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My Saving Grace


Guest RoRo90

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thank you guys for the comments. I will be going away for two weeks this Saturday (not sure if I will be able to update while I am away) but will post another chapter before then. enjoy :)

Bringing his fingers to her shoulder he ran gentle circles over it "Look at it this way, it just means you get to spend more time with me. Surely that's got to be a bonus?"

Charlie grinned as she edged up the bed bringing her lips to his "Its a definite bonus"

...

"Babe I'm sure you'll get the all clear"

"I hope so" replied Brax as he and Charlie sat waiting for him to be seen to

"Mr Braxton" Brax and Charlie stood to their feet as Sid approached. Sid couldn't help the light chuckle that left his lips at the sight of Brax's face "I can tell you're eager to get this over and done with"

"It's all he's been banging on about for the past three weeks" replied Charlie as she looked up at Brax

"I just really want to go for a surf" replied Brax

"Ok. Let's see if you're able to" Sid smiled as he led the way. Leaning over to Charlie so only she could hear what he was saying Brax whispered

"And I really need to relieve some built up tension" he gave her a wink and his smile only increased as her face grew plum red

"That's not helping either" he lightly brushed his thumb against her cheek this time earning himself a slap on the chest as they followed Sid into a room

"Right" both Brax and Charlie looked up as Sid spoke. Charlie trying to hide the colour in her cheeks

"If you just lay down and we'll get started before we take you for a scan" Nodding to Sid's words Brax placed himself on the bed hoping the results would go his way.

...

"So everything is all set for tomorrow?"

"Yep" replied Bianca as she sat down besides Ruby

"Ok but how are you getting him there again?" asked Ruby as she glanced between Martha and Bianca

"Well that's where Heath and Jack come in" replied Martha "They'll be dragging him there under false pretences"

"And she'll be waiting there for him when they get there?" questioned Ruby

"Yep"

"Do you really think he has no idea about what's going on?"

Martha and Bianca chuckled at April's question

"Trust me when Charlie wants to keep something under wraps she does... it's just up to us to not slip up or she will, and I mean this... she will have our heads"

"Yeah ok I'll be right down there" Heath put his phone back into his pocket as he picked up the car keys "Babe I've got to go out for a while I won't be long" placing a kiss on her lips Heath had fled before Bianca could get a word in

"Ok what was that about?" asked Martha as she looked at Bianca

Bianca shrugged "I have no idea... he's been like that for the past week especially when he's with the guys"

"Yh Jacks been the same...I've walked in on him and Brax talking and they always seem to unconvincingly change the topic when they see me" added Martha

"I pretty sure they are up to something" Bianca nodded at Martha

"We just don't know what it is" replied Bianca

As her phone vibrated Martha picked it up reading the new message "It's Jack, apparently he's going to be home a little late"

"Did he say why?" asked Bianca

"Nope just says its urgent"

"Ok so something is defiantly going on there"

All four girls nodded

"I just wish I knew what it was" said Martha

Bianca sighed with a grin "Well lucky for you I have many persuasive techniques... I'm sure I can get something out of Heath"

Ruby and April instantly cringed at her words

"That is disgusting" spoke April as she stood up and walked into her room closely followed by Ruby

Martha and Bianca chuckled at the looks on their faces

"Trust me there is nothing disgusting about my techniques... dirty maybe"

...

Having been told to wait while Brax was taken to do his scans Charlie sat in the hall way anxiously waiting and hoping he would be given the all clear. Looking up she stood to her feet as Brax walked out of the room. She watched as Sid gave him a light smile before walking away as Brax made his way over to her

"Hy...so?" Charlie looked up at him expectantly

"Err..." Brax sighed as looked down at the ground. Reading into his body language Charlie sighed before moving closer to him

"I'm sorry"

Unable to keep up the act any longer Brax looked up at her and a grin emerged on his face

"Don't be because..." he stopped as he wrapped his arms around her waist "I can not only drive and surf but I also get to finally take you up on your promise"

"Wait so..." Charlie paused as a smile crept up on her face "You've been given the all clear? The wound as healed like properly healed?"

Brax nodded "Yep I am officially off Sid's radar" his grin still firmly places "Ow" he frown as Charlie punched him in the arm "What was that for?" taking his arms from around her waist he rubbed his arm

"That was for your little performance just then... you had me worried" Charlie pouting her lips as she looked at him

Smiling, Brax pulled her back into him "I was just checking you still cared"

"Yea well that little stunt may have just cost you one promise" looking up at him Charlie tried to keep a straight face at the expression now displayed on his face

"That's not fair" Brax looked at her attempting to pouting

"Well what you did wasn't fair"

"You're right" Brax's grin returned as he tightened his grip on her "So how about you let me make it up to you... show you just how sorry I am"

Charlie tried to hide the grin that was threatening her face as she picked up on what he was talking about. Deciding to play along she spoke

"And how do you plan on doing that Braxton?"

"I would tell you but I think you would appreciate it more, a lot more if I just showed you" Brax winked at her

Charlie couldn't help but blush at his words and under his glare. She lowered her head trying to hide the colour in her cheeks but she knew it was too late. Leaning into her, she shuddered slightly as his breath hit her neck

"That only makes me more eager to make it up to you" he brushed his thumb against her check only causing more blood to travel there

Composing herself Charlie looked up at him meeting the grin on his lips

"Well the more time we spend here the less time you have to make it up to me before Ruby or Casey get back" Charlie couldn't help but laugh as Brax automatically pulled her along as he hurried towards his Ute.

...

Groaning Brax shifted in his seat as he tried to keep his eyes focused on the road ahead of him. This only seemed to fuel Charlie as her hands slipped further up his tights. She giggled as she watched him grit his teeth trying to keep control. She kept her gaze on him as she slipped her hand further till Brax removed one of his hand from the steering and placed it above hers, preventing it from going any further

"Charlie any further and I'm not going to make it home" he took a deep breath before taking a quick glance at her something he instantly wished he hadn't done. He shook his head as Charlie bit her lip seductively before edging forward in her seat and bringing her lips to his neck before slowly sucking on it.

Gritting his teeth harder in an attempt to stay in control Brax pressed down a little firmer on the accelerator unsure of how long he could withstand Charlie's advances. He stiffened as she edged her hand further up his thigh but he quickly took grip of it again

"Charlie" he only just barely managed to speak

"Uhuh" Charlie mumbled her lips never leaving his neck

"For both our safety please please just hold that thought till we get home" he sighed in relief as she pulled away from his neck a smirk playing on her face as she looked down at the bulge in his pants

"Are you sure you can wait?" she giggled

Picking up on what she was looking at Brax shook his head "You're evil" Charlie chuckled at his words as the car came to a stop "And I don't have to... we're here" before he had finished talking Brax had already jumped out of his Ute. Sprinting over to Charlie side he opened the door before she could even reach for it

...

As their lips met in an urgent Kiss, they both stumbled towards the door as Brax fumbled with the keys trying to open the front door. He moaned as Charlie reached down to his pants running her hands over his bulge

"Your killing me" he mumbled into the kiss. Finally getting the door open he pushed it open before picking Charlie up by the waist and walking into the house. Slamming the door shut with his foot he placed her down their lips never parting. His arms roamed up her back as she buried her fingers in his hair holding his lips to hers. As she walked backwards Brax followed her knowing where she was leading him

"Mum... is that you?" at the sound of Ruby's voice Charlie and Brax jolted apart breathlessly. Brax and Charlie both groaned under their breath as Ruby walked down the hallway. Quickly leaning against the couch Brax tried to cover up the excitement that had arisen in his pants

"Hy guys...how did it go at the hospital?" Ruby looked at the both of them expectantly but received nothing for a few seconds as they caught their breath

"Err... it was good yh, he's been given the all clear" answered Charlie as she tried to casually straighten herself up

"That's good" spoke Ruby as she took a seat on the couch both Charlie and Brax's eyes widening "I bet you can't wait to go for a surf?" spoke Ruby

Noticing Brax's silence Charlie slapped him lightly on the chest causing him to wake up "Uh yh yh... that amongst other things" Brax mumbled the ending of his sentence earning a glare from Charlie

"What?" asked Ruby obviously missed what he had said

"Oh just saying how much I really can't wait to get back in the water"

Charlie and Brax looked at each other Before Charlie turned to Ruby "Err Rubes I thought you were spending the day with April?"

"Yh but then Dex and Casey came over to Bianca's and Dex wanted to go into the city so April went with him and me and Case came back here"

"You and Casey?" questioned Brax

"Yep"

Charlie and Brax looked up as Casey walked out of his room and into the living room taking a seat next to Ruby

"You have got to be kidding me" Brax mumbled in annoyance

"Hy... how did it go?" Casey looked up at both Brax and Charlie

"Yh good he got the all clear" answered Charlie as she sighed

"That's great... bet you can't wait to get in the water"

"Mmmm" answered Brax "Err are you guys staying at home?" questioned Brax trying to act as casual as possible

"Uhuh... might just watch some movies" replied Ruby

"It's a really nice day... you shouldn't really be wasting it on the couch. Maybe you could go down to the beach or something?" Charlie smiled at them hoping they would take her advice and leave the house

"Na I think we're good here" replied Ruby

"Plus we're down at the beach everyday... I just want to chill out" added Casey

"Can't you do that somewhere else?" Brax wasn't trying to give anything away but he needed for them to leave

Ruby and Casey turned their heads to Charlie and Brax "Is something wrong guys?" Ruby looked at them through narrowed eyes

Charlie shook her head with a smile "Err no of course not... you guys enjoy your film"

Knowing that they would have to put their much anticipated activity on hold Brax groaned in frustration as he looked at Charlie "I'm going to go take a shower... a very cold shower" Charlie coughed over his words hoping Casey and Ruby hadn't heard him

"You ok?" asked Ruby

Charlie nodded "Yh just a little tickle in my throat that' all. I err... I'm just gonna go change" smiling at them Charlie walked out of sight and into Brax's room

As Charlie closed the door behind her Casey and Ruby could no longer hold the smirks they had long been holding onto

"Is it me or were they ..." before Casey could finish Ruby nodded

"Yep they were"

"And we're sticking around just to get on their nerves" added Casey

Ruby nodded again, her gaze never leaving the screen but a grin fplaced on her face

"You're so evil" laughed Casey knowing full well what he and Ruby had just walked in on and were now preventing

...

TWO DAYS LATER

His eyes opened slowly as it adjusted to the unexpected light that was beaming through the windows. As he opened them fully he met the curtains opened up and Charlie was not beside him as she had been every morning for the past month. Shuffling up the bed he looked towards his door as it crept open. He couldn't help but smile as Charlie walked through with a matching smile and a tray in her hand. Walking over to his side she placed the tray down on the bedside table before leaning in and placing a kiss on his lips. As her tongue slipped into his mouth Brax pulled her closer wanting to get more. Finally pulling away Charlie smiled up at him as he spoke

"Not that I'm complaining but what was that for?"

"Well I figured the birthday boy deserved a little treat" Charlie smiled up at him before leaning in and placing another kiss on his lips "Happy Birthday babe this is for you" Charlie picked up the tray and placed it on his lap

Brax looked down at the food laid out on the tray before looking back up at Charlie

"This is nice... err did you make it yourself... all by yourself?" Brax asked a little weary

Charlie frowned as she hit him on the arm "So what if I did?"

Brax chuckled "I was just wondering; I'm sure it tastes nice" he spoke unconvincingly before looking back down at the display of food before him

"Go on then" Charlie kept a straight face as she encouraged him to take a bit. She bit her lips as he picked up the fork and sliced a little off the omelette

Brax took a careful bit before looking up at Charlie surprised "Babe this is really good"

"Glad you like it"

"You know what else I would like?" Brax raised his eyebrows suggestively

Charlie chuckled "Brax no"

Brax groaned "Charlie it's been two days and the only time we seem to be alone is when we are in this room. I promise you Ruby can't hear a thing from that room"

"Brax its right next door... I can hear when she's on the phone. I promise to make it up to you soon" Charlie placed a quick kiss on his lips.

She turned her head as Ruby and Casey walked into the room

"Happy birthday" Ruby walked around Charlie before placing a kiss on Brax's cheek

"Thanks Rubes"

"Happy birthday Brax" Casey smiled at his brother

"So how you enjoying your breakfast?" asked Ruby

"Umm it's really good actually"

"Yeah that's because it's from the diner"

Brax chuckled "I thought it was too good to be true" Brax earned himself another slap on the arm

"Keep going and you won't be getting your birthday present"

"Oh yea your present" Ruby jumped up as she made her way out of the room but not before latching onto Casey's hand

"Guys you didn't have to get me anything" spoke Brax

"Too late" shouted Ruby as she pushed Casey into his room before she walked into her own room to get the present she had brought for Brax

"Well I best give you this before they return" Charlie handed him the medium sized box in her hand

"Babe I told you no presents"

"Well I got you one anyway"

Brax smiled over at her before leaning forward and placing a kiss on her lips

"Thank you"

"Shouldn't you see what it is before thanking me"

Brax chuckled as he pulled the box open. He peered at it for while before looking up at Charlie

"No way babe, you're taking this back"

Charlie shock her head in response "No I'm not"

"Charlie these watches cost a fortune" Brax looked up at her "How did you even know about this?"

"Well you may think I never listen to all those pointless discussion between you and the guys but I do. I heard you mention it once to Jack so I did a little research"

"Charlie" Brax sighed "This is too much"

Charlie chuckled "Says the guy that jumped in front of a bullet. Brax this is nothing and you deserve much more"

A grin formed on Brax face "Thank you" he leaned forward and placed a forceful kiss on her lips

"Should we come back later" teased Ruby as she walked back into the room gift in hand

"Yep" grinned Brax as he winked over at her and Casey

"Fine I'll just give this to Heath then" Ruby turned to leave

"Na actually we can wait"

Charlie and Casey chuckled

Brax looked over at the both of them "What... it's my birthday and my present"

...

Stood washing up Charlie smiled as she felt his arms wrap around her from behind as he placed several kisses along her neck

"You know I really loved my birthday present but I was hoping I still had another gift in store" Brax whispered as he brushed her hair to the side before leaving a trace of kisses along her neck line

"Yea... and what would that be?" Charlie asked knowingly as she tilted her head further to the side allowing him better access

"Well..." Brax slowly spun her around "In case you forgot I was given the all clear two days ago, which means..." he placed a kiss on her lips before continuing "All strenuous activities can be resumed. And we are now officially alone so I was thinking we could finally celebrate" before Charlie could speak Brax had reattached his lips to hers only this time with more force and passion.

Ignoring her wet hands, Charlie's hands slipped to the back of Brax's neck as their tongues collided against one another. She moaned into the kiss as his grip on her tightened discarding of any existing distance between the two of them. Brax's hands edged into his shirt that she still had one slowly pulling it over her head before dropping it to the ground. As she bit his bottom lip he grinned into the kiss as he lifted her up onto the counter. Caught off guard Charlie squealed but both her legs soon settled around his waist. As she tugged on his shirt, Brax quickly got the message. Pulling back he quickly tore his shirt over his head before Charlie pulled him back into her as she brought her lips to his neck and slowly sucked on it before grazing her teeth against his skin

Groaning as her teeth made contact with his skin Brax couldn't contain his excitement as Charlie's hand travelled from his neck down to his chest before reaching for the drawstrings around his board shorts.

Both too engrossed in each other they failed to hear the front door open

"So where's the birthday boy?" at the sound of the unexpected voice Charlie and Brax separated and Charlie quickly jumped down from the counter before hiding behind the wall of the kitchen

"You've got to be kidding me" Brax cursed under his breath

"Brax my shirt" she whispered as she looked down at her shirt that lay in view on the kitchen floor.

Rolling his head back in frustration "N,o we're going to finish this just... just stay here"

Quickly walking out from behind the wall Brax stood in front of the dining table in an attempt to hide the growth in his shorts. He frowned as he came face to face with Jack and Heath

"There he is" Jack smiled "Didn't think we forgot about your birthday did you?"

"If only I was so lucky" muttered Brax

"Are you going like that?" asked Heath as he looked at Brax's attired or lack of

"Where?" asked Brax confused as to what his brother was talking about

"We've been going to that lake every year on your birthday for five years why would this year be different" asked Heath

"Didn't think we were doing that this year" answered Brax. His eyes glancing quickly to his side as he looked at Charlie who had a grin plastered on her face

"Of course we are" answered Jack "And I need to get away. I love Martha but my ears couldn't possibly take anymore" Heath chuckled at Jacks words

"Sorry boys I'm gonna have to give it a miss this year... got things I have to do"

"Like what?" Scuffed Heath but a grin soon appeared on his face as his eyes fell on the two shirts that lay on the kitchen floor.

"I know this is your place but I wouldn't have thought Charlie would have been too pleased about you dumping your things all over the floor?" Heath's grin remained placed

"What?" asked Brax as he tried to sound casual

Heath simply nodded at the shirts "They're yours right?"

Brax looked down and quickly picked them up "Yep they are"

Jack had by now picked up on what was going on "Why you standing so close to that table, you hiding something?"

Heath and Jack both laughed at the look on Brax's face

"So when you said you had things to do... you actually meant Charlie?"

"Heath shut up and get lost, I don't have time for this I actually am busy"

Heath and Jack both nodded "Ok cool" replied jack "But let me just get a drink first" Jack moved towards the kitchen knowing full well he wasn't going to make it there

"If you dare take another step I promise you'll regret it" Jack and Heath both burst out laughing as Charlie finally spoke

"Good morning to you to Charlie" spoke Heath as his laughter eased

"Brax just pass me the shirt" Charlie sighed as Brax stretched the shirt over to her

Walking out from behind the wall Charlie was met by the grinning faces of both Jack and Heath

"If I ever hear either of you mention this ever..." she turned to Jack "I will be more than happy to let Martha know about your little comment earlier" she then turned to heath "And I think me and you both agreed that there are a lot of ways in which I could get you back" she smiled sweetly at the both of them

Brax looked on at the boys with a grin on his face as she put them in place before looking at her as she turned to him. He smiled as she placed a kiss on his lips

"I actually have to go... I told Bianca I would come by this morning but you go enjoy your birthday with the guys. We can do something tonight" she smiled as she placed another kiss on his lips

Placing his hands on either side of her waist Brax pulled her into him "I have a better idea. How about these two idiots leave, you get Heath to let Bianca know you're going to be a few hours late and me and you carry on where we left off"

Charlie chuckled as she placed another kiss on his lips before edging closer to his ears "Trust me babe it will be worth the wait"

Edging back so she could look at him she couldn't help but laugh at the grin that was now placed on his face. Charlie rolled her eyes as both Heath and Jack coughed "And that's my cue to go get dressed" giving him another quick kiss she edged out of his embrace

"Don't spoil him too much" she addressed Jack and Heath as she walked down the hallway and into Brax's room

...

Brax glared at Heath and Jack unimpressed as he finally edged away from the table

"What? Asked Jack "How were we supposed to know you was about to get lucky?"

"You ever heard of knocking?" asked Brax as he rolled his eyes

"Why knock when I have this" Heath smirked as he waved the key before Brax

"Yeah I'm starting to think that was a bad idea" replied Brax as he slumped down on the couch

"And really bro a few hours..." Heath raised his eyebrows as he referred to Brax's earlier statement "I know it's your birthday but lying to yourself and most especially Charlie isn't going to achieve anything" Jack laughed as Heath grinned cheekily at Brax but soon received a slap at the back of his head

"Oi" Heath rubbed his hand against his head "Why you mad at me I'm just being honest with you" he quickly edged away from Brax as he saw his hand making way for his head again

"You need to get up and get dressed" spoke Jack as he walked over to the fridge

Brax sighed knowing he wasn't going to get out of it "Fine... but we're only going out there for a few hours" he spoke as he stood up from the couch

"Oh don't worry we wouldn't want you to miss out on doing those very important things"

Brax couldn't help but chuckle at the stupidity of his best friend and brother

"And don't go letting her distract you while you're in there" Heath called after Brax before he heard his bedroom door shut

...

"Ready" Brax looked down at the boys who had now been joined by Casey

Casey instantly stood to his feet but Jack and Heath sat staring at Brax's wrist

"Wait is that?" Heaths mouth wide open and Jacks eyes widened as they peered at the watch that sat on Brax's wrist

"Is that the Lune retrograde watch?" asked Jack as he looked up at Brax

Brax smirked as he nodded in answer

"When the hell did you get that?" Heath finally stood as he grabbed Brax's wrist bringing the watch closer to his face

"This morning" replied Brax as he pulled his wrist out of Heaths hand "Birthday present from Charlie"

"What? She gave you that for your birthday?" asked Heath

"That's what I said" replied Brax as he walked past the both of them and towards the door

"Ok on my birthday Charlie is definitely going with Martha to get my birthday present" Brax chuckled and shook his head

"Let me just try it on" said Heath as he walked closer to Brax

Opening the front door Brax scuffed "Never going to happen. No way am I letting it out of my sight"

"You lucky bas***d" Heath and Jacks peered back down at the watch in envy as they walked out of the house

"I know" grinned Brax. He didn't have to tell Heath, Jack nor Casey that he wasn't talking about the watch

...

"Err... where you going?" Brax looked over at Jack "I'm pretty sure my house is that way" after spending the whole afternoon with the guys Brax could barely contain his eagerness to get home and spend the rest of what was left of his birthday with Charlie

"We're just making a little detour" answered Heath

Brax shook his head "No ok, no detours. I told Charlie we would be back by half seven"

"Brax she'll still be there when we get home" added Casey

"We..." Brax looked back at Casey "Sorry mate we aren't going home tonight I am... you and Ruby are going to stay with Heath and Bianca"

Heath and Jack chuckled knowingly at Brax's words

"Err why?"

"Because I have a present that I still haven't unwrapped and this time I will do it with no interruptions"

"Why would me and Ruby inter...oh" Casey grew silent finally figuring out what Brax had meant

"Yh oh... so unless both you and Ruby want to be scared for life I suggest you not be there"

"Ok I get it" Casey quickly put an end to the conversation

"Ok guys seriously where are you taking me?"

"Brax we promise to get you to Charlie before half seven... just chill"

Brax sighed as he looked down at his watch "Well you have twenty minutes so you best step on the gas"

Heath, Casey and Jack shook their heads as Jack continued to drive to their destination

...

As the car came to a standstill Brax looked around and instantly noticed where they were "Ok what exactly are we doing here?" he looked over at Jack as he took his phone out of his pocket

Receiving no reply he watched as Heath got out of the car "You coming or what?

Brax watched his retracting figures before looking over at Jack and Casey

"What's going on?"

"Go with him and find out" replied Jack

Brax turned and continued to watch Heath for a few more seconds before he jumped out and followed

"Heath I don't have time for this and in case you hadn't notices it's twenty five past seven" he growled as Heath ignored him and continued to walk down the beach

They walked for a few more minutes before Brax spoke again "Heath either you tell me where the hell you're taking me or I turn back"

"Will you just shut up for a sec" said Heath

"Not till you tell m..." Brax's steps came to a standstill as he looked into the distance

"That's why you're here" Heath faced Brax with a grin

"Enjoy" Heath passed him a wink as he left him standing and walked back to the car

Brax stood unmoved for a few minutes at the scene before him. Her beauty had always amazed him but in that moment he couldn't imagine anything more beautiful as she stood gazing at him with that smile on her face. Realising he had been stood for some time he slowly made his way over to her. He walked down the path that she had lit with flameless candles at the end of which she stood in all her beauty. Closing in on her he couldn't help the smile on his face as her gaze remained unmoved from his. Stopping not too far away from her, he looked at the blanket, Cushions and Hamper that was laid out a little to their right before looking back up at her.

