21-3

She refused to talk more than what she had told us and would be driven to an almost panic attack whenever the therapist tried to delve deeper into what happened. The process has been slow and it's taken her years to comfortably talk about everything, especially facing the fears that were built into her. "She's doing so much better." His features instantly light up and that reaction whenever she's mentioned always makes me smile. "I'm so fucking proud of the progress she's made. She told me she's more comfortable talking about the trauma now and letting go. We're finally working on her fear of heights. I'm just...so proud...she's amazing." "She is and that's great to hear." I grin as we fist bump each other. "How are things going with Charlie?" With a heavy sigh I proceed to tell him of everything that's happened. His expression switches to one of seriousness which mirrors mine. I can see the gears and cogs of his mind working before I finally finish. "His behavior flipping like that makes her uneasy so she's requesting strict supervised visits only." I explain and he lets out a frustrated breath. "But why allow him to get near them at all?" "Liam's been pushing on it apparently. It must go to court regardless now that the other parent is involved." I shake my head in displeasure as my grip tightens on the steering wheel. "Char will voice her worries and what happened in the past, Aria will be questioned but ultimately it's the judge that'll make the decision." "Do you think they'll give Liam permission to be around them?" "Not a chance. Charlotte's lawyer is very determined on keeping Liam out of their lives based on what he's seen and heard." I smirk and the tension in Ryder's shoulders lessens. "Good. Whenever he's next in town you stick by their side, understood?" He asks firmly and I chuckle. "Trust me brother I don't plan on letting them leave my sight the second he's in Dallas again." I grin and he matches it before changing the topic. Luckily for me my girls are arriving at the same airport I'm dropping him off at. After making sure he's all checked in I wait until his flight has safely taken off before heading towards the parking lot to bring the car a little closer. When they walk out of the airport I wave at Char and Aria to catch their attention. Their expressions light up at the sight of me and I find myself loving the reaction. They rush into my open arms and I lean down to kiss Aria's cheek before handing her the pink flowers I bought earlier. "Welcome home bug." I chuckle when she squeals and hugs me tightly. "Thank you!" I stand and face Charlotte who smiles tenderly. I cup her cheek and press my lips to hers softly, savoring the kiss as passion flares deep in my veins. It's a quick kiss but leaves me wanting more as always. Her scent envelopes me again and her touch drives me insane with need. I'm too far gone, addicted to everything she has to offer. She grins breath takingly and the corner of her eyes crinkle. I've missed those stormy greys so much. "For you." I hand her the bouquet of red and white roses. "I love you." She takes in their scent before kissing my cheek appreciatively. "I love you more sunshine." I grin cheekily and she rolls her eyes in response but blushes regardless. "There it is." "Oh, shut up!" She whispers while fanning her heated skin which makes me laugh. "Come on, let's get you two home." We get into the car and I get them to tell me about their trip as I drive. The similarity in their gestures and cute rambles makes me smile. Aria tells me about all the things she bought and how she got me a present which I'm curious about now. But halfway through her excited rambling I notice her words start to slur before she's out like a light. "She didn't sleep a wink on the flight." Charlotte chuckles softly as she glances back at her daughter. "I uh...I also have something to tell you." "You're not breaking up with me are you?" I joke and she swats my arm. "Never." She grins before her expression becomes serious. "Liam is coming back to Dallas at the end of this week...on Friday. He's getting the process of joint custody and visitation started." I sit silent for a long moment before intertwining my free hand with hers. "I'm here for both of you Char. Whatever you need from me I'll give." Her eyes water slightly and I almost pull over. "Don't! It's nothing, I just...I love you so much. You know that right?" "I know sunshine. Feeling's mutual." I wink and she laughs breathlessly. If possible I think I fall even harder in that moment. I seem to have these moments a lot. "I'll be meeting him with my lawyer present but..." She bites her lip and hesitates. "If you're free could you please stay outside? If you have work that's alright, I know it's a lot to ask –" "I'm not leaving you and Aria alone for even a second when he touches down in Dallas this Friday. You're going to be sick of me that's for sure." I chuckle and she smiles lovingly. "Thank you. I feel a little less stressed and a lot safer now." She giggles as we stop at a red light. Grasping her chin, I pull her towards me before kissing her fiercely. "You and Aria are mine to protect Char, remember that. I'd do anything to keep you safe." She beams at me and it makes my heart race faster like usual. I cup her face and press my lips to hers. Sweet, slow burning passion flares and I just want this to last for eternity. But unfortunately, luck is not on my side because the angry honking of cars breaks us out of our trance. Charlotte's melodious laughter fills the confines of the car, heavenly soft and sweet. I grin at the feeling the sound alone gives me and wink at her. I don't know how I survived almost a week without her but now that the dull ache of longing in my chest has disappeared I look forward to showering her with my love again. "I love you endlessly my sunshine." And she looks at me with those mesmerizing stormy eyes and a shy smile on her lips. "I love you more handsome."