(A/N: Set 2 years after the birth of Tom McNulty and CBTD2. Plot idea was actually cooked up by Tom Welling in an interview)
Charlie's pov
Two years had passed since Nora and Bud had little Tom, and that Annie and I had gotten together and moved closer to the summer house on the lake. My garage business was going well, as were her classes at Madison Art School. Another thing that was going quite well was our relationship. Budding two summers ago, and now strong and stable. So much so, that I knew it was time. We were having a picnic one spring night, and it was at this time that I had planned to propose to the love of my life, who, whether our fathers believe it or not, was a Murtaugh. Eh, Elliot and Sarah are back together as well, so, there's a double dose of the star crossed lovers going around in the Baker and Murtaugh family trees. I was brought out of my thoughts by Annie herself
"You're awfully quiet tonight, Baker. Trying to figure out your next move?"
The question was laced with a playful tone, harkening back to our clandestine meeting in the woods at the lake two years prior, which had kickstarted many changes in our lives, and where and when I had known for sure I had fallen in love with Anne Murtaugh, law student turned art student. I smirked, the motion playing easily on my lips, like muscle memory
"Just how to carry it out."
Can't say that my girl holding and squeezing my hand helped my brain cells figure out a plan, but I can't say I did not like the display of affection. Once I had mustered some courage and put together a plan, I spoke
"Here, let me get you some more food"
Now, the master trick you learn when you grew up as a Baker. How to fake injuries and/or illnesses. I would probably pay for it later, maybe. But it would work with what I had set out to accomplish tonight. As I was returning with her plate of food, I made sure it was in a safe location first, then proceeded to "trip" right in front of her, not at all gracefully. But no broken bones. Thank you Sarah and Jake for that trick. THAT caught her attention, as she ran towards me and all but shrieked
"CHARLIE!"
She started to get down to my level to try and help me up, but I spoke before she could
"I'm ok. I just needed to ask you something. Annie Murtaugh? I love you, and I love spending time with you and how we inspire each other. There is no one else I belong with. Would you make me the happiest and luckiest guy on the planet and first, don't kill me for the unorthodox proposal, and second, accept said proposal?"
All she did was kiss me. I'm taking it as a yes.