"Happy Birthday Babe"

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Thank you Dingo x, Freakie42, JarlieFanEver and Spotd1 for the comments. So as promised here is another Chapter before I go away tomorrow. I promise to update straight after I get back (but if I can update while I am away I will try). Hope you guys enjoy this chapter :)

CHAPTER FIFTY TWO

Stopping not too far away from her, he looked at the blanket, cushions and Hamper that was laid out a little to their right before looking back up at her.

"Happy Birthday Babe"

...

Brax stood gazing at her his grin unfaltering as Charlie stretched her hand towards him with the glass of champagne placed witin it. He moved closer taking the glass from her but spoke no words. His gaze followed the cream dress she was wearing, his eyes momentarily stopped at her bust as the dress perfectly cupped them. His gaze continued down till it stopped at her long tanned legs that stood on display. His gaze travelled back up and settled on her face

Charlie chuckled as his gaze remained on her "Babe if you don't say something soon I'm gonna start thinking you don't like your surprise"

Brax instantly shook his head and finally spoke "Na it's not that. Charlie you didn't have to do this" he removed his gaze from her for a moment as he took in everything she had set up

"I wanted to"

Brax shook his head softly in awe as he moved closer to her "you're amazing you know that"

Charlie smiled at his words "So are you" She stepped a little closer to him "You have been more than amazing to me Brax and I sometimes question what I did to deserve you"

Brax went to speak but Charlie quickly stopped him

" Please let me just say this... I know I haven't always put you first" Brax shook his head at her words but she continued before he could speak

"No it's true. When I made the decision to leave it was about me but I assure you I have always loved you. You are more than good to me Brax, and when you was in hospital...the thought of losing you, never hearing your voice again or having you flash me those dimples that I adore... that scared me Brax" she took another step closer slowly dissolving the distance between them

"All this" she looked around at what she had set up "It's nothing in comparison to what you truly deserve. I really do love you Braxton"

A smile had long settled on Brax's face and as her words came to an end he slowly closed the remaining space between them and his lips met hers as slowly and with as much passion as possible. Pulling away Charlie took his hand in hers as she led him towards the blanket and cushions that were laid out. Lowering her back into the cushions she tugged lightly on his hand bringing him down with her

"So I know it's usually you doing these sort of things for me so I figured I would return the favour" she smiled as she opened up the hamper before pulling out various items

Looking back up at Brax she blushed slightly as his gaze refused to waver from her

"What?" She asked as she tried to hide her blushing cheeks

Bringing his hand to her face Brax lifted her gaze to his as he stroked his thumb against her noticeably plum cheeks

"I love you too" his words only causing her to blush deeper something that only made it harder for him to look away from her. Smiling as she leaned in and placed a kiss on his lips he watched with a fixed smile as she returned her attention back to the hamper. He chuckled as she finally had everything laid out

"Babe, it is just me and you on this date right?" Brax joked about the amount of food she had brought with her as his eyes mockingly searched their surroundings

"This was all Irene's doing I just made a few suggestions" she quickly added as she slapped him lightly on the arm

"Uhuh I'm sure it was" Brax grinned over at her and soon found himself mesmerised by the way she looked "You look beautiful" he knew his new found topic was unexpected but he couldn't help himself. Even before she had looked up at him he could see the corners of her lips curl.

Bringing her gaze to his, she felt her stomach flutter at the way he gazed at her. Slowly edging forward she brushed her lips against his before placing her lips firmly but softly on his. Pulling away she placed her forehead against his

"Thank you"

"For what?" asked Brax his hand resting on her cheek

"For just being you" she smiled and gave him a quick kiss

"Anytime" Brax smiled

...

Having finished eating a while ago Charlie now sat in between Brax legs as she leaned her back against his chest while he sat into the cushions.

"I think it's more like what I did to deserve you" Charlie turned her head slightly so she could look up at him

"You said before, you wonder what you've done to deserve me but you got it wrong... You deserve the world Charlie" He placed his hand on her face and brushed his thumb against her cheek and like always she moved further into his touch

Charlie shuffled slightly as she placed her right hand over his hand that was still placed on her face before moving his hand with hers further down her face and placing a kiss on it "I don't want the world I have everything I need right here"

"Glad to hear it" Brax flashed her a grin before dipping his head, his lips instantly meeting hers

Her palm moved from his hand and now resting against his cheek for a few seconds but the urge to have more of him soon became overpowering as her hand slipped to the back of his head holding him close to her. Shuffling she turned so her body was facing him and his hand travelled up her back holding her to him. Still not getting enough of him she edged her mouth open further and moaned as his tongue collided with hers. Her hands travelled through his hair tugging on them lightly as their kiss became fierce. She smiled at the look on his face as she broke away from the kiss before leaning off him and bringing her legs further apart so she was straddling him

"I may have got Irene to pack the food but I figured it was safer to pack the dessert myself" Charlie proceeded to pull out the chocolate covered strawberries flowed by a can of whipped cream" looking up at him she couldn't help but grin as his eyes widened slightly "but if you're too full..."

She laughed lightly as Brax quickly interjected "full, me, Na... Got plenty room" and there it was that smile that displayed his dimples perfectly

"I thought you would say that" picking up a strawberry she placed it in her mouth slowly taking a bite her gaze never leaving Brax. She grinned as he shuffled beneath her.

Picking up the can of whipped cream she smirked as Brax gazed at her almost bemused by her actions. Squeezing some onto her fingers she slowly licked around them purposely letting some fall on her exposed cleavage

"You gonna get that or should I?"Charlie raised her eyebrow seductively at him. She squealed as Brax immediately pulled her into him and his lips met her skin. Charlie sucked in a breath and his hands pressed at her waist

Closing her eyes she let herself relish in the way he made her feel before her hands roamed to the back of his shirt. Tugging at it Charlie smiled as he pulled away from her allowing her to pull the shirt over his head before his lips came crashing against hers.

She held his lips against hers as Brax slowly slipped the zip of her dress down his lips pulling away from hers as they made contact with the newly exposed skin on her collar bone. His hands guided the dress off her shoulders and down to her waist.

In a swift movement Brax flipped the both of them so he was now hovering over her. No words were spoken as he slid the dress down the rest of her body his eyes never leaving hers. Brax smirked as Charlie tugged at his board shorts. Supporting his weight with his arms he allowed her slide them down before kicking them to the side with his feet

Charlie immediately arched her back and pressed her body into his

"Mmm I think it's about time we got to wasting time"

"Definitely" Charlie's lips crashed back onto Brax both of them getting lost in one another

...

Charlie lay with her head on his chest and her arms wrapped around his waist as they both lay covered by the blankets

"We should probably get going soon babe... it's getting really late"

Charlie shook her head "No... I just wanna stay here a while longer. Just me, you and the ocean" she shuffled closer to him

Brax grinned as he placed a kiss on her head "This has by far got to be the best birthday ever"

Charlie lifted her head from his chest and looked up at him "Well after what we just did I hope so"

Brax chuckled "That was defiantly worth all the interruptions"

"It was, wasn't it" Charlie gave him a quick kiss before resting her head back on his chest

"So which one of them told you about this place?" it felt like so long since Brax had himself been down to this beach. He found it after Charlie had left. It was the one place that always seemed to settle him. It allowed him think with no disturbance

"Bianca" replied Charlie "She mentioned that Heath had found you at a beach a few times... this beach"

"And that's why you chose this place?"

Charlie shook her head at his question "I remember the day I left. I remember the day, the date and the time" spoke Charlie "With the help of Bianca, Heath managed to figure out why you always seemed to go missing and end up here that same day every year"

Brax didn't speak, he hadn't been aware that Heath had known his reasons behind his disappearance to this particular beach. Picking up on his silence Charlie once again looked up at him. She edged up slightly her body never leaving his as her gaze met his

"You come here every year on the day that I left" she pursed her lips together as she tried to hold back her tears "I don't want this place to be somewhere you come to remember the past and everything that went wrong with us, I want it to be a place where you remember this; me and you and what we have right now"

Brax looked down at her for a moment with no spoken words. He tucked a strand hair behind her ear before wiping the stray tear from her cheek "This was never a place filled with bad thoughts or memories. Every time I came here I only ever thought of the good things about me and you. Like the first time I saw you in that class room, the first time I spoke to you" Charlie's lips curled up as she remembered that night "The first time we kissed" Brax ran his thumb tenderly against her lips as the memory of the both of them on the beach that night came back to him "And the first time I told you that I love you. every year I came here regardless of the fact we had never been here together, this place made me feel closer to you"

His hand slid down her shoulder and rested on her arm "Tonight only adds to everything good about me and you that now resides in this place"

Charlie tilted her head to the side slightly as she looked up at him in awe "You know you make it impossible to not keep falling more and more in love with you"

"That's the plan" Brax grinned as she brought her lips to his, both of them content in each other's arms as the ocean swayed with grace.

...

"Case come on we're going to be late" Ruby stood in the living room impatiently as Brax and Charlie walked out of his room

"Morning Rubes" Charlie placed a kiss on her temple before walking into the kitchen

"Morning Rubes" smiled Brax as he followed Charlie into the kitchen

"Morning guys... how was your date? Ruby grinned at the both of them

Charlie and Brax looked up at each other with matching grins

"Actually you know what don't answer that... I think I got the message" she laughed lightly before turning her head as Casey walked into the living room

"What took you so long?"Ruby looked at him as she picked up her bag

Ignoring Ruby, Casey turned to Charlie and Brax with tired eyes "How does she do it?" he groaned as he sluggishly swung his school bag over his shoulders. Before Charlie or Brax could speak Ruby latched onto his hand

"Come on I told April we would met her at the diner like five minutes ago" Charlie and Brax laughter as Ruby pulled Casey behind her

Brax shook his head in amusement "You've got to love that kid of yours" he wrapped his arm around her waist as she rested her hands on his arm

"I know" she smiled

"It seems we actually have the house to ourselves" winked Brax

Charlie bit her lip "It does doesn't it?"

"Uhuh and it just wouldn't be right to let it go to waste" picking her up he placed her on the bench her legs instantly wrapping around his waist

"We best do something about that then" replied Charlie as her hands slid up his arm till they were looped around his neck

"We best" smirked Brax and his lips met hers

Without delay Brax placed his hands under her bum picking her up as he carried her back into his room

...

"Look who's decided to resurface" Bianca and Martha smiled up at Charlie as she walked into the diner later that day "We were beginning to think you and Brax had decided to camp out there" grinned Bianca

"Nice to see you too guys" Charlie spoke as she sat down "So what's been going on? Asked Charlie as she gladly took the coffee the girls had ordered for her

"You're kidding right" Martha and Bianca stared at her "So you want us to beg for info"

Charlie held the smile that wanted to form on her face as she looked up at her two friends "What are you talking about?"

"Well if you don't spill I guess we'll just have to ask Brax"

"Oh, you guys want to know what happened last night... well good luck with asking Brax"

Knowing Brax wouldn't give anything away Martha and Bianca sighed

"Charlie just spill... you know you want to"

Charlie grinned as she finally caved "It was beyond amazing. It was perfect" Charlie looked at her friends gleefully

"We need more than that" spoke Martha

"Well let's just say we finally got to celebrate"

"On the beach" Bianca's mouth stood agape as Charlie nodded

"Yep and we made use of the whipped cream I brought" Charlie laughed at the look on her friends faces

"Oh my God Charlie" Bianca squealed as she hit Charlie lightly on the arm

"What... you said you wanted to know" laughed Charlie

"So where is he... hope he isn't too tired after your obvious workout last night"

"Nope he left the house about an hour ago he said he had to go meet the guys"

"I know the three of them spend a lot of time together but is it me or are they acting a little odd" asked Bianca

"Defiantly not you, Jack keeps disappearing claiming he is going to see the guys"

"Same goes for Heath" added Bianca

"Do you think they're up to something?" asked Charlie

Martha and Bianca shrugged "Maybe and if so we'll find out soon. Threatening to withhold sex has never failed me" Martha and Charlie laughed at Bianca before they ventured off into another topic

...

NEXT DAY

"Babe are you going to be back before me and Ruby head off home?" now that Brax was back on his feet Ruby and Charlie were going back to their place

Walking back into the room Brax nodded "Yeah I shouldn't be too long just have to go meet up with the guys"

Charlie looked up at him suspiciously "Ok maybe I could come with you?" She looked at him studying his body language

"Err why don't you go see the girls... you'll just be bored if you came with me" Brax tried to keep his cool as he pulled his shirt over his head "I really have to go babe, see you later" Placing a kiss on her lips he rushed out the room

"FINE I'LL JUST GO TO BIANCA'S THEN" Charlie shouted before hearing the front door close. Instantly slipping on her thongs Charlie picking up her bag and walking to Bianca's

...

"Brax just left saying he was going to go meet the guys. His eyes near enough popped out of his head when I suggested I go with him" Charlie sighed as she sat on the couch besides Bianca and Martha

Picking up on Bianca and Martha quick glance at one another Charlie gave them a questioning look

"Ok what is it that you're not telling me?"

"Well Jack also rushed off about an hour ago claiming something came up at the station"

"And the same with Heath; He rushed off saying something came up at the garage and he had to go sort things out but then he took Case with him"

Charlie looked at them confused "Ruby said her and Case were going over to Dex's place after school"

"Yh that was till Case said he had to go and help Heath out. So Ruby and April went alone"

"Casey went with Heath... to help him out at the garage... with what?" asked Charlie

"I don't know and he won't tell me anything... even threatening to withhold sex didn't work"

"Ok so I think it's safe to say they're up to something" Charlie spoke the words that all three of them were thinking

Bianca and Martha nodded "That much we know... I just really want to know what"

As the words left Bianca's lips Heath and Jack walked into the house

"Speak of the devils" Bianca nodded over at them

"Hy" Heath and Jack smiled as they walked into the house closely followed by Casey and Ruby

"So where have you guys been? Asked Martha as Heath emerged back from the kitchen with two beers in hand

"I told you I had to go down to the station"

"And I had to go down to the garage" answered Heath as he passed one of the beers to Jack

"Right" Bianca nodded her head slowly "so you both just happened to get here at the same time"

"That's right" answered Heath before walking over and placing a kiss on her lips

"Case what did he want helping with?" asked Bianca hoping he would give something away

"Just moving some spare parts" Casey replied as he sat down pulling Ruby with him

At the sound of her phone vibrating Charlie picked it up to see Brax had sent a message

"Come outside" Charlie read the message out loud and raised an eyebrow as she looked up from the message

"Is Brax outside?" Heath and Jack shrugged in response

"Well he just text me saying to come outside" Charlie spoke as she stood to her feet "so you guys know nothing about this text"

"Nope" Heath and Jack replied simultaneously

Charlie gave Ruby a look

"I don't know what's going on, they just picked me up from the farm" spoke Ruby

Looking back over at Jack and Heath, Charlie walked over to the door

"Why do I get the feeling you're both lying" giving them one final look Charlie walked out the front door to find Brax's Ute at the end of the driveway. Winding down the window he flashed his grin

"Hy"

"Hy... What's going on?" Charlie leaned her elbow into the car

"Get in and I'll show you"

Looking at him for a while Charlie slowly made her way round the car and jumped into the car seat "Brax what are you up to?" Charlie narrowed her eyes on him

"Nothing... I just want to show you something"

"What?"

"You'll see" starting the ignition Brax drove away from the house. Five minutes into the drive he stopped the ignition. Looking around Charlie frowned

"I don't get it" she looked around seeing nothing significant about where they were

"That's because we're not there yet" Brax grinned as he pulled out a scarf "you have to wear this first"

Instantly shaking her head Charlie spoke "No... No Brax"

"You have to or you can't see what I want to show you"

"Then I don't want to see it then"

"Fine" Brax fought his grin as he started the ignition

"What you doing?" Charlie looked over at him

"Turning back... you said you didn't want to see it"

"Brax no, I want to see it"

"Then you have to use that" he nodded down to the scarf

Thinking for a few seconds Charlie sighed "fine"

Grinning Brax turned the ignition off before picking up the scarf "I promise it will be worth it"

"It better be" Charlie sighed as he tied the scarf around her eyes

Charlie grinned as he gave her a kiss before continuing down the road.

As the car came to a halt Charlie quickly spoke "are we there?

"Yh but you can't take the scarf off just yet"

Climbing out of the car Brax made his way over to the passenger side opening the door he took Charlie's hand and slowly helped her out of the car

"Brax where are we?" asked Charlie as Brax led her to their destination

"You need to learn to be patient" and with that Charlie scuffed

"Says you"

Grinning Brax replied" yh says me"

"Right just stand here" Charlie did as she was told and she listened to the jingle of keys. Not saying a word she walked forward as Brax gently moved her forward by her waist. Walking a little further they came to a stop. Brax stood behind her

"I know we have had a few bumps in the road but you said that this was it, you and me, and I think it's obvious I feel the exact same way so... I figured why not take the next step" Charlie remained unspoken as he took the scarf from around her eyes.

Adjusting her sight to the light she looked around unsure if she was where she thought she was

"Brax is this..." Her gaze moved rapidly around the room. She was sure this was the house she had lived in for almost a year before leaving Summer Bay. She looked at how different it looked but how little it had changed

"It still looks the same doesn't it" spoke Brax

His words confirmed what she had been thinking .Charlie slowly turned around looking at him "Brax what are we doing here?"

"I know how much this house meant to you and your parents so I figured why not start our life together here... me you, Ruby and Case"

"Are you... Are you asking me to move in with you...? Here... in this house?"

Brax grinned and nodded "Yep that's if you want to"

"If I want to? You're kidding right... Of course I want to" leaping forward Charlie wrapped her arms around his neck before pulling away and pushing her lips to his

Pulling away Brax could see the tears brewing in her eyes before she turned around taking another look at the house

"I can't believe you did this... I never thought I would get to be in here again" Charlie wiped the stray tear from her cheek. Walking further into the house she ran her hand across the living room wall. The smell of fresh paint filled the room

"This is where you guys have been disappearing to" she turned and gave him a knowing look

Brax nodded "yeah there were a few things that needed sorting and I wanted to get them done before showing it you"

"We knew you were up to something" chuckled Charlie

"And there was me thinking I was being really subtle" he watched as she walked into the kitchen. Slowly following behind her, he stopped at the foot of the door as she stood staring almost in a daze

"It looks exactly the same" she ran her hand over the middle counter. She pursued her lips together as she tried to fight her tears but it helped little and her tear ran down her cheek

"Hy you ok?" Brax walked over to her running his hand up and down her arms

Charlie nodded with a smile "yh. I was just thinking about the first time I brought you home and dad met you... It was in this kitchen" she chuckled lightly "Remember the way he looked at you... If only looks could kill. I was so nervous, I wanted more than anything for him to like you"

Brax chuckled "how could I forget... I honestly thought he was gonna go for me. Still can't believe how nervous I was that night"

"This is ours?" asked Charlie in disbelief

"Yep it's all ours... but we still need to sign the closing documents"

"Wait we're not renting?" asked Charlie

Brax shook his head "Na... this is all ours"

Charlie sighed as she placed her hands against his chest "Brax this is too much y..."

Placing his lips against hers he stopped her words before pulling back "This is what we deserve... it's what you deserve"

Charlie couldn't help the tears that fell from her eye. Before She quickly spoke up "Don't worry these are happy tears" she chuckled as she wrapped her arms around his neck pulling his lips to hers "I love you so much"

"Good because now there's no getting rid of me"

"Good" Charlie grinned as her lips met his

...

"So how did she like the surprise" Heath looked up as Brax and Charlie walked into the house. Before Brax cold reply Charlie paced over to Heath placing a kiss on his cheek before doing the same to Jack

"Oi you already have your own Braxton... hands off mine" joked Bianca

Charlie shook her head playfully at Bianca before turning back to Heath and Jack "The place looks amazing guys... thank you"

"No problem... plus he promised us free pizza's for a month if we helped out so it's the least we could do"

Charlie laughed at Heaths words as Brax passed by him but not before slapping him on the head

"Ok can someone please fill us in?" Martha and Bianca peered at them waiting for an answer

Charlie turned to Ruby tentatively "Well, Brax has asked us to move in with him... and I said yes... that's if you want to" Charlie peered at Ruby waiting for a response

"Thank God" exclaimed Ruby "And yes that's more than ok with me" Beamed Ruby

"Really?" Charlie lips curled up

"Yes really, I think its a great idea" smiled Ruby

"Awww guys that's great" spoke Bianca

"Yh it really is" added Martha

Brax, Jack and Heath shook their head as they stared at Casey

"She already knew didn't she?" asked Brax as he pointed at Ruby

Casey looked up at the three of them sheepishly "What... it just kind of slipped out"

"I've already called dibs on my old room... if I remember correctly it is huge" Ruby grinned

Heath raised an eyebrow at Casey "How could it just kind of slip out?"

"It just did" Casey shrugged his shoulders "And it's not like she told anyone"

"Right yeah because that was the point...Ow" Heath stared at Bianca as he rubbed his arm "What was that for?"

"How come Ruby could get him to talk and nothing seemed to work on you?"

"Well I really wanted free pizza" everyone laughed as Heath gave her a wink

"Ok so why the secrecy?" asked Bianca

At this Charlie's face lit up again "It's our house" the stretched smile on her face was visible for all see

"Who's house?" asked Martha unsure of what Charlie had meant

"Mum and dad's house"

"Seriously?" asked Bianca now grasping what Charlie had meant

"Yeah" Charlie chuckled as she turned back to Brax and once again pressed her lips against his

"Owww... ok what was that one for?" bellowed Heath as he edged away from Bianca

"You best be taking some notes from his book" she pointed at Brax who grinned down at Heath

Laughing at the scene Jack was soon stopped

"Err I don't know why you're laughing same goes for you?"

"What, you want me to buy a house?"

Martha rolled her eyes and the rest burst out laughing "unbelievable I think I married the wrong friend"

"Well sorry this friend is not on the market" spoke Charlie as she wrapped her arms around Brax's waist

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  • 3 weeks later...

Thank you guys for the comments. I came home Saturday to find my laptop had been broken (one of my cousins although no one is owning up to it) So it has gone to be repaired which means I am laptop less. wasn't sure if I was going to be able to update till I got it back but I managed to bride one of my cousins into tearing himself away from his laptop for five minutes (so sorry to keep you guys waiting so long). I actually have been writing chapters out on my phone and have actually writing a fair bit ahead but with no laptop I am not sure on when I will get them to you. this chapter was also written on my phone so I apologise if there are shed loads of spelling mistakes (I am being timed so I don't have the time to check over what i have written, so sorry if writing is sloppy but didn't want to keep you guys waiting any longer) ok I will stop there and let you get on with reading this chapter. really hope you like it :)

CHAPTER FIFTY THREE

"Err I don't know why you're laughing same goes for you?"

"What, you want me to buy a house?"

Martha rolled her eyes and the rest burst out laughing "unbelievable"

...

Four weeks later

"So you guys all packed" Brax addressed Charlie as they walked out of the Surf Club

"Yep" Charlie nodded and stopped walking as she turned to face him

"What?" Brax rasied an eyebrow at the grin displayed on her face

Moving into him charlie wrapped her hand around his waist "I just can't believe this time tomorrow we will be in our house"

Brax smiled and rested his hands on her arm "I can't wait" leaning down he placed a kiss on her lips

Pulling away Charlie looked down the beach to see Ella walking in their direction. But as their eyes met Ella turned in the other direction

"Babe I'll be right back... I'll meet you in the diner"

Having also seen Ella Brax nodded knowing what Charlie wanted to go and do.

