Brax looked over at his clock for the tenth time since six o'clock- sighing when it read only six twenty. Rolling out of his bed he walked to his kitchen and put on the coffee pot, he was so nervous he'd hardly slept and when he did he was woken by dreams of his son hating him or running away from him. As he stood waiting for the pot to click he wondered what Charlie was feeling was she up pacing like him did she sleep at all? He turned around at the sound of footsteps "what are you doing up?" he asked.
Heath shrugged "you've kept me up half the night with your tossing and turning and pacing, the walls are like paper you know," he said and dropped into a seat "the kid?" he asked.
Brax nodded "my kid and his name is Daryl-your nephew," he said looking over at him "are you going to come meet him?"
"Today?" Heath asked wide eyed.
"No," Brax shook his head "I wanna spend a bit of time with him before you lot get to him," he said and turned back to the pot as it clicked.
Heath sighed in relief he wasn't ready for that yet he still hadn't wrapped his head around the whole idea of having a nephew "what's the plan today?" he asked.
Brax poured two cups and walked to the table "after he goes to school I'm gonna meet Charlie and she's gonna fill me in about him."
Heath nodded and took the cup from him "so will you even be seeing him today?" he asked as he took a sip.
Brax nodded "yeah she said we could collect him together," he sais and looked over at his brother he never showed and weakness in front of them, he was always the tough strong one you didn't mess with but right now he didn't care "I am actually going out of my mind I feel like throwing up."
Heath chuckled and slapped his shoulder "you'll be fine mate just don't show up without a toy…he'll love you," he said and stood up "he'll be so excited to see you he'll have you eating out of his hand by dinner time…you can do this Brax-good luck," he said and walked into his room.
Brax was stunned at the words that had just come out of Heath Braxton's mouth-but it did help, he felt the bubbles in his stomach settle a little his throat wasn't so dry anymore. Sipping his coffee he smiled he really couldn't wait to see his son…and Charlie.
…..
Over at Charlie's she rolled over for the hundredth time and huffed there was no way she getting back to sleep, all night she'd thought about Brax she'd barely slept. Sitting up she looked towards her door as she heard footsteps, smiling when Ruby stuck her head in "couldn't sleep either?" she asked.
Ruby walked to the bed and lay down beside her "no I'm too nervous I was up half the night thinking about Daryl," she said and yawned "I just keep seeing his smiling face I really hope Brax shows up."
Just as she said that Charlie looked to her phone as it rang "he will," she giggled showing Ruby the caller.
"I'll leave you to it," Ruby said and stood up.
Charlie watched her walk out of the room and answered "hey," she said and lay back.
"Hey…did I wake you?" he asked.
"No I'm up a few minutes….didn't sleep too well last night," she yawned.
Brax chuckled "me neither, what time does he start school at?" he asked.
"Nine," Charlie replied "he'll be up soon."
"Okay" Brax said "I'm going to leave here in about an hour by the time I get through the traffic and down there it'll be nine…do you want to meet me at the diner after you drop him off?"
"Yeah I can do that-but we're walking today so I'll be bit late."
Brax chuckled "why are you walking when you have a car?" he asked.
"Because Daryl is getting to dependant on everyone driving him everywhere he needs to learn to walk and keep fit," she replied.
Brax smiled, when they had met he'd see her run along the beach every morning before she started her day she had told him she liked to keep active "guess that makes sense," he said "anyway I'll let you get yourself sorted, I should be there by nine I'll just wait in the diner for you."
"Okay I'll see ya soon then," she smiled.
"Bye," he said and hung up.
Charlie put her phone down and looked to the door as it opened "really Rubes?" she chuckled expecting her to walk in.
"Was that my daddy again?" Daryl asked from the doorway.
Charlie nodded "he just wanted to say hello," she said and rolled out of the bed.
"Not to me?" he asked his bottom lip trembled.
Charlie sighed sadly "he wanted to, I'm sorry baby I thought you were still asleep."
"I want to say hello to my daddy!" he cried and burst out crying.
Charlie hurried to him and picked him up "it's okay baby," she said and walked to the bed, when his cries didn't die down she looked at her phone "will I call him back and you can say hello?" she asked.
