21

Background color
Font
Font size
Line height


Chapter Twenty One - More than One Return


"Zoe!" I call with an excited wave.

The redhead whips her head in my direction and a wide smile blooms across her lips. She squeals as she runs towards me and we meet halfway in a tight hug. Hunter follows behind with an amused smile on his lips but his bright blues are filled with adoration like always as he stares at his wife.

"It's so good to see you again! Ugh, I missed you!"

"Me too! How's Ariel?" I ask as we pull away and I give Hunter a hug. "Hi Hunter."

"Hey Charlie, good to see you." He grins as he pats my back.

"Ariel's great...growing up way too fast but she's good." Zoe sighs with a playful pout. "Hi Aria! How are you?"

"I'm good, how are you?" Aria grins as they hug each other before she moves onto Hunter.

"I'm fine, excited to show you guys around!" She replies with a wink before I introduce her and Hunter to my friends. "Lovely to meet you all!"

"Likewise." Jacob smiles as they shake hands.

"Hi, I'm Hunter. Zoe's husband." He smiles charmingly and it only takes him seconds to put them at ease and have them all talking like they've known each other for years.

When nobody's looking though Jessica fans herself and pretends to faint which makes me bite my lip to stifle my laughter. Zoe claps her hands together as she grabs our attention with an excited grin.

"So, I'll show you guys one of our famous flea markets and then we'll head to Dumbo since it's close by. That okay?" She asks as we start following her.

"Sure, sounds great." Jessica replies and shares an urgent look with me and Jacob when Poppy's not looking.

Hunter and Zoe talk about the different sights we stumble across on as we make our way to our destination. I signal to Jess and Jacob to go ahead before gently pulling Zoe back. Her eyes widen in confusion before she catches on and loops her arm around mine.

"What's up?" She whispers with a slight frown.

"Jacob is actually planning to propose to Poppy in front of the bridge at Dumbo. Would you and Hunter mind if we stopped there for a bit. Me and Jess promised to get some pictures of them." I explain quietly and watch her eyes light up in delight.

"Oh my god! I'll take some pictures too and get different angles, this'll be amazing!" She whisper-shouts excitedly and I chuckle.

"Thank you, you're so sweet!" I giggle and she joins in as we talk about where we can hide ourselves when the time comes.

We spend some time at the impressive flea market and get some great things before heading to Dumbo. I rub Jacob's back with a low chuckle when I notice him fidgeting nervously. Jessica grins back at us before distracting Poppy as we reach the place. We stare up at the glimpse of the bridge between two buildings before getting some pictures.

I see Jacob nod at us and we hide ourselves in the spots Zoe and Hunter showed us. A quiet chuckle escapes my lips when Poppy turns around only to frown in confusion when she realizes we're not there. She asks Jacob something but we're too far away to hear. He smiles down at her lovingly and holds her hands in his as he speaks.

Jessica squeals softly and we start taking pictures as Jacob gets down on one knee. I watch Poppy's expression switch from confusion to shock to happiness and lastly to emotional as tears brim her eyes. She smiles shakily and nods which makes my heart almost burst in happiness for them. After putting the ring on her finger Jacob picks her up and twirls her around before they kiss.

"Let's go!" Hunter grins as we race over to them with excited shrieks.

"Oh my god! I was wondering where you guys went!" Poppy laughs tearfully with a shake of her head.

"I'm so happy for you!" I smile as I hug her tightly.

We shower them in congratulations before us girls fawn over the ring. Hunter pats Jacob on the back before they exchange a hug. He turns to me and Jess with a relieved grin before we throw ourselves at him.

"Thank you." He whispers before pecking our foreheads as we let go.

After that pleasant high is over we grab lunch at a great spot Hunter picks before taking a car to Coney Island. I watch as Aria perks up in interest and her eyes widen in excitement when she realizes it's an amusement park. She cheers loudly which makes us laugh before we head inside.

Much of our day is spent at Coney Island going on almost every ride, winning more prizes than we can carry and eating our weight in junk food. Every time I look at Aria I feel happy that she's having so much fun here.

When we head into Dyker Heights to check out the neighborhood with the most over the top Christmas decorations Hunter and Zoe convince me to leave Aria with their babysitter and Ariel at their house so we can all go out to a bar tonight. I make sure Aria is fine with it and she agrees since she's become tired by now.

After marveling over the extravagant displays, we head back to our hotel while Hunter and Zoe go back to theirs to check on Ariel. As I'm changing I make sure Aria has eaten dinner before we drop her off at their house. My worry reduces considerably when Zoe shows me a text from their babysitter that she fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

"Relax now. I promise she's in good hands. Time to have some fun!" She winks and I laugh as we reach a lounge bar called The Mad Twist.

Hunter and Zoe introduce us to their friends who have joined. There's three couples and I learn that Cory is one of Hunter's best friends who sits with his wife Jordan. Blade, Lia, and AJ are Zoe's friends but Blade and Lia are married whereas AJ is engaged to his fiancée Gabriella. Everyone's incredibly lovely and welcoming so it doesn't take long for us to feel like we've known them since forever.

