Three months later.
Charlie yawned as she stood by the sink with a glass of water, looking to the few boxes scattered around she smiled. Their chat about moving in together was months ago but neither felt the need to rush it, there was two kids to think about- even if they were so excited to be living across the hall from one another.
Smiling again at the few boxes Brax had dropped over earlier she turned off the light and made her way back to her room. She and Natalie had had a girls night in and Charlie had asked her to stay instead of going home so late…she was a week from her due date and although Charlie would never admit it she was worried about her. Sticking her head into the room she frowned when Natalie was sitting up in her bed she had been sound asleep when she left her to go get a drink "are you okay Nat?" she asked walking into the room.
"Yeah," she said sleepily and rubbed her stomach "just got a cramp," she said and lay back down "where did you go?" she asked as Charlie climbed in beside her.
"Just to get a drink," Charlie said and lay down "has the cramp passed?" she asked concerned.
"Yeah," Natalie replied and rolled on her side "she likes to wake me up at all hours," she giggled.
Charlie giggled and rolled to face her "Ruby used to kick the life out of me at night."
Natalie chuckled then winched "yeah well I think she takes after her cousin," she said and sat up again.
Charlie sat up too and took in her pained expression "okay that doesn't look like she's just kicking, describe the pain to me," she said and pulled the covers back.
Natalie winched again and clutched her stomach "it's in my stomach and my back now…wait," she said and looked up "it's passing," she said with a sigh of relief.
Charlie began to get worried it sounded to her like the beginning of labour she sighed the one night Brax and Heath decided to go to the city for a boys night out. She threw her feet over the side of the bed and stood up "start timing it," she said and pulled on her bottoms.
Natalie's head shot up "why?" she asked "and why are you getting dressed?" she asked alarmed.
Charlie walked to her and took both her hands in hers "it could be nothing so don't freak out, but I think it's the start of labour, so I'm going to get Ruby to sit with you while I go to Heath's house and get the baby bag. If you do get another pain you're in labour if not it's a false alarm…it's better to be on the safe side," she added and stood up again.
"No Charlie," she said panicked "I can't be I've another week and even at that everyone goes over by a week or two and Heath's not even here!"
"Sweetie calm down," Charlie said and squeezed her hands "it could be nothing," she said and pulled away "start timing if you get another pain…I'll be ten minutes tops," she said and hurried from the room.
Getting to Ruby's room she tiptoed to the bed and looked down on her and Carly snuggled together "Ruby," she whispered and shook her gently.
"What mum," she groaned sleepily.
"Rubes I need you to come with me…and don't wake Carly," she added knowing Ruby was not a good person to wake.
Ruby detached herself from Carly and sat up looking at the clock she groaned "mum it's four am."
"I think Nat is in labour I need to go to Heath's house and get the baby bag, I need you to sit with her until I get back. I already asked her to time her pains but she's a little freaked so I need you to do that for me and keep her calm," Charlie said as they walked out of the room.
Ruby nodded and walked into the bedroom to see Natalie hunched over gripping the bed "please hurry," she said and walked to her "deep breaths Nat deep breaths," she said and rubbed her back.
"Charlie this can't be happening!" Natalie yelled.
"Well it is and we just have to deal with it I'll be five minutes," Charlie said and ran down the stairs and through the house grabbing her keys as she went.
Natalie paced the room breathing deeply while Ruby sat on the bed watching her "it's gonna be okay Nat," she said "it'll be over before you know it."
Natalie looked at her "that one was six minutes," she said and started to pace again.
"Six," Ruby repeated and wrote it down on the sheet of paper she had beside her.
"Come on Heath!" Charlie yelled as his phone went to voicemail again she had tried all four Braxton's with no answer from any of them "Jack!" she shrieked remembering her brother and Noah had gone with them. Dialling his number she prayed and prayed as it rang "Jack!" she sighed in relief when he answered.
"This better be good Charlz," he chucked "we have just gone to our rooms."
"Listen to me where's Heath?" she asked.
"He went to bed about and hour ago…why?"
"Go wake him up and Jack keep him calm the last thing we need is that drunk idiot to jump behind the wheel of a car…Nat's gone into labour," she said as she ran into Brax's house.
"Alright," Jack sighed and walked out his door "Brax just went in but he's probably asleep too."
