, maybe that's it," Devon replied, "Good to meet you."

"You too," Eddie shook his hand a bit firmer than he would usually.

"I…ah…didn't know you had…company," Devon's confidence was suddenly shaken.

It was as Devon spoke that Charlotte realized he brought luggage with him.

"Did you just get back to New York?" Charlotte motioned towards the bag slung over his shoulder.

"Yeah, I guess I should have called first," Devon's cheeks began to crimson, "I was sort of hoping I could stay with you a couple of days. My family left the area a few months back, so I can't stay with them. All my frat buddies are living in tiny one bedroom apartments with like five other guys. You're the only one I thought might have room."

"Yeah, sure, of course you can stay for a few days," Charlotte agreed without giving the idea much thought.

"Char," Eddie gasped softly.

"It's just for a few days," Charlotte gave him a confident smile, "I'm sure it won't take you long to get yourself squared away, right, Devon."

"A few days," Devon quickly agreed, "A week at most."

"I'll have Daniella make up a guest room for you," Charlotte turned abruptly to leave the entryway, leaving Devon and Eddie to stare each other down.

"So…you're the new boyfriend," Devon spoke to break the unbearable tension.

"And you're the ex-boyfriend," Eddie crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"Charlotte is such a great girl," Devon rocked nervously on the heels of his feet, "She's always willing to help out a friend in need."

"She is a woman with a generous heart," Eddie felt the need to emphasize he saw her as a woman and not as a girl.

"How long have you been dating?" Devon switched his backpack from one shoulder to the other.

"A few months," Eddie replied, "But I've know Charlotte for years…decades actually. My mom is Mister Bass's assistant."

"Get out, you're Eunice's son…" Devon stated.

"Eugenia," Eddie corrected him.

"God, I thought you'd be older, like fifty or something," Devon replied, "She's been working for Mister Bass for like ever."

"Since Chuck started as CEO," Eddie confirmed. Again he felt the need to point out he had the privilege of calling Charlotte's father by his first name, which was obviously a privilege Devon had never earned.

"She sounds like such a kick," Devon stated, "Char Bear was always telling stories about her."

"My mom is an amazing woman," Eddie replied.

"Daniella is working on your room right now," Charlotte returned the entryway, "Are you hungry? Did you get a chance to eat anything on the plane?"

"I grabbed a slice of pizza on the way here," Devon replied, "Nothing tastes as good as New York City pizza."

"Daniella should have your room ready in a few minutes. You can wait in the living area," Charlotte motioned him further into her home, "Eddie and I are about ready to turn in for the night, but before we do can I get you anything?"

"Yeah, a guide map of this place," Devon glanced around, "This place is awesome, Char Bear."

"That's right, you didn't get to see it up close because you were on a flight to California three hours after our graduation ceremony," Charlotte stated. Eddie thought he heard a slight edge in her words.

"I had an audition the next day," Devon replied, "You were okay with it when I left."

"And I'm okay with it now," Charlotte reached for Eddie's hand, "I'll give you the tour tomorrow. Daniella will come get you when the room is ready. Good night, Devon."

"Nite, Char," Devon called after her.

Charlotte was muttered under her breath when she disappeared into her closet to change into her pajamas.

Eddie took those moments to change into his pajamas as well. He was sitting at the end of the bed when she emerged.

"You could have said no," Eddie translated her anger towards her ex.

"And have him sleeping out in the cold, I'm not that kind of person," Charlotte replied, "He has always had the worst timing. You and I were having a pretty important conversation about us, and he has to barge in and practically demand a place to sleep."

"We need to finish our conversation," Eddie patted the space next to him.

"Yeah," Charlotte took a seat next to him, "I don't want to stop seeing you. I really care for you, and I think what we have is really good…"

"It is," Eddie agreed.

"What do we do?" Charlotte asked.

"I don't know," he admitted, "We can't just ignore the fact that we want different things."

"I think we want the same things, just on a different timeline," Charlotte replied.

"This isn't something we need to settle right now," he took her hand and brought it to his lips.

"Is it wise to let an issue like this simmer?" she asked, "My parents always work through their disagreement as they happen. Mom says bad things happen in a relationship when issues are allowed to fester."

"I really want to see where things go with us," he took a few moments to kiss each hand and then leaned in to kiss her cheeks.

"Me too," she nodded slightly.

"We don't need to rush into anything," he assured her, "I'm not asking for a death due us part commitment right this moment or even six months down the road."

"And maybe six months down the road I might feel more settled at work, and the marriage and kids thing won't seem as far off as it does right now," Charlotte stroked his chin lightly.

"We'll figure things out."

"I hope so," she sought his lips.

Eddie pulled on her hands lightly and guided her to bed.

"This is the best relationship I've ever had," Charlotte wrapped her arms around his neck.

"For me too," he angled his head so he could press his lips to hers.

"I really wish my ex-boyfriend wasn't right down the hall right now," she broke away and pressed her forehead against his. Even a simple kiss had igniting the flame.

"You did say his timing was horrible," he chuckled.

"I'm going to go kick him out right now," she released a slightly amused whine.

"We have all the time in the world," he cupped her cheeks and brought his lips against hers again.

Charlotte nodded and turned to pull back the covers of the bed. Then she climbed into bed and patted the space next to her in invitation.

"You're bed is the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in," Eddie told her as he climbed in beside her and allowed her to curl into him as was becoming their routine.

"We'll have to thank my dad," Charlotte giggled softly, "Because of his connections through the hotel empire, he's got a great guy who makes custom beds for our family."

"Of course he has a hand it in," Eddie tangled his fingers into hers, "How about we keep my enjoyment of this bed to ourselves for the time being?"

"Are you scared of my dad?" Charlotte teased.

"Not of him per say, more of what his reaction will be when he finds out you and I are spending our nights together," he pressed his lips to her forehead.

"Good night, Eddie," she smiled.

"Night, Charlotte," he replied.

TBC…

To those of you who celebrate - Merry Christmas.