It had been two days since the funeral and Charlie had kept to herself she didn't want to talk to or see anyone, she didn't want them sitting there looking at her with pity or telling her she'd be fine. Rolling out of her bed she picked up her phone sighing at all the missed calls and messages, she knew they were all worried about her but she just wanted to get on with it. Going for a quick shower she pulled on her uniform and walked out to the stairs-freezing when a key slid into the lock on the back door. She listened as it opened and closed and footsteps padded towards her it wasn't her brothers or Ruby they would have called out. As a shadow crossed the bottom of the stairs she took a step down-stopping again when Brax appeared and boy he didn't look happy.
"I've been calling you- all day yesterday too, I came her five times where were you?" he asked.
Charlie took the rest of the stairs and walked by him "here," was all she replied and kept walking.
Brax walked after her "and you didn't think to let me know that or let me in when I knocked?"
"Wanted some time alone," she muttered and gathered her stuff.
"That would have been fine if you'd told me Charlie I've been worried sick we all have!" he yelled.
"That's the problem!" she yelled back "I know you're all worried but that doesn't mean someone has to be here all the time what the hell do you all think I'm gonna do? I want to be in my house alone, I want to get a shower without coming out to find someone on my bed. I wanna come home and watch tv without someone sitting beside me!" she yelled. She sighed and blinked a few times to keep the tears away "he's gone Brax there's nothing I can do about that I just gotta move on and I can't do it if I'm reminded every second of every day with someone hanging around me!"
Brax sighed heavily "Charlie you've been ignoring everyone for two days, you turned off your phone you double locked the door so no one could use a key i'm just lucky you opened it- what were we supposed to think?"
"That I'm fine like I told you when I left the other morning I just wanted time to myself I can't think straight with everyone looking at me all the time," she sighed and picked up her keys "I gotta get to work," she said and moved to the door.
"You're not rostered," Brax said following her.
"I own the place I'll go in if I want and I'm going the station anyway," she said and pulled the door open.
"You're not rostered there either," he said following her again.
Charlie sighed and turned back to him "I am the boss I can go in if I like," she said and walked to her car.
"Carly's been looking for you!" Brax called.
Charlie closed her eyes she'd been thinking about Brax and Carly a lot the last two days "I'll be over on my break," she said and climbed into her car.
"Oi!" Brax yelled and walked to her "that's it?" he said and pulled the door back.
"What else do you want me to say?" she sighed.
"I don't know it's nice to see you maybe-or I love you, sorry I haven't been in touch," he said.
Charlie climbed back out of the car stepping to him she looked up at him "I'm sorry I worried you I wasn't thinking, I just needed time I'm sick of everyone looking at me- feeling sorry for me."
Brax pulled her into him "you're going about this the wrong way babes, you should have let us all know you wanted time alone we would have given you some space."
Charlie rested her face on his chest "I just want things to get back to normal."
Brax pulled back and looked down on her "how about you come back to mine and us Carly and Ruby will spend the day together?" he suggested.
"I have to go to work I'm dressed now," she said and tilted her head up to him "I can leave early," she added.
Brax shook his head "nope," he said and kissed her softly "that uniform is coming off right now," he said and kissed her again.
Charlie giggled as he pulled her shirt out of her bottoms it was only then she realised how much she missed him-how much she was taking him for granted "fine," she giggled "we'll spend the day together," she said and pushed him back into the house.
….
A while later they lay on the sofa snuggled together so what do you want to do today?" he asked as he ran his fingers up and down her arms.
Charlie looked up at him "how about we go get Ruby and Carly and we each pick a movie then get a load of crap-spend the day on the sofa?" she replied "we can even get pizza later," she added.
Brax nodded "sofa day it is," he said and nudged her off him "go get dressed," he said and stood up.
"Won't be long!" she called and ran up the stairs.