"Well keep banging until one of them answer or use your badge to get a key…and tell Brax I am going to kill him for not answering, I gotta get back to Nat," Charlie said and jumped back into her car with the bag.
"See ya soon Charlz," Jack said and hung up.
…
Brax groaned as someone banged on his door he had just fallen into the bed and was comfortable "Heath!" he yelled across the room "go see who's at the door," he said and rolled over.
"You," Heath grunted and rolled away from him.
Brax sighed and huffed before kicking back the covers and stomping to the door "this better be life or death," he said as he pulled it open "Jack?" he greeted with a glare.
"We gotta go home," he said and brushed by him and straight to Heath's bed "Heath mate come on you have to get up," he said and shook him.
"Go away," he groaned and slapped his hand away.
"What's going on?" Brax asked still stood by the door.
Jack walked back to him "Charlie has been calling all of you…Nat's gone into labour we have to get him home without causing an accident."
Brax nodded and went for his jeans, pulling out his phone he sighed over ten missed calls from Charlie alone and a few from Ruby too. Walking to Heath's phone he sighed when it was off "oi moron," he said and slapped Heath on the head "your baby is on the way get up," he said and pulled the covers off him.
"Stop messing Brax," he muttered and searched for the covers.
"I'm not messing mate Charlie has been calling us all," Brax said and stood back as Heath jumped out of the bed "calm down," he added when Heath ran around not even knowing what he was looking for.
"Calm down?" he said and looked at Brax "I am gonna miss the birth of my baby!" he yelled "we're not gonna make it back in time!" he yelled and pulled his clothes on.
"Yes we are!" Jack yelled over them "my cousin is a cop here I've already called him he'll be outside in two minutes, leave your stuff the others can bring it home with them tomorrow," he said and walked out of the room "babies take hours anyway!" he called back.
Brax grabbed Heath "we're gonna make it just calm down," he said and grabbed his phone and walked out of the room bumping into Casey "Nat's in labour I gotta get Heath home," he said before Casey could as what was happening.
Casey smiled excitedly "good luck Heath!" he called as Heath ran by him.
"Yeah thanks mate I'll send you a picture!" he called as he ran to catch up with Brax.
Brax got to the front door and stopped beside Jack, dialling Charlie once Heath had caught up he walked away from them "babe," he said quickly when she answered.
"It's Ruby mum's driving like a lunatic we're on our way to the hospital."
"Okay we're on our way alright let Nat know Heath will be there," he said as a police car pulled up beside Jack "I have to go tell mum to keep me updated."
"If she doesn't kill you first," Ruby chuckled "wait mum wants you," she said.
"Babe?" Brax said again.
"Where are you?" she asked quickly.
"Just leaving the hotel now," he said and climbed in the back with Heath "your cousin is driving us."
"Tell Jason to use sirens all the way her waters have broken and Brax I swear to got if he misses this I am going to kill you and everyone else go it?"
"Got it…love ya," he said and hung up.
"Well?" Heath asked nervously.
"Her waters have broken Charlie already has her at the hospital," Brax replied.
"Ah man," he groaned "we're gonna miss it she's gonna kill me."
"Charlie has promised she'll kill us all if you miss this so Jason please put on the sirens and floor it," Brax chuckled.
Jason chuckled "only because I know she really will kill you," he said and turned on the sirens.
Back at the hospital Charlie paced up and down Sid had asked her to wait outside while they did a final examination. She looked up when a cup was placed in front of her face "thanks B," she smiled and took it from her.
"Any news?" Bianca asked and sat down.
"Just waiting on Sid to come out," Charlie replied and sat beside her "what are you doing here?"
Bianca chuckled "Hayls called me she said she was at yours minding Carly and that you'd sent Ruby home with the car."
Charlie nodded "lucky Hayls lives so close I couldn't have kept her calm and drove…and I needed Ruby to be with Carly."
Bianca nodded "Leah and Martha are on the way Hayls said she'd leave as soon as Ruby got back."
"There's no need for any of you to come…you all hate her," she chuckled.
Bianca chuckled too "yeah and we all love you…and we figured if you can forgive her we can too."
Charlie stood up as Sid came out of the room "she's being moved to delivery in a moment, I'm sorry Charlie we can't wait for Heath I want you to go in with her she's very hysterical."