"I haven't seen Theo in ages! How's he doing? I heard he started his own company?" Jordan asks Hunter curiously.

"Yeah he's good, needs a well-deserved break but he's good." Hunter laughs before glancing at me with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "But I'm sure you can convince him Charlie."

I blush fiercely as all eyes turn to me and they tease the hell out of me. Speaking of the devil my phone vibrates with a text from Theo himself. I sent him a picture of my outfit a while ago and now that everyone's attention is off me I open it.

You look so damn good like always sunshine. I read his message and find myself smiling. I miss you. Enjoy your night and I can't wait to have you all to myself when you're back. Love you Char.

I text him back before taking a sip of my drink with a content sigh. Even though it's just texts he still manages to make my heart race. Although I'm having so much fun with my friends and I love that we have met up after so long a small part of me wishes I were still with Theo in his arms.

Every part of me yearns for him badly and I truly am eager for when the plane touches down in Dallas so I can see him again. For now though, I focus on my friends and making sure I cherish my time with them to the fullest.

But I should've known this happiness wouldn't last long. The next morning, I receive an email from Liam's lawyer saying that he's proceeding to file for joint custody and visitation rights over Aria, and that he's going to come back to Dallas in a week to get things moving.

My anxiety shoots through the roof.



***



Four days later.

Theodore Jackson's P.O.V.


"That everything?" I ask as Ryder as he comes downstairs.

He nods and I pick up his suitcase and hold all bag before walking out of the house. I can feel the hole he's burning into the back of my head as our parents scold him again for not bringing his family and for not staying longer. Noah catches up to me with a cheeky grin as he takes the hold all from me.

"Twenty bucks Ma cries." He smirks which makes me roll my eyes with a laugh.

"That's hardly anything to bet about since she always cries Noey."

"Don't call me that!" He snaps with a frown as we put the bags in the trunk. "It's not cool!"

"Oh? And who do you want to be cool in front of?" I chuckle when his eyes widen and the tips of his ears turn pink. "Would it be a certain girl you're hanging around –"

"Nope! I have no idea what you're talking about. You know the older you're getting the crazier you're becoming Theo." He rambles before slamming the trunk shut.

"Tell me her name –"

"No!" He hisses before his eyes widen comically. "I mean there is no girl so I can't give you a name!"

"Ooh Noey's got a crush! Noey's got a crush!" I sing off key and loudly before he punches me in the stomach hard. "Fuck! You little shit!"

He smirks before rolling his eyes. "It's not like anything's going to happen so drop it."

"Hey..." I pull him back as he starts to leave for the house. "She might like you too but if you don't give her any signs then you'll never know."

His brows furrow in confusion before he nods. "Alright, I'll try. Thanks brother."

"If it's a no from her then you stop pursuing her, got it? Respect her and her decision above all. And no funny business either, you're sixteen – tell me she's sixteen right?!" I push off the car in panic and sigh in relief when he nods. "Good. I mean it, no messing about and –"

"Yeah, yeah...legal age, importance of consent, our parents will kill me if I got someone pregnant and all that. I did go to sex ed so I'm not dumb." He grins cheekily and I shake my head with a smile. "Do you want to play soccer later?"

"I need to pick up Char and Aria from the airport but I should make it back in time yeah." I nod just as Ryder escapes from our parents.

"Bring them too!"

"Maybe some other time. They'll probably be quite tired from the flight." I explain and he nods before Ryder interrupts us.

"Traitors the both of you!" He hisses but his eyes are alight with playfulness. "Did you not realise how long I had been in there?! Could've checked for fuck's sake!"

"You got lipstick on your cheek mama's boy – oomph!" Noah laughs when Ryder grabs him in a headlock. "Ma! Help me!"

"Let him go Ryder!"

"Who's mama's boy now huh?" Ryder chuckles before pecking Noah's forehead. "Stay safe and out of trouble for me yeah?"

"Always!"

"Ma found out about you failing chemistry yet?" He grins and I laugh loudly when Noah's smile drops.

"Dad said he has my back when the time comes!" He shoves Ryder into the passenger seat just as I get in. "So, keep your mouth shut or I'll tell Ella you broke her favorite necklace.

I'm shaking with laughter at this point when Ryder mutters "deal," under his breath before bidding him goodbye. With one last wave to our parents, I drive out of the gates and onto the road to take him to the airport.

"How is Ella now?" I ask referring to her therapy sessions.

Because of her past Ryder encouraged her to start therapy. She kept refusing for the longest time but Ryder remained patient yet stubborn with her. Eventually she gave in and that's when we found out how bad the trauma is.

She refused to talk more than what she had told us and would be driven to an almost panic attack whenever the therapist tried to delve deeper into what happened. The process has been slow and it's taken her years to comfortably talk about everything, especially facing the fears that were built into her.

