Hey everyone, so so sorry about the long wait but my house was broken into and my laptop was stolen so I haven't had any to use, I've lost all my notes and chapters so bear with me I have to read all my stories again to remember what I was writing on my laptop. I have a lend of one for a week so hopefully I get as much out as I can, again so sorry and thanks for sticking with me hope you enjoy this, JJ
Later that day Charlie was in her bedroom when she heard a car pull into her driveway, smiling when she saw Brax lift Daryl out she made her way down to the kitchen "hey baby, did you have fun at daddy's?" she asked as he ran to her.
"Yes mummy we had so much fun Heaf and Daddy watches nemo with me!" he said excitedly.
"Wow that is great what else did you do?"
"Hey," Brax said coming in the door with his bag.
"Hey," she smiled and turned back to Daryl "why don't you go pick out clothes to wear we're going to granddad's for dinner."
"Yay I love granddad's!" he yelled and ran off up the stairs.
Charlie looked over at Brax "you and your lot still coming?" she asked.
Brax nodded "yeah, Casey and Kyle are gone to the city with Ruby and April but I told them to be home on time and Heath will meet us there."
Charlie nodded and turned to the sink "are we still going out later?"
Brax frowned she knew they were "uh yeah, didn't we talk about this last night?"
Charlie turned back to him "well yeah but the way you ran out of here last night I didn't think it was still going ahead."
Brax frowned again "I didn't run out of here," he said walking closer to her "it was late and I had to get back to Daryl."
Charlie scoffed and moved away from him "as soon as I mentioned leading the guy on you got all tense then left you didn't even kiss me!" she snapped.
Brax pinched the bridge of his nose "this is what this is about? I didn't kiss you before I left?"
Charlie rolled her eyes "not just that you reacted the way you did but yet when we were alone after it you acted like you didn't wanna be around me."
"Look Charlie I was all hyped up and pissed and I had our son to get home to that's all it was, you're making a big deal out of it," he said and walked to her "really I know you weren't leading him I don't think anything about it except the guy was imagining things," he said stepping closer to her "I didn't kiss you last night because I knew if I did I wouldn't wanna go home."
Charlie sighed heavily "never stopped you before," she muttered.
"Yeah and look where we nearly ended up the other night," he replied.
Charlie bit her lip she knew she was being an idiot "wouldn't have been so bad," she shrugged and went to walk by him.
Brax pulled her back and wrapped his arms around her "wouldn't have been so bad?" he asked and pulled her against him "are you forgetting just how awesome I am in bed," he chuckled.
Charlie bit her lip "well it has been almost five years my memory is a bit foggy."
Brax chuckled and turned her to face him "we better jog that memory then," he said and lowered his head "we may need to keep doing repeats of this just so I'm sure you remember," he said before he closed his lips over hers and pulled her closer.
Charlie giggled into the kiss and wrapped her arms around his neck, after a minute she pulled back "nope can't remember but you can remind me again later," she said and pulled away from him "I gotta go get ready won't be long!" she called on her way up the stairs.
….
Pulling up at her dads a while later Charlie turned off the engine and turned to Brax "you ready to meet my family-all of them?" she added nervously.
Brax chuckled "you know you look so cute when you're nervous," he said and stroked her cheek "babe it's gonna be fine okay, I'm ready for this, I'll take whatever they throw at me."
Charlie sighed "you haven't met my family altogether-the girls are worse than my brothers."
Brax pulled her chin closer to him "it'll be fine stop worrying," he said and kissed her.
They jumped apart when someone banged on the window "innocent eyes back there!" Peter yelled nodding back to Daryl who was sleeping "he doesn't need to see that!"
"Yeah neither do we!" his girlfriend Georgie called as she pulled him towards the house.
Charlie sighed again she was dreading this "please don't call me babe or anything in front of my brothers, a few drinks on them and they're all gonna gang up on you together," she said and pulled off her belt "one hour and we're outta here," she said and climbed out.
Brax chuckled and climbed out "I think I can handle them," he said and opened the back door as Charlie woke Daryl up "we're here mate," he said leaning over to look in at him.
"Is Pete here?" he asked sleepily.
"Yeah baby he and Georgie just went inside," Charlie said as she lifted him out.
"Yay!" he yelled and ran ahead.
"Dar take it easy!" Charlie called after him, blowing out a breath she walked in and to the kitchen "hey dad," she smiled and leaned against the doorframe.
"Hey sweetie," her dad said and turned to Brax "Brax," he nodded and picked up a plate "I just have to put these out everyone's here!" he called and walked out the back.
Charlie looked back at Brax who smiled reassuringly at her and nudged her to go on.
