My Saving Grace

[RoRo90]

Happy New Year guys and thanks for the comments. I know updates haven't been frequent as of late but I have made it a mission to update a minimum of once a week... most probably every Sunday. Hope you guys enjoy this one

CHAPTER SEVENTY ONE

"I've missed you" she spoke in barley a whisper

…

He watched her for a split second as if making sure she was truly awake. His feet paced forward, his arms flying around her as he buried his head into the crook of her neck; letting a deep release of breath escape his lips. His emotions came tumbling to the surface as a tear escaped his eyes yet his face remained buried in her neck. He seemed to somehow bury his face deeper when he felt her hand slowly move through his hair. Brax was sure that in that moment no other living soul had ever felt the type of relief he was feeling. Finally he pulled away but his hands instantly cupped each side of her face, his thumb stroking each of her cheeks; unwilling to break contact with her. His lips curled as their eyes met and her breath caressed his face. He once again removed of the space between them, this time placing his lips on hers tenderly, allowing himself to savour the feeling. Breaking apart he leaned his forehead against hers and finally spoke

"I've missed you too…so much" Another tear fell from his eye but Charlie caught it before it could hit the bed sheets.

Sid finally cleared his throat catching both Charlie and Brax's attention. He couldn't help but smile at the scene before him. Not only had Charlie's pale face began to come to life, colour had now also returned to Brax's face

Charlie felt a deep glow make its way to her cheeks as she looked up at Sid

"Sorry to disturb you guys, I promise not to keep you long"

Brax slowly and reluctantly peeled his hands from Charlie's face but took a hold of her hand. He refused to break contact with her now or ever

Charlie shifted slightly and it was only then that she registered the pain shooting from her lower abdomen. She stilled and winced at the unexpected feeling and a worried cloud formed in Brax's eyes

"What's wrong?" it seemed impossible but Brax somehow seemed to move in closer to her than he already had been without climbing on the bed with her

Sid quickly spoke "It's nothing to worry about, it's to be expected. You will still be healing from the C-Section, so that area of your abdomen will be sore and tender for a while. We will need to check for any swelling just to make sure the pain isn't a source of anything else "

Charlie felt her body stiffen with a jolt of worry, excitement and anxiousness; and Brax felt it in her hand. He needn't ask what had caused it. Charlie's eyes glazed over instantly and her lips barely parted as she spoke

"The twins" Her eyes flickered with immense pace between Sid and Brax and it soon turned into a pleading stare. She remembered Heath's words that had caused her pain even in her sleeping state

"She had a seizure Brax" The words had rung in her head like alarm bells but she couldn't move she couldn't say a thing

She heard the words leaving her own lips "She's ok now right… my baby girl she's ok?" She tried to remember anything after what Heath had said, anything that may have been said around her that would indicate that her babies were ok

Brax peered at her 'how had she known they had a girl' but in his own surprised state Sid seemed less than shocked as he spoke

"Charlie she's ok… they both are"

Charlie wasn't a fool; she had been in this hospital enough times to know the double meaning behind each look and each tone the doctors and nurses used. She could see Sid was holding back "But?" she kept her steady gaze waiting for him to respond to her. She felt Brax's grip on her hand tighten but she kept her gaze on Sid not wanting to miss a facial expression or any body language that may tell her more than his words would. She prepared herself as Sid began talking; she lay still as she digested every detail of his words slowly. She didn't speak once and neither did Brax as Sid talked her through what was going on with the twins. She felt herself grimace in pain but yet remained unspoken as he explained what had caused her baby girls seizure and the possible side effects. Her breath had remained held till Sid spoke his final words

"We are taking care of them as best we can, but I must tell you, you have two very strong fighters"

Charlie closed her eyes to stop her tears but to no avail; a tear fell but she felt Brax's comforting hand on her cheek and his thumb take with it her tear. She turned her head and slowly opened her eyes and it met Brax's. She smiled sadly and pursed her lips together and her eyes flickered towards Sid

"Can I see them…please?" she pleaded with her eyes.

Brax looked up at Sid hoping he could make it happen but the look on Sid's face told him other wise

"I'm really sorry Charlie but you're not healed to point the where you can leave the room for an extensive amount of time and the twins can't leave the ICU yet But hopefully soon"

"When is soon?" asked Brax; knowing how desperate Charlie must be to see their twins, if only to see them for a split second, he knew it would give her some sense of reassurance

"It depends on how fast you heal Charlie and the progress of the twins. But you should be ok by the end of the week and then you can see them as much as you want"

Charlie didn't argue she simply nodded "Ok".

She pursed her lips together as Sid smiled sympathetically at the both of them "I'll get one of the nurses to come and have a look at you and maybe pt you on a drip for pain relief" and with that he walked out of the door.

Turning back to Brax she let another tear escape "They will be ok won't they?" She searched Brax's face desperately "We can't lose them Brax"

"And we won't ok" Brax ran his hand softly through her hair "You heard Sid, they're both fighters… they'll be just fine"

Brax placed a kiss on her temple and Charlie leaned into his touch

…

"Brax" walking down the hall way Brax turned to see both Ruby and Casey making their way towards him

"Hy… is it just you guys?" he asked

Casey nodded "Yeah Heath dropped us off, he had to go to the garage. He said to tell you he would be over in about two hours"

Brax nodded "I'm off to see the twins. Why don't you go to Charlie's room" he hid his smile behind the plastic cup in his hand

"Actually I'll come see the twins as well" spoke Casey

"Yeah me too" added Ruby, as she and Casey stepped to follow Brax's direction

"Actually err… Sid said he was going to check on Charlie in a bit. I really want someone there when he does" Brax scratched the back of his head "You know just in case there are any changes"

Casey's eyebrows knitted together seemingly unconvinced by Brax's reasoning and Ruby looked at Brax questioningly

"Why, did he say anything?" Asked Ruby

"No" Brax shook his head "I would have stayed with her but I haven't seen the twins all night. You guys can come see them once Sid checks on Charlie

Ruby nodded slowly "Ok. But I'll go see mum,+ Casey can go with you if he wants"

Brax shook his head "No he should go with you"

Ruby and Casey glanced at each other "Ok" Ruby peered at Brax for a moment longer before turning towards Charlie's room but Casey lingered behind

"Is everything ok Brax?"

Brax nodded "Yep. Now go"

Casey stood unsure for a moment longer before nodding "Ok…we'll see you in a bit" and with that he turned and walked towards Charlie's room

…

Ruby thought back to the way Brax had acted and it unrattled her. She walked with caution towards Charlie's room trying to find any clues in what he had said. She was sure he was trying to keep her away from the twins and suddenly she felt slightly panicked as her mind roamed over all the possible things that could be wrong. What if the twins had taken a turn for the worse? What if the antibiotics hadn't gotten rid of her little sister's infection? Her thoughts were miles away from her as she pushed on the door to Charlie's room and stepped inside. Like always she walked around the bed and sat on the seat as a sigh left her lips; she had yet to look over at Charlie

"And there was me thinking you would be happy to see that I'm awake"

Ruby's head snapped up her eyes widening, her mouth parting in shock as she stared at Charlie in disbelief

"You're awake" Ruby's eyes glazed over as a smile slowly crept onto her face "I have to get Sid" Ruby jumped from her chair but Charlie took hold of her hand

"He's already been to see me"

Ruby blinked away her tears "You're really awake"

"Yea" Charlie smiled at her "And yet you haven't even given me a hug"

Ruby flew from her seat straight into Charlie's chest. Charlie pursed her lips together as she wrapped her arms around Ruby "That's more like it"

Ruby finally pulled away her gaze never leaving Charlie. Ruby's smile suddenly fell and she pursed her lips together "I was so scared. It's been five days mum…I thought-" Ruby swallowed her words

"Hy" Charlie reached out and tucked a strand hair behind Ruby's ear "I promised remember. You haven't even graduated yet and let's not forget your wedding day" she smiled sweetly at Ruby but her gaze shifted at the small murmur of her name that had come from the opposite said of the room

"Charlie" Casey stood near the foot of the door relief washing over his face as Charlie turned to face him

"Hy Case" She smiled at the young boy, her smile deepening as she watched him let out a long breath a smile breaking out on his face. Charlie stretched her right hand out to him and Casey immediately took hold of it

"I'm so glad you're awake"

"You didn't think I would be as cruel as to leave you guys alone with Brax did you?"

Ruby and Casey chuckled both overcome with relief

…

An hour had passed before Brax returned into Charlie's room. He smiled as Charlie, Ruby and Casey looked up at him

"You like your surprise?" his gaze shifted between Ruby and Casey

Ruby shook her head "No…I love it" she grinned "But could you please not do anything like that again. The way you were acting you had me almost break down thinking something was wrong"

"Same here" added Casey

"I thought I handled it pretty well" spoke Brax as he closed the door and walked over to Charlie

"Well you thought wrong" smirked Ruby

Brax chuckled glad for the distraction. Their baby boy seemed to be making progress and although Sid had now informed him that the antibiotics had worked and their baby girls infection was pretty much cleared she was still making very slow progress. Brax felt an ache in his heart, but this wasn't something he was about to disclose to Charlie. Looking over at Charlie he could see the question in her expression

"How are they?" Charlie watched him with concentration

"They're fighters… Just like there mum" Brax smiled and leaned over the bed placing a kiss on her forehead

"Well we might go see them now" Ruby stood to her feet "We won't be long" see leaned over and placed a kiss on Charlie's cheek

Brax's gaze remained on Charlie as she watched Ruby and Casey leaving the room. He sighed and stroked his hand through her hair

"I really need to see them Brax… I'm there mum, I should be there" she pursed her lips together "I don't even know what they look like"

Digging his phone out of his pocket Brax fiddled with it before looking up at Charlie. He had been hesitant about taking the pictures he didn't want all the visible wires to worry Charlie but he knew she badly wanted to see them and this was the only thing he could think of. He held the phone out in front of Charlie. Charlie glanced at the picture her eyes darting to Brax before it darted back to the image on the screen

"Is that…" she spoke in a whisper

"That's our baby boy"

Charlie felt her breath break as she peered as the screen. Her hands slowly reached up, taking the phone from Brax. Her eyes roamed over every feature she could see and her thumb caressed the screen. Her lips pursed together before she spoke

"He's is beautiful"

Brax nodded his gaze never leaving her face "He really is" "And here…" he slid his finger across the screen and another picture appeared "Is our baby girl"

Charlie's peering eyes widened slightly and a quiet gasp fell from her lips. As she had done with the other picture she ran her thumb over the screen; her eyes flickered in all directions of her baby girl's tiny face, taking in every inch of her face and embedding it in her mind as she had done with her boy. A tear could not help but escape as she registered the tube going into her girls nostrils.

"She's perfect" Charlie tilted her head slightly her thumb still stroking against the screen "They both are"

Brax placed a kiss in her hair "Just like their mum" He slides his thumb against the screen and a final picture of the two of them in their incubators came into view. Although it was further away and didn't capture all their features closely, Charlie held onto the phone tightly. She could see their tiny feet and fingers and the little space they occupied in the incubator. Finally looking up from the screen she smiled up at Brax as he spoke

"I know it's not the same as seeing them face to face but…"

Charlie interjected and shook her head placing her left hand on his cheek "Brax right now, this means more than everything. Thank you" Leaning forward she placed a gentle kiss on his lips

…

"You scared the crap out of all of us" Charlie turned her head and smiled at Heath as he walked into the room. Bianca paced past him straight to Charlie and engulfed her in her arms

"He's not lying" Spoke Bianca as she pulled away from Charlie "You're really lucky you woke up I was so close to dropping the nice act and coming here and unleashing some serious threats on you"

Heath and Charlie chuckled as Bianca

"Then I guess it's a good thing I woke up when I did" Charlie smiled as Bianca lightly squeezed her hand

"Actually if I recall correctly you already started with the threats"

Charlie cocked an eyebrow amusingly "Really?"

Heath smirked "I quote 'She has to wake up heath, if she doesn't I will inflict some serious pain on her"

Bianca looked down at Charlie sheepishly before shrugging her shoulders "And I meant it too"

"Well now I'm really glad I woke up"

"How you feeling?" Asked Heath

Charlie nodded "Ok but once I've seen my babies I'll be much better"

"You not in any pain?" asked Bianca

"Apart from the pain from my cesarean I feel ok but Sid has said it will be sore for a few days"

Charlie turned to the door as it creaked open, to be met by Jack and Martha who both wore that same look of relief she had seen on everyone's face that day. Martha edged round to the opposite side of where Bianca stood and wrapped her arms around Charlie

"So glad you're ok"

"I can't believe I'm saying this but I've actually missed all your violent outbursts" Jack smiled and Charlie chuckled

"Once I'm out of here I'll make it up to you… I've missed having someone to hit"

"Well good to know I can be of service" Jack sighed glad things were starting to look up. It was the first time in almost five days that they had all genuinely allowed a smile cross their faces

…

"We should get going…have to pick up the kids from the babysitters. And I'm working the night ****" Said Jack as he and Martha stood to their feet

Martha walked up to Charlie wrapping her arms around her in the same manner she had done when they had arrived "We'll see you tomorrow"

Charlie nodded "Thank you guys"

An hour later and everyone had finally left and a reluctant Ruby had promised to return in the morning before her and Casey finally resumed school.

Brax had been watching Charlie all night, his gaze flickering in her direction every few seconds. She had been smiling but he could see that for some time it hadn't quiet reached her eyes. He listened as the girls talked to Charlie about the twins; how small they were, how cute they were. Everyone had been to see them and had bonded in one way or another and Brax knew more than anything that Charlie wanted to see her babies

He stroked his thumb against her cheek "You'll get to see them soon"

Charlie looked up at him as she lay on the bed. She gently ran her hand over her stomach "I really miss them" She pressed herself into Brax's touch "I just want them to know I'm here"

Brax exhaled knowing the only thing that could make her feel better was seeing the twins "You're their mother Charlie… they know" he spoke softly his thumb still caressing her cheek

Charlie's gaze shifted along the features of Brax's face "Names"

Brax's face creased in confusion "What?"

"Names" She repeated "We haven't given them names or have you thought of some?"

Brax smiled and shook his head "I figured I would wait for you to wake up and we could decide together. We hadn't discussed any before" Charlie nodded and Brax spoke again "You decide"

Charlie cocked an eyebrow "So I can name them anything I want?"

"Yep" answered Brax

"Ok" Charlie bit in her bottom lip "Well I've always liked the name Wilfred" Charlie held her laughter as Brax's eyes widened slightly

"Wilfred?" he asked in what seemed to be shock "You want to name our son Wilfred?"

Charlie could have sworn she saw him grimace. She nodded her head "Yea, it's a lovely name isn't it. And we could name our girl Austin, I've always like that name for a girl"

Bra nodded slowly "You want to name our twins Wilfred and Austin?" He tried to hide the horror in his voice but he wasn't sure if he was succeeding

"You do like it don't you?" Charlie wasn't sure how much longer she could hold onto her straight expression

Brax scratched the back of his head trying to buy himself some time "Err…" before he could say anymore his eyebrows drew together as Charlie began giggling. Searching her face he breathed a sigh of relief as he realised what she had been doing

"Thank God you're joking" He shook his head at her as her giggle turned to laughter

"I'm sorry I just couldn't resist and the look on your face was definitely worth it"

"Even if it is at my expense I'm glad to see that smile on your face" he ran his thumb softly against her bottom lip

"So I take it you're not a fan of my choice of names" teased Charlie

Brax shook his head "Sorry babe but no… definitely not "

Charlie's smile faltered lightly "You know I just always thought it would happen straight away. That when I had them they would be placed in our arms and we would know… we would know instantly what to name them" She smiled sadly

"Then we'll wait" said Brax "We'll wait till they're in our arms"

Charlie looked at him through loving eyes "We have to call them something Brax"

Brax thought for a moment before smiling "Pip and Bean"

"Pip and Bean? Charlie repeated a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips

"Uhuh…Like you said we have to name them something"

"So which one's Pip and which is Bean?"

"Our baby girl can be Pipe and our boy Bean"

Charlie gave a full smile "Is it odd that I actually like these names?"

Brax gave a cheeky smile "You've always been a little weird babe" Charlie gave him a light swat in the chest "But I love you all the same"

…

Ruby and Casey had been to see Charlie with Bianca and Heath before they all had to head off to school and work. After much persuasion on Charlie's part, Brax had left the hospital to go home and freshen up. Entering the house he smiled as he noticed that the dark stain that had been caused by the cake he had thrown against the wall a few days earlier was no longer there. Feeling the tension in his muscles he made his way into his and Charlie's room. Walking in he stopped as he noticed the bathroom door was now closed. He could have sworn he hadn't stepped close enough to the bathroom to close it the last time he came home.

Hovering on the spot for a moment, he slowly walked towards the bathroom and pushed the door open. It was all gone; any trace of what had happened. Charlie's blood that had been pooled on the tiled bathroom floor was no longer there. The smell of disinfectant filled the bathroom and Brax closed his eyes thankful for the thoughtfulness of his family.

Stripping off he took a long shower allowing the hot water loosen the knots that had been building in his muscles over the past five days. He smiled lightly at the memory of walking into the room and seeing Charlie awake, hearing her voice. One prayer had been answered; she had stayed with him now he was holding his breath for their twins. He had received one miracle he just hoped life would be generous enough to grant him two more

…

"How were they?" Charlie asked eagerly

Bianca smiled, she had gone to see the twins upon Charlie's request "They're just fine… definitely strong. Your baby girl as a hell of a grip in those tiny fingers of hers" Bianca's smile soon faded as she watched Charlie nodding her head as a tear fell from her eye

Bianca looked alarmed as she moved closer to Charlie "That's a good thing Charlie" Bianca spoke with worry on her face

Charlie nodded "I know I'm just…" she wipes her fallen tears "I'm pretty sure my hormones are still all over the place plus... I'm really jealous"

"Of what?" Bianca asked confused

"You…everyone. You all get to see them, I'm their mum and I'm not even allowed"

Bianca exhaled wondering how she hadn't realised how not being able to see the twins would upset Charlie. She mentally scolded herself "Charlie I'm sorry… I didn't think"

Charlie shook her head "It's not your fault, I'm just being stupid. The most important thing is that they are ok"

"You're not being stupid Charlie; you have every right to want to see them. More so than the rest of us"

"I just want to see with my own eyes that they are ok"

…

Brax's hand remained on the handle but he stopped as he listened to Charlie and Bianca. He felt his heart break at the sound of Charlie's voice

"You…everyone. You all get to see them and I'm the mum and I'm not even allowed"

He exhaled as he listened to the rest of the conversation before turning on his heels

…

Bianca's free period was over and Charlie had assured her she would be fine. As Bianca closed the door behind her Charlie looked up at the time and realised it had been almost three hours since Brax had left the hospital and no sooner had the thought crossed her mind when the door opened and a grinning Brax entered

"Hy" he smiled widely at her, leaning over the bed and placing a kiss on her lips

"Hy… what took you so long" Charlie stuck her bottom lip out

"You missed me?" Brax's grin remained placed as Charlie shook her head

"Nope"

Brax leaned in and placed another kiss on her lips "I don't believe you"

Charlie went to reply as Sid and a nurse entered her room. She frowned in confusion; they had already been to check on her a few hours before. She felt panic consume her as her mind instantly settled on the twins. She searched Sid's face with an anxious glare

"What's wrong? Are they ok?"

Seeing she was beginning to panic Brax quickly took hold of her hand "Babe both Pip and Bean are fine"

Charlie looked at Brax and felt herself relax at the grin plastered on his face

"What's going on?" she searched his eyes for an answer

"It's a surprise" replied Brax

Charlie lay with her back propped up against a couple of pillows on the headrest. She watched as the nurse fussed around her and Sid smiled as he checked the drip in her arm. Charlie looked around confused as the bed began moving; her gaze landed on Brax questioningly but he gave nothing away. She watched the halls frantically and her gaze widened as she saw the sign 'ICU'.

She felt her heart thudding against her chest and she looked up her eyes instantly locking with Brax's as she realised where they were going. She felt her skin prickling with excitement and nervousness. Brax's hand snaked into hers and she gripped it tightly as they continued pushing her through the hospital halls. She felt her chest tighten dangerously as they slowed down until they finally came to a standstill. She peeled her gaze from Brax's as she gazed through the window beside her. Of its own accord her right hand lifted as grazed the window. A gasp left her lips and she refused to blink; she didn't need for them to tell her the two tiny figures were here twins. She felt her heart bloat with overwhelming love as she took in their sight. No image had ever seemed as beautiful as the one before her. She watched their chest rise and fall and her heart lunged as her daughter curled the fingers on her left hand. Her eye's overlooked the wires and simply left her two perfect babies. She let out a laugh and a tear as her son curled his left leg before stretching it out again

"Say hello to Pip and Bean" Brax smiled down at her placing a kiss in her hair

Charlie stretched her whole hand against the window pressing her palm flat against it "They're perfect"

[RoRo90]

Thank you guys for the comments

CHAPTER SEVENTY TWO

One week later

Charlie sat propped up on her bed biting her bottom lip. She waited with Brax anxiously for news on her recovery; knowing if all went well she would finally get to hold her baby boy in her arms and be with her baby girl. The though alone almost made it unbearable to keep still. Brax sat on the edge of the bed his hands laced through hers, his thumb softly gliding in circular strokes on the back of her hand, both their gaze glancing at the door every few seconds

"What's taking so long" Charlie whispered impatiently as she let out a frustrated sigh

"I'm sure he'll be here soon" replied Brax trying to mask his own apprehension from her

"What if he says I can't go in there yet?" Charlie's voice trembled slightly, she didn't think she could wait any longer to be with her twins

Brax shook his head "He won't"

"You don't know that for sure though"

Brax sighed and with his free hand tucked a strand hair behind her right ear "Babe you said yourself that you hardly feel any more pain and he did say that you've been healing up faster than they expected"

Charlie nodded and resumed biting her bottom lip just as Sid entered the room. She looked up at him expectantly her hand squeezing Brax's tightly "So?"

Sid glanced between both Brax and Charlie before a smile broke out on his face "In a few minutes you will be able to be with the twins... properly"

Charlie blinked a few times at his words and her lips pursed together as she felt her emotions get the best of her. She felt Brax press his lips against her temple "Told you not to worry"

Charlie nodded her head as a nurse came in to the room with a wheel chair

"You still have to rest and we don't advice you being on your feet for lengthy periods of time, so as long as you're here you will use this"

Charlie nodded "That's more than ok, as long as I get to see my babies"

Sid chuckled at her eagerness

…

Charlie shuffled about in the chair as Brax wheeled her alongside Sid towards the ICU. She could feel her chest rising rapidly with a sweet sense of anticipation. She had imagined how their soft skin would feel against hers and now she would get to live that feeling. Trying to keep from clapping her hands in excitement she clung onto the arm of the chair as they rounded the final corner and now approached the door that would lead her to her babies. Using the arm of the wheel chair she pulled herself up right and took a quick glance back at Brax as she heard him chuckling lightly

"What?" she asked, a smile plastered on her face

Brax shook his head "You, fidgeting like a kid on Christmas morning"

Charlie shook her head "This is so much better than any Christmas morning or present" She inhaled as the nurse pushed the door open and Brax slowly wheeled her in. her gaze fixated on the two incubators, her heart thudding excitedly against her chest. And finally the twins came into view and the motion of the chair stopped in the middle of the two incubators. She felt an involuntary gasp leave the corner of her lips as her eyes absorbed their features. Her gaze flicked from side to side as she stored every little detail of her twins in her mind

Seeing them through that window had done them no justice, because seeing them now, seeing them for what felt like the first time she felt them envelope themselves tighter around her heart. She placed both hands on each incubator running her thumb along them

It wasn't till Brax's thumb brushed over Charlie's cheek softly that she realised she was crying "Happy tears" she quickly informed him and to her surprise her voice was croaked

Brax nodded, the smile on his face reaching from ear to ear "I know"

Turing back to her twins her hand still placed on their incubators she smiled at the two of them, pursing her lips as she tried to stop any more tears from falling

"Hy" she cooed her gaze flickering between the two of them "Mummy's here" she chuckled with joy and tears in her eyes as her boy curled his right fingers together. Ruby had been tiny when Charlie had her but nothing compared to the size of the twins. She turned her gaze to her sleeping baby girl and tilted her head slightly "You're so beautiful" her thumb still stroking against the incubator she glanced at her son "You both are" she slipped both her hands into a hole in each of the incubator and softly stroked their arm with the back of her thumb. Swallowing the small cry that crawled up her throat she embeds herself in the softness of their skin.

