So here's the last chapter (sniff sniff) I have loved writing this…anyway I'll save my speech till the end and as usual this chapter is double long with a happy ending of course J
364 days later. (a day before the wedding)
Brax was woken to noises in the bathroom, sitting up he looked beside him to find Charlie's side empty, hearing another noise he got out of the bed and walked to the door "babe?" he called and turned the handle frowning when it was locked.
Before he could say anything else the door opened and a tired looking Charlie walked out.
"Why was the door locked?" Brax asked.
"It wasn't," Charlie replied and walked to the bed.
"Yes it was I tried it," Brax said and walked over to her.
"Was it?" she asked and put her shoes on.
Brax sat down beside her "yes it was…were you sick again?" he asked.
"No," she said quickly and stood up "I was getting ready I have to go now or I'll be late," she said and grabbed her bag.
Brax sighed last week she'd been throwing up most mornings and was tired the rest of the time "are you sure you're alright to work you might be coming down with a bug."
She waved him off "I'm fine…maybe it's just nerves," she smiled "I gotta go," she said and kissed him "love ya!" she called on her way out the door.
Brax sighed he knew there was more to it than nerves "come home if you feel any worse!" he called after her.
Charlie stopped in the doorway as he called after her she hated lying to him but she didn't want to know herself "I will!" she called back and hurried out to her car.
Arriving at Angelo's she let herself in and made her way to her office, closing the door behind her she sat on the desk and dropped her bag beside her. Looking over at it she sighed and pulled it to her rummaging around in it she pulled out a pregnancy test, looking down on it she bit her lip what if she was? What would Brax say? Tapping against her hand she blew out a breath there was no point putting it off if she wasn't no big deal it would be forgotten about if she was she'd deal with it.
Hearing the door open she shoved it back in her bag and looked up as someone entered "hey," she smiled when Liam appeared.
"Hey, Nat came in with me I was just checking to see if you were here before I sent her in," he replied.
"Well as you can see I am here," she chuckled "send her in," she said and walked around the desk.
Liam noticed she was off somewhere else and her smile wasn't it's usual warm greeting "are you okay? You look a bit worried or something."
"Me? Yeah I'm fine just thinking about all the stuff I have to get done today," she replied.
Liam wasn't convinced but nodded anyway "is there anything you need me to do here?" he asked.
"Yeah actually there is, could you finish the memo about the re-training next week and make sure they all get a copy -oh and could you talk to Emily about being late, she was late three times last week and not just by five minutes I'm sick talking to her," Charlie sighed.
Liam nodded "so a written warning then?"
"Yeah," Charlie nodded "maybe she'll listen to that…send Nat in before I forget she's there."
"Righto," Liam said and walked back out to the bar.
A few seconds later Natalie popped her head in the door "don't forget we have the last dress fitting before we take the dresses home today," she said and dropped into a seat "we have to be there at two the latest."
"I know," Charlie said and looked up "where's Ross?" she asked.
"Jack and Martha took him to the beach," Natalie replied "so Jack is going to hang onto him while they go collect their suits."
Charlie nodded and smiled "he's gonna look so cute in a little tux and bowtie," she giggled.
Natalie chuckled "I ran into Ruby and Carly on the way here, Ruby said she had to bring her to get a shake if she stopped talking about the wedding."
Charlie giggled and stood up "I know it's all we've been hearing since last week," she said and grabbed her bag "I'm done here I just have to do a few bits at the station then I'll meet you in the diner at half one."
"Okay," Natalie said and followed her "are you alright you look a bit tired."
"Yeah I'm fine," Charlie replied "just got a lot to do and a lot on my mind."
"Well you are getting married tomorrow…don't worry Charlz everything is sorted all we have to do is get the dresses today and the flowers will be dropped over in the morning," Natalie said.
"Yeah and I have to sort out stuff at the station I won't be there for a while, then I have to collect Maddy so she can stay at ours tonight. I have to go to the hotel and pay the rest of the money off and the cake too and I have to bring Ruby to the mall so she can change her shoes the strap broke. I still have a million other things to do at home as well," Charlie groaned.
"Just relax Charlz I can get Maddy then take Ruby to the mall Leah is collecting the cake anyway so she can pay it too, get Brax to go to the hotel and you just do what you have to," Natalie said.
Charlie nodded "does make sense but I don't know what Brax is doing today."
"I'm sure he won't mind," Natalie said "sit down and have a coffee before you have a melt down."
….
Brax sat at home waiting on Heath and the others so they could go have one last fitting before they could take the suits home, looking down at his phone as it rang and smiled "hey babe," he answered.
"Hey," she breathed "are you busy today?" she asked.
"I'm just waiting on Heath and the boys so we can go get our suits why?" he asked.
Charlie sighed heavily "nothing never mind I'll take care of it myself."