Once they were outside she walked to the table praying no one was their usual selves "hey guys, this is Brax," she said and looked back at him.
"Hey Brax," they all greeted watching him closely.
"Hey," he replied and smiled quickly at Charlie "so who's who?" he asked.
She turned back to the table " everyone is getting a proper introduction, my brother Jack and his wife Martha," she said pointing to them.
Martha and Jack stood up "nice to finally meet you mate, Dar is always talking about you I think I know everything about you," Jack chuckled and shook his hand.
Brax chuckled too, "yeah me too he's always talking about you too, Nice to meet you ," Brax replied and turned to Martha "and you Martha, Charlie told me you own the surf club."
"Nice to meet you too Brax, no I don't own it my granddad does with a friend but I run it for them," she replied and sat back down.
Brax nodded and turned to Charlie winking at her when she smiled at him. "This is my brother Pete you met him and this is his fiancée Georgie," she said nodding to her.
Peter shook his head "glad you showed up Charlz already looks a lot happier," he said and sat back down chuckling when Charlie glared at him.
"Nice to meet you Brax I've heard so much about you," Georgie said and shook his hand "glad to see you around I can see the change in Dar already," she smiled and sat back down.
"Yeah he's a great kid alright," Brax smiled looking at him running around the yard with Tony and a boy of around ten.
"This is Dan and you've already met his wife Leah and that boy there is my nephew VJ," Charlie said nodding to him over with Daryl and Tony, she flinched when Dan stood up and walked around the table, she looked at him and sent him her pleading look.
Dan looked him up and down for a moment "this introduction stuff is lame let's go get a beer mate," he said and led Brax away.
"Dan!" Charlie yelled after him.
"What! We all know who he is!" he yelled and led Brax inside.
"Noah go make sure Dan behaves himself" Hayley said.
"Sure babe anyone want anything?" Noah asked as he stood up.
"Nah mate we'll come with you," Peter said nudging Jack up.
Charlie sighed and sat down "it'll be fine Charlz," Bianca said and rubbed her arm.
"Yeah Dan knows what this means for you he's not going to screw it up," Leah said.
Beth stood up "I'll get you a drink honey and formally introduce myself since your brother couldn't wait," she said and walked inside.
"So where's the big date tonight?" Hayley asked and scooted closer to her.
"You're going on a date tonight!" Georgie yelled and scooted closer "do tell," she giggled.
"There's nothing to tell I don't even know where we're going," she said trying to hold back her smile.
"Oooh sounds so romantic," Hayley said "a bit of mystery."
"She's right maybe he'll take you to a secluded part of the beach and have blankets and candles and food," Bianca said.
"That sounds so nice," Georgie said "but I bet he takes her to a fancy restaurant," she said and looked up when Beth came back "Brax is taking Charlie out tonight Beth where do you reckon he's gonna take her?"
Beth placed a drink in front of Charlie and sat down "I'm gonna say he's taking her to the city for dinner and a movie then a walk on the beach," she smiled.
Charlie scoffed "not every guy is like dad Beth, only you get that luxury," she giggled.
"Alright, alright," Georgie said and pulled out her purse "twenty each, I'm going with the restaurant."
"I'm going with the beach," Bianca said and threw her money down.
"I'm sticking with the city," Beth said and threw her money down.
Hayley pulled out her money "I'm going for the romantic crap on the beach too."
Leah chuckled "I'm going with….dinner at Angelo's a walk on the beach then back to Charlie's for a bit of alone time," she giggled and threw her money down.
Martha pulled out her money "I'm going with back to Charlie's since Daryl is going to his with his brothers, a romantic dinner cooked by him and whatever else," she giggled and threw her money down.
Charlie laughed and shook her head "I can't believe you guys are betting on my date."
Bianca shrugged "why are you so surprised ? We bet on everything," she said and pushed the money into a pile "you mind it until we meet tomorrow for the run down," she said and stood up "need to pee," she said an walked off.
…
In the kitchen Brax sat with the boys they seemed to be getting on well and they all surfed, he looked at Jack as he chuckled "they're all betting on your date Brax."
Peter laughed "you'll get used to it mate they bet on every little thing."
"Yeah," Dan chuckled "they even bet on what I'd get Leah for her birthday."
"They bet on how long I'd be in hospital after I got shot," Jack said and pulled out more beers.
"You got shot?" Brax asked wide eyed.
Jack shrugged "the gun was aimed at Charlie I had to protect my sister," he said and sat back down "forget about that so where are you taking her?"
Brax chuckled "not saying it's kinda a surprised and a little cheesy so.." he trailed off.
