Fucking Facebook and it's memories. A post from two years ago pops up, the day that Charity and Ezra started their second round of IVF, both of them so full of hope and excitement. Within a year they would get pregnant naturally and have eight months of pure bliss, the anticipation of becoming parents and starting a family they had always longed and hoped for. Charity looks at the picture of the two of them, Ezra's beaming smile, she knows that he would have been an amazing father. He was an incredible uncle to his two nieces, spoiling them rotten at every opportunity he could get. Charity and Ezra spent many summers taking them to Disney World in Orlando Florida, she was certain that Ezra forgot his place at times and took on the role as their father. As fate would have it he would never get the chance to be a father, her heart aches with sadness for the life that was robbed from him. She shares the post and puts her phone down as Cece approaches her. "Hey, little sis. I'm so glad to see you, how was your vacation?" She asks, giving her a long hug. "Good to see you too, love. It was amazing, one day we should go for a long weekend together," Charity smiles looking into her sisters red, bloodshot eyes. She's clearly been crying. "Sounds lush, I was referring more towards your new guy," she replies, reaching for Charity's coffee cup and takes a swig of it. Charity blushes at the mention of Adam, they were texting all night long, more like sexting. The thought of seeing him later gives her butterflies, their week together showed Charity that she can allow herself to let her guard down with someone new. "Adam, he is very sweet," she giggles, as Cece looks on eager to find out more. "Someone's got it bad, hopefully I'll get to meet him soon," she replies. Charity nods eagerly, "I'd like that, I need my big sisters approval. So, tell me what's going on with Altman?" Cece shakes her head, tears spilling out of her eyes and down her cheeks. "Ah, Cece. Have you tried talking to him?" Charity asks gently. "He never answers my calls, I've tried calling him a bunch of times yesterday and the day before. That's when I looked to see what he was up to on Facebook and I stumbled across that Edwards girl," she croaks as Charity passes her a tissue to wipe her eyes. "I looked her up too this morning, they were only making jokes to each other. I highly doubt that he is balls deep inside her," Charity responds bluntly. "I just can't wait for him to come back so I can confront him properly, I hate all this waiting around," she sniffles as she takes her phone out of her pocket. "This wasn't the only reason I asked to meet to today," Cece says, giving her a small smile. "Oh, spit it out then," she responds. "Well, I'm going for my first baby scan today and I'd love it if you would come with me," she says, taking Charity's hand and squeezes it. "I would be honoured," she responds throwing her arms around Cece. Charity knows it's going to be heartbreaking for her to see, however, she's going to be an auntie and that in itself is so exciting. The pain of losing her son will never ever go away, the likelihood of her getting pregnant again is very slim but the joy that a niece or nephew will bring is undeniable. "Come on then, the appointment is in the next half an hour," Cece says in haste, as she grabs Charity's elbow and they quickly leave the cafe.
"Miss Engle, I'm just going to put some gel on your tummy so that we can have a look at the little one," Doctor Baldwin says gently. "I'm so excited," Charity squeals, holding Cece's hand as she looks over at her sister. She can tell that she's worried, for fucks sake Altman should be here savoring this incredible moment. "Sorry if it's a little cold, just give me one second," they both stare with anticipation at the screen waiting to see the baby. "There he is," the doctor beams excitedly as she turns the screen for Charity and Cece to get a better look. A tiny image of the baby appears making Charity burst into tears almost instantly. "Is that really my baby?" Cece murmurs, her lips quivering as she starts to cry as well. "All yours and can you hear that?" She smiles, as a light heartbeat can be heard. "This is so beautiful," Charity sobs, as she kisses Cece's forehead. "I'm so happy right now, do we get a copy of the ultrasound?" Cece asks excitedly, wishing that Philip was here to share and see this unbelievable moment. "Yes, of course you do," the doctor replies as she prints off a copy. "Right now your baby's major organs, muscles, and nerves are beginning to function. There are a few cute apps that you can download which will give you all the information you need about the different stages," she smiles, passing Cece the ultrasound as she slowly gets off the bed. "I downloaded all the apps back in the day, I'll recommend you some," Charity says to Cece as she helps put her jacket on. "You're a mom?" Doctor Baldwin asks smiling at Charity. Before she can respond Cece interjects, "My sister is and always will be an amazing mom." Charity glances over at Cece, grateful that she saved her from having to retell the painful story of Ezra and their baby. "I'm not a mom," Charity whispers to her as they go to leave. "Heaven and earth might seperate you and your son, but nothing will ever change the fact that you're his mother," Cece says grabbing Charity and hugs her tightly. God knows they've had their fair share of differences in the past but their love and support for each other is evident. "Thank you so much for coming with me, I know it must have been really difficult for you," she continues, feeling guilty. "It was the most wonderful moment for me, watching my big sister become a mom for the first time. Thank you for inviting me along," Charity responds, still in awe. "I think it's a good idea to tell the rest of the gang, don't you? Allan and Nicole are at dad and Anna's this afternoon, so it's the perfect time," Cece says, scrolling through her phone. "It might put a smile on dads face, he's really going through hell at the moment," Charity replies as she opens the passenger door for Cece. "Maybe, how is Anna by the way? I'm sorry I haven't asked," she replies as she slides into her seat. Charity gets in the other side and sighs, "When I saw her the last time she wasn't in a good place at all, she's scared that one day she will forget all of us. Especially dad and that for her is too much to take, she doesn't want him to see her deteriorate." Cece shakes her head, Anna is one of the most strongest women that she's ever known, stronger than her own mother. "I'm sorry Char, I'd like to come and see her with you if that's allowed?" She asks sweetly. "That would be great, it might do her good to see someone else rather than me all the time," Charity replies, grateful for her sisters support. "Next time you go to see her keep me in the loop and I'll be there. I haven't always made her life easy, I blamed her for mom and dads divorce but now I see that she is the best thing that ever happened to him. He used to work himself to the bone, Allan and I rarely saw him. When he divorced mom and quit his job we spent so much more time with him, it was as though Anna was the making of him. She kinda brought him back from the dead," Cece says as she gazes at the ultrasound picture. "Sometimes bad things fall apart for good things to fall into place," Charity shrugs as she turns onto the highway. "I actually have a secret to share with you," Cece grins mischievously at Charity. "Come on, I'm all ears," Charity asks anxiously.