"Take care of what?" he asked he knew she was getting stressed.
"I'm on my way to my dress fitting-late," she added "because the stupid girl that was supposed to try the style in my stupid hair was late I don't have time to go to the hotel and pay it off, Leah has already left to get the cake I couldn't give her the money to pay for it," she sniffed. "Ruby keeps ringing me to see where I am, I still have to get my nails done get back to the station then go home and make up all the beds for every-"
"Babe, babe, babe," Brax said cutting her off as she cried down the phone "just go get your dress and leave the rest to me okay, just take a deep breath," he said softly.
"I'm sorry," she sniffed "everything is getting on top of me nothing is going right today."
"Don't worry about a thing babe, that is all about to change," he said "you just go get your dress and come home I'll have everything sorted by then okay?"
Charlie sighed "I never thought I'd get this emotional," she giggled.
Brax chuckled "you're entitled to a few breakdowns here and there weddings are hard work."
"Yeah just as well it'll only be the once," she said and pulled into a spot.
Brax chuckled again "defo only once," he said and looked up as the door opened "I gotta go babe they're here, I love ya stay calm and I'll see you when you get home."
"Yeah I'm just here now Hayley and Ruby are already done, anyway go on love ya too and thanks for calming me down," she giggled.
"Any time," Brax chuckled "bye," he said and hung up "change of plan," he said to the boys in his kitchen.
"What is it now?" Heath sighed.
"I have to make a call first," Brax said and walked to Charlie's planner for Leah's number "hey Leah it's Brax, are you on your way to get the cake?"
"Yeah," she replied "just pulling in now why?" she asked.
"Have you got your card on you?" Brax asked.
"Uh…yeah I do," Leah replied after a moment.
"Right can you pay for the cake and I'll drop the money over when your back? Charlie's having a little melt down that she missed you," he said.
"Yeah sure that's no problem," Leah replied.
"Thanks Leah you're a star, I gotta go there's a few things I need to sort out."
"Okay Brax ring me if you need anything else doing," Leah said.
"Will do thanks bye," he said and hung up. He turned to Casey and Kyle "you two strip all the beds and put fresh sheets on them and get the rooms ready for all the girls.
They both nodded knowing not to argue with Brax.
"What's going on Peter?" asked.
"Charlie is having little melt down because she has too much to do and not enough time so I'm helping her out, she's already coming down with something she doesn't need the extra stress. Do you or Jack know what she has to do at the station?" Brax asked.
"I do," Jack said "she has it all in a separate folder."
"And does she need to sign off on any of it?" Brax asked.
"Yeah all of it," Jack replied "but I can do it all for her and she can just sign her name later."
"That'll be great," Brax said.
"What's the next problem?" Heath asked.
"Ruby needs to go to the mall for shoes or something," Brax said.
"Nat is taking her and Maddy so that's done," Heath replied.
"Nah tell her to stay with Charlie before she freaks all together, I'll get her and Maddy I'll take Carly too so she's not in the way," Peter said.
"Anything else?" Kyle asked.
"You just clean here and get the beds ready, I have to go up to the hotel and pay off the rest of the money," Brax said.
"What about the rings?" Casey asked.
Brax turned to Heath "you were supposed to collect them yesterday," he said through gritted teeth.
Heath's eyes widened "uh I'll just go do that now," he said and hurried out the door with Ross.
Peter chuckled "relax mate it'll all be sorted by the end of the day."
"Right when everyone is done just go try on your own suits then take them to Heath's house," Brax said and grabbed his keys "and thanks!" he called on his way out.
…..
Instead of going home like Brax had told her to Charlie dropped her dresses off at Hayley's and arrived back at Angelo's and now sat on her desk looking a the two pink lines looking back at her from the test "damn it," she sighed and jumped as the door opened. She froze as Heath walked in she didn't have enough time to hide it so she clutched it in her hand hoping he wouldn't notice.
"Hey is Nat still he…why do you look so weird?" he asked then looked down at her hand "no way," he chuckled and walked to her "what does it say?" he asked excitedly.
Charlie sighed heavily and walked to the door closing it she turned back to him and leaned against it "you can't tell Brax," she said.
"So you're pregnant?" Heath asked looking down at her hand again.
"Yeah," she sighed and walked back to her desk "you can't tell anyone else not even Nat," she said as she put it back in her bag.
"My lips are sealed," Heath replied "I didn't know you guys were even trying," he said and sat beside her.
"We weren't," Charlie said "it just happened."
"Does anyone know?" he asked.
"Just me and you for now and that's the way it's gonna stay till after my wedding," she said and grabbed her bag "Nat went to the diner with Hayls she should be still there," she said and ushered him out the door.
"So when are you gonna break it to him?" he asked as they walked to their cars.
Charlie shrugged "after everything is done tomorrow you think you can keep your mouth shut that long?"