"Ah come on mate you can't do that!" Noah yelled "Dan tell him how you proposed to Leah."
"Called her to my office and asked her in front of the whole station in my official uniform with a huge bunch of flowers…I cried when she said yes-didn't care," he said and took a sip of his beer "Jack?"
"Got down on one knee in a tux in the surf club while everyone was at some party there…I cried too," he chuckled.
"Dad?" Peter asked.
Tony chuckled and walked over to them "took Beth to a movie and got the guys there to put up 'will you marry me Beth Hunter' before the movie came on."
"Wow," Brax chuckled "that all sounds so cool, fine," he said and stopped when Bianca walked in.
"Don't mind me," she sang and walked by them.
"B we know you're still there," Jack chuckled.
"Aw come on I won't tell them," she said walking back.
"You guys don't find out until she's back outside," Brax chuckled.
"Pete," Dan said and stood up.
They both took either side of her "aw please I won't tell them, I won't even change my bet," she whined as they dragged her outside.
"Nah it's a surprise and I don't trust you girls to keep it to yourselves," Brax chuckled.
"Well mate we're her best mates so you better get used to us knowing everything!" Bianca yelled through the now closed back door.
"Go away B!" Dan yelled and slammed his hand on the door where her ear was now pressed.
"Ass!" she yelled and walked back to the table.
"Right she's gone," Peter said and sat down "where are you taking my little sister?" he asked.
Brax looked around the table he'd only properly met these guys half an hour ago but he could already tell they were gonna get along. He leaned forward and proceeded to fill them in on what he had planned.
After he was done he looked around at all the guys looking back open mouthed "what?" He chuckled.
"Dude that puts us all to shame," Jack said first.
"Yeah mate I'd never think of that," Peter said.
Dan groaned "thanks mate once the girls find out they're gonna be at us to more romantic crap-except you dad you're always at it," he chuckled.
"Even I wouldn't think of that," Tony said and walked back to finish the food "she's gonna have a great night."
"Wow," Noah chuckled "she is gonna love that."
"Yeah I hope so," Brax said and stood up "sorry," he said when his phone rang "it's my brother," he said and walked away from the table.
A while later Ruby and the others had arrived and Charlie thanked god that her brothers chose to interrogate Casey and Kyle about Ruby and April. She looked up when hands rested on her shoulders "hey, having fun?" She asked.
Brax nodded "yep but it's almost time to go…we can stay here if you want and go out tomorrow instead," he said.
"She's going," Tony said as he walked by.
"We'll all still be here later if you want to come back," Beth said as she followed him.
Brax looked back down to Charlie "do you want to do that?" He asked.
Charlie nodded "yeah," she smiled and stood up "thank you," she said and wrapped her arms around his neck "I know this wasn't easy."
Brax slid his hands onto her hips "I told you there was nothing to worry about," he said and lowered his head "I know you asked me not to but I can't help it," he said and kissed her softly.
"Look! Look!" Daryl yelled "mummy and daddy are saying hello again!"
Everyone looked at them and burst out laughing. Charlie shook her head and buried her head into Brax's chest to hide her blush "this is so embarrassing," she groaned.
Brax chuckled and pulled her closer "Daryl mate!" he called "come over here, mummy and daddy need to talk to you."
Daryl walked slowly to them "I sowry mummy," he whimpered.
Charlie chuckled "he thinks he's in trouble for yelling," she said and pulled away from Brax "it's okay baby we just need to talk to you about something else," she said and picked him up. Sitting down she placed him on her lap and looked at Brax "remember the other day when you got upset about mummy and daddy being out together?"
Daryl nodded "I gots sick on Ruby I was very sad."
Brax sat beside her "and do you remember our talk about sharing daddy with mummy?"
"Yes," Daryl nodded "you love mummy and you love me so we have to share."
Brax darted his eyes to Charlie at the 'love' word but relaxed when she just smiled back at him "that's right buddy, so daddy is going to take mummy out tonight- just the two of us, is that okay?" he asked.
Daryl creased his eyebrows "if you and mummy are gone who's going to minds me?" he asked.
"Well your uncles at my house" Brax said and glanced at Charlie "but if you want to you can stay here with granddad and everyone else."
"Wanna stay here! Wanna stay here!" he squealed excitedly and jumped off Charlie's lap.
"Daryl!" Charlie yelled before he could run away "do you understand what daddy is saying?" she asked.
Daryl nodded "I stay here with granddad and Ruby you go with daddy," he said and ran off again.
Charlie looked over at Brax he shrugged and stood up "we're good to go, I'm just gonna tell my brothers we're leaving," he said and kissed her quickly before walking off to find Heath.
