Page 204 of Charlie

"Future generations you can't have?" She sneers, looking down at my stomach like she can see the failure of my uterus from the outside.

"Fuck you." The words are out before I can stop them, and If I'm honest, I don't regret them one bit.

Suddenly, the front door swings open, and my dad peers out, tossing me a wink before grabbing my mom's elbow and hauling her inside the house.

"Give us one second, Charlie."

I nod, barely able to breathe with the adrenaline coursing through my system.

"Charlie, do you have boxes somewhere?" Lach asks, poking his head from around the side of the house.

"They're in the hall closet along with the tape. I never got rid of them because I hoped I'd be moving out of there quickly."

"And you were right, Carebear. Do you want me to stay with you while you talk to them?"

"No," I whisper, shaking my head. "I need to do this one on my own."

"Okay, you know where we are if you need us." He grasps my neck and pulls me toward him, kissing my forehead.

I blow out a long breath as he disappears around the side of the house. I can get through this. I will get through this.

"Congratulations, sweetie." My dad exits the house, closing the door firmly behind him.

"Thank you, Dad." I walk into his arms, melting into his embrace.

"I'm so proud of you, Charlie. I hope you know that. It took guts to stand up to that sorry excuse of a man." He holds me at arm's length, studying my face. "I'm going to miss you so much."

"About what Rob said," I begin, needing to explain.

"What Rob said is none of my business," he interrupts.

"I need you to know. I need Mom to know. I know it's unconventional, but I love them, Dad."

"Convention is for cowards. You've made a beautiful life with people who appreciate and love you. What more could a father want?"

"What about Mom?" I ask, my voice cracking.

"Give her time, Charlie. She'll come around."

"And if she doesn't?"

"Then she's missing out on the best thing that ever happened to us. And I may need you to make up a guest room for me."

I half laugh, half sob, hugging him tight around the neck.

"Go find your men and start your new life, Charlie. You deserve every single bit of it. I'll see you at the wedding." His gaze roams over my face like he's trying to memorize every feature, then he kisses my cheek and disappears inside.

Holy hell. I turn around, looking up at the sky in wonder. The two things I've been dreading for months are finally over.

"Charlotte?" Jack's gruff breaks me out of my euphoric reverie.

"Yes, Jack?"

"Where's the rest of your stuff? We found some art supplies, a few books, and winter clothes, but that's it."

"That's all I have."

"Is any of the furniture yours?"

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