My Saving Grace

[RoRo90]

Firstly I want to say a big thank you to all you guys for the comments that each of you have left for each chapter of this fic. I remember how nervous and apprehensive I was before I started this fic and I can say that you guys have made it worth while. Your comments have only encouraged me to keep writing and I must let you guys know that each comment you have given has affected this story positively. I hope this last chapter lives up to all your expectations. Thank you guys so much for reading

CHAPTER EIGHTY ONE 'You're most definitely My Saving Grace'

Six months Later

Walking up the stairs of the restaurant Charlie stood by the entrance as she watched him with his head lowered, obviously concentrating on something. She gazed at him as he taped him index finger on the bar, his brows creasing in concentration. His left arm was propped heavily onto the bar, only emphasising its perfectly formed shape. Her gaze lowered to his chest that was anything but hidden under the black shirt he was wearing. She looked down at her watch and smiled before making her presence known to him. She stepped on floor and her heels clicked loudly against them causing Brax to look up

"We're not…" he stopped and smiled widely as he saw it was Charlie. His gaze fell on her pumps and followed up her slender leg till they disappeared under the black strapped coat she was wearing. His eyes finally fell on her face, her hair falling to one side of her face; softly running down her shoulder. She stood with a grin that Brax knew too well as mischievous before she slowly walked across the restaurant and stopped in front of the bar; her heels clicking loudly in the quiet restaurant

Charlie smiled sweetly at him "I know you guys are not open yet but I'm looking for a Mr Braxton, I was hoping to have him assist me with something" Charlie leaned on the bar, a seductive grin placed on her face

Brax matched her grin and exhaled before slowly standing to his feet and leaned his elbows in between Charlie's, his face only inches away from hers as he fiddled with a pen in his right hand

"And may I ask what it is that you want him for?"

Charlie cocked her head and moved her face a little closer to his, their lips now almost touching "Well it's kind of personal I'm not sure he would be too pleased about me sharing it with you"

Brax exhaled as he felt her breath on his lips. Wanting to close the almost non-existent gap between them he clenched his jaw and stopped himself; instead he replied "I and Mr Braxton are very close; trust me he won't mind in the slightest. Plus I might be able to help"

Charlie sighed dramatically "You see the thing is, I've got an itch I kind of wanted him to help me out with. It's been bugging me since I woke up this morning"

Brax's grin grew and his dimples stood out. He moved slightly so his lips were to her ears "I don't mean to brag but I have been known to have a special skill at taking good care of itches" his lips graced her ear lobe "Just tell me where the itch is and I'll be sure to scratch it away"

Charlie bit into her bottom lip and stepped away from him making sure she was stood far enough for him to fully see her. She took hold of both ends to the strap on her coat and slowly pulled at it "Good, because I should tell you now; it's a pretty big itch" She tugged the knot loose on the strap and the coat opened up

Brax's jaw dropped; the pen he had been twisting falling onto the bar, falling to the ground and landing not too far from Charlie. Under her coat lay nothing but a matching set of red and black lace underwear. Brax peered at her in awe as he remained unspoken, his eyes tracing every part of her as he tried not to drool

Charlie followed the pen as it fell onto the floor. As it stopped rolling she looked up at Brax and grinned at the look on his face. She placed her hands on her hips making sure to take the outside of the coat with her, giving him full view of everything.

"Is something wrong?" she titled her head as she peered at him

Brax exhaled as he finally seemed to pull himself together. He pushed his elbows off the bar and shook his head, his gaze travelling down her body in appreciation before travelling back up again "Everything is just perfect"

Charlie nodded "Good" she smiled and walked past the bar stopping at the door of his office "Because that itch really does need scratching" she bit her bottom lip playfully as she pushed the door open "Unless you don't think you're the man for the job" she winked at him before dropping her coat giving him only a second to take her in fully before she walked into the office

Brax's gaze dropped to the coat and he exhaled excitedly "You're going to be the death of me" he muttered before pacing into the office and locking the door behind him
…
Brax lay shirtless on his back with Charlie on top of him, on the small couch in his office.

