Unconditional Love

[Danni02]

Thanks for the comments.

Chapter 121

Charlie put the suitcase down in the bedroom. She exhaled lightly as she walked over to the chest of drawers and picked up the photo frame which had a picture of Angelo in it. She ran her hand over his face and pursed her lips together as she felt her eyes sting, like she was about to cry. “Mummy,” Connor shouted as he ran into the room. “Can I just stay in this room with you?” Connor questioned as he took a seat on the bed. “I don’t want to stay in the other room.” Charlie put the picture down and looked back to her son.

“Of course you can,” Charlie smiled lightly as she walked over to the bed and sat down next to Connor. “You know, when your daddy was a little boy, this was his room.”

“Did it always look like this?” Connor scrunched his face up as he looked around the room. He’d seen it before of course, when he visited his grandparents but he’d never been told it used to be Angelo’s room. “It’s old persony.”

Charlie laughed. “No, it used to be different,” Charlie answered. “It probably changed a few times over daddy’s life.”

“Like my room too,” Connor said. “I had my baby room then my old room and now I got my new room that I love and will keep for years and years and years. Till I’m 10 at least.”

Charlie smiled as she wrapped her arms around her son, pulling him closer. “Remember daddy and I stayed in here when we came for Uncle Paulie’s wedding.”

“Yeah, I remember,” Connor nodded. Charlie finding herself surprised that her son seemed to remember so much from when he was younger. “We all went to the wedding ay mummy. Daddy, you, me and Lily.”

“Lily didn’t go to the wedding,” Charlie said. “She wasn’t born sweetie.”

“She was in your tummy,” Connor sighed. “So she was there with you.”

“Okay, I guess she was,” Charlie said as she felt herself rubbing her stomach. “What would you like the baby to be, bud?”

“You mean I get to choose?” Connor widened his eyes, excited at the thought.

“No,” Charlie laughed lightly. “The baby will be whatever happens in here,” Charlie said as she patted her stomach. “You don’t get to choose, we’ll just get a boy or girl, but do you have a preference?”

“A what?” Connor scrunched his face up.

“Would you like a brother or a sister?” Charlie asked.

“Oh, just a new baby is nice,” Connor answered. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a boy one or a girl one.”

Charlie smiled as she ran her hand over her sons head. “Well, I think we’ve stayed up here long enough. Grandma and grandpa will be expecting us down the stairs.”

“Do we have too?” Connor questioned. “They want to talk to me.”

“And you don’t want to talk to them?” Charlie asked.

Connor shook his head. “In the car to the house they kept talking about what daddy did and what we played and what daddy liked and it makes me sad.” Connor bowed his head down.

“You talk about daddy with me.” Charlie said as she rubbed her sons back.

“You is my mummy though,” Connor answered. “It’s fine with only you.”

“Okay.” Charlie smiled lightly. “I’ll let them know alright?” Charlie questioned and Connor smiled as he cuddled closer to her.

“Do I have to wear my suit tomorrow?” Connor questioned. “I don’t like it.”

“You have something else in mind you want to wear?” Charlie questioned.

Connor nodded his head before he crawled over the bed and opened up the suitcase. He pulled their clothes out before lifting out his soccer strip, socks and all. “It’s the last clothes that daddy got me.”

“I know,” Charlie ran her hand over the Australian soccer strip that Angelo had bought Connor for his Christmas. “And you can wear whatever you want to wear, okay sweetie.” Charlie said as she lightly rubbed his cheek.

“Will grandma and grandpa let me though?” Connor asked. “You’re no supposed to wear these at funeral’s are you?”

“If it’s what you are going to feel comfortable in then you wear that, okay. Leave grandma and grandpa to me,” Charlie said before she stood up from the bed and held her hand out for Connor to take. “Now, c’mon, we’ll get through these next few days together.” Connor smiled at his mother before he jumped down from the bed and took her hand, leaving the room with her.

******

Ruby watched as the young couple played with their young daughter. She would be around a year old, standing wobbly on the sand, giving her father a smile as she clapped her hands. “You should give her another email.” Romeo said as he saw her watching them.

“What?” Ruby turned to face Romeo.

“Rachel,” Romeo answered, knowing that by watching the baby, she was thinking about her own child. “Give her an email, tell her about our time in Laos, that we plan to go to Thailand next, and see how Aimee is doing.”

“Nah,” Ruby shook her head. “I can’t email her again so soon.”

“Of course you can,” Romeo answered. “She told you to keep in touch.”

“Yeah but not email her every 5 minutes,” Ruby sighed. “It’s too soon to get back in touch. It’s not even been a month.”

“Well I don’t think she’d mind.” Romeo said.

“She probably won’t but I’m going to wait. Aimee will be older and hopefully Rachel will be saying she’s crawling, and is more vocal, and maybe she can grab her toys or something,” Ruby gave a little shrug. “It’s probably best I don’t mail her too much anyways. I’ll get too used to the idea of finding things out and I don’t want to get too attached to Aimee.”

“Fair enough.” Romeo answered as he wrapped an arm around Ruby, allowing her to rest her head against his chest.

“I might call Charlie soon though,” Ruby answered. “See how she’s doing. See how Connor is. Should we have gone home?”

Romeo exhaled as he shrugged. “I’m sure if they wanted us back they’d tell us. There’s not really anything we can do so we’re better to be here. Connor’s got Charlie and Brax there for him and they’re probably the best people for him too and the idea of us coming home with presents is probably keeping him going too.”

“Yeah, maybe,” Ruby smiled lightly at her fiancé. “I just thought maybe it could take some stress off Charlie. She’s already having a hard time being pregnant and she didn’t need to grieve for Angelo on top of that.”

“I know, but she’s got Brax, Bianca, Irene, Morag,” Romeo answered. “She has plenty of people around her.”

“I guess.”

“And you know you’ve been through a lot yourself lately. I think this break is just what you need.” Romeo lightly rubbed her arm as he spoke.

“Before going home and planning our wedding, you mean?” Ruby looked up at him as she raised her eyebrows.

“Really, we’re going home to do that?” Romeo sounded both surprised and happy at what she’d said.

“Mmm,” Ruby nodded. “I’d like to be Mrs Todd Smith before this year is over.” Ruby smiled.

“Well, I like the sound of that,” Romeo smiled before placing a soft kiss on Ruby’s lips. “Love you Rubes.” Romeo whispered before placing another kiss on her lips.

“Love you too, Todd.” Ruby gave a little laugh before they once again met in an embrace.

******

“So were you ever going to tell us that you were pregnant?” Roberto said in his thick Italian accent.

“I don’t know,” Charlie gave a little shrug. “I assumed Angelo would have told you so I didn’t see the need. And it’s not as if you are my parents. You are my ex’s parent’s.”

“We will always be the grandparents to Connor,” Roberto said as he pointed to the boy. “It affects him too.”

“Connor is happy to be getting a brother or sister,” Charlie answered. “And I’m sorry; I just really thought Angelo would have told you.”

“Well we know now,” Carla answered. “I’m assuming this child wasn’t planned?”

“It’s better not have been,” Roberto raised his voice, sounding angry that Charlie was pregnant. “How can you have another baby, especially one with a man you’ve known a few months.”

“Brax and I have been together 10 months and I’ve known him for over 2 years,” Charlie said. “Not that I need to explain myself to you.”

“10 months and you’re already 4 months pregnant,” Roberto shook his head. “It’s not right. Paulie and Ana have been married nearly 2 years and they still have no child. Together 3 years before that.”

“Look, accidents happen,” Charlie exhaled. “This was not planned, believe me, I tried to stop this from happening.”

“Why you angry with mummy?” Connor questioned as he looked to his grandpa.

“Because I do not know how she can have another child after what happened to her Lily,” Roberto answered. “Her poor little girl gone and she’s just replacing her.”

“Roberto.” Carla shook her head.

“Don’t you dare bring up Lily,” Charlie almost seethed at him. “You have no idea,” Charlie shook her head. “None at all at what I am going through right now.”

“He doesn’t mean that,” Carla shook her head. “He just found this a shock, that’s all.”

“Well he’s not the only one.” Charlie muttered.

“How is Brax taking it?” Carla questioned.

“He’s really excited.” Charlie answered.

“Probably because he did this to you on purpose,” Roberto sighed. “Angelo told me all about that man. Wouldn’t trust him at all.”

“Well I have met him,” Carla glared at her husband. “And he seems lovely and I’m happy for you two.”

Charlie gave her a weak smile. “I’m going for a walk.” Roberto sounded angry as he stood up from the couch and walked to the front door before leaving, making sure he slammed the door shut, letting Charlie know of his anger.

“He’ll calm down,” Carla said. “He just has that Italian temper.”

Charlie pursed her lips together as she gave a little shrug. “He feels how he feels. A few days and I’ll be away from here so as much as I think he has no right to act like that; I doesn’t really bother me what he thinks.”

“Fair enough,” Carla sighed. “You alright there squirt?” Carla answered.

Connor nodded his head. “Could we bake some cakes mum?”

“Eh.” Charlie looked to Carla for an answer.

“What do you want to make cakes for?” Carla asked.

“The party tomorrow.” Connor answered.

“It’s not a party, it’s a funeral.” Carla said before taking a deep breath, composing herself from thinking about what was going to happen tomorrow.

“Well people will come your restaurant for food and drink after it, you said so,” Connor answered. “They might like to eat some cake.”

“We’re not making cakes.” Carla shook her head and Connor bowed his head down sadly.

Charlie shook her head lightly at Carla, before looking back down to her son. “C’mon bud, I’ll take you to the park.” Charlie said as she stood up and held her hand out. Connor jumped up from the couch, and took her hand and walked with her out of the house.

[Danni02]

Thanks for the comments.

Chapter 122

Charlie and Connor walked down the stairs hand in hand. Charlie was glad of the support from her son, Connor not realising how much he was doing for his mother by simply being there with his hand in hers. “About time you came down the stairs,” Roberto huffed. “The cars will be here any minute.”

“Sorry,” Charlie answered. “Connor needed some time with me alone.”

“He shouldn’t need special treatment,” Roberto said. “We should all grieve together.”

“Like me, Connor is private about his grief,” Charlie answered. “He wanted to be alone with me for a while.”

“That’s fine,” Carla said. “The boy is entitled just as much as us to grieve how he wants.”

“What’s he wearing?” Roberto scrunched his face up as he looked down to the boy who was dressed in his Australia soccer stip. “He can’t wear that to a funeral.”

“My soccer strip,” Connor answered. “It’s nice and I like it and mummy said I can wear what I want.”

“He can’t wear a soccer strip his dad’s funeral,” Roberto raised his voice. “It’s bright yellow, he’ll stick out like a sore thumb.”

“It’s not yellow,” Connor shook his head. “It’s gold. Australia are gold.”

“Well yellow or gold you can’t wait it to your dad’s funeral,” Roberto yelled down at Connor. “Go put your suit on.”

