Page 108 of The Last Time

"That's because we're strong as fuck," Josh jokes as he flexes.

I roll my eyes but can't contain the laugh. My brother's all look at Josh like a brother, just like I do. He has managed to secure a place in our group with ease.

We all fall into a comfortable silence as I steal a glance outside at the view of the beautiful sun reflecting on the water. It still manages to steal my breath away. I turn back to the guys who seem to be caught up in the same thing.

"Never would've thought you'd be living in a house like this before me," Eric says as he winks. Eric is definitely the most driven out of the three guys.

"Trust me, I never thought I'd live in a house like thisperiod."

"I need to find myself a sugar mama like you," Liam jokes.

I punch his arm at his rude statement. The implication, whether a joke or not, is not received well.

"Ouch! What the hell was that for?"

"Don't talk about Charlotte like that. I would never be with her for any reason other than love."

"Calm down. I was just joking," he says while rubbing his arm.

Serves him right. Now he'll think twice before making a comment like that again.

"You wanna have a beer on the deck or something?" Josh suggests.

"I don't know. Charlotte has been feeling a bit off lately. I think it's the flu or stress. I should probably go check on her."

Thankfully, the guys take the hint that I need some time with her. As they all file out the front door, I thank them again for giving up their Saturday to help us move.

Just as I'm shutting the door, Leah walks down the stairs.

“I was just about to go check on her. How’s she feeling?” I ask her.

She makes a move to grab her purse in the kitchen before she meets me in the foyer. “She’s up now. She’s just going to the bathroom. She said she’ll meet you outside on the deck when she’s done. I’m just going to go rest at the hotel for a bit.”

That seems odd. She normally likes to settle down here and visit with us before she goes back to her hotel. She's still easing her way into being back in this house and sleeping in a hotel is helping her take it slow. Either way, if she is tired and wants some space, I don't want to get in the way.

“Well, thanks for all the help with Brie. She had a blast with you.”

I lean in for a hug, so grateful for the incredible love she has shown me and my daughter.

“No, problem. She’s perfect. You’ve done a wonderful job with her.”

I still choke up at these type of compliments. I’m always terrified that I’m doing the wrong thing when it comes to my daughter.

Once she’s gone, I decide a beer on the deck actually sounds good. I grab a cold one from the fridge and sit down outside while I wait for Charlotte to join me.

It's April now, which means the warmer weather is here but it does still get a bit chili at night. Since the sun is still up, the high seventy degrees makes for a perfect temperature after a long day of moving.

With my baby monitor on me, I’m able to relax, knowing that if Brie wakes up and is scared in her new room, I’ll be able to get to her in a second.

The back door opens and Charlotte comes out in her sweats. She looks kind of pale which really gets me worried for her. Then I see that she’s been crying.

My heart instantly drops into my stomach.

“Baby, are you okay?” I ask as I jump out of my seat.

She nods her head as more tears fall down her cheek. “I’m ok.” She looks around the deck. “Can we sit down?”

“Of course.” I lead her to the couch where I was seated.

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