She and Brax let out a chuckle of joy as their girl seemed aware of her touch as she flinched slightly. Feeling the overwhelming urge to be closer to them she looked back over her shoulder and turned to the nurse her eyes wide "Can I hold him?" she knew she wouldn't yet be able to hold her baby girl in her arm but she could hold her boy and for now be content with the little contact she could have with her baby girl

The nurse nodded with a smile "I think the little boy would love a little cuddle from his mum"

Charlie felt her smile widen when the nurse called her their mum. She turned back to the twins, they were her's, both hers and Brax's. Taking her hands from the incubators, she sat watching with anxious eyes as the nurse opened up the one her son lay in, making sure to keep clear of the wires as she lifted the baby boy into her arms. She almost felt to leap up from her seat and take him from her but she sat patiently as the nurse turned to her

"Here you go"

Charlie's arms were already waiting as the nurse lowered him to her. She felt the nurse let go and the almost unnoticeable weight of her baby boy fall into her arms. She sat unmoved her gaze locked on his face. His button nose, his tick dark eyelashes, she took it all in. Holding him to her in her right arm, she brought her left hand up and stroked his cheeks with her index finger. A joyful chuckle left her lips as her squirmed somehow snuggling closer to her. She ran her hand over the slick chocolate hair on his head and ever so slowly she lowered her head to his and placed a soft kiss of his head. She looked at Brax who had now crouched down beside her and her smile engulfed her face, one which he returned. Looking back down at her boy she ran her thumb along the inside of his open palm and her eye's widened ever so slightly as he opened his eyes. She looked down into them in awe, both times they had allowed her to come see the twins see hadn't seen them with their eyes opened

"He's opened them" spoke Brax the joy in his voice soaring around the room as he looked down at his son

"Is this the first time?" asked Charlie

Brax nodded finding him voice a little chocked as he spoke "Yeah, the first I've seen. Well it's officially he's definitely a mommy boy" Brax leaned forward and stroked his sons head

"Of course he is… aren't you" Charlie cooed down at her son

Charlie's grin seemed to widened to an impossible length and she brought her gaze up to her daughter, watching as Brax placed his hand into her incubator softly running his thumb along her arm and over her open palm. She saw Brax's body still and watched as their daughter gently curled her tiny fingers around his thumb. Charlie's eyes met Brax's gaze and the love she could see was overwhelming

"Well it seems she's definitely a daddy girl"

"And I wouldn't have it any other way" said Brax

…

Charlie lay with her back against the headrest as Ruby, Martha and Bianca crowded round her all three of them gushing over her having seen the twins

"You should have been there when she wrapped her tiny fingers around his thumb" Charlie's face filled with life as she spoke of the twins "And when he opened his eyes" Charlie gave a content sigh "I didn't want to leave"

"You haven't seen how Jack and Heath are like with them" spoke Martha "I think it's safe to say those two are going to be spoilt rotten all round. Jack broke out in his baby voice the last time we were with them" Martha and the girls laughed as Jack looked up from where he was sat

"I don't have a baby voice"

"Actually babe yes you do. And to be honest it's a little scary" Martha scrunched her nose together and the guys started laughing and Heath patted him on the back playfully

"Scary" Heath spoke as his chuckling turned to laughter

"Shut up" Jack scowled as he punched him in the arm

Brax watched as Heath stood to his feet and over to Charlie "You going to eat that?"

Charlie chuckled and Bianca shook her head in disbelief "No I'm not"

"Good" Picking up the dessert he shoved the spoon into it taking half of it into his mouth

"Serious Heath" Brax looked at his brother with a cocked eyebrow

"What" he shrugged walking back over to the couch by the window "She wasn't going to eat it and it's not in my nature to see food go to waste"

"It's also not in your nature to ever say no to food" added Jack causing the rest to chuckle lightly

"It's not in my nature to say no to a lot of things… just ask Bianca" he grinned cheekily and gave Bianca a wink

"Heath" she exclaimed shooting him a look of horror before she tried to hide her reddened cheeks

Casey and Ruby groaned both their lips turned down in a frown

"That's dirty Heath" Martha shook her head

"That's what she said" Heath chuckled loudly at his own joke as Bianca's eye widened in embarrassment

"Heath" she shook her head as he kept chuckling

"That's beyond gross you know that" spoke Casey his lips till turned downwards

…

"Bye" Charlie waved everyone off and now it only remained her, Brax, Ruby and Casey

"Bet you guys will be glad to be back in your own rooms tonight" Charlie looked at both Casey and Ruby

Ruby nodded just as Sid came into the room and all four pair of eyes landed on him

"How are you feeling?" he asked smiling down at Charlie

"Good, Still have the slightest pain but I hardly notice it"

Sid nodded as he glanced between all four of them "I err…I actually wanted to talk to you guys about your baby girl" Charlie shuffled up the bed, straightening her back. And Brax, Ruby and Casey sat up at alert

"Is something wrong?" Charlie asked, fear seeping through her tone. She felt her limps relax as Sid shook his head

"No, quite the opposite actually. Firstly you should know that all the bacteria as officially cleared"

Charlie sighed in relief along with the rest

"So she's better now?"

"Better than she was" replied Sid "Also she has been responding well this last week, and we would like to take her off the ventilator and put her on si-pap"

All four of them frowned and Brax spoke up "What's a si-pap?"

"It's a machine that will still offer her a positive amount of oxygen however it allows her to breath on her own when she can and will kick in as a sort of ventilator if she is to get tired or forgets"

"Forgets?" Charlie's frown deepened

"It's nothing to worry about. Because the ventilator has been doing the breathing for her she isn't used to breathing of her own according so it will take a while for her to be aware of it at all times"

"Right, so if that was to happen it would breath for her till she starts taking breaths on her own again?" asked Brax

Sid nodded

"I need to let you know there is a chance her lungs might not be strong enough yet but we have strong hope"

"And if that's the case you will put her back on the ventilator?" asked Brax

"Yes we would. If she isn't strong enough yet she will be on the ventilator till she is"

"When… err when do you want to do it?" asked Brax

"Right away" replied Sid "If you guys would like to be there we can do it now"

Charlie nodded her head adamantly "We wouldn't want to be anywhere else"

Sid nodded "Ok"

…

Charlie sat in the wheel chair at the top of the incubators as Brax, Ruby and Casey stood huddled round all four waiting anxiously as Sid entered behind them. Charlie looked down at her son who now lay cradled in her arm. She stroked her hand over his head softly, a smile harbouring her face as his eyes flickered open before closing again. She looked up as Sid spoke

"Remember guys if she is still struggling it's not a bad thing ok… she will eventually get there. Her lungs need to develop at their own rate so don't worry"

All four heads nodded wanting him to stop talking and get on with it. Their eyes remained glued to the incubator as Sid propped it open. They watched intensively as he slowly removed the tub from her nostrils. Each of them had long held their breath as Sid detached her from the ventilator and attached her to the si-pap machine.

Brax felt his breath hitch in his throat as the si-pap machine beeped indicating her current heart rate; his knuckles turned in into his palms as he tried to keep steady his shaking hands as her heart rate dropped slightly

Sid looked at all the widened worried eyes "We'll give her a few seconds she isn't used to having to do so much work on her own it might take her a while to get the hang of it" his gaze moved back to the monitor and he too found himself silently praying that her heart rate would pick back up

Suddenly a roar of sighs echoed through the room and even Sid found himself letting out a sigh in relief as her heart rate picked up.

"She's doing it" Charlie spoke and sometime during the last few minutes her eyes had clouded over. Brax nodded at her words and a chuckle left his lips

"Yeah she is"

Sid watched the machine for a while longer and finally satisfied that she seemed to be taking to it well he turned to Charlie and Brax "We'll have to keep checking on her, like I said she could grow tired or forget but for now she seems to be doing well"

"Thank you Sid" Charlie smiled up at him

"I didn't do anything… your little girls done all the work" he smiled at Charlie "I have one more surprise for the four of you" he looked up at the window and indicated for the nurse to come in

Charlie, Brax Ruby and Casey looked up at him expectantly before their gaze turned to the nurse as she walked into the room

"You finally get to hold your daughter" he glanced between Brax and Charlie as he spoke and he felt pleased more than happy to be able to deliver the news as he saw the smiles that immediately captured their faces

"Really" Charlie asked through quivering lips

"Yes really"

Brax looked back at the nurse as she moved the single couch at the corner of the room closer to them "how would daddy like a hold" she asked as she walked over to the incubator

Unable to speak Brax nodded his head as he lowered himself into the single couch that was now placed next to Charlie

They watched as the nurse picked their baby girl up with the utmost care before gently moving towards Brax "Here you go"

He felt his body stiffen as the nurse placed his daughter in his arms. His emotions tumbled to the surface as his daughter brought her hand up and lazily brushed it against her face

He looked up at Charlie her smile matching his as she looked down at their daughter. His gaze moved back down

"Hy you" Brax cleared his throat as he peered down at her, His thumb rounding in gentle strokes on her back "We've been dying to hold you for so long"

All four of them chuckled as she squirmed slightly in his arms

"You're absolutely beautiful" he cooed down at her as she nestled perfectly into the fold of his arm

Charlie looked lovingly at her husband and daughter, never had she seen such a perfect image "You know I think it's time we gave them names now… pip and bean just doesn't seem right anymore" Brax looked up at Charlie as she spoke and nodded her head

Brax turned to Casey and Ruby who now stood either side of him and Charlie both of them seemingly mesmerized by the twins

"What do you guys think?" Brax asked the both of them "And please let it be something good, Charlie here suggested Wilfred and Austin"

Casey grimaced and Ruby's nose turned up "No why are you naming my brother and sister that"

Charlie chuckled "Don't worry I was only joking"

"Good" replied Ruby

"Err…" Casey rubbed the back of his head with his hand "I was thinking we could call her hope, kind of fits considering…"

Brax and Charlie looked at one another before looking down at their baby girl

"Hope" said Charlie and Brax smiled down at their daughter

"Hope Elise Braxton" said Brax

Charlie looked up at Him surprised "Really?"

Brax nodded "If your parents hadn't moved you here, we may have never met and these two may not be here so I think it's only fair we allow them contribute in some way"

Charlie nodded with pursed lips

"I think she's giving us her approval" smiled Ruby as Hope squirmed slightly in Brax's arms

"Well how about this little guy. You need a name as well don't you" Charlie grinned down at her son stroking his slick head of hair. A smile passed her face and she looked up at Brax "So you didn't like Wilfred but what do you think about Caleb?"

The baby boy's eye's opened groggily

"I think he just gave you his answer" replied Brax "Caleb Ross Braxton"

Charlie smiled down at her son as Ruby bent to their level gliding her index finger against over his cheeks "Hope Elise and Caleb Ross Braxton"

This was it this, was their family

[RoRo90]

Thank you Spotd1, JarlieFanEver and Freakie42 for the comments. Has much as I have absolutely loved writing this story (and I mean LOVED) it is finally coming to an end. I still have a few chapters to go not sure how many and there is still one surprise left to go. I'm actually sad to see this fic come to an end but I think it's time. I just hope you guys enjoy whats left to come.

CHAPTER SEVENTY THREE

Charlie smiled down at her son as Ruby bent to their level gliding her index finger against over his cheeks "Hope Elise and Caleb Ross Braxton"
This was it this, was their family
...
One week later

"I don't want to leave them here alone" Charlie protested for the millionth time since Brax had arrived that morning

"Babe" Brax clasped both hands on her cheeks "I promise you we'll be down here with them every minute possible and they're not alone ok. They have all the attention of the nurses and Sid promised to call us if there is even the slightest of change"

Charlie's shoulders sagged as she looked at him "They should be coming home with us"

Brax nodded as he moved his hands from her cheeks and lifted her up off the bed. Sitting down he pulled her down onto his lap "I agree and I wish they were but they'll be getting the care they need here until they are ready and then they'll be with us; where they belong"

Charlie sighed as Brax laced his hands into her's "I just don't like the thought of being so far away from them"

Brax placed a kiss in her hair "And neither do I, but like I said we'll be down here with them everyday"

Charlie bit the corner of her lip as she gazed at Brax "I know" leaning in she placed a kiss on his lips

"Umm, I'm not complaining but what was that for?" Brax brushed a strand hair from her face

"Just for being you" Charlie smiled at him as he removed his hand from hers and gently laced both arms around her waist

"Well I'm pretty awesome so I think I deserve a little something more"

Charlie's grin widened as she leaned closer to Brax and he closed the rest of the distance, their lips meeting in a gentle but passionate kiss. Her hands snaked up his chest till they rested on the back of his neck, her fingers playing with the hairs on the back of his neck. Brax's hold on her tightened as the kiss deepened her chest now pressed firmly against his

"You guys don't waste time, do you"

Charlie and Brax broke apart as Heath stood grinning at them "It's a good thing Ruby and Casey aren't here, don't think the poor kids need a reminder of the things they'll have to put up with once you two are under the same roof"

Charlie's cheeks reddened and Brax shook his head at Heath "You're an idiot"

Heath scoffed "Please I'm the only one thinking about Ruby and Casey's sanity, no kid wants to hear her mum going at it. But don't worry I've advised them to invest in top of the range ear plugs… that should just about drown out any unwanted noise"

Brax bit into the side of his mouth as Charlie's eye's widened

"HEATH" she shrieked in shock, the colour from her cheeks now running down her neck

"Babe he's just kidding" Brax cleared his throat as she buried her head into his chest a groan escaping her lips

"Why are you even here?" asked Brax glared at Heath

"Well, because I'm such a nice uncle I brought these in for the twins" Heath held up the two stuffed bears in his hand "Bianca seems to think she as to buy a new stuffed toy every time she sees one. And I figured I would bring it in for them"

Charlie leaned back from Brax and smiled as she looked at the purple bow tied bears in Heath hands. It wasn't the first set the twins had received and by the rate Martha, Bianca and even Ruby were going through stuffed toys, Charlie wondered if there would be any room in the ICU room for actual people

Brax cocked an eyebrow at Heath "When you say you figured you would bring them round I'm guessing you mean, she forced you to bring them"

"Same difference" spoke Heath "I swear I married the scariest woman in summer bay"

"I'll tell her you said that" Charlie spoke as she stood from Brax's lap and took the two purple bears from Heath's hands

"Please you want to hear the things Brax as said about you...in the past"

Brax's eye widened as he glared at Heath, his expression quickly softening as Charlie turned to him with a pointed gaze. Brax shook his head and chuckled "Ignore him babe… he's just kidding"

"Actually…"

Brax turned back to Heath, the glare in his eyes returning "Say one more word and you will regret it" tuning back to Charlie who now stood with both hands on her hips he stood to his feet "And you…" he gently pulled her towards him placing a kiss on her forehead "I love you… a lot; too much really"

Heath chuckled at the look on Charlie's face "Actually I take it back, I think you got the scariest woman in the bay" quickly walking to the door as Charlie's pointed gaze turned to him and before Brax could get to him, he gave a salute "I am going to see my niece and nephew before I head off to work. No doubt Bianca will drag us over to your place later so I will see you then" he walked out the door before sticking his head back in and looking at Charlie "I am really glad you're ok" he smiled at Charlie before finally closing the door

Charlie smiled and shook her head softly "He makes it kind of hard to be mad at him"

"Speak for yourself" Brax scoffed as he looked down at the time "Right, you all packed?"

He chuckled as Charlie gave a reluctant nod "Pretty much"

"Right well I'll go sign your discharge papers and we'll go spend a bit of time with the twins before I take you home"
…
"Hy" Charlie smiled down at Hope as the nurse placed her in her arms. Hope had been touch and go on the si-pap machine for the first few nights. She had tired easily which meant the si-pap usually kicked in and did the breathing for her most especially when she was asleep. However she had been going consistently for the last three days... only needing the si-pap's assistant for short periods of time

"How's my strong little girl today" Charlie lifted Hope's fingers with her index finger and placed them to her lips' leaving a soft kiss on them "the nurse say's you're doing really well" she smiled down at Hope who had now curled her fingers around Charlie's index finger

"I really don't want to leave them Brax"

She looked over at Brax who was cooing down at Caleb in his arms "Neither do I" he ran his hand over Caleb's head "But it won't be for long"

"I hope not" Charlie sighed as she looked at Caleb, smiling at how much smaller he looked wrapped in Brax's big arms before looking down at Hope and she began cooing down at her; her smile spreading further as Hope brushed her finger over her tiny face

Noticing how quiet Brax was, Charlie looked over at him as he held Caleb in his arms. She smiled as Brax peered down at their son seemingly whispering something to him

"I hope you're not corrupting him already" she winked as Brax looked up at her

"Corrupt… me? He shook his head "Never. I'm just sharing a few of the famous Braxton tricks with him; he'll have the nurse's putty in his hands. Plus he'll need it to impress the ladies in the future"

Charlie laughed "So you are corrupting him"

Brax feigned offence "You hurt my feeling Charlie... there is nothing corrupt about the Braxton charm"

"Well how about you share some of this knowledge with our daughter, you know help her out with the boys"

Charlie chuckled as Brax shook his head "There will be no boys… only me" he grinned widely

Both their gazes lifted as the door opened and Sid entered the room "I figured I would find the both of you here" Sid gave a smile

Charlie smiled back at him "I just wanted to see them before I leave" Charlie sighed "I wish they could come home with us already"

Sid nodded "I know, but I can tell you that after looking at their stats this morning they are both doing really well. You already know Caleb is doing extremely well and now it seems Hope is well on her way and has been breathing on her own for the last 48 hours"

"So she doesn't need the si-pap anymore?" asked Brax

"Although she hasn't needed it's assistant as of late, the risk of her growing tired and needing assistant, although slim at this point in time is still possible so we're going to keep her on the si-pap for a few more days for precaution. But by the looks of things she seems to have got the hang of it all on her own. These two will be home with you in no time"

Charlie tilted her head to one side a little laugh passing her lips before she pursed them together. She looked over at Caleb in Brax's arms before looking down at Hope and then back up at Sid

"That is the best news. Thank you Sid"

Brax nodded in agreement to Charlie's words as he looked down at Caleb "Hear that buddy you and your sister will be home before you know it"
…
Stepping into the house for the first time in weeks Charlie smiled as Brax placed her things on the floor, closing the door behind them.

"I have to admit, although I hate leaving the twins alone in the hospital I am relieved to be home. I can't wait to eat some proper food"

Brax scoffed from behind her as he wrapped his arm around her waist, bending slightly as he placed his chin on her shoulder "And there was me thinking the best part of coming home would be getting to spend some more time with me"

Charlie chuckled as she placed her arm over his entwining her fingers in his. She leaned back into his chest "Brax you've been down the hospital every day, I have been spending time with you"

Brax shook his head "No that was everyone's time…I'm talking about our time. Just me and you"

Charlie turned to face him her palms flat against his chest "So what did you want to do during just me and you time"

Well Brax raised his eyebrow suggestively "Seeing as Sid says you still need to be resting for the next week or so, being the lovely husband that I am…" Charlie chuckled "I have put dean in charge of the restaurant for the next few weeks so until we can perform more…" Brax paused searching for the right words "exciting activities, we'll just have to settle for plenty of time in front of the TV…when we're not at the hospital of course"

Charlie smiled up at him "Well we can still do this can't we?" leaning closer to him, her hands moved up his arms till it was looped around his neck. She placed a soft kiss on his lips, and smiled into the kiss as Brax tugged on her bottom lip. Increasing the gap between her lips she allowed him access as the kiss quickly deepened. A groan left Brax's throat and Charlie finally pulled away a grin placed on her face

Brax sucked in a breath and seemed to somehow tighten his hold on her "We can definitely do that…plenty of that" he placed another quick kiss on her lips before pulling back his gaze locking against hers.

Charlie bowed her heads as she felt her cheeks heating under his heavy gaze. She felt Brax's thumb graze under her chin as he lifted her head up to his "Your absolutely amazing" his thumb left her chin and moved to caress her now redden cheek that only deepened with his words "I'm not sure I want Hope taking after you"

Charlie frowned "Why?"

"Well" Brax moved his hands in circular motions on the small of her back "If she's anything like you I'm gonna have to purchase a gun to keep all those wondering boys at bay"

Charlie chuckled "Please you'll have a lot more to worry about if she's got that smile of yours of those dimples that seem to be able to get you anything you want"
Brax grinned at her and sighed as he nodded his head "You've got a point there"

Charlie let out a heartened laugh as she hit him lightly against the chest "You're something else Braxton"

"Ditto Braxton" Brax grinned at her giving her a quick kiss before pulling away "Now you're going to go take a bath and then get some rest. Knowing you, you probably didn't sleep a wink last night"

Charlie sighed but didn't protest, she couldn't deny she was quiet tired "Well only if you come with me"

Brax smiled and placed a kiss on the back of her head as they walked into their room "I think I can manage that"
…
"Mum" Ruby came bounding through the door "Mum"

Brax chuckled from the kitchen "In the room"

"Hi Brax" Ruby shouted as she throw her bag onto the floor and paced quickly down the hall and into Charlie and Brax's room

"Hy Brax" Casey smiled at his brother seemingly out of breath

Brax chuckled and cocked an eyebrow "have you been running?"

Casey let out a breath as he opened the fridge taking a bottle of water out and downing half of it. He turned to Brax "I had to, to keep up with Rubes. She practically sprinted all the way from school"

Brax chuckled and shook his head "I'm surprised she made it to the end of school, I could have bet money on it that you guys would have left early"

"Oh she wanted to, I had to literally force her to our last two periods" Casey placed the bottle of water down on the kitchen counter "They should be done with all the squealing, I'm going to say hi"

Brax watched Casey as he walked down the hall and although Casey tried to act cool about it, Brax could see he was just as happy to have Charlie home as Ruby was
…
Charlie sat up on the bed as the door swung open and Ruby practically pounced on her "Well I was going to ask if you're happy to have me home but I think I've already got my answer" Charlie placed a kiss on Ruby's temple as Ruby finally pulled away

"Of course I'm happy to have you home" Ruby's smile reaching from ear to ear "I know we've been with you at the hospital but it doesn't feel the same as having you here"

Charlie nodded in agreement "Well I'm happy to be home"

Ruby peered at Charlie "Thank you for keeping your promise"

Charlie brushed her index finger against Ruby's cheek "Anytime...you're stuck with me for long time yet"

"Good...plus now I have you here to defend me when Casey and Brax gang up against me"

"We've done no such thing" Charlie looked up to see Casey standing at the door "If anyone is being bullied in this house it's me"

Ruby scoffed playfully and Charlie chuckled at Casey

"I'm glad you're back home" spoke Casey

Charlie nodded "Well I wouldn't want you to have no one to back you when you're obviously being mistreated by these two" Charlie grinned down as Ruby scoffed again but before she could speak Brax's voice was heard as he emerged next to Casey

"The only person that has been mistreated while you've been away is me. These two have it in for me and if Caleb and Hope are even half as conning as the both of them I'd say I need to start saving every penny I make"

"We have not been that bad" Ruby protested as she giggled a little

Brax cocked an eyebrow "Yeah, well tell that to my wallet and the empty fridge"

"I agree with Rubes, he's just exaggerating" added Casey "Ow what was that for?" Casey rubbed the back of his head where Brax had hit as he stepped Casey form him a little

"For lying; I am not exaggerating. And just for that you can both make your own food tonight"

"But there's nothing in the house" said Ruby

Brax grinned "Exactly"

Ruby turned to Charlie "Can you see what I've been putting up with"

Charlie shook her head at the three of them as she put both her hands up "I'm staying out of it" she chuckled as Ruby threw a pillow at Brax but instead got Casey
"I have missed this" Charlie muttered to herself
…
Stripping the covers back Brax slide in next to Charlie. Jack, Martha, Heath and Bianca had all been round with the kids and had let almost an hour ago. Brax smiled as Charlie looked up at him before shuffling into him, her head resting on his chest as she sprayed her arm around his lower waist

"Mmmm, I've missed this" Charlie closed her eyes as Brax placed a tender kiss on her forehead

"You have no idea how much I've missed having you lying here next to me" spoke Brax as he trailed his index finger in a circular motion against her arm
Charlie smiled against his chest before bringing her head up only to be met by his gaze. She noted the look in his eyes before resting her chin on his chest her arm moving from his lower waist as she brought her hand to rest on his chest "A penny for your thought" she searched his face as she waited for him to speak

Brax shook his head "Just thinking about how much I love you" he gave half a smile as he brushed away the hair in her face

Charlie knew Brax more than she knew herself and she knew the words that were hidden behind what he had said. She remembered how she had felt when Grant had shot Brax, having to see him on the floor lifeless; she knew how Brax would have felt when he found her on their bathroom floor.