"Where are the twins?" asked Brax and Charlie laughed "What?" he chuckled

"Now you ask where the twins are" replied Charlie

Brax chuckled again "Yeah well you had me distracted a little"

"Just a little? By your performance I think I had you more than a little distracted"

Brax shook his head and ran his hand over her thighs "What can I say. I think it's safe to say red and black is most definitely your colour"

Charlie giggled and somehow pressed herself deeper into him "Well to answer your question Bianca, Martha and Ruby are with them back at Bianca's place. They figured I needed some alone time and I figured I would make the most of it"

"I'll be sure to thank them" said Brax and Charlie smiled as he ran his hand up his shirt she now had on

"Really babe" Charlie leaned up and looked at him with a raised eyebrow

"What?" Brax replied with a grin his hands running over her bum giving it a little squeeze "I'm only trying to use this free time as efficiently as possible. He looked up at the clock on the wall of the opposite side of the office "We have a little under twenty minutes before the staff get in"

Charlie chuckled and shook her head "I think you well and truly took care of that scratch"

Brax smiled "I don't know" his hand moved over her back, his thumb running gentle circles as he went "I think I could have done just a little better"

"You do?" Charlie blew out a breath

"Yeah I do" he placed gentle kisses along her shoulder before lightly grazing her with his teeth

Charlie closed her eyes, allowing herself get lost in him as his hand moved further up the shirt, his thumb grazing the side of her breast

"You better get working" she said just before he brought his lips to hers. He drew out the kiss and took her bottom lip between his causing her to whimper. Charlie squealed as he somehow managed to flip them over on the small couch

Brax instantly brought his lips crashing back down to Charlie's, her hand clutching his back holding him to her as he moved his hand back into the shirt; gripping lightly at her waist as he gently pushed himself into her. He groaned as she bucked her waist and quickly made way to get his shirt off her. Undoing the third bottom he stopped and broke from the kiss the same time as Charlie

"Brax" a knock sounded on the door again and both Brax and Charlie let out a groan as Brax rolled his head back

"Just keep quiet and he'll go away" Charlie pulled Brax down to her but before their lips could meet another knock came on the door

"Brax, I know you're in there. Open up"

"Damn it Heath" Brax dropped his head into Charlie's shoulders who was giggled at his frustration

"You do know I have a key right" Heath called through the door and Brax's head shot up

"Heath don't you dare" he shouted

"Then open up"

Brax groaned as he rolled off Charlie and stood to his feet. Charlie put her hands out and allowed Brax pull her up. He instantly wrapped his arms around her "We are going to finish this when I get home" he leaned in and kissed her softly

"Mmmm" Charlie smiled as she pulled away from the kiss "I'm holding you to that. But I really should put my coat on before your brother barges through those doors"

Brax released her from his grip before realising where her coat was "Errr Charlie?"

Charlie looked up at him and it seems she too had realised the same thing "My coats on the other side of the door isn't it"

Brax bit into the side of his mouth to stop himself from laughing "Yea it is"

Charlie groaned as put her head to his chest causing Brax to chuckled "Come here" he pulled her to the back of the door "Stay there" He quickly pulled his trousers on before he unlocked the door and opened it slightly

Heath stood with a smirk on his face, Charlie's coat hung over his index finger as Brax opened the door. He glanced down at Brax and noticed he was shirtless "I really hope for your sake its Charlie you've got in there or you've got some explaining to do"

Brax frowned at his brother "Yes it's Charlie now give me the coat" he went to grab it but Heath stepped back

"Why can't she come get it herself and really it's roasting out there why would she need a coat?"

"Heath just give me the coat you idiot" Brax held the door not wanting Heath to barge in

"Wait is she …" Heath raised an eyebrow before he burst out laughing "No way"

Thinking quickly Brax moved forward and grabbed the coat from him before slamming the door and standing behind it. He looked to Charlie whose cheeks had now turned crimson as she looked up at him through big eyes. Brax cleared his throat trying to stop himself from laughing at her obvious embarrassment

Charlie undid the remaining bottom of Brax shirt before taking the coat from his and fastening it tightly "I hate your brother" she groaned

Brax chuckled "You and me both" Brax leaned in and kissed her pouted lips "I'll see you later. Love you"

"Love you too" replied Charlie before she looked to the door "Well I might as well get this over with" she rolled her eyes as Brax put on his shirt before opening the door

Heath now sat at the bar and grinned as both Charlie and Brax walked out of the office. He shook his head "If only you'd put a sock on the handle. I would have known to leave you to it"

Charlie shook her head trying to hide her still crimson cheeks "Hi Heath, bye Heath" she looked up at Brax "Bye" leaning into him she gave him a quick kiss before turning and walking away from the both of them

"It's getting a little breezy out there, I would hold tightly to your coat if I was you" Heath shouted after Charlie only for Brax to slap him across the back of his head

"Shut it" Brax rolled his eyes and walked back into the office. He smiled as he saw her bra sprawled across his desk before quickly taking it and putting it into the draw of his desk before walking back out

He rolled his eyes at Heath's still grinning face "Why exactly are you here… apart from to annoy me?"