Heath chuckled "of course I can Brax is gonna be so stoked, let me be the first to congratulate you," he said and kissed her on the cheek "maybe it'll be another boy to join Ross," he said and walked to his car "coz if it's another girl Brax is screwed," he said and climbed in.
Charlie watched him go and shook her head how did he know what Brax was going to say or do? pulling her bag closer to her she let out a heavy sigh and climbed into her own car ready to spend the last few hours with him before he got kicked out.
Arriving home Charlie let herself in and dropped onto the sofa with a welcoming groan as her body relaxed. The house was quiet so she was sure no one was home but called out anyway "Brax?" she called and waited a moment "Rubes? Carly?"
Satisfied no-one was here she grabbed the test from her bag and ran up to her room opening her wardrobe she pulled out some silver wrapping paper she had left from Ross's birthday present. Going to the bed she dropped onto it and opened the sheet out, placing the test in the middle she folded it over and sighed did she really want to do it this way?
Hearing the front door open and Brax talking she jumped off the bed and threw it in the bedside locker, diving back on to the bed as she heard his footsteps she lay back and pulled her feet up making it look like she was just relaxing.
Brax walked into their room and smiled upon seeing her "hey babe," he said and lay beside her "feel any better?" he asked pulling her to him.
"Yeah," she replied and settled on his chest "I think it was just all the worrying I'm fine now," she said and tilted her head "thank you for today," she said.
Brax dipped his head and kissed her quickly "don't mention it," he said and wrapped his arm further around her "you don't need to be getting so worked up…everything is done now all you gotta do is show up," he chuckled.
Charlie giggled and ran her hand up and down his chest "I'll be counting the hours as soon as I wake up."
"Are you gonna change your name?" he asked after a few minutes.
Charlie nodded "yeah makes sense with the new name for the restaurant coming tomorrow," she said and looked up at him "I will be staying as Sergeant Holden though the paperwork is too messy and takes ages."
Brax frowned "new name? Am I missing something here?" he asked looking down on her.
Charlie giggled and reached for her phone, pulling up a picture she held it out to him "say hello to our brand new name and logo."
Brax took the phone from her and looked at it "Braxton's?" he asked looking at the sign lit up in blue and purple.
"Yep," she nodded "that's what we are now."
"Only took over a year to decided," he chuckled.
"Do you like it?" Charlie asked.
Brax nodded as he read the logo underneath "family owned family run, yeah I like it," he smiled "why didn't you tell me you were getting this done?"
"I left it to Liam since we had enough going on… he only text me on the way home," she replied.
Brax nodded and pulled her back to him "one less thing to worry about."
They settled into silence just enjoying being alone until the test came back into Charlie's head "Brax?" she said slowly "what do you think of having kids?" she asked nervously.
Brax chuckled "little late for that conversation don't ya think since I have two already."
Charlie smiled at him calling Ruby his "I mean would you like more…with me?"
"Yeah," he replied instantly "I'd love a kid or two with you," he said and lifted his head "what about you?"
She smiled and leaned up to kiss him "same," she replied and lay back down, now she was busting with excitement but couldn't tell him yet she had it all planned out in her head they were gonna remember tomorrow as more than just their wedding day.
…..
A while later they lay cuddled on the bed after a shower and food they knew the time was almost here for Brax to leave for the night so until Hayley or Bianca showed up to kick him out they we're staying right there.
"What have you boys got planned for tonight?" Charlie asked.
"Nothing much just a few drinks at Ang-Braxton's then a pizza for the walk home, what are you lot up to?"
"The usual girls stuff movies ice-cream talking about you idiots," she giggled.
"Well make sure it's all good babe, Carly likes to give me feed back on what she's done," Brax chuckled.
Charlie giggled and rolled on top of him "that talk will be saved for when the four younger ones are in bed," she said and kissed him slowly.
Brax groaned and ran his hands up her sides "babe we won't have enough time I should have been gone five minutes ago, they'll walk in any minute I know-" Brax stopped as he heard the door open and the girls chatting "see," he groaned and rolled her off him before one or all of them walked in.
Charlie groaned "can't we pretend we're not here?" she whined.
Brax chuckled and rolled her under him "no babe we can't, you're expecting them so it wouldn't really work out," he said and kissed her sweetly.
Charlie pulled back with a sigh "I'm gonna miss you tonight," she said seriously.
Brax smiled down on her "I'm gonna miss you too babe," he replied "but you'll have enough on your mind to worry about missing me, you're gonna have Carly tucked right into you on one side and Ruby on the other side half on you…and probably Nat," he chuckled and kissed her again "it's just one night," he said with a smile "we can do it," he chuckled and rolled off her.
"I know we can," she grumbled and rolled off the bed "what idiot came up with the idea of the bride and groom spending the night before apart," she huffed.