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"What have you done now, son?" Pale sighs, looking at Allan who is feeling sorry for himself. "Wallace and I had an argument, it's fine though he will get over it," Allan replies, looking defeated. "You guys are best friends, he's going to need some space and once he's cooled down he will call you," Nicole replies, reassuringly. He tilts his head from side to side feeling a tension headache coming on. "We're here!" Cece exclaims as she walks in with a bottle of white wine with Charity in tow carrying a New York Cheesecake. "Hey, now my little family is complete," Pale beams looking at them both, his thoughts suddenly go back to Anna, she should be here too. God knows how much he misses not waking up to her every single morning, and with her blocking his number he has no way of knowing how she is doing or what she's up to. "Where's Larry?" Charity asks scanning the room. "He had to work tonight," Pale yawns. "How's it going?" Allan asks Charity handing her a glass of wine. "Not too bad, just ticking along," she replies, as she gives him a kiss on the cheek. "Pale has told us that you've got a new guy. I want to hear all about him!" Nicole grins excitedly as she greets Charity with a hug. "Well, I'll fill you in soon. First I want to hear what y'all have to say!" Charity exclaims, knowing full well what Allan and Nicole are about to announce. Allan drapes his arm around Nicole's shoulder and giggles nervously. "What have you done now?" Pale asks suspiciously. "We've only been married a matter of weeks and it's very early days but myself, Alan and Cece, come over here," Nicole reaches out taking Cece's hand as her eyes well up with tears. "We are both pregnant!" Nicole exclaims jumping up and down with Allan who is staring at her with so much love in his eyes. "No way," Pale gasps, his mouth dropping to the floor in shock. "Yes way, here's your grandchild," Cece hands Pale the ultrasound and he traces his index finger along the image. "I'm only four weeks along, but we've done eight tests and every single one came back positive," Nicole says taking out a test and placing it in Pales freehand. He stares down at the scan and the positive test, the single most best news he has had in a long time. "I'm going to be a grandad again, three grandkids!" He exclaims, holding out his arms initiating a group hug with all of them. Charity stands next to Pale and holds him close, touched that he still includes her son as one of his grandchildren. "It's going to be an expensive year!" Allan jokes, "I can't believe my little sis is going to be a mama." Cece laughs, "It's almost like we planned this altogether." Pale tries to compose himself not wanting his children to see him cry, he's always kept his cards firmly close to his chest. "I can't tell you all what you have done for me today," he mumbles, as he forces the lump down his throat. "I am so proud to call all three of you my children, no matter what's going on at the moment this is the light in the dark cloud and I'm so excited to be a grandad again." He looks over at Charity giving her the warmest of smiles. "I love you," she whispers. "I love all of you and I can't wait to take on the role of cool auntie so I can spoil them both rotten and then give them back to y'all at the end of the day," she chuckles as they disperse from their group hug. "Man, I'm a pregnant hormonal lady and I'm famished. Let's eat," Cece pipes up, making a beeline to the dining room table which has an enormous buffet with an assortment of food laid out. Her phone buzzes with a message from Philip, she almost drops her phone in shock, finally! "Hey baby mama! Sorry I've been so quiet, the reception here in London is a joke. Hope you are doing okay, how did your scan go?! Xxx"
Relief sweeps through her, finally feeling like she can relax and stop being so paranoid. Philip is not cheating on her, he has a perfectly reasonable explanation for his absence and that Samantha girl is just some desperado trying to flirt up a storm with her man. "It's been the best day of my life, the only flaw was your absence. You have to come to the next one with me, I love you, babe. xxx" She responds instantaneously, butterflies swarming in her stomach with happiness and reassurance.
