Brax arrived home and let himself in, yawning he threw his keys on the counter and rubbed his face tiredly "babe?" He called and walked to the living room. He stopped in the doorway and smiled she was sound asleep on the sofa wearing one of his hoodies, walking to it he got down on his knees and brushed some hair out of her face-watching her for a second he dropped a kiss on her forehead and stood up. Scooping her into his arms he carried her to their room and placed her in the bed- he felt her forehead and sighed she was running a temperature. Hoping she'd sleep it off he got up and walked to the bathroom he spent a few minutes in there getting ready for bed. Turning the light off he walked to the bed and placed two painkillers on her locker. Walking to his side he climbed in beside her, scooting closer to her he buried his face in her neck and pulled her against him before drifting off to sleep.
The next morning Charlie opened her eyes and blinked a few times, sitting up she waited for the headache or a sneeze to come-after a few minutes passed she smiled to herself and turned to face Brax. A smirked crossed her face and she leaned in towards him "Brax," she whispered moving closer to him.
"Mh," he muttered and rolled over on his back. Charlie giggled and began to trail kisses up his neck, she giggled again when his arm ran up her side and slipped around her waist "feeling better I see," he chuckled and opened his eyes "morning beautiful," he said and leaned up to kiss her.
"Morning baby," she said happily and climbed on top of him "I'm feeling much much better lotsa energy this morning," she giggled.
Brax chuckled "hmm you still look a little pale to me," he chuckled when Charlie slapped him "I'm kidding," he said and pulled her down to him "I'm glad you're feeling better," he said and leaned up to kiss her. As he deepened the kiss he rolled them so she was underneath him "I missed ya," he said hovering over her "I hate it when you're sick."
"Aww aren't you just too cute," Charlie giggled "but I missed you too," she said and pulled him down to her. She groaned as Brax's phone rang and he broke away.
Leaning over her he grabbed his phone and looked at the caller "sorry babe," he said and sat up properly "it's the guy I was supposed to have the meeting with yesterday-hello?" He answered "hi Mr Robinson- uh," he looked at Charlie and winched he knew what he was about to say was gonna change her mood drastically "yeah that's no problem I can some up to the city tonight, okay, seven, I'll see you then, bye," he said and hung up. He sighed when Charlie got out of the bed without a word "I'm sorry babe," he called after her "today or after Christmas is the only time he can see me."
"It's fine," she called back and slammed the door.
Sighing again he climbed out of the bed and walked to the bathroom "Charlie," he said and knocked at the door, when he got no reply he pushed the door open to find her at the sink "look babe I'm really really sorry you know how important this is to me."
"Yeah more important than helping me sort out Ruby's car it's Christmas eve Brax," she hissed and brushed by him.
"I can get Heath to go with you he knows his stuff," Brax said and followed her back to the room.
"I'm not marrying Heath am I!" she yelled back "we were supposed to do this together-our first year living together as a family Brax! She sees you as her dad! I went with you to get Casey's present because I knew it was important to you!" she yelled as she pulled on her uniform.
"Charlie it's not like that Ruby means the world to me you know that- if you want to put it off we can go tomorrow."
She laughed and walked by him "no I won't put it off Brax I took time off work to do this so I'm doing it I'm not moving it around to suit you! And in case you've forgotten it's Christmas day tomorrow!" she hissed as she walked along the hallway.
"What's going on?" a sleepy Casey asked sticking his head out of his room.
"You're brother is a moron," Charlie snapped and pulled on her shoes.
"Nothing mate go back to sleep," Brax answered following Charlie to the stairs.
"I'm off to work Case you're on cleaning downstairs Ruby has up here alright and please fix those light on the tree for me that your brother promised to do last week-later!" she called and hurried down the stairs not even glancing at Brax.
"Ooh you're in the doghouse," Casey laughed and closed his door again.
"Charlie you're not going to work!" Brax said and ran after her "you're still sick!"
Charlie whirled to face him "don't tell me what to do I'm fine," she snapped and turned around again she sneezed and coughed, she stopped walking as another one came and groaned "I'm fine," she said when Brax stepped in front of her, she glared at him for a second before shoving him out of the way and going out the door.
"Hey mu-okay," Ruby said as Charlie stormed pass her "what's going on- what's up with her?" she asked as she walked into the kitchen.
"Ah nothing," Brax sighed and walked towards the stairs "where's April?"
"Dad?" Ruby said raising an eyebrow.
"Fine," Brax said and walked back to her "I didn't want her to go to work she's still sick but of course she went."