Brax watched for a moment as Charlie walked down the beach before he turned in the direction of the diner

...

"Ella wait" Charlie slowed her pace as Ella stood still and turned around

"Look Charlie I don't want any trouble ok... I just..."

"I'm not here to cause any trouble Ella" Charlie's voice calm and gentle

"Then why are you here?" Asked Ella "I get that it was my fault that Grant did what he did ok. I..."

"It wasn't your fault" interjected Charlie "I never should have said those things I said to you at the hospital"

Ella shook her head "No you was right in saying those things. If I had listened to everyone Grant would have gone straight to jail"

"You only made a mistake that the rest of us have also made. Everyone of us have trusted Grant at some point. You are a good person Ella and that's why you helped him. What he did isn't on you. He pulled the trigger. I just wanted to apologies for how I reacted when you came to the hospital and for not letting you see Brax... I was just..."

"It's ok... I get it. I would have acted the exact same way"

Charlie smiled lightly at Ella, a smile which Ella returned

"So how is he?" Ella asked of Brax

"He's at the diner you could come see for yourself"

"No I don't think..."

"Ella I know he would really like to see you...unlike me he doesn't go around throwing blame at people" Charlie chuckled lightly "soo..."

Ella sighed heavily

"I don't want what happened at the hospital to get in the way of the friendship you could have with him or your friendship with Martha and Bianca" added Charlie

Ella finally nodded "ok"

Charlie smiled as they turned in the direction of the dinner

...

"Hy" Brax smiled as Charlie walked into the diner Ella not far behind

He smiled as Ella peered at him wearily "Hy" Brax addressed her

"Hy" she replied

Deciding to excuse herself Charlie looked down at her watch

"I'm gonna go see Bianca and my God daughter so I will see you later" pecking Brax's cheek she turned to Ella giving her a smile before walking out of the diner

Ella stood awkwardly

"How's the wound?"

"Well it hit a few nerves which now means I can't look up for too long so you might want to sit down" Brax watched as Ella's eyes widened "Ella I'm kidding"

Her face softened with relief as she looked at him unimpressed

"Ok I get it, bad joke... just sit"

Sighing Ella sat in the seat in front of Brax

"I should have listened to you" said Ella "I'm sorry that I didn't trust you"

"I get why you wanted to help him... I don't blame you for any of this and neither does Charlie or anyone else"

"I honestly believed him... If I had known"

"Hy Ella its fine... He was pretty good at tricking people I know that too well. But that's in the past now so how about we agree to leave it there... Deal" Brax raised an eye brow

Ella smiled "deal"

"So I heard you guys were moving in together" said Ella

"Yea" Brax couldn't help the smile on his face

"She really makes you happy doesn't she?" Ella asked knowingly

Brax looked at her with a faint smile. It may have Been up to a year since him and Ella broke up but given the little effort he had put into their relationship he didn't want to flaunt his and Charlie's relationship in her face.

Seeing the unsure look on his face Ella spoke

"Brax it's been over a year it's ok. I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't really interested"

Brax nodded "Yea she does" once again his smile returned

"Well that smile says it all" said Ella "I'm really glad your happy"

Brax nodded "and you how have you been?"

Ella smiled "Good... I eh I kinda met someone a few months ago"

"Someone I know" Brax asked with a grin

Ella nodded "yea I think so"

"Really?" Brax asked surprised

Ella chuckled "Yh err its Charlie's friend"

Brax frowned in confusion "Charlie's friend?"

"Yh shawn"

"Oh" Brax chuckled "You and Shawn"

"Yea"

"Wow... Well I'm happy for the both of you"

"Thanks and I err... I'm moving to the city in about a month"

"You're leaving the bay" Brax asked surprised

"Yh I got a position at a law firm down there so it makes sence to move"

Brax nodded "what about Shawn?"

"Well he was able to get transferred to the hospital in the city so he's gonna be joining me about a month after I head up there"

"Look at the two of us ay"

Ella chuckled "I know"

...

Bianca shook her head at Abi giggling uncontrollably as Charlie tickled her.

"All you two do is make noise when you're together"

"Charlotte I think someone's jealous" Charlie spoke teasingly

Bianca scoffed "Please she's just using you... She's mummy's little girls aren't you" Bianca smiled down at her daughter who proceeded to clap her hands excitedly

"See she agrees"

"She just doesn't want to hurt your feelings"

"Uhuh of course" Bianca sat as Charlie placed Abi in her play pen.

"I'm proud of you, you know" said Bianca

Walking back over to the couch Charlie sat down confused

"For how far you've come Charlie" Bianca smiled "I'm not sure if I have ever said this but I have probably never met anyone with your strength"

Charlie pursed her lips together "well I kinda have you to thank for that"

"How?"

"Well I think it's safe to say if not for your constant pestering I would never have followed up on the promise I made dad to come back here. You're a really good friend"

"Well tell me something I don't already know" Bianca flicked her hair as her and Charlie both started laughing

...

NEXT DAY

"You break it... you replace it" yelled Brax as Heath and Jack stood either end of the TV and carried it through the front door

Placing the TV down on its stand Heath and Jack glared up at Brax

"How the hell did you drag us into this?"

"He didn't I did" spoke Charlie as she walked in behind them "And thank you guys I appreciate it"

"No actually I think it's because both the misses promised to have our arses if we didn't" answered Heath

Charlie laughed "I do love them girls"

Heath and Jack scoffed as they walked back out the door to get the rest of the boxes

"Mum how am I supposed to know what's what?" asked Ruby as she walked in with a box

"What do you mean?"

"You didn't label anything" Ruby raised her eyebrow at Charlie and Brax chuckled

"Oh" Charlie looked at her sheepishly "Just give them a shake and take a guess"

Ruby turned to Brax "It's not too late to run... I wouldn't hold it against you"

"Hy" Charlie bellowed as she turned to Brax "he loves me too much" she smiled and placed a quick kiss on his lips

"Actually..." Brax tried to hide his grin

"Oi" Charlie hit her hand against his chest as both Ruby and Brax laughed "So is this what it's gonna be like now, the both of you ganging up on me all the time"

Brax shook his head quickly stealing a kiss "not all the time" he smirked and quickly backed towards the door before she could hit him again. Giving her a wink he went to help the guys.

Ruby watched her mother as she smiled watching Brax retract out of the door

"I knew we were going to be happy here" smiled Ruby as Charlie turned her attention to her "even before we got here I just had a feeling"

Charlie smiled and stepped closer to her daughter "we are happy aren't we" smiled Charlie

"The happiest" giggles Ruby

"I still can't believe we are actually back here in this house... And it's ours" beamed Charlie

Both Ruby and Charlie turned at the sound of Heath's voice "oh don't worry you guys we got this" Charlie and Ruby smirked at his sarcasm

"Well if you say so... I guess we'll just leave you guys to it" Charlie grinned at him

Heath shook his head "Brax run while you still can" Ruby and Jack laughed at his words

"That's what I told him" added Ruby as her and Charlie walked out the door but not before Charlie hit Heath lightly across the head

...

Charlie stood in the room she once knew as her parents. She smiled as she trailed her fingers against the chocolate brown walls. She had been in that room more times than she could remember but she had never really took in the size of it. She peered around at the spacious size of the room. Lost in thought. she hadn't heard Brax entering the room

"Hy" placing a kiss on her neck Brax wrapped his arms around her from behind

Smiling Charlie leaned her body into his and her hands fell over his "Hy"

"What you thinking?" asked Brax knowing there was something on her mind

Charlie shook her head "Nothing just taking it all in"

"Placing another kiss upon her neck Brax spoke "Why don't you try that again but this time tell me what you're thinking"

Charlie shook her head with a grin; it seemed nothing could get past him when it came to her

"What makes you so sure I'm thinking about something?"

"Because I know you" Brax spoke firmly

Charlie couldn't argue, he did know her; sometimes it felt he knew her more than she knew herself

"So?" Brax waited for a response

"I was just thinking about mum and dad and all the memories I have of them in this place" answered Charlie

"You know this room doesn't have to be ours... we can leave it free and take the other one" offered Brax

"No... I want to be here. I want this to be our room. Mum and dad had one of the most amazing relationships and marriages I have ever known" Charlie turned to face Brax his arms still firmly wrapped around her "Who knows maybe that will rub off on me and you"

Brax grinned and tightened his hold on her "Well I say if what we have now is anything to go by we're gonna have an amazing marriage"

Charlie felt her smile capture her face fully at his words

"What?" asked Brax at the smile on her face

"You said that like you're sure your going to marry me"

Brax grinned as he leaned forward placing a slow but passionate kiss upon her lips. Pulling away he met her eye "That's because I am"

Not thinking it was possible Charlie felt her cheeks rise as her smile widened "You are?"

Brax nodded "I have no doubt about it"

Moving her face to his Charlie pressed her lips against his and in no time her hand had reached the back of his head slowly moving through his hair. She felt Brax grin into the kiss as it intensified.

"Are you both g..." Charlie and Brax pulled apart as Heath opened the door "Are the two of you never not trying to get in each other's pants... you do know there are innocent eyes in the house" Heath spoke with a grin, one which only widened as he noticed Charlie blushing "Buckton there's no need to blush I have caught the both of you in more compromising positions" Heath words only caused her blushing cheeks to intensify

"Heath shut up" Brax looked around for something to throw but came up short. Realising what Brax wanted to do Heath back out of the door "I suggest you leave the christening of the room till when there is less of an audience" Heath chuckled as he walked back down the hall

Brax looked over at Charlie and couldn't help the grin forming on his face at her reddened cheeks "You know I think you look really cute when you blush...sexy even" Brax winked at her as he ran his hand over her cheeks

"Stop" Charlie playfully hit his hand away "And stop looking at me like that"

"Like what? Brax's grin remained placed

"You know what I mean" replied Charlie as she backed towards the door "It's not going to work"

"I have no idea what you're talking about" Brax stepped forward "I'm just simply looking at my beautiful girlfriend"

Charlie shook her head and bit her lip "You're doing more than that and you know it"

"Why don't you enlighten me" Brax continued to slowly step towards her

"You're giving me that look that always ends with us together... naked somewhere" Charlie took another step away from him

Brax chuckled "Well is it working?"

"No ok... there will be no time wasting"

"Come on" Grinned Brax "It's tradition to christen your room when you first move in" Brax took a step closer to her "We wouldn't want to mess with tradition would we?"

"Fine I'll make a deal with you" spoke Charlie "If we can get everything sorted today and by that I mean the beds put up everything put into place then...we can christen as many of the rooms as you like" Charlie smiled broadly at him chuckling slightly at the gleeful look on his face

"What about Rubes and Case?" Brax asked with a raised eyebrow

"They can stay at Heaths and Bianca's tonight I'm sure they wouldn't mind... so do we have a deal?" Charlie stretched her hand out

"Deal" Brax smirked as he shook her out stretched hand. Charlie squealed as Brax used that to pull her into him, his lips instantly finding hers. Getting lost in the kiss Charlie allowed him slip his tongue into her mouth before she mustered up the strength to pull away. Brax grinned down at her as she placed her hand on his chest keeping him from coming closer

"No Braxton, you have to keep your end of the deal first" Charlie simpered up at him before stepping out of the room Brax following behind

"Have we decided what we're gonna use this room for?" Brax nodded toward the fourth room the one closest to his and Charlie's room

Charlie shrugged "We could just leave it as a guest room I guess. It's pretty big, I wonder why Ruby or Casey didn't want it"

Brax chuckled causing Charlie to look up at him

"What?"

"Well I think it has something to do with the fact that it's the closest to our room"

"So?"

"I don't think hearing what we get up to in our own time is on their to do list"

Charlie looked at him, her eyes widening slightly "Firstly the room isn't right next to ours and secondly we are not that loud"

"No I'm not that loud you on the other hand..." Brax trailed

Charlie instantly blushed, looking down she tried to hide her face from him

Brax grinned as he put his hand under her chin and brought her gaze up "Hy I'm not saying that I don't like how vocal you are..." leaning closer he brought his lips to her ears "if anything it's a turn on"

"Brax" Charlie shrieked as she hit him lightly on the chest

"And you're the one who as been adamant about not getting up to anything at night while you were at mine because you didn't want Ruby hearing anything"

"Yh but that was different"

"How?"

"That room was much closer to yours... I'm pretty sure she could even hear us breathing"

"Well I'm glad neither of them wanted this room. It just means I can do whatever I want to you whenever I want" Brax's grin came on display as Charlie once again hit him lightly on the chest

"Only if you're lucky" she winked at him before retracting down the hall and into the living room

...

"I think that's the last of it" spoke Casey as he dumped the final box in the living room instantly crashing down on the couch besides Heath and Jack

"Don't get to comfortable we still got to unpack all this"

Casey groaned in response "can't we do that tomorrow I'm beat"

Brax was about to respond but looking over at Charlie he instantly noticed something was wrong

"Babe you ok?" He walked over to her as she stood to her feet

Charlie nodded with a smile "yh just got a little dizzy for a second. I left some water in the kitchen I'll just get it"

Walking into the kitchen she spoke again "But I agree with Case"

Brax and the rest let out a laugh

"Of course you would Buckton..." before Heath could finish all five heads spun up as a thud was heard from the kitchen.

"MUM"

"CHARLIE" Brax and the rest sprung to their feet and darted towards the kitchen. Brax felt all air leave his lungs as Charlie lay on the kitchen floor

"Charlie" sliding under her he held her face in his hands

"Oh my God mum" Ruby knelt down beside her

"Charlie...Charlie" Brax ran his hand across her face trying to wake her

Not looking up from Charlie Brax spoke "Get the car door opened" Brax quickly picked her up in his arms and paced towards the front door. Ruby, Heath and Casey followed closely, confused as to what had just happened

Jack running ahead, opened the car door and Brax climbing into the passenger seat with Charlie still in his grip. Quickly running round to the other side Jack jumped into the driver's seat just as Heath, Ruby and Casey darted Towards Heath's Ute. Wasting no time both Heath and Jack pressed heavily on the gas worried as to what had happened to cause Charlie to faint.

Not taking his eyes off the road Heath spoke "Case call Bianca"

Casey nodded as he hurriedly dug his phone out of his pocket before calling Bianca and informing her of what was going on.

Climbing out of the Ute with Charlie still in his arms Brax paced rapidly towards the entrance of the hospital

Before either Brax or Jack could speak all eyes fell on them and a herd of doctors and nurses sprinted their way with a gurney.

"What happened?" Sid looked down at Brax as he placed Charlie onto the gurney

Brax shook his head "I...we... I don't know. She seemed fine and then she said she was feeling dizzy and then she just... The next thing she was unconscious" Brax tried to catch his breath but his chest had tighten to the point where it now seemed he had no breath left

Ruby, Heath and Casey came sprinting into the hospital

"Sid what's going on?" the desperation in Brax's tone was strongly laced

"What's wrong with her?" asked Ruby. Her tears rapidly making their way down her face

"Guys we promise to get you some answered" replyed Sid as two nurses wheeled Charlie away "But you all have to try and stay calm while we get to the bottom of this" Sid quickly hurried away

Within minutes Bianca and Martha had arrived at the hospital. They stopped as they noticed the gang sitting in the hallway. Both girls hurried over their heart beating rapidly against their chest

"Heath what's going on... How is she? Bianca looked down at her husband with expectant eyes

Heath shook his head "We don't know... They haven't told us anything" Bianca turned to Ruby and Brax. Ruby had her head buried into his shoulder and although she was no longer crying her gaze was still plum red and her tears had dried to her face. Brax's gaze remained unmoved; he simply glared at the wall before him.

Bianca sighed and took a seat beside Heath and Martha lowered herself next to Jack. The seven of them sat unspoken for what felt like hours but had only been a little over thirty minutes. Every time a nurse walked by they all looked on expectantly praying there was news on Charlie but each time they were disappointed.

As Sid came into views all seven pairs of legs jumped to a standing

"Sid what's going on... is she ok?" Brax looked at him with pleading eyes

"She's awake and she's" replied Sid

A chorus of relieved sighed left all seven lips

"Charlie was pretty dehydrated hence the fainting"

"And that's all it was? Asked Brax

He frowned along with the rest as Sid shook his head

"If you could just come through to her room" Sid instructed

"What's wrong with her?" asked Ruby as she tried to stay calm

"I really do need to discuss this with Brax and Charlie first"

Brax felt his stomach churn as different thoughts ran through his head. Looking down at Ruby who had taken firm hold of his arm, he nodded down at her "I won't be long ok"

Ruby nodded before letting go of his arm.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Thank you Dingo x, Freakie42, ~JarlieFanEver~ and Spotd1 for your comments. I give a big apology for the delay in this Chapter. My laptop is yet to return. This update is Courtesy of my mum (who is already asking when I am going to be done) but my dad as gone to check on the progress of my laptop and hopefully he will return with it today (fingers crossed). but yeah here is the next chapter and with any luck I will have the next one up in a few days. hope you guys enjoy it :) (Sorry if there are a lot of spelling mistakes don't have time to proof read). And to those who's stories I leaves comments on I have been reading and keeping up with updates on my phone and will drop you all a big comment when my laptop returns :)

CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR

Brax felt his stomach churn as different thoughts ran through his head. Looking down at Ruby who had taken firm hold of his arm, he nodded down at her "I won't be long ok"

Ruby nodded before letting go of his arm.

…

Walking into the room Brax instantly paced over to Charlie taking her face in his hands "You scared the life out of me"

Charlie smiled up at him "Sorry" both their heads turned up as Sid spoke

"I have informed the both of you that one of the reasons Charlie fainted was because of dehydration" Charlie and Brax stared at him knowing there was more to come "Well Charlie your blood tests show that you are actually pregnant" Sid peered between Charlie and Brax almost as if trying to read their reaction.

"I'm what?" asked Charlie

"Yh sorry Sid don't think I got that" added Brax

"You're pregnant" Sid spoke firmly this time hoping the news would sink in

"Me?" Charlie pointed at herself

Sid chuckled lightly "Yes you"

Brax looked at Charlie "You're pregnant"

"I'm pregnant"

"I'll leave the both of you alone for a while" Sid gave a light smile before leaving the two of them alone

As the door shut Brax gazed down at Charlie's stomach before looking back up at her a moment of silence fell upon the both of them

"A baby…us" Brax spoke his gaze still placed on hers as he took a deep breath

"Brax I'm pregnant... we're pregnant" and it was as if it finally hit him. A smile spread across his face as he peered down at Charlie

"We're having a baby...me and you" Brax let out a little laugh

"This is a good thing right?" asked Charlie

Brax slow nod turned into a heavy one "This is a great thing" before Charlie could reply Brax had pressed his lips on hers

Pulling away Brax frowned at the tear that fell from her eye

"What's wrong... do you not want this?" he looked at her with a stare mixed with worry and fear

Charlie shook her head "No... I mean yes...no..." sighing she stopped and took a breath "Brax these are happy tears I am beyond happy" she chuckled as Brax's face relaxed "I'm having your baby" Charlie laughed at her words

"You're having our baby" Brax's grin spread from side to side as he brought his hand to her face and his other hand travelled down to her stomach.

Charlie smiled into his touch and placed her hand over his.

Removing their gaze from one another Charlie and Brax looked up as the door opened. They smiled at Sid as he walked into the room. Sid smiled at the gleeful expression on their faces "So I take it you're both happy about this"

"Beyond happy" Brax replied immediately

Sid nodded "Well the guys out there are getting restless I figured you would want to give them the news"

Brax looked down at Charlie who nodded her grin still placed. Brax looked back up at Sid

"Yeah"

Sid nodded and walked out the door

Brax and Charlie chuckled as Ruby, Heath, Casey and the rest hurried through the door seconds later

"Mum" Ruby swung her arms over Charlie

"Hy I'm ok"

Ruby pulled back and shifted her gaze between Charlie and Brax. Before she could say anything Heath spoke up

"Ok what's going on... you guys seem way to happy for it to be bad news"

"You tell them" Brax looked down at Charlie as he laced his hands into hers

"No maybe you should do it" replied Charlie

"No I..." Brax stopped as Bianca interjected

"Will one of you just say it... we're dying over here" the others nodded in agreement

Looking up at Brax once more Charlie turned and faced the peering eyes, her gaze stopping at Ruby

"I'm pregnant... we're having a baby"

Jack, Heath, Brax and Casey jumped as a chorus of shrieks filled the room. Stepping back in time Brax dodged being knocked over as Martha and Bianca engulfed Charlie in their arms

"I just knew it... I knew that's what it was" beamed Bianca

"No you didn't" Heath scoffed at Bianca

Bianca looked up with a raised eyebrow

"But then again what do I know" Heath raised his arms in defence as the guys shock their heads in amusement

"Charlie this is great news" Martha beamed

Charlie and the rest chuckled at Martha and Bianca's excitement

Heath and Jake shook their heads as they approached Charlie

"Congratulations" Heath placed a kiss on her cheek "But you do know there's no getting rid of this one now" Heath smirked over at Brax "Na but seriously congrats bro" Heath gave Brax a pat on the back

Jack gave the same gesture to both Charlie and Brax followed by Casey

"Thank you guys" she smiled at her friends before turning as Ruby spoke

"I'm going to be a big sister"

Charlie nodded with a smile. She couldn't lie she was worried as to how Ruby was going to take it. She gazed at Ruby with worried eyes for a moment. But when a smile crossed her face Charlie let out a breath

"I'm going to be a big sister" laughed Ruby as she wrapped her arms around Charlie

"So you're happy about this?" asked Charlie

"Of course, oh I can't wait... I'm going to dress her up, teach her how to shop, show her..."

"Err what makes you so sure it's going to be a girl Buckton" Heath smirked at her

"I just know it is" Ruby smirked "And even if it's a boy that just means I get to teach him things about girls and ..." once again Heath interrupted

"Crap this kid is in for it"

Light chuckles filled the room

"Well I think you're going to be a great big sister whether it's a boy or a girl" said Charlie

"Of course she will" added Brax

"I know" said Ruby as she poked her tongue out at Heath

Their heads turned as Sid re-entered the room. He smiled at them as he walked further into the room. He had seen many close unit but the relationship and friendship that had been displayed more than once by the people stood before him somehow seemed to amaze him

"Right so would mum and dad like to get a first look at their baby"

Charlie and Brax looked at him gleefully both nodding their heads vigorously

"Unfortunately I can only permit two other people apart from Charlie in here for this"

"How about it Rubes...you want to stay?" asked Brax with a grin

Everyone laughed as Ruby instantly bounced to Charlie's side "I don't need asking twice"

"We'll wait outside" Spoke Bianca as she and the rest left the room

…

Gathering round one side of Charlie's bed all eyes fixated on the screen as Sid lightly pressed the gel onto Charlie's stomach. Charlie shuddered slightly as the cool gel made contact.

"Right here we go" Sid placed the ultrasound scanner onto her stomach as he too looked over at the monitor.