“No.” Connor yelled up at Roberto.

“Hey, it’s alright bud,” Charlie rubbed Connor’s back. “Roberto, with all due respect, he is a 5 year old boy who wants to wear the last thing his father bought him to say goodbye to him. Does it really matter that much what he’s wearing? He doesn’t even want to go today. It’s a sad depressing day for anyone, never mind a 5 year old trying to deal with it. I’m his mother and I will say what he can wear.”

“Carla are you going to stand for this?” Roberto glared at his wife.

“I’d rather he had a suit on,” Carla exhaled. “But he has no time to change now. The cars are coming and as Charlie said, the most important thing is that he is going to be there.”

“Questo è stupido... ridicolo.... folle,” Roberto threw his hands in the air. “Il mio ragazzo funerale. E 'ridicolo, io vi dico.”

“You know he’s mad when he starts yelling in Italian.” Paulie muttered as he looked in Charlie’s direction.

“Non è la parola.” Roberto glared at his son.

Paulie shook his head before looking down to his nephew. “Well buddy I think you look great. I love that soccer strip.”

Connor smiled up at his uncle. “We could play some soccer later ay Paulie?”

“Of course we can,” Paulie smiled lightly at his nephew. “It’ll be fun.”

“We are all going fishing after the funeral,” Roberto answered. “It was the thing Angelo like to do most as a boy growing up. We will go to his favourite spot and put a wreath in the water as a sign for him.”

“No, I don’t like fishing. It’s soccer I like grandpa.” Connor said.

“You will go for your father. He died in that car crash and you didn’t, you should feel guilty.” Roberto spat as he glared down to Connor.

“Roberto.” Carla gasped, shocked at what he’d just said.

“He’s only 5, dad,” Paulie said. “Don’t you think thats a bit harsh.”

Roberto looked down to the boy who was cuddling into Charlie, Charlie rubbing her son’s back as a tear rolled down his cheek. “Angelo was just like you. After Lily died he took his grief out on my vulnerable little boy and I will not let you do the same,” Charlie shook her head. “We’ll stay for the funeral out of respect to Angelo but after that Connor and I are gone from your life.”

“Please don’t stop us from seeing our grandson,” Carla almost begged. “He is just grieving. It’ll pass.”

Before Charlie had a chance to reply, Ana spoke over her. “That’s the cars here.” Ana said as she contiuned to look out of the window.

Paulie walked over to his wife and wrapped his arm around her before they walked out of the house, followed by Roberto and Carla. Charlie bent down to her sons level and wiped the tear from his face. “It’s alright sweetheart. I promise after the funeral we’ll go to the airport and see if we can get a flight home today and we’ll go back to summer bay, alright?”

“Back to Zak and Darryl?” Connor sniffed back a tear.

“Yeah, back to Zak and Darryl.” Charlie lightly rubbed her son’s cheek before standing up and taking his hand and walking out of the house with him, taking a deep breath to help her through the next few hours.

******

Brax walked out of the diner, his take-away coffee in his hand when he bumped into her. “Sorry Bianca, I was in my own little world there.”

“It’s alright,” Bianca smiled. “I’m in a rush too. The coffee here is much better than the stuff at school so I popped ovet to get one on my free period. I tell you I need one of Irene’s coffees to get through my Year 8 Italian class. They are the worst behaved class I’ve ever had, honestly.” Bianca shook her head.

Brax gave a little laugh. “Oh how I don’t miss the school days.”

“You’ll be back doing homework now will you not?” Bianca questioned. “Helping out Connor and the little arrival will be at school before you know it.”

“Don’t say that,” Brax shook his head. “She’s not even born yet, don’t be packing her off to school already.”

“I’m sure Charlie will tell you the same,” Bianca said. “I can’t believe her little Connor is nearly 6.”

“I know, and it’s been 10 months since we got together,” Brax exhaled. “Time does go quick these days.”

“Not the only thing that moves quick,” Bianca said. “Ten months and you are living together with a baby on the way.”

“Hey, it may be quick but it feels so right,” Brax smiled. “I can’t wait for my little princess to be born.”

“You’re little princess huh?” Bianca widened her eyes. “You know you are having a girl then?”

“Nah we won’t have the option to find out till our next scan next month, but you know how you get that feeling? I’m sure it’s a girl. I’d love a little girl.”

Bianca smiled lightly, seeing Brax light up. “And what does Charlie think?”

“As far as I am aware she doesn't mind what is it. I think she’s got enough to deal with without thinking about the gender.” Brax answered.

“Yeah, true. Is she getting any better?” Bianca questioned. “When I see her we don’t really talk about the baby. Well, I know she’s been struggling so I don’t talk about it unless she brings it up."

“She’s asked me to go to conselling with her,” Brax replied. “So thats a positive that she wants to get help. Did you know it’s because she’s scared this baby will die too? That’s why she’s taken this badly.”

“I thought it might be that but I didn’t want to say anything incase it wasn’t and make her worse,” Bianca answered. “It was always going to be hard for her having a baby after Lily. I can see why she is scared that this child would die too,” Bianca exhaled. “She told me after Lily was born that she was her last child, so I think she just made her mind up she didn’t want anymore children, so of course it would be shock for her getting pregnant, and of course after Lily’s death it would be even harder for her to think about having more children, never mind having the worry that another baby could die too.”

“Yeah,” Brax nodded. “But hopefully this counselling helps her. And she know’s how greatful I am to her for having this baby for me,” Brax answered. “I know she’ll be my only biological child, but I’m so grateful for her she’ll be all I need.”

“Well I’m sure you, Charlie, Connor and the baby will be a great little family,” Bianca smiled. “Have you heard how they are doing in Melbourne?”

“Not yet,” Brax shook his head. “But I think the funeral is on around about this time. She might phone me after that, we’ll have to see though.”

“I’m sure she will.” Bianca smiled lightly before looking down to her watch. “Anyways I should get this coffee then head back to school.” Bianca said as she took a few steps closer to the diner.

“Yeah, good luck with your year 8 class then,” Brax laughed. “I best get home and check on this puppy.”

“Good luck there too then,” Bianca laughed. “Cya later.”

“Bye.” Brax gave her a smile before walking back home to check on Zak.

[Danni02]

Thanks for the comments.

Chapter 122

Charlie was sitting in the restaurant after the funeral, looking out to Angelo’s relatives and old friends who’d all come to pay their respects. She watched as Connor giggled at something that Paulie was saying to him and she managed a little smile. Her mind was filled with thoughts of what the Roberto had spoken about at the service. Talking about how Angelo was at his best when he was with Charlie, taking about Angelo’s life with Connor and Lily. He spoke about Lily so much and it was like a double hurt for Charlie today. She was grieving the loss of Angelo, and although she was no longer in love with him, she still loved him very much and he’d always be special to her. He’d helped her through so much and he’d given her two beautiful children and his death would always have a big impact on her life, so as if it wasn’t hard enough for her dealing with that, the constant talk of her daughter was too much for her to bear if she was being really honest, but for Angelo and more importantly Connor, Charlie had to stay in that Church. “Bet you wish you could have something stronger.” Charlie looked up to see Ana taking a seat next to her. Charlie looked to her glass of water before looking back to Ana and nodding.

“Definitely feel like I need something stronger today.” Charlie replied.

“Still, it must be nice to be happy again. You’ve got a new boyfriend and baby on the way. You deserve that happiness Charlie.” Ana smiled softly.

“This isn’t making me that happy,” Charlie shook her head as she put her hand onto her little bump. “Not yet. Brax, yeah, I love him so much and couldn’t imagine being without him now, but this....” Charlie trailed off as she shook her head. “I don’t know if I am ever going to get there. Some days I think I am but then others...” Charlie exhaled as she once again shook her head.

“Well it’s not going to be easy but God gave you that baby for a reason.” Ana said. Charlie pursed her lips together, remembering Ana was a devout catholic.

“And I guess you’ll say God took Lily and Angelo for a reason too then?” Charlie questioned.

Ana nodded lightly. “As sad as it is, yes. But they’re at peace in God’s house now.”

“Well I wish God would have let me keep Lily and not have given me this child.” Charlie sighed.

“Maybe God gave you this child to help you heal,” Ana said. “No baby will ever replace her but you are capable of loving another child just as much. Babies are precious, Charlie, you’re so lucky that you have this chance to be a mother again.”

“Maybe so, but sorry if I don’t believe in the idea that God gave me this child,” Charlie raised her eyebrows. “I’m pretty sure it was something that Brax and I did that made this happen.” Charlie said before taking a drink of her water.

“You should count yourself lucky that you can have kids,” Ana said. “Paulie and I, we tried for over a year and nothing happened,” Ana’s tone became sad. “We went to a fertility clinic and...” Ana took a deep breath as she shook her head. “I can’t have kids.”

“Ana,” Charlie gasped as she covered her mouth with her hand. “I am so sorry.”

“I was devastated at first,” Ana sniffed back. “But I have my faith and I believe it was God’s plan for me to adopt a less fortunate child. A child is out there with no mother and I’m a mother with no child. Simple really, we’ll both be looking for each other.”

Charlie gave her a weak smile. “So you’re looking into adoption?” Charlie questioned.

“We’ve talked about it,” Ana told her. “I think we are going to start the process soon. It could take a while so....”

“Yeah, I eh....does Carla and Roberto know this?”

“Not yet,” Ana shook her head. “We finally felt ready to tell them but then Angelo died, so, we obviously need to wait a while now. Can’t give them another blow that they’re never going to have any more biological grandchildren.”

“Connor’s the only surviving one.” Charlie pursed her lips together.

“Yeah,” Ana cleared her throat. “You’re not really going to keep him for their lives forever, are you? And our lives too. I mean we are his aunt and uncle.”

“I didn’t mean forever,” Charlie shook her head. “I just meant until Roberto’s grief settles. Angelo was exactly the same with Connor after Lily died and he doesn’t need to go through that again.”

“That’s fair enough,” Ana nodded. “Just as long as we still get to see him.”

“Of course. I have no problems with you and Paulie. Or Carla for that matter. It’s just Roberto’s attitude right now that I dislike.” Charlie answered.

“Well remember he is grieving,” Ana said. “I know it doesn’t mean he can treat the boy like that but he is grieving the loss of a child and that’s something no parent should need to deal with.”

“Don’t I know that.” Charlie muttered as she felt the baby beginning to wake, the light flutters starting to feel more and more like proper little kicks. She lightly ran her hand over her stomach as she exhaled. Here was Ana desperate for a child but unable to have one, and she was pregnant with a child she still didn’t feel like she truly wanted. The world sure could be a strange place sometimes and Charlie felt herself thinking that maybe she should just be grateful that she can have a child when so many people, like Rachel and Ana, who wanted a biological child so much couldn’t have that wish.

******

Charlie, Connor and Brax walked into the house, Connor running over to an excited Zak. “So, are you going to tell me now why you are back early?” Brax questioned as he put their case down at the back of the couch.