She brought her hands up to his cheek before pulling herself further up the bed till her lips met his and she placed a gentle kiss on his lips. Pulling back she met his gaze "I'm not going anywhere… ever"

Brax pulled her back in for another soft kiss, their lips lingering next to each other as they pulled away

"Good" a deep sigh left Brax's lips as Charlie lowered herself back down and placed her head on his chest

"I love you Daryl James Braxton"

Brax smiled into her hair taking in the wonderful familiarity of it's light vanilla smell

"I love you too Charlotte Alexa Braxton"

[RoRo90]

Thank you JarlieFanEver, Spotd1 and Freakie42 for the comments love that you guys always find the time to leave a comment Freakie42 I actually have started another fic called 'You are not alone' but I only post it on the fanfic.net website, the only reason being not many people seem to read this fic on this site anymore (at least it seems that way from the comments) so I didn't see the need to post my other fic but I did get asked by CharlieandBrax4Ever if I could post it on this site and I'm guessing you guys mainly read fanfics from this website so I will take the time to post that for you (Although I am already at chapter 12 so it's a lot to catch up on). Anyway hope you guys enjoy this chapter

CHAPTER SEVENTY FOUR

One week later

Charlie had been expressing milk and the twins had started feeding through feeding tubes for the last few days. Ruby and Casey had left for school and Charlie sat on the dining table with the milk pump as she expressed into the empty bottles.

Walking into the living room in nothing but his boxers, Brax groaned as he caught sight of her. Charlie's gaze lifted to his and couldn't help but blush as he peered down at her chest "Brax stop staring" she dropped her head hiding her crimson cheeks and shuffled trying to hide herself from him.

Brax chuckled before walking over to her, bending slightly and placing a kiss on her lips "Babe it's nothing I haven't seen before" he glanced down at her chest and cocked his head "Although they're a lot fuller than I remember" he bit into the bottom of his lips and Charlie only redden the more as he continued talking "I mean I liked them before I mean a lot, but now I definitely without a shadow of a doubt love them" his grin widened

Charlie pursed her lips together before looking up and meeting his eye's "Well You'd best start taking full advantage of it because once I stop breast feeding it'll most likely shrink again Charlie gave him a cheeky grin

Brax placed his forehead against hers and groaned "You're killing me Charlie"

"Well I have my check up today so hopefully everything is good. And we can waste a lot of time tonight"

Brax chuckled lightly and placed another kiss on her head "I can't wait" his gaze feel to her chest once again and he chuckled as Charlie slapped his bare chest

"Stop ogling me"

Brax shrugged as he walked into the kitchen, Charlie watching his ass as he moved "I can't help it" he popped his head out through the door frame "And don't think I couldn't feel you checking me out" he winked at her and Charlie let out a laugh

"What can I say, I can't help it either"

…

Charlie's hands were laced into Brax's as they walked into the hospital. The nurse at the reception smiled as she saw them approaching.

"The twins were up early this morning…seems they're very eager to see the two of you today" she smiled at the two that she and most of the other nurses had grown accustomed to seeing every morning

"Brax, Charlie" both of them turned at the call of their names to see Sid walking towards them

"Hi Sid" both Charlie and Brax greeted him as he stood in front of them

"I know you guys are eager to get to the twins but I figured you could do your examination first" he looked at Charlie who nodded in agreement

"Yea ok"

Sid smiled "I'll get one of the nurses to direct you to the room and I'll get one of the doctors to you soon" a nurse approached as Sid left and she directed both Charlie and Brax into a room

"If you just prop yourself up onto the bed and make yourself comfortable, a doctor will be with you soon"

Charlie nodded with a smile and did as she was instructed as Brax sat on the chair beside the bed. Brax sat forward and tucked Charlie's hair behind her hair

"I was thinking, after we see the twins we could go into the city" said Brax "You know, get some things for the twins"

Charlie turned to him "We do need to get some clothes for them, we need to get car seats and I really really wanna shop for baby shoes" she clapped her hands together and Brax chuckled

"So I take that as a yes then"

Charlie nodded "Yea, but could we wait till after schools finished; I know Ruby will want to come along too but I think Casey might run and hide"

Brax scoffed "I don't think so. If Ruby is coming then he's coming with us; no way am I being left alone with you and Ruby in a mall for most of the afternoon. Casey's just going to have to suck it up"

"Brax you can't force him to come if he doesn't want to"

Brax shook his head innocently "I would never dream of it"

Charlie squinted her eyes and went to reply but the door creaked open and a blonde headed woman walked through the door

"Hi you must be Mrs Braxton, I'm Dr Taylor I'll be doing your check up this morning" she turned to Brax "And I'm guessing you're Mr Braxton"

Brax nodded

Charlie smiled at the woman "I err… I haven't felt any pain since I left the hospital so that must be a good sign right?"

The doctor nodded "That is good but we still carry out these check-up just in case there are certain underlying issues that although may not cause any pain may still occur"

Charlie nodded and shuffled down the bed till she was lay down flat

"If you just lift your top up for me and we'll get started"

Charlie did as she was told exhaling as the female doctor became probing the once sensitive area

…

"So everything is ok, she's good?" Asked Brax a sigh of relief passing by his lips

Dr Taylor nodded as Charlie sat up on the bed and swung her legs down the side "Yea, you've healed nicely but it doesn't mean we want you to go out and start over doing it"

Charlie shook her head "I won't. Just happy everything is ok"

Brax nodded "You and me both" he grinned at her and she blushed knowing what he was thinking about

Dr Taylor nodded "And remember it's advised that you guys wait at least six weeks before resuming sex or any sexual activity that may put pressure or inter fear with your cervix. After six weeks you will have to come in for you postpartum… this will be just to make sure your postpartum bleeding as stopped and that the wall of your uterus wall as healed"

"Six weeks" Brax tried to hide the horror in his voice and Charlie's eyes widened slightly

Dr Taylor nodded her head and cleared her throat that threatened to let loose the chuckle that had arisen at the sight of the expression on both Charlie and Brax's faces.

"Six weeks but in your case a little over two weeks now" she confirmed

"And it has to be six weeks?" questioned Charlie a pout forming on her lips

"That's the advisable time and in your case I would recommend you wait a little longer. I can guarantee you that this soon after a surgery such as a C-section; sex will most probably not be the most pleasant activity. You may have healed on the outside but your uterus and cervix are still on the mend"

"How did I not know this?" Charlie frowned

Dr Taylor smiled lightly, she Knew Charlie already had a daughter but she had also read Charlie's medical history and knew that due to her age and mostly the situation behind her first pregnancy, it was most likely her doctor didn't feel the need to go through these things with her

"Most women aren't aware when they give birth it's our job to let them know"

Charlie nodded and sighed "So I will have to come back in for another check-up"

The doctor nodded "Yes and hopefully that will be your last. Right I will leave you guys to it, I hear you're eager to get to your newborns"

A smile lit on both Charlie and Brax's face

"Yea we are" answered Charlie

"Well I will schedule you in for an appointment three weeks from today and hopefully by then you'll be good to go" she smiled at the two of them before leaving the room, as the blush in Charlie's cheeks returned, obviously the doctor had seen how disappointed her and Brax were at the thought of having to wait even longer

Charlie turned to face Brax "Three weeks" she frowned

Brax stood to his feet, edged around the bed to her side till he was stood in front of her. He inhaled as she stood to her feet and moved to the tips of her toes before placing a kiss on his lips "We can do three weeks… we've waited this long right"

Charlie nodded "Yep... and with the twins keeping us busy, time will fly by" she nodded her head at her own words

"Three weeks" Brax said again causing Charlie to laugh "I guess I'll just have to get accustomed to taking cold showers"

"Looks like it" Charlie grinned before placing another quick kiss on his lips and taking his hand as they both made their way to the ICU

…

Charlie and Brax had been in with the twins for just over two hours when Sid walked into the room. Charlie sat with Caleb in her arms held against her chest while Brax held Hope against his; both of them watching as the twins slept peacefully in their arms

Charlie and Brax smiled up at Sid, both of them eager for any news he may have on the twin's progress. It made no difference that they were there every day, hearing about the twins' improvement even the smallest things always made the world of difference

"So I actually have big news for you guys today" Sid smiled "Hope will be coming off the si-pap today"

Charlie exhaled and chuckled through her breath as she instinctively ran her index finger along Hope's soft hair

"And you think she is up to breathing on her own full time now?" asked Brax the elation in his voice evident to both Sid and Charlie

Sid nodded "She actually hasn't needed nor used the assistant of the si-pap in over a week… so yes I think it's safe to say her lungs have developed enough for her to fully breathe on her own"

"So you're going to take her off it when she wakes?" asked Charlie

Sid nodded "Yes we are"

…

"Hi mum, Hi Brax" Ruby dropped her bag on the floor as Casey shut the door

Charlie walked down the hall "Hope is officially off the si-pap. She's breathing all on her own" Charlie bounced on the spot

"Great" Casey smiled and exhaled

Ruby clapped her hands together "Oh can we go and see them"

Charlie shook her head "tomorrow or if we have time two have five minutes to get dressed we're going out"

"Where?" asked Casey as Brax came up behind Charlie

"Shopping, we're going to get something's for the twins and the two of you are coming along"

"Give me two minutes" Ruby picked her school bag up and sprinted into her room. Charlie and Brax chuckled before they turned to Casey

"She said five minutes Case, even you need that long to get changed" said Brax knowing Casey was about to protest. The one thing the Braxton men most especially Casey avoided doing was shopping. Casey would pay good money if he thought it would get him out of ever having to go shopping

"If I say I already made plans with Dex and Xavier, would you believe me?" he looked at Brax and Charlie through sheepish eyes

Brax and Charlie shook their heads

"I promise it won't be that bad" said Charlie

Brax cleared his throat and Charlie gave him a jab to the ribs as she kept her gaze on Casey

Casey scoffed "I have been with Ruby long enough to know that's a lie… the only thing she loves doing more than eating is shopping"

"Err I can hear you" Ruby emerged from her room and like promised she was all dressed and ready to go

"Why is it when me and you are going somewhere it takes you forever to get dressed but shopping and you're ready in less than a minute?"

Charlie and Brax chuckled as Ruby smiled up at Casey sweetly and ignored his question "Are you not going to get changed"

"Nope, because I have plans" answered Casey. He had been shopping enough times with Ruby to know to try and avoid it to all cost.

Brax shook his head, he in no way wanted to be left alone with Ruby and Charlie "No you haven't you're coming with us"

"You wanna bet" Casey raised an eyebrow determined to stand his ground

Brax chuckled as Ruby pursed her lips her eyes widening sweetly as she stepped a little closer to Casey

"Yea I do actually" Brax let out a little laugh as Casey turned to Ruby and groaned, trying to look away

…

"I can't believe that look worked on you" Brax patted Casey's back mockingly as Ruby and Charlie left them behind, darting into the first store they saw

Casey rolled his eyes "Please, I have seen Charlie use that same look on you more times than one and never as it failed"

Brax dismissed the comment as they entered the store, both he and Casey catching sight of Charlie and Ruby darting from one section to another. Brax smiled at the goofy look on Casey's face when he looked at Ruby

"I still can't believe you guys have been together so long" commented Brax and Casey looked up at him

"What?" he asked obviously not following Brax's line of conversation

Brax chuckled "You and Rubes… you've been together a while"

Casey grinned "Yea, and you will probably use this against me in the future but I'm gonna say it anyway. She is kind of amazing… in a crazy way"

Brax grinned at Casey and shook his head. He couldn't believe how together Ruby and Casey seemed to have it, when he was that age relationships seemed filled with unnecessary drama

Brax shuffled on his feet, the subject had been on his mind for a while but he always gave reasons to put it off. He knew someone needed to talk to Casey about it and it wasn't going to be Heath. He took a deep breath deciding to descend into the conversation gradually

"You guys have been together how long exactly?"

Casey slowed down a little and pondered for a second "My answer would be a little over a year but I really should know exactly how long, in case she asks one day"

Brax laughed his dimples showing "I think that's a good idea" looking around the store for a while he spoke again "So err…"he shifted his neck stiffly side to side his eyes narrowing as he thought of how best to put his words "Err... have you guys... branched out yet" Brax spoke slowly replaying his own words in his head; his gaze placed directly ahead of him

Casey looked over at him confused "Branched out?"

Brax nodded and glanced at him quickly "Yea… you know"

Casey's eyebrows knitted together "No actually I don't know. It might help if you spoke English"

Brax cleared his throat "Branch out as in taken the next step" he tilted his head slightly to the side almost wishing he hadn't started the conversation

"Brax what are you…" Casey stood still and his eyes widened in horror as realisation dawned on him. Casey felt a quick blush rising to his cheeks

He closed his eyes briefly before they darted around the store making sure there wasn't a soul in hearing shot of the two of them "Now Brax…really" his gazed darted around again before he looked back at Brax "You decide that now is the best time to bring this up. In a store that sells clothes for babies, with people everywhere"

Brax cocked his head to the side, Casey had a point; this probably wasn't the best place to have brought it up but it was done now "Well just answer the question and the conversation will be over"

"Brax I don't need the birds and the bee's talk" Casey spoke in a whisper as he picked up speed hoping to get rid of his brother but Brax stepped in time with him

"I didn't say you did…I just want to make sure you have all the facts before… you know"

Casey groaned and brushed his hands over his face. He looked over at Brax to find him looking at him expectantly and sighed "No Brax we have not branched out… so can we drop it"

"You haven't?"

Casey shook his head "No we haven't" he smiled thankfully as Charlie rushed over to Brax

"Babe you have to come and see these outfits… they are so cute"

Casey let out a sigh of relief as Charlie maneuvered Brax through the store, a smile spreading along his feature as Ruby made her way to him. His smiled turned to a grin as she edged on her toes and placed a quick kiss on his lips

"What was that for?" he asked

Ruby shrugged "I just felt like it"

Casey smiled as he placed a kiss on her lips

"And what was that for?" Ruby asked with a grin

Casey shrugged as he swung his arms over her shoulder, letting her lead him around the store with Brax and Charlie "No reason, I just felt like it"

…

Dropping the load in his hands Casey went back out to the car with Brax and began unloading the bags in the boot. Casey groaned as they finally made their way through the front door with the last few bags in hand. Dumping them in the heap with the rest of the things in the Hope and Caleb's room he walked back out to the sitting room and slumped down on the couch

"I am never doing that again" he stretched out onto the couch a deep sigh leaving his lips.

Brax sunk into the double couch and kicked his feet up onto the coffee table "I still can't believe we actually fit everything into that car" Brax's Ute only had two seats so they had taken Charlie's.

Brax's feet shut off the coffee table as Charlie walked out of the kitchen her eyebrow cocked in his direction. She smiled as his feet hit the floor before sitting beside him, her smile growing as he pulled her closer and dropped a kiss in her hair

Casey groaned again as Ruby moved his leg from the couch and sat beside him. Ruby chuckled and rolled her eyes "it wasn't that bad"

Casey's eyebrows shut up as he looked lazily at her "Tell that to my feet and my hands" his gaze shifted down to the dessert plate in her hand before looking back up at her; a grin now plastered on his face "I think I just need to refuel" he lifted his back off the couch and moved closer to Ruby. As if reading his thoughts, Ruby immediately turned her back to him before shoving the rest of the lamington roll Brax had brought for her into her mouth.

Charlie laughed and Brax soon joined in as Ruby turned back to Casey with a gummy smile on her face, the roll edged into the sides of her cheek

Casey glanced down at the plate then back up at Ruby his eyes widened slightly as a light chuckle left his lips "Ruby"

"What?" she mumbled through her full mouth and gave a shrug as she tried to concentrate on chewing what was in her mouth without choking. Finally getting rid of it all, she looked down at her plate then back up at Casey; her expression changing to acknowledgment "oh did you want some?" she bit into her bottom lip trying to block out the laughter coming from both Brax and Charlie as she tried to stop herself from doing the same

Casey shook his head and stood to his feet "No" he gave a grin that had Ruby suspicious as he walked into the kitchen

"Casey you should have said you wanted some… how was I supposed to know" she chuckled under her breath and Charlie and Brax shook their heads at her antics

"No that's alright" Casey replied from the kitchen "I couldn't have had that and then had this as well" Casey walked out of the kitchen a dessert plate of his own and fork in hand. He grinned as he dug the fork into the chocolate mud cake before pushing the fork into his mouth "Anyway I much prefer this" taking a seat next to Ruby he held the cake tight to his chest a sigh of satisfaction leaving his lips along with the fork

Charlie's shoulders shuddered as she tried to stop herself from laughing out loud not only by Casey's antics but by the look on Ruby's face as she gawked at the cake. Brax cleared his throat clamping his lips together as he and Charlie watched on

"I didn't see that in the fridge"

Casey took another bite of the cake making sure to make well known that the cake was good before turned to Ruby with what seemed like an innocent smile "Oh I brought it yesterday, didn't want anyone getting their hands on it so I hid it at the back of the fridge. Good thing too, because this is really nice" He turned from her, his grin appearing as she pouted her lips

"Casey that cake i huge...That's not fair"

Casey scoffed "Yea well you refusing to share your roll wasn't fair either" he took another bite"Irene was nice enough to give me the biggest piece"

"You didn't ask me for some of my roll"

Casey nodded "I know... and you haven't asked me for any of my cake either"

"Well can I have some?" asked Ruby

Casey shook his head "No can do"

"Case you are so greedy" Ruby pouted

"I know" he grinned at her

Charlie stood to her feet trying to act as normal as possible she walked by the couch but stopped as she stood behind Casey. Brax bit into the side of his mouth as he realised what she was about to do. As Casey took another bite off the fork Charlie quickly moved forward pulling the plate from his grip

"Oi" Casey jumped to his feet as Charlie stood with a grin on her faces "Charlie don't" Casey peered at Charlie as her grin widened the more before she eagerly took a swipe at the soft chocolate base and taking it to her mouth.

Looking up at Casey she couldn't help the laughter that left her lips at his widened eyes, she kept a tight grip on the plate as she saw Brax edge forward from the corner of her eye

"This isn't funny" said Casey as he edged away from the couch and towards Charlie

Charlie shrugged her shoulders a look of innocence present on her face "I couldn't let you guys have all the fun. Plus I've just had twins I need the nutrients"

Brax let out a howling laugh and Casey rolled his eyes as Ruby giggled

"Then have a carrot stick or an apple… Not my cake"

"Charlie it wouldn't be fair for you to have that to yourself" spoke Brax

Casey smiled thinking Brax was on his side

Casey and both Brax were now stood on their feet and Charlie shuffled her gaze between the two "Ruby if you want any of this cake I suggest you get up and help me out a little here"

Ruby still giggling shot up to her feet but let out a loud squeal as Casey wrapped his arms around her keeping her tightly to him

"Casey let me go" she spoke but her words came out muffled due to her laughter

Casey shook his head "No way" he held onto her as Brax approached Charlie.

Charlie giggled as she stepped around the couch and away from Brax but he simply followed, his grin perfectly displaying his dimples

"Brax we can share" she spoke knowing he would most definitely out power her

Brax shook his head "I dint want to share" and with that he leaped forward pulling Charlie into his hand. Brax clamped his hand around the cake and in a split second half the cake was gone but the pressure form Brax's hand sent the plate to the floor the other half hitting the carpet

"Brax" Casey howled as Brax's cheek lifted as he pushed this half into his mouth

Ruby laughed hard as Brax grinned widely with a full mouth

"That is disgusting Brax" Charlie tried to add some sternness to her voice but her laughter wouldn't allow it

Brax nodded unable to speak with a full mouth as all four of them looked down at the wasted cake on the floor and at that moment the back door opened up

Heath, Bianca, Jack, Martha and the kids walked into the house and stood at the foot of the kitchen door peering at the four of them before looking down to inspect what they had all been looking at

"Please tell me there is a much better explanation to this than you're all fighting over who gets the piece of mud cake on the floor" Bianca scrunched her nose up as the Reece and Sophia ran into the house straight for the TV, Abi in her arms

Ruby shook her head "No it's Casey"

Casey clamped his lips together trying to keep his smile locked in "It was my cake"

Heath and Jack walked in and automatically sat on the couch Ruby and Casey had been sat on. Grinning like an fool Brax winked at Casey who quickly picked up on what his brother was up to.

Finally letting go of Ruby, Casey picked up the plate and placed the cake back onto it before smearing his hands on the soft chocolate base and looking over at Brax who was already stood behind the couch. The girls watched on with grins as Casey joined Brax behind Jack and Heath before they each pushed their hands into the side of Jack and Heaths faces, smearing the chocolate down their cheeks

"What the…" Heath and Jack jumped up as the rest doubled over laughing

Reece looked up at the two men and laughed "Daddy; you and Uncle Jack look funny"

Jack and Heath glared at Brax and Casey before they pounced forward. Brax and Casey were quick on their heels as they ran for the back door

"You are both going to pay for that" Jack shouted out as he and Heath rushed out the back pacing after the two of them, the girls now in fits of laughter as Reece ran out after the men eager to watch the commotion

…

"I think I finally got it all out" called Brax from the bathroom as he inspected his chocolate and grass free hair

Charlie chuckled as she stripped out of her clothes "Babe you've been in there for over half an hour you don't have that much hair" walking over to the wardrobe she pulled out one of Brax's shirts before pulling it over her head. She bent over as she dropped an hanger and a smile formed on her face as she heard a low groan. Standing to her feet she turned her head to see Brax's gaze on her body her smile widening as he visibly sucked in a breath.