Brax chuckled and walked to her and turned him to face her "this time tomorrow it'll be all over and I'll finally have you to myself for two whole weeks," he said and dropped a kiss on her forehead.
"No," Charlie giggled "this time tomorrow everyone will be wasted on the dance floor."
Brax chuckled and stepped away from her "yeah they'll be wasted- we'll be in our room…bye babe," he smiled and opened the door "I love you so much," he added.
Charlie smiled widely "I love you too-more than words can say."
They stood smiling at each other with goofy grins in place-until Hayley appeared in the doorway "I though you were asl…Brax what are you still doing here?" she shrieked "you should've left ages ago…go!"
Brax held up his hands "leaving now take a chill pill," he chuckled and looked back at Charlie "tomorrow," he smiled.
"Tomorrow," Charlie repeated and smiled back.
Hayley rolled her eyes when he didn't move "yes tomorrow we all know when and where so bye," she said nodding down the stairs.
Brax chuckled and took a final look at Charlie before descending down the stairs "have fun girls!" he called and slipped out the back door.
Charlie narrowed her eyes at Hayley "couldn't give me five minutes to say goodbye?"
Hayley scoffed "please, you'll see him tomorrow and I know he'll call or show up in the all hours," she said and grabbed her hand "it's time for fun," she said and dragged her out of the room.
….
Brax arrived at Heath's to drop off his stuff and was surprised to find all the boys there he expected them to already be down at Angelo's…Braxton's taking advantage of the bar tab he'd set up for them "bout' time man," Jack said and held out a beer "what took you so long?" he asked as he took it.
"Yeah we were about to send out a search party," Heath said from his spot beside Casey.
Brax frowned and looked around " got held up…uh Heath, where's Ross?" he asked a slight panic in his voice.
"I went to the diner to collect the cake Nat had ordered and Irene insisted on taking him for the night, so it saves me a trip back to Nat later," he replied and stood up "we're all kid free let's party."
Peter chuckled "three of us have kids mate not the best line," he chuckled again.
"Shut up," Heath chuckled "I am kid free that's all that counts," he chuckled again "a few beers here then dinner at Angelo's followed by strip joint to end the night," he said and walked into the kitchen.
"No!" Brax yelled "no strip joint and it's called Braxton's now!" he called after him.
Heath walked back into the room "I'm sorry what now?" he asked cuffing his ear "Braxton's you say?" he smirked.
Brax chuckled he was sure all Heath had heard was no strip joint "yes," he nodded "Charlie finally settled on a name."
"And a mighty fine one too," Heath chuckled "alright a beer here then to Braxton's" he said looking at Brax tilting his head slightly "but you gotta foot the bills since you ruined my plan and we're not going anywhere after dinner," he said and walked into the kitchen.
"I always foot the bill," Brax muttered and dropped into the chair by the door "what's up with you?" he asked kicking the sofa as Kyle sat in a daze playing with his beer bottle not the slightest bit interested in what was happening around him.
"Nothing I'm just tired," he sighed "I called Nan when I got home, she started talking about the wedding and got emotional and stared to cry so I had to drive over and stay with her…she pulled out her wedding album and mums," he groaned "I was up half the night and I had Uni this morning and a shift after."
"So go home and go to bed get some sleep," Brax said like it was the most obvious thing to do.
Kyle shook his head and yawned "nah I'm staying," he said and stood up "I'll be fine this is your night," he added and walked over to where Peter and Liam were sitting at the table.
Thinking about his Nan he smiled all she'd said to him when he'd told her about Charlie saying yes was about time…did she cry? Chuckling to himself he stood up "go on without me there's something I forgot to do!" he called.
"What!" Heath yelled and ran out of the kitchen wide eyed "you can't go you just got here."
"Yes Heath I know that, I'll be back soon," he said and walked to the door "three's their limit," he said pointing to Casey and Kyle as he slipped out the door chuckling as they both huffed something.
…
After a movie and some goodies Charlie scooted a half sleeping Carly off to bed and told Ruby Maddy and April they could have one more Alco pop before they too had to go to bed. She'd given in after Ruby dramatically reminded her that they 'weren't kids anymore' so she'd drove to the surf club before she had her one glass of wine and gotten them each two bottles of that blue wkd.
"What now?" Bianca asked "does anyone want to watch another movie…preferably with Jonny Depp in it?" she giggled.
Leah squealed "Edward scissor hands!"
"Uh no," Natalie said "has to be Pirates of the Caribbean he soooo hot in that."
Hayley shook her head "Public enemy he's all hot and bad in that."
"What about the tourist?" Georgie asked "Pete and I watched that a few weeks ago it's pretty good."
"Right, Charlie get's the final vote," Martha said looking over at her with her you better agree with me eyes "Charlie?" she asked.
"None of the above," she said and stood up "how about Alice in wonderland, he's so funny in that."