Daryl sniffed and nodded and watched her as she pulled up his number "hey," she said as soon as he answered "sorry it's Daryl h-"
"Is he okay?" Brax asked quickly cutting her off.
"Yes," Charlie said "he's fine he's just upset he didn't get to say hello."
"Right," Brax said "put him on then."
Charlie handed the phone to him "hey daddy," he said happily.
"Hey buddy," Brax smiled "are you okay?"
"I cry when you were gone from the phone," he sniffed.
"Aww I'm sorry mate I thought you were still asleep I didn't want mummy to wake you."
Daryl chuckled "silly daddy I was awake…when are you coming to see me?"
Brax bit his lip "real soon I still have a few things to do, you have a great day in school and be a good boy for mummy."
"Okay daddy bye I loves you," Daryl said happily.
Brax smiled again "I love you too buddy, put mummy back on."
Daryl handed the phone to Charlie and jumped off the bed "hey," Charlie said shaking her head.
"Is he gonna be okay?" Brax asked.
Charlie sighed "he's gonna be just fine but I have a feeling he's gonna wanna call you every day."
"I can live with that," Brax chuckled "so again I'll let ya go and I'll see ya soon."
"Right and sorry I had to call you," Charlie said and stood up.
"Don't be sorry go on see ya soon," Brax replied.
"Bye," Charlie said and hung up.
A while later Brax had arrived early there wasn't as much traffic as he thought. Getting a take away coffee he stood by the fence looking down towards the beach, bringing the cup to his lips he stopped as he spotted Charlie further down. Watching her he smiled at the little boy in between her and Ruby, as they got closer his smiled widened as Daryl laughed loudly when Ruby swung him around, his eyes watered as he called mummy excitedly.
Following them as far as he could he watched Charlie and Daryl say goodbye to Ruby before she ran to catch up to a brown haired girl. He smiled at the way Daryl hugged her and waved as she ran off they seemed so close. His eyes travelled to Charlie she looked stunning in that summer dress, her hair was down falling over her shoulders she was beautiful, sighing he tore her eyes away from her-he couldn't think about her now. Sighing again he took one last look at them and walked the other way.
Charlie and Daryl arrived at the school "alright baby you have a great day mummy will be right here when you finish," she kissed and hugged him "I love you baby," she said and stepped back.
"Loves you too mummy…bye!" he called as he ran to his seat.
Charlie stood watching him she was beginning to get nervous why did she suggest they spend the whole day alone together? Smiling at the teacher she walked back outside trying to convince herself she'd be just fine-she could control herself.
When she got to the diner she stopped in the doorway and scanned the place spotting him in the corner playing with the sugar she walked to the counter "hey can I get a coffee please?"
Roo was too busy watching Brax "sorry Charlie yeah coming right up take a seat," she said and walked off to the machine.
"Thanks I'll be with him," she said nodding to Brax and walked off "hey," she said and slid into a seat.
He looked up and smiled "hey," he replied "you want a coffee or do you want to go?" he asked.
"I've ordered one…but I can change it to go if you want," she added.
"No no I'm not in a hurry," he smiled.
Charlie nodded and looked around she was beginning to feel awkward "so how've you been?" she asked after a minute.
"Yeah alright I guess no complaints-you?" he asked.
Charlie nodded "same," she said and smiled as Roo placed her cup in front of her "thanks Roo," she smiled and pulled it to her "so I was thinking after this we could go to mine and I could show you the baby book I have."
Brax smiled "yeah I'd love to see it…what were his first words?" he asked.
Charlie giggled as she stirred her coffee "Layley- when he started babbling Hayley used to say her name to him at least twenty times a day and one day he blurted it out it, took a few times hearing it to cop what he was saying."
Brax chuckled "that's a though one it must really have stuck with him you'd expect mama or something."
"Oh that was third," she smiled "he said Ruby before he said mama…dada next," she added and glanced at him.
Brax smiled "so you had me in from the start?" he asked.
Charlie nodded "I always wanted him to meet you I was convinced I'd find you one day."
Brax slid his hand on top of hers "I'm glad you did I think him knowing I'm around makes this a bit easier."
Charlie pulled her hand away as Dan walked in with Leah and picked up her coffee "he was in a great mood going to school after talking to you."
"Has he ever done that before?" Brax asked.
