The Entanglement [Charlie Barber]

Chapter 26: Love

A/N: deeply romantic 'feel good' chapter but it ends on a cliffhanger, just FYI :)

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Charlie awoke just before dawn, seeming refreshed for the first time in a long time. He glanced over and saw you sound asleep, looking so peaceful in your slumber and he smiled to himself, heart feeling full and content with the idea of a second chance with you.

He turned on his side, watching your steady breath come and go. Carefully, he reached for your hand that was resting on the pillow and gently pulled it to his soft lips, kissing and tracing his mouth with the crown of your knuckle.

He paused, entranced with the unfamiliar experience of feeling completely and entirely whole for the first time in his life.

"I love you."

The whisper against your hand rewarded no sound or movement which made him grin, kissing your hand once more before slowly placing it back down on the pillow where he found it. He gradually raised himself from the bed, walking out and into the bathroom.

Slowly, you opened your eyes as tears started to form.

You had heard him.

Charlie loved you in the same way you loved him; unconditionally enough to say it without requiring a reply. For the simple act of needing to say it because it was burning inside him.

You turned over, wiping your eyes and gazing out the large window, the city lights looking like dancing starbursts behind your glistening irises as you blinked to dry them.

Charlie came back into the room momentarily to grab his phone and lean across the bed, gently kissing your shoulder. You pretended to still be asleep as you sensed him softly walk out and close the door.

A part of you worried he was going to leave and you hated how it made you feel. But then you heard sounds of coffee being made and your heart pitched. Maybe you wouldn't have to worry about those things anymore. Maybe he was here to stay and you could rest comfortably knowing he was reliable like that.

You bought yourself out of bed, limping and hopping over to your dresser to put on some comfy loungewear. You made your way over to the doorway and peeked out. Charlie was preparing coffee wearing your bright purple bathrobe. You smirked at how tight and short the sleeves were on his larger-than-average build, the bottom hem hitting mid-thigh with stalky legs on display.

"Well don't you look precious," you said in a sweet tone.

Charlie glanced up with a cute smile. "Thank you. I've been told purple is semi-dashing on me." He walked over to help you to the dining chair. "I didn't expect you to be up so early. Did you sleep okay?"

"Yeah... I slept great, actually." you gave him a kind smile in return.

He brought you a cup of coffee and sat down across from you with his own.

"Me too, thanks to you," he said, giving you a wink as he took a sip.

You took a deep breath, coming to realize what you had ahead of you.

"I guess after the clinic we should pay Isabel a visit and void our contracts together?"

Charlie nodded, drinking his coffee. "Yes, let's do that." He reached across the table for your hand. "I can't wait to see the look on her face. It will be priceless," he smirked.

The buzzing of Charlie's phone caught you off guard since it was so early the morning. He looked at the screen and pinched his brow.

"It's my ex-wife's mother..." he said inquisitively, seeming unsure why she would be calling at such an odd hour. "I'll need to take this."