“Go get your pj’s on squirt.” Charlie said as she looked to her son who was clapping the dog.

“Aww mum I don’t want to go to bed yet. I just got home to see Zak and Darryl.” Connor moaned as he looked up at her.

“I’m not asking you to go to bed. I’m just telling you to put your pj’s on. We’ll watch a movie or something first yeah?” Charlie said as she sat down on the couch.

“Madagascar.” Connor cheered.

“Well pj’s first.” Charlie said and Connor ran off up the stairs, Zak running after him and waiting at the bottom of the stairs for his return.

“So, what happened? I thought you were staying for a few more days.” Brax said as he sat down next to Charlie on the couch.

“Roberto was just.....he was so nasty to Connor. I know he was grieving but Connor is too and he doesn’t need that. He’s just a kid and he’s still shaken from the crash, I’m not going to stay there and put him in that situation if I don’t need too.” Charlie exhaled as she tucked her hair behind her ear.

“No, you were right to leave then,” Brax said as he put his arm around her and rubbed her arm gently. “See where Angelo got it from now then.”

“Yeah,” Charlie nodded. “And he was giving me abuse for being pregnant after Lily and saying stuff against you, so it was just too much, you know.” Charlie leaned closer in to her boyfriend.

“Well I’m sorry for what you and Connor had to face over the last couple of days but I’m glad you’re home. I was missing you way too much already.” Brax said as he continued to rub her arm.

“Might have missed you a little bit too.” Charlie said as she looked up to him.

“Just a little bit?” Brax questioned.

“Hmm,” Charlie nodded as she placed a soft kiss on his lips. “Was nice to briefly see Paulie and Ana though. It’s always nice to see them.”

“Oh yeah?” Brax questioned. “How are they doing?”

“Alright,” Charlie answered. “Well Ana told me she couldn’t have any children actually.”

“Oh,” Brax widened his eyes. “That’s a shame, but they’ll have other options, right?”

“I guess, but it makes me feel bad,” Charlie sighed. “You know I can’t really bring myself to be that pleased or excited about this baby, I mean I’m getting better, but you know, I’m nowhere near...” Charlie trailed off. “I feel guilty for not being happy about this when she wants a baby so much but can’t have one of her own.”

“It’s not your fault,” Brax lightly rubbed her arm. “And you’re getting better and we’re going to counselling still right?”

“Mmm,” Charlie nodded. “But it still makes me feel bad for her.”

“I know,” Brax nodded lightly. “But it’s not your fault and plenty people can have kids when others can’t. It’s just the way life goes.”

“Yeah, I know,” Charlie gave him a weak smile. “And I’ll phone Wendy tomorrow and hopefully we’ll can talk with her this week.”

“That sounds good.” Brax smiled lightly.

“And maybe once we’ve watched a movie with Connor I can put him to bed and then we could have a nice bath together with some of your lovely apple juice champagne,” Charlie smiled as she raised her eyebrows. “Then have an early night.”

“Oh,” Brax smiled as he too raised his eyebrows. “I think that sounds like a great idea.” Brax said before placing a soft kiss on Charlie’s lips. Charlie smiled into the kiss, letting it deepen as she rested her hand against Brax’s chest.

“Yucky.” Charlie and Brax pulled back as they heard Connor’s voice.

Brax gave a little laugh as Connor pushed in between the two of them. “I’ll go get some snacks and juice ready for the movie.” Brax said before walking through to the kitchen.

“Alright bud?” Charlie wrapped her arms around him as he cuddled into her.

“Should I have died mummy?” Connor questioned.

“What?” Charlie was gobsmacked at her son’s question. “Of course not, what makes you ask that?”

“Grandpa said so.” Connor answered quietly.

“No no, sweetheart, no,” Charlie pulled Connor up onto her knee. “I don’t want you ever thinking that, okay sweetie? Grandpa didn’t say that exactly he just....” Charlie bit her lip. “He was just upset. Daddy was his son and he’s sad he’s gone to heaven.”

“Why do they always shout to me because of it?” Connor questioned. “Like daddy did when Lily died?”

“I don’t know sweetheart,” Charlie shook her head. “But we’re away from grandpa now and I promise that mummy will never ever shout at you like they did, okay?”

“I know you won’t,” Connor smiled as he traced his hand around Charlie’s cheek. “You’re always so nice to me.”

“Because I love you so much baby,” Charlie tightened her grip on her son. “You know that don’t you?”

“Yeah,” Connor nodded. “Love you too mummy. And Ruby and Darryl and Zak.” Connor looked down to Zak who was sitting looking up to the two of them, his eyes all big looking.

“I think he wants some attention from you.” Charlie said as she looked at Zak who looked eager to be on that couch with them.

“Zak up.” Connor said and Zak jumped up onto the couch and started climbing over Connor.

“Not on the couch,” Charlie said as she started to tickle her son. “Don’t let the dog on the couch.” Charlie said and Connor giggled as Zak continued to climb over him as Charlie continued with her tickling. Brax stood between the kitchen and the living room, a big smile on his face as he watched the scene between mother and son.

[Danni02]

Thanks for the comments.

Chapter 124

Charlie kissed Brax softly as she rested her hands around neck as her little bump rested against his stomach. Brax ran his hand down Charlie’s back, letting it rest against her bottom as his other hand made its down too. “Mmmm.” Charlie smiled into the kiss, letting it deepen as their tongues rolled round each other’s mouths.

“You want to go again, don’t you?” Brax raised his eyebrows as he looked down to his girlfriend.

“So my libido must be high right now, are you really going to complain?” Charlie questioned.

“Not at all,” Brax shook his head as they made their way from the bathroom through to their bedroom, their arms wrapped around each other as the kiss deepened. “I just don’t want to hurt you or Pip.”

“You won’t,” Charlie shook her head. “And besides if it does start to hurt or feel uncomfortable then I’ll let you know and we can get inventive.” Charlie raised her eyebrows as she placed another kiss on his lips.

“Mmm.” Brax raised his eyebrows, intrigued as he let the kiss deepen.

“Mummy,” Connor came running into the bedroom as Charlie and Brax pulled apart. “I can’t sleep,” Connor cried as a tear rolled down his cheek. “I keep seeing all the cars crashing together.”

Charlie opened her arms out and Connor ran into them. “It’s just a bad dream sweetie.” Charlie rubbed the side of his head. “You don’t have to worry.”

“I can’t help it,” Connor cried. “I want to stay with you mummy.”

Charlie exhaled lightly. Connor had stayed in the same bed than her during their time in Melbourne but Charlie didn’t want him to get too used to the idea now they were back at home. “Just for tonight, yeah?” Charlie exhaled as she continued to rub her sons head.

“Uh-huh,” Connor nodded as he ran over to the bed and jumped in. Charlie looked to Brax and mouthed she was sorry before walking over to the bed and getting in next to her son and laying down, Connor cuddling close to her. Brax sighed as he walked over to his side of the bed and got in. “I can’t close my eyes,” Connor cried. “I’ll see it.”

“You need to think of nice things sweetie,” Charlie continued to rub his head. “Can you do that?”

“Nice like what?” Connor wiped a tear from his cheek.

“Like....” Charlie bit her lip for a few seconds. “Being at the beach, playing soccer with your friends, think about all the things you are going to get to teach the new baby.” Charlie continued to rub Connors head as she spoke, noticing this having a calming effect on him as his tears lessened.

“I can really teach the baby?” Connor questioned.

“Oh yeah,” Charlie nodded. “Being a big brother is very important.”

“Like what can I teach Pip?” Connor questioned.

“Well when he’s big enough you can help me and Brax show him how to feed himself, and you can show him how to draw, and make legos, and play soccer. And mummy and Brax will need help feeding him and changing his nappies.” Charlie said.

“Not the smelly ones,” Connor shook his head. “I can’t do them.”

“Ahh really?” Charlie questioned. “Are we going to make Brax do all the smelly ones then?”

“Yeah,” Connor giggled. “Darryl gets them all.”

“I don’t think so,” Brax answered as he turned around in the bed and tickled Connor’s side. “I think we should have mummy do them all, don’t you think?”

“Just not me,” Connor answered before giggling as Brax tickled him. “Mummy or you.”

“Aww buddy,” Charlie exhaled. “I thought you were going to help mummy.”

“Yeah I will,” Connor answered. “I’ll help feed and bath and cuddle and everything. Just no smelly nappies.”

“Well I’m sure we’ll manage with that,” Charlie smiled lightly before looking up to Brax and giving him a little smile. “You try to get some sleep now, okay?” Charlie said and Connor gave a little nod as he yawned as Charlie rubbed his back, before once again looking up to Brax. “I love you.” Charlie mouthed.

“Love you too.” Brax whispered before they all lay down in the bed to sleep.

******

Charlie walked into the kitchen as she gave a stretch. “Morning.” Brax smiled at his girlfriend as he cut up the toast in to soldiers for Connor so he could dip them into his boiled egg.

“Morning.” Charlie answered as she walked over to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of water. She exhaled as she listened to the radio station that Brax had on. A man has died of his injures this morning after a week in hospital. He was taken in in a critical condition following a collision on the road between Ermersen and Summer Bay last week, involving 7 cars and injuring all 20 people, 5 of them fatally. Charlie walked over to the radio and switched it off before glancing in Connor’s direction. He was taking a drink of his apple juice and thankfully as far as she was aware, he hadn’t heard the mention of the accident that took his father’s life. Charlie took a deep breath as she put the water on the worktop. She smiled lightly as she felt Brax’s arms go around her, pulling her in for some support. She turned her head up to face him and smiled lightly, feeling the tears stinging at her eyes, desperate to escape. She turned around and put her arms around him, burying her head against his chest as he rubbed her back.

“Let it out Charlie,” Brax whispered. “You have to grieve healthily. Don’t hold anything in.”

“I just can’t believe I’m not going to see him again,” Charlie cried. “I know things weren’t great between us. We still had the occasional argument, but we were getting on so much better and it was nice. We were able to learn to get along for Connor’s sake. I know how he still felt about me, but he understood now that I wasn’t there anymore. We’d only ever be friends and that I only loved him as a friend, as the father of my kids. Everything always has to go wrong for me. Losing Ruby and Lily and now Angelo.”

“Hey, Charlie,” Brax shook his head as he wiped a tear from her cheek. “You got Ruby back didn’t you? You two are sorting things out.”

“Yeah, we’re getting there,” Charlie smiled weakly. “But things with her can be fixed, but with Lily and Angelo...” Charlie shook her head. “It’s not fair Brax. What did I do to deserve this?”

“You did nothing sweetheart,” Brax answered. “It was just bad luck on both counts, but you have a life with Connor, Ruby, me and this child, and we are not going anywhere. I promise you that one.”

“We don’t know what’s going to happen,” Charlie answered as she wiped a tear from her cheek. “I’m so scared.”

