A Secret Society of Saviors

Ch.11

Ch. 11 Part 1 Charlotte’s POV

               We had just gotten back into New York after a week with my family in North Carolina.

After that first day, everything went smoothly. Near perfect, I got everyone’s phone numbers and emails and it was all good. What made my week though, was when Daddy asked if he could commission me to make a scenic painting for the home. I of course tried to refuse the commission but he wouldn’t allow for that, and he gave me a picture, an old photograph faded and I knew that it was from when Daddy was a boy. The photograph was beautiful, out in a field it captured two children playing, an older sister and a younger brother. Daddy and his older sister, Ruby, Ruby passed in an accident though when she was twenty but Daddy still talks about her. At the edge of the photograph was a beautiful woman her hair curled and a hat on her head, she was smiling widely watching Daddy and Ruby. I never met my grandmother, but Archie told me she was beautiful even in old age and would have spoiled me rotten.

               I eagerly accepted the job and copied the photograph in a scanner to upload into my computer, the true photo was too precious to take with me to New York. Back in the big city though I was relieved, Kyle and I could have two more days together before his flight back to California, he was nervous about the girls and how he proposed to me, he had told the girls he wanted to propose but it popped out kind of as an accident when I was caught in the attempted kid nap. He had wanted to propose with the girls knowing when and where and at a beautiful setting. I hardly cared about a beautiful setting. I looked down at the engagement ring on my finger and bit my lip to keep the stupid grin from showing on my face.

“Hey Lover? Which one of these photos did Drew want?” Kyle called out walking from the small business room out to where I was sitting in the living room watching the sunset over Central Park. I looked over my shoulder at Kyle squinting as the sun beamed through the windows. He suddenly paused, “Where do you want to get married?”

               I tried to think of some place I would like to marry Kyle, and only one spot came to mind, “Kyle.” I said and he nodded his head still watching me and indicating for me to continue, “How do you feel about the idea of getting married at that little point that you took me that one time for a date, the one that over looked the ocean?” I asked Kyle and I saw a smile light up his face.

“That would be perfect.” He said and I smiled back at him. I stood up and straightened my arms above my head, my body was less sore and the scratches were no longer bleeding on my legs, “Charlotte?” Kyle asked and I raised an eyebrow at him.

               “Hmm?”

“I love you.” his eyes shone and there was a lovely smile on his face, I loved how he seemed harsh and capable of hard things one moment and then the next his mouth would be soft and his eyes would be light and he would say things that would make me melt. He was a giant man and I felt petite next to him, it was nice to feel safe and protected. I made my way to stand beside Kyle who was holding his laptop, pictures splayed across it and I scrolled to the one that Drew wanted. It was of Kyle trying to get up into the saddle on Sugar. It was hilarious, key word being that he was trying to get onto the saddle. I fought a smile seeing the ridiculous picture and Kyle groaned.

               “Don’t be like that, you know it’s funny.” Kyle gave me a soft glare and I smiled at him and saw the corners of his mouth start to curl up. I ran my fingers through his soft brown hair, Kyle was by no means perfect but he meant more to me than his imperfections. Kyle didn’t make me feel complete, he made me feel better, I was complete all by myself but having him made me better and happier and feel more alive. That’s what Kyle was for me, he was essential to my happiness, not my survival.