Strolling over to him as seductively as possible she stopped inches away from him "You ok babe" she watched as his gaze moved from her legs lifting higher and stopping for a few seconds on her fuller breasts before they lifted to meet her gaze

Brax shook his head "You're gonna have to wear something else babe… this isn't going to work" Brax gaze fell to her breast again. Charlie bit on her bottom lip as he clenched his teeth together

Deciding to tease him a little further she closed the distance between them her arms snaking around his waist, her hands now resting on his bum "What's wrong?" her gaze lowered to his lips her tongue darting out to lick her own as she brought her gaze back up to him

"You're truly evil…. You know that"

"I don't know what you mean" Charlie moved her lips to his softly, grazing her lips past his before finally giving into the kiss. She moaned lightly as Brax gripped her waist somehow bringing her closer to him allowing her to feel just how much she was affecting him. Her arms left his waist and snaked up his bare chest till they locked around his neck pressing his lips further into hers. Brax softly sucked on her bottom lip the feeling of her breast pressed against his bare chest almost sending him over the edge. His tongue darted out and swiped along her bottom lip and no sooner did Charlie allow him assess, her own tongue tracing the inside of his mouth. His hands lowered till they cupped her bum and Charlie somehow tighten her grip around his neck not seeming to be able to get him as close as she wanted. Finally feeling the need for air Brax broke away from the kiss and leaned his forehead against hers as they both caught their breath; their eyes locked against each other's

Finally feeling like he could talk, Brax let out a breath as both him and Charlie still stood in each other's embrace; their arms locked tightly around each other

"That's why" he finally answered her questions "It has been way too long, there is no way we're gonna make it three weeks if you insist on teasing me like this"

Charlie smirked "Says the shirtless guy"

Brax chuckled and shook head tenderly "Who am I kidding. You could be wearing a kaftan and it wouldn't make an inch of a difference"

Charlie blushed at his words and Brax grinned loving how he could still make her blush before taking her lips in his once again. Pulling away he grazed his lips against hers one final time before walking back into the bathroom.

Charlie looked at him oddly "Babe you just had a bath" she spoke as she heard the shower running again

Brax edged his head out the open door "I need a cold one"

Charlie lips parted and she clamped her hands over her mouth to stop her laughter from sounding out as she heard Brax getting into the shower

[RoRo90]

Thanks for the comments guy. For Freakie42 I'm not too sure about another fic yet, I'm contemplating a sequel to this but haven't decided. but If I do plan to do a sequel will let you guys know before I wrap this up. Enjoy

Chapter Seventy Five

Brax edged his head out the open door "I need a cold one"

Charlie lips parted and she clamped her hands over her mouth to stop her laughter from sounding out as she heard Brax getting into the shower

...

Two Weeks Later

"Ummm" Charlie grinned into the kiss her hands gliding up Brax's chest as he held her close, her hands roamed his bare chest as they moved further up till they locked around his neck. She stepped back as Brax moved forward till her back hit the bathroom door. Her arms moved from his neck following the journey back down over his chest, moving further down till she hooked her fingers around the waist band of his boxers. She arched her back pressing herself into him, drawing a groan to escape from his throat as he sucked in a breath; his lips still pressed against hers.

Brax's hand eased the grip on her waist as they travelled down edging over her bum, only for him to grab both cheeks firmly in his hand. She squeezed slightly then a moan left her lips as Brax bit lightly on her bottom lip only for his lips to come crashing back onto hers, his tongue quick to return its feverish search in her mouth. Feeling like he couldn't take no more, Brax moved his hand from her bum bringing it back up to her waist before reluctantly pulling away from the kiss. He leaned his forehead against Charlie's as their breaths came out heavily, their gaze locked against each other.

With his breath still heavy Brax spoke "You're going to be the death of me" he shook his head but his eyes closed in agonising pleasure as Charlie leaned forward placing her lips to his neck, drawing the skin against her teeth lightly, before running her tongue over the same spot

Brax sucked in another breath as he pulled away "This isn't fair" he looked at the sly grin the was harboured on her face. He followed Charlie's gaze as she looked down at his boxer, his excitement evident for her to see "I'm getting tired of all these cold showers" he pouted at her but regretted it as she took it as an opening, placing her lips against his taking his bottom lip in her mouth. This time it was Charlie who pulled away

"I think I need to try having a go at those cold showers"

Brax chuckled lightly and shook his head

"How about we take one together" Charlie wriggled her eyebrows at Brax a grin placed on her face as she pushing against the bathroom door causing it to open.

Brax's eyes widened and he groaned "No" he shook his head "Cold shower or not, there is no way I'm getting in that shower with you naked and not doing a thing"

Charlie giggled as he backed away "Awww please" her blue eye's grew bigger and her bottom lip stuck out as she looked at him

Brax shook his head "Not going to work. We only have one more week, we've come this far"

Charlie's shoulders sagged as she slumped her head back a whimper leaving her lips before she looked back at Brax "Babe what difference does a week make" she stepped forward, making sure she swung her hips as she strode over to him in nothing but his shirt "I feel fine and ready… more than ready" she bit her bottom lip as she continued to step towards him "And technically if you count all the months before I had the twins we've been waiting for way too long"

She stopped walking as Brax took another step back "No, those months don't count ok. I don't want to risk anything, the doctor said six week so we're going to wait six weeks"

Charlie folded her arms "Fine but I'm warning you Braxton, if you don't give me what I want now, all access will be denied even after the six weeks mark"

Brax bit into the side of his mouth trying to hide the grin forming on his face but it was no use. Stepping to her, he watched a grin form on Charlie's face; he knew she was thinking she had won. Wrapping his arms around her he leaned in brushing his lips past hers softly before taking her bottom lip in his mouth. He smile as her arms unfolded, her hands now resting on his shoulders. Then as she moaned into the kiss, with all the strength he could muster he pulled away; almost bursting out laughing at the look on her ace. Bringing his mouth to her ears he whispered

"I call your bluff Mrs Braxton. You'll most definitely cave before I do"

Charlie peered at him as he leaned back to look at her, his grin displayed his dimples perfectly "You're gonna pay for that Daryl" she shook her head biting her lip, she tried to hide her grin

Brax stepped away from her walking to the door of their room still facing her, "Can't wait…Charlotte" he winked at her before leaving the room

…

Later that morning

Charlie's smile lit up the car, her gaze never leaving the back seat. Brax grinned as he fought to keep his gaze off the rear view mirror and on the road as they made their way home. The happiness that enveloped them was overwhelming as the day finally came. He kept his speed slow, careful not to cause any disturbances in the car but mainly just to hold onto the moment a little longer. Finally reaching their street Brax pulled up into the drive way eager to get into the house

"They're here" Ruby heard the footsteps and jumped towards the door. Everyone stood to their feet, the guys quickly ducking out of the way as their women rushed around, all pushing to get to the door

The door swung open as Charlie and Brax reached it. Wide smiles adored both their faces as they met all the eager eyes. Brax and Charlie chuckled as Ruby took hold of Caleb's car seat taking him from Brax's hand and Bianca took hold of Hopes car seat taking her from Charlie's hand.

Brax and Charlie shook their heads and chuckled as they followed the girls into the house, Brax closing the door behind them.

"Welcome home guys" Ruby greeted her brother and sister as she smiled into the two car seats

"Hello to you too guys" Charlie and Brax stood as everyone surrounded the twins as they lay in their car seats

Everyone including the guys turned to them briefly "Hy guys" they all spoke almost in unison before their gaze turned back to the twins.

"Where are the kids? asked Brax noticing he hadn't heard a peep from Reece, Sophia or even Abi

"Taking a nap" Jack answered not even bothering to look up as he spoke

Ruby and Bianca gently unstrapped the car seats both of them being careful as they lifted Caleb and Hope into their arms. They settled into the seat everyone quick to surround them

"You two don't half make hella beautiful babies" Martha spoke as she stroked her index finger over Hope's cheeks. All the girls awed as Hope squirmed slightly in Bianca's arms

"It's the Braxton gene" Spoke Heath

Bianca scoffed "Please I think Ruby is proof that all the good looks come from Charlie's side"

Brax chuckled "I am standing right here"

Bianca looked up at him with a grin "I know"

"Ok it's my turn" Martha gently pried Hope form Bianca's reluctant arms

"And it's my turn with the little fella" Heath sat down as Ruby placed Caleb in his arms "Hy there little guy" Heath grinned as Caleb opened his eyes "Yep I'm definitely going to be the favourite uncle… isn't that right"

Jack and Casey immediately scoffed "In your dreams" spoke Jack "I think I definitely got this in the bag"

Heath and Jack looked up at the grin on Casey's face "What you grinning for?"

"Well I live with the two of them which means I can make sure they spend as much time with me as possible... and bribe them endlessly" Casey winked at them causing the others to laugh

Shaking his head Brax moved behind Charlie snaking his arms around her waist before placing a kiss on her shoulder and resting his chin on it

"We did good" he smiled as he watched his family cooing over the twins

Charlie nodded and leaned into him "We did"

…

Everyone had decided to make a day of it as the guys broke out the barbecue Jack quickly running to the store to buy a few things, Casey being sent to the diner to get dessert and the kids could be heard squealing in the back as Heath chased them round the garden.

Charlie and Brax stood in the twin's room watching them as they slept peacefully in their cots "I can't believe they're finally home" Charlie had felt she was going to jump out of her skin when Sid announced it a week ago. She had barely been able to get any sleep in anticipation of finally having them come home.

"I know" Brax leaned over Caleb's cot placing a kiss on his head before moving a few inches to Hope's and repeating the same gestures.

Charlie watched him with a smile on her face as she watched him gazing down at them with love. She couldn't have asked for better, Brax, the twins, Ruby, Casey, her whole family; she couldn't have wanted more

Brax looked up at her and smiled "What?" his smile fell slightly at the tears brimming in her eyes

Charlie shook her head as he wrapped his arms around her "Nothing's wrong… everything is just perfect" she chuckled as Brax wiped her tears away with a kiss to each cheek "I don't think my hormones have settled yet"

Brax chuckled "How about we leave these two to get some rest; I think they deserve it after having to face that lot out there"

Charlie nodded before Brax put the monitor on and she picked up the other one, taking it with them as they left the room

…

"Here you go doll" Irene smiled at Casey as she placed the box of lemon tart in his hand

"Thanks Irene" Casey returned her smile as he passed her the money for the tart but Irene simply shook her head

"It's on the house doll, you just tell Charlie and Brax we're happy for them and we'll be by to see the twins soon" Casey nodded with a smile

"Thanks Irene, I'll let them know" he put the note back in his pocket "I best get going, Ruby and Charlie will have my head if I don't get their dessert to them on time"

Irene let out a laugh "See you later darl"

"Bye" Casey gave a final smile before heading out of the diner

His smile remained placed as he turned the corner only to stop abruptly holding tightly to the box in his hand for fear of it tipping over "I'm so sorry, I didn't see you there"

He looked over at the woman apologetically as she regained her balance. Her lips were pressed together as she gave him a smile "It's fine, I guess standing right around a corner isn't the best of idea"

The woman's hair lay flat on her head, the wind blowing through it with ease. She stood in a simple white shirt and grey jeans. And although she was a little on the thin side, her smooth skin and carefully made up face showed that she took care of herself

Casey looked at her for a second unsure why she seemed familiar before he spoke "You new around here?" he was sure he hadn't seen her around before.

She glanced around before looking back at him and tilting her head slightly "Kind of"

Casey knitted his eyebrows together unsure how to take her answer "Well are you looking for someone or a place… I've lived here a while so I would be more than happy to give directions"

The woman's smile lifted slightly "Actually I err… If you could please direct me to the surf club, I was told there was a restaurant called Vasi there"

Casey nodded with a smile "I might be a little bias but if it's food you're after then you're definitely looking for the right place" Casey nodded his head round the corner he had just emerged from "If you pass the diner walk straight on and the surf club is right there. The restaurant is above it"

The woman looked at Casey seeming to examine his features "Why would you be bias?" she questioned, wondering if the young boy could help her, even if unknowingly. The thought of what she was possibly about to do unnerved her, but she had put it off for too long… it was time

As Casey opened his mouth to reply he looked ahead and the woman turned around watching a head full of curls bouncing towards him. She watched as the girl approached stopping next to Casey

"Rubes" Casey over at her

"I've been calling your phone" Ruby spoke a small smile on her face

The woman watched the way the young girl leaned into Casey as she spoke and she saw the smile on his face as he peered down at her

"I don't think I have it with me"

Ruby cocked her head and dug his phone from the pocket in her dress "I know, it was in your room, ringing out"

A chuckle left Casey's lips "Don't tell me this is about the dessert, I only left the house like twenty minutes ago"

Ruby smiled up at him and shook her head "Yea Mum's insisting that she wants some mud cake so I didn't want you going back home without me"

"What so no tart?" asked Casey

Ruby chuckled "No we're still keeping the tart"

Casey rolled his eye "Oh course we are"

Ruby looked over at the woman "Sorry I just interrupted…"

"It's fine" the woman insisted as she interrupted Ruby"I was just looking for directions on a place to eat"

"Let me guess he directed you to Vasi"

"Err actually she asked for direction's to Vasi"

The woman smiled "He did mention that he was a bit bias"

Ruby nodded "Yea that's because it's his brothers restaurant"

"We'll leave you to it…seems we have to go get another dessert" Casey smiled at the woman before turning along with Ruby as they made their way back into the diner.

The woman stood her blank gaze following the young boy as he walked away. She felt her breath catch in her throat and tears slowly begin to prick her eyes. She hadn't even recognised him nor him her. How could she have not recognised who he was straight away? Feeling her weight getting heavy for her feet she leaned against the wall and wiped at the tear that had escaped her eyes. She stood for a moment determined to get some stamina back and when sure she had succeeded, she pushed herself off the wall and straightened her top, before wrapping her hands against the handle of her bag and stepping from the corner. No longer did she feel to go to the restaurant, instead she followed the trails of sand till she was walking along the beach.

…

"Casey stop doing that" Ruby giggled as he placed a kiss on her neck "You're gonna make me drop the cake"

Casey chuckled "Hold it tighter" Keeping a tight grip on the box in his hand he leaned forward again placing another kiss on Ruby neck, he chuckled as she leaned forward trying to get away

"Casey if I drop this, I'm telling mum it was you" She tried to hide her smile and walked a little faster but Casey just picked up pace following her closely

Ruby giggled and picked up her own pace till she was in a light jog keeping a tight grip on the box "Casey stop" she tried to sound stern but the laughter that followed her voice gave her away. She squealed as Casey wrapped an arm around her, the dessert box balanced in his free hand. Looking up at him she shook her head before edging onto her toes and placing a kiss on his lips; pulling away as they made their way back to the house

…

The woman who had now take refuge on the beach watched their move, she watched as they came out of the diner and she felt a smile tug at her lips as she watched him with the young girl. She kept her gaze on him and a little chuckled fell from her lips as she watched the young girl quicken her walk only for him to match his steps with hers. She could tell by the smile that adored his face that he was happy and that somehow brought her a little comfort. She watched till they were no longer in sight and it was then her gaze turned back to the ocean. She had been filled with confidence before making her journey to Summer Bay but now she felt the sudden urge to flee. A deep sigh left her lips knowing she couldn't leave, not again; she had waited too long already

…

The kids were now awake, Reece sat between Heath and Casey, Abi sat on Bianca's lap and Sophia sat between Jack and Martha, Everyone sat at the table ready to tuck into the meal before them.

"This smells really good" said Bianca

"Thanks babe… I try" Heath smirked and gave a wink only too quick to dodge Casey's hand that made its way for the back of his head

"Standing there and giving order's doesn't count for anything" Brax shook his head and the rest laughed

Heath scoffed "It's a lot harder than it looks"

Everyone shook their heads at him before looking to Charlie as she spoke "Actually we have a little surprise for you Heath" she looked at Brax with a smile before facing the others "Me and Brax were wondering if you and Bianca would like to be Hope's God parents"

"What?" Charlie turned to Bianca as she spoke

"You know… Godparents" Charlie chuckled as Bianca smiled at her

"I know what you mean I just..." Bianca sighed as her smile grew firmer, the corners of her eyes watering slightly "We would love to. Thank you guys"

Charlie turned to Heath whose grin was well displayed "I think I would love that. Thanks guys" he nodded appreciatively at Brax

Charlie smiled at the both of them before she turned to Jack and Martha as Brax Spoke

"And we wanted to ask you guys to be God parents to Caleb"

"Are you kidding" Jack spoke barely allowing Brax to finish "Of course we will, we're gonna kick God parent butt"

Every laughed and Martha shook her head at her husband as she pursed her lips "I think what Jack meant was, we would love to be Caleb's God parent"

Brax, Jack, Heath, and Casey watched both Bianca and Martha as they got teary eyed

"Let me guess, happy tears" Heath rolled his eyes only to receive a slap to the chest by Bianca. He groaned as he rubbed his chest

"You deserved that" spoke Bianca as she wiped the corners of her eyes

"I was just…" Heath stopped mid-sentence as Bianca cocked an eyebrow at him "…saying that I am really getting hungry we should eat"

Brax, Jack and Casey laughed loudly at Heath but their own laughter stopped as their women gave them the same look

"Heath's right we should eat" added Jack and the guys nodded in agreement and the girls chuckled before the food began circulating around the table.

...

"Heath or God's sake slow down" Everyone looked over at Heathas he shoved some steak into his open mouth

Grinning with a full mouth he mumbled through the food "This is good food"

A roar of laughter left the table as everyone looked down at Reece who was now sat with a mouth full of food, his cheeks bulging up

"Reece not so fast" Bianca spoke but the image of father and son with bulging cheeks became too much for her to keep her smile down

"That's my boy" Heath swallowed down the food in his mouth Reece following behind, the young boy grinning as Heath ruffled his hair the both of them digging into the food on their plate

"You see what I have to deal with" Bianca shook her head but her smile remained clearly displayed

She turned along with everyone else as Brax scoffed "You… please, look at the two of them" everyone turned to both Ruby and Charlie who hadn't said a word since they started eating; half their plate already cleared

Both Ruby and Charlie looked up sheepishly, a cute smile adorning both their faces as they met everyone's gaze

"I've hardly eaten anything all day" spoke Charlie trying to defend her appetite

Every chuckled waiting for Ruby's excuse, seeming short of an excuse Ruby shrugged her shoulders before putting more food in her mouth "I'm just hungry"

Laughter fell from everyone's lips, and Heath patted Casey's back "You're definitely in trouble mate"

[RoRo90]

Thanks for the comments guys, hope you enjoy this one

CHAPTER SEVENTY SIX

Everyone chuckled waiting for Ruby's excuse; seeming short of an excuse Ruby shrugged her shoulders before putting more food in her mouth "I'm just hungry"

Laughter fell from everyone's lips, and Heath patted Casey's back "You're definitely in trouble mate"
…
Charlie rolled over spraying her hand out to land on Brax's chest, but it simply fell limp on the bed. Opening one eye she tiredly searched the bed to find that he wasn't there, before her second eye opened. Turing she and looked to the bathroom but there was no light coming through the slightly opened door. Tiredly shuffling up the bed she rubbed one hand over her eyes before looking at the small alarm clock on the bed side drawer '3.08'. Throwing the covers back she groggily made her way out of the room and had only taken a few steps in the direction of the twin's room before she was stopped. She frowned as she heard Brax's voice coming from the living room. Turing in her step she followed his voice before coming to a standstill.

Her smile drew from ear to ear as Brax sat on the couch with Hope and Caleb cradled protectively in each arm. She smiled as she watched him with the two of them

"Your mum is going to say no at first but don't worry, between the three of us and your big sister we'll soften her up in no time and have the two of you on a surf board before you can even walk. You're going to love it out there and I get the pleasure of teaching the both of you" she watched the smile that extended to the corner of his lips as he spoke to them. Deciding to make her presence known she spoke

"If mum as anything to do with it getting on a surf board will be the last thing you both do"

Brax looked up at her and smiled as she walked over and sat beside him, loving running her hand over Caleb's head

"They're Braxton's babe, surfing is in their blood"

"Well we Buckton's prefer dry land" she replied, her hand still running strokes over Caleb's head

Brax shook his head and grinned "Speak for yourself… Ruby loves surfing" he chuckled as Charlie stuck her tongue out at him "And plus you're a Braxton now" he winked at her before leaning over slightly and placing her kiss on her up turned lips

Charlie's smile directed up at him "What you guys doing out here anyway?" she looked down at both Caleb and Hope who were asleep

"Well I went to get some water and I checked in on them to find them awake" grinned Brax

Charlie shook her head and returned his grin "So you decided to conspire against me with the two of them"

"We weren't conspiring" Brax smirked at her "In fact you just missed the part where I was telling them how much I love you"

Charlie chuckled "Oh I bet I did"

"How abut we put these two sleepy heads back to bed" said Brax but Charlie shook her head

"No let's just stay like this for a while" She leaned her head softly into Brax and curled her feet under her, her hand still running along Caleb's head as she looked over at hope

"I love you too" Charlie looked up at Brax momentarily before placing her head back down onto his shoulder

Brax smiled down at Charlie and placed a kiss on her head before looking back down at the twins as they slept peacefully
…
Casey followed Ruby out of the surf and they both made their way up the beach to their towels

"I'm almost as good as you" Ruby grinned up at him as she dug her surf board into the sand before wringed water out of her hair

Casey nodded digging his own surf board into the sand "That's because you were taught by the best" he returned her grin

"Um you're right, Brax is a pretty good teacher" Ruby chuckled at the look on Casey's face before picking up her towel. A squeal left her lips as Casey lifted her off the sand and swung her over his shoulders

"Casey put me down" she spoke through her laughter

Casey shook his head "Not till you admit how great a teacher I am" he waited for a reply but Ruby didn't speak instead chose to keep laughing

Casey sighed dramatically "Fine if that's the way we're going to play this" he turned around and made his way back towards the ocean

"Case what you doing?" Ruby's eyes widened slightly a smile placed on her features

"You're going for a dip" Spoke Casey through his grin

"Casey no" Ruby tried to sound stern but her laughter took from it as she squirmed in his grip not once causing Casey's grip to loosen "Case you wouldn't"

Casey chuckled "You wanna bet" he walked closer to the water before stopping "All you have to do is say 'Casey you're the best teacher in the world' and I'll gladly put you down. Your choice" Casey waited a moment but still got no reply "Fine have it your way" he smirked widely as he paced into the water Ruby still over his shoulder

"Casey no" Ruby giggled

"Too late" and with that Casey throw her into the water laughing at the look on her face as she emerged. His laughter soon stopped as he realised the look on her face was thunderous

"I told you not to" Ruby's bottom lip trembled and Casey's eyes widened slightly

"Babe I was joking" he strode over to her and just as he was about to reach for her Ruby jumped on him sending him into the water. Ruby swam away from him, laughter falling loudly from her lips as Casey ran his hand over his face trying to get rid of the water. She bit her bottom lip and shrugged as Casey peered at her

"That wasn't fair" he said as he moved a little closer to her

Ruby back away and shook her head

"You mess with me I mess with you…that's fair" she winked cheekily at him

Casey nodded his head looking out into the ocean as if he was deep in thought before looking back at Ruby "Well in that case…" he leapt forward causing Ruby to squeal but as she turned to try and run from him, Casey's arms snaked around her waist

"No Casey I'm sorry" she giggled

"Then say it" replied Casey

"Casey you're the best teacher in the world" Ruby turned in his arms an innocent smile gracing her face, her smile deepened as Casey's head lowered and his lips took hers .

Finally parting Ruby looked up at him her hands resting on his arms "Do you think we'll be like everyone else?"

"What do you mean?" asked Casey his arms still wrapped around her

"You know, Jack and Martha, Heath and Bianca, Miles and Leah, even mum and Brax…well sort of. They've all been together since they were like our age… do you think we'll be like them"

Casey pondered on his reply "I don't know but I hope so… I think it would be great to still be with you in ten or fifteen years' time"

Ruby smiled then chuckled "Let's see if you'll be saying that in a few year's... even months"

Casey grinned down at her "I think I will" placing another kiss on her lips they both made their way back to dry land returned to their boards and towels

"Are we going home or diner to get something to eat?" asked Casey as he pulled his top over his head

"Diner to eat" replied Ruby

She was sure Casey was about to reply but when he didnt say anything she turned to him and realised he was distracted. She followed his gaze and her gaze landed on the woman she recognised as the one Casey had been giving directions to almost a week ago. The woman's gaze was also focused in their direction. Ruby turned to Casey as he continued to look at the woman

"Do you know if she's just visiting or if she's moved here?" asked Ruby; her voice seemed to break Casey's gaze from the woman

"What?" he asked as he turned to Ruby

Ruby nodded her head towards the woman "Is she visiting or staying?"