"Mum," Ruby groaned "we watched that two days ago- all four of us, and you're the only one that likes it."
"I like it," April said.
"Shush!" Maddy hissed "last time I was here she made me and dad watch it too."
Charlie giggled "alright then point taken…but he is funny in that," she said and walked to the shelves of dvds "I'm gonna go with…runaway bride," she said.
"Seriously?" Natalie asked with raised eyebrows "you want to watch a film like that the night before your wedding?"
"Yeah you might get ideas," Hayley snorted.
Charlie pulled the dvd out of it's case "I won't be running," she said and placed it in the player "I already got what I need," she added and sat back on the sofa.
All the girls remained silent and looked at her with knowing smiles.
Charlie looked up "what?" she asked looking at them.
"Nothing," Ruby giggled "it's just nice to see you happy again-like really happy," she said and looked at Natalie "all of us back to normal," she said and smiled at her quickly.
"Yeah," Natalie smiled back "it is nice," she said and looked at Charlie "best year of my life," she added.
"To new beginnings," Charlie said and slid her hand to her stomach.
"Whatever did happen to Angelo?" Bianca asked ignoring the shocked looks and scowls from the others.
Charlie sighed and stood up not looking at Natalie as she passed "he's in a psych ward…apparently after Pete arrested him he tried to kill himself so they shipped him off to a mental facility and he's still there," she said and walked into the kitchen.
"Nice going dumbass," Hayley muttered.
"Why would you even bring that up?" Ruby hissed.
"I thought she'd be okay to answer by now," Bianca sighed and stood up "I'll go talk to her," she said and followed Charlie.
….
Brax arrived at Delores's and let himself in quietly "Nan?" he called in a low tone.
"Daryl? she called back with surprise in her voice "aren't you supposed to be out enjoying your last night of freedom with your brothers and friends?" she asked appearing from the living room.
Brax nodded and walked to her "I am but I thought I'd check in on you first…Kyle said you got a little upset earlier, everything okay?" he asked.
Delores waved him off " don't mind and old cook like me, I was thinking back to the time me and your granddad got married- and your mum and dad, I was sad they can't be here," she said and sat down "go have some fun, I'm fine."
Brax leaned against the door frame and noticed her albums were still out…and a few tissues beside them. He pushed himself off the doorframe and walked to sit beside her "granddad and mum will be watching," he said leaving out his father, that was something even Charlie didn't know about "they won't believe I was getting married," he chuckled "they wouldn't miss this," he added.
Delores chuckled and stood up "I have something for you, I was going to give it to you in the morning but since you're here I may as well do it now," she said and hurried out of the room.
Brax listened as she hurried up the stairs and into her room, he chuckled as he heard the chair screech across the floor he knew she only used that when she wanted something from her wardrobe-that she was so secretive about. She'd never let him or his brothers help if she needed something down from there but they'd learned to respect her wishes without a second thought. "What have you got for me?" he asked as she walked back into the room with a small box.
Delores sat back beside him and turned her body towards his "after your granddad was buried," she said and ran her hand over the box "his best friend from his platoon came to see me."
"Okay," Brax said slowly waiting for her to continue.
"He came to see how I was doing," she said and smiled like she was remembering something "he said that the whole platoon was up for commendations."
"Okay," Brax said again and waited.
"He your granddad and two other men stopped a woman and man about to take their own lives to cause a bomb in a busy shopping mall that had just open there was so many people there-so many children …anyway, since your granddad had passed in the line of duty they were to attach his medal to his wall of remembrance." Delores sighed and ran her hand over the box again "but his friend suggested I have it that granddad would want me to have it so they agreed and left him to take it to me."
"And this is it?" Brax asked looking down at the box.
Delores nodded and smiled "all of his medals," she said and opened it "but this last medal was special to me," she said and lifted out the medal in question. "I know he saved a lot of innocent people that day and I couldn't be prouder…I want you to wear it tomorrow," she said and placed it in his hands.
"No Nan I can't!" Brax said wide eyed "I can't take this," he said trying to hand it back "it's precious it's yours to keep safe and one of the few reminders of granddad," he rambled.
Delores smiled and closed his hand over it "it's yours now son," she said and patted his hand I don't' need another medal, I have my memories, I know he'll be there with us tomorrow."
Brax opened his hand and looked down at the medal in his hand and smiled, his granddad has passed when he was nearly three so he didn't remember much about him or what he looked like. He did remember one thing that had always stuck with him 'remember Daryl' he had said 'when you meet the right woman' he'd said looking at Delores hanging the washing 'make sure you grab her and hold on tight, the woman that puts up with your crap is the woman worth ending that crap for' Brax chuckled and scooted closer to Delores Charlie had sure put up with a lot from him but she still loved him all the same "let's have a look at these albums," he smiled and leaned over her to get one.
….