Charlie looked beside her as Hayley dropped into the seat beside her "you all ready for your big date?" She asked handing her a glass of wine.
Charlie took it from her "yeah I am," she smiled "and I still have no idea where he's taking me I'm kinda excited."
"Kinda?" Bianca asked sitting the other side of her.
"The boys know," Leah said sitting on the table "I asked Dan what they talked about and he said you know the usual stuff and hurried away from me."
"Jack did the exact same thing," Martha said.
"And these morons are supposed to be cops," Georgie said and sat on the grass "I'll get it out of Pete before the night is over."
"Don't," Charlie giggled "I want it to be more fun when I tell you tomorrow."
"Fine, fine I won't, but warn Brax it better be good, you deserve a night of pampering," she said and lay back in the grass.
Charlie stood up as Brax walked back to her "see you guys later," she said and walked over to him "ready?" she asked.
"Yeah, Ruby wants you before you before we go," he said and led her into the house "I'll be in the car," he said and walked ahead as Ruby came out of the bathroom.
"Hey sweetie," Charlie said "Brax said you wanted me."
"Yeah," Ruby nodded "um, mum, is it okay if me and April take the guys back to ours-to watch a movie," she added quickly when Charlie's eyes went wide.
"What's wrong with here?" Jack asked as he walked by.
"Because you morns are here and you didn't exactly make them feel welcome!" she snapped.
Charlie giggled "they were kidding you know what they're like, yes that's fine but I'm warning you Rubes they're not to be upstairs and you've to be back here by ten alright?"
"Got it thanks mum, have fun on your date," she said and kissed her on the cheek "bye!" she called and ran off to find April.
"I'll be sending Dan over if you're not back here!" Charlie called after her. She walked to the door "bye dad!" she called and closed it behind her. Climbing into her car she turned to Brax "I just have to stop off home to change then we can go," she said and started up the car.
"You're fine the way you are," Brax smiled.
"Really?" Charlie asked looking down at her maxi dress "I had an outfit planned and all," she chuckled.
Brax leaned over and kissed her "there's no dress code where we're going but you can change if you want to."
Charlie smiled and turned back to the road "I trust you," she giggled and pulled away from her dad's.
"Where are we going?" Charlie asked a few minutes later.
Brax chuckled "pull in, it's better if I drive and I' not saying a word you'll see when we get there."
Charlie pulled in and turned to him "you know I'm not one for surprises right? I did tell you that?"
Brax chuckled and climbed out walking to her side he pulled the door open "yeah I remember but this one you'll love, I promise," he said and leaned in to kiss her "now scoot," he chuckled.
Charlie giggled and climbed over the seat, pulling on her belt she smiled at him as he pulled away- she was so excited.
Half an hour later they pulled up at a park "here?" she asked looking around.
"No" he replied and shut off the engine "we walk from here," he said and climbed out.
Charlie followed him and smiled when he slipped his hand into hers "no one is gonna jump out at me are they?" she giggled.
"No," he chuckled and led her through the park, getting to a hut he knocked and stepped back "just have to pick something up," he said when she raised an eyebrow.
The door opened and a young guy stepped out Charlie frowned she knew him she just couldn't place him "Brax mate," he said and shook his hand "long time no see," he said "where's there other one?" He asked looking beyond him "whoa who's the chick?" he asked looking Charlie up and down.
Brax slapped him on the head "she's with me did Adam call you?" He asked and glanced back at Charlie.
"Uh yeah, he did, hold on," he said and went back inside returning a minute later "slip eight," he said and handed him a set of keys "all ready to go…seriously where's Heath? He owes me money."
Brax rolled his eyes "obviously he's not on a date with me Jimmy," he said and glanced back at Charlie "I'll see you Monday," he said and slipped his hand back into Charlie's and led her away.
"What's happening on Monday? How do you even know that guy?" She asked as they walked.
"A mate from home, it's his cousin and he's painting the office for me on Monday," Brax replied and led her onto the docks "now we're here," he said and stopped walking.
"A boat?" Charlie asked "you're taking me off on a boat?"
Brax nodded "you alright with that?" he asked.
Charlie nodded "yep us Holden's are all water babies, my brother and my dad have boats…did I not tell you that?" she giggled.
"No," Brax chuckled "come on then," he said and started to walk again.
Charlie looked behind her she knew that guy- his face was there clear as day something inside her was telling her something wasn't right about him or how Brax knew him. She sighed she was on a date with the guy she was crazy about and all she could think about was work.
Brax heard her sigh and turned back to her "everything okay?"
"What? Oh yeah," she smiled "sorry thinking about something else, um is this it?" she asked pointing to a boat.