"She err… she didn't say exactly" Casey answered and looked back to find the woman was now gone

Ruby looked at him worriedly "Case you ok?" she stepped closer to him as he looked over at her

"Err yea I just…" he sighed "Forget it, I'm just being stupid"

"No tell me… please" Ruby looked up at him

"I just…" Casey looked back at where the woman had been stood once again before looking to Ruby "There's something familiar about her, I got the feeling the other day that I've met her before"

"Maybe she used to live around here"

"But wouldn't I remember"

"Not if it was when you were younger" replied Ruby

Casey nodded agreeing to what Ruby had said "You're probably right" he smiled at her "So how about we go and eat… I know how dangerous you can be on an empty stomach"

Ruby grinned "You know me too well"

Both picking up their boards they made their way up the beach and towards the diner, the woman still playing on Casey's mind
…
"Everything seems to have healed just fine Charlie" Doctor Taylor smiled up at both Charlie and Brax

"Really?" Charlie asked with a grin

Doctor Taylor nodded with a smile "Yes really, there should be no reason for you to have to come for any more check-ups"
…
Neither of the two had spoken since leaving the hospital, the car ride had been quite but the tension was undeniable. Now entering the house they each prepared themselves for the other to cave first.

Brax turned to Charlie as he closed the front door behind him "So Bianca and Martha have the twins till this afternoon, what do you feel like doing?" his grin firmly placed on his face as he peered at her

Charlie shrugged "Whatever… we can just watch a movie, only if that's what you want to do" her grinned perfectly matching Brax's

Brax bit into his bottom lip and nodded "Yea sure… I'll even let you chose" he tried to keep his gaze from wondering to her legs that were on full display in her denim shorts. He cleared his throat as she shrugged her cardigan off showing him the white vest top she was wearing that complemented her pre baby breasts.

"I'm err just going to change… don't really feel like wearing jeans in the house" Spoke Brax as he edged around her making sure to brush past her slightly before walking down the hall. Charlie followed his retracted form with a raised eyebrow wondering what he was up to.

Smirking she picked out one of her favourite DVD'S also one of Brax's least favourite and put it on before walking into the kitchen. Opening up the fridge she pulled out the strawberries she had brought the day before and the cream to go along with it… she was making it her mission to see that he caved first

Walking back into the living room she placed the strawberries and cream onto the table before pulling on her top, determined to show as much cleavage as possible. Settling down onto the couch she grinned as she heard Brax's footsteps getting closer

"You picked a movie?" asked Brax from behind her

Charlie turned to answer and her smirk fell from her face. Brax stop leaning against the wall in nothing but his grey sweats, his chest bare for all to see. His arms were crossed over his chest, bulking up the muscles in his arms and his chest stood broadly underneath them

Charlie exhaled biting on her bottom lip before quickly turning back to the screen but not quick enough to miss the grin forming on Brax's face

"Yea I have"

She kept her gaze forward as Brax sat besides her making sure to leave no space between the two of them. He wrapped his arms around her as she pressed play on the DVD remote. She waited for him to groan at her choice but she got nothing. She closed her eyes at the feeling of Brax finger slowly caressing the skin on her arm but a frustrated sigh left her lips knowing her wouldnt give her what she wanted and take it further. She looked down at the strawberries and cream and then up at Brax and grinned as an idea entered her head

"I figured we should treat ourselves" leaning forward she picked up a strawberry before dipping the end into the cream on the side. Leaning back into Brax's arm, she could feel his gaze on her. Slowly bringing the strawberry to her lips she ran her tongue over the tip of the cream and licked her lips making sure to moan lightly as she did so. Knowing she had his full attention she slowly took a bit, a sigh leaving her lips but not before making sure to drop some of the cream on her open cleavage

"Tut" she shook her head before looking down at her chest "I guess I'll get that" Charlie ran her hand over the cream on her chest grazing the top of her breast as she did so before taking a glance at Brax. Her smile grow from cheek to cheek at his widened eyes that followed as she placed her finger into her mouth slowly licking the cream

"Ummm…Babe you should really try some of this"

She looked back up at Brax his widened gaze now accompanied by his slightly parted lips, his breath a little ragged

Charlie cocked her head innocently a sly grin plastered on her face "Babe you ok?"

Brax shook his head his gaze travelling back down to her chest before, moving to her lips, his gaze lingered on them before his gaze finally locked with hers

"You don't play fair you know that" his green eyes bore into her with passion

Charlie swiped her tongue against her bottom lip before replying "All's fair in love and war" she smirked up at him and he shook his head

"Well you win"

Leaning over his lips met hers in heat, his hands taking hold of her waist holding her to him. Charlie let out a moan as her hands wound around his neck keeping him to her. Brax's tongue ran over Charlie's bottom lip and her lips parted immediately wanting more of him. Charlie's back fell flat against the couch as Brax leant into her making sure not to put his full weight on her but not realising her from his hold. One hand left her waist and travelled over her hips and along her thighs, solely caressing the exposed skin. Charlie moved her lips from his, only to run her tongue along his neck, before sucking on the skin

Brax's teeth clenched together a groan rising from his throat, his hand moving back up her body his thumb running over her stomach before he moved higher till he cupped her breast in his hand. Charlie bit down lightly on his neck as he squeezed her breast.

Struggling to catch her voice Charlie bit down on her bottom lip her head rolling back as Brax continued his ministrations

"Babe" she breathed through a heavy breath

"Ummm" Brax's lips moving back to hers as he applied pressure causing her to gasp giving him full access to her mouth.

"Brax" Charlie spoke into the kiss before finally pulling away her hand resting on Brax's chest "Ruby or Casey could walk in"

Charlie squealed as Brax flipped them over and lifted her onto him before standing up, her legs instantly wrapped around his leg and his lips met hers in a furious kiss. She moaned as his lips left hers only to make contact with her neck, her hands moving up his back. Brax began walking them towards their room before stopping. Charlie pulled away and shook her head

"No you've given in, you can't back out now"

Brax smirked at her words "I'm not planning to but…" he turned back around and walked them to the table "There's no way I'm letting those go to waste" he looked down at the strawberries and then back up at Charlie

"I love the way you think Braxton" Charlie loosened her grip long enough to be able to stretch down to the table as Brax bent his legs slightly and pick up the bowl and looped her hands around his neck

"Now where were we" She squealed as Brax gripped her bum before walking them into their room
…
Next Morning

"They asleep?" asked Charlie as Brax crawled back into bed from insisting on being the one to feed the twins when they had woken up

"Yep… Burped and back down" he lay back down and smiled as Charlie instantly snuggled into him her head resting on his chest

"You in work today? Charlie asked Brax her eyes closing slightly

Brax shook his head as he ran his middle finger in circular motions on her arm "I was actually thinking we could have a little do down at the restaurant. Just us, and the guys… maybe shut it for the afternoon"

"Umm that would be nice" Charlie smiled her eyes now closed

"But for now how about we get some sleep" Brax chuckling slightly as he looked at the time 6: 03 then back at Charlie who was already on her way

"Um" Charlie replied her breathing soon getting deeper letting Brax know she was asleep.

Looking down at her he smile before placing a kiss in her hair line, he too closing his eyes and getting some much needed sleep
…
"Reece slow down" Bianca shook her head as Reece ran into the surf club Sophia not far behind him

Martha shook her head "She act's more like a boy than a girl. She wants to do everything the way daddy does it" Martha rolled her eyes and Bianca laughed

"It's not funny Bianca I tried to get her into a dress and she wouldn't stay still long enough and of course Jack took her side 'If she wants to wear jeans let her wear jeans'" Martha mimicked Jack's voice

"I'm sure once she's a little older she'll be begging you to buy her dresses" replied Bianca as they made their way up to the restaurant

"It's my aim to make sure she is" replied Martha

"Hy" Bianca and Martha smiled at Charlie who was cooing down at Hope and Caleb as they lay wide eyed in their pram

Charlie looked up and smiled "Hy guys"

"Oh no we weren't talking to you" replied Martha with a grin as her and Bianca crowded around the pram "We were talking to our beautiful God children, yes we were" she grinned down into the pram stroking Caleb's cheek as she spoke

"Oh thanks" Charlie feigned offence as Martha and Bianca sat opposite her in the booth, both of them taking glances at Reese and Hope as they ran around the tables

"Be careful guys" Martha spoke and shook her head

"Where's Brax?" asked Bianca

"Back in the kitchen with Ruby and Case. And where are your other halves and my God daughter"

"They'll be up soon, they were right behind us… I did try and Pry Abi out of Heath's hands but she wasn't having any of it" said Bianca

"Ah" Charlie smiled "She's definitely daddy's girl"

Bianca rolled her eyes "She nearly two barely able to string two words together and she firmly as him wrapped around her little finger… I'm dreading when she's older; she'll have him buying her a car before she is even legal to drive" Charlie and Martha laughed just as Jack and Heath made their way into the restaurant; Abi sat happily in Heaths arms and Brax, Ruby and Casey walked out of the kitchen

Bianca looked at Abi who now had gelato all over her mouth then cocked her head at Heath who held the small tub in his free hand. Heath smiled sheepishly at Bianca as Jack gave him a pat on the back and quickly moved out of sight

"It wasn't my fault" Heath quickly jumped to his own defence

"Oh right so she brought that for herself?" asked Bianca

Heath sighed "She gave me the eyes...I tred to look away bt it was too late" he spoke as if that was explanation enough

Bianca shook her head "Heath she's not even two yet… the whole puppy dog eyes thing can't be that effective"

"I beg to differ" interfered Brax "That kid of yours is pretty good at it… hence why I avoid eye contact"

"Man up guys, she's one" Bianca scoffed

"No B they have a point" added Charlie "She's got that doe eye thing perfected but she must have picked it up from somewhere right" Charlie grinned at Bianca as everyone turned to her

"What? Bianca said "I do not give people the doe eyed look to get my way"

"No not people, just poor Heath" said Martha causing everyone to chuckle

"I do not" Bianca defended herself

"Please how else do you think you ever convince me to go shopping with you" said Heath placing Abi down on the floor who immediately ran over to Reece and Sophia

"Heath" Bianca glared at him but her face softened as he walked over to the booth and placed a kiss on her lips

"Don't worry I love you and all your looks" Heath smirked before looking up at Brax

"So pizza boy were's our food… I'm starving"

"Oh it's all in the kitchen but I err need you guys to pay first" Brax kept a straight face as he edged around the bar and stood in front of the till. He looked up at Heath and Jack as they both chuckled "No I'm not kidding, if I'm going to be shutting the place for the afternoon I need to make money somehow" he looked back down and when he lifted his head to look at Jack and Heath their grins had gone. Charlie and the girls curled their lips in an attempt to stop themselves from laughing as they watched the scene

"What" Heath bellowed "Pay… are you being serious?"

"As a heart attack" replied Brax

"What kind of person invites us for an afternoon lunch at his restaurant then expects paying"

Brax shrugged "I thought that came across clear when I told you"

Jack and Heath narrowed their eyebrows before seeing the small smile tugging at the side of Brax's lips

Jack shook his head "You idiot, you're messing with us aren't you"

Brax looked up and chuckled as everyone else burst out laughing "I can't believe you fell for that"

"If I wasn't so hungry right now I would beat the crap out of you" said Heath

Brax scoffed "You could try. Are you morons going to help me bring the food out" he walked into the kitchen followed by Heath and Jack
…
"I can't eat another bite" spoke Casey as he leaned back into his chair his hand resting on his stomach, the act soon followed by Brax and Heath

"Me neither" spoke Brax

"I follow that notion" added Heath

"You guys are disgusting" Bianca screwed her face up at the various empty dishes complements of the Braxton brothers

"What? Grown men have to eat" said Heath and Brax and Casey nodded tiredly

"You polished off three whole pizzas, two plates of chips and then some dessert" Martha spoke wth a srunched up face

"It's important to fuel our bodies" replied Casey causing everyone to laugh

"I really can't talk" said Charlie

"And neither can I" added Ruby as she polished off her chocolate cake

"Daddy can we play soccer on the beach" Reece looked up at Heath

"Err… later buddy, definitely later" Heath winced as he slouched further into his chair "I don't think I could move right now if I tried" Heath closed his eyes as did Casey

Brax groaned at the footsteps that could be heard emerging from the stairs

"We're closed" he groaned just as the footsteps reached the top of the stairs his back turned to the entrance

Charlie shook her head and turned only for her eyes to widen, she could hear a gasp leave Martha and Bianca's lips and finally Jacks voice

"Err Brax…" the hesitation in Jacks voice was laced heavily

Ruby recognised the woman and glanced between all the adults unsure why it seemed their perfect family day was about to take a different route

Brax looked at Bianca, Martha before turning to Jack who seemed to be looking between him, Heath and Casey wearily. He then turned to Charlie who was gazing behind him in shock. Brax's eyebrows knitted together confused as to what could have caused everyone to react in such a way. Turning around his throat grew dry and anger he hadn't felt in a long time boiled up in him

"Mum"

At his words Casey and Heath snapped their eyes open, their eyes travelling to the entrance. Heaths teeth clenched together and Casey's eyes widened as he caught sight of her. It was the same woman, the woman he had bumped into a week ago, the same woman he had seen on the beach and all of a sudden her familiarity made sense. Her dark brown eyes, her slightly squared chin; they were carbon copies of his.

"Hi boys"

[RoRo90]

Thanks for the comment JarlieFanEver

CHAPTER SEVENTY SEVEN

"Mum"

At his words Casey and Heath snapped their heads up from the table, their eyes travelling to the entrance. Heaths teeth clenched together and Casey's eyes widened as he caught sight of her. It was the same woman, the woman he had bumped into a week ago, the same woman he had seen on the beach and all of a sudden her familiarity o him made sense. Her dark brown eyes, her chin; they were carbon copies of his.

"Hi boys"
…
Heath's stomach suddenly deflated, feeling empty and making him feel nauseous. His eyes bulged as he glared at her, his gaze burning a whole right though her. He felt the excess food he had consume rise to his throat, threatening to dispense itself all over the floor. His chest rose heavily and he blinked rapidly almost as if hoping the amount of food he had eaten was not only affecting his hearing but also paying havoc with his sight. Although sitting, he felt his balance shift and grasped hold of the edge of the table, his gaze never one wavering from her.

"Mum" he spoke it almost as a question, wanting to be sure it was actually her

"Hello Heath"

And that was all it took. Everything came crashing together; every emotion he had locked away and somehow forgotten about over the years began raising their head; each one fighting for dominion over the other. He wanted to speak to say more but every question he had always imagined asking seemed to be lost.

"Heath" he broke his gaze from Cheryl and turned at the sound of Bianca's voice. She spoke softly and her eyes matched her voice as she looked at him. He watched as her hands laced in his but all he wanted to do was screaming.

"Why everyone so quiet?" the question had come from Reece and Heath looked down at his son for a moment before looking over to his daughter then his wife. He needed to get them out of there; he needed to get himself out of there, but he could help but speak

"What are you doing here?" Uncertainty and anger poured from his almost silent voice

Cheryl looked at Heath, then to Brax and finally to Casey "I missed my boys" she felt herself wince a little as Brax and Heath visibly tensed at her words almost as if she had struck them with daggers but it seemed the look in Casey's eyes was the one that threatened to peel her of all the courage she had mustered over the past few months

Heath looked at Casey and almost felt to hurl at the look on Casey's face "You need to leave" he spoke, he wanted to shout, to tell her exactly what he thought of her, but he couldn't do that in front of the kids; he wouldn't allow them see him like that

A million and one things ran through Brax's mind but before he could act on any of them he turned to his younger brother and his words only made the anger in him rise to a level he didn't know existed

"That's our mum"

Brax's gaze broke from Cheryl as he turned to Casey.

His teeth clenched as he met the look in Casey's eyes… he hadn't seen that look since Ross and Elise had left and Casey had spent weeks asking when they would be back. His brown eyes rounded emphasising the innocence in them, and he could see the small tremor in Casey's right hand; letting him know just what this situation was doing to his brother. And then Casey's next words were more than Heath and Brax could take

"You didn't know who I was" Casey's gaze glued to Cheryl as he remembered the first time he had run into her. He held onto the table in attempt to stop the tremor in his right hand. He recollected the incident, every move she made every reaction that had crossed her face

"You didn't know who I was until Ruby said my brother owned the restaurant" Casey shook his head "You didn't know me"

"Casey I'm so sorry" Cheryl's eyes pleading with the young boy

Maybe pain he could have handled, maybe confusion and even maybe anger. But seeing all these things rolled into one on Casey's face was more than Brax had strength to bare. She wouldn't do this, he wouldn't let her do this to Casey or Heath… or him

"Get out"

The sharpness of his voice had not only caught the adults attention but Reece and Sophia were now paying attentive attention, confused as to what was going on

"Daryl"

Brax flinched as she called his name "I said get out"

"I just want to…" Cheryl attempted to step forward but she quickly back tracked as she came into full view of Brax's face.

His nostrils flared slightly, the clenching of his jaw evident as his teeth grind together loudly in the silence of the restaurant, his eye boring into her with a look that made every nerve inside her turn cold

Brax took deep breath aware of Caleb and Hope, his niece's and nephew aware of Ruby and Casey; he had to keep his temper in check. His eye's met hers and he found himself sneering at her

"Get out of my restaurant" Brax stepped forward but stopped as he felt a touch on his arm. He turned to find Charlie was now stood to her feet, her hand on his arm, her eyes pleading with him but he couldn't oblige, he needed Cheryl gone. He turned back to Cheryl to speak but she had beat him to it

"Please I just want to explain"

It seemed she could say no right as Heath scowled at her words. He shook his head as he felt the walls closing in on him. The chair beneath him screeched as he pushed himself away from the table and stood to his feet. Trying to keep his aggressive exhales under control; he took Reece into his arms

"We have to leave" he looked to Bianca who looked back at Cheryl before looking back at Heath

"Heath…"

Heath shook his head and interjected "We're leaving now Bianca"

Others may not have been able to see it but Bianca could see it in his eyes as he looked at her. He wasn't asking or demanding; he was simply pleading with her. She nodded her head lightly and stood to her feet, taking Abi out of her high chair. The young girl giggled and placed both her hands on her mother's cheeks oblivious to the tension that had enveloped the restaurant. Reece looked up at his dad

"Daddy you ok?" the young boy questioned

Heath clenched his jaws as he tried to hide his bubbling anger. He nodded his head and ruffled the boys hair "Yeah, but we have to go now ok"

Has if knowing something wasn't right Reece nodded obediently "Ok"

"Heath" Cheryl watched as he packed up, his gaze hadn't met hers again "Heath" she called again but he simply ignored her. She waited for someone to try and stop him but no one made the effort, they all sat gawking at her and there was no doubt that not a single one of them was happy to see her

"Heath please…"

"You ready?" Heath spoke over her but his question was directed to Bianca who nodded as she swung Abi's bag along with her own over her shoulders

"I'll bring her pram for you" It was Martha that spoke this time and Bianca nodded thankfully as she followed behind Heath who had already began proceeding towards the entrance

"Heath" Cheryl stepped in Heath's way but squirmed back as his eyes met hers. There was no doubt of the flamed anger she could she in his eyes. She watched as he glanced at Reece who had his arms around Heath neck but peered at her with curious eyes

Heath voice made her tremble

"Stay away from my family" he glared at her with cold eyes but she saw that coldness disappear as he turned to the blonde woman that stood behind him. Cheryl looked to the little girl in her arms and then back at Reece and then to Bianca… this was his family.

Bianca walked forward as Heath motioned for her to go ahead of him, she took a quick glance at Cheryl as she walked past her, trying to see the cold, self-serving woman she had been described as; but Bianca saw none of that. Instead Cheryl looked broken almost like another harsh movement from Heath would send her crashing to the ground. But Cheryl wasn't her concern; the only person she wanted to pleas in that moment was her husband.

Heath watched Bianca as she walked down the steps and moved to follow her; he stopped as Cheryl brought her hand to his arm. Looking down at her hand he was careful to not cause any discomfort to Reece as he dragged his arm away from her touch. With no words spoken from him he descended down the steps.

"Case…" Cheryl pursed her lips together at the pained look on Casey's face

"Don't" Casey shook his head "I can't… I can't be here" Casey stood to his feet only to pace with speed out of the restaurant. His feet taking to the steps two at a time

"Casey" Ruby jumped to her feet and followed him

"Get the kids out of here" the words had come from Brax but his gaze hadn't left Cheryl

"Brax" Charlie went to speak but Brax turned to Jack

"I need you to get her and the kids out of her"

Jack didn't even try to protest, he stood with Sophia in his arms and Martha stood along with him her gaze on Charlie unsure what she should do. Charlie nodded and Martha gripped the end of the twin's pram as they sleep and proceeded to push towards the exit. Jack took the end of the pram helping Martha down the stairs, but not before giving Brax one final look. He exhaled knowing full well how brutal Brax could be when he was riled up and most especially when it involved Heath and Casey

"Charlie go with them"

Charlie shook her head as she glanced at Cheryl before looking back at Brax "Brax just…"

Her words were interrupted by Cheryl "Is this your missus?"

Brax's clenched jaw seemed to tighten painfully as he shook his head and scowled at Cheryl "Na, you don't get to ask questions… I need you to leave" Brax knew his patience if ever he had any was wearing thin

"Daryl just give me a chance"

Cheryl as well as Charlie jumped as Brax's fist thudded against the table, his knuckles a pure vision of white as the emty dishes tumbled up on the table and clattered loudly against each other

"GET OUT" his voice roared through the restaurant and seemingly through the surf club too as John and Alf came charging up the steps

"Is everything ok mate?" John questioned as he looked at the tears that were falling from Cheryl face and the shook on Charlie's as Brax's eyes widened dangerously

"Don't make me tell you again" Brax ignored John as he addressed Cheryl

"I really am sorry" Cheryl choked on her tears and stumbled back but her movement stopped as Brax called her, But it wasn't that he called her it was what he called her by

"Cheryl" Brax's anger laced thickly as he refused to address her as his mother

Cheryl turned slowly, her watered gaze meeting his; her hands now shaking at her side. He could see the hurt in her eyes but he felt nothing. He returned her gaze with a sharp glare wanting every word he was about to say to be felt by her

"Stay away from them" he stepped a little closer "I don't want you anywhere near Heath or Casey you got that. I don't want you anywhere near my family" he pointed at her "Leave town, we don't want you here"

Cheryl opened her mouth to protest but the look on Brax's face made it clear that his words weren't a request but an order. She slowly nodded her head another tear falling before descending down the steps and out of the restaurant

The only thing left to be heard was Brax's ragged breath.

Charlie swallowed back her tears and turned to John and Alf as they stood confused by what they had just witnessed "Everything is fine… thank you"

Picking up on what she wanted Alf and John nodded and made their way back down the steps

Charlie tilted her head and pursed her lips together, Brax's hands still curled in a fist on the table. Taking his hand slowly she put it to her mouth before placing a soft kiss on his knuckles. And that was all it took, that little gesture and the anger in his eyes fell, the hostility in his composure crumpled and all that was let was pain. At the first tear that reluctantly made its way down Brax's cheek, Charlie rapidly stepped forward and engulfed him in her arms.

Brax welcomed her gesture as he wrapped his arms around her, another tear dropping and landing on her shoulder. Not one word was spoken between the two of them, as Brax allowed Charlie share in his pain.
…
Casey couldn't stop his feet from moving forward, he didn't trust were they would lead him if he allowed them stop so he kept going… even as she called out to him.