Charlie sighed and looked down at Bianca "can you call Brax and see where they are?" she asked handing her her phone "let them know what Sid," said she said and walked into Natalie's room.
Natalie sat crying on the bed "he's not gonna make it I'm gonna be alone!" she sobbed.
Charlie sat on the side of the bed "you're not gonna be alone I'm going in with you, I promise I'll be here every step of the way," she said and slid her hand into hers.
Natalie sniffed and wiped her face "I can't do this the pain is so bad."
"Yes you can," Charlie said "it'll be over in no time and you'll have little Violet in your arms the pain long forgotten."
Natalie smiled "it's Cassie now I went off Violet," she giggled.
Charlie chuckled and stood up as the door opened "that's what happens when you pick a name months before…you ready for this?" she asked as the bed began to move out of the room.
Natalie grabbed her hand "ready," she smiled back.
Just as they made it to the delivery suite Heath Brax and Jack came running around the corner "Nat!" Heath yelled spotting her.
Charlie smiled and stepped back "told you he'd make it."
Natalie scoffed "how many times did you threaten them?"
"Just once," Charlie giggled "good luck, I'll be right out here," she said and let go of her hand.
Heath ran by her and stopped running back to her he hugged her and lifted her off the ground "thanks Charlie," he said and dropped her before running off to Natalie.
Brax chuckled and caught Charlie as she stumbled "he's excited," he said and wrapped his arm around her .
Charlie giggled and leaned into him "you're so lucky he made it."
Brax chuckled again "wasn't my fault his phone was off."
Charlie pulled away from him "It doesn't matter you went together you get in trouble together," she said and sat back beside Bianca.
...
Over two hours later Heath emerged with a massive smile on his face, Charlie stood up "is she okay? How's Nat?" she asked.
"Nat is fine and my son is doing great," Heath replied.
"Son?" both Charlie and Brax said "I thought it was a girl," Brax added.
"They got it wrong," Heath shrugged "Nat wants to see you Charlie I'll give you guys a few minutes."
"Alright a nephew," Jack chuckled.
"Okay…I'll meet you back out here," Charlie said and walked towards the room.
Charlie got to the room and pushed the door in sticking her head in she smiled at Natalie holding the baby in her arms looking down on him "hey," she said and walked to the bed "oh Nat he's beautiful," she sniffed and ran her finger along his cheek.
Natalie chuckled "gave us all a surprise all I have are pink baby clothes with me," she said and pulled back the blanket.
Charlie giggled "I'll go to the gift shop and get you a few blue outfits…what are you going to call him?"
"Well only one name springs to mind," Natalie replied and looked down on him "Ross Daryl Braxton," she smiled.
Charlie bit her lip at the mention of their dad "it's a lovely name," she said and stroked his cheek again "and Daryl after Brax?" she asked Natalie smiled and nodded "he'll love that," Charlie giggled.
Natalie giggled too "Heath wanted some input…do you want to hold him?"
"Don't you want to hang onto him for a bit?" Charlie asked.
Natalie chuckled "my arm is gone dead," she said and held him out "he wants to meet his auntie Charlie."
Charlie took him and settled back into the seat "hey little man," she cooed as her eyes filled with tears "I'm your auntie," she sniffed he really was so precious.
"Aww Charlie's all emotional it'll be you next," Natalie said.
"How can you not be emotional?" she chuckled "look at him he's so cute and tiny and I think I can hold off for a while."
Natalie chuckled and looked at her watch "wow eight am you should go home and get some sleep."
Charlie stood up and yawned "yeah," she said and handed Ross back "and you should too."
Natalie smiled "as soon as Jack and Brax have seen him I will," she said and placed Ross in the cot.
"Don't mind them Heath can entertain them you get some sleep," Charlie said and kissed her on the cheek. "I'll be back later on, bye Ross," she said and rubbed his head "bye," she smiled and slipped out of the room.
Brax was waiting for her when she came out "where's Heath and Jack…and everyone else?" she asked.
"Girls have gone to the canteen for a coffee, Heath has gone to call Casey and Kyle and although he didn't say it I think Jack went to call Pete," he replied and stood up. "You know my shirt always did look good on you," he said slipping his arms around her "but I don't remember leaving that one there," he smirked.
