26-1

Chapter Twenty Six - Home Sweet Home As soon as I step into my house a shiver runs up my spine. Before I left the car Theo told me the officers took the broken laptop and phones as well as pictures. I slowly walk down the hallway as memories of what happened flash through my mind. Shaking my head, I look over at the kitchen where the grocery bags I used that day are folded on the countertop. "Ari?" I call as she starts walking towards her bedroom. "Can I talk to you for a minute?" "Okay." She nods as I grab her hand and move us towards the couch. "What's wrong?" "Nothing's wrong baby. I just wanted to talk to you about how you're feeling." I smile as I run my fingers through her hair. "Are you okay? Do you want to talk about what happened?" She bites her lip and is quiet for a long moment. "I thought I would never see you again." "I know, I thought so too but thank you for listening to me. You'll always be my top priority." I smile when she nods. "Why did he do that to us?" She asks with a deep frown. "He wanted to build a relationship with you and be more involved in your life. I understand our family isn't like most of your friends because you don't have a dad. So, I was giving him a chance." I whisper as tears brim my eyes once again. "I'm so sorry." "But you didn't do anything wrong?" She frowns in confusion. "He did." "I-I know but...some things happened and I should have told the police but I didn't." I inhale shakily as I wipe away a traitorous tear. "That's why I'm sorry Aria. I should have protected you better but I didn't see through his lies and acting." "It's okay but don't be sorry mum. You did protect me...when we were in that place you told me to leave first." She smiles and hugs me tightly. "And I don't want a dad. I have you and grandma...and Theo too now." That makes me laugh and I nod. "Thank you. If you ever want to talk about it come to me okay? If you have nightmares or feel scared come to me. I'm always here for you." "Uh...I had a nightmare when were in the hotel." She admits softly and pulls back to look at me sheepishly. "It was about him but you and Theo were sleeping. I didn't want to wake you up. You looked tired in the hospital." "Wake me up next time please. Don't think about how I'm feeling or what time it is okay? I don't care about that and will always take care of you no matter what." I explain and she nods in understanding. "Thanks mum. I love you." "I love you too...more than I can tell you in words." I smile and pepper kisses to her face. "Stop crying then!" She giggles as she wipes my tears. "Okay, let's go pack." I grin and she immediately starts rambling about how excited she is to go to the ranch and see grandma, Noah and of course, her beloved horse Crystal. With a soft sigh I grab our luggage bags and start packing quickly. I can't shake the feeling of what happened though and it only confirms my decision to find somewhere new to rent. This doesn't feel like home anymore. Theo agreed easily when I talked to him about it on the plane. I called my grandmother before our flight and again as soon as we landed. Theo told her to go over to the ranch since we'll be heading there and she agreed. I help pack the last of Aria's things next before looking for any food that may perish. Thankfully, Theo seems to have taken that too. With one last look we turn and leave the house before locking it. Getting back into the car Theo shoots me a small smile before we drive off to the ranch. He hasn't even parked the car properly when Aria jumps out and sprints to our grandmother. I shake my head and get out before Theo tells me to go while he gets our bags. "Come here, I missed you both so much!" She smiles with tears brimming her eyes as I walk into her arms. "We missed you too." I close my eyes as her familiar scent washes over me. "Let me see you." She pulls back and scans us for any injuries. "I'm so glad you got out of it okay. How's Judah?" "He's doing fine and just needs to be kept in observation for a while before he can get on a plane." I explain as we follow Theo inside. "Poor thing, I hope he heals quickly. He went out of his way to find you guys and protect you." She sighs in relief as she kisses Aria's hand. "He really did. If he weren't there we would have been hurt more by Liam." I nod in agreement and smile at Elena as we step inside. "I love you two, go meet the rest." She says and we kiss her cheeks before stepping forward. I hug Noah as he whispers a welcome back in my ear with a smile. Elena embraces me tightly right after and we stand there for a longer moment. "I'm glad you're back home safe Charlie." "Me too." I smile when she pulls back to hug Aria. "Is he still alive?" She asks once we've settled down and Noah has taken Aria outside. "Yes, still in recovery because of his wounds. The police said they'll be transporting him to Dallas so he can be kept in jail until the trial." I explain before Theo comes back downstairs and sits beside me. "Good, and how's Judah? Is he healing okay? Any problems?" She crosses her arms with a worried expression. "Convinced Roman to get him fast food." Theo snorts and she rolls her eyes playfully. "You know he has a soft spot for Judah so I'm not even surprised." "He's recovering well otherwise. No infections or irritations." I smile and she sighs in relief. "Hey everyone!" A man walks in with bags of what seems like takeout and a large pizza box. He has jet black hair with dark brown eyes. He's very muscular with broad shoulders but the friendly smile on his lips is a stark contrast to his intimidating appearance. The mix of soft and sharp features helps a little too. "Hey Mac, good to see you again!" Theo grins as he stands and hugs him. "Charlie this is Mac, Roman's partner and team member. Mac this Charlotte Davidson and her daughter Aria is outside." "Oh yeah, I met her and Noah. She's a sweetheart." He chuckles before shaking my hand. "Hi Charlotte. How are you?" "Hi, I'm good thank you." I nod with a smile. "I'm glad you guys are okay. I hear Judah's doing well?" He asks as he helps Theo get the food out of the bags. I tell him what the doctors have said and how he's healing. "That's great to hear! Now, I bet you all are hungry...I certainly am so let's eat! I got a variety." I chuckle at his excited expression before calling Aria and Noah back inside. He really did get a mix of foods ranging from a pizza to burgers and chips to tacos and chicken wraps with salads. We all dig in and decide to watch a movie together. In that time the triplets wake up and Theo helps Elena bring them into the sitting room. I've only seen pictures but they're even more adorable in person. Federico and Alessia look a lot like Roman whereas Jeremiah has inherited all his features from Elena. Naturally, everyone's attention is on them and we take turns in holding them, the room filling with baby talk and coos over how cute they all are. I laugh when I see Elena focused on the movie and her food.