AN: As always, thank you so much for your reviews for the last chapter :) I'm so glad you're enjoying this fic!

So this chapter revolves around a confrontation that a lot of people have been asking for, and is something that I really want to see in Season 6. I'd love to hear what you think so please drop me a review and let me know :)

Hope you enjoy it :)

LIZA

After their pregnancy scare the other week, Charles had kept to his word and accompanied her to her appointment. He hadn't cared that he was the only guy in the waiting room, or that he was getting some strange looks from the other women – he was just there to support her, and that just made her love him even more. The OBGYN had assured them that the pill she was on was one of the most effective and that if she continued to take it at the correct time every day, and didn't miss any doses, then there was very little chance of her becoming pregnant. She also gave her a pamphlet on things to be aware of that may lower its efficiency, such as taking certain medications. She'd explained that it wasn't unusual to be late sometimes and that it can happen for a variety of reasons, but was usually nothing to worry about. She'd done a blood test just to be on the safe side, which had thankfully come back normal, and the anxiety of the previous week had finally abated. Liza had however set three alarms on her phone to notify her when she needed to take her pill, to be certain she wouldn't forget it. Charles had offered to use extra precautions if she was still worried and she appreciated the gesture, but she loved the feel of just him without any barriers between them. So with that drama behind them and with the OBGYN's assurances in her mind, they'd gotten back to normal and were just enjoying being together.

"Last night was amazing" Liza murmured as she interlaced her fingers with Charles's and rested her head on his shoulder as they sat in the back of the cab.

He kissed the top of her head and she could feel him smiling. "It was."

A rush of warmth flooded her as she recalled their evening together. Her and Charles had had a movie night in with the girls and Liza had handed the choice of movie over to them. Nicole and Bianca had excitedly cried out "Frozen" in tandem. Liza had never seen it before so she was intrigued to watch it but Charles audibly groaned at their choice, and she'd giggled at the thought that he'd probably had to sit though it many, many times before.

The girls knew every word and sang along enthusiastically to all of the songs and they'd laughed happily as Liza tried to join in. The look on Charles's face as he watched the three of them belt out a slightly off-key rendition of 'Let it go' told her that, even though he probably knew the script off by heart, he was happy and there was nowhere else he'd rather be.

After the movie, copious amounts of popcorn and a game of charades, the girls had fallen asleep on the couch. She'd carried Bianca upstairs whilst Charles had carried Nicole, and they'd tucked them into bed. They'd murmured a sleepy "Goodnight Daddy" as Charles turned off their light and Liza was touched when it was followed by a soft "Night Liza".

They'd gone back downstairs and she'd sat in between his legs, her back resting against his chest and his arm wrapped around her waist as they shared a bottle of wine. They'd talked, laughed and just enjoyed each other's company, and when the wine was finished, hands had started to roam. The atmosphere was alight with desire as that now familiar electric current coursed through their veins at each other's touch. No matter how many times they'd done this before, there was always the same excitement and passion that there'd been during their first time.

Before things got too heated, Charles had stood up, lifting her easily with him and then took her hand and led her up to the bedroom. He'd made love to her for hours as the moonlight shone in through the window, creating a magical quality as it illuminated their skin. He knew exactly what she needed, and he made sure that every one of her needs was met. Eventually they'd collapsed into a sated tangle of limbs and fallen asleep in each other's arms. It had been perfect.

They were on their way to drop her off at her apartment as she hadn't been back in a few days and was running out of clothes. Charles was going to go and pick the girls up from their ballet class and then take them out for icecream. He'd invited her along too but she didn't want the girls to think that she took up all of their time with their dad, and thought it would be nice for them to have him to themselves for the day. She was planning on spending some time with Maggie and then heading back over to Charles's house in the morning.

As they pulled up outside her apartment, Charles got out and held the door open for her. His chivalry and old-fashioned manners was something she had always loved about him. He took both of her hands in his and held her to him as they stood on the sidewalk, neither wanting to part just yet.

"Are you sure you don't want to come with us? I can wait for you to pick up some clothes – we've got time." Charles asked softly.

No, she wasn't sure – she missed him already and he hadn't even left yet, but she knew it was important for the girls to have some time with him. She smiled warmly at him, "I'm sure – the girls will like having you all to themselves, and I think Maggie's forgotten what I look like!"

