Author's Note: Thank you for all the reviews last time- I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Chapter 8

Bass woke up the next morning to find Charlie sitting up in bed staring ahead into the dim morning light. Her knees were folded up against her chest, her arms wrapped around them with her chin resting on top. He sat up quietly and stroked her back.

She turned to look at him and smiled, "Hey."

"Hey," he said leaning in to kiss her gently on the lips. He was about to say something else when she wrapped her hands around his neck and kissed him again, more deeply, more passionately. He responded in kind.

"Bass…I need you," she whispered softly into his neck before kissing him there.

"Hey…I'm right here," he held her tightly against him, stroking her back, fisting her t-shirt between his fingers. He knew her need for him was more than just sexual; their love for each other was so strong, their bond so tight she was desperate to forget everything else if only for a little while- and only he could fulfill that need.

She lifted herself up onto his lap, her legs wrapping around him. His hands roamed down her body and he slipped his hands into her panties and grabbed her ass, squeezing and stroking the smooth skin there. She moaned, her hands gripping his shoulders. He moved his hands upward, grabbing her t-shirt along the way and pulling it over her head. He kissed her breasts and she held his head closely to her, her hands running through the curly tendrils of his hair.

He tried to lay her down on the bed but she cried, "No…" not wanting to part from the closeness of his body for even a moment. She leaned upwards on her knees and pulled down her panties and then helped him with his own.

He knew she could not wait and he was ready for her- when she took him inside her they both moaned deeply and she clung to him, digging her fingers deep into his back. Their movements became fluid, their tempo growing faster, deeper- more urgent. Their desire for each other was so strong; they kissed deeply and passionately. When they came, they came as one - clinging to each other, shaky and spent.

Charlie buried her face in his neck, keeping him inside her for just a little while longer. She loved these moments- the feel of him still buried deeply within her even after they'd finished their lovemaking. Her love and desire for him simply had no limit and she knew he felt the same way about her; in these moments she felt as if they were one. And for just a little while the rest of the world was shut out, nothing coming close to touching them. This time was theirs and theirs alone—nothing else mattered.

They stayed there like that, bodies entwined for several moments, their breathing ragged. Slowly, gently, they pulled apart lying down on the sheets while still holding each other close. He gently stroked her womb.

"You're getting big," he smiled, kissing her forehead.

"I know," she said, "when I get to be the size of Kansas we'll have to find new ways of doing this." She giggled and he laughed.

"That'll be fun," he said, "Hey…you know what we need?"

"What?" she asked looking him in the eye, stroking his cheek and the scruff she loved so much.

"We need to go on a date…like a real date. I want to take my girl out," he grinned.

"Really…I'm not sure I even know what a date is- I mean I've heard people talk about them but I've never been on one," she grinned back at him.

"Oh well…that's a real shame. I need to rectify that situation right away…Charlotte Monroe- will you go out with me tonight?" he asked still grinning ear to ear.

"Why yes, Sebastian Monroe…I would love to go out with you—whatever that means," she said laughing loudly.

He loved to hear her laugh- it was contagious and he joined her. "Well, Mrs. Monroe…please don't take this the wrong way but I suggest you bathe before I take you out," he smiled wickedly and whispered, "because you smell like sex."

She punched him playfully, acting insulted, and he grabbed her clutching her to him, both of them giggling and laughing like they hadn't done in a long while.

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Later down in the kitchen Charlie sat on Bass' lap sharing a breakfast of eggs and fresh fruit. Gene walked in from the backyard and saw their large grins.

"You two look mighty chipper," he noted, "Bass, your head must be feeling better?"

Charlie kissed Bass on the cheek before moving to her own chair. "Yea, I feel great today," Bass said, winking at his wife, "no pain at all…feel like a new man."

"That's great!" Gene said, moving closer to inspect his patients head, "swelling has gone down quite a lot…good. You know, I ran into Miles in town this morning," he continued, turning his gaze to Charlie. She stood up from her chair and moved to clear her plate without saying a word. Gene looked at Bass and he shook his head 'no'- as if to say 'don't bring up Rachel'.

"I know Miles has got something going on with Nora," Bass smiled, "Charlie and I were talking about it last night—waging bets on how long he'll wait to spill it."