Fifteen minutes later they arrived at Brax's and went inside "Carly!" Brax called and walked towards her room…Kyle had now been moved in with a very unimpressed Casey "Carly!" he called again.
Charlie walked into the kitchen and spotted a note propped up in front of the microwave took Carly to the water park be back later Casey and Ruby "Brax!" she called and walked out with the note "they're not here-none of them," she said when he walked in to her.
Brax took the note from her "I'll kill them-they didn't even ask me," he said and looked up at Charlie "what do you want to do now?" he asked and tossed the note onto the table.
Charlie walked by him and shoved the door in on Kyle's room "she's in here now?" she asked turning back to him.
"Yeah," Brax replied "I couldn't take another night on the sofa, Kyle's in with Case."
Charlie giggled "bet he wasn't impressed."
"No," Brax chuckled "neither of them was…so what are we going to do?" he asked pulling her to him.
"Not that," she giggled and pulled away from him "we're gonna go get stuff and do up her room, if she's gonna be here permanently we have to make it her own, then we're going to drop in on your Nan."
Brax smiled and pulled her back against him as she walked by "have I told you I love you," he said and kissed her neck.
"Not recently," she giggled and turned in his arms "since no one is here all day you can take me for lunch it's about time we got that date."
Brax nodded "got one even better," he said and kissed her "as punishment for taking Carly off without asking they can watch her while I take you out on a real date later."
Charlie chucked "best punishment ever," she said and kissed him, she pulled away as he pulled her closer "I told you we're not doing that, come on we've lots to buy," she said and pulled him towards the door.
"Why do I get the feeling my card is gonna burn out today?" he asked as they climbed into his car.
Charlie giggled "mine too I have to get something to wear for tonight now."
Brax chuckled as he pulled away-trying to plan a date in his head.
After they walked around the home store for about an hour Charlie giggled as Brax wheeled a full trolley out to his car "well it's safe to say she has everything."
Brax chuckled and opened the back of his truck "spoiled already," he said and turned back to her "you gonna be like this with all our kids?"
Charlie stared at him "our kids?" she asked.
Brax nodded and kissed her "you're mine for the rest of your life," he said and went back to loading the car.
Charlie helped him load the car in silence thinking about what he just said a smile crossed her face as she thought about kids with him-one day. Walking around to her side she climbed in and pulled her belt on all she could think about now were babies.
Brax climbed in beside her "you okay?" he asked as she looked off in a daze.
Charlie was pulled from her thoughts when he hit her knee "yeah I'm fine," she smiled "call your Nan and see if she's home," she said and looked out the window again.
Brax pulled out his phone and called her, after talking to her for a minute he hung up "she's home and happy to know you're coming over," he chuckled and started up the car.
….
Arriving at Delores's they both climbed out the door flung open before they'd even made it up the drive "Charlie love!" Delores said happily as she walked to her with her arms out "so good to see you," she said and pulled her into a hug. She looked over at Brax "glad you came over Daryl I was going to stop by and make you boys dinner," she said and stepped away from Charlie.
Brax chuckled "so now I'm here you going to make it and get me to bring it home?"
Delores smiled "already on dear," she said and turned back to the house.
Charlie pulled him back "have you not told her about Carly?" She whispered.
Brax shook his head "I told her about your dad and she was pretty upset for you so I didn't mention it," he replied.
Charlie nodded she remembered seeing Delores in the church but not Angelo's. She walked into the kitchen and sat down "so how are you Delores?" she asked as she hurried around the kitchen.
Delores gave a quick smile and continued on "I'm great love, Heath called to see me seems I'm going to be a great Nan in a few months."
Charlie looked over at Brax as he spoke "did he bring her with him?" he asked and sat beside Charlie.
Delores nodded "I know I don't know the girl but I don't like her, I'm getting a bad vibe off her- but if he's happy I won't get in the way."
Charlie bit her lip trying not to laugh, she looked over at Brax and bit harder when he was doing the same "uh Nan," he said and stood up "do you remember Chloe?" he asked and glanced back at Charlie.