Charles brushed a tendril of hair gently off her face then took her hand again, "The girls love you. And I'm pretty sure no-one could ever forget what you look like." Liza's heart melted as he leaned down and kissed her softly. "So I'll see you in the morning then?"

"You will" she replied, smiling warmly at him. Her smile faltered however and she jumped back quickly, dropping Charles's hands as she noticed Josh walking towards them. Charles turned around to see what had caused her jumpiness and she felt immediately guilty when he sighed and dropped his gaze. She mentally slapped herself for her reaction – her and Josh had been split up for a long time and she and Charles weren't doing anything wrong.

Josh didn't look too thrilled as he stopped in front of them and the looks he was giving Charles weren't exactly friendly. This wasn't going to be good.

"Josh, hey" she greeted him, smiling awkwardly.

Josh stopped glaring daggers at Charles and glanced at her, "Hey".

"You remember Charles?" she added, realising it was a stupid thing to say as soon as it came out of her mouth, but she was trying desperately to fill the awkward silence.

"How could I forget" Josh deadpanned, "How's your jaw?" he added, smirking at Charles.

Liza rolled her eyes at his cheap dig. Before she had chance to reply though, Charles beat her to it.

"My jaw's just fine."

Josh seemed to be expecting him to come back with his own retort, but when he realised Charles wasn't going to engage in a war of words he turned back to Liza. "So, you two are still together then? I'm surprised to see you in broad daylight. You should be careful – someone might see you."

Liza wanted to tell Josh that yes, they were still together, and they were happy. She wanted to say that she didn't care who saw them because everything was out in the open now, and she wanted him to be happy for her. But when she opened her mouth to say that, no sound came out, and she dropped her gaze. She didn't miss the look of disappointment on Charles's face though at her lack of response.

"We are still together" Charles answered for her, "And everyone knows about us now, so we're free to be together during the day – and the night."

Liza saw Josh's jaw clench at Charles's subtle reference to the fact that they were sleeping together. "Well, good luck with that." And with that he shoved his hands in his jacket pockets and stepped around them, continuing on his way without another word.

Liza glanced at his retreating form, annoyed at his attitude, and then looked up at Charles. The hurt was clearly written in his eyes and she felt terrible that she'd made him feel that way. "Charles, I-"

"I should go" Charles cut her off, "I need to pick up the girls".

Liza felt even worse now – she knew he was early and had some time before he had to leave, he'd said so himself. He just wanted to get away from her. "Okay" she agreed reluctantly, "I'll see you in the morning?" She really hoped he still wanted to see her tomorrow.

"Yeah" he replied quietly. He gave her a small smile but it didn't quite make it to his eyes. "Goodbye Liza."

She wanted him to kiss her, so she would know that they were alright, but he didn't. "Goodbye Charles" she choked out. He got back in the car and she felt a lump forming in her throat as she watched it drive off. He didn't wave or look back, and her phone didn't buzz with an 'I miss you already' text. She'd hurt him, and she hated herself for it. This was all her fault.

Maggie frowned at her as she walked in the door and dropped her bag on the couch. "What's wrong with you? You usually can't wipe the smile off your face after a couple of nights with Mr Darcy."

Liza groaned as she flopped down on the couch next to Maggie and rested her head on her shoulder. "Yeah well I think I might have just messed that up. I'm an idiot."

Maggie turned and gently pushed her back up so she could see her face. "What did you do?"

Liza sighed, "It's more what I didn't do." Maggie looked at her encouragingly, waiting for her to continue. She sighed again, "We bumped into Josh outside when Charles was dropping me off."

"Ohhh" Maggie replied, making a face. "So did Charles get all jealous?"

"No, Charles was fine. Josh was the one being all snide and making digs about Charles's jaw and how we should be careful that someone didn't see us, making out like what we were doing was wrong." As Liza recalled the memory she became more and more annoyed with Josh and his attitude.

"Yeah that's kind of a douche-y move but I guess he's still sore about how you and him ended. So did you put him straight?"

Liza groaned in frustration and ran her hands over her face. "No! And that's the problem! I wanted to, but I couldn't get the words out."

Maggie looked at her sympathetically, "Why couldn't you get the words out?"

Liza threw her hands up in exasperation, "I don't know, I mean I guess I still feel guilty for hurting him, and I don't want to hurt him any more than I already have."

