Charlotte got wrapped up in a phone call and had momentarily forgotten about her parents being frozen out. She dashed into her mothers room, expecting them to be on the verge of breaking the glass. Instead, as she crept onto the balcony she found her parents, curled up and sound asleep. Victoria's head rested on Conrad's shoulder and Conrad's head was nuzzled in Victoria's hair. Charlotte pulled out her phone, excited to capture the moment. In the darkness the flash was magnified, and Conrad immediately opened his eyes.
"Dad, I swear I forgot. I didn't mean-" Conrad stopped her by putting a finger to his lips. If the flash hadn't woken Victoria, he refused to let Charlotte. Conrad was able to stand up and lift Victoria in one swift move. She didn't wake, but one of her feet spilled from underneath the blanket.
"Is Mom wearing your socks?" Charlotte whispered as she pulled the covers, allowing Conrad to lay Victoria in her bed.
"I was taking care of her. I hope one day you'll find someone who does the same for you." Conrad said.
"Did you talk about things? Are you guys good?" Conrad offered her a smile and a shrug. Things with Victoria were never easy, and he hadn't expected tonight to go as he hoped.
"Thank for tonight, kiddo. It was a start."
"Dad?" The nervousness in Charlotte's voice caught his attention more than her words did. "Just don't hurt her, okay?"
"I wouldn't dream of it." He said, glancing at Victoria. She seemed so relaxed, so innocent. Her hair was splashed along the pillows and the smallest of smiles had formed on her face.
"She's kind of cute when she's asleep like that, huh? I don't think I ever saw her like that."
"That's how she looked every time she held you as a baby. I was so scared but not your mother. She was such a natural when it came to you kids."
Charlotte couldn't help but stifle a laugh. Her mother may have been a natural when it came to cradling babies, but she had made plenty of mistakes as a parent.
"Don't be so hard on her, Charlie. She has never done a single thing to deliberately hurt you or your brother. Her only fault is being too overprotective."
"Her only fault?" Charlotte smirked. "You know, she does those things for you, too Dad."
"That's why I keep fighting for her." He said.
Charlotte said her good nights and headed to her room. Conrad crawled into the other side of the bed, kissing his wife's forehead. He curled up behind her, wrapping his arms around her slender frame. She whispered his name and immediately fell right back asleep. Conrad drifted to sleep, replaying her whispering his name over and over.