"Yeah," he nodded and held his hand out "ladies first," he chuckled.
Charlie took his hand and giggled "such a gentleman," she said as she climbed in.
Brax chuckled and climbed in beside her "I try," he said and walked to the wheel "grab a seat I'll get you a drink in a minute," he called as he started up the boat.
Charlie sat looking at the land as it got smaller and smaller, she was so lost in it she didn't notice Brax stop or go inside the cabin. She jumped when he held a glass out to her "sorry," she giggled "lost in thought, thanks," she said and took it from him.
Brax sat beside her "that's the second time since we got here and we're not even started yet, that is one way to make a guy feel like he's screwed up."
Charlie turned to him "no you didn't I love it," she said and stood up, leaning over him she placed a knee on either side and sat on him "this is perfect," she said and lowered her head kissing him softly.
Brax slid his hands around her waist and pulled her closer to him deepening the kiss "Charlie," he groaned when she moved onto his neck. He closed his eyes and bit his lip he was loving this "babe you gotta stop," he said and slid his hand up to the back of her neck.
Charlie bit him and pulled back "doesn't sound like you want me to stop," she said and kissed him quickly.
"I have stuff planned," he chuckled "if we don't stop now you wont get to see them," he said and ran his hands up her back "we still have to eat too."
"Okay," she giggled and pulled herself off him "better get it moving then," she said and stood up.
….
After dinner Charlie slid her hand over the table and laced her fingers with Brax's "that was amazing thank you so much," she smiled.
Brax smiled back "glad you liked it it's a new recipe I've just added to Angelo's," he said and stood up. Clearing away the plates he walked back to her with another glass of wine "why did you become a cop?" he asked and sat back down.
Charlie took the glass and looked down she shrugged "my mum was head detective before she was killed, we all followed her," she muttered.
Brax mentally cursed himself "I'm sorry babe," he said and placed his hand on top of hers "I didn't mean to upset you."
Charlie bit her lip as her eyes filled with tears "it's fine, I just miss her so much and it kills me we never caught her killer," she looked up at him "she would love to have met Daryl."
Brax moved around to her wrapping his arm around her he pulled her into him "she can see him, I'm sure she's watching over him," he said and pulled her closer when she leaned into him. All he knew was her mum had passed on he didn't know how or when but tonight wasn't the night for those questions.
They both looked up when fireworks broke throughout the sky "did you do this?" Charlie giggled.
Brax chuckled "no but I knew it was on here, and Ruby did tell me you were more excited than Daryl when these displays were on."
Charlie giggled "I love fireworks so sue me," she said and looked up at the sky "they're really pretty colours," she said in a daze.
Brax chuckled and dropped a kiss on her forehead he hated fireworks didn't see the point in the existing but for her he was willing to watch them.
A few minutes later Charlie titled her head to look up at him "hey Brax?" she asked slowly "do you wanna stay at mine tonight?" She asked.
Brax chuckled "on the first date?"
"Well we are going back to my dad's and we're gonna be drinking so we've to walk home, if you stay your car will be there in the morning and you won't have to walk home later or walk back to get it," she said and smile sweetly "I'm just thinking of you," she giggled.
Brax chuckled "all you gotta say is you want me, you don't need to make up excuses."
Charlie bit her lip and stood up leaning over him she kissed him and shoved him back "I want you," she said and straddled him again. "I so want you," she murmured and kissed him slowly.
Brax slid his hand to the back of her neck and deepened the kiss, after a minute he pulled her closer and turned them so she was lying on the seat "are you sure you wanna do this?" he asked as he trailed kisses along her neck.
Charlie bit her lip "it's hard to say no when you're doing that," she said and slid her hands to his belt "yes I'm sure, I don't want anyone else Brax," she said seriously.
Brax smiled and lowered his head "are you sure because once you do this you'll never look at another bloke," he chuckled.
Charlie slapped him on the head "don't ruin the moment," she said and kissed him hard before slowing it down and pulling him with her as she lay down again.
…..
Afterwards they lay on the floor of the boat looking up at the stars "I love you," Charlie said without looking over at him "I do," she said when he didn't reply. She rolled on her side "I can't stop thinking about you, I think about you ten times more a day since you've been back-more even, that's gotta mean something right?" she asked.
Brax was a little stunned all he could do was stare back at her 'get yourself together Brax the girl just told you she loved you' his brain said. He looked at her again to see the look on her face like she was regretting it "I love you too babe," he said and scooted closer to her "I never stopped thinking about you- you will never know what I felt when I saw you again, when I'm not with you I want to be, when I see you I just wanna hold you, kiss you. Don't worry about too soon or whatever when you know you know right?" he said and leaned over her "I love ya," he smiled and lowered his head to kiss her.