Maggie squeezed her hand in support, "Liza, you guys broke up like a year ago – you need to let that go, and so does he. People break up all the time, but they move on – it's not a big deal."

"I know. I know – you're right. And it's not like he hasn't been with other women since me. He married one of them and has a baby on the way – if that's not moving on then I don't know what is!"

Maggie gave her a small smile, "Girl, you don't need to convince me – I've been trying to get you to stop being a martyr ever since you broke up! You need to have it out with him, because the dynamic between the two of you at the moment, isn't healthy."

"I know, and I will. By trying to avoid hurting Josh, I've ended up hurting Charles – and that's not fair." Liza sighed sadly, "You didn't see the look on Charles's face when I didn't stick up for us Mags – it was like I'd reached into his chest and yanked out his heart. I hate that I've hurt him."

"You've really got it bad for him", Maggie replied – a statement rather than a question. "I've never seen you like this before."

"I've never been like this before" Liza sighed, a small smile gracing her face as flashes of her and Charles together flitted through her mind. "We just 'fit' in a way I've never experienced before. I love him Mags, and he's the first guy I've been with that I can really picture myself growing old with."

Maggie smiled proudly at her, "Then you need to tell him that. Look, I'm no expert on guys, but he waited for you for almost two years, he's handed over the running of his company to you – because lets face it he's trusting you rather than Kelsey, and he's told everyone that you're together, despite the complications that brought him – I'd say he feels the same way."

Liza swallowed and felt her eyes stinging, "But what if I've just messed it all up. He couldn't get away quick enough."

Maggie waved her hand in dismissal, "He's probably just gone to lick his wounds. When you go over there and do whatever it is you do that puts that glint in his eye, he'll be fine."

Liza smiled fondly at her friend and her attempt to cheer her up. "I hope you're right."

"I'm always right" Maggie smirked, "You need to bring him round some time too – I need to spend some more time with the guy who's stolen my roommate and who puts that big goofy grin on her face."

Her conversation with Maggie had comforted her somewhat, but she still couldn't get the hurt look on Charles's face out of her head. Liza picked up her phone and couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment that there weren't any messages waiting for her. She typed out a text to Charles: "I'm sorry about earlier. Hope you're having a good time with the girls. I love you. L x'. She watched it send and when the three dots didn't appear she shoved it in her jeans pocket with a sigh and then headed out to do something she should have done months ago.

She pressed the buzzer repeatedly until Kelsey buzzed her up. The look on her face when she walked in the door must have told Kelsey that this wasn't a social call.

"I'll erm leave you two to it" Kelsey said awkwardly as she looked between her and Josh, before retreating to her room.

Josh was sat at the breakfast bar and looked up at her as she came and stood next to him. "Have you got tired of sneaking around with Charles already?"

Liza glared at him. "No, actually I haven't. And we're not sneaking around – everything's out in the open now. And for the record, the way you were earlier was out of order."

Josh scoffed and downed the rest of the beer that he was holding. "I think I have a right to be a little annoyed, don't you?"

Liza looked at him incredulously and it resonated with her that whilst she had loved him and he'd been good for her after her divorce, it would never have worked between the two of them – they were just too different. She was done letting him make her feel guilty. "No, I don't - not anymore. Josh, we broke up a year ago. You've been married since then, and you have a baby on the way - with your wife. It shouldn't matter to you who I'm in a relationship with." Liza paused and held his gaze as she said what she should have said to him in the morning, "I am in a relationship with Charles, and it's serious – I love him. I want you to be happy for me."

Josh clenched his jaw and shoved the empty bottle away from him. "How can I be happy that you're with the guy that broke us up?"

Liza sighed, "Charles didn't break us up. Even if I didn't know that he existed, we would have broken up anyway. It would never have worked between us - we want different things."

Josh looked down at the table and she could tell he knew this was true, even if he didn't want to admit it.

Liza felt a weight lifted off her shoulders as she shed the veil of guilt she'd been carrying around with her in regards to Josh, and finally stood up for herself. "I want to be in your life Josh – I want to be your friend. But you need to accept that Charles is a big part of my life, otherwise this can't work. Can you do that?"

Josh looked up at her and sighed, "I don't know."

"Then let me know when you do."