“I know,” Brax answered. “But we’re going to counselling and Wendy will help you. She’ll help you with Lily and Angelo and learning to love the new baby.”

“What kind of mother needs to get counselling because she’s pregnant?” Charlie questioned, feeling ashamed.

“A mother that wants to feel something for their child. A mother who wants so much to love and bond and care for their child,” Brax said softly. “If you didn’t want to you wouldn’t get help would you?” Brax questioned as Charlie shook her head lightly. “You’re an amazing mother, Charlie. You are great with Connor and you are going to be with this one too,” Brax said as he rubbed her stomach. “You’re just scared and I would be too if I’d been through what you had. But we’ll get you there. Me, you and Wendy, we’ll talk and everything will be okay.”

“Well I’m going to try my best to make it okay.” Charlie answered.

“I know you are.” Brax placed a soft kiss on her forehead as Connor ran over to them.

“Are you still sad about daddy?” Connor questioned. “I’m sad too,” Connor said as he bowed his head down. “I should be going to his house today to play.”

“How about we all go to the beach for a nice family picnic instead?” Brax questioned as he ruffled Connor’s hair.

“Yeah,” Connor nodded. “Can I get a boogie board?” Connor asked. “You can surf ay Brax?”

“I sure can,” Brax smiled. “You’ll need to ask mummy if you can get a boogie board though.”

“Of course,” Charlie smiled down at her son. “Here’s your toast. Go eat breakfast then we can get going okay?” Connor gave a little nod as he took the plate from Charlie and ran back over to the table. “You deserve a medal or something, you know.” Charlie said as she looked back to Brax.

“Oh yeah?” Brax questioned. “And why is that?”

“For all you’ve had to put up with since we’ve been together,” Charlie answered. “Would probably scare a lot of men away.”

“Well I’m not scared so easy,” Brax smiled lightly. “And I love you and Connor and little Pip way too much to go anywhere,” Brax said as he lightly rubbed her stomach. “So, I’m not going anywhere, ever. Once all this passes we’ll get to have a great life with Connor and Pip, you’ll see.” Brax said before placing a soft kiss on her lips.

“So you mean to tell me I’m stuck with you?” Charlie questioned.

“Afraid so.” Brax gave a cheeky grin before placing another kiss on her lips.

[Danni02]

Thank you for the comments.

Chapter 125

Charlie was sitting at the beach, looking out to Brax as he showed Connor how to boogie board. She smiled lightly as she watched them bond, Charlie glad that Connor wasn’t pushing him away after Angelo’s death because she knew that he’d need him now more than ever. She felt kids, little boys especially, needed a father or at least a father figure in their lives and was glad that Connor had someone like Brax there for him. Charlie knew that no matter what, Brax would always be there for Connor if he needed him. “Well I’m not sure on the state of your mother but you’re going to have the best father,” Charlie smiled lightly as she put her hand onto her bump. “Mummy promises she is going to try her hardest. I do. There might be some tough moments to start with but I’m sure I’ll get there in the end. At least that’s what everyone keeps telling me.”

“Talking to yourself is the first sign of madness, you know.” Charlie looked up to see Bianca standing beside her.

“Then I must be mad,” Charlie gave a little laugh as Bianca sat down next to her, Zak running over to her and liking her hand. “Sorry he likes to lick people. Disgusting really,” Charlie made a face as she lightly hit Zak’s nose. “No. Don’t lick.”

“It’s alright,” Bianca gave a little laugh. Puppies get away with it because they are so damn adorable. Especially this one.” Bianca lightly clapped Zak as he settled on the sand in front of Bianca.

“Still a dog thought, isn’t he?” Charlie scrunched her face up.

“I didn’t think you hated dogs that much.” Bianca laughed.

“I don’t hate them,” Charlie shook her head. “And Zak is rather cute but I....well I just have enough to worry about right now without dealing with a puppy too.”

“But Brax and Connor help with the dog right?” Bianca questioned.

“Yeah, and honestly he’s not that bad. Maybe I just like complaining.” Charlie gave a little laugh as she leaned down and gave the dog a little clap.

“You said it.” Bianca mumbled.

“Hey, I heard that.” Charlie lightly nudged her friends arm.

Bianca smiled lightly. “So anyways, Brax mentioned you were going to get counselling.” Bianca spoke tentatively wondering if she should mention it or not.

“Yeah hopefully it sorts me out,” Charlie exhaled sadly. “I hate feeling like this and the constant worry can’t be good for the baby.”

“I’m sure it will help you a lot,” Bianca smiled positively. “Counsellors are good at what they do.”

“Yeah,” Charlie nodded. “And I’ve spoken to this woman before. Not on my own but she’s the counsellor that’s at the bereavement group if need be.”

“So she kind of knows you a bit then,” Bianca said. “Maybe you’ll find it easier to open up to her if you’ve known her that little bit. I know you’re really private with your grief.”

“It’s been so hard opening up to Brax about everything,” Charlie said. “I don’t want to take anything away from him and I fear that if I tell him too much I will.”

“Nah,” Bianca shook her head. “He’ll be able to support you and help you through anything and still be super excited for this child. I know he is, I’ve spoken to him.” Bianca gave a little laugh as she thought about Brax’s excitement.

“Good,” Charlie smiled. “I worry that I’m making this a bad experience for him. This is the only child he’ll get so it should be special.”

“It will be,” Bianca smiled lightly. “He loves you and Connor and the little family he has more than anything. Trust me on that one. This is so special to him and I honestly don’t think anything could diminish that for him.”

“As long as I’m making him happy,” Charlie smiled. “He’s had to put up with a lot since we’ve got together so I’m glad he can say he’s happy and isn’t sick of me.”

“He’s besotted, Charlie,” Bianca said. “Stop worrying so much.”

“I can’t help it,” Charlie answered. “It’s just the way I am.”

“I know but please just chill out a bit, everything will be fine.” Bianca said as she looked down to Zak who had decided to try to eat some of the sand. The women both laughed lightly before looking back out to the ocean to Brax and Connor.

******

Charlie was in the kitchen making herself a sandwich when Brax came down the stairs. “That’s him out for the count,” Brax smiled as Charlie put something into her mouth. “All that swimming today must have tired him out.”

“He had a lot of fun today,” Charlie smiled. “Thanks for teaching him how to boogie board.”

“My pleasure,” Brax smiled as he wrapped his arms around Charlie, resting one hand on her bump. “I can’t wait to teach this little one how to boogie board too.”

“What if he doesn’t want to?” Charlie asked as she put another pickled onion in her mouth and ate it.

“She will,” Brax nodded. “Any Braxton kid loves the water, you’ll see.”

“Oh I will?” Charlie cocked her head to the side. “You absolutely sure on that, Mr Braxton?”

“I am,” Brax nodded. “And little Buckton-Braxton will be a surfing wonder before she can even walk.”

“Little bit optimistic there.” Charlie laughed as she put a knife into the jar of peanut butter and smothered it over a slice of bread.

“Nah, I tell you, this kid will be awesome,” Brax laughed as he looked down to her sandwich, screwing his face up as he saw cheese, pickled onions, ketchup and peanut butter.” Still having the disgusting cravings then?”

“Mmm,” Charlie nodded. “But I wouldn’t call it disgusting. I like it. It’s nice.”

Brax rolled his eyes as he watched her take a bite. “I think I need to get you a dictionary so you can look up the definition of nice.”

“Oh ha-ha,” Charlie exhaled as she opened the fridge and took out the apple juice and poured herself a glass. “You don’t have to like it because you don’t have to eat it.”

“Too right I won’t be eating that,” Brax gave a little laugh as he followed Charlie through to the living room and took a seat next to her on the couch. “But I guess you need to give little Pip Buckton-Braxton what she wants.” Brax said as Charlie took a bite of the sandwich.

“Just Braxton.” Charlie said with her mouth full.

“Huh?” Brax screwed his face up. “Don’t speak with your mouth full babe; it’s not a nice look.”

“The baby,” Charlie swallowed. “He won’t be Buckton-Braxton. Just Braxton will do.” Charlie said.

“Oh really?” Brax sounded surprised. “Are you sure you’re okay with that?” Brax questioned.

“Well we’ve talked about me becoming a Braxton in the future, right?” Charlie questioned.

“Yeah, yeah we have,” Brax smiled. “I just thought that you’d like to have the same surname as the baby that’s all.”

“Well once you make me Mrs Braxton I will.” Charlie gave him a smile before taking another bite of her sandwich.

“What about Connor?” Brax questioned. “He’s a Rosetta right? Or is he Buckton-Rosetta?”

“He’s a Rosetta,” Charlie answered. “Unless he wants to change his name he’d stay that way. I don’t really want him to lose his identity so maybe Rosetta-Braxton or Braxton-Rosetta.”

Brax smiled pleased to hear that Charlie would change Connor’s name to make him a Braxton too, while keeping his Rosetta identity. “And what makes you so sure I will propose?” Brax questioned.

“I know you want to get married one day,” Charlie answered. “Hopefully it’s to me.”

“Unless Mila Kunis comes knocking your safe,” Brax joked. “But seriously I’d love to make you Mrs Braxton one day.”

“When the time is right.” Charlie said.

“Of course,” Brax gave her a smile before leaning forward and picking up a letter he had noticed was sitting on the coffee table. “You not opened this yet?”

“Clearly, no,” Charlie shook her head. “It’s from Angelo’s solicitor.”

“The will reading?” Brax guessed with a questioning look.

“Most probably,” Charlie answered. “But like you can see, I’m yet to open it,” Charlie exhaled as she leaned forward and took a drink of the apple juice. “Will reading means most likely having to deal with his parents again.”

“Of course,” Brax gave a little nod of understanding. “I’d offer to come with you but it’s highly unlikely Angelo has left anything to me, so I probably won’t be allowed, right?”

“I’m not sure,” Charlie shook her head. “I wouldn’t think so. But it’s most likely going to be here in Summer Bay, maybe Sydney at worst so it’s not like I need to leave you for days again.”

“True,” Brax gave a little smile. “Well I can read it for you if you wish, let you know when it is?”

“Mmm.” Charlie gave a little nod and Brax opened up the letter and as expected it was about the will reading.

“Saturday at 2pm. The court house in Yabbie Creek.” Brax said.

Charlie clicked her tongue. “Guess once we have that over with we can try and get things back to normal for Connor.”

“Yeah.” Brax agreed.

“You’re working on Saturday though, right?” Charlie sighed.

“Nope,” Brax shook his head. “I changed my shifts. Well, I told the boss what happened and he’s given me a week off to be with you and Connor.”

“So, you’re off a whole week?” Charlie’s eyes lit up as she looked to him.

“Yep,” Brax smiled. “Thought we could actually make a start to the nursery for Pip,” Brax smiled as he put his hand onto her stomach. “Distracting Connor with the nursery might be good.”