There is a sudden knock on the door, Allan quickly goes to answer it as Charity whispers to Cece, "All good in the hood?" Cece squeals, "Yes, it was just a minor miscommunication. He still loves me and is excited at the idea of being a dad." Charity rubs her back, "See, I told you. All that worrying for nothing." Allan opens the door and a familiar voice shocks Cece, "Is there any room for one more?" She spins around to see Philip standing in the doorway with his suitcase, he must of just come from the airport. "Philip! Oh my God, I can't believe you're here!" She screams, running over to him and nearly rugby tackles him to the floor. "Easy tiger, I've just got off an 8 hour flight so I'm pretty fragile," he laughs, giving her peck on the lips. "Hey folks, enjoying the show?" He waves smugly to the rest of them. What a cocky moron, Charity thinks to herself unimpressed at his attitude as of late. Bad WiFi connection my arse, she wouldn't put it past him to cheat on Cece, especially since he did the dirty on his fiancé with her sister. But for the sake of Cece and her unborn niece or nephew she decides to keep shtum for now. "Altman," Pale says sharply as he approaches him. "Oh, Mr Engle. What's occurring?" He grins as he extends his hand. Pale shakes it tentatively and leans into him subtly, "Listen here you, don't you dare fuck with my daughter or grandchild. If you do you'll have me and my gun to deal with, you got it?" He hisses in his ear, remembering how he messed Cece around for years as they were growing up. "Sure thing," Philip replies, giving Pale a sarcastic look. Charity looks him up and down, making sure that he knows that she is aware of his playboy behaviour. Her phone rings, it's Adam. She immediately picks it up, "Hi, how's it going?" He coughs on the other end, "Good babe, missing you loads today though." His sweet disposition makes her heart melt yet again, how can one man be so freaking cute and violently sexy at the same time? "I miss you too, but if you're free tomorrow you can come over," she suggests, hoping he will say yes. "I'm actually outside now, just on my way to work. Can you quickly come and see me, I just want to give you a good night kiss?" He groans, his voice oozing with sexiness. "Give me a sec," she hangs up, grabbing her jacket and runs down the fire exit steps.
He is pacing up and down the sidewalk, hands in his pockets, wearing his work attire. He still looks hot though, Charity smiles as she watches him, he's unaware of her presence as of yet. She notices he has something in his hand, a box. Intrigued, she walks over to him, his fresh, sporty scent hits her and she wishes she could drag him up the stairs to her bedroom. She pokes him in the shoulder blade and he jumps in shock, beaming as soon as he realises it's her. "Sexy lady," he smiles giving her an alluring look as he kisses her passionately. "Sexy man," she responds gently biting down on his plump lower lip. "I'm sorry I can't stay long, but I just wanted to give this to you. I saw your post earlier on Facebook and I stumbled across this in a shop window," he smiles nervously as he hands her a royal blue square box with a neat white bow on the top. "Actually, wait until I've gone before you open it. I just wanted to say that I think you're incredible and I'm so honoured to be part of your life," he says, gently rubbing her shoulders. "Well, I'm glad you spilled coffee on me that day. It was a pretty fortunate accident," she chuckles, gazing up into his piercing brown eyes. "I hate to leave you, but I gotta go. Say hi to Chuck and Larry won't you?" He laughs, as he gives her a sweet kiss. "Of course, I will. See you soon," she beams as he reluctantly lets go of her hand and sprints to the other side of the road. She waits until he is out of sight and carefully unties the ribbon. A little card pokes out from the side, she pulls it out and it's reads, "After I saw your memory on Facebook this morning I found this and I knew it was meant to be. I know how much you loved Ezra and your son, this is a small token from me to you. Lots of love, Adam. x"
The note in itself makes Charity cry, how many men out there would be so thoughtful and caring like he is? She opens the box and her heart stops with what she finds inside. It's a beautiful charm necklace with an angle wing, a baby blue diamond and an heart engraved with the words, Forever by my Side. So touched by his kind gesture she quickly sends him a thank you message. As she walks back in the building her heart feels the fullest and happiest that it has felt in a very long time.
What Charity didn't notice was Ezra's presence outside, he saw the moment between her and Adam. Skeptical at first Ezra thought Adam was a typical guy, using her for a quick shag and then he would be off like the majority of men would be. Seeing how happy he makes her and the kindness that he has shown since they have met, Ezra knows that he is the man Charity is meant to be with. He casually walks alongside Adam who is completely oblivious and unassuming with his headphones in with some rap music blaring from them. He's also chewing very loudly on his bubblegum, a total free spirited guy who goes his own way and doesn't give a shit about what people think of him. It was true what he said before, Ezra and Adam would have definitely got on if they had known each other. Ezra grins and whispers to him, "Do you know what, you're one of the soundest guys I've ever come across?" Giving Adam his silent seal of approval.