"No," she shook her head "I think talking to you last night really got to him he was so excited, after I hung up from you I went into him he was bouncing on the bed," she chuckled "he's really dying to see you."
"Does he know I'm here today?" Brax asked.
"No he wouldn't have gone to school if I did," she said and drank her coffee "wanna go?" she asked as her brother eyed her.
"Sure," Brax nodded.
Charlie stood up "just give me a sec I just need to see someone real quick."
Brax nodded "I'll wait here…take your time."
"Won't be a sec," she said and walked over "hey," she smiled.
"Charlz," he greeted "who's the bloke?" he asked looking over at Brax.
"Just a guy from headquarters I have to show him how we do things...he's new Joyce dumped him on me," she lied.
"But your off today," Dan frowned.
"I know he called me and told me to meet him at the station he was there when I got down, anyway I better get back to him I just wanted to say hello."
"Alright I'll see ya later I have to go to work anyway," Dan said and stood up "thanks babe," he said when Leah handed him a coffee. He dropped a kiss on Charlie's head and kissed Leah "see you guys tonight," he said and walked off.
Leah smirked "you know he knew you were lying right?"
Charlie sighed and scuffled closer to her "well I could hardly tell him that was Daryl's dad now could I?" she whispered.
Leah's eyes went wide and she glanced at Brax "Bianca said you'd ran into him and his brother is he hanging around?" she asked.
Charlie nodded "he's the guy that's rented Roo's house and he's just bought Angelo's."
Leah frowned "I could have sworn it was two brown haired boys she pointed out to me yesterday… Daryl and Casey I think she said."
"Yeah," Charlie nodded " that's Daryl but he wasn't there it was his brothers, anyway I better get back to him…I'm spending the day filling him on Daryl before we collect him from school."
Leah smiled "good luck," she said and rubbed her arm before she walked into the back.
Charlie walked back to him "sorry, you ready to go?"
Brax nodded and stood up "you want to walk or will we go in my car?" he asked.
Charlie turned towards the car park "you can drive and leave your car outside mine."
When they arrived at her house Charlie let them in "uh drink or anything?" she asked.
"No thanks just had a coffee," he replied and closed the door.
Charlie nodded and got herself a glass of water- she only did that because she didn't know what else to do. She walked by him into the living room "I have a few albums if you wanna start there?" she asked and sat down.
Brax followed and sat beside her "whatever you want…were you serious about watching that kids dvd?" he asked.
Charlie giggled "he's totally obsessed with it wait until you see his room," she said and walked to the bookcase in the corner. Walking back to him with about four albums she sat down and pulled a blue one out "this is all from when he was born up until he was one I think," she said and opened it "this is his first picture," she said pointing to the first one.
Brax leaned over and examined it "he was tiny Charlie," he smiled looking at the tiny baby wrapped in a blue blanket wearing the smallest blue hat he had ever seen.
Charlie smiled "yeah he was a week early, seven pounds four ounces," she said.
"Was Bianca in with you when you had him?" he asked looking at a picture of her holding him.
"No she was supposed to be but she was away when it happened, my brother drove me and I dragged Ruby in when I couldn't get a hold of Hayley…I think I traumatised her," she giggled.
Brax chuckled "she would have been fifteen-good lesson it you ask me."
Charlie giggled "she wouldn't go near guys for a long time after that," she giggled and turned the page "that's my dad and step-mum with him," she said pointing to a picture.
Brax nodded he knew her mum had passed on "who's that?" he asked pointing to another.
Charlie leaned over to look "that's my brother Dan and my friend Leah-they're married."
He nodded again "who's the guy with Hayley?" he asked studying him.
Charlie chuckled "she'd only met him about two months before this- he's her husband now…Noah," she added.
"She's married?" Brax asked.
"Yeah last year, Daryl was the page boy…I have pictures of that too," she said and turned the page.
….
A while later they both now sat on the floor surrounded by albums "you've captured every moment," Brax said smiling down at a picture of Charlie Ruby and Daryl.
Charlie chuckled and stood up "I may have gotten a little carried away with the camera….you can take a few when you're going home," she said and started to pile them up "I'll show you his room in a sec," she said and walked to the bookcase placing them all down.
Brax stood up "all cars I'm assuming," he said and placed the last album down.