“Yeah,” Charlie smiled. “Aren’t you sweet taking time off for me and Connor? Give me a kiss.” Charlie smiled as she leaned forward but Brax screwed his face up as he pulled his head further back.

“You have pickled onion breath,” Brax grimaced. “So maybe not right now, yeah.”

“But it’s what your little Pip wants,” Charlie pouted. “You’re really not going to kiss the mother of your child?”

“Not when you are eating pickled onions,” Brax shook his head. “I’m sure I’ve told you this before lady.”

“Babe,” Charlie put the half-eaten sandwich on the table before moving closer to Brax. “Just one little one,” Charlie ran her hand lightly up his chest. Brax shook his head, finding it hard to resist. “Just one, tiny one.” Charlie pouted once again and Brax sighed. Boy she was gorgeous.

“Okay, but only if you catch me first.” Brax said before he stood up and made a run for it up the stairs.

“Hey, no fair,” Charlie stood up and ran after him. “Brax,” Charlie gave a girly squeal as she ran towards the stairs, but tripped over a pair of shoes lying by the door and went crashing to the ground, falling on her front. “Ahh Brax....Brax.” Charlie yelled out as Brax came running down the stairs at the sounds of her voice.

[Danni02]

Thank you all for the comments. This will be the last chapter I'll be posting till I get back from my skiing holiday.

Chapter 126

“I’m so sorry Charlie,” Brax sniffed back, wanting to cry, but trying his hardest to stay strong for Charlie’s sake, but inside he was riddled with fear for his unborn child. “This is all my fault. If we’ve lost this baby I’ll never forgive myself.”

“It wasn’t your fault,” Charlie shook her head. “I was the one who fell. I should have been watching where I was going.”

“But you fell because of me. I made you chase me for a kiss like we were 12 year olds in the playground. I’m so sorry.” Brax sounded angry with himself.

“We were just fooling around, it was an accident and the baby is most likely fine. I remember taking a fall when I was pregnant with Connor. Angelo stressed out like you are now and he was perfectly fine. Babies are well protected in there.” Charlie said as she rubbed her stomach.

“But she might not be,” Brax shook his head. “You said you felt pain. That could be a bad thing. You shouldn’t be feeling pain,” Brax paced the room as he rubbed his forehead. “You can’t lose her, you can’t lose my baby. Oh please God don’t let her lose this child. Please,” Brax walked back over to Charlie and took a seat on the chair next to the hospital bed and took her hand into his, squeezing it gently as he put his other hand over her little bump. “I can't feel anything.”

“Have you ever felt anything?” Charlie questioned.

“Not really, not yet,” Brax answered. “I’ve always been told it would be too soon for me to feel her.”

“Well I can feel him and right now he is normally sleeping so I wouldn’t be feeling anything either,” Charlie answered as she put her hand on top of Brax’s and gave it a squeeze. “Let’s not get too worried yet. Like I said, he’ll most likely be fine.”

“Where the hell is the doctor?” Brax questioned. “Keeping us waiting at a time like this. It’s ridiculous.”

“They’re probably busy,” Charlie answered, keeping a grip of Brax’s hand. “They’ll get here as quickly as they can.” Charlie exhaled, the worry on her face clearly showing.

“I’m such an idiot,” Brax slapped his forehead with his palm. “Why did I make you chase me when you were pregnant? Charlie I -”

“Brax, calm down,” Charlie sighed. “Take a deep breath. In and out,” Charlie breathed along with Brax. “Please stop worrying. Now, do you trust me?”

“Of course I do,” Brax answered. “But you’re not a doctor so sorry if I’m not going to take your word for it.”

“I may not be a doctor but I’ve been pregnant before and I know that babies are well protected and yeah it hurts a bit but I’m not bleeding or anything and I don’t think we need to be worried, okay.” Charlie took a deep breath, hoping that what she was saying was true. There was no way she’d be able to cope if she lost another child.

Brax exhaled as a female doctor walked into the room. “Hello, I’m Doctor Jenkins and I hear we had a little fall?” The Doctor smiled down at Charlie.

“Yeah, my partner here is a little freaked out so we came to get checked over.” Charlie exhaled.

“Well it’s probably the right thing to do,” The doctor smiled. “Never hurts to check although the baby is well protected in there,” The doctor put her hands onto Charlie’s stomach and felt around a little. “Does it hurt?”

“When it first happened,” Charlie answered. “It’s not so bad now though.”

“That’s good,” The doctor smiled. “It’s probably just bruised a little. We’ll get a scan and see what this baby is doing yeah?”

“Yeah,” Brax nodded. “I’d like to see her please, now. I need to hear that heartbeat.”

The doctor smiled lightly at Brax as she got the equipment ready before putting some gel onto Charlie’s stomach. She rolled the transducer around her stomach, looking for the heartbeat. Brax saw the look on her face and immediately started to worry even more than he already was. “What’s wrong? Why can’t we hear anything yet?”

“It may just be the way the baby is laying,” The doctor said. “Let’s not worry yet,” The doctor moved the transducer around Charlie’s stomach and both Brax and Charlie breathed a sigh of relief as they heard the baby’s heartbeat. “There we go.” The doctor smiled. “Nice and strong.”

“That’s the best sound,” Charlie smiled. “I’m glad I’ve heard that tonight.”

“I’m sure you’ll both be relieved,” The doctor smiled as she looked to the screen. “And you’ve had another little look at baby. Sound asleep right now.”

“Till mummy goes to bed.” Charlie gave a little laugh.

“I can’t feel the baby yet,” Brax said. “How can she feel it but whenever she said she’s moving and I feel I can’t feel it?”

“You’re 17 weeks yeah?” The doctor questioned.

“Yeah.” Charlie nodded.

“Within the next couple of weeks the flutters will change to proper kicks and trust me, you’ll feel it then,” The doctor smiled as she looked to Brax. “It’s a wonderful experience, the first kick.”

“I can’t wait,” Brax smiled. “That’s my little Pip in there. I want to feel what Charlie feels, I want to feel her, you know.”

“I sure you do and like I said, when that time comes you’ll love it.” The doctor smiled.

“Let’s hope we are together then,” Charlie gave a little laugh. “Knowing us we’ll be at the opposite sides of town.”

“I hope not,” Brax answered. “I’d like to feel one of the first proper kicks.”

“You’ll get to feel it one day,” The doctor smiled. “And the first time you do it’ll be special. It won’t matter if it was the first kick or not. As long as you get to feel your baby moving.”

“Yeah I guess that’s true,” Brax smiled. “So are you sure the baby is fine?” There was still a hint of worry in Brax’s tone.

“Perfect,” The doctor smiled. “So, you’re free to go right now and we’ll see you in a few more weeks for the 20 week scan.”

“Great, thank you.” Charlie smiled lightly as she sat up from the bed and got herself ready to leave the hospital.

******

Charlie and Brax walked back into the house to see Connor down the stairs, his little face tear stained as he cuddled into Bianca. “Mummy.” Connor jumped down from the couch and ran into her arms.

“You’re alright.” Charlie said as she hugged her son.

“You were gone,” Connor said. “I woke up from a bad dream and you weren’t here.”

“Sorry sweetie we needed to get to the hospital.” Charlie answered as she walked over to the couch with her son.

“Why?” Connor questioned. “Did you have the baby?” Connor put his hand onto Charlie’s stomach.

“Not yet, no,” Charlie shook her head. “Mummy had a little fall so we just wanted to make sure the baby didn’t get hurt.” Charlie explained.

“Did it?” Connor questioned, his little hand moving across Charlie’s stomach in a circular motion.

“No,” Charlie shook her head as she heard Bianca breathing a sigh of relief. “Everything is perfect.”

“Good,” Connor smiled. “Mummy I saw the crash again.” Connor sighed as he bowed his head down.

“Aww dear,” Charlie lightly rubbed his head. “Remember mummy told you to think about nice things before you go to sleep.”

“I forgot,” Connor answered. “I’ll try that now, okay?”

“Yeah, good boy.” Charlie gave her son a kiss before he jumped down from her knee and looked to Bianca.

“Bee can you read me a little bit of a story before I sleep again?” Connor questioned. Bianca looked from Charlie to Brax and back to Charlie, who nodded her head lightly.

“Sure bud let’s go.” Bianca took Connor’s hand and led him over to the stairs.

“Night mummy and Darryl. Love you.” Connor said as he looked back over to them.

“Love you too bud.” Brax and Charlie answered before Bianca and Connor disappeared up the stairs. Brax exhaled as he sat down next to Charlie on the couch, pulling her closer to him as he wrapped his arm around her.

“How could you be so calm in there?” Brax questioned. “I was completely losing it and you, well....”

“I couldn’t let myself think I’d lost another child,” Charlie shook her head. “I know it’s always been on my mind since I got pregnant, but, being in that moment, I couldn’t.....if I let myself think for one second that this child was gone, it would end me, Brax. There’s no way I could have coped so the only way to get through it was convince myself the baby was okay. I couldn’t let my fears become my reality.”

Brax gave a weak smile as he kissed her forehead. “I was terrified at just the thought that we could have lost this child. It’s made me see how hard it must be for you. I thought I could try to understand before, but...” Brax trailed off as he shook his head. “I’m still never going to understand, but....”

“It’s okay,” Charlie said. “I’m coping so much more now that at the beginning of this pregnancy and we are going to talk to Wendy next week and I’m trying so hard to be where you are Brax I really am.”

“I know,” Brax rubbed her arm as he kissed her once again. “And the fact that you seem okay with being pregnant now, talking about names, about getting the nursery ready shows you are progressing.”

“I still have the worry that the baby will be stillborn or die in his sleep, but, I don’t know, maybe that will never go away, but, when we were in that hospital all I thought about was meeting this child and thinking of the perfect name with you and the four of us living here as a family and I want that, I really do Brax.”

“I know,” Brax answered quietly. “And we’ll get that. This baby is special for us, Charlie. I mean look at the odds it beat to get here,” Brax lightly rubbed her stomach. “Maybe that’s enough to let us know the kid will be just fine.”

“Yeah, maybe.” Charlie smiled lightly as she rested her head against Brax’s chest as he pulled her into a hug. He placed a kiss on her temple before they stayed silently in the embrace.

[Danni02]

Thank you for the comments. Hope you like this one.

Chapter 127

Charlie was sitting in the room with Roberto, Carla, Paulie and Connor, Connor sitting on his mother’s lap, Charlie with her hands wrapped around his stomach, almost protectively. “We shouldn’t be here,” Roberto shook his head. “No parents should be at the will reading of their child. No parents should ever have to bury a child in fact,” Roberto shook his head as his tone sounded angry. “I pray to God that none of you have to bury a child, I do. It’s the most awful experience.” Roberto exhaled.

“Don’t I know it.” Charlie replied.

“Of course,” Carla said.

“Well you knew your daughter a matter of months,” Roberto said. “We had our son 31 years.”