"Oh…I think they're heading back to Austin tomorrow," Gene said mildly.

Charlie finally spoke. "That's great. I think I'll go see my horse now," she said and quickly walked out the back door.

Once she was out of earshot Bass spoke. "Don't push it, Gene. She doesn't want to see her- we talked about it last night. She has nothing else to say to her and there is nothing that Rachel can say that Charlie wants to hear."

"But once she's gone she won't be back…doesn't she want to say goodbye?" Gene asked upset.

"I asked her if she thought she'd regret it if she didn't and she adamantly said no. She said she already said goodbye to her that day in the woods and that was enough," Bass put his hands up at the look of consternation on Gene's face. "I mean it, don't push it—I am taking her out on a date tonight and I don't want anyone ruining this day for her…not you, not Miles and certainly not Rachel."

"Okay," Gene finally gave in. "What are you going to do for a date?"

"Well, take her to dinner and dancing, of course!" Bass grinned.

"Have you got anything to wear? Has Charlie got anything to wear?" Gene asked.

"Oh…no, I guess not. We lost everything, didn't we?" Bass said sadly. "I guess I can ask Miles…do you think Marion might have something Charlotte can wear?"

"She just might," Gene said, smiling. "Have Charlie stop by there on her walk with Flame."

"Will do, Gene…and thanks," Bass said before going outside to find his wife.

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As it turned out Charlie and Bass didn't see each other again after that until that evening. Gene and Marion conspired to keep them apart until the big date and Bass would pick Charlie up later from Marion's house. Marion loved the idea of a date and was very excited to help.

Charlie took a wonderfully long bath in water that smelled of wildflowers. She became so relaxed she fell asleep for a time and when she woke up the water was cold. She didn't mind this, though, and washed her long hair with flower scented soap—she was going to ask Marion where she got these lovely things as she wanted some for herself.

When she was done she climbed out of the tub and dried herself, going to Marion's room afterwards to find something to wear. Marion was waiting for her.

"Charlie, you are glowing," Marion beamed.

"Well, that was a wonderful bath…thank you. And to be honest, I already miss Bass and can't wait to see him later," Charlie said, blushing.

"Well, your husband is quite the catch and there are many women in this town who think you are very lucky," Marion smiled.

"I am," Charlie said.

"But there are also just as many men who think he is even luckier," Marion grinned.

"Well…he is," Charlie laughed along with Marion.

"Listen, you can pick out something now but we have hours before you need to get ready…you can put on something casual of mine until then. I'm washing the clothes you came in," Marion said. "I think we should braid your hair while it's drying so it will be even more curly and beautiful than usual. We want to make him weak in the knees, don't we?"

Charlie laughed loudly for the second time that day- it felt so good to laugh. She agreed and put on some pants and a t-shirt and sat back while Marion braided her wet hair.

They spent the afternoon sitting outside and sipping drinks and talking and Charlie found that she liked this woman very much. She was glad her grandpa and Marion were together. She took a little nap later on and when she woke it was time to get ready.

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Bass spent the afternoon at Miles house. He also bathed and as he was getting ready he suddenly felt nervous. He didn't want to blow this- he wanted it to be special for Charlie. They had been through so much bad stuff lately that he just wanted a night for her to feel like a queen and have no worries other than what to order off the menu at the bar. The bar…it wasn't exactly the Ritz but it was all this town had; if he had more forethought he could've planned a picnic or something and was now regretting his choices. He voiced as much to Miles.

"Honestly, Bass, you're acting like a lovesick teenager," Miles said sarcastically. "She's going to love it- that bar has pretty good food- we ate there last night," he motioned to Nora. "And I think it's the brothers playing tonight—they are really good; I heard them before I left for Austin last time and they're quite talented…she'll love it! So relax…it's making your face all tight, worrying…you look like a freak."

Bass gave him a dirty look, "All right, I'll relax about it just so you shut up…butthole."

"Ferret face," Miles retorted.

"Boys behave," Nora said in mocked annoyance.