Liza felt a mixture of relief, annoyance and disappointment as she made her way home - relief that she'd finally said what needed to be said and that she'd stopped allowing herself to feel guilty, and annoyance and disappointment that Josh was still so hung up on the past and so reluctant to move forward.

She felt a buzz of excitement when she pulled her phone out of her pocket and saw that there was a message from Charles. She deflated somewhat however when she read it: 'The girls are having a good time. They said to say hi. C". It wasn't a bad message, but she knew him well enough to know that what he hadn't said, told her far more. He hadn't said how he was doing, which told her that he was still upset, and the lack of a kiss at the end of the text stung more than she would have thought it would. She hated herself for being so stupid and for giving him reason to doubt her feelings for him. She had to make it up to him and show him that she was all in, but she couldn't do that over text. She decided to continue with their little tradition of sending literary quotes and typed out a Hemingway that she felt was fitting and hoped would make him smile:

'And you'll always love me won't you?

Yes.

And the rain won't make any difference?

No"

It was her way of saying sorry and that she knew she'd hurt him, but that she hoped he'd forgive her and still love her anyway.

When he didn't reply, it had taken every bit of self-control she possessed not to call him. She wanted to give him time with the girls, and she didn't want to pester him if he needed some space, but not hearing from him was driving her crazy. It wasn't until she was lay in bed later that night, staring at the ceiling, that she got a response. When her phone vibrated on her nightstand she almost knocked it on the floor in her haste to get to it. Her eyes became misty as she read his message:

'I am so in love with you that there isn't anything else'.

He'd quoted 'A Farewell to Arms', just like she had earlier. The quote he'd chosen told her that he loved her, but it also told her that he was scared that he was in it alone. She couldn't let him think that. 'I feel the same way about you. x' she texted back.

The three dots appeared. 'Do you?'

Her heart clenched, and she kicked herself for making him feel that way. 'Yes! Charles, I've loved you for a very long time. Can I still come round in the morning? x'

'Liza, even when I'm angry or upset with you, I always want to see you. We need to talk though.'

'I know, and I'm so sorry about earlier. We'll talk in the morning. Goodnight Charles x'

'Goodnight Liza x'. She smiled at the return of the kiss at the end of his text. She loved him so much and she'd make it up to him and show him that he was the one she wanted to be with – him and only him.

As she stood on the stoop of Charles's townhouse the following morning, Liza debated whether she should knock, after what had happened yesterday, or if she should just use her key. She thought he'd probably be more hurt if she didn't use the key though after he'd given it to her. She took a deep breath for courage, knowing that this was going to be an important conversation, then let herself in. Charles must have heard the door click, as he emerged from the kitchen to meet her in the lounge. He was wearing a black sweater and black jeans, and even though things were a bit awkward between them at the moment, she didn't fail to notice how good he looked. Her mouth went a little dry at the sight of him. She wandered, with a glimmer of pride, if he'd worn that for her as he knew she had a thing for him in black.

"Hi" he greeted softly.

"Hey" she replied, "I missed you last night." And she really had – she found it hard to fall asleep without him next to her now.

He nodded shyly and gave her a small smile. "Would you like a coffee?"

"Erm yeah, that would be nice – thank you."

"Okay. I'll be right back." He gestured for her to have a seat and then disappeared back into the kitchen. Liza smiled at the fact that he didn't need to ask how she took her coffee, because he already knew – he'd brought her coffee in bed countless times in the mornings when she'd stayed over, so he knew exactly how she liked it.

As she sat down on the couch she saw that Charles had left his phone on the coffee table. She pulled out her phone from her bag and quickly sent a text. Charles came back in and handed her her drink and she felt a jolt of electricity as their fingers brushed. When she caught his eye she knew he'd felt it too.

"Thank you" she said warmly. He sat down in the seat across from her and she was a bit disappointed he didn't sit next to her, but it was understandable after yesterday. "Where are the girls?"

"Pauline has them – she's taking them to see her sister. I thought it would be good for us to have some time alone to talk."

"Right"

They looked at each other and then both began speaking at the same time. "About yesterday-" "I need to know-". They smiled shyly at each other before Charles added, "You first."

Liza put her coffee down and leaned forward in her seat so she was closer to him. "I'm so sorry about yesterday – I was an idiot. I should have stood up for our relationship when Josh was trying to demean it."

"But you didn't" Charles replied, his voice tinged with sadness.