Charlie giggled "you'd be right," she said and walked around him "come on then," she said and walked up the stairs.
Getting to the room Charlie pushed the door open and leaned against it "here we are," she said and watched him walk into the room.
"Wow you weren't kidding," he chuckled as he looked around, the walls were blue with a border of all different cars- from the movie he guessed. The floors were wooden with a red car mat by the bed titling his head he read Lightening McQueen across it, on the wall was a picture of a tow truck pulling the red car, his curtains were red with more cars on it- even his toy box had cars on it. Walking to the desk area he looked down at a few scattered drawings and chuckled "he can even draw the car," he said picking up one.
Charlie walked to him and looked over his shoulder "actually I drew that…traced it," she giggled "I was letting him colour it but he got distracted- he did draw these," she said picking up three drawings.
Brax took them from her and looked down on them smiling he looked over at her "is that supposed to be me and him?" he asked and looked down at a figure he thought was holding a surfboard, beside him stood a smaller figure holding an even smaller surfboard.
Charlie nodded "it is…he'll want to show you that himself later so pretend you didn't see it."
"Okay," Brax said and moved onto the next one, again there were figures holding surfboards- four big ones and one small one.
"You Daryl and your brothers," Charlie said.
Brax smiled again and looked down on it "he knows we all surf?"
Charlie nodded "he does, he wouldn't let Ruby or any of my brothers teach him…he said he wanted you to do it."
Brax sighed heavily and moved onto the next one his heart just shattered that he's missed so much his smiled widened at the figures on each side of a smaller figure "us?" he asked.
Charlie nodded "yeah," she sighed and took it from him "I think he thinks we're married-he asked me last night were you going to be sleeping with me when you got home, I didn't know what to say."
Brax chuckled "the mind of a kid aye," he said and took it back from her. He looked down on it again and sighed "what do I say if he asks me where I'm staying?"
Charlie shrugged "that you like living with your brothers or something," she said and walked to the door.
Brax followed her and they made their way downstairs sitting on the sofa they both fell into silence.
….
A while later Charlie stood up "anything else you want to know?" she asked as she walked to the kitchen.
Brax followed her and leaned against the door "who are his godparents?" he asked.
"Hayley and Jack," she replied pulling down two cups.
Brax nodded "is he allergic to anything-anything he doesn't like to eat?"
"No not allergic to anything, he doesn't eat oranges or chocolate," she chuckled "what kid doesn't eat chocolate?"
"I never liked chocolate," Brax chuckled "or oranges and pears."
Charlie giggled "he hates pears the most," she looked to the clock "wow that time already."
Brax looked over at the clock to see it read after twelve "yeah we must have spent nearly two hours on those albums," he said and took the cup from her "thanks," he said and looked down on her- shaking his head he stepped away from her.
"What?" she asked when he moved away.
"Nothing," he sighed "I just really wanna kiss you," he said and looked at her "I'm trying my best to not look at you."
Charlie looked down at the floor she was trying with all her strength to keep her feelings down, she knew he didn't know just how much she liked him "I know but we can't even think about that now," she said and leaned against the counter. "What do you think we'd be like now if you had been here from the start…do you think we'd be together?" she asked-it's something that she'd always thought about.
Brax thought about it and nodded "I think we'd be married and all now," he said and that was the truth.
Charlie's eyes went wide "really?" she asked "married?"
Brax nodded and took a step closer to her "yeah married and another kid or two," he said leaning on the counter beside her "if I was here I would have asked you to marry me maybe a month after he was born- got married when he was two so he could walk down the aisle."
Charlie bit her lip as her eyes filled with tears she'd thought like that too "me too," she said shakily she sighed and swiped at her eye "I always lay in bed wondering what if this and that-did you even remember me," she said "god Brax…why weren't you here," she whimpered.
Brax dropped his eyes to the floor "I'm sorry, I should have been here," he said quietly "and yeah I did remember you-every single day, you were the first and last thing I'd think about. I'd wake and say this is it today I'm gonna find her," he moved closer to her so he stood in front of her "and now I have and nothing or no one is gonna get in the way of that. When things settle down with Daryl and were all used to one another being around we can start focusing on us," he said and stroked her cheek.