"Err we're meant to be going to the dealer today, remember"

Brax frowned before he remembered. Charlie's arrival had taken all focus from him "Completely forgot" he said as the first of his staff entered the restaurant

"Yeah well I would ask how but I think I already know what had you or should I say who had you so occupied"

Brax shook his head and chuckled "You're an idiot" he packed up the paper work he had been going through before Charlie arrived "Give me a few minutes, need for Liam to get here before we can get off"
…
Charlie had been home and had a shower before making her way over to Bianca's. Parking out front she smiled as she walked to the back door and heard Hope laughing. Looking through the window her smile grew as she saw Ruby with Hope on a mat as she tickled and pulled faces down at her. Walking to the door she pushed silently knowing it would be open before walking into the house

"Hi" she spoke and all the girls turned to look at her, Caleb instantly squealing as he saw Charlie walk through the door

"Hi" all the girls replied simultaneously

"Aww did someone miss mummy" Charlie smiled down at him and bend down as she gently took him from Bianca. Caleb laughed as she rubbed her nose against his, his tiny hands lay on her face as he laughed. Charlie pulled away and held him close to her "Well mum's missed you too" she looked down at Hope and smiled "And you" but Hope was to busy giggling at Ruby's antics to pay Charlie any attention

Charlie shook her head as she sat beside Bianca

"So did you manage to get a little rest?" asked Martha

Charlie nodded with a smile "Let's just say I used the time efficiently. Thank you guys for having them for the morning"

Bianca rolled her eyes "Are you kidding. You're lucky I'm not demanding they move in here permanently. We love looking after them"

Charlie smiled "Well thank you all the same" she turned to look at Reece as he ran down the stairs

"Mum can me and Sophia go play outside please?" he widened his eyes causing the girls to chuckle

"I don't want you guys outside by yourself" replied Bianca

"We'll go with them" said April as she stood from next to Ruby where she had been sitting.

Ruby nodded her head and hopped to her knees, picking Hope up before standing to her feet "And we'll even take Hope and Caleb too"

April nodded and took Caleb from Charlie "And before you guys say anything we promise to watch them closely and no letting them climb on the tree again" said April and her and Ruby chuckled as they remembered the look on the adults faces when they had walked into the garden a few weeks ago to find Reece and Sophia hanging upside down by their feet on the tree

"Here" Charlie bent down and dug Hopes and Caleb's hats out of their bag "Put this on for them" Ruby took the hats from her as She and April walked to the back garden with the kids

Bianca turned to Charlie and shook her head "Here we are looking after the twins and instead you use the time to go get some"

Charlie eye widened "What?"

Martha scoffed "Please, even a full day's sleep couldn't get a person smiling the way you are"

Charlie shrugged her shoulders "Some people unwind by sleeping I just happen to find other ways much more relaxing"

Bianca and Martha laughed and Charlie joined them. As their laughter finally died down Charlie smiled at her friends. For some reason the memory of the first time she had stepped foot in that house came back to her. 'How things had changed since then' she thought to herself. She remembered how nervous she had been as she drove to summer bay after her ten year departure. She remembered how clammy her hands had felt as she knocked on Bianca's door but she also remembered how good it felt as they passed the welcome to Summer Bay sign and how safe she had felt being around her friends that first night

"I'm not sure I ever thanked you guys" she said and Bianca and Martha frowned at her

"What for? Helping you 'waste time' as you and Brax call it" said Bianca and Charlie shook her head

"Well for that as well but I mean for convincing me to come back to the bay after mum and dad died. I don't think I would have been strong enough to make that call if not for you guys and Leah"