Delores face went blank and she turned to face him "yes I do…she was here the other day too."
Brax looked back at Charlie again she smiled reassuringly, he cleared his throat and stepped closer "did she uh, did she have a kid with her?" he asked.
Delores nodded "your kid you mean?" she laughed at the look on both their faces "I may be old Daryl but I'm not stupid, she didn't say but I can tell she's yours she looks so like you."
"Why didn't you say anything to me?" he asked.
Delores shrugged "I knew you'd need time to get your head around it and I knew you'd tell me once you were ready-which you were just about to," she said and walked by them "you're staying for lunch!" She called.
Brax sighed and dropped into the seat beside Charlie "what the hell did she come here for?"
"Was she close to your Nan when you were together?" Charlie asked.
Brax looked over at her and could tell by her face she didn't want to talk about Chloe and him "a bit, she'd drop in and go the shops for her stuff like that."
Charlie nodded "maybe she wanted to say goodbye to her."
Brax nodded "yeah maybe," he said and stood up, dropping a kiss on her forehead he walked to the kettle and turned it on. "So I was thinking we'd go to that new place in Yabbie creek tonight," he said as he got cups down.
"Too fancy," Charlie replied.
Brax nodded although she wasn't even looking at him "alright, how about the Italian on the main street?"
"Yeah if you want to," she replied half heartedly.
Brax shook his head and sighed walking to her he pulled her up "how about we stay in and I'll cook for you?"
Charlie sighed "I'm sorry I know I'm not making this easy…I'm just a little thrown about the Chloe talk," she said and looked up at him "all I think about when I think if her is walking in and seeing her kiss you."
Brax stroked her cheek "well think about me kissing you instead," he said, slowly he leaned in and kissed her, after he pulled back he smiled down on her "Chloe is not a problem anymore alright it's me and you and that's the way it's gonna stay."
Charlie nodded and wrapped her arms around him "the Italian is perfect," she said and leaned in to kiss him again.
Delores walked back in "what did I tell you two about the bucket of water," she chuckled and walked by them.
"Get used to it Nan," Brax chuckled and stepped away from her "it's gonna be happening a lot," he said and walked back to the kettle.
Delores looked at him and smiled at the massive smile across his face, she looked over at Charlie wearing the same one. She sighed happily this was the happiest she'd ever seen him "I forgot something upstairs," she said and walked back out of the room.
…..
After lunch Charlie and Brax had cleaned up, Charlie looked down at her watch "we better head soon."
Brax looked at his own watch "yeah," he said and walked into the living room "Nan we're gonna go now alright?"
Delores stood up "sure love but drop back soon and don't forget the dinner," she said and walked to the door with him "bye love," she said and hugged Charlie.
"Bye Delores see ya soon," she said and walked towards the car.
"Bye Nan," Brax said and kissed her on the cheek before following Charlie.
"Oh Daryl!" Delores called "could you help me get something down before you go?" she asked.
"Sure," Brax said and handed Charlie the keys and a pot "back in a sec," he said and went back into the house "Nan?" he called.
"In here!" she called back from the kitchen.
Brax walked in "what do you need down?" he asked.
"Nothing," she said and walked to him.
Brax chuckled "have you already forgotten what it was?"
Delores chuckled and slapped him on the head "no Daryl, I am not senile," she said and pulled a box from her pocket "I wanted to give you this without Charlie seeing it…here," she said and held it out.
"What is it?" Brax asked and opened it- he looked back at her "this is mums engagement ring," he said looking down on it again.
"Correction, my engagement ring, your granddad gave that to me in nineteen-twenty-six," she said and smiled down at it "I gave it to your dad when he came by to ask if he could marry your mum."
"Nan you can't give this to me it's sentimental," he said trying to give it back.
Delores pushed it back into his hand and clamped her hand over his "I want you to have it, I want Charlie to wear it…when the time is right, it's been in our family for a long time I'd die happy knowing someone is looking after it," she said and stepped away.