Charlie pulled back and smiled up at him "I love ya too," she whispered and kissed him softly- right at this very moment she'd never been happier.
When Brax lay back she rested her head on his chest "so are you sleeping over? She giggled.
Brax chuckled and pulled her closer "I am," he said and looked up at the sky "we better head back soon if you want to go back to your dads it's almost ten," he said looking at his watch.
Charlie scoffed "Brax when you get to know my family better you'll see we don't wrap up early," she giggled "we'll be lucky to get to bed." Getting an idea she stood up "I have an idea before we go," she said and held out her hand.
Brax took it and let her pull him up "what's this bright idea?" he asked as she walked him to the back of the boat.
Charlie pulled the back door open and turned back to him "a little swim," she said and bit her lip as she unclipped her bra "just me and you." She giggled as his eyes went wide before he looked around quickly "no one is out here Brax," she said and turned to the water "come on," she said and jumped in.
Brax chuckled and shook his head he walked to the door "ten minutes the water is freezing," he said and went to jump in after her.
"Nu-uh," Charlie called "they have to come off too," she said nodding to his boxers.
Brax looked down "but it's freezing," he said and looked back at her "things don't perform well in the cold."
Charlie giggled "I can wait until we get home plus I've already seen it-off ,"she said and swam away.
Brax shook his head he took another quick look around before shoving them off and jumping in after her. Swimming to her he pulled her closer to him and kissed her "I've had a great time tonight Charlie," he said and kissed her again "this is the best date I've ever been on."
"Nights not over yet," she said and wrapped her arms around him "I was thinking, how about we go for dinner in Angelo's tomorrow?"
Brax nodded "yeah sounds good, now how about we get out of here I'm not used to being in the water without my board," he chuckled.
Charlie pouted "not even with a hot girl?"
Brax leaned in and kissed her quickly "nah you're the first," he said and moved away from her "come on!" he called and swam back to the boat.
"Baby!" she called after him and started to swim back to the boat.
After a brief make out session they dried off and Brax took the boat back to shore, turning the engine off he jumped off and tied the boat up "ready?" he called.
Charlie walked to the side of the boat and climbed over "do we have to walk back to my car?" she whined.
Brax chuckled "yeah we do, I thought you were a fitness freak."
Charlie giggled "I am I've just been wearing theses shoes all day my feet are killing me."
Brax nodded and stepped in front of her "I think I can solve that problem," he said and threw her over his shoulder.
"Brax!" She shrieked "put me down," she giggled.
"Nope you get to rest your feet and I get a great view," he said and slapped her on the ass.
"Brax," she giggled and held onto his back "it's a ten minute walk you won't be able to carry me all the way back."
Brax chuckled "you weigh as much as a feather I think I'll be fine."
Pulling up at Tony's again they both climbed out, Brax walked around to her and slipped his hand into hers "let's go have some fun," he chuckle when she slapped him. "I'm kidding," he said and pulled her into him "I had more fun tonight with you than I've ever had."
"That's more like it," Charlie giggled and kissed him quickly. Pushing the door in she was about to yell when she spotted Daryl and VJ asleep on the sofa "aww," she cooed and closed the door "look at them they look so cute," she said moving closer to them, she grabbed the blanket off the back of the sofa and threw it over them.
"Are we leaving them here?" Brax asked as Charlie made her way towards the kitchen.
"Yeah they'll be fine we always leave them there until we're going," she said and walked on.
Brax dropped a kiss on Daryl's forehead "love ya mate," he whispered and followed her.
Bianca was talking to Hayley and the other girls she just happened to look at the door as Charlie walked out, she did a double take "what the hell are you doing back here?" she yelled "and where the hell is Brax?"
Brax stepped out and wrapped his arms around Charlie's waist "right here," he chuckled.
Hayley smiled they both looked happy "went well then?" she asked as they walked over.
Charlie looked at Brax and her smile widened "very well," she said and slid her hand into his.
"No way!" Martha laughed she dropped her smile when Jack glared at her is if to say do not say another word.
"What?" Leah asked confused.
"Nothing," Georgie laughed and stood up "I'll get you two a drink, Brax and Jack get lost we have some gossiping to do- and don't start until I come back!" she called.
Brax leaned in and kissed her "I'll be around," he said and walked over to Tony and Peter followed by Jack.
"Where's Ruby and April?" Charlie asked "I told them to be back here at ten."
"I kinda told them it was okay to go to the diner to get some cake," Leah said.