“Wow,” Charlie shook her head. “With all due respect, Roberto, I’m not sure losing Lily wouldn’t have hurt any more than it did if I knew her a few months or a few years. She was still my little girl.”

“Of course, Charlie,” Carla said. “Roberto just meant -”

“Sorry about the wait,” A tall dark haired man with glasses walked into the room and took a seat at the table. “We can get started now. So, Paulo Ricardo Rosetta, the younger brother of Angelo Roberto Rosetta.”

“Yeah that’s me.” Paulie said as he took a deep breath.

“He leaves you $15,000.” The man said with a little smile. “He also leaves the same amount to his parents, Roberto and Carla Rosetta.” Roberto gave a little huff.

“What about his restaurant?” Roberto asked.

The man looked up at him before looking back down to his papers. “To his children, Connor and Lily he leaves his restaurant, with wife, Charlotte being in charge until they reach 18 years of age.”

“They’re divorced,” Roberto raised his voice. “Clearly she doesn’t get it now?”

“Clearly Mr Rosetta didn’t change his will after the divorce,” The man said. “It would fall to her children, with Charlotte being responsible until Connor and Lily reached 18 years of age.”

“Just Connor.” Charlie told him.

“It says here -” The man started to talk as he pointed to the papers.

“I know but Lily passed away,” Charlie exhaled. “So, please, just Connor.”

“I’m sorry,” The man pursed his lips together. “He leaves the rest of his money to be shared equally amongst Charlotte and Connor.”

“So she divorced my son but she still gets everything? Roberto screwed his face up. “My son’s money to spend on her new kid with her river rat?”

“Roberto,” Carla raised her voice to her husband. “Charlie will do right by Connor with the money, isn’t that right?”

“Of course,” Charlie nodded. “I don’t care for any of it. I’ll leave it all for Connor for when he grows up.”

“At least give us the restaurant. What can you do with that?” Roberto asked.

“Probably more than you, dad,” Paulie said. “You live in Melbourne with your own restaurant to run. She can look after it until Connor is old enough.”

Connor looked around the room, looking at everyone talking, deciding it was best to stay quiet. He didn’t really know what everyone was going on about anyways. “You move here and take it off her hands.” Roberto said.

“The restaurant has been left to Connor,” Charlie said. “Until he is 18, it’s me who has to look after it. Dave is Angelo’s assistant manager and he is perfectly capable of looking after the place.”

“Well as long as you don’t let your lover boy work there again. I know he used to.” Roberto exhaled.

“Who I may hire in the future would be of my decision, not yours,” Charlie said. “Now, if we are finished here?” Charlie looked to the man who was reading out the will. She didn’t want to spend any more time with Roberto if she didn’t need to. Carla and Paulie were fine and Charlie would be happy for them to visit Connor at any time, but she’d rather not deal with Roberto on a regular basis, although he was usually fine with Charlie and during her marriage to Angelo he treated her like a daughter, so maybe this was just his grief and anger at Angelo’s passing spilling out.

“There are a few papers for you all to sign but other than that you are free to go, yes.” The man nodded as he started to organise the papers on the desk.

Charlie smiled lightly at the man as she put Connor down to the ground and stood up. “Charlie,” Carla walked over to her. “Do you think we could spend some time with Connor before we head back to Melbourne? We’re here a few days. We’ll be staying at the Sands so we’ll be in the bay anyways.”

“We have plans for the rest of the day but he’s free tomorrow,” Charlie answered. “What do you think Connor, you want to spend time with grandma and grandpa?”

Connor thought about this for a moment before he shook his head. “Not really. Not grandpa. He’s being mean like daddy was for a while.”

“What about grandma and uncle Paulie though?” Carla questioned. “And auntie Ana is here too.”

“Yeah, you are all fine.” Connor answered.

“Good,” Carla smiled. “We’ll I’ll give you a call in the morning then, yeah?” Carla questioned.

“Yes that’s fine.” Charlie gave her a smile before going to sign what she needed to, eager to leave the room and see Brax.

******

Brax, Charlie and Connor were at a Chinese Restaurant having something to eat before going back to the bay. “So Ana was asking an awful lot of questions about the baby.”

“Oh yeah?” Chalie questioned. “How so?”

“Well she was asking about if we knew if it was a boy or a girl, when you were due, if we’d picked out names, that sort of stuff.” Brax screwed his face up before taking a drink of his coke.

“She was probably just making conversation until we came out from the reading.” Charlie answered.

“Maybe,” Brax exhaled. “Just seemed overly interested, that’s all.”

“Maybe this just helps her get through,” Charlie answered. “You know she can’t have kids of her own so maybe this helps her get by.”

“Maybe,” Brax looked unsure. “She did say they were meeting with a woman who was giving her child up and they were a possible choice as the adoptive parents.”

“Ahh well that’s nice,” Charlie smiled. She still felt guilty that Ana couldn’t have kids and she wasn’t 100 per cent there when it came to being happy about this pregnancy. Of course she had to go with it, and she was getting on far better these days than when she first found out. “Hopefully it goes well for them.”

“Mum can I play on your app phone?” Connor questioned.

“My what?” Charlie laughed.

“Your app phone,” Connor exhaled. “I can play the bird game.”

“You mean my iPhone?” Charlie questioned.

“Yes,” Connor laughed. “I mean that.”

Charlie opened her bag and pulled put her phone out and passed it to her son. “I know the passcode. It’s my birthday. 0502. The 5^th February.” Connor said as he hit it into the phone.

“Shhh,” Charlie put her index finger over her mouth. “Don’t tell everyone buddy.”

“But it’s only Darryl.” Connor sighed. “He’ll no tell anyone.”

“I don’t know bud,” Brax teased. “I might shout it out to the whole restaurant.”

“No,” Connor gasped. “Don’t Darryl. You can’t.”

“I won’t.” Brax laughed as Connor turned the phone so Brax could see the screensaver.

“Darryl did you know that’s Lily?” Connor pointed to the screen to the picture of his little sister.

Brax nodded his head as he looked to the picture, giving a smile. “I do, she was very pretty.”

“Yeah, she was the prettiest,” Connor smiled as he moved the phone back to his view and hit the app to play the game. “Oh mummy maybe when Pip is born you could change the picture and it can be me and the baby on your phone.”

“Yeah, maybe.” Charlie smiled weakly at her son as she ran her hand over her stomach, feeling the baby beginning to wake.

“You alright?” Brax mouthed to Charlie.

“Yeah,” Charlie nodded as she gave him a smile. She ran her hand over Connor’s head as she watched him playing the game on her phone. “So, Connor is going out with Carla and them tomorrow so I thought we could go get the furniture and paint for the baby’s room.”

“Oh yeah?” Brax winded his eyes surprised.

“Yeah, well we need to make a start to the room. I thought you wanted to do it this week with Connor?” Charlie questioned.

“Yeah, yeah, I do,” Brax answered. “It sounds good.”

“Mummy?” Connor questioned. “You know how the baby is in your tummy?”

“Uh-huh?” Charlie looked questioningly at her son.

“Well when you eat doesn’t it get covered in food?” Connor questioned. Charlie and Brax both laughed and Connor bowed his head down. “Well you said it’s in your tummy and that’s where you’re food goes.”

“Well it is but...” Charlie trailed off. “It’s in a different place than my food goes,” Charlie answered. “The baby grows in something called a uterus and my food goes in my stomach.”

“Oh,” Connor screwed his face up. “So the baby doesn’t get food on him?”

“No.” Charlie gave a little laugh.

“Good,” Connor smiled. “Do I have a uterus?”

“Nope, just girls do because girls carry the babies.” Charlie said before taking a drink of her water.

“Oh okay,” Connor smiled before leaning over and putting the straw in his mouth, taking a drink of his juice. “I hope the food comes soon, I’m hungry.” Connor sighed before looking back down to the game he was playing on the phone.

“Mmm so is mummy.” Charlie said.

“You’re always hungry now mummy.” Connor sighed.

“Yeah, she’s going to make the baby all fat and squishy with all her eating isn’t she?” Brax questioned.

“Yeah,” Connor giggled. “Pip will be fat mummy.”

“Ahh you both going to gang up on me now?” Charlie exhaled. “I think Pip will be little, actually.”

“Oh yeah?” Brax questioned.

“Yup.” Charlie nodded.

“We we’ll see who’s right then eh?” Brax said. “My bets on me and Connor though. We’ll be right ay bud?”

“Yeah,” Connor giggled as he looked up at this mother. “Me and Darryl will be right mum.”

“We’ll have to see about that when the baby comes then hmm?” Charlie rubbed Connor’s head once again before looking to Brax and smiling, happy that they were having a happy family day out amongst the troubles with Angelo’s death, Angelo’s parents and the will reading and knew it wouldn’t be long before everything was sorted and they could get on with being a happy family.

[Danni02]

Thanks for the comments. This one is slightly shorter than usual, but hopefully it’s okay.

This chapter skips forward 2 weeks in time.

Chapter 128

Charlie sat up in the bed as she put her hand onto her stomach, clutching onto it gently. “Brax,” Charlie used her other hand to reach out and hit his chest. “Brax, wake up,” Charlie hit him a little harder. “Brax.”

“What?” Brax shot up from lying down as he put the side light on before facing Charlie. “What’s wrong?” Brax sounded worried. “Is it the baby? Is it Connor?” Charlie gave a little laugh as she took Brax’s hand and put it onto her stomach. “Oh my....” Brax’s eyes widened in amazement. “Hey to you to Pip,” Charlie saw the biggest grin ever on Brax’s face as he felt his baby kicking for the first time. “Oh my God Charlie, do you feel that?”

“Yeah,” Charlie gave a laugh. “I can feel it.”

“Of course,” Brax muttered. “Wow there she goes again,” Brax grinned. “Little active mite eh?” Brax lightly rubbed Charlie’s stomach as the baby continued to kick. “Ah that feels amazing, I just, I...” Brax paused. “I could lay with my hand here all night.”

Charlie smiled as she looked into his eyes, seeing pure joy at this new experience for him. “It does feel pretty incredible huh?”

“It just....it’s.....wow,” Brax smiled as he left his hand on Charlie’s stomach, feeling his baby moving and kicking. “So, I’ve actually been thinking of some more baby names over these last few days,” Brax said as he moved closer to Charlie, keeping his hand on her stomach as she cuddled into him too. “You want to hear them?”

“Mmm, sure.” Charlie nodded.

“Well, I still think Jessica is my favourite, but I also like Rosie, Talia and Brooke.”

“Brooke?” Charlie questioned. “Brooke Braxton? Are you being serious?” Charlie scrunched her nose up. “No thanks.”

Brax gave a little laugh. “Okay, well still Jessica is my number one choice but I also like Jade, Jackson, Jaden and Simon.”

“You like the J names, huh?” Charlie questioned. “Jessica, Jackson, Jaden.” Charlie raised her eyebrows.