"You know no one can tell her what to do," Ruby giggled "and April went for a coffee with Bianca she said she'd drop her off here she's kinda freaked about going back to the station."
"Who you telling anyway go do what you have to before we go- call me when April gets here," he said and walked up the stairs.
Brax stood in his room lost in thought he was already thinking of a way to make it up to Charlie she had made a big deal about him being a part of getting Ruby's present, his thoughts were interrupted by his phone "hello?" he said gruffly when Angelo's flashed on the screen.
"Hey mate it's Liam I have an Anthony Barnes on the other line here something about a meeting here for a building space in Yabbie Creek at three today."
"Damn it I forgot all about it," he sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose "right I'll be there but I might be late, I have to head back up to the city with Ruby and April they have to be re interviewed."
"Cheers mate I'll let him know to expect a delay take your time he seems keen to give it to you anyway, bye," Liam said and hung up.
Brax hung up "damn it there's always something," he muttered again and flung his phone on the bed sighing he dropped onto the bed and lay back this was supposed to be the best Christmas ever his first year living with Charlie- a really great year he wanted to end it like that too.
"Dad!" Ruby yelled up "Bianca just dropped April off we're ready to go!"
"Go wait in the car- I'll be down now!" he called and stood up, grabbing his phone he walked down the stairs to find them both still standing there "ready?" he asked "good," he said when they both nodded and grabbed his keys from the table "let's get going then," he said and walked out the door.
...
An hour and a silent drive later they had pulled up at the city station Ruby nodded her head for April to ahead, she knew something was bothering him so she waited for the door to close and leaned forward "dad are you okay- is something on your mind?"
"Yeah," Brax sighed "I just have so much to do today and not enough time, arguing with mum doesn't ease the stress either… let's get this outta the way," he said and climbed out of the car.
"Oh did you cancel your card?" Ruby asked as she walked behind him.
"Yeah did that before I headed up yesterday," Brax replied as they walked inside "Officer Kimble," he said to the officer on the desk.
"Mr Braxton," Officer Kimble said and walked over to him "thanks for coming up again we're ready when you are," he said nodding to a door that led into the back.
"No problem-Girl's!" he called, Ruby and April got up out of their seats and followed Brax through the door.
Half an hour later they had finished and were exiting the station "wanna grab something to eat while we're here?" April asked.
"Yeah why not I skipped breakfast-we'll head to the mall," Brax said and pulled out his keys.
Arriving at the mall they went to the food court got breakfast and sat down "so what do you wanna do after this dad?" Ruby asked after they'd finished eating.
"I have to get back for a meeting at three it's eleven now," he said looking at his watch "so here's what I want you two to do," he said and stood up "I want both of you to go and replace everything that was taken yesterday- that includes a phone for yourself April," he said and handed them both money.
"Brax!" April gasped "no no I can't take this it's too much," she said handing it back to him.
"Take it," Brax said and shoved her hand away "it's Christmas eve and you have nothing, I know you worked hard to save for that thing for Bianca I don't wanna hear any more about it," he said when April protested again and sat back down "what?" he said when Ruby sat grinning back at him.
"You just surprise me sometimes," she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek "thanks dad that really meant a lot to both of us," she said and hugged him "did I tell ya how much I love ya lately?"
"You can show me by cleaning that house before mum gets home now go on I'll wait here." He chuckled as April and Ruby took off before he'd even finished.
...
Charlie sat at her desk lost in a pile of paperwork she had gotten Ruby's car by herself and was still in a bad mood the guy tried to charge her an extra five hundred dollars until she pulled out her badge that was then he was only too happy to drop five hundred from the original price they agreed. She sighed and flung down her pen when her phone rang again looking to see it was Brax again she answered "what I'm busy here."
"Just wanted to see how you were doing- how you were feeling," Brax said slowly.
"Busy and fine," she replied coldly.
"Ah come on Charlie I said I was sorry alright," he said angrily.
"Sorry ain't gonna cut it this time and by the way I got the car it's parked at Heaths if you have any interest in seeing it," she hissed.
"He went with you?" Brax asked surprised.
"No Brax I went by myself I called him he said I could leave it there…I gotta go," she said and went to hang up.
"Charlie wait!" He called "let me take you out to dinner before I have to go?"
"Wouldn't want to get in the way of you and your meeting you know the one that's more important than me and everyone else," she said and hung up.
"Charlie! You know you're the most important thing in my life- Charlie!" he said and pulled the phone away from his ear "Damn it she hung up on me," he muttered and punched in Ruby's number "where are you two?" he asked when she answered.
