Eighteen Years Later

Chapter 38 - Fresh Start

Charlie POV

Nick and I stare at each other, dipping with sorrow. It feels like the weight of the world is pressing down on our shoulders. We have been pondering over and reflecting on our lives for many days now and don't know which risky path to take.

The police informed us that Ben had told other associates his stalking plans many years ago. They have been interrogated but not all have been located and questioned. The Police advised us to move out of Kingston before Ben's associates locate us. But they said it was our choice to move or not.

"I love Kingston so much" Nick sighs and pulls me into his warm side. We snuggle into the pillows and I am soon curled up next to him in the bed. It's late, the kids are asleep and it's just us awake.

"I do too, Nicky." I agree "But imagine the danger we would put ourselves and the kids in if we stay"

"I know. Millie already got kidnapped. We already know he planned to target them" murmurs Nick. I nod along solemnly.

We both have the same thoughts. We love our home and our lives here but we cannot stay.

"Nick?" I ask, interrupting a long moment of silence.

"Yes bub?"

"I think I know what we wanna do, just don't wanna say it" I admit. Nick turns his head to meet my eyes. His smile and soft sleepy features have me nuzzling into his side, throwing a leg over his hips. His hand strokes my hair and cups my ass.

"What's that Char? What'd say?" Nick muses. His content, relax features tells me he can already predict my next words.

I run a hand down Nick's bare chiseled chest as I softly speak.

"I think we gotta move. It's just a house, we can get another. But it's us Nick. Our babies are being sought after. We can do this, find a new town, have a fresh start and be safe"

Nick nods along and strokes back my messy curls. He then grips the hair on the back of my head and kisses me. His kiss is soft, intimate and deep. I reach up and wrap my right arm to reel him in closer. This is more than just a kiss before bed, it's us. Nick and Charlie. It's us knowing that we can get through this and this is a simple roadblock in our lives together.

"Your 100% right baby" Nick mumbles against my lips. "Let's do this. Together" Nick tries to bring me back for another kiss but I suck in a breath and release a hearty laugh. I throw my head back in joy.

"God Nick Nelson, can you get any more cheesy?" I laugh at him. Nick puts on a playfully hurt act by scrunching up his freckled face and furrowing his shaped brows.

"Well of course I can" Nick says matter of factly "How bout this Char"

I wince as Nick sits up and then tackles me into our bed sheets. I keep giggling and laughing as Nick cuddles up close.

"Nick! You big baby! You're crushing me!" I scream, probably too loud considering our sleeping children downstairs.

"Is this cheesy enough now?" Nick draws "My little wittle Charlie baby bear?"

I cringe and recoil at his putrid words.

"You're so cringey! Get away from me!" I grumble playfully. I push him away posting and roll over to the other side. Nick tuts, mutters some profanity before he wraps his hand around me and pulls me back to him spooning me.

"You're not getting away that easily, my love" He mumbles into my ear, making me blush red hot. I feel my heart beating in my chest.

"Remind me why I ever talked to you in the first place?" I ask to piss him off