Charlie was woken by a high pitched screech, sitting up she looked at the clock and groaned it was two am. After runaway bride mixed with drinks-none for Charlie, they had all been fit for bed and slipped off one by one Charlie and Natalie being the last. Rolling out of the bed she glanced at a still sleeping Natalie she huffed and opened the door "that's what happens when you let teenagers drink," she muttered and took the stairs.
As she got to the bottom she stopped and frowned at the hushed voice-male voice…followed by Hayley and Bianca. She frowned again when she heard her brother.
"We looked everywhere for him," Jack sighed.
"Clearly not everywhere or you would have found him!" Hayley hissed.
"How the hell did you lose him!" Bianca hissed.
"We didn't lose him," Heath whispered loudly "we just can't find him," he added.
"He never showed up at Angelo's and now he's not answering his phone," Jack said.
They all snapped around at a gasp behind them "Charlie," Jack said wide eyed looking back at her.
"W-what do you mean you-you can't find him?" Charlie asked as her eyes filled with tears.
"Great now she's gonna cry," Heath sighed "ouch!" he hissed when Hayley slapped him on the back of the head.
"Of course she's going to cry!" she yelled "you idiots lost her fiancé, the guys she's supposed to be marrying in the morning!"
Charlie bit her lip as a tear trickled down her face Brax wouldn't do this to her he just wouldn't "where is he Jack?" she whimpered and looked at her brother.
Jack's heart broke at the look on her face "I don't know Charlz," he sighed and pulled her to him as her bottom lip quivered.
"What exactly happened?" Bianca asked.
"I don't know," Heath said frustrated "he came to mine he was fine, then five minutes later he said he forgot to do something to go on without him he'd follow."
"And you didn't ask him where he was going?" Hayley asked.
"I don't keep tabs on him he keeps tabs on us," Heath replied and let out a heavy sigh "I did not see this coming," he muttered.
Charlie pulled away from Jack "see what coming?" she asked taking a step to him "does he not want to marry me?" she asked "has he said anything to you?"
Heath sighed loudly "I didn't mean that, I meant I don't understand this he was fine and yes Charlie he does want to marry you it's all he's talked about the last two months," he said and shook his head "I don't understand this at all."
They all looked to the back door as it opened and Peter and Liam walked in, spotting Charlie Peter's eyes went wide "I thought we weren't telling her until we had no choice?" he asked glaring at Jack and Heath.
"She woke up and came down, we didn't tell her…she heard us," Jack said.
Charlie walked to him "have you found him?" she asked.
Peter sighed looking down on his baby sister she had been so happy a few hours ago and now they'd have to ruin it for her "no sweetie we didn't, but Noah Casey and Kyle are still out looking…it'll be fine we'll find him," he said and pulled her into him.
Charlie let out a shaky sighed and leaned into his she didn't understand this he was happy they were getting married he was in good form leaving here earlier. Pulling back she looked up at Peter "did anyone say anything to make him get cold feet?" she asked.
Heath scoffed "Jack gave him a beer and said about time, I told him where we were going then Kyle said he was tired before Brax took off so no we didn't exactly have a conversation about anything."
Charlie grabbed her car key's "he has to be somewhere, he wouldn't just leave me," she said and pulled on her shoes.
"Charlie maybe you should stay here," Hayley said rubbing her back.
"No!" Charlie yelled and stepped away from her "he wouldn't leave me he wouldn't!" she yelled and pulled her door open "I have to find him," she said before she took off.
Peter groaned "this all we need her missing too go after her," he said to Hayley and Bianca who nodded and ran after her.
Coming back a few seconds later "she's already gone we came in Martha's car so we need the keys." Bianca said.
Jack sighed "great and where is she?" he asked.
"In the smaller spare room with Leah," Hayley answered and walked by them "I'll get them," she added and took the stairs.
Peter sighed and turned to Jack and Heath "take another drive around I've sent his car make and licence plate to Lara she's put it out over the air, they'll call if his car is spotted anywhere," he said and walked out the door again Liam following.
Two hours later Charlie pulled into an empty parking lot she didn't even know where she was, turning off the engine she dialled his number and bit her lip as he eyes filled with tears hey this Brax leave a message' bursting out in sobs she threw the phone down and slumped over the wheel "where are you Brax!" she cried and her sobs got louder.
Crying her heart out for another few minutes she sat back and wiped her face she had to get it together. Blowing out a deep breath she wiped her face again thinking of somewhere no one had checked she started up her car again and took off with a screech this was her last hope before she broke down all together.
….
Pulling up at Delores's she let out a sob upon seeing his car in the drive, scrambling out of the car she ran to it and checked if he was in it before running to the door. Keeping in mind Delores may be asleep she grabbed the door before it bounced of the door, shutting it she crept to the living room where a small glow was coming from and tipped the door in. Her breath caught in her throat as Brax stood leaning over Delores just finishing covering her with a blanket.
