Thomas's POV
I was trying to sleep yet again when Carol called to tell me that Charlie hadn't slept in days, I didn't wait even for a minute. Henry brought me to her house immediately and when she opened the door I could see the exhaustion in her eyes. Once she was in my arms, I knew she couldn't protest, even though she wanted to, I put her in the bed and laid next to her whispering that she could hate me later and all she could do was mutter something under her breath before falling asleep.
I watched her sleep for as long as I could, but I ended up falling asleep as well. I didn't wake until the next morning and when I opened my eyes Charlie was looking at me, her sweet face with her sweet smile staring at me, I couldn't help but smile at her. She smiled back and without thinking I leaned in and kissed her. She didn't pull away, she deepened the kiss, and I pulled her closer to me. Her hands were on my chest as her body rested on mine and in that moment, I could forget about every trouble I had until she pulled away: We need to talk!
"Ugh, yeah okay" I had expected a lot of things, I mean over the last few days my head ran rampant as to what we would say to one another and how we would get past all of this but what she said next was not on the list of things I would hear: I know what I said but I was wrong, after the other day I see that the situations are completely different, Mark and I were meant to marry just like you and Tillie. The difference is that Mark was mine and he allowed another woman to come between us. But you… you were never Tillie's to begin with. Thomas Parker, you're mine, and I refuse to lose you so do what you have to do but try to do it quick.
I took her hands and tried to find the words, all I could do was smile and once again try to show her what I felt. I pulled her body onto mine making her giggle and as her chin rested on my chest, I pulled the hairs around her fast behind her ears and leaned up to place a gentle kiss on her forehead: You've made me so happy Charlie.
We had gotten up but realized that it was actually the next day, and Carol had come home and slept on the couch before going back to work today. I told Charlie I would need to do something special for her to thank her for her kindness, but Charlie said that's just what mothers do.
I talked her into going to my parents' house to visit my sister Tiff and she finally agreed to come with me, she said she would stay for dinner to see Tiff, but she didn't want to stay over which I couldn't blame her. She took her time getting ready and we left for my family's home.
I took her by the hand to take her in the house and as we stepped into the dining room I just about choked, Tillie and her fucking parents were there and waiting for us Tiff was at the other side of the table and coughed as she saw us walk in, she immediately said: Well I need to go… anywhere that isn't here… Good night Parents, other people. She nodded to the Macintosh's and ran out of the room.
I glared at Tillie and then my mother for the persistence at trying to get us together, I didn't want to ruin things between our parents, and I wanted to let the whole thing die out, but Tillie wouldn't allow it. It was getting to the point that I didn't care anymore whether their relationship was ruined or not.
I looked over at Charlie and thought I would see her upset but I was pleasantly surprised to see her smiling. I don't know if it was the pregnancy or just her secretly gloating in Tillie's face, but she was glowing and beaming with light. I couldn't help but smile too. I walked up to the table with Charlie on my arm: Mr. & Mrs. Macintosh, before I was stranded on that Island, I was perfectly willing to marry your daughter even though neither of us hardy even knew each other or had feelings for one another, and although…
"Thomas, can we talk in private for a moment?" Tillie scrambled to her feet and reached for my arm, but Charlie stepped in front of me and smiled brightly in her face.
"Im sorry Tillie but no. As I was saying, although..."
"Thomas I think it would be best if you did talk to Tillie in private please" My mother interrupted and I almost complied thinking maybe I was missing something but Charlie gave me a look to continue and so I did: Mr. & Mrs. Macintosh, I had every intention of marrying your daughter despite never feeling anything for her as you were well aware of, until I was stranded on that island. Charlie and I were stranded for a long time and at first, we were just friends but then as the days past we started sharing our lives together. Charlie and I would have died had it not been for each other the trauma we faced together changed us. I don't want to be with anyone else and I hope that you will understand that. I hope that it doesn't ruin your relationship with my parents because I know they value your friendship. I have always known you to be good parents and a loving couple with a good marriage, I know that you want the same for your daughter as you had for yourself, and I am so sorry to say I am no longer that man.
I took a deep breath held it as I waited their response: We're… Disappointed but you're correct, we do want our daughter to be happy and in love.
"If you want me to be happy you will make him marry me daddy!" Tillie shrugged her whole body as if she was a spoiled child throwing a fit because she has to leave a birthday party early.
I didn't want to throw flames on the fire but I needed her to understand: Tillie, I am so sorry. I would never want to offend you or your parents, but Charlie is pregnant, and I will not leave her no matter what.
Tillies face completely changed as if she was somehow happy about the news. Her body relaxed, on her face was a gentle smile and she reached out her hand to me: I understand Thomas. I shook her hand, and it moved to Charlie, Charlie looked at me before accepting her hand and Tillie pulled her into a hug. Once she backed away Charlie smiled at her but kept her eyes narrowed at her while she replied to whatever Tillie had said: I look forward to seeing your efforts. Tillie turned slowing and walked back to her parent's side.