Bianca and Martha smiled back at her "Well I think beg is more appropriate than convinced" joked Martha as she remembered all the countless reasons she, Bianca and Leah had given as to why Charlie had to come back to the Bay and all the tactics they had used to get her to agree

Charlie chuckled "I still owe you guys a thank you. Everything I have now is because of that decision"

Martha and Bianca nodded "I can't believe how much things have changed since then. It seems like a lifetime ago" said Bianca

Charlie chuckled "I know what you mean. I remember always praying and hoping that I would one day have a family like you guys" she sighed in contentment "And now I have Ruby, Brax and the twins and you guys. We've been through so much to get here"

"You've been through so much to get here" said Martha

Charlie tilted her head "I'm just glad I fought like you guys asked me too"

"And now you not only have a family but you have it with Brax" Bianca smiled

Charlie nodded "I think that's the most amazing part about all of it. After everything that's happened, everything we've been through he still chose me"

"We never doubted he would" said Martha "I think the most shocking couple would have to be Bianca and Heath"

Charlie laughed "Yeah I think you're right… Only God knows the amount of times you denied liking him and lets not even talk about the amount of times you guys broke up before he finally pulled his head out of his backside"

"Oi" Bianca spoke through her laughter "We were not that bad"

Charlie and Martha cocked an eyebrow and looked at each other before turning back to Bianca "Yes you were" they replied simultaneously

"Fine so it took us a while but we got there in the end" Bianca smiled "I think the only two people who haven't thrown any surprises our way is Martha and Jack or even Leah and Miles"

Charlie laughed "Please if Jack and Miles hadn't proposed these two would have dragged them down to the registry demanding a marriage" Charlie and Bianca laughed and Martha swatted Charlie's arm playfully

"We are not that bad"

Both Charlie and Bianca shook their heads "No of course you're not" Bianca replied sarcastically

All three girls laughed and smiled at one another as their laughter subsided "We're all pretty lucky aren't we?" said Martha

Charlie nodded "Yeah. I'd say we're all extremely lucky"
…
"How can something so little produce such thing" Ruby pointed her nose up as Charlie walked back down the stairs with Caleb in hand

"He's all cleaned up now aren't you little man" she cooed down at a smiling Caleb, before looking at the door as Brax and Heath walked into the house.

Bianca cocked an eyebrow "Why are you not at work?" she looked at Heath

"Tom's looking after the place for the day, I had to help this one with something" he nodded at Brax before giving Bianca a quick kiss as he bent down to pick Abigail up, her hands already out stretched to him

"And why are you not at work?" Charlie asked Brax as he grinned at her, picking Hope up from her mat

"Well…" he stepped towards her and gave her a kiss "There was a reason I had to go get things sorted a little earlier than usual at the restaurant today"

Charlie nodded "Yeah you said you had a meeting today, so you would be busy for the rest of the day" replied Charlie "But why do I get the feeling you weren't being completely honest about that"

Brax chuckled "I may have told a little white lie"

Charlie tilted her head "So what's actually going on?"

"I have a little surprised for you" said Brax as he stepped away from her.

Charlie watched him as he walked to the door with Hope before turning back to her "You coming?" he said before walking out the door

Charlie glanced at Bianca and Martha both Ruby and April instantly jumping to their feet and following Brax out the door

Bianca looked up at Heath who simply shrugged "You'll have to come out to see" he said before walking out the door

Charlie creased her eyebrow before her, Bianca and Martha followed the rest out the door. Walking down the drive way Charli searched around looking for whatever Brax's surprise could be but there was nothing out of place. She stopped beside Brax and looked at him

"So where is this surprise?" she asked at a smiling Brax

"I know you have your car and I have my Ute but I figured it was about time we got something that could accommodate all of us" he dug his hand into his pocket and produced a key.