"Nearly done just grabbing mum's present," Ruby replied.
"Alright hurry it up I have to get back I'll meet you by the doors," he said and hung up.
Jack walked into Charlie's office and stopped by the desk "what's with the face it's Christmas eve you love it."
"Not when your fiancée decides to blow you off and go to the city," she muttered.
"What?" Jack asked and sat down "Brax is going to the city- for how long?"
"Don't know, he was supposed to come with me to look at Ruby's car make sure it was alright and all that before I paid for it- he gets a phone call about a meeting he was supposed to have yesterday and boom he's gone," she said and stood up "now he's heading off to the city to have it tonight leaving me alone at the party I swear sometimes I feel like burning that place down it's more trouble than it's worth," she ranted.
"Surely he'll be back tonight," Jack said and stood up "Charlie you know he's been working on this for months you know how much time and effort he's put into it he really wants this-he deserve this."
"Don't you think I know that?" Charlie snapped "I know how hard he worked to turn Angelo's around and I know he can do it with this new restaurant I just wish it wasn't today of all days," she whined.
"I know you do just cut him some slack, go spend some time with him before he goes," Jack said nudging her "don't spend it fighting with him you always loved Christmas don't let this one be any different."
"So what you're saying is I'm being too hard on him?" she asked slowly.
"That's exactly what I'm saying you're blowing it out of the water, I know you wanted him there for the car but he will be there if anything ever goes wrong with it, and he knew what car you were getting and who you were getting it from. If he wasn't sure you know he'd find a way to be there don't forget he's been there for everything else over the last few years let him have this one."
"I hate it when you're right," Charlie muttered and walked back to her seat dropping into it she picked up her phone "guess I've a call to make."
"And play nice," Jack chuckled as he walked out the door.
Charlie sighed when it went to voicemail "hey it's me…meet me at the diner in an hour," she said and hung up. Rubbing her head she went back to her paperwork hoping to get the pile down before it got late she still had so much to do at home-not that she was even looking forward to it now.
...
Brax pulled in at April and waited as they both climbed out of April's car "thank you so much Brax I can never repay you," April said and hugged him through the window "I'll get that money back to you as soon as I can."
"I don't want it back you're family, happy Christmas April pass it on to Irene and Bianca too and we'll see you all for dinner tomorrow," he said.
"You will thanks again Brax Rubes I'll see you inside," April said and skipped off into the house.
Ruby smiled and walked to the window "thanks a million dad you're the best," she said and hugged him "we're lucky to have you-all of us."
"Nah I'm lucky to have you and mum anyway I have to head back up to the city tonight so don't be home too late."
Ruby's eyes widened "you won't be here for midnight?" She shrieked.
"I will- well I hope to be I have to get to the meeting I had to cancel yesterday."
"You do know our family tradition?"
"Yes Rubes I do I've been at a few," he chuckled "look I'll try my best to get back in time."
"So that's why mum was so pissed this morning," Ruby sighed "fine since it's my fault you had to cancel it I won't yell at you but you better be home by midnight or I won't be giving you your present… I'm gonna hang here for a bit, bye," she said and walked to the house.
"Don't forget to help Case clean the house!" he called after her "and it wasn't your fault."
"Be over in an hour!" Ruby called back and closed the door.
Brax shook his head and started up his car, before he pulled off he noticed his phone flashing on the dash picking it up he listened to the message and smiled. Looking at the clock he threw the phone on the seat beside him and took off for the diner hoping she was still there.
...
Charlie sat in the diner playing with her coffee in a daze "something wrong with the coffee?" she looked up to see Leah standing in front of her "usually you have two."
"No it's not the coffee," Charlie sighed and sat back in the seat.
"You've been sitting over that for twenty minutes now it's probably cold by now… is something wrong?" Leah asked sitting beside her.
"I had a fight with Brax and of course I over reacted."
"Aww sweetie it's Brax he won't stay mad for long you know he always gives in."
"I'm just being a bitch I asked him to meet me here ages ago and he hasn't shown guess he's mad now."
Leah smiled and stood up "don't be so sure," she said nodding behind her "I'll leave you to it," she said and walked away.
Charlie frowned and watched her go, she looked behind her to see what Leah was looking at and locked eyes with Brax she smiled weakly and followed him as he walked over "hey," she said quietly.
"Hey," he said and dropped into the seat beside her "I thought you'd be gone by now…only got your message five minutes ago."