He turned and yawned before picking his keys up from the table, as he stood back up straight he noticed her and frowned his eyes going wide when her bottom lip quivered and a tear slid down her cheek "babe what's wrong?" he asked hurrying to her.
Still keeping in mind Delores was there and sound asleep Charlie pulled him out of the room and closed the door before she broke down and launched herself at him.
Brax pulled her tight against him as her knees gave way and she started to sink to the ground "baby what's wrong?" he asked softly rubbing her back.
"I-I-I," she choked out "I thought you'd left me!" she cried and buried her head in his chest.
Brax's eyes went wide "left you?" he frowned " babe I'd never do that…what do you mean?" he asked.
Charlie tried to calm herself and took a step back "Heath turned up at my house with Jack and told Hayley and Bianca he couldn't find you-no one could find you," she sniffed.
Brax sighed heavily "babe no," he said and took a step closer to her "me and Nan got talking and she ended up falling asleep on my shoulder, I was gonna wait until she was in a deep sleep before I moved her but I fell asleep too," he said and pulled her back to look down on her "I only woke up a few minutes before you came in."
"So you still wanna marry me?" she asked holding her breath.
Brax smiled and moved some hair out of her face "yeah babe I want nothing more."
Charlie reached out and punched him in the arm "you scared the crap outta me," she said and hugged him "I've been calling and calling while I drove around looking for you."
Brax sighed and held her close "I'm sorry you had to go though that but I really did just fall asleep, I was supposed to catch up with the others at the restaurant."
"We should call them, they're all out looking," Charlie mumbled against him.
Brax turned her towards the door "they're not my priority right now," he said and pulled the front door open "you are…you're shaking," he said and pulled her to him "I'm driving you home," he added and led her to his car.
Charlie let him put her in the car and watched him close the door Heath Braxton was dead when she got home, how on earth did he not think to check here first?
Brax slipped in beside her and slid his hand into hers "I'm really sorry for freaking you out and I'm gonna kill Heath for going to you at all, you shouldn't have had to deal with that," he said as he backed out of the drive.
"He didn't," she replied "he called Hayley she and Bianca met them in the kitchen, I wasn't supposed to hear…I thought it was Ruby and the others acting up because I let them have drink."
"Still, the idiot should have worked out where I was- or Kyle for that matter," he muttered.
Along the drive the baby popped back into her head screw it she thought, the fear that washed through her when she'd heard them talk was something she never wanted to feel again. Looking over at him she was so glad she'd found him life was too short to waste any of it and she wanted him to know everything "Brax pull over I nee to tell you something."
"What? How loveable I am? Or how handsome maybe?" he chuckled.
Charlie giggled "no now pull over, I don't want to cause an accident."
Brax chuckled "I'm a good driver unlike some," he said shooting her a playful look.
"Babe I'm pregnant," Charlie said and immediately her hands flew to the dash to brace herself as Brax slammed on the brakes and whipped round to face her.
"Pregnant?" he repeated.
"Yes pregnant…is that okay?" she asked chewing on her lip as he stared back at her.
She watched as his eyes travelled down to her stomach then back up to meet her gaze "is that why you've been sick and snappy?"
Charlie nodded "so?" she asked almost afraid of his answer.
Brax mulled over what she'd said before a grin broke out across his face "I'm gonna be a dad!" he yelled happily and flung his belt off "me a freakn' dad!" he chuckled and slid his hand over her stomach.
"You're already a dad dummy," she giggled relieved he was happy.
"Yeah but Ruby isn't mine biologically- not that I don't love her the same as if she was and Carly isn't your, this is me and you in here Charlie," he said running his hand up and down her stomach "he's ours," he added and leaned over to her "I love you so so much," he said and kissed her deeply.
Charlie pulled back "maybe we should save this for somewhere that's not in the middle of the road."
Brax pulled back into his own seat "yeah," he said and pulled off "mummy needs her rest, big day tomorrow," he said and slid his hand into hers.
…..
The next day Charlie stood in front of her mirror having just slipped her dress on and giggled as she remembered what happened when they both pulled up at her house last night.
Brax had pulled up and was immediately attacked by Hayley screeching he was an ass hole and so on. It took Jack and Bianca to pull her off while Charlie jumped between them when Brax stepped forward less than impressed.
After explaining they all turned and looked at Heath who shook his head saying he had called there…after Charlie had already found him and they'd already left, he did mention it was weird to see her car there then get no answer.
After everyone had their say Natalie stepped in and had sent all the boys on their way and the girls back inside so Charlie and Brax could say goodbye, she knew Charlie needed this after what she'd been feeling.
Brax pulled her closer and wrapped his arms around her "I promise I will never ever leave you-any of you," he said sliding his hand to her stomach "my love for you will never end," he whispered before kissing her softly and parting with "you better look sexy as hell tomorrow," before he climbed into his car and headed of to Heath's.
