Charity watched the carriage disappear from sight before sighing and closing the door. Locking it, she turned to face her husband and remaining daughter.
"Can I sleep with Daddy tonight, Mommy? Please?"
Tears brimmed in Charity's eyes, but she nodded. "I suppose," she gave in.
Caroline brightened a little - the happiest Barnum had seen her in the past day or so - and tugged at her father's hand. "Come on!"
He chuckled and bent down to ruffle the girl's hair. "May I speak to your mother a moment, darling?"
A wave of uncertainty crossed Caroline's face and her young eyes immediately filled with worry. Barnum kissed her forehead.
"It'll only take a moment, I promise."
"...Okay, Daddy."
He smiled. "That's a good girl. How about you go pick out a bedtime story?"
Caroline pondered over the proposal for only a moment before nodding and running off. Once she disappeared from sight, Barnum turned to his wife.
"Thank you," he murmured. "I know this is only the beginning for us, but I - Charity?"
She stared out the window. Barnum followed her gaze and clenched his jaw. A ball of fury twisted in his gut.
Protestors were surrounding the gate.
s o I got a top hat a few days ago and IF I manage to take any decent photos (unlikely) I will attempt to model it on Twitter and Tumblr and the Barlyle Discord tomorrow 👌🏻
YOU ARE READING
Burn (Barlyle) (COMPLETE)
FanfictionPhillip pushes Barnum away after the fire. Barnum struggles with what to do about the secrets of that night.