Author's Note: Just a heads up, this chapter is the last one I've written up until now. It may move to posting new chapters as a I finish them rather than the weekly post. Happy Reading and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Park

Charles saw Monica waiting for him at one of the park benches. She had a coffee carrier and a brown paper bag. Monica stood up to hug Charles.

"It's lovely to see you," Charles said.

Monica smiled in response.

The two of them sat down on the bench and Monica handed Charles his coffee.

"It's hard to believe that just last night, it's was pouring down rain and windy," Charles said.

"And this morning, the sun's out with only a few clouds," Monica said, opening the bag and taking out breakfast sandwiches for her and Charles.

Charles and Monica quietly sipped their coffee and are their breakfast for the next few moments.

"So how is Kellie this morning?" Monica asked, "Has she talked to Jason yet?"

"Jason's was at the safehouse with her when I left," Charles said, "Kellie was actually trying to call him when he showed up."

"Do you have any idea how you think things might shake out between the two of them?" Monica asked.

"Jason's adamant that a deal sending him to prison isn't on the table," Charles said, "I'm inclined to believe him. What messages he left Kellie, when she finally listened to them, I think she was too."

"I really hope that Jason's is serious about this," Monica said, "I can't say I ever thought I'd see the day that he might actually put his family first above Sonny and Carly."

"I had my doubts when I first heard what was going on," Charles said, "Even when I realized Kellie hadn't heard Jason's response and I had to encourage her to keep an open mind and not just assume…well."

"I think you may have been one of the few people that could do that," Monica said, "Even when it might not be easy."

"It's funny. I know Kellie's a grown up with teenagers of her own," Charles said, "But sometimes it's felt a little like she's more the teenage girl I first met."

"I think it's understandable given you were gone for good we thought," Monica said, "I can see how she might feel like that while the two of you get back on solid ground with each other. It's an adjustment for both of you. But on the upside when she thought her world might be falling apart, she went to you."

"She didn't actually go to the safehouse," Charles said, "She was riding out there figuring no one would look for her out there at least at first because everyone knew I wasn't there."

"Subconsciously, I think she knew if you found her," Monica said, "You'd steer her in the right direction."

"Maybe," Charles said, "I think part of me had thought Kellie would have outgrown the need to bolt like that by now under certain circumstances."

"She used leave town and the country," Monica said, "You have to admit a motorcycle ride in the area is an improvement."

"That is true," Charles said.

"We never stop worrying about them do we," Monica said, "No matter how grown up or capable they are."

"No," Charles said, taking Monica's hand then letting it go, "I'm sorry that was presumptious of me."

"Or familiar," Monica said, taking Charles's hand back.

Charles smiled.

Then Monica and Charles sat in silence, holding hands and drinking their coffee for awhile.

"Any other plans today?" Monica asked.

"Not really," Charles said, "I'd thought catching up on some CPE for my law license. But with Kellie and Jason at the safehouse, that's out for now."

"How would you feel about catching a movie?" Monica asked, "And maybe lunch."

"With you, how could I say no," Charles said.