"It's fine- I got lost in thought," Charlie said and sat forward "I'm sorry," she said after a minute "I'm sorry for acting like such a bitch I know what this means to you Brax really I do. I know how much work you've put into it and how much you want it to happen," she slipped her hand over his "and I want you to know I'm with you one hundred per cent."
Brax smiled and turned his hand lacing his fingers with hers "yeah I do want it I want it more than anything-apart from you," he added "but if you want me to be here today I'm gonna be here I'll call off the meeting."
Charlie smiled this was a really big deal and for him and to give it up just for her proved how much he loved her. She leaned in and kissed him "I love you so much you know that right?"
"Not as much as I love you," he said stroking her cheek.
Charlie giggled and kissed him quickly "me and you are gonna have lunch and then you're gonna get ready for the city."
Brax raised an eyebrow "but I'm not going to the city," he said confused.
Charlie kissed him slowly and pulled back "yes you are," she whispered and sat back "I won't let you give it up for me I'll still be here when you come back."
Brax smiled and sat back in the seat "so you're okay with me going?"
Charlie nodded "yeah I am… as long as you're home by the time I wake up," she said and studied the menu "what do you want to eat?"
"Anything," he said through a smile she really was amazing.
Half an hour later they walked along the beach wrapped up in one another "I've to get back I'm hoping to be home by four," Charlie said as they walked.
Brax looked at his watch "yeah I've to get back up to the restaurant, where'd you park?"
"On the street up there," she said nodding ahead of her "you can leave me here," she said and turned to face him "call me later?"
Brax leaned in and kissed her "I'm still taking you for dinner later I'll meet you at home."
Charlie laughed "I'll look forward to it love ya!" she called as she walked away. Brax stood watching her until she reached her car and turned in the direction of Angelo's.
...
Charlie arrived back at the station and walked into her office humming she stopped in her tracks at the empty desk in front of her, frowning she took a few steps back and looked towards Jack's desk to see his desk overloaded with files "Georgie where's Jack?" she asked.
"Uh think he slipped out to get something to eat," Watson replied with a smirk and went back to her work.
Charlie walked to his desk and opened the file on the top of the pile "Jack," she said when it was marked complete and moved onto the next one. After checking a few she pulled out her phone and walked to her office "hey Jacky," she greeted "I just got back to find my desk empty and my paperwork done."
Jack chuckled "file fairy arrive?" He asked.
Charlie laughed "thank you how did you get through it so fast?"
"I had help from the magic fairy at the desk," Jack chuckled.
Charlie looked out at Watson and smiled "she never could say no to you."
"And that little sister is why she's marrying me."
Charlie giggled and started to walk out to the desk "you can head home after you eat my way of saying thank you."
"Nah I have to come back I need to finish my report on that kid he's in court on Monday."
"I'll do it I've to wait for Brax to come home anyway, I'm sending Georgie home too make the most of it and I'll see you at mine later."
"Cool I'll see ya then tell Georgie to meet me at the beach bye," he said and hung up.
"Georgie you can head off now and thanks," Charlie said as she went through Jack's desk looking for his case file.
"Are you sure I mean I can hang on for a bit," Watson offered.
"Nah you've done your work for today besides my brother is waiting on the beach for you go have fun- I'll see you at mine tonight," Charlie said as she walked back to her office.
"Thanks Charlie see ya later!" Watson called and hurried out of the station.
...
A while later Charlie had just finished Jack's report and was just getting ready to head off when the desk phone rang and she answered from her office "hello, Yabbie Creek police station."
"Hello I'm looking to speak to the Sergeant there," a male voice said.
"This is Sergeant Buckton speaking," she replied.
"Oh hello Sergeant this is Officer Kimble from CPD I'm actually contacting you about your daughter Ruby Braxton, I couldn't get through to her mobile or Ms Scott's she never signed the bottom of her statement and for it to be legit in court I'm afraid she'll have to come back again," Kimble said.
Braxton? Charlie frowned "I'm sorry what statement?" She asked.
"About her mugging, her father collected her yesterday and brought her back here this morning," Kimble replied.
"Oh that," Charlie said "sorry my head is all muddled you know how it goes," she chuckled "I'll have her back up soon thanks for calling and happy Christmas," she said happily and hung up. "Braxton you are a dead man," she said and grabbed her keys dialling Ruby as she hurried to her car "you've ten minutes to get your butt to Angelo's" she said and hung up before Ruby asked questions. Starting up her cruiser she screeched off angrier than ever before.