Brax looked down on the box "and how do you know Charlie is the one for me?" he asked "we could break up next week."
Delores chuckled "I have never in my life seen two people more in love, she's it for you son I know that- it's about time you saw it too…I want a wedding before I meet my maker," she chuckled "go on son don't leave the girl waiting," she said and nudged him towards the door.
Brax looked down at the box and smiled "I already see it," he said and put it in his pocket "thanks Nan and don't worry I'll look after it," he leaned in and kissed her "you're awesome, I love ya," he said and walked out the door.
Delores watched him go and smiled "bye love!" she called and closed the door.
Brax climbed into the car and chuckled "what's so funny?" Charlie asked.
Brax chuckled again "my Nan she's just crazy," he said and pulled away from the house. Looking over at Charlie he slipped his hand into hers "I love you you know that right?"
Charlie smiled and leaned in kissing him quickly on the cheek "and I love you," she said and laced her fingers with his.
Arriving at Charlie's she climbed out and walked around to his window "I'll be over at about half seven," she said and leaned in to kiss him.
Brax pulled her back and kissed her deeply "I'll see ya then," he said and put his hands back on the wheel "we'll sort her room tomorrow," he said looking back at all the stuff on his backseat.
Charlie nodded "yeah we'll get in first thing and do it, get Kyle to take her to the beach or something, we can talk about it at dinner, I'll see ya in a while," she said and walked up to her door, turning back she waved at him before she slipped inside. Walking to the living room she jumped back "god Hayls you scared the crap out of me," she said holding her chest.
"Sorry though you would have seen my car, you know the big blue one in the drive," she chuckled and stood up.
"Didn't even notice it," Charlie said and walked back to the kitchen.
Hayley followed her and leaned against the doorframe "someone keeping you occupied?" she smirked.
Charlie chuckled and turned back to her "yes, if you must know we're going on a date tonight."
Hayley clapped excitedly "your first real date with no interruptions."
Charlie smiled "yeah hopefully," she said and went back to making them coffee "so what brings you here?"
"Well I was going to ask you did you want to come for dinner with me and B but I see you've already made plans, so tomorrow me you rest of the girls lunch and a chill out on the beach," she said and sat at the bench "so you had everyone worried about you," she said cautiously.
"Except you," Charlie said and sat down "I just needed time to myself."
"I know that that's why I only called once…and three messages," Hayley chuckled.
Charlie giggled and sat down beside her "gotta move on not point living in the past."
"Does that include Natalie?" Hayley asked "I see she's still around."
Charlie sighed "it's complicated," she said and turned to face her "turns out Angelo is not the father but Heath Braxton."
Hayley gasped "Heath?" she asked "…how did she even meet him?"
Charlie shrugged "she said she met him out one night and brought him home, anyway there was something wrong with the baby, he needed the father's blood or something…that's when Angelo found out and left her."
"Good enough for her," Hayley scoffed.
Charlie went on as if she hadn't said anything "she called me panicking she needed to find him blah blah blah. Then me Brax and Heath ended up in the city, next day she came back with Heath and is staying there for a few days."
Hayley nodded "and Brax doesn't have a problem with her being there?" she asked.
"He did-he flipped and told her no that it was too awkward for me, so I said she could stay and he told her two days. Then dad died and everything went to hell," Charlie looked down at her cup "that little girl you saw Brax with…that's his daughter," she said and glanced at Hayley.
Hayley's eyes went wide "his daughter?" she asked in shock.
Charlie nodded "the girl he was with a few years ago showed up the other day-she kept it from him, the night of the funeral she turned up at his house with her and said she was leaving her here. I ran after her she told me she couldn't look after her anymore….she's dying-cancer, she doesn't want Carly seeing her like that," she said and looked at Hayley again "so now she's living with Brax and he and everyone else is trying to get used to it."