Charlie giggled and looked down at his black shirt "I didn't have time to get dressed and I may have peaked in one of the boxes and stole it."
Brax chuckled and dipped his head to kiss her " looks better on you anyway, I'm gonna go see my nephew and then we're going home," he said and let go of her "why don't you go get a coffee while you're waiting!" he called before he slipped into the room.
Charlie walked to the canteen and found the girls sitting down beside them she yawned "I really need my bed," she groaned.
"Yeah you and the rest of us," Hayley yawned.
Bianca chuckled "who does he look like?" she asked.
"He looks the ringer of Heath but with Nat's hair," Charlie replied.
"So what happens now?" Martha asked "is this feud behind us…for all of us?" she asked.
Charlie smiled "yeah it's all in the past…all we have to do now is get Jack to move on too."
"Yeah coz that's gonna be easy," Leah scoffed.
Charlie chuckled "I think he'll be okay he's starting to talk to her the last week or two so fingers crossed."
"Here's to the baby that brought us all back together," Bianca said and held her cup out.
"To Ross Daryl Braxton," Charlie said and giggled "he will never know what rift he's healed."
"To Ross," they all chuckled and clinked cups.
Five months later.
Brax yawned and rolled out of the bed, sitting on the side he turned and looked at a sleeping Charlie. Smiling to himself he leaned down and kissed her on the head before standing up and going for a shower.
The day after Natalie had had Ross he went home and packed up everything belonged to him and Carly, he wanted to be out by the time they arrived home. He decided to leave the house to Heath, giving Casey and Kyle the option of staying there with him and Natalie or he'd give them money to rent an apartment…guess which one they picked?
Chuckling to himself he stepped into the shower today was an important day, today he was going to find out if Charlie woul finally agree to marry him all he had to do was meet Hayley and Bianca to find out how their conversation went last night.
As he was done with his shower he walked back to the room to find the bed empty "I love it when you're all wet and naked," Charlie giggled from behind him.
Brax chuckled and turned to find her holding two cups "I love when you wear nothing but my shirt," he said looking her up and down.
Charlie blushed at his intense stare "well someone pulled my pjs off that fast last night I can't find them," she said and walked to the bed. "How long do you think this meeting will be?" she asked.
"Don't know babe could be ten minutes could be an hour…why?" he asked as he pulled clothes on.
"Because I'm still dying to know where you're taking me tonight," she replied with a sweet smile "and I was thinking of treating you to lunch so you'd spill."
Brax chuckled and kissed her "oh would you look at that I gotta go," he said and kissed her again "love ya babe," he said and walked to the door.
"Brax," she whined.
Brax chuckled and turned back to her "you'll just have to wait and see…bye," he said and slipped out the door.
Charlie huffed and followed him "you know I might go spend the day with Nat and Ross….might sleep there too."
Brax chuckled "you know as well as I do you'll be here when I get home, you're dying to know and you won't pass it up," he said and walked out the door.
Charlie giggled and dropped onto the sofa her tricks didn't work on him anymore "hey sweetie," she smiled when Carly dropped down beside her.
"Are we still going the beach later?" she asked.
"Yes," Charlie nodded "after school I'll pick you up with Nat and baby Ross."
"Okay," she nodded and stood up again "I have to go find my uniform," she said and ran up the stairs.
Charlie stood up and walked to the kitchen to start breakfast wondering where Brax was taking her the only clue had given her was it wasn't around here.
…..
Brax walked in to Angelo's and up to the bar "Bianca and Hayley been here yet?" he asked Liam.
"Nah mate but Bianca did call and said if you arrived before them you could pick them up at ours…seems they needed to dress up for this," he chuckled.
Brax chuckled "well I am a little early…I'll be in the office," he said and walked off.
Ten minutes later both girls walked into the office "do we have to go all the way to the mall for this?" Bianca asked and dropped onto the small sofa.
"Yeah can't we just do it here?" Hayley added and sat beside her.
Brax dropped his pen and stood up "alright, I guess we could stay here," he said and walked around the desk "so?" he asked and sat on it.
"Well," Bianca said and sat forward "she did say she loved you and Carly living there."
Brax rolled his eyes "did you ask her about getting married?"