Charlie, Ruby and Brax's gaze remained unmoved as a sound filled the room

"Is that..." Brax choked up as a heartbeat filled the room

"That is your baby's heartbeat" Sid glanced over at them with a smile before looking back at the monitor

The three of them stood gazing at the screen in awe

Ruby looked at Charlie with an unmistakeable smile pressed upon her face

Charlie's hands flew to her mouth as a tear rolled down her face "oh my God" she chuckled out loud as she looked up at Brax. But as a second sound filled the room all three heads snapped back over to the screen

"Is that..." Charlie's eyes widened as another heartbeat sounded around the room

Sid chuckled as he smiled up at the questioning eyes "It is. You're pregnant with twins"

"No way" Ruby peered at the screen in amazement

"Your kidding" asked Brax wide eyed

"No you are indeed expecting twins" answered Sid

"We're having two babies…Two" Brax's grin enveloped his face as he placed his hand either side of Charlie face before placing a forceful kiss on her lips. Charlie smiled up at him as she raised her hand and wiped away the stray tear that had fallen down Brax's cheek

"We're having two babies" she laughed through her tears

"I can't see them" said Ruby squinting her eyes trying to get a better view

"Actually neither can I" added Brax doing the same as Ruby

Sid chuckled as he pointed at the screen "See that there that's baby number ones head, and feet and that..." he moved his finger "Is baby number two"

"I see them" spoke Charlie

"And by the looks of things Charlie you're already 13 weeks gone"

"What?" Charlie and Brax looked down at Sid

"Are you sure?" asked Charlie

"Yeah" Sid replied "don't worry I have seen people not even realise till they were way further into their pregnancy" Sid gave a reassuring smile

"But she's having twin's, shouldn't she be showing by now?" asked Brax

"Every person is different during pregnancy. Some women show really early on while some don't start showing till further down the track"

Sid looked over at Charlie and the worry on her face was evident "Charlie there is nothing to worry about, my guess is you will start showing in no time"

Charlie shook her head "Err no that's not it. I err... I've been drinking not so much lately because I have been feeling a little off but still I have had a few drinks" Charlie glanced up at Brax before looking back down at Sid "What if it's affected them?"

"Charlie don't get yourself worked up many mothers drink before they find out their pregnant but unless you have been out constantly drinking it is unlikely that it has affected them in anyway, but Charlie honestly as long as you eat the right things and drink the right things from here on out your babies should be perfectly fine"

Charlie let out a sigh of relief as Brax ran his hand over her hair

"I'll just leave this up for you guys while I go and print some copies for you to take home" Sid stood to his feet "Would you like me to put it onto a DVD?"

"Yes please" Charlie and Brax chuckled when Ruby answered

"That would be great" added Charlie

Nodding Sid left them alone in the room.

"I might just leave you guys to it" spoke Ruby as she placed a kiss on her mother's cheek before walking round the bed. She wrapped her arms around Brax

"Congratulations"

Brax smiled down at her as she pulled away "Thanks kid"

Giving a final smile Ruby left the room

...

Walking out of the room Charlie and Brax's smiles had still not worn off

"You just had to show everyone else up didn't you" Heath spoke as Charlie and Brax approached them "Couldn't just knock her up with one kid you had to get two in there" Heath grinned at the both of them

Brax shook his head and Charlie laughed

"I'm just good like that" replied Brax causing Charlie to hit him lightly on the chest

"I can't believe you're having twins" said Martha

"I know" replied Charlie as she laced her hands into Brax's "We should probably get back...we still have to unpack"

Jack, Casey and Heath moaned simultaneously "Great" muttered Heath as they walked out of the hospital

Brax and Charlie followed behind the rest, their smiles almost blinding

"I guess we know what we're going to use that room for" said Brax

Charlie looked up at him "Yh I guess we do" edging to her toes she placed her lips on his "I love you"

"Ditto"

...

"Me and Ruby can go sort out the rooms" spoke Charlie as she picked up one of the boxes

Brax quickly stepped forward taking the box from her hand

"No, me and the guys are going to sort all this out. You are going to get some rest"

"And it's started" laughed Bianca

"Firstly Brax I'm not tired so I don't need to rest and Bianca what's started?" asked Charlie

"The fussing, you best get used to it. Heath drove me absolutely crazy during both pregnancies. I couldn't even lift the milk cartoon without him sprinting to my side"

"The doctor said no heavy lifting" Heath quickly defended himself

"Right, because I was so likely to pull a muscle getting the milk out of the fridge" Bianca and the rest chuckled

"And Jack was just as bad when I was pregnant with Sophia" added Martha

Charlie looked up at Brax "I'm going to help get the house sorted" she spoke firmly

And just as firmly as she had spoken Brax replied "No you're not... you're going to sit here with the girls while we do it"

Charlie scoffed as Brax motioned her onto the couch

"Brax I'm pregnant not an inveigled"

"I know but in case you forgotten you fainted a few hours ago, so sorry but I'm not taking the risk" Brax looked back at the girls "You guys can keep her company" he turned to the guys "And the three of you can help me get this place sorted"

"Why don't we just get the main things sorted... like the beds then we can do the rest tomorrow?" asked Heath

"Nup" Brax shook his head "It has to be done today" Charlie laughed knowingly

"Why?" Jack frowned over at him

"It just does... I just want to get it out of the way. Look there's not that much left. Casey can do his room, Ruby can do hers, I'll do mine and Charlie's but I need you guys to help with the beds and getting this living room sorted" Brax tried to ignore Charlie sniggering from behind him

Heath and Jack stood peering at Brax

"Right what gives? Heath and Jack glanced between Charlie and Brax

"Don't ask me... I don't know what's come over him. Brax we could finish it tomorrow as long as we have beds to sleep in" Charlie grinned up as Brax glanced at her and shook his head

"Ok help me get this place sorted today and free pizza plus booze for two months?" spoke Brax

"Deal"

The girls all chuckled "Oh and Ruby and Case will be staying at your place tonight" Brax patted Heath on the back as he picked up one of the boxes and headed towards his and Charlie's room

"They will?" Questioned Heath walking behind Brax with a box in hand and Bianca looked over at Charlie

"Yeah we will?" asked Ruby as she turned to Charlie

"Only if Brax can get this place in tip top shape today and only if that's ok with Heath and Bianca"

"They're fine with it" Brax shouted from the bedroom causing Charlie to laugh

Ruby looked up at her mother confused "If they get everything sorted then why would we need to stay with Bianca and Heath?"

Before Charlie could reply Bianca spoke with a teasing voice "Charlotte Buckton you didn't?"

"I didn't what?"

"Bride him into finishing this place with a little bit of something later?"

"I didn't bride him... we just made a simple deal"

Ruby frowned confused before Bianca's words set in "I'm in serious need of counselling" Ruby shuddered as she stood up, picked up a box and walked down the hall into her room

All three girls laughed

"And what if I said Ruby and Casey couldn't stay the night?" teased Bianca

"Then we would lock them outside till we were done christening the place" giggled Charlie as the girls laughed

"Well you best enjoy it because once these two come... you're going to be getting a lot less time alone" spoke Martha

Charlie smiled as she placed her hand over her stomach "It feels so surreal...I mean I have two life's growing inside me. This morning I had one child and now I have two more on the way"

"It's pretty amazing isn't it?" Bianca smiled at her

"Yea it really is. I can't believe this is my life... a year and a half ago I was all over the place and now..." Charlie's smile widened as she thought of where she was now "Now I'm here with you guys, I have my daughter and I have Brax and now these two" Charlie rubbed her still flat stomach "I don't think it could get any better"

"Well if anyone deserves these things it's you" said Martha

...

"Thank God" Heath sighed as he and Jack slumped down on the couch "Beds have been set up, shelves have been put up, TV set up and the rest of it"

"Aww thank you guys" Charlie smirked at Heath and Jack

"Babe we should get going... we still need to pick up the kids from Irene's place" Bianca stood to her feet

"Fine but you're driving" spoke Heath as he stood to his feet

"Such a gentleman" Bianca rolled her eyes

"Always" placing a kiss on her cheek Heath backed up towards the front door

"Are you guys ready?" Bianca turned to Ruby and Casey

"Yep" spoke Casey as they walked towards the door. Turning around Casey looked at Charlie and Brax

"Could you guys please refrain from christening my room...? I like it just the way it is"

Charlie's eyes widened and blood immediately raced to her cheeks. Jack and Heath burst out laughing while Bianca and Martha bit their tongue trying to hold their laughter

"Casey" Brax peered at him trying to hide the smirk on his face as Charlie's face continued to redden

"Don't blame the boy...it's these three you should be blaming, having such conversations while people are around" Jack pointed at Bianca, Martha and Charlie

"And you shouldn't be ear's dropping on other people's conversation" Martha hit Jack in the arm

"Yeah because the three of you were obviously whispering" mocked Heath

"Could you spare my room too" spoke Ruby

"Ruby" Charlie bellowed her cheeks now plum red

"What... I'm just making sure you know not to"

"Ok guys leave" Brax bit his bottom lip trying to hide his grin as everyone moved towards the front door.

"Thanks for today guys"

"No problem I might just go round the restaurant and start reaping the rewards" replied Heath as they all walked out the front door

Ruby turned around and poked her head back though the door "Could you guys please avoid the kitchen too I r..." interjecting quickly Brax spoke

"Bye Rubes"

"Fine bye guys" Ruby followed the rest as Brax closed the door. He let his grin settle on his face as he turned to face Charlie. Not able to help his laughter he walked over to Charlie as she sat peering at him embarrassed

"You have no idea how cute you look right now" Brax slowly pulled her to her feet

"I can't believe he heard that" spoke Charlie as she buried her face into his chest

"Babe me and you have got up to a lot while Casey has been at home... trust me he's heard worse"

"BRAX" Charlie pulled away and hit his chest "That's not even funny" she avoided his eyes

Pulling her closer to him Brax grinned "Sorry your right... let me make it up to you" he raised his eyebrow suggestively as Charlie finally looked up at him

"I think that's a great idea" She slides her arms around his neck her grin now matching his

Charlie giggled as she fell back lightly onto the couch Brax hovering over her

"I think we should start with this room" winked Brax

Without giving a verbal reply Charlie pulled his face to hers and their lips met in a fierce kiss

...

Charlie walked into the kitchen with only Brax's shirt on

"Brax we really should have brought some food" Charlie groaned as she looked at the empty fridge before pulling out the only thing in the fridge, a bottle of water

Walking into the kitchen Brax wrapped his arms around her from behind and placed a soft kiss on her neck "Figured you would be hungry so I ordered some Chinese" Brax's hand's rested on her stomach "Wouldn't want to let these two go hungry"

"And what about me?" Charlie turned in his arms with a raised eyebrow

"Most especially you" Brax grinned as he moved forward with Charlie still in his arms till her back hit the counter "Chinese won't be here for at least another twenty minutes" he raised his eyebrow suggestively before his lips descended onto her neck

Allowing him more access Charlie tilted her head to the side as she placed the water onto the counter "Brax..." she sucked in a breath as he grazed his teeth against her neck "We're not allowed to do this in the kitchen"

"What they don't know won't hurt them" Brax moved his lips from her neck only to bring them crashing down onto Charlie's lips

Charlie knew there was no use protesting and she honestly didn't want to. Her hands trailed up his bare chest stopping as she wrapped them around his neck. Brax cupped her bum and lifted her onto the counter his lips never leaving hers. Brax groaned as she detached her lips from his and moved them down his neck line before she nibbles on his ear lope knowing what it would do to him.

"You best get started before the food gets here" Charlie whispered in his ear

...

"I officially can't eat anymore"

Brax looked on at her in amazement, she could eat, that much he knew but the amount of food she had just absorbed was unbelievable

"I would be seriously scared if you could" spoke Brax as he looked at the various empty containers that were once filled with food

Charlie looked over at him with a raised eyebrow "I am eating for three ok" she rolled her eyes as she leaned back into the couch

Brax laughed at her words "Right so this is the excuse you're going to be using when you inhale enough food to feed an army"

"Hy" Charlie sluggishly hit his arm "I didn't eat that much... and it's not an excuse"

"Right you didn't eat that much... I guess all the missing food just got up and walked away" chuckled Brax

"Another smart comment Braxton and you'll be sleeping dry for the next couple of weeks" She turned to see his reaction only to be met by his grin

"Please like you could last a couple of weeks without any of this" Brax motioned his hand up and down his body causing Charlie to burst out laughing

"You're such an idiot"

"But I'm your idiot" Brax gave her a wink stealing a quick kiss before standing to his feet and clearing the containers scattered on the middle table

Walking back into the living room Brax stood not far from Charlie who was now sprawled out on the couch her hand running up and down her stomach with a smile on her face. Walking round the couch his smile grew as she looked up at him with her piercing blue eyes her smile not fading. Not saying a word he lifted her legs before sitting on the couch and placing her legs on his lap. His hands travelled up till it landed on top of hers which sat on her stomach.

"Can you believe this is happening to us?" Charlie looked up from her hands and her eyes met his "Me and you together and now... these two. I keep thinking it's a dream and I've just made myself believe it's real because I want it so bad"

Charlie chuckled lightly "I remember imagining what it would be like if we were to spend our life's together, get married, have kids, grow old together"

"How come you've never mentioned this?" asked Brax

"Because it was while I was in the city" Brax nodded in understanding

"I remember when the girls would come down and tell me all these stories about what the kids have been doing how the guys were and all I could ever think about was you. I was happy for them but a part of me was a little jealous. I knew if I wanted I could have those things but every time I imagined that life where I had Ruby and a family of my own I always found you and no matter how hard I tried to shake it I couldn't"

"I never really thought about it before you came back… a family of my own" admitted Brax

"Why?" asked Charlie

Brax shrugged "Since you and apart from Ella I haven't had a relationship that lasted more than a few months so a family just wasn't something I though was going to happen for me"

Charlie bit her bottom lip before speaking "Brax?"

"Yh?"

"If I hadn't come back to the Bay do you think you and Ella would still be together?"

Brax immediately shook his head "I think it was obvious even before you returned that we only stayed together because of convenience. She and the girls got along and the guys liked her so as bad as it sounds it was just easier for me to stay with her. But we would have broken up eventually"

Charlie nodded before looking back at her stomach. Smiling Brax edged closer to her and placed his index finger underneath her chin bringing her face back up to meet his "Here, right here with you is exactly where I am meant to be"

His smile widened at the grin that had formed on Charlie's face. Leaning forward he caught her lips in his before pulling away "You know there is still one more really important room that we haven't christened yet"

Charlie's grin widened as he stood to his feet pulling her up with him. Before she could say a word he had lifted her off the floor and was now walking in the direction of their room

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Thank you guys for the comments they really do mean a lot especially with my lack of updates recently. Glad to see people haven't given up on this story. I got my laptop back but it is apparently knacker and will cost a lot to fix so I am now planning on getting a new laptop so still laptop less for the moment. Enjoy :)

CHAPTER FIFTY FIVE

His smile widened at the grin that had formed on Charlie's face. Leaning forward he caught her lips in his before pulling away "You know there is still one more really important room that we haven't christened yet"

Charlie's grin widened as he stood to his feet pulling her up with him. Before she could say a word he had lifted her off the floor and was now walking in the direction of their room

...

"I still can't believe you're fourteen weeks pregnant... didn't you think that may have been a possibility haven not seen your period"

Charlie shrugged her shoulders "I actually only noticed two weeks ago and I couldn't remember the last time so I just put it down to everything that had been going on with Brax bring in hospital. I figured I would come on when I come on. Its not the first time I've been late"

"Charlie a few days is late, 3 months is another thing"

"Like I said I couldn't remember the last time... I didn't know it had been that long" Charlie looked down sheepishly

"But now the morning sickness won't let me rest" Charlie moaned " Isn't this the stage it stops not starts"

Bianca laughed "Please with Reece it lasted till about 20 Weeks. You should be happy you haven't been experiencing it till now"

"I don't feel very lucky..." Charlie groaned

Bianca shook her head and chuckled but stopped as the expression on Charlie's face changed

"Hy you ok?"

Charlie looked up and nodded with a smile "yh"

Bianca tilted her heed with a raised eyebrow "Brax isn't the only one that knows when you're lying .So come on spill"

Charlie sighed knowing Bianca wouldn't let it go

"Its not that I'm not happy I am but..." Charlie bit her bottom lip "I'm a little scared. It just feels like everything is moving so quickly. The house, and now the twins. what if it all starts to get to much. We've only been together going on ten months what if we've rushed into all this"

Bianca sighed "Let me ask you something. When you think about where you are now, you and Brax, this house, the twins. whats the first thin you feel?

Charlie peered at Bianca and couldn't help the smile that graced hr face "Happy... I feel happy and lucky"

"Right so go with that feeling... top second guessing things. You love him and he loves you so why wait to have all these things"

Charlie smiled sheepishly "You're right"

Bianca flicked her hair mockingly "Of course I am"

Charlie chuckled lightly before moving to a new topic

"So it's a special someones birthday next week"

Bianca smiled "I cant believe she's going to be one already it feels like I only just had her a few months ago"

"Trust me neither can I. I still remember that day like it was yesterday" Charlie screwed her face up mockingly

Bianca let out a little laugh as she thought back to the day she had given birth to Abi

...

"Morning" Brax brushed Charlie's hair from her face tucking it behind her ear

"Mmmm morning" Charlie smiled as Brax leaned down and placed a kiss on her lips

It had a few days since they had moved in together and Brax was always awake before she was

"You know you don't have to stay in bed till I wake" Charlie sprawled her arms across his waist resting her chin on his chest as she looked up at him

"I know" Brax smiled as he stroked her cheek with her thumb. His smile soon turned into a frown as the expression on Charlie's face changed. Before he could ask what was wrong she had darted into the bathroom. Quick to follow behind her, Brax quickly pulled her hair from her face as she curled over and throw up in the toilet. crouching down beside her he keep a hold of her hair and rubbed her back till he was sure she was done throwing up

"You ok?" Brax finally asked

Charlie nodded weakly "Yeah I guess I didn't get away with the whole morning sickness"

Brax let out a huge breath as Charlie rose to her feet "Thank God"

Charlie looked up at him a raised eyebrow "Hy" She hit him against the chest

"No I just meant... I'm glad that's all it is"

Charlie looked at him clearly unimpressed

"No... not thank God you're throwing up just that its not something serious"

By the look Charlie was now giving him Brax knew to shut up. Trying to dig himself out of the hole he had created he gave a sheepish smile exposing his dimples. "I love you" quickly giving her a kiss on the temple he hurried out of the bathroom

"RUBY your mum needs you" Brax shouted as he walked out of the room

Charlie couldn't help but laugh at him as she picked up her tooth brush

...

"So you're definitely going through with it?" said Heath

Jack laughed at his words "You make it sound like he's going to war"

"You know what I mean" Heath turned back to Brax "You ready for this? I mean you guys only just found out she's expecting, you've only just moved in together"

Brax chuckled before nodding his head. he knew what Heath meant but he knew in himself he wanted this more than anything "Trust me I'm more than sure. plus it's gonna happen one day, why not now"

...

Two weeks later

Shuffling against the sheets Brax opened his eyes as the noise from his and Charlie's bathroom could be heard. Turning over Charlie no longer lay besides him. Looking at the time that read 7:05 Brax sighed as he got out of bed and made his way over to the bathroom. pushing the door open he walked over to Charlie's side as she sat with her head down the toilet. Rubbing her back as she pulled some toilet roll and wiped her mouth he quickly pulled her hair back as she stuck her head into the toilet again. Waiting till it had passed he sunk down to the floor pulling her back into him. Charlie instantly rested her head against his chest. Running his hand through her hair Brax placed a kiss on her head

"I'm sorry... You feel better now?"

Charlie shook her head "This is all your fault"

She groaned Brax let out a small laugh "Well if it makes you feel better I would take your place if I could"

"No you wouldn't and no it doesn't make me feel any better. I don't know what your kids are doing in there but they need to stop" moaned Charlie as Brax stood to his feet taking her with him

" My kids uh"

"Yh, well if they took after me they would be a lot more behaved"

"I'll have you know I was a perfect kid" smirked Brax

"Whatever gets you to sleep at night Braxton" Charlie returned his grin as she walked towards the basin and proceeded to brush her teeth.

Brax shook his head as he walked out of the bathroom. Following moments later Charlie chuckled as Brax had gotten back in the bed, she knew left to him he would start his day but he knew too well it being only past 7 in the morning Charlie wouldn't be ready to face the world yet.

Crawling onto the bed Charlie curled into him "You don't have to get back into bed... Why don't you go for a surf"

"Are you trying to get rid of me" Brax sent a grin as his arm wrapped over her stomach

"Never... But I know you and if not for me you would be up and out already"

"Well I would rather be here with you" leaning in Brax gave her a gentle kiss before resting his head onto the pillow "How about you try and get some sleep?" Brax knew the morning sickness would have kept her up early hours of the morning

Charlie nodded tired into his chest and her eyes had already started closing. Watching as she slept Brax softly ran his hand through her hair before placing a kiss on her temple. Feeling sleep over take his eyes he shut them and he too feel back to sleep.

...

"Morning Brax" Ruby smiled over at Brax as he walked into the kitchen

"Morning" Brax returned her smile

"Mum still in bed?"

"Yea she was up pretty early... I hope this morning sickness passes soon"

"Me and Case are gonna head off now... Heath and Jack are already at the restaurant" smiled Ruby as she picked up her plate and walked into the kitchen

"Hy Brax" casey greeted him as he walked into the kitchen

"Hy" Brax replied to Casey before turning back to Ruby "I'll be down later wanna make sure she gets somethings down her before I leave"

Ruby and Casey nodded "And please make sure those two idiots don't mess up my restaurant"

Ruby and Casey chuckled "Well we'll head off" Ruby smiled as her and Case walked out the front door

...

"Hy" Charlie walked into the living room to find Brax fiddling in the kitchen Turning around Brax gave her a smile

"I was just going to bring this in for you" Charlie smiled at the tray that sat on the counter besides Brax

Nodding towards the chicken salad and green tea on the tray Brax spoke "I know this is about all you have been able to keep down lately and those two need to eat as well as you too"

He placed the tray in front of Charlie as she sat up on a stool

"Thank you" smiling up at him she picked up her fork and tucked into the salad

"You know it's a good thing you can cook or else these two would be living off takeaway. She ran her hand over her now growing but barely noticeable bump.

Brax smiled and placed a kiss on her head before retracting out of the kitchen

"And where are you going?" Asked Charlie as her gaze followed him

"I just have to nip out for a minute, they've messed up an order back at the restaurant I shouldn't be long I promise" Brax retracted into their room before walking back out now with a shirt on

"I'll be back soon" placing a kiss on her head he turned to the door but turned back as Charlie spoke

"Ok what are you up to?"

Brax chuckled "what makes you think I am up to anything?"

"Babe the last time you kept disappearing with no real explanation you brought this place"

Brax chuckled again "Well you have nothing to worry about I'm not planning on buying anymore houses and I already told you they messed up an order"

Charlie shook her head a smile still on her face "I know you're up to something Braxton... I know you to well to know when you're lying"

Stepping closer to her, Brax placed a kiss on her lips "I'll be back soon" winking at her he made his way out of the front door.

...

Charlie sighed as she knocked on Bianca and Heath's front door but received no reply. she had called both Bianca and Martha and neither of the two had picked their phones. She had even called Ruby but she said she was in the city with Casey. Deciding to go down to the restaurant Charlie turned around only to be met by Bianca and Martha

"Charlie hi" the surprised tone in Bianca's voice had not gone unnoticed Charlie looked between her two friends before speaking

"Where have the two of you been, I have been calling your phones"

"Sorry we took the kids to the park, phones must have been in our bags" answered Martha

"Right" Charlie looked at the both of them unconvinced

"So where are the kids?"