"And are you getting used to it?" Hayley asked.
Charlie shrugged "haven't really thought about her much, but she is a sweet kid she's easy to get on with but…." She trailed off.
"But what?" Hayley asked.
Charlie sighed "I'm going to sound really horrible here but when dad died I felt like I was free… not even free but like I could breathe again. I thought me and Brax would be alone…have time to get to know one another properly without someone or something interupting," she scoffed "he's already told me he loves me and we haven't even had our first date yet."
Hayley patted her hand "he does love you, doesn't matter what amount of time it's been if the feeling is there it's there, and I think it is for you too Charlie."
Charlie smiled "yeah, yeah it is…I told him I loved him too."
Hayley smiled "I know the kid is here now but that's just a minor setback, once everyone is used to her things will go back to normal…you and Brax will get to know each other without realising it so don't worry about a thing."
Charlie picked up her coffee and smiled "yeah, this is part of life, nothing I can do about that," she said and sipped it.
…..
Over at Brax's he had just come from the shower, throwing on clothes he walked out to the kitchen and turned back to the door as it opened, he smiled seeing Carly run in "hey did you have fun?" he asked.
Carly ran to him "I did daddy Casey and Ruby got a picture with me and a dolphin," she said excitedly "show him!" she squealed.
Ruby pulled up a picture and showed it to him "wow isn't that cool," he said looking at it.
"Yeah he gave me a lolly too," she said and skipped to the kitchen.
Brax looked over at Casey "you took her without asking."
Casey shrugged "I knew you took Ruby's key that you'd be a while she was getting bored," he replied.
Brax nodded "alright, well I'm taking Charlie out tonight so you two are babysitting."
Ruby nodded "fine by me we were gonna be here anyway," she said and sat down.
"Yeah figured we could all have a night it but if you're busy we can do it another night," Casey said and walked to sit beside Ruby.
Brax nodded and bit his lip he wanted to stay in with them but he wanted to take Charlie out more, he knew he should be spending time with his daughter she had just shown up after all. He should be doing all he can to get to know her…but again Charlie took over his mind, he felt like she was there first so she came first. Sighing he shook his head he shouldn't even be thinking that "right well you guys have fun get a pizza if you want," he said and walked into his room.
He looked up from his bed when the door opened "daddy, are you staying to watch the movie with us?" Carly asked.
Brax sighed and sat up "sorry sweetie me and Charlie have to work for a while," he said he didn't know what else to say.
Carly nodded "will you be home late?" she asked.
Brax nodded "you'll be asleep by then."
Carly nodded again "is Charlie going to sleep here tonight so I can see her when I wake up?"
Brax sighed and stood up "I don't know but I'll ask her," he said and pulled the door open "why don't you go out to Casey and Ruby and pick a movie," he said ruffling her hair.
"Okay daddy," she said and ran off.
Brax sighed and sat down the worst father in the world right here, lying back on his bed with a huff he turned his head as his phone beeped. Sighing he picked it up and opened the message sighing louder at it I'm dressed now so excited can't wait xx throwing down the phone he groaned and rubbed his hands across his face. Standing up he went to his wardrobe and pulled out clothes, he turned when the door opened again.
"Daddy," Carly said looking at two dvds "which one?" she asked turning them around.
Brax walked over and knelt down beside her "which one do you like the most?"
"This one," she giggled and held it up.
Brax read the name out loud "despicable me, never seen that one before," he smiled-he hadn't seen a cartoon in years.
Carly smiled widely "it's one of my favourites," she said "do you want to watch it with me?"
Brax sighed "I can't sweetie I already told you I have to work," he said and stood up his heart broke at the look on her face.
"Okay," she said and walked out of the room her head hung low.
"Damn it," Brax muttered and threw his clothes on the bed.
Charlie arrived at Brax's and climbed out, letting herself in she walked to the sofa "hey guys," she smiled.