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Bass arrived to pick up Charlie promptly at six- he wore clean black pants pulled down over cowboy boots and a white button down pressed shirt- he looked very sharp. His hair was clean and curly tendrils brushed his neck and behind his ear just the way Charlie liked it; he was freshly shaven having left a layer of scruff, also how she liked it and he carried fresh wildflowers.

He knocked on Marion's front door and she let him in.

"Well hello," Marion smiled, "don't you look nice. Charlie will be down in just a minute. Have a seat," she motioned to a chair in the living room. Gene was sitting on the couch.

"Hi Bass, Marion and I are having dinner tonight. You clean up well," he grinned.

"Thanks," Bass said- he couldn't believe it but he still felt nervous like he was in high school. He wanted to see Charlie- this was the longest they'd been apart in days and he found that he missed her. He didn't have to wait long, though, as she slowly walked down the stairs. When he saw her his breath caught.

"Charlotte," he swallowed deeply, "you're stunning."

She blushed, "Really?" He realized as he looked at her that she was just as nervous as he was and he smiled, locking eyes with her.

"Yes, really," he murmured as he handed her the bouquet of flowers and softly kissed her cheek. Charlie was the most beautiful woman he had ever known but he realized as he looked at her that he had never seen her dressed up before. Yet here she was standing in front of him wearing a beautiful red sun dress which hugged and accentuated her growing breasts; the A-line skirt gave plenty of room for her baby bump but still showed off her beautiful curves. Her hair was thick and lustrous and more curly and wavy than usual- he knew he would be getting lost in it later. She had taken parts of it from the front and pulled them back into a small ponytail at the back of her head to cascade down on top of a mass of curls- long tendrils of wavy hair framed her face.

She smiled, "You look really great yourself."

"God, I wish I had a camera," Gene said, laughing. "The way you two are ogling each other like school kids is great. Now get out of here- go have fun!" He felt like if he didn't direct them they might stand there staring at each other all night.

Bass gently took Charlie's hand and they intertwined their fingers. They waved goodbye to Gene and Marion and headed out the front door.

The sun was just beginning its nightly descent as Bass and Charlie began to walk outside- its rays hit them and highlighted their features, showing just how truly beautiful this couple was. Some people did double takes noticing that they were dressed up; others said hello and they responded in kind but had a hard time looking anywhere else but at each other.

They walked into the bar and took a table near the back wall so they could have some privacy while also being near the dance floor and band which hadn't started yet. Charlie set her flowers down in the middle of the table and she and Bass continued to hold hands, staring at each other and conveying so much love without a single spoken word.

A waitress came over and introduced herself as Lindsay; they both ordered water and began to look at the menus she gave them. There wasn't a huge selection, just burgers or chicken and seeing as they had both had their fill of chicken recently they ordered burgers and fries.

"Mrs. Monroe," Bass murmured, "may I just say what a lucky man your husband is."

She grinned, "The same can be said for your wife, Mr. Monroe." They both giggled.

"Really, I don't know what's come over me," Bass said feeling sheepish, "But I feel almost nervous…I just want this night to be perfect for you."

"It already is," Charlie said, taking his hand and kissing the back of it.

Their food arrived and they both realized they were famished- they dove into their burgers and fries and pretty soon fell into easy conversation, laughing and smiling all the while.

The brothers took the stage at eight o'clock, one with a guitar and the other with a banjo. When they began singing the bar grew quiet as everyone listened to their beautiful harmony. Charlie was enthralled- she had heard other bands and singers before in New Vegas and other places but nothing quite as beautiful as this.

Bass stood up and held his hand out to her. "Will you dance with me?" he asked.

Charlie couldn't believe it but she actually blushed. "Yes," she smiled as she took his hand.

He took her in his arms and led her to the dance floor. There was only one other couple on the floor but they didn't care- all that mattered was each other. He took her hands in his and held her close despite her baby bump- they locked eyes as they swayed to the music, then Charlie rested her head on his chest, listening to the comforting sound of his heartbeat. Bass bent his head down so his cheek was touching her head taking in the scent of her hair.

"You smell wonderful," he breathed.

"Flower scented soap," she smiled, "Marion gave me some to take home."

"Yeah," he grinned.

She laughed. The music picked up and with it so did Bass. He spun her around and Charlie grinned from ear to ear. "We should've done this a long time ago," she said.