"She's doing so much better." His features instantly light up and that reaction whenever she's mentioned always makes me smile. "I'm so fucking proud of the progress she's made. She told me she's more comfortable talking about the trauma now and letting go. We're finally working on her fear of heights. I'm just...so proud...she's amazing."

"She is and that's great to hear." I grin as we fist bump each other.

"How are things going with Charlie?"

With a heavy sigh I proceed to tell him of everything that's happened. His expression switches to one of seriousness which mirrors mine. I can see the gears and cogs of his mind working before I finally finish.

"His behavior flipping like that makes her uneasy so she's requesting strict supervised visits only." I explain and he lets out a frustrated breath.

"But why allow him to get near them at all?"

"Liam's been pushing on it apparently. It must go to court regardless now that the other parent is involved." I shake my head in displeasure as my grip tightens on the steering wheel. "Char will voice her worries and what happened in the past, Aria will be questioned but ultimately it's the judge that'll make the decision."

"Do you think they'll give Liam permission to be around them?"

"Not a chance. Charlotte's lawyer is very determined on keeping Liam out of their lives based on what he's seen and heard." I smirk and the tension in Ryder's shoulders lessens.

"Good. Whenever he's next in town you stick by their side, understood?" He asks firmly and I chuckle.

"Trust me brother I don't plan on letting them leave my sight the second he's in Dallas again." I grin and he matches it before changing the topic.

Luckily for me my girls are arriving at the same airport I'm dropping him off at. After making sure he's all checked in I wait until his flight has safely taken off before heading towards the parking lot to bring the car a little closer.

When they walk out of the airport I wave at Char and Aria to catch their attention. Their expressions light up at the sight of me and I find myself loving the reaction. They rush into my open arms and I lean down to kiss Aria's cheek before handing her the pink flowers I bought earlier.

"Welcome home bug." I chuckle when she squeals and hugs me tightly.

"Thank you!"

I stand and face Charlotte who smiles tenderly. I cup her cheek and press my lips to hers softly, savoring the kiss as passion flares deep in my veins. It's a quick kiss but leaves me wanting more as always. Her scent envelopes me again and her touch drives me insane with need. I'm too far gone, addicted to everything she has to offer. She grins breath takingly and the corner of her eyes crinkle. I've missed those stormy greys so much.

"For you." I hand her the bouquet of red and white roses.

"I love you." She takes in their scent before kissing my cheek appreciatively.

"I love you more sunshine." I grin cheekily and she rolls her eyes in response but blushes regardless. "There it is."

"Oh, shut up!" She whispers while fanning her heated skin which makes me laugh.

"Come on, let's get you two home."

We get into the car and I get them to tell me about their trip as I drive. The similarity in their gestures and cute rambles makes me smile. Aria tells me about all the things she bought and how she got me a present which I'm curious about now. But halfway through her excited rambling I notice her words start to slur before she's out like a light.

"She didn't sleep a wink on the flight." Charlotte chuckles softly as she glances back at her daughter. "I uh...I also have something to tell you."

"You're not breaking up with me are you?" I joke and she swats my arm.

"Never." She grins before her expression becomes serious. "Liam is coming back to Dallas at the end of this week...on Friday. He's getting the process of joint custody and visitation started."

I sit silent for a long moment before intertwining my free hand with hers. "I'm here for both of you Char. Whatever you need from me I'll give."

Her eyes water slightly and I almost pull over. "Don't! It's nothing, I just...I love you so much. You know that right?"

"I know sunshine. Feeling's mutual." I wink and she laughs breathlessly. If possible I think I fall even harder in that moment. I seem to have these moments a lot.

"I'll be meeting him with my lawyer present but..." She bites her lip and hesitates. "If you're free could you please stay outside? If you have work that's alright, I know it's a lot to ask –"

"I'm not leaving you and Aria alone for even a second when he touches down in Dallas this Friday. You're going to be sick of me that's for sure." I chuckle and she smiles lovingly.

"Thank you. I feel a little less stressed and a lot safer now." She giggles as we stop at a red light.

Grasping her chin, I pull her towards me before kissing her fiercely. "You and Aria are mine to protect Char, remember that. I'd do anything to keep you safe."

She beams at me and it makes my heart race faster like usual. I cup her face and press my lips to hers. Sweet, slow burning passion flares and I just want this to last for eternity. But unfortunately, luck is not on my side because the angry honking of cars breaks us out of our trance.

Charlotte's melodious laughter fills the confines of the car, heavenly soft and sweet. I grin at the feeling the sound alone gives me and wink at her. I don't know how I survived almost a week without her but now that the dull ache of longing in my chest has disappeared I look forward to showering her with my love again.

"I love you endlessly my sunshine."

And she looks at me with those mesmerizing stormy eyes and a shy smile on her lips. "I love you more handsome."





Update schedule is: once a week whenever I find time!

Vote if you are enjoying this story!

Chapter 22 is already up on Inkitt! Click the link in my bio or announcement post to read my book faster!

1. Download the app

2. Follow my profile

3. Put my book in your reading list!

- R.W. ♡

You are reading the story above: TeenFic.Net