Charlie looked up at him "you still wanna be with me-even after all this?"
Brax nodded "I do and I mean it I'm not going anywhere," he smiled.
Charlie so wanted to kiss him she felt her heart rate soar the second he touched her, stepping forward she hugged him and leaned into him "this is gonna be hell," she groaned.
Brax chuckled and wrapped his arms around her "it sure is but it'll be worth it," he said and rested his chin on her head "we just gotta take it day by day-this is okay but if one of us tries to give in the other has to stop it…deal?"
Charlie giggled and held him tighter "deal."
They stood like that for a good twenty minutes just enjoying being close to one another, Charlie glanced at the clock again and stepped back "we have to leave now," she said and picked up her keys. "His seat is already in my car so we'll take that," she said and opened the back door "ready?" she asked when he didn't move. Seeing his hesitation she walked back to him "Brax it's gonna be fine he's gonna be so excited to see you," she said.
Brax chewed on his lip nervously "what if he doesn't like me and has a freaker or something?"
Charlie chuckled and slipped her hands into his "he's gonna love you," she said and pulled him towards the door.
Brax sighed and tightened his grip on her, for a big bad tough guy this was the scariest thing he's ever had to face.
Arriving at the school Charlie turned to him "let me go in and prepare him okay?"
Brax nodded and climbed out "I'll be here," he said and watched her walk inside.
Charlie's heart beat out of her chest as she walked to his classroom, she stuck her head in and smiled as she spotted him playing with a car on his own "hey baby," she said getting down beside him.
"Hey mummy," he grumbled.
"What's wrong baby?" she asked rubbing his head.
"Brogan said my daddy wasn't real," he said and looked at her "but he is."
Charlie looked over at Brogan on the other side of the room it looked like they'd been separated "well baby Brogan is wrong…daddy is right outside waiting to meet you," she said and stood up.
Daryl jumped up wide eyed "my daddy!" he screamed all over the place causing the teacher Brogan and the other remaining kids to jump "my daddy is here!"
"Sorry," Charlie said to the teacher and led him out the door "yes baby he's here he can't wait to see you," she said and walked out the door.
Daryl stopped at the man leaning against his mum's car, eyeing him from head to toe he smiled widely and studied him again "daddy!" he yelled and took off as fast as his legs would carry him "my daddy! My daddy!" he yelled all the way over.
Brax got down to his level as he charged towards him he couldn't help the tear that slid down his face at the smile on his son's face and being called daddy-well that was the best feeling in the world. "Hey buddy," he said and chuckled as Daryl slammed into him and wrapped his arms around his neck squeezing him tight. Brax stood up and took him with him placing his hand on the back of his head he held him close and closed his eyes- nothing could or would ever beat this moment.
Charlie looked on her own tears sliding fast down her face her heart ached with happiness she just wanted to burst out in tears when he yelled daddy. Walking to them as Brax placed him down she wiped her face and leaned on the car. Blowing out a shaky breath she smiled at Brax as he slid his hand into hers and squeezed it before he let go and got back down to Daryl.
"You're really home!" Daryl yelled hugging him again.
Brax held him close "yeah buddy I'm home and I'm not going anywhere ever again," he said and stood up "how about we get home?" he said and pulled the back door open.
"Will you watch cars with me when we do?" he asked as Brax settled him in his seat.
Brax chuckled "sure will buddy and you can tell me who everyone is I can't remember," he said and closed the door. Stopping in front of Charlie he rubbed her arms "are you okay?" he asked.
Charlie nodded and wiped her face "just a little emotional I'll be fine," she said and held out her keys "do you want to drive back?"
Brax took the keys from her "sure," he said and walked to the driver side.
Charlie bit her lip and watched him that was a moment she'd remember forever, pulling the door open she climbed in.
….
As soon as they arrived home Daryl was dragging Brax to the stairs "mummy since it's a special day can I have my sambos in my room?" he asked.
"Sure-but only for today you hear me!" she called after them. Chuckling she walked to the fridge and started to pull things out, she looked behind her when the door opened "hey," she said when Jack walked in.
"Hey," he replied and sat down "I'm on break…any food?" he chuckled.
Charlie chuckled "too lazy to go home?" she asked.