"Oh we err... We dropped them off with Irene and Marilyn on the way back"

"Why are you guys going somewhere?"asked Charlie, clearly not buying their excuse

"Nope just wanted some girl time we were actually going to call you to see if you wanted to come over" answered Martha as she nudged Bianca who opened the front door. Charlie followed behind her friends her gaze switching between the two of them.

...

"She's at ours" spoke Heath as he read the message he had just received from Bianca

"Right have you guys got things here?" Heath, Jack, Ruby and Casey nodded

"Ok I won't be long" Brax hurried out of the restaurant quickly rushing home to get changed ...

"So you guys gonna tell me what's going on?" Asked Charlie

Bianca and Martha glanced at each other before looking back at Charlie

"What do you mean?" asked Bianca

"I'm not stupid I know there's something you're not telling me. Plus you..." Charlie pointed at Bianca "are a disgraceful liar" Bianca looked down sheepishly

"Fine if you really want to know..."

Bianca's head snapped up at Martha's words

"Me and Jack had a big argument last night and he spent the night here"

Bianca sighed in relief as she realised what Martha was doing

"What?" asked charlie

"The argument got out of hand, I said somethings I didn't mean and then he just stormed out and didn't come back home. Bianca just took me to the diner for a coffee so we decided to leave the kids with Irene for a while. I just needed some time to think" Martha held the act hoping she was convincing enough

Charlie sighed instantly feeling bad for grilling her friends "Why didn't you tell me?" Charlie rested her hand on Martha's shoulders

"Charlie you're nearly four months pregnant I didn't want you stressing yourself about me... Brax already said the morning sickness is taking it's toll on you. You don't need me adding to that"

Charlie sighed "Pregnant or not you're my friend and I don't want you to feel like you can't tell me things"

"I know" Martha nodded. She mentally gave her self a pat on the back for a job well done

"But can we not talk about it I just want to sit here and bing eat and drink" Charlie and Bianca chuckled lightly at her words .Bianca looked down at her phone as it vibrated against the table

*done at the house you can take her back there*

She grinned as she read the message from Brax

"I have a better idea. Seeing as pretty soon these two are gonna make it almost impossible for you to walk and you..." She pointed at Martha "obviously need cheering up why don't we go out tonight... Even if its just to varsi's we can make it a girls night even take Ruby and April along"

Martha smirked knowing that Brax must have given them the all clear "You know what I think that's a great idea"

"You in?" Martha looked at Charlie who imply shrugged

"Why not, and like you so kindly put it walking is gonna become somewhat a task soon"

Standing from the couch Bianca grinned "I'll get my stuff, then we'll go over to Martha's place to get your things then we can get ready at your place Charlie"

Charlie and Martha nodded as Bianca walked the stairs.

...

"Right is everything sorted?" Asked Brax as he looked around the restaurant

"Brax relax you've got this" Heath gave him a pat on the back

"We best get down there don't want her arriving before you" Brax nodded as he tried to shake off his nerves.

Looking down at the object in his hand he took a deep breath as he pushed it back into his pocket and made his way out of the restaurant.

...

"We're ready" Ruby and April announced as they walked into the living room

"You girls look really nice" smiled Bianca

"Yea and why do I get the feeling this is more for the benefit of your boyfriends than anything else"

Ruby and April smiled down sheepishly before Charlie's approaching steps caught their attention

"Girls are you sure this isn't too much"

All four girl's smiled as Charlie walked into sight

"Charlie you look beautiful" said Bianca "She's right mum you do" smiled Ruby

Charlie smiled "Thank you... But I still think its a bit much"

Charlie wore a red strapless dress it clung onto to her body till it hit mid waist at which point it loosened and stopped just above her knee's. She paired them with a pair of black pumps and a black clutch, all of which were picked out by the girls. Her hair flowed in their natural curls and she had applied a light touch of smokey eye shadow.

"We're only going to varsi's"

"So?" Bianca stood from the arm of the couch "doesn't mean we can't go all out"

Martha looked down at the message that had just come through her phone "Come on we best get going... I want to enjoy this night to the fullest"

All the girls picked up their bags before making their way out of the front door.

...

Brax smiled as he stood in the familiar spot. He stood with Heath, Casey and Jack not to far from him. He smiled as he remembered how he felt the first time their lips met in that exact spot. The way he felt when he placed his hand beneath her chin that night. Still till this day he had not felt a feeling like it.

"You ok?" Casey moved closer to Brax noticing the nervousness of his older brother

"Yh yh... I'm good" brax took a deep breath "You have nothing to worry about"

Brax smiled at Casey knowing what he was saying was true

"What makes you so sure?"

"I live with the both of you. It's a no brainer"

"Thanks kid" Brax gave him a pat on the back before his attention was stole

"They're here" Heath and Jack grinned

...

Getting out of the car Charlie frowned as the girls walked towards the beach

"Err I thought we were going to varsi's asked Charlie

"We are... But we're just gonna make a little detour" said Ruby as she linked her hands in Charlie's

"You should probably take those shoes off"

Charlie stood confused as all four girls removed their shoes.

"What's going on?"

"Charlie just take your shoes off" said Martha

Charlie sighed as she took off her pumps before Ruby linked her arm back with Charlie's and they made their way down the beach.

Keeping her gaze ahead Charlie slowed her walk as she noticed the four figures stood on the beach. Charlie gazed at all four girls

"What's going on?"

Her gaze had already returned back down to the beach before any of them had replied

"You're gonna have to come down to find out" spoke Bianca

After a moment Charlie moved her feet her's and Ruby's arms still linked. She felt her heart beat pick up pace feeling it hitting hard against her chest. Now close enough to see whatr was beofe her, she came to an halt as Ruby un linked their arms and walked over to the guys leaving Charlie stood in her own space.

Charlie looked on speechless at the red rose petals that had been scattered on the sand. Her gaze froze on Brax who had not removed his eyes from her since she came in view She looked at her friends and daughter before looking back up at Brax. She could have sworn the beating of her heart was loud enough for all to hear. Finally finding her voice she spoke the same words that had left her lips several times since they arrived

"Brax what's going on?"

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  • 3 weeks later...

I cant apologies enough for the lateness in this update but I have had absolutely no why of getting hold of a laptop and I actually went and brought a refurbished laptop but it didn't even last a few hours before it started messing up. But I officially brought a new one yesterday so there will be no more long waits for updates at least not as long as the time that as pasted since my last update. I have actually missed updating and thank you for the comments. I hope I haven't lost any readers. I hope you enjoy this chapter :)

CHAPTER FIFTY SIX

She looked at her friends and daughter before looking back up at Brax. She could have sworn the beating of her heart was loud enough for all to hear. Finally finding her voice she spoke "Brax what's going on?"

...

*FLASHBACK*

"Brax" Ruby called as she entered the house

"In the kitchen" replied Brax

"Hy" Ruby gave Brax a smile as she entered the kitchen

"Hy Rubes" Brax returned her smile as he sat on one of the stools

"So..." Ruby looked at him expectantly. Brax had called her saying he wanted to talk about something important

"How important is this conversation on a scale of one to ten?" Asked Ruby as she perked herself up onto one of the stools

"Eleven" replied Brax. Ruby nodded slowly

"OK, so what is it?" She looked at him wearily

"Don't worry its nothing bad... Well I hope you won't think it is"

Ruby narrowed her eyes "Well are you gonna tell me?" she gave a little chuckle as Brax exhaled

"It's about your mum and me" Ruby remained unspoken waiting for him to make things clearer "I want us to take that next step but I need to know that you're OK with it. I know people usually go to the parents for this but..." Brax paused "Your approval is just as important to me"

Ruby sat unsure if what she thought he was talking about was correct. Deciding not to jump to any conclusions she waited till he said the words himself.

Brax exhaled and continued "Ruby I would like your permission to ask your mum to marry me" Brax peered at her trying to read her reaction. He felt himself panic slightly as her facial expression refused to change and remained placed with a straight unreadable gaze. He gave a breath of relieve as Ruby broke out a grin before she nodded her head vigorously.

She let out a laugh and stood up before giving him a hug "You have my support" she grinned up at him

"Brax shook his head "You shouldn't do that to me kid. You had me worried for a minute there"

Ruby giggled "Sorry I just couldn't resist" She pulled back from the hug and sat back on the stool "Thank you"

"For what?" asked a confused Brax

"For involving me, for asking... You didn't have to... so thank you"

"You're the most important person to her... Trust me I had to" Brax gave her a smile "I need a favour though?"

"What?" asked Ruby

"Me and you are going to the city to look for an engagement ring... I have no idea what type of ring to look out for"

Ruby's grin widely as she shook her head "No we're not"

"Come on kiddo you can't make me do this by myself. I don't know the first t..." Brax was interrupted by Ruby

"Just wait here a second"

Brax sighed as he watched her jump off the stool before she hurried down the hall and into her room. He looked on confused as she came back down the hall and into the kitchen only this time not with empty hands. Ruby smiled as she placed the object and the letter in front of Brax. Looking down at the small blue box and the envelope Brax looked back up at Ruby

"What's this?"

"Open it up and see. My guess is you should probably start with the letter"

Although she hadn't read the contents of the letter she guessed it would give Brax a clue as to what was in the box

"They left two letters with that box... Depending on who's hand it would land in"

Brax looked at her questioningly

"Do you mean Ross and Elise?" He guessed

Ruby nodded "Yea"

Brax exhaled as he picked up the letter. Peering at Ruby once more he opened up the letter

Brax

If you are reading this letter instead of hearing it from either me or Elise I can still guarantee you Elise is smiling smugly to herself for suggesting we write a second letter just in case Charlie finds her way back to you. And if you're reading, it means she as.

Elise always said she hoped Charlie ended up with you, I hoped the same too. Never had I seen her as happy as she was when you were around.

Firstly we want to thank you because if Ruby has given you this letter it means not only have you made room for the two of them in your life but you have also proven that you are worthy to be with her. All we can do now is give you our blessing.

If you are the same smart, courageous man I used to know then there is no doubt in our minds that you will care for her and Ruby the best you can. Ruby should have given you the ring along with this letter.

That ring has been in my family for three generations and ever since I could remember Charlie had admired it. So here it is for you to give to her. We'll be looking down on the both of you always and our grand kids that are hopefully still to come

PS Elise has always wanted twin grand kids... No pressure

Ross and Elise

Brax chuckled as he read the last line "No way"

"What?" Asked Ruby

"Read the last line" Brax handed her the letter

Picking it up and reading it Ruby grinned "Looks like she pulled a few strings up there"

"Yeah" Brax grinned

Looking down at the box he picked it up before opening it slowly "Wow"

"It's beautiful isn't it"

"Yes it is" Looking up from the ring Brax smiled at Ruby "Thank you Rubes"

"Its nothing plus it's Charlie's I was just keeping it safe. And I think you will make a great dad"

Brax smiled at her words "I'd like to think I already am" he gave her a wink as a grin spread across her face

*FLASHBACK ENDED*

Charlie examined Brax's smart pants and black shirt. Taking another quick glance at the others who stood grinning widely at both her and Brax she turned her gaze back to Brax. She had a million and one thoughts running through her mind but one kept sticking out. She felt her legs weaken as her eyes locked against his.

Brax stood in awe as Charlie approached. His gaze placed upon her. His eyes studied her whole form, the red dress sitting well against her tanned skin. He smiled at the confused look on her face as she glanced at their friends and family before looking at him

"Come here" Brax outstretched his hand slowly walking towards him she placed her hand in his allowing him to gently pull her a little closer to him "Do you know where we are?"

Charlie smiled at his question "How could I not know"

"I wanted this to be really special for you and this place right here... this was the beginning of you and me. So I wanted this to be the place where I took this next step" Brax exhaled lightly as he let go of Charlie's hand

"I went through so many different ways of how this would pan out but I really wanted everyone here to share this with us" he tried to steady his shaking hands. taking a deep breath he cleared his throat before talking again

"I love you Charlie, more than I could ever express in words. I know we haven't been back together that long but since you came back into my life I cant think of a moment when I haven't been happy... when you haven't made me happy. I know now more than ever that you are all I need. I don't want to have to wait any longer to ask you this because as you so nicely put up when we got back together... You're it... you're it Charlie" Charlie felt her palms begin to sweat as she thought about what he was possibly about to do. Her heart beating ten at a dozen, she watched him dig his had into his pocket returning with a small box inside it.

Charlie's hands flew to her mouth as he dropped to one knee before opening up the box. Charlie gasped as she came face to face with the all to familiar ring. She glanced over at Ruby before looking back over at Brax as he began speaking

"Charlotte Alexa Buckton will you marry me?" Brax tried to steady his hands that where still shaking

No longer able to fight her tears Charlie let them roll down her cheek. She tried to speak but she felt her breath catch in her throat. Not wanting to make him wait for an answer any longer she nodded her head vigorously as she let out a little laughter through her tears. She watched the grin that broke out on Brax's face and she parted her lips hoping words would leave them this time

"Of course I'll marry you... Yes" At her words the grin on Brax's face grew dangerously. Taking her hand he removed the ring from the box before sliding it on her finger. Standing to his feet he staggered back as Charlie threw herself into his chest

Pulling back Charlie looked up at him before looking down at the ring that now sat on her finger and then looking back up at him "I love you so much"

Smiling, Brax cupped her cheek as he placed his lips against hers. At the cheers and roars that came from behind them Charlie and Brax broke away with a smile.

Charlie laughed as the girls engulfed her at once "Congratulations"

"It's beautiful" they all looked admiring the ring

"It is isn't it" Charlie looked down at the ring she knew all to well

"You have no idea how hard it was to keep this from you" said Bianca

Turning to Martha Charlie shook her head "You and Jack didn't have an argument did you" she asked knowing

"Sorry, had to get you off our case somehow" chuckled Martha

"I can't believe you guys" Charlie shook her head "Well It's by far the best surprise ever

"Congrats mate" Jack pulled Brax into a manly hug closely followed by Heath

"Congrats... Can't believe she actually said yes"

Bianca hit Heath on the arm and shook her head

"Congrats Charlie" Jack, Casey and Heath took turns and gave Charlie a hug "Told you, you had nothing to worry about" Casey smiled at Brax, a smile which Brax returned

Charlie looked over at Ruby to see her smiling broadly at both her and Brax "Congratulations mum" Ruby stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Charlie "Don't worry I've already given him the 'If you dare hurt her' talk" Charlie chuckled at her daughters words. Before her thoughts were taken back to the ring on her finger

"Ruby the ring... This ring" Charlie looked up from the ring "Mum and dad left you this ring Rubes. I can't have this. Me and Brax we'll get another one"

Ruby shook her head "They didn't leave it for me". Charlie looked at her confused but waited for her to explain "They left it for you... I was just meant to hold onto it for safe keeping. Make sure it landed in the right hands"

Charlie shook her head in disagreement "But in their Will it said mum and dad wanted you to have the ring"

"Yes and they did but I also got a letter. They left it for me to keep safe for you. It was always meant to be yours it was just up to me to make sure who ever you decided to spend the rest of your life with was the right person for you"

A grin fell upon Charlie's face "So you think Brax is the right person for me?"

Ruby nodded with a grin "I gave him the ring didn't I"

"So what if you didn't think he was the right one?" Charlie raised her eyebrow playfully

"Then I wouldn't have given him the ring" Ruby smiled smugly

Charlie shook her head as they glossed over with tears. Looking back down at the round diamond swirl white gold ring she ran her fingers over the single diamond that stood in the middle. She had many a times admired this same ring on her mothers fingers. It had been passed on to Ross by his mother and she couldn't believe it was now hers.

"Thank you" She pulled Ruby into a hug and wiped her stray tear away

"I'm really happy for you mum" Ruby pulled away from the hug and gave Charlie a kiss on the cheek

Charlie tilted her head slightly and pursed her lips together trying to keep a hold on her tears "Thank you... I'm kinda happy for me too" Charlie's grin as she felt Brax's arms wrap around her waist as he placed his chin on her shoulder.

"Just kind of happy?" Brax feigned offence

Charlie chuckled "Sorry I meant really really happy"

"That's what I thought you meant" Kissing her cheek he looked at Ruby "How's my favorite girl doing...hope she's ok?"

"I'm more than ok" answered Charlie

"Err actually I was talking about Ruby" Brax flashed his dimples and Charlie hit his arm

"You haven't married me yet Braxton, so you best be on your best behavior"

"When am I never not?"

Charlie turned in his arms and looped her arms around his neck

Ruby cleared her throat "And I am going to leave before the PDA picks up"

Charlie and Brax chuckled as they watched Ruby walking up the beach towards the surf club.

Charlie had only just noticed everyone had left "Where did they all go?"

"They went up to the restaurant" smiled Brax

Charlie smiled as their gaze locked

"You look beautiful" Brax grinned as his eye traveled down her dress before his gaze returning back to her face "Really beautiful" leaning forward he lowered his head taking her lips in his. his hand wound around her waist a little tighter as the kiss grew more passionate. Finally both pulling away for air his and Charlie's grin resembled each others

"Now I see why the girls were so eager to dress me up. I can't believe we're actually engaged" Charlie glanced down at the ring that was now her's

"I was going to get you a new one but..."

Charlie quickly shock her head and interjected "No this one is perfect. You don't have to buy me a new ring this one means so much more"

"Ruby told me you would think so" tightening his grip a little more, Brax once again brought their lips together in a kiss.

...

Walking up the stairs of the restaurant Charlie wondered why it was so quiet. The light's were on but no sound could be heard. With Brax behind her she reached the top only to be met by half of summer bay and her colleagues "Congratulations" everyone beamed as the couple walked in

An unmissable smile spread across Charlie's face as she peered on at the people she considered her family and friends.

"I figured we should celebrate properly" Brax whispered in her ear as people walked towards them and began congratulating them.

Charlie looked around the restaurant and couldn't believe what Brax had done. He had also made what seemed like a perfect night even more beautiful by allowing her share her happiness with the people in her life.

Haven had everyone come and wish her congratulations, Charlie scanned the restaurant looking for Brax

"He just nipped to the back" Jack grinned as he stood in front of Charlie

"Who?" asked Charlie

"Brax" Jack answered knowingly.

Charlie grinned "I wasn't..."

"Yes you was" replied Jack

"Fine I was" Charlie's grin remained placed

"I'm really happy for you guys"

"Thank you" Charlie gave him a smile and Jack chuckled

"You should have seen him stressing this morning trying to get everything perfect" Charlie smiled as she looked around at everyone in the restaurant

"Well he succeeded. I still can't believe I'm engaged to Brax"

Jack chuckled "Is it the engaged part you can't believe or that its to Brax"

"Both" replied Charlie "I never thought I would have this" Charlie placed her hand on her stomach "not with Brax" she looked down at the ring

"Well I think it's safe to say you deserve it more than anyone I know. The both of you do" Jack smiled at her "We were talking about the twins this morning and I can tell you now those two are going to be spoilt rotten"

Charlie chuckled "Oh I know... you should see him with Ruby" her smile widened as she spotted Brax making his way over to her and Jack

"I've been looking for you" she said

Brax wrapped his arms around her "I was getting some more drinks for our guests from the store room" replied Brax as he leaned down and placed a kiss on her lips

"And I will leave you guys to it" Jack smiled as he gave Brax a pat on the back and made his way over to where Martha was

"So are you enjoying yourself?" Charlie nodded

"I'm having the best time... I like the whole fiancee thing... it as a nice ring to it" Charlie smiled as she placed a kiss on his lips

"Well I'm looking forward to the whole husband and wife thing much more... That as an even better ring to it" Grinned Brax

"Yo Braxton" Charlie and Brax turned back to face Heath

Brax answered "What Heath?"

"I wasn't talking to you, I was talking to your misses" Heath grinned and Charlie and Brax chuckled

"I'm not a Braxton yet"

Heath scoffed "Trust me you've always been a Braxton" Charlie couldn't help the smile that formed on her face at his words

"All you have to do now is make it official"

"Can't argue with that" Brax smiled as he placed a kiss on her cheek

...

The restaurant had died down and all their well wishers had started leaving one by one.

"We're going to get going" Bianca and Martha stood up along with Jack and Heath

Martha looked down at Rosie who was asleep in her arms "I think this one needs her bed"

"Yeah these two are long gone" Heath smiled down at Reece who was tucked into Bianca and Abi who was fast asleep in her buggy.

"Thank you guys for today" Charlie smiled up at her friends

"Yeah thanks guys" added Brax

"No problem, as long as you enjoyed yourself"

"I did" beamed Charlie as she looked down at her ring then back up at her friends

"We'll see you guys tomorrow"

Casey, Ruby, Brax and Charlie waved goodbye as the others made their way out of the restaurant

"Right I'll just check everything over and we can get going" pecking Charlie's cheeks Brax stood to his feet and walked over to the bar. Casey stood and followed behind Brax to help him close up

...

"I'm beat I'm going to bed guys" Ruby yawned as she stepped out of her shoes and picked them up before walking down the hall

"Yea me too" added Casey him too letting out a yawn

"Night guys" spoke Brax and Charlie

"Night" Ruby and Casey replied simultaneously

Charlie and Brax grinned and took a quick glance at one another as Ruby and Casey gave each other a kiss before retracting into their rooms

Walking into the kitchen Charlie kicked her shoes off. She grinned as Brax wound his arms around her waist "So did you have a good night?" Charlie nodded her head childishly

"I had the best night. I got engaged to the man I love, and..." She paused as she placed her hands on her stomach "We're pregnant with twins"

Brax beamed as he placed his hand over hers that lay on her stomach

"This guys sounds amazing" he gave her a cheeky grin

Charlie shrugged "Well he's alright"

Brax raised an eyebrow "Just alright... there must be more to him if you agreed to marry him"

"Well to be honest I'm just with him for his body... And the benefits that come with it" Charlie gave a cheeky grin and a wink

Brax's grin widened "So tell me, what are the benefits?"

"I have a better idea... How about I show you" Charlie's grin widened as she stepped further into Brax's grip and met his lips with hers

"I think that is a great idea"

Charlie squealed as Brax placed his hand on her lower waist before picking her up "Brax" she giggled as he carried her down the hall and into their room

...

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I figured it was only fair you guys got at least two chapter today. this is a very chilled and simple chapter but all the same hope you guys enjoy it :)

CHAPTER FIFTY SEVEN

"I have a better idea... How about I show you" Charlie's grin widened as she stepped further into Brax's grip and met his lips with hers

"I think that is a great idea"

Charlie squealed as Brax placed his hand on her lower waist before picking her up "Brax" she giggled as he carried her down the hall and into their room

...

"Strong Black please Irene and a decaf for this one" Jack grinned as Charlie groaned

"I may as well be drinking water" Charlie rolled her eyes

"Sorry but I have orders from Brax to keep you away from the strong stuff"

Charlie scoffed as she went and took a seat at one of the tables. Sitting down she stilled as she felt a sharp uncomfortable feeling hit her. Placing her hand on her stomach she took a deep breath but the pain had passed as quick as it had come. This wasn't the first time she had felt this sort of pain but Charlie had put it down to the added stress now that she was back at work

"Here you go love" Irene handed Jack the coffee's

"Thanks Irene" paying for the coffee's Jack turned to the table Charlie had sat on and he immediately caught the look on her face

"Charlie you ok?"

Looking up at him Charlie nodded and gave a smile "Just a little cramp" Charlie didn't want to lie but she knew if she told Jack the truth he would tell Brax and that would only cause him to worry unnecessary

Sitting down Jack looked at her unsure "You sure? You seemed worried"

Charlie shook her head "No trust me I'm fine" She gave him a reassuring smile

Jack looked at her wearily before slowly nodding his head. He quickly grabbed the coffee off the table as Charlie knowingly reached for his

"Nu uh this one is mine and..." He slid the decaf coffee over to her "this one is yours"

Charlie sighed "This is so unfair"

...