"Wow mum you look amazing," Ruby said sitting forward to check her out.
"Yeah Charlie you look beautiful," Casey smiled.
"Thanks," Charlie replied "where's Carly?" she asked looking around.
"She went to get her sweets," Casey answered.
Carly walked back in just as he finished speaking "Charlie!" she squealed and ran to her "you look very pretty is that for work?" she asked.
"What?" Charlie frowned.
"Brax told her you both had to work," Ruby whispered.
"Oh right," Charlie replied "yeah sweetie it is for work," she smiled "where's Brax?" she asked.
"In his room I think he's sulking," Casey said.
Charlie frowned again "did something happen?" she asked already on her way to his room.
"Don't know!" Casey called after her.
Charlie tapped on his door and pushed it open "hey," she said and walked in.
"Hey," Brax replied from the bed "you look stunning babes," he said and sat up a bit.
"Thanks," Charlie said and sat beside him "Casey and Ruby seem to think you're sulking in here…is something wrong?" she asked moving to lie beside him.
Brax sighed heavily "I'm not sulking," he muttered.
Charlie scoffed "you are so sulking…what's going on?" she asked sliding her hand over his stomach "you know you can talk to me about anything."
Brax scoffed "I don't know the first thing about my daughter that's what wrong, but yet I'd rather spend time with you than her," he snapped.
Charlie pulled her hand away quickly "you don't mean that Brax," she said in a little shock.
"Don't I?" he grumbled "then why did I turn her down twice so I could go out with you?"
"What did she ask you?" Charlie asked a minute later.
"To watch a movie with her," he replied and looked down at his hands "I said no twice because I want to take you out."
Charlie bit her lip and thought for a moment, standing up she walked to his bathroom and closed the door over.
While she was in there Brax stood up "great now I've upset her too," he muttered and walked to the bathroom "Charlie," he called and tapped on the door.
"Just a sec!" she called back.
Brax sighed and let out a deep breath, walking to his dresser he grabbed his keys and wallet he had some making up to do. He looked towards the bathroom as the door opened "I'm sorry alright I didn't mean to sna…what are you doing?" he asked as she walked to him in a pair of his sweats and a hoodie.
Charlie stopped in front of him "do you think I can't see how much it hurt you to say no to her-that you want to stay in with her?" she asked and stepped closer "we can go out anytime-tonight we're gonna do what she wants to do."
Brax dropped his keys and wallet back onto the dresser, wrapping his arms around her he pulled her against him "why are you so perfect?" he asked looking down on her.
Charlie shrugged "it's how I roll," she giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck "I know this is hard Brax and you don't know what to do, but if you just listen to her and do what she wants to do she'll settle in and life will go back to normal. This is all new to you and as a parent myself I know these are the moments that count- it's the little things like daddy watching a dvd and getting pizza with them they remember the most- put you daughter above all else...including me," she said seriously.
"Again why are you so perfect," he chuckled and lowered his head, kissing her softly he pulled her body closer to his and deepened it.
Charlie pulled away a minute later "so are we watching a dvd?" she asked.
Brax nodded and slid his hand into hers "yep," he said and walked to the door. Walking to the living room he dropped onto the sofa beside Carly and pulled Charlie down onto his lap "what are we watching?" he asked.
Carly turned to them "I thought you had work?" she asked confused.
"That's not important," Brax smiled and glanced at a smiling Ruby who gave him the thumbs up.
"So you're staying?" she asked.
Brax nodded and tightened his grip on Charlie he didn't miss the hope in her voice "we're both staying."
Carly giggled and scooted away from Ruby and leaned into his side "this is Tangled," she said and went back to the tv.
Casey stood up "I'll change the pizza order then," he said and walked into the kitchen.
Charlie looked down on Brax and smiled leaning in she kissed him quickly and snuggled back into him.
Brax pulled them both closer nothing could ever beat the feeling of both his girls tucked in beside him right where they belonged.