Charlie looked at the key in his hand and her gaze moved forward and it was then she noticed the Vauxhall Mervia family car that was parked on the other side of the street. Her eye widened as her head snapped back over to Brax

"Is that ours?" she asked and Brax nodded

"Yep" he held the key to her as she slowly took hold of it

A grin made its way to Charlie's face "I can't believe you did this" she leaned forward and placed a kiss on his lips. They both pulled away laughing as Hope placed her hand on Brax's face

"I was here first missy" Charlie tickled Hope lightly causing the little girl to give a gummy laugh she looked back up at Brax "I love you, you know that"

Brax grinned and nodded "I know" he laughed as Bianca grabbed the key from Charlie's hand

"We get it you both love each other. I want to see the inside of this car" she and the others walked over opening the car before they climbed in

"You didn't get rid of your Ute did you?" Charlie asked and Brax cocked an eyebrow and Charlie chuckled as she nodded knowingly "I'll get you to part from that car one day"

Brax grinned "One day" he replied before he and Charlie walked over to join the rest of them. Brax and Charlie laughing as Reece sat in the driver's seat pretending to drive the car
…
A week Later

"Do you both ever give it a break?" Jack chuckled as he and Martha walked into the garden. Sophia running over to Reece

Charlie pulled back from Brax "Hello to you too Jack" she smiled at Martha "Hy" and with that the two ladies walked over to Bianca leaving Brax with Jack

Jack looked around the garden and smiled "I don't care how long it's been I still can't believe you're marred with kids"

Brax chuckled "You and me both" he smiled and looked over at Charlie

"You're really happy aren't you" Jack asked knowingly

Brax looked over at Hope and Caleb who were being entertained by April and Ruby before he looked back at Charlie "Yeah" he nodded

"Good" Jack patted him on his back "Now get flipping those steaks" he patted his stomach "I'm starving" Brax went to swat him on the back of the head but Jack had already anticipated it and he quickly moved back chuckling as he made his way over to Heath, who threw him a can of beer

Charlie sat in between Bianca and Martha as she glanced down at her watch and sighed

"Charlie I'm sure she'll be here. The boy's did invite her" said Bianca

Charlie nodded "I know. I just don't want her turning up late" replied Charlie

"Charlie she hasn't been late to a single thing we've asked her to so she won't be late now"

"Yeah but that was always just with the kids" as Charlie spoke she heard the back door slide open and she smiled as Cheryl walked into the garden.

"Told you" said Bianca as she and Charlie stood and made their way over to Cheryl

"Hi Cheryl" Bianca and Charlie spoke simultaneously

"Hi Charlie, Bianca" she smiled at the two girls she had grown accustomed to "I did knock but when no one answered I figured I would just make my way through" she glanced at Brax before looking back at Charlie and Bianca

Bianca and Charlie knew too well why Cheryl was acting uneasy, around them she was relaxed. Over the last six months she had gotten used to them and the kids but although things weren't as bad between her and the boys as when she first returned; Brax and Heath were still holding back from her

"Grandma Cheryl" Reece ran over with a smile "I was waiting for you… I got a picture I drew to show you" Reece tugged on her hand and she smiled and allowed him lead her away.

Bianca and Charlie smiled as Reece sat Cheryl down explaining his picture to her only for Abigail's little feet to walk over as Cheryl picked her up. Cheryl smiled at her grand kids as they fussed over her.
…
Walking up behind Brax, Charlie wrapped her arms around him "Hy" she placed a kiss on his shoulder as he took his peering eyes away from Cheryl

Placing his free arm overs hers he smiled "You ok?"

Charlie nodded "Yeah… you?"

"I'm good" replied Brax as he glanced at Cheryl again

"She's really trying you know" said Charlie and Brax nodded

"I know" he replied.

"Give her a chance babe" Charlie sighed

Brax looked down at the steaks "I think it's time to set the table"
…
"Mum" Cheryl looked up and smiled as Casey sat beside her "Here" he passed her a drink

"Thanks Case" she smiled at the young boy. They had a steady relationship and each passing day seemed to be an improvement for them

"How's the new place?" asked Casey

Cheryl smiled at her son "Good. I'm just happy to finally be out of that caravan… I almost forgot what it felt like to be able to move without constantly bumping and tripping over all my things"

Casey chuckled "Well I'll come and have a look at it later on in the week"

Cheryl smiled "Well let me know when you're coming and I'll cook something nice for you"

"Deal" grinned Casey as Ruby and April walked over with Caleb and Hope

"And how are my youngest grand kids" Cheryl smiled as she took Caleb from Ruby

Caleb smiled at her his hands placed on her face "You're looking more and more like your old man everyday"

Cheryl looked up as Brax spoke "I'm not that old" he gave her a small smile and she returned a broad grin "Plus if he looks like me it only means he'll be irresistible to the ladies"

Cheryl looked at him surprised, in the past six months the must they had shared were polite hello's and the little conversation they had embarked on had always been stiff and awkward