"You have got to be kidding me BRAX, RUBY, CASEY" Charlie bellowed as she stormed out of the kitchen with the empty cartoon in her hand

It hadn't been the first time Charlie had used such tone and when in such a mood Ruby and Casey had done their best in avoiding her. Brax onthe other hand hadn't been so lucky

All three of them hurried into the living room knowing the morning wasn't going to start on a polite note at least not from Charlie's side. All three bit their bottom lip as Charlie stood hand on hip with the milk cartoon held high

"Who finished the milk?" Her glare moved between the three of them

All three of them spoke at the same time "It wasn't me"

Charlie flared her nostrils before slamming the milk cartoon on the dining table. There was no denying how scary Charlie could be when she was angry and with the added hormones, crossing her wasn't a good idea

"Char..." Brax went to talk but was interrupted by Charlie

"All I wanted was some peanut butter but that was finshed"

Brax, Ruby and Casey screwed their faces up as Charlie continued shouting "So I thought I would have some milk and guess what...?"

"Just milk?" Casey quickly hid his face as Charlie's glare focused on him

"Yes just milk... But there is no MILK" Charlie flung her hand in the air

"All I want is milk..." Her voice had now lowered at her eyes had glossed over and her voice had broke " And I can't even have that"

She wiped her tears away. Ruby, Brax and Casey glanced at each other. It also wasn't the first time Charlie had unexpectedly started crying. Brax nodded his head indicating for both Ruby and Casey to leave him to deal with her. They both hurried out of the front door quickly

Sighing lighlty Brax walked over to Charlie. Bringing his hand to her cheek he took her tear with his thumb "Sorry about the milk. How about I go get some now" he looked at her in question as he rubbed her arm

Charlie looked up at him and sighed knowing she had over reacted "I'm sorry"

Brax grinned lightly at how cute she looked

"It's alright"

Charlie shook her head "No its not... I get angry over the most stupid things and these stupid tears seem to be ready to fall at any time" Charlie sighed. "I think I even scared Casey a little when I yelled last night"

Brax chuckled "Well you're pregnant so all the mood swings are expected and as for Casey I'm pretty sure he's been scared of you way before last night so you have nothing to worry about"

Charlie hit him lightly on the chest and a small smile made it's way to her face

"See that's better" Brax grinned at her before stealing a quick kiss

"You sit and I'll go get the milk"

"Actually I don't really want the milk any more" Charlie spoke with a raised eyebrow and a small grin

Brax sighed "What do you want then?"

Charlie's grin widened as she leaned closer to his ears "You" she gave him a lingering peck on the cheek before walking past him and making her way down the hall and into their room as seductively as she could

Brax peered at her as she walked down the hall. He may be coping the worst end of her bad moods but he was also reaping the benefits of her increased hormones as now Charlie's sex drive had doubled. Hearing the bedroom door shut behind Charlie his feet seemed to move at a rapid pace. Turning the handle he opened the door and swallowed immediately as she lay on the bed having discarded of the shorts and top she was wearing

"I thought for a minute there you wasn't going to join me" Charlie smiled innocently

Brax's gaze traveled from her legs stopping momentarily on her breasts before meeting her eyes

"You are kidding" quickly discarding of his board shorts Brax hurried into the bed eagerly

...

Ruby and Casey walked through the back door, dropping their surf boards outside

"Hy" they both smiled at Brax

Edging closer towards the door of the kitchen they both peered through into the living room to see Charlie sat watched the TV

Turning back to Brax, Casey spoke

"So is she in a better mood... or are we still avoiding her at all costs"

Brax chuckled "Na she's good... anyone would think you guys were scared of her"

Casey scoffed " Err yea that because we are... well at least I am. Normal Charlie I can just about deal with, pregnant Charlie ... that's something else"

Brax let out a little laugh "She's harmless"

This time it was Ruby who scoffed as she picked up an apple from the fruit bowl "Harmless" she shook her head "She is far from harmless. Me I'm harmless but mum... yea no"

"Actually that's debatable" spoke Casey with a grin

"Oi" Ruby hit him on the arm

Brax chuckled at the both of them before picking up the food he had made

"He as a point" he gave her a cheeky grin

"I am nice and warm" Ruby said adamantly "And pregnant Charlie scares even me and I know she scares you at times too" Ruby pointed at Brax

Brax shook his head "Never"

Ruby and Casey chuckled simultaneously

"So I didn't see you flinch slightly when she went off on one last night?"

Brax shook his head "Nope. and she was just a little stressed"

Ruby narrowed her eyebrows "I seem to remember the shouting and the crying was because she wanted to watch 'just friends' but we couldn't find the DVD"

Ruby stopped talking and her and Casey turned around as they heard Charlie's nearing footsteps

Brax, Ruby and Casey glanced at each other as Charlie walked into the kitchen with a plain expression on her face. They all drew a light breath hoping they weren't about to find themselves on the receiving end of another one of her mood swings

"Hy" Ruby smiled up sweetly at Charlie as she stepped forward and placed a kiss on her cheek

"Hy Rubes, Casey"

Brax, Ruby and Casey relaxed as a smile spread across her face

Opening the fridge Charlie pulled out bottle of water. Turning to Ruby and Casey she unscrewed the lid before a sheepish look crossed her face

"I'm sorry about this morning guys" She sighed lightly

Casey quickly shook his head "Its fine"

"Yea we shouldn't have left the empty milk carton in the fridge" added Ruby

Casey's left eyebrow rose "Err...we?" he questioned as he looked down at Ruby

Brax and Charlie chuckled as Ruby nudged Casey lightly "Yes...we" she turned from Casey and smiled sweetly at Charlie "You feeling better now?"

Charlie nodded and a wide grin covered her face as she took a swig of her water "Much better". She looked up at Brax as she spoke leaning closer to him she placed a kiss on his lips before she spoke again "Much better" she repeated her words causing a grin to spread across Brax's face in recognition as she pulled away form the kiss

"Urhhh" Ruby screwed her face up and put the apple back in the fruit bowl "Don't think I'm going to be eating anything today" Ruby turned to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of water

Charlie shook her head as Brax chuckled

"So you wont be up to getting some takeaway tonight then?" asked Brax as he placed the plate onto a tray

Ruby turned around with a sheepish look on her face "Well I could be persuaded...what did you want to order?"

Casey, Charlie and Brax laughed lightly

"Nothing I was just teasing" Brax grinned widely

Ruby frowned childishly "That's not funny"

"No but the look on your face is" chuckled Casey. he soon stopped as Ruby peered at him unimpressed

"You have him well trained ey Rubes" Brax gave her a wink as he chuckled in amusement but he too was soon stopped as Charlie hit him lightly on the chest. looking down at her he shrugged "What I was ju..." seeing the familiar look on her face Brax quickly stopped talking

"Right because you can talk" grinned Casey

"Hy guys I know, how about I cook tonight?" Ruby, Brax and Casey peered at Charlie blankly as she stood waiting for a response.

All three glanced at each other not wanting to be the one to object to her offer

"So...?" Charlie looked up at them questioningly

"Err..." Brax scratched the back of his head "Babe wouldn't you rather rest and put you feet up. It is your day off work you shouldn't spend it in the kitchen"

"Yea Brax is right" Casey quickly added and Ruby nodded in agreement

"No I don't mind really... I saw this cooking show once when I was off work and they made this thing. I think I still remember how they did it. I could do that?" Charlie looked at them expectantly

"Just once?" asked Brax

"Yea but it was pretty straight forward" answered Charlie

"Err what was this... thing?" asked Ruby

Charlie stood as if in thought before replying "I cant remember the name but I think remember how they made it"

"Think?" asked Casey as an eyebrow rose slightly

"No it should be fine" replied Charlie "So what do you say?" She glanced at all three of them

Neither of the three wanting to be the one to bring up her terrible cooking skills in fear of upsetting her. So instead they all stood and said the only thing they could think to say

"That sounds great" spoke Brax as he smiled lightly

"Yea I'm sure it will be great" added Casey

"Cant wait" Ruby spoke under her breath but smiled sweetly at Charlie

"It's sorted then. I'm just going to go get some things at the store... and I'm going to see Bianca quickly so I'll have some lunch over there but don't worry I'll be back in time to start on the food"

Charlie smiled before placing a kiss on Brax's lips walking into the living room she picked up her bag and car keys "I wont be too long" she shouted as she shut the front door behind her

"On second thoughts I should probably eat now because I'm going hungry tonight" Ruby puffed "Why didn't you just tell her no" she looked over at Brax

"Err probably the same reason neither of you didn't... I'm not suicidal"

Brax's words caused Ruby and Casey to laugh "Told you you're scared of her" Ruby picked up the plate Brax had set on the tray

"Oi" Brax stepped forward as she backed toward the door putting one of the chicken wraps to her mouth and taking a bit

"Well I'm guessing you made it for Charlie and like she said she's going to get some lunch at Bianca's so why let it go to waste"

"CASE" Ruby frowned at him as he quickly swiped the other chicken wrap from the plate and took a big chuck out of it

"What like you said Charlie isn't going to eat it" he grinned cheekily laughing as Brax grabbed the wrap from Ruby's hand causing her to leap forward as she paced after him around the center counter

"Brax give it back" Ruby stopped and stomped her feet lightly as she pouted her lips

Brax grinned at her as he took another bit "This is good isn't it"

"BRAX" she paced round the counter again as Casey stood watching and laughing but as Brax paced past him he stepped back and the wrap fell from him hand

"No" Casey looked down at the wrap with a frown.

Ruby and Brax stopped and laughter erupted from their lips

"It's not funny" whined Casey

Seeing that Brax was too busy mocking Casey Ruby took a small step forward before grabbing the rest of the wrap from Brax's hand and eating it in one

"Yea you're right this wrap is really nice" grinned Ruby with a full mouth

Brax shook his head trying to hide his smile "Yea well you best enjoy it because we're all most likely getting food poisoning tonight". Walking out of the kitchen he hit Casey on the head "And you pick that up and bin it"

"I'll tell Charlie what you just said" said Casey as Brax settled on the couch

"Go for it... I will just deny it"

"If I back him up she won't believe you" said Ruby as her and Casey followed Brax out of the kitchen and sat on the floor in front of the couch

"Oh don't be so sure I can be very persuasive" giving her a wink he laughed at the look on her's and Casey's face

"Normal people don't say things like that about people's mum"

"or about people's girlfriends mum"

Brax chuckled "I didn't say anything about Charlie and I think it's been fully established that we are not normal"

"Err I am... I just happen to have you un-normal people as family"

Casey scoffed "Rubes your hair alone isn't normal... ow" he rubbed his arm as he looked at Ruby "Harmless my foot"

...

Bianca finally stopped laughing "So they think you're out food shopping?

Charlie nodded with a grin "Yep, B you should have seen their faces. I thought they were all going to start crying any minute"

"You are evil" Bianca shook her head

"I know but I just couldn't help it. and then Brax did that head scratching thing he does when he's been put on the spot or he's nervous. he looked so cute"

Bianca laughed "So what are you going to do?"

"Get some take away maybe Chinese .. but they are not to know till I get back. They deserve the treat, they've been so patient with me and my mood swings lately especially Brax he gets the worst of it and he never once complains , at least not yet anyway"

"Well you cant be any worse than every other pregnant woman. Heath got it pretty bad when I was pregnant. One minute we were laughing, the next I was shouting at him and then out of nowhere I would break down crying"

"That's exactly what I 'm like. You should have seen me yesterday I was like a mad woman. Everything was perfectly fine then Brax suggested we watch a movie and I can guarantee you he definitely regretted making that suggestion because I turned into the crazy pregnant lady all because I couldn't find the DVD I wanted to watch. I went from shouting to crying in the space of 30 seconds"

Bianca cackled and Charlie continued "Then I stormed off into the bedroom and refused to come out till Brax brides me with Ben n Jerry's" Charlie laughed along with Bianca "And you should have seen poor Casey's face. He looked like a deer caught in headlights"

This only caused Bianca to laugh the more "I could just imagine his face"

"And then you would think the look on his face alone would get me to stop and just calm down but it's like this crazy person as taken over my body... although there are some perks to it too" Charlie grinned

Bianca grinned cheekily "And what would that be?"

"I get to make it up to Brax... several times a day" Charlie's grin widened

"You are a dirty girl Buckton" Bianca giggled

"That's what he said" Charlie laughed at her own words as did Bianca

"You are something else Buckton"

...

Charlie smiled as she walked in to the house to hear Ruby laughing as she now sat in between Casey and Brax

"Hy guys" She had dropped the takeaway in the kitchen before emerging in the living room

Brax, Casey and Ruby turned to face her with smiles

"Hy" they all spoke simultaneously

"Sorry I'm so late... I lost track of time" Charlie placed a kiss on Brax lips "But I'll get started straight away" She bit her lip trying to hold her laughter as the smiles on their faces dropped slightly

"It's late... you don't have to I'm sure we could find something esle to eat" said Brax

Charlie shook her head "No I said I would cook so I am... plus I really want to try out my new cooking skills"

"What skills" Ruby muttered under her breath causing Charlie to look over at her

"What?" asked Charlie

"Oh nothing... just asking if you needed some help"

Charlie shook her had smiling sweetly "No you guys stay here I've got this"

smiling she turned around giggling silently as she entered the kitchen. taking four plates and forks out of the kitchen cupboard she kept her face straight as she walked out with the takeaway

"It's ready guys"

She let out an uncontrollable laughter as they all turned back in horror at her speed

"Charlie w..." Brax's face as well as Ruby's and Casey softened as they looked at the takeaway bag she had placed on the dinning.

"You should have seen your faces" Charlie spoke as she finally stopped laughing and walked over placing the plates on the center table before walking back to the dinning and picking up the takeaway

"You where never planning on cook...was you?" Brax asked knowingly as he shook is head in amusement

Charlie grinned as she too shook her head "Nope... I just wanted to give you guys a little scare"

"Well you definitely succeeded" said Ruby

Charlie shrugged as Ruby and Casey stood up and sat on the other couch allowing Charlie sit besides Brax "Well it's your own faults for not saying no when I offered"

Casey scoffed "As Brax put it we haven't got a death wish"

Brax glared at Casey before looking at Charlie with smile "I said it with love"

Charlie chuckled "Well you're lucky I'm too hungry to function properly right now"

picking up their plates they all dished out what they wanted before settling down

Ruby chuckled as she put a fork full of noddles in her mouth "And you thought we were all going to get food poisoning tonight" she nodded at Brax

Brax widened his eyes as he coughed lightly Ruby and Casey laughing at the glare Charlie was now giving him

"I didn't put it like that" Brax quickly tried to defend himself

"Actually yes you did. When Ruby ate the wrap you made Charlie, you said and I quote "You best enjoy it because we're all most likely getting food poisoning tonight"

Brax glared at him "Thank you Einstein"

"You're welcome" Casey grinned back

Brax looked at Charlie sheepishly "Have I told you how much I love you today"

Charlie pursed her lips and shook her head trying to keep a straight face "I cant believe you would actually say that" Charlie's lips quivered as if she was about to cry

All of a sudden the grins from both Ruby and Casey's faces dropped and Brax quickly placed his plate on the center table before peering at Ruby and Casey dissaprovingly and then looking at Charlie

"Charlie it was just a joke I promise I didn't mean it... your cooking isn't that bad" he rubbed his hand against her arm

"Yea mum it was a joke we know he didn't mean it"

"We were just mocking about" added Casey

Charlie's quivering lips stopped and a grin formed on her face. Brax, Ruby and Casey looked on confused before realising what she had done

"Not funny" Ruby sighed in relief as did Casey and Brax

This only caused Charlie to laugh the more "I'm sorry I just couldn't resist... It was funny though"

Brax picked his plate up "Yea for you maybe I was scared I was going to be spending the night on the couch"

"Aww" Charlie leaned towards him slightly

"You're evil" said Brax as their eyes locked

Charlie grinned "How about I make it up to you later" Charlie gave a wink

"Deal" Brax answered immediately

Ruby and Casey shuddered and screwed their faces up

"Alright enough, some of us are trying to eat" said Ruby "if I wasn't so hungry I would put my food down"

Casey chuckled "I'll believe that when I see it"

Brax and Charlie laughed at his words as Ruby hit him on the chest

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Thanks or the comments. hope you enjoy this chapter. I'm a bit hot and cold about it but yea enjoy :)

CHAPTER FIFTY EIGHT

"Alright enough, some of us are trying to eat" said Ruby "if I wasn't so hungry I would put my food down"

Casey chuckled "I'll believe that when I see it"

Brax and Charlie laughed at his words as Ruby hit him on the chest

...

Charlie lay with her head resting on Brax's chest. she sighed contently as he ran circles on her shoulder. The left corner of her lips cured up as Brax spoke

"So I was thinking about when you want to get married and officially become Mrs Braxton"

Charlie looked up at Brax a grin spread on her face as she raised an eyebrow slightly "Was you?" She leaned her chin on his chest and Brax hands moved to her bare back as he nodded

"Yea. I would like to get you down that isle before you change your mind"

Charlie instantly shook her head her grin still place "Not gonna happen. I would marry you right now if you wanted" leaning further up the bed she placed a soft kiss on his lips before resting her chin back on his chest and tracing patterns against it

"Have you ever thought about where you would want to get married?" asked Charlie

Brax shook his head "Not really. It doesn't matter where as long as you're the one next to me"

"You really don't want me backing out of this do you" Charlie grinned cheekily

Brax shook his head "Nup"

Charlie chuckled "So you don't mind where we get married?"

"No... we can get married wherever you want"

"How about in a church?" Charlie raised her eyebrow in anticipation

"Is that want you want?" asked Brax

"I didn't think I would. I always thought I would like to get married on a beach or somewhere exotic but then when you proposed, I don't know... I kind of had this vision of me walking down the aisle towards you, in a church"

Brax smiled at the thought of how it would be "Then we'll get married in a church"

"Really?"

Brax nodded "Yea really. We can look into it tomorrow if you want but we should probably start by picking a date" the corners of Brax's lips curled up. His hands moved to her face as he took the hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear

Charlie smiled up at him "That would be nice but I actually wouldn't mind having the wedding after we have the twins. I just think it would be amazing to have them their with us when we take that step and have them in all the pictures. They get to really be part of our day"

Brax nodded in agreement "That actually sounds pretty good. I'll have my four girls with me"

Charlie's eyebrow rose "Four girls?"

Brax nodded "Yea you, Ruby and the twins"

Charlie's confused expression dissappeared and was replaced with a grin "Girls?" she looked at him questioningly

"Yep"

Charlie shuffled slightly resting most of her weight on Brax and moving her leg between his, her chin still resting on his chest "What makes you think we're having girls?"

"I just do... and they're going to look just like you" Brax ran his thumb over her cheek

"Well you're wrong" stated Charlie Brax's thumb still softly caressing her cheek

"I am?" asked Brax

Charlie nodded "Yea because we're having two boys"

"Are we now?"

Charlie nodded with a childish smile

"And what makes you so sure?"

"I just am... I can feel it"

Brax chuckled "You can feel it?" he lowered an eyebrow

"Yes I can feel it... two boys with that Braxton grin that seems to be able to get you whatever you want"

Brax's smile turned into a grin "whatever I want?" he questioned teasingly

Charlie's grin now matched his knowing what he was referring to. She nodded her head slowly "whatever you want"

"In that case..." Brax flased the famous grin before gently pulling her further into him so her bare body now lay on top of him. Pushing her body up so her face was only inches away from his Brax slowly rolled over so he now lay over her making sure not to rest his weight on her. He brought his lips down to her ear lode and nibbled on it teasingly before moving his lips further down placing several kisses along her jaw line "I..." he placed a kiss on her neck "Want..." now on the corner of her lips "You" he lowered his lips onto hers. tracing his tongue along her bottom lip. He grinned as her lips parted and their tongue came crashing together

"You got it" Charlie mumbled against his lips

...

Two weeks later

"Can I see it yet?" Charlie fluttered her eyelids hoping it would work

"Actually..." Brax paused as she jumped up and down with a grin

"You can but not till tonight"

Charlie stood still and pouted her lips "Why? I want to see it now? Pleeease" she stuck out her bottom lip

Brax shook his head "Nope not till tonight. It's not long to wait"

"Easy for you to say... you haven't been waiting tow whole weeks"

Brax laughed "Two whole weeks"

"Yes two whole weeks"

"Well just think this time tomorrow you would have seen it"

Charlie sighed fine.

Brax chuckled and gave her a quick kiss "See you later" giving her another kiss he walked out the back door "And don't bother trying to peak, I will know" he shouted back at Charlie who huffed before walking into their room to get changed

...

Charlie looked up as Martha and Bianca coughed loudly obviously trying to catch her attention. she was met by their grins

"What?" her gaze flickered between the two of them

Martha and Bianca chuckled lightly "You have been staring at that ring for about five minutes with that goofy grin on your face"

"My grin is not goofy" Charlie looked down sheepishly

"When its about Brax it is"

The girls laughed lightly as charlie blushed lightly

"Well at least you're not denying it was him you was thinking about" said Bianca "And by the way you were grinning I would say you got your self some when you got home last night" Bianca winked and Martha chuckled

Charlie sighed "He is all I seem to think about" a grin made its way to her face "If I'm not with him, even when I'm at work I'm thinking about him and the things I really really want to do to h..."

"Whoa..." Charlie and the girls turned around to see Heath stood at the door with widened eyes and his hands over Reece's ears. Reece eyes flickered between the girls confusingly

Unable to get past the look on Heath's face Bianca and Martha burst out laughing, Charlie on the other hand looked away as she blushed furiously. This only increased the laughter coming from both Bianca and Martha

"This is really not funny" mumbled Charlie as she buried her head in her hands

"Aww don't worry when it comes to you and Brax, Heath as heard much worse"

"Bianca..." Charlie shrieked as her face reddened even the more

"What it's true, and its not like the guys don't talk about this kind of thing"

It seemed Heath had finally regained his form. He removed his hands from Reece's ear who instantly ran over to Bianca

"Hi mummy"

"Hy sweety" Bianca leaned forward and kissed his temple before he ran over to his toys in the far corner of the living room

"Actually she's right I have heard worse, but Buckton I never bagged you as being so kin..." Heath stopped as Charlie interjected

"If you even finish that sentence I promise you will regret it" Charlie still refused to remove her face from her hands

"Bossy... Is that how you are in..."

Heath..." Charlie finally raised her head and gave him a stern look much to the amusement of both Bianca and Martha

Heath held his hand up in surrender but he smirked cheekily her way. Walking over to Bianca he gave a quick kiss

"I will leave the three of you to your..." he paused wanting to make another smart comment but another look at Charlie and he knew she could cause him damage if he even tried "to your conversation" he finished off

Walking out the front door he poked his head back in "I might just go and see Brax" he smiled cheekily at Charlie before ducking out the door as she flung a cushion his way

"I am going to kill him" Charlie pouted "He's gonna tell Brax what he just heard isn't he?" she asked knowingly

Martha and Bianca nodded as they bite on their bottom lip trying to not laugh at her reddened face

"I definitely didn't marry him for his discretion" spoke Bianca as she cleared her throat

Charlie sighed as she stood up "Well I have to get going my shift starts in fifteen minutes" she rolled her eyes "I really hope this day goes quick I just want to get home"

"Oh we bet you do" Martha grinned up at her

"Shut up" Charlie laughed and shook her head at her friends as she left for the station

...

