First Sight

Yes

Lexie's POV

Several months had gone by and Lizzie was now a year old. Charlize and I were both sleeping in her room again. Her mom, Gerda, had decided to live with us for a while.

One night, Charlize asked her to watch the kids so she and I could go out. We went to dinner and the whole time, all I could think about was Lizzie. When we got back to the house, I looked at Charlize before getting out of the car.

"I'm sorry," I whispered.

"For what?" She asked.

"I completely ruined tonight. You were trying to do something romantic for me; all I could think about was Lizzie."

"It's okay. Tonight was your first real night out since she was born. I get it." 

"I don't understand how I managed to get so lucky to have you in my life," I said. We walked up the sidewalk to the house. Charlize stopped at the door.

"One more thing before we go inside."

"What?" I asked. She turned to me and took my hands in hers before getting down on one knee.

"Lexie, I have loved you from the moment I laid eyes on you. I remember the night you called me a year ago. I waited right here for you because you needed me and I was determined to be there for you. That was the night we confessed our love. I have known that I wanted to do this since Lizzie was born. I lost you for a small amount of time, but it was enough time for me to know that I don't want to live without you. Alexandra Mills, will you marry me?" She pulled out a ring.

"Oh my god! Yes! Yes! Of course, I will marry you!" She stood and placed the ring on my finger before kissing me tearfully.

"I know it isn't the life you planned, but..."

"It is so much better."

"I just..."

"Charlize, shut up and kiss me."

"Hold on. One last thing, I know you want another baby, so I booked an appointment with a fertility specialist."

"You didn't have to do that. You'll be in your seventies by the time they're in college."

"I don't care. I love you. I don't want you to feel like you have to settle in order to be with me."

"How could I possibly settle when I already have more than I could ever ask for?" I say before kissing her.

"Let's go inside, my love." Charlize opens the door and we walk into the living room to find Jackson and August watching a movie with Gerda.

"We're back," I say softly. 

"And we have good news," Charlize said.

"What is it?" Jackson asked.

"Well, we are going to get married," I tell them.

"And Lexie might have another baby," Charlize says.

"Finally, mom! I thought you'd never propose!" August said.

"Your mom has always been one to take her time with things," Gerda said.

"Oh, thanks, mom." Charlize retorted.

"That's what I am here for."

"Alright, mom. Girls it is time for bed, say good night." Charlize says. The girls tell Gerda good night, then they hug me and tell me good night.

"Good night, my sweet girls," I say. 

"Night, mom. I love you." Charlize says.

"Okay. That's great."

"Really?" Charlize rolled her eyes. Gerda laughed.

"I love you, too, Charlize. I am happy for you two. But seriously, it was about time. I swear every time the two of you walked into a room, I would start hearing Beyonce lyrics."

"Night, mom."

"Night."

Charlize and I went to bed. I sat in bed, reading my book. Charlize sat next to me reading hers as well.

"What time is that appointment?" I ask her.

"Tomorrow at 2:30." She tells me.

"Okay."

"Are you alright, babe?"

"Yeah," I said smiling. Charlize rested her chin on my shoulder and kissed my cheek.

"By the way, I am the lucky one."

"We are both lucky."

"I love you!"

"I love you, too!"

"Lex?" Her voice faltered.

"Yeah?"

"Can we cuddle?" She asked. I didn't consider how she was most likely bottling up a lot of anxiety. Now it was all starting to surface, she was comfortable and safe. However, she needed to let go of all the emotions she had been suppressing.

"Of course, we can. Come here, babe.' I wrapped my arms around her and she clung to me. 

"I have been pushing down this anxiety all week." She said. I could tell she was still suppressing. 

"It's okay, baby. You can let it out. I am right here." I tell her. Knowing it was safe for her to do so, she breaks down and cries in my arms. I understood. I was the same way when I suppressed my emotions. 

"Thank you." She whispered.

"Of course. I love you."

"I love you too."