Not wanting to let the moment pass she quickly spoke "Na I think the best thing for him and Hope would be if they looked more like their mother"

"I second that" said Heath and Bianca gave his hand a squeeze and smiled at him as they all began setting the table

"Me too" said Casey and moved back as Brax went to hit him "Hy don't be mad because I'm being honest" Casey smiled at his brothers thankful they weren't making things awkward for their mother

Cheryl laughed and looked up at Bianca and Charlie and mouthed a thank you to them

…

Everyone sat around the table, laughter falling from everyone's lips as they all dug into their food. The girls laughed as Heath and Reece stayed true to form, both of them shoving food down their throat

"You're must definitely your fathers son" said Cheryl as she ruffled the boys hair. Her nose pointed up as a smell surrounded them. She looked down to Caleb who was sat in her arms. She lifted him to her nose and held him away from her "And you are must definitely your fathers son" she said and everyone laughed

"Oi" said Brax feigning hurt

Charlie shook her head and went to take Caleb from Cheryl but Cheryl shook her head "No it's fine I've got it" she looked down to Caleb as she walked into the house "Let's get you freshened up"

Charlie sat back down and looked up as Brax got to his feet "Won't be long" he said kissing her temple before walking into the house. Charlie smiled to herself as she joined in the conversation going on at the table
…
Brax walked into the twins room "Hy" he smiled at Cheryl as she changed Caleb. He took a step closer and turned his nose up "looks like he left the really bad one for you"

Cheryl smiled "Yeah seems like it"

Brax watched her as she took gentle care of Caleb while changing him. He looked down at his son to see him smiling up at Cheryl and sighed

"I am trying" he said

Cheryl looked up at him and nodded. She knew both him and Heath were still battling with whether or not to fully open themselves to her "I know you are. I know you both are" she turned back to Caleb as she did up his baby grow. Pulling up his cute little shorts she smiled down as she picked him up into her arms and turned to Brax "I'm just happy you've let be a part of their lives"

Brax nodded and rubbed his hand on the back of his neck and Cheryl fought to stop herself from chuckling at the familiar action

"How err how's the apartment? Casey said you're finally moved in"

"It's good. I like that I'm sort of in-between your place and Heath's. It means I'm not too far from the kids… and you boys"

Brax looked to the ground and then back up. He smiled as Caleb murmured in Cheryl's hand. His hand wrapping around her thumb as she bounced him lightly

"They've both really grown to you" he spoke of both Caleb and Hope "So have the girls and Casey"

"Nowhere near how much I've grown to them" she smiled "I promise I'm not planning on disappointing them"

Brax smiled. He had been watching her over the past six months; he needn't be told she wasn't the same person she had been before she left "I know" he finally replied

"We best get back out there before Heath eats the table dry"

Cheryl chuckled as followed Brax out the door
…
Charlie stood against the back fence of the garden. She smiled as both Hope and Caleb basked in the attention they were getting from their God parents and April. She laughed as Jack chased Hope and Reece around the girls. Ruby stood in Casey's embrace smiling up at him as they seemed oblivious to everything and everyone else around them. Her smile grew as Brax walked over to her his arms instantly encircling her waist. Her hand fell on his chest as she looked up at him

"A penny for your thought" said Brax

Charlie shook her head "Just thinking how perfect everything is… more than perfect even" she smiled and looked past Brax. Brax turned his head following her gaze and smiled as he saw Heath approaching their mother. He turned back to her

"I think perfect just about sums it up" he lowered his head to hers and placed a soft gentle kiss on her lips. He pulled back and placed his hand on her cheek, his thumb stroking her cheek softly. Charlie sighed and closed her eyes as she leaned into his touch. She opened her eyes, her face still pressed heavily into his palm

"I'm so glad I came back to you… you've saved me in more ways than you know" she spoke and Brax exhaled and moved in closer to her placing another kiss on her lips; his hand still placed on her cheek.

Finally pulling back, his gaze locked against Charlie's "I'm more than glad you came back to me and believe me when I say you saved me a long time ago. You're most definitely my saving grace"

"And you mine" replied Charlie


So that's the end of My Saving Grace but like I have promised there will be a sequel to this fic... YAAAAY LOL. I will probably start writing that end of this month to beginning of next.