"Yeah they were here but we could see they were bored and the guys were terrified-flinched every time Jack or the others went near them," Bianca chuckled.
Charlie nodded "alright," she said and sat back "anything happen while I was gone?" she asked she was dying to talk about her date she kept looking at the door willing Georgie to hurry up, she snapped her head back to Martha when she spoke "what did you say?" she asked.
"I said B was flirting with Heath," Martha said.
"I was not I was being nice," Bianca scoffed "he doesn't know anyone."
"You so were," Leah laughed.
Charlie turned to her "would you go on a date if he asked you?"
Bianca scoffed "no, it was a holiday thing," she said and looked over at him "he's not boyfriend material."
Charlie rolled her eyes she'd known Bianca long enough to know she was putting up a front "alright B it's me you're talking to," she said and leaned forward so the other girls couldn't hear "just go talk to him, you never know he could be thinking the same thing."
"Yeah," Hayley said she chuckled when Charlie raised an eyebrow "I'm sitting beside you we can all still hear you, anyway B he might want to ask you out but you keep putting on the act that you're not interested, let him see the real you."
Bianca looked over at Heath and smiled when he looked over, she quickly turned to Charlie "what the hell am I supposed to say?"
"Just go over and start up a conversation, ask him is he enjoying himself," Beth suggested.
Bianca sighed "fine but you better have a damn large drink waiting for me if I make a fool of myself," she said and stood up
"You won't!" Charlie called after her.
"So the date," Georgie said as she sat down "where did he take you-who was right?"
Charlie looked over at Brax and smiled as he winked at her "none of you were right," she said without taking her eyes off him.
Hayley looked over at Brax and smiled again as he looked back with a massive smile on his face "aww he's in love," she said.
Charlie looked at her "what?" she asked.
"Brax, he's s in love with you," Hayley said.
"Please anyone can see that," Bianca said and sat back down.
"Where's Heath gone?" Leah asked.
"Bathroom now fill me in on this date quickly," she said and scooted closer to Charlie.
"Well?" she paused and smiled.
"Quickly!" Bianca yelled "where did you go?"
Charlie's smile widened again "he took me off on a boat, guys it was so romantic he had a table set up with candles and all he made the food himself it was just so amazing."
"Wow," all girls said and looked over at him "he is awesome," Georgie said.
"That's not all," Charlie said "…I told him I loved him and he said it back."
"No way!" Bianca screeched all over the yard.
Dan chuckled "Charlie's filling them in," he said nudging Brax.
"Yeah now we'll have to listen to it and by the faces on them she had a pretty good time," Jack said.
Brax smiled "oh we did-oww," he chuckled and turned to Peter "what the hell was that for?"
"Keep the detail to the food and conversation," he said and shook his head "don't forget we're her brothers."
"I'm not, go on mate," Noah chuckled.
Brax chuckled "nope you're not getting anything other than she had a good night," he said and walked off "more beers?" he called.
….
A few hours later Charlie sat with Beth who yawned and stood up "I can't keep up with you Holden's anymore," she chuckled "I'm heading to bed night sweetie," she said and hugged her.
"Night Beth and you are a Holden," she said and sat back, looking up at the stars she sighed since she mentioned her mum she couldn't get her case off her mind. It was too easy no witnesses no traces no evidence no case, someone out there knew something she couldn't help but think about Brax and that guy from earlier she knew she knew him but had no clue from where, she'd have to look into him when she went back to work. She looked beside her when someone sat down "hey," she muttered.
"What's up?" Peter asked noticing her gloomy look.
Charlie sighed "Brax asked me why I became a cop and I said it was because of mum and now I can't get her case off my mind," she looked over at him "have you looked at it recently?"
Peter nodded and looked down at his beer "me and Dan followed up a lead last week but like the rest of them it was a dead end," he said and looked at her "Charlz we've been through this, you can't let mum's death get y-"
"Murder," Charlie corrected "she didn't just die Pete someone killed her! Someone out there has to know who and why!" she snapped.
Peter sighed Charlie being the only girl and very close to their mum took it the worst "you know what I meant," he said and scooted closer to her "and you know we've never stopped looking Charlie," he said and pulled her into him "and we're never gonna stop either we will get him."
"Yeah even if it takes twenty years," Dan said and sat down with two beers for them " we'll find him Charlz," he said and squeezed her knee "Leah wants to head home," he said and stood up again "I'll see you two for a surf in the morning," he leaned in and kissed Charlie on the cheek "stop thinking about mums case, night mate," he said and clapped Peter on the back before walking back into the house.
Brax stood leaning on the doorframe watching Charlie snuggled into her brother "is she okay?" he asked when Dan passed him.
