She crept out of bed with her toes curling under the second they hit the cold hard wood floor. Chills ripped down her spine as goosebumps raised on her skin. Sam hummed some melody she couldn't quite place as she slipped out of her clothes and into the steamy bathroom. His back was to her completely oblivious to the fact she was there. Charlie pushed the curtain to the side far enough to step in the shower behind him.
"Hey, good looking," she murmured as she kissed the back of his shoulders.
He turned to face her and kissed her on the forehead. "Well, this is my kind of good morning."
It was the kind of morning she could get used to, too.
"Mmmm," she groaned letting the hot water cascade down her body.
"We need a shower like this, with the dual shower heads."
Charlie's brow's pulled together and she couldn't mask the confusion she knew was written all over her face. Her shower far surpassed the dual headed shower they were standing in. "Um, we do."
Sam poured shampoo in his hands and started massaging it into her scalp. "Not at my place."
"Well, once the baby get's here, are we really going to be at two different houses?" Part of her regretted saying it, but the other part knew it needed to be said. She needed to move forward and let all of her walls down. It was time.
He tugged her hair back and looked at her like she'd just said the most outrageous thing he'd ever heard. "So, what are you saying exactly?"
For some reason, she was having a hard time just coming out and saying it, so she rinsed her hair instead.
Sam poked her in the side causing her to jump and giggle. "You're not getting out of it that easy, missy. What are you trying to say?"
"I'm just saying it's stupid to live in two houses with a baby if we're together."
His head shot up and his eyes went wide. "So, you're saying yes?" The hope in his eyes broke her heart making her stomach drop. Her nerves were already on edge trying and failing to tell him what she wanted to. The look in his eyes was making it worse and she couldn't stand to gaze into them any longer.
"No," she whispered shaking her head.
"So, you're saying no."
Charlie shook her head again. "No…I, uh….” She let out a deep breath and held her face under the water trying to get her thoughts together. He hadn't moved. His body was still pressed against hers, but his face was now unreadable.
It's now or never. Suck it up.
"I think we should move in together," she blurted out while still refusing to look at him. She peeked over her shoulder and caught Sam’s cocky smile.
"You want to move in with me?"
Just spit it out, stupid.
"More like maybe you'd want to move in with me?"
His brows shot up. "With your dad?"
She tried her best to not to laugh in his face but failed miserably. "No. He'd move to the base if you moved in."
"So, you've actually put some thought about this?" His tone was laced with sarcasm.
Charlie gave him a playful shove and rinsed her hair. She yanked the conditioner out of his hands and ran it through her long dark locks. "You know what? Forget it." If he was going to be a smug asshole about it, he could do it alone.
Sam wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her shoulder. "I'm kidding. But let me clarify something and then I'll let it go."
She groaned and rinsed her hair again not bothering to wait for him to talk.
"You're not saying yes you'll marry me, but you're not saying no…but you do want to move in together?"
"Ugh. Yes. Don't make this a thing. It's not a thing."
"Okay, okay, fine. It's not a thing. Still, don't you think your dad will care that you're kicking him out of his house?"
Handing him the loofa, she pulled her hair over her shoulder and turned her back to him. He started scrubbing her back as she spoke.
"No. The house is mine and it was kind of always unspoken that he'd move out at some point. It's not like he's there that much anyway and now that I'm going to have my own family, I guess it just makes sense."
His lips brushed her neck, causing shivers down her spine and her nipples to stand erect. "Did you just say your own family?"
"Don't make me cut you. You said you wouldn't make this a thing."
Sam chuckled and finished washing her. "You're right. It's not a thing."
She could tell from the smile on his face and the hope that danced in his eyes that he saw it as a very big thing.
✦✧✦✧✦✧
After showering and grabbing a quick bite to eat downstairs, Charlie wasn't quite sure what they'd be doing for the rest of the day. She flexed her toes in her shoes, trying to relieve the ache. Her legs were so swollen it was a given her circulation was garbage and she was almost positive her blood pressure was dropping the longer she stood there. Dizziness swept over her, causing dark spots to dance in her vision.
Taking a step back, she sat down on the small love seat at the end of the bed. She hasn't felt that frail in a long time but the last thing she wanted to do was ruin their last day there.
"Well, since I know you don't feel the greatest," Sam stated, causing Charlie to interject.
With her hand on her hip, she tilted her chin to the side. "And how would you know that exactly?" Her feeble attempts at being a hardass anymore were laughable and she knew it.
He waved her off. "Oh, please. Your poker face is gone and I can tell by looking at you that you're ready to drop. So, I've planned a Vampire movie marathon with all your favorite little book boyfriends."
No fucking way.
"But you hate Twilight."
"I hate Vampire Academy even more, but this is your de-stress getaway and I know there's nothing you love more than a day of junk food and sparkly vampire boys."
"Dimitri doesn't sparkle and he's only half vampire, thank you very much." These arguments always amused her and she loved the fact he always played along with her fictional characters.
"Whatever he is. All I know is if he's referred to as a God, and you compare him to me…I think that somehow makes me a God. I think I can tolerate him."