Hayley nodded "she said one day so we're not really sure."
"Did you not push it like I asked you to?" Brax asked slightly panicked, he didn't want to make a fool out of himself and make things awkward between them.
"No," Bianca nodded "you know Charlie, once she answers something that's it you don't get more no matter what you ask."
Brax sighed and stood up "so you have no idea if I'm going to be wasting my time and making an idiot out of myself?"
"Uh no," Hayley said slowly "we did what you asked and didn't get the right answer don't know what to tell ya," she shrugged.
Brax shook his head and sighed "I may as well call it off," he huffed and dropped onto the desk "I knew this was a bad idea."
Bianca and Hayley looked at each other and burst out laughing "you are too easy to wind up," Bianca said through her laughter.
Hayley giggled and stood up "we're kidding Brax,"
Brax blew out a breath "funny," he said sarcastically "so what have you to really tell me?"
"Well," Hayley smiled and sat beside him "she's ready," she smiled and clapped him on the shoulder.
"She told us she'd love nothing more than to marry you," Bianca said and stood up "her words were 'yeah I will marry him you know if he ever asks me' so she's waiting on you Brax," she smiled.
Brax smiled widely and stood up feeling a lot better with himself "thanks girls," he said and hugged them both "now if you'll excuse me I have two brothers to go and see…lunch is on me!" he called back.
Brax knocked at Jack's door knowing he and Peter were here…he'd bumped into Martha who was on her way to meet Bianca and Hayley. He looked up when the door opened "alright mate," he said.
"What's up?" Jack asked and walked back into the house.
Brax walked in and closed the door "is Pete still here?" he asked "I kinda wanted to talk to the both of you."
"Yeah he's out back come on…this sounds serious," Jack said and led him out the back "Pete!" he called to the shed "Brax's is here!"
"So?" Peter called back.
Both Jack and Brax chuckled "he wants to talk to us both!" Jack called.
Peter walked out of the shed wiping his hands "what can we do for ya Brax?" he asked as he walked to him.
Brax placed an open box down on the table "I'm here to ask if you two had a problem with me marrying your sister…and to ask your permission."
Jack and Peter stared at it for a moment before looking at one another, after another moment Jack spoke "nah she deserves to be happy, I got no problem you have my permission mate," he said and slapped him on the back.
"Pete?" Brax asked when he didn't say anything.
Peter blew out a breath "let's take a walk mate," he said and walked off.
Brax looked at Jack "the big brother talk…have fun," he chuckled and walked on "don't worry Brax he'll agree after he threatens the life out of you!" he called back.
…..
Peter had driven Brax to Stewarts point climbing out of the car he walked to the hood and sat on it "you know dad prepared me for this talk," he said as soon as Brax joined him "he told me exactly what to say, to find out what they wanted from her."
"All I want is her I don't want anything else," Brax said.
Peter glanced at him then right ahead "I know I can see it…where does Ruby fit into all this? I mean you didn't sign up for her."
"I didn't sign up for anything, I love Charlie I want to be with her I want to marry her and yeah I love Ruby too she's a great kid. I'll spend my life making sure she has everything she needs and I'll protect her with everything I have, I'll take anything that comes our way," Brax replied.
Peter nodded "right that's the dad part out of the way, now time for the brother," he said and looked at him "the fact that I'm a cop here aside. If you hurt her in any way shape or form, make her cry, stand her up, take your bad moods out on her, let her down, I will find you and bury you where even the animals can't find you, we clear?" he asked.
Brax stared back at him he didn't know whether to be scared or happy all he could do was nod.
"Good," Peter said and clapped in on the back "I won't be repeating myself…let's get home," he said and walked back to the drive door "and yes Brax you have my permission to marry my sister," he said before he climbed in.
Brax sat there for another few seconds before he followed him and climbed in "you have nothing to worry about mate I would move heaven and earth for her."
Peter started up the car "thanks for thinking to ask us Brax means a lot now dads not here anymore," he said and pulled away.
Later that evening Charlie and Carly had just arrived back from the beach and dropped onto the sofa "you hungry?" Charlie asked.
"No Charlie," Carly giggled "we just came from the diner silly," she giggled and ran up the stairs.