Giggling again she opened her door and went down stairs "wow," Peter sputtered his mouth in an O shape before he shook it off "you look beautiful," he said and kissed her on the cheek.
"Thanks," she giggled nervously "ready?" she asked.
Peter held out his arm "are you ready?" he asked.
Charlie smiled widely and slipped her hand around his arm "you know it," she said and led him out to the car where all the girls were already seated.
Brax blew out a breath and smoothed out his suit jacket as they marquee filled fast he swore all the town and every cop there was were here. Charlie had decided she wanted an outdoor wedding and not the beach or a park so here he was on top of Stewarts point with the biggest marquee he had ever seen wearing a tux waiting on his wife to be.
He turned as Heath hurried up the aisle "she's here mate," he said and clapped him on the back "show time," he added and whispered "good luck," as the music started and everyone stood.
Brax looked back at smiled at his best man and groomsmen who scrubbed up well Heath was the best man of course he actually looked well in a suit considering her spent most of his time in just shorts. Casey and Kyle stood beside them with matching ties looking extremely uncomfortable as pictures were clicked left right and centre. Finally the men who were now his best mates, Jack stood whispering to Noah who chuckled and nudged Liam to obviously pass on what Jack had said Miles had just made it back to them but Brax had welcomed him and made him a groomsman, chucking to himself he turned as Carly made her entrance.
Charlie watched as Carly walked up the aisle sprinkling her flowers as she went. Next to go was Ruby and Maddy followed by Bianca and Leah. Martha and April followed with massive smiles.
Brax's breath hitched as Hayley appeared on her own she was nearly here, being Charlie's best mate and not being able to choose her over Natalie to be maid of honour she wanted something different for her so she made the trip up the aisle alone.
Finally Natalie made her appearance but Brax didn't notice because he had spotted Peter behind her and was dying to see his bride to be.
He though his legs were going to go from under his as her eyes locked with his and she slowly made her way to him.
Brax stepped back as Peter good to him "close your mouth mate you're drooling," he chuckled and slapped his shoulders "she's your problem now," he said and slid her hand into his before he stepped up beside Jack.
Brax pulled Charlie closer "I have no words for how beautiful you look," he murmured as if they were the only two in the room.
Charlie smiled and blushed under his gaze "you look so sexy ," she said and smoothed out his tie "purple really does suit you," she added.
Brax shrugged "don't get used to telling me what to wear this is a once off that I can't believe you even got me to agree to," he winked and turned his attention to Elijah.
"It involved me wet and naked," she said without looking away from Elijah as he welcomed everyone.
"Man of god babe," he said nodding to Elijah "do you want us to go to hell before the fun begins?" he asked.
Charlie slipped her hand into his "as long as you're by my side I don't care where we are."
Brax squeezed her hand "I'll always be by your side just try and stop me."
…..
The time came for them to kiss and boy was it a kiss, it took an embarrassed squeal from Ruby and Jack slapping him on the head to get the release the others tongue. He just chuckled and smiled quickly at Elijah.
"Ladies and Gentlemen!" he yelled "Mr and Mrs Braxton," he said and started to clap.
"Mrs Braxton," Brax smirked and pulled him back to her "my baby for life now," he said sliding his arms around he waist.
"You got a problem with that?" she asked holding back her smirk.
"No," he said and stepped to her with a glint in his eye "just can't believe it's finally happened."
Charlie smiled and ran her hands up to his shoulders "well believe it," she said and stood on her toes "because you will be seeing just how much I love you everyday," she whispered and kissed him.
"Alright," he chuckled I got no problem at all he said and hugged her- he was one happy man.
Delores sat watching them with the biggest proudest smile on her face, removing her glasses to dab her eyes she nodded "I know Jim I can see her glow," she smiled "maybe they'll name him after you," she chucked and stood up to meet her grandson and granddaughter.
A/N so that was it folks, I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did…I love happy Chax. I want to say a big thank you to those regular reviews (some of them guests so please next time leave a name so I know who I am thanking) but I would also like to thank those of you who even read it. As usual thank you to Js, Beebee483, Ruby Braxton, Lazza77 and Emma Murphy who have all faithfully stuck with me and reviewed every chapter of everything I have written, so thanks guys xxx much love you help me go on.
I don't know what's up next so watch this space, hitting the bay or family ties? (I'll let you lot decided.) Sorry if there are any spelling mistakes I am way too tired but insist on getting this out tonight.
On a separate note I mentioned a while ago I have set up a face book for those of you who I would like to talk to who are not members, but being the dummy I am forgot the password to both face book and email so I can't even reset it. So I've set up another one (passwords wrote down) it's (for anyone interested) fanfictionjjeightyseven. Hope to hear from you guys J