I'm so very sorry that it's been so long. I've had little or no inspiration to write at all, I blame Covid. I'm trying to get back in to things so we'll see how it goes.

Chapter 12

Charlie had just set the table for dinner when he heard the front door, throwing the towel on his shoulder on to the counter before making his way through.

"Evening ladies, how was your day?" He smiled at them.

"Oh not too bad, I need to come up with another pitch."

"They didn't like your pitch for the kids lentil snacks, I thought it was great."

"So did I, however, turns out the company didn't. It doesn't matter, I'll work on it."

"Well I was hardly much help dear."

Charlie heard the deflation in Laura's voice as she looked on sympathetically at her daughter.

"Mother I told you, it wasn't your fault. Stop worrying about it, now if you'll excuse me…I have a pitch to work on." She smiled.

"Dinner will be about thirty minutes." Charlie added.

"Won't be long." She said, walking up the stairs.

Charlie looked towards Laura who was trying her best to smile. He walked up to her, taking her in his arms, before she lay her head on his chest.

"You heard what Caroline said, it wasn't your fault."

"I'm just no use to her right now, I can't focus on anything. I'm too wound up."

"I don't suppose Jo's helping much?"

"Oh, it's not her fault. I'm the one that's caused all the tension in the house."

"No your not, is it any wonder you're stressed. I really don't think you should be working right now, it's not good for you."

"Other pregnant women do it Charlie."

"You're not most women."

"You mean because I'm much older?"

Charlie could see the anger and frustration in her eyes after his comment.

"I don't mean it like that, I mean I do but…it's just there's more chance of problems because of your age and I worry about you when you're not here."

"So you want me tied at home so that nothing happens to me, don't be that man Charlie, they went out with the dark ages."

"I know it didn't come across right, it's just…"

"I know what you mean, I think. I'd be bored silly stuck at home, and far too much time to think. I like working with Caroline, most of the time it does take my mind of my own troubles."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you."

"You didn't, you care and I love you for that."

Charlie pulled Laura closer and kissed her, watching the way her eyes closed at his touch.

Joanna heard the front door slamming as she turned the page of her magazine, she put it to her side and sat up, listening to the voices coming from downstairs. She heard Caroline's voice, complaining about her lentil snacks client, before she heard the footsteps coming up the stairs and the door down from Joanna's room closing. Joanna came out of her bedroom, and came to the top of the stairs, stopping when she heard Charlie trying to comfort Laura after her disastrous day at work. She stood listening to her father's concerns for the older woman, and the love that showed through in his voice. Joanna began to feel the guilt rising in her for the way she had been treating Laura, since she'd found out about her relationship with Charlie. She gave them a few more minutes alone before she finally made her way down the stairs, Charlie pulling back from Laura when he felt someone watching them.

"Jo, dinners not ready yet love."

"Yeah I know, I heard Caroline and Laura coming home."

"Right."

"I'll leave you two alone." Laura said, getting ready to leave.

"Actually Laura, can we maybe talk, unless you're still mad at me." Joanna said shyly.

"Oh my dear, I'm not angry at you. I never could be."

"I need to go and check on dinner, I'll leave you too alone." Charlie smiled.

As Charlie retreated to the kitchen, Laura held out her hand for Joanna to take, which she did happily before Laura guided them over to the couch.

"I heard you talking to dad, about your crappy day."

"I've had better."

"I know he sounded like a dinosaur but he means well."

"I know he does."

"Laura I'm so sorry, I've been such a cow." Joanna said, though tears.

"Oh Jo."

Laura wrapped the young girl in her arms as Joanna cried on her shoulder. Joanna felt the warm hand on her back as Laura tried to sooth her, feeling Laura place a small kiss to the top of her head, like her mother used too do.

"It's all right Jo, I understand, really."

"Not you don't, I was jealous."

"Jealous? What off?"

"Losing dad to you, I thought if he was with you then he'd spend less and less time with me. It's always just been dad and me, and I guess I got scared."

"Oh Jo, I could never take your father away from you. I love Charlie, and I love you. You're family and you always will be, that will never change, no matter what happens along the way."

"Really?"

"Of course dear, now come on, dry those eyes."

Joanna smiled as she wiped her tears with her sleeve, before Laura spoke again.

"I need you all, not just Charlie, all of you, more that I ever have before. This baby's going to take a lot out of me, and I need you all to keep my spirits up, before and after she's born."

"She?"

"I'm hoping." Laura smiled.

"You got it. I love you Laura."

"Oh my dear, I love you too."

To Be Continued…