Charlie pulled herself up off the sofa "alright then," she said to herself and followed she had been thinking about Brax all day "Carly! I'm going for a shower so can you stay in your room please!" she called in.
"I'm watching Pepa!" she called back.
"Alright, Ruby is in her room!" Charlie called and closed over her bedroom door and turned around- jumping when Brax lay on the bed "geez Brax you scared me," she said and walked to the bed "when did you get home?" she asked and lay beside him.
"About an hour ago," he yawned "fell asleep you woke me up when you came up," he said and sat up.
"Sorry," she smiled "so," she drawled "where we going?"
Brax chuckled and lowered his head "still not telling you," he said and kissed her.
Charlie pulled back "you're really not going to tell me?"
"Nope," he chuckled "you'll see when we get there."
"Fine," she said and crossed her arms "I don't wanna go out now."
Brax chuckled again "alright," he said and lay back "I won't bother getting dressed then."
Charlie huffed and rolled off the bed "fine," she said and walked out of the room, she knew it wouldn't work that she'd be back up the stairs in five minutes dragging him off the bed to get dressed. Reaching the sofa she threw herself down and kicked herself for being so childish.
Upstairs Brax pulled the ring out of his pocket by now Charlie had been gone for fifteen minutes "screw it," he said and rolled off the bed she was gonna see how much he put into this night then decide herself if she wanted to go or not. Throwing on trousers and a nice shirt he walked down the stairs and stopped in front of her looking down on her he couldn't help the little anger that rose in him over her childish behaviour. "I was taking you to Gino's to ask you to marry me," he said and slammed the ring down "if you want it to happen and stop going on like a child I'll be in the car," he said and walked out the door he had just ruined his own night.
Charlie stared at the ring on the table and sighed "well done Charlie," she said and picked up the box. She was surprised at how calm she was about getting engaged, running upstairs she threw on the first dress she pulled out did her make up quickly fixed her hair down grabbed shoes and ran down the stairs "Rubes we're heading now Carly is in her room!" Getting back to the sofa she sat down to put on her shoes she picked up the box and hurried out after him.
Climbing in beside him she put her shoes on and sat back, holding out the box she waited for him to take it.
Without a word he took it from her and started up the car.
…
Along the drive Charlie kept shooting him looks "just get it out," he said without looking at her.
Charlie looked down at her hands "I'm sorry…I thought you'd give in, I had no idea you'd planned this much."
"Yeah well it's all gone to hell now," he sighed and turned a corner.
Charlie sighed she felt so bad now "what can I do to make it up to you?"
Brax pulled in to the side of the road and turned to face her "are you here because you want to be or because I made you feel bad?"
Charlie turned in her seat and scooted closer to him putting both her hands on his cheeks she smiled "I'm here because I want you…no matter where you ask me or what way you ask me…if you still wanna ask me, the answer is still gonna be yes."
Brax nodded as best he could thinking about his plan he blew out a breath "marry me?" he asked, sure the plan was ruined now so what did it matter what way he asked her?
"Yes," she whispered and kissed him deeply.
Brax pulled off his belt and moved closer to her as the kiss heated up, reaching around her he clipped her belt out and pulled her onto him.
As the kiss heated up more he pulled her to the backseat and hovered over her "wanna risk it here?" he chuckled.
Charlie smiled up at him "may as well celebrate," she giggled and pulled him down to her.
…..
Afterwards the lay in the backseat in silence Brax pulled her closer and kissed her neck "do you want to make a move?" he asked.
"Yeah," she sighed happily "but not to Gino's," she said and sat up
"Why not? The table is booked," Brax said as he fixed his trousers.
Charlie turned back to him "I think this unplanned version is better- not that what you had planned wouldn't have been amazing," she smiled "but if you want to go we'll go."
Brax looked at her for a moment she was right this was better than he planned "so where do we go then?"
Charlie smiled and climbed into the driver seat "you'll see," she said and pulled her belt over her.
Brax climbed in beside her "and what makes you think you're driving my car?" he asked.
Charlie giggled "we're engaged what's yours is now officially mine."
Brax chuckled "pretty sure that doesn't happen until we're married but I'll let it slide this once…and be careful," he said as she pulled away.
"Speaking of sliding," she said and held out her left hand "pretty sure you forgot something."
