Charlotte's Search - Box Set Three

Michael

Michael

I wake, disoriented for a moment as I take in stone arches and vaulted ceilings, then brain-cells line up in good order and I remember where I am. Beside me lies Charlotte; eyes closed, breathing soft.

Beyond her, where James slept, the covers are rumpled, sheets thrown back, but when I listen, there is a faint clatter of movement from above.

Propping myself on an elbow, I take a good look at my Sleeping Beauty. She’s looking better than she has since we returned from the last visit to Klempner.

Her father…

Christ…

Her face has lost that sallow hue, and her cheeks are brushed with the palest of pinks.

Babe…

I stroke over the line of high cheekbones with a fingertip. Her lids flutter, then open…

… and I see Charlotte… my Charlotte…there. Not the stranger who looked out at me for the last few days, but my beautiful wife; my copper-haired, emerald-eyed, wilful, frustrating, crazy, wonderful wife.

And, reaching to touch me, she smiles. “Hi.”

Still stroking her face, “How are you now?”

Her eyes are soft and watery. “I’m fine. Really, I’m fine now. I’m sorry I…”

I press a finger to her lips. “There’s nothing to be sorry for. I don’t think any of us would have reacted well to learning what you did.” Tracing a curved brow with the pad of my thumb. “Sometimes life throws s**t at us, knocks us down. There's no sin in falling over. Only in not standing up again.” I replace my finger with my lips, kiss her softly. “But it’s good to have you back.”

Swallowing, dropping her gaze, she bobs her head.

“And besides,” I continue, “you have to be in a better state than that if you really want to get yourself pregnant.” Her eyes lift again, widening. “Do you? That’s still what you want? To give James his daughter back?”

“Yes.” Her voice is a whisper. “Is that alright?”

“Yes. That’s what I said when we talked about it. It’s fine. Just so long as I know. I’ll help however I can.”

I lean in again, feathering my lips across hers. Her hand curves around the back of my head. “Thank you.” She nuzzles into the crook of neck and shoulder. “I missed you. It was lonely in that other bed.”

“I missed you too. We both did.” I pull away, holding her gaze. “But I never went away. I never will go away…” She sighs. “And yes, I’ve been looking forward to being back in our own bed too. We’ll sleep there tonight. All of us. Together.”

Her forehead creases. “You mean you didn’t…”

“You don’t imagine James and I share a bed when you’re not in it with us? He might be my good friend, but not that good…”

From the doorway comes a chuckle. “Sorry to disappoint you there.” James holds a tray. The scents of toast and coffee compete for attention.

Charlotte’s nostrils flare and she sits bolt upright. “God, I’m starving. Did you bring plenty?”

James grins. “She’s back.”

*****