"Casey wait"

He wanted to but he didn't know how

"Please" Ruby sounded defeated as she pleaded with him and finally his feet slowed to a steady walk until they stilled altogether. He tried to concentrate on getting the tremor in his right hand to stop and a deep exhale left his lips as he felt Ruby's arms wrap around him from behind as she buried her head into his back. Her own right hand crawling down and entwining itself with his… her thumb slowly caressing his palm till finally the tremor subsided. Bring his left hand up he placed it over hers that was wrapped around his waist; he needed her comfort

Ruby spoke no words, she didn't know what to say; what words could make this any better. She sighed in relief when Casey spoke first

"I didn't even recognise her" he peered out and concentrated on the movement of the waves; trying to detach himself from his feelings as he spoke

"I saw her, I spoke to her… I looked right at her and I had no idea who she was."

"Casey…" Ruby sighed unsure what to say

"She didn't recognise me Ruby"

Ruby shook her head weakly "You don't know that Case" but she knew he was right and she knew how much it had to hurt

Casey nodded his head "I do" he exhaled "The look on her face when you told her Brax was my brother, like she'd just realised something" he looked out into the ocean as Ruby's hands ran higher, moving from his waist to his chest; her grip growing a little tighter

"I'm sorry Case" it was all she could think to say

"Why is she back now?" it wasn't a questioned asked to be answered, Ruby knew that; but it didn't stop her from replying

"I don't know, but maybe you should talk to her and find out"
…
They had been walking along the beach for a while, Reece remaining unusually quietly with his hand in Heath's and Bianca still with Abi in her arms. She knew the route they were walking in but she didn't speak waiting to see if he would stop. Has she had suspected his steps slowed till they stood still and she stopped a little further back watching him for a moment

Heath peered out at the ocean, not really seeing anything as his mind ran over what had just happened. In all the years she had been gone he had thought of her almost every day for the first few, then it reduced to every once in a while but in the past year he couldn't remember the last time a thought of her had passed his mind. He had begun moving past it, the scar she had left when she left them had started to fade only for her to turn up and remind him the scar may have faded but it wasn't gone. He wanted to know where she had been, why she had left, what or who it was that was more important to her but the overriding urge was to tell her to leave. They had survived this long without her and they had done well in providing good life's for themselves and their family… she wasn't needed.

He turned his gaze from the ocean to his left as he felt Bianca's lips press down on his shoulder. Looking down his eyes met hers and he felt that comfort that only she could give him. Her free hand snaked around his arms as she pressed herself into him. He looked at Abi who sat in her right arm... a gummy grin on her face as she looked up at Heath. Then finally he looked down at Reece who still clung onto his hand as if he could tell Heath needed the comfort.

"Everything was finally going good" he spoke

Bianca nodded "I know"

"I don't want her here" Heath shook his head and Bianca spoke no words. She knew a lot of what the boys had faced when Cheryl was around and when she had left. She also knew of how Ross and Elise had taken them in and done for them what parents should do for their child. So as they stood at that spot on the beach peering at the ocean where Elise and Ross now resided she decided not to speak… instead just let Heath have some time with them
…
Jack and Martha had seen Cheryl exit the restaurant about twenty minutes ago but neither of the two made a move to go back in knowing Brax would need some time.

Jack looked down at the twins in the pram, now both wide awake their big eyes darted from one side to the other. If Jack had been asked over a year ago if Cheryl was deserving of another chance he would have laughed and replied with a 'hell no' and in honesty he probably still felt the same way. But a lot had happened in the last year or so, a lot had been learned about the importance of family.

Martha could read Jack like a book even without him speaking a word

"You think they should hear her out don't you?" She glanced at Sophia before looking back at Jack

"Not for her sake, trust me I don't think she deserves it; but yes… for their sake I think they should hear her out"

"But they won't… Brax won't" Martha knew Brax was his biggest concern

Jack shook his head "No they won't... not right now"
…
Charlie and Brax had returned home and Jack and Martha had now dropped off the twins and left. Ruby and Casey had returned home not long after Charlie had called to check up on them and Brax had called Heath wanting to know his brother was ok.

The twins now changed and feed, were sleeping soundly, Ruby and Charlie had been doing their best to give Casey and Brax space, hoping the two brothers would help each other out. But neither spoke a word of the incident at the restaurant.

Walking into the living room with Ruby Charlie picked up her car keys "We're just going out to get something for us to eat" said Charlie

Before Brax and Casey could protest with the excuse of not being hungry Ruby and Charlie were already at the door, determined to give the two brother's some time alone

"We won't be long" and with that Charlie shut the door behind them
…
"Do you think they'll eat this" Ruby looked down at the curries they had brought

Charlie nodded "A hurricane couldn't stop them from eating" her voice trailed off near the end of her sentence as she saw a figure sitting on the bench on the hill not too far from where they had parked

"Rubes take those to the car I won't be long" Ruby didn't protest and Charlie figured she had seen the figure as well

Charlie's steps were slow almost as if afraid she would scare the woman off. Standing only a few feet from Cheryl, Charlie's feet stepped on a twig and Cheryl turned her head; meeting Charlie's eye

She looked at Charlie for a moment before looking back out to the nothingness that had been preoccupying her attention

"You don't have to warn me off... I got the message clearly"

Charlie tucked her hands into the pockets of her cardigan

"I'm not hear to warn you off"

Cheryl turned back to her and simply peered at Charlie for a moment, trying to figure her out. And then she spoke her gaze returning ahead of her

"Girlfriend or Wife?"

The silence between them had seemed longer and Cheryl's voice startled Charlie, she hadn't expected that question but all the same she answered "Wife"

It seemed her answer only caused Cheryl more anguish as the woman inhaled a sharp, almost painful breath. And unsure why Charlie provided her with more information "The twins in the pram are ours" she smiled as she thought of them "They're just six weeks old"

Cheryl turned to her a smile that seemed haunted with regret on her face "boys?" she questioned she hadn't gotten a good look at them

"One boy one girl" answered Charlie "Hope and Caleb"

"Hope and Caleb" Cheryl repeated with a smile "Beautiful names… but I bet nothing as beautiful as the two of them"

Charlie smiled and a sense of sadness over came her as she studied the look in Cheryl's eyes. Charlie had an image in her head of Cheryl based on the few times they had met but it didnt correlate with the person before her. She didn't carry the look of a woman who didn't care about her sons or of a selfish person; the only thing Charlie saw was pain and regret. She was brought from her thoughts as Cheryl spoke again

"And Heath… is he married?" Cheryl spoke tentatively not wanting to scare Charlie off

Charlie nodded "Yeah… he and Bianca have been married a little over a year now. Reece the boy you saw him holding is his son, he's five almost six; and their little girl Abi is one, closer to two"

"Case?" asked Cheryl her throat catching as she thought of him

"He's two years away from finishing school… he's a very smart kid. He's err… he and my daughter have been together for over a year now"

Cheryl looked at Charlie, she may not have known her but was somewhat thankful Brax had found someone so clearly purehearted "Why?"

Charlie cocked an eyebrow "Why what?"

"I don't deserve this, you here talking to me. I gave up the right to know anything about their life a long time ago; I know Daryl wouldn't want you talking to me"

Charlie identified the defeat in Cheryl's voice. She had only seen her a few times before she left but the woman sat next to her was definitely not the same woman she had known. Charlie shrugged her shoulders and sighed

"I'm not going to lie and say I don't think they have a right to be upset or even angry. But I know more than most what it feels like to live in regret and to make mistakes that seem far beyond mending" Charlie paused and decided to ask before she continued "Why are you back Cheryl?"

Her reply was instant "Because I'm ready now. I don't expect you to believe me but leaving those boys is the biggest mistake I have ever made… but at the time it made sense, I was more a burden than I was a mother. But even if I am twelve years late; I want to make it up to them"

Charlie sat for a moment before speaking, she didn't know why but she felt for Cheryl, but mostly she had a gut feeling she needed to try if not for Cheryl for Heath, Casey and Brax

"I can't make you any promises but I will try and talk to Brax" Charlie then remembered the way he had acted at the restaurant "The Brax you saw earlier today isn't him, he is the most amazing man I know"

"I don't doubt your words" replied Cheryl and Charlie found she could not bring herself to dislike the woman

"But he is stubborn as hell and I will try and get him to hear you out and maybe Heath and Casey as well… but I can't force them into anything"

Cheryl looked at her for a moment before she nodded "Thank you"

"You should probably hold out on thanking me… I'm not sure if he'll listen to me" Charlie stood to her feet

Cheryl didn't comment on her words but somehow she knew the woman standing before her would have great persuasion on her son's part "That wasn't what I was thanking you for" Charlie looked at her questioningly and Cheryl continued "For giving me a chance… you've never even met me and I'm sure you've heard more than enough about me to know the kind of mother I was. And yet you're here… giving me a chance"

Charlie smiled sadly "We've met before. I was with Brax a few months before you left. But all the times I met you, you were…" Charlie suddenly felt she should have kept that information to herself as Cheryl bowed her head in shame

"Drunk" said Cheryl as she lifted her head back up to Charlie "Well then I thank you again. If you've seen the kind of person that I was and you're still willing to help me then I can only say you are more than deserving of my son"

Charlie felt a little ting of pride knowing that Brax's mother (even with all her faults) thought her worthy of him. "Like I said, I know what it's like to make mistakes. I also know how much courage it takes to face those that you've hurt and admit you were wrong. And trust me Cheryl when it comes to your son; I'm the lucky one"

"Charlie turned to walk away but stopped "Where are you staying at the moment?"

"At the caravan park" answered Charlie

"You planning on sticking around or…"

Cheryl quickly interjected "I'm sticking around"

"Good" replied Charlie "Give me a day or two and I'll try my best with Brax. I err… I'll come to the caravan park and let you know how it goes"

Cheryl nodded and Charlie gave her a small smile before turning away and walking down the hill and towards the car. She exhaled as she took one last glance back at Cheryl. Charlie would give anything to be able to see her parents again, to have her mum fuss over the twins, to have her father bestow words of wisdom on them but that would never happen. In all of Cheryl faults it remained she was still her kid's grandmother, her husband's mother. Heath, Casey and Brax had given Charlie a second chance when she had returned and she was willing to try her best to get them to give Cheryl a second chance

[RoRo90]

Thanks so much for the comments guys. I want everyone who comments to leave an honest opinion. I have been considering doing a sequel to this fic. But if I do it wont have as many chapters as my saving grace and I wont be starting it straight away either. I just want to know if the majority of you would rather I end the story on a happy note with my saving grace or if you want me to do a sequel in which I will most likely jump forward a few years. Let me know. Thanks

CHAPTER SEVENTY EIGHT

Cheryl nodded and Charlie gave her a small smile before turning away and walking down the hill and towards the car. She exhaled as she took one last glance back at Cheryl. Charlie would give anything to be able to see her parents again, to have her mum fuss over the twins, to have her father bestow words of wisdom on them but that would never happen. In all of Cheryl faults it remained she was still her kid's grandmother, her husband's mother. Heath, Casey and Brax and given her a second chance when she had returned and she was willing to try her best to get them to give Cheryl a second chance

…

It had been two days since Cheryl had shown up at the restaurant and none of the three Braxton men had so much as mentioned her name, neither had the girls. Knowing emotions were still running high, no one dared mention her name and it almost seemed the whole scene at the restaurant hadn't even taken place.

Charlie had taken a shower and smiled as she walked out of her's and Brax's room and into the living room to see Brax once again with hope and Caleb curled into each arm, their big eyes roaming his face and their surroundings.

"Hy babe" Charlie stood behind the couch and smiled as Brax looked up at her before she placed a kiss on his lips

"Hy" replied Brax before looking down at the twins as Charlie walked into the kitchen "I have to go into the restaurant for a bit. One of the boys called, there's been a mix up with the drink delivery and the suppliers are refusing to help correct a mistake that I'm pretty sure was made from their side"

Charlie walked out of the kitchen and sat beside him "That's ok… I was going to take these two for a walk, maybe go over to see Bianca" Charlie stroked her fingers against Hope's tiny palm only for Hope to wrap her hand around Charlie's finger

Brax nodded "Well if you do, let me know

and I'll come over once I'm done at the restaurant"

"Will do" replied Charlie. She peered up at Brax and decided to go for it "Brax the other night when me and Ruby went out to us something to eat…"

Brax nodded as he looked at her attentively "Yea what about it?"

"We err… I saw your mum"

Brax was shaking his head before she had barely finished "I don't want to talk about her Charlie" he looked down at the twins

Charlie sighed and nodded "I know you don't but…"

"No but's Charlie" he looked back up at her now, a stern look on his face "I don't want to talk about her, I don't want to see her… I don't even want to waste time thinking about her"

Charlie knew by the way he was looking at her she should leave it be for now, but she wasn't ready to back down just yet "She just wants a few minutes and…"

Brax cut her off and sat up straight his grip still firm on both Hope and Caleb "She's not getting it and I don't want you talking to her Charlie… I mean it" he slowly rose to his feet before gently lowering both Caleb and Hope into Charlie's arms "I have to go" he turned to walk away but stopped as Charlie spoke again

"She's their grandmother Brax" Charlie really wanted for him to just listen to her

"No she's not" he turned to face her "Elise is and Ross is their grandfather, no one else… and I'll make sure they both never forget that" not wanting to hear anymore, Brax walked into the kitchen and out the back door

Charlie sighed and turned her gaze down to Hope and Caleb. Caleb seemed to be drifting off into sleep but Hope's eyes remained wide open "She really hurt him" Charlie said as she continued looking down at the twins. She smiled as Caleb's eyes finally closed and he snuggled his head further into her arm. She looked at Hope who now seemed to be looking at her with great interest in her eyes

"You know granddad Ross always said I was stubborn, especially when I have my mind set on something"
…
Charlie pushed the twin buggy through Bianca and Heath's back door "Bianca" she called out as she saw no one in the living room

"Coming" Bianca answered from upstairs before walking down the stairs with an empty laundry basket in her hand "Sorry I was just doing some Ironing"

"Guess you have a lot more free time on your hands now" said Charlie as she sat on the couch, the buggy in front of her as Hope and Caleb slept peacefully

Bianca sighed "Yea. I know I said I was excited about Abi starting day care but now it's just me in the house" she placed the laundry basket in the bathroom before walking back into the living room "I can't wait to get back to work"

"You're starting next week aren't you?" asked Charlie

Bianca nodded "Yea… and although I'm happy about it I'm a little nervous too"

Charlie frowned "What about?"

Bianca sat next to Charlie "You know, it's been a while since I've been stood in front of a class full of students. Teenage kids to be exact"

Charlie gave a tut and rolled her eyes "Please you'll slip right back into it, I know it"

"I hope so" said Bianca before she took the handle of the buggy moving it closer to her as she peered down at the twins

"How are my favourite niece and nephew" she smiled down at them

"They sleep all day then keep me and Brax up during the night" replied Charlie

"And that's how it should be" she stroked Caleb's cheeks lightly "Isn't that right?"

Bianca looked back up at Charlie and sighed as she curled her legs under her "So did you speak to Brax yet?"

Charlie sighed and leaned her back against the arm of the chair so her body was now facing Bianca "I brought it up this morning"

"And… how did it go?" Bianca looked at her wearily

"It didn't" Charlie ran her hand through the hair "He shut the conversation down before it even started and then he was out of the house in a flash"

"Heath hasn't even so much as mentioned her, and I'm not sure if I should bring it up" Bianca shuffled slightly "Till the other day I have never met her. Everything I know about her is from what Heath had been willing to share, and even with the little information he has provided none of it has been good. But what I saw in her at the restaurant didn't quite correlate with the image I had of her"

Charlie nodded "The few times I met her she was always drunk, the house would always be a mess… it was almost like she didn't even know she had kids to take care of. Their reluctance towards her is more than justified, trust me"

"Then why do you want Brax to talk to her so badly. Maybe you should just leave it Charlie"

Charlie nodded "I have thought about it too but like you just said the woman you saw didn't correlate with the image you had of her… well the woman I saw and spoke to definitely didn't seem like the same person I remembered her to be" Charlie shook her head "But I'm not really doing this for her, I want Brax to try for himself" she looked down at the twins before looking back up at Bianca "I know what it feels like to have parents that love me unconditionally, and I know up until your mum decided to turn into a cougar she did kind of do her duty as a mother"

"Kind of" added Bianca

"But they've never had that… and I know how much they wanted that. I don't think just because he and Heath or even Casey are older means they no longer want to know that their parents love them. I think he's just scared"

"But Charlie they did have that. They had that with Ross and Elise" said Bianca

Charlie sighed and nodded "I know but it wouldn't have been the same. Plus… their time with my parents was cut short" A flash of guilt crossed Charlie's face "If he talks with her and decided he still doesn't want to know her then I'll never bring it up again. I just don't want him regretting not giving her a chance"

"I'm not sure there is much you can do Charlie and I don't think there's much I can do about Heath either. They seem pretty adamant to not even acknowledge her existence"

"I know" Charlie looked down at Hope and Caleb "I can't imagine my kids never wanting anything to do with me… I don't think I could survive it" she felt a cold chill overcome her

Bianca shook her head "Neither can I but then again we're not ever planning on just up and leaving them. I don't think anything could ever keep me away from Reece or Abigail… actually I'm pretty sure of it" Bianca frowned

"I know" replied Charlie wondering if there was indeed anything she could do or say that could erase the pain Cheryl's abandonment had caused the Braxton men
…
Ruby walked besides Casey both her hands wrapped around his arm as they walked along the beach making their way towards the surf club. Ruby and Casey had been laughing about an event that had occurred in school that day till they caught sight of Cheryl. Ruby being the first to see her wasn't sure what to do, deter Casey away in order not to spoil his good mood or keep walking and see if Casey would want to talk to her or walk away. But before she could decide she felt Casey stiffen; his arms that she had hold of seemed to clench and his steps slowed until they stopped completely.

Ruby glanced up at Casey, then back at Cheryl who had now seen them before she looked back up at Casey

"We can go if you want?" Ruby said the words but there was a look in Casey's eyes that told her something else so she spoke again "Or you could go and talk to her" Ruby's hands were still wrapped around his arm. She looked at Cheryl and could see hope beaming from her eyes; hope that Casey wouldn't walk away and Ruby found herself hoping the same thing. She could she how torn he was by her return. Heath and Brax seemed against having anything to do with her and she knew Casey was torn by what to do "I'll wait right here if you want me to"

Casey now looked down at her before taking a quick glance at Cheryl

"I…" he exhaled and Ruby gave his arm a squeeze

"It's ok to go and talk to her... you're not committing yourself to anything"

Casey looked down at Ruby and the left corner of his lips turned almost un noticeably. He leaned to her and placed a kiss on her temple "I'll meet you at the surf club"

Ruby nodded and removed her hands from his arm before she walked up the beach already anticipating how the conversation between Casey and Cheryl would pan out
…
Casey stood rooted for a few seconds just peering at her. He had always had a heavily faded image of her in his mind and the less he had thought of her over the years the more hazed that image seemed. Brax and Heath had no pictures of her so all he had to reply on was the image kept by a three year old him.

After what felt like forever he finally moved closer but stopped with a significant amount of distance still between them. He watched as her eyes searched his face and he knew she was looking to see if there was any anger still harboured towards her in them. But now he didn't know what he felt. All his emotions in relation to her return had left him unsure of himself

"Casey" Cheryl spoke first. Casey looked at her and tried to find the person he had heard Heath and Brax talk of so any times. The one who didn't care for anyone but herself, the one who hadn't cared about how her actions affected people; not even her kids… but he couldn't see it. The only evidence he had of their words was her absence for the past twelve years

"Why did you leave?" he wanted to get straight to it, he wanted to know what had been more important to her than her kids

Cheryl's gaze didn't shake even with his question; it was almost as if she had been expecting it.

Her thin hair blew to her face with the slight wind that passes and she tucked it behind her ears, still her gaze locked on his face. He heard rather than saw her exhale before she spoke

"I wish I had a great deserving reason for doing what I did, I wish I could stand here and rightfully justify my actions…" she shook her head "But I can't. I have no excuse or explanation apart from I was selfish"

Casey had almost expected a big speech of how she did it for them; he was a little taken aback as she admitted being the exact person Heath and Brax had described her to be. He didn't speak but allowed her to carry on

"I wasn't deserving of any of you and I'm not sure I ever will be. I knew from when you boys were little that you deserved so much more but I was to wrapped up in myself to properly think of anything apart from myself and what I wanted. You were my boys but I have to admit Brax was more a parent to you and Heath than I ever even tried to be"

Casey thought hearing her confirm the person she was with her own mouth would have made him hate her or even dislike her but none of those feeling could be found in him. however the feeling of disappointment hung heavily

"Then why are you back?" asked Casey "Why now?"

"Because the regret I have felt for the last few years about you boys has been almost too much to bare. At first I said I would just come and see that you were all ok, I had to make sure my selfish choices hadn't destroyed your life's but then I got here and all I wanted to do was meet all three of you" Cheryl sighed "I guess you could say I let what I wanted over ride what my boys needed… again"

"Have you always refereed to us that way?" asked Casey

Cheryl looked confused "What way?"

"Your boys… you've said that twice"

A small but barely alive smile tugged at one corner of Cheryl's lips as she nodded "Yea. For as long as I can remember. I never thought I could cope with having a girl so I was grateful that the three of you turned out to be boys"

Case looked at her for what seemed like too long a time before he spoke "Yea you got boys, but still we weren't enough for you to stick around"

Cheryl nodded as if acknowledging his words "I think it was more like I wasn't enough for you, all three of you… seeing your life's now I know that"

Casey finally broke her gaze and peered back at the diner "I have to go… Ruby is waiting"

"Ok" she smiled up at him "Even if you never want to speak to me again after this, thank you for giving me a little time; it's almost hard to believe you're only sixteen"

"I haven't decided yet" said Casey "I don't know if this will be the last time I talk to you. But I have to go now"

"Bye Casey" said Cheryl

"Bye" replied Casey as he walked away and up the beach. He dared not turn around to look at her again; he knew he needed time to decide for himself what he wanted to do
…
Ruby looked up as Casey walked into the surf club. She had already ordered juice for the both of them. "So?" she asked as soon as he sat, she had wanted to give him time but she was too eager to know what had happened

"She's not what I expected" replied Casey

Ruby pondered his words for a minute "People change Case… maybe she's changed"

"Maybe" Casey sighed "But it's different for me. I hardly remembered all the bad but Brax and Heath do. They won't want anything to do with her… I'm still not sure I do"

"Casey; Brax and Heath have always put you first not matter what, that's not going to change now. If you want to give her a chance they won't try and stop you or make you feel bad about it"

"I know but I'll still feel like I'm betraying them in some way, plus I'm not sure I actually want anything to do with her"

Ruby moved her hand across the table and took Casey's hand "Why don't you talk to Heath or Brax or even both of them, they might be able to help"

Casey shook his head "I doubt it"
…
Charlie hadn't received a call from Brax and assumed he had to still be at the restaurant. Walking bak into the house with Hope and Caleb she smiled at Ruby and Casey who were now sat in front of the TV

"Don't you guys have any homework to do" Charlie asked as she closed the door before putting the lock in place on the twin's buggy

"All done" replied Ruby as she stood to her feet and gently picked Caleb up from the buggy and Charlie picked Hope up. Casey stood to his feet as he helped fold the buggy up and put it in its residing place

"Good. Have you guys eaten?" asked Charlie

"Yep. We stopped by the restaurant before coming home"

"So Brax feed you?"

