unexpected love [c.l.]

chapter eleven

The house was alive with energy, laughter, and the steady thud of boxes being packed and shelves being emptied. Charles, Arthur, Lando, Max, Oscar, Pierre, and Kika had all gathered at Evie's place, determined to help move everything to Charles' house and, most importantly in Charles' opinion, to make sure Evie didn't lift a finger.

"I mean it, Evie," Max warned her for the third time that morning. "You're in strict 'no-lifting' orders. If I see you touch a box, I'll replace you with someone more cooperative... like Lando."
"Excuse me?!" Lando shouted from the living room, tossing a pillow into a box. "I'm here for moral support only, mate. Manual labor isn't my thing."

Evie, who was sitting cross-legged on the couch, laughed as she watched the chaos unfold. It was impossible to do anything with so many eyes on her. "You guys are making way too big a deal out of this," she said, though her heart swelled at the sight of everyone pitching in to help with the move.

Arthur, crouched over a box, glanced up with a grin. "That's because you're terrible at following orders, Evie."

"I'm not terrible," she protested, but the look on Charles' face, who had just appeared at her side, said otherwise.

"You were eyeing those boxes earlier like you were about to pack them yourself, mon coeur."

Evie looked at him shocked. "I was not."

"Yes, you were," Charles replied, leaning in and pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. "That's why I'm making sure you don't lift anything today. You've done enough already."

Evie melted a little at the warmth in his voice, her heart fluttering, but she kept the hard exterior with a small pout forming on her lips. "You know I'm pregnant, not invalid, right? I can help pack my own house."

"I know," Charles gently pulled her so she was standing in front of him and he could wrap his arm comfortably around her waist. "But the doctor told you to take it easy and I don't think packing would be taking it easy."

Evie leaned her head against his chest. "You are lucky you're cute," she teased, knowing he was right.

Charles grinned, hugging her a little closer and leaning down to press a quick kiss to her lips. "I know."

They remained a little bit longer in their embrace when Charles felt a pillow hit his head. They both looked behind him and saw Lando, with more pillows in his hand ready to throw at them. "Quit it lovebirds, we have a house to pack and no time to waste."

Charles looked down at Evie once more. "Did he just...?"

Evie nodded, "You better get back to packing or he is going to throw another one."

Charles, still confused, nodded and leaned down kissing Evie one more time before letting her go and going to check on the girls.

Evie sat back down and Lando wandered over and plopped himself on the couch beside her, feigning exhaustion. "Packing is not for me. I'm just here for the pizza I was promised later."

Evie smirked, raising an eyebrow. "You know, for someone who's supposed to be all about speed, you're taking this incredibly slow."

Lando gasped in mock offense. "Sunshine, I'm wounded. You know I live life at top speed... except when it comes to manual labor. That's where I draw the line."

Evie reached over and playfully ruffled his hair. "Good thing I love you anyway."

"You'd miss me if I wasn't here," Lando shot back, but there was a warmth behind his teasing.

Evie laughed. "Yeah, I would. You're not too back, Lan."

With a soft smile, Lando leaned closer to Evie. "I'm really proud of you sunshine."

"Thanks, Lan."

"Amour!" Charles called, interrupting their moment.

"Yes, liefje?"

He pointed to the door. "Let's go check on the movers."

Together, they made their way outside, where movers were already loading the first round of boxes into the truck. As they stood on the porch, Charles wrapped an arm around Evie's waist and pulled her close.

"You okay?" he asked softly, his eyes searching hers.

Evie leaned her head against his shoulder, sighing contentedly. "Yeah. It's a lot, but I'm okay. Maybe a little emotional. This was my first house all alone and then Poppy's first house. But this is a good change."

Charles pressed a kiss to her hair, his voice gentle. "I get it amour, but this is the best change. I'm really excited for us."

Evie smiled, feeling a wave of warmth rush through her. "Me too. I can't wait to start this next chapter with you."

Back inside, everyone continued to work, but as the house emptied of furniture and boxes, the reality of the move started to settle in. The once lively space now felt oddly quiet, and Evie couldn't help but feel a little nostalgic.

It wasn't long before the last of the boxes were packed, and Max, always the taskmaster, was making sure everything went according to plan. "Arthur, grab the other end of the couch. We've got two more pieces to load."

"On it," Arthur replied, grinning as he helped maneuver the large piece of furniture out the door with Max.

May and Poppy, now finished with their packing, came running over to Evie and tugged on her sleeve.

"Evie, can we have a sleepover tonight?" May asked, her eyes bright with excitement.

Poppy, clutching Mr. Snuggles, nodded eagerly. "Sleepover, Mommy! Please?"

Evie glanced at Charles, who was already smiling down at the girls, fully prepared to give in. "What do you think?" she asked, though she already knew the answer.

"I think a sleepover sounds like a great idea," Charles said, kneeling down to their level. "But it'll have to be at our new house tonight. We can all sleep in the living room today and decorate your rooms tomorrow."

The girls looked at each other excited about the promise of a sleepover and ran to Lando to tell him all about their plans for the night.

Max walked over, shaking his head with a smirk. "Sounds like you two are in for a long night."

Charles grinned, giving Evie a playful nudge. "I think we'll manage. What's one more sleepless night?"

Oscar walks over to the trio. "It will be good practice."