"Hy" Heath walked into Varsi's to find some staff setting up for the lunch shift and Brax sat on a stool seemingly going through some paper work. However the grin on his face proved he was else where and he had yet to register Heath's presence

Heath stood and shook his head before he clapped his hand in front of Brax's face causing him to snap out of his day dream

"What the hell Heath?"

Heath simply shrugged "Well I did try getting your attention the traditional way but that didn't seem to work so... I took a different approach" taking a seat he grinned smugly

"I thought you had Reece for the afternoon?"

"Left him with the girls no way was I staying there, I already coped an ear full from your missus" Heath grinned smugly "Its been almost a year and you still do that stupid dopey look?"

Brax screwed his face "I don't have a dopey look"

"Err yea you do... whenever Buckton is around, or whenever you're off in la la land" Heath stood from the seat and edged round the bar helping himself to a beer

"Shut up" Brax grabbed himself a beer too

Heath chuckled as he sat back on the stool "So how's the pregnancy treating you?" Heath took a swing of his beer

Brax sighed as he looked over at Heath "You do know I'm not the one that's pregnant" his voice laced with sarcasm

"Ha ha funny. But from what I remember when Bianca was pregnant with Reece and Abi she had two completely different sides"

Brax chuckled knowing what Heath meant

"There was the crazy scary Bianca. Now that side of her I avoided like a plague didn't dare get on the wrong side of that I love myself way too much" Brax chuckled again at Heath's words "And then there was the other more..." Heath pause as he searched for a word "welcoming side... extremely welcoming" Heath gave a grin "Now that side of her I was all for... anytime of the day"

Brax shook his head and chuckled harder but stopped at what Heath said next

"And from what I heard you're definitely reaping the benefits"

"What?" asked Brax lowering one eyebrow as he brought the beer to his lips

"Well lets just say if I hadn't walked into the house when I did Charlie was just about to profess of many a things that she would like to do to you"

Heath chuckled loudly as Brax choked slightly on the beer causing some of the staff to look in their direction

Coughing through it Brax waved his hand to the staff indicating he was ok. He shook his head as Heath continued to laugh

"What am I missing out on here?" Brax looked up and Heath turned around as Jack walked into the restaurant

"Oh nothing just checking up on how Brax is coping with Charlie being pregnant" Heath smirked as Brax peered at him

"Please there are two simple rules avoid her whens she's gone gaga and be right there when she's not because it usually means you're in for a treat"

"Oh I think he has been over treated...spoilt even" Heath laughed at his own joke leaning back as Brax tried to hit him

"And you know this how?" asked Jack

"The girls are back at ours"

Jack nodded in understanding "You must be one hell of a happy man"

"Ok we are not talking about this any more" Brax shook his head but looked down as his phone vibrated against the bottom counter. looking down at the screen he smiled when he saw Charlie's name flashing against it

both Jack and Heath sighed and looked at one another "Buckton" they spoke simultaneous but Brax ignored them as he opened up the message

*Hy babe if Heath is there tell him I am gong to kill him. And hope you're not working yourself to hard... Your're going to need some of that energy for later ;)*

Brax himself couldn't deny the grin displayed on his face as he read the message. looking up from his phone he was met with the smirking faces of both Jack and Heath. Pointing to Heath he spoke "Charlie says she is going to kill you... and" he turned to Jack "I'm coping just fine with Charlie being pregnant" with his grin still plastered on his face he took a swig of his beer hoping the day would quicken so he could get home to Charlie

...

"Either you all pick up your things and move or you all spend the night in lock up" Charlie stood beside Jack as they tried to clear the group of guys that had been reported to be causing trouble at the beech in Mangrove River

"You heard her guys" Jack stepped forward "And that will be the last warning" he stood firmly

All the guys started laughing obviously not fazed by either Charlie or Jack "Or what?" one of the guys spoke

Jack shook his head and was about to speak but was stopped by the Charlie

"Let me put it this way" Charlie stepped forward a little but "If every single one of you don't pick your selves up and your crap and get lost I will personally see to it that not only do you spend the next 48 hours in lock up but I promise it will be the worst two days of your life" Charlie glared widely at all their faces

Jack widened his eyes slightly trying to hide the smirk on his face at the look on all their faces

"You heard her clear off" he hadn't even finished talking before they started packing up

"You're crazy" one of the guys peered at Charlie

"Right..." Charlie went to step forward again but was stopped by Jack

"If you want to leave here alive you should get walking now"

Watching as the guys made their way up the beach Jack moved his arm from in front of Charlie "You know you're crazy right?" Jack shook his head

"Shut up" Charlie puffed as she walked up the beach and over to the car

"Okaaaaay" Jack sighed walking far behind her not wanting to get hit if she decided to swing

...

"Casey put me down" Ruby giggled as she kicked her legs trying to get out of his grip

"Then take it back" Casey held her tightly as he stood knee deep in the ocean. he waited a while but she didn't speak "It's your choice take it back or get wet" he walked a little further into the water

"Okay okay... I'm sorry" Ruby grinned as Casey stopped "Sorry that you all have such big heads" she giggled loudly knowing what he was about to do. She squealed loudly as Casey dropped her into the water.

he kneeled over as he laughed at her. watching as she emerged from the water he had yet to stop laughing "I did warn you" he spoke finally composing himself

"Ruby edged away from him as she spoke again "Case it is not my fault you Braxton's have such big heads" She squealed trying to swim away as Casey leaped forward. She sighed as Casey caught her his hand resting on her waist. She smiled up sheepishly at him "Would it help if I said I love you even with your extremely big head" She bit her bottom lip

"A little" Casey grinned as he leaned forward and placed a kiss on her lips

...

"Your girlfriend is crazy" Jack walked into the restaurant and walked over to the bar picking up the pizza's he had ordered

"Fiancee" Brax corrected him

"Sorry... you're fiancee is crazy" Jack rolled his eyes

"Why what did she do?

"More like what didn't she do? not only did she threaten a group of surfers in Mangrove River , she physically assaulted me for making a simple suggestion. My head is burning. I swear she left her hand prints on them" Jack rubbed the back of his head causing Brax to chuckle

"What was this suggestion?"

"I just simply suggested she let me deal with the call outs and she sit in the car"

Brax chuckled and shook his head "You told a pregnant Charlie to sit in the car while you do the work"

"I was being thoughtful"

"Right, picture how Charlie would have reacted to that suggestion if she hadn't been pregnant"

Jack sighed "She would have completely ignored me"

"Right so how did you expect a pregnant Charlie to react. I think its safe to say you brought it on yourself" Brax smirked "But hy if she scared those surfers anywhere near the way she scares me when she's angry you definitely wont be hearing from them again"

"Oh they definitely wont be causing any trouble any time soon" replied Jack "Right, back to the station. How I love these long shifts"

"Has Charlie left the station?" asked Brax

Jack shook his head "She was still there when I left but her shift was just about finishing so she's probably left, given no one as manged to **** her off"

Brax chuckled as Jack left the restaurant

...

"Bartender" Charlie called out as she entered the empty restaurant

Instantly recognising her voice Brax looked up from behind the till a smile placed on his face

"You don't by any chance know where I could find my fiancee do you?" Charlie spoke with a grin as her gaze locked with Brax's

"Not sure, why don't you describe him to me, I might be able to help you"

"Well..." Charlie stopped in front of the bar "He's tall about 6:05, dark, he as these amazing green eyes, great body and he's really really handsome" Charlie's grin remained unmoved as Brax edged around the bar and was now stood beside her. His hand snaked around her waist as she turned her body to his

"Well now you come to mention it I do happen to know where he is" Brax lowered his lips to hers giving her a slow passionate kiss

"How was work?" he asked after they had pulled away from the kiss

"Good... Although Jack is worse than you. He won't let me do anything. He even tried to stop me from driving" Charlie rolled her eyes

"Funny... he was just just here talking about you" replied Brax

Charlie rolled her eyes "Well if he told you I hit him... he deserved it"

"I'm not even going to argue with you"

Charlie shook her head before grinning "I really can't wait to get home"

"Can't wait to get me alone" Brax winked

Charlie blushed and diverted her gaze from his

"Heath is an idiot"

"Yes he his. But I would much rather talk about these dirty thing you would like to do to me" Brax flashed his dimples as he wriggled his eyebrows

"You wish. I remember you promising that I could finally see my surprise... and until then we are keeping it pg rated"

Brax nodded "I did say that didn't I... well I best get you home quickly"

Charlie nodded "Yea"

"Well I can promise you one thing you will like it... Love it even"

Charlie raised an eyebrow "you seem really sure of yourself"

"I am" Brax replied smugly

Charlie opened her mouth to reply but she was stopped as a familiar pain hit again. Her hand instinctively fell on her stomach

As Charlie tensed up Brax instantly noticed the change in her expression

"Babe what's wrong?" before the words had barely left his mouth Charlie let out a wrenching cry as she doubled over in pain

Quickly supporting her weight Brax decended to the ground with Charlie

"Charlie... Charlie what's wrong?" Brax voice trembled as he peered at her through panicked eyes

Charlie shook her head as a tear fell from her eyes

"I don't know I..." The pain hit once more causing Charlie to scream in agony and fear as she clung to Brax's shirt

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Thank you Freakie24, Spotd1 and JarlieFanEver for the comments. The idea for this story line came from a show I used to watch called One Tree Hill some of you may have heard of it or even watched it so a couple of the scene's in this chapter may seem familiar but I have put my own spin on them. It was just a story line that I found really interesting and wanting to explore it with Chax. Hope this one is ok :)

"Charlie... Charlie what's wrong?" Brax voice trembled as he peered at her through panicked eyes

Charlie shook her head as a tear fell from her eyes

"I don't know I..." The pain hit once more causing Charlie to scream in agony and fear as she clung to Brax's shirt

...

Brax paced the floor anxiously. He had rushed Charlie to the hospital, and it had now been over half an hour and no one had been to see him in regards to how she was doing or what had caused the pains

"Brax" he turned at the sound of his name to see Heath, Bianca, Casey and Ruby rushing towards him.

"Brax what's going on? What happened, where's mum?" Ruby peered at him through her already watered eyes

Brax shook his head as he ran his hand over his face

"I don't know Rubes, we were just talking, I...I don't know" Brax choked on his words as he held onto his tears

Stepping forward Ruby wrapped her arms around him as her own tears fell. Brax instantly welcomed her gesture as he wrapped his arms around her

"Scares like this happen all the time during pregnancy... I'm sure she's fine" spoke Bianca as she tried to ease the others as well as herself. Casey, Heath and Bianca had all taken a seat but Brax and Ruby remained stood in each other's embrace.

Brax's eyes fixed down the hall they had rushed Charlie down praying someone would emerge with some news. Another ten minutes passed before they noticed Sid walking down the hall. Parting from one another Ruby and Brax darted forward meeting him before he got to them

"How is she and the twins?" Asked Brax

"All three of them are just fine" answered Sid

"So why was she in so much pain?" Brax searched his face for an answer

"That's what I would like to talk to you about. Both you and Charlie" answered Sid

"Can we see her?" asked Ruby

"As soon as I have spoken to her and Brax" he turned to Brax "if you could follow me to her room"

Brax nodded leaving the rest behind as he walked behind Sid; his heart pounding aggressively as his thoughts went into overdrive as to what Sid wanted to tell him and Charlie. Walking into her room Brax paced over to Charlie's bed

"Hy" he cupped her cheek and placed a kiss on her hair line

Charlie clung onto his hands "Brax something's wrong I can tell" her eyes widening as she spoke

Brax shook his head "Charlie you don't know that" he tried to calm her but he knew in himself something wasn't right

"Doc can you just tell us what's happening" Brax looked over at Sid

Taking a deep breath Sid knew the news he was about to deliver was going to be a hard pill for the both of them to swallow

"We ran some tests and as Charlie knows we conducted an ultrasound" Sid paused and took another deep breath "Charlie it seems you have a condition call Placenta previa"

Charlie and Brax looked at him confused

"What is that?" Asked Brax

"Well it's a condition where the placenta is covering part or the whole of the cervix and unfortunately in your case Charlie it seems you have complete placenta previa. Baby A's placenta is covering the whole of your cervix"

"Ok so what...what does that mean?" asked Charlie she could tell by the expression on Sid's face that there was more

"It means that unless the placenta moves higher up in the womb there is a risk of you hemorrhaging during the delivery or even during the pregnancy"

"Doc please speak English... What the hell does hemorrhaging mean?" Brax tried to keep his voice steady as Charlie tightened her grip

"It means Charlie could have some major bleeding during the pregnancy or during the birth and if the condition doesn't correct it's self we will have to deliver the twins before their due date irrespective of their growth "

Both Brax and Charlie swallowed at his words

"No…you... how early before their due date?" Charlie glared at him

"Preferably at round about 36 weeks; like I said if the placenta doesn't correct itself, leaving it any longer will put you and the twins in too much risk"

"W... What's the worst that could happen if that does happen, err… haemorrhaging?" Brax asked

Sid exhaled "Charlie could bleed out early on in the pregnancy and there is a risk that the twins also may not make it if they are delivered before their organs have properly formed"

Feeling his legs about to give way Brax lowered himself onto the seat besides Charlie's bed

Charlie felt her chest tighten at his words. Her throat drying up instantly

"You can fix it right... There must be something you can do" Charlie turned to Brax as he spoke. The desperation in his voice and face almost rid her of the little strength she was holding onto

For Sid this was the hardest part, it wasn't something he wanted to suggest but putting the fact he knew them aside he knew he had to go through all options with them "Unfortunately guys like I said unless the placenta starts to move to its normal position. If Charlie continues with the pregnancy for now we suggest she stays as inactive as possible with plenty bed rest till she comes in for her 20 week scan in Three weeks. No heavy lifting or exercising and sex will also have to be put on hold"

Charlie simply stared at Sid unable to register anything after the word 'if'

"What do you mean if I continue with the pregnancy?"

Sid swallowed "Given the circumstances you…" he sighed "you have the option of terminating the pregnancy"

Both Charlie and Brax stiffened at his words

"You want me to get rid of my babies" Charlie's voice broke but the anger in her voice was clearly laced

"Charlie it's an option that as your doctor I have to mention. If the placenta was only covering a minor part of the cervix it wouldn't be advised but..."

Charlie interrupted him

"I want to go home" she turned to Brax who had yet to speak "Brax please take me home"

"Charlie listen..." Sid tried to get through to her

"No ok I have heard everything I just want to go"

Brax, Casey, Ruby and Charlie walked through the front door of the house. No words had been spoken since they had left the hospital.

They had all bombarded both Brax and Charlie as they left the hospital room but neither of the two had given a significant answer

Everyone turned to Ruby as she spoke "You guys are scaring me" she glanced between Brax and Charlie who now stood facing her "There is something wrong and I have a right to know. They are your kids but they are also my brothers or sisters so I need to know what's wrong?" she knew it was probably about Charlie's pregnancy

A moment of silence fell on all four of them. Looking at Ruby, Charlie lowered herself onto the couch and looked up at Brax

He nodded and took a seat beside her

Ruby and Casey immediately sat on the couch opposite Brax and Charlie knowing whatever they were about to hear was going to be far from good

"I have a condition called placenta previa" spoke Charlie

"What's that... What does it mean?" Asked Ruby

Charlie pursed her lips together as she thought back to what Sid had said. For the first time since the news had been broken to them she heard Brax's voice

"It means on of the placenta's are positioned to low and it may cause some complications during the pregnancy" he wasn't sure if they understood what he was saying but he couldn't think of another way of putting it with freaking them out

"What kinds of complications?" Asked Ruby

Brax felt his throat dry up

"Look nothing is going to happen I just have to stay off my feet" spoke Charlie "I've been told to take it easy for a while and that's what I'm going to do. I'll be ok"

Ruby and Casey glanced at Brax and the look on his face did nothing to ease their worries

Casey had seen Brax deal with different emotions but the one he displayed in that moment was one he had never seen before

"Ok so what's the worst case scenario in terms of this condition" asked Ruby knowing there was something Charlie and Brax were keeping from them

"Rubes like I said all I need is rest… ok" Charlie attempted a smile before she stood to her feet "I'm really tired guys... I'm going to head off to bed"

Ruby and Casey watched as she disappeared down the hall before they both turned back to Brax

"I'm going to head off too... You guys should get to bed" Brax's voice barely over that of a whisper

Slowly standing to his feet he refused to make eye contact with either Ruby or Casey as he walked down the hall

"There's something they're not telling us" Ruby pursed her lips together

"I know" Casey pulled her into him. There was no use denying that there was something more to the situation

Sid's words had yet to stop running circles in Brax's head. He felt his head was near exploding as his words played back and forth. Gently turning the handle he pushed their room door open. Walking in he stopped as he spotted Charlie stood in front of the full length mirror in nothing but her underwear. Her gaze fixated on her small bump and her hand traced the bump repeatedly. It was a sight he had seen many times only this time the way it made him feel was different

He watched as a lone tear fell from her face. A couple of hours ago they had been more than happy, it had seemed that life itself couldn't be any better but now... Now it felt like he was living a nightmare that he knew he wasn't going to wake up from.

Closing the door behind him, he slowly walked over to her. Softly snaking his arms around her waist he rested his hands above hers on her stomach.

Charlie shut her eyes as she leaned into him. Another tear fell from her eyes but she made no attempt to rid it from her face

Neither of the two spoke instead they stood knowing they were both feeling the same pain, sorrow and fear

Charlie had finally fallen asleep but Brax lay with his gaze placed on her. He ran his finger over her cheek before edging out of the bed slowly. Closing the bathroom door behind him he turned on the shower before turning to look at the mirror. He had felt pain before, he had faced many conflicts but nothing compared to what he felt now. How was he supposed to deal with this, what was he supposed to say. Sid had basically suggested choosing either their unborn twins or Charlie. He shut his eyes tightly as his thoughts became too much to bare. Sighing, he stripped down before stepping into the shower. He hung his head forwards as the warm water hit his bare skin.

He may have not met them yet but he loved the twins already. He loved them more than human words could describe but for Brax losing Charlie wasn't an option. She was his life and without her he saw no future for himself. Sid's words played back "You have the option of terminating the pregnancy"

He knew Charlie would never consider it but in that moment the only thing he was sure of was he wasn't prepared to lose Charlie

Ruby and Case sat in the kitchen both waiting for either Brax or Charlie to emerge from their room. Hearing the nearing footsteps they both glanced at each other. Looking up, they saw Brax walk into the kitchen, his expression had not changed from that of the previous night.

"Morning" Brax spoke as he walked over to the fridge refusing to make direct eye contact with either Ruby or Casey

"Brax what's going on?" asked ruby

"Nothing" Brax replied dryly "You guys should head off to school, don't want Charlie waking up and finding you guys are still here"

Ruby pushed her stool back harshly "This is our family too, and we have a right to know what's going on" grabbing her school bag Ruby swung the back door open before disappearing

Casey sighed and picked up his school bag "She's her mum Brax and those are her siblings it's not right keeping this from her or from any of us" not waiting for a reply Casey walked out the door hoping to catch up to Ruby

"He's right... They all have a right to know" Brax turned to see Charlie stood at the foot of the kitchen entrance

"I know" replied Brax

Charlie peered at him. He hadn't said anything about the news they had received the night before in fact he had hardly said a word. Even when they had been alone in their room he hadn't said anything but Charlie could see the pain in his eyes

"You've hardly said a word since we left the hospital" said Charlie as she stepped forward

Brax nodded "Just trying to process it all"

Charlie nodded and took another step closer. She could tell he was holding back "What are you thinking?"

Brax shook his head before walking over to the cupboard and pulling out two mugs "Nothing" he sighed "Do you want some coffee... De cafe of course" Brax couldn't help the flatness of his voice

Charlie shook her head "Brax we have to talk about this... Brax please"

Charlie felt her chest tighten as she watched his gaze glaze over and becoming cloudy. He turned from her and she knew he was trying to hide his tear from her

"Brax..."

"Charlie we don't have to talk about it now... We can take a few days to think about it and t..."

"Think about what?" Charlie interrupted

Turning to face her Brax spoke almost inaudible "our options"

"What options Brax?" Charlie glared at him in shock

"Charlie you heard what he said... You could..." Brax stopped unable to say the word

"So you want me to let them kill our babies"

Brax sighed heavily "Charlie that is not what I'm saying"

"YES IT IS" Charlie bellowed "that is exactly what you're saying"

"Charlie that is not what I'm saying but… you heard what he said Charlie, even if we go through with the pregnancy we could still lose the both of them"

"How could you even suggest this" Charlie harshly wiped her tear from her face

"I am just looking at all our options Charlie" Brax put both his hands one the back of his head

"Well as far as I'm concerned there is only one option and I am not having a termination. I thought you wanted this"

"I DO" Brax barked "but if this means you are at risk then we're not going through with it"

"YOU DON'T GET TO DECIDE WHAT HAPPENS"

"WHEN IT CONCERNS YOUR LIFE I DO"

About to bite back Charlie turned at the new voice

"Guys"

Charlie and Brax turned and came face to face with Heath and Bianca who both stood at the door Ruby and Casey had walked out of peering at them wide eyed. Having caught the end of Brax and Charlie's argument both Heath and Bianca were anxious to say the least

"What's going on?" Asked Bianca

Brax and Charlie stood unspoken for a moment before Brax spoke

"I have to go to the restaurant" he had paced out of the front door before any of the three could protest

Looking at the empty space that Brax had left Charlie felt her strength give way and her body trembled as she burst into tears

"Charlie" Bianca rushed to her friends side wrapping her arms around her. Charlie's cries grew stronger and Bianca looked up to Heath with pleading eyes. Knowing what she wanted him to do Heath turned in search of Brax determined to get to the bottom of what was going on

...

"Charlie what's going on?" Asked Bianca as her and Charlie now sat on the couch

"Everything is going wrong... How could this be happening?" Charlie spoke as if speaking to herself

"How could what happen... Charlie what did Sid tell you at the hospital last night. Is it the twins?"

Charlie didn't respond

"Charlie what did Brax mean about when it concerns your life... What is it that's got the both of you so worked up?"

Charlie shook her head "I can't do it... I get rid of my babies"

"What?" Bianca's eyes widened at her words

Walking up the stairs Heath sat as he spotted Brax behind the bar nursing a glass of scotch. Even with the heaviness in Brax's voice when Heath and Bianca had walked in on his and Charlie's argument, Heath could have sworn that he could hear fear laced in it.

"What the hell are you doing Brax" Heath walked over and grabbed the scotch

"Take it, it's not helping much anyway"

"Helping what... Brax what the hell happened back there?"

"Nothing"

"Bull****" Heath's voice rose "We walk in on you shouting something about Charlie's life and then she bursts into tears as soon as you leave"

Brax's head rose at Heaths words and Heath noticed

"Yes Brax, she is back there now crying and you're here trying to drink yourself stupid"

"Everything was perfect...but now..." Brax paused

"But now what?" Heath encouraged him to continue

"I don't know what to do I can't lose her Heath. I love the twins but I can't lose her"

Heath exhaled at the desperation that sat on his brother's face. He knew he had to ask but he was unsure if he wanted to know

"Brax why would you lose her... What's going on?"