Jack nodded "yeah…where's my buddy- shouldn't he be plonked in front of the tv with his sambos by now?" he asked.
Charlie stopped what she was doing and walked over to him "up in his room with his daddy," she said casually.
Jack's eyes went wide "he's met him?" he asked.
Charlie smiled and nodded "Jack it was so amazing I cried and all," she giggled and walked back to the counter. "He was so happy to see him- ran all the way from the door screaming 'daddy' you should have seen his little face," she said as she buttered bread.
Jack stood up and walked to her he couldn't help but smile at the massive smile taking over her face "I'm really happy for him Charlz-you too," he added and hugged her. Stepping back he smiled again "I'll leave you guys alone-forget the lunch," he said and pulled the door open.
"You can stay if you want to," she offered.
Jack shook his head "nah you go…bond," he chuckled "I'll call ya later!" he called and shut the door behind him.
Charlie shook her head and turned back to counter biting her lip to stop herself from squealing.
Up in the room the movie had just started "that's lightening McQueen daddy," Daryl said pointing to the tv "he's going to race for a place in the piston cup."
Brax chuckled "the red car?" he asked Daryl nodded "wow he's cool isn't he?"
"Yeah he's my second favourite-Mater is the best," he said happily and snuggled into Brax "that's Mack his truck, he minds him when he's not racing he's funny."
Brax smiled and dropped kissed on his forehead "who's that?" he asked as a green car came on to the screen.
"That's Chick Hicks we don't like him he's mean," Daryl replied.
Brax chuckled and pulled him closer. He looked up as the door opened "is mummy gonna be joining us?" he asked.
Charlie smiled and held out two plates "I will once I've done a few things- here," she said handing off the plates.
"Thanks," Brax smiled and took it from her he chuckled at the crusts cut off "really?" he asked looking up at her.
"Daryl doesn't like crust," she shrugged "figured it's something he got from you," she giggled.
"Mummy," he groaned "the race is on," he said and bit into his sandwich.
"Say thanks to mummy buddy," Brax said.
"Thanks mummy," he replied and went back to the tv.
Charlie giggled "he doesn't even know what he's saying thanks for he won't even remember eating them in a few minutes," she said and walked out of the room "I'll be downstairs!" she called.
…..
An hour later she returned to the room and frowned "again?" she chuckled and climbed onto the bed beside them.
"Yeah," Brax said and scooted over to let her have more room "and this time you're watching it with us."
Charlie kicked off her shoes and lay back "I don't mind I like it," she giggled.
Brax chuckled "yeah it wasn't too bad," he said and lay back.
"Mummy! Daddy!" Daryl whined "no talk when it's on," he grumbled and snuggled further into Brax.
Charlie looked over at him "he's gonna fall asleep soon," she whispered.
"Do you let him have naps?" Brax asked.
Charlie nodded "yeah or he'll be like a demon he won't sleep long though- he never does, he'll be bouncing around again," she added as Brax looked down on him.
Brax yawned and looked back to the tv "not far off it myself."
Charlie yawned "well none of us slept last night," she said and snuggled into the pillow.
Ruby arrived home from school and smiled at the black Ute in her drive she knew it had to be Brax's. Letting herself in she frowned at the quietness, normally Daryl was bouncing around waiting on her to watch a movie with him before dinner. "Mum!" she called "Dar!" she yelled up the stairs. When she got no reply she walked up them and to his room, tipping the door open she walked in and smiled all three of them were asleep-Brax's arm over both of them while Daryl snuggled into him and Charlie into Daryl's back. Taking out her phone she took a photo and walked to the bed, pulling the spare cover up over them she walked back out of the room and into her own her heart was buzzing with excitement for her little brother…her mother too, sighing happily she lay back on her own bed deciding she deserved a nap too.
Brax yawned and opened his eyes sitting up a bit he turned his head and smiled, running his fingers along Charlie's cheek he pulled his hand away and smiled down at Daryl, he really didn't want to go home, he wanted to stay here with them, he didn't think he could say goodbye so thought it would be best if he went now and left her a note saying he'd be back tomorrow.
Sliding out from under Daryl he gently placed him on the pillow and scooted to the end of the bed. Standing up he walked to the door and opened it-not getting a foot out.
"Daddy where are you going?" Daryl asked jumping up.