“I guess I do,” Brax laughed. “I’ll tell you Miles, Hunter, Steven and Caleb too then, throw some in away from the J’s.”

Charlie gave a little laugh. “Well I like Simon and Hunter,” Charlie smiled. “I also like Zac but we’ve just called the pup that so two Zac’s might be a bit confusing,” Charlie said. “I also like William, Alexander and Harry.”

“I like Alexander,” Brax smiled. “Do you like Jessica? I’ve never really heard you give a girl’s name, it’s always been boys.”

Charlie pursed her lips together as she gave a little nod. “It’s nice. I just don’t think we’ll need it, that’s all.”

“Oh yeah?” Brax lightly rubbed Charlie’s stomach. “So I think it’s a girl and you think it’s a boy? You know just because you think it’s a boy, you still need to talk about girls names.”

“Hmm,” Charlie bowed her head down. “I eh....I don’t just think it’s a boy,” Charlie took a deep breath. “I think I need it to be a boy,” Charlie spoke quietly as once again knew she needed to open up to Brax. “Being a girl....I.....” Charlie shook her head. “I think that if I had a girl I’d constantly be comparing her with Lily. Lily was smiling by this age, Lily’s laugh was like that....when she got older I’d wonder if Lily would be crawling at the same age, if Lily’s first word would be the same as this girls, if she’d have been walking by the same age, if she would be into what this girl was.....it would be too hard, so I need this child to be a boy, because I have Connor to compare him with so I think that I’ll can bond easier and be a better mother to him.”

“Charlie,” Brax exhaled lightly as he rubbed her arm. “I understand your worries, but, you can’t get your hopes up too much that this going to be a boy,” Brax lightly rubbed her stomach. “There’s a 50 per cent chance that you’ll get a girl and maybe, yeah, it will be a little harder for you, but at the end of the day, this is your baby and I know you’ll love her and learn to see her as her own person.”

“I don’t know,” Charlie shook her head as she sniffed back. “I don’t know if I will can. What if she looks like Lily....what if....what if I’m reminded of Lily every time I look at her? I just think it will be so much easier for me if this child were a boy,” Charlie lightly ran her hand over her stomach. “It will be easier on us all. On the baby, on me, on you and Connor too. We’ll can be a happy family, but if it’s a girl I know I’m going to struggle and things will be hard.”

“Well maybe it will be a little harder, but, that’s why we are seeing Wendy. We had a good session with her last week and will see her again in a few days and she’s going to help with this,” Brax lightly rubbed her arm. “I promise.”

Charlie took a deep breath as she looked into Brax’s eyes. “I like Georgia and Ellie,” Charlie said. “And I really do like Jessica. I think it goes nice with Braxton too. And Connor actually. Connor and Jessica.” Charlie gave a weak smile as she ran her hand over her bump.

“Yeah,” Brax smiled. “I like Georgia and Ellie. They’re both cute,” Brax smiled. “Maybe we should find out what you are having at the scan,” Brax suggested. “Maybe knowing what you are having will help prepare you and help you bond more.”

“Maybe,” Charlie exhaled. “I’ve always had it be a surprise though. It’s nice to have that after giving birth.”

“Well we can think about it,” Brax smiled. “We still have a few days before the scan.”

“I didn’t think you wanted to know though?” Charlie gave him a questioning look.

“I don’t,” Brax shook his head. “Not really, but if it’s going to help you I’m sure we can change the plans.”

“Well we can think about it,” Charlie smiled before leaning up and placing a soft kiss on his lips. “I love you so much Brax.”

“I love you too,” Brax smiled. “Now, let me feel this little one again before she goes back to sleep.” Brax said before lightly rubbing Charlie’s stomach as she snuggled her head into the hollow of his shoulder, smiling at Brax’s amazement of feeling his baby moving.

[Danni02]

Thank you beebee and Sabrina for leaving feedback.

Also, while I’m glad that you read this story, I would appreciate it if you left more of a comment than ‘Good Chapter’. I put time and effort into writing these chapters for you, so a little feedback and/or constructive criticism would be appreciated.

Chapter 129

“Babe.” Charlie looked across the table at the diner to her boyfriend. They were having lunch together before Brax’s shift at Noir started.

“Hmm?” Brax questioned intrigued.

“Well you know I’m going to Angelo’s restaurant to sort out things with Dave?” Charlie questioned.

“Eventually.” Brax gave a little laugh. It had been two weeks since the will reading and only now had Charlie thought about going to talk with Dave.

“Yes it’s taken a while but I’ve had a grieving kid to worry about, a puppy to get used to and we’ve been getting the nursery ready for Pip,” Charlie replied. “And really two weeks isn’t that bad, is it?”

“No, I suppose not,” Brax answered. “What do you want to say?”

“Well Dave is only the assistant manager and I like him, he’s great at what he does but, I want someone in charge who’s going to respect what I want to, you know, for Connor’s future in the place.”

“Mmm hmm.” Brax pursed his lips together.

“Would you be interested in coming back to Angelo’s as the manager?” Charlie questioned.

“You want me to run the place?” Brax gave a smile. “What’s Roberto going to think to that?”

“I don’t give two hoots to what Roberto thinks,” Charlie answered. “I am now the owner of the place and it’s my call not his.”

“Wow, eh....yeah, of course I’ll run the place for you,” Brax gave a smile. “I’d love too.”

“Great,” Charlie gave him a smile. “I get you’ll need to work notice at your work but I’ll let Dave and the others know today.”

“Sweet, I’m going to have my own restaurant.” Brax grinned.

“Well technically not,” Charlie shook her head. “I’m the owner, you’re just the manager.”

“Well yeah but....close enough,” Brax smiled before taking a drink of his juice. “And you know if it’s what Connor wants then I get to teach him the ropes when he’s old enough. It’s going to be good.”

“Yeah,” Charlie smiled as she rubbed her stomach. “Mmm baby hasn’t stopped kicking all day.”

“Gonna love soccer like her big brother then,” Brax smiled. “And if she’s a good kicker then she’ll probably be a good swimmer and that’s half the battle of being able to surf.”

“Yeah,” Charlie gave a laugh. “Please teach him to swim well before putting my child on a surf board.”

“You’re child?” Brax questioned.

“Sorry, our child,” Charlie corrected herself. “So, I’ve been thinking about what you said the other night about finding out the sex at the scan on Sunday.”

“Oh yeah?” Brax said. “If you want to know I honestly don’t mind.”

“I don’t,” Charlie shook her head. “I know you and Wendy last night said it could help if I did find out but what if it makes me worse?” Charlie questioned. “What if they tell me it’s a girl and I freak out big time? I know I will. I’ll constantly be thinking I’m not going to bond as easy and have all these things running through my mind about this girl and Lily and it’ll make me even worse that I am,” Charlie sighed. “I think not knowing right now is the best way to go.”

Brax exhaled lightly, a part of him glad that they weren’t going to find out, but part of him still thinking it would be better for Charlie, but he knew he couldn’t push her on this. “Okay, if you’re sure. And if you ever do change your mind then we can always ask and I am sure they’ll tell us.”

“Yeah, I’m sure they will.” Charlie agreed. “You’re not working tomorrow, right?” Charlie questioned.

“No, I thought you were though?” Brax screwed his face up.

“I am,” Charlie answered. “Connor’s soccer season starts up again soon and he needs new soccer boots. I thought you could maybe take him shopping to get some new ones.”

“Ahh can do,” Brax smiled. “We could probably finish the nursery too.”

“Yeah, Connor will love that then. New soccer boots, doing stuff for the nursery, and just having some boy time with you.”

“Yeah,” Brax answered. “If he’s lucky I might take him to McDonalds too.”

“You’re going to take him in to Sydney?” Charlie questioned.

“Better shops for baby stuff there.” Brax answered.

“We don’t need anything else for the baby.” Charlie said looking rather confused.

“Babe, you can never have enough stuff for a new baby.” Brax laughed.

“God you’re worse than a woman.” Charlie laughed.

“Nah, I hate shopping really,” Brax answered. “Only when it comes to shopping for my little Pip, or of course her gorgeous mother or awesome big brother it’s different, I like it then.”

“Okay.” Charlie screwed her face up as she gave a little laugh.

“And you know this is the only baby I am going to have,” Brax said. “I want to enjoy it as much as I can.”

“Well enjoy it,” Charlie smiled. “I’m not sure how much you are going to enjoy the 3am feeds, ear piercing screams, smelly nappies and if he’s anything like Connor lots of baby sick, but, enjoy it because they do grow up fast.”

“I’m going to love every minute of it,” Brax said. “Even the not so good stuff you just mentioned because the cute cuddles and smiles and laughs are going to make it all worth it.” Brax smiled before letting it fall from his face, Charlie not able to read the look he was doing.

“You okay?” Charlie questioned. “You are alright with us only having one child together, right?” Charlie wondered. She knew she was asking a lot of him, but at the same time, Brax was asking a lot of her to have this child, never mind anymore.

“Yeah, it’s fine. I know how hard it’s been for you to have this child so I wouldn’t ask you to do that again,” Brax gave a weak smile. “Me, you, Connor and Pip will be a great family. And we’ll have Rubes and Romeo too.”

“Yeah, it’s going to be good.” Charlie gave a little smile as she continued to feel the baby kicking, trying her hardest to keep positive in her feelings for the baby.

******

“Mummy, Darryl is taking me to Sydney today and we’re going to get me some new soccer boots and more things for the baby and he said we can go to McDonalds.” Connor jumped around the kitchen in excitement as he told his mother his plans for the day.

“Ah wow you are going to have a great day then hmm?” Charlie smiled down at her son.

“Yeah but why aren’t you coming?” Connor questioned.

“I have to work.” Charlie replied.

“But it’s Saturday.” Connor sighed sadly.

“Yeah mummy sometimes has to work on a Saturday.” Charlie said.

“Oh,” Connor sighed. “Well me and you will still have lots of fun eh Darryl?” Connor took a seat back at the table to finish his juice.

“We sure will,” Brax smiled. “Maybe we could bring something nice home for mummy though eh? Since we get a nice day out and she has to work?”

“Like a bag of haribo?” Connor questioned.

Brax gave a little laugh knowing exactly why Connor would want him to buy Charlie a bag of haribo. “Maybe something a bit more expensive than haribo eh mate?”

“Two bags?” Connor questioned.

“You don’t have to buy mummy anything,” Charlie said. “Just you pick out some nice things for the baby yeah?”

“I always do,” Connor gave a little nod. “The baby has lots of nice things eh?”

“Yup,” Charlie answered. “It’s going to be one spoiled baby.”

“Yeah,” Connor laughed. “I think we’ll buy another teddy for Pip today but it’s to match her room so you can’t know it yet,” Connor said. Charlie exhaled lightly before giving her son a smile. Although Charlie had picked out the colours and furniture, the rest of the nursery was up to Connor and Brax and Charlie couldn’t see it until the place was finished. “And no peeking when we are out today.” Connor waved his index finger out to his mother.