They danced all night, danced until they were breathless and sweaty, laughing as they sat back down, stopping to gulp down some water.

The brothers played 'til midnight and received a standing ovation when they were through. Charlie wrapped her arms around Bass and kissed him gently on the lips and whispered into his ear, "This is the best date ever- promise me we'll do this again."

"Definitely," he smiled down at her. "But right now I think I ought to get you home- both my babies need rest," he rested his hand on her womb.

"Yea, as much fun as this was I am tired…and I can't wait to have you alone in my bed," she winked at him. He grinned and took her hand as they left the bar.

Outside the moonlight shown down on them; it was early October and although the day time was still quite warm the nights were a bit cooler. Bass wrapped his arm around Charlie's bare shoulders and pulled her to him sharing his warmth.

They stopped when they heard a commotion at the front gates; turned out it was two Texas rangers looking for Miles and Nora.

"I wonder what's going on," Charlie said.

"Yea, me too," Bass agreed, "But let's not worry about it right now…we can find out from Miles tomorrow. Right now you and I are still on a date…and I have to get my date home." He grinned.

He walked her to Gene's front porch and stopped before walking in. "If this had been a real date I'd be dropping you off…and hoping for a good night kiss. Lucky for me I'm married to you." He leaned in to kiss her and she put up her hand.

"Ah ah ah," she said, "Who said you could have a kiss? Very cocky, Mr. Monroe."

"So sorry, Mrs. Monroe…I got ahead of myself there," he said feigning awkwardness.

"It's okay…I'll let it slide…this time," she admonished him. She was frowning at him before breaking into a laugh. "Oh…just get over here would you?" She grabbed him by the front of his shirt and pulled him to her, kissing him hard.

"Oh thank God," he murmured, "I thought you were going to play hard to get."

She kissed his neck speaking in between kisses, "Maybe…when I'm the size…of Kansas…but…not now."

They finished their day the way they had started it…after their lovemaking they lay together naked and spent, spooning each other, their hands resting on Charlie's womb. And just as Bass had said he would he fell asleep with his face awash in her hair, getting lost in her curls and the heavenly scent they emitted.

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The next morning Bass awoke to the sound of voices downstairs. Charlie was still sound asleep so he got out of bed quietly, threw on some clothes and went to see what was going on. He found Gene and Miles in the kitchen. Both men wore serious expressions on their faces.

"What's going on?" Bass asked.

"Nora and I have to go back to Austin today…we're taking Rachel with us," Miles said solemnly.

Gene looked to Bass, "Please try to get Charlie to go see her mother- Rachel is asking for her…they need to say goodbye to each other. Charlie will regret it if she doesn't."

"I can try, Gene, but Charlie really has nothing more to say to Rachel," Bass said.

"Well, just try!" Gene said as he quickly walked out the door.

"He's pretty upset," Bass observed.

"Well, yea…it's more than likely he'll never see his daughter again. He's going to visit her one last time now," Miles replied.

"We saw the ranger's arriving last night…Blanchard want you back?" Bass asked.

"Yea…about that…listen, Bass, I'm coming back in a few days and I'll explain everything then…just stay in town 'til then, okay? You and Charlie…stay in town. And keep an eye on her…keep her safe," Miles said, worry clouding his features.

"What?" Bass asked, "What the hell are you not telling me, Miles? You can't just say something like that and then not tell me what the hell is going on…"Bass was trying to stay calm.

"Okay, okay, okay…" Miles said, "But you can't tell anyone…at least not 'til I get back…then I'll tell everyone."

"Charlotte and I don't have any secrets…"

"Damn it, Bass!"

"Tell me, Miles," Bass said angrily.

As Miles told Bass what was happening anger and worry took over Bass' features. Damn it, he thought; we're finally over all the suffering Rachel caused and now this?

As Miles left and Bass shut the front door behind him his thoughts were on Charlie…and their baby; and in that moment Bass felt more fearful than he ever had in his life.

A/N: Thank you to Lemon Supreme for her help with a section of this chapter- you are a queen! As always, reviews are very much appreciated. If you have a moment please leave one. Thanks!