Ruby shook her head "Brax wasn't there, we figured he would be with you"

"Right" replied Charlie as she placed Hope in her mosses basket Ruby doing the same with Caleb. Charlie took her phone from her bag and sighed when she still hadn't recieved a call from Brax

"You ok?" asked Ruby as she looked up at Charlie

Charlie gave her a smile "Yea I'm fine"
…
Bianca stood in the kitchen and looked up as Heath walked into the house through the back door

"Hy" she smiled as he placed a kiss on her lips "How was work?" she asked as he walked into the living room

"Busy" he replied "Reece and Abi asleep?"

"Yea" Bianca walked out of the kitchen "After I picked them up I took them to the park with Charlie and the twins. They managed to eat, take a bath and stay up for a little over an hour before they both conked out

Heath smiled as he pulled Bianca to him "And how was your day?"

Bianca placed her hand on his chest "It was good, Charlie kept me company most of the day" she ran her thumb over his chest " Heath I want to say something but I need you to let me finish before you speak ok"

Heath looked at her questioningly but nodded "Ok"

"I know I didn't know your mum" she felt him stiffen against her but she refused to stop "But I do know she hurt you guys when she was around and when she left. But I don't want you to let your pride stop you from the possibility of having the relationship you should have always had with her"

"Bianca…"

"You said you would let me finish" said Bianca and Heath sighed

"Fine… finish"

"Babe if you can honestly tell me you're not in the least bit curious as to why she's back then I will let this go. I will do anything you want me to but I don't want you to have any regrets Heath… especially not one this big. What harm could hearing her out cause?" she looked at him and he looked down at her and even though she had now stopped talking he didn't say a word, he just looked down at her as if absorbing what she was saying
…
Charlie looked up as Brax walked into the house "I thought you were going to call when you finished at the restaurant" said Charlie "I haven't seen or heard from you all day"

"Sorry I forgot" replied Brax as he dropped his keys on the dining table and walked into the kitchen before waking back out with a beer in hand

"Where is everyone?" he asked as he sat on the couch

"I've just put Caleb and Hope down in their room and Ruby and Casey are in her room" Charlie watched him for a moment "So where have you been?" she asked her legs curled underneath her as she turned her body to face him

"About. I was at the beach for a while and then I went to Mangrove River"

Charlie frowned "Mangrove River?"

"Yep… I needed to remind myself exactly why I don't want her in my life" he replied his gaze placed ahead of him

Charlie sighed and bit into the inside of her mouth "That was the past Brax"

But he shook his head "Exactly, She's our past she has no place in our lives anymore"

"I'm not trying to upset you by talking about her Brax"

"Then why are you still talking about her" asked Brax as he placed his beer on the table, his elbows resting on his leg as he ran his hand over his face

"Because I really do believe that you can forgive her"

"Doesn't mean I want to" replied Brax. He turned to her "I did everything possible to make things easier for her when dad left, she didn't deserve it but still I helped her as best I could. And without so much as a thought as to how we would survive, what would happen to us… she just left. If Ross and Elise hadn't taken us under their wings where exactly would we be Charlie? And what, now she's ready to be a mother" Brax scoffed "Too little too late"

Charlie nodded she could not argue with his words

"You're right Brax... what she did wasn't fair in fact it was plain and simply selfish; and the three of you didn't deserve it. Your anger is beyond justified Brax, I'm not disputing that. But let me just say one more thing" She heard Brax sigh "Regardless of my reasons, no matter ho different they were to your mums, I left you once. At that point whether I wanted to admit it or not I put myself first, but you somehow managed to forgive me and now we have a wonderful family together. You was right earlier; Mum and dad will always be our kids grandparents nothing will ever change that and I know you're angry at your mum for leaving, you have every right to be but I think you're overlooking the fact that she's back of her own according Brax. She could have hid her face but she's back, knowing full well you guys wouldn't welcome her with open arms" Charlie sighed "We all make mistakes Brax, some bigger than others but it takes a strong person to reach out to those they have hurt. I would never and I know neither would you ever abandon Ruby, Hope and Caleb or any other kids we may have in the future but we will at times get it wrong; we can only hope whenever we do, whatever mistakes we may make they will always forgive us"

She moved closer to Brax and wrapped one arm around his and placed her other hand on his chest "I don't believe you're completely sure you don't want to hear her out but if you decide not to then I will stand by you, you're my priority Brax" She lowered her head to catch his gaze till he finally allowed himself look at her "You're my priority Brax" she stroked her thumb against his chest "Whatever you decide I will always back you"

Both Brax and Charlie looked up as a knock came to the front door. Charlie quickly stood to her feet and walked to the door. She smiled lightly as she saw Heath standing behind it

"Heath" she said and looked back at Brax who was now stood to his feet "Is everything ok?" she asked as she turned back to Heath

Heath nodded and looked from Brax to Charlie "I err wanted to talk to you about something… about mum"

Charlie quickly backed away from the door and Heath walked in and closed it behind him

Walking over to Brax, Charlie placed her hand on his chest and leaned onto the ball of her feet and she placed a kiss on his lips "I'm going to head to bed" she spoke as Brax nodded

She turned to Heath "Good night Heath"

"Night Charlie" he watched as she walked away before turning back to Brax
…
Charlie had been laid in bed for all of twenty minutes before she heard the front door close. She waited for Brax to come through but when he hadn't she knew he had left with Heath too. Rolling onto her side she could only hope they were about to go and get answers for the many questions she knew they both had.
…
Brax and Heath had thanked Alf as he directed them to the caravan they were in search for. Reaching her front door both brothers glanced at one another before Brax rapped his knuckles lightly on the door.

[RoRo90]

Thanks for the comments. I think it's safe to say a sequel would be appreciated by all of you so I guess it's been decided lol. But as I mentioned it wont be straight after I finish this on

...

CHAPTER SEVENTY NINE

Brax and Heath had thanked Alf as he directed them to the caravan they were in search for. Reaching her front door both brothers glanced at one another before Brax rapped his knuckles lightly on the door.

…
Brax along with Heath exhaled at the movement coming from the inside of the caravan and less than a few seconds later the door opened and their mother stood in grey sweats and a t shirt, her eyes visibly widening with shock as she saw them

"Brax, Heath" she spoke their name as if trying to confirm that it wasn't just the hope she had that was leading her to believe they were stood in front of her

"We're not staying long" said Heath; he wanted her to be sure that this didn't change anything between them

Cheryl remained quiet for a moment before she nodded "of course" was her reply "Err... do you boys want to come in?" she had already sensed their reply before she had finished her question

Heath immediately shook his head along with Brax

"No… like Heath said, we're not staying long"

Cheryl nodded again "Ok" she stepped out of the caravan and both Heath and Brax backed away, putting a significant amount of space between the two of them and her.

Cheryl glanced between the two of them and they peered at her unspoken "I know you told me to leave" she quickly jumped to her own defence, concluding that the only reason they would have come to see her was to once again demand she leave the bay "I was going to, but I- I couldn't bring myself to walk away"

She cringed at the scornful sneer that left Heaths lips "You've done it before, I would think walking away would be a specialty of yours by now"

"There are no words I could say to make up for what I did or the kind of mother I was to you boys. I…"

She stopped as Brax spoke over her, his voice not loud but still firm enough to catch her attention "Where did you go?"

Cheryl blinked; she had hoped she wouldnt have to answer that question. She was ashamed of the life she had led till she finally allowed herself be helped

"I was about, I never really stayed in one place" She replied hoping her answer would be enough to appease him but she could tell by the look on his face he wasn't going to let it go

"When you left us where was the first place you went… where was it that seemed more important to you than us?" Brax stated his question clearly and Cheryl knew if she didn't give them the answers they wanted, this could be the last time she ever spoke to them

Cheryl swallowed trying to buy herself time "The night I left… some woman had been talking about this place in the city that was offering jobs for cash in hand. I was completely wasted and all I could think was that was the kind of job I needed. All I remember was going home and packing anything I could find, and as much as I wish it wasn't true, I wasn't thinking about anything else but the money" she glanced at the both of them their gaze placed firmly on her as they listened to her every word. She knew her words would be causing them pain but after everything she owed it to them to be as honest as she possibly could "I made it to the city that night but I only had a little amount of money on me and I didn't want to use it on a motel, I err…" she paused and Brax said what she hadn't wanted to say

"You wanted to keep it for booze" he stated it as a fact as if there was no doubt in his mind that he was right; and he was

"Yea, I wanted to keep it for booze, so I spent the night at the bus stop" she felt a wash of new shame overcome her at the memory of that night. She had expected Heath and Brax to laugh in disgust but they both stood waiting for her to continue. So she did

"It hadn't even occurred to me that I didn't even know where this place was, I was so out of it I hadn't even asked where the job was or what the job entailed. But somehow luck seemed on my side. I walked into a pub that afternoon and I somehow managed to talk myself into a job" she stopped again waiting for a snide remark from either of her son's but nothing came

"But like I did everything else at that point in my life, I messed it up within a few months. I turned up to work late and drunk on several occasions so that was the end of that. I hadn't saved any money so I spent a few nights in a hostile and during the day I went about looking for places that would maybe hire me"

She watched as Brax shook his head, but not in anger or disgust; it was something else, she just wasn't too sure what. Still she carried on

"About a month into it I met a guy named Mick" Brax and Heath noted that although she hadn't seemed relaxed before; where ever her revelations were leading her, it had caused some sort of imbalance in her "He took me in and actually got me a job at a store that one of his friends managed, and for a while everything was good, he was just liked me he liked to drink so when I wasn't at work we would be out drinking... at the time it seemed like I had everything. And then one day I asked him what he did for a living and then everything changed, within the blink of a second he just completely changed" Cheryl now had her back leaning against the caravan, one arm lay on her chest the other wrapped around her waist "he kept dodging the question but me being me I wouldn't drop it. I could see him getting more irritated the more I asked but I ignored it. It happened in such a flash that I still can't explain it. One minute he was shouting and the next I was on the floor"

"He hit you?" asked Heath, confirming that he had understood what she was saying correctly

Cheryl nodded "Yea… he hit me. He started rambling on about it not being my place to ask questions and so I didn't say a word, I was too shocked so I just lay there and waited till he left. I remember finally scrambling off the floor and dashing into our room. I packed whatever I could but he wasn't gone long and he caught me. Funny thing is he didn't try and stop me, he stood there leaning against the door frame and he laughed, he just kept laughing and for a minute I truly thought he had lost it, that was till he stopped laughing and looked me dead in the eyes" Cheryl felt a shiver run down her as she relived the memories she had locked away for so long

"I asked him what was so funny and he just shrugged and said 'you'. He said I was stupid to think that I could survive without his help. I picked up my bags anyway and went to leave and then he asked where I could possibly go. " A long pause passed and then she continued "I told him anywhere but there with him and then he replied with 'Do you think your boys will take you back after you just left them'"

"You told him about us?" asked Heath

"It seems so" Cheryl shook her head "But I didn't remember ever mentioning you boys to him. I was caught off guard when he mentioned about the three of you but he just looked at me smugly; and I could never figure out how he could move so quickly but before I could even speak he had my back pinned to the wall, and till this day I could never forget his words. He held tightly to my shoulders and said "You did those boys a favour the day you left, you're not worth a dime Cheryl , and I sure as hell know no kid wants someone as pathetic as you for a mother" and just like that he backed away and said "if you know what's good for you, you'll drop that bag and come out for a drink with me" Cheryl had been zoned out for a while as she spoke but now she focused on Brax and Heath and the anger she had seen in their eyes the day she had turned up at the restaurant was there but she wasn't too sure if the anger was directed at her

"You stayed didn't you?" said Brax

Cheryl nodded regrettably "I believed every word he spoke and I knew if I left him I would be spending my nights sleeping God knows where. So I chickened out and I stayed. I want to say things got better but I think he soon realised how weak I was and by then he didn't hold back" her arms seemed to wrap tighter around her waist "I shuffled between being his maid and punching bag for the best part of seven years and my drinking only got worse"

"Seven years" Heath shook his head

Cheryl nodded "I know right? I left you boys thinking I was chasing something great only to land in the worse possible place" she shrugged like what she had told them had been nothing "That's karma for you"

"You think you deserved that?" the question came from Brax

Cheryl shrugged "I had always gotten away with everything bad I had ever done… something had to give"

Brax and Heath stood unsure of what to say and Brax decided the best option was to move on "What happened after seven years?"

"I had somehow managed to befriend a woman a little younger than me at the store. Every time I came in with a new bruise I would make up an excuse but I knew she didn't believe a word I said. I hadn't turned up to work one day and she knew where I lived so she came round, only at that point Mick was beating ten folds out of me. I had gotten so used to it that I had long stopped screaming or fighting him back I would just stay on the floor and wait for him to stop. When he finally stopped he stormed out the house, I couldn't move; everything felt sour. I'm not sure how long I had been on the living room floor for before there was a knock at the door and I heard footsteps. I wanted to get up and see who it was but I couldn't… for the life of me I couldn't move. I heard her voice as she rushed over to me but she seemed so far away and that's the last I remember before I blacked out"

She heard Heath swallow hard and Brax tilted his head back his gaze falling on the open sky before he looked back at her and then she continued

"I woke up in the hospital after haven been unconscious for the best part of two days. It turned out not only had he broken one arm he had broken a few ribs and if he had given a few extra kicks they would have possibly puckered my lungs. Sharon asked me over and over again to give a statement to the police but I refused"

"Why?" asked Heath

"At that point in my life I had convinced myself that I deserved to be treated like that, I deserved the constant beating, the situation I had found myself in was my own fault" she sighed

"But then he turned up at the hospital, only God knows how he knew I was there. I was all set to go back with him but Sharon refused" Cheryl smiled lightly "She was a tiny woman but she had a lot more strength and power than I had ever had. I had actually told her about you boys a while back and she used you to make me see sense"

"What do you mean?" asked Heath

"I was about leaving with Mick when she stood in front of me and said "You told me how you wished you had been a different person, the kind that was worthy of your kids. Then she looked over at Mick then back at me and said 'Do you think you will ever be that person if you don't break free from him' he was stood right there and yet she said it without an inch of fear in her eyes. But I still went home with him… well at least I let him think. I couldn't just leave there and then I knew he would cause a scene, so I waited till late in the night and I snuck out. I was too scared to take anything in case he woke so I just left and went to Sharon's place"

"And you haven't seen him since then? Asked Brax

Cheryl shook her head "I did but that was long after I had left and by then I was different, I was stronger more focused. Sharon had convinced me to start going to meetings for alcoholics and although reluctant at first I really did want to change so I started going. And then two months or so later I took an admin course while working on fishing boats. Apart form helping Sharon with bills and food I saved every penny I made. But I would be lying if I said there weren't times when I was tempted to find a pub"

"But you didn't" said Heath

"No, I think the disappointment I would have felt with myself would be too much to bare. I needed to get better; I needed to be a better me. I kept going to the meeting for over a year and a half and then when my admin course ended Sharon managed to get me a job through one of her friends at a small office where I just did desk work. But for the first time in so long I could think of the next day with hope and great expectation. But regardless of how far I had come, all the changes I had made; I was happy but never truly happy and always knew why even though I tried to deny it" She glanced between Brax and Heath

"I had moved out of Sharons into my own apartment but even she seemed to notice it too. She had never been one to tread around an issue, she always got straight to the point. That day we sat in my living room and it seemed like it came from nowhere when she said it 'they won't know you're sorry or that you've changed if you don't tell them or show them. That was almost four months ago… and here I am" Cheryl sighed almost in exhaustion and relief that her story was finally over

Brax was shaking his head "I don't get it. We were here, you had us but being with this Mick seemed like a better option to you then coming back to us?"

Cheryl quickly spoke "No, but what I did to you boys was more than what any child should have to endure from a parent. I may have been a drunk but I knew that much" she sighed "Brax I knew I was a burden to you even before I left, coming back to you boys in the state I had found myself simply wasn't an option…I wasn't going to bring that into your life's"

"But that's just it. You didn't know what our lives were like. You left us with nothing, without even a care as to how we would survive, whether or not we would be able to stay together"

Cheryl tilted her head and smiled "An army couldn't have taken Heath and Casey from you. You cared for them the way me and your father should have, you always put them first"

"Charlie's parents" said Heath "They were there doing the things you should have been doing"

"Charlie" said Cheryl, he looked at Brax "Your wife" she had remembered him addressing her by that name at the restaurant

Brax nodded a reply but didn't speak, Heath spoke instead

"Do you know they took Casey in, so Brax could stay in school and the social wouldn't split us up? They feed us, paid the bills even forced Brax to quit one of his jobs so he could concentrate on school. For the first time we didn't have to fend for our self's… they were our parents"

Cheryl nodded "From the little you've said I can't argue with you, and I am thankful that you had them there to fend for you; I really am"

"What if they hadn't been there, what if I had quit school? What if we had been split up?" asked Brax "Do you think a simple apology would make a difference"

"But you didn't get split up… I can see everything turned out well for my boys"

Brax shook his head "But you didn't know that when you left… you didn't know we would have the help we did; and yet you left. I…" Brax was still shaking his head "I'm sorry for what you went through I never wished that on you but all I can think is if you hadn't left us none of that would have happened"

"I never said I didn't deserve it" spoke Cheryl

"I never said you did. But it doesn't take from the fact that you were never there when we needed you, that still stands"

Cheryl nodded her lips pressed together as she firmly tried to keep her emotion from her face "There's nothing I can ever do to take all that time back. If you want me to go I'll go, but I had to just let you boys know that not being here for you, not being the kind of mother you deserved is and will always be my biggest regret"

Brax ran his hand over his face and exhaled loudly, his anger towards her hadn't disappeared but it had decreased slightly. The thought of someone treating her the way this Mick had knocked him sick and he felt anger towards a man he didn't know. But in some way a way that made him feel guilty, knowing things hadn't been easy for her somehow brought him a sense of relief. Before he could speak again Heath spoke

"I would never wish what happened to you on anyone but I'm not ready to forgive you and I'm not sure if I ever will be" he sighed and turned slightly before looking back at her "If you want to stick around it's up to you and if you want to go. Just go now" and with that he turned away and walked in the direction of where Brax had parked, leaving Brax and Cheryl alone

Brax peered at her for a moment longer but then turned without a word and followed Heath. But before he got far Cheryl's voice stopped him

"Thank you" her voice was choked and rasped.

As he turned around; even in the face of the night's darkness he could see the tears building up at the corners of her eyes, tears he was now sure would fall once he and Heath were out of sight

"What for?" he asked

"Casey and Heath. You have done a remarkable job with those boys Brax, so thank you"

"I wold do anything for them" replied Brax and Cheryl nodded

"I've always known that. And thank you for tonight, I promise I'll be out of your life first thing in the morning" her bottom lip trembled lightly and she gave a smile that only emphasised the sadness in her eyes. She turned and opened the caravan door one foot already on the step before Brax spoke

"You leaving will only ensure you never get their forgiveness. They might at some point be able to forgive you for the first time you left, but leave again and it'll never happen"

Cheryl turned to Brax, her gaze tracing his face for only a moment before he turned from her. Her eyes followed him till the nights dim light no longer gave view of him. Finally she felt her tears spill and damp her face. His words had only been in reference to Heath and Casey but Cheryl hoped with more faith than she thought she had that although he didn't voice it… that same forgiveness that would come one day would also come from Brax. If leaving would jeopardise that, then no force was going to drive her away this time
…
Charlie had tried to get some sleep but it hadn't seemed possible as her mind kept returning to Brax and where he, and Heath had gone. She lifted her head off the pillow slightly as she heard the front door closing. She heard his steps walk past their room and she knew where he had gone. Deciding to give him his time alone with the twins, knowing he would need it she waited for him. Finally she heard him slowly push their room door open closing it gently behind him. She lay on her side as she waited for him to strip to his boxers before he climbed into the bed. She smiled as he wrapped his arm around her pulling her gently to him. Moving closer to him she put her arm over his and wrapped it tighter around her as he placed a lingering kiss on the back of her head

"You ok?" asked Charlie as she slowly turned to face him, his arms remained wrapped around her as she looked up at him

Brax nodded and lowered his head and placed a kiss on her lips. Charlie smiled as he pulled back

"What was that for?" She asked

Brax sighed as he gently loosened his hold on her waist on her. His left arm lay above the both of them and his other hand now holding her face his thumb stroking her cheek softly

"Just because" he replied

Charlie giggled "Just because" she repeated and Brax nodded

"Yea just because of how lucky I am that you came back"

Charlie's smile grew at his words. He needn't say a word and even if she asked he may deny it but not only did she know the strength of the man she married she could see it in his eyes; his forgiveness for Cheryl may take a long time but it would happen.

"I'm the lucky one. You're pretty amazing Daryl" her smile widened

Brax lowered his head once again taking her lips in a deeper kiss, his hand holding her face to him before he finally pulled away

"So are you Charlotte"
…
Three Days Later

"They ready yet? The others are already down there" asked Brax as Casey walked into the kitchen

"Nowhere near. Ruby's only just started her hair"

Brax rolled his eyes "She's only going to get it wet when we get to the beach"

Casey chuckled "That's what I said but by the way she glared at me I figured it was best to just let her get on with it"

Brax chuckled "You're learning fast" Brax looked at Case for a moment "Hy I want to talk to you about something for a second"

Casey looked over at him and frowned "Whatever it is I didn't do it"

Brax shook his head "No you knuckle head, you're not in trouble"

"Oh, ok" Casey sat on one of the kitchen stools "What is it?"

Brax blew out a breath; he didn't want Casey stuck in the middle of the difficulty he and Heath were feeling towards accepting Cheryl "I want to talk about mum"

Casey's eyes widened slightly obviously shocked that Brax had brought the subject up. Trying not to show any sort of interest in the matter he shuffled in his seat "What about her?"

A small smile formed at the corner of Brax's lips. He appreciated that Case was obviously trying to act as if the issue didn't bother him; no doubt to please him and Heath

"Case you don't have to make any choices based on me and Heath… If ever you want to do something for yourself you do it even if at times we don't feel the same or don't agree" he looked at Casey hoping he was grasping what he was trying to say "if ever you feel you want to get to know her, you know, if you want to give her a chance then you should"

Casey looked at Brax unspoken for a while "I don't want to disappoint you guys" said Casey and Brax chuckled

"Mate I don't think that's possible"

Casey sighed "What if she hasn't changed, it's different for me. I don't remember what she was like but what if she's still exactly the same and this is just an act. I don't want to have to see that"

Brax nodded, he understood where Casey was coming from but he knew what he had seen a couple of days ago compared to what he knew twelve years ago was different

"She's changed" he said with conviction. Even his mother couldn't have faked the emotion he saw on her face

"How can you be so sure?" asked Casey

"I endured her for seventeen years, that person I knew, but this person that's here now… I don't know her. It's up to you Case; if you don't want anything to do with her then we'll back you but don't stay away from her because you think we'll be disappointed in you"

Casey looked at Brax "And what about you? What have you decided?"

Brax glanced around the kitchen then back at Casey, a long silence passing before he spoke "I haven't"

Casey nodded and both he and Brax turned around as Charlie spoke

"We're ready" she smiled as she held Hope and Caleb in each arm

Brax stood to his feet with a smile and took Hope from Charlie's arm

"I'll go get their buggy" said Case as he left the kitchen

Charlie smiled up at Brax as Casey left the kitchen, she had been stood not too far from the door and thanked God neither Hope nor Caleb had made a sound as she listened to Brax and Casey's conversation.

