Deadly Inheritance (completed)

Chapter 15

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Ryan

I'm not one for sleeping in. I have gotten used to getting up early and getting to work on the ranch. However I don't mind staying in bed with Charlie. Having her tiny warm body cuddled up to me. I'm good laying here holding her, keeping her warm, kissing her neck and shoulder slowly waking her up and having her roll closer to me just to fall back to sleep. This is nice. Something I never thought I'd have with someone, and something I don't want to give up.

Eventually we had to move. Hunger won and we got up to get lunch. Both of our phones were blowing up from messages from Baxter and Natalie trying to get a hold of us. I fixed some coffee while Char cooked up something for lunch and let Baxter know to head over. What was different for us was the touches as we worked around the kitchen. She would walk by me and her hand would drag over my chest making me smile. I would reach around her and wrap my arm around her waist pulling her against my body for just a moment. These small things were making me very happy and hungry for her again.

Baxter text Charlie back saying they were on their way. Apparently it was urgent so we figured we might as well meet over food. Anything we want to do will have to be put on hold until a little later. It seems something happened last night that can't wait. Pops is joining us since he is involved in this too. Now I'm wondering what this is all about.

I pour both of us a cup of coffee and lean on the counter to watch Charlie as she grills up sandwiches and heats up her chili she made up. She moves with ease through the kitchen, this is her domain and it shows. She owns this area of the house. I run my hand down her back as she stirs her pot. I can't seem to not touch her lately. Glancing over her shoulder at me I get a smile from her.

"You think something's wrong." Charlie says softly as she stirs the chili. I step closer to her and run my hand over her back down to her hip. My chest pressing against her back.

"I think Baxter wouldn't be so insistent on meeting this morning if there wasn't a problem." I tell her. I'm just hoping it's not her father. I don't want him anywhere near Charlie. Leaning in I kiss her neck and scoop a spoonful of chili. Taking a quick bite she slaps at my chest and I chuckle softly as I eat. Damn that's good. Hot, as I ate it way too fast trying to steal that bite but tasty.

Pops knocks on the door then walks in. "Morning kids!" He calls out announcing himself as he comes into the kitchen.

"Good morning, Pops." Charlie greets him turning to hug him gently. I smile seeing Charlie is warming up more to him. She's feeling better now than she was weeks ago about being here, being accepted here. I'm glad her comfort level is getting there.

"Coffee, Pops?" I offer to him. The cool fall has set into the air. He nods and pats me on the back as he takes a seat at the table. He seems relaxed, not like there's a problem. So what's going on?

"Morning all!" Natalie sings as she comes in with Baxter right behind her. I see the connection between them, more now than I did before. Baxter's hand slides down her back as he goes to Charlie. Giving her a kiss on the cheek he gets coffee for Nat and himself while Natalie starts putting food on the table.

"This looks delicious, sweetheart!" Pops says eyeing the chili. I'm right there with him. I've been smelling it cook for two days and I'm dying to eat some more of it.

"Well dig in. I'm sorry I didn't do biscuits this morning. Being as we weren't expecting company, I ran out of time, but the sandwiches should suffice." Charlie says as she sits down next to me.

We make up our plates and start eating. I've got to say it's the best chili I've ever had. I run my hand up and down Char's thigh, this is perfect having her right here by my side. I look around the table and see Pops smiling to himself as he eats. This is his family now. All of us at this table, now I see why he's here. I frown for second wondering what is going on.