Liza sighed, "No, I didn't – and I regret that so much. I've always felt guilty about how Josh saw us in the Hamptons and the fact that I hurt him, and I guess part of me felt like I deserved whatever he threw at me. So that's why I sometimes haven't stood up to him. But in not standing up for myself I also didn't stand up for you, and hurting you was something I never wanted to do. I spoke to Josh and told him he was out of order. I also told him that you're a part of my life and that if he wants us to be friends then he needs to accept that."

Charles didn't say anything for a few moments as he took in everything she'd just said. He was fidgeting with his fingers, like he was nervous about what he was about to say. "Liza, I don't want you to be with me just because you can't be with Josh. I don't want to be a consolation prize."

His words hit her right in the heart and the pain and uncertainty in his eyes made her want to cry. She leaned forward and took his hands in hers, grateful that he didn't pull away. "Charles you are not a consolation prize! I love you – so much. These past six months with you have been incredible. I love Josh, but only as a friend. I don't want to be with him – I want to be with you. I've wanted to be with you for as long as I can remember."

Liza saw a small smile tug at his lips as she repeated his words back to him that he'd said to her by the fountain in Bryant Park. The look in his eyes was more hopeful than sad now, and taking this as progress she got up and sat down next to him. She interlaced her fingers with his and held his hand as she continued. "Do you remember that night at the opera when we bumped into each other?"

Charles nodded and smiled fondly as he recalled the memory. "I do. I remember zipping up your dress."

A tingle ran down her spine as she remembered the feel of his fingers on the bare skin of her back as he slowly zipped up her dress. "So do I. You have no idea how much I wanted to be with you that night."

Charles grinned, appreciating her words and the boost to his male pride. He tentatively leaned down and brushed her lips with his. She'd missed this – she'd missed him, and she felt like she was home again. "Are we okay?" she asked softly as she rested her forehead on his.

He smiled warmly at her as he tenderly stroked her cheek with his hand. "We're okay."

As he manoeuvred her so she was sat in his lap, she took solace in the comfort of being in his arms. Liza caught sight of his phone out of the corner of her eye and leaned forward to pick it up, remembering something. "Your phone went off while you were in the kitchen" she told him as she handed it to him.

Charles took it and placed it on the pillow beside him with disinterest. "Whatever it is can wait" he replied, placing a kiss on the top of her head.

Liza looked up at him, "But it might be important." He looked at her curiously. "You should check it" she persisted.

"Okaay" he replied, a bemused smile on his face as he picked his phone up and pressed the home button. Her heart clenched when she saw that his screensaver was a photo of the two of them from when they went to the Hamptons for the weekend. After their little walk along the beach, and subsequent nighttime adventure in the sea, he'd taken a bunch of selfies of them as they giggled together, still on a high from what they'd just done. In this one she has her arms around his neck and the biggest grin on her face as she looks up at him, and he has one arm protectively wrapped around her waist and is looking at her wondrously like she's his whole world. The happiness in that photo is palpable, and she made a mental note to get him to send it to her.

"I have a text from you." Liza had to fight to keep a straight face at the confused look on his face. His expression changed though from confusion, to shock, and then hope as he read her message aloud. "I didn't want to kiss you goodbye – that was the trouble – I wanted to kiss you goodnight."

She'd thought that Hemingway quote was perfect for them, and a perfect way to tell him how she felt. She smiled as he realised the meaning behind the quote too. "Does this mean…you want to…" he stuttered.

Liza giggled at his loss of words and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Yes, it does. I want to kiss you goodnight – every night. And I want to wake up with you in the morning – every morning. I want to move in with you – if you still want me to."

The look of pure joy on Charles's face was one she would remember forever. "You do?"

"I do."

"And you're not just saying that because of what happened yesterday?"

Liza smiled warmly at him and held his face in her hands. "No" she assured him resolutely. "I love you, and I want to spend every day with you."

He laughed happily and she joined in as he tightened his arms around her and lay her down on the couch so he was on top of her. "Of course I still want you to! I think this calls for a celebration don't you?" He murmured, his lips hovering over hers.

Liza beamed at him, "I think so."

"And by the way, I missed you last night too" he added, before closing the distance between them. And as they lost themselves in each other, in a way that only they could, Liza knew she had made the right decision – because home to her was wherever Charles was.