Charlie laughed and kicked her sandals off. She was thankful they were staying in. Even though they were on a trip, just a change of scenery was nice and the bed was beyond amazing.
"So, where'd you get the DVDs?" She rubbed her calves and watched him pull out the stack of movies along with a small tote filled with her favorite snacks.
He frowned. "I made a deal with the devil."
Alex.
She laughed and shook her head. He should have known better. "What did she sucker you for this time?"
"That's the thing. It's to be determined and that almost worries me more."
"Oh, it should. Knowing her, an open ended favor is just asking for trouble."
"Yeah, yeah. Well you better enjoy this then. What do you want to watch first?"
Charlie clapped her hands together like a trained seal. "Vampire Academy."
Sam got the movie set and snuggled in beside her on the small couch taking her legs into his lap. His fingers pushed her pant leg up to her knee and began gently digging into her swollen flesh.
"Mmmmm," she groaned.
His forehead creased as a frown tugged at his lips. "They look bigger than yesterday. Do they hurt?"
There was no point in trying to deny it. He was right; her poker face was long gone. "Yeah. I feel like I'm taking on water like I've got a hole in the boat, except I can't fucking abandon this dreaded sinking ship."
He laughed and worked his way around her calves as the movie started. "You and your analogies. If it gets any worse, we can head back early. We should get it checked out. I know swelling is normal, but this is kind of extreme."
"Yeah," she said. He'd nailed it. It was getting worse each day and even though her activity level wasn't high to begin with, she had a bad feeling bed rest was coming.
They settled in, not saying much else about it. Even though he tried to
put up a front like he had no interest in the movie, every stolen glance at him proved otherwise. He stared intently at the screen but his hands were constantly rubbing or touching some part of her. It was heaven and definitely something she could get used to.
"Okay, so Dimitri is kind of a badass," he confessed with a sheepish grin.
"Told you."
"But don't you think there's a little irony in this?"
She looked at him confused. "Irony in what?"
"The fact that she's in love with her instructor and he's in love with his student."
A knowing smile spread across her face. "Oh, that. I guess I never thought about it in those terms. I just always knew they were perfect for each other and rooted for them to be together."
Sam leaned over and kissed her neck, whispering in her ear, "Did you know we were perfect and always root for us?" His breath was hot on her neck and sent her nerves into a frenzy.
"We're more complicated."
"Oh really? How so?" He looked intrigued.
"Because I'm complicated and as stubborn as a mule."
"Yes, but you're my mule, complicated and all."
She'd never even thought about the similarities she shared with her favorite characters. One thing was certain: he was definitely paying attention and she was never going to let him live it down. They transitioned between movies with minimal pee breaks.
Even though she'd seen each movie multiple times, she didn't want to miss any of it, so she held it until she felt like she was going to burst. "Pause it, I gotta pee."
She ran for the door. When she came out of the bathroom the movie was still playing and Sam was sitting on the edge of the couch. He pointed a red vine at her. "Here's my problem. Jacob’s what? Like twelve and he has abs like that? It's bullshit. I worked hard for many years to get these." He lifted his shirt to reveal his chiseled stomach.
She leaned against the door frame, amused. "And you don't think he worked hard for his?"
Sam bit the top of his licorice off like he was biting the head off of something. "I'm sure he did, but it's not right for him to look like that. You know who he reminds me of?"
"Jules," she answered giving him a knowing smile.
He pointed the red vine at her again. "Yes, except he wants the girl as more than a best friend. Thankfully, Jules doesn't, or I'd have to kill him."
She laughed and climbed back on the couch with him. "For someone who hates these movies, you sure do know a lot about them."
"I've only seen you watch them a million times. It was bound to sink in eventually."
Rolling her eyes, she elbowed him. "Mm-hmm."
He smacked the couch causing her to jump. "Oh, and what's this shit with Edward? He's gone for most of the movie and then comes back and gets his ass handed to him by that dude? Weak!"
Charlie burst into a fit of giggles. She couldn't control it. Never in a million years did she ever think they'd be discussing things that happened in Twilight. The thought of it just made her love him more.
✦✧✦✧✦✧
The ride home didn't take long, but the last thing she expected to see when they pulled in her driveway was everyone's cars. She flipped down the visor mirror to confirm what she already knew. The girl looking back at her was pale, with dark circles under her eyes. Even though she felt more relaxed, she certainly didn't look it.
As she flipped the visor back up, she looked over at Sam with a frown. "Please tell me they're not throwing some kind of stupid party? I'm exhausted and just want to take a nap."
Putting the Jeep in park, he pulled out his phone and scrolled down the screen. "Fuck," he muttered.
The tone of his voice put her on alert. "What? What's going on? Did something happen?" She searched his face for answers.
He shut the Jeep off and sighed. "Nothing."
"Don't nothing me. Something is obviously going on and you just don't want to tell me." The words tasted like vinegar as soon as she said them. He was taking a play right out of her playbook and she didn't like it.
"I don't know anything to tell. I'm not sure why they're all here. So, let's go inside and find out." He voice wavered and that meant he knew more than he was telling her.
Charlie got out and slammed the door behind her, not bothering to wait for him.