"Just to the bathroom buddy," he replied and walked to the bed "how about we let mummy sleep a bit more?" he asked and held out his hands.
"Mummy doesn't sleep last night," he said and jumped into his arms "I hears her."
Brax smiled that he had even noticed this "well we better let her make up for it now," he said and looked down at Charlie, fixing the blanket over her he walked out of the room "do you want dinner now or when mummy gets up?"
"For Ruby too?" Daryl asked as they took the stairs down.
"Yeah for Ruby too," Brax said hoping meeting Charlie's daughter went as well as this.
"Ruby!" he squealed and wiggled out of his arms as he saw her at the bench doing her homework.
She smiled and put her pen down "hey buddy did you have a fun day?" she asked and picked him up.
Daryl nodded "I see my daddy today," he said excitedly.
"I know buddy," she smiled and looked over at Brax as he stood in the doorway "hi," she smiled.
"Hi," he said and walked closer "I'm Brax…I guess you already know that."
Ruby chuckled "like you already know I'm Ruby."
Brax chuckled and sat down "yeah I did, when I met your mum she talked about you a lot."
"And all she did when she got home was talk about you," she said and stood up "what do you want for dinner Dar?" she asked and pulled the freezer open.
"I'll make it," Brax offered "be my first time," he added with a quick smile.
Ruby smiled into the freezer yep he was here for good "how about we all make dinner and have a first dinner with all of us?"
Brax smiled this wasn't so bad "yeah I'd like that," he said and walked to the fridge "so what are we making?"
"Sgetti and chips!" Daryl yelled.
Ruby rolled her eyes "we had that yesterday at granddads we're not having it again."
Brax looked down on him "do you like pasta?" he asked.
Daryl nodded "Angelo makes me some a lot."
Ruby chuckled "it's his favourite."
Brax chuckled "well I know a thing or two about pasta so how about I make something new for us all?"
Ruby nodded "we'll leave it to you then…no mushrooms mum and Dar don't like them," she added.
Brax chuckled "me neither where's the pots?" he asked.
"Over there," she said pointing to a press "everything you'll need is in there," she said pointing to the cupboard "veg and whatever else you need is in the fridge…come on Dar we watch something until dinner is ready," she said and led him to the living room.
Brax walked to the press and pulled out a pot sighing happily he walked to the sink-his first family dinner.
…..
Charlie opened her eyes and sat up looking around the darken room she began to panic when Daryl or Brax weren't to be seen. Jumping off the bed she ran to the door and pulled it open, running down the stairs she stopped in the doorway of the kitchen panting. Looking on she smiled as Brax messed around with Ruby and Daryl while they set up for dinner "someone's been busy," she said and walked into the kitchen.
"Mummy!" Daryl yelled "daddy's making something new can you smell it?" he asked.
Charlie nodded "I can smells nice doesn't it?" she said looking at Brax and smiling.
"Yeah and it's done now," Daryl said and ran to the table "daddy gets to sit beside me!" he yelled.
Ruby grabbed plates "I'll be in the dining room," she said and walked off.
Charlie walked over and looked over his shoulder "Brax you didn't have to do that," she said "but thank you," she said and kissed him on the cheek.
"Don't mention it," Brax replied "I was gonna take the three of you out but I didn't want to wake you."
Charlie giggled "as long as I wasn't drooling," she said and grabbed forks.
"No but you were snoring," he teased.
"I do not snore!" she yelled and blushed deeply.
"Aww don't you look so cute with red cheeks," he laughed "nah I'm kidding you looked like you needed it so I left you."
Charlie smiled feeling her face return to its normal colour "I'll be inside," she said and brought the forks in.
Not long after Brax dished up dinner four plates had been all but licked clean "Brax that was awesome," Ruby said and dropped back into her seat "thanks."
"Glad you liked it," Brax replied.
"Yeah thanks Brax it was delicious," Charlie said and stood up.
"You like it buddy?" he asked he chuckled as Daryl looked up covered in pasta "I'll take that as a yes then."
Daryl nodded "are you sleeping with mummy?" he blurted out.
Ruby burst out laughing and stood up "I have never been so happy to be on clean up, I'll leave you guys to deal with that one," she said and took the plates from a stunned Charlie and walked into the kitchen.