Brax was just finishing up his meeting "thanks for coming Mr Barnes I'll have my lawyer draw up the papers and get them to you as soon as possible nice doing business with you," he said and shook his hand.
"No worries Mr Braxton the papers can wait until after Christmas I hope it go-" he was cut off as Charlie stormed in like a bull.
"You office now!" she yelled and kept walking.
"I'm kinda busy here Charlie," Brax said sending her a glare.
"I don't care now!" she screamed and walked through the back.
"Sorry about that," Brax said embarrassed "she's a little stressed."
Mr Barnes chuckled "we all have wives Mr Braxton don't worry about it as I was saying I hope everything goes well and happy Christmas to you and yours," he said and went on his way.
"Thanks, and you too!" He called after him "what the hell is wrong with her now?" he said to Liam as he walked towards the back.
"Have no idea but I say you're in for it mate she didn't look too happy," Liam chuckled "I'll be behind the bar where it's safe."
"Charlie what the hell was that abo-" he was cut off by a hard slap to the face "what the hell is wrong with you?" he yelled and rubbed his cheek.
"Ruby being mugged and you keeping it from me!" she screamed "how dare you keep something like that from me!"
"Charlie let me explain," Brax said taking a step closer to her "you were sick she begged me not to tell you I told her she had to and she was going to before you stormed off this morning."
"Oh so this is my fault now?" she yelled.
"No I'm not saying that will you just calm down."
Charlie shoved him "don't tell me to calm down Brax! How could you be so stupid- how could you even think about keeping it from me? You should have told me the second you got that call! I had to find out from a stranger!"
"It's not like that- I got the call just after I brought you home yesterday you didn't need the stress look babe I'm sorry, April said she was okay so I decided to go on my own and tell you when we got home. Ruby was worried about you and asked me not to say anything last night she wanted to tell you herself."
"Stress?" Charlie said through gritted teeth and took a step closer to him "I had a right to know she's my daughter Brax alright mine no one else's I should have been the first to know. And what's this about Ruby Braxton? you're not her dad and you never will be!" she clamped her hands over her mouth and looked at him wide eyed.
"Mum!" Ruby gasped from the doorway her eyes filled with tears "how can you say that?"
Brax stood looking back at her in shock he felt like he's been stabbed in the heart, his eyes glistened with tears and he looked to Ruby- walking to her he dropped a kiss on her forehead and walked by her out the door without a word.
Charlie stood frozen to the spot tears running down her face "I-I didn't-didn't mean that," she stuttered and moved to go after him.
Ruby stepped in her path blocking her "don't you dare!" She hissed "You know you're a real bitch sometimes he has been there for me for the last four years- done everything I ever asked him to do. I don't care what anyone says he is my dad how could you be so mean mum? After everything he's done for us I hate you!" Ruby cried and ran out the door.
"Ruby I'm sorry!" Charlie called and ran after her. When she got outside she saw Ruby take off up the beach, she was about to go after her when she spotted Brax sitting on the hood of his car. Hurrying over to him she stopped in front of him "Brax I'm sorry I'm so sorry I didn't mean that at all."
Brax sniffed and stood up "uh I'll be back tomorrow," he said and walked around her.
"Brax please I'm sorry," she cried and grabbed his arm "I know you love Ruby and would do anything for her."
Brax shook her off and opened his door "but that's not enough for you."
"No no it's more than enough- you're the best thing that ever happened to us Brax please don't go yet," she pleaded.
"Just go home Charlie," he snapped.
"No not until you talk to me," Charlie cried.
"What the fuck is there to talk about!" he screamed and slammed his door "you just told me I wasn't her dad and I never will be. You didn't seem to have a problem when she started calling me dad or when I went to her parent teacher meetings- stayed up later helping her study for her exams- paid for her school trips and everything else I've done for her!" he yelled. Throwing his head back he willed the tears away what she said stung deep and the look on Ruby's face just broke his heart "go find your daughter," he said and walked back to his car.
"She's our daughter, Brax please I was angry I'm sorry I didn't mean it you're always there for her I know you are I know you've done a lot for her," Charlie said following him.
She stopped suddenly when Brax whirled around "just go home Charlie you said it you can't take it back- and don't call me," he spat and climbed into his car-taking one last look at her horrified face he wiped his eyes and screeched away.
"Brax wait!" She cried and ran after him "Brax!" She screamed as he sped away from her "come back," she whimpered and burst out crying.