Brax looked up from cooing down at Hope "What you smiling at?" he asked still stood in front of her

"Just thinking about how much I love you" she replied

Brax smiled and leaned down placing a kiss on her lips making sure not to squash both Hope and Caleb in the process. They both pulled away and laughed as Hope squirmed in Brax's arms

"Looks like she doesn't want to share her dad with anyone" said Charlie

Brax smiled "Don't worry she can have me during the day, then at night you can have me all to yourself" he wriggled his eyebrows and Charlie chuckled "Preferably starting tonight"

"Daughter in hearing shot so please whatever reply you was going to give to that mum, don't" Ruby stood at the foot of the kitchen entrance and both Brax and Charlie laughed

"I wasn't going to reply with anything inappropriate" said Charlie as she quickly glanced at Brax

Ruby scoffed and rolled her eyes as she turned away "yea right"

Brax and Charlie chuckled and followed her into the living room and placed Hope and Caleb into their buggy and Ruby took hold of the handle and Charlie picked up their bag

"I'm guessing you want to push?" said Charlie and Ruby nodded with a smile

"Right lets go, we're always the last ones to everything" said Brax as they all walked out the house and began walking towards the beach

Brax and Charlie stood hand in hand behind Ruby and Casey. Brax leaned his lips close to Charlie's ears "I meant what I said about being all yours tonight. I'll do whatever and I mean whatever you want me to do… to you" Brax was now grinning widely

Charlie smiled from ear to ear, her cheeks brightening with a red glow. She cleared her throat before speaking "I've got a few ideas" she bit her bottom lip trying her hide her still growing smile "But it'll be a really big waste of time"

Brax raised his free hand and ran his thumb against her cheek "I can't wait" taking his hand from hers her swung his hand over her shoulders and leaned down giving her a quick kiss "I love wasting time with you"

[RoRo90]

Thanks for the comments guys. Only one chapter left after this one. Enjoy

CHAPTER EIGHTY

Brax raised his free hand and ran his thumb against her cheek "I can't wait" taking his hand from hers her swung his hand over her shoulders and leaned down giving her a quick kiss "I love wasting time with you"
...
"Hy" Charlie smiled as her and Brax finally reached the beach moments after Ruby and Casey who were now already further down the beach with Heath and Jack. Charlie smiled down at Bianca and Martha who both now had Hope and Caleb bundled up in their arms

"Where have you guys been? We were beginning to think you'd ran off together" asked Bianca and Brax quickly placed a kiss on Charlie's cheek

"I wish" replied Brax a grin forming on his face as Charlie shook her head at him "But you should blame the wife and the daughter" he quickly stepping back from Charlie as she went to swat his chest

"I'm going to go join the guys" lifting his shirt over his head, he winking at Charlie before throwing it into her hand as he flashed her a wide grin, his dimples on full display "A reminder for later" he said before jogging down the beach to the others

Charlie stared after him a moment longer before biting into her bottom lip as she felt both Martha and Bianca's grinning faces on her. She turned to them, desperately willing her now crimson cheeks to return to their normal shade

"A reminder of later" Bianca repeated Brax's words, the grin on her face joined with a raised eyebrow

Trying to hide her embarrassment Charlie shrugged her shoulders and slumped down onto the sand. Her gaze drifted and stopped on Brax's bare chest, not helping her current state as she felt the heat in her cheeks increase

"Will you stop ogling him so shamelessly" said Martha both her and Bianca laughing

"I'm not" exclaimed Charlie

"Yea right; you're practically drooling" added Bianca

Charlie shifted as she looked up at her two friends meekly as they continued grinning at her "Will you both stop looking at me like that. It's hard to find time to you know… especially now with the twins"

Both Bianca and Martha nodded and Bianca looked down at Hope before looking back over at Charlie

"I'm not sure I want my God daughter in the same house as the both of you tonight. By the look on Brax's face just then, God knows what sort of noises will be coming from your room"

Both Bianca and Martha burst out laughing at the look on Charlie's face, her eyes widening

"Bianca" Charlie carefully hit her friends arm

"What. I'm just saying the truth. These two are way too young to be subjected to the animal like activities you and that man of yours get up to in that room" The girls burst out laughing and Charlie shook her head

"Guy's stop" the laughter in her voice betrayed her words "Me and Brax are not that bad"

Martha scoffed "if you say so"

"We're not; and plus both Hope and Caleb should be grateful, if it wasn't for those activities they wouldn't be here"

All three of them burst out laughing only for their attention to be stolen by the commission further down the beach. They looked down with smiles as cheers came from the guys, Reece now flipped over Brax's shoulders as the young boy laughed with joy. They watched as Ruby squealed as Casey picked her up also flipping her over his shoulder, trying to keep her from the ball that was now at Heath's foot

"They are so much like you and Brax" said Bianca as she watched the two teenagers

"Who?" asked Charlie as she turned back to her friends

"Ruby and Casey" answered Bianca "They have that thing about them"

Charlie frowned as she stretched her legs out in front of her "What thing?"

"That thing that you and Brax always had… still have" replied Martha "Like you were built as one"

Charlie looked at her friends a little surprised

"What?" asked Bianca

"That's how you see me and Brax?" asked Charlie; a sense of joy overcoming her

Both her friends gave her pointed looks as if to ask how she couldn't already know that.

"Please" Martha looked down at Caleb a smile on her face "That's what everyone thinks of the both of you… and they're not wrong either"

"I've never seen two people affected by each other the way you and Brax are… it's surreal" said Bianca

Charlie turned from Bianca and Martha and looked down the beach her eye on Brax as he passed the ball to Reece trying to block Ruby away. A smile tugged at her lips till they were curled up brightly "I don't know what I was thinking, fooling myself that I could have stayed away from him forever… that I could live without him" Charlie turned to her friends and smiled "I definitely feel as if he was made just for me"

Before either Bianca or Martha could reply the guys, were heading back up the beach. Reece balanced on Heath's shoulders as Ruby rolled her head back, laughing at something Casey was saying

"I think these two would like to get there feet wet a little" Heath looked down at Hope and Caleb as they sat wide eyed

"I think you're right" added Brax. He looked at Charlie with a smirk. He know too well what was coming

Charlie shook her head as her eyes widened "No way babe. I want them at least crawling before you try getting them on a surf board"

Heath chuckled "What's the fun in that. Plus they're Braxton's we'll have the two of them on a surf board before you know it"

Charlie groaned "That's what I'm afraid of"

"I still need to get you back on one" said Brax as he crouched down before placing a kiss on Charlie's lips. Allowing themselves get carried away, the kiss deepened more than intended till they heard numerous gagging sounds and coughs. Pulling apart they were met with a mixture of grinning expressions and clearly disgusted expressions

Brax laughed lightly and gently took Hope from Bianca, her green eyes gazing at him in concerntration

"Can you guys not save that for when people can't see? It's beyond gross" said Ruby as she tugged her top over her head "There are innocent eyes around" She looked down to Reece and Sophia who were now too busy playing, running circles around the adults while Abi sat content as she played with the sand

"I second that motion" replied Casey but frowned as he received a light slap on the head from Jack "What was that for?" he rubbed the back of his head and stepped away from Jack

"For complaining; how many times did you two kiss while we were down there" he nodded his head further down the beach "So no complaining about PDA's"

Ruby blushed deeply at the grinning faces that were now pointed at her and Casey. She quickly made to turn around "I'm going for a swim"

"Me too" added Casey pulling his own top over his head and dropping it next to Ruby's

"Errr no hanky panky in there… don't think we can't see you just because you're in the water" said Heath a smirk adorning his face. Everyone else lowered their heads trying to hide their grins

Ruby's face turned beetroot red as Casey peered at Heath unimpressed "Shut up Heath"

Heath shrugged "Hy I'm just warning you kids. Like you stated, there are innocent eyes around; mine being one of them" Bianca slapped him on the chest as Casey and Ruby turned to leave only for the two of them to stop almost immediately, their gaze caught on someone further down the beach.

All eyes followed till Cheryl came into view as she walking along the beach. Her arms wrapped around her as if shielding herself form the gentle wind. They all watched her till finally she glanced up and noticed them. Her head ducking lightly as she caught them all looking at her.

Cheryl brought her head back up unsure what to do. She hadn't spoken to any of them since Brax and Heath came to her caravan and she didn't want to push them into retracting away from her. She was sure she was making progress with them and she wasn't going to risk jeopardising that, even if it meant waiting endlessly for them to finally be ready to give her a chance. Her gaze stilled on the twins and then shifted to Reece and then to Abi before she looked up at Casey, Brax and then Heath. She wasn't sure if they could see her clearly from where she stood but still, she gave a light smile and decided to leave them to their family, intruding wasn't what she wanted. After one last look she slowly moved further along the beach aware that each of them were still peering down at her

Charlie looked up from Cheryl to Brax. He was stood his back ridged straight, his grip on Hope firm as he along with everyone else practically gawked down at Cheryl. She, Bianca and Martha glanced at one another, each of them aware that they were thinking the same thing… hoping the same thing, before looking back over at Cheryl. Charlie waited, saying a silent prayer for one of the boys to make a move but they all stood rotted till eventually Cheryl gave a smile before moving again; her steps taking her further away from them. Charlie and Bianca glanced at one another and she was just about to speak up before she looked at Casey as he slowly turned back to Brax and Heath. Casey's gaze flickered between both Brax and Heath, his big brown eyes asking for their approval. Charlie looked up at Brax and Heath to find them nodding at Casey and she couldn't help but smile. She turned to Bianca to see her also smiling up at Heath

Peering at Brax and Heath a moment longer, Casey turned back to Cheryl as she slowly walked away before he took long strides down the beach, till he finally wasn't too far from her.

Cheryl had stopped walking as she saw Casey closing the distance between them. She turned to look at him, watching in amazement as his long legs quickly swallowed the space between them till he was stood in front of her. An awkward air surrounded the two of them as they peered at one another. Knowing making the first move was something she was going to have to do a lot of in the coming weeks probably months, she spoke first

"Hi Casey" she gave him a smile, her gaze subconsciously taking in everything about him, wanting to remember him in case things didn't go the way she hoped

"Hi" he replied

Cheryl couldn't help but smile a little wider as Casey smiled back at her. It was a small smile and she knew she could only see it because of how close she was to him but it didn't matter to her, it was still a smile. She followed his arm as he brought it up only to place his hand on the back of his neck running it up and down as he pondered on what to say

Cheryl couldn't help but chuckle, she recognised that awkward gesture from anywhere, it was a Braxton thing. Brax had started doing it around the age of about seven… whenever he wanted something he didn't think he would get and Heath soon picked up the habit when he reached the age of nine. She soon forgot the chuckle that had left her lips as she realised she couldn't say when Casey had adopted the same habit. She couldn't pin point the age he would have been at when he picked it up

Casey frowned as she chuckled, his frown only deepened causing his eyebrows to knit closely together as her smile fell and her lips came unturned only for the same look he had seen on her face the other day on the beach to return

"What is it?" Casey was asking the question before he registered they were coming from his lips

"I-I'm just really sorry" said Cheryl as she shook her head. She looked behind Casey to see the others were still looking at her "Don't let me keep you, you should be with your family. I didn't know you guys would be here"

Casey looked at her, he could see in her eyes she was beating herself up. He shook his head "You've already said you're sorry" he paused and cleared his throat "And I believe you. And you're not keeping me from them; I wanted to come talk to you"

Cheryl tilted her head slightly and pursed her lips together "You boys have big hearts"

Casey smiled "What can I say… Brax did a good job" he shook his head as he realised how his words may have sounded "I wasn't trying to…"

Cheryl smiled and nodded "I know you wasn't and you're right, he did do a good job; a great job even"

Casey nodded "Yeah he did" a moment passed before Casey spoke again "How err… how've you been?" he asked, clearly unsure where to start

A brighter smile tugged at Cheryl's lips at the effort he was making despite everything "I've been ok" she nodded

"And you?" she asked

Casey shrugged casually "Good"

"I'm really glad to hear that" replied Cheryl

She glanced past Casey again and Casey caught her eye. He turned to see Charlie now with her back to them as she stood in front of Brax. He turned back to Cheryl "Brax and Heath have been through a lot" he sighed "especially Brax. It's gonna take them some time. But err… they'll come around, they always do"

Cheryl nodded and looked up at Casey, she marvelled on how tall he was as he effortlessly towered over her "And you?" she asked unable to help but ask

"It's going to take some time" Replied Casey and Cheryl nodded thankful for at least that

"If err… if you want I could meet you at the diner tomorrow. We could talk" Cheryl glanced down at the ground before looking back up at Casey. She was surprised to see him nod lightly

"Yeah I'd like that" he replied
…
Charlie and the rest had been watching Casey with Cheryl for a few minutes before she stood to her feet. She slowly walked to Brax and ran her hand along his arm; Hope still curled up against his chest. She looked up at him unspoken but she could tell by the way Brax looked back at her that he knew what she was asking of him. Her hands lay flat on his upper arm and she gently ran her thumb over his arm, her eyes pleading with him.

Brax exhaled as he looked past Charlie to Casey and Cheryl who still stood talking. He couldn't see them clearly from where they stood but he could tell by the way Casey stood he was nervous and he was surprised to find his mother's composure was far from confident. He looked back to Charlie to find her gaze still lay on him waiting for him to give her his approval. She had said she would stand by him whatever his choice may be, so if he said no he knew she wouldn't argue with him but still he looked down at his daughter that lay in his arms, before glancing down at Caleb who was still held by Martha and finally his gaze returned to Charlie.

"Who is that daddy?" Reece and Sophia had stopped playing and Reece now stood in front of Heath tugging on his board shorts

Brax looked at Heath who was also looking at him. Both bothers seemed to read one another's mind as they both looked down at Reece

Heath sighed as he contemplated what reply to give his son. The last thing he wanted was for their mother to involve herself in his children's life only for her to disappoint them the way she had him, Brax and Casey. But although he had tried to ignore it, he couldn't keep from his mind that there had been something about her when he and Brax had confronted her, something that had turned into a nagging voice; telling him she had changed and truly wanted to make up for her mistakes. He looked to his side as Bianca stood beside him, her eyes filled with hope. He exhaled and nodded before looking back Reece. He bent down to the young boy's level, taking a quick glance at Cheryl before looking back at Reece

"That is…" he sighed hoping he wasn't about to make a huge mistake "That is daddy's mum, your grandma"

He watched Reece frown as he glance behind him before looking back at Heath. The young boy looked at his dad in concentration "But you say's my grandma's name was Elise"

Heath nodded "Yeah I did but you have more than one" answered Heath hoping Reece wouldn't remember the incident from the restaurant. Knowing Reece he would question him on that too

Reece shook his head "But then I have too many. I have grandma carol because she mummy's mum and then I have Grandma Elise but you says she's in heaven. And you only gets two Grandma's"

Heath sighed and glanced up at Bianca before looking back down at Reece and nodding "Yeah but because daddy's really special he has two mums so that means you get one extra Grandma"

Reece's expression remained focused in thought for a while longer before he looked up at Bianca and she nodded at him "How comes we never meet her?" he looked back at Heath who chuckled. Only his son could think to ask so many questions

"Because she wasn't well, so she had to go get better" said Bianca

"And she all better now?" asked Reece as he pulled up his shorts. Bianca nodded her head and bent down pulling him to her as she fastened the strap around his shorts

"Yes she's all better now" replied Heath

Bianca looked at Heath for permission and sighed thankfully as he nodded

"How about we go down there and say hello to her. I know she would like to meet you"

Reece looked back at Cheryl who was still talking to Casey "You come with me?" he looked at Heath

Knowing Heath probably wasn't ready yet Bianca quickly spoke "How about I come with you, me you and Abi. I would like to say hi to her too"

Reece nodded his head as Bianca stood to her feet and picked Abi up. She moved closer to Heath and placed a kiss on his lips before taking hold of Reece's hand

Bianca looked up at Charlie waiting to see if she was coming. Charlie looked back up at Brax her hands still resting on his arm. Martha had now stood to her feet besides Jack

Brax closed his eyes and blow out a breath before opening his eyes and looking at Charlie. Charlie leaned closer to him one hand moving from his hand as she softly ran her hand along Hopes dark brown hair "Everyone makes mistakes" she spoke in a whisper her gaze not faltering from his

Charlie held her breath as she gazed at him, she could see him battling with what decision to make; and she also know the moment he had made his decision. His eyes held a soft gaze and she smiled at him lightly as he finally nodded in confirmation.

"You coming?" she asked, although she knew the answer already

Brax glanced quickly at Cheryl then looked back at Charlie and shook his head "I'm not ready yet" he said and Charlie nodded as he placed Hope into her arms

Ruby stood forward and allowed Martha place Caleb into her hand as she saw Brax nod at Charlie

"Mummy we going?" asked Reece as he tugged on Bianca's hand

Bianca smiled at Brax "Yeah we're going"

Charlie leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on Brax's lips "I love you" she said

"I love you too" replied Brax as Charlie turned and made her way down to Cheryl with Ruby and Bianca with her
…
"I err I should probably get back" said Casey "It was nice talking to you" he said

Cheryl nodded "It was more than nice talking to you Casey. Thank you" her gaze wondered away from Casey and he followed her gaze and smiled as he saw Charlie, Ruby and Bianca walking over to them with the kids

"Hy" Charlie smiled at Casey before looking at Cheryl "We have a few people who would like to meet you" she said and smiled as she stepped closer to Cheryl

"I'm Reece" Reece bore a bright smile

Cheryl blinked her tears away as she slowly lowered herself to the young boy's level

"Hi Reece; I'm Cheryl" she smiled down at the young boy. He looked identical to Heath when Heath was his age

"So your name is Grandma Cheryl" said Reece and Cheryl looked up at Bianca surprised that Heath had told Reece who she was. Bianca nodded and Cheryl looked at Reece

"Yeah" she smiled widely "I'm Grandma Cheryl"

"You better now?" asked Reece. Just like his father he never was one to shy away from anything or anyone "Mummy and Daddy says we never see you before because you wasn't well"

Cheryl cleared her throat and nodded "Yeah, but I'm much better now" she stood to her feet

"So we see you all the time?" asked Reece and Cheryl chuckled. He definitely was his father's son

"I hope so she replied" and smiled up at Bianca

"He never gets tired of asking questions" said Bianca

"Nothing wrong with that" said Cheryl "Heath was no different at his age. He would question everyone about every little thing"

Bianca smiled back and looked down at Abigail who sat perched on her hips, she was a lot more reserved than Reece "And this is Abigail" said Bianca

"Hi Abi" said Cheryl, she chuckled as the little girl pressed her head into Bianca's chest; trying to hide herself

"She's always like this when she first meets someone" said Bianca, not wanting Cheryl to think it was just her

"It's fine" replied Cheryl "I'm guessing she got that from you because the last thing Heath ever was, was shy"

Bianca chuckled "Yea I think it's safe to say she did"

"And you're Bianca" said Cheryl and Bianca nodded "It's nice to meet you Bianca. I see Heath as done really well for himself"

Bianca smiled warmly "It really is nice to meet you too Cheryl"

Hope squirmed slightly and gurgled in Charlie's arms, demanding everyone's attention. Cheryl turned to Charlie and her gaze flickered between Charlie and Ruby

Cheryl's eyes widened and she pursed her lips together as Charlie stepped closer to her. "I err…" she peered down at the wide green eyes of the baby girl in Charlie's arm "Hope" she said and Charlie nodded somehow not surprised Cheryl had remembered their names

Cheryl took a tentative step forward, her gaze darting to Brax and Heath; an action Charlie had noticed "Don't worry, you can come closer"

Cheryl smiled and took another step closer now looking straight down at Hope, who was curled comfortably in Charlie's arms with her wide eyes now focused on Cheryl

"And this is Caleb" said Ruby as she too stepped forward allowing Cheryl a clear view of him

Cheryl tilted her head and sighed "They're both so beautiful" Caleb's deep blue eyes scanned his surrounding; his hand lay across his cheek. Cheryl's gaze flickered between the twins as she absorbed as much as she could of them before she peered higher and met Ruby's face

"And I'm guessing you're Casey's Ruby" she spoke

Ruby nodded a smile forming on her face "Yea"

Casey stood back chuckling to himself as Reece asked question after question. He watched the girls as they interacted with Cheryl and he smiled as she spoke to Ruby referring to her as his.

Cheryl looked up at Charlie "Thank you" she knew beyond no doubt that Brax's late night visit a week ago would have been her doing. And she thanked God not only for Brax but for herself that Brax had found such a person "And you guys too" she looked at Bianca and Ruby knowing they too had played a great part in getting Heath and Casey to talk to her

"Those boys of mine are definitely smart having snatched up the three of you. They obviously have eyes for the finer things in life"

Charlie, Bianca and Ruby smiled

"I think we're the ones who got lucky" said Charlie and Cheryl smiled

She looked back down at the kids, and hoped that she would get to be in their life and watch each of them grow each inch.

"You bringing them down here really means a lot to me" she looked between Charlie and Bianca "It means more than you know"

Charlie and Bianca nodded in understanding

Casey glanced back at the boys to see both his brothers watching them with intensity "I'm gonna go back up guys" he looked at Cheryl and smiled "Bye"

Cheryl returned his smile "Bye Casey"

"We should probably get back too" said Charlie

And Cheryl nodded and looked down at the kids. She smiled at Reece "Bye Reece"

Reece stood with a broad smile "Bye"

"Bye Abi" she smiled at the little girl who still had her head pressed into Bianca's chest. And then she turned to Hope and Caleb "Bye guys" she smiled down at the two of them before looking back up

"I guess I'll be seeing you"

All three girls nodded "Yea. Maybe next time you can spend a little more time with them" said Bianca and Cheryl smiled

"I would like that"
...
"Thank you" said Charlie as she reached Brax. Brax nodded and wrapped his arms around her careful of Hope as he looked beyond Charlie to see Cheryl peering at them for a few moments longer before she carried on walking along the beach.
...
Charlie smiled as Brax walked into the room. Hope had been a little fussy and he insisted on being the one to settle her down

"She asleep?" asked Charlie

Brax nodded as tugged his shirt over his head, leaving him in his boxers before he lifted the covers and slid into the bed "Yea, I think she's tired herself out with all that crying"

Charlie sighed as she moved closer to Brax, pushing her body into his as his arm came around her waist holding her tightly to him; his hand resting just above her bum

"You're great with them" said Charlie her head lay on his chest; her hand lay on the lower part of his stomach as she ran her thumb up and down

"I just take your lead" replied Brax, his hand now running a gently circle were it lay

Charlie lift her head and rested her chin on his chest a smile on her face

"What?" asked Brax squinting at her

"Do you think we were made for each other?" she asked as she thought back to what Martha and Bianca had said earlier at the beach

Brax gazed down at her "Why?"

"It's just something Bianca and Martha said about me and you being built as one"

Brax sighed as he took her in with his eyes and used his hand that was lying lazily on her pillow to move the hair from her face. As he tucked the strands behind her hair, he exhaled deeply as he ran his thumb over her cheek

"I couldn't imagine sharing these moments with another person, and I never want to. You were definitely made for me Charlie and me you"

At his words Charlie edged up the bed and very softly ran her lips along his. She smiled up at him before edging further up the bed her lips once again brushing past his till Brax took her lips with his, his hand moving through her hair and down to her neck. Their lips caressed one another with passion and want.

Charlie flipped her leg over his waist so she was now straddling him, their lips not once separating. She ran her hand through Brax's short hair as his hands slid lower down her body till they gripped her bum pushing her further into him

A groan left Brax lips as Charlie bit lightly on his bottom lip before she pulled back abruptly a twinkle in her eye. Brax tried leaning up to her but she pulled back with a smirk pushing her lower half further into him causing him to groan the more

"Babe" his eyes filled with passion, his voice hoarse as he held onto her hips "you're killing me here" he gave a gentle thrust beneath her and couldn't help but grin as she sucked in a breath "Two can play this game"

"Who said anything about playing" said Charlie as she leaned a little closer to him "I just wanted to give you instructions on what I wanted you to do to me"

Brax swallowed loudly, His hands moving up his shirt she was wearing. Being quick about it, he flipped her over and rested his arms both sides of her body his face inches from hers

"How about I start and you tell me what you want along the way"

Charlie slid her hand around his back "Sounds like a perfect idea" pulling him down the final inches as their lips crashed against each other's