breathe

chapter 19 | benjamin

Chapter Nineteen

Benjamin

After saying goodbye to Charlotte, I returned to my room feeling light as air. Henry was already crashed on his bed, snoring softly with headphones and a fan on.

I shot Charlotte a quick text asking if she wanted to meet in the hotel lounge later. She replied that Anna and Lizzie were having a movie night, but she would try to sneak herself out around 10.

Right on time, I slipped into the lounge to find my beautiful girl waiting with two milkshakes, a smile brightening her face as she spotted me entering.

"Thought these might hit the spot after such an exciting day," she said, pushing one of the shakes my way as I took the seat across from her.

"What'd you get?" I asked, taking a sip of my strawberry shake. She knew me so well.

"Mint chocolate chip," I answered with her, and she laughed.

As we lingered in the lounge, Charlotte sighed as it neared 11. "I don't want to go back," she said.

"I know," I empathized, rubbing circles on her hand. Then an idea struck me.

"Why don't you sneak back to my room?" I suggested in a hushed tone. "Henry's a semi-heavy sleeper – he fell asleep with headphones in and a fan on. I'm sure he won't notice."

Charlotte bit her lip, glancing toward the hallway thoughtfully. "I probably shouldn't... but it is getting late. And I'd rather spend more time with you." Her smile made my heart skip.

We tiptoed stealthily down the hall, stifling giggles. Upon entering the room, Charlotte peered over at Henry's still-snoring form before settling onto the bed beside me. As we talked in hushed tones, our conversation flowed naturally from favorite memories we'd made that day to plans for our future.

All too soon, Charlotte stifled a yawn. "I should head back before dawn," she whispered reluctantly. I nodded sadly, walking with her to the door. Stealing one last kiss goodnight, we reluctantly parted, both smiling at the promise of more time together tomorrow.

I awoke three hours later with a smile, replaying my sweet evening with Charlotte. After getting ready, I went downstairs hoping to see her at breakfast.

Scanning the cafe, I spotted Charlotte laughing with Lizzie and Anna at a corner table. As our eyes met across the room, she smiled and waved at me. I returned the greeting, heart swelling to see her cheerful face.

Once they finished eating, Charlotte excused herself "to go to the bathroom." Slipping away, she met me in the quiet lobby, a soft smile lighting her eyes.

"Good morning," she whispered, kissing my cheek. I wanted nothing more than to hold her but settled for lacing our fingers together.

"Any plans for the day?" I asked hopefully.

Charlotte grinned. "I was thinking the beach, if you'll join me? God knows I need more freckles." Laughing, we agreed to meet back in an hour.

After meeting in the lobby, Charlotte and I walked to the beach together, Lizzie and Henry not too far behind. Spotting some driftwood up ahead, we made our way over to a secluded cove it partially hid from view.

As the morning passed, I convinced Charlotte to venture into the surf with me. Giggling and splashing, we chased each other around in the shallows like children. Her smile was radiant, freckles scattered across her sun-kissed cheeks and shoulders. I wanted to kiss each one.

When the sun rose high, we ate a picnic lunch on our blanket, feeding each other bites between kisses. All too soon, the day began winding down. As we packed up, Charlotte sighed. "I don't want this day to end."

I gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Sneak to my room later?" I asked softly, gazing into her chocolate brown eyes.

Her eyes lit up, but then she frowned. "Mom wants to do another movie night in our room after dinner."

Brushing her cheek, I smiled. "Then I'll see you tomorrow, love."

"At dinner, and then a little bit after, then tomorrow," she grinned. "And just because we're watching a movie doesn't mean I won't be on my phone."

I raised my eyebrows, pretending to be confused at what she meant. "Text me," she explained, gently shaking my shoulders in playful frustration as I laughed.

We spent the next hour in our separate rooms, all of us getting ready for a dinner reservation Anna had made. When I had changed out of my beach clothes and into fresh shorts and a shirt, I headed downstairs to the lounge as I'd been instructed to by Anna.

I knew Charlotte ran late to most things, but according to Anna, I made it worse.

When Charlotte and Anna made it to the lounge, I understood why Anna wouldn't have wanted me to wait for Charlotte outside her room.

Even in a simple yellow sundress, Charlotte was breathtaking. And all I wanted to do was wrap my arms around her and kiss her. Instead, I settled for kissing her hair and lacing our fingers together.

"You look absolutely gorgeous, love," I said so only she would hear. A faint blush colored her cheeks as she whispered her thanks.

"We can talk in the cars," Anna proclaimed. "All the Ubers are waiting."

We all piled into the three Ubers, the ride passing a happy blur. Charlotte sat beside me, our hands clasped on the seat between us. Occasionally, I'd brush my thumb softly over her knuckles, and she'd squeeze my hand in return.

At the restaurant, our table offered the perfect view of the ocean. Charlotte recounted our day with her family, her eyes alight with joy, while we waited for our appetizers.

"This bruschetta looks delicious," Anna remarked as the food arrived.

"Not as good as yours, Mamma," Charlotte replied. Anna smiled in return.

"Save some for me, Oliver!" Layla laughed, watching her husband load up his plate.

"You'll live, hon," he teased through a mouthful. Declan babbled happily in his high chair in between them.

"So what's everyone's plan for the morning?" Lizzie asked. "The beach again?"

"Ben and I thought we'd try a new hiking trail bright and early."

I smiled at her excitedly. "Then maybe a picnic brunch on the dunes?"

"Just be safe – take water and sunscreen," Anna said. "And don't leave for the airport too late!"

"We'll be on time, I promise," I assured her, catching Charlotte's eye.

Ollie nudged Charlotte playfully. "And no funny business where we can see, Charlie."

"Ollie!" Charlotte blushed as I squeezed her hand. "Stop."

Changing the subject, Lizzie said, "Henry and I were thinking of checking out the art festival."

Conversation flowed easily from there – plans, memories, teasing and laughter binding their close-knit family even tighter through shared experiences and love. It was such a privilege that they included me in their family with open arms.