Bianca exhaled deeply as she tried to keep her composure at what Charlie had just told her

"I...I err" Bianca pursed her lips together feeling stupid at how she was acting when it was Charlie and Brax that were faced with the situation

"I can't do it Bianca" Charlie ran her hand over her stomach "I love them so much already"

"I need Brax to see this from my point of view" Charlie continued speaking "The twins they're a part of me and him" Charlie smiled lightly "I've lost count of the amount of times I have found myself just picturing their faces. How could he want to give that up? How could he even consider it" Charlie let her tears fall from her eyes

Bianca couldn't deny that she could see where Brax was coming from, she knew he loved the twins just as much as Charlie but her along with everyone else also knew that Brax cherished Charlie above all other

"Charlie I think he just needs time to let it sink in. He will still be in shock"

"What if he doesn't change his mind... I don't want to do this on my own"

"Firstly, Brax would never let you deal with this by yourself but Charlie you also have to look at this from his point of view. He was just told that not only could he lose his two unborn children but he could also lose you. Roles reversed how would you react? Don't you think you would consider any option that allowed you keep him alive and with you?"

A lone tear fell from Charlie's eyes as she took in Bianca's words

Bianca sighed as she pulled Charlie into an embrace

Heath sat shocked by what Brax had just told him. Picking up the scotch he walked around the bar and picked up a glass. Placing the glass Brax had been using back in front of him he poured some scotch into it before pouring some for himself. Both Braxton men picked up their glasses and down it in one

Heath glanced at Brax before looking back down at his empty glass "I'm not sure what I'm supposed to say" heath spoke honestly

"Then don't say anything" replied Brax

Heath sighed "There is one thing I know though"

"What's that?" Brax's gaze remained in the empty glass

"You should be at home with her, not here. She needs you as much as you need her"

"I love the twins I do, I can't even explain how much but I can't do this without her... I" Brax stopped as he felt himself choke up

"Tell her that" replied Heath

"She won't even listen she's already made her mind up"

"Well how about instead of the both of you shouting at each other like you were when me and Bianca turned up, you both talk it out"

"I tried"

"Try again" Heath walked around the bar "You coming or what?"

Brax didn't respond

"We both know how annoying I can be when I put my mind to it..." Heath looked at him with a raised eyebrow

knowing Heath wouldn't give up Brax walked around the bar.

Charlie moved out of Bianca's embrace as Heath and Brax walked into the house.

Bianca looked up at Heath and could tell by the look on his face that Brax had told him everything

"I'll come and check on you later" Bianca smiled softly at Charlie as she stood up from the couch

She gave Brax's shoulder a squeeze as her and Heath walked out the front door

Brax stood gazing at Charlie and Charlie remained seated her gaze also on him

"I shouldn't have left like that" spoke Brax

"No...I think we both needed the Space"

Brax nodded

"I have this image in my mind, me and you are at the beach and further down we see Ruby and beside her are these two beautiful kids, it's always two boys; and then I hear them laughing" Charlie smiles at the thought "They both turn to me and smile and that's when I see the dimples on their cheeks. One as these bright blue eyes and the other waves over at us his green eyes peering in our direction. I can't give that up Brax I can't give them up" Charlie shook her head as she stood to her feet and moved closer to Brax "Please don't ask me to give them up"

"I..." Brax clenched his jaw as he tried to keep himself composed "What good is that dream if you're not there Charlie? You see me you and the kids but now... What if something goes wrong and it's just me and the kids or what if the worst happens and I lose all three of you and that leaves just me and Rubes..."

"Brax..." Stopping her from saying another word Brax shook his head and finally a tear rolled down his cheek. Looking at her he made no attempt to hide his pain; he had no more fight left in him

"Charlie you don't get it... I can't do this without you" he rested both his hands on his hips and his gaze met the ground before coming back up to meet Charlie's "I need you ok... I need you here with me. If I lose you... I, I can't cope with that Charlie, I wouldn't cope" the vulnerability, fear and frailty of his voice was clear as day

Charlie felt a gush of wind leave her lungs as she looked at him. His words brought a sense of weakness to her feet. She had known since they had received the news that he was scared but what he revealed now as he stood before her tore her apart. She peered at his shattered and desperate form. Stepping forward she gently placed her hands on his chest

"Brax you're not going to lose me"

Brax instantly shook his head his hands still on his hips

"Don't say that, don't try and give me false hope when you don't know that for sure." Another tear fell from his eye as he spoke "I lost you once and it hurt more than any physical pain I can't do that again because I won't make it this time Charlie" his gaze feel to the ground "I love the twins I really do you have to believe that. Every time I think about my life the first thing the first person I see is you... What am I supposed to do if you're taken from me"

A lone tear fell from Charlie's eye and she wiped the sleeve of her jumper over her face. Slowly taking his hand from his hip she places it above her stomach. She saw as he took a deep breath his gaze travelling down to her stomach

"I'm yours Brax, nothing and no one will ever change that; and as for me being taken from you that will never happen." She sighed as Brax looked up and met her gaze

"I believe that we will make it through this just fine but I can't do this without you either" she shook her head

Lifting his hand Brax placed his palm on her cheek "I'm scared Charlie"

"So am I" Charlie tears increased and Brax pulled her towards his holding her in a firm grip. Charlie latched onto the back his shirt as she let go of her tears.

It had been a few hours since Brax and Charlie had settled on the couch both sat in each other's embrace. Looking over at Brax, Charlie smiled lightly at his sleeping form. Edging out of his grip she made her way down the hall till she came to a standstill outside the room. She stroked her hand against the door before pushing it open slightly. She had no idea what to expect they didn't know if they were having boys or girls or one of each. Peering into the room a tear fell without warning. She smiled and pursed her lips together at what was written on the wall opposite her. Walking over she traced her hand over some of the writing 'Two Miracles Instead of One Two Special Lives Have just Begun' a smile captured her face as her gaze travelled to what was written below the quote 'Baby Braxtons'. She ran her fingers across the words almost amazed that Brax had done all this in such such little time. Her eyes shifted along the baby blue wall paint that had paintings of clouds across the four walls. Walking further into the room her eyes caught the rocking chair that he had placed besides the two chocolate wooden cots. She ran her hand against both cots imagining her babies lay in them. Her gaze stopped as they landed on the changing area. She felt a gush of air leave her lungs as she peered at the numerous vests he had folded on the table. Picking one up a tear fell as she read the words "I love my mum" she held her cries as she held the vest to her chest. She turned around at the unexpected voice

"You shouldn't be in here Charlie" her eyes met Brax who refused to step into the room as he stood at the foot of the door. Charlie knew he could see how much it was affecting her she shook her head

"No... This is exactly where I belong. I wanted to see your surprise. And you're right I do love it" she quickly wiped away her tears

Brax eyes roamed around the room he had spent so long putting together. He had every aspect of the room perfected to his imagination.

"Thank you" Charlie smiled as she walked over to him and placed her hands on his chest

"Our kids deserve the best... And plus I figured I would make that changing area really nice seeing as you'll be the one using it the most" Brax gave her a weak smile

Charlie's eyes widened "so I'm going through with this?" she asked hoping he would say yes. Her heart sank as he shook his head

"No... We're going through with this"

Charlie let out a tear chuckling with relief as Brax pulled her into his embrace.

As Charlie wrapped her arms around him Brax's gaze roamed the room again. He was going to be strong for Charlie and the twins. He only hoped that once the twins were born Charlie would still be here with him

"We have to tell Ruby and Case" said Brax and Charlie nodded against his chest

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Thank you guys for the comments. Hope you like this chapter :)

CHAPTER SIXTY

As Charlie wrapped her arms around him Brax's gaze roamed the room again. He was going to be strong for Charlie and the twins. He only hoped that once the twins were born Charlie would still be here with him

"We have to tell Ruby and Case" said Brax and Charlie nodded against his chest

...

"You not opening the restaurant today?" Charlie asked as both her and Brax sat on the couch

"Yea I am but Liam's holding the fort today"

Charlie nodded knowing Brax would probably be of no use at the restaurant. Both their heads jolted up slightly as Ruby and Casey walked through the back door.

"Hy" Charlie smiled up at the both of them. Ruby had hardly spoken to either Charlie or Brax , refusing to budge until they told her what was going on

"Hy guys" said Brax

"Hy" ruby voice came in a dull response as she walked down the hall

"Hy guys" Casey gave then a faint smile

Knowing what was bugging Ruby Brax quickly called her back "Wait Rubes" She turned to look at him "Come here for a second, you too Case"

Ruby looked between Charlie and Brax before she obliged and walked back into the living room and took a seat. Knowing what Brax wanted to do Charlie sat up straight

"You both deserve to know exactly what's going on, it's just me and Charlie wanted to figure things out before telling you" Brax took a deep breath "Like we said the other night, Charlie's condition means that the pregnancy will be slightly compromising"

"Compromising for who?" Asked Casey

Brax glanced at Charlie

"For both me and the babies" answered Charlie.

"Because of this it means there is risk that..." Brax took a heavy breath "that Charlie and the twins may struggle during the birth or pregnancy"

"Struggle" said Ruby "what do you mean by struggle?"

Brax felt Charlie's grip on his hand tighten. Taking a quick glance at her he saw her eyes were now glazed over. Sensing that Charlie didn't want to be the one to say it; he spoke

"Firstly you have to understand that this is the worst case scenario and that we have faith that everything is going to turn out for the best"

Ruby and Casey nodded just wanting for him to break the news to them

"Ok so what's the worst case scenario?" Asked Ruby

Brax exhaled "Well there is a possibility that if things get complicated the twins may not make it through the delivery and..." Brax paused trying to steady his increasing heart beat "and there is a chance that Charlie might not make it either" He clenched his teeth together in a bid to stop his watering eyes

"What?" Ruby's voice came in a quiet quiver. Her un believing eyes glanced between Charlie and Brax

"Ruby…" Charlie was stopped as Ruby spoke again

"You're joking right... You're both just trying to scare us" her words came out pleadingly

"Rubes I wish we were" said Charlie "But baby nothing is going to happen to me or the twins"

" So you and the twins you could... You could die" casey spoke with his barley blinking eyes

Brax felt his throat dry at the word Casey had used

"It won't come to that" spoke Charlie

"You don't know that" added Ruby

"Guys look we have to stay positive" spoke Brax

"Positive?" Questioned Casey as he glanced between Charlie and Brax. It seemed he was starting to lose all faith "Why?" He added. Charlie and Brax peered at him "Why should we stay positive. Every time we get over one Problem something else happens"

"Case..." Brax went to speak but was stopped as Casey shook his head and stood to his feet

"Dad and mum are long gone, Ross and Elsie aren't here anymore, we were held hostage by that psycho Grant, and then he shot you and we almost lost you and now... Now you say Charlie and the twins may not make it and you want us to stay positive. What exactly do we have to stay positive for?"

"Casey..." before Charlie could say another word Casey walked out the back door not even bothering to close it behind him

"He has a point" spoke Ruby. Brax and Charlie had only just realised that she was now crying

Standing to his feet Brax walked over to ruby and sat beside her "Regardless of those things we're still here right" Ruby nodded her head "So that's enough reason to be positive. I think we both know how stubborn your mum can be and if the twins are anything like her I think its safe to say all three of them will be just fine"

Ruby looked up at him before looking over at Charlie. Standing to her feet she walked over to Charlie sitting beside her before wrapping her arms around her. Charlie held her tears as she placed a kiss on Ruby's hair line before wrapping her arms around her

Brax sighed as he looked at the door Casey had just walked out of before looking back over at Ruby and Charlie. there was no denying that if Charlie and the twins didn't make it out of this ok their family would crumble.

...

"No I'll go" charlie stood to her feet. They had been calling Casey for over an hour and he had yet to pick any of their calls or reply to their messages. Ruby and Brax had wanted to go looking for him but Charlie protested saying she wanted to do it instead

"Charlie you heard what Sid said you should be resting"

"And I promise I will do all that, just please let me find him. I'll even take the car so I don't have to walk... I just really want talk to him" Charlie looked at Brax pleadingly

Brax sighed "Fine but I want you back in an hour whether you've found him or not, or I'm coming to look for the both of you"

"I'll be back before then; promise"

Picking up the car keys Charlie walked out the front door going to the one place she had thought of first

...

She stood for a moment watching him as he peered out into the ocean. She sighed before she continued towards him "Can I sit or is this spot taken?" she waited for him to respond but he said nothing

Deciding to sit, Charlie peered at him hoping to get some sort of reaction from him. She couldn't lie, she was caught of guard and surprised by his reaction back at the house. Casey had always been so calm and held together

"I'm sorry Case. But you have to believe that everything will turn out ok"

"It doesn't seem like its enough anymore" Casey finally spoke

"What doesn't?" Asked Charlie

"Believing" answered Casey "that's all I've ever done believed and hoped for the best but it just never seems to be enough"

"Well that's not true. You believed in me when I came back and look where me and Brax are now."

"I also believed Ross and Elise would come back... That's not going to happen"

"Case they're right here... They're with us all the time"

"Every time something goes wrong or something bad happens, I always tell myself that it's going to be ok that we'll be fine... but then all we seem to do is get out of one problem only to be dragged into another" Casey shook his head "How can you be so calm about this?"

Charlie shrugged "I guess it's my way of coping with it, it doesn't mean I'm not scared because I am, but..." Charlie sighed "the only way I'm gonna get through this is if I stay positive and for that to work I need the people around me to be just as positive"

"We need you to make it through this... We wouldn't cope if you didn't especially Ruby and Brax"

Charlie nodded "I know"

...

"Rubes you ok?" Brax knew it was a stupid question but it was all he could think to say

"Do you think maybe we've done something wrong?"

Brax looked up at Ruby "What do you mean?"

"All the bad things that keep happening to us, maybe we did something wrong, maybe we're paying for something" Ruby rambled obviously still in a state of shock at what Brax and Charlie had just revealed

"Ruby... Rubes" Brax lowered his gaze trying to meet her gaze "This isn't anyone's fault ok. Sometimes things just happen"

"But why is it always us? We're finally happy, we have the house and you guys and the babies and now..." A tear fell from her eye "Brax what if the worst does happen?"

Brax shuddered lightly Ruby had only asked the same questioned that had refused to stop running around his mind. He swallowed in an effort to clear his now dry throat "I wish I knew the answer to that Ruby I really do. But there is one thing I know and it's that I will always be here" Brax pulled her into him

Ruby nodded through her tears "I can't lose her"

Pulling ruby into him Brax nodded "I know... neither can I"

Charlie and Casey walked into the house causing Brax and Ruby to slowly pull apart

"I'm sorry for leaving like that" Casey looked at Ruby and Brax

"It's ok Case" Brax gave a faint smile

"You guys ok?" Charlie looked at both rRuby and Brax

Both giving a light nod Ruby stood to her feet "I'm gonna go take a bath"

Charlie sighed as she watched Ruby walking down the hallway

"I'm going to my room" Casey also retracted down th hall

"How is she really?" Asked Charlie as she sat besides Brax

"Scared" replied Brax "she needs sometime to absorb all this. And how about Case did you get anything out of him?"

"A little... mainly he's just as scared as Ruby"

Brax nodded "They both just need some time". Standing to his feet Brax outstretched his hand to Charlie "You should get some rest its been a long day. Come on"

"Brax it's only just gone past five"

"And the doc said you should get plenty rest... Something which you haven't done since you woke up"

Knowing he wouldn't give up Charlie sighed and took hold of his out stretched hand and let him lead her into their room

…

"I eh have to go down to the restaurant... There's been a mix up with the delivery so I need to go sort it out" Charlie nodded at Brax "I'll try not to be too long". As Brax spoke a knock came from the back door before Bianca and Martha walked in.

"Hy" Bianca and Martha peered between Brax and Charlie

Brax gave a nod and a light smile before turning to Charlie and placing a kiss on her hair line "I have to go" and with that he was out the door.

Charlie peered at the door that Brax had just walked through. A heavy sigh left her lips. Although they had agreed to go through with the pregnancy Charlie had been for her twenty week scan two nights before and her condition was still the same; and since Brax had been distant to say the least. She had heard him tossing and turning during the night and even noticed that he had disappeared for almost an hour but yet he was trying to put on a front... One which only made her feel he was shutting her out.

She turned her attention to her friends as they sat beside her. She looked down at both her hands as both Bianca and Martha entwined their hand in each of her hands

Charlie looked up at Martha and Bianca "I'm fine...I'll be fine" Charlie tired to reassure her friends

"Oh we know you will you have no choice... Or we'll kick your ass" joked Bianca

Charlie and the girls chuckled

"Thanks for the heads up" Charlie spoke but a tear fell from her eye

"Hy... Hy please no crying you know once I start I can't stop" spoke Bianca

"I'm sorry its just I'm really scared and Brax he..." Charlie pursed her lips together

"He's what?" Asked Martha

"It's like he's shutting down slowly

"He's probably still finding all this really hard" said Bianca

"I know... But it just feels like he's pushing me away. I can tell that this is hard for him. Since the scan two days ago I have found him more than once just sitting looking into space with this look on his face, but he won't let me in"

"Maybe he's just trying to be strong for you" spoke Martha

Charlie shook her head "I don't need him to be strong for me... That's all he's ever done. I want him to let me in"

"Charlie, Brax hasn't always been one for talking about his feelings" added Bianca

"But with me he as. He never hides anything from me. He wasn't there when I woke up this morning and now he says something came up at the restaurant"

Bianca sighed "He could be telling the truth"

But Charlie shook her head "No. I know when Brax is lying and trust me he was lying" another tear fell from her eye

Martha quickly wiped Charlie's tear away "This may be a rubbish example but I'm going to use it all the same. Charlie when you left you shut him out not to hurt him but in that moment it was your way of dealing, your way of stopping yourself from hurting anymore than you already were. He's just been told there is a chance he could lose you. He's doing what he thinks he needs to do to stop himself from hurting anymore than he already his"

At this Charlie's silent tears turned into sobbing. Not saying a word both Bianca and Martha wrapped their hands around her hoping in some way they were giving her some sort of comfort.

A few moments of silence fell upon them before Charlie spoke "Guys I think me and the babies are losing circulation" she chuckled lighty at Bianca and Martha who still had their arms around her

"Oh sorry" Bianca and Martha pulled away with smiles

"Better?" Asked Bianca

"Better, thank you. I really needed to get that out"

"Well you're welcome but a warning would be really good next time" Martha pulled a face at her white singlet that now had tear stains on it

Charlie chuckled "Sorry, but it's a good look"

Martha nodded "Yea you would say that"

"Where are the kids?"

"Reece as gone to a play date and Abi and Sophia are with Marilyn; figured we could spend the day with you"

Charlie sighed "You don't have to do that guys"

"Well its done now and plus both Jack and Heath are working today so really you're second choice" teased Martha

Charlie shook her head with a smile

"So... we actually came bearing gifts" Bianca grinned as she opened up the bag besides her. Pulling out a few DVD's, she followed with three tubs of Ben n Jerry's."

A grin formed on Charlie's face "I don't think I tell you guys I love you enough"

"No you don't but don't worry, we know" smiled Martha

"So which one first" Bianca laid down all five DVD's they brought onto the coffee table.

Looking at each other all three girls giggled "The proposal"

...

It had now gone past seven and Charlie was only just hearing him pull up in the drive way

"Hy" Charlie smiled up as Brax walked into the house "I thought you was only going in to sort out the mixed up delivery"

"Yea sorry, I did mean to call. We were rushed off our feet I just couldn't get away"

"Ok" Charlie replied blandly

"But I did bring some food home. figured you probably hadn't had any dinner but by the looks of things it seems you might not be hungry" Brax looked down at the three empty tubs of Ben n Jerry's

"Er excuse me Bianca and Martha had some, it wasn't all me"

Brax nodded "Right so you only had the one tub?" he asked with a raised eyebrow

Charlie bit her lip "Well they couldn't finish their's and I didn't want it going to waist"

Brax chuckled causing a grin to form on Charlie's face. It almost felt like everything was ok "So I'm guessing you won't be wanting any of this?" Brax picked up the two pizza boxes he had put on the coffee table

"I didn't say that"

Brax shook his head as he placed the pizza boxes back on the table. Charlie passed him a grin as she opened it her grin widening as she looked down at the meat lover pizza.

Brax walked out of the kitchen "Where are Casey and Ruby?"

"Right here" Ruby answered "I smell pizza"

"Definitely your mother's child" Brax shook his head along with Casey

...

For Charlie it almost seemed like everything was normal again until they all sat to eat and the awkward silence that had been there the night before had returned. Charlie could feel all eyes peering at her from time to time.

"I'm gonna head off to bed" Ruby stood to her feet "Night mum" she placed a kiss on her mums cheek "Night brax" giving him a light smile she disappeared down the hall

"I'm gonna head off too" Casey smiled at both Brax and Charlie "Night" he soon disappeared into his room

"Its a friday and its not even nine yet" sighed Charlie

"Maybe they're just tired" said Brax

"And you... What's your excuse? Because you haven't spoken since we all started eating"

"I'm tired too Charlie. There's nothing wrong ok. It's been a long week they probably need a good rest" Charlie nodded as Brax cleared up the table.

Walking back into the living room Brax sighed as he caught sight of Charlie sat seemingly in her own world. Moving closer to her he slid in behind

"How about we get to bed too. Sid did say you need lots of rest"

"That's all I've been doing all day Brax"

Brax sighed "Ok well..." He paused as he pulled her into him so her back was resting firmly agaisnt his chest and her head resting back onto his shoulders "We could just sit here... Make up for not being with you today" Brax placed a kiss on her head and Charlie gripped both his hands and held them tightly around her

She wanted him to open up to her, to let her know what he was thinking but in that moment she was just grateful to have him there. Not wanting to take from the moment she held her tongue deciding to bring it up another time

...

Turning over in the bed Charlie stretched her arm out but as it landed flat on the bed she opened her eyes. Seeing that Brax was no longer on the bed she slowly edged up as her eyes searched the room. Looking at the time she sighed as it read 4:25.

"Brax" she called out softly to see if maybe he was in their bathroom but when no reply came she pulled the duvet up and swung her legs down the side of the bed

Standing to her feet she slowly made her way out of Brax room wearing only one of Brax's T shirts. Charlie had barely stepped out of the door before her steps stopped. Looking to her left hand side her gaze landed on Brax.

He remained unmoved as he stood near the foot of the opened door of the room that was for their twins. Her gaze studied him intensively, it was obvious he hadn't noticed her standing there. She knew he wasn't dealing as well as he had been trying to portray. She slowly moved towards him; stopping only as Brax finally acknowledged her presence and looked over at her

A heavy breath left her lips as she was met by his plum eyes. Although his hand had quickly took the lingering tear from his face it wasn't quick enough for her not to notice.

"You should be sleeping" Brax cleared his throat as he tried to hide his face from Charlie

"So should you" replied Charlie and she stepped closer to him

"Yh I just... I went to get a drink of water and just got distracted" Brax knew she could see right through his lie

Charlie nodded knowing he was still trying to be strong "Brax..." Charlie placed her hand on his arm

"We should go back to bed" Brax quickly interrupted her as he pulled the room door shut

"Brax please..." Brax finally turned to face her "You need to talk to me... I can't have you shutting me out now"

Brax softly shook his head and rested his hands on her shoulder "I'm not shutting you out ok. I promise. We should get some sleep" placing a kiss on her forehead he led her into their room.

She knew too well when he was sleeping. His chest always rose at a slower more gentle pace. But as she lay with her body pressed into his and his arm around her she looked up to see his eyes closed but knew he was awake. Her gaze remained on him for a few seconds hoping he would open his eyes and talk to her but they remained shut. Sighing she removed her gaze knowing how stubborn he could be. He would open up in his own time... At least she hoped he would.

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