“I won’t,” Charlie laughed. “Besides, you made Brax put a lock on the door so mummy can’t get in anyways. She doesn’t know where the key is.”

Connor gave a little giggle. “Well we is nearly finished, ay Darryl?”

“Yup,” Brax smiled. “I can’t wait for you to see it.”

“Me either,” Charlie said. “I hope you’ve made a good job buddy.”

“Of course,” Connor nodded. “The best job and Darryl did really good with the drawings we did he can really draw mummy.”

“I know he can,” Charlie answered. “He did your bedroom too.”

“Oh yeah,” Connor nodded. “Oh mum you know the lock on the door?”

“Yeah?” Charlie questioned.

“Well when Pip gets here we won’t use it ay no?” Connor asked.

“No no,” Charlie shook her head. “Of course not.”

“Good,” Connor drank the last of his juice before he jumped down from the table. “Are we ready to go now?” Connor said as he looked to Brax who finished his juice as he stood up from the table.

“Sure,” Brax gave a little nod before placing a kiss on Charlie’s lip. “Bye Pip you look after mummy.” Brax smiled as he felt a few kicks from the baby, almost like a reply to what he was saying.

“See you.” Charlie smiled as Connor gave her a hug and kiss goodbye before running off to the door. Brax picked up the keys to his Ute before walking out the house with Connor, ready to spend the day with him. Charlie finished her juice before she cleared away the breakfast dishes, most of them going into the dishwasher, with the glasses staying on the worktop to be washed later when she was done with work. She grabbed her bag and her keys from the table before walking through the house and opening the door to find the postman putting letters into her mailbox. She thought about leaving them for later but something in her made her walk down and take them out in that moment. There was a postcard from Ruby and Romeo, a letter to Brax from his bank, a few pieces of junk mail and a letter for Charlie. She screwed her face up as she looked to the big brown envelope. She wasn’t expecting anything important so was confused as to what it could be. She opened the envelope and pulled the letter out and scanned over it, her eyes widening in shock as a strange feeling of fear appeared in the pit of her stomach as she read that Roberto and Carla were fighting her for custody of Connor.

[Danni02]

Thank you for the comments.

Chapter 130

“I can’t wait to show mummy my soccer boots Darryl,” Connor said as he climbed up onto the chair in McDonalds. “They will be the coolest one’s ay?”

“They are pretty cool mate,” Brax smiled. “You looking forward to playing with your team mates again?”

“Yeah it should be good,” Connor put the straw into his cup before he took a drink. “You’ll come watch me ay?”

“Sure thing,” Brax smiled. “Me and mummy will come to every game.”

“And the baby?” Connor questioned before putting some of his fries into his mouth.

“Of course the baby too,” Brax said as he swallowed a bite of his burger. “We’ll have lots of fun together huh?”

“Yeah,” Connor gave a little nod. “Darryl did you know I get daddy’s restaurant when I’m bigger?”

“I did,” Brax answered. “That will be cool huh, having your own restaurant?”

“Yeah cos I will can eat pizza all the days.” Connor grinned before taking a bite of his chicken nugget.

“Pizza every day?” Brax widened his eyes. “Ah I don’t know about that mate,” Brax shook his head. “It wouldn’t be very healthy would it?”

“But it would be good,” Connor exhaled. “I love pizza.”

“Meat feast, right?” Brax questioned.

“How did you know?” Connor gasped, sounding surprised that Brax knew his favourite pizza.

“Cos I know you,” Brax gave a little laugh. “I bet you know mines too.”

“Hmmm,” Connor scratched the side of his head. “You like stinky mushrooms on your pizza.”

“See,” Brax smiled. “But mushrooms are nice, they’re not stinky.”

“No Darryl, they are stinky,” Connor screwed his face up. “Pip won’t like them either so you have no-one to share your pizza with.” Connor gave a little giggle and Brax huffed, mocking offence.

“Mummy like mushrooms.” Brax said. “She’ll share with me.”

“But she likes meat feast too,” Connor sighed. “So you will still have no one to share with because mummy always shares with me so there.” Connor stuck his tongue out at Brax cheekily.

“Ah well, all the more pizza for me then eh,” Brax gave a little laugh. “So, anyways, after this how about we go to a baby store and get some things for Pip?”

“Yeah,” Connor grinned. “I want to pick out a teddy for Pip. One that will match the room.”

“That we can do,” Brax smiled. “And we can pick out some baby grows too.”

“I like getting things for the baby,” Connor smiled. “It’s remembers me about my baby sister.”

“Oh yeah?” Brax gave a little smile. “Do you like remembering your sister?”

“Uh-huh,” Connor gave a little nod. “I wish she was still here but she gets to be with daddy right? He’ll be looking after her eh, mummy said he would be.”

“Well if mummy said it she’ll be right.” Brax said.

“Brax?” Connor looked away shyly. “This baby won’t go to heaven too, will it?” Connor questioned.

Brax pursed his lips together, not expecting that to be asked. “Eh,” Brax scratched the back of his head. “Nah, this baby is going to be with me, you and mummy forever.”

“Good,” Connor smiled. “Mummy is too sad about Lily so Pip has to stay.”

Brax smiled lightly, deciding he shouldn’t say anything more about the baby possibly dying or the fact that Lily did. “Right, we’ll get finished here then head to the shops again, yeah?” Brax said and Connor nodded as he took a drink of his juice.

******

“Mummy.” Connor jumped down from the couch as Charlie walked back into the house, finished her work for the day.

“Hey bud,” Charlie bent down to her son’s level and gave him a hug, holding onto him for extra-long this time. He was her little boy and no-one was about to take him away from her. “How was your day?”

“The best,” Connor ran over to the bags and pulled out the box with his soccer boots in. “Look at these aren’t they the coolest?” Connor opened the box and pulled out the blue Adidas soccer boots with yellow laces and yellow Adidas stripes.

“Aww wow, they are smart,” Charlie smiled as she took one of them in her hand. “I hope you said thank you to Darryl for taking you to get them.”

“Of course,” Connor nodded as he put the boots back in the box. “And we got this stuff for Pip.” Connor pulled out the giraffe teddy and some baby grows from the bag.

“Aww that’s pretty.” Charlie ran her hand over the giraffe.

“Oh no you weren’t supposed to see that,” Connor threw the giraffe to Brax who was sitting watching from the couch. “Hide it Darryl.” Brax gave a little laugh as he hid it behind his body.

“The room is finished anyways bud so we can go show her it soon yeah?” Brax said.

“After the clothes then,” Connor said as put his hand over them. “Look at them all mummy.”

“Wow they’re all lovely,” Charlie smiled as she ran her hand over the little orange and gray striped baby grow, before looking at a yellow and white striped baby grow, green and white striped baby grow, a yellow one with a little monkey on it and a white one with multi-coloured polka dots on it. “Well this baby is going to have so much baby grows he’ll grow too big before he can wear them all.”

“Well we have plenty of choice,” Brax smiled. “And like you said yesterday if she’s a sickly baby we’ll have plenty of changes available,” Brax smiled. “And I hope you realise once we know if it is a boy or girl we’ll be out buying cute little dungaree suits or dresses and such.”

Charlie rolled her eyes. “This kid already has too much clothes.” Charlie mumbled.

“Well she’ll be well dressed,” Brax gave a grin. “Right bud; let’s go show her this room yeah?”

“Yeah,” Connor jumped up and ran excitedly up the stairs, with Charlie and Brax following behind. They caught up with Connor outside of the room, Connor with his hand on the door handle. “We already took the lock off, see,” Connor pointed to the door and Charlie gave him a smile. “Okay, you need to close your eyes mummy.”

“Okay, they’re closed.” Charlie said, smiling at her son’s excitement to show them the room. Brax led her into the room.

“Okay, open.” Connor said bursting with excitement to see his mother’s reaction to the room. Charlie stared opened mouthed as she looked around the room. The walls the soft yellow colour she’d picked, each one with a different animal on. One wall showed an elephant at the watering hole, the grey of the elephant and the blue of the watering hole bringing more colour into the room. The second wall had a lion peering through big shoots of green grass, as the third has some monkey’s swinging from a large tree. The fourth and final wall had a giraffe and it’s calf drawn onto it.

“Brax,” Charlie stood open mouthed. “This is amazing, it’s...” Charlie shook her head. “Bet you didn’t let the river boys know you could draw like this.”

“Ha no,” Brax laughed. “I’d probably be beaten to a pulp and called a sissy boy.”

“Well, I think you’re extremely talented,” Charlie smiled. “And you painted good buddy.” Charlie wrapped her arms around her son.

Connor seemed almost embarrassed. “Come and see the mobile and blanket,” Charlie walked over to the cot with her son’s hand in hers, the mobile hanging above it continuing the animal theme with a giraffe, elephant, lion and monkey hanging down from it and the blanket a golden yellow with an elephant on the middle. “And the changing table is the same. It’s got lots of monkeys on see,” Connor dragged her over to the changing table and Charlie smiled as she ran her hand across it. “And the blind is like the bed covers, with elephants on, see.” Connor pointed to the curtain.

“Aww wow, yeah,” Charlie smiled. “This is amazing. You boys have done a super job.”

Connor gave a little giggle. “Do you think Pip will like it?” Connor questioned as he put his hands onto Charlie’s stomach, smiling as he felt the baby moving.

“I think Pip will love it.” Charlie smiled.

“And Darryl said that Pip won’t go to heaven like Lily did,” Connor looked up to Charlie as he spoke. “He said we’d be together forever. Me, you, Darryl and Pip. Is he right?”

Charlie exhaled as she felt herself welling up. If Angelo’s parents had anything to do with it, they weren’t going to be together forever. “Of course,” Charlie pushed back the tears as she cupped her son’s cheek with her hand. “We are a family and we’ll always be together, okay?” Charlie said and Connor smiled as he nodded his head. “Now, why don’t you take Zak out in the back yard and see if you can teach him to fetch?” Charlie questioned.

“Can’t you and Darryl come too?” Connor questioned.

“Yeah we’ll be out soon.” Charlie rubbed her sons head before he ran from the room shouting on Zak as he thumped down the stairs.

“Are you alright?” Brax questioned, seeing the look on her face. “I know I maybe shouldn’t have said that to Connor but he was asking questions and I -”

“It’s not about that.” Charlie pursed her lips together as she let a tear escape her eye.

“Then what is it sweetheart?” Brax looked confused. “Is it the room, do you hate it?”

“No, I really do love it,” Charlie sniffed back as Brax wrapped his arms around her, lightly rubbing her back in comfort. “They’re trying to take him from me.” More tears fell down Charlie’s face as she hid it against Brax’s chest.

“Who is?” Brax questioned. “Take who? Baby just talk to me.” Brax continued to rub her back as he waited for Charlie to explain what was going on.