Charlie sat down and looked at Brax "uh no buddy," he said looking over at him "I have a new house with your uncles."
"But why?" he frowned "you have to sleep with mummy you're my daddy," he said looking at them confused.
Charlie sighed "baby, daddy likes living with your uncles he's only just got back he needs some time to get used to being home," she said and looked over at Brax.
"Then he'll come stay here?" he asked.
Charlie didn't miss the hope in his voice "we'll see baby," she said and stood up "do you want ice-cream?" she asked and hurried out of the room before he could reply.
Ruby was about to go over to Charlie when Brax stopped in the doorway watching her, without a word she walked by him "come on Dar we go pick what you're going to watch in bed," she said and ushered him up the stairs.
Brax sighed and walked over to her "Charlie," he said pulling her away from the freezer.
"I'm sorry," she sniffed and pulled away from him "I didn't know what to say-I don't know how to explain this," she looked up at him "how is this gonna work Brax? How am I supposed to explain this night after night when you leave?" she whimpered.
Brax sighed and pulled her into him "I don't know Charlie but we'll think of something," he replied.
Charlie wrapped her arms around him "what am I gonna say when you leave tonight?"
"I'll stay until he's asleep…I'll be back to bring him to school in the morning," Brax replied and pulled away from her "don't worry Charlie like I said day by day, we'll eventually fall into a routine."
Charlie wiped her face and nodded "that's all we can do…sorry I blubbered," she chuckled "I just feel so bad that I can't explain everything to him."
Brax smiled quickly "when he gets used to it he'll be fine but if I have to stay here every night until he's asleep I will," he said seriously.
Charlie chuckled and walked to him "you don't want to go home do you?"
Brax chuckled "that easy to read huh?" and turned to face her "it's just the thoughts of the leaving him and the drive, it's over an hour then I'll be back up at six to get down on time, I was thinking I'd book into a hotel or the caravan park for the night- just go home after I bring him to school."
Charlie nodded and thought of something "stay here," she blurted out "I have a spare room," she added when he raised an eyebrow at her.
Brax shook his head "thanks but I don't want to put you out."
"You won't be," she replied "the beds all made up and all…Daryl will be happy to know you'll be here when he wakes up."
"Are you working tomorrow?" he asked.
"No," she replied "I was on nights all last week I'm off till Wednesday," she said and walked into the living room "jammy time buddy," she said and walked to the stairs "come on daddy it's bedtime!" she called as Daryl ran by her and up the stairs.
Brax chuckled and followed her.
Ten minutes later Daryl was changed and in his bed "night Buddy," Brax said and dropped a kiss on his forehead "I'm gonna be here when you wake up and I'm taking you to school."
Daryl looked up at Charlie with his little excited face "really mummy?" he squealed.
Charlie smiled and nodded "daddy will be sleeping here for tonight only so he'll be here in the morning."
"Yay!" Daryl yelled and lay back on the pillow "I don't want to watch a movie I want it to be tomorrow," he said and closed his eyes.
Charlie giggled and kissed him "night baby I love you," she said and stepped back.
"Night mummy I loves you too…you too daddy," he mumbled.
"Love ya too mate," Brax said and walked out of the room "go to sleep," he said when Daryl sat up.
Charlie chuckled and closed the door over "he'll be awake waiting for the back door to open…but he'll fall asleep eventually," she said and walked by him.
"What now?" Brax asked as he followed her down the stairs.
"I'm just going to check Ruby has all her homework done then we can watch a movie if you like- it's only eight," she replied.
Brax nodded and sat on the sofa "I'll be here-I'll even let you pick," he chuckled.
Charlie laughed "you'll be sorry you said that," she said and walked back to the stairs.
Brax chuckled and watched her go, today had been amazing, his son was awesome so was Ruby, she was very nice and seemed comfortable around him- she was amazing with Daryl too- so helpful. Charlie…there were no words to describe Charlie other than the best mother in the world- this was the best day of his life.
Up in the hallway Charlie stopped outside Ruby's room and bit her lip she couldn't believe how well today had gone-how Daryl had took to him from the second he's seen him. How happy she and Daryl had been-no day could ever be better than this, smiling she knocked on the door and went into the room her stomach bubbling with happiness.