Brax chuckled and looked behind them for his coat finding it he pulled it to him and reached into the pocket. Pulling out the box he opened it and pulled out the ring, sliding it up her finger he looked at it for a moment before he let go "two hands on the wheel," he said and smiled at her.
Charlie turned a corner and pulled in at a group of take-aways and other businesses, looking at the ring she smiled wider "so it's final," she said and looked up at him "there's no going back now."
Brax leaned over to her "I don't wanna go back," he said and kissed her.
Charlie pulled back "come on then," she said and opened the door.
Brax followed her "do you even know where we are?" he chuckled as she walked towards the pizza shop.
Charlie shrugged and looked at a road sign "we're in Yabbie creek somewhere I know this street…everywhere looks different in the dark," she said and walked inside.
A while later the lay in the bed of Brax's car eating pizza and looking up at the stars. Charlie scooted closer to him "how about this day next year we get married?"
Brax wrapped his arm around her "a year to prepare," he said and pretended he was thinking "yeah I could go for that."
Charlie giggled "don't you think it would be romantic?"
"Yeah," he nodded and took a sip of his soda "it would be …so we're getting married in a year," he said and kissed her.
Charlie leaned into him "what do you think Ruby and Carly will say?"
"I think they'll be happy for us," Brax said.
Charlie snuggled into him and sighed happily "when I got up this morning I had no idea my day would end like this."
Brax nudged her off him "how about we end it with a walk down to that lake?" he asked and pulled her to her feet.
…..
Arriving at home they both climbed out Brax pulled Charlie to him and kissed her before releasing her and opening the door.
"What are you still doing up?" Charlie asked as Ruby stood from the sofa to meet them.
"So?" she asked and glanced at Charlie's hand "are we getting married?" she asked bouncing on the spot.
Charlie looked back at Brax "she knew?" she asked.
Brax chuckled "I had to ask her first."
"Come on mum what did you say?" Ruby asked her bouncing getting higher.
Charlie smiled at how happy she already seemed "we're getting married," she said and took a step back as Ruby started squealing.
"Yes!" she yelled and ran at them "I'm so happy!" she yelled and hugged her tight "congrats mum," she said and jumped back, moving onto Brax she sniffed and held him tight.
Brax chuckled and held her tight "even mum didn't cry you big girl," he said.
Charlie slapped him on the head and walked to the sofa "I think we've had enough excitement for one day," she said and dropped onto the sofa.
"Did she say yes daddy!" Carly yelled running down the stairs.
"Clearly not," Charlie said and watched her run to Brax.
"Yes baby she did," he smiled and picked her up.
"Yay," Carly clapped "we're gonna be a real family," she said and wriggled out of his arms and ran to Charlie.
Charlie smiled and picked her up "yes sweetie we are," she said and settled into Brax as he slid in beside her.
"Come on Rubes," Brax said and patted the seat beside him.
Ruby ran across the room and jumped beside him "so when's the wedding?" she giggled as Brax snapped his head to her.
"We got engaged two hours ago chill kiddo," he chuckled.
"Can I throw flowers?" Carly asked.
"Of course you can sweetie I wouldn't ask anyone else," Charlie said and pulled her closer.
"I'm going to make coffee since I know we're not getting to bed any time soon," Brax said and stood up "you two want one?" he asked.
"Yes," they both replied.
"Daddy can I has hot chocolate?" Carly called after him.
"Sure baby!" he called back.
Ruby sat and watched Charlie smiling, she stood up her mum was finally happy. Walking to the kitchen she walked to Brax.
"What's up?" he asked when he noticed she was there.
"Thank you for making my mum truly happy," she said "I can tell by looking at her she's happy."
Brax smiled and pulled her into him "I'm gonna look after her Rubes- you too," he said and dropped a kiss on her forehead "I'm always gonna be here."
"Good to know dad," she giggled and pulled back "just keep her happy," she said and walked back to the living room.
"Always," Brax replied and watched her go his life finally had meaning, letting out a happy sigh he grabbed the cups and made his way out to his family.
A/N so one more chapter to go, apologies for the time jumps I just want to get this finished, hope you enjoyed this one and as usual reviews are welcome I quite like reading them hopefully last chapter will be up Saturday/Sunday and I have a few surprises in store. J