Brax pulled in to the side of the road and switched off the engine, his chest rose and fell heavily his hands were shaking he felt sick- leaning forward he rested his head on the wheel and started to cry. After a few minutes he sat back and wiped his eyes Ruby and Charlie was all he had-all he wanted he couldn't imagine life without them-he shook his head as his eyes welled again. He jumped when the door opened and looked to see who it was.
Ruby climbed in and sat beside him in silence, without a word she leaned in and hugged him "you're my dad," she said slowly "and don't let that bitch make you think otherwise," she said and tightened her grip on him.
Brax wrapped his arms around her and held her close "and you're my daughter no matter what I'm gonna be here for you and don't call your mother that."
Ruby pulled back and studied him "are you leaving mum?"
Brax sighed "I don't know," he muttered "what she said hurt real bad I don't know if I can forgive her."
"I don't blame you…I wanna come with you," Ruby said quickly.
"Rubes I'm going to the city for a meeting you need to be at home with mum and everyone else."
"If I get out of this car now I'm afraid you won't come back," she said shakily.
"Hey sweetie," he said grabbing her face "I'll never ever leave you you got that- regardless of what happens with me and mum, I'll be back I promise," he said giving her a smile.
Ruby smiled back "you promised I'll hold you to it."
"Have I ever let you down?" he asked and sat back.
"No never," Ruby replied.
"And I'm not gonna start now…put your belt on I'll drop you home," Brax said and started up the car.
Arriving home Brax turned off the engine "right in you go," he said when Ruby didn't move-he expected that anyway.
"Apart from mum and Jack you're all the family I have you better come back to me Braxton," she said and punched him in the arm.
"You have Case and Heath too along with April and the girls and I will be back-tonight if I can."
"But?" Ruby asked slowly.
"just go on in and get ready for the party," Brax said looking away from her.
Ruby sighed and took off her belt "I love ya dad…call me later," she said and hugged him.
"I love ya too- make sure Case cleaned his half of the house!" Brax called after her and pulled away.
...
Charlie walked up to Jack's as tears fell from her face rapidly- tapping on the door she turned so her back was to it. She closed her eyes tightly willing the tears to stop- she turned back around when the door opened.
"Charlie," Jack said surprised.
"Hey," she said quietly "can I come in?" she asked.
"Sure," Jack replied and opened the door wider "everything okay?" he asked watching her closely he knew something was off she shook her head and played with the sofa cushion "what's wrong?" He asked walking to her "Charlie," he said softly and touched her shoulder when she didn't answer.
Charlie blew out a shaky breath "I blew it," she said and walked around to the sofa "I hurt him bad oh Jack you should have seen the look on his face!" she cried and dropped into the sofa.
Jack walked over and sat beside her "Charlie start from the beginning."
"I was just finished at the station when the phone rang, it was a cop from the city looking for me regarding Ruby Braxton and her statement."
"Statement? What statement-why was he looking for Ruby?" Jack asked.
"She got mugged yesterday April called Brax and he went up there without telling me."
"Is she okay?" Jack asked concerned.
"Yeah she's fine well I think she is I haven't really spoken to her about it I just found out and went off on one at Brax."
"What do you mean you blew it?"
"I slapped him in the face and ranted on and on- he said Ruby begged him not to say anything that she was worried about me because I was sick that she would tell me herself. I went on that he should have told and she was my daughter no one else- then I said what was with the Ruby Braxton he wasn't her dad and he never would be," she said quietly.
Jack sighed heavily and stared at her shaking his head he stood up "I don't know what to say Charlie…what did Brax say after that?"
"He took off but Ruby walked in just as I said it I went after her and found him instead, he didn't say much just that I couldn't take it back and he'd always been there for her and took off…what if he doesn't come back Jack!" She cried.
"Charlie he's upset he's hurt give him a chance to calm down," Jack said sitting back beside her "where is he now?"
"On his way to the city I guess," she muttered.
"And Ruby?"
"Not answering me she called me a bitch and asked me how I could be so mean after everything he did for us."
"Leave her to calm down I'll try Casey and April to see if she's with either of them…I'll make you coffee," he said grabbing his phone and going into the kitchen.
Charlie pulled out her phone and called Brax, she bit her lip when it rang out "it's me," she said slowly "I know you told me not to call…I'm so sorry Brax I know I hurt you and I hate myself for what I said-please call me back," she sniffed "I love you," she said shakily and hung up, dropping her phone onto the coffee table she lay on the sofa and looked up at the ceiling and sighed she didn't care about anything right now- she didn't care if she never got a Christmas present again all she wanted was for Brax to come home.