world we created, paul lahote

Chapter 40

The dining room is beautifully set, adorned in Charlie's finest tablecloth and a centrepiece of fresh flowers that was surely Susan's doing. The delicious smell of thyme, rosemary, and garlic wafts through the air, emitting from the roast chicken that sits on the table glistening with a rich, savour glaze. It is paired with creamy mashed potatoes--fluffy and smooth, whipped to perfection.

As they dig in, forks clink against plates, idle chatter fills the space. They mostly spoke about the latest happenings within Forks or their days throughout the week, more so happy that it was now finally the weekend. However, the Lahote couple had taken note of the excited energy that lingered beneath the surface of Charlie and Susan's demeanour. From shared smiles to sparkling eyes, it was clear that they could barely contain whatever it was they wished to share with them.

"I can't believe you're set to give birth any day now," Charlie spoke up gruffly, wiping his mouth with a serviette. "It was only yesterday you two shared the news with us."

Susan nods along to Charlie's statement, her red hair bouncing with each nod. "And it must've been one hell of a journey for you two. I've heard most women have it hard in the final days of pregnancy--and throughout it if I'm being honest."

"She worries me more than anything." Paul chuckles, a low rumbling sound, rich and warm. He drapes his arm over the back of Lucia's chair, toying with the soft strands of her espresso-coloured hair. "She's such a busybody and doesn't know when to take a break unless I tell her to."

A smile tugged at Lucia's lips at this and she raised an eyebrow at her husband. He said nothing more, merely grinning down at her, both of them knowing that it was nothing but the truth. As she rolls her eyes, they sparkle with amusement, betraying the fondness she feels. "Well, I can't exactly sit at home and do nothing all day. I need to keep myself busy somehow."

"That's exactly what you're supposed to do, my love," Paul responded, his fingers dropping from her hair to caress her shoulder with the pads of his fingers, his touch feather-light. He can feel the goosebumps rise to her skin and stifle a smirk at this. "You can't put so much strain on yourself. The baby you're carrying can't exactly be light, now can he?"

"I'm not carrying heavy boxes, Paul. I'm just gardening," Lucia remarked with a pout which Paul swiftly kissed away. Blush tints Lucia's freckled cheeks at his open display of affection, her husband's smirk doing nothing to cool the faint burn she feels.

Charlie and Susan watch the playful interaction between the couple, smiling warmly at the love that radiates from them. It was so common to see married couples lose that spark that brought them together so quickly. Seeing how much Lucia and Paul warmed their hearts and Charlie knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that Lucia had found a good man in Paul.

It was oftentimes, in moments like these, that Charlie's thoughts would drift toward Bella. He wonders if she would've been happy with Edward if she was alive if she shared the kind of bond he saw between Lucia and Paul with Edward. His heart clenched in his chest, wondering if she would've been truly happy. He wasn't sure if he'd ever get passed his grief over losing his daughter, but as time went on, it was getting easier to handle the pain.

"Are you all right, honey?" Susan asked, placing her hand atop his as it rested on his thigh. He pulled his gaze away from the bantering Lucia and Paul, his eyes landing on his girlfriend. Her eyes were warm, like molten chocolate, as she looked at him concerned.

Charlie smiled at her and nodded. "Yeah, I'm okay."

"What is it you wanted to share with us, Uncle Charlie?" Lucia inquired, the chatter between herself and Paul dying down. She tilted her head slightly. "You said something about it bring good news."