Two steps forward, three steps back.
Sam was right on her heels as they walked in the door. Joe, Callie and Jules sat around her kitchen in their usual spots all conversation ceasing when they walked in.
"Well don't stop talking on my account," she said, her voice laced with sarcasm.
"You give yourself too much credit," Jules stated with a raised brow. “Maybe we were talking about Sam."
He arched his brows. "So...is there a party going on that someone forgot to invite us to?"
It was obvious he was trying to get information out of them without coming right out and asking for it.
Like he doesn't know.
Callie walked over and grabbed both of Charlie's hands. She swung them back and forth. "Hi, honey. Did you enjoy yourself and get some rest?" Her attempt at subtlety failed when she glanced down at her fingers.
"Where's the ring?" Callie asked, drawing her attention back.
Charlie narrowed her eyes at Callie and then turned back to Sam with the same evil eye.
"And what ring is that, Callie?" Charlie asked.
"The engagement ring. You said yes, right? Please tell me you said yes?"
Charlie took a step back and shook her head. "So, that's why you're all here? Seriously?"
Peering back at Sam, she was about to rip his head clean off in from of her entire family, but something about his expression made her take a second look. His face didn't seem as tense as it had when they'd walked in. He and Jules exchanged some sort of glance she wasn't supposed to catch, but did.
"What are you two dipshits cooking up? What in the hell is going on?"
"Not a damn thing," Jules rebutted and took a swig of his beer. He smacked Joe in the side of the thigh and motioned for him to follow him outside. Sam was right behind them.
"I'll be back in a minute to bring your stuff in, babe," he said and kissed her on the side of the head quickly before darting out the back door.
She faced Callie. "What the hell is that about?"
"Who knows? They've been weird all weekend. Well? Let me see the ring! Did he do it? Please tell me he did it and I didn't ruin everything."
Exhaustion swept over her and she knew she needed to get off her feet. "Let's go upstairs and I'll tell you all about it."
"Okay. Let's get those feet propped up, mama."
"That sounds so weird."
"Well, you better get used to it. That's all you're going to hear for the rest of your life. You never would have known the word mom could be used in so many ways." Callie laughed.
She collapsed on her couch and pulled the blanket over her. Being away was nice, but nothing was better than being home. The familiar scent of fresh linens and leather assaulted her nose.
"Did you wash my blanket?" Charlie asked looking up at Callie perplexed.
"Yep. I washed your sheets, towels and the small amount of dirty clothes you had in there, too."
"You didn't have to do that, but thank you."
Callie fluffed a couple of pillows and stuffed them under Charlie's knees. "You're welcome, honey." She sat down on the other couch with a smile but Charlie knew she was bursting at the seams to know everything.
Charlie recapped their weekend and told her she'd show her the ring and the letter as soon as Sam brought in her bags. The baby was rolling around like a circus performer on speed and no matter which way she turned, she couldn't get comfortable.
Rubbing her belly, Charlie did something she'd yet to do: talk to the baby like Sam did.
"Hey there, wiggle worm. Mommy really needs to get some rest. You're taking every ounce of energy I have by bouncing around like that. So, do you think you can pipe down and take a nap too?"
✦✧✦✧✦✧
The guys walked around the back corner of the house to the driveway and stopped next to Joe's truck. "So, did you find anything else out?"
Jules took a swig of his beer and shook his head. "No, but the guy knows we're onto him now since Joe here scared him off."
Sam looked at Joe who was leaning back against the tailgate a little too quiet and it made him uneasy. "Scared him off how exactly? I thought the plan was to keep him out of jail?"
With a look of feigned innocence, Joe motioned to himself. "Hey, I didn't get any jail time. Yet."
"Yeah, it's the yet that worries me." Sam said, not at all surprised that he'd gone after the guy. "So what happened?"
Joe pulled down the tailgate and hopped up on it. Taking the cue Sam sat down next to him, while Jules leaned back against the hood of Callie's car.
"He had the cops called on him for trying to beat the shit out of the asshole," Jules said matter-of-factly.
"I did not." The cool tone of Joe's voice was almost eerie. He wasn't the type of guy you'd want on your bad side. "I merely approached his vehicle and knocked on the window. When he tried to drive off, I stopped him and politely asked why he was following my family."
Jules scoffed and almost choked on his beer. "Bullshit. You broke the guys fucking window out of his car with your fist."
Sam stared at Joe in awe. "I know he's been staking the house out, but am I missing something?" He looked back and forth between them waiting for one of them to explain.
"I caught the asshole tailing my mom. When I came back here to tell Joe about it all, the stupid prick was dumb enough to follow me back here. He saw his car outside. One thing led to another, things escalated quickly, and then the cops were called."
"Oh shit. How the hell did you not end up behind bars?"
He shrugged like it wouldn't have mattered even if they had locked him up. "I told the cop that the guy had been following my very sick and very pregnant daughter, her brother, and their mother around town. I told him I wanted to know why. When the guy told me he had a right to follow whomever he wanted, I told him I had the right to protect my family. I told the cops to do what they needed to do. They let me go with a warning and told me to stay away from the guy unless he was on my property."
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