"She's a bit down she gets like this from time to time when mum is mentioned so be careful what you say about our mum it's a tad touchy, night mate," he said and walked to the sofa for VJ.
"Yeah night," Brax said and turned back to the door. Placing his bottle down he walked over to them "hey, everyone is gone Ruby and April took Daryl home do you want to go too?" he asked and sat beside them.
"No," she mumbled against Peter.
"Charlz me and Georgie are going too, B and Hayls left with Noah and Heath, Jack and Martha are going now too."
Charlie sighed "what time is it?"
"Four," Brax replied looking at his watch.
"Wow that late?" She asked and sat up straight "I guess we better go then," she said and stood up "where's dad?"
"Gone to bed with Beth," Peter smirked.
"Eww, Pete," Charlie said and screwed up her face "we're definitely going home," she said and leaned down kissing him on the cheek "night Pete," she yawned and walked inside.
"Night guys!" he called after them. He watched them go and smiled as Brax wrapped his arm around her.
As Brax and Charlie walked to her house he looked down on her she hadn't said a word since they left "you okay babe?" he asked.
Charlie looked up and him and smiled quickly "yeah I'm just tired," she said and snuggled closer to him.
Brax knew that wasn't the reason he knew it was about her mum, he didn't want to push her he wanted her to open up by herself "do you still want me to stay over?" he asked as they walked up her drive.
Charlie wrapped her arms around his neck "yeah," she smiled "I'm sorry I'm just thinking about my mum," she said and looked down at the ground "once I start thinking about her I can't get her out of my head."
Brax nodded "you know you can talk to me about anything."
Charlie pulled away from him "I'm not ready it's still too hard to talk about," she said and opened the back door "I'm sorry," she said and walked inside.
Brax sighed and followed her "its fine Charlie, I just thought you'd feel better talking to someone."
Charlie dropped onto the sofa "can we not talk about this please…come sit with me," she said and patted the seat beside her.
Brax walked over and sat beside her "so what did the girls think about the date-who won?" he chuckled.
Charlie giggled "none of them which means I get to keep a hundred and twenty bucks."
Brax chuckled again "how so, shouldn't you be giving it back?" he asked.
"No," she replied "we made a deal, if no one wins the person the bet is about keeps it…you'll catch on when the guys are doing it-they stole our idea," she giggled and snuggled into him.
"Wanna head to bed?" Brax asked as she closed her eyes.
"I suppose we better Dar will be up by seven I'd say," she replied and stood up.
Brax followed her to her room "why does he wake up so early on the weekends?" he asked as he pulled off his jeans.
Charlie yawned "have no idea he must get it from your side because if I had my way you wouldn't seem me until after two," she giggled "and there's no chance we'll see Ruby at all if she was drinking."
Brax chuckled and lay down beside her "hopefully we'll get a lie in…you don't mind me being in your bed if Daryl comes in?" he asked.
Charlie rolled to face him "no," she smiled "like you said, he has to get used to us being together," she said and moved closer to him.
Brax slid his hand onto her hip "he wasn't too bad about us going out."
Charlie nodded "that's now wait until it starts happening all the time."
Brax smiled and leaned over her "so there is gonna be a next time?"
"Well I wouldn't have slept with you, told you I loved you and have you here now if I didn't wanna see you again," she giggled.
Brax chuckled "just making sure," he said and lowered his head "night babe I love ya," he said and kissed her softly.
Charlie ran her hand up to his cheek and deepened the kiss, after a minute she pulled back "love ya too, night," she said and kissed him again before she lay down and snuggled into him.
About a minute later she sat up "I'm sorry I can't sleep with you beside me," she said and climbed on top of him "you up for a little fun?" she giggled.
Brax slid his hands up her legs and onto her hips "can you be quiet this time?" he chuckled and looked up at her she had no idea how badly she effected him.
"Mmh maybe," she said and lowered her head "or maybe you'll just have to make sure I keep quiet," she whispered and kissed him.
Brax flipped them so she was underneath him "you have no idea how beautiful you are," he said and moved onto her neck.
Charlie sighed happily and closed her eyes finally things were starting to fall into place…or so she thought.
Outside a guy with a hood up slowly walked towards her door, looking around as he got closer to the door he pulled something out of his pocket. Getting to the door he slid it under, standing up straight he turned back to the street as he slowly made his way away from Charlie's door, he looked back "nice to finally track you down Braxton- revenge will be sweet," he chuckled and disappeared through the walkway.
A/N. Charlie's mum, the guy from the boat and the guy at the end are all connect if anyone was wondering and again please bear with me and thanks for reading :)